Dream, and its partner Multifaith Housing Initiative, held a ground-breaking event on November 15, 2024, to mark the start of construction on Odenak in Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats. Named after the Algonquin Anishinàbe word for “community”, Odenak represents the importance of connecting people and creating community. The name was revealed at the ground-breaking ceremony, which was attended by key government officials and partners.

“We are proud to work with the federal government, the City of Ottawa, and MHI to create an innovative financing model that will increase the number of affordable housing units from 20% to 41% through a combination of Affordable Housing Fund and Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) financing,” said Michael Cooper, President and Chief Responsible Officer of Dream. “We are also proud to begin construction on this landmark project that will foster a culture of belonging and provide a sense of safety and community for over 1,200 people thanks to funding from the Dream Community Foundation.”

Designed by Perkins&Will and KPMB, alongside Indigenous architecture firm Two Row Architects, Odenak will be “an inclusive and sustainable community” integrated into the LeBreton Flats Library Parcel, a 1.1-hectare site located on the western edge of downtown Ottawa. The development includes two residential towers with a total of 608 units, 251 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing. In addition, a significant portion of the units will serve priority populations such as Indigenous peoples, veterans, newcomers, adults with cognitive disabilities, and women and children, while at least 31 per cent will be accessible.

According to Dream, Odenak will be much more than a residential development thanks to its integrated affordable housing, green building practices, and comprehensive social programming. In addition to achieving LEED Gold standards, it will also implement the One Planet Living framework and is targeting an energy reduction of 45 per cent compared to typical buildings that meet the national building code.

The Dream Community Foundation will invest $150,000 annually over the next 20 years to support cultural, educational, and wellness initiatives for residents of all ages. Dream and MHI will collaborate to provide services such as after-school programs, fitness classes, and bicycle maintenance workshops to foster a vibrant and inclusive neighbourhood. Odenak was made possible thanks to more than $310 million in federal funding, including:

• $49.5 million from the federal government’s Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
• $233 million in fully repayable, low interest loans from the federal government’s Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP)
• $27.5 million under the Federal Lands Initiative (FLI)
• $15 million from the City of Ottawa

“This project is an important milestone for the Building LeBreton plan, as we see the National Capital Commission’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable mixed-use community in the heart of the nation’s Capital coming to life,” said Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission. “With our partners, we are proud to contribute significantly to the Government of Canada’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis.”

For more info, visit Dream CA – We believe in building better communities.

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