Prairie Meadows Development – Phase III (Prairie Village Phase 3)

Project Update: December 7, 2025

The Prairie Meadows Development – Phase III project represents an important step forward in expanding safe, affordable, and sustainable housing in Brooks, Alberta.

Project Overview

This phase focuses on evaluating options for the development of a net-zero energy–ready (NZER) affordable housing project, originally envisioned as a 12-unit building and now revised to 20–24 units to ensure long-term financial sustainability. The goal is to increase the availability of rental housing for low-income individuals and families while maintaining responsible operations and long-term viability.

Our work on this phase was supported by seed funding through the Green Municipal Fund, managed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.

Purpose & Mission Alignment

This project aligns closely with the mission of Brooks Housing Society:
to provide safe, affordable housing that supports stability, independence, and opportunity — not handouts. Alongside housing, we aim to support first-time renters with guidance that helps them become responsible tenants and, when possible, transition toward market-rate housing. All programs adhere to income threshold guidelines established by the Province of Alberta.

Sustainability & Innovation

A key focus of Phase III is sustainability and energy efficiency. Design and feasibility work is exploring:

• High-performance windows and improved building envelopes

• Reduced lighting power density

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems

• Potential geothermal integration

• Energy-efficient mechanical systems

Energy consultants are completing detailed modelling to compare options based on energy use, operating costs, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, helping ensure the best long-term outcomes for both residents and the environment.

Project Evolution & Financial Planning

Initial feasibility work showed that a 12-unit building would not be financially viable, as it would not support mortgage obligations or adequate reserve funding for future maintenance. As a result, the project scope was responsibly adjusted to 20–24 units, with the understanding that development may proceed in phases, dependent on successful grant applications and funding availability.

Current Status & Next Steps

Following extensive consulting work with Colliers and their team, Brooks Housing Society prepared to pursue provincial and federal funding. At this stage, progress has been paused due to funding structure requirements — specifically, the need for cash equity rather than encumbered assets.

We are actively:

• Working to secure required cash equity

• Exploring cost reductions with alternative builders

• Preparing to reapply for provincial and federal grants in 2026

Community & Partner Support

We are deeply grateful for the grant support that enabled the necessary studies and planning through the Green Municipal Fund. We also extend sincere thanks to the City of Brooks for its continued support, including the provision of land for our developments. In keeping with our agreements, should Brooks Housing Society ever dissolve, ownership of the property would return to the City of Brooks.

Acknowledgement

Reaching this milestone has been made possible through funding from the Green Municipal Fund. The views expressed here are those of Brooks Housing Society and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities or the Government of Canada, who assume no responsibility for the content.

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