The First Place Home Ownership Program (formerly known as the First Time Home Buyer Program)  is an innovative City of Edmonton program that offers deferred land payments and reduced CMHC mortgage insurance rates. This offers first-time home buyers looking for entry level housing a financing option that puts purchasing a home within reach.

The First Place Program initiative was introduced on two “pilot sites” in 2006 in the communities of Canon Ridge and Greenview. All units in these two communities have been sold and the program has been evaluated to inform development of new homes on remaining sites.

PILOT SITES EVALUATION

An independent evaluation of the processes and success of the pilot projects in Canon Ridge and Greenview Village was conducted by an external consulting firm and the results were presented to City Council’s Executive Committee in July 2011.  Among their many recommendations, their report recommended the City’s Administration consult with the Canadian Home Builders Association regarding the process and criteria used to select new home builders to ensure fair and competitive opportunity for all builders.  Consultation with the Canadian Home Builders Association took place throughout the Fall 2011 to develop both process and criteria to select new home builders. 

The City of Edmonton's First Place Home Ownership Program has 18 sites remaining for housing development for first time homebuyers.   The program supports the City's strategy to attract and retain skilled workers and families for Edmonton's growing economy.  The development will occur in phases over a number of years.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW HOME BUILDERS

The City has selected two award winning home builders (Rohit Communities and Landmark Group of Builders) to continue development of the First Place Program Sites.  The City will soon begin community engagement on building design process together with the community leagues.  Rohit Communities will develop new homes in Casselman and Tawa and Landmark Group of Builders will develop new homes in Caernarvon.

The Skyrattler site is being reviewed regarding location needs, market potential and potential infrastructure requirements and connections. First Place Program Development in the Skyrattler community will not proceed this year until the review is complete and could be developed at a later date.  Once the review has been completed, the City will liaise with the Blue Quill community league to discuss next steps in developing the site.

Progress will continue with the Casselman, Tawa and Caernarvon sites.  The City is contacting the community leagues to begin the Community Engagement on Building Design Process.  Citizens living in these communities will be encouraged to connect with their community leagues and also watch for a City of Edmonton mail drop invitation to attend a public meeting to learn more about the First Place program and the design process.  Six to eight community representatives will work with the builders to provide input on the building design process.  The City will also continue work on review and preparation of all remaining First Place sites.  See www.edmonton.ca/firstplace for program updates.

 

To assist first-time homebuyers with the costs associated with the purchase of a home, the Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009.

Community Engagement

We Have Answers

Keep up to date on new sites and community feedback.

Who Is Eligible

Do You Qualify?

Interested in eligibility information for the program find out more here.

As of June 2011, there is $23.3 billion in capital projects underway, planned or completed in the Edmonton region. (Source: Province of Alberta, Finance and Enterprise)

For more information:

First Place Homes

Telephone

780-496-HOME (4663) or call 311 in Edmonton
Fax 780-495-9916
Email firstplace@edmonton.ca
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