Tantalus Affordable Housing
Project overview
Tantalus Manor is a 40-unit affordable housing building in Squamish, BC that underwent a significant energy retrofit. The combination of building electrification, envelope upgrades and ventilation improvements preserved the affordable housing community while dramatically reducing energy emissions and consumption without displacing existing residents.
quick facts
Squamish, British Columbia
Energy Retrofit
Energy Retrofit Reduces Energy Costs by 60 Percent
In 2024, Squamish Community Housing Society and Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society jointly acquired the three-storey building with a clear purpose: to preserve affordable rental housing in a community where stable homes are increasingly difficult to find. However, it was clear that Tantalus Manor, originally built in 1965, required significant improvements. In 2026, a comprehensive retrofit was undertaken to reduce operational costs, lengthen the life of the building, and improve livability for occupants.
As part of the building envelope upgrades, the original single-pane windows were replaced with our high-performance windows and the original sliding doors were also updated. Innotech Services was responsible for the removal, installation and finishing of all windows and doors.
The energy retrofit also included building electrification and ventilation improvements. The conversion from natural gas to electric heat and hot water, combined with the addition of heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators in every unit, will give residents improved temperature and humidity control, air conditioning, and better air circulation year-round.
The project team anticipates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% and overall energy consumption by 60%. Lower operating costs and extended building service life allows the owners to provide stable housing with affordable rents.
This is an incredible investment, not only into the rental stock, but also into greener affordable projects that also meet the goals of sustainability for the Squamish Nation.”
– Penticton Herald
The energy retrofit also improves the everyday experience of the people who live at Tantalus Manor. Improved temperature regulation and better ventilation both contribute to more comfortable homes with better indoor air quality.
Full Service Window Replacement Services
Innotech Services offers full service window replacement services for custom homes and low to high-rise buildings throughout British Columbia and Alberta. The project scope at Tantalus Manor included: removal of existing fenestration products, rough opening preparation, installation of new high-performance windows and doors, and interior and exterior finishing.
From Single Pane to High-Performance Windows
The original single-pane aluminum windows were replaced with our Defender 76TS windows. Designed to significantly reduce heat loss and air leakage, the new windows contribute to the project’s ambitious energy reduction targets while providing occupants with constant interior temperatures, quieter living spaces and more effective natural ventilation.
