Jul 11th, 2023
Ontario Providing More Affordable and Supportive Housing in Ottawa
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OTTAWA — The Ontario government is providing $10 million to create 53 housing units in Ottawa to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Ontario is investing $4 million to create 13 out of 32 units at 505 and 515 Branch Street. Managed by Ottawa Community Housing, this project will provide affordable housing for families exiting the city’s shelter system. The building is designed and built to accommodate future solar energy and includes 21 parking spots and communal bike racks. Public transit is available within 600 meters.
Ontario is also investing $6 million to create 40 housing units for the chronically homeless in a mixed-use modular building. Located at 399 and 401 Bell Street South, the building includes bachelor units, six of which are accessible. The building also includes 29 parking spaces and offices on the ground and second floor. Supportive programs and services are being provided by the John Howard Society. Supports for residents also include employment, training and counselling, educational programming, and medication management.
“Our government is working hard to ensure Ottawa’s housing needs are met, with historic levels of funding in housing and homelessness prevention that recognizes the city’s unique needs,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Supportive and affordable housing are critical components of our commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, which will help all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, find a home that meets their needs and budget.”
The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs – the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program – bringing the province’s total annual investment to close to $700 million. This funding is in addition to the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which provided over $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
QUOTES
“Both of these projects exemplify our government’s major commitment to homelessness relief in 2023, with a $10 million commitment that will create 53 homes for families and individuals,” said Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton. “The Bell Street South project will provide 40 units enhanced by programs and services provided by the John Howard Society. The Branch Street project is only a few hundred metres from the Carleton riding that I represent as MPP. Although Carleton is considered a rural riding, homelessness does not discriminate between urban and rural residents who are struggling. These projects are important for everyone in the City of Ottawa.”
“Our government’s $10 million investment in affordable and supportive housing in Ottawa – including $4 million in Nepean – will make a life-changing difference for residents,” said Lisa MacLeod, MPP for Nepean. “I want to thank Ottawa Community Housing and the John Howard Society for their continued work in our community, and reiterate our government’s continuing support and efforts to ensure all Ontarians can find a home that meets their needs and budget.”
‘’Every Ontarian deserves a safe place to call home,” said Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. “These investments will help us build stronger communities by making life more affordable for those most in need. Our government is proud to invest in the creation of new affordable housing in Ottawa and across Ontario. These 53 new units will meet our growing community’s housing needs, in line with our government’s plan to increase housing supply so more people are able to find a home they can afford.”
“Thank you to our Provincial and Federal governments for their continued support. This investment helps to lay the foundation for positive change in our communities. With 40 compassionate supportive housing units at 399 and 401 Bell Street South and an additional 32 affordable housing units soon to be established at 505 and 515 Branch Street, we are actively fortifying our commitment to our vulnerable families and residents. Together, we are taking strides towards eradicating homelessness in Ottawa. This is the kind of progress that we hope will help revitalize these communities.” – City of Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe
“Our Branch Street development in Barrhaven is another great example of how OCH works innovatively and collaborates with all orders of government to address the need for affordable housing. The provincial Social Services Relief Funding (SSRF) is a significant contribution towards the 32 affordable homes for individuals and families who need them. We look forward to welcoming tenants to this modern, sustainable, and vibrant community.” – Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing Corporation
QUICK FACTS
The City of Ottawa was allocated over $100.4 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services.
Through the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), service managers have the flexibility to allocate provincial funding to programs and services that address and prevent homelessness in their communities, such as rent supplements, homeless shelters, and supportive housing, including capital projects. The HPP was launched in April 2022, combining three programs: Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, Home for Good, and the Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Learn more about affordable housing in Ontario and find your local service manager to see what housing supports are available in your community.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Victoria Podbielski
Minister’s Office
victoria.podbielski2@ontario.ca
Communications Branch
MMA.Media@ontario.ca
ontario.ca/newsroom
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