With support from the Alberta and federal governments, the City of Calgary and private fundraising, HomeSpace Society, a non-profit housing provider, is renovating a 10-storey building to convert it from office space into affordable and specialized housing. Six floors will be reserved for 82 units of affordable housing, and two floors will be used for shelter spaces and transitional housing. Administration space and other services, that may include child care, would be on another floor.

This $30-million project is an example of how the Government of Alberta is taking action to support more affordable housing options that meet the needs of Albertans with low income. Stronger Foundations: Alberta’s 10-year strategy to improve and expand affordable housing ensures Alberta’s affordable housing system is financially sustainable and able to address growing demand.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today’s funding will go a long way to support Calgarians who need it most by quickly providing 82 new affordable homes for those most vulnerable. This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure that no one is left behind.”

Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, and Minister responsible for CMHC

“Alberta’s government is proud to support this innovative project to help people who may need to stabilize in a shelter and then access transitional housing before moving into an affordable housing unit – all in one location. This is an example of how smart partnerships and building on community expertise will help us meet the diverse housing needs of Albertans.”

Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing

“All Calgarians deserve to be housed with dignity. This project is an example of what we can accomplish to tackle the complex challenge of affordable housing by working together across all orders of government and with the non-profit sector. This project is another important step forward in bringing much-needed housing to Calgarians, and in adding vibrancy to our downtown by converting vacant office towers into residential units.”

Jyoti Gondek, mayor, City of Calgary

“We commend the generous investment from every level of government in the future of Calgarians. Not only will these affordable homes transform the lives of people in need but also help bring vitality back downtown. This vacant office tower will soon be a lively family hub, demonstrating that there’s hope for Calgary’s most vulnerable families and for the downtown core.”

Bernadette Majdell, CEO, HomeSpace Society

“We greatly appreciate the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary for supporting us in breaking the cycle of family homelessness. We believe a community where no child or family is homeless is possible and this funding will help us to provide safe and affordable homes for families in our community for years to come.”

Heather Morley, executive director, Inn from the Cold

Renovations are underway, with a scheduled completion date of September 2022. The HomeSpace project will create about 220 jobs during construction.

Investment in capital projects, including affordable housing developments, supports Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

Quick facts

  • The estimated total project cost for the renovation and conversion is $30 million and will include contributions from:
    • Government of Alberta – $2 million
    • City of Calgary – $5.5 million
    • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Seed Funding/HIP – $200,000
    • CMHC’s phase two Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) – $16.6 million
    • Collaborative Capital Campaign fundraising – $5.7 million
  • Stronger Foundations reflects advice from the 2020 Affordable Housing Review Panel to redefine the government’s role, tap into community expertise, expand partnerships and simplify the system.
  • Stronger Foundations outlines the bold and thoughtful changes needed to provide safe, stable, affordable housing for an additional 25,000 households to increase the total served to 82,000 – an increase of more than 40 per cent.
  • Alberta Seniors and Housing’s Capital Plan 2021 allocates $238 million over three years to provide 1,800 new and regenerated affordable housing units while maintaining the 26,700-unit provincially owned portfolio and creating more than 1,700 jobs.
  • More than 1,500 new units have been completed since 2019.
Alberta's Recovery Plan