Province to Sell Six Riverfront Lots in Calgary After Decade-Long Vacancy
Six provincially-owned riverfront lots in Calgary's southwest Roxboro neighborhood are poised to return to the market after sitting vacant for over a decade. Plintz Real Estate announced the upcoming sale on Monday, March 23, 2026, marking a significant development for Calgary's real estate landscape.
Historical Context and Flood Buyout Program
The properties along Roxboro Road were originally acquired by the Alberta government following the devastating June 2013 floods. They were part of a comprehensive buyout program targeting homeowners in flood-prone neighborhoods. In 2015, the existing homes were demolished, leaving the lots empty for more than ten years.
Dennis Plintz, associate broker at Plintz Real Estate, explained that upstream mitigation efforts have fundamentally altered the risk profile for Calgary's river communities. "With SR1 in place, confidence has been restored," Plintz stated. "For residents, it's been a long anticipated and exciting journey, though there was considerable nervousness initially."
Flood Risk Reassessment and Market Readiness
Through initiatives like the Springbank Off-stream reservoir and updated flood risk assessments, the six Roxboro lots are no longer classified within the floodway. Instead, they are now designated as "Groundwater Flood Fringe," significantly reducing their flood risk and making them suitable for development.
Plintz emphasized the exceptional timing for bringing these riverfront properties to market. "Confidence has been restored to the community and to us as real estate professionals," he said. "We're genuinely excited to introduce these properties to potential buyers."
Pricing and Anticipated Demand
Based on extensive pre-marketing analysis and comparable property evaluations, Plintz Real Estate anticipates strong demand for these unique lots. The price range is set between $1,750,000 and $3 million per lot.
"We dedicated considerable time to determining market value using comparables," Plintz noted. "The pricing reflects the premium nature of riverfront access in Calgary."
Provincial Sales Process and Selection
Last year, Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure, announced the province's intention to sell properties purchased in Calgary through a market-based approach to maximize value for Albertans. The province invested over $100 million to acquire approximately 80 homes across Alberta, including 17 in Calgary.
After issuing a Request for Proposal to 8,000 real estate groups, the province selected the Plintz Real Estate team in partnership with Century 21. This decision was based on their strategic approach, extensive experience, and deep familiarity with the Calgary market.
Property Details and Development Potential
All six lots are zoned for single-family residences and come with specific conditions. "Restrictive covenants apply, along with standard building codes and practices," Plintz explained. "The lots vary from individual parcels to side-by-side configurations, with frontages ranging from 50 to 100 feet."
This sale represents not only a commercial opportunity but also a milestone in Calgary's recovery from the 2013 floods, demonstrating how strategic infrastructure investments can revitalize communities and restore property values in previously vulnerable areas.
