Construction has begun on a 120-unit rental community in Wolfville, N.S., that will combine prefabricated building systems with renewable energy technologies to exceed Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) sustainability benchmarks.

Lindsay Construction, S2E Technologies, and Canyon Hill Developments broke ground on the purpose-built rental project at 123 Highland Avenue on July 22. The development hopes to help meet growing demand for rental housing in the Annapolis Valley.

The project will use prefabricated, high-performance building systems to speed construction and improve the building envelope. According to the project team, the approach expects to reduce construction time while boosting energy efficiency.

The development aims to exceed the sustainability benchmarks established by CMHC’s MLI Select program. The plan is for on-site renewable energy systems to generate more than 40 per cent of the community’s annual energy needs.

“Communities like Wolfville are thriving because they offer an exceptional quality of life, a vibrant local economy, and tremendous long-term potential,” said Devin Hartnell, chief operating officer of Lindsay Construction. “We’re proud to partner with S2E Technologies and Canyon Hill Developments on a project that delivers quality housing and supports the continued growth of the region.”

Milfred Hammerbacher, founder and CEO of S2E Technologies, said developments such as this one will help communities grow in a sustainable, thoughtful way.

The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion in spring 2028.