Apr 15th, 2026

News Release: $520,000 Invested to Expand Accessibility Upgrades for Nearly 1,600 Ottawa Seniors 

Ottawa, ON — April 15, 2026 —  Ottawa Community Housing (OCH), in partnership with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing through the Ontario Renovates Program and the City of Ottawa, is investing $520,000 to expand accessibility improvements in seniors’ buildings across the city. 

The investment includes $220,000 for Phase 1, completed in 2025, and $300,000 in new funding for Phase 2, which will expand accessibility upgrades to additional seniors’ buildings and is expected to be completed in 2026. 

The Ontario Renovates Program is funded by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and administered by the City of Ottawa to support essential home improvements, including accessibility upgrades, that help seniors and people with disabilities move safely and live more independently. 

Phase 1 Results 

Completed in 2025, Phase 1 delivered new handrails in shared spaces across seven OCH seniors’ buildings, improving safety and mobility for more than 560 tenants. 

Phase 2 – Expanding Impact 

Phase 2 will extend accessibility upgrades to seven additional OCH seniors’ buildings across Ottawa. By improving safety and ease of movement in common areas, the project will help close to 1000 more seniors remain active, independent, and connected to their communities.  

Quotes

“Phase 2 of the Ontario Renovates Program builds on the success of Phase 1, bringing new handrails to seven additional seniors’ buildings,” said Christine Garnier, Vice President, Asset Preservation and Digital Solutions, Ottawa Community Housing. “These handrails make shared spaces safer and help nearly 1,000 residents move through their homes with greater confidence, independence, and peace of mind.” 

“Accessibility improvements like these are essential for seniors to live with dignity, independence, and security,” said Theresa Kavanagh, Board Chair, Ottawa Community Housing and Co-Liaison on City Council for Older Adults. “I’m proud to see OCH continuing to prioritize the needs of older residents and advocating for inclusive, age-friendly communities.” 

“The upgrades have really made a difference in our building,” said Raymonde, a tenant at OCH’s Russell Road seniors building. “Most of my neighbours and I are seniors, and the new handrails have made it much easier for us to get around. I feel more confident moving through the building, and I can do more on my own without needing to ask for help all the time. These improvements truly enhance our daily lives and help us stay independent, while still feeling part of a community we enjoy living in.”  

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This work supports OCH’s broader goal of integrating accessibility improvements across all 27 OCH seniors’ buildings, reinforcing a long-term commitment to inclusive, age-friendly, and affordable housing for Ottawa’s seniors. 

Quick Facts 

Phase 1 – Completed 2025 

• Funding: $220,000 (Ontario Renovates Program / City of Ottawa) 
• Scope: Accessibility upgrades in seven OCH seniors’ buildings across OCH communities. 
• Residents impacted: 569 seniors 
• Locations:  
  • 1909 Russell Road – 190 homes  
  • 205 Gladstone Avenue – 54 homes  
  • 1650–1690 Walkley Road Complex – 248 homes  
  • 80 Montfort Avenue – 51 homes  

Phase 2 – Underway 

• Funding: $300,000 (Ontario Renovates Program / City of Ottawa) 
• Scope: Accessibility upgrades to seven additional seniors’ buildings across OCH communities 
• Residents impacted: 972 seniors 
• Locations: 
  • McEwen Terrace – 177 Homes  
  • Charlotte – 216 homes  
  • Wellington Towers – 198 homes  
  • Viewmount (three buildings) – 99 homes  
  • 445 Richmond (Golden Manor) – 239 homes  

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About Ottawa Community Housing 

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 ninth consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.  

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Media Contact: 
Chantal Genova  
Manager, Media Relations & Public Information 
Ottawa Community Housing  
media@och.ca  
343-9975700