The City of Ottawa has decided to put the brakes on plans to construct temporary newcomer reception centres at 1645 Woodroffe Avenue in Nepean and 40 Hearst Way in Kanata, citing both a decline in demand for emergency shelter among newcomers and alternative space opportunities. The decision follows strong opposition from residents in the proposed locations, who voiced concerns about the impact on their neighbourhoods.
The city had initially planned to purchase and install one to two prefabricated structures, known as sprung structures, to serve as temporary housing for asylum seekers and other newcomers. These facilities were meant to help alleviate the strain on the already overburdened shelter system while supporting new arrivals in transitioning to permanent housing. However, in a memo to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Council, the Interim Director of Housing and Homelessness Services, Community and Social Services, Kale Brown, wrote that shifting circumstances have led officials to reconsider.
Like many other Canadian cities, Ottawa saw a dramatic influx of asylum claimants in recent years, peaking at over 1,000 single adults seeking shelter in mid-2023. However, recent federal immigration policy changes and increased transitional housing capacity have led to a steady decline in the number of newcomers relying on shelters. Today, that number has dropped to approximately 820 across the city.
At the same time, the city identified alternative housing options that could serve the same purpose without the need for new structures. The YMCA, for example, recently announced it will not sell its 180 Argyle Avenue building, which has been used as a transitional housing site. This move allows the city to expand reception services within the existing space. Additionally, the federal government confirmed that 250 Lanark Avenue—previously slated for sale—will remain available for potential continued use as a reception site.
Despite pausing the purchase of the sprung structures, Brown stated that Ottawa is not abandoning its newcomer reception strategy: “The City continues to pursue opportunities for additional permanent capacity for families that will reduce reliance on overflow hotels, motels and post-secondary residences”, including expanding transitional housing at existing sites and purchasing up to 20 homes to be used as transitional housing for asylum seekers.
Additionally, Ottawa officials will continue to monitor shelter demand trends and reactivate community emergency spaces should demand spike again.
Photo: Courtesy City of Ottawa
