Anthem Expands in North-Central Calgary: What 1,600 New Homes Mean for the Market

Calgary’s north-central corridor continues to solidify its position as one of the city’s most active growth fronts. In a significant move that signals long-term confidence in the region, Anthem Properties Group Ltd. has acquired 146 acres of development land in the area, with plans to build approximately 1,600 homes in a new master-planned residential community.

For property owners, investors, and industry professionals, this announcement is more than just another land deal. It represents a strategic bet on Calgary’s population trajectory, infrastructure investments, and ongoing demand for both single-family and multi-family housing.

Below, we explore what this development could mean for the broader Calgary real estate market — and why north-central Calgary continues to attract institutional-level capital.

A New Stand-Alone Community in a Proven Growth Corridor

The newly acquired 146-acre parcel is envisioned as a self-contained, thoughtfully designed residential community. While detailed planning is still underway, early indications suggest a balanced mix of approximately:

• 800 single-family homes
• 800 multi-family units (likely townhomes, apartments, or purpose-built rentals)

The site is located in the north-central quadrant of Calgary, near established and rapidly growing communities such as Livingston, Carrington, and Lewisburg. These neighbourhoods have consistently ranked among top-selling new home communities in recent years.

Accessibility is a key advantage. The area benefits from direct connections to Stoney Trail via Centre Street and 11th Street NE interchanges, as well as proximity to the QEII Highway and Highway 566. Infrastructure matters — and this corridor has it.

From a planning perspective, the project is currently moving through area structure planning. This process is expected to take approximately two years, with construction anticipated in the early 2030s. In other words, this is a medium-term strategic land hold — not a quick flip.

That alone speaks volumes about Anthem’s long-view approach.

Why North-Central Calgary Continues to Attract Developers

Calgary’s north and northeast quadrants have quietly become magnets for residential development. Several factors contribute to this momentum:

1. Infrastructure First

The completion and expansion of Stoney Trail has dramatically improved commuting efficiency. Travel times across the city have shortened, and previously “peripheral” areas now feel integrated into Calgary’s urban fabric.

2. Relative Affordability

Compared to inner-city redevelopment zones, greenfield communities offer:

• Larger lot options
• Modern home designs
• Competitive pricing per square foot
• Lower entry points for first-time buyers and move-up families

For many households relocating from higher-priced provinces, these communities offer value that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in Canada.

3. Continued Interprovincial Migration

Although immigration volumes have moderated nationally, Alberta continues to benefit from positive interprovincial migration. Calgary, in particular, remains attractive to:

• Young families
• Skilled professionals
• Remote workers relocating from higher-cost cities
• Investors seeking yield and growth

Large developers do not deploy capital into multi-decade land positions without strong demographic data to support it. 

Anthem’s Broader Calgary Footprint

Anthem Properties Group Ltd. is not new to Calgary. Founded in 1991, the company operates across North America, with a diversified portfolio spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and retail assets.

Its residential portfolio includes tens of thousands of homes — completed, under development, or in planning stages — ranging from townhomes and single-family houses to mixed-use and purpose-built rental communities.

In Calgary specifically, Anthem is active in several large-scale communities, including:

• Glacier Ridge
• Cornerstone

Both of these communities remain strong performers in the new home market and are roughly midway through their lifecycle development timelines.

Beyond suburban land development, Anthem is also active in inner-city multi-family projects.

Purpose-Built Rental: A Growing Focus

One of the most notable aspects of Anthem’s strategy is its commitment to purpose-built rental housing.

In Calgary’s Currie neighbourhood, the company recently broke ground on “The Arthur,” a 250-unit rental development. This type of project signals confidence in Calgary’s long-term rental demand — particularly among professionals and families who may not yet be ready to purchase.

In Erlton, near the LRT and Calgary Stampede grounds, Anthem has secured approval for a multi-phase development that will eventually include approximately 1,000 residential units across six buildings. Phase I alone includes over 100 rental homes.

Along Memorial Drive, across from the Bow River, the company has also received approval for a three-building rental project comprising roughly 275 units on the former CBC site.

What does this tell us?

Institutional developers see sustained rental demand in Calgary.

For property managers and investors, that reinforces what we see daily: rental fundamentals remain strong, even as sales markets shift between balanced and buyer-favouring conditions depending on product type.

A Broader National Perspective

Anthem’s activity extends well beyond Alberta. The company has developed or managed hundreds of projects across North America and maintains a land portfolio spanning thousands of acres.

In Ottawa, for example, Anthem and a partner acquired the Carlingwood Shopping Centre — a large enclosed mall with long-term redevelopment potential. While intensification plans are currently paused due to market conditions, the strategy reflects a common theme among institutional developers: secure strategic land, hold through cycles, and redevelop when timing aligns.

The Calgary north-central land acquisition fits squarely within that philosophy. 

What This Means for Calgary Property Owners

From a property management and investment standpoint, large-scale land acquisitions can have several ripple effects:

1. Long-Term Supply Pipeline

An additional 1,600 homes entering the market over time will increase supply — but gradually. Phased development means absorption can be managed responsibly.

2. Increased Amenity Density

New master-planned communities typically include:

• Green space
• Commercial nodes
• Schools and recreation facilities
• Transit connectivity

These amenities enhance overall livability and can support price stability across surrounding communities.

3. Rental Market Impacts

A balanced mix of single-family and multi-family product suggests:

• Entry-level ownership options
• Investor-friendly units
• Potential for build-to-rent strategies

If purpose-built rental is included in the multi-family component, it could ease some pressure in the rental market — though Calgary’s current demand levels suggest continued strength.

Calgary’s Competitive Position in Canada

Developers allocate capital where risk-adjusted returns make sense. Compared to markets such as Vancouver or Toronto, Calgary offers:

• Lower land costs
• Faster approval timelines
• Business-friendly municipal frameworks
• Strong household income levels
• Energy sector resilience combined with economic diversification

Even with moderated immigration, Alberta’s economic profile continues to outperform many provinces on employment and income growth metrics.

This is precisely why institutional developers continue to expand here 

Final Thoughts: A Long-Term Vote of Confidence

The acquisition of 146 acres for a 1,600-home master-planned community is not speculative optimism. It is structured, data-driven confidence in Calgary’s future.

While the first shovel may not hit the ground until the early 2030s, the signal is clear: north-central Calgary remains a growth corridor with enduring appeal.

For investors, property owners, and real estate professionals, the takeaway is simple:

Calgary’s expansion is measured, infrastructure-supported, and backed by experienced developers with national portfolios.

At Citysearch, we monitor these developments closely because they influence:

• Rental demand patterns
• Investor appetite
• Long-term asset appreciation
• Community desirability

Strategic land moves today shape tomorrow’s neighbourhoods. And in Calgary, the next chapter continues to unfold in the north-central corridor.

If you are considering investing, repositioning, or understanding how future supply may affect your property, our team is always available to provide market-based insights tailored to your asset.

Calgary’s growth story is far from over — it is simply evolving.