Wednesday 5 November 2014

Notes from the Field: New Construction on Queen Street

Two new buildings are going up on Queen Street, west of City Hospital, and both of them are advertising some environmentally friendly features. Let’s hope that they are part of a trend of providing alternatives to urban sprawl and a greater consciousness of environmental concerns.


Timber Pointe on Queen
Timber Pointe on Queen is a commercial property with strata title offices to own or lease.

Of particular interest is the underground parking, which will have a green roof, a rarity in Saskatoon. 

As Michael Molaro explained when we talked to him, green roofs can play an important role in storm water drainage and run off and can lower the temperature of urban heat islands.


Shangri-La on 4th
Shangri-La on 4th emphasizes the benefits of living in the downtown core.

They stress walkability – two blocks to Kinsmen Park, Earls next door, etc.

They also list a number of green initiatives: car share program, bicycle storage, reduced water flow shower heads, LED fixtures in common areas, etc.


See also:
Passive House: Comfortable, Energy-Efficient Homes

Saskatoon: Becoming a Leader in Cold Climate Energy Efficiency

Innovation Place’s Sustainability Culture 

University of Saskatchewan Sustainability Issues

Confederation Inn, Saskatoon: Going Green and Saving Money