Ottawa – The City of Ottawa has announced significant progress in implementing the Integrated Transition to Housing Strategy (ITHS), which aims to support adults relying on shelter services in transitioning to permanent housing, as well as alleviating the pressures on the city's shelter system.

This strategy, adopted in July 2023, responds to the unprecedented increase in the number of newcomers to Ottawa over the past two years. The city's success in expanding temporary shelter capacity and enhancing support for newcomers has led to a notable decrease in the number of asylum seekers relying on the shelter system, dropping from over 1,000 individuals in mid-2023 to around 820 individuals currently.

The city highlighted a number of achievements in its latest update, including:

• Opening 132 supportive housing units between April 2023 and the end of 2024, with 112 units under construction and 134 units in the pre-development stage.

• Successfully transitioning 621 individuals from shelters to permanent housing by the end of 2024, including 157 beneficiaries of the Enhanced Housing Assistance Program (EHAB).

• Providing 675 new beds in temporary and permanent shelter facilities by Spring 2025.

• Increasing capacity in transitional housing programs such as the St. Joseph's program and the Queen Street program, and converting the YMCA program into a center for sheltering newcomers.

The city clarified that the decline in demand for shelter services, along with the availability of new opportunities such as the continued use of the YMCA building on Argyle Street and the 250 Lanark Avenue building, will contribute to the cancellation of plans to build new reception centers at 1645 Woodroffe Avenue and 40 Hearst Way.

The city confirmed that it will continue to implement its plan to expand transitional and permanent housing options, focusing on supporting newcomers and providing sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, 290 new beds will be opened in St. Joseph's and Queen Street facilities by Spring 2025, enhancing the city's ability to meet the needs of newcomers more effectively.

The report noted that the city will continue to monitor trends in newcomer numbers and adapt to any future changes, while maintaining collaboration with the federal government to secure necessary funding and support.