The 240 Presland Road Ottawa housing project will deliver 64 affordable homes, replacing a fire-damaged site with a new non-profit-led development in Overbrook
Located in Ottawa’s Overbrook neighbourhood, the project is not just about adding new housing—it’s about replacing homes lost after a devastating fire and rebuilding a site that once housed vulnerable residents.
From Fire Damage to Redevelopment
The Presland Road site was previously home to a low-rise apartment building that was severely damaged by fire and later demolished, leaving the property vacant and residents displaced.
The new development aims to transform the site into modern, affordable rental housing, marking a transition from loss to long-term recovery.
- 64 residential units planned
- Non-profit-led development, with Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC) involved
- Construction expected to begin in Summer 2026
This redevelopment ensures that the site will once again provide housing—this time with improved quality and long-term affordability.
Rebuilding Affordable Housing in Established Communities
Unlike greenfield developments, Presland Road highlights the importance of replacing and upgrading existing housing stock:
- Restoring housing supply lost due to fire and structural damage
- Delivering modern, safer, and more efficient buildings
- Maintaining affordability in an established urban neighbourhood
This type of redevelopment is critical in cities where aging housing stock and unexpected events can reduce supply overnight.
A Non-Profit Model Focused on Stability
The project is being advanced through a non-profit housing model, ensuring that affordability remains central to the development.
Key benefits include:
- Long-term affordability protections
- Housing stability for lower-income residents
- Community-focused development priorities
Non-profit housing providers like CCOC play a key role in ensuring that redevelopment projects don’t simply replace units—but improve access to affordable housing.
Part of Ottawa’s 1,100-Home Housing Push
The Presland Road project is one of eight developments approved under Ottawa’s federal-municipal housing partnership to deliver over 1,100 rental homes.
The broader strategy focuses on:
- Rebuilding and expanding affordable rental supply
- Leveraging public and non-profit partnerships
- Delivering housing through a mix of large and small projects across the city
Each site contributes to a coordinated effort to address housing shortages at multiple levels.
The Bigger Picture
The redevelopment at 240 Presland Road shows that solving the housing crisis isn’t just about building new homes—it’s also about replacing what has been lost.
By turning a fire-damaged site into new affordable housing, Ottawa is demonstrating how cities can respond to setbacks with long-term solutions that strengthen communities.
🏙️ Keys to the City is GTA Weekly’s editorial series spotlighting affordable housing projects and the solutions shaping Canada’s housing future.
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