The Pulse is SaltWire's deep dive series. In P.E.I., our reporters have been delving into the issue of housing. We have looked at housing supply, construction challenges, urban planning, and the experiences of those struggling to find homes. The coverage aims to highlight gaps and solutions to ensure affordable housing for all residents.
The camper is crowded for four people, but “it’s a roof over our head, a place for us to sleep at night,” she said in a phone call May 26. According to Statistics Canada, shelter costs, which include rents, have gone up significantly compared to three years ago when the Island was still coming out of the pandemic. From April 2021 to April 2023, shelter costs increased by about 22 per cent.
Johnston recalled one property manager showing a suitable unit within the budget but suggested the family get rid of the cats, even though she tried to assure him they take good care of their pets and that they wouldn't cause damage.