Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) and the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa have officially begun work on Odayanhaway, a $22-million, 66-unit affordable housing development led by Indigenous communities in west Ottawa.
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, community members, Elders, municipal leaders, and project partners gathered at 30 Cleary Ave. to celebrate the ceremonial launch of this six-storey residential building, which means “Little Village” in translation.
The structure is being built on land donated by the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. After it’s finished, OAHS-Ontario’s largest Indigenous-led non-profit housing organization-will own and manage the property. It will feature a combination of below-market and deeply affordable rental units aimed at providing safe and culturally relevant housing for Indigenous individuals and families.
The project team includes:
Construction on the $22-million building is set to start in November 2026, with an anticipated completion date around April 2029.
Odayanhaway marks the first phase of a larger planned community on the congregation’s site that will eventually provide about 229 rental homes to Ottawa residents. The area has been designed with sustainability and transit-oriented development in mind, located next to the future Stage 2 O-Train LRT network along the Ottawa River corridor.
Diving into details during the ceremony, Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, emphasized federal funding supporting this initiative. This includes roughly $27 million from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) plus another $1.6 million from the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund.
“Our government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing challenges,” Vandenbeld stated. “The Indigenous-Led Housing project we are highlighting today will make a real difference for the people here in Ottawa. Each project like this brings us closer to the country we want to build-a country where everyone has access to a safe and affordable home.”
The leaders behind this project pointed out how special it is that faith groups, non-profits, and private sectors are working together like this.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our first development in Ottawa and the unique partnership we have developed to bring the vision of the local community to life,” said OAHS CEO Justin Lewis. “Odayanhaway is a reflection of what is possible when organizations like ours team up with groups such as First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa for reconciliation.”
This sentiment was echoed by Mary Ella Keblusek, president of First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa; she mentioned that this effort embodies their social commitments tangibly.
“This project shows what reconciliation looks like in action. Not just words but homes, relationships, and a genuine commitment to walking alongside Indigenous communities,” Keblusek remarked. “We at First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa are proud to be part of this work; this building represents an opportunity for Indigenous people to access affordable housing and thrive in community.”
The outdoor event began with a traditional Water and Cedar Ceremony led by Elder Irene Compton followed by an Inuit Qulliq (oil lamp) Lighting Ceremony conducted by Elder Reepah Carlton.
The celebration also included traditional hand drumming as well as performances featuring First Nations drumming by the Ottawa River Singers along with Jingle Dress dancing and Métis jigging.
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