My relationship with real estate is a giant weight on my shoulder. My dad always got screwed and bought and sold in stupid times to do so. I always feared I would get caught in that, and ... well yeah it's happening.
Zen. Breathe.
I can somewhat speak to VanCity rental costs, but I certainly can't speak to Toronto rental costs - are you sure? Given the projected absence of equity gain in housing for both cities, are you sure you can't find a (better/preferred) rental option to meet the needs of an extended family? Only asking in terms of wondering, generally, just how long you envision working; as in wanting to versus needing to?