As a local construction company, CANA has always been involved in the community.

Whether it's giving back to local charitable organizations or helping build the community around us. Our latest initiative is no different.

We're about halfway through the construction of the affordable housing apartment building at the corner of 5th Avenue and 9th Street SW. Located within walking distance of the Louise Bridge and Eau Claire Park, the apartment building will be a welcomed addition for those who need affordable housing and still want to enjoy the inner-city life.

The main purpose of the building is to provide living spaces to people who need it most. "It's nice to be part of a project that will directly benefit the community," says project engineer Melissa DiManno. And not only is the project community-focused, the environmental design will reduce total energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 41% compared to the reference building (a hypothetical replica of the proposed building) meant to meet the prescriptive requirements of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. "We've really gone above and beyond in terms of sustainability. The steel solar panel structure on the roof is a great addition."

With a slight delay in breaking ground last year set by owner and an early, wet winter, the team pushed on and was able to top off the building concrete structure at the end of April. This has kept them on track for a fall turnover to the owner, HomeSpace Society.

Another unique feature of the project is the forward-thinking design consideration to add in-floor glycol heating lines with gypcrete topping, adding to the efficiency of the building. By heating the floor rather than the surrounding air, the heating lines provide indirect, diffused heat that radiates from the floor up. This heat is absorbed by surrounding objects, and they in turn help to warm the entire room.

Despite some understandable issues with material delays due to the ongoing pandemic, the project team—which includes Jared Tesche as construction manager, Darren McGuire as superintendent, and Dan Michalchuk as foreman—has a strong relationship with the owner and consultant team. "There has been lots of open communication by the site team and the consultants, and the owner has been great about resolving issues and incorporating design changes effectively," says Jared.

With interior finishes starting in July, the HomeSpace Society 5th Avenue Apartments project is well on its way to deliver much-needed housing to people in our community.