Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults (2021)

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Prepared by:

The Age-Friendly Housing Committee

Housing

Options in

Ottawa:

A Guide for

Older Adults

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

About This Guide

About the Council on

Aging of Ottawa

Should I Stay or Should

I Move?

Age-Friendly Housing

Search Checklist

INTRODUCTION

Renovate Your Home

Buying or Building a Home

Sharing a Home

HOME OWNERSHIP

Renting at Market Rent

Subsidized/Social Housing

Co-operative Housing

Organizations That Can

Help

RENTING

DISCLAIMER: This Guide is intended for informational

purposes only. It is not intended to be a complete list of

resources available on seniors’ housing. The Council on

Aging of Ottawa makes no representations, endorsements

or warranties, expressed or implied, of the organizations and

services mentioned in this Guide. The views in this guide do

not necessarily reect the views of these funders.

This Guide is available online at www.coaottawa.ca.

Reference:

The Council on Aging of Ottawa. 2021.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

www.coaottawa.ca.

Contents

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults (2021)

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

RESOURCES TO

HELP YOU STAY IN

YOUR HOME

Retirement Homes

Residential Services

Homes

Long-Term Care Homes

RESIDENTIAL

LIVING

APPENDIX A: Key

Information Sites

APPENDIX B: Examples of

Innovative and Emerging

Housing Options

CONCLUSION

Personal Care and

Community Support

Services

Financial Help

Home Safety Help

Disponible en français : Âgés et bien logés à Ottawa : Un guide (2021)

The Council on Aging of Ottawa gratefully

acknowledges the nancial support of the Government

of Ontario and the City of Ottawa.

Thank you to the following people and organizations for

their support and contributions to this publication:

• Members of the Age-Friendly Housing Committee,

Council on Aging of Ottawa

• Sta from the City of Ottawa

• Soraya Allibhai, Master of Social Work student who

worked with the Housing Committee to prepare the

Guide

• Community partners who provided feedback on the

draft copy

• Hamilton Seniors Advisory Committee and City

of Hamilton for sharing their publication: Housing

Options for Older Adults in Hamilton

• Kelly Teo for the layout of this guide.

Acknowledgements

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Who Are We?

Ottawa’s Retirement Living Advisors

Our passion is education! We want each

Tea & Toast family to feel the sense of

relief that comes with knowing you have

got the best answers and a backup plan

just in case!

How do we do this?

By listening to your concerns, care needs

and preferences.

Aligning the correct Retirement Home

with your needs and being on the

journey with you from start to nish, is

just the tip of what you will receive from

your Advisor! Peace of mind and a sense

of calm is instore for you!

But don’t let us do all the talking! Head

over to our website to see the many

reviews from our happy families! On the

Tea & Toast site you will also have access

to numerous blogs, freebies, our online

course and book!

There are approximately 90 Retirement

Homes and 60 Long Term Care Homes

in and around the city of Ottawa?

Both systems operate independently

and differently.

The average family spends 80+ hours

researching and touring these homes

and have told us that they still feel

unsure of their choice.

613.698.1319 ea

and

oas.ca

DID YOU KNOW?

Assisting seniors for

almost 2 decades!

Notes

We are happy to help!

613.698.1319

info@ea

and

oas.ca

Visit us online at ea

and

oas.ca

Retirement homes are required to follow the standards

set out by the RHRA (Retirement Home Regulatory

Authority). The public can check reports at www.rhra.ca

Ottawa’s Senior

Living Advisors

RESIDENCE

1 2 3

Home Amenities and Features Continued...

Lounges

Private dining room

Communal kitchen

Chapel

Bistro

Greenhouse

Swimming pool

Sauna / hot tub

Computer available

Storage available

Therapeutic tub

Patio/outdoor space

Tuckshop

Wheelchair accessible

Smoke alarms and

sprinklers throughout

Air conditioned building

Pets allowed

Pricing

Cost of suite (à la carte)

Cost of care (à la carte)

Cost of suite & care (package)

Deposit amount required

How long suite is held for

Last month’s rent required Y N Y N Y N

Length of notice required for

move-out

Retirement Home

Tour Checklist

Download

Your Free Copy!

www.teaandtoast.ca/download

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

ousing options for older adults

range from living independently

in the community (owning, renting

or sharing a home), to living in

a residence with some supports

(assisted living and retirement homes)

or living in a long-term care home.

Most older adults want to live

independently, at home and in familiar

communities for as long as possible.

Some want to downsize or nd a new

home in a welcoming community that

better suits their needs as they grow

older. Before you decide about your

living situation, it is best to gather as

much information as possible and to

explore your options.

This Guide will help you better

understand your housing options

and make informed decisions about

where you want to live now and in

the future. Compare your options and

discuss them with family members

and friends. Consider asking for advice

from a lawyer, nancial advisor or

real-estate agent. Then decide what

works best for you.

Within the Guide, you will nd boxes

with resources for more information,

and for making comments and notes.

Introduction

Resources and further information (including local, provincial and national sources).

In the electronic version, simply click on the link to get to the resource. If you are using the

print version, type the name of the resource or link in a computer (at home or at a library)

to see the resource.

Comments: A place to write your comments, questions and notes.

Appendix A provides a short list of the key sources for information noted in this Guide.

Appendix B provides some examples of innovative and emerging housing options.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

The Council on Aging of Ottawa (COA)

serves as a leading community voice in

both ocial languages for Ottawa’s seniors.

We aim to help Ottawa become more

age-friendly by identifying and addressing

issues and services that impact the lives of

older residents. Our vision is: “Respected,

informed and engaged seniors living in an

Age-Friendly city”.

The COA has been an active part of the

Ottawa community for over 40 years,

addressing issues important to seniors

About the Council on Aging of Ottawa

in health, housing, social isolation,

transportation, elder abuse and income

security.

Suitable housing is central to the well-being

of people of all ages and is a key part of

an age-friendly city. The goal of the Age-

Friendly Housing Committee is to explore

and advocate for aordable, accessible,

appropriate, and available housing (the

4 A’s of housing) on the continuum from

independent living to long-term care, for

older people in the Ottawa region.

Aordable housing costs less than

30% of your before-tax income

(for a household or person living

alone). Housing costs include

mortgage or rent, utilities (hydro,

gas and water), property taxes,

insurance and other fees (e.g.

condo fees, maintenance costs).

Access to aordable housing

for low- and moderate-income

seniors, both renters and

homeowners, is challenging in the

current market.

As we age, we may experience

physical and cognitive changes

that limit our movements,

senses or activities, and make it

dicult to stay in our home. The

home may need to be adapted

to enable safe, independent

living. There is a need for more

housing options in Ottawa that

are accessible for people with

disabilities, especially as the

number of people over the age of

65 continues to increase.

Aordable

Accessible

The Four A’s are:

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

INTRODUCTION

Should I Stay or Should I Move?

It is a big decision to move or change your

living arrangements at any stage of life, but

especially when you are older. Planning

now, before a crisis forces you to move, can

make the decision easier and ensure you

will be happy with your choice.

Compare your present living arrangements

to other options that interest you and that

will meet your personal needs in the future.

Renovating your current home may be the

best option for you now. But for others,

nding dierent living accommodations

may be a better option.

The Age-Friendly Housing Search Checklist

that follows will help you ask the right

questions and keep a record of the

information you need to decide which

options work best for you and your family.

At the end of the day, it is your decision

where you want to call home.

You can nd checklists online to use if you

are planning to move to a retirement or

long-term care home.

Older adults in Ottawa want

options that are aordable,

accessible and appropriate. Too

often these options are limited

or just not available in their

community of choice. Some

options, such as cohousing or

home sharing either do not exist

or are not available now. Other

housing options such as social

housing and long-term care homes

have long waitlists.

Regardless of the setting,

appropriate housing is safe, secure,

clean, and well-maintained. Living

independently in the community

is the appropriate choice for most

older people. However, assisted

living may be a better option for

seniors with health problems that

cannot be managed with help

from community services. Housing

that is close to public transit and

neighbourhood services (shops,

libraries, parks, seniors’ centres,

etc.) allows older people to take

part in the community fully.

Neighbourhoods that encourage

social contact prevent isolation.

Appropriate

Available

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Age-Friendly Housing Search Checklist

Use the Age-Friendly Housing Search

Checklist to help you think about what you

need and want. It asks questions related to

the 4 As of housing options: aordability,

accessibility, appropriateness and

availability. Feel free to add your own living

and lifestyle requirements to the Checklist,

such as a desire to have pets, privacy,

access to gardening or cycle paths, etc.

Make extra copies of the Checklist and

take them when you go to look at dierent

housing options and locations.

Here are some important things to consider

before you use the Checklist:

• Your health and mobility. How healthy

and mobile are you now? How healthy

and mobile do you think you will be 5,

10 or 15 years from now? Think about

existing health conditions and what you

would do if your health changes or you

experience a fall or injury.

• Transportation. Are you willing to move

and/or use public transportation when

you are no longer willing or able to drive?

• Living with others. Would you like to

share living space with others? Or do you

prefer to live on your own? Would you

want to move if your partner becomes

ill or dies? Do you want to live in a

community with people of all ages, or do

you prefer to live only with other older

people?

• Social connections. Do you have

friends, family and social networks that

are close to where you live now? Would

you be able to maintain these social

connections if you move?

• Caregiving. Would moving help or

hinder your role as a caregiver (now

or in the future), as well as your ability

to maintain your own health and well-

being? How does the person you are

caring for feel about moving? Do the

Checklist together to see where your

preferences match and where they do

not.

Describe your current housing situation

(where I am now):

Describe your future housing needs (where

you would like to be in the next 5, 10 or 15 years):

Comments:

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Age-Friendly Housing Search Checklist

Things to consider Now

Future

Options

Aordability

Accessibility

Can you get in and out of the home/driveway/garage

easily? Does the home have a no-step entry or a ramp at

the entry?

Is it dicult to move around in some parts of the home?

What are your current costs for utilities, taxes, insurance,

rent/mortgage, home maintenance? How does this

compare with other options (e.g. renting an apartment,

living in a retirement home, or moving to a smaller home or

condo)?

Are you spending more than 30% of your before-tax

income on housing?

Can you aord to renovate your home so that you can stay

there if you develop disabilities or is it more aordable to

move?

Can you aord to pay for services that you may need now

or in the future? (e.g. help with cleaning, snow removal or

lawn care, general home maintenance, meal preparation,

bathing, dressing or medications)

Comments:

INTRODUCTION

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Things to consider Now

Future

Options

Are there stairs that are dicult to manage? If you live in a

multi-oor building, is there a reliable elevator that works for

people using a mobility device (e.g. walker or wheelchair)?

Can you move easily in and out of the bathroom?

Are there grab bars installed? Is there a walk-in shower?

Is the laundry equipment easily accessible?

Is the home accessible for people with mobility devices (e.g.

a walker or wheelchair)? Are the doorways wide enough for a

wheelchair to enter? Is there a bathroom on the main oor?

Can you renovate the home to x accessibility problems?

Can friends and family visit easily? Consider access to the

building and visitor parking spots as well as stairs.

Can you easily get to a grocery store, drugstore, postal outlet

or mailbox, bank, healthcare facilities and other necessities?

Is there an accessible bus shelter or public transit station

with seating nearby? Can you safely get there when using a

mobility device (especially in winter)?

Is door-to-door transportation available in the community for

people with physical limitations?

Is it easy to perform home maintenance tasks such as

changing light bulbs, vacuuming and cleaning rooms,

counters and sinks?

Comments:

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Things to consider

Now

Future

Options

Appropriateness

Is living independently in the community the best choice

for you? Or is residential living more appropriate for you?

Do you feel safe in your current home/neighbourhood? In

the new home/neighbourhood you are considering?

Can you safely walk in the neighbourhood? Consider

trac, intersections, curb cuts that allow for walking with a

mobility device, winter maintenance, and street lighting.

Are there benches and other places to sit in the

neighbourhood?

Can you walk to parks, paths and green spaces?

Is the location (home and outdoors) welcoming for pets?

Is there transit available nearby?

Do you want to live in a neighbourhood where your rst

language is spoken?

Can you comfortably shop and run errands during bad

weather?

Is the location close to family, friends, restaurants, places

of worship, libraries, recreation and community centres

and other places that oer social opportunities?

Are you close to someone who can help when you cannot

shop, run errands or have an emergency?

Comments:

INTRODUCTION

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Things to consider

Now

Future

Options

Availability

Is there aordable, accessible and appropriate housing

(to buy or rent) in the neighbourhood(s) where you would

like to live?

Are the services available that you need now or in the

future? (e.g. help with caregiving, cleaning, lawn care,

general home maintenance, meal preparation, bathing or

dressing).

Are doctors, dentists and other health professionals

available in the area? If not, are you able to easily travel

to medical appointments with your current health care

practitioners?

Is home delivery of your medication and groceries oered

in the community?

What services (e.g. help with personal care) are not

available to you at this time?

Are there “must haves” in a new location/home not listed

in the Checklist? If yes, what are they?

Comments:

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

DISCOVER

EXTRAORDINARY

VIRTUAL & PRIVATE TOURS

AMICA.CA

Experience the senior lifestyle you deserve, with premium amenities,

your choice of engaging activities, and delicious meals prepared by

Red Seal Chefs. At Amica Senior Lifestyles, our professional staff will

ensure your safety and well-being always remain a top priority while

supporting your every need, even as those needs change.

AMICA WESTBORO PARK

■

491 R I C H M O N D R O A D

■

613-728-9274

AMICA THE GLEBE

(

OPENS EARLY 2022

)

■

33 MONK STREET

■

613-233-6363

riddochcommunications #545 67 mowat ave

•

toronto

•

416.515.7562

FILE NAME 12062AMI_GLB_WB_localad_FA

STOCK/SUBSTRATE n/a

SIZE : 7.5” x 9” QUANTITY n/a

pub: he Counsil of Aging community: Corp insertion: Spring Issue

12062AMI_GLB_WB_localad_FA.indd 112062AMI_GLB_WB_localad_FA.indd 1 2021-03-05 1:25 PM2021-03-05 1:25 PM

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

We are the most experienced aging in place

home modication contractor in Canada.

We are Canada’s rst and longest-serving

Certied Aging in Place Specialists for home

modication services, and we bring well over

35 years of home renovation expertise. With

scores of successful aging in place home

modications under our belts, our experience

will earn your trust. It’s all we do.

www.renos4life.ca

Why We’re Trusted

Live Safely & Independently, for Life

It’s Your Home

Call 613-690-8500 or 1-800-631-8699

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

ome ownership can be a blessing

and a challenge. It can be

frightening and sad to think about

leaving your family home later in

life. At the same time, some people

want to downsize once their children

move away or they lose a partner to

divorce or death. Some want to move

closer to family members or medical

facilities. Others are unable to sustain

the costs of maintenance, utilities and

taxes, especially if mobility and income

decrease over time. Planning early

for your housing needs and available

options can reduce the stress for you

and your family, now and into the

future.

Options for home ownership that

meet your changing needs include:

• Renovating your home

• Buying or building a home

• Sharing a home

Home Ownership

Renovating to meet your current and

future needs can help you stay safely

and independently in your current home.

Modications you may want to consider

include adding grab bars in the bathroom,

changing the bathtub or shower, installing

hand railings or a stair lift, modifying

kitchen cupboards, and adding a bathroom,

bedroom and laundry room on the main

oor.

Renovate Your Home

Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation: provides a variety of

publications and information on

renovations and accessibility.

Visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/

developing-and-renovating or call

1-800-668-2642 for more

information.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Find information on “Financial Help” with

Renovating Your Home on page 32 in the

section on Resources to Help You Stay in

Your Home.

This option allows you to nd a home

that suits your needs in a location where

you want to live. For example, you could

downsize from a two-storey house to a

bungalow or apartment. Or move from

your family home in the suburbs to an

urban condo or rural home.

Another option is to buy or build in an

Adult Lifestyle Community (sometimes

called a retirement village). An Adult

Lifestyle Community is a housing complex

designed for older adults who are generally

able to care for themselves. They usually

contain a variety of housing options such

as apartments, single houses, and assisted

living units. A management company

maintains the grounds and provides repair

services.

Buying or Building a Home

The Home Modication Council

(Canadian Home Builders’ Association):

provides expertise, resources and services

for individuals and families

who wish to renovate their home so

they can stay there: www.chba.ca/CHBA/

Renovating/Renovating.aspx.

A Certied Aging-in-Place Specialist

(C-CAPS) designation program teaches

remodeling professionals the technical,

customer service, and business

management skills needed to create

home modications for the aging-in-place

population. Be sure to ask your contractor

if they are CAPS certied. For more

information, go www.chba.ca/c-caps

Comments:

Photo Credit: Private Home Owner

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

HOME OWNERSHIP

You can begin your research

online at www.Realtor.ca or the

Ottawa Real Estate Board at

www.oreb.ca.

Visit the Real Estate Council of

Ontario at www.reco.on.ca for more

information on obtaining the services

of a Realtor.

The Canada Mortgage and

Housing Corporation oers a variety

of free publications about buying or

selling a property.

Visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.

There are numerous adult lifestyle

communities in the Ottawa region (i.e.

within the City and in suburban areas such

as Kanata and Stittsville). Currently, no

database lists these communities. Ask your

real estate agent to help you nd them.

You may also choose to buy a

condominium (houses, townhouses,

and apartments) from developers or

prior owners. You own your share of the

condominium, and you are responsible

for selling it when you move. In Ontario,

condominiums are governed by the

Condominium Act, 1998.

Check with your local real estate oce

for available homes to buy in the Ottawa

region. Your realtor can provide you with

information on market values, and help you

sell or buy a home. To protect consumers,

the real estate industry is governed by the

Real Estate Business Brokers Act, 2002.

Another option is to build a Coach House

(sometimes called a granny at). It is an

independent, small building located on the

same lot as the principal residence, which is

typically owned by you or a family member.

These housing units are permitted in

Ottawa’s urban, suburban and rural areas,

although some restrictions may apply.

There are specially qualied

realtors who can address the real

estate needs of those age 50-plus.

They are knowledgeable about issues

of particular concern to older people,

as well as market trends.

Accredited Senior Agents:

www.seniorsrealestate.ca

Seniors Real Estate Specialists:

www.seniorsrealestate.com

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Life lease housing is another option for

older adults who can live independently.

In a life lease arrangement, you purchase

the right to occupy a dwelling unit for the

rest of your life from the housing project

sponsor. It resembles renting except that

residents hold an “interest” in the dwelling,

in exchange for a lump sum payment

up-front, monthly maintenance fees and

property tax payments. When the resident

moves out, the lease is sold at fair market

value, less a fee. If the resident dies, his

or her estate may inherit the life lease

interest, but not the right to occupy the

unit. Life leases are oered in apartment,

townhouse and retirement home settings.

Currently, there are few available in

Ottawa.

Getting ready to move can be a time-

consuming and dicult task. There are

companies in Ottawa that oer a variety

of services to help with moving, storing,

and/or organizing and downsizing your

belongings. Search online under “downsize

Ottawa” for names of businesses in the

area. Be sure to get several quotes before

signing up with any one company.

Comments:

See Life lease housing, a guide

with practical information to help you

decide if life lease is right for you at

www.ontario.ca/document/life-lease-

housing.

Visit the City of Ottawa website

for more information on Adding a

Coach House at www.ottawa.ca/en/

residents/building-and-renovating/do-

i-need-building-permit#adding-coach-

house-secondary-dwelling-units-

accessory-structure.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Moving in with Family

One option is moving in with family

members or having them come to live with

you. If you are considering this, you and

your family need to think carefully about

your needs and how things will work.

Before making any decision, it is important

to discuss practical issues:

• Is the home accessible in case you have

or develop disabilities?

• Will you have privacy and independence

(e.g. a private bedroom, bathroom and

other spaces)?

• What are the nancial obligations for

both parties?

Consider your current relationship with

your family member(s) and the stage of life

you are at. Would living together be the

best t for you and them? What would you

do if the arrangement does not work for

either party?

Buying or Building a House

with Friends

There are examples in Ottawa where

three or four independent people have

sold their homes and bought one large

house together. They most often share

spaces such as the kitchen, living room

and garden while having private bedrooms

and bathrooms. These friends often

become “family” and develop supportive

relationships.

To make this work you need to agree on:

• Private and shared spaces

• Parking

• Financial arrangements for the purchase,

renovations and maintenance of the

home

• Visitors and guests

• Commitments to supporting each other

and time spent together

• The division of chores

• What you will do if one person does not

t or decides to leave

• The desired location of the home

This kind of living arrangement is most

successful when the buyers are already

friends or know that they have common

values and goals as they age.

Home Sharing

Home sharing is when two or more

unrelated people live in a single dwelling.

While each person has his or her own

private space, they most often share

common areas such as the living room

and kitchen. Home sharing can provide

companionship, a sense of security and an

income to help with the cost of your house.

If you own your own home or condo and

have an extra bedroom, you could consider

oering it to someone in exchange for

money and/or help with chores and

maintenance. There are several home

sharing pilots and matching programs

underway in Ontario.

Sharing a Home

HOME OWNERSHIP

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Home Share Communities:

www.homesharecanada.org/ON for

more information.

Homeshare Alliance:

www.homesharealliance.com.

The Home-Sharing Guide for

Ontario Municipalities:

www.ontario.ca/page/home-sharing-

guide-ontario-municipalities.

Co-owing: www.ontario.ca/

document/co-owning-home for

resources and information on

co-ownership

Intergenerational home sharing

is becoming increasingly popular (e.g.

students living with seniors). Students

and senior homeowners both enjoy more

aordable housing and develop satisfying

relationships. Students may provide help

with home maintenance or computer use

in exchange for reduced rents. Seniors

provide “a home away from home” and can

mentor young people. Intergenerational

home sharing is often practiced informally.

A program matching seniors and students

is under development in Ottawa (see Hygge

Home Sharing in Appendix B).

Cohousing

Like home sharing, cohousing is an

emerging option. With cohousing, a group

of people get together to plan and develop

their housing community, typically in an

apartment-like setting. It can either be a

new build or an adaptation of an existing

building(s). Residents own their unit, but

often share spaces such as dining and

recreational facilities, and support services.

Senior cohousing focuses on aging well in

the community. Senior residents design

and manage cohousing themselves and

rely on neighbourly mutual support (co-

care). A resident caregiver can also be

engaged as needed. Communities are

designed for physical accessibility as well

as nancial, environmental, and social

sustainability. Shared common facilities

and individually owned living units preserve

privacy while valuing community. See

examples in Appendix B.

Canadian Cohousing Network:

www.cohousing.ca for more

information and to inquire about a

community near you.

Note: All of the options for living with others

need to have an “exit” strategy—what will

happen should someone choose to leave or

needs to be asked to leave.

Comments:

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Renting

Rental living spaces include:

• Apartments for all ages in privately-

owned multi-unit buildings

• Units in apartment buildings for

seniors

• Accessory apartments built in private

homes (e.g. an apartment over the

garage or in the basement)

• Houses or condominium units rented

out by the owners

• They may be owned by for-prot

or non-prot organizations

There are three options:

1. Renting at market rate

2. Subsidized/social housing

3. Co-operative housing

Market rent is the full price rent found in

private buildings, accessory apartments

and houses. About half of Social Housing

properties now have units that charge

market rent. The monthly cost of a rental

unit will depend on the market value of the

property and the market demand. In 2018

in Ottawa, the average rent for a two-bed-

room apartment was $1,301.00, up 5.8%

since 2017. Average rent for a one-bed-

room apartment was $1,088.00; for a three

bedroom, the average rent was $1,584.00.

Renting at Market Rent

First Time Renters:

www.canada.ca/en/nancial-

consumer-agency/services/renting-

rst-apartment.html.

The Canada Mortgage and

Housing Corporation:

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/rental-

housing/i-am-renting.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Subsidized/Social Housing

In subsidized housing, the rent is

supported by a government program.

Rent-geared-to-income (RGI) is one form

of subsidized housing. RGI rents are based

on 30% of your monthly before taxes

household income. Typically, a specic

number of units in social housing buildings

are designated as RGI units and the rest are

rented at market rent.

Subsidized housing can also include units

at Below Market Rent (BMR). Rents in these

units are not geared to income but are

xed at a rate that is below the market

average; for example, a unit may rent at

80% of the average market rent posted

by the Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation.

The 2018 Rental Market

Report from The Canada Mortgage

and Housing Corporation:

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/data-

and-research/publications-and-

reports#q=rental%20markets.

Comments:

Photo credit: Colin Ashford, Abbeyeld Houses Society of Ottawa Volunteer

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Subsidies to live in private rental units

are also available (rent supplements and

housing allowances).

To be considered for subsidized housing

and to access RGI, BMR, supplements or a

housing allowance, you must apply through

the Social Housing Registry and be placed

on the Centralized Waiting List for people

applying for housing, including seniors

specic social housing.

Fifty-two independent, non-prot

organizations operate social housing across

the City of Ottawa. Ottawa Community

Housing Corporation (OCHC) is the largest

social housing provider in Ottawa. OCHC

provides approximately 15,000 homes to

32,000 tenants, including seniors, families,

couples, singles and persons with special

needs, within many communities across the

city.

OCHC has 21 seniors-only buildings. Eleven

of these are supported with added services

through the Ottawa West Community

Support Aging in Place program. The

program aims to reduce unnecessary

paramedic calls, emergency department

visits, and admissions to hospital and long-

term care facilities by providing community

outreach services and health system

navigation.

Photo credit: Ottawa Community Housing

RENTING

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Comments:

Social Housing Registry of

Ottawa: for information and

applications call (613) 526- 2088 or

visit www.housingregistry.ca.

Ottawa West Community

Support: manages the Aging in

Place program. Visit www.owcs.ca/

aging-in-place/ for more information.

Photo credit: Ottawa Community Housing

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Co-operative Housing

Co-operative housing is a type of not-

for-prot rental housing controlled by its

members. Some co-operative households

pay a reduced monthly rent geared to their

income. Other households pay the full

monthly charge based on operating costs

of the building. The members do not own

equity in their housing. If they move, their

home is returned to the co-operative.

If you are looking for a Rent-Geared-to-

Income (RGI) subsidy, or a Below Market

Rent (BMR) subsidy, let the cooperative

know this when you call them.

Many co-ops will refer you to the Social

Housing Registry of Ottawa to put your

name on the Centralized Waiting List. Other

co-ops manage their own waiting list for RGI

and subsidy. These co-ops will let you know

whether their waitlist for subsidy is open or

closed.

The Co-operative Housing

Association of Eastern Ontario: is

a co-operation of co-ops. For more

information and how to apply, visit

www.chaseo.coop or

call (613) 230-2201.

Comments:

Photo credit: Tunde Nemeth, Andy Andras Cooperative Housing

RENTING

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

If you are a renter, you should be aware of

the Residential Tenancies Act, 2007. The

Act outlines landlords’ and tenants’ rights

and responsibilities, and sets out a process

for enforcing them.

Landlord and Tenant Board: If

you have any concerns or questions,

visit www.sjto.gov.on.ca/ltb or call

1-888-332-3234.

You can also reach out to Action Housing

and Housing Help. They provide free

services to help low- to moderate-income

individuals and families access and

maintain safe, adequate and aordable

housing. If you need help or information

to maintain your current home or nd new

housing, contact the agency in your area.

Action Housing serves all

areas East of the Rideau Canal. Visit

www.action-logement.ca/en/action-

housing/ or call (613) 562-8219.

Housing Help serves all areas

West of the Rideau Canal. Visit www.

action-logement.ca/en/housing-help/

or call (613) 563-4532.

Organizations That Can Help

Comments:

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

FiFty-Five Plus

L i f e s t y l e M a g a z i n e

Read compelling stories and

informative articles at

fifty-five-plus.com/past-issues

Fifty-Five Plus Magazine is one of Ontario’s largest circulation

magazines catering to mature adults. The facts you want, and need

to know about everything from health and nutrition to fitness, travel

and finance are offered in an attractive, easy-to-read format.

Enjoy amazing contests, engaging

conversations, surv

eys, product

reviews and events with our

active Fifty-Five Plus community.

&/5&3'03"$)"/$&

508*/"(*'5$"3%

0':063$)0*$&

&/5&350%":

$IPPTFGSPNPOFPG

NBOZMPDBUJPOTXIFSF

ZPVDBOQJDLVQB'3&&

DPQZPG'JGUZ'JWF1MVT

-JGFTUZMF.BHB[JOF

DNHɯGUZɯWFQMVTDPNDPOUFTU



!



              



&/5&3'03"

     

$#"

                      

 !%%



The Ultimate Guide to Retirement Living contains essential

information on retirement residences, City of Ottawa, Ottawa

Police Services and Ottawa Public Health. It is truly the

Ultimate Guide to Retirement Living.

Fifty Five Ad 2021.qxp_Layout 1 3/18/21 1:53 PM Page 1

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

BE LOCAL • BE GREEN • BE SATISFIED

We’re a local print and design

shop that can help with your

personal print projects.

• Greeting cards

• Personalized calendars

• Canvas prints

• Stationary & more

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

s we age, we may want to get

help to stay in our current home,

including:

1. Personal care and community

support services

2. Financial help

3. Home safety help

Personal Care and

Community Support Services

Whether you own or rent, community

support services can help you stay in your

home. Champlain Community Support

Network (CCSN) is a bilingual network of

non-prot agencies in the Ottawa area

working together to enable seniors and

adults living with disabilities to live healthily

at home and in communities. By connecting

with your local community support

service agency (CSS), you can get help with

Meals on Wheels, housekeeping, lawn

Resources to Help You

Stay in Your Home

Note: At the time of writing it was

announced that there would be changes to

the Local Health Integration Networks in the

province. This Guide will be updated when

details are made available.

Below you will nd a summary of the

dierent services in the community.

For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit

www.211ontario.ca.

maintenance, and medical transportation,

to name a few. Some community support

services are free; others have a fee.

Sometimes, you may be required to pay the

full amount.

There are also services to help with

personal care such as nursing care,

support for bathing and dressing, and

therapy services such as physiotherapy,

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Community Health Centre: to

nd the health centre in your area

go to www.champlainhealthline.ca.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal

Health has a similar mandate as

a community health centre for

indigenous seniors.

Champlain Community

Support Network:

A multi-agency network of

organizations that deliver

community support services

for older adults and adults with

disabilities. A range of services

is included from adult day

programs to home maintenance,

homemaking, meals on wheels,

personal support, respite, Snow

Go and Snow Go Assist, and

transportation. To connect with

a CSS agency: go to Caredove at

www.caredove.com/champlaincss.

occupational therapy, speech-language

therapy, dietitian, and social work. If you

need support in these areas, contact the

CSS to complete an assessment and see if

you are eligible for help with the costs of

these services.

Community Health Centres provide

primary care, health promotion, education

and illness prevention services in the

communities they serve. Some connect

adults over the age of 60 and adults

younger than 60 with a physical disability

to community and home support services

that are oered at low cost or no cost.

Services may include a home help directory,

transportation to medical appointments,

the Grocery Bus, Friendly Grocer, Friendly

Visiting, Snow Go Assist, the Caregiver

Support Program and Bereavement

Support Program.

Photo credit: Champlain Community Support Network

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Many private agencies in the Ottawa

region oer personal support services for a

fee. You can search for them online under

“home care services for seniors in Ottawa”.

Be sure they answer all your questions and

get quotes before deciding on an agency to

use.

Comments:

www.champlainhealthline.ca:

is a helpful one-stop-shop, providing

current information about a wide

range of community and health

resources.

Home and Community

Care Champlain Local Health

Integration Network: Visit www.

healthcareathome.ca/champlain or

call 310-2222 (no area code required)

for more information.

Primary Care Outreach for

Seniors (PCO):

www.seochc.on.ca/programs-

services/primary-care-outreach-

to-frail-seniors-pco. PCO helps

link isolated and vulnerable

seniors living at home to the

services required to live safely.

The free in-home services such

as medication review, chronic

illness management, home safety

assessments, system navigation,

cognitive screening and housing

support services are provided by a

registered nurse and a community

health worker.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU STAY IN YOUR HOME

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Financial Help

Financial Help for Homeowners

The Service Ontario Programs, including

the Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property

Tax Grant help low-to-moderate-income

seniors with the cost of property taxes, as

well as Ontario Energy costs.

The City of Ottawa oers deferral programs

for water utility bills and property taxes

for low-income seniors and people with

disabilities. Applicants must apply each

year and verify their eligibility.

Service Ontario Programs:

1-866-668-8297

www.ontario.ca/page/senior-

homeowners-property-tax-grant.

Ottawa Property Tax and

Water Utility Deferral Programs:

https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/

taxes/property-tax-mitigation-

programs/full-property-tax-deferral-

program for the eligibility criteria, fees,

and application form, or telephone

613-580-2740 (TTY 613-580-2401).

Financial Consumer Agency of

Canada: for information about

reverse mortgages.

www.canada.ca/en/nancial-

consumer-agency/services/mortgages/

reverse-mortgages.html.

The Ontario Renovates Program, which

is administered by the Ottawa Housing

Services Branch, provides limited

funding to make repairs and accessibility

modications to support independent

living. Eligible applicants include:

• Homeowners who are 65 years of age or

older

• People with disabilities

• Families with a household member(s)

who is a senior or person with a

disability

In all cases, household income determines

eligibility.

Ontario Renovates Program:

For information about the program,

eligibility, types of repairs and

timelines, call City of Ottawa 613-

580-2424 ext.12300 or visit:

www.ottawa.ca/en/residents/

social-services/housing/ontario-

renovates-program.

If you own your home, you may borrow

money from the equity of your home.

Another option is a reverse mortgage. It

allows you to convert some or all of the

value of your home into cash. Consult a

trusted nancial advisor before making any

decisions about taking a reverse mortgage

or loan based on the value of your home.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Energy Assistance Programs for

Homeowners and Renters

The Save on Energy™ Home Assistance

Program (HAP) is an electricity conservation

program for income-eligible hydro

customers to help reduce energy costs

and increase home comfort. HAP provides

a free in-home visit with a Home Energy

Expert and no-cost energy ecient

upgrades in your home.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance

Program (LEAP) oers nancial assistance

and energy conservation practices to

help low-income Ontarians manage their

electricity and natural gas bills. You need

to meet certain criteria to qualify and must

go through one of the intake agencies in

Ontario.

The Ontario Electricity Support Program

can reduce the cost of your household

electricity by applying a monthly credit

directly to your bill if you have a low

income. The credit amount depends on

how many people live in your home and

your combined household income.

The AordAbility Fund assists electricity

customers who do not qualify for low-

income conservation programs. It helps

Ontarians lower their electricity use

and costs at home over the long-term

through free energy-saving products, an

in-home visit from a professional Home

Energy Advisor, a Home Energy Plan and

upgrades that may include ENERGY STAR®

appliances.

Home Assistance Program (HAP):

Visit www.saveonenergy.ca/HAP or

call GreenSaver at 1-855-591-0877.

Low Income Energy Assistance:

(LEAP): Visit www.oeb.ca/rates-and-

your-bill/help-low-income-consumers/

low-income-energy-assistance-

program or call the Salvation Army

(Ottawa region) at 613-241-1573.

Ontario Electricity Support

Program: (OESP):

Visit www.ontarioelectricitysupport.ca

or call 1-855-831-8151.

Aordability Fund Trust: Visit

www.aordabilityfund.org or call

1-855-494-FUND (1-855-494-3863).

Comments:

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU STAY IN YOUR HOME

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Home Safety Help

Renovating your home can help you stay

safely in your home or apartment and

help prevent falls and injuries. Some

modications that address mobility and

medical concerns, such as installing

outdoor or indoor ramps and lowering

kitchen or bathroom cabinets, may be

eligible medical expenses you can claim on

your income taxes.

Smart home technology can also help

with home safety. For example, a personal

emergency response system detects a fall;

electronic devices can remind you to take

your medication; a wireless camera at your

front door can help protect your security.

There are many other examples of how

using technology can help you remain

safely at home. For more information,

search online under “smart technology

options for aging at home.”

Help protect yourself and your home by

knowing your rights before starting a

home renovation, signing a home service

contract, or buying safety technologies.

Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation: Information on

renovations, accessibility and aging

in place. Visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca or

call 1-800-668-2642.

Falls Prevention:

www.canadianfallprevention.ca/

resources-and-links and Ottawa

Public Health Preventing Falls

at www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/

public-health-topics/prevent-falls.

aspx. Staying Independent Checklist

is a self-screening tool. You can

complete, identify your risk for having

a fall and discuss their results with

their health care provider. www.

champlainhealthline.ca/healthlibrary_

docs/StayingIndependentChecklist_

En.pdf

For a list of eligible medical

expenses on your personal income

taxes, go to: www.canada.ca/en/

revenue-agency/services/tax/

individuals/topics/about-your-tax-

return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-

return/deductions-credits-expenses/

lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-

expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-

return/details-medical-expenses.html

Consumer Protection Ontario:

For information on consumer

protection and housing, visit

www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-

protection-information-about-homes-

and-renovations.

Comments:

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Join 170,000 Federal Retirees

even if you're not retired.

Together, our collective voice is much stronger.

Contact our member services team

at 613-745-2559, ext. 300,

or [email protected] and ask how you can instantly save 25%

on your ﬁrst-year membership dues.

Why should you join?

• We represent your interests, protect your federal public service pension

and beneﬁts, and work towards dignity and security in retirement for

all Canadians.

• Gain access to resources that will help you understand your beneﬁts and

rights as a federal retiree.

• Save money through a wide range of national and local preferred partners.

If you are not collecting or paying into a federal pension*, you can give the gift of membership to someone who is.

Current and retired members of the federal public

service, the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP and

federally appointed judges, as well as their spouses and

survivors, are all welcome to join Federal Retirees today.

Join us...

for as little as

$4.28 a month.

#FEBDM21

National Association of Federal Retirees —

Advocating for financial security, health and

well-being in retirement since 1963.

She fell in

the bath two

nights ago.

Fortunately,

she wasn’t

alone.

For more information, please call:

Philips Lifeline

in partneship with

The Ottawa Hospital

1-855-873-6495

Mention code 1251 and receive

1 FREE month of service

[1] Equipment may not detect all falls. [2] Oer available at locally participating programs and

valid for new activations only. Not to be combined with any other oer. Some restrictions

apply. Oer not applicable for out of area installations. Oer not available on GoSafe.

With Philips Lifeline you

can get fast help at the

push of a button 24/7.

Our AutoAlert option

can automatically

detect a fall and call

for help even if you

cannot.

Medical Alert Service

www.lifeline.ca

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

f you are no longer able to live in

your current home, you may need to

consider options for residential living:

A retirement home is a building occupied

by at least six tenants, who are mainly 65

years of age or older, where the landlord

provides at least two types of care services.

Residents furnish their units and purchase

their own supplies. Retirement homes oer

an opportunity to socialize and make new

friends while maintaining independence.

They are located all over the City as well as

outside the urban and suburban areas.

Retirement homes are usually privately-

owned residences that provide rental

suites with care and services for seniors.

Generally, they provide meals, laundry

services, housekeeping and communal

programming along with 24-hour

supervision and a range of personal

assistance services. These can include

fee-based services ranging from help with

Retirement Homes

bathing and medications to expensive

specialty programs such as a memory care

accommodation. If you are eligible, Home

and Community Care services may also

provide personal care services within the

residence.

Many retirement homes also provide

overnight or short stay options for older

people when they are transitioning from

hospital, convalescing or when their main

caregiver is unavailable.

You do not need a referral to apply to live

in a retirement home. If you nd a home

you are interested in, call them to set up a

tour. If you are unsure after a tour, ask if

you can have a short stay so that you can

participate in the activities and services

• Retirement Homes

• Residential Services Homes

(Domiciliary Hostels)

• Long-Term Care Homes

Residential Living

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

of the home to help you make the best

decision. If you decide it is the right place

for you, the home will have an assessment

process to determine if they can provide for

your care needs. There may be a waiting

list.

The cost for a retirement home is set by

each home and depends on the type of

suite chosen and the services required (e.g.

do you need assistance with medication,

dressing, bathing?) When you go for a tour,

ask your guide for a breakdown of the costs

and services involved.

All retirement homes must have a license

to operate. In Ontario, the Retirement

Homes Regulatory Authority has the power

to license homes and conduct inspections,

investigations and enforcement, in

addition to developing mandatory care and

safety standards. The RHRA is also where

Unresolved Complaints with individual

homes can be registered.

The Advocacy Centre for the Elderly

provides answers to common questions

regarding your legal rights and obligations

as a resident in a retirement or long-term

care home.

The Ontario Retirement

Communities Association (ORCA):

is a membership organization

representing retirement homes in

Ontario. www.orcaretirement.com.

The Advocacy Centre for the

Elderly: Includes a checklist for visiting

a retirement home at

www.advocacycentreelderly.org/

retirement_homes_-_introduction.php.

or call 1-855-598-2656.

There are also private agencies that can

help you nd a retirement home that meets

your care needs and budget. Search under

“Ottawa seniors living advisors.” Be sure

to call a few agencies and ask questions

before you decide which one can best help

you transition to a retirement home of your

choice.

Retirement Homes Regulatory

Authority: For a list of licensed

retirement homes in Ontario, visit

https://www.rhra.ca/en/retirement-

home-database or call 1-855-ASK-RHRA

(1-855-275-7472).

Comments:

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Residential services homes, also known

as domiciliary hostels, are private or non-

prot subsidized residences that provide

long-term housing to vulnerable adults

who require supervision and services to

maintain their independent living. These

homes, which oer a residential living

environment that is safe and supportive for

all residents, are located in houses across

the city.

Services vary from site to site but typically

include:

• Furnished rooms (most are shared

accommodation)

• 24-hour urgent response

• Medication management

• Meals and snacks

• Housekeeping and personal laundry

• Social and/or recreational activities

• Access to both on-site and community-

based services

The City of Ottawa provides nancial

assistance to residents with low incomes

to help with the cost of their lodging in

residential services homes. Eligibility is

based on a nancial assessment. Couples

are treated as separate applicants

regardless of their choice of living situation.

Residential Services Homes

(Domiciliary Hostels)

Residential Services Homes:

www.ottawa.ca/en/residents/social-

services/housing/residential-services-

homes-domiciliary-hostels.

To apply for a Residential Services Homes

subsidy, you must complete an application

form. If you qualify, you will meet with a

Residential Services Homes Worker who

will verify your income, assets and health

information. If you do not qualify for a

subsidy, the City will contact you and give

you the reasons why.

Comments:

RESIDENTIAL LIVING

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Long-Term Care Homes

In long-term care homes (formerly called

nursing homes) older adults can live

and receive help with most or all daily

activities, and access 24-hour nursing care

and supervision within a secure setting.

Long-term care homes are operated by

municipalities, not-for-prot organizations,

and private organizations.

Long-term care is publicly funded on a

cost-shared basis with residents. The

provincial government does not pay the

full cost of long-term care and expects

residents to pay a portion of their “room

and board” to the long-term care home.

Generally, funding from the government

covers nursing and personal care,

some programs, support services, and

ingredients used to make meals. You

must pay for accommodation. The cost of

accommodation is set by the Ministry of

Health and Long-Term Care.

As of July 1, 2019, the maximum rates

ranged from $1,891.31 per month (long-

stay basic room) to $2,701.61 (long-stay

private room). If you don’t have enough

income to pay for the basic room, you may

be eligible for a subsidy through the Long-

Term Care Home Rate Reduction Program.

If you are eligible for placement in a long-

term care home, you will not be refused

because of an inability to pay.

Although the quality and delivery of care

may vary, you can expect to receive the

following services in a long-term care

home:

• Shared dining room, TV rooms and other

living areas

• Nursing and personal care on a 24-hour

basis

• Access to health professionals and

medical services

• Individual care plan (reviewed every

3 months)

• Furnishings (e.g. bed and chair)

• Meals (including special diets)

• Bed linens and laundry

• Personal hygiene supplies

• Medical/clinical supplies (e.g. walkers

and wheelchairs for occasional use)

• Housekeeping

• Social and recreational programs

• Assistance with activities of daily living

(e.g. eating, dressing, bathing, toileting

and walking)

Professional services such as dental care,

audiology, vison care and foot care may be

available for a fee. Other services such as

hairdressing, cable TV, telephone services

and transportation may also be available

for a fee.

In order to be placed in a long-term care

home, you must have health care needs

that cannot be met with any combination

of care giving, care in your home or care in

your community. As a result of this policy,

Ontario seniors are entering long-term care

homes when they are older, frailer, and in

need of more medical and personal care

than ever before.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Currently, applications to long-term care

homes are coordinated by Home and

Community Care Champlain. The long-term

care home placement process includes

an assessment by a Care Coordinator to

ensure eligibility and obtain an accurate

record of your medical history.

Your Care Coordinator will discuss all of

your options, including suggestions for

suitable long-term care homes in the

Ottawa region. You can apply to as many

as ve homes. There is likely to be a waiting

list at most homes, and you may not get

your rst choice of facility.

Before moving to long-term care, tour

the facility personally or have a trusted

advocate do so on your behalf. Search on

the Internet for some checklists for visiting

long-term care homes; one from the

Alzheimer Society is listed in the box below.

Home and Community Care

Champlain: (LHIN) for eligibility

information and current rates, call

310-2222 (no area code required)

or go to www.healthcareathome.ca/

champlain/en/Getting-Care/Getting-

Long-Term-Care/Eligibility-and-

Admission.

For virtual tours of the long-

term care homes in Ottawa, go

to www.champlainhealthline.ca/

libraryContent.aspx?id=20454.

Ontario Ministry of Health and

Long-Term Care

: Home Community

and Residential Care Services at

www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/

programs/ltc/default.aspx. Overview

on long-term care at www.ontario.ca/

page/about-long-term-care.

The Ontario Long Term Care

Association: represents long-term

care operators – private, not-for-

prot, charitable and municipal. Visit

their website at www.oltca.com for

information on long-term care homes

in the region and for publications on

the state of long-term care in Ontario,

such as This is Long Term Care 2019.

City of Ottawa Long-Term

Care: information and list of homes

at https://ottawa.ca/en/family-and-

social-services/housing/long-term-care

Long-Term Care Home

Checklist: from the Council on

Aging of Ottawa: www.coaottawa.

ca/wp-content/uploads/documents/

LongTermCareGuide2004.pdf.

Comments:

RESIDENTIAL LIVING

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

We are proud to be opening Wellington West

Retirement Community in the heart of the lively, and

charming neighbourhood of Hintonburg! Our luxury

boutique style Retirement Community is a state-of-the

art facility with endless amenities and services.

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Elegant Fine

Dining | Heated Saltwater Pool |Exclusive CLUBfit

Programs | Heated Underground Parking | And So

Much More...

Wellington West Retirement Community

Call Us Today To Book Your In-Person Or Virtual Tour

613-716-6885 | www.WellingtonWestRetirement.com

1166 Wellington St. W

Ottawa, ON K1Y 4H1

It's Fun! It's Vibrant! It's Urban Chic!

It's One Big Family!

Join Smart Aging to prepare you to

handle the highs and lows.

Life transitions have their

ups and downs.

The Council on Aging of Ottawa

coaottawa.ca/smartaging Tel: (613) 789-3577

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Conclusion

It is important to explore all your housing options—both traditional and new—before

deciding on your future living arrangements. We trust that this Guide provides you with

some ideas and information that will help you nd the option that works best for you.

APPENDIX A: Key Information Sites

City of Ottawa Housing

www.ottawa.ca/en/residents/social-

services/housing.

Social Housing Registry of Ottawa

613-526-2088

www.housingregistry.ca.

Action Housing (East Ottawa)

261 Montreal Road, Suite 200

Phone: 613-562-8219

www.action-logement.ca/en/action-

housing/.

Housing Help (West Ottawa)

309 Cooper Street, Suite 502

Phone: 613-563-4532

www.action-logement.ca/en/housing-help/.

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-

Term Care. Home Community and

Residential Care Services at

www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/

programs/ltc/default.aspx.

Home and Community Care Champlain

Local Health Integration Network (LHIN)

310-2222 (no area code required)

www.healthcareathome.ca/champlain.

Landlord and Tenant Board

1-888-332-3234

www.ltb.gov.on.ca.

Ontario Retirement Communities

Association

1-888-263-5556

www.orcaretirement.com.

Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority

1-855-ASK-RHRA (1-855-275-7472)

www.rhra.ca.

Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation (CMHC)

1-800-668-2642

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

APPENDIX B: Examples of Innovative and

Emerging Housing Options

Non-Prot Aordable Housing

Abbeyeld Houses Society of Ottawa -

Parkdale Residence provides aordable

housing for up to 10 seniors (single or

couples) who are mobile and independent

in their daily activities in a family-style

house with 24-hour sta support, meals,

activities and access to various social

services on site. Respite, vacation and

convalescent care are provided when a

room is available. Wheelchair accessible.

Reasonable rents, no subsidies.

Location: 425 Parkdale Ave.

Information and Contact: 613-729-4817;

manager@abbeyeldottawa.ca

Website: www.abbeyeldottawa.ca.

Bruyère Village includes housing for

independent living and assisted living,

as well as healthy aging and community

programs. The Villas oers 78 independent

apartments at full-market, average market,

and below market rental rates, as well as

subsidized housing for people who are

eligible (determined by the Social Housing

Registry of Ottawa). Besserer Place, a

four-storey building with 70 apartments

is connected to a long-term care home.

It oers assisted living apartments

and support services, as well as cluster

apartments, which are designed for seniors

who require additional support and

supervised services.

Location: Hiawatha Park Road, Orléans

Information and Contact: 613-562-6262

Website: www.bruyere.org/en/bruyere-

village.

Carlington Community is an innovative

partnership between the Carlington

Community Health Centre and Ottawa

Community Housing Corporation.

Carlington Community provides health

and social services with aordable

housing for low-income seniors. This four-

storey apartment has 42 one-bedroom

apartments with 12 barrier-free and 30

visitable units, as well as a health clinic.

Note: Visitability has three primary

features: one level, no-step entrance; wider

doorways and clear passageways; and a

wheelchair-accessible bathroom.

Location: 1290 Coldrey Avenue

Information and Contact: 613-731-1182 or

[email protected]

Website: www.och-lco.ca.

Perley Rideau Seniors Village includes

two apartment buildings with some below-

market rents for qualied veterans and

seniors. Facilities and services include a

tness centre and designated spaces for

leisure and learning activities, as well as

social and community events. Assisted

living services are provided for those

that need extra help with daily tasks

such as meal preparation, medications,

housekeeping, and health care monitoring.

Other on-site amenities include an

adult day program, respite care, and

convalescent care.

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Location: 1750 Russell Road, Ottawa, ON

Information and Contacts: 613-526-7170

ext. 2009; rentalo[email protected]

Website: www.perleyrideau.ca/

apartments.

Housing Built in Partnership with

Churches

Note: You do not need to be a member

of any particular religion to live in these

housing developments

Ellwood House Ottawa Inc. is a non-prot

senior’s residence aliated with St. Thomas

the Apostle Anglican Church. There are 30

units over three oors, and the building

includes a common lounge, laundry

facilities, and library. Units are available at

market rent and rent geared to income.

Location: 2270 Braeside Ave.

Information and Contact: 613-521-5151;

[email protected]

Eastern Ontario Christian Senior Citizen

Co-Operative Homes Inc. is a non-

prot cooperative oering housing for

seniors (65+), including 35 one-bedroom

apartments, 31 two-bedroom apartments,

and 6 accessible apartments.

Location: 220 Viewmount Dr.

Information and Contact: 613-225-5110;

[email protected]

Website: https://220-224viewmount.ca

KDS Village provides 128 units for seniors

living independently. Some units are

wheelchair accessible, and adaptable for

aging in place. Amenities include recreation

rooms, onsite special events, and plenty of

outdoor space. Average Market Rent and

Below Market Rent units are available.

Location: 567 Cambridge St. S (Bronson

and Carling Ave)

Information and Contact: 613-604-0618;

[email protected]

Website: www.KDSVillage.ca

Unitarian House of Ottawa is a non-prot

charitable organization oering a 5-storey

retirement residence and independent

apartments. Services (including in-

residence nursing, activities and outings)

are provided. Check the website for

availability on the wait lists.

Location: 20 Cleary Avenue

Information and Contact: 613-722-6690;

[email protected]

Website: www.unitarianhouse.ca.

Partnership with Private Sector

OASIS Senior Support Living Inc. is a

program available in NORCs (Naturally

Occurring Retirement Communities) in

market rent apartment buildings. Programs

currently exist in Kingston and Toronto,

with plans to expand in other communities.

Residents develop and manage all aspects

of programming, including community

meals, social activities, and an on-site

personal support worker.

Kingston: www.southeasthealthline.ca/

displayservice.aspx?id=73316

Toronto: www.uhnopenlab.ca/project/

oasis.

CONCLUSION

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Home Sharing

Hygge Home Sharing in Ottawa

Hygge, pronounced HUE-GAH, is the Danish

word for coziness. This service (which is

currently under development) matches

senior home providers and student home

sharers. The young people provide help in

the home for reduced rents. The intent is

to build intergenerational communities and

break down social isolation.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/

hyggehs.

There are currently four communities

across Ontario oering home

sharing including Halton, Hamilton,

Northumberland, and Toronto.

Website: www.homesharecanada.org/ON.

A new Canadian start-up, Happipad,

has developed a home sharing app for

intergenerational homeowners and guests.

This service is currently available in British

Columbia.

Website: www.happipad.com.

Cohousing

Terra Firma, a small cohousing project, is

located in the centre of Ottawa and is home

to 12 families. Terra Firma is currently at

capacity and not seeking new members.

They are open to supporting other groups

by sharing what they have learned.

Website: www.cohousing.ca/

communities/on/terra-rma.

Concorde Cohousing is forming to create

a multi-generational cohousing community

with up to 30 units of dierent sizes on

a site near public transit, grocery stores,

parks and libraries.

Website: www.concordecohousing.ca.

Housing Committee

The Age-Friendly Housing Committee,

The Council on Aging of Ottawa explores

and advocates or appropriate, aordable,

accessible, and available housing on the

continuum from independent living to long-

term care for older people in the Ottawa

region.

Website: https://coaottawa.ca/

committees/housing

The Housing Committee of the Ottawa

Seniors Pride Network explores the issue

of aordable, LGBT-friendly housing in the

Ottawa Capital region. The Committee’s

mandate is to explore all possibilities of

housing available, or that might become

available, for LGBT seniors including living

in place (seniors assisted in their homes);

for-prot seniors’ housing; charitable non-

prot housing (existing or new builds);

cooperative housing; and ownership (e.g.,

condominium or life lease).

Website: www.ospn-rfao.ca/en/housing-

committee

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

Notes

Photo Credits

Page 16: Private Home Owner

Page 22: Colin Ashford, Abbeyeld Houses Society of Ottawa Volunteer

Page 23-24: Ottawa Community Housing

Page 25: Tunde Nemeth, Andy Andras Cooperative Housing

Page 30: Champlain Community Support Network

Housing Options in Ottawa: A Guide for Older Adults

217 – 815 St. Laurent Blvd.

Ottawa, Ontario K1K 3A7

Tel: (613) 789-3577 (Ext. 101)

Email: [email protected]

The Council

on Aging

of Ottawa

Printed by Elephant Print