We're excited to announce our two latest partnerships! Ellis Don will be construction managers for the site development as well as the Visitor's Centre. Great Gulf Homes has also joined as a Build Partner.

The first phase of servicing is set to start in the next few weeks. TACC Construction will be constructing the sanitary and watermain connections at Pine Valley Drive. Tender drawings can be viewed here. Tender bids have been received for Phase 2 of the servicing. The winning bid will be announced in the near future.

The Solar Cottage refurbishment is nearly complete! The building now has an airtight and highly insulated thermal envelope, and is in the process of getting a new roof and cladding.

The cottage will be one of STEP's living labratories and used by academic research partners involved in advanced building design to answer building science questions regarding innovative, high performance building envelopes.

Special thanks to our project partners:City of Toronto, Region of Peel, York Region, Amvic Building Systems, Canadian National Shelter Program, Inline Fiberglass, Roxul, Huber Engineered Woods, Vicwest, and CertainTeed. More information on the project can be found here.

A conceptal design of the Visitor's Centre was recenty completed by Sustainable.TO. The Visitor's Centre will be targeting Living Building Challenge and WELL Standard certification and include fundamental principles of sustainable and resilient design. We will be investigating design approaches to achiveing net zero and net positive energy. A design charette facilitated by Sustainable Buildings Canada and sponsored by Enbridge will be held in June. The drawings for the conceptual design can be viewed here.

A partnership with 360°kids lends the opportunity to create a sustainable housing solution for youth in Markham, renovating a heritage home to become a viable residence for youth within their Transition Program. This partnership is a great step forward in ending youth homelessness in York Region by creating extended transitional supportive housing for kids in our community.

Cricket Energy has completed an energy audit and building inspection for the project. Based on these results, an energy efficient renovation that is mindful of the building's heritage is planned. The building will become an Innovation Park satellite research project, with research managed by STEP. 

TRCA is seeking both product donations and research partners for the project. If you are interested getting involved or would like more information, please contact Amanda Yip for more information.

By 2045, one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65 and one in three people over the age of 65 will experience a disability at some point in their senior years. Many seniors will have to move in the later stages of life as a result of a lack of appropriate and accessible housing or proper care giver supports. Few people are aware of the options and benefits of modifying their homes to make them more comfortable, safe and supportive of their lifestyles.

In partnership with Home Modification Canada, Caregiver Omnimedia, and CMHC, House A of the Archetype House will undergo modifications to become a showcase prior to the Home Care Technology Conference at Kortright in October.

Join Mike Reynolds, editor of Ecohome.net and builder of the first LEED v4 certified Platinum House in Canada , for this one day informative workshop about the ins and outs of passive heating and cooling home construction.  The workshop will discuss building science fundamentals, material selection, budget considerations and more. Refreshments and a light lunch are included. To register or find out more information, click here.

The third STEP Water Sampler newsletter is out now! Find out more abut STEP Water's latest projects, events and training. Click here to view the current issue of the Water Sampler, or visit the STEP website to view past issues.

We have an exciting line-up of educational opportunities for 2016. Below is a list of our latest offerings:

WATER

In-class Training

• Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control, Toronto - Oct. 26-27

Online Learning

• Design of Infiltration Practices: Low Impact Development Technical Training
• Introduction to Low Impact Development
• Polymers for Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control
• Introduction to Erosion and Sediment Control
• Introduction to Erosion and Sediment Control - French Version

RENEWABLE ENERGY

In-class Training

• Solar and Wind Energy Electric System Introduction - June 4, Aug. 6, Nov. 19
• Off Grid and Emergency Back Up Systems - June 5, Aug. 7, Nov. 20

Online Learning

• Photovoltaic System Commissioning - Free!
• Photovoltaic System Operation & Maintenance - Free!

TRCA and The Living City Campus is seeking industry support primarily through in-kind contributions of services, materials and construction labour for the build out of the infrastructure and demonstration buildings. In addition to basic construction materials we are looking for innovative products that will assist us in meeting the performance standards and development briefs for the Park, including:

• Recycled aggregates and products
• Water, stormwater and wastewater technologies
• Hard surfacing and landscaping
• Energy network infrastructure
• Low carbon technologies
• Offsite manufactured building systems
• Renewable technologies
• High performance windows and doors
• Advanced insulation
• Low embodied energy products
• High performance/low energy heating and ventilation systems and controls
• Refurbishment products and technologies
• Innovative construction practices
• Products that improve health and wellbeing in buildings

If you or your organization would like to get involved, please complete the Expression of Interest form. Sponsorships and gifts in support of this initiative flow through The Living City Foundation, TRCA's fundraising arm. In certain cases, gifts may qualify for a charitable tax credit. Please visit www.thelivingcity.org for more information.

A list of all the Innovation Park sponsors can be found here.