Minto Communities has plans to transform the former Viscount Bennett High School site in Calgary into green space and multi-unit residential buildings that connect to the community of Richmond Knob Hill.

The developer acquired the property from the Calgary Board of Education earlier this year and is referring to the project as 2501 Richmond. The redevelopment plan envisions a variety of housing types with 2,500 residences close to employment and education hubs.

Calgary is expected to outperform Alberta, with its growth rates ranging between two to 2.5 per cent through 2026. The city is on target to add about 68,000 new residents this year, translating into a demand for roughly 22,000 residences.

“Calgary’s estimated population is growing at the fastest pace among major metropolitan centres with a 4.7 per cent increase compared to this time last year,” says Jackson Cornelius, lead economist, M3 Development Management Ltd. “The year-over-year increase of rental rates is substantial.”

The vision for the project includes three distinct and connected open spaces for year-round use. They are intended to encourage community connections and gatherings.

“The 2501 Richmond site is one of very few re-development opportunities of this scale within Calgary’s established communities and is centrally located along a transit route,” says Kathy Oberg, BEDs, MEDes, RPP, MCIP and Managing Partner with B&A Studios.

A land use re-designation was submitted on November 15. Work is expected to begin in 2024.