Ottawa Community Housing receives $78 million for rental-unit construction
Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) has received a boost of more than $78 million from the federal government to build 271 rental units in the city’s Vanier neighbourhood.
Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen was among those to announce the funding on November 14. Also appearing were Ottawa–Vanier MP and Treasury Board President Mona Fortier, OCHC CEO Stéphane Giguère, and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson
Mikinak Community, located at 715 Mikinak Road in Rideau Rockcliffe/Viscount Alexander Park, will provide a mix of unit sizes with varying levels of affordability, including average market rent units and below market rent units. The development will help benefit women and children, Indigenous peoples, and households on the Centralized Waiting List.
"715 Mikinak is a prime example of OCHC's collaborative approach to helping address Ottawa's affordable housing needs,” said Giguère. “Through our innovative partnerships with the Government of Canada, CMHC, the Government of Ontario, the City of Ottawa, we're providing 271 homes for individuals and families in need. We look forward to welcoming tenants to this modern, sustainable, and vibrant community."
The initiative is receiving federal funding through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, a $13.2-billion pillar of the National Housing Strategy, as well as the Federal Lands Initiative, a $200-million fund that supports the transfer of surplus federal lands and buildings to be used as affordable housing.
The project is also receiving over $2.6 million from the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, which is a cost-shared program between Ontario and the Government of Canada aimed at creating new housing and increasing housing affordability.
Ottawa Community Housing Corporation provides approximately 15,000 homes to about 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with disabilities, within many communities across the City of Ottawa.
It is the largest social, community and affordable housing provider in Ottawa.