1010 Somerset Community Hub Concept Plan
Background
The Federal Government expressed the intention to dispose of the 1010 Somerset property in 2015.
City of Ottawa staff from Recreation, Cultural, and Facility Services (RCFS) and Corporate Real Estate Office (CREO), determined that the purchase of this property by the City of Ottawa would facilitate achieving clear, identifiable civic needs given:
- The strategic priorities of Council
- The Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan goals for parkland and recreation amenities
- The West Downtown Core Secondary Plan, Chapter 3, “Corso Italia Station District” policies
The negotiation process between City staff, Public Services Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) resulted in purchase and sale agreements that require the development of:
- Affordable housing (150 units) and Market-rate housing (150 units)
- A Collaborative Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO)
- Elements to support sustainability and greening strategy targets.
City Council approved funding for the purchase of the 1010 Somerset property in March 2021, and directed staff to develop a Master Concept Plan for the creation of a community hub on the site as well as the existing Plouffe Park and Plant Recreation Centre.
Project Update – September 2025
The project team is pleased to share several important updates on the 1010 Somerset redevelopment project.
The amendment to the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law was approved by City Council on June 25, 2025.
The existing decommissioned federal building at 1010 Somerset is slated for demolition in Q1 of 2026.
City Council approved a plan to move the Centre éducatif Pinocchio, a French-language municipal childcare center, to the planned new French-language elementary school at the 1010 Somerset site. In addition, 57 net new Francophone childcare spaces will be created at this location, bringing the total number of children served to 88.
The project team is working closely with the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO) on the land sale for the future Louise Arbour Public Elementary School. This process is underway and progressing well, with the land sale targeted for late 2025. The goal remains for the school to open its doors during the 2027–2028 school year.
Additionally, the project team is seeking proposals with professionals to design a community consultation process focused on the future 1-hectare public parkland and the redesign of existing Plouffe Park. This process will ensure that residents and interest-holders have meaningful opportunities to provide input and feedback and identify priorities for the park’s evolution.
The project team continues to work with various agencies to prepare the site for development.
Finally, engagement opportunities will be posted on this Engage Ottawa page. To receive updates on this project, please subscribe using the Stay Informed feature.
