Edmonton Social Planning Council

Author: Web Administrator

Statement: Alberta’s Homelessness Action Plan

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The Edmonton Social Planning Council is cautiously optimistic about the Government of Alberta’s recent announcements of funding to address homelessness and the ongoing addictions crisis.

These announcements commit $63 million and $124 million towards social programs for homelessness and addictions over the next two years, respectively. Among the homelessness funding, this commitment seeks to expand the number of shelter spaces, shift provincially funded shelters to 24-7 access, pilot a service hub model to connect clients with supports, improve data collection, and equalize funding to community-based organizations. For the addictions response funding, this commitment seeks to support recovery communities, medical detox, therapeutic services, as well as harm reduction and recovery outreach teams.

In order to meaningfully address these persistent social problems, a coordinated approach among all levels of government is essential. The province making a funding commitment is sorely needed in order to make progress. On top of the supports to help persons experiencing homelessness, we will also need robust and consistent funding to increase the supply of adequate and affordable housing, which includes operating funding to run permanent supportive housing. On the addictions side, while $8 million has been earmarked for harm reduction, we would like to see more support allocated for this crucial component of responding to Alberta’s addiction crisis.

Announcements of this nature should serve as a beginning in the journey to uplift some of the most marginalized Albertans and do not represent the end. We expect the provincial government to continue doing its part in meaningfully addressing these issues.
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October 7, 2022
Blog: Barriers to Shelter Use
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The blog “Barriers to shelter use”, written after some thorough research, intends to explore the barriers that the unhoused population experiences and the challenges they encounter at many levels while trying to access emergency shelter and housing services in Edmonton.

By Ankur Subedi, ESPC Volunteer

Homeless populations are one of the most affected demographics across the province. There has been a significant increase in people experiencing homelessness. It is estimated that approximately 700 to 800 people sleep outside on any given night, and there are 2800 people in Edmonton with no permanent address (CBC, 2022). Providing them with emergency shelters is an appropriate intervention to meet their physical and psychological needs and assist them in developing the skills needed to live independently and transitioning them back into the community.

Alberta recently announced an investment of $21.5 million for emergency and homeless shelters (CBC, 2021). While the intent of this action is humane and commendable; the shortage of emergency shelters is another reality. This shortage leads to overcrowding, which creates unhealthy, unsanitary, and even dangerous conditions in some shelters and facilitates the possible transmission of communicable diseases and pests (Rankin and Skinner, 2016). Living in such conditions can discourage members of the homeless population from seeking shelters (Rankin and Skinner). Other barriers include the rules and restrictions that shelters have in place which can make services inaccessible to those in need; and involve restrictions on people’s autonomy and independence (Rankin and Skinner, 2016). Another example of a barrier is that most shelters are restricted to either single males or single females. Families, youth, couples, and transgendered individuals, consequently, are automatically excluded from most shelters (Rankin and Skinner, 2016). Their feeling of exclusion can result in chronic and episodic homelessness throughout their lifetime, and they are likely to face more barriers and complex challenges involving physical and mental health, addictions, and violence that further result in long-term and ongoing homelessness (City of Edmonton, n.d.).

Although identified as an area of need for homeless populations, it is not always easy to access these emergency shelters. Mack and Wismark (2021) highlight an important fact about the homeless population and their inability to access emergency shelters and social services because most of the population trying to access the services do not have permanent addresses. Their barriers to being housed only increase, leaving them with fewer options, limited choices, and substantial obstacles to overcome. The homeless community is treated discriminatorily as criminalized intruders, so it has only increased their barriers to housing and shelter use, which makes them more vulnerable to abuse and harm (Mack and Wismark, 2021). Further research and findings indicate that structural barriers faced by the homeless population include inadequate homeless resources, employment challenges, discrimination by law enforcement, hot climate, lack of transportation, and legal concerns (Ferguson and Sample, 2019). Situational barriers include interpersonal relationships, the street environment, and lack of personal resources whereas intrapersonal barriers include behavioral, mental, and physical health challenges, reluctance to reach out for help, money management, and lack of desire for stable housing (Ferguson and Sample, 2019).

It will be interesting to observe how the $21.5 million will be utilized to ease and address capacity issues at the shelters. As the province has recognized the need for financial assistance, the hope is that it will help mitigate at least some of the barriers to shelter use for the vulnerable community.

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Ankur Subedi is a Social Work student at the University of Calgary. Having completed the Social Work Diploma from Norquest College, Ankur comes with a diverse background in community involvement, and is presently working towards her Registered Social Worker designation. Ankur recently connected with ESPC to give back to the community.

REFERENCES
1. CBC Radio Canada. (2022, April 23). Number of homeless people in Edmonton expected to grow, City Report says | CBC News. CBCnews. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/number-of-homeless-people-in-edmonton-expected-to-grow-city-report-says-1.6428680
2. CBC Radio Canada. (2021, November 17). Alberta announces $21.5 million to help homeless, domestic violence shelters this winter | CBC News. CBCnews. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jason-kenney-homeless-domestic-violence-covid-alta-1.6252130
3. Ferguson K. M. & Sample, K. (2019). It shouldn’t be this hard: Systemic, situational, and intrapersonal barriers to exiting homelessness among homeless young adults. The Homeless Hub. Retrieved from https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/it-shouldn%E2%80%99t-be-hard%C2%A0systemic-situational-and-intrapersonal-barriers-exiting-homelessness
4. Mack, C. & Wismark, J. (2021, November 19). Opinion: Homelessness in Alberta is a public health emergency. Edmonton Journal. Retrieved from https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-homelessness-in-alberta-is-a-public-health-emergency
5. Rankin, K.S. & Skinner, S. (2016). SHUT OUT: How Barriers Often Prevent Meaningful Access to Emergency Shelter. Seattle U School of Law. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=hrap.
6. The City of Edmonton. (n.d.). Current State of Homeless in Edmonton. Retrieved from http://endhomelessnessyeg.ca/current-state-homelessness-edmonton/
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October 4, 2022
Blog: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022
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In 2021, September 30th officially became the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and became a day to remember those who have been and continue to be harmed by the impacts of residential schools. This blog explores the history and significance residential schools have had, and continue to have on Indigenous Peoples, and ways for individuals to participate in the ongoing healing and reconciliation process that is the focus of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

By Mariska Konnik, ESPC Volunteer

In June of 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 which established September 30th to be a federal statutory holiday, known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (1) This was done as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action which “call[s] upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal Peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honor Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” (2) The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honors the Survivors, as well as the children who never returned home from residential schools. (3) Recognizing and acknowledging the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples is essential to the reconciliation process. (3) Additionally, September 30 is recognized as Orange Shirt Day which was created as a grassroots campaign by Phyllis Webstad and based on her own experiences of attending the St. Joseph’s Mission residential school near Williams Lake, BC. (1) It is rooted in the story of her first day at the school in which she put on a bright orange shirt that she compared to her feelings of starting a new school – bright and exciting. (4) However, upon her arrival at St. Joseph, she was stripped of her clothes and never saw that orange shirt again. (4) The orange shirt has since become a symbol used to represent the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that has been, and continues to be, experienced by Indigenous children over many generations. (3)

Ways to Participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This September 30th, there are a variety of opportunities for individuals to participate and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in order to support Indigenous Peoples and participate in the ongoing healing process.

Wear an Orange Shirt

Start off by wearing an orange shirt. The Orange Shirt Society encourages people to do so in order to raise awareness and honor the tragic history of residential schools and the lasting impacts they have had on Indigenous Peoples. (5) Orange shirts can be purchased through local Indigenous designers, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s (NCTR) website, (5) and through MacEwan University and the University of Alberta, both of which donate the proceeds to their Indigenous programs.

Read the TRC Calls to Action

Another option to honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is by reading and further educating yourself on the histories of Indigenous Peoples and their stories. The NCTR gives survivors and their families the opportunity to request their school records and statements to the TRC in order to preserve the memory and legacy of the residential school system. (5) There are also a variety of books written by Indigenous authors that allow for a better understanding of the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in residential schools. Cree author David A. Robertson has created a list of 48 books by Indigenous authors that can be used as an informative resource this upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Day. (5) Finally, reading through and recognizing the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action is a vital step individuals can take to engage in this day of healing and reconciliation. By going through them, we can recognize their importance and find ways to incorporate and support them in our lives, and encourage others to do the same. CBC has created an interactive website that includes all 94 Calls to Action, and a summary of the progress of each action to date that can be found here.

Take a Free Course

Another additional way to become further educated on Indigenous Peoples and their histories is by enrolling in the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada course that they offer regardless of whether you are a student or not. It explores the rich histories of Indigenous Peoples and the ongoing challenges they continue to face within Canada. (5) You can sign up for free, choose to pay a small fee for a certificate of completion or register for the credit class if you are attending the University of Alberta here.

Participate in an Indigenous-Run Event

A great event taking place locally in Edmonton this year is this Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk Every Child Matters event that will be taking place on September 30th in Kinsmen Park. There are three different events that you can participate in – the 2.15km Kids Race, the 5km Run & Walk, and the 10km Run & Walk. (6) The event will be raising funds to donate to Orangeshirtday.org, Bear Clan Patrol YEG, and Indigenous Youth Sports Scholarships. More information about the event can be found here and on their instagram page. You can register for the event here!

Donate!

Finally, there are a variety of organizations you can donate to this Truth and Reconciliation Day that aim to raise awareness about the impact of residential schools or provide support and assistance to the survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities. (5) Here are a few you can look into:

Indian Residential School Survivors Society

Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund

Orange Shirt Society

Native Women’s Association of Canada

Legacy of Hope Foundation

Additional Resources

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of recognition of utmost importance within Canada and is essential on the path to reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples and their communities. With this discussion of healing, it is important to note that there is support available to anyone who has been directly or indirectly impacted by residential schools. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066 and the 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line also provides crisis services and emotional support through 1-866-925-4419.

Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

Mariska Konnik is a recent graduate from the University of Alberta with a BA in Criminology. She has a passion for social justice and hopes to assist individuals within the Edmonton community by sharing information and resources. She hopes to become a lawyer to continue her passion for social justice.

Reference List
1. British Columbia. (August 11, 2022). National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/indigenous-people/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation
2. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action. Government of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf
3. Government of Canada. (August 30, 2022). National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
4. Orange Shirt Society. (n/d). PHYLLIS’ STORY: the original orange shirt. Orangeshirtday.org. https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html
5. CBC Life. (September 28, 2021). Ways to participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/life/culture/ways-to-participate-in-the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-1.6192414
6. Indigenous Runner. (2022). Every Child Matters. Indigenous Runner. https://www.indigenousrunner.com
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September 30, 2022
Blog: Why Not Both: Albertans Struggling to Afford Housing and Food
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The Alberta government has recently recorded the largest surpluses in history, yet many people across the province struggle to afford life’s necessities. Learn why some Edmontonians have to make tough choices for their households and why the food bank is busier than ever.

By Carrie Cyre, ESPC Volunteer

Alberta has continually been an economically strong province, often topping the list of the highest wages among the provinces. For example, in 2021, the average two-worker family income in Alberta was almost $100 000, and over 15% of working Albertans earn more than $100 000 per year (Siever, 2020; Statistics Canada, 2022).
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(data from Statistics Canada 2022)

However, many Albertans live in poverty. Alberta has the highest income gap between the highest and lowest earners in Canada (excluding the territories) (Statistics Canada, 2022). In 2022 over 400,000 Albertans will live in poverty, including about 160,000 children (Sheloff et al., 2022). Those living in poverty may be unemployed, experiencing homelessness, relying on social assistance as the primary source of income, or employed. For example, 25,000 Edmontonians rely on the Assured Income for the Severely Disabled (AISH), which provides a maximum income of $1685.00, well below the average or even minimum wage (Government of Alberta, 2022).
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(data from Edmonton Community Foundation, 2020; Government of Alberta, 2021)

Nearly 12% of Edmontonians earn minimum wage (Government of Alberta, 2021). Minimum wage earners are at all ages and career stages, including students, single parents, and seniors. Almost 60% of minimum wage earners in Edmonton are women (Edmonton Community Foundation, 2021). The current minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 an hour, last raised in 2018 (Government of Alberta, 2021). According to Living Wage Alberta, a minimum wage of at least $18.00 an hour would support individuals living a dignified, healthy, and secure life (Alberta Living Wage Network, 2021).
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The Cost of Food

Alberta recently made the news for having the highest food insecurity in the nation (excluding the territories) (Smith, 2022). Food insecurity occurs when a family or household lacks regular access to safe and nutritious food (APCCP, 2017). In addition, food insecurity may be due to the unavailability of food, such as in a famine, or the lack of resources (usually money) to purchase sufficient, healthy food (Proof, 2021).
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(data from Dalhousie University et al, 2022)

Food prices in Alberta are some of the highest in Canada, and many families are feeling the strain. By June 2022, food prices in Alberta have increased by up to 7%, especially for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products (Dalhousie University et al., 2022). The increased cost of food has affected the cost of groceries and eating at restaurants. Some families have reported cutting back on eating out, as well as cutting intake of fruit and vegetables to save money (Harris, 2022).

As a result, the Edmonton Food Bank has seen a 196% demand increase from June 2020 to June 2022 (Panza-Beltrandi, 2022). In addition, individuals from all demographics use the food bank, including working people, students, those who experience homelessness, older adults, single parents, and families with children (Middleton et al., 2019). Finally, one group that has been increasing access to the food bank is single adults who live alone, indicating that their income from salary or government benefits is insufficient to support a place to live and a healthy diet (Ogston, 2022). Unfortunately, the food bank, meant for short-term emergency relief, is becoming a regular food source for some low-income people (Middleton et al., 2018).

The Cost of Housing

For many Canadians, the most significant monthly bill is rent or mortgage payments. Housing in Canada is one of the most expensive markets worldwide (Morel, 2022). While homeownership rates have been consistent, home ownership is much lower in young Canadians, Indigenous persons and racialized Canadians (CHHC, 2021; Morel, 2022). For example, in 2016, persons under the age of 65 were less likely to own their homes than a similar group ten years earlier (Statistics Canada, 2021). Canadians have doubled their mortgage debt since 2016 due to rising housing costs (Uppal, 2019). In addition, rent has gone up considerably in the last ten years. In 2022, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Edmonton is over $1050.00 a month, and for a three-bedroom, almost $1600.00 a month (Springer, 2022).
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Conclusion

Both the right to food and housing are part of the UN Universal Human Rights (UN, 2022).

However, Canada has yet to make these rights part of the Canadian Constitution. In 2019, Canada launched its first-ever Food Policy with funding of $134 million (Government of Canada, 2021). Canada also has deployed a Housing Strategy that aims to build more housing, more affordable housing, and reduce chronic homelessness (Government of Canada, 2017). However, critics argue that neither of these policies has had much effect, and the price of food and housing is higher than ever (Caron et al., 2022; Proof, 2018). Instead, policy should focus on increasing the income of Canadian households to help them bear the changes in housing and food costs, specifically through increased minimum wages and social support benefits (Proof, 2018; Key & Ford-Jones, 2015).

Ensuring safe and sufficient housing and food is essential for a healthy life and can save the Canadian health care system millions in the future (APCCP, 2016). Appropriate housing and food are essential values of life in Canada. However, many households and families living on government assistance, disability assistance, or even working full time find they cannot afford both. So why should Canadian families be forced to make tough choices between having a place to live or eating healthy food in the wealthiest province in one of the most prosperous nations in the world?

Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

Carrie Cyre is a public health student and currently working on her master’s degree. She has been volunteering in her community for over a decade, including the UncoverOliver Working Group. When she isn’t studying or volunteering, Carrie loves travel (pre- and hopefully post-COVID), coffee, and enjoying nature.

References
1. Alberta Living Wage Network. (2021). News Release. Alberta Living Wage Network. https://livingwagealberta.ca/2021/11/01/alberta-living-wage-network-launches/
2. APCCP. (2017). Action on Household Food Insecurity. Alberta Policy Coalition for Chronic Disease Prevention (APCCP). https://abpolicycoalitionforprevention.ca/take-action/
3. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2021). Housing Market Information Portal. https://www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/hmip-pimh/en/TableMapChart/Table?TableId=2.2.11&GeographyId=48&GeographyTypeId=2&DisplayAs=Table& GeograghyName=Alberta
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27. Uppla, S. (2019). Insights on Canadian Society Catalogue Homeownership, mortgage debt and types of mortgage among Canadian families. Statistics Canada. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2019/statcan/75-006-x/75-006-2019-12-eng.pdf
28. United Nations. (2022). The human right to adequate housing. Special Rapporteur. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-housing/human-right-adequate-housing
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September 28, 2022
fACT Sheet – Decolonizing Research: Implementing OCAP Principles

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Please note this is an excerpt from this fACT Sheet

There is an urgent need to decolonize and reimagine research that includes First Nations and Indigenous Peoples, their traditions, and their ways of knowing. Historically, research has been used against Indigenous Peoples, and has been used to justify colonial policies and attitudes. While doing research with and about Indigenous communities may be well intentioned, it carries all this baggage and can unintentionally harm Indigenous communities. The history of research as harmful has instilled racist practices within research that, if people are not aware of them, can unintentionally replicate. Many Indigenous folks have grown to distrust research. Others are tired of constantly being studied and seeing no material benefits in their lives.

For research to be employed as a tool for empowerment and change, there must be a shift within how research is done – from the questions we ask, to the methods we use to answer those questions, and the way we share those answers. Most importantly, this shift cannot be led by the systems that caused this harm in the first place – it must be led by community.

OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession) is a set of guidelines, geared towards non-Indigenous researchers, regarding how to respect the rights of First Nations while doing research with and about them. First Nations have the right to control the data collection processes done in their communities. They should own how this information can be stored, interpreted, used, or shared. OCAP is a method that can be used to decolonize research work towards reconciliation, as it shifts the power away from traditional research processes towards First Nations owned and produced processes.

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September 26, 2022
Community Matters: How Do We Fix the Housing Market?

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By Lexia Simmons, ESPC Volunteer

Home prices have risen 20.6% from 2018 to 2021 (Statistics Canada, 2022a), with reduced access to affordable housing. Countries, provinces, states, and municipalities have been researching, innovating, and implementing different programs to make housing more affordable. As stated by the Department of Finance Canada (2022), “Everyone should have a safe and affordable place to call home.” This article will begin with a municipality that has chosen to view the housing crisis through an innovative lens and then will focus on the strategies different municipalities have taken in solving the problems a lack of supply in the housing market has caused.

The City of Kitchener (2020) in Ontario developed a housing affordability program called Housing for All. The program includes seven main priorities; however, the City of Kitchener has identified some priorities that are new and not addressed in other municipal housing programs. Those priorities include a concentration on education around affordable housing. The idea is to shift the community mindset to housing as a human right and reduce the mentality of the NIMBY (not in my backyard) that has gripped and slowed down affordable housing programs in neighborhoods that need it. The City of Kitchener is also committed to lived experience collaboration, allowing those most impacted by the lack of housing to be a part of the solution. Finally, the last innovative priority is the commitment to developing more community housing and facilitating partnerships between the non-profit sector and developers to create innovative solutions to help make the housing market more affordable. Although these are not core activities, they are a framework in which Kitchener is planning on moving forward with housing affordability. A theme identified in Kitchener, as well as other municipalities, is the lack of housing supply. A lack of basic supply and increased demand means a reduced housing supply which will inevitably drive the cost of housing up. The following will outline solutions across North America on increasing the housing supply.

The first factor was increasing housing construction. One of the most significant barriers to housing construction is the rising cost. According to Statistics Canada, residential building construction increased 5.6% in the first quarter of 2022, with Calgary having the highest increase at 6.9%, followed by Edmonton and Toronto, up to 6.8% (Statistics Canada, 2022b). Many municipalities have embraced modular housing to drive down the increasing cost of construction. Modular Homes are homes built indoors in a home construction factory (Quality Homes, 2020). The parts of these homes (modules) are transported to their new location and assembled by tradespeople on an already poured and treated foundation. The City of Toronto (2019), as part of its HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan, has also committed to creating 1,000 modular homes in Toronto. The City of Vancouver (n.d.) has also identified modular homes as a type of housing that can be constructed more quickly and provide immediate relief to people without homes. Vancouver built around 663 units in modular housing buildings, which not only supplies housing, but also provides individuals with two meals a day, and opportunities to connect with community groups, volunteer opportunities, and social events. Vancouver identified that modular housing could be constructed in about three months on vacant, underused sites across the city and can be relocated and reconfigured to fit different locations. It can also provide immediate relief, and the right supports until permanent social housing is available. Modular housing can create a sense of community, amenity space, and connections with the neighborhood.

Another barrier to housing construction is the single-family zoning that limits the ability to increase housing units. In Toronto, 62.3% of residential land is exclusively zoned for detached houses; 80.5% in Vancouver, 67.2% in Calgary, 69.3% in Edmonton, and 45.8% in Montreal (Sun, n.d.). The City of Minneapolis identified that single-family zoning resulted in a lower supply of homes and perpetuated systematic disparities between racialized and non-racialized communities. As a result, they eliminated single-family zoning and allowed at least three residential units in each parcel of land, previously reserved for only single-family homes (Minneapolis City of Lakes, n.d.). The decrease in single-family housing enables the building of more multiunit and multi-use buildings that can allow for a greater supply of housing, resulting in greater accessibility and, in turn, greater affordability. With a change in zoning, developers can build more multi-unit homes; however, it also allows homeowners to create multi-unit homes themselves.

The City of Edmonton (n.d.a) did change some zoning areas across the city to allow for the creation of Garden Suites which are single, or two-story structures built in the back yards of single detached homes, semi-detached homes, and row houses that have their own living room, bathroom and kitchen. The City of Edmonton (n.d.b) first introduced the concept of Garden Suites in 2017 and has continued to update the bylaw as recently as 2020 to allow it to become more accessible; however, it still does not go as far as Minneapolis does in making Garden Suites an option for all houses across the city. The City of Vancouver (2021) has also created secondary dwellings; they are one of the first cities to allow two secondary dwellings on the property, one attached to the main house and the other laneway housing, which is helping to increase the supply of housing in the city.

Changing the zoning to increase housing is one step in the right direction to allow for a greater supply of housing in the market; with the rising cost of inflation and everyday financial and time commitments families are facing, finding the capital and time to develop these homes may not be feasible. The City of Pasadena in California is addressing this issue by creating an affordable housing initiative that helps homeowners with assistance in the financing, designing, permission, and constructing new Additional Dwelling Units (ADUS) (Pasadena, Department of Housing, n.d.). Another initiative that helps to combat this barrier is in Atlanta. Backyard ATL is a project undertaken by Eightvillage where they invest in additional Dwelling Units in partnership with homeowners to make ADUS more accessible to the general population (Backyard ATL, n.d.). Additional Dwelling Units increase the supply of livable homes in the market which should push down the price and make homes more affordable.

There is no one solution to the housing crisis in Canada, and this article has only addressed innovation around the lack of housing supply. There needs to be a continued conversation around other factors that impact housing affordability. Moreover, there may be lessons learned further than those found in North America. Housing is one of the most significant crises of our generation. Governments, non-profits, and private companies are doing great things to help with the housing crisis; however, it will take a lot of varied solutions and trial and error to get it right.

Note: This is an excerpt from our September 2022 Community Matters, you can read the full publication here

Did You Enjoy this Article? Please provide feedback here

Lexia Simmons is a certified educator with a passion for social issues. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts and Education degree and worked for non-profit, government offices, schools, and EdTech companies. Lexia aspires to use her educational background to help break down complicated policy issues into easy-to-understand parts.

References

Backyard ATL. (n.d.). Eightvillage. https://eightvillage.com/byatl.

City of Edmonton. (n.d.a.). Garden suites. https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/garden-suites.

City of Edmonton. (n.d.b.). In suite buildability. https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/urban_planning_and_design/garden-suite-buildability.

City of Kitchener. (December 2020). Housing for all: A blueprint for a more caring community. https://www.kitchener.ca/en/strategic-plans-and-projects/housing-for-all.aspx.

City of Toronto. (2019, December). Housing TO: 2020-2030 action plan. https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/94f0-housing-to-2020-2030-action-plan-housing-secretariat.pdf.

City of Vancouver. (2021, March 24). Laneway housing how-to guide. https://bylaws.vancouver.ca/bulletin/bulletin-laneway-housing-guide.pdf.

City of Vancouver. (n.d.). Temporary modular housing. https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/temporary-modular-housing.aspx.

Department of Finance Canada. (2022, April 7). Making housing more affordable. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2022/04/making-housing-more-affordable.html.

Minneapolis City of Lakes. (n.d.). Housing. Minneapolis 2040. https://minneapolis2040.com/topics/housing/#topic-policies-anchor.

Pasadena, Department of Housing. (n.d.). Pasadena second unit ADU program. https://www.cityofpasadena.net/housing/second-unit-adu-program/#:~:text=The%20Pasadena%20Second%20Unit%20ADU,Dwelling%20Unit%20(ADU)%20loan.

Quality Homes. (2020, February 26). What exactly does modular mean. https://qualityhomes.ca/blog/what-exactly-does-modular-mean/.

Statistics Canada. (2022a, July 21). Housing challenges remain for vulnerable populations in 2021. The Daily. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220721/dq220721b-eng.htm.

Statistics Canada. (2022b, May, 5). Building construction price indexes, first quarter 2022. The Daily. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220505/dq220505b-eng.htm.

Sun, Y. (n.d.). A visual guide to detached house zones in 5 Canadian cities. DataLABTO. http://www.datalabto.ca/a-visual-guide-to-detached-houses-in-5-canadian-cities/.

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September 21, 2022