CCOC receives local and international accolades
June 7, 2013BloggerComments 0
Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC) is very proud to announce that it has received recognition at both the local and international levels in the past week for its innovative new housing development at Beaver Barracks in downtown Ottawa. In late May, the Building and Social Housing Foundation announced that CCOC has been selected as one of the top ten international finalists for the World Habitat Awards. And on June 3, 2013 CCOC was presented with a Builder Award from the Federation of Citizens Associations of Ottawa-Carleton during their Annual General Meeting.
“Ottawa is very fortunate to have this community-oriented developer who works with and alongside residents to create such a showcase development that truly helps them achieve a more liveable, sustainable and people-friendly community in which to live, work and play.” said Jordan Charbonneau, President of the Centretown Citizens Community Association (CCCA) in their nomination letter. “The CCCA feels that it is truly an embodiment of the spirit of the FCA’s Builder Award.”
The Beaver Barracks development, located at five addresses at 464 Metcalfe Street, 160 Argyle Avenue, 111 Catherine Street and 100 & 200 Victory Gardens Private, is named after the demolished temporary barracks that previously occupied the site. It integrates a mixed housing model—with market, below-market and deeply subsidized rents—with environmentally sustainable building design and operations that demonstrate that high–performing, energy-efficient buildings can be attractive, accessible, and affordable.
Somerset Ward Councillor Diane Holmes says “I am thrilled to see recognition by the World Habitat Award for this fantastic example of what’s possible when governments and local groups work together. It’s sustainable, it’s affordable, and it’s providing new family housing in an area where the only other housing going up is condos for singles and couples. CCOC was competing with 200 projects from around the globe – this is something Ottawa can be proud of.”
“Affordable housing changes lives. It opens the doors to good health, success in school and jobs, higher quality of life and a better economy.” says Calinda Brown, CCOC’s President. “We’re very proud of these awards and accolades, and equally proud to be improving the lives of tenants with new affordable homes at Beaver Barracks.”
Beaver Barracks is home to 254 households, including seniors, singles, families, couples and over 100 children. CCOC works with several community agencies that provide support to tenants facing challenges such as addiction, mental health issues, developmental disabilities and complex physical disabilities, which increases their capacity to live independently and have successful tenancies. The entire development is wheelchair accessible and smoke-free, with residents committing through their lease not to smoke in their apartments or on the property.
Tenant and community amenities include secure bicycle parking and ample visitor bicycle parking; VRTUCAR stations; a large, affordable, much-needed, community meeting room; publicly accessible paths through the site; and lots of gardening space.
The international World Habitat Awards were established in 1985 by the Building and Social Housing Foundation as part of its contribution to the United Nations International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. Two awards are given annually to projects that provide practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems.
The ten finalists for the 2013 World Habitat Awards have been chosen from a list of over 200 projects from across the globe. This year’s finalists illustrate a real cross-section of good practice in housing and include projects focusing on homeless people, access to clean energy and community-led service provision as well as restoration and sustainable living in cities. The winners will be announced in August.
The Federation of Citizens Associations of Ottawa-Carleton (FCA) is the forum for community associations and similar non-profit volunteer groups in Ottawa, Canada. The Builder Award celebrates the achievements of individuals or organizations (including corporations) that have made outstanding contributions to the development of our city, consistent with the aspirations of its residents, to achieve a more livable, sustainable and people-friendly community in which to live, work and play.
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