A recent exclusive CBC News poll conducted by Janet Brown Opinion Research indicates that the majority of Edmonton residents are urging the upcoming city council to prioritize housing affordability. The survey, which involved 1,000 participants from Edmonton and was conducted online through Trend Research’s panel from October 1 to 8, highlighted the pressing concern among residents.
Factors such as rapid inflation and a surge in housing demand, driven by a significant increase in the city’s population over the past years, have led to a sharp rise in housing costs since the last municipal election in October 2021. Statistics Canada’s latest population estimates reveal that Edmonton saw a growth of nearly 140,000 residents from 2021 to 2024.
Renters in the Edmonton census metropolitan area, including neighboring communities like Leduc and Sherwood Park, have experienced a substantial 26% increase in costs, covering expenses such as rent and utilities, since the last civic election. This information is based on Statistics Canada’s monthly consumer price index (CPI) data, which tracks inflation trends.
The escalating housing expenses have posed challenges for individuals like Laura Beaudin, a full-time graphic design student residing in Edmonton’s Boyle Street neighborhood. Despite her love for her two-bedroom apartment, Beaudin finds it difficult to afford the rent, requiring financial assistance from her daughters due to the escalating costs over the years.
The median rent in Edmonton has surged by $220 from October 2021 to October 2024, as reported by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Moreover, homeowners in the city are facing a 22% increase in costs, including mortgage payments and property taxes, according to the CPI data.
The City of Edmonton witnessed a surge in housing starts in the first half of the year, attributed to policy changes such as the rezoning bylaw for priority growth areas and the availability of development opportunities. Despite this, the overall housing supply in the community has remained stable in 2025 due to the high demand outweighing the construction activities, as noted in the CMHC’s fall market outlook.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on housing strategies, experts have highlighted the significance of infill housing and affordable housing initiatives. The City of Edmonton’s efforts to streamline regulations and promote diverse housing options have contributed to sustaining relatively good affordability levels compared to other regions.
In addition to infill housing, the city is also aiming to address the needs of low-income earners through social or affordable housing projects. Initiatives like the three-year affordable housing strategy seek to construct thousands of affordable and supportive housing units by 2026, aligning with the city’s objectives to enhance housing accessibility and reduce homelessness.
With the municipal election approaching on October 20, the discussion around housing affordability remains a central issue for Edmonton residents and policymakers alike.