The Commons Co-work Space

Emma was invited to participate in a panel and workshop at the Reimagine church, land & community conference at Wycliffe College at U of Toronto this week. So many motivated people trying to figure out how churches can be part of the solution to the housing crisis as an outstretching of their mandate to love our neighbours. We had theologians like Willie James Jenning guiding our discussions. Jennifer Keesmaat talking about the large-scale developments she is a part of. Affordable housing developers, churches, architects and para church organizations sharing their stories about where they are in their development journeys.

There are so many good things yet to come. Here’s to creating more meaningful partnerships! ...

We had a positive community meeting tonight for Sacajawea`s newest affordable housing project for student learners. Located on an orphan site that had been owned by the City since it was incorporated, the sloped property at 95 Dundurn can be access by both Dundurn St. and Jackson St. It is the ideal site for indigenous students to live, with easy transit access to both Mohawk and McMaster. The grocery store is just a block from the site, and it overlooks the lovely Jackson Park. We can`t wait to see this home for 31 students come to fruition. Organized into 15 dwellings, from studios to three bedroom units, this will be home for a variety of students, from youth leaving home for the first time to grandparents taking the step to begin their new career.

A big thanks to Landwise for leading the Site Plan and minor variance process, Flourish for helping navigate the development process, to Sprucelab for their beautiful landscape design, SLA for their grading and servicing on this tricky, sloped site, and to our engineers Kalos, Collins & Mighton. Lastly, thanks to all the neighbours who came out today to hear more about the development and voice your ideas/support. 🥰 ...

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 🌱 🌳 We had a full house both in person and online to share about our passive house journey from 2016 until today. We have now designed over 20 multi-residential projects to meet passive house standards, and have another dozen in design. Several of these projects have gone through certification with PHI or PHIUS, all have energy models and air tightness testing. Each project is a learning opportunity as we aim to bring these ideas into the mainstream, and most of our recent projects are net zero carbon!!

Couldn’t think of a better way to spend lunch on Earth Day 🌱 💚 💙 🌎 🌳 ...

We are proud to have collaborated with CityHousing Hamilton over the past five years on the transformation of the former City Motor Hotel site at the Queenston traffic circle into much-needed affordable housing. This prominent location—long a hub of movement and transformation— remains a recognizable feature in East Hamilton.

Early in the redevelopment process, we recognized the deep historical connection between this site and the city’s evolving transportation story. To celebrate that legacy, we partnered with artist Douglas Peterson-Hui @thearchitectsgarage (www.thearchitectsgarage.com) to create three unique vignettes that capture key moments in Hamilton’s transportation history.

The series includes:

1. The historic incline railway, a symbol of innovation and connection connecting the lower city with Hamilton’s escarpment.

2. A 1950s auto scene, set at the original City Motor Hotel, featuring classic Studebakers—a nod to the automobile era that shaped the area.

3. A vision of the future, depicting the upcoming Hamilton LRT, which will feature a stop directly adjacent to the new building.

These vibrant illustrations will be printed at a large scale and installed within CityHousing Hamilton’s newest six-storey residential building. We’re excited for future residents and the community to enjoy this celebration of Hamilton’s past, present, and future. ...

Wow, what a day! The Invizij Arch-Attacks had a stellar day at the Mohawk 4 Ice for the @hockeyhelpsca tournament. 🏒 🥅. Not only were we neck and neck for the top fundraising team (over $18K raised for the @ymcahbb) and fundraising individual (Graham Cubitt, you rock!!). We also won ALL our games and were only second in total points! And all while having a ton of fun/ no one getting hurt.

A big thanks everyone from Indwell, Flourish, Ross+McBride, and Toms+McNally who helped fill out our awesome team. And the biggest thanks to the former NHL players on our team, Cory Conacher @conhockey19 and Ric Nattress - they were awesome to watch and to great get to know these legends on the ice.

Also a big thanks to all our donors and to the YMCA for all the awesome work you do. Lastly, thanks to our friends and family for coming out to watch us play - including most of the @invizij and Flourish teams. ...

It was a special morning celebrating the #groundbreaking of our @indwell.ca Acorn Flats project, the third phase at The Oaks. This new development will add 23 homes for families to the Lansdale neighbourhood, with 21 two bedroom units and two three-bedroom. This is the first family-oriented development for Indwell, which we are extra excited about!

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate on this frosty morning. It was great to hear the storeys behind how this project was funded. Next week, Nith Valley Construction will start the foundations for this @passivehouseinstituteus certified project. Stay tuned for updates! ...