All three levels of government joined forces with two community partners to fund 10 new affordable homes in Okotoks.
An announcement took place on June 20 at Drake Towns Affordable Housing Complex. The development, which is now fully occupied, is a 10-unit townhome consisting of two- to three-bedroom apartments with priority given to providing homes for women fleeing violence.
Funding for the project came from the following sources:
• $1.36 million from the federal government through the Affordable Housing Fund
• $1.08 million from Westwinds Communities
• $368,000 from Coal Trail Residence
• $227,000 from the Canada–Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy
• $150,000 from the Town of Okotoks
“Establishing partnerships is crucial to advancing affordable housing projects. We are very grateful for Westwinds Communities, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Province of Alberta for investing in our community and to Partners Development Group for supporting this project,” said Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn. “Drake Towns exemplifies the success of public-private collaboration.”
Provincial Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon said Drake Towns is an example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work with community partners to build the homes the province needs.
“We can get more homes like these ones built faster, so that vulnerable and low-income Albertans have a safe and affordable home available to them,” Nixon said.
Lauren Ingalls, CAO of Westwinds Communities, said Drake Towns is more than just a housing complex.
“It’s a representation of our community’s collective effort to address housing challenges and create a supportive environment for our tenants,” she said.
