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'Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head': How some are turning to motels and campgrounds for housing

VCC's Meaghon Reid says she isn't surprised that people are turning to these options with a vacancy rate of less that 2%

27 November 2023

In the Calgary area, campgrounds and motels are reporting an increase in the number of people staying long-term. Meaghon discussed the situation with CBC's Joel Dryden, saying it's something Vibrant Communities Calgary hears all the time but is difficult to quantify. "We don't know [how many people are in this situation]. And I'm not sure that anybody knows. And I think that not knowing is a bit of a challenge. We know that the vacancy rate in Calgary for rentals is [around] two per cent, which is extraordinary. If you think about our population of people who are looking, I would imagine there are probably more people than we have ever seen before staying in these long-term accommodations. " she explained.

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Raising awareness about affordability

To bring attention to the rising cost of living, VCC created a high-end window display— rotating plinths, jacquard textiles, a gold-plated coffered ceiling, and even a security guard. But instead of wristwatches or cashmere cardigans, we put the simple things on display. Eggs. Bread. Toothpaste. The things Calgarians are fighting to afford.

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