Westwinds Communities and The Town of Okotoks are pleased to announce that the Government of Alberta has generously provided additional funds for rent supplement benefits for the 2023–2024 fiscal year.
“With this boost in funding, more of our community members can benefit from valuable rental assistance benefits,” says Mayor Thorn, Town of Okotoks. “It’s another step in providing essential supports to individuals and families to secure quality, stable housing.”
The financial benefit is administered through Westwinds Communities’ Rental Assistance Benefit program, which is aimed at supporting low-income Albertans, offers long-term financial subsidies to individuals struggling to afford their rent. Eligible residents who have resided within the boundary of Foothills County, the County of Vulcan, and the MD of Willow Creek north of Highway 519 for a minimum of six consecutive months can apply. Applications are evaluated based on household size, composition, total income, and current rent paid.
“Thanks to the increased funding, we can now easily accommodate an additional 40-45 clients in the program,” says Lauren Ingalls, CAO, Westwinds Communities. “It’s a boost to our efforts in addressing affordability issues across all of the communities we serve.”
Approved applicants/households must meet the following criteria:
- Has a total asset value of $25,000 or less;
- Canadian citizens, individuals lawfully admitted into Canada for permanent residence, refugees sponsored by the Government of Canada, or individuals who have applied for refugee or immigration status and for whom private sponsorship has broken down;
- Current residency and housing to be located with the boundaries of communities south to Claresholm, north to Foothills County and East to the County of Vulcan; and
- Households Total Income is below local income thresholds:
| Community | Studio room, rental or motel | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Valley, Nanton, Foothills County, MD Willow Creek, Vulcan County, Claresholm | $33,500 | $36,500 | $41,500 | $49,500 | $71,000 |
| High River | $35,000 | $41,000 | $48,000 | $61,000 | $71,000 |
| Okotoks | $39,500 | $49,000 | $59,000 | $67,000 | $81,500 |
Total income is conserved to be total gross income, including self employment income, from all sources, of all members of the household 23years of age or older.
Rental assistance amount is calculated based on household size, composition, income and local market rent. The program has a minimum subsidy of $75. The maximum monthly subsidies are:
| Community | Studio, room rental or motel | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Valley, Nanton, Foothills County, MD Willow Creek, Vulcan County | $400 | $450 | $500 | $500 | $550 |
| Claresholm | $400 | $500 | $500 | $550 | $550 |
| High River | $450 | $500 | $600 | $600 | $700 |
| Okotoks | $450 | $500 | $600 | $700 | $800 |
Households are prioritized based on need and must provide regular reporting. Client eligibility is reassessed each year.
Qualified applicants can apply immediately by visiting the Rental Assistance Benefit Coordinator on Thursdays from 1- 4 p.m. at the Okotoks Wellness Centre, or by completing an online application and submitting via:
- Email to admin@westwindscommunities.ca
- Fax to 403.652.8608
- Drop off or mail to - Westwinds Communities: 833 – 9th Street SW, High River, AB. T1V 1C3.
Rental assistance benefits applications can be found on the Westwinds Communities website.
For further information or to apply for the rent supplement program, please contact Westwinds Communities: 403-652-8600 | admin@westwindscommunities.ca