CALGARY- The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is joining a growing movement calling on city council to create more affordable housing and to allow secondary suites.
The president of the Calgary Chamber says the lack of affordable housing presents a very real threat to the city’s economy.
The push to allow for secondary suites to address high rents and low vacancy rates is gaining momentum in Calgary. Right now, homeowners who want to build a secondary suite, must individually apply to city council in each case but many say it’s time to streamline the process to allow for larger numbers of the suites.
“Because I have roommates, I don’t spend too much money,” said Chris Ryan, a renter in Calgary. “But I know a lot of people who just… ridiculous how much they spend on rent each month.
Local groups who provide support to the most vulnerable Calgarians are also calling for something more to be done. The Calgary YWCA says women seeking shelter to escape domestic violence are staying at their facility longer out of desperation.
“Every day we see more women and a bigger need,” said Sue Tomney, the Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA. “So it’s not going away and when you have as many people coming to Calgary, it’s time to get it done.”
Some Calgary-based corporations are also speaking out about the lack of affordable housing, echoing the Calgary Chamber’s sentiments. WestJet Airlines says the cost of housing is becoming a deterrent when it comes to attracting new employees to the city.
“Young professionals that are considering moving to Calgary… are declining the offers,” said Geoff Mullback, Director of Talent and Organizational Development at WestJet. “These aren’t people making $12 to $15 an hour saying ‘I don’t think I am coming to Calgary, I don’t think I can afford it.’”
On Monday, city council will debate an option for city administrators to take control of streamlining the process for applying to build secondary suites or to come up with alternatives to address the affordable housing issue.
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