Over-supply, fewer newcomers behind increasing vacancy rates

Vacancy rates in Calgary have spiked so far this year and are expected to rise for the foreseeable future, say industry insiders.

And with few signs of significant changes in the economy on the horizon, renters will enjoy plenty of choice and price flexibility, while landlords will need to get aggressive.

"Vacancy started rising pretty rapidly after the spring of last year and it's still been rising," said Gerry Baxter, executive director of the Calgary Residential Rental Association, which has about 850 members, representing between 65,000 and 70,000 rental units. There are more than 700 landlords in the association.

Expected to open 200 units across Western Canada

Calgary-based Mainstreet Equity Corp., which specializes in mid-market apartment building in Western Canada, announced Wednesday that it will allocate at least 200 apartment units to house Syrian refugees expected to come to the country this year and next.

The apartments will reportedly be located in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Surrey, B.C., Abbotsford, B.C., and New Westminster, B.C.

Details of how many apartments will be allocated in Calgary were not yet available.