The familiar thrum of construction will soon echo across six Calgary communities, turning vacant lots and aging buildings into safe, affordable homes. After months of applications and deliberations, the City of Calgary announced yesterday the recipients of $30 million in affordable housing funds, targeting a crisis that has left thousands of Calgarians struggling to keep roofs over their heads.
As I stood at City Hall during yesterday’s announcement, the atmosphere was charged with cautious optimism. Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who has made affordable housing a cornerstone of her administration, didn’t mince words about the urgency of the situation.
“This investment represents more than just buildings,” Gondek explained, gesturing toward the architectural renderings displayed on easels behind her. “These are investments in stability, in dignity, and in Calgary’s future as a city where everyone can afford to live.”
The funding, drawn from the city’s Housing Incentive Program established in 2021, will support six non-profit organizations in creating 278 new affordable housing units across Calgary. This marks the largest single investment in affordable housing the city has made in over a decade.
Sarah Johnson, Executive Director of HomeSpace Society, one of the funding recipients, told me their $7.2 million allocation would transform a vacant commercial building in Forest Lawn into 58 affordable apartments.
“We’re seeing families living in cars, working adults sharing single rooms, and seniors choosing between medication and rent,” Johnson said, her voice reflecting the frustration I’ve heard repeatedly while covering Calgary’s housing crisis. “These units will provide stable homes for approximately 75 people who are currently one paycheck away from homelessness.”
The timing couldn’t be more critical. According to the Calgary Housing Company‘s latest waitlist data, over 5,200 households are currently waiting for affordable housing – a 32% increase from just two years ago. Meanwhile, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reports Calgary’s rental vacancy rate has plummeted to 1.6%, the lowest since 2014.
I remember covering Calgary’s housing market in 2014. Back then, the oil boom created shortages as people flocked to high-paying energy sector jobs. Today’s crisis feels different – more structural, more persistent.
While the $30 million investment represents substantial progress, the city estimates it needs approximately 15,000 new affordable units to meet current demand. At yesterday’s announcement, Councillor Kourtney Penner acknowledged this gap.
“This funding is a crucial step, but it’s not the finish line,” Penner said. “We’re leveraging municipal funds to attract provincial and federal investments, and to encourage private sector participation through our new inclusionary housing policy.”
The six funded projects reflect diverse approaches to addressing housing needs:
HomeSpace Society‘s Forest Lawn project will focus on families and seniors, with 40% of units offering two or more bedrooms.
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary received $5.3 million to build 42 units specifically designed for Indigenous families, incorporating cultural gathering spaces and support services.
Horizon Housing Society will use $6.8 million to develop 64 units in Bridgeland, including specialized supportive housing for people with mobility challenges.
Trellis Society secured $4.2 million for 36 transitional housing units for youth exiting homelessness in the Beltline.
Silvera for Seniors received $3.5 million toward a 45-unit seniors’ residence in Montgomery featuring accessible design and community spaces.
The Mustard Seed was allocated $3 million for 33 permanent supportive housing units in Dover for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
The city’s investment strategy prioritized projects that could break ground quickly, with all six developments expected to begin construction within 12 months.
