The Health Unit Board and the City of Owen Sound wanted this project to set the new standard for local sustainable development and act as a catalyst for future development along the waterfront, which would otherwise have remained undeveloped for years to come. It is seen as the first of many potential future developments along the harbour, demonstrating that redevelopment of these lands is possible.  This site, as well as many others along the harbour in Owen Sound, was felt to be undevelopable due to their contaminated nature. This perception was perhaps one of the biggest issues the project faced. 

The building was certified LEED Gold. The creative design solution has caught the attention of the broader public in Grey and Bruce County’s, and has been heralded for its achievements. The ‘green’ design of the Grey Bruce Health Unit supports the desire of the Health Unit to deliver programs in a functional and accessible way while minimizing the use of non-renewable resources and producing minimal waste.  The building was designed as a multi-purpose facility with offices/ workstations for 155 people, classrooms, laboratories, training areas, and consultation spaces. The building is three storeys with a mix of copper, stone and cedar cladding incorporating green building design concepts.  The Grey Bruce Health Unit Board was committed to establishing a benchmark for healthy living by creating a healthy building for its operations.  The innovative design includes numerous ‘green design’ initiatives including the collection of rainwater for use in waterclosets and the use of natural ventilation in the office spaces. The current design reduces energy consumption by 53% of the Model National Energy Building Code. The project has been certified LEED Gold.

This building met many important green building objectives:

• creating a catalyst for future growth
• leaving a minimal footprint on the natural environment
• making efficient use of energy, water, and material resources
• providing a healthy work environment
• creating an inviting, functional, and educational building for visitors