Background
On November 1, 2022, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) announced the signing of a CBA with the Ottawa Community Benefits Network. This historic agreement provides a mechanism for ongoing collaboration between the two organizations to support a sustainable and economically equitable future for residents in Ottawa.
Utilizing an innovative agreement architecture developed by the OCBN, the CBA formally sets out how the two organizations will collaborate to extend the scope of community benefits outcomes for tenants and communities in all its on-going and future projects. Some of the potential socio-economic benefits and opportunities include: i) workforce development pathways for Black, Indigenous, and equity deserving groups in Ottawa and ii) creating opportunities for local and social enterprises to continue providing goods and services during the construction and operational phases of the identified development projects. As new development projects are identified, general commitments will be made project specific.
OCHC has had a long-standing history of corporate and social responsibility. Currently, OCHC works with five local social enterprises who deliver a variety of goods and services across the portfolio, with awarded contracts valued at over $535,000 annually.
Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCHC
“Ottawa Community Housing continues to innovate to meet the city’s housing and financial needs with the formalized signing of a Community Benefits Agreement with the Ottawa Community Benefits Network. Together, with our partners, we’re continuing to create an inclusive and equitable local economy where everyone thrives.”
Cliff Youdale, Chief Development Officer, OCHC
“I am pleased to celebrate the signing of our Community Benefits Agreement that formalizes our on-going commitment to enabling tenants to fully participate in the socio-economic opportunities of our city. I look forward to collaborating with OCBN on development projects as we continue to build affordable housing across Ottawa.”
Warren Waters, Member, OCBN Steering Committee and Lowertown Community Association
“Ottawa’s communities are diverse, so we must continue to bring people together to find solutions, provide incentives, organize action, and monitor results. I want to thank Ottawa Community Housing Corporation for showing true leadership in signing the city’s first official Community Benefits Agreement. CBAs provide the best mechanisms to do all of this with transparency and accountability. The OCBN looks forward to our continued partnership with OCHC for years to come.”