For Immediate Release

March 9, 2015
Calgary Community Groups Call for Municipal Payday Lending Reform
Calgary Several organizations, convened through the Enough for All Calgary poverty
reduction initiative, are calling on the City of Calgary to exercise its land use powers to define
and regulate payday lending businesses. Last October, Calgary City Council passed a Notice of
Motion to explore greater regulation, such as an amendment calling for minimum distances
between payday loan businesses, something already done with liquor stores and several other
kinds of businesses in Calgary.
Over 200 municipalities in the United States, and several in Canada, have passed land use or
business license bylaw amendments in recognition of the harm that payday loan businesses
cause local communities. Recent media reports show that payday lenders congregate in lower
income neighbourhoods and target those who can ill afford such high cost loans. Interest rates,
when annualized, often top 600%.
The clustering of payday loan businesses has a negative effect on the atmosphere of
surrounding communities. It also suggests that accessing credit from payday lenders is the only
or best option. Rarely is this the case says Momentum Public Policy Manager and former
Alderman Joe Ceci.
Several community organizations will be presenting to the Citys Standing Policy Committee on
Planning and Urban Development on March 11th and calling for the implementation of a 400
metre minimum distance between payday loan businesses in Calgary.
Supportive individuals and organizations attending Planning & Urban Development Committee
include:
- Momentum Community Economic Development
- Vibrant Communities Calgary
- Sunrise Community Link Resource Centre
- Former payday loan customers
We believe that all orders of government have a role to play in lessening the impact payday
loan businesses have on individuals and the communities in which they locate. We are also
pursuing provincial reforms through Service Alberta says Mike Brown, Momentums Public
Policy Coordinator.
-30Media inquiries may be directed to
Joe Ceci, Public Policy Manager
Momentum
Office: 403-204-2684
Mobile: 403-560-0187
E-mail: joec@momentum.org

Mike Brown, Public Policy Coordinator

Momentum
Office: 403-204-6184
Mobile: 403-605-5835
E-mail: mikeb@momentum.org

Momentum is a Community Economic Development organization. Our mission is to partner with people living on low incomes in order to increase
prosperity, and inspire the development of local economies with opportunities for all. Our vision is that every person in Calgary can have a sustainable
livelihood and contribute to their community