Senior Housing Crisis in P.E.I.: A Growing Challenge Demands Urgent Solutions

Statistics Canada Reveals Alarming Shortage of Affordable and Accessible Housing for Seniors with Disabilities

By Stephen Pate –

Recent reports from Statistics Canada have set off alarm bells within the government and senior organizations in P.E.I., revealing a growing aging population crisis. Even more alarming is the dire situation facing seniors with disabilities, who are struggling to find affordable and accessible housing.

P.E.I. is home to over 8,000 seniors, and a staggering 40 percent of them live with disabilities. For these individuals, affordable housing, defined as costing less than 30 percent of their reduced incomes, is an essential lifeline. Equally critical is accessibility, ensuring that homes are wheelchair-friendly with three-foot-wide doors and easy access to vital areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

The housing crisis is spreading like wildfire, with seniors increasingly flocking to Charlottetown, Montague, Summerside, and Alberton, searching for healthcare and essential services. And it’s not just limited to Charlottetown; the problem appears equally dire in other communities.

To gauge the extent of this issue, Trisha Clarkin, the former President of the P.E.I. Council of the Disabled, conducted a survey focusing on Charlottetown. The findings are concerning, especially for seniors with severe walking disabilities who rely on wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters. Statistics Canada reports that approximately 700 Charlottetown seniors fall into this category, yet the city only has 90 accessible apartments, including government and private options. This leaves a staggering deficit of 600 units, and seniors are forced to compete with non-seniors for the limited accessible accommodations.

The shortage of affordable and accessible housing for Island seniors with disabilities is a complex problem. Existing housing structures have long lifespans, and retrofitting for accessibility can be financially burdensome. However, here’s an eye-opener: making an apartment accessible during construction only adds about three percent to the overall cost. A potential solution lies in changing the building codes mandating accessibility. This move wouldn’t just benefit seniors and lead to more spacious and inclusive housing units that cater to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

But change won’t happen spontaneously; it requires government intervention. Ensuring accessibility isn’t just a matter of market forces; it’s about public welfare and safety. Addressing these housing challenges is imperative to enhance the lives of P.E.I.’s senior population, ensuring they have access to suitable and affordable homes that meet their needs. It’s a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action from all stakeholders.