Edmonton, July 8, 2008 – Edmonton has launched an innovative program to help qualified first-time home buyers own their own homes.
“First Place is going to make a huge difference for eighty-five working families who want to purchase their first home in Edmonton’s hot economy. This is really about attracting and maintaining a very strong and skilled labour supply in Edmonton,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Edmonton has a multi-pronged strategy to provide a wider range of housing options for people and I think First Place will be a very welcome option.”
Councillor Karen Leibovici, Council lead on housing initiatives, welcomed the opening of the unit draw. “This program makes smart use of our existing infrastructure while creating opportunity for first-time homebuyers through the five year deferral on land payments. For those with the qualified income levels who haven’t been able to enter the housing market – the time is now.”
Unit Draw:
The City will accept applications to purchase the town homes from July 8 – August 8 with the unit draw taking place August 12. There are 85 new town homes for qualified first-time homebuyers whose combined income is between $69,000 - $88,000. All application forms and information on First Place is available at www.firstplaceedmonton.com.
Locations and type of housing:
The two sites are in the communities of Greenview and Canon Ridge.
Greenview Landing (43 town home condominium units with full unfinished basements). Located in southeast Edmonton, east of 62 Street between 38th and 40th Avenues.
• 2 bedroom, $266,710
• 3 bedroom, $285,080
• 2 bedroom accessible bungalow unit (only 1 available) $314,750
www.rohitcommunities.com
Canon Ridge (42 town home condominium units with full unfinished basements). Located in northeast Edmonton at intersection of Hooke Road and Hermitage Road.
• 3 bedroom middle unit, $270,250
• 3 bedroom end unit, $276, 600
• 2 bedroom accessible bungalow unit (only 1 available) $311,770
www.bestcommunities.ca/canonridge/
The accessible units in both developments are single storey, accessible and barrier free designed to incorporate accessible features in accordance with the provisions of the Barrier Free Design Guide of the Alberta Building Code. Please see www.firstplaceedmonton.com for detailed list of accessible features.
First Place was created in partnership by the City of Edmonton, Government of Alberta, Edmonton Catholic School District and Edmonton Public School Board.
Interested first-time homebuyers can visit www.firstplaceedmonton.com or call 780-496-HOME (4663).
Interested first-time homebuyers can also register for the July 16 educational seminar hosted by the City of Edmonton at www.thehomeprogram.ca.