Ontario Construction News staff writer
More than $90 million was announced Tuesday to support construction of more 270 affordable housing units across the City of Ottawa.
The five projects funded include a mix of unit sizes with varying levels of affordability, including average market rent units and below market rent units.
“Today’s major announcement for Ottawa will have a huge impact on a wide variety of our citizens. The availability of affordable housing is scarce in our region,” said Yasir Naqvi
MP for Ottawa Centre. “These new homes will make a difference in ending the cycle of homelessness. Our government is support and commitment to creating affordable housing for our most vulnerable individuals and families.”
The announcement took place at 289 Carling, a six-storey building with 40 self-contained affordable units, 8 of which are accessible. Carling Avenue Supportive Housing project will provide on-site 24-hour support for transitional-aged youth and adults, people who are homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless, as well as women and their children.
Also receiving cash:
159 Forward Ave., Mechanicsville:
- $12 million
- Four-storey building with a range of unit sizes from studios to three-bedrooms
- 30 of 49 units, 30 will be designated as affordable
93 Norman St., Little Italy:
- $48 million
- Nine-storey rental apartment building offering affordable units, accessible design and sustainable construction
- 36 of 122 units to accommodate women and their children
494 Lisgar St., Centretown:
- $14 million
- 29-unit building for women experiencing chronic homelessness with a focus on Indigenous women
- 24-hour support on-site with gender, trauma, and culturally responsive case management, and community development supports
3380 Jockvale Rd. Barrhaven:
- $5.85 million
- 32 affordable housing units for families in the shelter system
- Ottawa Community Housing will build two and three-bedroom stacked townhomes, including seven that are accessible
“In 2020 the City of Ottawa declared a housing and homelessness emergency. All orders of government must place high priority on creating not-for-profit housing and recognize our collective role in ending homelessness,” said Councillor Shawn Menard. “The investments announced today are very welcome and must continue to meet the housing challenges we face.”
