Official opening of new affordable housing development in Bridgeland
The City of Calgary is celebrating the official opening of its newest affordable housing development located at 816 McDougall Road N.E. in the community of Bridgeland. The second City affordable housing development to open this year, the 24 residence stacked-townhome development features four studio, eight one-bedroom, four two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom family homes. Three homes are barrier free, and one is built to accommodate the visually impaired.
“The Bridgeland development is a beautifully designed building in a well established area that will provide safe and stable homes for individuals and families” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “This development is one of many steps we’re taking to address the critical need for affordable housing in our community. The City of Calgary continues to work closely with the federal and provincial governments to create more safe, quality housing for Calgarians.”
Funding to build the development was provided by the Provincial Government via $5.25 million in Affordable Housing Program Municipal Block Funding and via $2.25 million in municipal funding through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative.
“All Albertans deserve a safe and affordable place to call home, and our government is committed to working with communities and municipalities to support this work,” said Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing. “Congratulations to The City of Calgary on this wonderful project which will help twenty-four Calgary families achieve success. Our government is proud to partner with you to make life better for Albertans.”
Rents at the Bridgeland development will be set according to a mixed income model to maintain the financial sustainability of the building and provide an inclusionary approach to housing where tenants of mixed financial means live side by side.
Calgary Housing Company will manage the building and will work with the residents and community to create and maintain a safe, secure and well-managed property. CHC manages over 10,000 affordable housing units with more than 25,000 tenants and provides a variety of mixed income housing options across the city.
Affordable housing supports people of all ages, family compositions and demographics. People in affordable housing have greater chances to find and keep jobs, to learn and build skills, and to be active participants in their communities.
“In Calgary’s affordable housing strategy, Foundations for Home, it is identified that Calgary needs to both maintain the current supply and add 15,000 homes in order to meet the national average supply of non-market housing,” said Sarah Woodgate, Director of Calgary Housing and Calgary Housing Company President. “Affordable housing is not just about building homes, it’s about building families and community.”
Several City affordable housing developments are currently underway in Calgary including a 32-household development in Kingsland, a 48-household development in the community of Wildwood and a development for 16 future households in Rosedale.
In addition, a 16 household property was completed in Crescent Heights in May, and CHC recently completed a regeneration project for a 26-household property in Bankview and will soon celebrate another re-opening in the community of Mission.
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