RMWB Council outlines next steps after finalizing Housing Needs Assessment

At the March 24 Council meeting, the municipal Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) was accepted as information.

Council directed Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation (WBHD) and RMWB administration to collaborate on a plan to achieve a housing strategy, including who will complete future housing needs assessments, timelines and report back to Council by June 2026.

Housing Needs Assessment – key findings

According to the most recently completed census, the region experienced population growth for the first time in 10 years. This included an increase of people choosing to live here permanently, creating an increased demand for housing that satisfies the demographic need. By 2031, there is an expected need for approximately 4,050 – 6,470 housing units.

Additionally, with more seniors choosing to retire here, the demand for accessible housing is rising, as the population aged 65 and older is projected to double by 2030.

This HNA was guided by a community-centered and evidence-based approach to understanding the current housing status in the region.

Learn more from the Council Report starting on page 162.

Scope of housing assessments

While all feedback was considered, actions resulting from the assessment apply only to municipal land. Housing need assessments and related actions on reserve lands are led by the respective First Nation as the governing body.

Extensive public engagement helped shape the assessment and included an online survey, meetings with community partners, an open house and discussions with Indigenous rights holders with visits to rural communities across the region.

Learn more about the Housing Needs Assessment at the RMWB website.

Learn more by contacting Pulse at 743-7000 or toll free at 1-800-973-9663.

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