The straw bale house Gardner constructed includes an outdoor sitting area, complete with a wood-fired pizza oven and garden. Inside the house is outfitted with an electrical generator, a desk and a cooler.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
A local man is proposing a new, sustainable solution to address the need for housing in Medicine Hat.
Rob Gardner, founder of Transition Medicine Hat, an education initiative focused on sustainable living, is hoping to approach the City of Medicine Hat and other community organizations regarding a project he’s developed which he believes could eradicate local homelessness and improve the lives of vulnerable individuals.
“There’s a housing crisis happening in slow motion,” Gardner told the News, while explaining the origin of his proposed project. “We hear about homelessness and, when I walk downtown, I see homelessness in spite of claims (that chronic homelessness does not exist within the city) … It’s a crazy situation.”
Several years ago, while pondering the situation, Gardner began formulating his socially and environmentally-focused project, with the premise that with guidance, land and minimal financial investments, small, eco-friendly units equipped with basic necessities could be constructed to house vulnerable individuals, by those same individuals.
Inspired by principles of the drawdown climate program and other sustainable living initiatives globally, Gardner proposes the units be constructed out of cheap and accessible organic materials like straw bales and cob, as well as recycled, salvaged or thrifted items.
He also believes vulnerable individuals themselves should be tasked with constructing the dwellings, as he believes it can equip them with valuable skills, as well as offer them a sense of pride and purpose.
“I’m not a housing expert,” said Gardner. “But I know people need a roof over their heads, they need some security and they need self-confidence.”
To put his idea to the test, Gardner, with assistance from his wife Corlaine, actually constructed a unit in his property’s backyard.
The 106 square-foot unit resembles a mini house, with a front door and several windows, as well as an outdoor seating area and vegetable garden.
The unit is equipped with electricity by way of a salvaged storage battery, a repurposed car battery and solar panels, a propane stove and an outdoor wood-fired oven, a cooler and several furnishings, such as a desk and chairs, with room for a small mattress.
While there is no running water, Gardner says a small hand-pump could be installed at a slightly higher cost. Sewage connection would require more additional consideration, planning and collaboration with the city.
Gardner admits the lodging is basic but points out its primary function is to fulfil the basic needs of vulnerable individuals – something he feels it accomplishes.
In coming months, he hopes to formally submit the project proposal to the city and other local stakeholders for consideration, specifically on the feasibility of constructing a small community of such units in Medicine Hat.
While several affordable housing opportunities exist within the city, Gardner feels his proposed project has potential for greater value as it is sustainable, cost-efficient and immediate, as a unit can be fully constructed and move-in ready in only 10 days.
“Why are we spending astronomical amounts of money, housing a few people (in affordable housing buildings) instead of spending less amounts of money, housing more people,” questioned Gardner. “It’s not perfect, but it’s better than (they had.”
Before submitting a formal proposal, Gardner is interested in discussing his project with others in the community, receiving feedback and, hopefully, garnering support.
“I’ve come up with the idea and the technology (but) I’ve got no backing of any sort,” said Gardner. “So, I’m looking for a service club, or a church, or a political party, or a group to stand behind it.”
