Bridgeland Place to be decommissioned by 2023
Posted Mar 29, 2021 8:30 pm.
Last Updated Mar 30, 2021 7:53 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Calgary City Council has decided to close down the Bridgeland Place affordable housing complex.
The city has cited many significant operating challenges, that include heating issues, high operating costs, and poor energy performance among some of the reasons behind its decision. Not delivering on social value for tenants was also listed as a reason for the closure.
A big issue raised by Alberta Health Services (AHS) back in February 2019 was a major infestation of cockroaches.
In February 2020, the Calgary Housing Company (CHC) had been struggling to fully eliminate the critters.
RELATED: CHC working to eliminate cockroach infestation at apartment complex
“This is an extremely difficult decision,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Bridgeland Place has been home to so many people for so many generations. However, we owe it to all of our tenants to provide a decent home, a place of dignity and a platform for the future. We can’t do that in this building without severely impacting peoples lives. But our commitment is unwavering. We will work with every tenant to find the home that fits their needs, and to move in a dignified way.”
The city says the closure will take place over the course of the next two years.
The gradual closure is said to help provide a smooth transition to another home for tenants currently in the building.
READ MORE: Historic Calgary Court of Appeal building to be restored
CHC says the decommissioning process has been in progress for a little while, in anticipation of this decison.
As tenants have been moved out, no new tenants have been moved in.
The City will be moving forward with a feasibility study to assess what the future of the property holds and what options are available to replace the affordable homes.
