Mike Holmes involved in Edmonton housing project

Television star Mike Holmes will be involved in an affordable housing project in downtown Edmonton.

The outspoken contractor and his company, The Holmes Group, have signed a contract with the City of Edmonton and the Métis Capital Housing Corporation to construct the building which is part of the Boyle Renaissance revitalization project.

"I see a lot of positive in this," Holmes said Wednesday at a news conference in Edmonton. "I see a lot of people that want to get together and do this right the first time. That really interests me."

The Métis Capital Housing Corporation is contributing $6 million to the project. Another $5.6 million is coming from the city's Cornerstones Affordable Housing Program.

The building will have 90 self-contained affordable seniors housing units and will have features to enhance energy efficiency.

One-third of the units will be barrier-free. The building will have about 1,000 square metres of commercial space on the ground floor, as well as a "green" roof that will offer residents views and common space.

Holmes has become a well-known figure in Canada through his television shows "Holmes on Homes" and "Holmes Inspection" and his advocacy for improving standards in the home inspection, renovation and construction industries.

The Boyle Renaissance project aims to revitalize the area of downtown Edmonton east of 95th Street.