Syrian refugee influx expected in Calgary prompts warning of housing 'chaos'

Housing a big influx of Syrian families in a short amount of time could result in "chaos," the head of an immigrant services society says.

The CalgaryCatholic Immigration Society (CCIS)is preparing for the arrivalup to 2,300 Syrian refugees in Calgary possibly over the next six to eight weeks.

We've done it on a smaller scale and it had worked. But there are major challenges.- Fariborz Birjandian, CEO of CCIS

The typical number of refugees who arrive in Calgary is 900 to 1,100 people over the course of a year.

"It will be chaos," saidFariborzBirjandian, who headsCCISthe largest immigration organization in southern Alberta.

The Liberal government has committed to takingin 25,000 Syrian refugees the largest influx of migrants in Canadian history by the end of the year.

At least 3,000 are expected to arrive in communities across Alberta.

'Great record'

Birjandiansays Calgary has a great record of helping refugees, citing the5,000Kosovarrefugees who fled their war-torn country and came to Canada in 1999.

"Calgary did quite well, amazingly well," he said.

Birjandian, whoalso chairs the Alberta Association of Immigrant ServingAgencies (AAISA),says the agency is ready to help, buthe's particularly concerned about where the migrants will live.

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If the refugees arrive in the next six weeks, the plan is to use theCCISreception house, but thatcan onlyaccommodate 60 people.

The next best option,Birjandiansays, is to use commercial accommodation, which the agencyis discussing with city officials andmajor landlords.

The third and most difficultoptionwould be private homes.

"We haven't done that in the past, so that will be a huge challenge for us."

Despite the logistics,Birjandianis hopeful the plan will work.

"We've done it on a smaller scale and it had worked. But there are major challenges, such as housing allowance."

Upcoming meeting

Currently, government housing subsidies are quite low. Refugees receive up to one year of government-subsidized living allowance.

A family of four, for example, gets $1,542 a month and a rent allowance of $695.

"If they provide enough market rate rent, I think we can do it."

So far, Birjandiansays the provincial government has helped set up a task force to address the issues, involving five communities around the province Calgary, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Red Deer and Edmonton.

A meeting has already been held and 73 organizations attended, says Birjandian.

There will also be a meeting on Nov. 19 at the Calgary library to outline the plan to variouscommunity organizations.

Meanwhile,CCIS is also conductingorientation and workshops for private groups interested in helping to sponsor Syrian individuals or families.