New affordable housing development announced for long-vacant Midfield site

Construction is underway at a prime property on 16 Avenue that used to be a mobile home park. Mason DePatie reports.

A long-debated site in northeast Calgary is entering a new phase, with officials set to announce an affordable housing development.

City officials will announce a new affordable housing project Thursday afternoon at Midfield Heights, land that used to be the Midfield Mobile Home Park.

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The site has been vacant since 2018, after the City of Calgary shut down the park following a drawn-out, often emotional dispute over failing water and sewer infrastructure.

Many residents of the mobile home park fought the city’s closure, even attempting a class-action lawsuit against council, saying the decision was unfair.

They lost the battle in 2017, with the court saying Calgary’s decision was “legally valid.”

Since then, the city has been working behind the scenes as the master developer.

Planning approvals came through in 2021, servicing wrapped up in 2024, and the broader vision is now starting to take shape.

What’s the plan?

In total, more than 1,000 homes are planned for the area, including a mix of mid-rise buildings and townhomes.

One portion of the site has been set aside specifically for affordable housing, which is the focus of Thursday’s announcement.

The project will involve a partnership between Calgary Housing and private developer Rohit Homes, with officials pitching it as a way to build faster and keep costs down.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Alberta’s Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon are both expected to speak.

The city says the full Midfield Heights redevelopment will cost about $44 million and be funded through land sale revenues.

Construction on multiple parts of the site is expected to start within the next couple of years.

This is a developing story. More details to come...