With this post, I want discuss to a zoning issue that Council addressed in February 2025 ahead of the bulk of the new Zoning By-Law—shelters. Our Official Plan, passed in 2021, calls for the removal of all restrictions for zoning in shelter use. There was extensive public consultation, and through this, we committed to removing the zoning barrier to building shelters.
Before this, if a provider wanted to open a shelter on most properties in Ottawa, they’ll be forced to seek a re-zoning to permit the use. That means if an agency serving newcomers wanted to purchase or build a home to house them temporarily, as agencies like Matthew House do, it wouldn’t be allowed. Building form still needs to conform with what is allowed in the Zoning By-Law, such as height, setbacks, and other restrictions.
What is a shelter? The New Zoning By-Law defines shelter as: A building or part of a building providing temporary accommodations to individuals who are in immediate need of emergency accommodation and food, and may include ancillary health care, counselling and social support services. (refuge)
Increasing shelter accessibility across the city is crucial in addressing Ottawa’s homelessness crisis, especially as demand for emergency housing continues to rise. Having shelters allowed everywhere in Ottawa allows greater opportunities for children to continue to attend school, adults are able to work, and that these residents can access amenities like sports and recreation, shopping, transit, and support services. Everyone should be able to access comfort and normalcy.
Shelters are only one piece of the housing solution. The goal of a shelter is to provide a temporary place to stay while more permanent housing solutions are found. Some people may be on wait lists through housing programs, waiting to access a care facility, and some have had to flee a dangerous situation.
We zone for uses and building types, but we don’t zone people. If you know of a shelter location in your community or someone who is living in a shelter, it's critical that we respect their privacy and not disclose this information to others. Some shelters specifically assist those who need privacy for their safety and the locations of these shelters are never public knowledge. Let's all treat our neighbours with kindness and compassion.
It is important to remember that no one wants to be without a home. I believe strongly that everyone deserves a place to live, so if you follow me, you will know that building and acquiring more housing of all types so people can have a home is critically important to me.
If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, there are options.
- Call 2-1-1: for 24/7 assistance in 150+ languages.
- Contact Interval House of Ottawa: at 613-234-5181 for urgent support or a space free from violence.
- Dial 3-1-1: to reach the City of Ottawa's Outreach and Housing team for assistance or referrals to services.