SUSTAINABLE CITY: Greening the Future - $4.95 DESIGN ARCHITECTURE DECOR SUMMER 2009 - Saskatoon ...
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$4.95 • DESIGN •Saskatoon
ARCHITECTURESummer
• DECOR
2009 • SUMMER 2009 1
SUSTAINABLE CITY:
Greening the Future
Saskatoon Summer 2009 3
4 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 5
INSIDE
SUSTAINABLE CITY:
Greening the Future
19 The Quest for a
Sustainable Saskatoon
Everyone’s starting to do
their part.
21 How Green is Our City?
It’s becoming a movement,
not just a colour.
31 A House with Sun Sense
A solar system heats
this suburban home.
P21
9 FRONTLINES
News for Homeowners
35 STYLE
How to Hide Your Floors
41 SPOTLIGHT
Green Renovator Recycles
Economy, new developments Put leather under your feet. He reclaims 80% of demolition
and more. materials.
37 OUTSIDE
15 INNOVATORS
“Green” Spray Foam
Grooming Your Grounds
Styling for your property.
43 PRACTICAL
Where to Find Green Products
It’s endorsed by Mike Holmes. You’ll also find services and advice.
39 THE ROOM
33 DECOR Outdoor Summer Living 45 BACKWORDS
Window Covering Winners Furnish your patio with flair. Saskatchewan’s Stone Buildings
Choices for style and comfort. It’s a fascinating heritage book.
COVER:
The Alexander Residence, Arts and Crafts style house built in 1912 and designated a municipal heritage property in 2001,
was home to Dr. Harold Alexander, head of the Surgery Department at St. Paul’s Hospital. Photo: Darrell Noakes
6 Saskatoon Summer 2009
Join the Green Team Issue 6, Summer 2009
ISSN 1916-2324
G
info@wheatking.ca
Publisher:
oing green is no make good green sense. vation programs. And while Jeff Pexa
Editor, Writer:
30 26 Lots are now available in Greengate Estates First Phase
longer just a fashionable Home owners are becoming many of the endeavours are
Dona Sturmanis
option, but is becoming much more conscious in the happening at a municipal
Contributing Writer, Photographer:
a necessity. On the home choices they make whether level, individuals and busi- Darrell Noakes
nesses are forming proactive Art Director:
“green” groups as well. Af- Mark McCann
• Serviced Lots Available Now!
ter all, it is individuals who Associate Art Director: City Water, Gas, Electrical
make up the energy and ef-
Stephanie Symons
& Telephone
Contributors:
fect a group or association
Joe Ralko, Deanna Merrick
can have as a whole.
Saskatoon Home
• Fenced, treed, ponds,10 acre
In this issue, we take a
is published by: park with playground
look at some of the many Wheat King Publishing Ltd.
ways in which Saskatoon 200-160 Dougall Road South
has become green, from en- Kelowna BC V1X 3J4
• Terrain offers many design
trepreneurial endeavour to Telephone 306.373.1833 options including walkout
city policy. www.wheatking.ca basements
President: Jeff Pexa
Saskatoon is fortunate to
Administrative Director: Lara Pexa
have a wealth of profession- • Build Green Cash Incentives
als in the home industry,
front, architects, builders, it’s as simple as carrying
who can help you to make
• 15 minutes South of
your residence a more ef- No part of this publication may be copied
developers, renovators and reusable shopping bags or
ficient, comfortable and at- or reprinted without the written consent
Saskatoon on Hwy 11
contractors are stepping up purchasing energy-efficient
tractive place to live. Wheth- of the publisher.
to the plate in incorporat- appliances.
ing sustainability into their er your home goal is to be-
Like many cities, Saska- Publications Mail Agreement
projects. Suppliers are in- come more sustainable or # 41216508
toon is creating initiatives
troducing products that are more stylish, they are there
to become more sustain-
environmentally-friendly to offer their products and
able, whether it’s through
whether they are made of expertise. Many of them ad-
development of affordable
reclaimed materials or vertise in the pages of Saska-
housing to energy conser- enviroink.indd 1 10/1/08 10:44:38 AM
toon Home...check out what
they can do for you.
In the meantime, think of
what you can do as an in-
dividual to do your part in
contributing to a more sus-
tainable Saskatoon. A thou-
sand acts of green can make
a difference.
Dona Sturmanis
Editor (306) 665-4663 • Toll Free (866) 695-3136
www.GreengateEstates.com • Saskatoon
8 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 9
FRONTLINES
well ahead of the national apart from other provinces
average of 0.5 per cent. In in the coming year.”
Saskatchewan the west, Alberta decreased For 2009, most major
Station 20 West
by 0.2 per cent, British Co- forecasters predict Sas-
Led Canada’s lumbia was down by 0.3 katchewan will be the only Still Hopeful
Economy in 2008 per cent while Manitoba in- province to post economic
for Go-Ahead
creased by 2.4 per cent. Only growth.
five provinces had economic “Saskatchewan is not im-
growth in 2008. mune to the economic chal-
Statistics Canada has con- “Our economy in 2008 lenges faced globally, but
firmed what most economic outpaced other provinces we are in a great position to
forecasters have been saying with strong activity in the fend off the major declines Station 20 West Community
for months -- that Saskatch- resource sector and in ag- experienced in much of Enterprise Centre is shov-
ewan had the fastest grow- riculture,” said enterprise Canada and stay on track el-ready and ready to go,
ing economy of all Canadian and innovation minister over the coming year,” said says project manager Paul
provinces in 2008. Lyle Stewart. “We have made Stewart. Wilkinson.
The report shows that Sas- considerable investment “Basically, the foundation
katchewan’s economy grew in infrastructure and major plans are in the hands of the
by 4.4 per cent in 2008, the personal tax cuts that will PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN city and we’re hoping to get
highest in the nation, and definitely set Saskatchewan a permit approved,” he says.
Relax, unwind, let an interior design consultant from Studio 2.0 Interior Design Consultants answer all of your design questions,
from the initial planning stages of your new build or renovation to the finishing touches. You’ll have one resource to answer your
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Interior Designers
IDAS Association of Saskatchewan
ACCREDITED
BUSINESS
10 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 11
winning Mountain Equip- Monarch Yards, an afford- million over two years under “Saskatoon and Regina will
Unfortunately, the project would likely have to be de- to the project, promised by ment Coop building in able rental housing proj- Canada’s Economic Action not match their spectacu-
is still “a little bit short of layed until next year. the previous NDP admin- downtown Winnipeg. ect for low-income families Plan as part of a one-time lar 2008 growth rates, but
money.” To date, the devel- The group is hoping istration, in April 2009. The Rivergreen on Olmstead says he expects has officially opened in investment of more than $2 they have enough economic
oper has commitments to- that it qualifies for federal province said it needed the Track with to have the architectural Saskatoon. billion to build new and ren- momentum to top all other
talling $1.85 million toward stimulus funding, as well, money to fund health care plans and models by the end Ed Komarnicki, Federal ovate existing social housing census metropolitan areas
the projected cost of the but does not know when it infrastructure throughout Award-winning of May. Parliamentary Secretary in Canada. The province will (CMAs) again this year,” said
building cost of $5.8 mil- might hear from the gov- the province. Design Team The revised approach will to the Minister of Human also contribute $66 million Alan Arcand, principal econ-
lion. The organization had ernment. It also depends on A new branch library is let the project proceed in Resources and Skills De- for these initiatives over the omist for the outlook report.
been aiming to $3 million Saskatoon city council add- located in the Saskatoon phases, responding to fi- velopment Canada and to next two years. After growing by a nation-
by February. ing Station 20 to the city’s Housing Authority afford- nancing and demand. the Minister of Labour, on These investments build leading seven per cent last
“What we would like to do list of priority projects. able housing development, “We’re quite excited about behalf of Diane Finley, Min- upon the $1.9-billion com- year, Saskatoon’s economy
this year is start immediate- Good Food Junction which opened just north of Rivergreen Ecovillage, at that,” he says. “We’ve got a ister of HRSDC and Minis- mitment for housing and will increase by 1.7 per cent
ly and put the foundation Coop, a full service grocery the Station 20 West site in River Landing Phase II, very, very loyal group of cus- ter Responsible for Canada homelessness programs in 2009. Regina’s economy,
in and shell in the build- store, has already commit- April, Wilkinson adds. continues to build on last tomers or potential custom- Mortgage and Housing Cor- announced by the Govern- which grew by 5.3 per cent
ing, which would mean ted to become one of the “That’s really something, year’s design charrette, hav- ers,” he adds. “We’ve been poration, along with Sas- ment of Canada in Septem- in 2008, will be right behind
that the building framed in tenants of Station 20 West, because there hasn’t been a ing engaged the services of really impressed with that.” katchewan’s Social Services ber 2008, which extended Saskatoon, with projected
and completely finished on Wilkinson says. The neigh- public library on 20th Street Dudley Thompson of Prai- Residential tenants are Minister and Minister re- the Affordable Housing Ini- 1.6-per-cent growth in 2009.
the exterior,” he says. “That bourhood has been de- for years and years and rie Architects in Winnipeg. content to wait until the sponsible for the Saskatch- tiative and the renovation Strong in-migration into
would take until December. scribed as a “food desert,”he years,” he says. The firm has a “huge history project is ready for them to ewan Housing Corporation programs for low-income both Saskatchewan cities will
The total cost of that would says, since the last of the of sustainability,” includ- move in, he says. Donna Harpauer made the households for two years. continue to support hous-
DARRELL NOAKES
be 2.3 million.” downtown grocery stores ing LEED certified projects, DARRELL NOAKES
announcement at a signing Today’s announcement in- ing construction activity and
If Station 20 West can left more than a decade ago. and a wide variety of ar- ceremony earlier in May. cludes a further combined demand for services, the re-
reach that amount by June Station 20 West has been chitecture, says Rivergreen “The Government of Can- investment of $29 million by port said.
1, “we will proceed imme- struggling since the pro- co-manager Rick Olmstead. ada continues to work hard both levels of government The Conference Board at-
diately,” Wilkinson says. vincial government pulled Prairie Architects is noted Affordable to support Canadians dur- for the two-year extensions tributed Regina’s continued
Otherwise, the project start an $8 million commitment for its design of the award- Housing in ing these challenging eco- to build new affordable economic growth to large
nomic times and has moved housing and assist low- capital projects, including
Saskatchewan aggressively to ensure Cana- income households with the Consumers’ Co-opera-
Gets a $161 da’s Economic Action Plan is needed renovations to their tive Refineries Ltd. $1.9-bil-
implemented rapidly,” said homes. lion expansion, the develop-
NEW LOCATION Million Boost Komarnicki. “We are helping Overall, the federal contri- ment of the global transpor-
103-3718 Kinnear Pl.
Saskatoon
the most vulnerable, includ- bution is $84 million, while tation hub west of the city
ing seniors and persons with the province is contribut- and $180-million redevelop-
The Government of Canada disabilities, access suitable, ing a further $77 million for ment of Evraz Place.
and the Province of Sas- affordable housing, as well the combined investment of John Hopkins, CEO of the
katchewan are partnering as making needed renova- over $161 million. Regina & District Chamber of
on a joint investment to tions to existing social hous- CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING Commerce, agreed that the
build new and renovate ex- ing both in Saskatchewan CORPORATION megaprojects are giving Re-
isting affordable housing. and across Canada.” gina’s economy a significant
This investment will help “Together with our fed- boost.
create jobs, strengthen the eral partners, our govern- “There are many major
economy and improve the ment is strongly committed Saskatchewan projects moving ahead in the
quality of life for Saskatch- to making affordable hous- Regina area,” he said. “That,
ewan families. ing available in Saskatch- Cities Lead in and of itself, will continue
Both levels of government ewan,” Harpauer said. “We in Growth to foster an environment
officially signed an amend- welcome this significant in- where economic growth
ment to the Canada-Sas- vestment, which underlines happens.’’
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & DRAFTING SERVICES
katchewan Affordable Hous- our resolve to honour this Saskatoon and Regina are Hopkins said he was en-
• Custom Home Design ing Program Agreement and historical agreement and once again expected to lead couraged to see the Confer-
• Award Winning Service an extension to the Canada- to build brighter futures for the way in economic growth ence Board forecast popula-
Saskatchewan Housing Ren- Saskatchewan families, se- among 13 major Canadian tion growth of 1.5 per cent,
ovation Program Agreement, niors and persons with dis- cities in 2009, according to as well as continued job
Phone:(306) 373-3805 • Fax: (306) 373-3806 resulting in a joint invest- abilities.” the Conference Board of growth and low unemploy-
www.cadvantagedesign.com ment of more than $161 mil- The announcement in- Canada’s metropolitan out- ment, for Regina in 2009.
lion over the next two years. cludes federal funding of $66 look for spring.
12 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 13
Unlike many provinces, is down 28 per cent from price remains on par with homes selling for more than
which are running deficits March 2008 when 391 units 2008 at $274,584. $1 million.
and cutting government were sold. Sales numbers are The average residential An inventory correction
jobs, the Saskatchewan Party on par with 2005 and 2006. price is derived by taking appears to have begun. Sas-
government is running a bal- RealtorS® sold $75.481 the month’s dollar volume katoon Realtors® listed 662
anced budget and preserving million of real estate in of homes sold and dividing homes in March that num-
jobs, he said. March which is down 33 per that number by the unit sales ber on par with 2008. Year to
“We are the capital city and cent from March 2008 when number. The percentage of date 1,742 homes have been
the government is an impor- $113.206 million of real es- change should not be used placed on the market. Buyers
tant player in the economy tate was sold. The drop in unilaterally as prices vary had 1,435 properties to select
of Regina, and it’s a stabiliz- dollar volume is directly re- from area to area. from at the end of March. It
ing force.’’ lated to the reduced number Consumers wishing an will likely take the remain-
REGINA LEADER POST
of unit sales. accurate estimate of value ing part of 2009 to reduce the
AND CONFERENCE
Year to date Realtors® for their home should con- current larger than normal
BOARD OF CANADA
have sold $193.581 million of tact a Realtor® member to inventory level.
real estate. do a comparative market Confidence in the Sas-
The average residential analysis. katoon and Saskatchewan
selling price was $266,720, In the month of March the economy remains strong.
City Housing down eight per cent from $275 - $300,000 price range Market activity and expecta-
March 2008 with an aver- saw the greatest sales ac- tion are directly related to the
Sales Down age selling price of $289,530. tivity. Twenty-three homes employment environment.
These numbers indicate a sold in the $400,000 plus
Saskatoon Realtors® sold slight softening of upper price range. Year to date,
283 residential properties in price range home sales. Year 69 properties have sold SASKATOON REGION
the month of March which to date, the average selling over $400,000 with three ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
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Saskatoon Summer 2009 15
I N N O VAT O R S
Holmes- Walltite Eco spray foam to
solve problems for hom-
Endorsed Spray eowners.
Insulation Foam Dynna said BASF has re-
fined the Walltite product to
Green, Unique put less foam into a square
in Canada foot of a house.
“The medium density of
Looking for a spray foam 1.7 pounds per square foot
insulation that’s endorsed provides the same value and
by an icon of home renova- protection as the original
tion, certified by the federal two pounds per square foot,
government and is safe for but there’s less foam being
children? used,” he said.
There’s only one spray Spray Jones is the premier
foam that fits all those cri- installer of Canadian Con-
teria – Walltite Eco, an in- struction Material Centre
novative building product (CCMC) medium density
from BASF Canada which is foam in Saskatchewan. An-
available in Saskatchewan nual sprayed volumes are
through Spray Jones. double its nearest competi-
Walltite Eco is the only tor.
medium density foam that Photo: Spray Jones Carl Kennedy brought
has earned the federal gov- Walltite Eco helps make a home as airtight as possible. a decade’s worth of con-
ernment’s environmental struction experience to
choice certification. It also Spray Jones when he joined
has been certified by the lished Spray Jones in 2004. don’t want to spend a lot of the Saskatoon branch as
Greenguard Environmental Over the years, he has seen money on heating and air manager.
Institute (GEI) for both in- the popularity shift for spray conditioning. So, they’ve Dynna is very proud of
door air quality and for chil- foam applications from the seen the product on TV (the the Walltite product and the
dren and schools. commercial to residential Holmes on Home program) research conducted by BASF
Greenguard is an indus- markets. and as a result we seen our to create and then improve
try-independent, non-profit “The first and foremost industry grow.” it.
organization that is not af- reason for the change is the Holmes, a 46-year-old “BASF has done a total
filiated with any manufac- television series Holmes on professional contractor, has environmental impact on
turer of a product that GEI Homes,” said Dynna. become an iconic figure Walltite Eco that was based
certifies. “People have seen the through his weekly televi- on a total life cycle assess-
“Walltite Eco is being used product used now for years sion show where he rescues ment of all ingredients and
by forward-thinking individ- and years by Mike Holmes homeowners from renova- products,” he said. “BASF
uals who are renovating an and have done their own tions gone wrong. Holmes has brought out the best
existing home or forward- online research about spray has become so credible his product and ingredients at
thinking people who are foam products. People are program has been syndi- the right time.”
building a new home who building bigger and bigger cated into the United States, Dynna said BASF Canada
want to make it as air tight homes that are extravagant. New Zealand, Australia, worked for the last two years
as possible,” said Michael Homes aren’t just a square United Kingdom, Germany on a new-to-the-market
Dynna, who has been in box anymore. As a result, and South Africa. medium-density foam that
the spray foam industry for people spend a lot of mon- His crews are often seen will change the standard
almost a decade and estab- ey to build their house and applying the purple-colored for all other foams to come.
16 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 17
Material Centre (CCMC)
12840-R for insulation, “Each of these categories
CCMC 12877-R for air bar- embraces a wealth of de-
rier material and CCMC tailed information, some of
12932-R for air barrier sys- which comes from BASF’s
tem. in-house records and some
Walltite can be applied from public databases,”
over an exceptionally large Dynna said.
area in a single workday with “According to this data,
unsurpassed sealing perfor- Walltite Eco has been prov-
mance. It’s five times faster en more eco-efficient than
to apply than membrane conventional insulation/air
and board stock, which fa- barrier systems.”
cilitates on-site scheduling Spray Jones is a member
and results in exceptional of the elite “Foam Masters”
cost efficiency. program by BASF which in-
Photo Courtesy of Dave Pallibroda
Dynna said BASF adheres cludes written exams.
Environmentally-friendly Walltite to sustainable development “Our policy is that our
Eco helps make a home as ing agent. It contains both standards. chief people in charge of a
airtight as possible. recycled plastic and renew- “Its eco-efficiency ap- spray rig have a minimum of
able carbon content. proach is designed to in- 2,000 hours spray time. You
Dynna said Walltite Eco crease product value, op- will not find this in many
“Walltite Eco is a medium substantially reduces both timize the use of resources other spray foam compa-
density polyurethane foam air leakage and the pas- and reduce environmental nies,” he said.
system that lowers energy sage of moisture through impact,” he said. “The current trend in the
consumption and green- the building envelope by “Eco-efficiency analysis spray foam industry is to
A HISTORIC LANDMARK RESTORED BEYOND ITS MAJESTIC BEGINNING
house gas emissions. The
system provides a monolith-
achieving airtight continuity
across all joints, seams, con-
looks at the entire life cycle
of a product, beginning with
certify people and compa-
nies quick, with little to no
NOW SELLING
ic surface and exceptional struction material changes extraction of raw materials previous experience. We
adhesion,” he said. and overlaps. It eliminates through to the disposal or have been, and will contin-
“There is no air gap be- convective air flow both recycling of the product.” ue to be, outspoken against
tween the insulation and the through and around insu- An “ecological finger- this and critical of those that
substrate. The building en- lation, minimizes thermal print” provides a picture of do not value professional-
velope is perfectly insulated bridging and controls mois- the environmental effect of ism and experience. Quality
and can better withstand se- ture transfer. a product in six categories: installation cannot be ac-
vere weather conditions.” Benefits include lower en- quired in a two-day course.”
Materials consumption
Walltite Eco can be ap- ergy consumption, energy Darrell Noakes
plied when ambient and or costs and protection against Energy consumption Info
substrate temperatures are premature building deterio- Emissions to air, soil, and water ■ Spray Jones
as cold as -10 C. The foam ration, he said. Risk potential for misuse 415 Frobisher Place
is produced on site and the Walltite is an effective air Toxicity potential Saskatoon
resin material contains a barrier system listed un- Land use. 306.653.3626
zero ozone depleting blow- der Canadian Construction www.sprayjones.com
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www.urbanoasishomes.com Show Suite Now Open Sat & Sun: 1pm to 4pm
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241-0389
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221-3626
18 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 19
Summer has finally
arrived in Saskatoon.
A week after the
Victoria Day holiday
and the leaves were
barely, tentatively
emerging from their
buds, as if they were
uncertain that their
presence was to be
welcomed this year.20 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 21
Yet, here it is, summer at last. It explod- a shift in the way we approach develop- For instance, I happened to view an in-
ed upon us, as it usually does, although ment and growth. novative Martensville home that makes
much later than we’ve become accus- use of solar hot water and solar hot air
How Green
tomed, abruptly bursting forth like a gre- And the city is changing. It wasn’t no- to reduce energy on the same day that
garious host flinging open the doors to the ticeable at first, at least not to the vast Raum Energy launched its newest do-
season’s first garden party. Saskatoon’s majority of people who quite naturally mestic wind turbine. The crowds that
summer always steps out with an adven- are preoccupied with keeping up with the gathered at the wind company’s open
turous spirit. pace of their lives. house included many of Saskatoon’s
green builders and innovators, but also a
is Saskatoon?
So, here we are, awash in a green Look around our core neighbourhoods large cross section of the public. There
landscape, ready for a new season’s to see the revitalization that is taking were a lot of contracts signed that day, a
adventure. place, and doing so at an increasing pace. definite indication that green technology
It’s not just the pace, but also the methods. isn’t merely a curiosity left to enviro-freaks
For a growing segment of Saskatoon’s At one time, old homes would have been on the fringes of society.
movers and shakers in the building indus- torn down and hauled off to the dump.
try, their clients and leaders in the commu- Instead, these buildings are now finding I suppose it shouldn’t have come as any
nity, there a new kind of green taking hold. new use elsewhere in the city. Private de- surprise that many attending a wind tur-
It’s Becoming a Movement,
To these people, it must feel as though the velopments and affordable housing initia- bine open house would also have known
city is emerging from a long, cold winter tives are employing green technologies in about the solar home, but I’ve been taken
of another kind, arriving every bit as hesi- their design, construction and operation, aback by the number of people I meet ca-
tantly as the summer of 2009. even in their landscaping. sually who have also heard about it. They
respond with awe when they meet some- Not Just a Colour
by DARRELL NOAKES
Don’t blow it - good planets
are hard to find.
~Quoted in Time
Consider, for example, that organiza- At one time, not that long ago really, one who’s actually seen it, been in it, as
tions such as Road Map 2020 and the Can- those responsible for such developments if they’ve caught a glimpse into a secret
ada Green Building Council formed five or would have thought it was a big deal to society. Perhaps what intrigues them the
more years ago, aim to ignite in our citi- work with these methods. Some would most is that the home is so normal, so
zenry and politicians a passion to create even have resisted them, fearing either much like places that are familiar to them.
a more sustainable and environmentally that the process would cost more or The future doesn’t look like the Jetsons.
green Saskatoon. that no one would be interested in buying
the result. Yet, there’s still a sense that going green
More recently, groups such as Rooted is all about the technology, that it’s some-
and Urban Playground and We Are Many Now, these things are becoming the talk thing you buy, rather than something you
have sprouted to push for green change. of the town. Everybody seems to be talking do. In that respect, Saskatoon’s sense of
These are but a handful of the more than about how energy-efficient the latest proj- green still has a bit of a way to go before
three dozen non-profits non-government ect will be, how much water it doesn’t use, it matures.
organizations, environmental groups and how much electricity it saves, how much
other agencies networking to bring about material is re-used, how much waste is Darrell Noakes
diverted from the landfill.22 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 23
Environmental design approaches
applied to the new building at 121
Research Drive, completed in 2007,
make this one of the most energy-
aware structures in the country.
Photo: Courtesy of Innovation Place
Saskatoon’s strong affordable hous- StatsCan notes, with residents living working their way through the certi-
ing program, with support for low- in lower-density “suburban-type” fication process — the Law College
income homeowners, tax exemp- neighbourhoods most likely to spend on the University of Saskatchewan
tions for affordable development and a lot of time fuming in their cars. campus and 121 Research Drive in
priority given to affordable housing, In addition, sprawling cities, re- Innovation Place.
helped raise its sustainability score. gardless of density, tend to promote
Residents spend about 18 per cent of car dependency, the government Developers are catching on, embrac-
their annual income on shelter, the agency adds. ing green development with increas-
publication noted. Saskatoon’s year- ing vigour. Good examples come
round farmers’ market also raised the Our city is also a hog when it comes from developers like Curtis Olson,
city’s ranking. to water use, which the Centre for the whose in-fill projects in Saskatoon’s
O
Study of Living Standards reported in core neighbourhoods are turning
The scores were derived from data 2005 (the last year for which figures heads, and Natasha Kuperman, with
available from Anielski Institute, are available) works out to 501.7 litres Macro Development’s Tilia Meadows
Canada Green Building Council, Cor- per person daily, the second highest in Langham, says Palibroda.
porate Knights survey, Environment in the country.
The Saskatchewan chapter of the Canada Green Building
Canada, The Frontier Centre for Pub- “There are more and more develop-
n many levels, Saskatoon has Council draws members from throughout the province,
lic Policy, Human Resources and Skills “As green cities go, it seems like we’re ers like that, who are pushing the
including Saskatoon.
a bright future ahead as a “green” city. Development Canada, Life Satisfac- good and bad,” says Palibroda. “We boundaries and doing things like put-
tion and Trust in Neighbours study, have the potential, [but] we’re still ex- ting solar hot water on their develop-
Groups like this bring some big guns to bear on hitting tar-
The City of Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Commit- MoneySense 2008 “The Best Places panding, still sprawling out, because ments, or solar air heating — tech-
gets for sustainable and green development and growth.
tee identifies environmental issues of potential relevance, to do Business in Canada,” Statistics we don’t have anything limiting us. nologies that work and are affordable
drawing on members’ expertise in ecology, biology, chem- Canada and municipal websites and Everybody who’s got some land out- and make a difference,” he says. “Still,
Their efforts haven’t escaped the attention of Corporate
istry, physics, geography, economics, demography, soci- tourism bureaus. side the city is subdividing and de- I think a lot of the big developers are
Knights magazine, which publishes with an explicit focus
ology, medicine, aesthetics, toxicology, engineering and veloping it. There’s nothing stopping still leery.”
on corporate responsibility, says Dave Palibroda, president
conservation. But it’s not all rosy, either. Saska- that. It’s just increasing the need for
of Road Map 2020 and a consultant at Integrated Designs,
toon is criticized for its exceptionally driving and decreasing density. But Among new subdivisions, Evergreen
a Saskatoon project management company that special-
Since 2004, Road Map 2020, a non-profit partnership of high level of car dependency, which then again, we have all this renewal provides an example of sustainability,
izes in sustainable building projects.
the Meewasin Valley Authority, the Saskatchewan Envi- StatsCan pegs at 86 per cent. Less car- downtown, where there’s a lot of good says Palibroda.
ronmental Society and the city’s environmental advisory dependent Canadian cities manage going on.”
In January, Corporate Knights ranked Saskatoon the sec-
committee, has been building community awareness of to bring that down to about 50 to 70 “That’s only one subdivision,” he
ond most sustainable Canadian city under 250,000 popu-
the environmental, social and economic benefits of sus- per cent, although only 29 per cent of Slow Road to Sustainability says. “There have been a lot of sub-
lation. The city scored 6.12 out of 10 points, barely trail-
tainable practices and working to develop a multi-sector Montrealers get around everywhere Although Saskatoon has no LEED- divisions. We have a lot of good ex-
ing Yellowknife at 6.14. Canada’s top cities, Edmonton and
network of community leaders interested in building a by car. Automobile dependency is certified buildings currently, Pali- amples, but then we also have a lot of
Halifax, scored 7.31 and 6.94 in the large and medium cat-
more sustainable Saskatoon for the future. mainly a function of housing density, broda notes that at least two are bad examples.”
egories, respectively.24 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 25
Like most things in civil society, we the door to considering alternative municipal governments can still take ternative forms of transportation. have natural ventilation and daylight little regard for compact develop-
can’t expect “someone else” or gov- energy sources as a viable option. steps in the right direction, such as The city,in recent years especially, and views. Building buildings like we ment, infrastructure development,
ernment to do it all. It’s going to take protecting solar access rights and has made great strides in increasing did before the advent of air condi- shared energy or any of the issues
individual effort and commitment, “It’s quite realistic to think that we loosening restrictions that curtail (transit) service and ridership.” tioning is in a large part what LEED that could be applied in new devel-
says Palibroda. Government can help, could get 500 megawatts from elec- wind generation. advocates, a more passive approach. opment.”
though, through incentives such as tricity conservation,” says Peter When a City Steps Up That should be number one, before
grants and tax breaks that nudge citi- Prebble, director of energy and wa- A Thousand Acts of Green? Molaro points out that the City of Sas- you throw technology into the build- “It would be nice to go back to the
zens in the right direction. ter policy for the Saskatchewan En- In other areas, a green shift has al- katoon’s new greenhouse gas man- ing. It should be all the passive things old model of mixed incomes in an
vironmental Society, adding that the ready begun to take shape, says agement plan sets a performance that can be done, integrating the me- income in a neighbourhood as well,
“These home renovation grants are province could meet 20 per cent of Palibroda. Every grocery chain now standard of LEED certification for chanical and the architectural. rather than getting into more of the
great,” says Palibroda, adding that its electrical demands from wind, has its green product line. Stores are all new municipal buildings. The gated communities.”
the combination of tax credits and with the rest coming from small charging extra for plastic bags, if they plan also promotes community-wide
energy efficiency grants available to
homeowners is making a difference.
scale hydro, biomass and waste
heat recovery.
haven’t got rid of them completely. demonstration projects to encourage “But it’s not like A green Saskatoon would also return
to a district energy model in the city’s
The city has a good waste manage-
ment plan.
the development of green and LEED
certified buildings. Such projects the city’s hands core says Molaro.
“As I walk down the street, walk Building codes and civic regulations
around the block, I see people do- passed during a time when “green” “Look at the boom of the farmers’
might include development at River
Landing or a co-generation facility at
are tied either.” “The university’s been supplying
ing that all the time,” he says. “On was just a colour, and not a move- market,” he says. “That’s a great step the University of Saskatchewan. The steam and cooling for its buildings
older homes, they’ll take off the [sid- ment, can inhibit Saskatoon’s ability Municipal regulations can really since its inception 100 years ago,” he
there. You get people out, meeting city also aims to establish demonstra- shape how well a city like Saskatoon
ing] and they’ll put a new skin, a va- to become a more sustainable city. the community, meeting the other tion sustainable neighbourhoods, says. “We even used to produce some
pour barrier lining and start insulat- For example, Palibroda points to can demonstrate its commitment to of our own power in our early days.
farmers. It’s a great catalyst for a lot of with the potential application of sustainability, says Molaro. For ex-
ing from the outside and upgrading regulations that stand in the way of other change.” LEED Neighbourhood standards ap- The model is extremely economical
the windows. I think there’s going to innovative construction techniques, ample, it’s counterproductive to have over its life cycle.”
plied to new developments. zoning regulations that require dou-
be a lot more of that if these grants unconventional building materials “It’s got to be a little bit of everything,”
keep up.” and alternative energy sources. ble garages in new subdivisions. “The downtown has terrific density,”
he continues. “There has to be some “A lot of municipal governments have
mandated change from the top. We stated targets,” says Molaro. “The city he says. “Cities like New York and
“You get greening of Saskatoon little “That’s discouraging, to say the least. some of the larger northeastern U.S.
bit by little bit, house by house,” adds “You can’t have a also need the whole ‘million acts of
green thing.’ Hit it from the bottom.
of Vancouver is LEED Gold. The city
of Calgary, Silver. Here’s Saskatoon
I can’t humbly stand aside and say cities have district energy. Conn-Edi-
that’s nice. I don’t agree with that. I
Palibroda. “Every little bit adds up.”
composting toilet Hit it from the top. We’ll end up at a
good place in the middle.”
saying they’ll certify to LEED for their
facilities, which is great.”
think the city is addressing that to
son is a huge supplier of steam to mil-
lions of square feet of office space.”
some degree.”
Palibroda notes that it’s all about
“negawatts,” a term coined by physi-
in the city.” “There’s no one way, no one path,” he “In Canada and the US for that mat- “The efficiencies are proven and I’d
cist and environmentalist Amory Building codes can also throw up love to see that in a green Saskatoon.”
“You can’t build a straw bale home says. “It’s everybody doing a little bit.” ter, it’s very much a grassroots effort, roadblocks. Molaro cites challenges
Lovins. Lovins, who stumbled upon Michael Molaro, a founding member ‘grassroots’ meaning municipalities,
in Saskatoon,” says Palibroda. “If you around plumbing codes, including is-
the word after spotting a typographi- of the Saskatchewan chapter of the not so much big government,” he Planning Group Forms
wanted to, every single bale has to be sues such as reusing “grey” water and
cal error in a utilities commission Canada Green Building Council, says says. Green Partnerships
stamped by an engineer.” collecting rainwater for use within
report, uses it to refer to electrical he has seen some promising changes The public seems to be becoming
generation rendered unnecessary the house. But it’s not like the city’s
“It’s the absolute lowest embodied in recent years. “If you go to Europe, a lot of it’s regu- hands are tied, either. more knowledgeable about sustain-
through energy efficiency. The word lated, top down,” Molaro explains. ability issues, says Heather Landine,
energy material you can get in Sas-
has a certain appeal, and its use is “Although the city is expanding to “They’re so far ahead of us in terms sustainable communities develop-
katchewan. It’s not hay. You’re not “Municipalities have the power to re-
catching on. a great degree, they’re also looking of sustainability, in many areas, but ment project facilitator for Road
taking food away from animals.” interpret and, within the confines of
at in-fill which is a very positive and in Canada and the US, it’s often not their municipality, they can make the Map 2020. Landine has temporar-
Consider, for example, that SaskPow- green thing to do, for density of resi- the government regulators that are ily stepped in to replace Mary Beck-
“You can’t have a composting toilet in ruling,” he says.
er forecasts that Saskatchewan will dential in particular, in the downtown leading us, it’s people in the green ie, who left as executive director
the city.”
need 1,750 megawatts of new power and close to the downtown core,” building industry, it’s developers, ar- to return to the University of Alberta
generation by 2020 and possibly as Alternative Energy Planning
There may be good reasons for the he says. “Density really allows us to chitects, engineers and the like that and Mixed Density in April.
much as 3,000 additional megawatts maintain and renew our infrastruc- want to transform the industry to
regulations, he says. The city follows
by 2030 if current trends continue ture more economically.” When a city more responsible building practices.” If there’s one issue that strikes a nerve “I think the sheer fact that [sustain-
the National Building Code, and if
unabated. To a large extent, it’s that starts to get spread out, such as has with Molaro, it’s neighbourhood de- ability is] more present in the media,
something isn’t mentioned in the
future demand that is fueling the nu- occurred in Calgary and Edmonton, Molaro likes the LEED approach be- velopment, especially in subdivisions that’s allowing people to gain more
code, it won’t be permitted in the city.
clear power debate in the province. road, water and sewer costs escalate. cause it’s easy to implement. such as Stonebridge. knowledge,” she says. “There’s been a
That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s un-
If conservation and efficiency efforts fair bit more media coverage on how
safe. It just means that no one ever
could cap future demands at, say, “I think we want to learn from what “LEED by its nature applies lo-tech,” “One of the triggers there for me is so- to live green and how to be more sus-
felt a need to consider it before now.
1000 megawatts, the forecast would others have done around density,” he says. “Going back to buildings that lar,” he says. “When I look at a neigh- tainable in your own practices, in the
Although the building code is re-
be reduced by 2,000 megawatts by continues Molaro. “It certainly sup- have thin floor plates, buildings that bourhood like Stonebridge, there’s no
viewed regularly, it takes time to get
2030. That’s “negawatts,” and it opens ports safety and security, transit, al- have windows that actually open and regard for solar orientation. There’s
changes approved. In the meantime,26 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 27
media in the past few years than ev- work with the City of Saskatoon “I think sustainability is, realistically, A greener Saskatoon is all about trying
ery before.” The College of Law
expansion, completed on improving personal access to at year five or six on this scale. I know to get people to implement small
in 2007, is one of recycling centres. That’s a big hurdle it’s been around for decades, but it’s changes in their lives, she explains.
Landine points out that Road Map Saskatoon’s leading in some areas.” always been an ‘out there’ concept It is these small steps that will add
2020 has been focusing its efforts on examples of sustainable and only some people have been up to a successful and sustainable
working with industry — companies building. The facility Landine notes that it takes about 20 willing to deal with it.” municipal journey.
and corporations — to get them to features natural light years for a new concept to become a DN
look at their own actions and to find to over 75 per cent of social norm.
ways to reduce their own greenhouse the interior spaces,
gas emissions. Saskatchewan ís first
extensive living roof and a Clean and green plan: City to lead by example
The most recent Road Map 2020 displacement ventilation
forum, “Revisioning Transportation; system providing 100
per cent outdoor air to
Redesigning Communities,” held in
the building. Sustainable
Saskatoon’s Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan came about through
April, considered the ways in which
Saskatoon could develop more
construction practices the collaboration of the City of Saskatoon and Road Map 2020.
resulted in the use
sustainable transportation models. of building materials
comprised of 32 per Targets Goal 4: Design and build green and smart. In 2013, energy-
Landine says the forum provided cent recycled content, efficient planning and “green” system design practices
an opportunity for Road Map 2020 while on-site recycling • Reduce corporate (municipal) emissions by 10% below
ensure that land use needs are met in a sustainable way and
to welcome four new sustainability and construction salvage 1990 levels by 2013, and
diverted 87 per cent of that sustainable choices are easily made.
champions: TCU Place, Saskatoon • Reduce community emissions by 6% below 1990
Media Group, PEDCO & the University construction waste from levels by 2013.
of Saskatchewan Students Union. the landfill. Goal 5: Be responsible stewards of our resources. In 2013,
energy planning has helped to ensure that the community
Vision
“We currently have 30 businesses can meet its needs without negative impact to the local
and groups that have signed on The City’s vision is to become a leader in renewable energy, and global environment. All decisions relating to the use of
as champions, that have made a energy conservation and management of greenhouse gas resources consider the full environmental cost.
commitment to reduce their own emissions. “We possess a wealth of resources and strong
greenhouse gas emissions. The goal sense of community where residents and business work Goal 6: Lead by “green” example. In 2013, the City will be a
for this year is 10 (new champions), collectively,” they state. “We will build on this foundation to leader at implementing energy management best practices
so we will be signing on quite a few enhance economic prosperity, and improve environmental in municipal operations and as a result encourage action by
more. The more we can get to sign on, and social health for future generations.” residents, businesses and other municipalities.
Photo: Courtesy of Dave Pallibroda
the better.”
Goals Some of the ways Saskatoon will
Much of the non-profit group’s “I don’t think there’s a lot of
current emphasis has been on
“Those are fairly simplistic things the Goal 1: Build an energy-aware community. In 2013, Saskatoon meet its GHG reduction goals:
infrastructure changes that would city could implement in terms of a
transportation. City Park is the subject need to happen,” she says. “I residents will understand the importance of Energy and GHG • Reduce automobile trips.
bylaw.”
of a pilot project, with residents would really like to see a bylaw for Management and be effectively engaged in helping the • Implement “smart growth” principles and green buildings.
participating in a survey to obtain green building standards. I think “There’s a lot of antiquated bylaws community meet the Energy and GHG Management Plan • Promote residential, institutional, commercial and industrial
baseline information on current and that’s something Road Map should in place, but not a lot of new ones vision. Business and industry will also be active partners in energy efficiency.
potential sustainable transportation be looking towards this year — implementing the Energy and GHG Management Plan.
being put through,” she says. “Even • Implement domestic water conservation, including rate
practices in this neighbourhood. minimum building codes that could in terms of building materials that review.
be upgraded to include a certain you can still purchase, if we’re really Goal 2: Create a healthy community. In 2013, energy planning • Promote xeriscaping to residents and businesses.
“A lot more people are aware of percentage of housing industries trying to get people to conserve water has improved the quality of life of Saskatoon residents by • Encourage active transportation.
the options and there’s a fair bit of (to use) alternative power, geothermal why are we still selling standard enabling active modes of transportation and by decreasing • Purchase green energy.
acceptance to implement them into right off the base, things like toilets? Why aren’t dual flush
their routines,” says Landine. energy-related emissions. • Develop a district heating system.
that. I’d like to see that implemented and low flush the only options?”
city wide.” • Pursue a wind power project.
Small Changes Make Big Differences Goal 3: Achieve a diverse and environmentally-sustainable • Capture and use landfill gas for power generation.
Sustainability also means having
The city could set waste standards for energy system. In 2013, Saskatoon will have a diverse • Research centralized organics facility.
A sustainable Saskatoon wouldn’t more convenient access to recycling
residential neighbourhoods, Landine energy system that emphasizes the use of local resources • LEED certification on all new civic facilities.
look radically different from what it centres, she says.
does now, says Road Map’s Heather adds. Such regulation would make and alternatives to fossil fuels. The energy system will create • Compact community development.
Landine. it easier to apply LEED standards “The city’s about 15 years behind opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.
reduce the amount of waste diverted other cities in Canada in terms of
to the landfill. access to recycling. We’re trying to28 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 29
Photo: Courtesy Janis Cousyn Chef Rémi Cousyn takes a break in
Calories’ parking lot garden.
Photo: Courtesy Janis Cousyn
Fresh and local
in downtown Broadway’s hidden paradise parking lot
garden produces herbs, Swiss chard,
flowers and other tidbits that grace
Calories’ plates.
Photo: Courtesy Janis Cousyn
The south facing wall of the Broadway produce for the restaurant, they
Ethical food for metro folk
Theatre reflects warmth and provides obviously can’t meet all the needs of
shelter for the sunny location, such a busy establishment.
assuring an abundant crop of herbs,
Swiss chard, edible flowers and other “The bulk of our produce, almost all
delights served in the restaurant. of our produce in the actual season,
comes from local farmers,” says
T
“It’s a lovely place to go out for your Cousyn.
coffee break,” Cousyn laughs. “You
can sit outside, or pick some herbs or “We work with those same producers
Local duck pate with garden flowers
fresh flowers.” year round, as much as possible,
harvested from Calories’ parking lot garden.
for things like potatoes and root
A plot at the City Park Community vegetables. We use local potatoes in
Garden, tended by Cousyn’s brother, our french fries, organic potatoes
provides another source of local year round.”
ucked away produce. Last year, for example,
behind a popular Broadway district potatoes, squash, zucchini blossoms, “We’ve been doing this for about The restaurant lists on its website
restaurant, there’s a tiny piece of beans and beats found their way from 10 years already. We started doing more than two dozen local suppliers
paradise soaking up the sun and City Park to Calories’ plates. it before it really became trendy.We that it deals with regularly. Menus
giving back sustenance. did it because personally that was acknowledge the contributions of
Zucchini blossoms? important to us,” she adds. those and other local producers who
“We have a garden in our parking make the fare unique.
lot that we put in place about 10 “We pick the flowers and we do beer- When the restaurant started looking
years ago,” says Calories Bakery battered zucchini blossoms,” says for locally sourced foods a decade ago, Earlier this year, Calories’ owners and
and Restaurant owner and general Cousyn. “It’s awesome. They’re great. the practice was virtually unheard of, their partners at Pineview Farms,
manager Janis Cousyn. The flowers are delicious.” Cousyn notes. Local farmers hadn’t near Osler, announced that their next
really considered a market that venture would find them teaming up
“City Park is a really great community included restaurants. Consistency to help end Saskatoon’s downtown
and it’s a wonderful garden.” of supply is important. A restaurant “food desert.” Grocery shopping had
depends on its ingredients being all but dried up when Extra Foods
While the parking lot and community delivered on time, especially when pulled the last grocery store out of
gardens make ready sources of fresh those ingredients are farm-fresh. the city’s core when it closed its 3rd
Avenue location in 2004.30 Saskatoon Summer 2009 Saskatoon Summer 2009 31
Souleio Foods, a “European style Cousyn, joined by local journalist environmentally responsible, to use The two vertical panels pre-heat air for the furnace
market” in the McLean Building at 263 and foodie Amy Jo Ehman, spoke at organic, natural, locally produced and heat recovery ventilator. During spring and
3rd Avenue South, opens in early June. the Road Map 2020 forum in April, food, serve fair trade coffee, feature fall, the panels can forestall use of the furnace all
The store will feature the same locally delivering an address, “In Our Own the right fish species, and financially together. The lower air and photovoltaic panels
grown meats and produce found at Backyard — Why Local Matters in to charitable and community causes. comprise the solar space heater circulating warm
the restaurant. Calories is also moving Saskatoon.” air through the study alcove.
its bakery production to Souleio. “We have spent time thinking about
“Consumers are more and more how we live and work on this earth and
Souleio’s focus will be on quick service concerned about where their food are proud of our accomplishments,”
and pre-prepared meals featuring has come from and how it has been she said.
locally sourced and organic inputs, produced,” she told delegates. “Ethical DARRELL NOAKES
says Cousyn. consumers” expect a restaurant to be
Urban harvest: Grassroots group grows produce in secret city gardens A House with Sun Sense
There’s a growing local food movement
in Saskatoon, and groups like Rooted are
tapping into it.
Patio gardens, container gardens
and backyard gardens all help fulfill
Rooted’s goal.
“There’s been a lot of people who are
really intent on finding alternatives to
our current system of transporting food
thousands of miles before it gets to Solar System Heats
Suburban Home
Rooted, which got its start on the The patio at Louis’s Pub on campus got a our plates,” says Best. “There’s a lot of
University of Saskatchewan campus two container garden, for example. interest in the local food movement.”
years ago, wants to revitalize unused
urban space. In particular, this group of “Those were the ones that we did last In addition to growing familiar produce
students and volunteers from throughout year,” says Jessie Best, one of the such as tomatoes, peas, beans, lettuce,
the community hopes to raise awareness students driving Rooted forward. “We’re chard, squash, zucchini and cucumbers,
about alternative food production in an hoping to expand to an apartment the group has been branching out into
ecologically fragile world.
“Basically, we’re trying to promote urban
building, but we don’t have any other
rooftop sites. We’ve got more backyard
gardens and stuff like that.”
heirloom seeds.
“We’ve been using a lot of heirloom seeds
At first glance,
food production,” says Jessie Best, one from Jim Ternier,” says Best. 604 Regier Place in Martensville looks pretty much like any other
of the students driving Rooted forward. The group will donate the gardens’ modern bi-level home in a new subdivision. Those similarities are
“We’re trying to make food accessible to produce to Saskatoon’s Child Hunger Ternier owns Prairie Garden Seeds, deceiving. It’s not the only Energy-Star rated house on the block,
lower income families.” Education Program (CHEP). headquartered in Humboldt and with seed- but it’s the first in the neighbourhood to capitalize on sunlight in a
growing operations at St. Peter’s Abbey big way.
“Our two main missions is to teach people “We’re working really closely with in Muenster and a farm near Cochin. The
The familiar suburban street-side view masks some simple,
about why it’s important to grow your own CHEP, in the sense that we’re kind of a company specializes in certified organic
yet remarkable technology at the south-facing rear of the house.
food, and teach them how to grow their community gardening initiative, but we’re heritage seed production. A pair of roof-mounted hot-water solar panels assist a standard
own food,” she says. more mobile,” says Best. “We’re using domestic hot water supply. But the most notable feature is a set
back yards instead of plots appointed by “We’re hoping to learn how to do a of solar collectors on the wall. At first easily mistaken for a large
The group started by organizing rooftop the city.” whole bunch of seed saving later this picture window, one set of panels pre-heats intake air for the
gardens. A container garden atop fall,” says Best. “It’s another way to high-efficiency furnace while another acts as a sun-powered
Calories Bakery and Restaurant became Rooted is currently working with Core become self-reliant.” space heater. Combined, the solar hot water and solar air
one of its earlier successes. Neighbourhood Youth Co-op to establish a systems substantially reduce the home’s dependence on energy
container gardens project for Saskatoon’s The group is also working with We Are from natural gas.
Many buildings wouldn’t be able to core neighbourhoods, says Best. Many and university professors on an
support a fully fledged rooftop garden, initiative to get some school yard gardens “There are conventional and non-conventional technologies
in this house, to supplement energy savings,” says Robin Riehl,
but there are plenty of other places in the Rooted is seeing increasing interest from set up, says Best, with results expected
office manager at Homes by Ens, whose company built this con-
city suitable for local food production. homeowners looking for ways to put their by next summer at the latest.
cept home in Martensville’s Sunset Ridge subdivision. It’s an
yards to more productive use. DARRELL NOAKES assisted system, combining conventional heating and hot water
Photo: Darrell Noakes with supplemental solar.You can also read
