Housing Needs Assessment

The City of St. Albert is advancing work to support future housing growth and expand housing options in alignment with existing policy direction. This includes work to complete a Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Affordability Strategic Plan in 2026 to better understand current and future housing needs in the community.

A Housing Needs Assessment considers questions such as:

• What types of housing does the City have, and at what price points?
• Does the current housing supply align with residents’ family composition, income levels, supportive service needs, and abilities?  Where do gaps exist?
• What changes to the City’s housing supply will be needed as the city grows, new families are formed, and residents age?
• What types of housing and at which locations are critical for future growth planning?

The Housing Needs Assessment will help the City and other levels of government identify strategic measures to address identified housing gaps and future housing challenges. The second phase of this project will identify actions and policy direction to address identified gaps and challenges through the development of the Housing Affordability Strategic Plan, in alignment with Council’s strategic priorities.

Why are we asking for your feedback?

Housing Needs Assessments require input from residents, community groups, decision-makers, and interest holders to identify local needs and housing challenges that are not readily apparent through statistical data and reflect local realities. Community input will help to shape future policy tools, practical solutions, and partnership models developed through engagement processes.

Have your say! 

From March 9 – 27, 2026, share your thoughts on what principles should guide future housing growth and housing priorities, to help inform housing planning decisions:

Expanding Housing Options Survey

Why is it important?  

St. Albert’s housing goals through the Municipal Development Plan (Flourish) are:

• Providing a full and balanced mix of housing options to meet residents’ needs at all stages of life; and
• Ensuring that housing is available for everyone.

The Housing Affordability Strategic Plan will identify actions, policy tools, practical solutions and partnership models that could be undertaken to achieve the City’s housing goals.

Project Timelines

• Phase 1: Draft Housing Needs Assessment (November 2025 – March 2026)
• Phase 2: Resident Survey (March 9 – 31, 2026) and Community Agency Input (March 5, 2026)
• Phase 3: Focus Group Engagement (April 13 – 16, 2026)
• Phase 4: Finalize the Housing Needs Assessment Report (May 2026)
• Phase 5: Finalize the Housing Affordability Strategic Plan (June 2026)