Alberta’s auditor general has raised concerns over the safety of the province’s affordable housing, suggesting that the government may not be taking adequate measures to ensure these housing units are safe for residents.
The audit, presented to lawmakers, highlighted that the department of Seniors, Community, and Social Services lacks up-to-date information regarding the maintenance and state of approximately 2,800 facilities, valued at over $2.3 billion. Furthermore, the government is falling short of demonstrating how it prioritizes maintenance projects requested by operators of facilities which account for the province’s 27,000 affordable housing units.
Auditor General Doug Wylie has expressed concern that without effective processes to manage the condition of provincially owned housing, vulnerable Albertans may be residing in deteriorating units that might pose health and safety risks. “We’re aware of the demand for affordable housing. There is an opportunity here to ensure that the housing we have is well maintained for the future,” Wylie told The Canadian Press.
Past reports from the ministry have highlighted deteriorating housing conditions and over $1 billion in outstanding maintenance. If units are deemed uninhabitable due to health or safety risks, it affects the Albertans who should be living in these units, Wylie added.
According to the report, up until 2019, the department relied on independent experts for assessments on the condition of its facilities. However, the government now primarily relies on information provided by housing operators. Wylie urges the government to demonstrate how they are managing and ensuring the safety of these housing facilities.
He has further recommended the department to improve its oversight, maintain information about the condition of its facilities, and implement performance measures.
The government has reportedly been making efforts to address these issues, with improvements in 2023-24 resulting in better pricing for repair work and faster turnaround times of vacant suites. Furthermore, it is planning to invest nearly $121 million over three years to maintain and repair provincially owned housing units.
However, the opposition NDP housing critic, Janis Irwin, responded to the auditor general’s report by saying that it is distressing and hopes it motivates the United Conservative Party government to address the housing crisis.
In her view, not only should we be investing in maintaining and upgrading our units, but there should also be new affordable housing units being built. She added that many low-income residents have no other choice but to live in these units, and she often hears about problems such as bed bugs and temperature issues.
In conclusion, the safety and maintenance of affordable housing units in Alberta is a concern that needs immediate attention. With the auditor general’s report highlighting issues and providing recommendations, it is hoped that the government will take swift action to ensure that the province’s vulnerable residents have safe and well-maintained homes.
