Silvera opens affordable housing apartment in Livingston

18 September 2024

All levels of government involved in opening new Silvera for Seniors affordable housing apartment in Calgary

CALGARY, AB – Through funding commitments from the Government of Canada, the Alberta Government and the City of Calgary, Silvera for Seniors is formally opening its newest affordable housing apartment for independent seniors in northeast Calgary today.

Livingston Terrace Apartments, owned and operated by Silvera, will provide homes for 47 seniors in the Calgary community of Livingston at 149 Livingston Hill NE. The total cost of the project was $20.2 million.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said all orders of government, non‐profits and industry share the commitment to increasing the supply of housing for vulnerable Calgarians.

“Addressing the housing crisis requires strong collaboration and coordination between all orders of Government,” Gondek said. “The City is focused on expanding affordable independent living options for seniors and will advance our efforts through the comprehensive 98 actions detailed in the Housing Strategy.”

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning, Honourable Jason Nixon, Alberta’s Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, said the project is part of the provincial government’s commitment to providing affordable housing for seniors.

“Congratulations to Silvera for Seniors on the grand opening of these 47 new homes that will help foster a sense of dignity, security and belonging for seniors in the Livingston area,” Nixon said. “Projects like these are part of our ongoing commitment to ensure Alberta’s seniors have access to safe, secure and affordable housing.”

George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, was unable to attend the opening ceremony, but provided a statement on behalf of the Government of Canada:

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, for their safety, health, and well-being. Today’s event is a celebration of our continuing journey to provide every Canadian a roof above their head.”

Funding for this project included $7.7 million through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative, $2.6 million from the City of Calgary, $3 million from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s co-investment loan program, and $680,000 from the Province of Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program. Silvera also contributed $7.0 million to the project, including purchase of the land through its partnership with Brookfield Residential.

A planned expansion to the building will increase the total number of units to 63 once additional government and donor funding is secured.

Construction of Livingston Terrace Apartments started in January 2023. The building welcomed its first nine residents on May 1, 2024. Phase 1 is already near capacity. The timing for Phase 2 is dependent on future funding commitments.

This pet-friendly, independent living building offers 47 affordable housing units, including 35 non-market rental units where rent is geared to 30% of a resident’s income and 12 below-market units with rents fixed at certain percentages below Calgary rental market benchmarks as established by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on an annual basis. This rental structure, supported by government funding commitments, will provide housing for a range of low to moderate-income seniors, while ensuring the building is able to operate sustainably without the need for ongoing operating funding.

The 35 non-market units were supported through the Rapid Housing Initiative, a program delivered through the Government of Canada’s CMHC and the City of Calgary.
The 12 below-market units were funded by the Government of Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP), along with a CMHC co-investment loan.

Livingston consists primarily of one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and in-suite laundry. There are also one-bedroom units with a den and suites with two bedrooms, including some that are wheelchair accessible.

Arlene Adamson, Silvera’s chief executive officer, said Livingston Terrace Apartments is intended to help meet the rising demand for affordable, independent living.

“It is clear, when all levels of government are committed to finding solutions, we can make significant progress towards addressing our current housing crisis,” said Adamson. “The need is great, and action is absolutely essential if we are going to address this crisis. Silvera is keen to continue to work with all levels of government to ensure financially vulnerable seniors have the opportunity to live their best lives in a place they can call home.”

About Silvera for Seniors

With over 60 years of service, Silvera is a trusted leader in providing a diverse selection of safe, affordable housing for independent older adults and the supports required to ensure they live as independent as possible for as long as possible. Silvera’s housing portfolio has over 1,800 units in 28 supportive living and independent living communities in Calgary, including non-market, below-market, and competitive mid-market units. Through its 400 dedicated employees, Silvera offers housing and innovative non-healthcare services to Calgary seniors with differing levels of income so they can live their best lives and age successfully in the community.