Ottawa: The Government f Canada is partnering with the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCH) to make a major investment in housing in Ottawa.
The official announcement said it would be a $165.6 million financial commitment – of which $65.4 million would be a forgivable loan – for capital repairs, which will occur over nine years.
The portfolio project will upgrade and extend the lifespan of the over 11,000 units, while improving tenant health, safety, comfort, and overall quality of life.
The announcement was made by Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), alongside Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier and Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, and Catherine McKenna, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
The funds will provide tenants across the city of Ottawa safer and more comfortable homes. The federal representatives were joined by Laura Dudas, Deputy Mayor of Ottawa, on behalf of Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa, Mathieu Fleury, Councillor for Rideau-Vanier and Chair of the OCH Board of Directors, and Stéphane Giguère, CEO of the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation for the announcement.
The Ottawa Community Housing Corporation is the largest social and affordable housing provider in Ottawa, the fourth largest in Canada, managing two-thirds of the City’s social and affordable housing portfolio, and providing social and affordable housing for some of Ottawa’s most vulnerable populations.
The federal funding is being delivered through CMHC’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), which supports new and revitalization construction of mixed-income, mixedtenure, and mixed-use affordable housing.
The NHCF is a key pillar of the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS). Hussen said: “Today’s announcement is not only about ensuring Ottawans have a roof over their heads, it’s about making sure they have a home.
“Thanks to this investment through the National Housing Strategy, we are better able to support vulnerable populations with an affordable place that meets their needs. These types of projects in our communities help create new jobs and stimulate the economy, while providing access to safe, affordable homes, and improving the quality of life of Canadians.”
Mona Fortier said: “Current events remind us that nothing is more important than a home. Residents of Ottawa-Vanier, and all Canadians, deserve a safe and affordable place to call home where they can thrive and spend more time with their loved ones.
“This investment will ensure that the existing affordable housing supply operated by Ottawa Community Housing is in good repair and will improve the quality of life for its residents for years to come.”