The Hintonburg and Mechanicsville Community Associations are leading an informal working group that would prioritize development of affordable housing in the vacant lot north of Bayview Station. This working group formed at a critical time since developers are currently looking for opportunities to develop this area that could lead to undesirable development in our community.
“MCA wants to get ahead of this issue so we can better influence how this land is used, preferably by bringing permanent affordable housing and long-term benefits to the community,” said Roy Atkinson, MCA Board Member and Co-Chair of the working group.
The Bayview Yards Working Group includes executive members from both Community Associations and others with special expertise and perspectives including advocating for affordable housing. The group is currently looking at barriers to affordable housing including how to lower the cost of cleaning up contaminated soils. They are also searching for and promoting financial models that reduce three key costs: land acquisition, construction, and mortgage. All of which are important to the success of permanent affordable housing on this site. As part of this effort, the group is also looking for examples of innovative construction methods and architectural designs such as the “15-minute community” model which encourages families to embrace urban living.
“This is a new approach that we are taking to be proactive and tell the City of Ottawa what we want in our community. We welcome ideas and comments from Mechanicsville and Hintonburg residents to help us with this direction and planning,” said Rhys Phillips, HCA Board Member and Co-chair of the working group.
