Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Thanks to investments made by the Government of Canada, residents of Gatineau will soon have access to more stable rental housing options.
Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), alongside Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull, announced a $70 million investment to help construct a new residential building at Zibi block 10, located at 10, rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau, and to support a significant decrease in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the overall 34 acre Zibi master planned community project, owned and developed by Dream Unlimited Corp.and Dream Impact Trust.
Zibi Block 10 is receiving a $60 million low cost loan, through the Rental Construction Financing Initiative for the construction of Zibi Block 10, a 15-storey building that will provide Gatineau with 162 new units of much needed rental housing. Conveniently located, the project is part of Zibi, close to public transportation and services for families, in the foothills of Parliament Hill straddling both Ottawa and Gatineau overlooking the Chaudière Falls, just to the south of Gatineau’s downtown core and to the west of Ottawa’s central business district.
Zibi also received a low cost loan of $10 million through the NHS Affordable Housing Innovation Fund, to help bring 200 affordable units with equal and equitable access to the region’s first zero-carbon District Energy System (ZCU) relying on post-industrial waste energy for heating, and the Ottawa River for cooling. Ultimately, Zibi aims to provide zero carbon heating and cooling for all Zibi tenants and residents in the 34-acre Waterfront City. Zibi Block 10 will house the central District Thermal Plant of the District Energy System that will service the community’s energy needs. The District Energy system, a partnership between Hydro Ottawa and Zibi, upon full build out will be the first post-industrial waste heat recovery system in a master-plan community in North America and first zero carbon emission District Energy Heating and Cooling system in the National Capital Region.
Quotes:
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Our government is taking action, through projects like this one, to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. Zibi Block 10 will be able to provide Gatineau families with the access they need to: jobs, services and amenities. In addition, through the Innovation Fund, we are encouraging innovative ways to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
“Through the National Housing Strategy, our Government is increasing the supply of rental units for Canadians. These investments also create good jobs and grow the local economy and are making a big difference in building a more sustainable future through more energy-efficient and affordable homes. This investment is wonderful news for families of Gatineau and Ottawa, who will soon have more rental housing options.”– Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull
“We are grateful for the Government of Canada and CMHC’s support in the creation of hundreds of new rental units at Zibi, and of our Zibi Community Utility district energy system, a key enabler for the realization of our net-zero carbon community. Developing affordable and attainable housing, creating inclusive communities, and ensuring resource efficiency are at the heart of our Dream Impact commitment, and we are very excited to see them come to life here at Zibi.” – Jamie Cooper, Director of Impact Investments, Dream
