Affordable housing providers selected for 10 former surplus school sites

Edmonton-The City has selected affordable housing providers for 10 former surplus school sites, a major milestone in the effort to create more than 900 homes for Edmontonians in need.

“I am thrilled that we are one step closer to making this vision a reality. Too many Edmontonians are struggling to get by and can’t find the housing they need. Providing land to affordable housing providers is the best tool we have as a city to respond. These are not just new homes but new neighbours, better futures and stronger communities,” said Mayor Andrew Knack.

The 10 sites were reserved for schools for neighbourhoods built between the 1970s and 1990s. The sites were returned to the City in 2009 when they were no longer required by local school boards and in 2015, City Council designated them for affordable housing. With support from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund, the City has dedicated resources to fulfill that vision.

“Every Edmontonian and Canadian deserves a place to call home. Our new government is catalyzing home building to make this a reality. Surplus school sites are one of the many tools in our toolbox to unlock the full potential of communities to build. This government is helping Edmonton build stronger, more inclusive communities,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

“This is a strong example of partnership delivering real solutions. When we work together, we can turn good ideas into real homes for real people. These projects will mean stability, safety and opportunity for more than a thousand Edmonton families,  and that’s a win for the whole community,” said the Honourable Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services and Minister responsible for Housing.