Introduction: A City That Everyone Wants to Call Home
Calgary has become a magnet for people across Canada and around the world. Families are moving in from Ontario and B.C. for affordability. New immigrants are choosing Calgary for opportunity and quality of life. Students, young professionals, and workers are filling rentals at record speed.
In just Q2 of 2022, Alberta welcomed 34,883 new residents, and many settled in Calgary. This surge has fueled a strong rental market. But with so many newcomers, where does this leave seniors and retirees who also need housing?
At Green Casa, we see seniors as more than just tenants; they’re the cornerstones of our communities.
Calgary’s Population Growth: Numbers That Tell a Story
- 2023 Migration Surge – Over 55,000 Canadians moved to Alberta from other provinces.
- International Immigration – Nearly 33,000 newcomers arrived in Alberta in Q1 2024 alone.
- Vacancy Impact – Calgary’s rental vacancy rate dropped below 2%, creating a competitive environment.
For investors, this means rising rents and full units. But for seniors, it means competing with younger, faster-moving applicants for the same apartments.
Challenges for Seniors in a Competitive Market
- Fewer Options – With so much demand, landlords may prioritize tenants who can pay higher rents or move in quickly.
- Rising Prices – Seniors on pensions are stretched thin as rents continue to climb.
- Accessibility Gap – Many new builds focus on compact, trendy layouts, not senior-friendly designs.
- Stress of Change – The process of moving, paperwork, and negotiations can be overwhelming for older renters.
Why Seniors Still Matter to Landlords
Despite these challenges, seniors bring undeniable benefits to the rental market:
- Consistent Rent Payments – Backed by pensions or retirement savings.
- Long-Term Stability – Seniors are less likely to move frequently, reducing turnover costs for landlords.
- Respectful Tenants – They take care of their homes and contribute to safer, calmer communities.
How Green Casa Stands Beside Seniors
At Green Casa, we bridge the gap between Calgary’s rental growth and seniors’ unique needs:
- We advocate for senior-friendly units in new developments.
- We offer patient and respectful service to guide seniors through the application and paperwork process.
- We support longer-term rental agreements that give older tenants peace of mind.
- We ensure that seniors feel seen, heard, and valued in every interaction.
Conclusion: A Place for Everyone: Including Seniors
Calgary’s migration boom is creating endless opportunities for landlords and investors. But in the race to house new arrivals, seniors cannot be overlooked. They are vital members of the rental community, bringing stability, kindness, and reliability.
At Green Casa, we make it our mission to ensure seniors are never pushed aside in Calgary’s fast-changing housing market.
Because at the end of the day, a city isn’t truly growing unless it’s growing for everyone, including its seniors.
