NEWS RELEASE: Rahim Jaffer Announces Bold Plan to Address Edmonton’s Housing and Affordability Crisis
Edmonton, AB — Edmonton is in the middle of a housing crisis, much like the challenges facing large cities across Canada, with population growth, inflation, and mounting economic pressures driving housing costs beyond the reach of many middle-class families and those less fortunate.
“Over the decades I’ve called Edmonton home, I’ve seen our city go from a place where families could confidently build their future to one where parents now wonder if their children will be better off than they were,” said Rahim Jaffer, mayoral candidate for the City of Edmonton. “We must change this.”
If elected mayor, Jaffer pledges to unlock underutilized city-owned lands, including the former Exhibition Lands, for timely redevelopment into a mix of affordable, mid-market, and cooperative housing with a goal of creating more housing for demographics currently locked out of rental and home ownership markets. These measures would aim to deliver monthly rent savings of 15–30%—or $200 to $500— for low income and cooperative housing particularly in areas such as Blatchford and the Exhibition Lands.
Additionally, Jaffer pledges to utilize surplus school land to construct new co-op housing and purpose built housing for seniors, including assisted living.
“What we’re talking about is actually getting things done,” Jaffer added. “The city has prime land sitting idle or used totally inefficiently. It is our responsibility to make that land work for Edmonton’s families and seniors so they can have access to homes they can afford and thrive in.”
The Jaffer housing policy would prioritize:
Harnessing unused or underutilized land, including surplus school sites to drive development of affordable co-op housing spaces and assisted living spaces for seniors in need, currently taking up hospital beds.
Expedited redevelopment of city-owned land under strict timelines & affordability requirements for developers.
Expansion of cooperative housing alongside affordable and mid-market options.
These initiatives will help put money back in the pockets of renters. Coupled with Jaffer’s recently announced plan to hire 500 new police officers to take back the streets, this initiative reflects a comprehensive vision to build a new generation of growth and prosperity in a city that works for all of Edmonton.
“My commitment is simple,” said Jaffer. “To make Edmonton a city that works for all of us—where families can grow, housing is within reach, and our streets are safe.”
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