Ottawa’s housing strategy continues to evolve with a critical project at 58 Capilano Drive, where 58 new residential units are planned as part of the federal Build Canada Homes initiative.
Unlike traditional developments, the Capilano Drive project is designed as a supportive housing community, combining affordable homes with on-site services to meet the needs of residents requiring additional support.
A Purpose-Built Supportive Housing Community
The 58 Capilano Drive Ottawa housing project, submitted under development application D02-02-23-0075, represents a targeted approach to housing delivery—one that goes beyond supply to address complex housing needs.
The project will include:
- 58 total residential units
- 54 studio apartments
- 4 family-sized townhouse units
- A 4-storey low-rise apartment building
- On-site office and support space for programming and services
- A non-profit-led model, focused on long-term affordability
This combination positions the development as both a housing project and a community support hub.
Supportive Housing as Essential Infrastructure
The Capilano Drive project reflects a growing shift in how cities approach housing.
Rather than separating housing from social services, developments like this integrate:
- Support services for residents with mental health and other challenges
- On-site programming and administrative space
- Stable housing environments designed for long-term outcomes
This model recognizes that for many residents, housing stability depends on access to services—not just access to units.
Designed for Community Living
Beyond housing and services, the development emphasizes livability and shared space:
- An internal courtyard for communal use
- Over 500 m² of indoor and outdoor amenity space
- A design that prioritizes walkability, landscaping, and shared environments
The site is planned to function as a complete micro-community, supporting both independence and connection.
Part of Ottawa’s Expanding Housing Pipeline
The Capilano Drive project is one of eight developments currently advancing under Ottawa’s federal-municipal partnership to deliver over 1,100 rental homes.
The broader strategy includes:
- A mix of large-scale, mid-sized, and specialized housing projects
- Strong partnerships with non-profit and community housing providers
- A focus on affordable and supportive housing models
- Staggered timelines to maintain a steady supply pipeline
Each project contributes to a coordinated effort to address housing demand across the city.
More Than Housing Supply
While many developments focus on increasing unit counts, Capilano highlights a deeper challenge:
- Housing must be accessible, not just available
- Communities must support residents with diverse needs
- Long-term success depends on integration, not isolation
This is housing designed not just to house people—but to support them.
The Bigger Picture: A Snapshot of a Growing Strategy
With more than 1,100 homes planned across eight announced projects, Ottawa’s approach offers a blueprint for other cities:
- Scale up supply with large developments
- Maintain momentum with mid-sized projects
- Rebuild and stabilize through targeted redevelopment
- Support vulnerable populations through integrated housing models
The Keys to the City Ottawa Spotlight concludes with the Capilano Drive project—demonstrating that solving the housing crisis requires not just more homes, but better, more inclusive housing systems.
While this series captures projects currently at the announcement and approval stage, Ottawa’s housing strategy is ongoing, with additional developments expected as the city continues to expand its pipeline.
🏙️ 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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