Groundbreaking Ceremony for Gladstone Village

In a significant move towards addressing the ongoing housing crisis, Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for an ambitious new development in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The project, dubbed Gladstone Village, will kick off with the construction of 336 affordable housing units, and this is only the starting point for what could be a much larger initiative.

Strategic Location

Located conveniently near public transit and just a stone's throw from Little Italy, Gladstone Village is poised to become a vibrant community hub. “We will see apartments ranging from studios to four-bedroom units being built right in the center of Ottawa, in Centretown, next to Corso Italia,” explained Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing Corporation. He emphasized the transit-oriented design and mixed-use potential of the development, which promises to invigorate the local area.

Accessibility and Mobility

The site of this transformative project is strategically bordered by Somerset Street, the O-Train Trillium Line, and Preston Street, positioning it perfectly for easy access and mobility.

Addressing Housing Crisis

The need for affordable housing in Ottawa is at an all-time high, as highlighted by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. "The need is growing all the time. We are in a housing crisis, and we need to work diligently to make it easier for people to build homes in Ottawa and to increase the availability of affordable options," he stated. The city is committed to swiftly address these housing shortages, and Gladstone Village is just the first phase of a broader plan to construct up to 1,100 affordable homes in total.

Excavation and Future Residents

Current excavation and site preparation is already underway, with OCH optimistic about welcoming the first residents by late 2026. Somerset Ward Councillor Ariel Troster expressed enthusiasm about the project’s location, stating, “I was here in nine minutes by bike,” underlining the area's accessibility, particularly with its proximity to the light rail transit (LRT) system and community amenities.

Leveraging Surplus Federal Land

This development is particularly noteworthy as it sits on land that was previously used for federal government storage—warehouses that were sold to Ottawa Community Housing in 2017 at a below-market rate. Ottawa Centre Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi remarked on the wealth of surplus federal land available in the city, urging partnerships with local authorities and housing organizations to accelerate the development of affordable homes.

A Game Changer for Affordable Housing

The Gladstone Village project signifies more than just new buildings—it represents a crucial step towards sustainable urban living in Ottawa as the city aims to fulfill its housing commitments. The arrival of these new units is sure to be a game changer for many residents seeking affordable housing in a competitive market. Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative initiative!