Ottawa is in the midst of a growing housing and homelessness crisis. The 2025 City of Ottawa Housing Needs Assessment reveals alarming trends in population growth, rental affordability, social housing access, and chronic homelessness. As demand far outpaces supply, housing insecurity is rising—especially for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Ottawa’s population has grown by more than 205,000 people since 2006 and is projected to add another 118,000 households by 2035. This growth is driving a dramatic shift toward rental housing—by 2035, renters are expected to make up 43% of all households.
But housing supply has not kept pace. Between 2014 and 2024, median monthly rent in Ottawa surged by over 60%—from $992 to $1,600—while household incomes rose by only 46% over a 15-year span. The rental vacancy rate sits well below the healthy threshold of 3%, and there are virtually no affordable units available under $775. Family-sized rental units are particularly scarce.
The assessment highlights disproportionate housing challenges faced by:
Ottawa’s Centralized Wait List for affordable housing has ballooned to over 15,000 households—a 67% increase since 2020. The average wait time now stretches up to 7.6 years.
The 2024 Point-in-Time Count recorded 2,952 people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa—a 78.5% increase since 2018. The shelter system is operating at over 81% above capacity, especially for families and single adult women.
While the percentage of people experiencing chronic homelessness declined, the absolute number rose from 813 to 1,279—placing long-term pressure on emergency systems not designed for sustained stays.
This report is more than an alarm bell—it’s a blueprint. It emphasizes that local planning decisions, informed by robust data and community consultation, are critical. With coordinated investment and leadership, Ottawa can build a more equitable, affordable, and livable housing system.
Read Full Report Here:
English: https://hubs.ly/Q03v2P0G0
