The City is investing in 276 units of new affordable and supportive housing, including the redevelopment of a historic downtown building. 

City Council approved $16.7 million in affordable housing grants as part of the Affordable Housing Investment Program. The funding will help cover construction costs for apartments rented below-market to youth, people with disabilities, Indigenous people and people experiencing homelessness who have recently been discharged from hospital. One of the grant recipients will lead the renewal of the former Downtown YMCA. 

“I’m proud to mark the beginning of Housing Month in Edmonton with another step toward addressing houselessness and housing needs in our city. We continue to see our housing partners stepping up with thoughtful and well-designed developments that will meet the needs of Edmontonians most affected by a shortage of safe, adequate and affordable housing,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. 

The Affordable Housing Investment Program provides grants of up to 25 per cent of capital costs for new or rehabilitated long-term affordable housing. It is part of the City’s plan for increasing the supply of affordable housing. With today’s decision, the City has invested $150 million to help create 3,083 units of affordable housing, including 680 units of supportive housing since 2019. Every dollar the City invests attracts another four dollars from other levels of government and affordable housing developers. 

“The City’s strategy of acting as an early investor in affordable housing is working. By providing certainty in the development process, we helped create more affordable housing in four years than in the decade before. And those aren’t just numbers on paper—they’re homes for thousands of individuals and families,” said Christel Kjenner, the City’s Director of Affordable Housing and Homelessness. 

“Working with City administration on AHIP has been a very seamless and fluid process. We worked hand in hand in achieving the goals set for the program while understanding all the factors that go into a project of this nature. I look forward to working on many future projects with the city on tackling affordable housing,” said Ivan Beljan, Director, Williams Hall Ltd. and Beljan Corporation. “Our goal as a company from day one has always been to reinvigorate neighbourhoods and bring our main streets to life. Today, we have no greater need in the city than to provide affordable housing options to those that require it and give our city a downtown that is welcoming, vibrant and active with residents that actually call downtown home. Through our project at Williams Hall, we hope to achieve both by bringing affordable options to the downtown community and help make our downtown the place we all want it to become.”

“We are thrilled that Edgemont Flats has been approved for AHIP funding. It's no secret that there is a growing need for affordable housing and it's amazing to see the City of Edmonton continue to dedicate funds towards this issue. With the AHIP grant we can build quality homes while offering qualified tenants deep discounts on their rent. This will be life changing for the individuals and families that move into Edgemont Flats,” said David Mitton, Director, 12621665 Canada Association and President, Leston Group of Companies.

“We applaud the City of Edmonton for their unwavering commitment to ensuring Edmonton is a city that has housing people can afford. The City of Edmonton's dedication to providing capital support through the Affordable Housing Investment Program to affordable housing projects like ours is a monumental step toward a more equitable and inclusive future for Edmonton. This program will not only enhance the lives of individuals in need of affordable housing, but it also enriches the fabric of our city,” said Taylor Soroka, Co-Founder & Vice President of Strategy and Engagement, Jasper Place Wellness Centre.

Senior Communications Advisor

Community Services

780-220-3328