Ottawa Community Housing has broken ground on a six-storey development that will be fully electric and built to Passive House standards.

Located within the Shearwater Court community in the city’s south end, the mid-rise building replaces nine homes that were at the end of their lifecycle and introduces 36 additional homes increasing much-needed affordable housing supply in the area.

The building will offer a diverse mix of housing including 22 three-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom, and 12 one-bedroom apartments, including nine barrier-free homes to meet various accessibility needs.

The Shearwater Court building is designed to deliver long-term affordability and resilience by reducing energy usage and utility costs. Key features include:

• high-performance insulation and airtight building envelope to minimize heat loss
• triple-glazed windows that enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption
• advanced ventilation systems designed to optimize indoor air quality
• solar photovoltaic panels to generate clean, renewable energy and offset electricity needs
• energy-efficient lighting and appliances to further reduce overall energy demand

Combined, these features are intended to improve building performance, enhance resident comfort, and support OCH’s broader sustainability and affordability goals.

“The Shearwater Court redevelopment is a forward-looking investment that supports several key priorities for the City of Ottawa,” said Ottawa Community Housing CEO Stéphane Giguère. “It strengthens an existing community by replacing aging infrastructure with modern, energy-efficient homes, adds more affordable housing, and stimulates the local economy through job creation and construction. The development is a strong example of how thoughtful, people-focused housing can create lasting benefits for both residents and the city as a whole.”

Beaudoin Construction will lead construction.