‘It’s not enough’: Committee hears details on pair of Edmonton affordable housing builds

“I am disappointed. I’m pretty sure we all are disappointed but we will continue our advocacy to the feds,” Sohi said at Wednesday’s executive committee meeting. 

The city said feedback from CMHC indicated that although all projects submitted were “very strong and compelling” there was widespread demand across Canada for the fund and this round prioritized projects that were not previously funded by the rapid housing initiative.

To date the city has built 446 affordable housing units with the first two rounds of funding from the federal rapid housing initiative.

Coun. Ashley Salvador told the committee there is “an urgent need” for the city to take action on affordable housing while also being able to connect those in need with supports and services.

“The federal government has recognized (the need for housing) and is willing to support projects like these. As we discussed, it’s not enough and we’ll look forward to future rounds and future opportunities to do even more,” said Salvador.

Two new housing projects in Edmonton

Homeward Trust and the City of Edmonton will lead the construction of the four-storey building in the southeast neighbourhood of Holyrood. The development will prioritize “individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk at experiencing homelessness,” according to city staff. The building will feature 63 residential units including 12 barrier-free units and space for associated support and counselling services.

Edmonton applied for $80 million in federal funding in March to support the creation of approximately 351 affordable housing units through three city led projects and five partner led projects. But Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) approved only two — one city-led project, Holyrood Permanent Supportive Housing and one partner-led project, St. Paul’s Legacy Project, for a total of $15.4 million.