Ontario Construction News staff writer
Beaudoin Canada has been awarded the construction contract for the Shearwater Court affordable housing expansion in Ottawa’s south end, Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) announced on Tuesday (May 6)
The OCH capital budget for 2025 indicates the project has a value of $9,925,000, financed with $3,269 million from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC) and $3,198,000 from the Housing Accelerator Fund.
The project will see the addition of a modern, six-story, all-electric building, introducing 45 new one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes. This development will replace nine aging townhomes on the site.
OCH stated the expansion is a key step in its commitment to increasing quality, energy-efficient affordable housing in the city.
The new building is designed to meet Passive House standards, aiming to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Features will include energy-efficient lighting and appliances, solar power integration, and a high-performance building envelope. OCH anticipates these measures will reduce energy use by 35 per cent compared to conventional construction.
Of the 45 new units, 22 will be three-bedroom homes, 11 will be two-bedroom, and 12 will be one-bedroom. Eleven homes will be designed as barrier-free for accessibility.
“The revitalization of Shearwater Court provides us with a unique opportunity to add 45 new affordable homes in Ottawa,” Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing Corporation, said in a statement. “By partnering with Beaudoin Construction, we are transforming this community with modern, energy-efficient housing that supports affordability and sustainability. This development is a key step in our commitment to reduce homelessness and increase opportunities for affordable housing while contributing to the city’s ongoing growth and vitality.”
\ “We look forward to working closely with Beaudoin Canada to deliver more homes,” Giguère said.
Denis Stocker, vice-president of business development for Beaudoin Canada, expressed his company’s enthusiasm for the project. “Beaudoin Canada is honoured to be the contractor of choice for the Shearwater Court revitalization,” Stocker stated. “This project presents a valuable opportunity to help develop quality, affordable housing in Ottawa. We are committed to delivering exceptional homes that offer lasting value for the community and look forward to collaborating with Ottawa Community Housing in support of the city’s sustainable growth.”
OCH noted the development is also expected to stimulate the local economy by creating construction jobs and contributing to the neighborhood’s infrastructure growth.
Ottawa Community Housing is the city’s primary community housing provider, managing approximately 15,000 homes for about 33,000 tenants. It is the second-largest housing provider in Ontario.
