How big is the proposed development?

    The proposed development is 5 storeys, with a total of 40 units. 

    How will this development affect my property values?

    There is no conclusive evidence to suggest non-market housing, including supportive housing, negatively affects surrounding property values.  

    Studies have consistently found that if non-market housing is well designed, fits in with the surrounding neighbourhood, and is well managed, property values of neighbouring homes are not negatively affected. 

    Residential real estate values, both for home assessment and sale value, are primarily driven by local and global economic factors, rather than the introduction of new non-market housing in the community. The same is true of commercial properties. 

    How will this development affect the safety of my community?

    Supportive housing is staffed by social workers, psychologists, nurses, therapists and support workers who have the training and experience needed to help residents succeed and to provide daily programming to keep residents engaged.

    The City studied the impact of non-market housing on the safety of 5 core neighbourhoods and found there was no correlation between crime and non-market housing, including supportive housing. 

    Using data and analytics support from the Edmonton Police Service, the City studied how many police events, including drug-related activity, violence, and property crime, occurred between 2011-2018 around non-market housing addresses in 5 core neighbourhoods. The number of events at these sites were then compared to the number of total events in the neighbourhood where the site was located. 

    Non-market properties, including supportive housing, were responsible for just 4% of the total number of police events for the 5 neighbourhoods, despite making up 12% of the total housing.

    The City also examined data pertaining to bylaw complaints, including noise and graffiti, and found that non-market housing properties were responsible for just 1.3 per cent of the total bylaw complaints in their neighbourhoods.

    Who will operate the building?

    If the conditions of the land sale are met, Homeward Trust Edmonton will select and contract a service provider. 

    Homeward Trust will put a request for proposals out to service providers at least six months prior to the completion of construction. The service provider will be the primary point of contact for the community once the building is open and operational.

    Who will live in this building?

    In general, residents who have experienced chronic homelessness or housing insecurity find a sense of safety, stability and community in supportive housing. 

    People who live in supportive housing come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and have different reasons for accessing the support it offers. Some people in supportive housing have physical disabilities and/or mental health challenges that restrict their ability to work consistently and maintain independent housing. Others may be struggling with substance use and need access to health resources and continuous support from trained staff to help them to manage their disease. The specific services offered will depend on the needs of residents.  

    What is the approval process for this project?

    The motion to fund four supportive housing developments across Edmonton was unanimously approved by City Council on June 8. The  sale of the land to the non-profit housing developer, Homeward Trust, went before City Council on June 29th and was approved, and the actual transfer of the land will occur once specific conditions have been met:

    • Community Engagement Plan
    • Engagement Events
    • Development Funding
    • Rezoning
    • Affordable Housing Agreement


    Following engagement, a What We Heard Report will be developed and shared with the Operator who will then finalize the Good Neighbour Plan. 

    Feedback on the rezoning will be captured in a What We Heard Report and go before City Council in December. That meeting will include a public hearing component where members of the public will be able to speak to Council about their thoughts on the development.