Calgary,
21
July
2021
|
08:59
America/Denver

New Bridlewood Affordable Housing development soon to be home for 62 families

The City of Calgary recently opened a brand-new affordable housing development in the community of Bridlewood. This exciting townhome development features 48 two-bedroom homes, 14 of which are barrier free; and 14 four-bedroom homes, providing housing stability for up to 250 Calgarians.  

Barrier free homes feature ground level access, lower kitchen counters and shelving, and wider doorways, just to name a few features that benefit Calgarians with mobility needs. This development also includes a community hub building which can be used a resource centre for residents.

The development will be managed by Calgary Housing Company, and offers homes for families on low and moderate incomes. Rents have been set according to a mixed income model. This model offers more financial sustainability without ongoing reliance on government funding, as the rents closer to market-rate help offset costs for the other units. It also provides an inclusionary approach to housing, bringing people from different financial backgrounds together as neighbours.

“The City is committed to delivering new affordable homes to meet the increasing need for housing for Calgarians of all income levels. Access to safe and stable housing contributes to the overall health, prosperity and safety of our city,” says Mayor Nenshi. “Housing is about homes, and homes are about building community. It is so much more than incredible design, it’s about 62 families that will have a place to call home – where they can thrive and grow and create a foundation for success.”

In 2018, surplus City land in Bridlewood was allocated to Calgary Housing with a mandate to build new affordable housing. This was previously the location of a temporary fire hall that had been demolished, creating an opportunity for affordable housing. This location is close to existing community amenities – public transit, a grocery store, and more, making this an ideal location for affordable housing.

“These new homes are all about being part of an established community and bringing a sense of belonging for families. The new residents will be connected with new neighbours and friends in one of the most beautiful and welcoming neighbourhoods in Calgary,” says Ward 13 Councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart. “Bridlewood residents and nearby businesses have been engaged right from the get-go on this development, and as a result is one of the best in class in Calgary.”

State of the art, innovative, green building techniques and materials were used in construction to maximize energy efficiency and limit environmental impact. One of the buildings is equipped with solar panels, which will not only improve energy performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but will also offset the cost of utilities for families living here.

The City’s affordable housing strategy, Foundations for Home, identifies the need to add 15,000 new affordable homes to get Calgary up to the national average for urban centres. Contributions from federal and provincial government, as well as the private sector partners, are essential for the development of new affordable housing to help Calgary reach this national average.

“Our Government wants to ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home. The Seed Funding program will go a long way to supporting those who need it most by providing 62 new affordable housing units to vulnerable individuals and families in Calgary. This is one of the ways our Government’s National Housing Strategy continues to provide housing for Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” say the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

“Congratulations to Calgary Housing Company on this innovative project,” says Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing, Government of Alberta. “Alberta’s government is working with our partners to create more flexible, fair and inclusive housing options, and this certainly fits the bill. And to all the Calgarians who will call this new development home, I congratulate you and wish you the best.”

Families began moving in on July 1 and will continue throughout the summer. You can learn more about the development at www.calgary.ca/bridlewood.

Quick facts:

  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Company (CMHC) contributed $50K through Seed Funding for this development.
  • Calgary Housing Company (CHC) manages and operates these homes. CHC has been Calgary’s leading housing provider for 40 years, managing over 10,000 affordable housing homes with for more than 25,000 residents.
  • This project was funded in part by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s Alberta Municipal Solar Program, a partnership of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Rural Municipalities of Alberta and the Government of Alberta.
  • The City will pursue LEED for Homes V4 certification for this development.
  • The design-build team was composed of MTA Urban Design Architecture Interior Design Inc., Integral Group, and Graham Construction & Engineering Inc.
  • The Government of Alberta contributed $45K through Block Funding, and $8.1M through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative program for this development.