Apr 8th, 2026

Media Advisory: Ottawa’s health and housing leaders take coordinated action to scale proven solutions and unveil next steps

Local partners show results — and unveil a new city‑wide initiative to scale what works 

OTTAWA, ON — April 8, 2026 — As Ottawa faces growing pressure on hospitals, emergency services, and the housing and homelessness system, local health care and housing leaders are coming together to highlight proven integrated models and announce the next phase of coordinated, city‑wide action at the Ottawa Health and Housing Symposium.

The symposium will feature integrated health‑housing models made-in-Ottawa. These models demonstrate how better coordination can reduce hospital use, support people more effectively, and improve safety and quality of life for residents while easing strain across both systems. 

Partners will also announce a new cross‑sector initiative, focused on scaling proven approaches and strengthening coordination between health care, housing, and social services in Ottawa. 

Media attending will hear directly from elected officials and sector leaders, hear examples of programs delivering measurable results, and gain early insight into how Ottawa is responding to rising demand across both the health and housing systems. 

EVENT DETAILS 

• What: Ottawa Health and Housing Symposium 
• When: Friday, April 10, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
• Where: Cours 7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 

• Opening remarks from Mayor Mark Sutcliffe 
• Remarks from Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, Chair of Ottawa Community Housing and Councillor Catherine Kitts, Chair of the Ottawa Board of Health 
• Remarks from Mercedeh Madani, Regional Director of Partnerships (Ontario), Build Canada Homes
• Announcement of a new cross‑sector health and housing initiative 
• Presentation from Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa
• Two panel discussions highlighting local health‑housing partnerships delivering results in Ottawa

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES 

• Key remarks and the new initiative announcement will take place during the opening portion of the program
  (approximately 9:35–10:15 a.m.) 
• Media are welcome to attend the full symposium or opening announcements only 
• Interview availability with elected officials (approximately 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
• Interview availability with senior leaders from housing, health care, and community organizations 12 to 12:30 p.m.
• Strong visual opportunities, including speakers, announcements, panel discussions, and partner showcases 

CO‑HOSTING ORGANIZATIONS 

Ottawa Community Housing | Ottawa Public Health | City of Ottawa | Ottawa Salus | Bruyère Health | The Ottawa Hospital | The Royal 

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chantal Genova
Manager, Media Relations and Public Information
Ottawa Community Housing
media@och.ca
343-997-5700