Calgary funds Bridgeland Place redevelopment

The City of Calgary is putting $53.5 million towards the estimated $109 million cost to redevelop Bridgeland Place.

The affordable housing building, built in 1971, has seen major issues in the past, including related to flooding, heating, water supply, and operations.

In February 2019, Alberta Health Services cited concerns after it reported a major cockroach infestation in the building.

As a result of the issues, Calgary city council decided to close down the affordable housing complex in March 2021. The people who lived there were relocated.

The city says the improved building will have 222 homes when it’s finished.

“We are very excited to see this funding approved,” Bo Jiang, acting director of Calgary Housing and acting president of Calgary Housing Company, said. “This is an affirmation of The City’s commitment to affordable housing, and we look forward to working with the province and federal government to confirm their support.”

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The money the city is fronting amounts to just under half of the needed funds to complete the renovations. The city still needs to secure funds for the other half of estimated costs.

The renovations will be made with sustainability in mind, including improving air quality. Residents in Bridgeland were consulted on design elements and features of the housing.

“With one in five Calgary households struggling to pay for housing costs, this redevelopment will help ensure that low and moderate income Calgarians have a safe, stable place to call home,” Jiang said. “We are proud to be able to continue providing high quality, energy efficient affordable housing to Calgarians in the beautiful Bridgeland community for generations to come.”

Preparation for the renovation is set to begin in mid 2023.

For more information, visit the city’s website.

–With files from Taylor Braat