Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa Success Story

Life-changing homes for youth

Safe and stable affordable housing helps lower the risk of returning to homelessness for young people.

Highlights

Expert advice at the planning stage lead to key energy-saving enhancements.
Offered financial incentives reducing cost and budget.
Projected 30.8% annual natural gas savings.

Results**

23%
Projected annual energy savings

30.8%
Projected reduction in annual natural gas use

**Projected savings based on energy modelling simulations from the Savings by Design Integrated Design Process workshop.

Building a pathway out of homelessness

High-risk, vulnerable youth now have an innovative new home in Ottawa. Youth Services Hub, a new four-storey apartment building, features 39 studio and two-bedroom apartments, including nine units that are barrier-free for accessibility. The site also includes a youth hub that offers a range of services available on site, making it easier for youth to access the help they need, from mental health care to job counselling.

Expert advice at the planning stages

Designed with a central outdoor courtyard for gatherings and a main floor community kitchen where youth can learn cooking skills, the building received assistance from Savings by Design at the early planning stages. Based on the advice of a team of experts, they upgraded insulation, altered the design of their curtain wall and added variable speed fans and pumps to mechanical systems. The result is a more energy-efficient and comfortable space for the residents.

Key energy-saving enhancements

Condensing boilers at 96 percent efficiency
Improved wall framing and insulation
Triple-glazed windows for improved thermal performance

“We had a great experience working with the experts from Enbridge Gas and would recommend Savings by Design to anyone looking to improve the energy efficiency of their affordable housing project.”

Wes Richardson,
Director of Finance

Discover what's possible with free sustainable design assistance

Savings by Design offers free design expertise, energy modelling and financial incentives to help you design and build affordable housing that saves energy and costs less to operate.

To participate, your organization must have received financial assistance, past or present, from a government program aimed at increasing affordable housing.

How it works

No-cost integrated design process workshop

In this free full-day workshop, your team will strategize with sustainable design experts to maximize your project’s energy and environmental performance.

$7,500 technical assistance incentive

This financial incentive helps offset any consulting fees from your design team for time spent attending the workshop.

Up to $120,000 energy performance incentive

Based on the energy performance of the completed housing project, you could be eligible to receive financial incentives for each unit, up to $120,000 per project.

Learn more

Apply today to get the most out of your next affordable housing project

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Did your organization or new construction project receive financial assistance from a government program aimed at creating new affordable housing in the past or present? Yes No Not applicable or unsure

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Maximum potential incentive is $120,000 per affordable housing project, based on number of affordable units and as-designed and as-built energy performance (at least 20 percent above Ontario Building Code). Projects must be located in the Enbridge Gas service area. HST is not applicable and will not be added to incentive payments.