Multi-family modular homes going up in Calgary for ATCO’s Viva Homes project

A Lethbridge manufacturer is rolling out several prefabricated structures to help address the ongoing housing shortage in Alberta.

Rolling out of Triple M Housing’s production facility in Lethbridge, modular structures are making their way north to create a multi-family complex in Calgary.

ATCO’s Viva Homes project is a stacked housing concept, where the modular structures will be placed atop each other to create multi-family townhomes.

The affordable homes will then be available for rent.

In the northwest Calgary community of Arbour Lake, 16 three-bedroom townhomes and 16 one-bedroom suites are currently pieced together.

“Kind of a neat project for us. We typically service more rural areas, so this being in the bigger cities in Alberta is a nice new project for us,” said Rick Weste, Triple M Housing CEO.

The Arbour Lake homes are expected to be ready for occupancy by 2026.

The area being used for the housing development is on ATCO-owned land that is no longer needed for its utility operations.

“Modular construction, off-site construction, the stacked townhome typology, it’s a popular typology and it’s a much-needed form of middle housing that makes sense in a lot of communities throughout the Prairie provinces,” said Matt Vermunt, ATCO director of residential development.

The units take 21 days to complete in the yard and have ready for transportation to the site.

After the modules arrive on site, the plumbing, electric and exterior covering are completed.

The whole process takes half the time of a traditional build.

Another project is set for the southeast Calgary community of Forest Lawn starting in 2026.

“We think there’s a big need for housing in general, and we’re excited to bring in off-site delivery to multiple jurisdictions and make this a more common, understood and accepted form of housing and construction,” Vermunt said.

The units are intended to be turnkey rental development properties.

Vermunt says the homes go through all the same land permits and codes conventionally built homes do.

ATCO is looking at several other modular home projects on urban land parcels throughout Alberta.