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Mayor launches #yegYIMBY day in Edmonton for affordable housing

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Mayor Don Iveson officially proclaimed #yegYIMBY day Tuesday in an effort to build support for affordable housing in neighbourhoods across the city.

“If you’re against homelessness in your neighbourhood, you’re a YIMBY,” said Iveson, introducing a campaign that substitutes a Yes to play on the phrase “Not in My Backyard.”

In planning discussions, someone is a NIMBY when they agree with a policy like affordable housing in principal, but come up with spurious arguments to prevent it from taking effect where they live.

The newly renamed Right at Home Housing Society launched the campaign, asking people to sign up on their website, RightAtHomeHousing.com, if they say yes to “safe, affordable, and well-managed homes in my community.” They say Edmonton is facing a shortage of 22,000 affordable housing units.

Full Story (Edmonton Journal)

David Staples: Can Edmonton become a city of YIMBYs?
Cam McDonald is a passionate promoter, but he’s got one tough sales job ahead. McDonald’s mission is to change us from NIMBYs to YIMBYs when it comes to new social housing projects.

“We’re reaching out to the majority of Edmontonians, progressive folks who believe in diverse communities, who say, ‘Yeah, join up and be a YIMBY,’ ” says McDonald, executive director of the new, non-profit Right at Home Housing Society, which formed from the merger of two established social housing agencies.

Right at Home’s new goal isn’t just to build in the inner city, but all over the city. First up are four new projects in Belvedere, Westwood, Millbourne and North Glenora.

“We want social housing, diverse housing, throughout Edmonton,” McDonald says.

My first thought? Good luck. McDonald will need it.

NIMBY-ism is in full roar right now in Edmonton. Folks rage and organize against neighbours who want to split their lots and build skinny homes. As for any notion of building social housing units in Edmonton’s finer neighbourhoods, I bet homeowners would declare civil war. Even our inner-city neighbourhoods, which were historically open to social housing, have fought to preserve the recent moratorium on new city-funded projects.

In the face of fierce opposition, McDonald makes a number of arguments, the most eloquent being the good quality and upkeep of his agency’s current 26 properties and 475 units.

Full Story (Edmonton Journal)
 
Affordable housing to enter Edmonton's suburbs, battles may ensue
affordablehousingmap.jpg

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Neighbourhood battles may soon begin to brew in Edmonton’s supposedly quiet suburbs, as city council gears up to debate the fate of new affordable housing complexes for outlying neighbourhoods.

Last week, Mayor Don Iveson called on all city councillors to advocate for affordable housing in their communities, rather than push back against them.

“This is one of the most critical questions in the election,” he said. “Are you going to say, ‘This is fine as long as this is now in my ward,’ or are you going to embrace the challenge of finding sites.”

The mayor’s comments come after city council voted to agree, in principle, that affordable housing should be evenly dispersed throughout Edmonton.

This means each community should aspire to have at least 10 per cent of all its housing units be affordable housing. Right now, the city’s core communities are inundated with these complexes while suburban neighbourhoods are largely without.

“Council is committed from the vote,” Iveson said, “though the proof will be when actual proposals come forward.”

http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmont...g-to-enter-the-suburbs-battles-may-ensue.html
 
City invests in new affordable housing​

May 27, 2021

The City is investing in the development of innovative and community-based affordable housing for First Nations families, newcomers, women and children, and people with disabilities at four locations across Edmonton.

Executive Committee approved $10.37 million in grant funding today under the second round of the Affordable Housing Investment Program. The successful applicants — Avana Rentals, Right at Home Housing Society, and Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Holdings Ltd. — will each receive funding for up to 25 per cent of capital costs. The developers will create 124 new units of below-market affordable housing, ranging from studio apartments for youth to four bedroom townhomes for families.

“The City is investing in much more than just buildings. The future residents will not only have a safe, stable and affordable place to call home, but also a network of support to foster their long-term success,” said Christel Kjenner, director of Affordable Housing and Homelessness. “Developments like this will help fill the affordable housing gap while also addressing some of the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity.”

"Treaty 8, on behalf of its Sovereign Nations extends its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the City of Edmonton for today’s Executive Committee approval of $6 million in funding,” said Margo Auger, Chief Administrative Officer, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Holdings Ltd. “It’s an important initial funding commitment that will leverage other needed funds to build the Fort Road Project. Upon completion, these facilities will create Indigenous affordable housing opportunities linked to health care access and child and family supports. Long-standing systemic Indigenous social and health care inequities can now be addressed in Edmonton. This project has been a Chief’s vision for over 10 years.”

“Avana is thrilled to partner with the City of Edmonton to offer much needed affordable housing for women and children. We work closely with the YWCA to maximize the community impact of the newly constructed, safe, attainable housing units,” said Jennifer Denouden, President and CEO, Avana Rentals.

"Right at Homes’ Beacon Heights and St. Paul Legacy projects are a collaborative investment in community. These 32 new, high quality housing units will be a home for many new families to live, learn and have the opportunity to prosper. We are thankful for the support of the City of Edmonton, our faith based partners, and other agencies supporting individuals in need," said Stuart Kehrig, Board President, Right at Home Housing Society.

The $133 million Affordable Housing Investment Plan was launched in 2018 with the goal of creating 2,500 new or refurbished units of affordable housing by 2022. The City is more than halfway to meeting its goal, with funding now approved for the construction of 1,406 units.​

For more information:
Backgrounder
edmonton.ca/affordablehousing

Media contact:
Nicole Thomas
Senior Communications Advisor
Communications and Engagement
780-819-1109​
 
City offers more affordable housing grants​

January 31, 2022

The City continues to attract housing options for all Edmontonians with the launch of a fourth round of capital grants for affordable housing development.

The Affordable Housing Investment Program offers up to 25 per cent of capital construction costs for multi-unit non-market housing. Eligible nonprofit and private sector organizations can apply for the new round of grant funding that will close April 13, 2022.

Since 2019, the City has invested $18.4 million for 360 new units of affordable housing through the program. Every dollar invested by the City attracts nearly six dollars in affordable housing investment.

“It’s impossible to thrive while worrying about having a roof over your head,” said Christel Kjenner, the City’s Director of Affordable Housing and Homelessness. “This program not only helps struggling Edmontonians with safe, affordable and permanent housing, it leverages partnerships and expertise to make a difference throughout the city.”

The grant program is part of the City’s $133 million Affordable Housing Investment Plan, approved in 2018 with the goal of creating 2,500 new units by 2022. The City is currently on track to meet its goal, thanks to grants, land contributions, surplus school site redevelopment and supportive housing development.

To date, 1739 units have been approved, not counting the third round of Affordable Housing Investment Program grants, which closed September 30, 2021 and will be presented to council in coming weeks.​

For more information:
edmonton.ca/affordablehousinginvestment
City invests in new affordable housing

Media contact:
Brent Wittmeier
Communications Advisor
Communications and Engagement
780-619-1925​
 
City invests in new affordable housing​

February 24, 2022

The City is investing in 565 units of affordable housing through six projects that will help people who have experienced homelessness, women and children fleeing violence, Indigenous peoples and low-income seniors.

City Council approved $16.77 million in grant funding today as part of the third round of the Affordable Housing Investment Program. Developers and partner agencies will create 265 new and 300 rehabilitated affordable housing units, ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes.

“This is exciting news, proof that strong and innovative partnerships can make a massive difference in our neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Affordable housing is a city-wide need for thousands of Edmontonians, and we’re incentivizing a wide range of options. These projects will be life-changing for retirees, newcomers, single-income families and people who have experienced houselessness.”

Since AHIP’s 2018 launch, the City has invested $35.2 million for 915 units of affordable housing. Successful applicants receive funding for up to 25 per cent of capital costs. Wednesday's grants represent the largest round of successful grants to date.

“Affordable housing fills a broad spectrum of needs, but it’s ultimately about making sure people have safety and stability,” said Christel Kjenner, director of Affordable Housing and Homelessness. “These projects will provide homes to hundreds of Edmontonians who would otherwise have to worry about having a roof over their heads.”

The projects represent a total investment of approximately $155 million and include a diversity of affordable housing options:
  • A new Mustard Seed permanent supportive housing development with 38 units for people who have experienced chronic homelessness or housing instability.
  • Two collaborations with the YWCA to provide 77 units of affordable housing for women and children escaping domestic abuse, as well as individuals who have experienced homelessness.
  • The rehabilitation of 411 units at Matheson Seniors’ Residence, which has been providing affordable options for low-income seniors for nearly 50 years.
  • Two other affordable rental projects which would provide housing for members of Enoch Cree Nation, as well as tenants including single parents, seniors and new immigrants.

"The number of people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton has grown substantially over the last few years and there is a critical shortage of affordable housing options,” said Dean Kurpjuweit, Chief Regional Officer at The Mustard Seed. “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the solution, and to be able to offer a safe, supportive space for people to call home."

“We are excited to work with Avana as they build high-quality, beautiful housing in our community that is affordable for women and children,” said Katherine O’Neill, CEO, YWCA Edmonton. “Finding and securing appropriate, long-term housing they can afford is a major barrier for women trying to leave an abusive relationship. YWCA Edmonton has been working with Avana throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to create a model that will help women and their children move from crisis to resilience by providing high quality rentals in vibrant new neighbourhoods. These homes will change lives.”

“Construction on Matheson Seniors Highrise began more than 50 years ago, with a vision of quality affordable seniors housing,” said Rob Appleyard, Executive Director, Matheson Seniors Housing Corp. “The need for affordable housing continues to grow, and this grant will help us ensure these units are available and affordable for another 50 years.”

“The Leston Group is proud to partner with The City of Edmonton and CMHC to build 102 affordable housing apartments in Heritage Valley,” said David Mitton, president, Leston Holdings. “Our development will provide safe, affordable housing that the community and its residents will take pride in. Working alongside Enoch Cree Nation and Catholic Social Services, we look forward to welcoming residents into their new homes in the fall of 2022.”

"Westrich is proud of this partnership, which will provide stable, affordable housing in the University of Alberta area, with great connections to employment, transit and education," said David Sanche, co-CEO of Westrich Pacific. "We're proud of this development, and we’re even more excited about what these homes will mean for residents."​

For more information:
Backgrounder
edmonton.ca/affordablehousing

Media contact:
Brent Wittmeier
Communications Advisor
Communications and Engagement
780-619-1925​
 
Federal government invests $24M on new affordable housing in southwest Edmonton

By Caley Gibson Global News
Posted March 15, 2022 12:51 pm

Construction is underway on a six-storey low-rise apartment building in southwest Edmonton which will soon offer more than 100 affordable housing units to those in need.

The building is located in the area of 118 Street and 30 Avenue SW in the Heritage Valley community.

Federal Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen said the federal government is investing $24 million in the Heritage Flats project, which will create 102 permanent, affordable homes primarily for Enoch Cree Nation members, including women and their children.

 
An interesting read from CBRE on Inclusionary Zoning.

Shouldn't come as a surprise that Inclusionary Zoning is harmful. Exclusionary zoning is horrible, but mandating below market units in a new building just raises the price of the market rate units.

Affordable housing is important, but the city/province as a whole should be paying for it - the burden shouldn't be 100% on newcomers to the housing market.
 
Mansion Tax!

I believe taxation should be progressive, and that those of us who can pay just a little bit more, should. On June 10th, I put forward the following motion for debate at the June 20th City Council Committee:

That Administration prepare a report with options for additional tax subclasses on:
1) properties valued in the top 1% of residential homes
2) residential properties valued over $2 million and that the additional revenue if realized be allocated to community safety and well-being initiatives and poverty elimination.
To date, we have not had progressive taxation at City Hall. I am a supporter of fair and progressive taxation at all levels of government

Edmonton has more than 100 residences valued over $3 Million dollars. We also have 52,000 children in poverty.
I look forward to hearing from you, michael@michaeljanz.ca
 

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