New strategy sets actions to improve housing affordability

Strathcona County’s new Housing Affordability Strategy, approved on April 23, 2024, defines the County’s vision, actions and targets for housing affordability.

Developed with community partners, the strategy’s vision is Everyone in Strathcona County has access to affordable, attainable, acceptable and inclusive housing options now and in the future.

The current reality is nearly 15 per cent of households in the County are living in unaffordable housing, meaning they are spending 30 per cent or more of their household income on shelter costs.

“Strathcona County is a desirable community that continues to attract people who want to live, work and retire here. At the same time, we recognize there are households in the County struggling with unaffordable housing costs, and growing inflation and decreasing household income compounds the problem,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “This strategy presents key actions we can take as a municipality to make a difference in providing access to affordable housing.”

The strategy guides the County’s work on housing affordability over the next six years through a series of actions.

• Adjusting municipal policies, processes and tools to help reduce barriers, provide greater flexibility for developers, and create cost savings that can be passed onto renters and home buyers.
• Introducing new financial incentives for new construction developed by non-profit housing providers, through the pilot of a strategic land acquisition program, and a property tax exemption or reduction program (or grant in lieu).
• Engaging on affordable housing initiatives and continuing to monitor housing trends and data to assess housing needs.
• Strengthening community and regional relationships, including a housing affordability action table, and advocating to other orders of government for sustained funding and effective housing policy.
• Providing a range of programs and services to support people facing housing challenges.

Three housing targets are set out in the strategy:

• Target 1: 140 new non-market rental units by 2030.
• Target 2: 18 new non-market ownership units by 2030.
• Target 3: 35 new market rental garden or secondary suites annually.

Numerous housing reports and data sources informed development of the strategy, presenting compelling facts and information to tell the story on what housing affordability looks like in Strathcona County. The full strategy is available at strathcona.ca/housing.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595