Calgary 
Alberta is taking measures to increase the availability of affordable housing around Canmore.
Credit:Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
The Alberta government is taking action to address the need for more affordable housing in Canmore, an area with a high cost of living. Affordable housing plays a crucial role in providing a safe haven for thousands of families and individuals, including low-income individuals, women and families escaping violence, people with disabilities, individuals recovering from addiction, and seniors.
Per the news release, the province owns a 2.3-hectare parcel of land, valued at $8.7 million, located between Palliser Trail and the Trans-Canada Highway. Following the planning, design, and approval of an affordable housing project, the land will be transferred to the Town of Canmore to facilitate development.
A reservation agreement between the Government of Alberta and the Town of Canmore ensures that the vacant property will be held for three years, allowing for the planning and design of an affordable housing project.
“Access to affordable housing remains one of the highest concerns for both residents and business owners in the Bow Valley. After many years of advocacy, I am so glad to see this land be made available for more affordable housing, which will serve our area for many years to come. Access to developable land is one of the biggest barriers to increasing the affordable housing inventory available to our communities, and the gift of these lands to the Town of Canmore will mitigate that challenge,” said Miranda Rosin, MLA for Banff-Kananaskis in a news release.
Alberta says this land transfer demonstrates the government’s commitment to making life more affordable for Albertans and addressing local housing needs in Canmore and that the government is working with local organizations and municipalities to provide increased support for those in need.
Ebony Rempel, CEO of YWCA Banff, praised the government’s action on the land transfer, emphasizing the importance of having a safe place to call home for the women, families, and others they serve.
Alberta says this is part of the government’s 10-year strategy, Stronger Foundations, which aims to support an additional 25,000 households with affordable housing by 2031, an increase of over 40%, by focusing on partnerships, innovation, and optimizing government-owned properties to meet the needs of low-income Albertans.
