September 13, 2023

MEDIA RELEASE

Grand Opening of Norris House - 45 affordable stacked family townhouses in Seton

Made possible with funding through the Government of Canada (CMHC), the City of Calgary, Brookfield Residential and Albi Homes, and other generous donors.

Calgary, Alberta – On September 16th join us in honouring philanthropist Alan Norris at the Grand Opening of Norris House - Calgary’s new complex of 45 affordable townhouses in the beautiful neighborhood of Seton. These homes are part of the affordable housing initiative formerly known as RESOLVE – and we celebrate the collaboration of HomeSpace, builder Brookfield Residential, RESOLVE campaign contributors, as well as the City of Calgary, and Government of Canada (CMHC), and Calgary Homeless Foundation for the achievements of this campaign. Residents of these 45 new homes will include families and individuals in need of affordable housing supported by social serving agency Closer to Home.

“These homes are the result of the vision and passion of Brookfield’s founder Alan Norris, who gathered Calgary home builders under the RESOLVE banner to support our city through building affordable housing for our most vulnerable. We are so grateful for his great efforts to make Calgary a more equitable place to live and work to end homelessness through public and private collaboration.” – Bernadette Majdell, CEO HomeSpace

The 45 units in this beautiful complex include 29 three-bedroom units, 11 two-bedroom units, and 5 one-bedroom units – 14 of the units are barrier free. This project provides a place for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness a safe, affordable home from which to raise healthy families within walking distance of the excellent amenities in Seton.

“It has been a highlight in my career and my life in Calgary to have been a part of the Resolve Campaign that brought our community together to build affordable housing for vulnerable Calgarians. The Campaign raised $75 million, built 22 buildings and housing for over 2,100 vulnerable families and individuals. Having Norris House open in the Brookfield community of Seton is truly an honour and a true testament to the support our teams and partners have provided.” - Alan Norris, Executive Chairman – Brookfield Properties

Norris House was made possible due to the contributions of several partners including the Government of Canada (CMHC), The City of Calgary, the campaign formerly known as RESOLVE including Brookfield Residential and Albi Homes. HomeSpace has worked in partnership with the home builders to develop Norris House and will own and operate the property, with social supports for residents provided by Closer to Home.

INTERVIEWS: Available upon request with:

· Alan Norris, Executive Chairman, Brookfield Properties

· Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary

· Bernadette Majdell, CEO, HomeSpace Society

· Patricia Jones, President & CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation

· Karen Olivier, CEO, Closer to Home Community Services

Additional Quotes:

“Our government’s 10-year, $82+ billion National Housing Strategy is working to build affordable homes for those who need them the most — including right here in Calgary. With the opening of Norris House, the Seton community now has access to great new homes that are safe, accessible, and affordable for families and individuals. There truly is nothing more important than having a place to call home. It is thanks to HomeSpace and all their partners that this project is now opening its doors to new residents.”— George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview

“As Calgary tackles the current housing crisis, the opening of Norris House is to be celebrated. Because of the vision and determination of philanthropists such as Alan Norris and other supporters of the former RESOLVE Campaign and the leadership demonstrated by HomeSpace, Brookfield Residential and governments, more families are able to afford dignified, accessible and affordable housing." - Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary

"We are proud to be part of this opportunity to work with more kids, youth and families to ensure they can stay together safely in a new home while working towards a brighter future where they can grow and thrive. Partnering with HomeSpace, Brookfield Residential, and the Calgary Homeless Foundation, we're embarking on a mission to ensure housing in our community stands as a beacon of safety, affordability, and inclusivity for families." - Karen Olivier, CEO, Closer to Home Community Services

About HomeSpace Society

HomeSpace is a charitable real estate developer, rental housing owner and property manager. We provide supportive and affordable housing for the most vulnerable Calgarians and own a portfolio of more than 860 units throughout Calgary. We partner with several social-service agencies to provide supports to the more than 1000 residents in our buildings. We have completed construction on seven buildings in the last five years and currently have five more in various stages of development. We are committed to continue to create more affordable housing to address the urgent need in our city. For more information, visit HomeSpace.org.

About Calgary Homeless Foundation

Calgary Homeless Foundation serves as the centralized planner for 22 homeless-serving agencies in Calgary. As an accountable steward of government and private funding, we find innovative and evidence-based solutions for Albertans at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Through system coordination, research and data, accountability and responsible funding allocation, we address gaps and define best practices, and have housed over 10,000 people in Calgary since 2008. Our collaborative model involves partnerships with all orders of government, public systems, homeless-serving agencies, the private sector, faith-based communities, foundations, and Calgarians. Grounded in fiscal responsibility, our solution-focused, one-of-a-kind approach ensures that Calgary’s resources are allocated in a cost-effective manner to provide a full spectrum of services, solutions, and permanent housing for all Calgarians. For more information, visit calgaryhomeless.com

About Closer to Home

Kids, youth and families are at the heart of everything they do. Since 1995, Closer to Home has served over 65,000 Albertans to help families build the skills and connections necessary to break free from cycles of poverty, isolation and trauma. They provide over 45 programs and services, free of charge, to address youth mental health, parenting skills, family homelessness, foster care, group care, and resources for Indigenous and newcomer families. Closer to Home’s programs are offered in Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Airdrie, Irricana, Beiseker, Crossfield and surrounding areas.

Quick facts:

Norris House is a complex of stacked townhouses in 4 separate buildings.

Of the 45 total units:

29 units are 3-bedroom (7 barrier-free)

11 units are 2-bedroom (2 barrier-free)

5 units are 1-bedroom (all barrier-free)

Housing is geared towards families, supported by Closer to Home

Total project cost: $15,610,000

Funding breakdown:

RESOLVE donation (Brookfield and Albi): $2,520,000

City of Calgary HIP grant: $155,654

CMHC Seed Funding: $150,000