Affordable Housing Strategy 2016-2025, Edmonton City

The City of Edmonton has long recognized that safe, adequate, and affordable housing strategy is fundamental to the physical, economic, and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities. In response to the ongoing housing needs of its residents, the City has developed and implemented the Affordable Housing Strategy, which serves as a comprehensive guide for City involvement in affordable housing over a 10-year period (2016-2025). This strategy is designed to address the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding housing affordability and homelessness, with the ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable city for all Edmontonians.

One of the primary goals of the Affordable Housing Strategy is to increase the supply of affordable housing in all areas of the city. This involves creating a diverse range of housing options to meet the needs of different income levels and household sizes. The City aims to achieve this by investing in new affordable housing developments, particularly in neighborhoods with limited affordable housing options. Additionally, the strategy focuses on maintaining and improving the existing housing supply to ensure its adequacy and affordability. By working with housing providers and understanding the role of naturally occurring affordable housing in the market, the City can help prevent the erosion of this valuable resource.

Maintaining the supply of both affordable and market rental housing is crucial for ensuring housing stability and preventing homelessness. The Affordable Housing Strategy outlines measures to support the preservation of existing rental units, including those that are rent-geared-to-income and those that offer affordable rates for low and moderate-income households. This involves collaborating with landlords and housing providers to address challenges such as aging infrastructure and rising costs, while also encouraging the development of new rental housing that meets the needs of Edmonton’s growing population. By balancing the supply of affordable and market rental housing, the City can create a more resilient and diverse housing market that benefits all residents.

The strategy also emphasizes the importance of enabling stable residential tenancies and transitioning people out of homelessness. This requires a coordinated approach that includes providing support services to help individuals and families maintain their housing, as well as addressing the root causes of homelessness. The City works closely with community partners and service providers to offer a range of supports, from financial assistance and housing counseling to mental health and addiction services. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, the City aims to reduce the number of people who experience homelessness and help those who are currently homeless find stable and permanent housing solutions.

Anticipating and coordinating action to respond to housing and homeless needs is essential for addressing the evolving challenges faced by Edmontonians. The Affordable Housing Strategy includes mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the City’s actions are aligned with the changing needs of the community. This involves working closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and residents, to gather data and insights that inform decision-making. By fostering a collaborative and proactive approach, the City can better anticipate future housing needs and implement timely and effective solutions.

The City of Edmonton’s Affordable Housing Strategy represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to addressing the housing needs of its residents. By focusing on increasing the supply of affordable housing, maintaining the existing housing stock, enabling stable tenancies, and anticipating future needs, the City is working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive community. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to long-term planning, Edmonton is taking significant steps to ensure that all residents have access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing.