WHY IT MATTERS
Why Affordable Housing for Seniors Matters
Rising housing costs, fixed incomes, and a growing senior population are putting more older adults at risk of housing insecurity. Affordable, accessible homes help seniors live safely, independently, and with dignity.
THE GROWING CHALLENGE
Canada’s Senior Housing Crisis Is Growing
Older adults are increasingly facing housing insecurity due to rising rents, fixed retirement incomes, evictions, health challenges, and a shortage of affordable, accessible homes.
Rising Housing Costs
Many seniors on fixed incomes can no longer afford market rents.
Increasing Homelessness
Senior homelessness is rising across Canada.
Limited Accessibility
Many existing affordable housing buildings lack essential accessibility features.
WHY STABLE HOUSING MATTERS
A Safe Home Supports Health and Independence
Stable, affordable housing helps seniors remain healthier, more independent, and connected to their communities.
- Better physical health
- Improved mental health
- Greater independence
- Reduced social isolation
- Stronger community connections
ACCESSIBILITY IS ESSENTIAL
Homes Designed for Aging in Place
As people age, accessible design becomes essential. Barrier-free entrances, elevators, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and mobility-friendly shared spaces help seniors remain independent longer.
Barrier-Free Entrances
Easy and safe access for residents using walkers, canes, or wheelchairs.
Accessible Elevators
Reliable access to every floor without the need to use stairs.
Wider Doorways
More space for mobility devices and easier movement throughout the home.
Mobility-Friendly Common Areas
Comfortable shared spaces that support movement, connection, and inclusion.
Accessible Bathrooms
Safer layouts designed to support independence and reduce fall risks.
A PRACTICAL LOCAL RESPONSE
Why Projects Like the Ellwood House Extension Matter
The Ellwood House Extension responds directly to these national challenges by providing:
- 38 new affordable apartments for seniors
- 6 fully accessible apartments
- Accessible elevators
- Barrier-free design throughout
- Welcoming common areas that reduce social isolation
- Affordable rents for seniors on fixed incomes
- A community where residents can age in place with dignity.
June 2026, Groundbreaking Ceremony. From left:
- Keaton Ambrose, Ellwood House Board of Directors
- Fabi Letarte-Tessier, Ellwood House Board of Directors
- Reverend Maria Nightingale, St. Thomas Associate Incumbent
- Reverend Tim Kehoe, St. Thomas the Apostle Incumbent
- Right Reverend Kathryn Otley, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
- Joel Prentice, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
- Hon. David McGuinty, Minister of Defense, MP Ottawa South
- His Worship, Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa
- Janice Horton, President, Ellwood House Board of Directors
- John Fraser, MPP Ottawa South
- Marty Carr, City Councillor for Ward 18
- Rt. Rev. John Chapman, former Bishop of Ottawa
- Daniel Warchow, Ellwood House Board of Directors
Marty Carr, City Councillor, Ward 18 – Alta Vista
Rather than simply providing housing, Ellwood House creates a community that promotes independence, connection, and well-being.
THE FACTS
The Scale of Canada’s Housing Challenge
Statistic
Source
65,000+
Canadians were counted as experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2025.
59%
Homelessness was 59% higher in 2025 than in 2020–2022.
27%
Of people counted as experiencing homelessness were in unsheltered locations in 2025.
41%
Of social and affordable housing units surveyed identified seniors as a client group.
65%
Of social and affordable housing structures had accessibility features.
50%
Of social and affordable housing units surveyed were built before 1980.
A HOME. A COMMUNITY. A FUTURE.
Help Seniors Age in Place with Dignity
Affordable, accessible housing is becoming more essential than ever. The Ellwood House Extension will help provide seniors with safe homes, affordable rents, accessible design, and a welcoming community where they can remain independent and connected.
More than housing, Ellwood House creates independence, connection, and well-being.
References
- Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. Everyone Counts 2025: Results from the Annual Enumeration of Homelessness.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Social and Affordable Housing Survey Results, 2025.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Housing Options for Seniors, 2018.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Evaluation of the Canada Housing Benefit, 2026.