City says it can’t meet affordable housing targets without more help [Video]

The City of Ottawa will not meet its long-term targets for building new affordable housing without “significant new, enhanced and continued support” from higher levels of government, finance staff reported on Wednesday. 

Councillors set a target of creating 500 new affordable housing units per year — but have so far not reached that goal even once. 

After the plan was approved in 2021, Ottawa’s economic and social situation changed dramatically. 

An increase in construction costs and financing rates has slowed the pace of building, while an influx of asylum seekers has put unprecedented stress on the shelter system, staff outlined in their report. 

That’s created a $931-million hole that staff believe can only be filled by the federal and provincial governments.

• Spend more, build more? City ups affordable housing budget but needs outside funds
• City lays out 10-year plan to pay for affordable housing

“It’s an ambitious plan,” said Somerset …