Project Type: Land Transfer for Community Facility to Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition
Developer/Lead Agency: Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC)
Project Overview
The City of Ottawa alongside the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition is establishing the first Inuit Violence Against Women (IVAW) housing located south of Inuit Nunangat. This new facility will offer Inuit women and their children a safe, supportive, and culturally rooted space to live, heal, and rebuild. The facility is being integrated into a family‑oriented neighbourhood with strong access to essential community amenities including schools, parks, and greenspace.
The project includes the transfer of City‑owned land to the OAC, completion of site plan approval, and development of a new purpose‑built space guided by Inuit cultural values and community consultation.
Current Status
Phase: Pre‑Construction – Site Plan Approved
Progress Update:
City Council has approved both the land transfer and the site plan application. The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition has held three community workshops, and one public information session, completed design review requirements, and received full site plan approval. Construction mobilization is now pending OAC’s project scheduling.
Timeline:
Construction began in Fall 2025 with early works, and full construction has commenced as of March 2026 as weather conditions improved. Project completion is expected by late 2026.
What’s Next
Upcoming Actions:
- Continued construction activities throughout 2026
- Ongoing collaboration between OAC, local residents, and stakeholders.
Inuit VAW Shelter March 19th Update:
McDonald Brothers Corporation (MBC) poured the last of the footings this week. The team is now forming the rest of the foundation walls to finish that portion of work. Excavation of the building footprint is done however there is some excavation left to do on site for civil services, the road cut, the switchgear/ transformer. After the foundation walls are done, the team will start to frame the first floor.
For questions about the construction please contact: info@mbc.com
Updates will be available at the OAC website: https://www.ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca/projects
Community Involvement:
The OAC is committed to transparent and community‑guided project development. Construction updates will be shared through the Councillor’s newsletter and the OAC’s communication channels. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and reach out with questions or accessibility needs.
Questions or Comments
Project Lead:
Sole Soyak 613-315-1597 / Sole.Soyak@ottawa.ca
