Construction of a new affordable housing development is underway in Calgary’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, being led by Calgary Housing (CH). The first to break ground with CH as developer, this project is one of many housing developments being led by the CH team.
The 16-home mixed-income development on the former site of the St. Joseph School is expected to serve up to 45 residents.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026, with residents moving in shortly after.
“I am proud of the Calgary Housing team for how quickly we are able to develop these 16 affordable homes in Mount Pleasant,” Calgary Housing President and CEO Sarah Woodgate said. “Six months after signing a funding agreement with The City of Calgary to develop this parcel, we had crews starting work here. And in a year’s time, up to 45 new residents will be moving in.
“This is an exciting chapter in our organization that will serve more Calgarians, using the perpetually sustainable mixed-income model that reduces reliance on government funding for operation and provides stability for residents through any changes in their circumstances.”
The mixed-income housing project is designed to visually fit into the neighbourhood and uses high quality materials that require less maintenance. The homes thoughtfully integrate sustainable design elements, including energy-saving measures that go beyond what’s required in building codes, as well as rooftop solar panels and cold climate air source heat pumps with natural gas back-ups.
Situated on vacant City-owned land, the homes are conveniently located beside an already-developed playground and an off-leash dog park, and are blocks away from schools as well as commercial corridors on 16 Avenue N.W. and Centre Street N.W.
“Calgary Housing’s Mount Pleasant affordable housing development is an important part of addressing the city’s housing crisis as part of Calgary’s Housing Strategy,” Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said. “Affordable housing makes sure no one is left behind in our great city, and the mixed-income model is a fiscally responsible way to operate that housing.”
The Mount Pleasant affordable housing project will use CH’s perpetually sustainable mixed-income model. Rents just below market rates help to cover more deeply affordable rents and fund maintenance costs, reducing or even eliminating the need for operating funding from governments.
This mix improves financial viability and sustainability of operations, while allowing tenants of varying financial means to live side-by-side as neighbours. Households are then better supported with stable housing as their situation changes.
“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta to support the Mount Pleasant Affordable Housing project,” Corey Hogan, Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation said. “This collaboration will provide an estimated 45 Calgarians with a safe, affordable place to call home.
“Under our 10-year, $678-million bilateral agreement signed in 2019, Canada and Alberta are working together to protect, renew, and expand community and social housing across the province. The Government of Canada is using every tool available, including technology, innovation, and strong partnerships, to build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War.
“We remain committed to investing in Calgary’s future so that everyone has a place to call home.”
Calgary Housing signed a funding agreement to develop the parcel in September 2024, and crews began initial construction work the following March.
The $7.9 million construction budget includes $3.7 million in contributions from the Province of Alberta and $1.5 million from the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, a joint funding from the province and the Government of Canada.
“Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring Albertans with low income have access to safe, stable, affordable housing,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “We’re pleased to partner with Calgary Housing on this project, and provide support though the Affordable Housing Partnership Program.
“With great partners like Calgary Housing we can continue to provide affordable housing solutions that work for Albertans.”
This press release first appeared in the City of Calgary Newsroom.
