Mayor Welcomes Mike Holmes to City Hall as Phase II of Boyle Renaissance Gets Underway

Mike Holmes

August 17, 2011

Mayor Stephen Mandel met with Mike Holmes, Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor, discussing new joint efforts to bring sustainable design to affordable housing in Edmonton. Holmes is part of the team working on the next phase of development in Boyle Renaissance.

“We’re excited to have Mike Holmes and the entire Holmes team on board,” said Mayor Mandel. “This investment by the project partners to ensure quality development and construction will revitalize the area and move us a giant step closer to our vision of a safe and vibrant downtown. This is our opportunity to ‘Make It Right’®.”

The City of Edmonton is partnering with the Métis Capital Housing Corporation, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, and the Boyle Street Community League to build 90 residential units of senior-friendly and barrier-free housing in Phase II of Boyle Renaissance, the City of Edmonton’s plan to invest in and renew the area north of 103 A Avenue between 95 Street and 96 Street. The $22 million project will receive $5.6 million in capital funding from the City’s Cornerstones Affordable Housing Program, as well as a capital contribution of $6 million from the Métis Capital Housing Corporation.

Mike Holmes and his team were engaged by the Métis Capital Housing Corporation earlier this year to ensure that Phase II provides a quality living environment that meets sustainability and energy reduction targets, and can serve as a model for future affordable housing projects.

“Those among the most vulnerable in society and our communities, seniors and persons with disabilities, will be provided with a residence that is second to none,” said Darlene Lennie, Executive Director of the Métis Capital Housing Corporation. “We believe that everybody deserves a home.”

The Holmes Group was interested in working with the Métis Capital Housing Corporation because they are successful home experts who believe that affordable housing can and should incorporate sustainable, “green” design.

“When I was introduced to this project I saw a committed team of people trying to do the right thing, a new thing but the right thing,” said Holmes. “I asked my team to help make it happen and set a new standard for affordable housing that ensures the future for our Canadian seniors and those with disabilities.”

Holmes is an author and TV host who is sought after as a contractor, speaker and advisor and is widely recognized for his advocacy for improved building standards.

Features of Boyle Renaissance Phase II:

  • 90 units of self-contained affordable seniors housing; 30 of the 90 units will be barrier-free
  • Approximately 1,000 square meters of ground floor commercial space to link into a revitalized streetscape and services
  • An accessible green roof providing views, safety and common spaces
  • A proposed “sweat lodge” with a distinctive aboriginal identity
  • Automated “smart” suites to increase safety and service for every occupant
  • One level of underground parking
  • Installation of shared heat and power systems to reduce energy consumption
  • Sheltered drop-off & pick-up zones
  • Links to surrounding streetscapes, parks, community gardens and other public amenities

 

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