Low Impact Development ‐ Ampersand

October 4th, 2012

Robert Smith, Director, Innovation

The Minto Group

Who We Are

Achievements

How it all Started

EQuilibrium Communities

• $550,000 in funding

• Research based project– Strategies

– Business cases

• Sustainable community focus– Community design

– Optimized use

– Affordability

A collaborative initiative between Natural Resources Canada’s CanmetENERGY and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

EQuilibriumTM Communities Initiative support for Ampersand$550,000 total funding from CMHC and NRCan Activities include: analysis for renewable energy; green financing;

stormwater run-off and water use reduction; and sustainable landscape practices

consultation/alignment with approval authorities showcasing performance

Ampersand

6

Ampersand Phase One

Aligning Green Features with Personas

Zero Energy Condominium

Project Start up

Collaboration

Under Construction

12

Project Challenges

• New product for our company

– Either high rise or low rise 

• Affordability

– Unit size

– demographics

• Trades unfamiliar with technologies

• Building practices 

• Building permits and approvals

• Market support

• Internal pushback

Storm Water Runoff

• Simple bio swale

• Non innovative

• City Planners in agreement

• Pushback from Public Works

• Poor perception

• Alternate Solutions?

• No permeable pavers– Snow removal

– Maintenance issues

– Cost!!!!

• Green roofs

• Water re‐use

Park Design

15

Ampersand Park

16

Zoning Issues

• Originally zoned for low rise

• Revised site plan to increase density

• Pushback from the community/city

• Will the market sustain this type of product

Transit Oriented Development

• Bus rapid transit

• Future Light rail transit

• Promotes public transit

• Community vision

• 1 parking space/unit– 50% development credit

• $2,500/unit

Finished Product

19

District Energy

District System Benefits

Avoided costs of mechanical equipment in buildings

Avoided mechanical maintenance in buildings

Avoided heating fuel to buildings

Reduced space required in condos for mechanical room

Consistent supply of energy

Partnerships

22

Showcasing and Awareness

23

Lessons Learned

It’s not easy the first time

Never stop innovating!

Benefits outweigh the challenges

Engage the experts

Partnerships are key

Engage your customers!