Ottawa, Alberta announce $203M boost for affordable housing

Key Takeaways:

• $203 million in joint funding from the federal and Alberta governments will support the construction of more than 2,300 affordable housing units across the province through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program.
• Major projects are planned in Edmonton, Calgary, and smaller communities, including office-to-residential conversions, mixed-income developments, and supportive housing for vulnerable populations.
• The investment is part of the National Housing Strategy, a $115-billion federal plan aimed at addressing housing needs through partnerships with provinces, municipalities, and non-profits.

The Whole Story:

More than 2,300 affordable housing units are set to be built across Alberta thanks to a $203-million joint investment from the federal and provincial governments.

The funding, announced Monday, is part of the Canada–Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy and will support 25 projects in communities ranging from Calgary and Edmonton to Jasper and Okotoks.

The funds are being delivered through Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program and are aimed at supporting low-income Albertans by building new units, converting existing buildings, and expanding mixed-income housing developments.

The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and MP for Edmonton Centre, joined Alberta’s Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Jason Nixon, for the announcement.

“Alberta’s government is focused on results,” Nixon said. “With this record investment, thousands more low-income Albertans will have a safe, affordable home they can count on.”

Projects were selected based on community needs, their ability to deliver outcomes for vulnerable populations, and overall value for taxpayer dollars. Eligible initiatives include constructing new buildings, redevelopments, conversions, or renovations that add at least five new affordable units.

Major funding recipients in Edmonton include Civida ($20 million) and The Mustard Seed Foundation ($4.67 million), while Calgary projects include $30.5 million for Onward Homes Society and $13 million for a downtown office-to-residential conversion by 800 GP Corporation.

Outside the two major cities, millions in funding will go to projects in Banff, Jasper, Strathmore, and Canmore. In Fort Saskatchewan, land is being transferred to Heartland Housing Foundation for a new development.

Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said the funding represents “a new generation of housing,” adding that partnerships with non-profits are critical to meeting the scale and speed of current demand.

The National Housing Strategy is a $115-billion, multi-year plan that aims to increase housing supply and improve affordability for those most in need, including seniors, Indigenous people, and those at risk of homelessness. As of March 2025, Ottawa says it has committed $65.8 billion toward building over 166,000 new units and repairing more than 322,000.

All projects funded under the strategy must align with core NHS principles, including collaboration with local governments, Indigenous organizations, and the private sector.