Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta has officially commenced construction on its inaugural development in the city of Chestermere, marking a significant milestone in the region's affordable housing landscape. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
A New Community Takes Shape
The project, located on an approximately half-hectare site within the established community of Dawson's Landing, will see the construction of 24 affordable townhomes. The total development is valued at an impressive $9.6 million.
Gerrad Oishi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, described the event as a pivotal moment for the organization. He detailed the unique ownership model, explaining that Habitat will retain ownership of the properties. "We will be able to sell these to families with an interest-free, no-down-payment mortgage," Oishi stated, highlighting the program's core mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through affordable homeownership.
Design, Partnerships, and Community Mobilization
The new homes will be three-bedroom units, each spanning about 1,100 square feet. Their design will be consistent with the successful, economical models Habitat has built in other Alberta communities, including Airdrie and Calgary.
Oishi emphasized that such ambitious projects are only possible through robust community support. "When they all come together and do a small piece of work... they are able to pull off big projects," he remarked. The community effort is already yielding tangible results, with half of the families already partnered to receive homes in this new development.
Claudio Palumbo, Regional Vice-President for Qualico Communities, reaffirmed his company's long-standing commitment to Habitat for Humanity. "Our long-standing support reflects our belief that strong communities are not built on bricks and mortar alone, but also through community support, shared values and giving back," Palumbo said, noting that Dawson's Landing represents a meaningful step forward in their partnership.
Funding the Dream and Building Hope
The project is being fueled by significant fundraising initiatives. Qualico's Ride Through the Rockies event this year raised $437,000 specifically for the Chestermere development. Additional support includes a $367,000 contribution from Aviva Canada to enhance climate resiliency in the home designs. A charity hockey tournament organized by Hockey Helps the Homeless, scheduled for the following week, will provide further financial backing.
Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge praised the initiative, stating that Habitat for Humanity is building hope in Alberta. She reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring all Albertans have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
With the foundation soon to be poured, future homeowners will be able to watch their new houses rise from the ground. Oishi projected that the first families will be welcomed into their new homes by this time next year, turning the dream of affordable homeownership into a reality for two dozen families in Chestermere.
