Rohit Group breaks ground on mid-rise Ottawa wood-frame residential development

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Edmonton, Alberta-based Rohit Group has started construction in Ottawa on what the developers describe as a โ€œa flagship project that will expand the availability of high-quality, purpose-built rentals in the capital region.โ€

โ€œThe Horizons at Crystal Bay will be one of Ottawaโ€™s largest wood-frame residential developments, offering attainable luxury and flexible design, while minimizing environmental impact,โ€ they said in a statement at the projectโ€™s groundbreaking last Thursday (Feb. 6).

When work is completed in 2027, there will be twin six-storey rental complexes with 185 units. Seventy-five per cent of the suites will include two-bedroom layouts and one-bedroom suites with a den.

โ€œWe need purpose-built rentals to support people with diverse housing options โ€“ especially here in Ontario, where the pressure on housing is acute, saidย  Rohit Homes Ottawa vice-president Chris MacKinnon.

โ€œWe are well-equipped to boost availability with an ambitious target of more than 900 units in Ottawa by 2029, making a meaningful impact for the city and the residents who live here.โ€

โ€œCrystal Beach/Crystal Bay are wonderful and unique neighbourhoods, and this development will expand the variety of accommodation options in the area,โ€ said Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, who represents the City of Ottawaโ€™s Bay ward. โ€œThis is good news for DND employees who work at the Moodie campus.โ€

Designed to surpass the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings by more than 40 per cent, The Horizons at Crystal Bay will be constructed with sustainable wood-frame materials that retain carbon capture properties and function as natural insulators, the developerโ€™s statement says. Taller, wood-frame construction is a growing movement in residential developments โ€“ desired for its reduced environmental impact throughout the building cycle and smaller carbon-footprint compared to steel, glass and concrete builds, the developers say.

The development also offers 24 underground EV charging stations, LED lighting, and high-efficiency appliances.

Rohit ottawa projectโ€œWeโ€™ve purposefully elevated the exterior design of The Horizons using a bold variation of brick masonry, fibre-cement siding and recessed balconies, along with articulations and step-backs,โ€ said Akash Sinha,ย director of acquisitions and development for Rohit Group. โ€œThese featuresย will enhance the faรงade and establish The Horizons as a landmark address in the community.โ€

โ€œWe truly look forward to developing a great place for people to call home and contributing to the beauty that is the Crystal Beach area.โ€

The development will also offerย premium amenities like a rooftop patio and fully equipped fitness centre, along with spectacular views of the Ottawa River, the Gatineau Park and downtown from select upper-level units.

Housing starts, which includes apartments, townhomes and single-family homes, have been declining in Ottawa for nearly three years. In fact, Ottawa began construction on just 7,894 homes last year โ€“ far below target and the lowest number of housing starts in five years.

โ€œExpanding our footprint in the Ottawa market with The Horizons at Crystal Bay marks a significant milestone for Rohit Groupโ€ said Adil Kodian, executive vice-president of Rohit Homes. โ€œBy delivering purpose-built rentals with attainable luxury, weโ€™re meeting the dual challenge of affordability and availability with bold, impactful solutions.โ€

Rohit Group says it looks forward to announcing other residential projects in the Ottawa region later this year.

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