Fort Saskatchewan's newest affordable housing project is beginning to take shape.
Despite supply chain issues causing a minor snag in the construction timeline, the Muriel Ross Abdurahman Court remains on budget with hopes of an early 2023 move-in date.
Named after the former MLA and mayor of Fort Saskatchewan, the net-zero build will feature energy-efficient lighting and air management that will help offset some of the utility costs of the building.
“This building is innovative – it has two unique features; the hybrid of shipping container and stick frame construction and the fact that it is a net-zero build which includes an advanced building envelope, energy recovery ventilation and solar power generation,” said Rob Waite, Heartland Housing Foundation facility manager.
“While Heartland and our tenants will still have utility costs, this is a great step towards offsetting the building’s overall environmental and fiscal impacts.”
Approximately 20 units within the building will be purpose-built to serve the needs of adults living with disabilities in partnership with the Robin Hood Association. The 83-unit building will have suites ranging from studio to three-bedroom units. Units will be approximately 20 per cent below market rates.
“Interest in this project has been huge, and it really speaks to the need for more housing choices in Fort Saskatchewan,” said Nancy Simmonds, CEO of Heartland Housing Foundation.
Heartland Housing expects to begin accepting applications this summer, subject to firm construction completion dates. Those who are interested in receiving updates on the project can email murielcourt@heartlandhousing.ca.