In a statement issued by the City of Ottawa and a copy of which was received by Arab Canada News, it was stated that the Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion, Ahmed Hussen, alongside Michael Parsa, Ontario's Assistant Minister of Housing, Yasser Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, and Sean Menard, Ottawa Capital Advisor, announced an investment of over $90 million to support the construction of more than 270 units across the city of Ottawa.

The statement pointed out that this investment has been made possible thanks to the various programs of the National Housing Strategy:

The National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), the Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFI), the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI), and Investment in Affordable Housing.

These five projects funded under the NHS programs will provide a mix of unit sizes with varying levels of affordability, including average market rent units and below-market rent units.

Also announced is 289 Carling, a 6-story building with 40 self-sufficient affordable units, 8 of which are accessible.

Thanks to a $4 million NHCF investment, the Carling Avenue Supportive Housing project will provide 24-hour on-site support for youth in transition age and adults, homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness, as well as women and their children.

The building located at 159 Forward Avenue, formerly known as Forward Family Shelter, will feature this four-story building with a mix of tenants with varying levels of accessibility and affordability needs across a range of unit sizes from studios to three bedrooms.

Of the 49 units in the building, 30 units will be designated as affordable while the remaining nineteen units will have rents below the average market rent.

In addition to being 100% available to everyone, 6 units will be barrier-free.

The project received more than $12 million from the NHCF Fund and over $8 million from OPHI and IAH-E.

Also located at 93 Norman, a 9-story residential building will offer affordable rents, an accessible design, and environmentally sustainable construction.

Of the 122 units available, 36 units will be able to accommodate women and their children.

The project also benefited from over $48 million from the RCFI.

This 29-unit project located at 494 Lisgar will provide supportive housing for women experiencing chronic homelessness with a focus on Indigenous women.

The program will also receive 24-hour on-site support dedicated to the target groups.

The project, run by the John Howard Society, received nearly $14 million from the RHI.

The project at 3380 Jockvale will consist of 32 affordable housing units for families in the shelter system.

This $5.85 million RHI project, managed by Ottawa Community Housing, will also provide stacked townhouse homes with two and three bedrooms, including seven accessible units.

Minister Ahmed Hussen said, "Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place."

Explaining that through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the Rapid Housing Initiative, Rental Construction Financing Initiative, we are working to create hundreds of new affordable housing units here in Ottawa."

Adding that, thanks to today's announcement, more individuals and families in Ottawa will be able to access very affordable prices.

This is another example of our government's National Housing Strategy in action.

Also, "Everyone deserves to live under a roof that shelters them and a safe place they call home."

Today's announcement about Ottawa will have a significant impact on a wide range of our citizens.

Affordable housing availability is rare in our area.

These new homes will make a difference in ending the cycle of homelessness.

Our government supports and is committed to providing affordable housing for our most vulnerable individuals and families."

For his part, Ottawa Centre Member of Parliament Yasser Naqvi said that the Jockvale Rd project is a great example of our government's commitment to helping the most vulnerable individuals in our community.

Explaining that these new homes will provide more than 30 families in Ottawa with a better quality of life and a chance for a better future.

Adding, I am excited to welcome them to their new homes here in Nepean."

For his part, Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament, said, "A home is not just four walls and a roof – it is a home, where we raise our families and build our future."

Explaining that through historic investments in programs such as the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, as well as investment in extending affordable housing, our government's plan works to build more affordable homes.

Adding, we will continue to work with our federal and municipal partners to put shovels in the ground so we can build more homes faster than ever before."

On the other hand, Michael Parsa, Ontario's Assistant Minister of Housing, said, "Housing is a human right, as in 2020, the City of Ottawa declared a housing and homelessness emergency, and all orders of government must give top priority to creating non-profit housing and recognize our collective role in ending homelessness."

Sean Menard said, "The investments announced today were warmly welcomed and must continue to meet the housing challenges we face."

The National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) is a $13.2 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that prioritizes projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, and residents.

Also, people with disabilities, those experiencing mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and youth can benefit from this project.

On the other hand, the 2022 budget proposes providing $2.9 billion in funding under the NHCF to accelerate the creation of up to 4,300 new units and the repair of up to 17,800 units.

The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) provides capital contributions to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and/or the acquisition of existing buildings for this purpose for rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable, supportive, or transitional housing.

The goal is to quickly create new permanent and affordable housing units that support people at risk and are prioritized under the National Housing Strategy.