App: HomeInsight
Hosted in ArcGIS Online:
Mission Statement
Affordability is a critical topic in todays economic climate. When we think of affordability, many of us would think of housing. Today the housing market is reaching unprecidented rates, because of this, people often look for solutions. This process can lead to gentrification, a process that by definition is taking away from affordable housing that is lacking in the current housing options. This causes displacement of low-income and vulnreble populations. Our mission is to inform people about gentrification and its influence on affordable housing, while providing an index through our app, HomeInsight, communicating dissemination areas in the GTA at greater risk of gentrification. Communicating a quantification of gentrification has ethical risks, to mitigate this, our goal is to provide actionables for those accessing our app, providing information about how to comminicate with local elected officials to, to policy intruments for mitigating displacement and advocating for affordable housing discussed in the app.
Video Presentation
Documentation
Team Members
Matthew Kastanis: (Right) I recently graduated from McMaster University in the Honours Environmental Science program with a focus in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I am passionate about GIS because of its ability to solve complex challenges at different scales, such as natural disasters. Outside of my academic work, I love learning how to garden, rock climbing with friends, and enjoying walks with my family.
Nolyn Lakhanpal: (Middle) I am in my third year of Honours Environment and Society at McMaster University. As part of my studies I am also pursuing a concurrent certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a Minor in Philosophy. During my undergrad experience I have had the privilege to be a teaching assistant for the introductory course to GIS at McMaster. Working in this area has been both interesting and fulfilling. Outside McMaster, I am a soccer coach pursuing high-level qualification for coaching in Canada.
Skyler Grasley: (Left) I am a third year student in the Honours Earth and Environmental Sciences Co-op program at McMaster University, and currently in a GIS Co-op with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. My four major areas of study are Petrology, Geophysics, Astrophysics, and GIS. I enjoy playing D&D, playing piano and clarinet, and composing baroque orchestra pieces.