Intergenerational apartment building opens in Calgary’s northwest

A new apartment building in Calgary’s northwest will provide young, Indigenous single mothers, children, and seniors stable, safe, affordable housing and community supports.

HomeSpace Society opened Hope Heights on Tuesday, a four-storey building at 117 12 Avenue NW with 35 one-bedroom rental units.

Building residents will have access to on-site services provided by Highbanks Society and McMan Youth, Family and Community Services of Calgary.

The intergenerational housing model fosters a mentorship community where seniors mentor youth on Indigenous traditions and life skills while youth support seniors with companionship and daily living tasks, the organization says.

The mixed model is aimed at reducing social isolation, promoting health, and enhancing the well-being of both populations.

Programming at Hope Heights will integrate cultural programming, mentorship opportunities, and life-skills training, supported by the case management staff who will be onsite during the day.

Hope Heights received $7.3 million in funding from the federal government, $2.1 million from the province, and nearly $873,000 from the city. Calgary builder Hopewell also made a donation of $1.3 million.

Construction started in March 2023 and was finished as planned by October 2024.

Hope Heights is the final build of the former RESOLVE campaign launched in 2012, where 10 Calgary homebuilders donated $1.4 million each towards affordable housing.