The federal government and Onward Homes have partnered to build 72 new mixed-income homes in the Currie neighbourhood. The project will feature a 62-unit apartment building and a 10-unit townhome development designated for women and children. “These homes that we will open in just a few months will mean stability for families. They will help a child finishing high school and going on to higher education,” said Onward Homes chief executive officer Martina Jileckova. “It will mean some help for someone who is getting back on their feet, after an unexpected illness and possibly a senior living with dignity after a lifetime of hard work.” The project was funded by Onward Homes, with grant support from the federal government, which also provided deeply discounted land. “I certainly hear housing is a top of mind issue for so many Canadians,” said federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin. “Canadians want to know that they have access to affordable housing and programs like this one.” Construction for the project is well underway and expected to be completed by December, with people moving into the units in the new year. Those who qualify for the units will pay around 60 to 70 per cent of market value. “They will be particularly affordable so that families with limited incomes can live here,” said Jileckova. The city’s role was through the Housing Incentive Program, which ensures affordable housing does not pay development fees, building permit fees, levies while also accelerating its permit review timelines. “Affordable housing in the city is something we are in immense need of,” said Reid Hendry, chief housing officer with the City of Calgary. “Approximately 20 per cent of Calgarians are struggling to afford their housing bills every single month.” Hendry says the city is trying to provide 3,000 non-market homes a year, which began in 2024. “We’ve been ramping up historically. We’ve done around 300 affordable housing units every year. Last year we did just over 1,800 and so we are still short of our 3,000 non-market affordable housing,” said Hendry.
