Calgary, AB – January 21, 2026 – Calgary Housing announced a change in senior leadership, effective immediately.

The Board of Directors thanks Sarah Woodgate for her 11 years of leadership and service to Calgary Housing and Calgarians as chief executive at Calgary Housing.

The Board appointed Bo Jiang as Interim President and CEO. Mr. Jiang currently serves as Vice President, Asset Management & Development, and has previously held the role of interim CEO. The Board is confident in his ability to provide continuity and stable leadership.

Calgary Housing’s mission, strategic priorities, and day-to-day operations remain unchanged. The organization continues its focus on providing safe, affordable housing and supporting resident well-being across Calgary and increasing housing supply and choice for Calgarians.

Further updates regarding the permanent CEO recruitment process will be shared as soon as possible.

Media Contact for Calgary Housing’s Board of Directors:

Lori DeLuca
Email: lori.deluca@thechangemakers.com
Phone: (250) 217-5339

About Calgary Housing

Calgary Housing (CH) is the largest provider of safe and affordable housing solutions in Alberta, serving more than 25,000 Calgarians. Founded in 1977, CH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the City of Calgary that operates more than 6,700 homes owned by CH, The City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta, and administers nearly 3,000 private rent supplements.

For more information, visit Calgary-Housing.org.

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We recently joined The City of Calgary and the Calgary Fire Department to open the new Varsity Multi-Service Centre.

This community-focused hub includes strengthened emergency response, a public green space, new services, and new affordable housing options.

For Calgary Housing, the 48 new homes here are part of our ongoing work to deliver stable, affordable housing to Calgarians in every part of the city. Eleven homes at Varsity are fully accessible.

And some of the new homes at Varsity mark the start of the vision we’ve had for some time to combine multi-generational homes with our mixed-income model, creating stability for more families. This includes a mix of unit sizes and layouts, including adaptable studio units that can be joined to larger two- and three-bedroom homes to support multi-generational families.

“By including 48 mixed-income homes, with 11 accessible, for about 200 people in this new development, The City is taking a smart approach towards addressing housing needs. Residents will be part of a bigger community with services and other City uses on site — all integrated into an established community,” said Sarah Woodgate, President and CEO of Calgary Housing.

Read more on The City of Calgary’s Newsroom.

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Recognizing the past year’s accomplishments, Calgary Housing released its 2024 Impact Report, a digital-first publication telling the story of our work through the voices and experiences of the people we serve.

Every day, our programs support more than 25,000 Calgarians — people who are working, raising families, building new lives, or overcoming serious challenges. These are our neighbours, colleagues, and community members.

The Impact Report replaces a traditional annual report and focuses on stories that illustrate how housing helps build stability and connection. This new format allows us to share these stories in a way that’s more accessible and engaging to our partners, supporters, and fellow Calgarians.

Read the 2024 Impact Report

The post Affordable housing made a difference in 2024. Here’s how. appeared first on Calgary Housing.

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.

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Calgary Housing Helps Young Henna Artist Give Back to Her Community

Najibah is a 20-years old and has grown up in Calgary Housing. Her story illustrates the important impact safe, affordable housing has on community building. Najibah shares that the affordability of CH has alleviated financial stress, making it possible for her to focus on her studies without worrying about high rent. “CH is a big blessing,” she says. She has recently graduated from the Digital Marketing program at SAIT. She is excited about the flexibility of digital marketing and the potential to work from home and help with childcare.

Najibah shares that her mother instilled in her from a young age the importance of helping others. Her mother has always been ready to help their neighbours, by shoveling snow, bringing groceries or even through a friendly smile. Her neighbours shared that her family will care for the sick and elderly, and they’ve seen them cleaning up the community.

One of Najibah’s biggest passions is henna. She’s been doing henna with her sister since she was a little girl. She fondly recalls practicing henna designs on her mother’s hands, drawing everything from traditional patterns to dinosaurs. Najibah and her sister are now very talented henna artists, and enjoy organizing community events where they can do henna with their neighbours. Najibah shares that her mother would be so proud of the designs she did as a little girl, and would even wear them on her hands at EID and show them off to her friends.

“My mother is so involved in the community – inspires me 100% impacted how I socialize in the community, and how I connect in my community” says Najibah. Community initiatives, Najibah believes, are vital as they encourage people to engage in positive activities. “I like this initiative; it really encourages people to do positive things,” she says. Such events provide a platform for those who might be shy or lack support to participate and connect with others. She also shares that Susanna, one of the Housing Support Specialists has been vital in helping her organize and attend community events.

Looking ahead, Najibah plans to organize community events in collaboration with CH, where she can share her love of henna with her neighbours. These gatherings are crucial, especially for elderly neighbors who may experience isolation. Simple acts like saying good morning or offering a friendly hello can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness. “Even if you can’t shovel snow, say hello,” Najibah says, highlighting the importance of small gestures in building community.

The Nominate a Neighbour award celebrates community building in CH properties, as well as the ways our neighbours can encourage and inspire us. There will be a new winner announced each month, so please send your nominations to chccommunications@calgary.ca before the end of the month to be considered. You must be a CH resident to nominate a neighbour. Learn more and access the nomination form here.

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Residents of Calgary Housing Company are invited this summer to create and submit original works of art on the themes of home, community and belonging. Winning works of art will receive a prize of between $150 and $50. The winning pieces of art will be displayed in CHC offices.

Art will be judged by age category. The categories are:

• 7 and under,
• 8 to 12,
• 13 to 17 and
• 18 and up

The first place prize in each age category is $150, second place will receive $75 and third place will receive $50. Submitted artworks will be judged on the themes of home, community and belonging.

Submissions to the art contest are due Friday, August 12^th and will need a signed consent form and signed participation form.

Artwork and forms can be dropped off in person at the CHC East District office, or by using the drop boxes at the West and South District offices. If you need assistance with dropping off your art work please contact your Property Manager or your Tenant Liaison. If you are dropping off artwork with your Tenant Liaison, please contact them in advance so they can coordinate details in advance of the contest closing.

You can also submit your art work by mail addressed to one of our offices (addresses below).

The consent and participation form are available for download here. [Participation Form] [Consent Form]

Winners will be notified by mid-September, and will be contacted over phone and email. Images of winning artwork will also be displayed on CHC social media.

Artwork dimensions should not exceed 41x51cm (16×20 inches) and be able to fit into a frame. We will not be able to accept sculptures or 3D works of art, any artwork with raised surfaces should still be able to fit into a standard picture frame.

Please be aware that all submissions to the art contest are final, and we will be unable to facilitate the return of submissions. Please only submit one original work of art per person.

If you have any questions please contact chceventsinfo@calgary.ca

East District Office: 320, 433 Marlborough Way NE

South District Office: #18, 6624 Centre Street SE

West District Office: 1701 Centre Street NW

The post Resident Art Contest appeared first on Calgary Housing.

LAMDA is a mental health and housing support agency. They’ve partnered with Calgary Housing Company for over 30 years and work as community advocates for those experiencing mental illnesses.

LAMDA was founded by Dr. Mary Dumka. Dr. Dumka is a psychiatrist who was overseeing care for several clients in the same building in SW Calgary. She saw the need for supportive living for her clients and so began the LAMDA society. The organization opened its first building in 1990 with funding from the Alberta Heritage Fund. Several residents at the building have lived there since it opened. LAMDA operate out of two Calgary Housing Company apartment buildings, providing valuable community supports and psychiatric supports to those residents.

CHC recently reached out to LAMDA to discuss the last 30 years of partnership and the work they’ve been doing with residents.

Could you talk about the importance of community supports for someone living with a mental illness?

Community supports are fundamental to happy and successful independent living for those with mental illness. Any marginalized group needs community support to live a healthy independent lifestyle and those with mental disabilities are no different. Having a home is basic to stability, leading to wellness and resilience. However, the idea of having a home is often not possible for people who experience mental illness, because most of the specialized housing is transitional, attached to residential treatment programs, and often segregated. At LAMDA, having a home in the community often results in a feeling of having family. Friendships are formed and care is freely given and received among the tenants.

What are some of the barriers someone with a mental illness faces when navigating service providers and how do your support workers help with that?

Communication and technical issues to begin with. Organizing schedules and appointments and accessing transportation to get to the services and service providers can be a challenge. Our staff helps tenants with organization, transportation, and communication with service providers. Once trust, respect and a relationship are built, our staff assesses and supports tenants. Staff also can communicate with the service providers to share concerns and insights.

What are some facts about Schizophrenia that people may not know?

Many people do not know the prevalence of the illness and that it can be managed successfully with proper supports and usually medication.

About 1 in 100 Canadians have schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is not an IQ issue. In many cases schizophrenia can be managed with medication. There is a full spectrum of symptoms and treatments. It is a disease that requires regular and ongoing assessment and management. When supports are offered in a timely fashion, our tenants can continue to lead meaningful and productive lives.

What are some common misconceptions or stigmas people might have about Schizophrenia?

It is not curable, but is manageable with support, consistency, medication adherence, and stable housing.

There is a common belief that many with schizophrenia are violent and “crazy” and will never lead “normal” lives. These types of things hit the news and are such a misconception. Many people with schizophrenia go on to getting married and having families, have paid employment or volunteer, and have a sense of purpose and great quality of life. In fact, according to recent research, persons with schizophrenia are more likely to be the victims of violence than to perpetuate violence.

Do you offer skill development to residents? If so, what kinds of programming do you offer?

We have just been approved for a Home Improvement Program that will offer computer classes for our tenants. In house computers will be available for residents to access.

Staff also assist residents with activities of daily living if needed.

Staff assess when a resident needs extra assistance but the goal is to allow for as much independent living as possible. Skills such as cooking, shopping, socializing, exercise, hobbies, and banking are fostered.

LAMDA staff supports include liaison with tenants’ individual mental health service providers, but do not involve treatments or interventions. First and foremost, LAMDA is a home.

One of the reasons for LAMDA’s exceptional success is that it is a safe and permanent home, not a temporary residential treatment facility. The role of a person in the support of housing is one of a “tenant” not a “client”, and the tenant “carries the keys” and is in power to make decisions about his or her own lifestyle.

What resources should someone access to learn more about schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, Calgary Chapter and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The post Community Based Mental Health Supports appeared first on Calgary Housing.

CALGARY, AB, JUNE 27, 2022

From The City of Calgary Newsroom

The much-anticipated new Varsity Multi-Service Redevelopment celebrates the start of construction today with a ground-breaking ceremony on-site and speeches from Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Calgary Fire Department Deputy Chief Mark Turik, Director of Calgary Housing and President of Calgary Housing Company Sarah Woodgate, Acting Manager of Facility Planning, Ryan Meier, and special guests.

“Calgary continues to grow and be recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world and this new multi-service complex is an investment in the safety and quality of life for all Calgarians in our northwest quadrant, for many years to come,” said Mayor Gondek.

The facility will be approximately 83,000 square feet and include the new Fire Station 17 (4 bays + 1 EMS bay), a 48-unit Calgary Housing development, Household Hazardous Waste drop-off, City Corporate Accommodation space, and leasable space (potentially a future childcare space). Additionally, the project is pursuing LEED and WELL Silver certifications to reduce carbon emissions, minimize environmental impacts, and enhance human health and well-being of building occupants and users.

The new fire station will support existing Fire and EMS crews that serve the community, as well as allow for some future growth. “The safety of Calgarians is our number one priority. We asked the surrounding communities what their vision was for the new multi-service redevelopment. We heard that the fire station should also serve as a hub for the community,” said Deputy Chief Mark Turik. “We’re very pleased with the resulting features, which will foster a greater connection between Calgarians, firefighters and City staff.”

Council has directed Administration to build multi-service facilities to use City-owned land more efficiently and better serve the community. The new facility is the first development from the Integrated Civic Facilities Planning Program (ICFP) portfolio that addresses Council and Administration’s direction to corporately coordinate the facility planning and delivery functions at The City.

“Multi-use facilities are more fiscally and environmentally responsible,” says Ryan Meier, Acting Manager, Facility Planning. “Using this integrated approach means we can leverage investment opportunities to provide more citizen amenities in a multi-use facility than at a single use site, which also reduces the environmental footprint.”

Director of Calgary Housing and President of Calgary Housing Company Sarah Woodgate added, “Affordable housing is about people. Access to safe and stable housing helps create inclusive communities and makes our city a great place to live and work for citizens of all income levels. Each facility is being designed to meet the specific needs of each community, with the vision and proposed amenities determined through extensive engagement with Calgarians, community leaders and numerous advisory groups.”

Construction on the facility will begin this summer and is scheduled to be complete in winter 2023.

You can find more information about this project on calgary.ca.

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