Gananoque Robotic Housing Project Underway

An artist’s rendering illustrates the Horizon Legacy project in Gananoque. Construction is slated to be completed by Fall 2025. (SUBMITTED)

Construction is underway on a unique housing development build in Gananoque that uses onsite robotics and is aimed at addressing the affordable housing crisis through innovation and technology.

Developed and funded by Horizon Legacy Group as part of the Marco Polo 100 Digital Build Challenge, this project will deliver 26 stacked townhouse units using advanced robotics, automation, and 3D printing technologies integrated with traditional construction methods.

The initiative focuses on reducing construction costs to $100 per square foot, providing a model for affordable and sustainable housing.

The project has received unanimous approval from the Gananoque planning committee and council,

The development features bachelor, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, designed to meet diverse housing needs. Horizon Legacy Group will act as the designer, developer, construction manager, owner, and operator of the project.

With energy-efficient R-30 insulated wall assemblies and all-electric systems, the buildings are designed to reduce energy intensity by 20 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 67 per cent, meeting and exceeding Ontario Building Code standards.

Proponents say the use of robotics is expected to streamline construction processes, consolidating three trades into one and helping to combat labour shortages. The robotic systems are designed to operate outdoors in Canadian climates, integrating software, hardware, and materials to meet structural and safety requirements.

Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, second from left, and Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, at right, recently took a site tour of the Horizon Legacy housing development project in Gananoque. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Mayor John Beddows and Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark recently took a site tour. “They’re trailblazing using robotics in home construction, to complete projects faster and at less cost,” said Clark.

Beddows also praised the project, saying this is a living experiment that refines and improves the approach to address the challenges of input costs and skilled trade shortages.

This project is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2025.

Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.