Sep 18th, 2025

MEDIA RELEASE: New Electric Vehicle Carshare at Mikinàk Expands Affordable, Climate-Friendly Transportation for Ottawa Community Housing Residents

September 18, 2025 (Ottawa) – Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) is making it easier — and greener — for tenants to get where they need to go. In partnership with Communauto and EnviroCentre, OCH has launched a new electric vehicle (EV) carshare station at Mikinàk, part of OCH’s affordable housing branch, ARRIV Properties. The EVs, part of an innovative program supported by a $250,000 investment from RBC Foundation, offering residents a convenient, affordable way to travel while reducing carbon emissions and supporting a cleaner city.

This new service, supported by a $250,000 investment from RBC Foundation, allows residents to access a car only when needed — without the costs and responsibilities of vehicle ownership. Carsharing enables tenants to book vehicles for errands, appointments, work, and family visits, while collectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion.

The Mikinàk EV station, installed on August 1, marks another step towards OCH’s vision of a connected, low-carbon community. As demand increases, OCH plans to add more vehicles, incorporate EV charging infrastructure into future developments, and broaden access to sustainable transportation options throughout its neighbourhoods.

By making climate-friendly travel accessible and affordable, OCH helps tenants choose greener transportation options and develop habits that benefit both their finances and the environment.

The program builds on the success of OCH’s first EV carshare, launched in 2022 at 811 Gladstone. Over two years, 255 residents used the service, driving more than 34,000 kilometres over nearly 4,700 hours. The result: more affordable mobility for residents and notable emissions reductions compared to private car ownership.

Spokesperson quotes

“With RBC Foundation’s $250,000 donation, we are thrilled to contribute to offering an accessible and affordable alternative for OCH tenants and the broader community to access green transportation when they need it. It’s an example of how we are helping support the transition to a net-zero economy – something that is at the heart of our purpose.”

Devinder Gill, RBC Regional President, in Ontario North & East region

“The launch of this EV carshare program at Mikinàk is an exciting milestone for our community. By bringing sustainable, affordable transportation right to residents’ doorsteps, we’re making it easier for people to get where they need to go while reducing the costs of car ownership. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and generosity of the RBC Foundation, the expertise of EnviroCentre, Communauto, and the OCH Conservation and Sustainability team. We’re deeply grateful for their partnership in making it a reality. More than just a convenience, this program showcases what’s possible when innovation and community come together, and it’s only the beginning. Together, we’re moving toward a greener, more connected future for everyone.”

Traci Spour-Lafrance, Executive Director, OCH Foundation

“Equity is at the heart of climate action, and this project shows how innovative partnerships can turn climate goals into real, everyday solutions. By expanding access to electric mobility, tenants gain affordable, low-carbon, and community-driven transportation choices — proving that sustainability can be practical, inclusive, and within reach for all Ottawa residents.”

Jennifer Stelzer, Director of Strategic Impact, EnviroCentre

“At Communauto, our mission is to make sustainable mobility simple and accessible,” said Marco Viviani, Vice-President, Strategic Development at Communauto. “We’re proud to partner with Ottawa Community Housing, EnviroCentre, and RBC Foundation to bring electric carsharing directly to Mikinàk residents. This initiative not only reduces the financial burden of car ownership, but also helps create healthier, low-carbon communities. Building on the success at 811 Gladstone, the addition of Mikinàk shows how shared electric mobility can be scaled to benefit more households and contribute to a cleaner Ottawa.”

Marco Viviani, Vice-president, strategic development, Communauto

“Through strong partnerships, we’re providing tenants affordable, sustainable ways to get around — while moving our city toward a cleaner future.”

Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Community Housing 

“Mikinàk was designed with sustainability in mind, and adding EV car share makes it easier for residents to choose low-carbon travel. It reduces the need for parking, frees up space for community amenities, and offers tenants a more affordable alternative to owning a car.”

Daniel Dicaire, Senior Manager, Conservation and Sustainability, Ottawa Community Housing

About ARRIV Properties

ARRIV Properties represents a new concept to fill the Ottawa affordable rental market gap. It offers homes at average or below-average market prices for low-income and low—to moderate-income households, setting the standard for modern living and lifestyle at an affordable price. ARRIV Properties is an important product line in OCH’s spectrum of affordable housing offerings in Ottawa. www.arriv.ca

About Ottawa Community Housing Corporation

Ottawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,500 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa’s primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city’s housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. In 2025, OCH earned recognition for the eighth consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.

www.och-lco.ca  | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky

About EnviroCentre

EnviroCentre is an Ottawa-based environmental not-for-profit working to ensure a net-zero future in Ottawa and beyond. We scope, design, deliver, and scale practical solutions to reduce emissions in our communities, focusing on energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transportation and green infrastructure. Visit envirocentre.ca.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

Media Contact

Jennifer McIntosh, Communications Specialist, Ottawa Community Housing

Jennifer_McIntosh@och.ca, 613-914-9953