Thursday, August 21, 2025
Ottawa Community Housing has broken ground on a six-storey, 45-home development in South Ottawa. Purpose-built for sustainability, the new building will be fully electric and built to Passive House standards, prioritizing energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced comfort for tenants.
Located within the Shearwater Court community, this mid-rise 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 9 barrier-free homes to meet various accessibility needs.
“The Shearwater Court redevelopment is a forward-looking investment that supports several key priorities for the City of Ottawa. 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,” said Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing.
The Shearwater Court redevelopment exemplifies how affordable housing can prioritize both environmental responsibility and tenant well-being. The building is designed to deliver long-term affordability and resilience by reducing energy usage and utility costs.
Beaudoin Construction, a local builder with proven experience in delivering energy-efficient projects, was selected to lead construction. The fully electric, six-storey building will 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 revitalization of Shearwater Court will deliver 45 new affordable homes, creating stable housing options for families, seniors, and individuals living on low to moderate incomes.
As part of the 2,000 affordable homes that OCH currently has in various stages of design and construction citywide, this development supports the city’s broader efforts to increase affordable housing supply, reduce homelessness, and promote social equity.
The building’s design prioritizes both accessibility and community well-being. Eleven homes are barrier-free, accommodating residents with diverse mobility needs. Shared spaces such as outdoor green areas and community rooms will foster social connections and support a strong sense of belonging among tenants.
Affordable housing development also delivers a strong return on investment. With an estimated economic multiplier of 1.4, every $1 million invested contributes approximately $1.4 million in total economic output. That means the Shearwater Court redevelopment, supported by investments from the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing, and the Federal Government, is expected to contribute millions in economic benefits for the local economy.
“We’re honoured to be selected as the construction partner for the Shearwater Court expansion. This project is about creating a sustainable, vibrant community that will serve residents for generations. With our proven expertise in energy-efficient and durable construction, we are committed to delivering a development that truly reflects Ottawa Community Housing’s dedication to quality, innovation, and tenant well-being,” said Denis Stocker, VP Business Development, Beaudoin Construction.
Featured image: (Ottawa Community Housing)
