There doesn’t seem to be enough space for three houses at the Construction Association build site on Prince Edward Island next to Charlottetown Rural High School – but there is. That’s because the houses are tiny houses.

"We have two floors at 300 square feet each plus one at 500 square feet," said the association’s general manager Sam Sanderson to CBC News during a recent visit.

These tiny houses will eventually become affordable housing as part of a regional project. For now, they are still being equipped with the most energy-efficient appliances.

Sanderson said each building is net-zero ready. That requires high R-values for wall, floor, and roof insulation to retain heat, and audits from the province to ensure every possible energy-saving measure is considered.

Inside each tiny home, there is enough space for one bedroom – or two, in the 500-square-foot houses – plus a kitchen, living room, and bathroom with either a shower or bathtub. All regular appliances, including a fridge, stove, washer, and dryer, will be brought in.

Sanderson said: "They are small, unique, and innovative, but very easy to maintain. And long-term care costs are definitely much lower than your traditional home."

Building homes and skills...

The first tiny homes began construction in March 2023. Building them takes longer than usual, but that’s for a good reason: they are being built by students.

The Construction Association has two training programs working side-by-side, one targeting skilled newcomers to Canada and the other young people considering a career in construction. Under the supervision of a group of industry professionals, students in both programs were working on the homes.

One of those students is Zhaojie (Jerry) Wang, who moved to Prince Edward Island from China four years ago and had been an engineer in his home country, but he says he has always liked construction.

"Before I came to Canada, I built my own house, and I want to try a career as an electrician or carpenter or any other field." Wang said, "I enjoy trying new things."

Wang also added that he learned a lot in the program, including how carpentry differs in Canada.

Also, students in the youth construction program have the chance to learn from the skilled newcomers as well.