Gorman Highlights the Need for Realistic Expectations in Ottawa’s Rental Market

In a recent commentary, Michael Gorman, an Ottawa resident and automotive blogger, emphasized the importance of realistic expectations concerning the city’s rental market. Gorman, who has experienced the challenges of living in Ottawa, argued that the core issue is not high rents but rather people’s expectations regarding their lifestyle and financial responsibilities.

Reflecting on his early career, Gorman shared his experience of earning $600 every two weeks while working full-time at Tim Hortons. During that time, he noted that decent apartments in downtown Ottawa ranged from $1,000 to $1,400, making it exceedingly difficult for someone on a single income. To make ends meet, he had to take on extra shifts, secure a second job, or share living spaces with others.

Fast-forward to today, Gorman pointed out that the minimum wage in Ontario is around $17 per hour, resulting in a monthly take-home pay of approximately $2,400. Despite one-bedroom apartments now averaging between $1,800 and $2,000, he believes these costs are manageable with the right approach. Gorman stated, “It’s the same as it was 20 years ago: you need to make adjustments and work hard to live where you want to live.”

He highlighted that many people aspire to live in prime downtown locations while also maintaining a luxurious lifestyle, including expensive cars and frequent vacations, without understanding the commitment required to achieve those goals. “The problem isn’t the rental market; it’s expectations,” he asserted. Gorman aims to instill a strong work ethic in his children, encouraging them to seek roommates, work overtime, or pursue additional employment when necessary.

Gorman also expressed his love for Ottawa, describing it as one of Canada’s most beautiful cities that offers a high quality of life. He compared it with places like Monaco, acknowledging that while he dreams of living there, the cost of such a lifestyle is significantly higher. “Monaco sets the bar high,” he noted, underscoring the need for effort to attain desired living conditions.

The sentiment that living in Ottawa requires hard work is not a negative one for Gorman. Rather, he views it as a filter that determines who is willing to put in the necessary effort to succeed. He stated, “If you want the lifestyle, you put in the work.”

In conclusion, Gorman argued that while Ottawa’s rental rates are high, they are not inherently broken. Instead, he believes they reflect the city’s value. He encouraged individuals to shift their focus from lamenting the cost of living to contemplating their strategies for improvement. “At the end of the day, Ottawa’s rental market isn’t the villain. The villain is the idea that life is supposed to be easy,” he remarked.

Gorman, who has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for thirteen years, continues to share his insights through his blog, www.gogorman.com. His perspective on personal responsibility and realistic expectations in the context of Ottawa’s housing market aims to inspire others to adopt a proactive approach to their financial futures.