Aug 14th, 2025

OCH Breaks Ground on All-Electric, Affordable Homes Built to Passive House Standards

New Shearwater Court Building to Deliver 45 Energy-Efficient Affordable Homes in South Ottawa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – (August 14, 2025) Ottawa Community Housing has broken ground on a six-storey, 45-home development in South Ottawa. Purpose-built for sustainability, the new building will be fully electric and built to Passive House standards, prioritizing energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced comfort for tenants.

Located within the Shearwater Court community, this mid-rise replaces nine homes that were at the end of their lifecycle and introduces 36 additional homes increasing much-needed affordable housing supply in the area. The building will offer a diverse mix of housing including 22 three-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom, and 12 one-bedroom apartments, including 9 barrier-free homes to meet various accessibility needs.

A Model of High-Performance, Sustainable Living

The Shearwater Court redevelopment exemplifies how affordable housing can prioritize both environmental responsibility and tenant well-being. The building is designed to deliver long-term affordability and resilience by reducing energy usage and utility costs.

Beaudoin Construction, a local builder with proven experience in delivering energy-efficient projects, was selected to lead construction. The fully electric, six-storey building will include:

• High-performance insulation and airtight building envelope to minimize heat loss
• Triple-glazed windows that enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption
• Advanced ventilation systems designed to optimize indoor air quality
• Solar photovoltaic panels to generate clean, renewable energy and offset electricity needs
• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances to further reduce overall energy demand

Combined, these features are intended to improve building performance, enhance resident comfort, and support OCH’s broader sustainability and affordability goals.

Helping Address Critical Affordable Housing Needs

The revitalization of Shearwater Court will deliver 45 new affordable homes, creating stable housing options for families, seniors, and individuals living on low to moderate incomes.

As part of the 2,000 affordable homes that OCH currently has in various stages of design and construction citywide, this development supports the city’s broader efforts to increase affordable housing supply, reduce homelessness, and promote social equity.

Enhancing Community and Accessibility

The building’s design prioritizes both accessibility and community well-being. Nine homes are barrier-free, accommodating residents with diverse mobility needs. Shared spaces such as outdoor green areas and community rooms will foster social connections and support a strong sense of belonging among tenants.

Economic and Community Impact

During construction, this development is expected to create significant economic activity, generating jobs in the skilled trades, materials supply, transportation, and related industries.

Affordable housing development also delivers a strong return on investment. With an estimated economic multiplier of 1.4, every $1 million invested contributes approximately $1.4 million in total economic output. That means the Shearwater Court redevelopment, supported by investments from the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing, and the Federal Government, is expected to contribute millions in economic benefits for the local economy.

Beyond the construction phase, the influx of new residents will contribute to local economic growth and community vibrancy, boosting demand for neighbourhood services, small businesses, and public infrastructure.

Quotes

“The Shearwater Court redevelopment is a forward-looking investment that supports several key priorities for the City of Ottawa. It strengthens an existing community by replacing aging infrastructure with modern, energy-efficient homes, adds more affordable housing, and stimulates the local economy through job creation and construction. The development is a strong example of how thoughtful, people-focused housing can create lasting benefits for both residents and the city as a whole.”

Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing

“We’re honoured to be selected as the construction partner for the Shearwater Court expansion. This project is about creating a sustainable, vibrant community that will serve residents for generations. With our proven expertise in energy-efficient and durable construction, we are committed to delivering a development that truly reflects Ottawa Community Housing’s dedication to quality, innovation, and tenant well-being.”

Denis Stocker, VP Business Development, Beaudoin Construction.

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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.

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About Beaudoin Construction  

For over 35 years, Beaudoin has shaped the construction landscape in Quebec and Ontario, taking on bold projects with precision and passion. More than just a construction company, we are builders of trust, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in execution, collaboration, and innovation. 

Quick Facts
 Location: South end of Ottawa

• Renewal of 9 homes and addition of 36 new homes, bringing the total to 45 modern residences
• Housing Breakdown:
  • 22 three-bedroom homes
  • 11 two-bedroom homes
  • 12 one-bedroom homes
• Barrier-Free Homes: 9 homes designed for accessibility
• Energy Efficiency: Built to Passive House standards, aiming to reduce energy use by approximately 35%