news & events
April 19 , 2010
Going forward
GLBTHousing believes that the excellent initial response to our web-survey proves that we need to go forward with our research.
We are looking to gather interest and deposits from 100 or more people. Initially, we are looking for deposits of a refundable $1000.00, to be held in trust. Our plan is to collect these deposits before December 31, 2010.
We need to find out from those who are seriously interested if this potential development would be for Seniors (60+), for the Mature (40+), or have no age restriction. We need to find out which of the 3 potentials above interest enough people to go forward. GLBTHousing intends to move forward with targeted surveys via email in the near future.
What we need from you is to send us an email letting us know if you care to participate in these email surveys or if you would like to be removed from our email list.
Please email info@glbthousing with either a YES – I am interested and I want to participate – or NO – please remove me from your list.
April 19 , 2010
Brief Summary of April 15, 10 Information Session
What is GLBTHousing? We are a research and seed site specific to the development of housing in Calgary that reflects the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual & Transgender community interests and values. The Research involves getting a web presence and asking the community what it is they want. The research also involves gathering information on any other GLBT housing projects in North America and finding out about Residential Associations, costs for development, and potential developers willing to work with the GLBT community.
The Seed is gathering a list of those seriously interested – bringing them together to gather data on what it is they want, and collecting deposits and attracting investors, to show potential developers sincere interest and real numbers.
The initial web survey results as of April 15, 2010 are:
160 people started the survey:
- 75 people put down an interest of 5 or higher and left their contact information.
(The research consultant considers almost 50% an excellent response to an exploratory survey, citing 30% as good and 20% as expected. So, we achieved an excellent response. Thank you!)
The median age was 45. Of the 75 people with an interest of 5 or more:
- Female = 58
- Male = 17
- Prefer to Own = 62
- Prefer to Rent = 13
- Location within Calgary = 60
- Location outside of Calgary = 15
- Potential Investors = 13
(Speaking to Dean Malone, CEO of PlumLiving RainbowVision in Vancouver, a group conducting a very similar survey, he assures that they saw very similar numbers in terms of male versus female; and while women come on board right away, the men do catch up.)
Of the 75 people with an interest of 5 or more:
- The majority want a development in Calgary that is either mixed, condo, apartment and/or townhouse.
- 15 wanted something outside of Calgary. 30 of the 75 are willing to put down either $1000 refundable deposit or 10% of the purchase price now.
- The remainder, 45, want more time and information. 13 people see themselves as potential investors.
From that 75, the following is the breakdown of top-ranked services and amenities they desire:
Organized Social Events |
47 |
Pets Allowed: |
46 |
Community Garden: |
45 |
Communal Dining Area: |
41 |
Housekeeping: |
40 |
Fitness Classes: |
40 |
Community Events Coordinator: |
39 |
Free Wireless Connections: |
39 |
Transportation: |
38 |
Some Meals Provided: |
36 |
Games Room: |
36 |
April 19 , 2010
Currently there are 3 Options GLBTHousing See as Available to Us
1. STARTING FROM SCRATCH:
The following information is if we could find available land (approximately 10 acres) in Calgary that would be zoned and permitted correctly, and securing a developer interested in working with our unique community.
- For approximately 100 units mixed (condo/brownstone/townhouse, etc.) would need at least 10 acres of land.
- For 10 acres of land (close-in city of Calgary) would cost approximately $250,000 per acre = $2,500,000 for RAW land.
- Infrastructure to be installed = $4.1 million.
- Would need approximately $6.6 million for just land and infrastructure.
- For single family unit – 1300 sq.ft would cost $175/sq.ft = $400,000 base.
- For multi family unit – 1300 sq.ft would cost $135/sq.ft = $220,000 base.
- For a Large Developer (starting at 500+ units):
- For smaller developer (50+ units):
- Add 15% to 20% to costs above
2. EAST VILLAGE:
The City of Calgary is fully intent on moving forward with the East Village development and has already improved the infrastructure and the river embankments. They are going ahead with the “friendship bridge” that will join the East Village to St. Patrick Island. Both Mount Royal and SAIT will be building satellite campuses there, and the Cantose Music group will develop the King Eddie hotel into a music theatre. While approaching developers regarding GLBT Housing, Birchwood Developers brought forward the idea of the East Village as being a viable option for us.
The project is early enough on that we could potentially get a parcel of Riverfront land. This is one avenue GLBTHousing will pursue IF there is enough serious interest from you. This development would likely be condominium only, although we don’t know enough yet to give particulars.
3. CURRIE BARRACKS
Canada Land Corporation (CLC) has already allotted parcels of land to various developers. GLBTHousing approached CLC, who informed us that we would have to speak to the developers. We sent out initial introductory letters to both Homes By Avi and Greensborough, because they have multi-family developments in Currie Barracks. However, as of today, we have received no response from either of these developers.
GLBTHousing is actively seeking other opportunities, but currently the above are what GLBTHousing have found.
April 19 2010
Current GLBT Housing projects in North America
RainbowVision Sante Fe, a high-end development in New Mexico for 50+. There are assisted and independent living units.
They offer all the services and amenities that we listed on our survey, and more. RainbowVision has plans to develop a similar concept in Phoenix and the Bay Area.
Gay, Lesbian, Elder Housing (GLEH), a 104 apartment dwelling in California that is for 60+ low-income seniors looking for assisted living.
PlumLiving RainbowVision is the Vancouver group that has the backing of RainbowVision Sante Fe.
They are planning on developing a high-end condo in downtown Vancouver for 50+, offering similar services and amenities to Sante Fe.
I encourage you to browse the websites to see what is possible!
April 19 2010
Possible Directions
We know that start a development from raw land would mean an initial investment of $6.6 million, adding an additional $200,000 to $300,000 base cost for each unit to be built.
GLBTHousing has submitted a Letter of Interest to a developer regarding the East Village development in Calgary. What type of development this might mean for the GLBT community is dependent on you and your interest.
To learn more about what the City of Calgary is envisioning for East Village, follow these links to the YouTUBE videos or download the pdf for East Village from the City of Calgary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHvw3_7r7c0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TErOyc6R5zo
GLBTHousing has also been attempting to approach developers in the Currie Barracks project. http://www.curriebarracks.com/ We are also looking for other ideas from you! We need your input to flesh-out some development plans and put together a “master-mind” group.
Leave your contact information if you want to be a part of the exciting possibilities.
April 19 2010
Zana Don’t
ABOUT THE SHOW:
All is well in Heartsville, the quarterback of the football team is starring in the school musical, everyone is excited about Mike's chess match until...(gasp)...a guy and a girl realize they have feelings for each other! Zanna, the school's magical matchmaker, takes it upon himself to help, but all does not go exactly to plan.
"Zanna is a crowd favorite because the musical named for him makes you want to believe. Few shows have the appeal of 'Zanna, Don't!'" - BRUCE WEBER in THE NEW YORK TIMES
Playing: June 11-20, 2010
At: The Studio at Vertigo Theatre Centre
For Tickets: Please visit www.vertigotheatre.com Or call: 403.221.3708
March 23, 2010
GLBTHousing.ca Information Session
You are invited to attend an Information Session discussing the potential for a GLBT housing development in Calgary. GLBTHousing.ca will present the results of the their web survey, give information on existing GLBT developments, and inform you of an exciting opportunity to get in early on a new inner-city development; as well as seek your input into this potential venture. We will also make the draw for the $400 Visa gift card. We encourage you to invite anyone you think would be interested in attending.
When: Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time: 7:00 to 8:30pm
Where: Richmond/Knobhill Community Association
2433 – 26 Avenue SW.
In order to gauge how much space we need, we ask that if you plan to attend you email with a YES and the number of people to info@glbthousing.ca by April 9, 2010.
January 15 , 2010
New Year's Eve Womens Dance a Huge Success
New Year’s Dance for mature lesbians was a Sold-Out success.
Thanks to everyone for making this a great party. If you have an event you would like us to speak at – please contact us by email.
October 07, 2009
Calgarians take first steps toward a community housing project for queers over 40 ALBERTA
Organizer believes project could break ground within three to five years
Kevin Allen / National / Wednesday, October 07, 2009
A new Calgary organization called GLBT Housing is launching an online survey Oct 15 to assess interestin 
building a queer community housing project, and they want your input. If you were ever wondering what living in your very own gay village would be like, you could be part of the design team.
RingleaderConnie Loveday has been mulling over the idea of a housing project for a decade. "I have had so many conversations with friends talking about how there is no specific housing option for GLBT seniors in the community," explains Loveday. "Now that we are getting older, my friends and I are wondering about ourselves and who is going to take care of us as we age." read complete article
October 01, 2009
GLBT Housing
A plan to take all that talk to the next level.
Sam Caselman / Gay Calgary / October, 2009
For the last decade, mature Calgarians (40+) in the GLBT community have been discussing the formation of a place to go where they "feel safe and have a sense of community." GLBT Housing, a group whose mission is to "engage the GLBT community in the discussions taht will form the basis of future developments of GLBT housing in Western Canada," is taking action to see this goal through to fruition.
Connie Loveday, a member of GLBT Housing is optimistic about the concept. "For more than a decade folks like us have been throwing around the notion at dinner parties, over cofee, between lovers and friends, and finally GLBT Housing is doing something about. read complete article
June 20, 2009
The Survey...
We plan to launch the survey mid-October 2009 on this site and hope to have all of your input. Currently we are testing the survey to make sure it gives us the information we need to move forward with development. Please check back in October - and then fill in the SHORT survey. This information will tell us what you want and what you can afford. Right now we are considering everything from an RV Resort right up to a gated community with a community centre for dances, gym, pub, etc. No vision is too big or too small.
