Canadian cities are facing a creative crisis. Rising housing costs are driving artists, musicians, designers, and other innovators out — and it’s not just culture that’s at risk. In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down how losing the “creative class” hurts local economies, tourism, and even a city’s ability to attract tech and finance talent. From the ripple effects on nightlife and small businesses to the loss of vital cultural spaces, we explore why cities can’t afford to price out their creative heartbeat — and what policies could help keep them.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Defining the creative class exodus
02:57 How housing costs impacts creative workers
05:54 The economic consequences of pricing out creatives
08:45 The ripple effect of losing creative spaces to the housing crisis
11:16 You can’t simply trade artists for tech workers
12:50 How this impacts the tourism economy
14:50 Policy solutions for retaining creatives
Research/Links:
Toronto Arts Council economic impact study
CBC Arts article on artist couples leaving Toronto
Richard Florida's work on creative cities and economic development
Business Parks Suck (but they don't have to)
Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux
Produced by Meredith Martin
This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.
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