Seniors in Hamilton will have access to below-market-rent homes in the first Passive House retrofit in Canada.
Passive House is a voluntary standard which meet certain certified energy efficient criteria; in this case the aim is to achieve 75% energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 88% compared to the NECB 2015.
It will result in significant reductions in energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and energy intensity of the building.
The Passive House standard reduces operating costs for buildings, which contributes to increased affordability for tenants.
The project at the Ken Soble Tower in Hamilton will provide 146 units including 74 with rents set at 69.2% of the median market rent.
"Providing affordable housing to our local ageing demographic is a key priority. On behalf of the City of Hamilton, I would like to thank our Federal partners for their contributions towards this exciting renovation project at Ken Sobel Tower. With a waitlist of over 6,000 households, it is urgent that this housing asset is brought back online so we can continue to address Hamilton's affordable housing pressures and provide low-income residents with good quality and stable housing,” said Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton.
