The City announced the sale of six development sites Thursday in the biggest transaction of City-owned land to affordable housing providers in Calgary history. HomeSpace Society, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta and Homes for Heroes Foundation are the non-profit recipients of the parcels, which are located in Hillhurst Sunnyside, Alberta Park/Radisson Heights, Forest Lawn and the downtown core.

One of the six development sites, located at 9 Street and 5 Avenue SW, image retrieved from Google Street View

Each organization met rigorous criteria that, among other items, included exemplifying a "demonstrated experience in multi-residential development and operating, managing or selling non-market housing." The non-profits achieved the eligibility requirements for funding from the City's Housing Incentive Program and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's SEED Funding program.

"Calgarians have told us that affordable housing needs to be a major priority and partnering with the community to deliver more affordable housing options is key," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi in a press release. "This historic sale is a great example of collaboration, and is the largest non-commercial land transaction in the City of Calgary's history."

HomeSpace's site in Hillhurst Sunnyside, image retrieved from Google Street View

Homes for Heroes Foundation's single lot in Forest Lawn is located at 902-912 36 Street SE. HomeSpace Society will build their development in the same community at 3725 10 Avenue SE/1104 36 Street SE, plus 344 14 Street NW in Hillhurst Sunnyside and 933 5 Avenue SW in the core. Habitat for Humanity's two locations are situated in Albert Park/Radisson Heights at 1305/1313 36 Street SE and 1523-1527 36 Street SE.

The deal is expected to produce up to 165 affordable homes. The organizations will now navigate the development permit and land use amendment approval processes before moving ahead with construction.