HomeSpace Society, a non-profit housing provider in Alberta, has finished converting a 10-storey vacant Calgary office building into housing for residents in need. Renamed Neoma, the former Sierra Place building now features 82 units of affordable rental housing and 10 units of shelter spaces and transitional housing. It also includes office and programming space for Inn from the Cold, and a variety of amenities for tenants.
Both the governments of Alberta and Canada contributed toward this project, which supported approximately 220 jobs. $16.6 million of the $30 million total came via the Rapid Housing Initiative; $2 million came through the Canada – Alberta Bilateral Housing agreement under the National Housing Strategy; and $5.5 million came from the City of Calgary’s downtown revitalization initiative. Private donors also raised nearly $6 million toward the project.
“Through the Rapid Housing Initiative, our government is investing in affordable housing here in Calgary and across Canada because every Canadian deserves a safe place to call home,” said George Chahal, MP for Calgary-Skyview. “This [project] is a great example of how our government’s housing funds are having a tangible impact on Calgary communities. Having access to safe and affordable homes is key to a healthy life.”
“By investing in projects like Neoma, we’re creating a downtown where low-income families, seniors and newcomers can build their lives with access to key amenities just a short walk away,” added Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary. “The city, in partnership with HomeSpace, private donors and the federal government, provided significant investment to convert a vacant office building into affordable housing units, which is the first conversion of its kind in Canada. Calgary is proud to be leading the country with this project that will serve as a blueprint for cities looking to address both the housing crisis as well as downtown revitalization.”
HomeSpace provides safe, appropriate and affordable housing for the most vulnerable Calgarians and owns a portfolio of more than 765 units in 25 communities across the city. Click here for more information.
