A long-awaited non-market housing project in the northeast Calgary community of Whitehorn has officially opened, providing 52 affordable townhomes for low-income Indigenous and newcomer families. The development, first announced two years ago, aims to address the city's affordability crisis by offering below-market rental units.
Project Details
Developed by the HomeSpace Society, the project features 49 three-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments. Rents are set at 30 percent below market rate, with three-bedroom units priced at $1,455 per month and two-bedroom units at $1,325. Amenities include vinyl flooring, granite countertops, wooden cabinets, a cultural space for Indigenous families, 26 parking stalls, 60 bike stalls, an 8,000-square-foot amenity area, a basketball court, and a playground featuring a mini-tipi and a wooden boat.
Community Impact
Bernadette Majdell, CEO of HomeSpace Society, emphasized the significance of the project: "Ultimately, what it means is that we're housing families in need. There's an affordability crisis in our city, and providing non-market housing for families means that 52 families won't have to sleep in a shelter, in their car, or in tents. It means everything to us."
HomeSpace is partnering with Inn from the Cold, a family shelter, and Miskanawah, an Indigenous-led community service organization, to select tenants. Five families are scheduled to move in next week, with the remaining units to be filled through referrals from community agencies.
Financial Support
Heather Morley, CEO of Inn from the Cold, acknowledged that even below-market rents may be challenging for some families. Her organization will work with government agencies to provide rental subsidies and other financial assistance based on individual needs. "We have access to rental subsidies and different financial supports that can help families get set up in their homes, including referrals for furniture and partnerships with community organizations to ensure stability," Morley said.
Background
The project stems from a December 2023 city decision to lease two parcels of municipal land to non-profit agencies for temporary, transitional housing for up to 240 vulnerable families. Construction began in November 2024.
