A new sustainable, transit-oriented infill development at 30 Cleary Avenue in Ottawa has received the green light from city council to proceed. The project is a unique partnership between Theia Partners, the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa (FirstU), and Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS).

Odayanhaway (“Little Village”) will transform an underutilized parking lot adjacent to transit and the Ottawa River into an inclusive community for 200 individuals and families. The project aims to address Ottawa’s need for affordable housing while setting a new standard in sustainability and community collaboration.

Odayanhaway will feature two distinct buildings: a 16-storey high-rise, jointly owned by FirstU and Theia Partners, featuring 148 affordable and “deeply affordable” units; and a 6-storey non-profit building with 66 units, facilitated through a land donation from FirstU. Indigenous-owned and operated by OAHS, the building will be designed to provide culturally appropriate housing for Indigenous individuals and families.

“This affordable housing project at 30 Cleary Avenue will provide much-needed homes for Indigenous families and individuals in Ottawa, helping to address the pressing shortage of affordable housing,” said Justin Marchand, CEO of OAHS. “By incorporating culture-based approaches into the design and development, we are not only building homes but also fostering a sense of community and friendship among residents and between community organizations. These partnerships enable us to work collectively towards our shared vision of a more inclusive and supportive community for all.”

Both buildings will adhere to strict environmental sustainability standards, demonstrating that affordable housing can also be sustainable housing. The project will feature innovative green technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling, and sustainable design practices to reduce the buildings’ carbon footprint.