Optimizing Efficiency for
Victoria’s New Transitional Housing
John Howard Society Transitional Housing
The John Howard Society (JHS) of BC is a non-profit charitable organization that provides a variety of services to individuals and families of all backgrounds, including providing affordable, accessible, and safe housing through their transitional and supportive housing programs.
JHS is building a new six-storey mixed-use building at 736 Princess Ave, Victoria, led by the John Howard Society of Victoria. The building will feature 28 studio apartments with private washrooms and kitchenettes, parking, offices, a social enterprise café, educational and program spaces.
This project is part of a $19-billion B.C. housing initiative, aiming to increase affordable housing availability. Construction is underway, with occupancy expected in 2026. Learn more
Results
The project was evaluated under the Step Code, to achieve Step 3 for the residential floors, Step 2 for the office and retail floors. Additional energy models assessed the building for CMHC and FCM Green Municipal Fund requirements.
The project uses a variety of high-performance building strategies including a well-insulated and airtight envelope, heat recovery on ventilation, and VRF heating and cooling.
The JHS was also kind enough to let Focal use this project as a real world case study for students at UVic, when Focal taught the Civil Engineering CIVE 453 course in energy modelling.
Quick Stats
YYJ
LOCATION
2026
EXPECTED COMPLETION
28
TRANSITIONAL HOMES
Client
John Howard Society
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