Seabird First Nation building a sustainable future

Just north of Agassiz, the First Nation community of Seabird Island is demonstrating what can be achieved when you combine cutting edge and innovative housing technologies with green energy generation.

In partnership with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Broadway Architects, as well as a number of suppliers and manufacturers, Seabird Island First Nation has developed a unique housing project that is affordable, energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and durable.

The homes, which are scheduled to open in the spring, incorporate traditional and community design elements, and are powered and heated by harnessing wind, solar and earth energy. There are no furnaces, and homes employ energy recycling and water conservation measures - reducing energy consumption by up to 75 percent. Homes are inexpensive to operate and produce almost as much energy as they consume. By employing low-tech systems and using local materials that are durable, homes are easy to maintain and most repairs can be done by owners.

To ensure that the technologies and design concepts can be shared, one of the homes will serve as a demonstration home and remain open for two years for tours and public education.

For more detailed information on the Seabird Island First Nation Sustainable Community project visit: Broadway Architects