Calgary’s rising cost of living adds strain on finding affordable place to live

Inflation is straining Calgarians’ wallets, and it’s making it hard to find affordable places as rental costs increase as well.

Sarah Woodgate, president of Calgary Housing Company, says they are seeing a strong demand for people asking for affordable housing.

“We typically receive about 200 applications for subsidized housing a month, and we’re now seeing 500,” Woodgate said.

Woodgate adds that affordable housing in Calgary has been a significant need in boom and bust cycles, but the rising cost of living that comes with inflation is making it more dire.

“A lot of Calgarians have not had wage increases,” Woodgate said. “Many minimum wage jobs have not had increases in income.”

Woodgate says converting commercial places such as vacant downtown office spaces into apartments in the downtown core will only help if they become affordable apartments.

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The average rent cost in Calgary is around $1,200 a month, but it has been steadily increasing since the start of the pandemic.

Woodgate says people should know their rights when looking for rental places, keeping in mind what they are looking for.

She adds Calgary Housing Company has programs to support low income families who need support.