Rental costs skyrocket in Saskatoon

Figures from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation show between 2003 and 2013, average rental costs in Saskatoon nearly doubled, reports CBC.ca.

During that time, housing prices in Saskatoon and the surrounding area began to soar. According to city officials, average rental rates rose as newcomers moved to the city, and found rental properties scarce.

To make matters worse, renters' incomes have not kept pace, according to Alan Wallace, who runs the City of Saskatoon's planning and development branch,

"The percentage of your income taken up with housing costs has risen from 30 per cent to over 40 per cent," said Wallace. "You start to push the boundaries of affordability at that point." 

Housing advocates said those on fixed incomes and social assistance are most likely to cut corners, in order to keep pace with rent increases.

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