Recently I had the very special opportunity to get a personal tour through a 254-unit non-profit housing development in downtown Ottawa.
This incredible development is owned by the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC), a private non-profit housing corporation, directly accountable to the tenants and volunteers who form its leadership.
CCOC was created by the Centretown Citizens Community Association over 35 years ago and has grown to be one of the largest private non-profit housing companies in the province, with nearly 1600 units in 54 different properties.
Beaver Barracks
The new development is called the Beaver Barracks, named after the military residence previously located on the site. It is composed of 5 separate buildings, with an apartment mix consisting of bachelors, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, and three-bedrooms, as well as larger townhouses.
The rental income for the development is split as follows:
- 45% of tenants pay “rent geared to income” (30% of their gross household income)
- 15% of tenants pay “below market rent” (70% of full rent)
- 40% of tenants pay full market rent (equivalent to average market rent in Centretown Ottawa)
With below-market community housing in such beautiful new buildings, it’s no wonder there’s a VERY long waiting list to get in!
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
When I was first invited for a tour by Graeme Hussey, Development Officer for CCOC, I knew where the site was located, but I had no idea that all the new buildings were part of the same development. I also had no idea that CCOC and its construction partners had teamed up to make the Beaver Barracks one of the most sustainable rental housing developments, including features such as:
- Geothermal heating and cooling
- Low off-gassing materials throughout
- Green roofs with accessible planter boxes
- A community garden
- Secure bicycle parking
- Access to VRTUcar car-sharing services
- Energy Star appliances and energy efficient lighting systems
- and much more
Educating Tenants
It’s one thing to read about these ‘green’ features in a brochure or on a website, but it’s something entirely different to walk through a development and see it applied on a large scale.
Everywhere I went, there were signs educating the tenants on how to be ‘green’ — from how the geo-thermal system works to how to drive your car in an energy-efficient manner to the benefits of riding a bike. Now that’s the way it should be done — educate tenants right where its most important.
The tenants also receive a “Tenant Handbook and Calendar” that educates them on sustainability, provides important contact numbers and information, and much more.
Green Rooftops
I had heard about so-called “green roofs” and had always assumed it had to be the entire roof covered in plants, but that’s not the case. On the first building we toured, there was a very large roof-top patio for tenants to sit, with planters all around the perimeter. The views of the city were incredible, and I can imagine that as the tenants settle in and begin planting, the rooftops will quickly turn into beautiful gardens.
Comfort For Tenants
The development is not only built with sustainability in mind, but also with an eye towards comfort for the tenants. From spacious apartment sizes (including dedicated ones that are accessible) to individual apartment thermostats to windows that open to architectural changes that improve the views — it’s all been done.
Note the accessible countertops, with plenty of space
for wheelchair access underneath
Large windows are everywhere in the hallways and apartments, allowing lots of light inside the building. There are even 2-story windows in the stairwells to encourage people to be active and take the stairs instead of the elevator — very smart!
The tour lasted only 2 hours, but there was so much I learned, I could spend weeks writing about this one topic alone. Many thanks to Graeme Hussey, the Development Officer for CCOC, for giving me the tour and giving so much of his time.
I’m considering organizing a tour of this development for a small group from the Ottawa area.
Would you be interested in attending a tour for a small contribution to the CCOC?
If so, leave a comment below.
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Very neat Paul, I would absolutely love a tour for a donation.
Hi Benjamin, it’s good to hear from you. I’ll add your name to the list and keep you posted. Right now we’re looking at sometime next month.
Hey Paul,
I would love a tour. Keep me posted!
Hi Casey, it was good to see you at OREIO last night. I’ll definitely keep you updated on the tour.
Also, I checked out your website… *very* nice looking renos!!
This is a great project. Am interested in a tour if it works with my schedule!
Loren
We’ll likely schedule it sometime late afternoon/early evening on a weekday. That way we get some daylight to see the exterior, and it will work better for more people who work during the day. Stay tuned…
Hi Paul,
I’m interested in attending the tour.
Thanks
Anita
I am looking forward for the tour Thank
Keep me posted Paul on the date of the tour. This sounds really interesting!
Sounds very interesting Paul. Thanks for the opportunity.
Mark
Hello:
This seems like a very pertinent and informative tour. Please include me on your waiting list, as I would very much like to participate.
Thanks
Peter
What a great opportunity! Count me in.
The project looks great Paul! Count me in.
Hi Paul, I would very interested in attending such a tour. Sounds like it would be extremely interesting. Please put my name on the waiting list.
Thanks!
Eva O’Grady
Hi Paul please add my name to your list. Thanks.
Great idea Paul. Please add me to the list. Merci!
This is serious development, I’m interested in the tour.
JF
Hi Paul,
I would like to be able to see this development. Please let me know if there is still space.
Bonjour Paul,
It looks interesting, please add my name.
Hi Paul,
I was involved early in this project. I would like to see the finished product.
Hi Paul,
I would be interested in taking part in this project.
Keep me posted please.
Thank you,
Steven
LOOKS INTERESTING…. I’D LOVE TO ATTEND ! ! !
yes I would like to visit.
Hi Paul,Please count me in for the tour.
Hi Paul,
Would love to visit. Just let me know time and place!
Thanks and looks like a fantastic initiative by the CCOC!
Kevin
Hi everyone,
Our tentative date and time is Tuesday, Nov 20th at 4pm. I’ll be sending you all an email confirming the details, so please watch your Inbox for details.
Thanks,
Paul