An exclusive CBC News poll conducted by Janet Brown Opinion Research indicates that 75% of Edmonton residents are urging the upcoming city council to prioritize housing affordability. The survey, which reached 1,000 individuals in Edmonton from October 1 to 8, was carried out through Trend Research’s online panel.
Due to rapid inflation and a surge in housing demand driven by significant population growth, housing costs in the Edmonton census metropolitan area, including surrounding areas like Leduc and Sherwood Park, have escalated by nearly 26% since the last municipal election in October 2021, according to Statistics Canada’s monthly consumer price index (CPI) data.
Laura Beaudin, a full-time graphic design student residing in Edmonton’s Boyle Street neighborhood, shared her struggle with rising rent costs surpassing her income, leading to financial challenges for her and her dependents.
The median rent in Edmonton rose by $220 between October 2021 and October 2024, as reported by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The city’s growth, mainly fueled by migration, has notably impacted the rental market, according to Damian Collins, a housing expert and University of Alberta professor.
Homeowners in Edmonton are facing a 22% increase in costs, including mortgage payments and property taxes, based on CPI data. The Canadian Real Estate Association has highlighted significant jumps in home prices, particularly for single-detached houses.
The CMHC’s fall market outlook reveals that housing starts surged in Edmonton in the first half of 2025, partly due to policy changes by the City of Edmonton and available development opportunities. However, despite the increase in construction, the overall housing supply has remained stable as demand continues to rise.
Collins emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on infill housing as an affordable option, citing positive outcomes such as increased housing accessibility for various demographics. He also stressed the significance of addressing non-market housing to cater to individuals facing challenges in affording market housing.
The City of Edmonton’s efforts to enhance affordable housing options align with its long-term city plan, aiming to accommodate a growing population while curbing urban sprawl. Initiatives include the development of multi-unit dwellings and supportive-housing units to meet housing affordability goals by 2026.
Community organizations like IslamicFamily are stepping up to address the demand for affordable housing by collaborating on projects that offer a mix of affordable and market units. This proactive approach aims to bridge the affordability gap and provide secure housing options for families in need.
The upcoming municipal election on October 20 will be a pivotal moment for Edmontonians to voice their concerns and expectations regarding housing affordability and related policies.
CBC News’ survey of 1,000 city of Edmonton residents was conducted online from Oct. 1-8 by Edmonton-based Trend Research, under the direction of Janet Brown Opinion Research. Quotas were set for age, gender, and postal code. Minimal weighting was applied to match Statistics Canada population data. As a non-probability online survey, a margin of error does not apply. However, the margin of error for a comparable probability sample would be +/-3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.