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March 29, 2021 – Calgary City Council has decided, at the recommendation of City Administration and Calgary Housing Company (CHC), to close Bridgeland Place, a centrally-located affordable housing development.

The building has significant operating challenges, including heating issues, high operating costs, poor environmental and energy performance and is not delivering social value for tenants. By closing the building and exploring its future uses, The City and CHC can find operating cost efficiencies, improve its environmental performance and improve the quality of life for current and future residents.

“This is an extremely difficult decision,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Bridgeland Place has been home to so many people for so many generations.  However, we owe it to all of our tenants to provide a decent home, a place of dignity and a platform for the future.  We can’t do that in this building without severely impacting people’s lives. But our commitment is unwavering.  We will work with every tenant to find them a home that fits their needs, and to move in a dignified way.”

The closure plan is deliberately gradual, taking place over the next two years. It will prioritize the safety and security of current tenants, with a focus on providing a smooth transition to alternative homes. The City and Calgary Housing Company will be working closely with tenants to minimize uncertainty, anxiety, and inconvenience. CHC will work with tenants one-on-one to transition them to other affordable housing that is suitable for their specific situation, supporting them through the process.

Due to the challenging conditions in the building, and in anticipation of this decision, CHC has been proactively managing vacancies. As tenants have moved out or transferred to other properties, CHC has not moved new tenants into the vacated homes. The current building tenants and daycare have been notified of the decision to close, and CHC has begun one-on-one conversations with tenants to discuss options that may meet their needs.

“Tenants will be our main priority through this closure. We’ll be working hard to alleviate the disruption this will cause and to support them into other housing options,” says Councillor Farrell, Calgary Housing Company Board Chair. “As we do that, we’ll also take our time to look at all of the options before a decision is made as to what the future holds for this building.”

The City will be proceeding with a feasibility study to assess the future use of the property and options to replace the affordable homes. This study will look at several options and provide a recommendation to Council in 2022.

Quick facts:

• The recommendation to decommission is based on sound asset management practice and an evaluation of how best to serve current and future tenants and the community.
• The building has had significant operating challenges in recent years, including challenges with heating issues and interruptions in the water supply.
• While the building is still habitable, it does require substantial renovations that are not possible to complete without major disruption to the tenants.
• A feasibility study will consider several options for this site, to replace at least 210 affordable homes.
• There is a significant shortage of affordable housing of all kinds in Calgary. The City and Calgary Housing are committed to working to replace the homes being decommissioned and to grow the overall supply of affordable housing in Calgary.
• More than 100,000 Calgary households are forecast to be in housing need [1]by 2025.
• Nearly 1 in 5 Calgary households are struggling with housing costs.

[1] The City of Calgary defines a household as in need of affordable housing if it spends 30 per cent or more of its income on shelter and earns less than 65 per cent of Calgary’s median household income.

The post City of Calgary Decommissions Bridgeland Place appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Basic fire safety begins at home where a little bit of planning can go a long way towards protecting your loved ones and preventing damage to your belongings.

Review these tips on fire prevention and safety as well as what to do in case of a fire and be prepared. Click the + buttons to expand the sections and check out the resources from the City of Calgary Fire Department on the right.

• Fire Prevention

  These are general tips to prevent a fire in your home.

  • Do not store flammable materials inside your home or attached storage.
  • Do not overload power outlets or use damaged, old or frayed power cords.
  • A power bar with a shut-off feature can protect your electrical appliances.
  • Advise your Property Manager immediately if you become aware of any fire hazards in your home or building, for example, accumulations of combustible materials, flammable liquids, or blocked exit routes.
  • Do not prop open fire doors or disable automatic door closers, as you place both yourself and your neighbours in danger in the event of a fire.

• Cooking and Kitchen Safety

  These are fire prevention and general safety tips to prevent burn injuries in your kitchen.

  • Never leave cooking food unattended.
  • Use your stove’s back burners whenever possible.
  • Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of pots being knocked over.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when cooking.
  • If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan.
  • Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, and other items that can burn, away from your stovetop.
  • Do not to store combustible or flammable items in the bottom drawer of the oven.
  • In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• Preventing False Alarms

  Prevent annoying false alarms that also waste your smoke detector’s battery life.

  • Keep your stove, oven and toasters clean to prevent setting off your smoke alarm.
  • Use the exhaust fan (if available) when cooking to reduce the possibility of false alarms.
  • Use bathroom exhaust fans to prevent steam from setting off your alarm.
  • If your smoke detector is being set off too easily, ask your Property Manager if it can be moved.

• In case of Fire – Call 9-1-1

  Knowing what to do in the event of a fire can help you escape to safety.

  • Have a fire escape plan (Check out this fire escape plan from the Calgary Fire Department.)
  • Draw a floor plan of your unit on the fire escape plan.
  • If you live in an apartment building, you will find fire safety and evacuation information posted on each floor.
  • Make sure you know at least two ways out of the building in case one escape route is blocked by fire.
  • Plan escape routes with everyone in your household and practice them regularly so everyone knows how to exit the building safely.
  • If you hear a fire alarm, always leave the building right away. Follow your fire escape plan.
  • If a fire occurs in your unit, evacuate to safety, activate the fire alarm, and call 911 for the fire department.

• Smoke Alarms

  CHC Apartment Buildings

  Every CHC Apartment Building is equipped with a fire alarm system and evacuation plans are posted in the common areas.  Please read these so you are aware of what to do in case of a fire.

  • If you hear the fire alarm in your building, exit immediately then call 911.  
  • Do not use the elevators.  
  • If you require assistance exiting your unit, call 911.

  CHC Townhomes and Single Family Homes

  CHC townhomes and single family homes are equipped with smoke detectors.

  • Smoke detectors must not be tampered with.
  • This includes no painting or covering of the smoke detectors.
  • You should test your smoke detectors once a month to ensure they function.
  • Report any malfunctioning or broken smoke detectors to your Property Manager.

Additional Resources

Learn more about fire safety on the
Calgary Fire Department’s website:

~ Fire Safety Equipment
~ Smoke Alarms
~ Home Fire Safety
~ Electrical and Gas Appliances
~ Apartment Building Fire Safety
~ Proper Disposal of Smoking Material

The post Safe and Sound: Fire Prevention and Safety Tips appeared first on Calgary Housing.

We are pleased to let current Calgary Housing Company Tenants and individuals with existing applications for housing know of an exciting development that will help ensure the ongoing availability of over 1,000 City-owned affordable homes managed by Calgary Housing Company.

Affordable housing programs are funded in partnership by the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary. The City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta recently signed a renewed funding agreement for City owned social housing of $34 Million over the next four years. Without this agreement there would have been a significant decrease in subsidies.

Calgary Housing Company operates a number of affordable housing portfolios, totalling over 7,200 households across the city. The agreement announced on February 18, 2021 affects the 1,000 units in the City-owned Community Housing Portfolio.

For Existing Tenants

Residents of homes in the City-owned Community Housing Portfolio are being contacted individually to make them aware of the intent of the agreement.

Calgary Housing Company is committed to providing safe, affordable housing and supporting individual and community wellbeing. If you have any immediate questions about this new agreement, please email chccustomerservice@calgary.ca.

For Individuals with Existing Applications for Housing

CHC Applicants are advised that as units under this new agreement become vacant, CHC will be renting these units at set rent rates. If you are already on the CHC waitlist and you meet the minimum qualifications, then your application will be considered for these units.

Calgary Housing Company is committed to providing safe, affordable housing and supporting individual and community wellbeing.

Click here to read the full release on this new agreement from The City of Calgary.

The post Information for Tenants and Applicants on New Housing Agreement appeared first on Calgary Housing.

February 18, 2021

City of Calgary Information Release

Click here to view this release on Calgary.ca

The City of Calgary, and the Government of Alberta reached a four-year $34M operating and capital funding agreement to enable the continued provision of affordable housing for 1,048 households. These homes are managed by Calgary Housing Company.

This agreement is part of an affordable housing strategy for Calgary that is aimed at both maintaining and increasing the affordable housing supply locally and has helped create an average of 300 affordable homes/year over the last 10 years. This agreement will contribute to that strategy by maintaining 1,048 homes, which represent approximately 8 per cent of the total supply of affordable housing in Calgary.

“This new agreement sets the stage for the housing plan we need in Calgary. The mixed-rent model will create a more financially sustainable model for affordable housing,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “When this is combined with our push for greater federal investment in the supply of housing for those below the income threshold, we have an opportunity before us to create a system that will ensure dignity, opportunity, and security for anyone in Calgary in need of a home.”

The signing of this funding agreement with the Government of Alberta will enable the transition of all City-owned social housing to a social housing mixed-rent model. This agreement has many benefits:

• It will continue to serve households living in poverty. All households served will be under Alberta’s low-income thresholds for affordable housing.
• The new agreement will enable policies that are being piloted to focus on positive housing outcomes for tenants including a focus on moving residents – and the children of residents – out of poverty.
  • One great example is that under the new agreement, the income of youths will no longer be included in rent calculations, enabling youth under the age of 22 to earn and save their own money without any sort of penalty to the household.
• Reduced reliance on government subsidy over time. The social housing mixed-rent model means that this portfolio of housing will include a variety of rental rates, from deeply discounted rent that is set to a percentage of tenant income, to rents set within the higher range of social housing. This mix improves financial viability and sustainability, while allowing tenants of varying financial means to live side-by-side as neighbours
• It helps ensure that there is adequate funding for investment and repairs. The agreement includes certainty of funding for $34M in operating and capital for repairs and maintenance.
• Households are better supported to move out of poverty as their situation changes.

To maintain the supply of existing housing through a social housing mixed-rent model, the new agreement will come into effect over the next four years, starting in 2021. The original housing agreements funded jointly between the City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada, were set to expire between 2021 and 2024.

“It’s important to remember that affordable housing is about people,” says Councillor Druh Farrell. “People in stable housing have greater chances to find and keep jobs, to learn and build skills, and be active participants in their communities. This agreement to maintain homes for those most in need, is one of many necessary steps to meet the growing need in Calgary.”

Access to safe and stable housing helps create inclusive communities and adds to the overall health, prosperity and safety of our city. This agreement is one step forward to achieving the goals of The City Corporate Affordable Housing Strategy to modernize aging provincially funded social housing, reducing reliance on government funding while also investing in the development of new mixed income housing to increase affordable housing supply for Calgarians.

“Alberta’s government knows affordable housing is critical to create inclusive communities and to build economic prosperity for all Albertans. Renewing Alberta’s affordable housing system will result in more flexible, fair and inclusive housing options that meet Albertan’s needs now, and in the future, including for the City of Calgary. Alberta’s government is pleased to continue our ongoing commitment and ensure Albertans have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.” -Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon

This agreement is well aligned with the recent recommendations of the Alberta Affordable Housing Review Panel report that was accepted by the Province in December, specifically the recommendation to “support and encourage the development of innovative operating models such as the mixed-income, mixed-use, and mixed-tenure housing developments, which will create community benefits and increases the sustainability of affordable housing.”

A key objective of both the City and the Province when entering into these negotiations was to maintain these homes as affordable housing through this agreement, ensuring that citizens in need of affordable housing services continued to get the opportunity to achieve positive outcomes towards their individual and community well-being and make life better every day.

For more information, visit: calgary.ca/affordablehousing

-30-

Quick facts:

• More than 100,000 Calgary households are forecast to be in housing need [1]by 2025.
• Nearly 1 in 5 Calgary households are struggling with housing costs.
• Calgary is in need of 2,000-2,500 new affordable homes each year. We must retain existing housing and build or acquire new homes.
• This agreement is a joint affordable housing commitment and partnership between The City of Calgary and The Government of Alberta that helps to ensure that affordable housing in Calgary is adequately funded and maintained to meet health and safety requirements and help meet the need for affordable housing.
• Affordable housing programs are funded in partnership by the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and The City of Calgary.
• Housing underpins individual and community wellbeing and is crucial to enabling people to participate economically by holding a job or pursuing education.

• It actually costs less in tax-payer dollars to provide citizens experiencing homelessness with affordable housing. They will rely less on other public supports, such as shelters, healthcare and emergency services.

The post City of Calgary signs modernized housing agreement with the Government of Alberta appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Province Accepts Recommendations – New Strategy to be Released in Spring 2021

Significant changes may be on the horizon for the organization, operation, and funding of affordable housing in Alberta. The potential for these changes is contained in 19 recommendations of a report released and endorsed by the government of Alberta on December 11.

There are 19 recommendations for Alberta’s affordable housing system contained in the final report of the Alberta Affordable Housing Review Panel which was released Dec. 11.

Download the panel report

The report identifies a number of principles on which the recommendations are based. These include: bold action, fairness, equity and inclusiveness, one size does not fit all, and efficiency, sustainability and financial responsibility.

“The panel’s recommendations focused on shifting the province’s role from owner and controller to that of partner and funder, changing programs to support Albertans, not buildings; drawing on local and private sector expertise to provide more housing options; and updating regulations to encourage innovation and reduce administrative red tape.” said the government in its announcement.

The recommendations can be summarized as:

• Develop a provincial strategic plan for housing.
• Create a plan to manage and transfer provincially owned-land and buildings.
• Build the capacity of housing providers.
• Provide a rent subsidy for Albertans who need temporary support but are not eligible for existing programs.
• Support innovative approaches to housing, such as mixed-income, mixed-use.
• Simplify processes for applicants, tenants and housing operators.

In releasing the report, the province accepted all 19 recommendations and indicated “work is already underway on a strategy to outline a shared vision for affordable housing and to map out when and how the government will act on the panel’s advice”. A strategy is to be released in Spring 2021.

“Affordable housing is critical to create inclusive communities and is part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan to guide economic prosperity. Advice from the Affordable Housing Review Panel will help the government renew the provincial affordable housing system – which has not changed structurally for more than two decades – so it can better serve Albertans in need and make the best use of taxpayer dollars,” said Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing.

In response to the report and the recommendations, Calgary Housing Company reiterated the critical importance of affordable housing for thousands of Calgary families and individuals and the importance of finding ways to increase the amount of affordable housing in the community.

“We thank the Panel for their work and applaud the Government of Alberta for prioritizing affordable housing,” said CHC President Sarah Woodgate, “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the province to ensure we can collectively meet the needs of Calgarians to live with dignity in a home they can afford.”

Earlier this year, CHC and The City made formal submissions to the panel.

CHC’s submission had four key recommendations:

1. That the province invest in maintaining existing affordable housing
2. Support for new mixed-rent housing models through operating agreements that provide adequate operating funding, predictable capital funding for new housing, and exemption from property tax for non-profit housing providers
3. Funding for rent supplements
4. A review of social housing regulations to reduce red tape and make the system more responsive to citizen needs

The City of Calgary submission had three primary recommendations:

1. Uphold Provincial obligations for affordable housing through investment in the sector
   1. Capital funding for new building and transfer of viable assets at below-market values
   2. Property tax exemptions for non-profit housing providers and income tax modernization
   3. Partnering with municipal and Federal governments to streamline funding program applications
2. Create a citizen-centric housing system
3. Help facilitate private sector involvement

Read about the CHC and City submissions and view supporting documents here: CHC Story on Panel Submissions

Both submissions also endorsed the COVID-19 Community Affordable Housing Advocacy Plan that calls for $590M in funding over the next three years to create more than 5,000 new affordable homes in Calgary. That plan, developed by a committee representing more than 40 Calgary organizations including private, public and non-profit sector participants, includes a call for $240M in funding for 22 shovel-ready projects that would provide over 1,800 new homes as well as another $275M over three years to trigger $350M in federal funding that would result in an additional 3,300 affordable homes.

The post Province Releases Affordable Housing Panel Report appeared first on Calgary Housing.

New community space is a partnership between Calgary Housing Company, carya, and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

Calgary Housing Company (CHC), in partnership with carya and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), is excited to announce the start of construction of Village Commons – a brand new community hub that will be located on the second floor of CHC’s East Village Place (610 8^th Ave SE).

On September 24^th CHC and its partners hosted an event in East Village’s 5^th Street Square providing a taste of what is to come at Village Commons.

After an extensive process to determine the programs and services desired by residents and the community, CHC found the perfect partner in carya – an organization with more than 110 years of creating healthier, more connected communities in Calgary. It was critical to find a strong partner that could operate a sustainable program without subsidies from CHC’s residential operations.

“We are pleased to have found such great partners, and that we are able to be part of developing an important resource for the community,” said Sarah Woodgate, President of Calgary Housing Company.

Village Commons will feature a community kitchen designed by Group2 Architecture Interior Design Ltd, in partnership with their kitchen consultant, Burnstad Consulting, an art studio for classes and self-directed creativity, recreation spaces, a family counselling centre, and common areas for neighbours to get to know each other. All Calgarians will be welcome to learn, cook, create, and access the mental health supports they need to thrive.

“carya got its start in East Village in 1910, so we’re thrilled to be coming full circle with Village Commons,” said carya CEO Monique Auffrey. “After months of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this community gathering space will be more important than ever.”

65% of East Village residents live alone, which means that social isolation is an ongoing concern. Village Commons will join existing landmarks such as the Calgary Public Library, Salvation Army, and Studio Bell as an important place in the neighbourhood to gather, access resources, and build community.

“I am really quite excited about this project,” says area Councilor Druh Farrell. “It’s another piece in the puzzle of a diverse new community coming together. carya does such great work – I know the programs they offer will be a great value to seniors, families and other residents of East Village.”

Through partnerships with the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation and the Calgary Flames Foundation, Farm Credit Canada, and others, carya has already begun to imagine what programming in Village Commons will look like. Alongside new food and nutrition opportunities, many of carya’s existing programs will be offered in the space, all at either no or low cost. Funding and donations, including a grant from the Government of Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program, are helping to make this possible.

carya will connect with an estimated 24,000 people from all ages and stages of life in the first five years of opening the new space. Village Commons will open its doors in early 2021.

CHC is also pleased to be partnering with CMLC who will project manage the construction project. CMLC brings significant project management expertise as well as important perspective as the agency responsible for the implementation of the East Village Master Plan.

“East Village has evolved into a vibrant mixed-use community with a diverse mix of residents. carya’s Village Commons enriches the community and brings an important community space where residents of all ages are welcome,” said Kate Thompson, President and CEO, CMLC.

Additional commercial space on the ground floor of the building is being offered for lease with the goal of locating tenants who will further contribute to the rapidly evolving neighbourhood.

CHC purchased East Village Place in 2016 and currently provides 163 affordable homes in the building.

About caryacarya is a social profit agency dedicated to building strong families and communities for generations. Since 1910, carya has been providing support through counselling, groups, education, community development, in home assistance, and more. These services help Calgarians of all ages build the skills they need to deal with life’s challenges and develop meaningful and thriving relationships.

About Calgary Housing Company (CHC) Calgary’s largest residential landlord, CHC manages approximately 7,100 homes in subsidized and near market programs for Calgarians not well served by the regular housing market. CHC is wholly-owned by The City of Calgary.

About Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)CMLC strives to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. Created and owned by the City of Calgary, CMLC works to achieve the City’s objectives for urban densification, community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking.

The post Construction of East Village Commons Underway at CHC Property appeared first on Calgary Housing.

In August, The City of Calgary ramped up pressure for affordable housing solutions on the Federal and Provincial governments as it endorsed and submitted a community plan calling for investment in affordable housing in Calgary totaling $624M over the next three years (Federal – $349M, Provincial – $275M).

The COVID-19 Community Affordable Housing Advocacy Plan is intended to create a more resilient housing system to respond to future shocks while focusing on community priorities and aligning local interests with opportunities for investment identified by federal and provincial stakeholders. Outcomes of the plan, if implemented, would include:

• Deliver housing for up to 12,000 Calgarians, meaningfully addressing homelessness in our city and addressing a long-standing affordable housing deficit;
• Build or and secure more than 5,400 new homes – increasing the asset base of the non-profit housing sector and reducing reliance on future government funding;
• Leverage economic conditions favourable to real estate acquisition and construction and mitigate potential collapse in the tourism and residential sectors by securing homes for those who need them;
• Create 2,800 residential construction jobs across 22 non-profit affordable housing construction projects

The plan proposes two streams of activity. The first stream, intended to rapidly create homes for 600 Calgarians experiencing or at risk of homelessness, would require $58.7M in funding shared between the province and federal government. This stream includes acquisition of 300 homes in hotels and surplus market properties as well as increased funding for Rent Supplements that support people in existing market and non-market homes.

The second stream would roll out over three years and see the development of 4,800 new homes at a cost of $537M. The total includes 3,000 homes ($300M) built or acquired in partnership with the private sector and 1,800 homes ($237M) in 22 previously identified, shovel-ready projects. Almost $186M has already been sourced or committed for the shovel-ready projects which include developments by The City of Calgary, Homespace, Horizon Housing, Silvera for Seniors, The Mustard Seed and others.

The Plan was developed by a committee of 65 individuals from 42 organizations from private, non-profit, and government housing sectors. The group included organizations serving Calgarians experiencing homelessness, seniors, Indigenous people, and families as well as organizations representing non-market rental housing, attainable homeownership, market rental landlords, builders and developers, and Federal and Provincial government representatives.

The committee’s plan was then presented to Calgary City Council’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee which endorsed it and agreed that it should be forwarded to the Federal and Provincial Governments.

In early August, Mayor Naheed Nenshi sent the plan to Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen.

“When implemented” said Mayor Nenshi in his letter to Premier Kenney, “(the plan) will make considerable strides towards ensuring Calgary emerges with a stronger civil society that will ensure more of our citizens can live with dignity, access opportunities to improve their lives, and contribute to our economic recovery.”

Mayor Nenshi’s letter emphasized the need for collaboration between orders of government and the need for the Province to participate in order to enable access to federal funds.

• Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
• Aboriginal Standing Committee on Housing and Homelessness
• Accessible Housing Alberta Network of Public Housing Agencies (ANPHA)
• Altus Group
• Aspen Family and Community Network
• Attainable Homes Calgary
• BILD Calgary Region
• Bishop O’Byrne Housing Association
• Calgary Chinatown Seniors Housing Society
• Calgary Dream Centre
• Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society
• Calgary Homeless Foundation
• Calgary Residential Rental Association
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
• Community Housing Affordability Collective (CHAC)
• CUPS
• Fireside Property Group
• Generations: Multi Generational Housing & Community Centre
• Government of Alberta, Community & Social Services, Housing & Homeless Supports
• Government of Alberta, Seniors & Housing, Housing Capital Programs
• Habitat for Humanity
• Homes for Heroes Foundation
• HomeSpaceSociety
• Horizon Housing Society
• Inn from the Cold
• Jack Long Foundation
• Métis Calgary Family Services Society
• Métis Urban/Capital Housing Corporation
• Norfolk Housing Association
• Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing
• Silvera For Seniors SORCe
• The City of Calgary, Calgary Housing
• The City of Calgary, Calgary Neighbourhoods
• The Elder Statesmen Group
• The Mustard Seed Society
• The SHARP Foundation
• Treaty 7 Urban Housing
• Trinity Place Foundation of Alberta
• United Way of Calgary and Area
• Vibrant Communities Calgary
• Woods Homes
• YWCA Calgary

Documents

• COVID-19 Community Advocacy Plan Overview
• Mayor Nenshi Letter to Premier Jason Kenney
• Mayor Nenshi Letter to Minister Hussen

The post COVID-19 Community Advocacy Plan appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Calgary Housing Company (CHC) and The City of Calgary clearly stated their priorities for affordable housing in submissions to the government of Alberta’s Affordable Housing Review Panel at the end of August.

Announced at the beginning of the summer, the Panel was tasked with identifying ways to make affordable housing more efficient and effective and to evaluate legislation, funding and operating methods. The panel invited input from all Albertans.

Both The City and CHC submissions called for increased investment in building and maintaining affordable housing and systemic changes to make the system more sustainable and responsive to the needs of Albertans living on low and moderate incomes.

“Affordable housing is an essential form of social infrastructure,” said CHC President Sarah Woodgate in her letter accompanying CHC’s submission to the Panel, “(it) demands a significant recommitment by the Provincial government.”

Mayor Naheed Nenshi was equally direct in his submission.

“The accountability for ensuring all Albertans have access to affordable and appropriate housing rests firmly with the Government of Alberta,” he wrote, “but all orders of government have an important role to play.”

CHC’s submission had four key recommendations:

1. That the province invest in maintaining existing affordable housing
2. Support for new mixed-rent housing models through operating agreements that provide adequate operating funding, predictable capital funding for new housing, and exemption from property tax for non-profit housing providers
3. Funding for rent supplements
4. A review of social housing regulations to reduce red tape and make the system more responsive to citizen needs

Though they have different specifics, these recommendations aligned with the City of Calgary submission with its three primary recommendations:

1. Uphold Provincial obligations for affordable housing through investment in the sector
   1. Capital funding for new building and transfer of viable assets at below-market values
   2. Property tax exemptions for non-profit housing providers and income tax modernization
   3. Partnering with municipal and Federal governments to streamline funding program applications
2. Create a citizen-centric housing system
3. Help facilitate private sector involvement

Both submissions also endorsed the COVID-19 Community Affordable Housing Advocacy Plan that calls for $590M in funding over the next three years to create more than 5,000 new affordable homes in Calgary. That plan, developed by a committee representing more than 40 Calgary organizations including private, public and non-profit sector participants, includes a call for $240M in funding for 22 shovel-ready projects that would provide over 1,800 new homes as well as another $275M over three years to trigger $350M in federal funding that would result in an additional 3,300 affordable homes.

Both CHC and The City of Calgary emphasized the critical importance of affordable housing for individuals to be able to succeed and contribute in our community and the very significant affordable housing shortfall in Calgary. Across Canada’s major cities, an average of 6% of housing is non-market – in Calgary it is 3.6%. Calgary needs an estimated 15,000 units of new affordable housing just to reach the average in other major cities.

Although private rentals and homeownership meet the needs of 78% of Calgary households, the need at lower income levels is very significant. The City’s 2016 Corporate Affordable Housing Strategy indicated that 60% of households earning $60k or less are overspending on housing every month. As our population grows, it is estimated that more than 100,000 households will be in housing need by 2025.

Submissions to the panel closed at the end of August and they are now reviewing information gathered across the province over the summer months. Findings are to be presented to Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing, this fall.

Links to documents:

1. CHC Submission
2. CHC letter to the Panel
3. City of Calgary Submission
4. City of Calgary letter to the Panel
5. Community Housing Affordability Collective (CHAC) Submission
6. COVID-19 Community Affordable Housing Advocacy Plan

The post CHC and City call on Province for more funding, systemic changes in submissions to Affordable Housing Panel appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Neighbour Day is a yearly celebration of Calgary’s strong community spirit. It started in 2014 in honour of the incredible support and generosity Calgarians showed after the 2013 floods. Now it’s an opportunity to connect with our neighbours, show how we care for each other and celebrate how we make Calgary a great city.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that we connect with our neighbours. But we must do so while practicing physical distancing to keep everyone safe. We are encouraging all Calgarians to plan and host virtual events and try some of the activities below with your neighbours.

How to plan for Neighbour Day

Hosting a virtual event via video chat or phone is the safest way to connect with your neighbours this year. Reach out to your neighbours to help plan your event details, such as:

• What video chat tool will you use? (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc.)
• Who will schedule the event online and send invitations?
• Who will prepare the materials you need for your event activities?
• What activities will you do during your virtual event? You could:
  • Share a virtual meal or BBQ;
  • Share your acts of kindness with one another;
  • Help support Calgary businesses (e.g. order delivery or takeout from a local restaurant, purchase local goods, etc.);
  • See ideas below; or
  • Make up your own way to celebrate your community spirit!

Don’t forget to share your experience with the City of Calgary on social media using #yycNeighbourDay!

Share your celebrations online!

Share your Neighbour Day celebrations on any social media platform using #yycNeighbourDay for a chance to be featured on City channels.

Check out what the City of Calgary has put together for our community to celebrate neighbor day in a bit of a different way, including fun community based activities you can do as a family, or safely with your neighbours!

For the Whole Family [PDF Downloads]

• Neighbour Day Scavenger Hunt
• Neighbourhood I spy
• Neighbour Day June 20 colouring sheet
• I heart Neighbour Day colouring sheet
• Calgary skyline colouring sheet
• Neighbour day Pledge Card

Links and Resources

• June 20, 2020 Neighbour Day Page
• More at Home Activities
• Committing to 3 simple acts of kindness

Adapted from Neighbour Day information from the City of Calgary. For more information, ideas and resources visit the City of Calgary June 20, 2020 Neighbour Day Page

The post Calgary’s Neighbour Day June 20, 2020 appeared first on Calgary Housing.