The Challenge
A ministry of the Government of Alberta, AFP manages provincial forests, lands, and parks, balancing environmental stewardship with economic activity and recreation. To support its operations, AFP maintains a distributed portfolio of staff housing, much of which is located in remote areas.
Over time, this portfolio has faced increasing challenges, including aging assets, rising maintenance requirements, and insufficient capacity to meet demand. In 2024, AFP initiated a housing inspection, needs assessment, and strategy initiative to better plan for renewal, expansion, and long-term sustainability.
Our Approach
The project began with inspections of more than 200 housing assets across AFP’s divisions. These inspections generated a robust set of primary data on asset condition, functionality, and remaining useful life. This foundation enabled unit-level analysis of needs, risks, and replacement priorities, supporting a coordinated and evidence-based approach to decision-making.
In parallel, Ballad conducted targeted engagement with AFP staff and management, including surveys and focus groups. This process captured perspectives from those managing and living in staff housing, offering critical insights into both physical conditions (e.g., quality, suitability, and amenities) and system-level considerations (e.g., allocation processes, tenancy arrangements, and shared accommodations). The result was a well-rounded understanding of how the housing system performs in practice and where improvements are most needed.
Building on these inputs, Ballad developed division-specific needs assessments that integrated inspection findings, engagement results, and relevant secondary data. These assessments identified current gaps, forecast future demand, and highlighted priority areas requiring intervention.
Finally, Ballad translated these findings into practical housing strategies for AFP. These strategies outline clear, implementable recommendations for asset renewal, portfolio expansion, and policy and governance improvements. They also include a comprehensive costing analysis, enabling AFP to evaluate options such as renovation, replacement, and new development.
Together, this work equips AFP with the evidence, tools, and strategic direction to manage its housing portfolio effectively, supporting staff, strengthening operations, and ensuring long-term sustainability.