TCHC tenants are hot and cold, in a good way, about the deep retrofits Sparroway.

Through this partnership, TCHC was able to secure funding to help install new hybrid heating upgrades with mini-split heat pumps and modernized electric baseboard heaters in all 175 units. Additionally, the retrofit includes ventilation improvements that increase efficiency and lower energy consumption, low flow faucets, shower heads and toilets. Common area lighting fixtures were also replaced.

Kwesi Johnson, Relationship Manager with TCHC’s Facilities Management team agrees: “Engaging with our tenants at Sparroway was of paramount importance. We’ve been in constant communication with them during the retrofit and will continue to do so until the project is completed.”  

Johnson said throughout the project tenants have received multiple flyers, phone calls, door-to-door follow-ups, and one-on-one conversations with staff to address individual questions or concerns.  

“Our team’s commitment to transparent and timely communication has played a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of construction activities at Sparroway,” said Johnson. “Our multi-layered approach to communications, combined with formal notices and individual engagement reflects a strong commitment to tenant expectations and operational excellence.” 

In addition to community engagement, the retrofit also provided job opportunities for tenants in Sparroway. “Approximately 600 hours of local employment was available through the Building Up program,” said Reza Hamidi, Facilities Manager for the project.  

“Building Up staff assisted with unit surveys, furniture moving, general site labour and other project logistics,” said Hamidi.  

Zenith Isaacs, a 22-year tenant at Sparroway, said the impact of construction on her household was minimal: “There was some inconvenience with the workers installing the system and it took time to learn how to use the thermostat, but the heat has been very hot this winter and I’m looking forward to using the air conditioning this summer because that will be amazing!” 

Rui Saude, a long-time Sparroway tenant, said he’s already been enjoying the AC. “I like it cold when I sleep and the new AC works really well,” he said. “The heaters are awesome too, but I really like the cold we have now.”   

Saude said the retrofit project is good for the entire community, “because it makes things more livable and we can control the temperature in our own units, which is awesome for everyone.”  

While tenant comfort is the main goal for implementing this project, there are other benefits to TCHC and the environment. The newly installed HVAC units help achieve the targeted 42 per cent energy savings and 58.4 per cent Green House Gas reductions. The improvements also reduce long-term maintenance and operating costs as well as overall water and energy consumption.  

Hamidi said the team has surveyed tenants on their satisfaction and the data shows the project received an 86 per cent approval rating. He said that the approval rating, combined with the successful delivery of the project, has enabled TCHC to qualify for and secure additional funding from TAF to provide additional building exterior upgrades at Sparroway, which will increase tenant comfort and energy efficiency.  

“The additional improvements focus on the buildings including windows and doors, roofing and exterior cladding for the building. All of these will make Sparroway even more energy efficient and more comfortable for our tenants,” he said.  

The Sparroway project demonstrates how TCHC uses an IPD model to deliver deep energy retrofits more efficiently, collaboratively, and sustainably.