Overview
Welcome to Homestead Investment Co-operative
Invest in the first building in a portfolio of co-operatively owned Alberta real estate assets, powered by co-working, starting on Edmonton’s historic Jasper Avenue.
Why a Community Investment Co-operative?
Shared Prosperity
Democratic Decision-Making
Building a Thriving Business District in the Capital City
About the Building
- Outstanding cultural heritage: a fixture on Jasper Avenue for finance, music, arts, and now for entrepreneurs.
- This newly renovated historic asset is located in the heart of the business district, near local entertainment, and easily accessible to other areas of the city.
- Recent deep retrofit with new insulation, roof, elevator, mechanical, electrical, windows, and structural upgrades — low GHGs, low op costs.
We invite you to Be a Part of Something Extraordinary One local project at a time
At Homestead Investment Co-operative (HIC), we are on a mission to transform communities, one local project at a time. We invite you to be part of this extraordinary journey that combines centralized business and social impact with smart investment. Join us as we embark on a new initiative that will revolutionize how we invest in our own neighborhoods.
Diversify your portfolio and invest in the business district
HIC is breaking new ground by providing you, our valued community members, with the opportunity to invest directly into the Alberta Block. With the purchase of the building through a co-operative investment model. We understand that historically, the chances for local investors to support entrepreneurs in their own community have been limited.
Democratic and Local Processes
Our co-operative model empowers each member with equal voting power, regardless of individual investments. Together, we level the playing field, ensuring that local investing benefits us all collectively.
Our Vision: The Alberta Block Building
At the heart of our vision lies the iconic Alberta Block building, nestled in the vibrant heart of Edmonton's downtown business district. By acquiring this cornerstone property, we are paving the way for a thriving community hub that supports entrepreneurship.
A Model for the Future
The Alberta Block building is home to a diverse range of creatives, entrepreneurs, innovators, freelancers, and forward-thinking organizations. Here, innovators will find a collaborative environment where ideas blossom and connections flourish. The addition of our virtual membership allows us to expand our community beyond the walls of Alberta Block and to all four corners of Alberta. We will be investing in programming, events, and supports that matter to our members, and looking for ways to further in invest and grow our community across the province.
Meet our Board
Check out the "Team" tab for more information on the team members.
A Cornerstone for Growth
As we evolve, Alberta Block will serve as the heart of our expanding community, connecting investors, creators, and entrepreneurs. Together, we will create a real-estate backed co-operative community, where partnership and mentorship is fostered. This new investment opportunity will expand your portfolio as you support commercial projects in the area you live, work, and play.
Create real estate backed co-operative communities where you can grow in partnership and mentorship; build your enterprise bigger than you believed possible; and see the change you sought to effect in this world.
Tax-Deferred Opportunities
Did you know that much of the capital saved in registered accounts rarely finds its way back into our communities? With HIC, you can change that. Investment shares are eligible for self-directed registered accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs. This means your hard-earned money can contribute to local economic development opportunities while remaining tax-deferred.
Embrace the Possibilities
Edmonton is one of those special places where determined builders, creators and investors can shape a better future, locally and globally. Join Homestead Investment Co-operative today. Together, we will redefine how communities thrive, creating a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for everyone.
Contact us
By email at grow@homesteadcowork.ca
By phone at 780.222.7420
Team
Tegan Martin-Drysdale
Founder LinkedIn ProfileFounder of the Homestead Coworking business and Homestead Investment Cooperative, sustainable real estate developer and operator of a number of social impact-focused for-profit companies.
Tegan Martin-Drysdale is a civil engineer with extensive experience in overseeing building projects from various perspectives, including design, architecture, construction, and client management. With a background in structural engineering and project management for mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects, Tegan co-founded RedBrick in 2012 after serving as a project manager with ProCura Real Estate Services.
Tegan co-founded Homestead, a co-working space in Edmonton's downtown, where RedBrick's offices are located. She actively contributes to the business and entrepreneurial community in Alberta.
Recognized as one of Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 in 2010, Tegan currently serves as the Past President of IDEA, the Infill Development in Edmonton Association, advocating for high-quality infill development in the city.
Driven by a passion for building and community, Tegan aims to fill the gap in Edmonton's development landscape by creating sustainable, vibrant spaces. With a deep understanding of the city's current state and future potential, coupled with her track record of community engagement, she seeks to make Edmonton a model of innovation and inclusivity.
Emphasizing inclusivity in housing and community development, Tegan is dedicated to solving issues of affordable and integrated housing. She believes that inclusive developments benefit not only residents but also taxpayers, politicians, and city administrations. Tegan envisions her projects becoming models for other cities across Canada and beyond, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusive communities.
Don Iveson
Founder LinkedIn ProfileTwo-term former Mayor of Edmonton and now Principal of Civic Good, a consultancy delivering social impact, governance and environmental leadership guidance for companies and communities.
Don Iveson served as Edmonton’s 35th Mayor from 2013 to 2021, driven by a commitment to improving the city for future generations. His visionary leadership shaped Edmonton’s smart-growth City Plan, City Council’s Energy Transition Strategy, and initiatives in stormwater management and climate adaptation.
Now, residing in Edmonton, Don continues his dedication to civic progress through Civic Good, his public policy advisory practice. Specializing in climate, housing, and governance projects, Don collaborates with clients ranging from startups to governments, including his role as Executive Advisor for Climate Investing and Community Resilience with Co-operators.
Passionate about service, Don volunteers as Board Co-Chair of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness and co-chairs the Task Force on Housing and Climate. Additionally, he holds an appointment as a School of Cities Canadian Urban Leader at the University of Toronto.
On the national stage, Don chaired Canada’s Big City Mayors, advocating for cities during crises like the COVID pandemic and contributing to the National Housing Strategy. As an Honourary Witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, he implemented groundbreaking Indigenous awareness training in Edmonton.
Throughout his tenure, Don fostered collaborations, bridged urban/rural divides, and spearheaded Edmonton’s economic development efforts. He played a pivotal role in founding Edmonton Global and consolidating tourism assets under Explore Edmonton. He also co-founded the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub and supported sectors like bio, tech, and AI.
Before his political career, Don studied Political Science at the University of Alberta and served as president of Canadian University Press. Motivated by Edmonton’s potential, he entered public office to create a sustainable, vibrant city where future generations could thrive.
More on Don's profile: www.doniveson.ca/meet-don/
Jacquelyn Cardinal
LinkedIn ProfileFounder & CEO at Naheyawin, a storytelling and education social enterprise, Jacquelyn works to integrate and mobilize diverse knowledge systems to realize the promise of our treaties.
Jacquelyn, a serial entrepreneur, owns and operates multiple limited or incorporated companies, all aimed at empowering communities to support each other while walking together on a shared path, inspired by generations past.
As co-founder and managing director of Naheyawin, an Indigenous-owned and operated organization, Jacquelyn fulfills her duties as a Treaty person by creating tools to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in reclaiming the spirit of the Numbered Treaties. With a background in technology, she leverages her skills in community engagement, strategic planning, and communications to serve her community and work towards a positive future for all.
Drawing from her peoples' past and language alongside her brother at Naheyawin, Jacquelyn brings critical worldviews passed down from her ancestors to organizations, integrating them into their operations and campaigns. Notable contributions include spearheading community consultation for the Edmonton Arts Council's 10-Year Arts and Heritage plan and developing an Indigenous framework for arts and heritage bodies in the city.
Kyla Kazeil
LinkedIn ProfileAs co-owner of The Bamboo Ballroom, the Bamboo Stockroom, The Common, 9910 and Fu’s Repair Show, Kyla combines her passion for music, culture, fashion and Edmonton.
Kyla is an Edmonton-born entrepreneur and founder/managing partner of several businesses: The Bamboo Ballroom (retail, est. 2005), The Common (hospitality, est. 2009), and Fu's Repair Shop (hospitality, est. 2022), with Dolly's (hospitality, est. 2023) on the horizon. A top 40 under 40 and Woman of Vision alumni, she is currently nominated for an Alberta Woman Entrepreneurs award. Kyla's businesses have received acclaim in Edmonton, with Fu's Repair Shop recently named Best New Restaurant in the city and among the Top 30 New Restaurants in Canada.
Her organizations collectively employ 150 Edmontonians and generate a combined gross revenue exceeding 5 million dollars annually. With a predominantly female team, Kyla's passion lies in fostering equitable and inclusive practices within the hospitality industry.
Heather Kerschbaumer
Marilyn Hooper
LinkedIn ProfileWith over two decades of experience in government, public relations, and community engagement, Marilyn has built a career at the intersection of politics, policy, and advocacy.
Serving as an Executive Assistant to both the Mayor of Edmonton and multiple City Councillors, she has managed high-level administrative operations, stakeholder relations, and policy development. Her expertise includes coordinating strategic outreach, overseeing complex scheduling, and providing research support on civic issues.
Beyond municipal government, Marilyn has played a key role in provincial and federal political campaigns, leading leader’s tour logistics and event coordination. Her background also includes community outreach, volunteer coordination, and issue management with the Alberta Legislature. With a strong foundation in research, public engagement, and urban planning, Marilyn excels in fostering relationships between government, community leaders, and the public.
Overview
Welcome to Homestead Investment Co-operative
Invest in the first building in a portfolio of co-operatively owned Alberta real estate assets, powered by co-working, starting on Edmonton’s historic Jasper Avenue.
Why a Community Investment Co-operative?
Shared Prosperity
Democratic Decision-Making
Building a Thriving Business District in the Capital City
About the Building
- Outstanding cultural heritage: a fixture on Jasper Avenue for finance, music, arts, and now for entrepreneurs.
- This newly renovated historic asset is located in the heart of the business district, near local entertainment, and easily accessible to other areas of the city.
- Recent deep retrofit with new insulation, roof, elevator, mechanical, electrical, windows, and structural upgrades — low GHGs, low op costs.
We invite you to Be a Part of Something Extraordinary One local project at a time
At Homestead Investment Co-operative (HIC), we are on a mission to transform communities, one local project at a time. We invite you to be part of this extraordinary journey that combines centralized business and social impact with smart investment. Join us as we embark on a new initiative that will revolutionize how we invest in our own neighborhoods.
Diversify your portfolio and invest in the business district
HIC is breaking new ground by providing you, our valued community members, with the opportunity to invest directly into the Alberta Block. With the purchase of the building through a co-operative investment model. We understand that historically, the chances for local investors to support entrepreneurs in their own community have been limited.
Democratic and Local Processes
Our co-operative model empowers each member with equal voting power, regardless of individual investments. Together, we level the playing field, ensuring that local investing benefits us all collectively.
Our Vision: The Alberta Block Building
At the heart of our vision lies the iconic Alberta Block building, nestled in the vibrant heart of Edmonton's downtown business district. By acquiring this cornerstone property, we are paving the way for a thriving community hub that supports entrepreneurship.
A Model for the Future
The Alberta Block building is home to a diverse range of creatives, entrepreneurs, innovators, freelancers, and forward-thinking organizations. Here, innovators will find a collaborative environment where ideas blossom and connections flourish. The addition of our virtual membership allows us to expand our community beyond the walls of Alberta Block and to all four corners of Alberta. We will be investing in programming, events, and supports that matter to our members, and looking for ways to further in invest and grow our community across the province.
Meet our Board
Check out the "Team" tab for more information on the team members.
A Cornerstone for Growth
As we evolve, Alberta Block will serve as the heart of our expanding community, connecting investors, creators, and entrepreneurs. Together, we will create a real-estate backed co-operative community, where partnership and mentorship is fostered. This new investment opportunity will expand your portfolio as you support commercial projects in the area you live, work, and play.
Create real estate backed co-operative communities where you can grow in partnership and mentorship; build your enterprise bigger than you believed possible; and see the change you sought to effect in this world.
Tax-Deferred Opportunities
Did you know that much of the capital saved in registered accounts rarely finds its way back into our communities? With HIC, you can change that. Investment shares are eligible for self-directed registered accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs. This means your hard-earned money can contribute to local economic development opportunities while remaining tax-deferred.
Embrace the Possibilities
Edmonton is one of those special places where determined builders, creators and investors can shape a better future, locally and globally. Join Homestead Investment Co-operative today. Together, we will redefine how communities thrive, creating a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for everyone.
Contact us
By email at grow@homesteadcowork.ca
By phone at 780.222.7420
Tegan Martin-Drysdale
Founder LinkedIn ProfileFounder of the Homestead Coworking business and Homestead Investment Cooperative, sustainable real estate developer and operator of a number of social impact-focused for-profit companies.
Tegan Martin-Drysdale is a civil engineer with extensive experience in overseeing building projects from various perspectives, including design, architecture, construction, and client management. With a background in structural engineering and project management for mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects, Tegan co-founded RedBrick in 2012 after serving as a project manager with ProCura Real Estate Services.
Tegan co-founded Homestead, a co-working space in Edmonton's downtown, where RedBrick's offices are located. She actively contributes to the business and entrepreneurial community in Alberta.
Recognized as one of Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 in 2010, Tegan currently serves as the Past President of IDEA, the Infill Development in Edmonton Association, advocating for high-quality infill development in the city.
Driven by a passion for building and community, Tegan aims to fill the gap in Edmonton's development landscape by creating sustainable, vibrant spaces. With a deep understanding of the city's current state and future potential, coupled with her track record of community engagement, she seeks to make Edmonton a model of innovation and inclusivity.
Emphasizing inclusivity in housing and community development, Tegan is dedicated to solving issues of affordable and integrated housing. She believes that inclusive developments benefit not only residents but also taxpayers, politicians, and city administrations. Tegan envisions her projects becoming models for other cities across Canada and beyond, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusive communities.
Don Iveson
Founder LinkedIn ProfileTwo-term former Mayor of Edmonton and now Principal of Civic Good, a consultancy delivering social impact, governance and environmental leadership guidance for companies and communities.
Don Iveson served as Edmonton’s 35th Mayor from 2013 to 2021, driven by a commitment to improving the city for future generations. His visionary leadership shaped Edmonton’s smart-growth City Plan, City Council’s Energy Transition Strategy, and initiatives in stormwater management and climate adaptation.
Now, residing in Edmonton, Don continues his dedication to civic progress through Civic Good, his public policy advisory practice. Specializing in climate, housing, and governance projects, Don collaborates with clients ranging from startups to governments, including his role as Executive Advisor for Climate Investing and Community Resilience with Co-operators.
Passionate about service, Don volunteers as Board Co-Chair of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness and co-chairs the Task Force on Housing and Climate. Additionally, he holds an appointment as a School of Cities Canadian Urban Leader at the University of Toronto.
On the national stage, Don chaired Canada’s Big City Mayors, advocating for cities during crises like the COVID pandemic and contributing to the National Housing Strategy. As an Honourary Witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, he implemented groundbreaking Indigenous awareness training in Edmonton.
Throughout his tenure, Don fostered collaborations, bridged urban/rural divides, and spearheaded Edmonton’s economic development efforts. He played a pivotal role in founding Edmonton Global and consolidating tourism assets under Explore Edmonton. He also co-founded the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub and supported sectors like bio, tech, and AI.
Before his political career, Don studied Political Science at the University of Alberta and served as president of Canadian University Press. Motivated by Edmonton’s potential, he entered public office to create a sustainable, vibrant city where future generations could thrive.
More on Don's profile: www.doniveson.ca/meet-don/
Jacquelyn Cardinal
LinkedIn ProfileFounder & CEO at Naheyawin, a storytelling and education social enterprise, Jacquelyn works to integrate and mobilize diverse knowledge systems to realize the promise of our treaties.
Jacquelyn, a serial entrepreneur, owns and operates multiple limited or incorporated companies, all aimed at empowering communities to support each other while walking together on a shared path, inspired by generations past.
As co-founder and managing director of Naheyawin, an Indigenous-owned and operated organization, Jacquelyn fulfills her duties as a Treaty person by creating tools to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in reclaiming the spirit of the Numbered Treaties. With a background in technology, she leverages her skills in community engagement, strategic planning, and communications to serve her community and work towards a positive future for all.
Drawing from her peoples' past and language alongside her brother at Naheyawin, Jacquelyn brings critical worldviews passed down from her ancestors to organizations, integrating them into their operations and campaigns. Notable contributions include spearheading community consultation for the Edmonton Arts Council's 10-Year Arts and Heritage plan and developing an Indigenous framework for arts and heritage bodies in the city.
Kyla Kazeil
LinkedIn ProfileAs co-owner of The Bamboo Ballroom, the Bamboo Stockroom, The Common, 9910 and Fu’s Repair Show, Kyla combines her passion for music, culture, fashion and Edmonton.
Kyla is an Edmonton-born entrepreneur and founder/managing partner of several businesses: The Bamboo Ballroom (retail, est. 2005), The Common (hospitality, est. 2009), and Fu's Repair Shop (hospitality, est. 2022), with Dolly's (hospitality, est. 2023) on the horizon. A top 40 under 40 and Woman of Vision alumni, she is currently nominated for an Alberta Woman Entrepreneurs award. Kyla's businesses have received acclaim in Edmonton, with Fu's Repair Shop recently named Best New Restaurant in the city and among the Top 30 New Restaurants in Canada.
Her organizations collectively employ 150 Edmontonians and generate a combined gross revenue exceeding 5 million dollars annually. With a predominantly female team, Kyla's passion lies in fostering equitable and inclusive practices within the hospitality industry.
Heather Kerschbaumer
Marilyn Hooper
LinkedIn ProfileWith over two decades of experience in government, public relations, and community engagement, Marilyn has built a career at the intersection of politics, policy, and advocacy.
Serving as an Executive Assistant to both the Mayor of Edmonton and multiple City Councillors, she has managed high-level administrative operations, stakeholder relations, and policy development. Her expertise includes coordinating strategic outreach, overseeing complex scheduling, and providing research support on civic issues.
Beyond municipal government, Marilyn has played a key role in provincial and federal political campaigns, leading leader’s tour logistics and event coordination. Her background also includes community outreach, volunteer coordination, and issue management with the Alberta Legislature. With a strong foundation in research, public engagement, and urban planning, Marilyn excels in fostering relationships between government, community leaders, and the public.