Calgary Housing begins construction of 1K-resident Southview development

Calgary Housing has broken ground on the largest development project in the company’s history. A multi-phase development supported by funding from The City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada, Southview is expected to house more than 1,000 Calgarians when both phases are completed.

“Southview marks a major milestone in Calgary Housing’s role as a developer,” Calgary Housing interim President and CEO Bo Jiang said. “These homes will help address the housing need that has grown in the city in recent years and is a wonderful example of the Government of Alberta’s Stronger Foundations affordable housing strategy in action.”

Phase 1 of Southview is a mid-rise development with 250 homes, in a mix of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom layouts serving more than 600 Calgarians. Ten per cent of the units will be barrier-free and the buildings will exceed the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB 2020).

“Every Calgarian deserves the dignity of a safe place to call home. That why breaking ground on phase one of this major affordable housing development is an important step for Calgary,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “Council proudly supported a $31.2 million capital investment in this development during City budget deliberations last November. Our provincial and federal government partners also made major investments in this project. It is critical that we celebrate when all governments work together to address affordability challenges for Calgarians living on lower incomes.”

Opportunities for entrepreneurship at Southview will be built-in with live-work units and co-working spaces. Other amenities include a residents’ lounge, rooftop patio, secure bike storage and landscaped surroundings to help improve quality of life for its residents.

“When we talk about what good density and truly affordable housing look like, Southview delivers on every front. Across both phases, more than 1,000 new residents will be able to live in a mixed‑income community with homes ranging from one to four bedrooms. This is how we build a complete neighbourhood close to the inner city, with accessible connections to International Avenue and transit,” Ward 9 Councillor Harrison Clark said. “Southview development is exactly the kind of thoughtful, inclusive growth Calgary needs more of as we continue to build our city.”

Southview will be operated as part of Calgary Housing’s mixed income housing portfolio, offering a wide range of rents in a perpetually sustainable operating funding model. Rents just below market rates help to fund more deeply affordable rents and fund maintenance costs, eliminating the need for operating funding from governments. 

“Every Albertan deserves access to safe, affordable housing close to the services and opportunities they need to thrive. Southview is a great example of governments and community partners working together to increase housing supply, strengthen communities and help more Albertans find a place to call home,” said Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Nathan Neudorf.

Calgary Housing’s Southview development will sit on land that formerly had provincial social housing, returning affordable housing to the site that sits just off International Avenue (17 Avenue S.E.). The location is near community amenities like grocery stores, schools, parks, public transit, restaurants, health care and childcare, and is a short drive from downtown.

“Our government is committed to building more homes and supporting complete communities across the province. Southview will help meet growing demand and support long-term community growth in Calgary. In partnership with the City and Province, we are proud to support a project that will create lasting benefits for families and future residents,“ said Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary, Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

Construction of Phase 1 is expected to be completed in Q1 2028, with residents moving in shortly after. Phase 2 is currently in planning.

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom