Aspen Heights: Redefining affordable housing in Saskatoon
SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New construction of sustainable affordable housing
Case Study
This article is part of a series called Transforming communities with Sustainable Affordable Housing. The series demonstrates how energy-efficient, community-centered housing can foster resilience and well-being. Discover practical solutions for affordable, climate-friendly homes that improve lives and build a sustainable future.
In Saskatoon, SK, the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) has set a new standard with Aspen Heights, a 56-unit townhouse development that combines energy efficiency with affordability. Completed in 2024, Aspen Heights is a mixed affordable-market development that provides a fresh approach to affordable housing, where comfort, sustainability, and community truly come together. As Stacie Beever, Chief Operating Officer of NAHC, reflects, “There are so many successes worth noting and celebrating at Aspen Heights—including the achievements of our team and our high-needs tenants.”
A place to call home
Aspen Heights offers two- and three-bedroom townhomes, with 30 percent reserved for low-income households, including families and individuals with mental health and developmental needs. These homes are built with energy-saving features like extra-thick walls, insulated concrete foundations for better warmth, high-quality insulation, heat pumps that have natural gas backups, and triple-pane windows. Together, these features help keep utility costs low for residents and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Access to quality homes like those at Aspen Heights truly changes lives,” Beever notes, “for those who may not otherwise have the means to live in new areas and communities like this.”
These sustainable features don’t just help the environment—they also keep costs predictable for tenants, helping them build stable lives and plan for the future.
Building connections and supporting residents
Aspen Heights is more than just a collection of homes; it’s a place where people connect and feel supported. Post-occupancy surveys reveal that two-thirds of affordable rental residents feel a stronger sense of community here. Many have reported an increased sense of safety and security—demonstrating NAHC’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
“The transformations we’ve witnessed through quality housing and our tenants' newfound stability,” says Beever, “are a testament to our team’s commitment to doing what’s right for communities in Saskatchewan.”
Rising to the challenge with innovation
Building a net-zero ready development in the harsh prairie climate has given NAHC opportunities to innovate and adapt. During the first two years at Aspen Heights, the air source heat pumps needed extra support, especially on Saskatoon’s coldest days. Rising to the challenge, NAHC brought in specialized HVAC experts to fine-tune the system, optimizing heating to keep residents comfortable year-round. The insights gained from Aspen Heights have already shaped NAHC’s approach to future projects. They recently completed Willow Grande, a 60-unit development with centralized commercial air source heat pumps powered by solar panels, and they are well underway on a second project, Aspen North, which further builds on the lessons learned from Aspen Heights and Willow Grande. These advancements—made possible through the learnings and support from GMF-backed projects like Aspen Heights and Plainsview Townhomes—have paved the way for more resilient, sustainable housing models across Saskatchewan.
A lasting model for sustainable living
Aspen Heights has sparked economic activity in Saskatoon by creating jobs during construction and supporting ongoing employment in property management and tenant support. Staff roles, such as the Director of Tenant Inclusion & Support, ensure that residents feel at home and secure year-round.
“The commitment to quality housing at Aspen Heights changes lives, allowing individuals and families to build brighter futures in homes they’re proud to call their own."
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