In January, the historic Annamoe Mansions were sold. Late April 1 notice of a drastic rate hike was posted on the doors of all 25 units. Many of the residents have lived in the apartment for years and dealt with incremental rent increases during that time, but the notice on their doors informed them this was different. The rent increase was so big that many of these residents on fixed incomes think they'll have to move. One resident said the rent hike feels like an indirect eviction notice.

The company which posted the rent notices, ARH Rentals, said the aim is to improve many aspects of the aged building and rising costs of labour, materials, energy, and operations make the rent increases necessary.

Under Alberta law landlords can increase rent once a year for periodic leases and there is no cap on the amount they can increase it by.