In 2018, 81,240 households were identified to be in need of affordable housing in Calgary;
this number is expected to exceed 100,000 households by 2026.
‐ City of Calgary, Housing Needs Assessment 2018
Action on affordable housing in Calgary is needed and now is the time for us to raise our collective voices.
Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) has compiled some compelling data and tools for Calgarians to use to engage with Calgary City Council in advance of the meeting where council will hear from the Housing and Affordability Task Force – Wednesday, September 14, 2023
On their website, VCC writes, “We often hear stories of the fears people have about housing. People are forced to prioritize rent over everything else because the prospect of eviction and seeking out new housing is too daunting. But forcing those living on low incomes to make these choices has consequences.
It means increased healthcare needs for someone being forced to skip meals or prescription medications to pay rent; it means someone experiencing domestic violence feeling like they can’t afford to leave an unsafe situation; it means someone falling deeper and deeper into depression because they can’t make ends meet; and someone unable to spend time with their children because they are working three jobs to survive.”
Here’s what we know
- Calgary’s housing rental costs rose as much as 28% across the City from February 2022 to 2023 – the highest rental growth of all major Canadian cities.
- The most recent data shows approximately 20% – 1 in 5 Calgarians – are in housing need.
- To reach the national average of affordable housing stock, Calgary needs 3,000 non-market homes (homes provided to people living on low incomes by the government or non-profit organizations) and 1,000 more market homes per year to close the gap.
- Analysis from Calgary Economic Development has shown individuals earning less than $87,000 per year have affordable access to only 40% of Calgary’s market housing stock.
- The City of Calgary’s new Housing Strategy will go a long way in closing the affordable housing supply gap and towards fostering more inclusive communities. We’ll be showing our support on September 14 when their recommendations go to Calgary City Council’s Community Development Committee and we hope you will too.
What can you do?
- Tell your City Councilor that you support the Housing and Affordability Task Force’s recommendations (include your address so it’s clear you are a constituent in their ward) or share your experiences in a submission by 4 p.m. on September 5.
- Speak at the Community Development Committee meeting talking about your experiences renting.
What can you say?
- I care about the affordability of rents in Calgary.
- Alberta urgently needs all governments to increase funding for subsidized housing.
- I support affordable housing, increases to rental subsidies, and implementing measures to encourage construction.
- The City of Calgary’s new housing strategy is the right move for our city.
- Here’s a document you can download to help you get started.
As an organization, Sinneave has joined more than 50 local non-profit organizations in signing a letter to city council drafted by the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO).
CCVO is a member-based charitable organization that was established in 2004 to strengthen Calgary’s vibrant nonprofit/voluntary sector, and address sector-related public policy issues in Alberta. The high quality of life enjoyed in our communities is built on many of the programs, activities, and services run by more than 30,000 nonprofits and charities that make up Alberta’s nonprofit sector.
Today, we’re asking you to consider how you can participate and join us in sending a message to our city council that affordable housing must be a priority for the health and safety of our collective community.
