Building modern workspaces that promote Greening Government goals and the health of workers

Zibi, Canada’s largest carbon-neutral community, located in the heart of the National Capital, today announced its plans to build 210,000 square feet of innovative office space ideally suited to welcome back a workforce seeking modern collaborative spaces with a focus on health and well-being. The four net-zero carbon commercial properties will be built over the next five years as part of the 34-acre mixed-use community designed by Dream Unlimited, (TSX: DRM), Dream Impact Trust, (TSX: MPCT.UN) and Theia Partners.

Built to exceed Greening Government goals

Zibi’s first built-to-lease commercial building is already under construction on Ottawa’s Chaudière Island East. With approximately 158,000 square feet (SF) of Class A office space, the 8-storey building is set to welcome its lead Federal government tenant as soon as public health measures permit. Like all of Zibi, the new space will be carbon free and climate resilient, helping to meet the Government of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy goals.

As Canada’s only One Planet Living endorsed community, Zibi adheres to all 10 principles of the framework developed by Bioregional and the World Wildlife Fund, from eliminating GHG emitting energy sources to promoting sustainable transportation and encouraging social equity.

Late last year, the Government of Canada announced a target of 75% of its domestic new lease or renewed lease space to be in net-zero, climate resilient buildings. Zibi’s Community Utility – a district energy system that relies on energy recovery from effluents from Kruger Products’ Gatineau Plant for heating, and the Ottawa River for cooling – will ensure that all Zibi residential and commercial buildings emit zero-carbon for heating and cooling.

A better way to work

“The pandemic has sparked much discussion and debate about the future of work and cities, but experts agree there will be demand for a new kind of workspace after the pandemic,” said Gordon Wadley, COO at Dream Office REIT. “As we plan for the return to the workplace, Zibi is fully committed to creating welcoming office spaces that meet the evolving needs of employers and promote the health and well-being of workers as well as offer an increased focus on common spaces and collaboration.”

All of Zibi’s commercial buildings will include state of the art amenities to ensure the comfort and safety of tenants, including keyless entry and advanced air circulation. Dream is also committed to implementing the principles outlined in the POST promise, which aims to support businesses as they put in place safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

With spectacular views of Chaudière Falls and Parliament Hill, 8 acres of waterfront parks and public spaces, and a commitment to providing exceptional workplaces that value environmental stewardship and outstanding design, the 34-acre waterfront Zibi community is ideally suited for the return to a healthier workplace.

Over the next five years, Zibi is planning to build three additional net-zero emissions commercial buildings:

• A 6-storey commercial building at the Laurier and Jos-Montferrand intersection in Gatineau, with ground floor retail and 120,000 SF of office space.
• A 6-storey commercial building with ground floor retail on Chaudière Island West with 60,000 SF of office space.
• A 4-storey brick and beam commercial building on Albert Island with 30,000 SF of office space.

Further, all of these office buildings will offer plenty of surrounding green spaces, and will be easily accessible via public transit and active transportation – the community is located along bus routes, with the Ottawa Light Rail Train and the future Gatineau Tramway a few steps away, and access to multi-use pathways on both sides of the river. In addition, 20% of Zibi’s parking stalls will be equipped with electric vehicle charging stations.

“Zibi is fully committed to being a leader and steward of sustainability in the region. As such, we were always planning to build a new kind of community focused on people’s happiness and the planet’s welfare,” says Wadley. “Now that we see a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the pandemic and the region’s economy, we are looking forward to becoming home not just to our residents, but to employers and workers from all over the national capital region.”