Aspen Heights: Finding stability and comfort in Saskatoon
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.
At the resident’s request for privacy, their name has been changed and identifying information has been removed.
When Jessie moved into their home at Aspen Heights in Saskatoon, they noticed the difference almost right away.
“There’s really not a lot that I can think of that’s negative,” Jessie says. “The units are bright, they’re new, and they have all the comforts of home you would want.”
Aspen Heights, developed by the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) with support from the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative, includes 56 energy-efficient townhouse units. Thirty percent are designated as low-income households, with priority for residents with mental health or developmental needs.
Jessie has lived at Aspen Heights since 2022 and describes it as a comfortable, well-built place to call home. “It’s in a good part of the city—away from the hustle and bustle—and it just feels more at home because of that.”
Living comfortably year-round
The homes at Aspen Heights are built to handle Saskatchewan’s extreme weather, with well-insulated walls, durable construction, and efficient heating and ventilation systems that help residents stay comfortable all year long.
“There aren’t as many fluctuations when the seasons change, which is really good. We have extreme weather in Saskatchewan—really cold in winter and hot in summer—so anything that mediates that is nice. It’s literally shelter from the elements.”
Jessie adds that the concrete foundation helps the unit stay cool in summer, while good insulation prevents drafts in winter. “It seems to be extremely good that way,” they say. “Everything’s sealed off well. You don’t feel anything—it operates as it should.”
When Jessie moved in, staff walked residents through the home’s energy-saving features. “We went over the air-exchange system and how to set it for summer or winter,” Jessie recalls. “That helps with temperature control, and obviously that saves money because you don’t have to turn the heat up as much.”
Predictable bills, less stress
Lower utility costs have been one of the biggest benefits of living at Aspen Heights. Jessie says their energy bills are lower and more consistent than anywhere they’ve lived before. “It hasn’t gone up since I moved in,” they say. “That’s a huge help for someone working part-time. I definitely wouldn’t be able to afford to live here without it being cheaper on the bill.”
That financial stability has eased day-to-day pressures. “It’s cut down on stress,” Jessie explains.
“I haven’t had to stress as much about increasing rent or utility costs. It’s allowed me to spend more money on other things, like furthering my education and increasing my skills—and that plays a large part in my mental health and happiness.”
A sense of community
Jessie also appreciates the atmosphere at Aspen Heights. “It’s nice to be around other kind, respectful people,” they say. They enjoy recognizing familiar faces in the complex. “It makes you feel like you’re not alone,” they say. “There’s a sense of community here.” That sense of stability and belonging is something NAHC and GMF aimed to achieve when they partnered on Aspen Heights: creating energy-efficient homes that are safe, affordable, and supportive.
Redefining affordable housing
Asked what they wish more people understood about affordable housing, Jessie reflects for a moment.
“People often think affordable housing is for someone who’s really struggling — just barely getting by. But it can be something different. It can impact you in a positive way and help you grow and improve areas of your life that you wouldn’t think it would.”
For them, Aspen Heights represents what affordable housing can and should be: well-designed, comfortable, and built to last. “If you’re going to do it right,” Jessie says, “this is the way to do it.”
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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