March 17, 2003

An innovative housing project featuring construction and design technologies that better meet the challenges of the northern climate was officially opened today in Thompson.

The northern model house was opened by Family Services and Housing Minister Drew Caldwell, minister responsible for the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation; Conservation Minister Steve Ashton; Thompson Mayor Bill Comaskey, on behalf of the Northern Urban Industrial Communities; Reg Meade, president of the Northern Association of Community Councils; David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation; Grand Chief Francis Flett of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak; and representatives of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Hydro.

"I'm very pleased with the development of the northern model house project as it meets unique needs identified by northern residents, demonstrates effective community partnerships and will help strengthen families and build communities," said Caldwell.

The northern model house, launched last fall, features panellized housing technology which has benefits over traditional building methods and allows for ease of construction, energy efficiency, durability and improved mould resistance. Other design features in the project offer improved accessibility for people with various types and levels of disability related to mobility.

The City of Thompson provided the lot for the new home and Manitoba Hydro ensured Power Smart technologies were used. The home also meets R2000 certification. Representatives of northern communities and residents will have access to the model home to become familiar with the panellized housing and Power Smart technologies.

"The technology in this project makes sense for the North," said Ashton. "The panellized technology will result in improved energy efficiency and means these homes will be faster and simpler to assemble on site."

Manitoba Hydro has set up an Energy Information Centre in the model house, providing information on topics such as energy efficient construction practices and the Power Smart features used in the project. Manitoba Hydro is also funding the monitoring and testing of the effectiveness of the new technologies in the home.

"Manitoba Hydro energy experts helped to develop this model home that is well-suited for living conditions in the North," said Bob Brennan, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. "The technologies incorporated in the house mean it will have an electrical heating bill of approximately $500 a year."

Exploring alternative construction methods for housing was a priority identified at the Building Consensus Forum held in Thompson in 2001. The forum gathered input from northerners to develop Manitoba's Northern Housing Strategy. The strategy focuses on improving housing conditions while recognizing the relationship between housing, health, education and economic development in the North.

The forum and subsequent followup included the active participation of the Manitoba Metis Federation, the Northern Association of Community Councils, the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Northern Urban Industrial Communities.

Housing needs in northern and remote communities have been identified by the provincial government as a priority in the Northern Development Strategy. This long-term development plan helps identify opportunities to further develop the human and natural resources in the North.

The strategy's goals focus on improving the quality of life for northern residents, expanding education and employment opportunities, increasing economic opportunities and co-ordinating approaches to services and investment in Northern Manitoba. In addition, health, transportation, employment and training and economic development are also identified as priorities in the Northern Development Strategy.

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