Calgary councillors to debate new strategy to tackle 'housing crisis'

Calgary city councillors areset to debate a new strategy aimed at making housing more affordable.

Councillors will spend the next two days discussing theproposed new housing strategy, in a public hearing where Calgarians will also be able to weigh in.

The meeting comes in the wake of a recent Housing Needs Assessment report released by the City of Calgary on Sept. 6.

The report, which is published by the city every five years, put forward several recommendations to address what it calls the city's "housing crisis,"by making renting and owning a home in Calgary more affordable.

Some of the recommendations made in the report include finding new ways to support tenants, increasing housing supply and pursuing alternative housing options.

Starting Thursday, a city council committee will consider the recommendations made in the report, and also hear input from more than 100 people who have registered to speak at the hearing.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, MayorJyotiGondek said that the council will decide on a new housing strategy on Saturday.

"I would encourage everyone to understand what's at stake," said Gondek.

"For anyone who wishes to come out and tell the council how important these decisions are, please take the time to do so on Thursday and Friday."

WATCH: Calgariansexplain their struggles with buying, renting a home

How Calgarians are dealing with housing

9 months ago

Duration 2:00

What are Calgarians experiencing in this market and what would they tell the city council if they had a chance? CBC Calgary took to the streets to find out.

According to the report, Calgarians now need an average household income of $156,000 to buy their first detached home, while purchasing an apartment in the city requires a household income of $70,800.

Calgarians hoping to rent a home need to earn $84,000 a year, up from$67,000in 2022.

Patricia Jones, president and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation and a member of the city's housing and affordability task force, said it's a critical week for city council.

"I hope council and the city of Calgary understand that if we don't make changes, there are many many people, some of whom they may know, [who] will not have a home."

Coun. Kourtney Penner, who chairs the committee, said she's optimistic her colleagues will reach a consensus on how to deal with the city's housing crisis.

"You know when we have a crisis, there's often a lot of finger-pointing that happens between different orders of government," said Penner.

"This is the city putting their hand up and saying: We're ready and we're willing to take action and we're ready to start it now."