Construction complete of Village Commons, new community hub

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Construction is finally done on a new community hub in the area of East Village.

The Calgary Housing Company (CHC), Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) and carya say the construction of the Village Commons took about 11 months to complete and will be an area for everyone to come together.

On-site programming and a grand opening of the space will be planned for later this year when it’s safe to do so.

“Partnering with carya was the ideal solution,” said CHC President, Sarah Woodgate. “This is an agency that has been supporting Calgarians for over 100 years and has both a history in this community and a vision for how to deliver that support for the future.”

Take another sneak peek inside the new Village Commons! Thanks to the many partners and funders who made this possible: @cityofcalgary @YourAlberta @CalgFoundation @FCSSAAoffice @UnitedWayCgy @ESDC_GC @HealthyChildYYC as well as many generous donors.https://t.co/dIEB1B7DS3 pic.twitter.com/W9Rgd1wPSv

— carya (@caryacalgary) May 7, 2021

Our vision for Village Commons has always been a space where all Calgarians can come together and feel like they belong,” said Theresa Watson, CEO of carya. “While we can’t gather in this space just yet, we are thrilled it is now complete and ready for us to come together when it is safe to do so.”

Soon virtual programs will be in effect for all ages from the space and when it’s up and running, people will be able to access a new art studio, a family counselling centre and an industrial sized state of the art kitchen.

“East Village is the place where Calgary’s future continues to unfold and we see that with opening of Village Commons which invites current residents and supports the evolving needs of the neighborhood,” said Kate Thompson, CMLC President and CEO.

The property was bought in 2016 by the Calgary Housing company and 160 affordable homes were preserved to ensure the completion of this project.