Métis affordable housing has Holmes buy-in

A chance conversation on an airplane trip has resulted in a win-win venture for the Métis Capital Housing Corp. and the Holmes Group.

Darlene Lennie, executive director for MCHC, relates the tale of how Walter Trocenko, manager of housing and economic stability with the City of Edmonton, struck up a conversation with Holmes Group general manager.
Trocenko told the GM about Boyle Renaissance project, affordable housing for Métis seniors and the disabled. The Holmes Group jumped on the chance to participate.
It’s the first time the Holmes Group has taken on a project like this, said communications director Amanda Heath.

“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 Mike Holmes, in a news release. “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.”

This is the first time MCHC has taken on a project of this magnitude.

“This particular project is one of the biggest we have ever done. The expertise and knowledge (the Holmes Group) brings to the table is a huge benefit to our company,” said Lennie.

Phase II of Boyle Renaissiance consists of a 90-residential unit senior-friendly and barrier-free housing and will be constructed north of 103A Avenue, between 95th Street and 96th Street. The $22 million project will be partially funded through Edmonton’s Cornerstones Affordable Housing Program at $5.6 million and from the MCHC at $6 million. The project is a partnership between the city, MCHC, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, and the Boyle Street Community League.

“We’ve landed the best of the best in Canada. It definitely speaks to the advantage of our particular project being fortunate enough to secure that partnership, to have them on board as a member of our team to move our initiative forward,” said Lennie.

Holmes Group will be monitoring the progress of the project via cameras set up on site so the entire project can be viewed from off-site locations and documented. On-site inspection will also take place. Only Holmes-approved products will be used. The project contract is scheduled to be awarded this fall, with completion about 18 months later.

Lennie said that like other populations, the Métis community is aging.

“Twenty years ago we provided housing. Now our seniors are living in three-bedroom single family dwellings and their children are all gone,” she said.

The project also caters to people who are disabled, with one-third of the units being barrier-free.

“They struggle with accommodations that meet their needs. To live in comfort is not available to them. In this project, it absolutely will be,” said Lennie.

Another unique aspect about the affordable-housing project is that it will have a “green” design and be a low-energy building.

“We’re setting a very high standard in affordability that you don’t see anywhere else in Canada until someone opens that door and we’re opening that door,” said Lennie.