Federal funding to repair more than 11,000 Ottawa Community Housing units

The federal government is providing more than $165-million to help Ottawa Community Housing with its backlog of repairs involving thousands of apartments and townhouses.

The funding is welcome news for city officials who were present at the funding announcement, Thursday, June 24.

“Municipalities cannot do this alone, and it is through these investments and this partnership that we can accomplish great things,” said Deputy Mayor Laura Dudas.

The federal funding will ensure the capital's social housing stock is in better repair, as well as pay for energy efficient retrofits, upgraded kitchens, floors and more accessible units.

“Most importantly, the program improves residents' living conditions, pride of place, and the overall tenant experience,” said Stéphane Giguère, CEO, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation.

There are whispers of a potential federal election in the months ahead, and the minister making the funding announcement was asked whether the funding had anything to do with hopes for re-election.

“I've been in Ottawa a number of times, with Minister [Catherine] McKenna and Mayor Jim Watson, making housing announcements,” said Ahmed Hussen, minister of families, children and social development and minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

“This is yet another announcement in a whole host of announcements that we've made proudly in Ottawa, because of the need,” he said.

The total amount of federal funding announced Thursday is $165.6-million, of which $65.4-million is a forgivable loan. The funding will be spread out over the next nine years.