City of Ottawa converts unused office space to interim housing for asylum seekers
Jul 3, 2025 | 1:22 PM
OTTAWA — The City of Ottawa has converted an unused downtown office space into transitional housing for 140 asylum seekers.
It’s the first major project the city has undertaken to turn office space into temporary housing, something cities across Canada are pursuing as they grapple with a countrywide housing crisis.
The project uses modular walls to set up separate rooms — each with a bed, a storage locker and a chair — along with shared kitchens, office spaces and meeting rooms.
The local Catholic Centre for Immigrants says 35 staff members will offer residents food and help with finding permanent housing and work.
