Jan 24th, 2025

Ottawa Community Housing Board Approves 2025 Budget

Ottawa, January 24, 2025 – Ottawa Community Housing is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved the 2025 Budget, reinforcing OCH’s commitment to its Strategic Plan.  

This year’s budget continues to prioritize the development of new affordable homes, the sustainability of OCH’s existing portfolio, and investment in tenant services and supports.  

Revenue Sources   

For 2025, it is projected that 57 percent of OCH’s revenue will be generated by rental income, while 39 percent will be provided through the City of Ottawa in the form of subsidies and grants. The remaining 4 percent of revenue will come from laundry, commercial space rental, and parking. Total budgeted expenses for 2025 are estimated at $227.7 million. 

New Affordable Housing Development   

Consistent with the OCH’s Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP) and Portfolio Management Framework (PMF), the 2025 budget supports the construction of 868 new affordable homes including: 

• The second phase of Mosaïq Ottawa (273 homes) 
• The first phase of Gladstone Village (336 homes) 
• Shearwater Court (45 homes) 
• Beausoleil (159 homes) 
• Somerset St E (23 homes)  
• Branch Street (32 homes)  

In addition, the budget allocates funding for pre-development activities to prepare for future affordable housing developments and position OCH to respond to increasing affordable housing demand.  

Maintenance and Sustainability 

The 2025 budget continues OCH’s commitment to preserve its existing housing portfolio through multiyear capital works projects. These initiatives will extend the lifespan of OCH homes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the energy efficiency of the portfolio and operations.  

Planned projects include: 

• The Fire Safety System Renewal Program 
• The Cladding Renewal Program 
• The Structural Repair Program 
• The Roofing Program  
• The Site Renewal Program 

Innovative Programs and Community Initiatives 

The approved budget also advances strategic investments in initiatives such as Complex Care Housing, Subsidy Loss Programs and Community Safety Services. These programs reflect OCH’s commitment to developing forward-thinking solutions that address evolving community needs and housing stability for the tenants we serve. 

QUOTES  

“OCH’s 2025 budget strikes a balance between addressing the urgent need for more affordable housing and providing quality tenant services. By working together with the City of Ottawa and other partners, OCH is creating meaningful solutions aimed at delivering safe and affordable homes for thousands of people across the city. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank my council colleagues for continuing to support OCH in expanding affordable housing and providing services and supports for over 33,300 OCH tenants”  

— Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, Chair of the OCH Board of Directors  

“This financial plan sets the stage for a transformative year. By prioritizing operational efficiency, sustainability, and the strategic expansion and preservation of our housing portfolio, we are achieving meaningful outcomes that will create lasting value for the communities we serve. These investments represent a clear pathway towards building a strong future for OCH and more resilient communities.”  

— Stéphane Giguère, CEO, Ottawa Community Housing   

Quick Facts:   

• $221.5 million investment towards new affordable housing construction   
• Total 2025 budget expenses are estimated at $227.7 million   
• $57.6 million in total capital investments  
• $32 million in operational building maintenance (day-to-day repairs and maintenance) 
• $1.7 M for the Green Fund initiatives 

Resources:   

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For media inquiries, please contact:   

Esther Njuguna
Media Relations Specialist
Ottawa Community Housing
media@och.ca
343-961-4035 

About Ottawa Community Housing  

Ottawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,000 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout the City of Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa’s primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city’s housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. It operates at an arm’s length of the City of Ottawa. In 2024, OCH earned recognition for the seventh consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.  

www.och-lco.ca | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram  

Role of the Board of Directors and the Finance and Audit Committee 

The Board of Directors is made up of the Mayor as ex-officio, four City Councillors, five members of the community and one tenant member. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting policy direction and is legally accountable for the business of OCH. The Finance and Audit Committee has responsibility for providing advice to the Board on financial issues and for providing a focus for Board oversight of financial management for OCH.