Net-zero energy ready affordable seniors housing in Williams Lake, B.C.

The City of Williams Lake has a shortage of affordable seniors housing along with increasing wait times for subsidized rentals. As a result, many seniors in the area are socially isolated and disconnected from the city centre and larger community. The Caribou Park Homes Society, established in 1999, is a not-for-profit organization in Northern British Columbia that owns and operates 34 senior housing units (Phase I). The Society proposes adding a five-storey extension with 35 additional units (Phase II) to the existing building. The mixed-market and rent-geared-to-income one-bedroom units will provide a safe, connected, supportive and affordable seniors housing complex where low- to moderate-income seniors can age in place. The Phase II extension will incorporate high performance with low energy demand, targeting a net annual total energy use intensity of less than 80 kWh/m2. The Society will engage an energy-modelling consulting firm to explore conceptual plans and designs. Meeting the Canada Green Building Council’s zero carbon building standards and plans to further quantify resident greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint reductions will enable designs that promote sustainable procurement and construction as well as resident comfort. (Project description from original funding application)