Calgary's population surge: New arrivals struggle while 110,000 more expected by 2027
CBC
So many people have been moving to Calgary recently that some Ukrainian newcomers have spent multiple nights at the airport before finding a place to crash, says one community leader.
Rent is now up 25 per cent for one-bedroom units newly listed on Rentals.ca compared to April last year, and at the same time, the unemployment rate is 6.6 per cent, the highest among major Canadian cities. Food bank use in Alberta increased 34 per cent last year.
People are flocking to Calgary for opportunity but competing with those already here for resources.
In his role at the Centre for Newcomers, Kelly Ernst sees the challenge.
"I think Calgary's starting to see some of the stretch marks from all of the immigration that is occurring and especially the refugee waves that have occurred in the last couple of years," said Ernst, who is the centre's chief program officer.
Because it's not just Ukrainians. Calgary saw record numbers of Canadians from other provinces move to the city last year, in addition to record numbers of immigrants from around the globe.
It's not expected to end any time soon.
City estimates have Calgary growing by 62 new residents a day for the next several years, adding 110,000 people by 2027 — more than the population of Red Deer.
"It really is mind stretching when you start thinking about some of these predictions," he said.
It sparks many questions, Ernst says.
Where will the new residents live and work?
Will some of them end up homeless? How long will it take to get their professional credentials recognized? When, if ever, will the wait-lists ease for classes in English as a second language?
Will all newcomers have to take unskilled, low-wage jobs to survive? And for how long?
Calgary's mayor says the surge is a good news story and is cause for celebration.
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