Overview
The Provincial Affordable Housing Strategy ensures Albertans who live in affordable housing have the tools they need to build better lives for themselves and the people they love. It also sets a path for a sustainable affordable housing system that will make life better for Albertans now and in the future.
“Affordable housing” is defined as government-supported housing available for Albertans, who because of financial, social or other circumstances, cannot afford private market rental rates. Housing is considered “affordable” when a household spends no more than 30% of its gross income on shelter.
What we’re doing
Investing now and for the future
Government is investing $1.2 billion to build more affordable housing for those who need it.
This funding supports the construction of an estimated 4,100 new and updated affordable housing units.
Providing integrated housing and supports for tenants
Improved access to tenant support workers will provide tenants, including seniors, with additional opportunities to help improve their well-being.
The Affordable Housing Strategy aims to provide this support to every tenant in affordable housing by 2021.
Enabling successful transitions through affordable housing
An increased asset limit will help families to save for their future and transition to market housing or home ownership.
Graduates of Housing First, a program that helps Albertans facing homelessness, will have more opportunities to progress into stable housing.
Supporting the desire of seniors to age in their community
Investments in renovations to seniors’ lodges enable more seniors to age in their own community, close to family and friends.
Modernizing processes to focus on fairness and flexibility
Mixed-income models in affordable housing give tenants the option of staying in their existing home if their income increases and they choose to pay an adjusted rent.
Housing providers have increased flexibility to respond to community needs, while a new dispute resolution process will provide tenants more opportunities to raise and resolve issues.
Creating sustainable systems
New funding and program models put affordable housing on sound financial and environmental footing. Albertans benefit when housing providers are given reliable funding and supports.
Learn more about the Provincial Affordable Housing Strategy
View a summary of the strategy
News release: Housing strategy builds foundation for the future
Next Steps
We will continue to work with partner organizations to gather input on the implementation of the Affordable Housing Strategy.
Contact
To connect with Alberta Seniors and Housing, Housing Division:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-422-0122
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-5124
Email: housing@gov.ab.ca