The Town of Okotoks is transferring 2.3 acres of land in the D'Arcy development to two organizations to develop affordable housing.

Westwinds Communities will be developing 50 units intended for seniors and families on waiting lists for housing, with the Brenda Strafford Society developing 42 second-stage units for women and families fleeing domestic violence.

Another acre is being reserved for market-rate rental units, though a developer hasn't been nailed down just yet.

The town was originally in talks with the Rowan House Society, though they soon withdrew from the agreement, at which point the Brenda Strafford Society stepped up in the Fall of 2019.

Executive Director of the Brenda Strafford Society, Linda McLean, says this kind of housing is essential for those fleeing domestic violence, especially outside of larger urban centres.

"Often, one of the consequences of that unfortunate situation is that a woman, and if she has children, a woman and her children have to leave their home or place of origin have to leave home or have to seek services. Right now, what that means is going into a major urban setting like Calgary. It also means you can't ensure there's inclusivity and community for people dealing with different challenges in their life, so that was the motivation."

She says affordability and accessibility are key since victims often have to sacrifice financial stability.

"It's critical. We need to have continual supports that allow women to make choices for their own wellbeing, and that are not dependant on having to give up everything we need to have quality of life."

The Brenda Strafford Society has some experience with this kind of housing,

"We currently operate a facility in the Calgary area. We offer 34 units of second-stage shelter and then 51 units of supportive housing that is longer-term. We operate a building that was purpose-built just over 10 years ago as part of some grants that were available from the province to create affordable housing, so a similar kind of nature."

Construction is expected to begin in 2022.

 

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