Federal and Provincial Affordable Housing Funding Announcement

Gravity was excited to be invited to attend the latest housing funding announcement by both the federal and provincial government.

They officially launched a major joint housing partnership aimed at accelerating affordable residential construction across the province. Supported through an agreement between Build Canada Homes and the Alberta Social Housing Corporation, the program commits over $385 million in combined funding—comprising $220 million in federal grants and loans alongside $165 million in provincial backing. In total, the initiative will support 21 projects and deliver at least 1,460 affordable homes across Alberta.

The official announcement took place on-site at the Brentwood project in Edmonton, bringing together key political, non-profit, and construction leaders. Speakers at the event included Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson, Alberta Provincial Minister Nathan Neudorf, and Federal Minister and Edmonton Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski, all of whom highlighted the vital role of intergovernmental collaboration in addressing the province's growing housing needs. Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack was recognized for the city's pro-housing leadership, while Rob Appleyard, Executive Director of the Brentwood Community Development Group, represented the host non-profit society driving the master plan.

Representing Gravity Architecture on-site at the announcement were Stephen Barnecut, Principal in Charge, Richard Anderson, Project Architect, and Tom Jenson, Job Captain. Gravity brings extensive expertise in multi-family design and master planning to the affordable housing sector, specializing in smart density strategies, efficient spatial design, and strong non-profit and public sector partnerships. By creating thoughtful, durable, and dignified residential architecture, Gravity remains committed to helping turn public investments into vibrant, long-lasting communities across Western Canada.

The construction of the project is being executed by Fillmore Construction, who deserves special credit for cleaning up the site in time for the announcement after a very wet summer season!

The Brentwood Project

Located in Edmonton's Woodcroft community, the Brentwood project is a comprehensive eight-phase master-planned vision co-led by Gravity Architecture for the Brentwood Community Development Group. The plan replaces aging infrastructure while prioritizing resident stability, ensuring existing families are not displaced during phased construction. Phase 1 introduces a 5-storey, 69-unit multi-residential building surrounded by landscaped parkland. Phase 2 adds two additional 6-storey buildings containing 160 mixed-income rental units, 112 of which are designated for low-income residents. Designed with tree-lined pathways, solar-optimized amenity spaces, and cohesive modern facades, the project seamlessly integrates higher density into a walkable neighborhood.

A Turning Point for BC Housing: Why the Ground is Shifting Under Our Feet

By Jim Vasto

After 20 years practicing architecture in this province, and 27 years in the field overall, I have learned to read a market by what is happening on the ground, not just in the headlines.

Right now, the ground is telling an interesting story. British Columbia's housing market is genuinely struggling, but underneath that struggle, some of the structural barriers that have made good housing difficult to build are finally moving.

Let's start with the honest picture.

British Columbia's population declined in 2025 for only the second time in its recorded history, falling by more than 41,000 people as international migration slowed sharply following federal changes to immigration policy. The housing market is under real pressure as well. Presale launches across the Lower Mainland have fallen dramatically, and CMHC is forecasting historically weak housing construction in British Columbia over the next several years.

I heard the human side of this recently from a real estate agent I have worked with for years. He told me he is seeing some of the best land deals he has come across in over 15 years.

That is not necessarily a coincidence. When demand softens, land priced for a growth story that is not happening right now can become available to builders and developers who are prepared to put shovels in the ground. For architects like me, that can create an opening too. Projects that were priced out of reach during the boom may become worth exploring again.

And this is where the optimism comes in.

Vancouver has been changing its approach to housing, and the latest building code changes could take that process further. Council first approved single egress and scissor stair configurations in late 2025, with the changes taking effect in the Vancouver Building By-law in January 2026. Last month, Council went further, passing a zoning amendment that specifically enables single exit staircase buildings in R3 districts, along with a floor space ratio increase there. Notably, this amendment passed the same meeting where Council rejected the broader Villages Plan, so it is easy to miss, but it is arguably the more consequential outcome for small lot owners.

This matters because conventional two stair designs can consume significant floor area on small sites. A carefully designed single stair building can use that space more efficiently, potentially making smaller multifamily buildings more viable on individual lots, particularly in R3 zones where a large share of Vancouver's standard lots sit.

This does not mean Vancouver's standard 33 foot lots were previously unbuildable for multifamily housing. Since 2023, Vancouver has permitted multiplexes in lower density areas. The more important change is that new egress options can expand the range of building forms that can work efficiently on relatively small sites.

Cost relief is appearing elsewhere too.

Vancouver initially approved a temporary 20 percent reduction in Development Cost Levies. In July 2026, Council approved an updated financing framework that maintains reduced DCL rates.

Metro Vancouver has also rolled its 2026 development cost charges back to 2025 levels while reducing planned increases for 2027. The regional government estimated the changes would mean roughly $389 million in foregone revenue over six years.

Other municipalities are taking similar steps. Surrey has rolled back residential development cost charges, while Kelowna has introduced a temporary reduction.

None of this guarantees a housing recovery. High financing costs, construction expenses and weak demand remain serious obstacles. But these changes could create an unusual opportunity.

If land prices remain softer, development costs fall, building rules become more flexible and population growth eventually returns, the conditions for smaller housing projects could improve considerably.

I have practiced through several cycles, and the best buildings were not always produced during the boom years. They were often created during quieter periods, when land was more reasonably priced and the rules finally caught up with common sense design.

I think we may be entering one of those windows now.

The ground is shifting. The question is what we choose to build on it.

Trent Letwiniuk Memorial Endowment

The late Trent Letwiniuk, Principal and cofounder of Gravity, was a graduate of the Architectural Technologies Program at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

In his honour, Gravity has created an endowment with SAIT so that at least one student each year will be granted an award.

The students will be in the Architectural Technologies Program in the School of Construction, enrolled in their second year, have financial need, and be interested in a career in residential design.

Our team at Gravity continues to include many SAIT graduates, and we are proud to be able to permanently support this program that has in many ways made the success of our firm possible.

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While Gravity initiated and supported the initial endowment, anyone who wishes to contribute may do so here. Once you have indicated the amount you would like to give, click the "I wish to support another area..." A pop up window will appear, and you can type in the fund name or scroll down to awards and find the award name. The fund is the Trent Letwiniuk Memorial. All donations will receive a tax receipt.

BP Submitted for Nelson House in Burnaby, BC!

This project was completed in collaboration with Chelsea Mueller of The Nerdy Architect. Our client for the project is Community Living Society (CLS) whose mission is to support individuals with developmental disabilities or acquired brain injuries by providing independent living options that promote meaningful and fulfilling lives. ⁠
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This group home facility provides comfortable and supportive living for those individuals and we are thrilled to reach this milestone for our client. ⁠
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Be sure to click below to see the functional layout and intuitive design for these spaces.

Spotlight: Anders Road Townhomes in Kelowna, BC!

From the Lower Mainland to the Okanagan, Gravity continues to expand its presence throughout British Columbia. The Anders Road Townhomes in West Kelowna is one of several residential projects currently underway across the province. Located in the established Lakeview Heights neighbourhood, the 20-unit development introduces new housing within a growing community characterized by a mix of suburban living, agricultural landscapes, and Okanagan vineyards. Its location adjacent to the community hall provides residents with direct access to a variety of recreational amenities and gathering spaces.⁠
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Learn more about Kerr Properties' townhome project by clicking below.

It's Official! The Building Permit for Porte's Currie Multi is Submitted!⁠

It's official! The building permit for Porte's Currie Multi is now submitted!⁠

Interesting fact: Currie is a southwest Calgary district steeped in history, having served as a military base for more than 60 years! The ongoing redevelopment by Canada Lands Company (CLC) honours this legacy by integrating heritage architecture, preserved landscapes, and historical monuments, with full build-out anticipated over the next 15 to 20 years.⁠

Porte Communities is now contributing to this effort with a new centrally-located rental building. This four-storey courtyard building will add 159 units to the area, with a mix of unit types ranging from one to three bedrooms, many with additional den spaces. Each unit includes a private patio or balcony and all share green amenity space in the centre courtyard of the building.

Click below to learn more.

Luxuria's Multi Residential is DP Approved!

Gravity has exciting news! The development permit for Luxuria's multi-residential in Calgary's University District is approved!

For this 156 unit building Gravity approached the balconies as carved, intentional spaces rather than leftover edges. Oversized and deeply inset, they extend the suites outward, draw light deeper inside, and function as true outdoor rooms. Their alternating triangular forms shape a rhythmic façade while balancing privacy with moments of connection.

Materiality was driven by both performance and the University District Architectural Controls. High-exposure corners are anchored with three storeys of brick to establish presence and durability, while a complementary palette maintains a refined, contemporary expression without repetition.

Although the multi building is located within the same urban block as Luxuria's University Towns project, the parcel was subdivided to support both a multi-residential development and townhouse development.

Click below to learn more.

Inertia's Killarney Rowhouse is DP Approved!

Introducing Killarney 8 + 8 by Inertia Residential Design, our sister company!

The development permit has been approved for these two four-unit rowhouse buildings, each incorporating secondary suites, for a total of 16 units on a modest site in Killarney, Calgary.

This rowhouse project draws inspirations from industrial and warehouse typologies, expressed through a strong peaked roofline, large loft-like windows, and metal cladding. The result is a modern-industrial infill project that explores a unique approach to missing-middle housing.

Click below to learn more.

Do you know about Edmonton’s purpose-driven master-planned community?

Do you know about Edmonton’s purpose-driven master-planned community in Woodcroft?
Well Phase 2 is officially underway, with the development permit now submitted!⁠

This community is led by the Brentwood Community Development Group, a non-profit organization. Through an operating agreement with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Brentwood Homes provides income-subsidized rent to support low-income families.⁠

⁠Phase 2 introduces two additional multi-residential buildings offering 160 units for residents. Divided into eight phases, the master plan begins with Phase 1 at the northwest corner of the site and now progresses eastward with Phase 2, and will culminate its final phase on the northeast corner. ⁠

Click the button below to read more on Brentwood Phase 2. To learn more about the Brentwood's full master click here.

Currie Multi by Porte Communities is Approved!

Development Permit Approved!

The Currie Multi is a four-storey courtyard building with 159 rental units centrally located in the community. Originally the site of Canadian Forces Base Calgary, Currie has evolved into a vibrant neighbourhood that blends modern homes with restored heritage buildings, generous green spaces, and a growing mid-density core.

The transformation is being led by Canada Lands Company (CLC), known for turning underutilized lands into vibrant urban communities. Full completion of the masterplanned community is expected over the next 15 to 20 years.

Click below to learn more about Porte Communities' Currie Multi.

Porte's 17th Ave Mixed Use: DP Released!

Porte Communities’ 17th Avenue Mixed Use is moving quickly toward construction, with the Development Permit now released and the Building Permit submitted earlier this month.

Located in Calgary’s Mission district, the design was refined through DP to adjust the building’s angle and placement—improving visibility to ground-level entrances while meeting fire separation requirements and strengthening its connection to the street.

Click below to learn more.

Happy 20th Birthday Inertia Residential Design!

February marked 20 years since Stephen Barnecut, Paul Shannon, and Trent Letwiniuk started Inertia Residential Design.

What began in 2006 as a small studio focused primarily on speculative semi-detached houses has changed and adapted in more ways than we anticipated. In the early years, Inertia built its reputation helping small builders create housing in Calgary's inner city and estate neighbourhoods. We also worked directly with homeowners to creating their dream homes. All the while, we were navigating architectural controls, neighbourhood context, and the details that turn a design into reality. Our process was hands-on, technical, and collaborative. Working in Revit long before it became standard practice allowed our clients to truly visualize their projects long before a shovel went into the ground. It also allowed three mid-career designers to be far more productive than they could have otherwise.

As Calgary evolved, so did we! Over the past two decades, housing needs have shifted, land values increased, and neighbourhoods have matured. This created more conversations around density and sustainability. The city’s focus turned toward missing middle housing to provide more established area housing options. As our city grew into that space, and so did Inertia! Today, much of Inertia's work is middle housing and other small-scale multi-residential projects. We collaborate with builders and developers to design higher density, efficient, and livable spaces that contribute positively to their neighbourhoods. 

Inertia also played a pivotal role in the formation of Gravity Architecture Corporation. Originally established to provide architectural services to Inertia’s clients, Gravity has since grown into a full-service architecture firm serving both the Alberta and BC markets. While Gravity has expanded into larger and more complex developments, Inertia continues to focus on smaller residential projects that don't require professional involvement.

Twenty years in, our core philosophy remains unchanged: we design stylish and buildable housing that adds value to our clients, the city and the folks who will live in them for years to come! We’re very proud of where we started and remain energized in our goal to quietly but effectively contribute to Calgary’s evolving residential landscape!

Inertia thanks all the clients who have trusted us with their projects along the way.

Here’s to 20 years of Inertia Residential!

Seton Mixed Use: Inspired by Mass Timber Design

Mass timber was considered to help express the Seton Mixed Use building’s layout—taller, open office space below and smaller residential units above—organized like a tree from trunk to branch. Although it wasn’t needed for this building’s size or fire requirements, the tree-inspired structure still guides the design of the balconies, windows, and material details.

Avalon's Seton Mixed Use development is an impressive 56 unit, five storey development that will soon house Avalon's new head office along with additional commercial spaces in Calgary's southeast Seton community.

Click below to learn more!

Spotlight: Emerge Arbour Lake Townhomes

Emerge Arbour Lake is a purpose-built rental townhome development designed in collaboration with Avalon Master Builder. Located at the corner of Arbour Lake View and Arbour Lake Road NW, the project includes 87 units across seven buildings and is one of the few rental-only developments within the Arbour Lake community.

From the outset, the project was guided by a shared goal to achieve net-zero carbon performance. Roof design played a critical role in meeting this objective, with a simple low-slope configuration selected to allow for the optimal placement of solar panels. The upper units are designed to meet net-zero standards set by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, while the lower units are net-zero ready and capable of integrating future renewable energy systems.

The development is composed of seven stacked, two-storey townhome buildings with surface parking and electric vehicle charging. Every home includes private outdoor space, with patios for lower units and balconies for upper units, supporting both daily living and a stronger sense of community.

This project was completed in May of 2025.

Click below to learn more.

Gravity in 2026: Honouring the Past, Building Our Future

As we turn the page to 2026, the Gravity Architecture team finds itself in a moment of profound reflection and renewed hope. To say that 2025 was a challenging year would be an understatement. The loss of our Principal, partner, and dear friend, Trent Letwiniuk, in August left an enduring mark on our studio. Trent was more than a leader; he held our client relationships and cared deeply for the success of their projects. Navigating the last few months without his guidance, concern, and wry spark has been the most difficult test in our firm’s history.

However, in the wake of this tragedy, something remarkable happened. The culture that Trent helped build—one of excellence, resilience, and camaraderie—did not falter. Instead, it grew stronger. We came together not just as colleagues, but as a team, to support one another and ensure that the vision we established continues to thrive. As we look toward 2026, we do so with optimism. We are busy, we are learning, and we are evolving. Stephen Barnecut and Jim Vasto remain at the helm as Principals, but they do not lead alone. The strength of Gravity has always been its people, and today, we are thrilled to announce the next generation of leadership within our firm.

To recognize their unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and the vital role they have played in steering us through this transition, we are proud to announce the promotions of the following team members to the role of Associate.

Meet Our New Associates

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Anine Eschberger Wortmann, Business Development Lead

Since joining Gravity in early 2025, Anine has been a beacon of thoughtful, community-driven design. With over 15 years of experience spanning South Africa to Montreal to Calgary, she brings a global perspective to our local context. Her passion for social impact and environmental stewardship is evident in her work on educational, retail, and commercial buildings. As an Associate, Anine will lead our business development efforts, continuing to support the relationships we have built and exploring opportunities for collaboration and the pursuit of new markets.

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Richard Anderson, Client Relations Lead

Since joining us in 2022, Richard has become a cornerstone of our technical excellence. With a penchant for "dense minimalism" inspired by David Chipperfield, Richard brings a rigour to our work that is second to none. His experience with complex multi-family and affordable housing projects demonstrates his commitment to architecture that serves the community. We are excited to see him elevate our practice further as an Associate. Richard will be focusing on Gravity’s client relationships, ensuring that our focus is always on client satisfaction.

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Paul Miller, Design Lead

Paul joined the Calgary team in April 2024 and made an immediate impact with his productivity and breadth of experience. As an award-winning designer, Paul has a unique talent for creating community-focused spaces that bring people together. His energy and fresh perspective are exactly what we need as we embark on this new chapter. Paul will be responsible for design excellence at Gravity, ensuring that our work consistently reflects our values and responds to our clients’ needs.

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Chris Fedyna, Technical Lead

Chris has been a driving force behind Gravity’s success since the very beginning, having joined our sister company, Inertia, in 2014. As our Lead Technologist, he has not only mastered the technical intricacies of townhouse and middle housing design, but has also been a mentor and guide to our entire production team. As an Associate, Chris will continue to oversee our technical standards and ensure our BIM environment remains at the cutting edge.

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Kathryn Thorkildsen, Production Lead

As our Production Lead, Kathryn has long been the steady hand guiding our projects to completion since her arrival in 2017. Her promotion to Associate is a testament to her technical mastery and her ability to manage the intricate details of production. She ensures that the vision we promise our clients is the reality we deliver. With her exceptional organizational discipline, she brings clarity, structure, and momentum to every project she touches.

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Kayla Anez, Corporate Lead

Kayla has been a driving force behind Gravity’s operations since joining in 2022. With extensive experience in architectural administration and corporate management, she thrives in our fast-paced environment, overseeing key business functions with clarity and efficiency. Her responsibilities include everything from human resources and financial processes to office management, business development support, and oversight of legal and insurance needs. Promoting Kayla to Associate recognizes that management excellence is just as vital to the firm’s success as the architectural work itself.

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Moving Forward

2026 is a year of new beginnings. We carry Trent’s legacy with us in every building we design and every project we help guide to completion. But we also look forward with excitement, bolstered by a leadership team that is talented, passionate, and ready to take on the future.

Thank you to our clients, partners, and friends for standing by us. Here’s to a bright and busy year ahead.

Stephen Barnecut, Architect AAA AIBC MRAIC
Principal

Attention BC Developers! Introducing: Maple Ridge Design Housing Catalogue

Attention BC Developers! Are you or someone you know interested in streamlined, high-quality infill housing? Gravity’s Sugar Haus is now featured in the City of Maple Ridge Housing Design Library—a ready-to-build urban infill fourplex created specifically to support landowners looking to redevelop with confidence.

Developed as part of the City’s Housing Design Partnership initiative, Sugar Haus helps streamline the permitting and construction process by offering a code-compliant design that aligns with local housing policies, bylaws, and design expectations. With an approved site plan, full zoning compliance, and verified BC Building Code adherence, the project is immediately purchasable and construction-ready.

This contemporary fourplex courtyard residential development is designed to deliver a modest density increase while maintaining a human-scaled, context-sensitive presence. Two duplex buildings are arranged on an 80 ’ x 120’ lot to create four family-oriented units, each with a private outdoor area and attached garage. The design is flexible and able to function as a single duplex, a fourplex, or be expanded on larger lots to achieve greater density.

While created for Maple Ridge, Sugar Haus may also be adapted for use in other municipalities, subject to feasibility review and local permitting requirements. Clients work directly with us to customize or refine the design to suit their site and goals.

Click the link in our bio to visit our website to learn more or contact Gravity's Vancouver office for more info.

Poplar Ave Multi in Okotoks has DP Submitted!

The Development Permit is submitted for Okotoks, AB! Poplar Avenue Multi is a proposed four-storey, 31-unit residential development designed to respect the character of the Elma Street East historic neighbourhood while supporting increased density, walkability, and long-term downtown vitality.

A pitched roof form and varied façade composition reference familiar residential typologies, while contemporary materials are used to provide an updated feel. The project offers context-driven design, generous units, and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape which allows it to be a strong addition to this established community.

Click below to learn more about this multi-family development by JC Construction.

Reimagining a Calgary church site into a vibrant mixed-use community space!

Earlier this year, our team was invited to participate in a three-firm design competition to explore the future of a prominent mid-century church site in Calgary. With its unique location between a mature residential neighbourhood and a major urban corridor, the site offered an exciting opportunity to imagine its next chapter.

Our feasibility study developed two directions, each adding a multi-story residential building to the site. Both approaches engaged in preserving the mature tree canopy, improving site circulation, and integrating sustainable design strategies.

Study 1: Adaptive Reuse

A design that preserves and revitalizes the existing 1950s church with accessibility upgrades, improved circulation, enhanced natural light, and a new cladding strategy to the church.

Study 2: Comprehensive Redevelopment

A complete redesign featuring a new church and hall, sustainable and dynamic cladding of masonry lattice to diffuse light and privacy, street-oriented commercial space, and an inviting landscape that ties the development together.

More diagrams and renderings are on the way. And later, we will share how this study informed our submission to the UnBuilt Awards.

Click below to read more on this study.

Logel Homes' Sage Hill Towns project is now complete!

This project features 52 new homes for residents in Calgary’s northwest community of Sage Hill.

Situated on a hillside, the project’s grading introduced a level of complexity to how the building is accessed. The slope allowed for two distinct entries: one at the garage level, set lower on the site, and another as a split-level that bridges the transition between the garage and the main living spaces.

Congratulations to Logel Homes for the completion of this attractive project! Click the link in our bio to learn more and visit our website to find more of Logel Home's projects, like the Seton West Multi!

Shaganappi Live/Work Fourplex is Complete!

With the completion of the Shaganappi Live/Work fourplex, our clients goal of providing housing and support to small local business in this community has been achieved! We’re excited to celebrate these townhomes in Calgary’s Shaganappi neighbourhood.

The three-storey, fourplex development introduces spaces that combine modern living with opportunities for small businesses. By shifting away from a larger mixed-use concept, the project reflects the character and scale the community was seeking—earning strong support from local residents.

It features two homes facing 24A street to the west, and two live/work units on 17th Avenue SW. All four of the homes in this development feature open living spaces and dual-master bedrooms with ensuites. The homes range from 1460 to 1875 square feet. The two west-facing units also have third-floor recreation spaces each complete with a lounge, wet bar, and full bathroom. Each of the units has large private balconies on the third floor. Large curtain-wall like glazing on the south elevation indicates the commercial uses of the main level, whereas the smaller punched windows of the upper floors suggest their more private, domestic use.

Click the button below to learn more about the Shaganappi Live/Work Towns!