Building Resilient Communities

In BC’s ever-evolving construction landscape, two pressing challenges loom large: the housing crisis and the imperative to address climate change. Faced with a staggering decline in housing starts and an increasingly unaffordable real estate market, the City of Vancouver has set bold initiatives to increase the supply of affordable and social housing in Greater Vancouver. At the same time, to tackle the environmental crisis, the City has set its sights on combating climate change through the implementation of the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), a comprehensive strategy to slash carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Central to this plan is the overhaul of building codes, to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. As Vancouver navigates the intersection of housing crisis and climate crisis, these initiatives underscore a commitment to building a future that is both equitable and environmentally resilient.

Initiatives and Innovations for Affordable Solutions

Headlines in BC’s housing sector are highlighted by alarming statistics. According to Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) March 2024 report on housing and affordability, an average household in Vancouver needs to spend 106.3% of the household’s income to cover home ownership costs, versus the national Canadian average of 63.5%. The continued soaring housing costs have come with a growing rate of housing insecurity for our vulnerable communities. While headlines underscore the severity of the housing crisis, communities are stepping up to confront the challenges head-on with promising initiatives and projects to help deliver affordable housing solutions. Initiatives like the ‘Bringing Squamish People Home’ project led by the Squamish Nation have set goals to provide housing for underserved populations with the Squamish Nation community. This initiative, born out of the pressing need for inclusivity and affordability, has led to groundbreaking projects such as Estítkw Place and Esḵéḵxwi7ch tl’a Sp’áḵw’us Place. These innovative ventures utilized prefabricated modules to swiftly construct 82 housing units within 12-16 months, delivering much needed homes to the Squamish Nation communities in North Vancouver and Squamish.

Exterior view of Estítkw Place (left) and interior view of a unit in Esḵéḵxwi7ch tl’a Sp’áḵw’us Place (right).

Similarly, 981 Davie is conceived as a social housing solution supporting the LGBTQ community in Downtown Vancouver. This project will deliver 154 units of affordable housing, including 31 units for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. More than just numbers, it fosters community by housing the new QMUNITY space, providing counseling, workshops, peer support, and community events. The building offers a range of indoor and outdoor amenities designed to foster connection, well-being, and inclusivity.

Rendering of 981 Davie (source: ZGF)

The North Shore Family Respite Centre project embodies a community ethos of support and care. Collaborating with partners like The City of North Vancouver and Vancouver Coastal Health, the facility will provide temporary Adult Day Care and Overnight Respite Care for seniors with dementia. With 18 private bedrooms, ample activity spaces, and therapeutic programs, the project aims to alleviate caregiver burden and enhance the quality of life for seniors in need of care and their families.

Rendering of the North Shore Family Respite Centre (source: Catalyst Community Developments Society).

These projects are just a select few of the initiatives that the City of Vancouver, through its partnership with BC Housing, has initiated throughout Vancouver.

Sustainable Construction Practices

In face of escalating climate concerns, the City of Vancouver is critically examining how we heat, cool, design, and construct our buildings. The Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), is guiding the path to halving carbon emissions by 2030, including revamping building codes that are revolutionizing Vancouver’s construction sector.

Mass timber, for example, has become a game-changer in reducing construction-related carbon footprints, particularly for larger projects. Recent amendments to the BC Building Code now permit buildings of up to 18 storeys to utilize mass timber, marking a significant stride towards sustainability.

Hybrid mass timber structure for 981 Davie (source: ZGF).

Amid regulatory updates, we are seeing pioneering projects like 981 Davie and Vienna House that will showcase and set blueprints for future sustainable construction practices. 981 Davie, boasting a hybrid mass timber structure with passive house standards, not only reduces carbon emissions but also sets a precedent for high-performance urban living. Meanwhile, Vienna House exemplifies resilient, eco-friendly multi-family housing built to Passive House standards, employing innovative prefabricated mass timber-light-frame wood hybrid construction.

Rendering of interior of Vienna House (source: Public Architecture).

Each of these ventures serves as an example of the forward-thinking design principles that the City of Vancouver is adopting. They are paving the way for future climate-resilient housing projects while elevating the entire construction eco-system from the supply of raw materials to building codes and design to trade skills.

Enhancing Quality of Life Through Thoughtful Design

At the heart of every project that Kindred has undertaken, our focus is on delivering spaces that will enhance the quality of life for end-users. Vienna House, for instance, offers 123 units catering to the diverse financial needs of Vancouver’s rental residents, including shelter, low-income, and market rental units. Its focus on accessibility and adaptability ensures that individuals and families from all walks of life can find a place to call home. Similarly, 981 Davie‘s array of amenities and services—from indoor and outdoor spaces to community support programs—fosters a sense of belonging and connection, enriching the lives of its residents for years to come.

Rendering of level 7 at 981 Davie, showcasing the outdoor amenity space designed for residents to connect.

The Hiyam projects were designed with a steadfast focus on using cultural revitalization as a catalyst for healing to mitigate the enduring impact of historical and contemporary colonial policies. As part of the housing model, residents receive two cold meals and one hot meal daily, alongside round-the-clock on-site staffing and support. The building’s thoughtfully designed amenities and services provide culturally safe and compassionate care, fostering an environment of trust and support.

Commercial-grade kitchen inside Estítkw Place, providing daily meals to residents.

The North Shore Family Respite Centre project is conceived with two different end-users in mind, seniors diagnosed with dementia, and their families. By creating a warm, supportive environment with tailored amenities and therapeutic programs, this project aims to enhance the quality of life for dementia patients, while providing a place for respite and peace of mind for their families.

Whether it’s providing safe, environmentally responsive homes or creating inclusive, community-oriented spaces, we work with our clients to prioritize the needs and well-being of those who will ultimately inhabit the buildings.

Building with Purpose

As we reflect on the transformative impact of these projects in Vancouver’s construction landscape, it’s clear that each initiative is setting the stage for a more forward-looking, innovative, and purpose-driven approach to urban development. As Vancouver continues to navigate the intersection of housing and climate crises, Kindred remains committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction and inclusive design. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are shaping a future where every building serves as a catalyst for positive change.