Despite our longstanding value to the Sandy Hill community …
- a vital affordable housing option in this historic Ottawa neighbourhood since 1984
- we add to the rich diversity of Sandy Hill
- we are home to students, families, professionals, and seniors from diverse backgrounds
… our future in this area seems limited.
In March 2023, the University of Ottawa told us that it will extend our current lease until July 31, 2028, with no further renewal. This means our Co-op has five years left on our current property.
In anticipation of this unfortunate decision, our board has been exploring contingency plans for some time.
First, we have a strategy to protect our Co-op’s financial assets so that we can continue to support our members, especially the most vulnerable.
Second, we have consulted an architect, developers, and financial experts to sketch out a process for a new co-op site. We are working with the Ottawa Community Land Trust and others to gain access to some land.
We are trying to embrace this as an opportunity – a chance to transform our Co-op into homes that are more appropriate for aging in place, that are more accessible, and that offer better common areas.
So we are actively emailing and meeting with local officials, politicians from all levels of government, and allies to gather support for a new co-op site.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
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