Newcomer Reception Centres
City updating housing strategy for newcomers in response to changing needs
The City of Ottawa is adapting its plans to support asylum claimants arriving in our community.
Over the past few weeks, influencing factors pertaining to the newcomer reception system have changed. These include:
- a downward trend in the number of asylum claimants coming to Ottawa
- new opportunities for spaces to support newcomers
- changes in the timelines to complete the construction
As a result, the City will not pursue the construction of newcomer reception centres at 1645 Woodroffe Avenue and 40 Hearst Way. The work to expand the newcomer reception system will continue, however it will transition to focus on newly available, new and existing locations.
Downward trend in asylum seekers
An unprecedented irregular migration has been straining City resources since June 2023. But over the past six months, the number of asylum claimants needing City housing support has steadily declined, a trend seen across Ontario and coinciding with federal immigration policy changes introduced in the fall of 2024.
Currently, approximately 820 asylum seekers are in the shelter system, down from more than 1,000 at the peak.
New opportunities for spaces for newcomers
The YMCA of the National Capital Region announced this month that it will not sell its property and will continue providing transitional housing services for newcomers at 180 Argyle Avenue. With these spaces now available, the City will collaborate with the YMCA to convert two additional unused floors for newcomer transitional housing on site.
In addition, the Federal government confirmed that the prospective purchaser of 250 Lanark Avenue will not be proceeding with the sale of that property. As a result, the City is able to pursue opportunities to extend the interim use of the space.
Construction timeline changes
The City has been working confirm the time it will take to construct a prefabricated structure for the newcomer reception centre. The timeline to finish the construction is longer than initially expected, partly because of the requirement to undertake a competitive procurement process, as well as site-servicing requirements. As such, the new extended timeline gives staff the opportunity to seek and implement other viable options in the same timeframe.
Continuing the existing solutions to meet the needs
We recognize this change may require the need to maintain or secure additional overflow space. The City continues to explore additional overflow options to support the anticipated need through winter 2025-2026 or in response to changes in trends and demand.
The City remains dedicated to supporting newcomers in their settlement journey towards permanent housing. We continue to invest in a comprehensive shelter system, including the Queen Street Transitional Housing Program, the conversion of a former nunnery at 1754 St. Joseph Boulevard into transitional housing, and the acquisition of up to 20 homes across Ottawa to be operated by newcomer settlement agencies.
To create more long-term affordable housing, a critical step in reducing reliance on temporary shelters, the City has committed over $149 million in capital funding for 686 new affordable homes, among other initiatives aimed to help more people find safe, stable and affordable homes. The city’s efforts are focused on long-term strategies that will create more permanent affordable housing options across the city.