More Calgary families will have a roof over their heads come February, with the opening of Onward Homes’s newest southwest project.

The ribbon was cut Thursday morning on the 29-unit complex in the southwest Calgary community of Killarney. The roughly $13 million project was jointly funded by the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative ($8.35 million), the Alberta Government’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program ($3.4 million) and the City of Calgary ($1.15 million).

Construction began on the site in 2023 and was completed – on budget – in January of this year. Onward Homes CEO Martina Jileckova said this new location is more than just a building.

The building will house women and children in need of safe and affordable housing.

“This is a foundation for hope, for stability and opportunity for the women and children who will soon call this building their homes,” she said.

“For many, this will be more than just a new address. It will be the fresh start that they have been waiting for, a safe place where they can rebuild, create new memories and plan for a brighter future.”

There are 23 two-bedroom units and six studio apartments in the building, which is located very near transit, schools, shopping and other amenities along 17 Avenue SW. Four of the suites are barrier-free to allow for Albertans with disabilities to find affordable homes.

Every resident or family that lives at the Onward Homes location will not pay any more than 30 per cent of their income. Income thresholds will vary, and residents will be referred from any number of social agencies or partners of Onward Homes, according to Jileckova.

The first residents will be welcomed into their new homes at the start of February.

Partnerships paying dividends: Mayor Gondek

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said that these new homes will allow families to join a welcoming community, creating a greater sense of belonging.

“Each time that we’re able to offer a home to a family in need, we are taking considerable weight off their shoulders. There are Calgarians who will no longer have to choose between paying for their rent or buying groceries, and they will not have to worry about where the children will sleep tonight,” she said.

“Affordable housing provides stability. It provides dignity and a sense of community to those who need it most.”

Alberta Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney, who was standing in for Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon, thanked Onward Homes for being the driving force behind housing nearly 30 families.

“I know this project will make a huge difference to those in the Killarney community,” she said.

Sawhney said the province will continue to fund projects like these so that Albertans have homes that fit their needs and their budgets.

Mayor Gondek said the partnerships are key to getting more homes built, both market and non-market. She thanked the federal and provincial governments for jumping aboard the project.

“We are demonstrating the power of partnership in addressing critical housing needs, and we are proving that putting aside the politics is the only way that we’ll move forward to make sure everyone can live with dignity,” the mayor said.