Green homes get green light

Era Banner: Jan 19, 2006
Caroline Grech

Green homes get green light

At one time it looked like th e idea of green homes in Newmarket was dead, but now, it seems everyone wants to build them.

The town has finalized a deal with Markham's Rodeo Fine Homes Inc. selling the 34 lots on the Stickwood Walker property for $3.2 million.

The move to build environmentally friendly homes has prompted Menkes, which already bought 124 lots on the property, to build environmental homes on some of those lots as well.

Part of the deal with Rodeo included a provision the developer would pay the town $1,000 per lot for the development of community trails.

The homes are expected to reduce household water use by 25 per cent and reduce overall water discharge flows, solid waste, energy use and greenhouse gases compared to conventional homes as well.

Since the town purchased the 90-acre Stickwood Walker property in 2003, a recreation complex, 160 residential lots and a multi-residential, low-rise complex have been approved for the property.

Two of the homes will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.