A former Catholic education campus on Heron Road in Ottawa will be redeveloped into affordable housing as part of a new federal initiative, Build Canada Homes, aimed at accelerating housing construction. The 7.3-hectare campus, vacant since 2014, was acquired by the Canada Lands Company (CLC) in 2020, with plans for hundreds of housing units. Build Canada Homes, a $13-billion agency launched last month, will prioritize this site, using factory-built housing to expedite construction, with work expected to begin in summer or fall 2024.
The project has sparked mixed reactions from the local community. Alta Vista Councillor Marty Carr is excited about the imminent development, while Kaite Burkholder Harris from the Alliance to End Homelessness is pleased the site will be used to address housing shortages. However, the Guildwood Residents Alliance, which had lobbied for a seniors’ village, welcomes affordable housing but remains cautious due to the project’s many unknowns.
The site has a heritage designation, meaning key features like the chapel, theatre, and bell tower will be preserved. Though the exact number of housing units isn’t confirmed, the plan could include up to 1,100 units. The project will serve as a test case for the rapid construction of affordable housing using factory-built methods.
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