More Homes Key To A Revitalized Downtown

OTTAWA’S DOWNTOWN IS facing an existential crisis. Before the COVID pandemic, our downtown core mostly lived off the influx of federal workers between the morning and afternoon rush hours. But the feds are never coming back in full strength, leaving office buildings half-empty, while remote work has given the rest of us the ability to work almost anywhere, causing an exodus from the City altogether. Businesses that relied on a busy downtown core are forced to contemplate an uncertain future.

Now, with the global pandemic (hopefully?) in the rearview mirror, cities like Ottawa are once again coming back to life, and the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association believes this presents an incredible opportunity to create an urban core that’s healthier, more vibrant and more welcoming than ever before. And making that happen starts with homes.

GOHBA Executive Director Jason Burggraaf

GOHBA and its members know that Canadians are in a housing crisis – they either can’t find a home of their own that they can afford, or they are stuck in a home that no longer meets their needs because there are no affordable alternatives. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring that Ottawa residents have access to a variety of housing options, as well as a reasonable chance to live in the kind of home they want within our city boundaries.

The Charlotte: Richcraft Homes Ltd. Finalist for the GOHBA 40th Annual Housing Design Awards High-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental, 5 storeys or more)

Increasing the amount of available homes in such a desirable part of the City is a critical part of the revitalization of our city’s downtown core.

The Ottawa Board of Trade has called for the creation of a “road map to transformation” for the city, and GOHBA members are an essential part of that journey. We know that revitalization and a supply of new homes isn’t just good for residents, it’s also good for business. Ottawa needs to provide a range of centrally located housing and lifestyle options if it wants to attract and retain talented people, encourage commerce and foster exciting economic development opportunities.

Like the Board of Trade, GOHBA believes that the possibilities for downtown growth and renewal are endless. Ottawa is a far more affordable city than Toronto or Montreal, and we offer all the amenities that make a city great: exceptional entertainment, excellent restaurants, internationally renowned museums, celebrated postsecondary institutions, easy access to nature and green spaces, and a corporate environment that encourages innovation and opportunity.

So now we have the chance to build a prosperous, complete community in our downtown core by constructing more highdensity, multi-unit homes where residents have safe, secure access to all the amenities they need – from groceries to dry cleaning, and entertainment to schools – within just a short walk.

The Slayte: Linebox Studio with CLV Group. Finalist for the GOHBA 40th Annual Housing Design Awards High-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental, 5 storeys or more)

This will also contribute significantly to our environmental goals as a City, with downtown Ottawa residents having better access to active and public transportation for the majority of their trips.

While much of this rejuvenation will be new construction, we also have a great opportunity to convert empty office space in some of the most central and desirable locations in the downtown core into quality homes. We’ve already seen one office building completely transformed into residential, and more are in the pipeline.

Hillside Apartments: Hobin Architecture Incorporated. Finalist for the GOHBA 40th Annual Housing Design Awards Mid-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental)

The sky is the limit when it comes to revitalizing Ottawa’s downtown core, and GOHBA members – this community’s leading home builders, developers, renovators, contractors and professionals in the residential construction industry – are here to make it a reality.

GOHBA members live in the communities they help build. They support affordability, quality and choice because they’re committed to making Ottawa the best city it can be. Our members advocate for healthy, balanced municipal housing policies and flexible, efficient legislation.

Capital Park – 36 Robinson: TCU Development Corporation. Finalist for the GOHBA 40th Annual Housing Design Awards Mid-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental)

We’re also addressing the labour shortage through partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations to provide access to skilled trades training and affordable housing because our goal is a better, stronger city.

GOHBA is a collaborative, results-oriented strategic partner for our members and for the City. Our membership has skyrocketed by 25 per cent since 2021 because businesses and organizations across the City recognize a simple fact – We get things done. Rejuvenating Ottawa’s downtown for current and future generations will require bold thinking and urgent action, and GOHBA is here to help build the future, one home at a time.