In addition, the Meadowbrook project, built to passive house standards, is supported by the 2017 Environmental Master Plan, Goal C: Responsible Land Use (Objective C3: Incorporate sustainable development into the design of neighbourhoods, homes and businesses).
The project is moving forward in terms of site plan approvals, street openings and site servicing. Detailed construction drawings are finalized and construction tenders have been received.
Risk Analysis:
Financial Risk
There is a high degree of risk that should the additional funding not be finalized that the project will not be completed. If the project does not proceed all allocated funding granted from upper levels of government will need to be forfeited and any funding received to date will have to be repaid.
Climate Change Risks
This project has considered both climate change mitigation and adaptation risks.
Climate Change mitigation:
The Meadowbrook project is proposed to be designed and built to Passive House standards, as such it is expected to produce 33% less greenhouse gas emissions over a standard build.
Bicycle, Mobility Scooters E-bike Shelter and Charging – This development has an external covered storage area for bicycles, mobility scooters and e-bikes with charging capability. This also encourages bicycle transportation.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: This development will have 4 electric vehicle charging stations
Climate Change adaptation:
Thermal Resiliency: Buildings designed to passive house standards provide enhanced thermal protections that minimize heat gain (summer) and heat loss (winter). In the event of a disruption caused by climate events or otherwise, homes with Passive House standard building envelopes maintain safe indoor temperatures for significantly longer than even code-compliant new buildings, lasting over six days before indoor temperatures fell below 40°F when the outside average air temperature was -10 F. (See Exhibit 3 below taken from a study conducted by the Rocky Mountain Institute in February 2020)
Homes vary widely in their ability to maintain comfort during these events. Passive House buildings with more insulation, better airtightness, and better windows can outlast the cold, making it possible for people to comfortably “shelter in place” until power is returned. Improving our homes to withstand extreme weather events is an