Quick Escape 
Earlier today, the federal government announced an investment in the Hamilton community by committing more than $10.08 million to the development of the Ottawa Street YWCA. The total cost of construction for this project is estimated to be a little over $22 million, which means that with the contribution from the Government of Canada, we’re almost halfway there!
MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas Filomena Tassi announced the funding, through the National Housing Co-investment Fund (NHCF), a pillar initiative of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), at a press conference outside the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre – YWCA Hamilton Ottawa Street’s next door neighbour.
“We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and this is why we are extremely happy to be supporting this wonderful project in Hamilton through the National Housing Strategy. I am proud to be part of a government that works in a spirit of collaboration with all partners to enable all Canadians to build a better life for themselves and their community,” said Tassi.
Development of this much-needed facility culminates a long-time dream of a reimagined space that will provide safe and affordable housing for 50 women and women-led families, including 15 units geared toward women with developmental disabilities.
“We are thrilled to realize our vision of safe, affordable housing for women, girls and families on Ottawa Street. Housing is a starting point for women to move forward. And thanks to this commitment by the federal government, we are able to provide women with a foundation that is necessary for them to succeed. Because every dollar we invest in women is an investment in the greater community,” said Denise Christopherson, CEO of YWCA Hamilton.
The Ottawa Street facility, which has been designed by Kearns Mancini Architects and is being built by Schilthuis Construction and with SHS Consulting, will also house programming in a revamped Seniors Centre, as well as include two community spaces – one indoors and one outdoors.
We look forward to soon launching a fundraising campaign that will help us build a Hamilton first. With the support of our Hamilton community, stakeholders and partners, we will build affordable housing for women and children.
Our vision is bold. The need is great. Together, we will build for the future.
Quick Facts:
- The projected construction cost of the Ottawa Street YWCA Redevelopment is over $22.2 million.
- With its Passive House design, the YWCA Hamilton aims to achieve energy savings of 75% and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 25% compared to the National Energy Code for Buildings in 2015.
- All units and common areas of the building will be accessible through universal design and 10 units will be barrier-free.
- 35 units will be affordable and will have rent representing less than 75% of the median market rent.
- With a budget of $13.2 billion, NHCF gives priority to projects that help those in greatest need, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, people with mental health and addiction issues, veterans and young adults.
- Through the NHCF, the Government of Canada will work with partners to build up to 60,000 new affordable homes and repair up to 240,000 existing affordable and community homes over the next 10 years.
- Investments are also planned in the NHCF to create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for survivors of family violence and create at least 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors and 2,400 new affordable housing units for people with developmental disabilities.
- Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure,trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Subscribe to updates about the YWCA Hamilton Ottawa Street Project.