City of Ottawa and federal government agree to open new emergency homeless shelter

The Graham Spy Building in Westboro is expected to open Jan. 20 as an emergency overnight shelter

Published Jan 19, 2024 • Last updated 59 minutes ago • 1 minute read

Graham Spy Building on Lanark Avenue in Westboro. GOOGLE MAPS

The federal government and the City of Ottawa are partnering to open an emergency shelter in the Graham Spy Building, one of 10 federally-owned facilities identified for disposal in the National Capital Region.

Public Services and Procurement Canada has signed an agreement with the city to use the Lanark Avenue building in Westboro as a temporary, emergency overnight centre for up to 45 people. It’s expected to open Jan. 20.

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The agreement expires at the end of March, and covers about 715-square metres of space on the ground floor of the Graham Spry Building. The area features washrooms and showers.

Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said it’s essential that governments work together to protect the vulnerable.

“This partnership with the City of Ottawa will do just that,” he said in a news release. “As we find ways to accelerate and streamline the process of converting surplus federal properties into affordable housing and redesigned space that will benefit Canadians, we are seeking meaningful opportunities to use these properties to best serve local communities.”

In Ottawa, permanent and temporary shelters now serve about 1,200 people and 380 families, but it is estimated that up to 2,500 people experience homelessness in the city on any given night.

“The City is committed to continuing to work towards ensuring that solutions are found so that, during our winter, there are warm places for everyone,” Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said Friday.

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