Former Hotel Becomes Affordable Housing

Any references to Forward/Horizon Housing have been changed to Onward as a result of the merger of the two organizations.

Onward converted a hotel into affordable housing for Indigenous women and women who have experienced domestic violence.

Thirty-three vulnerable women will have a place to call home, as Onward opens the doors to Horizon 12, an $8.3-million affordable housing building in Calgary. Horizon 12 is part of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), a collaboration among the federal and municipal governments and housing-oriented non-profits. In 2020, under terms of this program, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Company (CMHC) allocated an initial investment of $24.6 million to projects in Calgary as part of the Major Cities stream. CMHC and The City of Calgary then collaborated to select proposals from local agencies.

Says the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen: “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. Our government is committed to helping women and their children by investing in women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other gender-based violence support organizations from coast to coast to coast. This is an important way our National Housing Strategy is ensuring no one is left behind.”

Says Calgary Mayor, Jyoti Gondek: “Together, we can find solutions to homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. This project is an excellent example of how local agencies can partner with The City and federal government to help women in need. With a place to call home, Calgarians can feel safe and be better able to find work, study for new careers and thrive in the community.”

Onward’s project fits well with the RHI’s focus on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing among vulnerable populations. As a former hotel with modern, self-contained suites, for move-in by Indigenous women and women who have experienced domestic violence. They will become part of a community within walking distance of essential amenities, such as grocery stores and transportation.

“I’m more hopeful than ever that the call for affordable housing in Calgary is being heard,” says Onward CEO Martina Jileckova. “With this timely investment, agencies like Onward can seize opportunities to create additional housing for those who need it most.”

In a little more than three years, Onward has added 400 units of affordable housing. This represents growth of nearly 70 per cent, significantly increasing the amount of affordable housing provided to those in need.

This announcement video shows suite interiors and includes quotes from Minister Hussen, Mayor Gondek and Ms. Jileckova.