A group of concerned residents in Bowness are fighting to save a park in their area that is set to be redeveloped into an affordable housing development. The residents, led by Leslie Herrera, argue that while affordable housing is important, taking away green space is not the solution. They have collected over 450 signatures in an effort to save the park, believing that the proposed development does not fit in with the surrounding area as it would be six storeys high, unlike anything else in the neighborhood. The residents are hoping to gain more support in the coming weeks to stop the park’s redevelopment.
The city of Calgary deemed the park surplus to municipal requirements in 2022 and voted to sell the land for development. The Trellis Society, a local non-profit organization, was chosen to develop the land into an affordable housing development consisting of 50 units. CEO Jeff Dyer, who is a resident of Bowness himself, believes that this development will provide an opportunity for 50 families to access affordable housing in a neighborhood where they can also access other community services. Dyer noted that the area around the proposed development will not be left without a proper playground, as they are working to find an alternative solution and build a new park nearby.
The Trellis Society has scheduled two open houses to gather community feedback on the proposed development. The open houses will take place on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bowness Community Association. The organization is committed to working with the community to address concerns and incorporate feedback into their plans. More information about the project can be found on the Trellis Society website. The organization is trying to balance the need for affordable housing with the preservation of green spaces in the community, and is open to exploring alternative solutions that can benefit both residents and those in need of housing.
The residents of Bowness are concerned about the impact of losing the park and are determined to fight for its preservation. They believe that there are better alternatives for affordable housing development in the area that do not involve sacrificing green space. The proposed development stands out in the neighborhood due to its height and is not in keeping with the existing architecture and landscape. The residents hope to raise awareness and gather more support to save the park from being redeveloped. They are engaging with the community and city officials to address their concerns and find a solution that will benefit everyone involved.
The park’s potential redevelopment into affordable housing reflects the growing need for housing solutions in Calgary. As the city continues to face a housing crisis, the development of affordable housing units is crucial to providing secure and stable housing for all residents. The Trellis Society’s project aims to address this need by creating affordable housing units in a neighborhood where families can access other community resources and services. By repurposing underutilized land, the organization is working to create safe and affordable housing options for those in need while also considering the impact on the surrounding community and green spaces.
The development of affordable housing in Bowness is a complex issue that requires a balance between meeting the needs of residents for housing and preserving community green spaces. The proposed development has sparked a debate among residents about the best use of the park land and the impact of building affordable housing in the neighborhood. As the community and city officials work to address these concerns, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications of the development on the neighborhood and its residents. By engaging with the community, discussing concerns, and exploring alternative solutions, a collaborative approach can be taken to ensure that the needs of all residents are met while also preserving the unique character of the neighborhood.
