On the builder sites is a compilation of the regular updates we get on what’s happening on (or about) new-home builder sites across the region as well as news on housing issues that are important to our readers. Lot releases, project launches, new models, the latest developments in the housing market and more — these bits and bites are listed as we get them. Check back often.
Last updated: September 18, 2024
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Federal government amends mortgage rules
Sept. 18, 2024 — With a view to making homebuying easier for first-time buyers, the federal government has amended its national mortgage policy. Once in place, the new rules will increase the price cap on insured mortgages from $1M to $1.5M. As well, first-time buyers will be able to access a 30-year mortgage, up from 25 years, for all types of homes, including resale properties.
Raising the cap on insured mortgages, which protect lenders if a homeowner misses a mortgage payment and are required when a down payment is less than 20 per cent, will mostly help buyers in high-priced markets such as Vancouver and Toronto. Insurance is currently not available for homes costing less than $1M.
Amortizations of 30 years were previously available only to first-time buyers purchasing preconstruction homes. The rule change will allow all buyers to take out a 30-year mortgage on preconstruction homes but only first-time buyers will be able to apply the new rule to resale homes.
Sobeys spearheads multi-use development in Orléans
Sept. 13, 2024 — Sobeys, better known for selling groceries, is leading a mixed-use development of up to seven buildings near a future LRT station in Orléans. An application for a zoning bylaw amendment has been filed with the City of Ottawa that would see seven buildings from seven to 18 storeys at 1887 St. Joseph Blvd. between Youville Drive and Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard. The proposal for the 5.7-acresite calls for a mix of residential units, office space, an urban public realm and more. Read more here.
Contentious high-rise project for Stittsville one step closer to reality
Sept. 11, 2024 — A controversial high-rise project on Hazeldean Road in Stittsville has been approved by Ottawa’s planning and housing committee. The proposed project by Montreal-based Devmont comprises two buildings with a total of 431 residential units. One building is 12 storeys stepping down to seven floors and the other is a 21-storey tower stepping down to seven and then three floors. Stittsville Coun. Glen Gower, one of three councillors to vote against the proposal, said the project, if approved by city council, will include the tallest building west of Bells Corners. More than 700 people signed a petition against the project and about 300 attended a recent public meeting about it. More here.
Multiple federal properties in Ottawa identified for potential residential development
Aug. 26, 2024 — The federal government has earmarked 22 of its properties in Ottawa as potential sites for new homes, part of its effort to relieve the housing crisis. The 22 sites are among 56 properties across the country identified by the new Canada Public Land Bank for potential residential development, including affordable housing.
An interactive map identifies the properties, including, in Ottawa, the former CBC building at 1500 Bronson Ave., downtown sites and ongoing development at Wateridge Village, former home of Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe. The government is seeking feedback and consultations on the conversion plan.
More here.
Province announces new planning rules to spur home building
Aug. 20, 2024 — Ontario housing minister, Paul Calandra, has announced a new set of planning rules to support the Ford government’s goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2031. The new rules, announced at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa, are meant to give municipalities consistent planning direction across the province. They include encouraging more homes near major transit stations and on underutilized lands such as retail plazas and malls.
Housing starts across Ontario recently fell to their lowest level since 2018, and the province has yet to reach any of the government’s annual home-building goals.
Consumer protection for new-home buyers
Aug. 15, 2024 — The Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (MPBSD) is seeking public input on implementing consumer protection measures related to new-home purchase agreements. Proposed measures include a 10-day cooling-off period for purchasers of new freehold homes. Comments can be submitted until August 31. The consultation paper is available here.
New Urbandale condo flats
Aug. 13, 2024 — Urbandale is launching The Leitrim Flats with the release of 12 Energy Star condo homes in south-end Findlay Creek-Leitrim on August 17. The dozen flats are part of a multi-phase project of modern-themed homes available in two colour packages. They include six Energy Star appliances and dedicated parking spaces. Homes start at $399,900. Registration and email contact here.
Tall towers coming to Barrhaven?
July 29, 2024 — One of Ottawa’s tallest residential buildings could be coming to Barrhaven. Kionas Construction has applied to the City of Ottawa to build Marketplace Towers West, two mixed-use rental towers at the corner of Marketplace Avenue and McGarry Terrace, near Strandherd Drive. One tower would be 35 storeys (only Claridge’s Icon, at 45 storeys, is currently taller) and the other 26 floors, with a total of almost 600 units and a publicly accessible courtyard. The proposed project, less than 400 metres from public transit, would require an amendment to the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw. More here.
High-rises residential projects proposed near Accora Village
June 24, 2024 —Furguslea Properties, which developed the rental community of Accora Village, has submitted a proposal to the City of Ottawa to build two mixed-use, high-rise residential projects — one 37-storey building and the other 40 storeys — on Woodridge Crescent in the Bayshore-Britannia neighbourhood. The two buildings would contain a total of more than 500 units. Current zoning permits building up to 12 storeys only. Other builders, including Gatineau-based Brigil, are looking to build rental towers in the same neighbourhood.
One of Ottawa’s tallest residential buildings could be coming to Barrhaven. Kionas Construction has applied to the City of Ottawa to build Marketplace Towers West, two mixed-use rental towers at the corner of Marketplace Avenue and McGarry Terrace, near Strandherd Drive. One tower would be 35 storeys (only Claridge’s Icon, at 45 storeys, is currently taller) and the other 26 floors, with a total of almost 600 units and a publicly accessible courtyard. The proposed project, less than 400 metres from public transit, would require an amendment to the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw. More here.
Quiet summer for resale market
July 11, 2014 — Royal LePage foresees a quiet summer on Ottawa’s resale front, citing both the failure of the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada to propel homebuyers back into the market and the usual summer slowdown in resale activity. The market is “likely to pick up again in the fall, especially if we see further rate cuts,” said John Rogan, broker of record with Royal LePage Performance Realty, in a statement. Learn more.
More than 1,100 rental units for former Greyhound bus site
July 4, 2024 — Brigil, based in Gatineau, plans to build three rental towers with 1,134 units on the former Greyhound bus site on Catherine Street between Kent and Lyon streets. The project will have just 360 resident parking spaces but 1,164 bicycle parking spots in keeping with Brigil’s conception of a 15-minute neighbourhood rooted in walking and biking. Ottawa’s planning and housing committee has voted in favour of necessary zoning changes, but the committee’s recommendations still need city council approval. More here.
Forecourt at Greystone Village
July 17, 2024 — eQ Homes is launching Forecourt, its final release of townhomes and semi-detached townhomes at Greystone Village in Old Ottawa East, on October 19. The 30 modern-themed homes will include open-concept interiors and upscale finishes. Information and registration here.
High-rises residential projects proposed near Accora Village
June 24, 2024 —Furguslea Properties, which developed the rental community of Accora Village, has submitted a proposal to the City of Ottawa to build two mixed-use, high-rise residential projects — one 37-storey building and the other 40 storeys — on Woodridge Crescent in the Bayshore-Britannia neighbourhood. The two buildings would contain a total of more than 500 units. Current zoning permits building up to 12 storeys only. Other builders, including Gatineau-based Brigil, are looking to build rental towers in the same neighbourhood.
Finding affordable — and available — rentals
June 12, 2024 — A CBC analysis has found that there’s a dearth of rentals across the country. Using the most recent census and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s latest rental market survey, its research shows that less than one per cent of rentals are both vacant and affordable for the majority of renters. The analysis looked at more than 1,000 neighbourhoods in Canada’s largest cities.
New eQ Homes community in Riverside South
June 11, 2024 — eQ Homes is launching a new community in Riverside South called Tapestry by the Rideau on Sept. 21. It will be an enclave of bungalows in the established Riverside South neighbourhood, touting proximity to nature, the Rideau River and the many amenities of not only Riverside South, but nearby Manotick and, just across the Vimy Memorial Bridge, Barrhaven. Post updated July 17, 2024.
Bank of Canada finally cuts its key interest rate
June 5, 2024 — For the first time in more than four years, the Bank of Canada has lowered its key interest rate, dropping it to 4.75 per cent from the five per cent it had been at since July of last year. Although expected by economists, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem also stressed he would be taking a cautious approach toward further cuts. The move prompted several banks to lower their prime lending rates. Details.
Richcraft launches new Thrive towns
June 1, 2024 — On June 8, Richcraft Homes is launching Thrive, a new townhome line starting at $589,900, at Mapleton in Kanata, Riverside South, and Trailsedge in Orléans. The contemporary-themed towns feature up to four bedrooms with the possibility of additional finished recreational spaces, bedrooms and bathrooms. Thrive towns include European-inspired cabinetry quartz countertops, Energy Star efficiency elements such as tankless water heaters, LED lighting and more. More here. Richcraft is also releasing its new line of bungalow towns at Mapleton and Riverside South June 22 (the towns are already at Trailsedge).
Little Italy and Plouffe Park update
May 27, 2024 — The ongoing debate over how to fit the city’s proposed mixed-use redevelopment of a site in Little Italy that threatens popular Plouffe Park continues, with the city recently releasing an updated plan that saves the park, but that still does not meet fully with community approval.
The city wants to add a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, a new building for école élémentaire publique Louise-Arbour, a new recreation facility, extra green space and a district energy system for the site at the corner of Preston and Somerset streets.
The problem has been how to retain Plouffe Park, one of the few green spaces left in the neighbourhood. While the city’s revised plan saves the park, the school will sit between it and the new green space that’s proposed, which disrupts the “green swath,” says the local community association. But this is likely as good as the plan will get, according to the neighbourhood’s councillor. Details.
New Minto community in Almonte
May 27, 2024 — Minto Communities is launching a new community in Almonte this year, with a focus on attainably priced homes, small-town life and proximity to nature, including the Mississippi River, which runs through the town. Weavers Way — the name is based in part of Almonte’s history as a textile town — will comprise Avenue townhomes, Executive townhomes with up to six bedrooms, and three collections of single-family homes, from three-storey singles to others built for multigenerational living. In total, 200 homes will be built. Weavers Way is planned to launch this year.
Housing starts down again
May 22, 2024 — Ottawa housing starts were down significantly in April, the third straight month of decline despite a general uptick in sales since December, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. There were 331 housing starts in the City of Ottawa last month, down 64 per cent from the 904 starts in the same month last year. A large decline in new rental starts spurred last month’s decline. While the drooping numbers cast more doubt on the city’s ability to hit the provincial target of 151,000 new homes by 2031, the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association’s CEO Jason Burggraaf said ups and downs are to be expected and he feels the provincial target remains within reach. More here.
Harmony expands to Riversbend at Harmony
May 22, 2024 — The original, popular Barrhaven development of Harmony may be sold out, but Minto Communities has a new, nearby community on the way later this year. Riversbend at Harmony, being developed close to the Jock River, will see more than 500 Avenue and Executive townhomes built. The community is surrounded by trails and green space.
Development charges slashed but still increasing
May 15, 2024 — Proposed chunky increases to City of Ottawa development charges — fees paid by builders on new homes to help cover infrastructure costs — have been slashed by more than half from 28 to 11 per cent. The cut, recently approved by council, means charges on single and semi-detached homes inside the Greenbelt will increase to $55,678, while outside the Greenbelt they will be $63,337. Development charges on other homes will increase according to housing type. The city approved the new charges just a week before the deadline set by Under Ontario’s Development Charges Act, which requires municipalities to update their development charges bylaw at least every five years. Read more.
Further growth in Riverside South receives committee approval
April 30, 2024 — A plan to build 1,400 new homes, create 9,000 jobs and add a school, park and other amenities in Riverside South has been approved by the city’s municipal planning and housing committee. The transit-oriented plan, which includes a bus rapid transit (BRT) network connecting the growing community of Riverside South to LRT stations at Limebank and O-Train stations, is to be reviewed by city council May 1. Committee also approved a zoning amendment for the construction of a six-storey mixed-use building with 45 residential units on Bank Street in Old Ottawa South and okayed a nine-storey, 113-unit apartment building next to the former All Saints Anglican Church in Sandy Hill. More here.
72% of buyers sitting on the fence
April 29, 2024 — Almost three-quarters of hopeful homebuyers in Canada say they will wait until rates drop before considering a home purchase, according to a Bank of Montreal survey. The 72 per cent of respondents in the survey who say they will wait is up four per cent from last year. And while 62 per cent of those polled feel owning a home is a key life goal, more than half think it is unattainable in today’s economic and financial climate.
Overhauling Ottawa zoning bylaws
April 29, 2024 — The city has released the early draft of a huge zoning bylaw amendment that will be the largest overhaul of building and development regulations since amalgamation in 2001 — and called by one councillor a “tsunami that’s coming.” The proposed changes will affect everything from density to parking and the tree canopy, with public consultations expected to take place over the next several months. More on this.
Claridge proposes tower near Museum of Nature
April 16, 2024 — Claridge Homes is proposing a “landmark” development with a 27-storey residential tower and a public space across from the Museum of Nature downtown. The project would take up much of the block bounded by Metcalfe and McLeod streets and Gladstone Avenue. The project would require the demolition of three buildings currently on the site. More.
There’s lots new at The Commons
April 13, 2024 — Glenview Homes has released the next phase of The Commons in Orléans, along with opening a multi-generational model home and introducing new floor plans.
New towns at Riverside South
April 11, 2024 — HN Homes is introducing urban towns (three-storey, back-to-back freehold homes) to its lineup at Riverside South. The homes are designed in collaboration with Simmonds Architecture, HN’s longtime design partner, and range from 1,480 to 1,594 square feet. They come with covered balconies, main-floor laundry and two bedrooms.
Brigil proposes almost 2,000 units for March Road
April 8, 2024 — Developer Brigil is looking to build almost 2,000 housing units near the Marshes Golf Club on March Road in Kanata North. In a planning application filed with the city, the builder proposes up to eight low-rise buildings, four mid-rise buildings of six storeys, two 15-storey towers, 32 townhomes and 19 singles across 50 acres, totalling 1,908 units. There would also be commercial space in the mid- and high-rise buildings, three parks and room for a school. No timelines for the project have been indicated. Details.
Local builders’ association calls for major zoning changes to increase housing construction
March 31, 2024 — A recent white paper from the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association calls for significant zoning changes to increase the pace of housing construction and the supply of affordable housing. Among the changes proposed: unlimited building heights within 800 metres of transit stations and allowing the market to dictate building height.
The paper was released as the city reviews its zoning bylaws — a first draft of which is expected this spring — and in light of the $4 billion federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), of which Ottawa will get more than $176 million.
The paper also calls for removing parking spot minimums and permitting the market to dictate need as well as allowing front yard parking. The association’s white paper supports allowing up to four residential units on any lot serviced by the city and recommends other initiatives.
New phase being released at eQ’s eQuinelle
March 19, 2024 — eQ Homes is launching Encore, a new phase of Kemptville’s eQuinelle development, on March 23. Encore features new two-storey singles, bungalows and townhomes.
The towns and singles, which start in the low $500s and range up to seven bedrooms, feature “exclusive lots with exceptional golf course views,” according to an announcement from eQ.
Minto to release phase 2 of Anthem
Feb. 27, 2024 — Minto Communities will release phase two of its Anthem development at 11 a.m. Mar. 2. Anthem is an enclave of Minto’s stacked back-to-back townhomes — called Metro Towns — in Barrhaven.
“The first phase of Anthem has been so well received in Barrhaven that it is nearly sold out after only a few months,” the builder says in an email to those on its registration list. The homes are two-bedroom condo towns that offer an attractive price point for first-time buyers and investors.
Anthem launched in the fall next to Chapman Mills and will see about 600 homes built. For more on Anthem, see our development summary.
$176 million to speed up Ottawa housing construction
Feb. 16, 2024 — There’s been a lot of chatter this week stemming from the announcement of Ottawa’s $176-million share of the federal government’s $4-billion Housing Accelerator Fund. The money is meant to help the city fast-track more than 4,400 housing units over the next three years and more than 32,000 in total over the next decade.
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, which is the voice of Ottawa’s housing industry, said in a newsletter to its members this week that it will “work with city staff on the implementation of action items in the agreement intended to streamline approvals and enhance services to industry.” More on the announcement.
Glenview to release phase 2 of The Commons
Feb. 8, 2024 — Glenview Homes is set to release the next phase of The Commons in Orléans. Phase 2 will launch March 2 with five new townhome floor plans.
The new floor plans will range from 1,806 to 2,286 with three or four bedrooms and contemporary exteriors. Select models will offer an optional fifth bedroom, double car garage or flex spaces for an office, loft or bedroom.
The Commons launched in 2021 and will see about 300 singles and towns when finished. For more on The Commons, see our development summary.
Towers next to Experimental Farm approved
Feb. 8, 2024 — Ottawa city council has approved rezoning for two residential towers proposed by Theberge Homes that raised concern over the shadow effects they would create on the neighbouring Central Experimental Farm.
The buildings are part of a three-tower development at the corner of Baseline Road and Fisher Avenue, on the site of the original Lone Star restaurant. The first tower, further south on Fisher, was given rezoning approval last fall. The project would see two towers of 24 and 32 storeys facing the farm and the third tower with 24 storeys facing Fisher. Almost 1,100 units are planned, along with commercial space.
“The zoning approved today allows for flexibility in design changes to minimize shadowing on the (farm) while maintaining the proposed density,” the city says in a release.
900+ more units coming to LeBreton Flats
Jan. 29, 2024 — The National Capital Commission (NCC) has taken another step forward in its development of LeBreton Flats, announcing Jan. 25 that it has signed a deal with developers Avenue 31 Capital Inc. and Cogir to develop four parcels of land (1.63 hectares) within the Flats District to “create a new sustainable and inclusive residential-focused community.”
The deal with see the addition more than 900 homes, including affordable residential units and units with at least three bedrooms. The NCC says the net-zero-carbon buildings will sit in a neighbourhood of pedestrian-friendly streets with transit and active transportation as the preferred modes of travel and will connect to a future district energy system.
Redeveloping Legion House
Jan. 24, 2024 — Ottawa City Council has approved an application to redevelop the site of Legion House on Kent Street. The proposal by Taggart Realty Management would see the dismantling of the historic five-storey building with part of the façade reconstructed into the 27-storey residential tower to be built in its place and part of the façade reinterpreted.
“Once reconstructed, (Legion House) would be integrated with the new building, and the ground floor of Legion House would be used for institutional or community purposes,” the city says in a release. Two houses on the development site are also to be restored and integrated into the overall landscaping and site design.
The new residential building will see 289 units.
Gateway is at the gate
Jan. 22, 2024 — Gateway, a new sub-community at Richcraft Homes‘ west-end Mapleton development, launches Feb. 3 with two-bedroom, low-maintenance flats. The flats start at $399,900 and feature open-concept interiors, designer kitchens and private decks. Learn more.
$50,000 off select homes
Jan. 21, 2024 — Cardel Homes is reviving its 50th anniversary promotion from 2023 of offering $50,000 off select homes. The homes are located in the builder’s communities of Blackstone, Ironwood, Richardson Ridge and EdenWylde. Conditions apply; check with Cardel for details.
New lot releases by Minto
Jan. 22, 2024 — On Jan. 27, Minto Communities is releasing single and townhome lots at Mahogany in Manotick. For more on Mahogany, check our development profile.
Minto also recently released Urban Townhome lots for the first time at Parkside at Arcadia in west Kanata along with Metro Towns. Parkside is a new enclave of 368 townhomes across the street from Minto’s Arcadia development.
Minto is currently offering its final release of Avenue Townhomes in Phase 4 of Quinn’s Pointe. The master-planned Barrhaven community will eventually see 2,000 homes built.
Low-rate mortgage offer at Trail View
Jan. 16, 2024 — Builder Metric Homes has arranged an offer for mortgages well below the going rate on three of its townhome lots at Trail View in Kanata. For lots 6B, 6C and 6D, buyers can secure a three-year, fixed-rate mortgage at just 3.99 per cent, amortized over 25 years. Terms and conditions apply and buyers are encouraged to contact Metric for details.
Construction has begun on the homes, with occupancy expected in late summer 2024. Prices start at $731,900.
Ottawa Urban Design Awards announced
Dec. 15, 2023 — A mid-rise rental project in The Glebe by Minto Group is one of nine winners of the 2023 Ottawa Urban Design Awards. Held every second year, the awards recognize Ottawa’s best in urban design in five categories, including urban infill, public places and civic spaces, visions and master plans, and others.
Minto won in the urban infill category for its Fifth + Bank project, a boutique apartment building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bank Street. Ottawa Community Housing also won in the urban infill category for its Rochester Heights Redevelopment Phase I, and Regional Group received an award in the public places and civic spaces category for its walking/biking corridor along the Rideau River at Greystone Village. More winners here.
Canadian housing affordability hits 41-year low
Dec. 15, 2023 — Housing affordability in Canada hit its lowest level in more than four decades during the last quarter, according to the Bank of Canada, as housing prices and mortgage rates continued to rise. The latest bad news on the housing front arrived as the federal government announced an updated version of its post-Second-World-War strategy to build more homes faster in an effort to ease the affordability crunch (see next item).
A report from the National Bank of Canada last month likewise noted a “significant deterioration” in housing affordability during the third quarter of the year and pointed to a “chronic lack of supply” in the housing market coupled with high demand caused by population growth.
Bringing back the post-war home catalogue idea
Dec. 13, 2023 — A post-war effort to quickly house returning veterans using a catalogue of pre-approved homes is seeing a revival. The federal government announced this week that work will begin next month on developing a 21st-century version of the initiative to help combat Canada’s housing crisis.
There will be an emphasis on multi-unit developments such as small low-rise multiplexes with a goal of fast-tracking approval and promoting factory-based construction to significantly reduce the time it takes to approve and build new homes. The government is aiming to have the catalogue ready next year.
New rental buildings for Westboro
Dec. 8, 2023 — Azure Urban Developments is bringing two new rental apartment buildings to Westboro, the 26-storey Azure Westboro at 2070 Scott St., which will have 254 units, and the six-storey Posthouse at 377 Winona Ave. It will have 60 units.
Azure Westboro is slated to sit on a red-brick podium and include a wide lobby designed for co-working and a coffee and wine bar.
Posthouse takes design inspiration from New York City warehouse conversions and the home of the property’s original owner, who served as a Westboro postmaster. It, too, will feature a red-brick façade and will include a bespoke French restaurant.
Leasing is expected to start next summer, with move-in as of Sept. 1.
Minto opens three-storey single models
Nov. 28, 2023 — Minto Communities has opened two single-family model homes that are three storeys high and meant for 28-foot lots.
The floor plans were introduced at Abbott’s Run this fall, with the two models built at its Barrhaven sales centre to help buyers visual the spaces. They are now available for touring.
Mortgage payments for a year
Nov. 27, 2023 — Valecraft Homes is holding a promotion in which one buyer will win up to $25,000 towards their mortgage payments, specifically $2,050 a month for 12 months.
The contest is open to homeowners who have or will have a mortgage on their Valecraft home in Shea Village or Place St. Thomas in 2024.
The draw will take place July 4, 2024.