The city has recently selected the John Howard Society (JHS) of Ottawa as the winning bid for 289 Carling Ave. The JHS is best known for helping individuals, and families, who are at risk of, or have come into, conflict with the law. Their work includes the provision of prevention and intervention services, as well as advocacy, public education, and community partnerships.
Their plan for 289 Carling is to build a six-storey mixed use building with 40 self-contained apartment units for long-term supportive housing with 24/7 on-site supports. Unlike what the JHS is best known for, residents will not necessarily be those who have come into conflict with the law. Instead, the first priority will be to house homeless individuals living in a shelter, who are on the City of Ottawa’s housing priority list. They may also be drawn from other areas, such as JHS housing sites or the hospital. Residents will include both men and women, aged 18 and older.
In addition, JHS’ main office, which is currently on St. Patrick St, will move to this building, which will increase the levels of staff presence on site, at least during the day. There will be 29 parking spaces included in the development, with both at grade and underground parking planned. Construction is expected to start this summer or fall.
An early concept rendering is shown below – although this is a preliminary drawing and may not be exactly what is developed. While the angle shown makes the building appear taller than the Lakelander behind it, this is not in fact the case. (It should be noted that the proposal falls within the permitted zoning for the site – no variances were sought.)
Another view, which shows the development in relation to the Lakelander, is below:
We understand the anxiety surrounding a development such as this – GACA is working with the JHS and the City of Ottawa so the Glebe Annex community has an awareness of the plan, risks, and mitigations. We have requested a public information session for the Glebe Annex and neighbouring communities, and will keep our membership as informed as we can on this development. More to follow.
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