Affordable Housing In Calgary
Calgarians face a "Perfect Storm" in finding Affordable Housing.
Sixty people flood into Calgary every day, seeking opportunity… and homes.
Since 2001, the city has lost over 1,800 units of rental housing each year to urban development and condominium conversions.
Meanwhile, the population experiencing homelessness doubles every 2½ years.
These factors combine to create a "perfect storm" in our city that affects thousands of Calgarians.
- The entire city of Calgary has less than 500 new rental units under construction or ready for occpancy in 2009.
- More than 500 new residents move into Calgary's Beltline community each year, most in new condominiums.
- Market rental rates in Calgary were the second-highest in Canada (after Vancouver) - higher than Toronto
Calgary Housing Stats, 2001 – 2009:
| Homeless Population increase, 2001-2009: | +200% |
| Rental Rate increase, 2001 - 2009: | +49% |
| City Population increase: | +21% |
| Rental unit decline: | -29% |
| 2001 - 2009: Reduction of 15,000 rental units in Calgary | |
| Sources: City of Calgary, CMHC, Calgary Homeless Foundation | |
Calgary's Committee to End Homelessness has proposed a plan to end homelessness in the next ten years.
The Mustard Seed's Affordable Housing Initiative has been recognized as an integral componet toiward meeting that goal.
Sources:
- City of Calgary
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
- Calgary's Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness, January 2008
