Affordable housing: Calgary wants to demolish three buildings in the city centre

The City of Calgary has moved forward with a plan to demolish three downtown buildings to make way for much-needed affordable housing.

According to officials, the buildings slated for demolition are located on the south side of Fourth Avenue SW between Fifth and Sixth Streets.

All three are empty and have been boarded up for several years.

Edmonton-based Cantiro Group will oversee the redevelopment of the properties. It is the company's second project in Calgary and the first under the city's demolition incentive program.

This program was introduced in April 2023 and only applies to buildings that are considered “end of life”.

“Projects like this will improve access to housing,” Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said Tuesday.

“This will increase the number of amenities available to people who live downtown now and in the future. This will address some of the concerns people have.”

Cantiro plans to build a 33-story multi-purpose tower with approximately 340 rental apartments, including at least 50 social housing units.

In addition, there will be retail space for various commercial uses.

The demolition incentive program provides a grant of 50 percent of the demolition costs, up to a maximum of $15 per square foot, based on the original size of the office space.

An additional $5 per square foot will be provided for projects involving asbestos or other hazardous materials.