John Howard Society in Mechanicsville - FAQ

My office has been fielding more questions about the John Howard Society proposal for transitional housing on Carruthers Avenue. In advance of a public meeting tentatively scheduled for April 11, we've asked for the following FAQ document to answer some preliminary questions.

John Howard Society: 55-59 Carruthers Development

What is the John Howard Society?

The John Howard Society of Ottawa is a not-for-profit, charitable organization committed to providing a broad range of evidence-based and outcome-driven community services throughout the Ottawa area. The organization has a strong history of helping individuals, and families. Their work includes the provision of prevention and intervention services, as well as advocacy, public education, and community partnerships.

What is the background of this development?
On April 29, 2015, Council approved the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) capital plan that aligns with the City’s 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.  The three priorities for new developments that were approved as part of the report are as follows:

• Affordable Rental Housing for Seniors;
• Supportive Housing; and
• Mixed Composition Housing

In 2015, the Housing Services Branch (HSB) released two Request for Proposals (RFP). The first was for the seniors’ priority.  The successful proposal was Ottawa Community Housing Corporation for a seniors building located at 900 Merivale Road, that will be integrated with an expanded Carlington Community and Health Centre.

The second Request for Proposals (RFP) was to develop supportive housing. John Howard Society was the successful proponent with the property at 55-59 Carruthers Avenue.  The development is a 5 storey, 36 unit residential building. 

What will the building look like?

John Howard is still in the process of designing the building but the building will be a 5 storey, 36 unit residential building with a 7 underground parking spots. City Staff will continue to work with John Howard Society on the design so that it is a good architectural fit in the neighbourhood, with respect to the neighbourhood’s character and Official Plan guidelines for infill development.

What are the apartments like?

Each unit will be self-contained meaning they will have their own bathroom and a kitchen area. An optional meal program will be offered to the residents and served in a common dining room located on the ground floor of the building.

Will there be staff on site?

The building will be staffed 24/7 and will have support workers and a case manager on-site with a minimum of two employees present at any given time with a monitored reception area to the building.

Who lives in this building?
The building will be home to women and men who are, or may be at risk of being chronically homeless. While some residents may have been in conflict with the law in the past (i.e. some may have minor offences), this is not a residence for people with serious offences. The on-site supports, including health and life skills programs, will assist tenants with general life skills.

Is this a senior’s building?

The age of tenants will vary, however we expect many to be 55 years and older.  It is anticipated that a few residents will have mobility issues that will be accommodated with accessible (barrier free) or easily adaptable units.

What are the qualifiers that individuals must have to live in this building?
The qualifiers for residency in this building will be tenants that require long-term care and a higher level of medical and social support.

Is there visitor parking?

There will be seven parking spaces located below-grade for staff and visitors. In addition, the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation’s building next door has an excess number of parking spaces that is also available if needed.

When will construction on this building start?
Demolition of the current buildings on the property will occur over the next few months but John Howard has no further timelines. This item will not go to Planning Committee as currently the building does not require a Zoning By-Law Amendment. The application will go to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance to allow the underground staff parking.

Does the land need to be remediated?

The property must be remediated in accordance with the Province of Ontario Environmental Protection Act and Provincial Guidelines for a Record of Site Condition.  John Howard Society is responsible for remediating the site in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change jurisdiction. The potential for any migrated contaminants would be addressed by the Environmental Assessments and/or Record of Site Condition completed by JHS’s engineers and submitted to the City Planning and Growth Management Department.

Is John Howard aware that of their proximity to the Forward Avenue Crisis Centre and nearby youth facility?

The neighbourhood is a medium density residential neighbourhood, providing a good mix of housing types with good access to transit, parks and recreation, employment and commercial services for of all of its residents.  There is a 20 unit emergency family shelter on Forward Avenue that the City of Ottawa’s the Housing Services Branch owns and operates. Youth Services Bureau (YSB) has a 19 unit residential building on Carruthers. YSB and John Howard Society are two of our many partners that are integral to our housing and support sector and that collaborate on many developments in communities across the city of Ottawa. 

Will there be any community consultation?
I am in the process of organizing a community information session on April 11 with City staff, John Howard Society and the project team to present and respond to community questions. Other opportunities for the community to provide comment will also be made available through the planning approval process. John Howard Society must obtain municipal approval through the Planning and Building Permit processes consistent with other developers. It is anticipated that the Site Plan application will be submitted in the spring with construction possibly starting this fall.

Community consultation:

When: Monday, April 11 7:00-9:00pm

Where: Laroche Field House, Laroche Park