David D. Oughton Site Redevelopment
UPDATE: The land use redesignation for this site is currently scheduled to go before Calgary Planning Commission on March 7th, 2024. You can learn more about this file and submit your written comments in advance of March 7th through the Development Map notice linked below.
Last November, CMLC and Attainable Homes Calgary announced a finalized partnership agreement for the redevelopment of the former David D. Oughton school site in the southeast community of Albert Park/Radisson Heights.
The 8.77 acre site located at 16th Avenue and 34th Street SE has been slated for redevelopment for the past several years. The former CBE school site has sat vacant since the school was closed in 2006. It was then purchased by The City of Calgary in 2008 and CMLC subsequently purchased the site as an opportunity to bring a revitalized development opportunity to the area. CMLC first announced a development partnership with local development firm RNDSQR in 2019 however, the pair mutually dissolved the partnership last year to enable a new partnership with Attainable Homes.
To enable future development on the site, Attainable Homes has initiated a land use redesignation process that expects to see up to 280 townhouse-style homes built on the site. A development permit application will follow, and, pending approval, work is expected to commence in Spring 2024.
Site planning work will take place over the next few months. The site will include a dedicated green space and municipal reserve that is anticipated to equate to approximately three acres of the total site, providing a balance of programmed green space that is accessible to the broader community and will serve as a complement to the new homes.
Attainable Homes will engage with the community and adjacent landowners as the project moves forward, building on the extensive community engagement that was conducted by CMLC in 2017.
More information about the project can be found HERE.
You can also download and view the applicants ‘Presentation to the Community’ HERE.
FAQ’S
Our office has received some outreach from constituents on this project. In the interest of clarifying any possible misinformation, here are a few frequently asked questions we have heard.
What is Attainable Homes Calgary?
Attainable Homes Calgary is a non-profit, social enterprise, created and owned by The City of Calgary. They work to help moderate-income Calgarians achieve their dreams of quality homeownership through support with a down payment and the ability to qualify for a mortgage. You can learn more about their initiatives HERE.
What is CMLC?
The City of Calgary created Calgary Municipal Land Corp (CMLC) to kick-start Calgary’s urban renewal by revitalizing the Rivers District—504 acres on downtown’s east end, including the East Village and Calgary’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District. Through mindful master-planning, creative placemaking, and bold city-building ventures, CMLC is transforming Calgary into one of the world's most livable and lovable cities.
When the DDO development was first considered, then Mayor Nenshi and Councillor Carra advocated to ensure this project was added to the portfolio of the CMLC. Because of their transformative work in the East Village, the desire was to bring that same quality of development to East Calgary, while still supporting the ongoing affordability of the area. With the David D. Oughton project, CMLC’s partnership with Attainable Homes Calgary will achieve that mission.
What type of housing is planned for this development?
We anticipate a maximum of 280 townhouse-style homes to be built on the site. As mentioned, Attainable Homes Calgary builds ownership housing for moderate-income Calgarians. The design of these townhomes is intended to fit in with the context of the community, and is geared towards families. There will be no apartments, no businesses, no rentals of any kind – the homes built will be occupied by the people who own them.
Will the community lose access to the green space?
No. Of the nearly 8 acres on this site, approximately 5 acres will be developed into housing while the remaining 3 acres will become dedicated enhanced park space. The green space will be accessible and open to the broader community, while also serving as a complement to the new homes, and will include enhancements that support a variety structured and unstructured recreation activities.
Why do we need more housing here?
Calgary is in a housing crisis, and we need more housing everywhere. Starter homes in Calgary are now priced out of reach for many moderate-income earners. By offering attainable townhomes on this site, people who are currently renting in Albert Park/Radisson Heights may have the opportunity to shift towards owning a home in the community they love.
For more information about this development, including updates on upcoming community engagement, please visits the Attainable Homes Calgary project page here.
If you have questions about the project, please feel free to email questions@attainyourhome.com