Friday, August 21, 2026
Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) marked the groundbreaking of 200 Beausoleil, an affordable housing development in Ottawa’s Lowertown neighbourhood and one of the first projects advancing under the Government of Canada’s Build Canada Homes initiative.
The Government of Canada is supporting the development through up to $63 million in combined funding, including investments from Build Canada Homes and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
“Every new affordable home makes a difference for individuals and families looking for a place to call home. Breaking ground on this development brings us one step closer to welcoming future residents to a sustainable, inclusive community in the heart of Lowertown,” said Stéphane Giguère, CEO, Ottawa Community Housing.
Located at 200 Beausoleil Drive in Lowertown, the development will transform an existing parking structure into a new 20-storey affordable housing building. Featuring a six-storey podium, the building will provide 159 one- and two-bedroom rental homes, including 32 accessible homes. Residents will benefit from convenient access to public transit, community services, parks, and local amenities. Designed using Passive House principles and incorporating solar energy and barrier-free features, the development will promote sustainability, accessibility, and long-term affordability. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2028.
“The partnership between Build Canada Homes and the City of Ottawa is about finding new ways to get affordable housing built faster and at greater scale. The Beausoleil Project is an early example of what can be achieved when governments and housing providers align around a shared goal, helping bring more homes within reach for the people who need them most,” said Ana Bailão, president and CEO, Build Canada Homes.
This development was identified as one of the priority projects under the federal Build Canada Homes partnership with the City of Ottawa. Announced by the Prime Minister on April 23, 2026, the partnership aims to accelerate the delivery of new mixed-income and affordable housing across the city. Ottawa Community Housing is leading the development of the Beausoleil development in partnership with federal, municipal and industry partners. Laurin Construction is serving as construction partner, while Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects are leading the project’s architectural design. Through collaboration among governments, housing providers, and industry and community partners, this development will help increase housing supply and create affordable homes where they are needed most.
“Every resident deserves access to a safe, affordable place to call home. This project represents a major investment in Ottawa’s future. Through Build Canada Homes, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and our partnership with Ottawa Community Housing, we are turning an underutilized site into housing that will help seniors, families, and individuals stay connected to the services, transit, and opportunities they rely on. This is the kind of action needed to address Ottawa’s housing challenges,” said Mona Fortier, MP for Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester.
Featured image: (Ottawa Community Housing)
