A Partnership for Possibility: Onward Featured in Landmark Affordable Housing Investment
At Onward, we believe home is the foundation for well-being and belonging. That belief was powerfully reinforced earlier this month when the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada announced a historic $203 million investment to build more than 2,300 affordable housing units across the province.
We are proud to share that Onward has been selected to receive $30.5 million through this joint funding initiative under the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP). This investment, made possible through the Canada–Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy, will directly support the creation of three new affordable housing projects in Calgary.
These homes will serve Calgarians in greatest need, seniors, families, newcomers, and individuals transitioning out of homelessness, offering more than shelter: a sense of stability, safety, and hope.
A Moment of Recognition, A Shared Vision for Community
This announcement is not just about funding. It’s about what becomes possible when government leaders and non-profit organizations like Onward come together with a shared purpose.
As Chris Slater, COO of Onward, shared during the July 11 announcement:
“These investments go far beyond bricks and mortar. They are about people. About dignity. And about what’s possible when we prioritize stable housing as a foundation for well-being and belonging.”
At Onward, we witness these possibilities every day:
A single mother who once lived in her car, now watching her children thrive in school because they finally have a place to call home.
A senior who was isolated and on the brink of homelessness, now part of a supportive community.
A newcomer family starting their Canadian journey with stability and safety at the heart of it.
These stories are quiet reminders of the transformative power of home. And this funding will allow us to bring that power to even more Calgarians.
Building More Than Housing: A Foundation for the Future
The AHPP announcement signals a bold step forward for affordable housing in Alberta. With federal and provincial governments committing to act at a scale not seen since the Second World War, the focus is clear: build faster, smarter, and with people at the centre.
Each project selected through AHPP was assessed not just on its cost or speed, but on how well it meets local needs, supports community integration, and delivers long-term value. For Onward, that means:
Mixed-income developments that reduce stigma and promote inclusion.
Pet-friendly housing that recognizes the importance of companionship and emotional well-being.
Strategic partnerships with service agencies that provide support for residents.
These new projects will reflect the heart of Onward’s mission: to create homes where Calgarians can thrive.
Stronger Together: Partnership as the Path Forward
As Minister Gregor Robertson noted during the announcement:
“We’re building a new generation of housing. Partnerships are necessary for building homes that Canadians need.”
We couldn’t agree more.
This is the true strength of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program. It doesn’t just fund housing, it funds collaboration. It fuels the efforts of local, community-based organizations who know their cities, understand their residents, and are ready to lead.
The $30.5 million investment in Onward will create a ripple effect across Calgary, unlocking opportunity, relieving pressure on the housing system, and giving more Calgarians a stable foundation from which to build their lives.
Looking Ahead with Hope
With this support, we are not only expanding our portfolio, we are deepening our impact. And we’re doing it together: with all orders of government, with our nonprofit peers, and with the residents and communities we proudly serve.
We’re grateful to the Governments of Alberta and Canada, and to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), for recognizing the value of Onward’s mission. We are honored to be part of this next chapter of affordable housing growth in Alberta.
To everyone working behind the scenes and on the ground: thank you. Your leadership, advocacy, and vision make this work possible.
And to our future residents: we can’t wait to welcome you home.
To learn more about the announcement and how Onward is involved, visit: