Summary
Why We Did This Audit
The Department of Seniors, Community and Social Services owns over 27,000 housing units in 2,800 affordable housing facilities valued at over $2.3 billion.
Previous ministry annual reports showed declining conditions and over $1 billion in delayed maintenance.
What We Looked At
We audited the department’s processes to assess and manage the condition of its provincially owned affordable housing.
We Found
The department does:
- not have complete and accurate information on the condition of its housing facilities
- not have a maintenance strategy
- not have documented support for how it prioritizes capital maintenance projects
- monitor completion of capital maintenance projects
- not have performance measures for facility conditions
We Recommend
- The department obtain complete and accurate information on the condition of its housing facilities.
- The department improve its oversight processes by:
- implementing a maintenance strategy
- ensuring capital maintenance projects are prioritized consistently with supported rationale
- The department implement performance measures to report on the condition of its housing facilities
Why our Findings Matter to Albertans
Vulnerable Albertans who require support to afford housing may be living in deteriorating housing with potential health and safety problems.
Also, deferred maintenance can impact the financial sustainability of the affordable housing program.