RDN's Affordable Housing Project in Edmonton

We are actively exploring partnership and funding opportunities for this project. Please connect with us using the form below if you are interested in a partnership or have access to land appropriate for affordable housing.

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Overview

Housing needs aren't confined to a singular place.

SHI has been focused on bringing affordable housing to Canada's rural communities, we hope to further this mission by developing and managing our own housing development.

This presents a unique opportunity for us to implement the steps in our Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Affordable Housing. We hope to take the learnings from this project to expand on the Guide, but also inform the work we do to better address Canada's affordable housing shortages.

What we've done to date

Preliminary Financial Analysis

We explored whether an affordable housing build is even viable for the organization as a whole. We explored the economic, market, and social trends that would influence the project's success if an affordable housing build is pursued.

Site Suitability Framework

We determined a framework to narrow down where the ideal location for proposed project, based on the kinds of activities and services residents would require. This framework has been used to determine appropriate areas within the city for the proposed build, and will inform future project decisions.

Engagement Case Study

The Rural Development Network’s Sustainable Housing Initiative published a report on engagement findings called "Affordable Housing in Edmonton: An Engagement Case Study".

Concepts

High-level project concepts

We have created two high level project concepts based on our analysis and implementation of community feedback: A large scale mixed-use project, and a small-scale residential project.

These concepts will be further refined and developed as we select the project site and perform further technical and financial analysis.

Land suitability

Where we hope to build

We have created a land suitability framework based on the proximity of land to key amenities in Edmonton.

We hope to develop a project in a highly suitable location, so that future residents have convenient access to daily amenities and needs. We are actively seeking land opportunities in these areas.

Engagement strategy

Affordable Housing in Edmonton

We engaged with 225 people in 74 neighbourhoods in Edmonton regarding their perspectives on housing affordability in their own neighbourhood and the City overall through an online engagement survey and three focus group sessions.

Special focus was taken to ensure insights from those who have experienced housing instability were represented in the engagement.

Click here to download the Case Study to learn about Edmontonians’ perspectives on affordable housing!

Key finding 1

More Even Distribution

There was a strong interest in creating affordable homes for people in all areas of the City. Every neighbourhood should have affordable housing options that help create more inclusive communities.

Key finding 2

Walkable Communities

It is vital to develop new affordable homes in walkable communities, where key amenities and services such as transit, groceries and active transport infrastructure are within close proximity.

Key finding 3

Authentic Engagement

There is a need for transparent, authentic and continuous community engagement with community members. Focus on engaging those who will actually live in affordable housing, and the surrounding community.

city respondents

Where we engaged

what we heard

What did Edmontonians say about affordable housing in the City?

About the survey

"This was a very thorough survey. It gave plenty of space for thoughts outside of what options were already provided... I appreciate that you allowed me to express myself and didn't hem me in by limiting my choices. I felt like I had to really reflect on things."

Are there enough Affordable Housing in the city/your neighbourhood?

"As a student who recently graduated, I find myself spending majority of my paycheque on rent and whatever is left can go to bills and if I have extra than I can treat myself with groceries. I usually limit my grocery budget to $50-$60 a month (that’s right a month). Now that I graduated and it is time to pay student loans I have been very stressed over the fact that I am not gonna afford rent on my retail job salary."

What does an Affordable Home mean to you?

"An affordable home offers people safe, well-maintained, dependable housing and the chance at a more fulfilling life in an area that meets their needs"

How would you like to be engaged?

"I would like to know about affordable housing projects before the budget and design is set, even if not finalized. I think surveys are a good start, to see if there is a reason for me to become more engaged."

How do you feel about having affordable housing near amenities?

"It's important to have affordable housing nearby amenities to allow for ease of access and transportation concerns that people may have. At the same time, I think it's also important to spread those developments throughout moderate, high to very high suitability areas to not centralize them in one area."

Other considerations regarding location/design of affordable housing development?

"I think these developments should be constructed considering access to community. ESPECIALLY for larger-scale developments like high rises, which I think promote a lot of anonymity. They should be near parks, community centres, and recreational facilities so the people who live there have more access to these types of services."

more than affordable housing

SHI is part of the Rural Development Network

We work with communities, big and small, to identify and connect appropriate parties and research to rural issues, resulting in community-based actions and solutions.

Learn about the RDN connection
Let's connect
Connect to discuss our project and potential partnership opportunities.
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