Frequently Asked Questions
Demolition and abatement began October 2024.
View the full update and timeline here.
The subject site is +/- 11.49 acres located at 2501 Richmond Road SW, previously known as the Viscount Bennett School. It is in the community of Richmond.
Minto Communities purchased the land from the Calgary Board of Education. Learn more about Minto by visiting our website at www.minto.com.
Minto will continue to update this website with the latest project information. Click here to fill out the form to register for email updates with the latest project updates.
The property is currently zoned RC-1, which is consistent with neighbouring adjacent parcels to the south and west.
Minto is proposing the Subject Lands be redesignated from R-C1 to a Direct Control District that is separated into four separate sites. Three of the sites are based on the Multi-Residential – High Density Low Rise (M-H1) District and one site is based on the Multi-Residential – High Density Medium Rise (M-H2) District. Each site has specific rules on setbacks, overall building heights, and the building height transitions. More information on the proposed Direct Control District can be found under the Project Resources section.
The vision for this site is to incorporate multi-unit residential buildings, with distinctive open green spaces that will connect to the existing community.
Minto has submitted a land use redesignation application to the City to support future redevelopment. Further permitting applications will be required in the future. Relevant information on each of these applications will be made available on this site and to registered subscribers.
There are many hazards on the property due to the degraded nature of the site following years of limited maintenance. Signage and fencing have been placed at the building to identify the personal health hazards that exist from the use of the site.
The unsafe playground equipment was successfully removed in August 2023. Site improvements that included barricading windows and doors were also completed to ensure effective safety measures. Landscaping was undertaken to improve sight lines and adjacent streetlight outages were repaired. The demolition and abatement process to remove the decommissioned school has begun in October 2024.
The unsafe playground equipment has been successfully removed.
A safety audit was performed at the site during the purchase process. Many years of zero maintenance have left the structure unsafe and beyond remediation, necessitating its removal.
Minto is committed to creating great community spaces when redeveloping sites, including engagement features for all age groups.
Yes. Physical monitoring and camera surveillance will be maintained at the site to support the safety of the surrounding neighbours. The full-time security presence includes added cameras, lighting and 24-hour security guards that monitor the site.
Interim site improvements were completed shortly after Minto took ownership of the property. These included new site signage, removal of unsafe playground equipment, restoring power and lighting to the site, and securing the former school building.
Demolition and abatement began in the fall of 2024. Further site work is expected to begin in 2025.
Minto submitted a land use redesignation application to the City of Calgary on November 15, 2023. Following community and City feedback, the application has been revised and resubmitted on July 5, 2024.
We will continue to share project updates throughout the land use redesignation process that concludes with a Public Hearing of City Council prior to a Council decision.
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