Currie

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PUBLIC LAND BANK

In an effort to address the increasing demand for much needed housing across the country, the Government of Canada has created a Public Land Bank mapping tool with the intent to identify available public lands across the country for future development. This tool highlights several Canada Lands Company properties that will be utilized to provide housing where it is needed most, including five parcels at Currie per the following:

•    Dieppe Avenue Southwest Site 1 (0.4 hectares/0.9 acres) - set to enable approximately 99 housing units
•    Normandy Drive and Breskens Street SW (0.6 hectares/1.5 acres) - set to enable approximately 158 housing units
•    Bessborough Drive and Quesnay Wood (0.5 hectares/1.3 acres) - set to enable approximately 135 housing units
•    Calais Drive and Breskens Street SW (0.6 hectares/1.4 acres)- set to enable approximately 159 housing units
•    Bessborough Drive and Breskens Street SW (0.4 hectares/1 acre)- set to enable approximately 125 housing units

FEDERAL LANDS INITIATIVE (FLI)

Launched on August 25, 2024, in partnership alongside the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC); Canada Lands Company is pleased to continue enabling housing through the Federal Lands Initiative (FLI). With a goal to support the transfer of surplus federal land to eligible proponents to expedite the creation of new housing and affordable housing opportunities, the FLI will enable the leasing of land to eligible proponents at a nominal cost. 

Canada Lands’ Currie property is offering a 0.4-hectare (0.9-acre) parcel of land located at 3830 Quesnay Wood Dr SW to enable a six-storey condominium apartment building that will offer 99 new units of housing with a minimum of 30% dedicated to affordable housing. The parcel is already zoned and ready for development. To learn more about the Currie parcel and criteria to participate, please visit our “Enabling New Housing” page for additional information. 

PROPERTY BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Currie community (80.9 hectares/200 acres) combines a unique mix of housing, parks and heritage sites with a walkable urban design, all minutes from the downtown core. This contemporary development builds upon Canada Lands’ successful redevelopment of nearby Garrison Woods and Garrison Green.

Currie’s history dates to the mid-1930s when the federal government constructed the Canadian Forces Base Calgary, also known as Currie Barracks. The base was a mainstay of Canada’s military for more than six decades, during which thousands of soldiers were trained for wartime and peacekeeping duties. 

In recognition of this important history, the community of Currie has integrated heritage architecture and landscapes, historical monumentation and modern placemaking installments to celebrate an illustrious past. New ways to experience the community from storytelling initiatives to inclusive outdoor areas are being incorporated as the community develops. 

The neighbourhood is under development and is approximately half complete by area. The community is still growing by population and amenities and will complete in the next 15 – 20 years. There are currently nine builders with active projects in the community.

Sustainability elements within the community include its transit-oriented design, bike lanes, construction waste recycling, and low-impact development features to manage stormwater. Canada Lands is currently reviewing the detailed engineering of future phases and existing building for the inclusion of additional greening and GHG reductions within the project. Currie’s Alexandria Park (5.6 hectares/14 acres), includes the provincial heritage-designated Trasimene Heritage Walk, a naturalized woodland, rain garden, accessible play area and off-leash dog park. 

In April 2022, as part of the Federal Lands Initiative, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced just over $3.5 million in funding for the purchase and development of two vacant lots in Currie. The funds will help Onward Homes (formerly known as Horizon Housing) develop 72 at market rental units in which 30% of the units will be designated for affordable housing for women and children. Learn more about the announcement.

In October 2023, Currie launched a new website! With a modern look and feel, the website shares great behind the scenes information about the Currie neighbourhood, it’s rich history and all the exciting amenities available to the local community.