Construction of a 240-unit affordable housing development in Kilkenny at 144 Avenue and 72 Street will begin later this year after receiving $49.5 million in funding from the provincial government. To be built by the Capital Region Housing Corporation on City-owned land, the Londonderry affordable housing renewal project will replace 80 social housing units with a mix of market-priced and affordable units, an arrangement that will allow the market-priced units to fund the affordable ones. That will make the project financially sustainable without the need for ongoing injections in government operating subsidies. 

Demolition of the previous project, which had been deemed unfit for human habitation, image retrieved from Google Street View

"Through an innovative mixed-market model, provincial-municipal partnership, and commitment to regenerating quality housing, Edmontonians will benefit from the Londonderry affordable housing project," said Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. "This exciting and innovative model provides housing in a financially sustainable way, which can be replicated in future projects and will help improve the quality of living for those in need."

The Londonderry project is estimated to generate up to 975 jobs and $105 million of economic activity in Edmonton, according to projections by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The architecture of the building makes no visual distinction between the market-priced and affordable units, allowing the development to seamlessly connect into the established neighbourhood identity. The building will include two-storey townhomes on the ground floor with one- to three-bedroom apartments situated above, which are able to accommodate individuals with mobility issues.

An architectural sketch of the development, image via Government of Alberta

"We welcome the investment in affordable housing and the opportunity for our families and individuals of all ages to find an affordable place to call home," said Greg Dewling, CEO of Capital Region Housing Corporation. "This budget provides the opportunity to revitalize and redevelop many properties across our portfolio, such as our Londonderry project, the first social housing regeneration project in Edmonton. In partnership with the City of Edmonton, we are building a sustainable housing model that integrates families and individuals of various economic means."

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