FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1999. All Rights Reserved

News by FFWD Staff Increased vacancy rate may not stop rising rents The number of vacancies appears to have grown in recent weeks, with more For Rent signs showing up in inner-city neighborhoods. But it’s probably not enough to prevent continued increases in rental rates, according to Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation. Alberta market analyst Patricia Brunnen estimates the current vacancy rate at about 1.5 per cent, which shows improvement since October 1998, when the annual CMHC report indicated a 0.6-per-cent rate in the city. "We’re getting a sense that it’s eased somewhat," she says. However, she adds, it’s not expected to get any better than it is now – the October 1999 rate is forecast at 1.5 per cent. "It still means rents will rise," says Brunnen, explaining that the market remains tight. "What we’re seeing is very little new construction for rentals, and a lot of conversions (to condominiums) are going on still." Overall, rental costs increased 11 per cent in Calgary in 1998, bringing the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment to $707 per month. CMHC predicts the price of renting will increase another five per cent by October. City’s first ice-climbing wall opens Canada Olympic Park is scaling new heights with the opening of the first ice-climbing wall in Calgary. The freestanding structure, located at the top of the hill beside the alpine race slope is 30-feet high. The wall features three sides, 25-feet wide, with varying degrees of difficulty custom-designed for different climbing experiences. "Calgary Olympic Park has always been a place to discover new winter sports, starting out with skiing, boarding, the sliding disciplines and even ski jumping," says Reg Verley, tourism and guest services manager. "Now we offer ice climbing and it is like nothing you have ever tried." COP will be offering ice-climbing clinics to give people a taste of the extreme. Open climbing, group bookings and private lessons will also be offered (minimum age requirement of 14 years for all courses). Call 247-5425 for more information. AADAC launches campaign targeting youth A multimedia campaign to encourage adults to develop caring and supportive relationships with youth has been launched by the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). The campaign’s focus is on demonstrating to adults how making positive contributions to the lives of youths can help young people develop effective coping skills when facing adversity and stress. Called "the resiliency campaign," the program started January 19 and runs throughout the year. The theme is: "You’ll never know the difference you make... preventing alcohol, drug and gambling problems." "We know that adults can make a difference in young people’s lives, and that an investment of time and caring can have a profound effect in strengthening young people’s resiliency against health and social problems such as substance abuse," says AADAC chair Jocelyn Burgener, the MLA for Calgary-Currie. "This campaign presents some simple, everyday ideas about how people can have a positive influence on the young people around them." By the end of the campaign, AADAC hopes to have the participation of 40 radio stations, 150 newspapers, and many other partners throughout Alberta. Premier Klein plans annual televised speech Premier Ralph Klein’s annual televised address is drawing criticism again this year. Klein announced that he plans to outline his vision for Alberta in a province-wide address in early February on CTV (CFCN in Calgary). The speech, traditionally given in January, was postponed due to a trade mission. Air time, production and advertising is expected to cost $75,000. As in past years, the provincial Liberals want the government to save the cash by using the free-time broadcast options of the CBC television network, which would allow the Liberals equal time to respond. Alberta Liberal Leader Nancy MacBeth, who calls the planned address an info-commercial, says the premier has been telling Albertans that any new spending initiatives will have to be carefully scrutinized. She suggests that as his first New Year’s resolution to Albertans, he could put $75,000 back in their hands. MacBeth adds that the Official Opposition would welcome the opportunity to respond to the presentation and provide an alternative viewpoint. Coverage under child health benefit expands The province covers the full cost of dental, optical, drug prescription, and ambulance bills for children in low-income families who are enrolled in the Alberta Child Health Benefit, according to Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Family and Social Services. "Coverage is 100 per cent – across the board," he says. There is also now coverage for children's diabetic supplies. This includes daily syringes, glucose strips, and lances. The health benefit program started in August 1998 as part of Alberta's role under the National Child Benefit. The plan offers optical, dental, ambulance, and drug prescription coverage for children in families with net annual incomes up to $20,921. Previously, dental and drug prescription coverage ranged from 60 to 90 per cent, depending on family income. On January 1, coverage rose to 100 per cent for all the services. "This program helps on two levels," Oberg explains, "it supports low-income families who are striving to remain independent, and it helps ensure Alberta's children grow up strong and healthy." Applications are available by calling 427-6848 (for toll-free access from outside Edmonton, first dial 310-0000). The 1998/99 budget for the Alberta Child Health Benefit is $10.2 million. Today's expansion of the plan is within the existing budget. It is estimated that about 138,000 children in the province are eligible for the plan. Consultation begins on AISH and Assured Support A discussion paper and questionnaire are now available for Albertans to provide input on the review of the province's income support for persons with disabilities "We're carefully reviewing our programs to make sure they focus on people's abilities instead of their disabilities," says Family and Social Services Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg. "We want to hear from Albertans before making any changes." About 150 stakeholders have been invited to a set of nine discussion groups designed to complement feedback that will be received through the questionnaire. The groups are taking place this month in six centres across Alberta. Meetings are also being held with the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, the Provincial Persons with Developmental Disabilities Board, the Alberta Disabilities Forum, and the Provincial Mental Health Advisory Board. The Premier's Council is providing information and advice to Oberg. The consultation process is part of the review of AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) and Assured Support announced in November last year. The questionnaire and discussion paper are available on the Family and Social Services Web site at: www.gov.ab.ca/fss/Programs. Copies and alternative formats are also available by calling 1-800-361-9362. Feedback should be provided by February 8, 1999. The consultation process will cost approximately $55,000.

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