A group of concerned residents in Bowness is working to save a park on Bowness Road from being developed into affordable housing. Leslie Herrera, a local resident, believes that taking away the green space is not the solution to the housing crisis in Calgary and that the proposed building would not fit in with the neighborhood. Over 450 signatures have been collected to try and save the park, with hopes of gaining more support in the coming weeks. The city deemed the park surplus to municipal requirements in 2022, leading to the decision to sell the land for affordable housing.
The Trellis Society, a local non-profit organization, has been chosen to develop the land for affordable housing. The CEO, Jeff Dyer, who is also a Bowness resident, believes that building this development in the neighborhood is intentional and will provide opportunities for families in the area. Dyer emphasized the importance of having a proper playground for the families in the neighborhood and mentioned that efforts are being made to build a new park within one block of the current location. Two open houses are scheduled to provide more information about the project and gather feedback from the community.
The residents of Bowness are concerned about the potential loss of green space and the impact that the proposed affordable housing development would have on the neighborhood. They feel that there are better alternatives to address the housing crisis in Calgary without sacrificing the park. The issue has sparked a discussion about balancing the need for affordable housing with preserving green spaces and maintaining the character of the community. The opposition to the development highlights the importance of community input and involvement in decisions that affect the neighborhood.
Despite the concerns raised by residents, the city has already made the decision to sell the park for redevelopment as affordable housing. The development is seen as a way to address the housing crisis in Calgary and provide more housing options for families in need. The involvement of the Trellis Society, a local non-profit organization, in the development reflects the community-driven approach to address social issues and provide support to those in need. The project aims to create a supportive environment for families in the neighborhood, with a focus on improving the quality of life for residents.
The proposed affordable housing development in Bowness has sparked a debate about the balance between housing needs and green spaces in the community. The concerns raised by residents about the potential loss of the park highlight the importance of preserving green spaces and maintaining the character of neighborhoods. The open houses scheduled by the Trellis Society provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the project and voice their opinions. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with the development will require careful consideration of the needs and concerns of all stakeholders involved in the process.
