Edmonton tenants protest proposed 60% rent hike
Posted November 7, 2026 5:21 pm.
Last Updated November 8, 2026 11:49 am.
Tenants at an apartment building in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona neighbourhood are protesting a proposed rent increase of up to 60 per cent, calling it an unfair hike that could force residents out of their homes.
About 75 tenants live at Kennedy Towers, which was sold earlier this year to B.C.-based Platinum Properties Group. Residents say some rents could jump from around $900 to more than $1,300 a month.
Jennie McCurdy, a Kennedy Towers resident, says the increase comes at a time when many people are already struggling with the rising cost of living.
“At a time when people are already struggling with groceries and utilities, the rising cost of just basic necessities – that is economic eviction,” said McCurdy.
Tenants also say they received inconsistent information about lease renewals before the building changed ownership. Resident Sarah Drohan says some tenants were offered new leases while others were told no further leases would be signed.
McCurdy says the proposed increase is partly being justified by maintenance and renovations, but argues much of the work has been limited to the building’s office and individual suites. She says construction noise and dust have also forced some residents to stay elsewhere.
Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz says Alberta’s lack of rent control contributes to situations like this. He is pushing for a municipal landlord registry that would give renters access to information about property owners, maintenance plans and complaints.
“Before you rent a place, you should be able to access information. Who is the landlord? What’s the maintenance plan? When did they replace the dishwasher? Have there been complaints about the unit or other things like that? Other information like that I mentioned the health inspections. Renters deserve protection,” said Michael Janz, Ward papastew councillor.
Tenants are proposing a five-per-cent rent increase across all units as an alternative. They say they are not currently planning a rent strike.
CityNews reached out to platinum properties group but haven’t heard back yet.
