You spoke and we listened. Calgary’s housing crisis is a top priority issue.
In January of 2022, we surveyed Calgarians to find out which issues matter most to the people who live and work in our communities. Hundreds of people responded and the message was loud and clear: we need to fix Calgary’s housing crisis ASAP.
The response to our survey comes as no surprise – the City of Calgary’s most recent Housing Needs Assessment Report paints a dire picture. That report indicates that there are more than 2,000 additional renters in need each year, while only 300 new affordable housing units become available. This was released before the COVID–19 pandemic impacted so many of us in Calgary – the next report will likely present even more challenges for our communities.
Meanwhile, a recent partnership between the City of Calgary and the federal government is providing 188 affordable units specifically meant for seniors in Calgary. While this is a step in the right direction, it’s a drop in the bucket.
Inflation is rising, the cost of living is surging, and housing costs are becoming unattainable for more and more people. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep our city accessible. We need to make sure people aren’t slipping through the cracks, and access to safe and stable housing helps keep our communities affordable and inclusive.
Regardless of income, we want Calgary to be a great place to live and work for everyone. We know you want that too, and that’s why we’re asking you to send your councillor a message.