Calgary's quality of life takes hit amid rising costs, new report suggests
A new report from the Calgary Foundation paints a concerning picture of the city's quality of life, highlighting rising costs, housing challenges and safety concerns.
The 2024 Quality of Life Report, released Thursday, revealed that a growing number of Calgarians are struggling to make ends meet.
Despite the city's overall appeal, many residents are feeling the pinch of rising living expenses, particularly in the areas of housing and food.
"The demand for housing is incredible," said Richard Kuperis, a Calgarian.
"Rent right now is just incredibly high compared to what it used to be."
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
According to the report, 54 per cent of full-time employed Calgarians are unable to find suitable accommodation, up from 40 per cent in 2023.
For those who can find a place to live, the financial burden is significant.
"Nearly 80 per cent of Calgarians who rent say that they have a hard time making those monthly payments," said Taylor Barrie of the Calgary Foundation.
The rising cost of living is also impacting food security.
Heather Williams, a Calgarian, noted a significant increase in the price of groceries.
"I've noticed an increase in berries, fresh fruit, everything," she said.
"Our meat, yogurt, milk. Yeah, the whole gamut."
This has led to a surge in demand for services like the Calgary Food Bank.
Melissa From, food bank CEO, said more and more families, including those with jobs, are turning to the organization for assistance.
"Anybody that you see on the street could be actually in line at the Calgary Food Bank tomorrow," From said.
The report also highlighted concerns about safety.
Calgarians expressed increased anxiety about walking downtown at night and using public transit.
Despite these challenges, the report found 93 per cent of Calgarians are satisfied with their neighbourhoods and 81 per cent still consider Calgary a good place to live.
The Calgary Foundation's Quality of Life Survey polled 1,000 randomly selected Calgarians and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.10 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
The complete report can be found on the foundation's website, https://calgaryfoundation.org/.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Harris and Trump make a furious final push before U.S. election day
A campaign that has careened through a felony trial, incumbent being pushed off the ticket and assassination attempts comes down to Election Day on Tuesday.
Communication issues, double standard for Lebanese-Canadians trying to escape war, says lawyer
Some Lebanese-Canadians are pressuring the federal government to implement emergency measures that would allow Lebanese nationals' family members a less restrictive gateway to Canada, citing more 'flexible' policies for Ukrainians.
Peel police officer suspended after video appeared to show him at protest while off duty
Peel police say four people were arrested and an officer was injured following several protests in Mississauga and Brampton Sunday afternoon, including one at a Hindu temple that turned violent.
Musk PAC tells Philadelphia judge the US$1M sweepstakes winners are not chosen by chance
A lawyer for Elon Musk 's political action committee told a judge in Philadelphia on Monday that so-called 'winners' of his US$1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes in swing states are not chosen by chance but are instead chosen to be paid 'spokespeople' for the group.
B.C. port employers to launch lockout at terminals as labour disruption begins
Employers at British Columbia ports say they are going ahead with locking out more than 700 foremen across the province after strike activities from union members began.
Pair of tornadoes touch down in 2 New Brunswick communities last week
A research team has confirmed a pair of tornadoes touched down in central New Brunswick last week.
3 arrested as protesters clash outside Hindu temple in Surrey, B.C.
Three people were arrested after duelling protests erupted into violence outside a Hindu temple in Surrey, B.C., over the weekend, according to the RCMP.
She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about a year ago. Here's how her condition was reversed
A year ago, Lorraine O'Quinn was coping with stress, chronic illness and Type 2 diabetes. Then she discovered a health program that she says changed her life.
Daylight savings can negatively affect worker productivity, research says
New research from the University of Oregon finds the annual practice of ‘springing forward’ into daylight time affects productivity more than previously thought.