Housing Need

There are three criteria for assessing housing need within a community (CMHC):

  • Adequacy: Physical safety of a dwelling relative to the level of maintenance and repair.
  • Suitability: A family's ability to afford the type of housing necessary to meet their needs, such as enough bedrooms relative to the size of the family living in the home.
  • Affordability: The ability of a household to pay for an adequate, suitable dwelling appending no more than 30% of its gross income.

The St. Albert Affordable Housing Strategy (2005) suggests that 12 - 16% of St. Albert residents are in Core Housing Need, paying more than 30% of their income for suitable housing.

Housing Continuum

Market Affordable Housing

The lowest 25% of homes sold in any given year for households entering the housing market or downsizing.

Market Rental Housing

Rental rates are established independently, based on market demand and supply, and re reported annually through the Housing Market Information Portal.  

2023 St. Albert Rental Market Survey - CMHC

Non-Market Affordable Housing

Housing provided on a rent-geared-to-income basis may include government subsidies covering a portion of the rent if the household spends more than 30% of their income on housing, and their income is below the CNIT level for the household type. No requirement for in situ support services.

May also include ownership models that provide controls on the resale price and/or ownership of units based on the household's income.

Non-Market Supportive Housing

Stable and supportive housing providing a safety net for those in need of support services in addition to housing.

Housing provided on a rent-geared-to-income basis through direct capital or operating subsidies from any order of government.

It can include both short-term and long-term housing.

Income Thresholds (IT's) are established on an annual basis by the Government of Alberta.  Income limits determine eligibility for Community Housing Programs, and the Seniors Self-contained Program.   For more information, visit Alberta Income Threshold Information


Related Pages

Last edited: November 14, 2023