The 82 people living at Silver’s West Residences in Glamorgan have just over a month to decide whether to renew their lease in the new year.
If that happens, rent will rise significantly.
“I was devastated the whole day,” Linda Bowes said.
“I was like, ‘Where is this money?’
Bowes said he earns $2,000 a month.
If she stays, annual spending next year will increase by nearly $5,600.
“By the time you go to the grocery store and buy your medicine, there’s nothing left,” she says.
On Sept. 29, Westview residents received a letter outlining the new costs.
Rent will increase from $1,000 per month to $1,360 per month.
There will also be a new $195 mandatory fee to pay for amenities such as shuttle service, family guest suite access, fitness classes and six meals per month per unit.
By this time next year, the price will reach $1,550 per month.
Silvera for Seniors says the building’s operating costs are rising rapidly — debt and utility costs are rising — and the units were always destined to go to market rate.
The organization operates both affordable and market-rate housing for seniors, using additional revenue from one to support the other.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in competitive market housing, and much of that is driven by the underlying costs of the market,” said Kyle Fawcett, chief external relations officer at Silvera Four Seniors.
“We have to do something to make sure this building meets its mission and generates market revenue for the organization.”
Calgary’s current vacancy rate is estimated at approximately 2.6%, according to CMHC data.
The average one-bedroom apartment costs just over $1,700 per month.
The Calgary Housing Authority had a waiting list of 5,300 people at the end of August.
Choices are very limited.
Silvera offered residents a six-month deferral on the rent portion of the increase and a $180 increase instead of the full $360.
However, once the new mandatory fees are included, the increase is only slightly lower, at 46.5% instead of 55%.
“When I got the letter, several of them were in tears, because this is their food bill. The increase is their food bill,” said Patricia Studer, who moved in with her husband in 2022. he said.
“Then how could you do something like that to a senior? It breaks my heart.”
“It’s not fair. It’s like I’m in a wheelchair and only have one hand,” said resident Donna LeRaivre, who suffered a stroke four years ago.
“They’re raising the rent so much that we can’t live on it.”
A group of more than 50 residents met Tuesday night to discuss options and next steps.
They believe they can put some pressure on Silvera, but they may ultimately have no choice in states that don’t have rent control measures to keep costs from rising.
