Ottawa Salus celebrates opening of innovative supportive housing residence for aging adults
OTTAWA, ON — Ottawa Salus recently celebrated the official opening of Capilano, a new 54-unit supportive housing residence for older adults experiencing complex mental health, substance use health, housing, and physical health challenges.
Supported through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) and made possible through Opening Doors to Dignity — the most successful capital campaign in Ottawa Salus’ history — Capilano was developed in response to a growing and often overlooked gap in housing and care for people who are aging earlier and differently than traditional systems are designed for.
The residence provides permanent housing combined with onsite wraparound supports designed to help residents age in the right place with stability, dignity, connection, and improved wellbeing. Residents will also have access to specialized clinical services, programming, and opportunities for community reintegration intended to reduce isolation and support long-term housing stability.
Many future residents have experienced a lifetime of homelessness, poverty, trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use health challenges, resulting in complex health needs and premature aging. Capilano was intentionally designed for people who require more support than housing alone can provide, while still benefiting from the independence and connection of community living.
Built to Passive House standards, the building incorporates durable, high-quality materials and sustainability-focused features intended to reduce long-term operational costs and support long-term stewardship of the building. Features include rooftop solar panels, triple-pane windows designed for in-house maintenance, and low-impact pest control systems.
Capilano reflects a growing recognition that supportive housing plays a critical role in helping people age with dignity, improve wellbeing, and remain connected to community. Residents are expected to continue moving into the building over the coming weeks.
Quotes
“The federal government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to address the housing crisis. The projects announced today will provide more safe, affordable homes for the residents of Ottawa. I’m proud of our government’s involvement , and of the tangible difference it will make for people in this community”
– The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“Capilano reflects what is possible when governments, donors, healthcare and community partners, and local organizations come together around a shared commitment to dignity, stability, and belonging. This residence was created in response to people whose needs have too often fallen between systems, and we are proud to see a new model of supportive housing take shape here in Ottawa.”
— Mark MacAulay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Salus
Quick facts
- Capilano is a 54-unit supportive housing residence located at 56 Capilano Drive in Ottawa.
- The project was supported through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative.
- Opening Doors to Dignity was the most successful capital campaign in Ottawa Salus’ history.
- Capilano was designed to support older adults experiencing complex mental health, substance use health, housing, and physical health challenges.
- The residence combines permanent housing with onsite wraparound supports, specialized programming, and opportunities for future healthcare integration.
- The building was constructed to Passive House standards and includes a range of sustainability-focused design features.
About Ottawa Salus
Ottawa Salus is a leader in supportive housing and mental health services in Ottawa, supporting more than 1,000 individuals annually across approximately 15 residences and programs. Through supportive housing, wraparound supports, and collaborative partnerships, Ottawa Salus works to improve housing stability, wellbeing, and community inclusion for individuals experiencing complex mental health and housing challenges.