Ottawa Construction News staff writer
Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) has broken ground at 200 Beausoleil, an affordable housing development on an urban infill site in the Lowertown neighbourhood.
Diamond Schmitt, in collaboration with KWC Architects, are leading the project’s community-focused design.
Featuring a six-storey podium, the building will include 159 one- and two-bedroom rental homes, including 32 accessible homes. Amenities include a Wellness Centre, Games Room, Arts and Activity Room, exterior terrace, and shared ground-level amenity space, encouraging residents to gather, stay active, and connect with their community.
Ottawa Community Housing awarded Laurin Construction the general contractor contract in July.
“Beausoleil is a community-focused development that will bring 159 new affordable homes to the heart of Lowertown,” said Diamond Schmitt Senior Associate Arne Suraga. “The design brings a sense of playfulness and colour to the streetscape, while creating active, welcoming spaces that support connection and community.
“We are proud to work alongside Ottawa Community Housing on a development that represents an important investment in affordable housing and the long-term vitality of Lowertown.”
The all-electric building is designed using Passive House principles, with solar energy and barrier-free features, promoting sustainability, accessibility, and long-term affordability.
200 Beausoleil is among the first projects to advance under the Build Canada Homes partnership with the City of Ottawa. The initiative’s first eight priority projects are expected to build more than 1,100 new rental homes, part of a broader plan to accelerate up to 3,000 homes across Ottawa.
