Committee approves millions for affordable housing initiatives

The City of Ottawa's planning committee approved a spending plan of more than $33.7 million for affordable housing initiatives it was announced on June 9. 

The goal of the funding is to create new affordable housing through partnerships with housing providers, and to try to stabilize existing projects currently under construction. Some projects that are already under construction require more funding due to disruptions to labour and supply chains brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $33.7 million will include the following commitments:

• $10 million to Ottawa Community Housing Corporation to support phase two of Rochester Heights, with construction starting this year on 270 affordable units at 818 Gladstone Avenue. 
• $7.2 million to Nepean Housing Corporation to build a three-storey apartment building with 31 affordable units at Dunbar Court, starting in late 2022 or early 2023. 
• Up to $2 million to be allocated through a pilot program for private sector developers to deliver affordable rental units in conjunction with National Housing Strategy programs. 
• Up to $1.2 million to be allocated to Ontario Renovates for capital repairs and accessibility modifications, with expanded eligibility requirements to consider applications from both community housing providers and not-for-profit landlords, in addition to seniors and persons with disabilities.
• $13.3 million from the housing reserve as a contingency fund for housing projects underway that are at risk due to rising costs, or to help non-profit housing providers purchase properties to establish affordable rental housing.

The money allocated for this spending plan will help fund about 300 new and permanent affordable housing units, the City said. This would bring the total number of units under development across Ottawa to 1,500.

The City's planning committee also approved Official Plan and zoning amendments as well as a heritage permit to facilitate redevelopment at the southwest corner of Richmond Road and Island Park Drive. In the ByWard Market, the committee approved a zoning amendment to permit construction of a 22-storey hotel and apartment building east of Dalhousie Street, between York and George streets. The design includes 214 hotel rooms and 280 rental apartments. 

Recommendations from today's meeting will rise to council on Wednesday, June 22.