An approach to meeting Ottawa’s housing needs through gentle density
The City of Ottawa has pledged to build 151,000 new homes by 2031. To ensure this growth fosters a liveable, affordable, and climate-friendly city, Ottawa has a timely opportunity to “fill it first” by adding homes throughout existing neighbourhoods that already have schools, transit, parks, and services—rather than expanding into new car-dependent subdivisions.
Backyard coach houses, multiplexes, town homes and small apartments along main streets provide a broader choice of homes that are less costly than single-family houses.
By planning for a diversity of homes across existing neighbourhoods, Ottawa can expands its housing options, reduce sprawl, and cut GHG emissions associated with new housing by 35 to 50%.
Reduces emissions from transportation, as well as embodied carbon associated with new homes
Creates diversity of homes close to education, employment and entertainment
Modular and pre-fabricated construction can be deployed faster and more efficiently
