How might we transform affordable housing in Alberta to better support housing for Albertans in need, balancing financial sustainability with growing demand?
This project was undertaken over three months and involved extensive desk research to identify overall housing needs throughout the province as well as an environmental scan to identify options for addressing these needs, including potential roles for the Province. The environmental scan included a scan of best and promising practices in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia. The key findings from this research was presented on a weekly basis to the Expert Panel and informed the final recommendations. The work also included a total of 44 engagement sessions and interviews conducted with a total of 96 organizations and over 150 participants. An opportunity for online submissions was also provided and the Panel received a total of 124 submissions. The work culminated in the Final Report of the Expert Panel, which was delivered in early October 2020 and contained 19 recommendations aimed at helping the government redefine its role in affordable housing, tap into community expertise, expand partnerships, reward innovation and simplify the system. All 19 recommendations were accepted by the government.
SHS’s work on this project provides in-depth insight into the current and recommended role of the Government of Alberta in affordable housing, the approaches that have been recommended to realize this changing role, the network of key stakeholders providing input, best practice examples from other jurisdictions, sources of data, senior Department resources and other key aspects important to the success of the next stage of the Transformation process.