Rapid Housing Initiative #3

Phase: Construction

In 2023, the City of Regina was awarded $6.6 million in capital funding through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (Round 3) to support the creation of at least 25 new affordable housing units. This initiative is part of a national effort to address Canada’s housing crisis by accelerating the development of safe, stable, and affordable homes.

The North Central Family Centre (NCFC) was selected as the City’s local non-profit housing partner to lead both the development and long-term operation of the project, in recognition of their longstanding leadership and impact within the community. 

This project will be Orange Buffalo Lodge — a 30-unit multi-family residential building slated for completion in 2025.  Located in the heart of Regina’s North Central neighbourhood, the project will provide safe, culturally respectful, and affordable housing for individuals and families. 

In addition to high-quality residential units, the development will incorporate community-driven design principles, support wraparound services, and contribute to the revitalization and well-being of the broader neighbourhood. 

The PIRANHA Wastewater Heat Recovery system helped this development achieve Canada Mortgage & Housing (CMHC) program energy efficiency requirements, by exceeding 25% better than the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB).

In this project, the PIRANHA Wastewater Heat Recovery System is projected to provide over 90% of domestic hot water requirements at a COP of 340%, contributing 13% of the 30.3% better than NECB achieved.

Not-for-Profit:  North Central Family Centre

Municipality: City of Regina

Construction: Arwel Living

Architect: 1080 Architecture

Mechanical Engineer: MacPherson Engineering Inc.

Electrical Engineer: ALFA Engineering Ltd.

Mechanical: Sterling Plumbing & Heating

Electrical: Croft Electric

Building Materials: Fries Tallman Lumber

Orange Buffalo Lodge represents more than housing — it’s a step toward healing, stability, and inclusive community-minded growth.

The PIRANHA Wastewater Heat Recovery System played a key role in helping this development meet CMHC energy efficiency requirements, achieving over 25% improvement relative to the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB).

For this 210-unit building, the PIRANHA system is designed to supply approximately 20%–25% of the domestic hot water load, operating at an effective COP of ~3.4 (340% efficiency). 

DHW Energy Savings using PIRANHA = 43.4%

Total Energy Savings using PIRANHA = 8.2%

Energy Savings with PIRANHA = 25.4%

Energy Savings without PIRANHA = 18.7%

Phase: Construction

In 2025, Arbutus Properties began construction on a new six-storey, 210-unit residential building at 1705 Neville Drive in Regina, SK. The project aligns with the City of Regina’s priorities to expand housing supply and offer more diverse, high-quality rental options within established neighbourhoods.

Designed to provide comfortable, modern living for individuals, couples, and families, the building will feature a mix of unit types, on-site parking, bicycle storage, and resident amenity spaces. The development makes efficient use of existing infrastructure and benefits from its proximity to Victoria Avenue East, offering convenient access to transit, groceries, recreation, and surrounding commercial services.

Construction: Arbutus Properties

Architect: aodbt Architecture

Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Englobe Inc.

Mechanical: Regina Plumbing & Heating

Electrical: 

By reclaiming thermal energy from wastewater, the system reduces natural gas consumption, lowers utility costs, and supports long-term emissions reduction over the life of the building.