Calgary Housing and Rohit Homes broke ground on a new affordable housing development in Midfield Heights on Thursday afternoon, marking the return of housing to the site of the former Midfield Mobile Home Park. The 24-acre plot will feature 176 non-market homes, addressing long-standing community needs for affordable living options.
Project Details and Funding
The development is funded through a collaborative effort: $10 million from the City of Calgary, $20 million from the provincial government with federal support, and $31.2 million in equity and mortgage debt from Calgary Housing. Two four-storey buildings will offer a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, providing diverse housing options for future residents.
Community Vision
Katie Black, community services general manager for the City of Calgary, emphasized the project's role in creating a complete community. "Future residents will be well-connected to transit, green space, schools, emergency services, recreation, and nearby shopping," she said. "This is not just housing, but part of a complete and inclusive community that we value so highly. Today's groundbreaking is about honouring the past, responding to today's housing challenges, and building a strong Calgary for the future."
Historical Context
The Midfield Mobile Home Park was originally developed in 1968 on land leased by the City of Calgary. The city took over operations in 1973, and Calgary Housing managed the site from 2001 to 2008. In 2007, city council announced plans to close the park due to aging infrastructure, with official closure in 2018 and demolition of all mobile homes. After sitting vacant for several years, the city announced plans for a mixed-use development including retail, office spaces, and residential units.
Local Support
Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly, a former resident and community association president, expressed excitement about the project. "Here we are today, 10 years on, and we're doing the groundbreaking for a site that exactly what neighbours in Winston Heights-Mountainview have been asking for," he said. "We've been looking for affordable housing in the neighbourhood, and this is going to deliver. We're happy to finally see a shovel get in the ground after all these beautiful roads have been here for a little bit." The development aims to provide affordable housing options in a well-connected neighborhood, fulfilling a long-standing community goal.
