FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Across the street from the home at 9904 94 Street, there is construction going on day in and day out. But inside the quiet, insulated walls of this certified passive house, you wouldn’t even realize it.
That’s because the house is airtight, maybe even a bit warm. All of this surprises newcomers when they step foot into what is the furthest north Passive House in Canada.
The home costed about $363-per-square-foot, more than the average of $250 to $350 for the typical Fort St. John home. However, the home saves noticeable amounts on energy, as their usage is essentially non-existent compared to that of an average house.
“Getting a mortgage is one thing, but being able to operate [the house] is yet another thing,” said Fort St. John mayor Lori Ackerman. “When you’ve got a home that puts money back in your pocket, that is important on a monthly basis.”
To accurately measure how this house measures in energy consumption compared to a typical home, one couple has been living in the house since January 2015. They are hosting an open house on November 14 and 15, from noon until 4:00 p.m. each day for those who wish to take a look.