Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed on Thursday that the federal government is enhancing its recently approved housing collaboration with the City of Ottawa by incorporating an additional 100 units to their project. The City of Ottawa finalized its portion of the $400 million agreement with the federal government’s Build Canada Homes agency to construct approximately 3,000 new homes and units on Wednesday. Build Canada Homes was set to fund an additional 1,000 affordable units on the city’s agenda. Carney announced on Thursday that the agency had sanctioned eight projects under that classification, which would result in over 1,100 units being built instead of the initial 1,000.
Both levels of government are also planning to jointly finance around 2,000 units to be erected on federal land, with most of them designated for market rents and at least 30% considered affordable. The focus is on prioritizing three- and four-bedroom homes suitable for families, with the city contributing by exempting certain taxes and fees.
The Liberals unveiled the Build Canada Homes agency last September, pledging a $13 billion fund to aid in constructing affordable housing nationwide and alleviating significant housing challenges. The agency will have the authority to approve construction on public lands and provide funding in the early stages of housing development projects. Carney stated on Thursday that the agency has committed to constructing over 10,000 units within seven months.
Some of the inaugural Build Canada Homes initiatives in Ottawa are located on Heron Road west of Walkley and Wateridge Village at the former Rockcliffe military base, as reported by the city. The prime minister announced the news on Geyser Place in Barrhaven, a construction site near the south end of Jockvale Road where 118 new units will be established in the future.
Moreover, the other endorsed Ottawa projects highlighted by the prime minister’s office on Thursday include 159 units at 200 Beausoleil Dr., 90 units at 1770 Heatherington Rd., 20 units at 58 Capilano Dr., 64 units at 240 Presland Rd., 110 units on Hickory St., 266 units at 2475 Regina St., and 296 units at 384 Arlington Ave. Construction commencement targets vary from this summer to either spring or “early” in 2027.