Largest Single Investment in Affordable Housing in Ottawa
E
very Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.
That is why the Government of Canada is partnering with the City of Ottawa, and the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCH) to build hundreds of new affordable housing across 3 sites, comprising of a total of 4 buildings in Ottawa.
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, along with Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa, were accompanied by Mathieu Fleury, City Councillor and Chair of the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation Board of Directors and Stephane Giguere, the Chief Executive Officer of OCH to announce a $167.9 million financial commitment in the form of a mortgage from the federal government, $10.8 million of which is a forgivable loan, for the construction of approximately 700 new units.
This is the largest single investment awarded to a social and affordable housing provider for the development of new affordable housing in Ottawa under the National Housing Strategy. With the help of the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), OCH's affordable housing developments will be built in Ottawa and are located in areas close to public transit, community centres, and support services. Of the proposed 698 units, a total of 211 units will be earmarked at affordable rents lower than 80% of median market rent for the neighborhood.
The new homes will support those of all ages, family compositions, and demographics, but 179 of the homes will be dedicated to priority groups such as seniors, women and children fleeing domestic violence, those facing mental health and addiction issues, and newcomers.
Providing safe and stable housing affords greater opportunities for residents to find and keep jobs, learn and build skills, and be active participants in their communities.
Quotes
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today's announcement is the largest single investment in affordable housing in Ottawa, ever. This shows how the National Housing Strategy is working in communities across Canada.
- The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Through the National Housing Strategy, our government is investing in up to 698 units of affordable housing for residents of Ottawa seeking safe, affordable housing options that meet their needs. Hard working families in Ottawa deserve a safe and affordable place to call home where they can thrive and spend more time with their children. These developments are a result of great partnerships, coming together to respond to a grave housing need in our City.
- The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre
Affordable housing continues to be a priority for the City of Ottawa. Council recently approved the refreshed 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, which sets ambitious targets - including eliminating unsheltered, veteran and chronic homelessness, and creating up to 8,500 new affordable housing options by 2030. Let's continue to work together, with our federal and provincial partners, to ensure that everyone in our city has a place that they can call home.
- Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa
The 10-Year Development Strategy has strategically transformed OCH's operations to ensure our readiness to build. Strengthening partnerships such as the ones with CMHC and the City of Ottawa will pave the way for a meaningful and significant transformation for affordable housing in our City. With this strategic financing opportunity, OCH can now foster the construction of a minimum of 700 new affordable rentals over the next few years. We are encouraged by continued engagement to collaborate with the federal government and the City to achieve a common goal of providing suitable, sustainable and affordable rental housing to meet the evolving needs of the residents of Ottawa.
- Mathieu Fleury, Chair of Ottawa Community Housing Board of Directors and Stephane Giguere, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing
Quick facts
The Government of Canada, and OCH acknowledge that the buildings, located at 811, 818, and 933 Gladstone, are being built on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people.
The City of Ottawa is allocating approximately $2.8 million in development charge and fees waivers toward this initiative, and $18.3 million through the Investment in Affordable Housing/Social Infrastructure Fund initiative for 811 Gladstone Road.
The City of Ottawa has also allocated $10 million in City Capital Funding for Gladstone Village and Rochester Heights Phase II in addition to relief from development charges and applicable other building fees
The portfolio investment aims to achieve over 55% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions relative to the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings.
The portfolio, on average, will comply with the highest level of accessibility i.e. barrier free common areas and 31%+ of units meet accessibility standards or full universal design and 21%+ of units meet accessibility standards.
With a budget of $13.2 billion, NHCF gives priority to projects that help those in greatest need, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addictions, Veterans and young adults.
Through the NHCF, the Government of Canada will work with partners to build up to 60,000 new affordable homes and repair up to 240,000 existing affordable and community homes over the next 10 years.
Investments are also planned in the NHCF to create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for victims of family violence and create at least 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors and 2,400 new affordable housing units for people with developmental disabilities.
Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
✔️ Largest Single Investment in Affordable Housing in Ottawa
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