It is time to step up" : Recommendations to address rental housing issues in Edmonton

Author John Kolkman is the Research and Policy Analysis Coordinator of the Edmonton Social Planning Council and the principal author of this report. [...] Most of all, a big thank you to the 727 renters in the Edmonton area who took the time to answer our survey. [...] The results of our Edmonton Renters’ Survey, presented in the report Not Just a Roof Over our Heads, show that renters’ situations have not improved over the past year despite the recent stabilization of the rental market. [...] Low and modest income households are facing the greatest difficulties; wage increases have not kept pace with rent increases, leaving families less able to maintain a decent standard of living and putting them at greater risk of financial crisis (including the loss of their housing) in the event of unforeseen expenses. [...] In addition, the survey results indicate that renters are supportive of city planning and policies that will prevent the ghettoization of affordable housing units and encourage the growth of diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods.