Calgary’s Inglewood community to see new affordable housing units

A new affordable housing complex is coming to Calgary’s Inglewood community.

After a two-year wait, a re-zoning proposal for the property in an industrial area known as the ‘Brewery Rail Lands’ has been granted.

The property along 17 Avenue SE has been owned by the Calgary Drop-In Centre (DI) since 1999 and is currently a commercial warehouse with offices. With the city’s approval, the DI can now move forward to create an affordable housing complex with around 120 units.

“The DI already owns and operates three mixed market affordable buildings so it’s simply adding to that portfolio,” says Sandra Clarkson, President and CEO of the Calgary Drop-In Centre.

“We believe housing is the answer, and it would be permanent housing as well as market housing.”

The mixed-use residential complex will have affordable suites with rent around $350 per month. It will also house units available to anyone that are 10 per cent below market value.

“If we’re going to be true to our mission, and help people end their experience of homelessness, that means housing,” says Clarkson.

While the province isn’t involved in the project yet, they say they are providing funding support to help get people housing.

“Alberta’s government is also providing more than $101 million to support local programs designed to move people out of homelessness and into stable housing linked with appropriate supports,” reads a statement.

As planning continues, a best-case scenario for breaking ground on the project is in 36 months.