Addressing the housing needs of vulnerable Calgarians got a boost on March 26, with the announcement by the Government of Canada that millions be given to two Calgary projects.
The GOC, through the Rapid Housing Initiative, put $15 million towards the completion of HomeSpace Society’s Hope Heights in Crescent Heights, and an apartment building, Onward, near Westbrook Mall in Killarney.
When complete, Hope Heights will provide 35 below market rate rental housing units—at approximately 40 per cent below what other local Crescent Heights units are renting for—aimed at single moms who also are in need of wraparound housing supports.
The Killarney apartment building will provide 29 units, including four suites that are barrier free for individuals with accessibly challenges, providing space for approximately 50 vulnerable women and their children.
“This funding will provide 64 new homes for those who need them the most, including women and children here in Calgary. Through developments like [Hope Heights], we are building a better future for generations to come and helping to establish a stable supply of rental housing for most vulnerable Canadians,” said Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal, who made the announcement on behalf of Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser.
“Supporting these individuals, especially women and children, is a key part of our government’s human-rights based approach to housing and that’s how we build a housing system that leaves no one behind.”
Chahal said that the continued success of the Rapid Housing Initiative, which was launched in 2020 during the pandemic, had led to a third round of funding for projects across the nation, including in Calgary.
He said that to date, the federal government had given more than $60 million from the program to Calgary projects, leading to the creation of 300 affordable homes in the city.
“That’s 300 people and families who will have now have safe, secure housing that they can come to each night giving them peace of mind and the opportunity to thrive and prosper in their communities,” Chahal said.
The Hope Heights project has received $7.4 million through Rapid Housing Initiative stream three (RHIS3), $2.1 million in funding through a federal-provincial bilateral housing agreement, $1.26 million from Calgary builder Hopewell Residential, and $872,975 from the City of Calgary.
That building is expected to be completed in October of this year, with an RFP process being sent to local social service agencies later this spring to select for residents said Matt Vermunt, Director of Acquisitions and New Development for HomeSpace Society.
“These 35 homes are a beacon of hope for women and children. Women make up almost a third of people experiencing homelessness in Calgary. They represent a majority of single parents in housing need, and it is our honour at HomeSpace to take on these critical projects and provide a place for people to transform their lives provide safety, civility and support as we make progress on this project,” he said.
The Killarney project has received $8.3 million from RHIS3, $3.4 million from the federal-provincial bilateral housing agreement, and $1.1 million from the City of Calgary.
“The community of Killarney has been supportive of this project and the surrounding neighbourhoods will provide future residents with a ride wide range of amenities and services just outside their door as well as easy access to nearby transit,” said Gary McNamara, Chief Operating Officer of Onward Homes.
Tackling affordability crisis to require more than just government intervention said Mayor
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, speaking at the announcement on Tuesday, outlined the statistics that the City of Calgary had identified as part of the ongoing housing crisis in the city.
“One in five households are unable to afford where they currently live, and there’s almost 85,000 households who are spending more than 30 per cent of their income on housing. With the prospect of inviting about 110,000 new residents over the next four years, the scale of the housing challenge that we face is significant,” she said.
“We are focused on increasing the supply of non-market affordable housing.”
She said that the city’s most recent totals in land contributions towards that issue had been more than $24.6 million, with the aim of providing 690 non-market rate housing options for Calgarians in need. Providing land was one of the biggest ways to overcome hurdles to creating more housing.
“Partnering organizations like Onward and Home Space needs sustained, expanded, and consistent capital funding from both the federal and provincial governments as well as from philanthropic partners,” said Mayor Gondek.
“I know that MP Chahal will continue to advocate with his colleagues because of the time he spent as a local councillor understanding the need for strong trilateral partnerships.”
Chahal, in response to questions about the housing situation in Calgary in relation to the nationwide housing crisis, said that it was important for himself and other MPs in caucus to continue to advocate for funding for municipalities.
Under the Rapid Housing Initiative, funding is provided in two streams: one directly for specific projects, and a second stream for municipal governments.
“These projects today are an example of our government’s investment to tackle the housing crisis, but it can’t be done without our partners that we have here today,” Chahal said.
“We’re helping build these projects, but also the municipality who’s really here in Calgary has done a great job to help make sure that we can build housing quickly and efficiently in our city.”
Vermunt said that another hurdle that needs to be overcome, needs to be the issue of creating welcoming communities for affordable housing projects.
“Another huge hurdle is NIMBYism. and finding communities that welcome developments like these, in every community. It’s not just the inner city Beltline communities, it’s out in the periphery. Every community in the city needs to be able to open its doors to affordable housing, and making homes for all Calgarians.”
