The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped Canada's senior living sector, and its effects continue to influence operations, investments, and technology adoption in 2025. As Yardi consultants specializing in senior housing operations, we've witnessed firsthand how forward-thinking operators are leveraging PropTech solutions to address the evolving challenges of the market.
The Lasting Impact on Canadian Senior Housing
During the pandemic's first wave, senior living facilities in Canada faced unprecedented challenges, with residents accounting for over 80% of COVID-19 deaths between March and August 2020. While the acute crisis has passed, the operational and technological transformations it triggered remain deeply embedded in how senior housing communities operate today.
The pandemic accelerated a critical realization: outdated management systems and manual processes create operational vulnerabilities that can compromise both resident care and business continuity.
Market Growth Amid Ongoing Transformation
Despite pandemic-related challenges, Canada's senior living market demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth potential. The population aged 75 and older is projected to grow 111.2% between 2014 and 2034, nearly six times faster than Canada's overall population growth of 19.1%.
This demographic surge has attracted significant capital investment. Senior housing investments surged from CAD 1.1 billion in 2020 to nearly CAD 2 billion in 2021, with major players like Blackstone, Ventas, and Harrison Street entering the Canadian market. This investment momentum signals strong confidence in the sector's long-term prospects.
The Vacancy-Rent Paradox
An interesting post-pandemic trend emerged: despite higher vacancy rates caused by reluctance to move during COVID-19, rental rates increased across most provinces. British Columbia saw average rents rise from CAD 3,364 to CAD 3,541, while Alberta reached CAD 3,404. This paradox reflects rising operational costs and the increasing complexity of delivering safe, high-quality senior care in a post-pandemic environment.
Technology as a Competitive Differentiator
The pandemic exposed critical operational efficiency gaps for many senior living operators. Communities running on spreadsheets, disconnected systems, or outdated software struggled to maintain infection control protocols while handling contact tracing, occupancy management, financial reporting, and family communication.
Today's leading senior housing operators recognize that integrated property management platforms like Yardi Voyager Senior Housing are no longer optional luxuries but essential infrastructure. These systems enable:
Real-time occupancy and waitlist management to optimize revenue in a market where capture rates remain sensitive to health concerns
Financial transparency and reporting that satisfy increasingly sophisticated investors and regulatory requirements
Family portals and communication tools that address the heightened expectations for transparency and engagement that emerged during visitor restrictions
Operational efficiency that allows staff to focus on care delivery rather than administrative tasks
The Fragmented Market Creates Opportunity
Canada's senior living market remains relatively fragmented, with local operators competing alongside national brands like Chartwell, Sienna Senior Living, and Atria. This fragmentation creates both challenges and opportunities. Smaller operators can differentiate through technology adoption, using enterprise-grade systems to deliver operational excellence that rivals larger competitors.
Preparing for the Future
As we look ahead, several trends will continue shaping Canada's senior living landscape:
The growing senior population will drive sustained demand for quality housing options. Investors will increasingly evaluate operators based on their technology infrastructure and operational resilience. Families will expect digital engagement and transparency as standard features, not premium offerings.
For senior living operators in Canada, the question is no longer whether to invest in modern property management technology, but how quickly you can implement systems that position your community for long-term success.
Partner with PropTech Experts
At Assetsoft, we've helped senior living operators across Canada implement Yardi solutions that transform operations, improve resident satisfaction, and drive financial performance. Our team understands the unique challenges of Canadian senior housing, from regulatory compliance to bilingual requirements, and we bring 25 years of implementation expertise to every engagement.
The pandemic changed senior living forever. The operators who thrive will be those who embrace technology as a strategic advantage. Is your community ready for the future of senior housing in Canada?
Contact Assetsoft today to learn how Yardi Senior Housing solutions can transform your operations.