The Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCH) announced it is making a $167.9 million financial commitment toward the construction of approximately 700 new affordable rental homes, the largest single investment awarded to an affordable housing provider in Ottawa under the National Housing Strategy. Financing for this project will come in the form of a mortgage from the federal government – $10.8 million of which is a forgivable loan.
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 per cent of median market rent for the neighbourhood.
The new affordable rental 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.
“Affordable housing continues to be a priority for the City of Ottawa,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “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.”
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 per cent of units meet accessibility standards.
The investment also aims to achieve over 55 per cent reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions relative to the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings.
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.
