What does the future of housing look like in Alberta—and what do Albertans want from their neighbourhoods?
A new Alberta Real Estate Foundation-funded research project from the University of Calgary is exploring those questions through a study on housing and neighbourhood preferences. Led by Dr. Jason Hawkins, assistant professor at the Schulich School of Engineering, the project aims to better understand how Albertans balance competing priorities such as affordability, access to amenities, commute times, housing type and neighbourhood character.
The research comes at a time when conversations around housing diversity, affordability and blanket rezoning continue across Alberta municipalities—including in Calgary, where CREB® has advocated for responsible growth strategies that increase housing supply, while safeguarding infrastructure capacity, affordability objectives and the vitality and character of our communities.
While existing market data can show what housing people are purchasing today, it cannot fully capture demand for housing types or neighbourhood designs that may not currently exist or be widely available. This study will use statistical modelling and AI-generated visualizations to help participants react to different housing and neighbourhood scenarios, providing deeper insight into what Albertans value most.
Insights gathered through the project are intended to support future housing policy, land-use planning and development strategies aimed at creating a broader range of housing options aligned with consumer preferences.
As part of the research, Dr. Hawkins and his team are seeking industry participation through a series of focus groups that will help inform the development of a larger provincewide survey.
Focus group details
Participants will be asked to discuss residential and neighbourhood scenarios, including reactions to sample images and urban design features.
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Format: In person (University of Calgary) or online
Register to participate
• In-person focus group (Main campus)
• In-person focus group at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL)
Questions can be directed to:
• Azin Dinarvand — azin.dinarvand@ucalgary.ca
• Dr. Jason Hawkins — jfhawkin@ucalgary.ca
Participation from members will help ensure industry perspectives are reflected in future conversations around housing choice, neighbourhood design and the evolving needs of Alberta consumers.
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