The long-awaited Beverly Heights seniors housing development finally broke ground yesterday, marking a significant milestone for Edmonton’s aging population. Standing at the construction site on a crisp autumn morning, I couldn’t help but feel the enthusiasm from community members who gathered to celebrate this important addition to our city’s northeast.
“This has been seven years in the making,” explained Cheryl Whiskeyjack, Executive Director of Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, one of the project’s key partners. “Our elders deserve spaces that honor their contributions while meeting their changing needs.”
The $43-million development will feature 120 units specifically designed for seniors, with 48 units designated as affordable housing. What makes this project particularly noteworthy is its thoughtful integration of cultural spaces that will serve the diverse community of Beverly Heights and surrounding neighborhoods.
Walking around the construction perimeter with Ward Métis Councillor Ashley Salvador, she pointed out how the development’s location offers convenient access to essential services. “Seniors will be able to remain connected to the community they’ve called home for decades,” Salvador explained. “There’s the transit stop just across the street, medical services within walking distance, and the community league right next door.”
The project represents a collaborative effort between the City of Edmonton, the provincial government, and several community organizations. Funding comes from multiple sources, including $10.9 million from the Government of Alberta and significant contributions from federal housing initiatives.
What struck me most during yesterday’s ceremony was the emphasis on creating more than just housing. This development aims to address the often-overlooked social aspects of aging. A community garden, shared dining spaces, and a cultural gathering room are all incorporated into the design.
“We know isolation can be devastating for seniors,” said Dr. Karen Smoley, a geriatric specialist with Alberta Health Services who attended the event. “This development acknowledges that housing is just one piece of the puzzle. The communal spaces will encourage ongoing connection and engagement.”
For Beverly Heights resident Maria Gonzalez, 72, who has lived in the neighborhood for over three decades, the development can’t come soon enough. “Many of us want to stay in this community as we age, but our current homes aren’t suitable anymore,” she told me after the ceremony. “Having this option means I won’t have to leave the neighborhood I love.”
Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, with completion slated for spring 2026. When finished, priority will be given to seniors from the surrounding communities, though applications will be accepted from across Edmonton.
The development addresses a critical housing gap in our city. According to data from the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, the waitlist for affordable seniors housing currently exceeds 1,200 individuals across the city.
As I watched community elders participate in the traditional ground blessing ceremony, I reflected on how this project represents more than just new housing—it’s about creating dignified spaces that allow our seniors to age in place while maintaining their independence and community connections.
For more information about the application process or project timeline, interested residents can contact the Beverly Heights Community League or visit the City of Edmonton’s housing services webpage.
The Beverly Heights seniors development joins several other initiatives aimed at expanding housing options for Edmonton’s aging population, reflecting a growing recognition that diverse housing solutions are essential for our city’s future.
