Coalition calls for Matthew Perry House plans to be halted [Video]

The house would sit on land at the Royal Ottawa’s mental health centre and would provide transitional, supportive housing for those who have completed addictions treatment. A community group is opposing the plans.

A group of Ottawa residents is calling for plans for a new addiction recovery centre on a patch of green space to be halted, while those who support the project are accusing them of spreading misinformation.

The Common Sense Planning Coalition says it’s worried the Matthew Perry House — proposed in the wake of the Ottawa-raised actor’s 2023 death from a ketamine overdose — would take over “valuable community green space” on the grounds of The Royal, Ottawa’s mental health centre.

It wants the proposed lease negotiations to be terminated and says the centre should instead go up on an adjacent parking lot.

“This is not about NIMBYism. It’s about smart, sustainable and responsible planning that benefits everyone, including those who need …