Housing projects will surpass original goal of 125 units

Plans in various stages of development are on track to create 279 new affordable housing units across the diocese, more than double the original target set by the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Working Group (HAHWG).

Among its first initiatives in 2015, HAHWG set the goal of celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawain 2021 by supporting the creation of 125 new units and to have every parish engaged in efforts to pray, learn, act and advocate to reduce homelessness through affordable housing.

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“It’s really encouraging that through the dedicated work of parishes and Cornerstone Housing for Women we are going to exceed our goal,” HAHWG Chair Sue Garvey says. “We will continue because unfortunately the need for truly affordable housing has continued to grow throughout the diocese.”

In his recent Charge to Synod 2023, Bishop Shane Parker said a new diocesan affordable housing strategy will be prepared for adoption by Synod in 2024. “In the meantime, we will continue to seek out opportunities to support new…initiatives, as many of our parishes are doing in their local communities.”

As of October 2023, the following is the status of six projects currently underway:

• Hollyer House at Christ Church Bells Corners (CCBC) is expecting to welcome tenants for its 35 units by the end of the year. Fundraising for Hollyer House continues. The campaign has surpassed the $1 million mark. (Goal $1.6 million). [email protected]
• Construction is nearing completion at Carebridge Community Support’s 28-unit project in Smiths Falls, with St John the Evangelist parish as a partner, demonstrating broad community support and the key donor of $500,000. Completion is expected by early 2024.  [email protected]
• The Ellwood House Extension at St Thomas the Apostle has received a Delegation of Authority Report from the City of Ottawa, effectively clearing the way to the final stages of development. The directors are seeking funding to complete architectural and planning work for building permits. The project will add 38 one-bedroom units, six barrier-free and all fully accessible. [email protected]
• Julian of Norwich has submitted a rezoning application for its Anchor Project. The intention is to have the project-—a partnership of the parish, the diocese and Multifaith Housing Initiative-—ready for funding opportunities in 2024. The project will include three buildings for a proposed total of 80 residential units, a new worship space, community meeting space, and more.
  julianofnorwichottawa.ca
• The Perth town council has voted unanimously to allow a project, driven by St James Perth, to proceed. St James is working through the broad-based Caring Community Housing Initiative Perth. The CCHIP steering committee plans to ask council in December to transfer a plot of town-owned land to Carebridge Community Support for the purpose of building 10 units, waiving development fees and taxes for 20 years.
• [email protected]
• Work is progressing well on Cornerstone Housing for Women’s fifth supportive housing residence, 44 Eccles Street. The residence features 46 supportive housing units for women and gender diverse individuals. Cornerstone expects the residence to open by the spring of 2024.
• [email protected]

The opening of 42 units at Cornerstone’s Princeton Avenue residence provided the first milestone for the 125th anniversary project. The projects above will add another 237 units for a total of 279, more than doubling the original goal of 125 units.