Calgary’s boom of new builds a bust for some

Alberta is in a housing boom, in fact, a record number of housing builds was recorded last month. In May alone, Calgary has seen close to 2,000 housing starts.

But, even this surge has some questioning if that’s good enough for those moving to the city and the province.

“The problem is, it still isn’t enough,” said Elizabeth McLennan, co-chair of Calgary Alliance for the Common Good. “In Calgary alone, last year we had 66,000 new people move into the city.

“We do not have enough homes.”

The Alberta government’s answer to this, in a statement, in part, from Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services: remove barriers.

“We will continue to support our housing partners and make sure we go from permits issued to shovels in the ground, and finally to new homes ready for Albertans,” it continued.

“At this point, we’re still unable to find homes for everybody who needs one,” McLennan said. “Now, my grandchildren can’t find an affordable apartment. So, there’s something out of wack here.”

A university student CityNews spoke with agrees.

“I’m Gen Z — it is a huge worry for our generation — putting so much money into education and cost of living to go to university and college,” they said. “I just feel nervous about [whether or not] I can still have a house in the future.”

In a statement to CityNews, BILD Alberta Association says changes are being made to meet the province’s housing needs.

“Streamlined processes and reduced barriers enable builders to meet demand more efficiently, ensuring expanded housing options for all Albertans,” Saheb Dullet, director of policy and government relations, said in a statement.

So, even though the government numbers show housing optimism, McLennan still believes there is more work to be done.

“It’s going to take all three levels of government working together to make sure that all Canadians can be housed,” she said.