That program, which is provincially funded, allows low-income renters to pay a reduced rent, at just 30 per cent of their family’s gross monthly income.

Bridges took over managing the properties when it merged with Red Deer Housing Authority (RDHA) in summer 2025. RDHA had managed them under the CHP for several years, according to Bridges’ executive director, Geoff Olson.

Olson says Bridges was notified last Wednesday of the intent to sell, which is when they drafted up a letter to tenants. The City then provided tenants with a set of questions and answers on Thursday, Sept. 10, and Bridges provided a follow-up letter to tenants the next day.

Notably, the city says in its letter that there are no immediate changes to anyone’s tenancy, and that nobody is being asked to move right now. They also note the properties still need to be marketed, and that a future owner may decide what to do with them.

“The properties are aging, but they still have significant value,” the city continued in its letter. “The City plans to sell them and reinvest the money from the sale into future affordable and non-market housing in Red Deer. The intent is to keep these funds dedicated to housing while making better use of their value to support future housing needs.

According to the city, the units in Oriole Park were built around 1964, and the others around 1970. The lands were transferred to the city in the 60s and 70s.

It’s not yet known what the overall value of the properties is, but the city will be having a formal appraisal done soon.

The city also notes to rdnewsNOW that the intent is to sell them all as a package, though they could ultimately be sold individually, depending on interest.

Additionally, four of the 24 currently sit vacant, as the city opted not to fill them when people moved out — in anticipation of a future sale.

“In no scenario will the city see people be unhoused in this equation,” Mayor Cindy Jefferies told rdnewsNOW in a one-on-one interview.

“We know there are citizens who are highly motivated to help people find housing in the affordable housing area. These are aging assets, and we see there’s a possibility for them to become more than they are.”

Jefferies was asked if it’s possible a future sale would come with the condition that the buyer would have to offer the Community Housing Program, and she said she didn’t know if that’d be possible.

But she did offer the possibility that any new owner could build additional units and then welcome those tenants back. It’s just not clear, or seemingly even likely, that it would still be under the CHP.

Jefferies also admitted that it’s possible not all the tenants were aware the city owns these properties.

“I feel the sense of uncertainty and worry, and I understand it fully. There’s a lot of ground to cover before anyone is asked to move,” she said, noting that Bridges itself could even be part of the future formula.

Finally, for Jefferies’ part, she shared that council and admin have been discussing this decision dating back to the previous council term.

HUGE RENT HIKES COMING FOR TENANTS

“These are low-income families from a variety of backgrounds. They’re working, but could be on AISH, they may be permanent residents, people working towards citizenship, or families with kids or newborns. These are all three- and four-bedroom units, so they are large families, generally speaking,” says Olson.

“If they have to leave the program, they’ll be in market housing and their rent is going to go up, maybe 60 per cent.”

Bridges offers around 310 units under the program, but there’s seldom any vacancy.

“I just don’t know how these families are going to cope, because most of us couldn’t handle our housing going up by 60 per cent.”

Olson says it’s unlikely Bridges would be involved with managing the properties after an eventual purchase.

He also said they’ve let the provincial government know what’s happening, and that they’re doing work in the background to figure things out.

“We are struggling to understand the way that this was presented. Everybody’s a little confused about how we were all notified. One point we always make with the city is that we are a valued partner, but I’m not sure we’re feeling that on this issue,” added Olson.

THAT $3 MILLION

“Hopefully we can come up with a stronger solution than what was presented [at council].”

What was presented at council is that the city will spend just $150,000 of the $3 million on a housing strategy, with the mayor noting it’s not yet known if that’ll be done in-house or externally.

The original proposal suggested spending $500,000 on the strategy, but Councillor Kraymer Barnstable lowered that with a unanimously supported amendment.

The goal now is to build doors, several councillors reiterated, calling that aspect of the story a very good one.

But council never addressed the sale of the homes during debate on Tuesday.

Discussion was solely around the funding, which was in limbo for some time as the city squabbled with the federal government.

The amount was originally $12 million, but last year, city council refused to meet the requirement of blanket zoning for four-as-of-right.

The feds then told the city to give back the $3 million it had already received, and that it wouldn’t receive the remainder.

In July, Prime Minister Mark Carney shared during a visit to Red Deer that the city would be allowed to keep the first quarter.

Mayor Jefferies noted in council this week, as did federal housing minister Gregor Robertson in a letter to the city, that there may be opportunities upcoming to reapply for more housing-related dollars.

A PLEA TO NOT FORGET THE HUMAN SIDE

Alaa Eddin Zain Alaabdin is a 57-year-old resident of one of the properties being sold.

Four people live in the home, and he tells rdnewsNOW he has worked hard to find one that is suitable and affordable. Alaabdin has lived in the Oriole Park home since 2018 and came to Canada in 2015; he pays $775 in rent.

“Although this amount may seem manageable, it becomes difficult on a limited income when combined with food, utilities, and other essential living expenses,” he said.

“I am 57-years-old and have a partial mobility disability affecting the right side of my body. This makes some everyday activities more challenging and increases my need for housing that is safe, suitable, stable, and affordable.”

He said the situation is causing him significant stress, adding that he is worried about the future.

“I often find myself counting every dollar and wondering how I will afford rent, food, utilities, and other essential expenses. The greatest difficulty is not only the financial pressure but also the fear that I may eventually be unable to afford my home,” he continued.

“I am not asking for a luxurious life. I simply want to live with dignity and security, without facing the fear of losing my home every month.”

Alaabdin hopes decision-makers around the council table can see the human side of the issue.

“As a final thought, it is hoped that if the [municipal] government ever decides to sell these homes, the people already living in them will be given the first opportunity to buy at an affordable price, with reasonable monthly payments based on their income,” he concluded.

The city is targeting the final quarter of 2026 to make the sale.

by Josh Hall

Tenants of 24 units at risk as City makes decision on federal housing dollars

HUGE RENT HIKES COMING FOR TENANTS

THAT $3 MILLION

A PLEA TO NOT FORGET THE HUMAN SIDE

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