Calgary Announces 128 New Affordable Homes Through Downtown Office Conversion Program

Calgary Announces 128 New Non-Market Homes Through Downtown Office Conversion Program

CALGARY — The City of Calgary has announced the creation of 128 new non-market homes through its newly launched Downtown Non-Market Office Conversion Grant, a program designed to transform underused downtown office buildings into affordable housing.

The initiative is funded through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and represents a $10.3 million investment aimed at increasing housing supply while supporting downtown revitalization. Two non-profit organizations have been selected to deliver the inaugural projects in Calgary’s downtown core.

Federal and City Partnership

Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation Corey Hogan said the investment reflects a shared commitment to housing affordability.

“Our government is proud to partner with the City of Calgary and dedicated partners like HomeSpace and Trellis to bring more affordable housing to Calgary,” Hogan said. “These 128 new units represent a significant step forward in making housing more accessible for all Calgarians.”

Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the projects address both housing needs and downtown renewal.

“By transforming empty office space into non-market homes, we’re strengthening our downtown community, supporting economic resilience, and ensuring Calgarians have access to safe and stable housing close to jobs, transit, and services,” he said.

Funded Projects and Unit Breakdown

The successful recipients of the Downtown Non-Market Office Conversion Grant are HomeSpace Society and Trellis Society for Community Impact, partnering with Bluevale Capital Group.

HomeSpace Society

• Location: 1000 – 8 Avenue SW
• Grant Funding: $4.1 million
• Total Project Cost: $27.5 million
• Units Delivered: 65
  • 30 studio units
  • 35 one-bedroom units

Trellis Society for Community Impact

• Location: 441 – 5 Avenue SW
• Grant Funding: $6.2 million
• Total Project Cost: $27.8 million
• Units Delivered: 63
  • 27 studio units
  • 18 one-bedroom units
  • 9 two-bedroom units
  • 9 three-bedroom units

Together, the two developments will convert nearly 100,000 square feet of vacant office space into new non-market housing for individuals and families living in Calgary’s downtown.

Focus on Family Housing and Community Needs

Jeff Dyer, CEO of the Trellis Society for Community Impact, emphasized the importance of family-sized housing.

“By including nine three-bedroom homes, we’re creating space for families to put down roots and remain connected to downtown services and opportunities,” Dyer said.

Accelerating Housing Goals

City officials say the HAF investment will significantly accelerate Calgary’s non-market housing targets. In 2025, more than 1,800 non-market homes received development permit approvals — nearly five times the historical annual average.

The City has set a long-term goal of delivering 3,000 non-market homes per year, with the downtown office conversion projects viewed as a key step toward that target.

“These projects deliver deeply needed housing, support downtown revitalization, and show how adaptive reuse can address affordability challenges,” said Chief Housing Officer Reid Hendry.

Alignment With City Housing Strategy

The Downtown Non-Market Office Conversion Grant supports Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy (2024–2030) and aligns with the Greater Downtown Plan, which prioritizes repurposing vacant office space to increase residential density, vibrancy, and long-term economic sustainability in the city core.