Defining the Affordability of Housing in Canada

Submitted by Jacky Durrie

Here is a link for a general piece on some facts and figures of affordable housing of information from CMHC.

“CMHC commissioned a research project to assess affordability of housing in Canada’s ten largest census metropolitan areas (CMAs): St. John’s, Halifax, Québec, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary and Vancouver. The project was undertaken to provide insight on national and international indicators of shelter affordability as well as paint an illustrative picture of housing affordability across those CMAs using two different methods. “

Read the full paper here: Defining the Affordability of Housing in Canada

More affordable housing - using shipping containers!

Submitted by Jacky Durrie

Hello neighbours, here are a few examples of projects that were almost ready to go and they just needed a little cash from the National Housing Strategy. These projects are new construction only and demonstrate innovation as well as partnerships with like minded non-profit organizations. Who would you like to form an alliance with?

From Kent Hehr’s newsletter:

The affordable housing news continues! I was thrilled to be in beautiful Banff yesterday, announcing a $10 million investment in Alberta's housing.

Our national Liberal government is supporting 8 energy-efficient shipping container projects across the province. Phase 1 will create up to 467 rental units.

The Banff YWCA Courtyard Project is at the top of the list. In fact, they are the very first group to receive funding under our national Housing Innovation Fund.

Soon, their 33 unit, 3-story project will provide rental housing for up to 78 at-risk women. At least 4 units will be wheelchair accessible.

This is in addition to the $6 million we're investing in YWCA Calgary's new home in Inglewood, as well as the $13.6 million we're putting towards a 161-unit affordable apartment building in Calgary's Glamorgan community. It's all part of our game-changing national affordable housing plan.

While we're talking about Banff, I'll note that last week was the grand opening of the Ti'nu affordable rental housing complex. It too received support from our federal government. It adds 131 brand new affordable homes to the community, including 8 barrier-free units.

I want to commend Banff YWCA and the Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) for their leadership on their shipping container project, and for championing bold new ideas and construction techniques. It's especially noteworthy that ARDN designed the housing model to be easy to replicate across the country, saving future costs and building off of lessons learned.

Project by project, our government is bringing affordable housing to Alberta.

After a decade of inaction by the previous federal government, this type of major investment in affordable housing is long overdue.

Sincerely,
Kent Hehr
Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre