Net Zero community of homes under construction in Westport, Ont.
A small eastern Ontario town is getting a big new development.
Designed to be super efficient, to generate its own energy, and release few emissions, it is a standard called "Net Zero."
The first of its kind in the country, the entire neighbourhood’s cluster of homes are built to this standard.
Constructed by Ottawa-based Land Ark Homes, founder Stephen Rolston says a house comes with features like the ability to use solar power, increased insulation for better home heating and cooling, and the entire neighbourhood uses electric power, eliminating fossil fuel use on the block.
"The triple-glazed windows mean you can sit in front of the window and not get hot in the summer, and not feel cold in the winter," Rolston explains. "Because they have the lowest solar heat gain coefficient in the industry."
Homeowners only need to add solar panels onto their roof, and a battery bank to essentially be self-sufficient for their energy needs.
The community is being constructed in Westport, Ont., which sits between Ottawa and Kingston. It is a town of just 600 people.
The decision to build here is also not a coincidence. Rolston says the close-knit community allows for people to leave the car at home.
Ottawa-based Land Ark Homes is building a Net-Zero community of homes in Westport, Ont. (Kimberley Johnson/CTV News Ottawa)
Rolston says the motto they have approached with is "Walk, Walk, Walk."
"It’s the walkability to the medical clinic, it’s walkability to the pharmacy, the grocery, the library, the brewery and the winery," he explains. "And that type of walkability is where everything is point seven of a kilometre from the entrances to this community."
There will be three stages of development, with only 25 homes built at a time.
The developers say that is intentional, because they wanted to make sure the town of Westport was prepared to handle the growth.
A house in the neighbourhood will cost more than $700,000, but some future homes will come in at a smaller price tag.
Mayor Robin Jones says it’s about bringing in new families and those looking to downsize in retirement.
"We’ve got two schools, so we certainly want to make sure that the housing is affordable enough for young families," she explains. "And we keep the schools filled."
There are also plans to create amenities like a community centre, with social activities for families and residents.
The builders say the neighbourhood aims to be the start of a new standard of community.
"To me it’s all about cottage life and it’s all about small-town life, in a walkable community."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.