SAH- Boys and girls club of Summerside to assess the feasibility of building a 13-unit Net-Zero transitional Center for Women in the City of Summerside, Prince Edward Island

For the past 30 years, the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Summerside Inc. (BGCS) has provided programs and services to families in the city. Through consultation with the population, families living in Summerside, and the surrounding area have expressed the need for transitional housing. As a result, BGCS aims to build a transitional center for women with lengths of stay ranging from 1 to 2 years. The center will consist of 13 units containing a mix of shelter beds, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. The proposed study will provide BGCS the key design and operational considerations to build this center to NZE or NZER standards. The consultants have indicated that various approaches will be investigated including roof-mounted solar, geothermal, insulated concrete form, efficient mechanical systems, and other attributes informed by Passive house and LEED. This project fits into the province’s ambitious target of having all real estate net zero energy by 2040.  The SAH study grant will provide financial capacity to engage specialized consultants to complete the appropriate environmental site assessment, energy modelling, architectural and structural designs. Results from this study will support the organization in producing the required documents needed for a future FCM capital project application.  Innovative aspect(s):  · This will be organization’s first affordable housing project.  · The study will explore various ways to raise the bar socially, economically and environmentally for transitional living in Prince Edward Island (PEI).  · The study and potential capital project will research and apply advanced technologies that are not commonly used in the province.  Replicability:   · The study is researching the feasibility of a variety of proven technologies that have years of success behind them and are highly replicable.   · Results from this study will be highly relevant to other non-profit groups in PEI who build and operate residential spaces with integrated support services.
Affordability:   This study will investigate various programs and develop recommendations to ensure long-term affordability:   · BGCS is planning to apply to provincial programs that support non-profit housing providers offering affordable rental units with rent subsidization.   · BGCS is also seeking CMHC funding focused on supporting transitional housing units.