Aspen Heights: A comfortable home for a sustainable future
SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New construction of sustainable affordable housing
This article is part of a series called How energy-efficient affordable housing is improving the lives of Canadians. The series features the inspiring stories of six Canadians who are living comfortably and saving money thanks to energy-efficient affordable housing.
For Eli, moving into Aspen Heights in Saskatoon has been a turning point.
“I’m very happy here,” he says. “Compared to where I used to live, it’s a much nicer neighbourhood. I feel safer and much happier.”
Before coming to Aspen Heights, Eli rented in older buildings where maintenance and comfort were ongoing challenges. Heating was unreliable, and the neighbourhoods didn’t always feel safe. “It was hard to relax,” he says. “Something always needed fixing, or I’d worry about the bills changing.”
At Aspen Heights, things are different. “Here, everything just works,” he says. “It’s quiet, clean, and well maintained, and I don’t have to worry about anything.” He adds that the stability and sense of care in the community make a big difference day to day.
“It’s nice to come home and know that you’re in a good place.”
Developed by the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC), Aspen Heights was created with the goal of giving residents like Eli a stable, affordable place to call home. The development demonstrates how affordable housing can support both quality of life and environmental goals.
A home that works as it should
Eli describes his home as solid, comfortable, and easy to manage through every season. “It’s very comfortable,” he says. “In the winter, if I’m not happy with the temperature, I can adjust it easily, and in the summer, I just change the thermostat a little and it’s fine.”
Living in Saskatchewan means dealing with long, cold winters and warm summers, but Eli says his home handles the changes well. “It’s nice and warm,” he explains. “Everything works the way it should.”
While he doesn’t focus much on the technical features, he appreciates that the building performs efficiently without extra effort on his part. “I might have been told about the energy-saving features when I first moved in,” he says, “but what matters is that everything stays comfortable and it’s easy to manage.”
Predictable costs, lasting peace of mind
For Eli, one of the biggest differences at Aspen Heights is the consistency of his monthly expenses.
“I always pay the same amount every month, and it never changes. It’s cost-effective, and I don’t have to worry about my finances being impacted by utilities.”
That stability gives him peace of mind and a stronger sense of control over his budget. “It’s reliable,” he says. “I know what to expect, and that makes a big difference.”
He also appreciates that the homes were designed with sustainability in mind. “It’s good for the environment,” he says. “The more we can help right now, the better.” For Eli, that’s an added benefit of living somewhere that’s responsible as well as affordable.
A neighbourhood that feels like home
Beyond the comfort of his own unit, Eli says he values the quiet, friendly atmosphere of the community itself. “The location is great, and the people are nice overall,” he says. “I like the nature that’s around when you walk here.” That sense of safety and belonging is what stands out most for him. “Before, safety was a concern,” he says. “Now I live in a nice neighbourhood, and I feel comfortable and secure.”
Housing that supports well-being
Eli says his health and comfort have remained steady since moving in. “My health is good, the air quality is good, and I stay warm in the winter,” he says. “It’s good overall.” The biggest difference, he says, is the sense of ease that comes from knowing his housing is reliable and secure. “It’s a good place to live,” he says simply—a reflection of how stable, sustainable housing helps residents feel grounded and at home.
Aspen Heights was developed by the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) and supported by the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative.
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