Hintonburg and Westboro are buzzing with activity when it comes to large, new-build rental buildings. In the past couple of years alone, at least six have opened for leasing or are almost set to welcome new tenants. That amounts to 1,699 apartment units on a combined 157 floors. And that’s not counting the several other buildings that were built and leased out in the handful of years before that.
So, why here and why now?
Part of it has to do with the extension of the Light Rail Transit service (LRT) and the city’s commitment to densification, says John Thomas of Azure Urban Developments, which has two buildings on the go in Westboro. But it’s also about the “desirable lifestyle, convenient amenities and excellent schools.
“I think the main driver is the lifestyle these communities afford, and the amenities present in them. Urban living is a connection to the heart of Ottawa and (these) are 10-minute neighbourhoods. You can walk to great restaurants, groceries, the LCBO, coffee shops, the (Ottawa River) parkway, the beach and, of course, the LRT.”
Michael Ivanich, director of property management for Richcraft, agrees. His team is just now releasing the 31-storey Parkdale Collective in Hintonburg. “People go there for the lifestyle. Our first tenant moved from Sandy Hill and her very words were, ‘This is more my vibe.’”
Of course, affordability plays a role, adds Richcraft marketing manager Shawn Bellman, and new-build rentals with modern features and finishes and a plethora of amenities are appealing to those who either can’t afford to buy or who want to downsize.
“It’s all about lifestyle,” says Bellman, who recently joined the ranks of those renting after many years as a homeowner in Manotick. To that end, Richcraft is introducing something new for its tenants at Parkdale Collective — a residents’ experience co-ordinator. It’s an evolving role that aims to create an open and positive experience for tenants, including helping to create a sense of community among the residents and within the neighbourhood.
Ivanich points to the shortfall in rental units in Ottawa just before the pandemic as another reason for the increased purpose-built rental activity. “We never caught up. These buildings are being built because there is a pent-up demand in the City of Ottawa. That demand was extreme until recently; I think it’s levelled off a little.”
The vacancy rate is also still “pretty darn low,” he notes. (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation put it at 2.6 per cent for the Ottawa new-build market in its Fall 2024 Rental Market Report, up slightly from the very tight 2.1 per cent level of mid-2023.) “So, that’s what really drives the construction of new builds…. Now, are there too many developments? Time will tell.”
Here’s a snapshot of some of the buildings available in the Hintonburg and Westboro areas:
(listed starting rates are as of Feb. 5 for all projects and among available units)
Azure Westboro
Developer: Azure Urban Developments
Storeys: 26
Units: 254, from studios to three bedrooms
Starting rates: $1,650
Address: 2070 Scott St.
Occupancy: Mar. 1
Features: Lobby lounge, fitness centre and yoga room, wine bar, outdoor terrace, car wash, EV charging, bike repair station, entertaining room, meeting room, pet wash, grab-n-go snack options, guest suite, keyless entry. Units have floor-to-ceiling high-end windows, quartz counters in most, stainless-steel appliances and in-suite laundry.
Element
Developer: Main + Main
Storeys: 6
Units: 252; studio to two bedrooms, including some townhomes
Starting rates: $1,905
Address: 400 Kirkwood Ave.
Occupancy: ongoing
Features: Community kitchen, fitness centre, lounge rooftop terrace and theatre, pet wash, yoga studio, outdoor fitness area, pet friendly. Units have floor-to-ceiling windows, nine-foot smooth ceilings, vinyl plank flooring, in-suite laundry, stainless-steel appliances, quartz counters, keyless entry.
Parkdale Collective
Developer: Richcraft
Storeys: 31
Units: 279 units; one and two bedrooms
Starting rates: $1,800
Address: 159 Parkdale Ave.
Occupancy: Mar. 1
Features: Smart home integration system, outdoor pool, party room, games room, chefs’ kitchen, gym with yoga room, EV charging, car sharing program, pet wash station. Units include four appliances, in-suite laundry, air conditioning and high-speed internet. In a first for Richcraft, a resident experience co-ordinator is being introduced (separate from the concierge) and programming for residents, offering activities and events, such as a craft day at Maker House, to bring residents together and connect them with the community.
PostHouse by Azure
Developer: Azure Urban Developments
Storeys: 6
Units: 60; studio to two bedrooms
Starting rates: $1,900
Address: 377 Winona Ave.
Occupancy: ongoing
Features: Elise restaurant on the ground floor, rooftop terrace, fitness room, pet wash, keyless entry, bike repair station, car wash, EV charging. Unit features include stainless-steel appliances, in-suite laundry, high-end windows and cabinetry and black fixtures.
The Dale
Developer: Brigil
Storeys: 2 towers of 33 and 29 storeys
Units: 520; one to three bedrooms
Starting rates: $1,830
Address: 99 Parkdale Ave.
Occupying: ongoing
Features: Outdoor pool atop the podium, multiple lounges, gym, yoga room, multi-purpose room for parties, rooftop terrace, The Red Door coffee shop at ground level. Units come with stainless-steel appliances, in-unit laundry and quartz counters.
MORE: Discover The Dale
The Livmore
Developer: GWL Realty Advisors
Storeys: 26
Units: 334; studio to three-bedroom flats and townhomes with two or three bedrooms
Starting rates: $1,682
Address: 300 McRae Ave.
Occupancy: ongoing
Features: Pet friendly, furnished guest suites, fitness centre, lounge, pet wash, co-working space, media room, yoga studio, dining terrace, dog run, underground parking. Units have floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood, discounted high-speed internet, in-suite laundry.
