Doors set to open at the O’Connor Street Family Transitional Housing Facility

City officials, staff and community partners gathered today to mark the opening of the O’Connor Street Family Transitional Housing Facility. The 125-unit facility will provide temporary housing, along with on-site supports and services, to help families move from homelessness toward stable, long-term housing.   

Each night in Ottawa, hundreds of families, including more than a thousand children, rely on Ottawa’s shelter system, which remains under sustained and growing pressure. Experiences of homelessness can place significant strain on parents and children alike. As families begin moving into O’Connor Street, children will have the opportunity to settle in as the new school year begins while their families work toward long-term housing solutions.  

Purchased in March 2026 using a portion of the City’s 2025-26 federal Interim Housing Assistance Program funding, the O’Connor Street facility is a key component of Ottawa’s Family Homelessness Strategy.  

The Family Homelessness Strategy is focused on improving long-term housing outcomes for families and reducing reliance on costly overflow hotels and motels. Through investments such as O’Connor Street, the City is shifting toward a more housing-focused system that provides families with safe, dignified temporary accommodations and the supports they need to successfully transition to more permanent housing.  

In addition to better serving families, the purchase of O’Connor Street is a sound financial investment that is expected to save approximately $2.5 million compared to relying on private hotels and motels.   

Family units will be equipped with kitchens and private bathrooms and residents will have access to shared amenity spaces and a range of on-site supports, including housing focused case management, referrals to community and health services, employment support through Employment Ontario and children’s programming such as respite services and homework clubs.

“When a family is facing homelessness, a safe place to stay can make all the difference. It gives parents stability and gives children a place to learn, grow and be kids. That’s why O’Connor Street matters. Families will have a safe place to live and the support they need to find permanent housing. I’m proud we’ve turned this investment into a lasting community asset that will help Ottawa families for years to come.” 

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

“Every family deserves a stable home and the supports they need to thrive. Transitional housing plays a critical role in our housing system by bridging the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing. By providing families with stability, dignity and support during a difficult period of their lives, this facility will help families move beyond crisis and toward lasting housing stability.” 

Councillor Laura Dudas, Chair, Community Services Committee