The Honourable Minister of Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs Jonathan Denis and Mayor Stephen Mandel were joined by Franco Savoia, President and CEO Edmonton YMCA, Capital Region Housing Corporation and members from the Boyle Street Community League and Boyle Renaissance Advisory Committee on November 24 to celebrate the beginning of construction on the $42.2 million Phase 1 of the Boyle Renaissance.

Phase 1 marks the beginning of the renaissance in downtown east and will bring:

• 150 progressive affordable housing rental units in the YMCA Welcome Village;
• An underground parkade accommodating 70 vehicles;
• A Family Resource Centre providing support to area parents and families;
• A licensed daycare to serve 76 children; and,
• A 14,000 square foot Community Centre for Boyle Street, surrounding communities, and the Quarters Downtown development.

Boyle Renaissance is the City of Edmonton’s plan to invest in and renew the area between 95 Street and 96 Street, from 103 A Avenue north to the LRT tracks. The Boyle Renaissance redevelopment will take place in phases over a number of years and will create a community that brings together a range of affordable and market housing opportunities. Phase 1 owners and operators met with 40 community service organizations to gather input and explain plans leading to the Phase 1 groundbreaking.

“Affordable housing is a priority for the Alberta government,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs. “This project reflects the great community spirit and compassion of Edmontonians for their neighbours — the inclusive Welcome Village is aptly named.”

Mayor Stephen Mandel notes the groundbreaking is a key step forward for the city. “Our citizens have made it clear that they want our city to move forward towards a positive and sustainable future. Made-in-the-community solutions will help us achieve our vision of a city made up of sustainable, vibrant communities. This project shows just that – together with our valuable partners, we are finding innovative ways to revitalize our core neighbourhoods.”

The Boyle Renaissance project brings welcome new energy, new residents, and a new community centre to our community, and gives all residents a chance to be part of an exciting re-development and rejuvenation in the community we all share.

“The YMCA of Edmonton is thankful for the support it has received for its vision of the Welcome Village: a centre of the community where families, couples, and single adults are warmly welcomed, and have the supports they need to make a successful transition to stable housing and to integrate into the community,” said Franco Savoia, President & CEO for YMCA of Edmonton. “Without the support of our many partners and supporters this vision could not have been realized.”

“CRHC is pleased to be a partner in the Boyle Renaissance development to expand the continuum of housing options, and support empowering families of modest means to become more independent and improve their quality of life,” said Greg Bounds, Executive Director of the Capital Region Housing Corporation. “As a key partner of the Province of Alberta, the City of Edmonton and the YMCA, CRHC is committed to the long term success of the housing component of the Welcome Village.”

“The Boyle Renaissance project brings welcome new energy, new residents, and a new community centre to our community, and gives all residents a chance to be part of an exciting re-development and rejuvenation in the community we all share, “ says Thim Choy, President, Boyle Street Community League.

The first stage of construction will be for the community centre and include extensive excavation for the underground parkade. The Edmonton YMCA will operate the housing, daycare and family resource centre while the Boyle Street Community League will operate the new community centre. Project completion is targeted for Spring 2012.

YMCA Welcome Village progressive rental housing breakdown:

• Studios: 19
• One Bedroom: 61
• One Bedroom accessible: 15
• Two Bedrooms: 55
• Total: 150

Boyle Renaissance Phase 1 project funding partners and investment:

• Government of Alberta: $25 million
• City of Edmonton: $13 million
• Edmonton YMCA: $3 million
• Capital Region Housing Corporation: $1.2 million
• Total project cost: $42.2 million

Information provided by the City of Edmonton.