The TRREB Beginnings:
1920–1945
The Victory Garden
With World War II came shortages of all types, and the rise of the Victory Garden. Homeowners planted vegetables to offset meager wartime rations. In addition, the more produce grown by Canadians in front yards, vacant lots, apartment green spaces, and repurposed flower gardens, the more food could be shipped overseas to soldiers and allied countries. At TRREB, the Board held enlisted memberships for real estate practitioners at no cost for the duration of the conflict.
Did you know?
- City lots were priced at between $3,000 and $5,000 (1920)
- “In 1920, the one-floor bungalow was a new type of home building, and said by many of the older generation to be a fad and would not last, principally because it did not, as built at the time, offer its owner any chance of revenue in the event of hard times. The one and one-half story homes had not yet made its debut. Today these are two of the most common types of housing being built.” (C. C. Ruttle, May 1955, Listings)
- In 1929, Toronto home ownership was estimated at 35 to 45 per cent, with practically two-thirds being owner-occupied
1940, photograph, City of Toronto Archives