Maxim Oleshevsky’s journey from growing up in Calgary’s West End to reshaping that very neighbourhood is a story of personal connection turned into deep community commitment. Standing in his office in Astra Group’s latest development, Maxim looks out over a view that includes the modest apartment he once called home with his family when they first arrived in Canada from Ukraine 24 years ago. This physical connection to his past serves as a constant reminder of his purpose and the community values he brings into his work as CEO of Astra Group and People First Developments.
Growing up in the West End, Maxim recalls a time when affordability and community connectedness were foundational, enabling families to thrive in a vibrant neighbourhood. Today, in a city where affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for many, Maxim draws on these early experiences to guide his work, with the hope of making Calgary’s West End a place of opportunity and inclusiveness once again.
City Partnerships and a Vision of Affordability
Calgary’s commitment to innovative housing solutions has been instrumental in Astra’s work. Through the City’s office-to-residential conversion program, Astra Group has transformed vacant office spaces into thriving residential communities with both accessible and affordable units.
According to the City of Calgary’s 2023 Housing Needs Assessment, approximately 84,600 households are in need of affordable housing options, highlighting the urgent demand that Astra’s projects aim to address. These projects, supported by federal financing and partnerships with local non-profits, are bridging the gap between rising demand for affordable housing and limited supply. This collaborative approach, Maxim emphasizes, brings much-needed housing to a diverse population in Calgary’s core.
Supporting Tradespeople and Building a Stronger Community
In one of Maxim’s recent developments, some of the very tradespeople who worked on the build-out now live in the building. This initiative has fostered a deep sense of ownership and pride among residents. “When people see their hard work reflected in their own living spaces, it creates a special connection,” Maxim reflects. By prioritizing affordable, quality housing for those who contribute to the strength and vitality of the community, Astra Group reinforces the importance of community bonds and the impact of “building with purpose.”
Astra Group Projects with Impact
Astra Group’s projects exemplify its commitment to creating vibrant, mixed-use spaces that foster inclusivity and economic opportunity:
The Cornerstone (909 5th Ave SW): A vibrant new downtown destination featuring 112 thoughtfully designed two- and three-bedroom units spanning floors 3–10. Thesecond floor is home to Unfiltered, a coworking hub tailored for beauty industry entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, collaboration, and opportunities for primarily women-led businesses. The ground floor is dedicated to retail spaces, supporting local entrepreneurs and enhancing the vibrancy, economic activity, and safety of Calgary’s downtown core.
PetroFina (736 8th Ave SW): This project integrates approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space alongside modern apartments, contributing to the West End’s revitalization.
Place 800 (800 6th Ave SW): A mixed-use development blending retail, residential, and shared spaces that strengthen the connection between residents and their community.
Together, these projects contribute to Astra Group’s total portfolio of over 750,000 square feet under development, which includes both announced and unannounced projects. Collectively, Astra’s developments are expected to deliver approximately 600 housing units within two years, many of which are below-market and accessible. Additionally, these projects are estimated to save over 70,000 tonnes of embodied carbon as part of Astra’s broader commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Mixed-Income Housing: Building Diverse and Thriving Communities
Maxim’s developments emphasize mixed-income housing to create sustainable communities where individuals from varied backgrounds can thrive together. Research shows that mixed-income housing strengthens community ties, supports economic diversity, and fosters improved social outcomes. Maxim notes that Astra’s affordable units are indistinguishable from others, reflecting his belief that “everyone deserves a place they’re proud to call home.” This commitment to quality ensures that all residents feel equal, regardless of income level.
P4 Partnerships for Lasting Change
Guided by a P4 approach—public, private, philanthropic, and social profit partnerships—Maxim brings together diverse stakeholders to address Calgary’s housing challenges. PeopleFirst and Partners for Affordable Housing are working to attract community support to provide units at even lower rates and are developing relationships with local charities to help alleviate long waitlists for affordable housing. “Meaningful change requires collective action,” Maxim says, recognizing the essential role that each sector plays in creating sustainable impact.
A Vision of Collective Investment and Community Empowerment
Beyond physical spaces, Astra’s projects aim to cultivate a sense of shared responsibility. Maxim envisions the West End as a vibrant neighbourhood where people from all walks of life live, work, and grow together, supported by a network of committed partners.
With a record-breaking 4,354 housing starts in Calgary during the first quarter of 2024—a 42% increase over the previous year—there’s momentum for affordable housing, yet the demand continues to outpace supply. Each project, from restored historic buildings to new developments, is a step toward a more resilient, inclusive Calgary. “We’re building more than just housing,” Maxim says. “We’re building a community—one where everyone has a role, a voice, and a stake in its success.”
For Maxim, this journey is deeply personal. It’s a way of giving back to the community that shaped him and creating a legacy that reflects Calgary’s values of inclusivity, resilience, and innovation. Through the Power of P4, Maxim and his team at Astra are transforming Calgary’s West End into a thriving, multifaceted neighbourhood that ensures every resident feels they belong.