As Ottawa continues to face extreme weather, the Government of Canada and the City of Ottawa are partnering to offer vulnerable people and those experiencing homelessness a warm indoor space to rest.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has signed an agreement with the City of Ottawa to temporarily use the Graham Spry Building, located at 250 Lanark Avenue, as a temporary emergency overnight centre for those seeking refuge from the cold. Expected to open on January 20, 2024, the centre will provide a safe and warm space for up to 45 people at a time.
The Graham Spry Building is one of 10 federally owned buildings in the National Capital Region
identified for disposal by PSPC. PSPC continues to work with the public, community organizations and other stakeholders to identify new opportunities to leverage its surplus assets to support housing and other community needs. PSPC
is also developing a long-term real estate portfolio plan to optimize federal office space, lower operating costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and serve local communities.
Quick facts
- The Graham Spry Building is located at 250 Lanark Avenue in Ottawa, Ontario.
- Approximately 715 square metres of ground floor space will be used for the temporary emergency
overnight centre. - The ground floor space includes washrooms and showers.
- The agreement with the City of Ottawa will expire on March 31, 2024.
- PSPC is the landlord in this agreement. As the tenant, the City of Ottawa manages temporary
emergency overnight centre operations.
