There will be some new affordable housing options in Okotoks in the D'Arcy Development.

Habitat for Humanity will build a duplex in the Anthem United development, with construction set to start in Spring 2018.

Louise Gagne, Director of Regional Development for Habitat Humanity Southern Alberta, shares the Town of Okotoks has waived $10,000 in development and builder permit fees, and has committed another $10,000 towards Xeroscaping the duplex.

Gagne says other Okotoks partners have also been extremely supportive of the duplex.

"The actual developer Anthem United has been very supportive to donate $30,000, and the builder Morrison Homes are contributing $15,000 for our duplex build. We're very excited to have them in partnership with us, all told we're starting of with $65,000 towards the build."

Gagne says the Okotoks project has been moving ahead very quickly because of the support, adding the response from the community has been exceptional in comparison to other builds.

"Compared to other communities across southern Alberta I would say that Okotoks has been very responsive. In particular Town CAO Elaine Vincent has been very helpful to steward our partnerships with the developer, who then got us in touch with the builder, so the three organizations working so closely and being so supportive of Habitat is pretty unique."

The next step for the project is recruiting families who would be invited to buy the homes, and seeking more donations from local providers.

Habitat for Humanity will host an open house introducing its initiatives to the community on Nov. 8, at St. Peter's Anglican Church.

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