Calgary office tower converted into affordable housing
A new affordable housing complex has been set up in downtown Calgary, the first former office tower in the core that has been repurposed in such a way.
Last June, work began on transforming the 10-storey Sierra Place – the former home of Dome Petroleum – into six floors of affordable housing as well as four floors of shelter and transitional support services.
The HomeSpace Society's building, renamed Neoma, provides 82 housing units as well as 10 shelter units.
Officials say the project makes Calgary into an example for other Canadian cities.
"Calgary has demonstrated that vacant office space can be repurposed to help address the housing crisis in Canada," said Bernadette Majdell, HomeSpace CEO, in a release. "Together, with support from all levels of government and several generous private donors, we have created a space that offers families a pathway to stability through safe housing."
The project, which cost approximately $30 million, included contributions from:
- $2 million from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada ($1 million each);
- $16.6 million from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through the Phase 2 Rapid Housing Initiative;
- $5.7 million in Collaborative Capital Campaign fundraising;
- $5.5 million from the City of Calgary; and
- $200,000 from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in seed funding.
All three levels of government are happy with the results of the investments.
"Every Canadian deserves a safe place to call home," said Calgary-Skyview MP George Chahal.
"This announcement is a great example of how our government’s housing funds are having a tangible impact on Calgary communities. Having access to safe and affordable homes is key to a healthy life."
Neoma is equipped with a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom units and can house approximately 180 people.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.