Calgary is tackling its housing crisis head-on. The City has handed over two surplus properties to local housing providers.
The goal? Build 200 new affordable homes.
Where Are the New Homes Going?
The fifth round of the Non-Market Housing Land Sale (NMLS) Program awarded two key sites:
- Northeast Calgary (155 Cirrus Cl N.E.): Liberty Housing Organization will build 105 homes.
- Southeast Calgary (3010 36 St S.E.): Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing (SORAH) will build 95 homes tailored for Indigenous Calgarians.
A third site on Santana Hill NW did not meet program requirements. The City will not proceed with the awarding of this site in this phase and it will be offered in a future NMLS round.
Smarter Spending, Bigger Impact
Land costs are a massive hurdle for non-profit builders. The NMLS program removes that barrier by offering City-owned land below market value.
- The Investment: The City is contributing $3.9 million in land value.
- The Return: That money leverages nearly $4.50 in provincial and federal funding for every single dollar spent.
“The need for affordable housing in our city is greater than ever,” says Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “Offering City-owned land… helps us to provide more homes for Calgarians.”
What Happens Next?
Both providers still have work to do. They must complete site checks, secure development permits, and finish land use updates before breaking ground.
Still, leaders are eager to begin.
“We are honoured to have been selected through the City’s Non-Market Land Sale to transform the Midfield Heights site at 155 Cirrus Close NE into high-quality, non-market housing,” says Oliver Trutina, President of Liberty Housing Organization. “This opportunity marks an important step toward expanding affordable housing options and providing more Calgarians with safe, stable homes. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Calgary to help close the housing affordability gap and build more inclusive communities.”
Max Lloyd, General Manager of SORAH Project, shares that excitement: “The team at SORAH Project is thrilled to continue working with the City of Calgary to create sustainable, vibrant and culturally significant housing solutions for urban Indigenous peoples in the City. The Dover project will see the construction of close to 100 townhomes, which is critical to helping address the need for affordable housing in Calgary.”
A Growing Track Record
Since 2019, the NMLS program has helped clear the path for nearly 1,000 affordable homes across 18 developments. Right now, 280 of those homes are already open. Over 700 more are actively being planned or built.
Want to learn more or check out housing resources? Visit calgary.ca/affordablehousing.
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