Vacant office building transformed into transitional housing

The City of Ottawa is opening a transitional housing facility created, for the first time, through the innovative conversion of a former office building.

Located on Queen Street, the space will offer transitional housing for 140 single adults who are currently experiencing homelessness, with a focus on newcomers.

Designed to provide safe and supportive temporary accommodations, the building includes kitchens, dining areas, washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, lounge areas, and dedicated rooms for meetings and workshops.

The Queen Street project transformed approximately 30,000 square feet of vacant office space into a purpose-built transitional housing facility with four levels, including a lobby.

To ensure privacy and comfort, a ‘sleeping pod’ system was developed. The top three floors of the building feature pods equipped with a bed, four partial-height walls, a curtain for the entrance, a personal locker, and an individual reading light.

All required fire safety, and accessibility systems are now in place, transforming the building into a fully functional space designed to support adults in temporary housing while providing social and skill development services that facilitate the transition to permanent housing.

The program on Queen Street will be operated by CCI Ottawa, who also manages the St-Joseph Transitional Housing Program. CCI Ottawa will offer a supportive environment at the facility, including essentials such as meals and direct on-site services.

Clients will also have access to settlement and employment support, housing search case management, short-term mental health crisis workers, and weekly life skills workshops. The facility will be staffed 24/7 by CCI Ottawa personnel and on-site security.

The City of Ottawa is facing unprecedented demands on all aspects of the transitional housing and shelter system. With residents at Queen Street having access to a range of supports focused on stability, independence, and the transition to permanent housing, this facility is a forward-thinking project in response to Ottawa’s housing pressures.

More information and the latest data on the status of housing and homelessness in Ottawa is available in the 2024 Housing and Homelessness Plan Progress Report.

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"Turning a vacant office building into transitional housing is exactly the kind of creative, concrete solution we need right now. We're facing a real housing and homelessness crisis, and this shows that we're not just talking about it — we're taking action. It’s another step toward building a more compassionate city that takes care of everyone, especially our most vulnerable."

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

"I’m incredibly proud to see this space at transformed into a place of safety, support, and dignity. This project reflects the values of our city: compassion, inclusion, and a commitment to supporting our neighbours in need."

Councillor Ariel Troster, Somerset Ward

"Supporting Ottawa’s most vulnerable means more than offering a space to live. It means delivering dignity, compassion, and practical, people-centered solutions that empower individuals."

Myriam Mekhi, CEO of CCI Ottawa