February 24, 2022
The City is investing in 565 units of affordable housing through six projects that will help people who have experienced homelessness, women and children fleeing violence, Indigenous peoples and low-income seniors.
City Council approved $16.77 million in grant funding today as part of the third round of the Affordable Housing Investment Program. Developers and partner agencies will create 265 new and 300 rehabilitated affordable housing units, ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes.
“This is exciting news, proof that strong and innovative partnerships can make a massive difference in our neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Affordable housing is a city-wide need for thousands of Edmontonians, and we’re incentivizing a wide range of options. These projects will be life-changing for retirees, newcomers, single-income families and people who have experienced houselessness.”
Since AHIP’s 2018 launch, the City has invested $35.2 million for 915 units of affordable housing. Successful applicants receive funding for up to 25 per cent of capital costs. Wednesday's grants represent the largest round of successful grants to date.
“Affordable housing fills a broad spectrum of needs, but it’s ultimately about making sure people have safety and stability,” said Christel Kjenner, director of Affordable Housing and Homelessness. “These projects will provide homes to hundreds of Edmontonians who would otherwise have to worry about having a roof over their heads.”
The projects represent a total investment of approximately $155 million and include a diversity of affordable housing options:
- A new Mustard Seed permanent supportive housing development with 38 units for people who have experienced chronic homelessness or housing instability.
- Two collaborations with the YWCA to provide 77 units of affordable housing for women and children escaping domestic abuse, as well as individuals who have experienced homelessness.
- The rehabilitation of 411 units at Matheson Seniors’ Residence, which has been providing affordable options for low-income seniors for nearly 50 years.
- Two other affordable rental projects which would provide housing for members of Enoch Cree Nation, as well as tenants including single parents, seniors and new immigrants.
"The number of people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton has grown substantially over the last few years and there is a critical shortage of affordable housing options,” said Dean Kurpjuweit, Chief Regional Officer at The Mustard Seed. “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the solution, and to be able to offer a safe, supportive space for people to call home."
“We are excited to work with Avana as they build high-quality, beautiful housing in our community that is affordable for women and children,” said Katherine O’Neill, CEO, YWCA Edmonton. “Finding and securing appropriate, long-term housing they can afford is a major barrier for women trying to leave an abusive relationship. YWCA Edmonton has been working with Avana throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to create a model that will help women and their children move from crisis to resilience by providing high quality rentals in vibrant new neighbourhoods. These homes will change lives.”
“Construction on Matheson Seniors Highrise began more than 50 years ago, with a vision of quality affordable seniors housing,” said Rob Appleyard, Executive Director, Matheson Seniors Housing Corp. “The need for affordable housing continues to grow, and this grant will help us ensure these units are available and affordable for another 50 years.”
“The Leston Group is proud to partner with The City of Edmonton and CMHC to build 102 affordable housing apartments in Heritage Valley,” said David Mitton, president, Leston Holdings. “Our development will provide safe, affordable housing that the community and its residents will take pride in. Working alongside Enoch Cree Nation and Catholic Social Services, we look forward to welcoming residents into their new homes in the fall of 2022.”
"Westrich is proud of this partnership, which will provide stable, affordable housing in the University of Alberta area, with great connections to employment, transit and education," said David Sanche, co-CEO of Westrich Pacific. "We're proud of this development, and we’re even more excited about what these homes will mean for residents."
