What’s Happening?

Anthem Properties has submitted Land-Use Redesignation and Development Permit applications for 1706 Westmount Boulevard NW.

Located in the community of Hillhurst Sunnyside on the previous CBC site, the applications propose to redevelop the site into a low-rise multi-residential development that will bring much needed housing to a highly desirable location, with strong-multi modal connections to the central core, rich amenities, and proximity to many institutions, all while being connected along the beautiful Bow River Pathway.

The Land Use Redesignation LOC2023-0203 was submitted in July 2023 and proposes a new Direct Control district based on the City’s MH-1 district. The Land Use Redesignation is under review with the City of Calgary. You can follow the status of the Land Use Redesignation here: DMap (calgary.ca)

The Development Permit DP2024-07019 was submitted in September 2024 and provides specific details about the architectural design, layout, and functionality of the proposed development.

You can view and follow the status of the Development Permit Here: developmentmap.calgary.ca

If all necessary approvals are received, construction is anticipated to start summer of 2025.

THANKS FOR JOINING US AT THE OPEN HOUSE!

The project team hosted a public open house on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The Open House materials are available at the link below:

Link to boards

 

About The Site

The site is located at 1706 Westmount Boulevard NW, in the Westmount area of the Hillhurst-Sunnyside community. The site served as the Calgary headquarters for the CBC for 50 years until it was sold to Anthem in 2016 following CBC’s move to their new office.

The Community Context map highlights just how amenity-rich the surrounding area is, nearby to social, cultural, transportation, and employment amenities. Local churches, community buildings, parks and recreation amenities, the Kirby and Sunnyside cTrain stations, and so many other community assets all collectively contribute to a complete community environment that will be further enhanced by the proposed development.

 

What Happens Next?

 

FAQ

1. How is the current development proposal different than what was approved in 2021?
1. The major difference is the shift away from a town home development to a multi-residential low rise apartment form, resulting in increased height and density on the site.


2. Why did you make these changes?
1. The market has changed considerably since the inception of Anthem’s first development application and its eventual approval in 2021. The most impactful changes have been the steep increases in project costs (construction materials, labor, and borrowing costs). As a result, the previous project became financially unviable.
   
   Furthermore, the housing crisis declared by the City of Calgary and their ensuing housing strategy (The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy), emphasizes the need for increased supply of higher density multi-family housing. The Housing Strategy responds to the housing shortage the city is currently facing, with a priority on directing new growth to urban infill areas in established communities to limit sprawl and leverage existing infrastructure.
   
   Anthem’s updated application seeks to deliver a form of housing that better responds to Calgary’s housing shortage and needs.


3. What type of planning applications will be submitted?
1. Anthem submitted a land-use application to the City in July 2023 (LOC2023-0203).The land-use application sets the proposed development’s height and density.
   
   Following the land-use application, a development permit application was submitted in September 2024 (DP2024-07019), showing a more detailed design of the proposed development.
   
   The building permit application is the final application requiring approval from the City before construction can begin.


4. How does the project address traffic in the area?
1. Anthem is working with Bunt & Associates (transportation planners and engineers) and collaboratively with the City of Calgary to conduct a Transportation Impact Assessment (TIA). The City’s scope includes Westmount Blvd, Memorial Drive, 16th, 17th and 19th Street, as well as access to the site. The City will use the report to establish how to best address traffic challenges in the area. The results of the TIA will also be used to inform future considerations to the greater community traffic network.


5. How is parking addressed in the new application?
1. Parking for residents will be accommodated on the development site and will comply with bylaw requirements. This will mitigate impacts on the existing network of street parking surrounding the site.


6. When will work begin on the site? How long will the construction last?
1. If all necessary approvals are received, construction is anticipated to start summer 2025, and will be completed early 2028.


7. What Community Outreach has Anthem undertaken?
1. a. Anthem met and sought input in advance of the applications submissions from groups such as the West Hillhurst Community Association, the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association, residents, and the community at large. Following the outreach sessions, feedback was taken and considered as the design details progressed into the development permit.


8. Where can you view the status of the project applications?
1. You can view the active applications on the City of Calgary DMAP website: Development Map – Development permit application search (calgary.ca) by inputting the file numbers. Land-Use LOC2023-0203 and Development Permit DP2024-07019.


9. Where can I read more about the Risk Management Plan?
1. Reference the Alberta Environment searchable database called The Environmental Site Assessment Repository (ESAR) at the following link and search the address 1724 Westmount Blvd NW for all relevant documentation.
   Environment and Protected Areas - Environmental Site Assessment Repository

This project website will be updated to provide any relevant project updates.

1706 Westmount BV NW

Questions and comments can be submitted to the email below or the comment card on the website.

info@1706westmount.com

 

About Anthem

Founded in 1991, Anthem is a team of more than 720 people driven by creativity, passion and direct communication. Anthem has invested in, developed or managed- alone or in partnership- more than 385 residential, commercial and retail projects across western North America.

Our growing residential portfolio includes 31,500 homes that are complete, in design or under construction, from master planned mixed-use residential and multifamily, to townhome, rental and single-family communities.

We own, co-own, manage or have previously owned over 10 million square feet of retail, industrial and office space. We have developed more than 60 communities across 9,000 acres of land in Alberta, British Columbia and California.

Anthem is a real estate development, investment and management company that strives, solves and evolves to create better spaces and stronger communities. We are growing places.

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