Ottawa, Build Canada Homes partnership aims to build 3,000 homes in the city

The City of Ottawa is working with Build Canada Homes to support the construction of affordable and market rental homes.

Its Finance and Corporate Services Committee and the Planning and Housing Committee are building out a partnership with the federal government that could see the construction of as many as 3,000 homes.

The partnership includes up to $400 million in federal and municipal contributions.

The agreement includes a plan to build 2,000 units on surplus federal lands, with up to 40 percent targeted to be affordable.

As part of the agreement, the city will receive $150 million of funding to support at least 1,000 homes for shovel-ready projects in the city’s affordable housing pipeline.

The city's contribution consists of waiving fees and charges to make building less expensive, and a tailored approval and permitting process to make the overall process faster. The city will also provide property tax exemptions for the affordable homes built on surplus federal lands. The contribution is valued at $200 to $245 million.

Ottawa’s city council will review the partnership agreement at its meeting on April 22. The city is aiming to become the most housing-friendly city in the country.