A group of residents in Bowness, Calgary are trying to save a park in their neighborhood from being redeveloped into affordable housing. The park, located on Bowness Road, could potentially be turned into a 50-unit housing development. Residents like Leslie Herrera are concerned about losing the green space, especially in light of the current housing crisis in the city. They have collected over 450 signatures in an effort to save the park, believing that there are better alternatives for affordable housing that do not involve taking away a valuable community space.
The city of Calgary deemed the park surplus to municipal requirements in 2022 and voted to sell the land for affordable housing development. The Trellis Society, a local non-profit organization, was chosen to develop the land. CEO Jeff Dyer, a Bowness resident, sees this development as an opportunity to help more families in the neighborhood. He believes that building affordable housing in the area aligns with the values of the community, as the organization is already involved in various programs for children and families in the area. Dyer has also promised to build a new playground for the community as part of the development project.
The proposed affordable housing development has raised concerns among residents like Leslie Herrera, who believe that a six-storey building does not fit in with the current neighborhood aesthetic. While they understand the need for affordable housing, they are advocating for alternative solutions that do not involve taking away vital green spaces in the community. The residents are hoping to gain more support in the coming weeks to prevent the park from being redeveloped.
In response to the concerns raised by residents, the Trellis Society has organized open houses to provide more information about the affordable housing development project. The open houses are scheduled for Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bowness Community Association. The organization is also working on finding an alternative location for the playground to address the community’s needs. Residents are encouraged to visit the Trellis Society website for more details about the project and to engage with the organization.
The debate over the future of the park in Bowness reflects larger discussions about affordable housing and green spaces in Calgary and other cities. Balancing the need for housing with the preservation of community spaces is a challenge faced by many urban areas. The decision to redevelop the park into affordable housing highlights the complex issues surrounding urban development and the importance of community engagement in shaping the future of neighborhoods. Residents, non-profit organizations, and city officials must work together to find solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders while preserving the unique character of the community.
