Long-time residents of Ellwood House, the seniors affordable housing in Alta Vista, who looked out towards St. Thomas the Apostle Church on a sunny day in June, saw an unusual sight: a parade of speakers at a lectern delivering spirited words of determination and hope, with a bevy of shovels at the ready.
Ellwood and church leaders came together with federal, provincial and city representatives to celebrate the beginning of construction of the Ellwood House Extension that will more than double the capacity of the 37-year-old community residence.
The project is a partnership of Ellwood House, the St. Thomas the Apostle parish and the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, with funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Ontario government, the City of Ottawa and — the next challenge — a capital fundraising campaign.
The extension will be built on the site of the former St. Thomas rectory, which was demolished in early June along with land abatement, clearing the way for site plan approval by the City. The extension will have 38 one-bedroom units, six barrier-free and the rest fully visitable for those with accessibility needs.
The Rev Tim Kehoe, incumbent at St Thomas, told the gathering: “No single organization can accomplish work like this alone. It’s only possible through close collaboration among church and government partners, housing organizations, donors, volunteers, and community advocates.”
He said the ground-breaking event demonstrates what’s possible when people unite around a shared vision of the common good. “It’s simply part of the DNA of this place,” he said. “Ensuring respect and dignity for all, so that none are left behind.
“The soil we turn today represents more than construction – it represents lives that will be strengthened and futures that will be secured.”
Kehoe’s remarks resonated with subsequent speakers, the project’s partners.
Defence Minister David McGuinty, MP for Ottawa South, recalled being at the opening of Ellwood in 1988 with his late father, a former Ontario MPP for the area. “This is evidence of what we can do as a country when we work together,” he said, confirming $6.9 million in funding from the CMHC Affordable Housing Fund.
John Fraser, the current Ontario MPP for Ottawa South, paid tribute to the vision and determination of president Janice Horton and the Ellwood House board of directors. “Leadership is never losing sight of where you want to go. It takes vision and people to stick with it.” The Ontario Building Faster Fund provided $9.5 million.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the City of Ottawa is proud to work with the partners to make the project possible. The city provided significant pre-development funding as well as much support and advice throughout.
Bishop Kathryn Otley reminded everyone that three factors – aging, rent increases and fixed income – combine to create homelessness. “Ellwood House Extension offers seniors safe, affordable, permanent housing for independent living; just as importantly…a place to belong…that respects each person, a place to call home.”
Further supporting words came from Marty Carr, city councillor for Ward 18; Khurram Mirza, associate director at Turner and Townsend, project managers; Allessandro Guarna, vice-president of McDonald Brothers Construction; and James Colizza, founding partner of Colizza Bruni Architecture.
Colizza, who 40 years ago designed the original building deliberately facing St. Thomas church, referred to the campus as a vibrant intergenerational village, home to Braeside House, a residence for adults living with disabilities, the Bloom Centre for Early Learning and a city fire station in addition to Ellwood House and soon, the Extension.
In a special closing prayer Bishop Kathryn Otley of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa prayed for blessing upon board members and parish members. planners and builders, partners, funders and supporters.
“Bless all who shall live here:
grant them comfort in their days,
companionship in their evenings,
and joy in the sharing of life together.
“May their years be rich with memory and hope,
their hearts strengthened in faith,
and their lives upheld in your love.
“Make this community a sign of your kingdom—
where justice is cherished, where no one is left behind, and where each person is honoured as your beloved child.
“Guard this place from all harm;
fill it with kindness and laughter;
and let your presence dwell here continually…”
Saint Bede’s, Nolan’s Corners — Lanark Deanery