The goal of this project is to support the creation of sustainable, efficient, and resilient housing co-ops in Alberta. Despite minimal growth of new housing co-operatives in Alberta, a co-op model can effectively engage tenant-members in making decisions that provide affordable options, a range of community benefits, and be good stewards of the housing stock.

The Sustainable Housing Initiative, a division of the Rural Development Network, partnered with the Alberta Community and Cooperative Association and the Northern Alberta Cooperative Housing Association to create new resources to support the growth of co-operative housing in northern Alberta.

Explore the Research Report, Guidebook, and the Calculator Tool here.

This project was funded in 2020 through the Foundation’s Grant Program.

Heritage districts and heritage places of interest can create niche markets for shopping, living, and eating in “differentiated” heritage environments that contribute to urban liveability and the attraction of talent. The Calgary Heritage Initiative’s Heritage Inspires YYC includes a tab for realtors and comprehensive FAQs that cover everything from place-making to urban planning policy and the steps needed to designate a heritage property. It features 36 community histories, 17 flyover videos of potential heritage districts, 50+ examples of new uses for old buildings, as well as success stories of revitalization and designation. Visitors to the website can learn about how heritage contributes to economic recovery, sustainability, and urban liveability.

As a support agency to the social profit sector FuseSocial’s role is to aid other agencies to not only recover from the effects of the 2016 wildfire but improve the quality of life in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. FuseSocial presents the results of this study and other survey series to key stakeholders and funders in order for them to understand the needs of the community and address them. We help other agencies to help the community.

Often, when a major industry or employer leaves a community, it tends to happen rather suddenly: recall when General Motors announced in November 2018 that it would close its Oshawa assembly plant by the end of 2019, putting nearly 3,000 people of out of work. In contrast, by announcing the potential closure of the Waterton Complex years in advance, Shell has given our community a unique opportunity to proactively plan for our future.

SASCI’s socio-economic impact assessment gives us fact-based evidence about the magnitude and scope of the potential impacts of the loss of this significant economic driver. Now, with that information in hand, SASCI will be turning its mind – as well as its expertise in community engagement, collaboration, capacity-building, and facilitation – to advancing diversification and resilience in the community. Our goal is to rally the community and put our collective energy, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship to work in shaping the economic future of our region.

Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America with more than 1,300 hectares of natural habitat, rich biodiversity and loads of hiking, walking and biking trails to explore.

Updated February 2020

The Biosphere Institute, in collaboration with the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, local REALTORS^® and the Town of Canmore, created this booklet to help new residents of the Bow Valley take part in meeting the goals of Town of Canmore’s Climate Action Plan. Learn more about the Climate Action Plan goals here.

The Alberta Narratives Project Report I and Report II are intended to provide practical guidance for climate and energy communicators about what language works well and – crucially – what language might pose an obstacle for communicating with any specific group.

Report I, Communicating Climate Change and Energy in Alberta is concerned with finding the language that works best across Albertan society by helping to find common ground across very different positions. This generates a core narrative that can be applied for general public engagement.

Report II, Communicating Climate Change and Energy with Different Audiences in Alberta offers tailored language that can be the basis of effective communications with each of the following groups: oil sands workers, conservatives, environmentalists, rural Albertans, business leaders, youth, new Canadians and people of faith.

These are guidebooks, not rulebooks. Skilled communications should always listen to their audiences, and experiment with new and fresh ways of speaking.

Founded in 2006, in the spirit of the Water for Life strategy, the Alberta WaterPortal provides inclusive research, community engagement, and educational activities to improve the public’s understanding of the importance of water in Alberta, as well as providing Albertans with the knowledge needed to make better water management decisions.

Today’s water challenges and opportunities clearly cross many different jurisdictions, stakeholders and communities. Addressing the protection, allocation and management of our water resources and water systems requires creative mechanisms for dialogue and networking, as well as coordinated efforts to explore and share data and experiences among water users, managers, and researchers.

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) is a joint Canada-U.S. not-for-profit organization that connects and protects habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so people and nature can thrive. They are the only organization dedicated to securing the long-term ecological health of this entire region.
There are many conservation initiatives underway in this vast region. One such initiative is to look at the establishment of a park or protected area in the area known as “The Bighorn”. This area is made up of many uses, including industrial (coal, logging), parks, wilderness areas and crown land. It’s an extremely important area for many reasons; habitat for grizzly bears and other large mammals and it is also part of the headwaters for the North Saskatchewan River –Edmonton’s main drinking water supply.
Y2Y contracted NRG Research Group and the Praxis Group to undertake a poll to gauge opinions and attitudes toward the establishment of a park in this area. Although Y2Y has no actual jurisdiction for park establishment, the information is being gathered to help decision-makers understand how the various options might play out.

SpaceFinder Alberta is a free matchmaking tool for renters looking for creative space, and spaces looking to promote their rentals.

Venues can market unbooked rental space by creating a listing and uploading a digital calendar, while creatives can discover space based on location, price, amenities, up-to-date availability and more.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Southern and Northern Alberta Chapters worked with the Praxis Group™ (Praxis) to undertake a survey of Albertans to better understand the public’s behaviour, attitudes and opinions related to outdoor recreation and use of public lands. The survey instrument was developed jointly by CPAWS and Praxis and reviewed by selected stakeholders in government, academia, nonprofit organizations and industry.

A nexus is the place where points intersect, linking many different parts of a system together. Water is the nexus between food, energy, and people. Water is required to meet the demands of our growing population, to maintain and improve environmental health, and to support the production of food and energy. As the availability of water changes and our population grows, meeting the demands in the Nexus will become increasingly challenging.

This paper grew from a demonstration project to prove the business case for energy efficiency upgrades to affordable housing properties in Calgary.

Community leagues have great stories.  And telling them well is a great way to engage people in the league, in their community, and as neighbours. Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has collected and developed a number of great resources designed specifically to support community leagues in connecting neighbours on and offline, and in using social media tools to share great stories about their neighbourhoods.

Calgary as a city continues to lead Canada in terms of population growth and, as its economy continues to grow, increasingly competes on a global scale for both business and talent. As Calgary becomes recognized as a global city, it needs to keep up with other Great Cities to attract successful businesses, elite-level talent, and provide critical infrastructure support for economic success.

With Calgary’s growth in mind, the Calgary Chamber launched the Great Cities initiative, which looks to understand the importance of  cities in the global economy, and the impact municipal decisions and actions have on the success of a community.

Topics include the affordability and availability of housing and commercial space, homelessness, regional planning, planning for population and demographic changes, and creating engaging public spaces. This issue features case studies from Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Camrose, and Cold Lake, and includes interviews with members of Alberta’s real estate community. A preview version of Curb’s “Boomtowns” issue is available here, and a full version is available through the CRSC website.

Are you a REALTOR® that has clients new to Canmore? Help them feel more at home: Give them a Sustainable Action Canmore booklet. Hard copies available from the Biosphere Institute.

*FOR UPDATED VERSION CLICK HERE*

Communities – the places where we live, work and play – account for 60% of energy use in Canada, as well as over half of all greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). In other words, when we invest, plan and implement effectively for Smart Energy Communities, we can have a direct impact on addressing Canada’s energy and GHG challenges. A Community Energy Plan is a tool that helps communities define priorities around energy with a view to improving efficiency, cutting emissions and driving economic development.

The resources developed from the GTI Project are available here to help communities that currently have a Community Energy Plan navigate the challenges and get to implementation. They are also designed to help communities currently without a plan to design an integrated and principle-based Community Energy Plan that optimizes the benefits and is poised for implementation.

Placemaking has become a popular term in policy circles for making a city, region or community more inviting for residents and investment, both existing and prospective. In growing economies such as Alberta, placemaking can help balance growth pressures with liveability, in addition to attracting new talent. But successful placemaking is complex, requiring the engagement of a wide array of stakeholders and going well beyond the branding and beautification exercises often associated with it. Housing forms and availability, community design, transportation, sustainability, local narratives and governance all weigh into the success of any placemaking initiative.

The Southern Foothills Community Land Stewardship Initiative is a citizen-based process to develop recommendations that will provide direction to provincial, municipal and non-profit land use planning and stewardship efforts, in order to protect and enhance the integrity of the Southern Foothills landscape of SW Alberta.

The initial project was a pilot for a nation-wide qualitative study of the attitudes and opinions of private Landlords to investigate their potential to help solve homelessness. However, it became clear in the preliminary stages of research, that a greater understanding was needed around the environmental factors affecting housing of formerly homeless tenants, particularly with regards to the scattered site housing model employed by the Alex’s housing programs, HomeBase and Pathways to Housing.

Formerly the Legal Resource Centre. A series of brochures produced addressing numerous concerns of Alberta Seniors with regards to rental and home ownership. These include Life Leases, Renting out a Room in Your Home, Renting a Condominium, Reverse Mortgages.

Development of educational outreach tools to be used to assist in community and stakeholder outreach and communications that would enhance the understanding and benefits of natural areas within the urban development context of Edmonton & Area.

An educational program offering presentations geared to teaching Alberta communities about how to manage growth in a way that promotes sustainability, supports a robust economy, encourages collaboration, and improves the quality of life of its citizens.

Report on the results of testing on three green roofs established in Edmonton. The performance of plant species moderately affected by the depth of growth medium in which they were growing. All of the native plant species tested survived the environmental conditions experienced in a roof environment.

This project was a pioneering community-based program designed to foster sustainable behaviour among the Town’s households. Combining door-to-door canvassing with the tools of Community-Based Social Marketing, the program enlisted residents to take action in one of four domains: water use, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and transportation impacts.

*FOR UPDATED VERSION CLICK HERE*

DVD of participants relating their experience with the Healthy Homes Calgary program and the difference it made to their lives. This resource is available as a hard copy in DVD format in the AREF office.

The real estate industry in Alberta has played a vital role in shaping communities. Not only has it contributed to the province’s economic development, the history of the transactions it facilitates also chronicle the social, political, demographic, and architectural heritage of cities, towns and rural communities across the province. Collectively and individually, real estate professionals have made and continue to make significant contributions to the fabric of the province, and these deserve to be made known. Alberta’s Real Estate Heritage website is an educational multimedia website showcasing information about all aspects of the real estate industry – its history, people, and landmark buildings.

Simulations of changes in land use over time as well as forecasts based on historical rates of change.

This is a customized and interactive powerpoint presentation focused on the real estate industry in Alberta, with emphasis on residential growth.

o Comparison of growing out (sprawl) vs growing up. o Indicators on land footprint, infrastructural construction and maintenance costs, commuting time, fuel requirements, etc. o Projected population growth in urban, rural residential, and agricultural residential settings.

o Changes to family metrics (size, age, other demographics) and how they will influence demand side for different growth forms.

Grant #: 2008-14
Author: Alberta Real Estate Foundation
Year: 2008
Format: Alberta Land Use Presentation

The Crowsnest Pass Affordable Housing Needs Assessment combined quantitative (statistical) data analysis with targeted Interviews and Focus Group Meetings (qualitative analyses) in order to identify and explore: Population and demographic trends; Household incomes; Housing availability (housing supply, form and tenure including market, nearmarket and non-market housing); Housing issues related to adequacy, suitability, affordability and accessibility; Other indicators of housing/economic hardship where data was available; and Impacts that the community may be experiencing as a result of declining housing affordability and choice.

Grant #: 2008-08
Author: Crowsnest Pass Affordable Housing Committee
Year: 2009
Format: pdf

The Alberta Ecoroof Initiative co-hosted a regional conference on green roofs in 2008 with the Calgary Zoo and various local organizations. One hundred delegates attended the conference representing a variety of industries including landscaping, architecture, roofing, and real estate and development. The conference featured speakers from Canada and the US on demonstrating the benefits of a green roof system, sharing information on challenges, and advancing an action plan to establish a local green roof industry through case study review, research and policy development. On June 10, 2008, 52 delegates participated in a tour of green roofs both old and newly established to demonstrate what has already been achieved in and around Calgary. The tour concluded at the Alberta Ecoroof Initiative demonstration roof at the Alastair Ross Technology Centre in the University Research Park.

The report investigated Calgary’s housing affordability since 1980 and offered comparison with other Canadian cities, discussed the factors that affect housing prices, and provided recommendations to improve the affordability of Calgary’s residential real estate market.

Grant #: 2007-40
Author: The Chamber of Commerce
Year: 2008
Format: pdf

Community associations have an important role to play in planning. They help to shape and communicate community goals and aspirations in both policy planning and implementation of plans. The purpose of the Guide is to help community volunteers deal with planning issues in an effective and rewarding manner. It is also hoped that the Guide will help to promote positive and productive working relationships among communities, applicants, City staff and all the players in the planning process.

Between October 2000 and April 2003, the total AHI Housing Facilitator program totalled $133,950; funded by AREF and managed by AREA. This analytical report represents the status, content and findings resulting from work completed by the Affordable Housing Facilitators program, Affordable Housing Initiative (2000-2003). It presents the current status of the twenty-nine projects and initiatives involving the direct or indirect support of both Facilitators for the duration of this program.

Cementing Our Relationship highlights affordable housing projects undertaken by Alberta builders and developers and their recommendations to encourage more involvement from within the private sector. Capturing lessons and experiences from the work already being done, this report endeavors to promote increased private sector participation in the production of affordable housing, and provides recommendations to all levels of government regarding key legislative changes that could facilitate further participation by the private sector.

Grant #: 2007-21
Author: United Way of Calgary & Area
Year: 2008
Format: pdf

The Green Communities Guide will be an essential tool to help elected officials, municipal planners, developers, real estate associations, stewardship groups and citizens develop strategies to conserve water, protect water quality, conserve valuable agricultural land, and protect critical open space and wildlife habitat. Through the guide, municipalities, stewardship groups, and developers will be informed about the innovative approaches other communities are taking to avoid, mitigate, or reduce the impacts of growth and development, to maintain the flow of ecological goods and services from their landscapes.

Grant #: 2007-17
Author: Land Stewardship Centre
Year: 2009
Format: full hard copy available at AREF’s office

This policy brief examined the most current and cutting edge research on sustainable cities. It examines the principles of smart growth as a sustainable approach to urban sprawl. 10 key actions are identified to move Calgary on the road to smart growth. This resource is available as a hard copy in the AREF office.

The report offers valuable data and information on the need for seniors’ affordable housing in rural communities

Summary of the joint review between Urban Development Institute Calgary (UDI) and the City of Calgary for the building and development review process.

The Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) recognizes that the increasing urbanization of Alberta has significant implications parks planning, quality of life and economically sustainable communities. The premise, upon which the Proximate Principle is based, is that residential properties located near an amenity such as a park, open space or water way, will attract a higher capitalized value. Further, the higher capitalized value will result in incrementally higher levels of municipal property taxes, which when aggregated, are theorized to be sufficient to pay for the annual costs related to the development and maintenance of the amenity.

This resource is available as a hard-copy in CD format at the AREF office.

This study entitled Aboriginal Housing in Canada: Building On Promising Practices was prepared as part of a series organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) for presentation at the World Urban Forum in June 2006. This resource is available as a hard copy in the AREF office.

This document provides an overview of likely regulatory processes and related issues in respect of potential development projects that may be proposed in southwest Alberta.

An evaluation of the impact of the HOME program on its participants and to ascertain what, if any, improvements can be made to the program. This resource is available in hard copy format on the AREF office.

CD – Edmonton launch April 18, 2006

Grant #: 2005-07
Author: University of Alberta
Year: 2006
Format: hard copy

This report was written by the People and Place project team. It addresses the primary purpose of the project – a business rationale and strategy for the development of a mixed-use affordable housing/business incubator liner building along International Avenue (17th Avenue SE) in Greater Forest Lawn.

Land use planning is a complex process. The report is designed to help connect the fiscal land use components of municipal decision making in a straight forward and cost-effective way. Red Deer county sits at Alberta’s centre. It is one of the fastest growing regions in Alberta. The county looked at the cost of community services study to better plan for the future.

This comprehensive housing needs assessment is designed to provide an overall strategy for Seniors’ Homes & Community Housing to follow in addressing affordable housing issues within the City of Wetaskiwin, the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 and the Town of Millet. This resource is available in hard copy format at the AREF office.

A unique training opportunity for REALTOR®S® to achieve excellence in rural client service . The course includes: * Presentations from experts in related fields * Touring country residential properties and looking at characteristics that affect value * Critical thinking and group discussion to turn industry challenges into solutions.

A report on Smart Growth in Alberta and steps needed to advance the smart growth principles.

The Urban Growth and Land Use Initiative is a part of the Canada West Foundation’s “Western Cities Project”. The report outlines the environmental costs of current development and highlights the potential econmic and environmental benefits of integrating natual features and ecological services into community design. The overall intent of the report is to encourage policmakers, the development industry , consumers and other interested parties to work together to enhance public policy. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

The Open Space Toolkit for Alberta is a community training workshop series designed to help rural residents understand and practice sustainable land use and conservation. The booklet and accompanying workshops are meant to engage community residents, municipal officials, and land management and development professionals in a dialogue that provides an understanding of the nature of Alberta’s current growth and its impacts, imparts an appreciation of the ecological and cultural values of natural landscapes, and offers strategies and tools that help participants identify, anticipate and address local land use issues.

On The Living Edge contains information specifically for lakefront and streamside properties in Alberta. REALTOR®S® use this publication as a gift for waterfront purchasers, information for consumers and for pre-purchase support. The publication includes information on erosion, septic systems, building by water and purchasing tips.

The guide is a resource to inform prospective home buyers about the area’s environmental and lifestyle assets. It encourages environmentally responsible choices and stewardship actions relating to living in close proximity to wildlife and habitat corridors.

Brochure advertising the programs offered by the Accessible Housing Society. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

The purpose of the project is to enhance commercial REALTOR®S® understanding of the development potential around LRT stations for mixed use development/redevelopment and to enhance residential REALTOR®S® understanding of affordable housing strategies for first time buyers (starters) and mature buyers (finishers). This resource is available in hard copy format at the AREF office.

The fact sheets and report provide answers to common questions that land owners, real estate professionals, developers and community residents have about brownfields.

Grant #: 2002-33
Author: Jodie Hierlmeier for Environmental Law Centre
Year: 2006
Format: Fact Sheet 1 Fact Sheet 2

‘Conservation easements’ have been gaining popularity since their introduction in the province in 1996. This publication can help property owners understand more about one of the land conservation possibilities available to them.

A report on the challenges within rural-metro adjacent regions that surround the western urban cores.

An overview of the community consultation process from idea inception through development completion. It also offers information, tools, resources and encouragement to enhance the process. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

Various vignettes of experiences of developmentally challenged people in a variety of living situations. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

A booklet with information pertaining to resolving conflicts with neighbours. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

A document outlining the proposed detailed fiscal framework of how a Community Economic Development Investment fund could operate in Alberta. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

A document which was created to serve as a long-term working guide to help the community achieve continuity in the housing continuum. It is divided into two components: the Strategy and, the Needs Assessment. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

A VHS recording of a program designed to help residents, owners and managers of rental properties prevent illegal activity. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

A study on addressing problems in urban design criteria for an ideal community project when new communities are proposed. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

A case study on implementing a Municipal Growth Management Strategy. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

This paper examines the housing stock of post-war inner city neighbourhoods and proposes a future in which sensitive and economically viable re-use and redevelopment strategies can provide new and innovative housing alternatives for the Calgary market. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.

Education program which explores the roles played by private and corporate land development companies as they design, plan and build new residential communities. This VHS tape resource is available in the AREF office.

An articulation of the revolving door housing model created by CHOOSE: The Fellowship. The paper also goes on to identify the factors critical to the model’s success and look at how the model could be adapted and extended to meet the needs of other cities and target groups. This resource is available in hard copy format in the AREF office.