Fact Check: Calgary requires 42,000 new dwellings annually to meet housing demand.

Fact Check: "Calgary requires 42,000 new dwellings annually to meet housing demand."

What We Know

Calgary is currently facing a significant housing shortage, with estimates indicating that the city requires approximately 42,000 new dwellings to meet its housing demand. According to Reid Hendry, Calgary's Chief Housing Officer, the city is on track to have a shortage of this magnitude by the end of 2025, despite recent efforts to increase housing supply through various initiatives (Calgary Herald, Ontario Housing Market). The city's housing strategy, known as "Home is Here," aims to address this deficit by implementing 98 recommendations designed to boost both market and below-market housing availability (Calgary Herald).

In 2024, Calgary approved over 25,000 building permits for market homes, which is a significant increase compared to previous years. However, this number still falls short of the required units to close the housing gap (Ontario Housing Market). The ongoing housing crisis has been exacerbated by rising inflation and housing prices, leading to nearly one in five households in Calgary struggling to afford shelter (Calgary Herald).

Analysis

The claim that Calgary requires 42,000 new dwellings annually is supported by multiple credible sources, including the city's own housing officials. Reid Hendry's statements to the community development committee provide a direct insight into the city's housing needs and the inadequacies of current construction efforts. The 42,000-unit shortfall is not merely a speculative figure; it is based on assessments of housing demand versus supply, as highlighted in official reports (Calgary Herald, Ontario Housing Market).

While some sources report that Calgary is leading Canada in housing starts, this does not negate the fact that the rate of new construction is insufficient to meet the growing demand. The record-breaking construction efforts mentioned in various reports do not equate to a resolution of the housing crisis, as they still leave a substantial gap in supply (CBC, Ontario Housing Market).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include statements from city officials and reputable news outlets that cover local housing issues extensively. The data presented is consistent across multiple reports, reinforcing the credibility of the claim regarding the housing shortage.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Calgary requires 42,000 new dwellings annually to meet housing demand is accurate. This figure is corroborated by statements from city officials and supported by data reflecting the ongoing housing crisis in Calgary. Despite recent construction efforts, the city continues to face a significant shortfall in housing availability, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

Fact Check: Calgary requires 42,000 new dwellings annually to meet housing demand.