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November 22, 2024
This National Housing Day, the City is taking a major step forward in its ambitious plan to create safe, adequate and affordable housing across Edmonton.
Eleven shovel-ready development sites are now listed for sale or lease in established neighbourhoods across the city, with the potential to create hundreds of non-market affordable housing units for low income households. Over the last year, the City has worked to get the sites ready for development, including securing all necessary rezoning approvals. Non-profit, private and Indigenous-led housing providers are invited to submit proposals by early 2025.
"Supporting the construction of diverse and affordable homes is essential for building vibrant and prosperous communities while fostering economic growth," said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. "Shovel-ready land is one of the biggest obstacles to affordable housing. This development presents an opportunity that will make a generational difference in significantly increasing the housing supply in Edmonton for those who need it most."
The 11 sites were reserved for schools when their neighbourhoods were built between the 1970s and 1990s. The sites were returned to the City in 2009 when they were no longer required by local school boards and in 2015, City Council designated them for affordable housing. With support from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund, the City has dedicated resources to fulfill that vision.
"The best tool cities have for addressing housing insecurity is providing public land for affordable housing. It helps keep construction costs low—passing savings on to tenants—and allows us to select projects with the most benefits for future residents, current residents, and the city as a whole," said Christel Kjenner, Director, Housing Action Team.
Affordability, energy efficiency, accessibility and return on City investment will all be considered when selecting developers by spring 2025. Building permits must be secured by fall 2026 to ensure this critical infrastructure is delivered as quickly as possible.
Key Facts
- The surplus school sites listed for sale or lease for affordable housing are located in Belmont, Blue Quill, Caernarvon, Dunluce, Kiniski Gardens, La Perle, Lymburn, Miller, Overlanders, Summerlea and Wedgewood Heights.
- Local school boards confirmed this fall that these sites are not needed to meet their current or forecasted needs.
- November 22 is National Housing Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness about housing and homelessness. We recognize the importance of working together to ensure every Canadian has a safe and affordable home. Learn more.
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