January 21, 2008 Innovative solution frees up provincial land for family and seniors' housing Municipalities can also use vacant land for libraries or fire halls Edmonton... Provincial land will be freed up for housing that is affordable for families and seniors, and vacant school sites may be used for other much-needed community services such as libraries and fire halls thanks to new provincial initiatives. “We’ll free up provincial land for valuable community services including affordable housing to meet the needs of Albertans,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. As early as this spring, crown land and surplus provincial lands may be sold to municipalities and notforprofit groups for a nominal sum, as recommended in the recent Alberta Affordable Housing Task Force Report. “This new initiative clearly demonstrates our commitment to address affordable housing issues in this province. It will help us achieve our goal to develop more than 11,000 affordable housing units over the next five years,” said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. As well, legislative amendments will allow surplus school reserves to be used for community-based infrastructure such as libraries, fire halls or affordable housing. Ron Liepert, Minister of Education, said the move is a direct result of work from the province, the cities of Edmonton and Calgary and their four metro school jurisdictions. “Although it’s particularly critical for major metro areas, communities throughout the province may also benefit from alternate use of this surplus school land,” said Liepert. Community development will not be at the expense of preserving green space and parks on existing school reserve land, he added. “Development will be restricted to the portion of land originally intended for the school building and its adjacent parking area,” said Liepert. These initiatives are part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Tim Chamberlin Jessica Spratt Communications Communications Alberta Education Alberta Municipal Affairs and Housing 780-644-6821 780-427-8862 780-644-6821 780-427-8862 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Alberta Government | Ministries Listing | Education Home Page | Municipal Affairs and Housing Home Page | News Releases | Top of Page | Send us your comments or questions Copyright(©) 2008 Government of Alberta.