Shawnee Slopes

14320 6th Street SW

Proposed Project

To maximize the long, thin, partially sloped parcel, HomeSpace is proposing the construction of 48 one to three-story, 1,300-square-foot, three-bedroom, wood-frame townhouses in Shawnee Slopes. Located next to the Fish Creek-Lacombe C-Train station, this pedestrian-focused development will include 48 parking stalls, divided between carports and parallel parking, to enhance greenspace and encourage outdoor activities and community-building.

The townhomes will be built in blocks of 6-7 units, forming a total of 8 residential buildings along a two-lane cul-de-sac with two entry/exit points on Shawnee Gate SW. On the sloped northeastern quadrant of the parcel, we envision an 8,000-square-foot office, daycare, or amenity space that will be available for families and agency staff use, along with a children’s playground located on the western edge of the property.

At this time, the project features 48 units, 10 of which will be barrier-free units, and all buildings will be designed to exceed current energy codes by at least 20%. There will be 48 parking stalls provided onsite.

The unit numbers and project layout are subject to change, as they will be finalized during the Development Permit stage.

To facilitate non-market housing units, HomeSpace will undertake the following:

  • Apply for a land-use change to rezone the site to MC-2, allowing for medium-density residential development adjacent to low-density areas.

  • Apply concurrently for a Development Permit.

  • Apply for a Building Permit after the Development Permit is approved.

This development prioritizes a community-focused atmosphere, with a mix of carport and parallel parking options to maximize greenspace. We are committed to creating an energy-efficient community, with our townhomes performing at least 20% above current energy codes. Ten units are designated as barrier-free for improved accessibility and inclusivity.

Location Context

As Shawnee Slopes and Calgary continue to grow and evolve, we aim to support this growth thoughtfully. The development is expected to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding low-density residences, ensuring appropriate transitions in building height and scale. The site is within a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) area that encourages population growth and medium-density development, fostering walkable spaces connected to nearby transit services, especially the Fish Creek-Lacombe Station area.

Amenity Access

The Shawnee Slopes development site is strategically located to provide easy access to a variety of amenities unique to this transit-oriented area. We encourage residents to explore their community by walking or cycling, as our developments promote sustainable living by reducing vehicle dependence and congestion through active and public transportation options. The site’s close proximity to Fish-Creek Lacombe station allows residents to take advantage of all the amenities accessible through this proximity to transit.

Guiding Policies

The redevelopment in Shawnee Slopes is informed by policies that support sustainable urban growth.

Why MC-2?

The MDP defines Major Activity Centres as areas of significant job opportunities and population growth, strategically located within larger residential catchments and connected city-wide by the Primary Transit Network. The site at 14320 6 St SW in Shawnee Slopes is located within a Major Activity Centre, making it an ideal location for redevelopment under the Revised Midnapore Phase 2 Area Structure Plan (ASP). This designation aligns with Calgary’s goals for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), with proximity to the Fish Creek-Lacombe Station to foster transit-supportive density and walkability.

The proposed M-C2 zoning supports medium-density, multi-residential development with a focus on enhancing housing diversity and creating seamless transitions in building height and scale between adjacent low-density areas. This zoning aligns with the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) objectives of enhancing housing diversity and density to accommodate a variety of residents.

As part of a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) area near Fish Creek-Lacombe Station, M-C2 facilitates compact, transit-supportive growth. It provides convenient access to the Primary Transit Network, reducing vehicle reliance and encouraging urban mobility. The zoning also integrates outdoor social spaces, walkable pathways, and community connections, reinforcing the Major Activity Centre’s role as a vibrant hub for residential and social activity.

Additionally, the site’s existing infrastructure optimizes public investment in utilities and transit, ensuring development aligns with Calgary’s vision for efficient and sustainable urban expansion. The M-C2 zone’s provisions for density, compatibility, and transit access make it an ideal choice for continuing the ongoing evolution of this area into a vibrant, walkable, transit-friendly community.

It is in keeping with Calgary’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) focus of building a sustainable city by: 

  1. Providing diverse housing choices in Shawnee Slopes.

  2. Supporting housing in walkable, transit-oriented environments. 

  3. Fostering inclusive and attractive communities with a strong sense of place.

  4. Directing redevelopment to areas with existing infrastructure. 

It also supports the five key directions of the MDP by: 

  1. Balancing growth between established and greenfield communities.

  2. Providing more choice within complete communities.

  3. Directing land use changes within a framework of Activity Centres and Main Streets.

  4. Linking land use decisions to transit access.

  5. Supporting the development of Complete Streets.

Our Partners

Our project partners are Gibbs Gage Architects, the site & building designers, Hopewell, the construction managers, and Hive Developments, the community engagement facilitators. Homespace will own and operate this project, which will provide below-market rental units to families in need of housing.

NOTE: Onsite supportive care will be provided by a separate agency chosen at a later date through an RFQ application process. We work with a variety of agencies such as the Calgary Dream Center, Inn from the Cold etc. Visit https://www.homespace.org/partner-agencies for a more complete list of our partners.

Proposed Designs

Fig 1: Aerial view of the conceptual site plan showing how the buildings will be laid out on the site.

Fig 2: Floor plans for the different types of townhouses.

Important Dates

Note: This is an approximate engagement outline and will be subject to revision.

Upcoming Events

HomeSpace: Norris House Tour

Date: TBD

Office Hours - In Person

Date: TBD

Resources

Reports pertinent to this process will be made available for viewing here as they are published.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • HomeSpace Society is a registered charity with the sole mission to build, maintain, and manage affordable housing for vulnerable Calgarians. HomeSpace owns and runs a portfolio of 892 units of housing in over 34 properties throughout Calgary and serves over 1300 residents. In each of these properties, HomeSpace partners with a social service agency that provides wrap-around support to keep residents safely housed and connected with the resources they need to thrive. HomeSpace has a strong growth mandate to build more specialized, permanent, affordable housing to address the growing crisis in our city. Explore this website for more information.

  • Families with children.

    On September 16, 2023, Calgary City Council directed Administration to dedicate two City-owned sites to develop housing to support families with children who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, as part of The City’s Housing Strategy in response to the housing crisis in Calgary.

    Families must qualify based on need and income as determined by Calgary’s Coordinated Access & Assessment system.

    The intent for both sites is to provide homes for families with children for a temporary period of time, bridging the gap from homelessness to permanent housing. These families will be provided with on-site supports to help them reach a level of stability that will allow them to gradually transition to market housing. Children go to school, parents secure stable employment and receive the care they need to address barriers to housing.


    Residents pay monthly rent based on income, are required to adhere to guest management and other house rules, and voluntarily participate in activities and supports provided by our partner agency.

  • Homelessness does not belong in anyone’s backyard – that is why it is so important we work together to end it. Ending homelessness needs community.

    When The City selected these sites, it took a wide number of considerations into account. This included: the size of the parcel so that it could accommodate a development that would support families with children, as well as proximity to public transit, schools, grocery stores and other commercial amenities.

    These two locations in the north and south, will ensure families are close to the resources they need.

    It takes every Calgarian’s commitment to seek change and to work together to create liveable, sustainable and inclusive communities. When we provide housing with supports for families experiencing homelessness, they have the resources to rebuild their lives at home within a community of support.

  • We have proposed ample parking on-site with more than 1 stall per unit. Plus, most of our residents do not own cars. Due to proximity to the C-train line, these developments are designed to be pedestrian-friendly, and should not impact parking in the area.

  • Housing is needed throughout Calgary. This includes market rentals, below-market units, and dedicated affordable housing.

    It is important that we welcome housing in all forms across the city to accommodate incoming and existing Calgarians. Affordable housing ensures families thrive, young people establish themselves, and seniors can age in place.

    Affordable Housing refers to units that are rented at below market rate, in this case managed by HomeSpace and our agency partners to support our residents.

  • No. Various studies show that supportive housing does not lead to increased rates of crime. Research was conducted in Vancouver, Toronto and Denver.

    City of Vancouver: http://vancouver.ca/people-programs/supportive-housing-in-your-neighbourhood.aspx & Supportive Housing Strategy for Vancouver Coastal Health’s Mental Health & Addictions Supportive Housing Framework, June 2007. City of Vancouver.

    deWolff, A. (2008). We Are the Neighbours: The Impact of Supportive Housing on Community, Social, Economic and Attitude Changes. Toronto, ON: Wellesley Institute.

    George Galster, Kathryn Pettit, Anna Santiago, and Peter Tatian. The Impact of Supportive Housing On Neighbourhood Crime Rates. Journal of Urban Affairs. Volume 24, Issue 3, pages 289–315, Fall 2002.

  • We take pride in the design and maintenance of our buildings. Like all property owners, we are passionate about maintenance and upkeep to retain asset value. While the residents may be lower income, our buildings are designed to blend into the community and to not only be aesthetically pleasing but to also conform to the architectural character of the neighbourhood.

    Research shows that there is no negative impact on property values associated with social housing. Canadian research has been conducted on social housing sites in Vancouver, 7 social housing properties throughout British Columbia (Kelowna, Surrey, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Esquimalt and Victoria), and Toronto.

    Calgary-specific research was conducted in early 2018 by Avison Young. This research looked at the prices of residential properties in close proximity to 2 current buildings that HomeSpace owns and operates with a partner agency that provides supports to our residents.

    This independent research found that there was no negative impact on residential property values in proximity to these 2 permanent supported housing apartment buildings. The analysis indicated that long-term residential values for dwellings located close to the properties are no different than value changes evident much farther away.

  • Please use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your comments. You are also welcome to attend one of our Community Engagement info sessions to ask questions and share your comments on our proposal. We will update this page as those sessions are scheduled.

  • HomeSpace does not rent directly to tenants, but accepts referrals for residents from Calgary’s Coordinated Access Assessment system. See the “Get Housing” section of this website for details about how to get on a list for affordable housing.

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