In what’s being hailed as a significant step toward reconciliation through urban development, the historic Jackson Building in downtown Ottawa is slated to become Indigenous affordable housing. This landmark transformation represents one of the capital’s most ambitious Indigenous-led housing initiatives in recent memory.
The 10-story heritage structure, recognizable to many Ottawans for its distinctive early 20th-century architecture, will undergo extensive renovations while preserving its historical significance. The project aims to create approximately 120 affordable housing units specifically designated for Indigenous families and individuals.
“This isn’t just about providing housing—it’s about creating a cultural home in the heart of the city,” explains Claudette Commanda, an Algonquin elder and advisor to the project. “For too many years, Indigenous peoples have struggled to find affordable housing that respects and celebrates their identity.”
The initiative comes amid Ottawa’s ongoing housing crisis, where vacancy rates hover near record lows and rental prices continue climbing beyond reach for many residents. Indigenous communities have been disproportionately affected by these challenges.
According to statistics from the Ottawa Indigenous Community Action Network, Indigenous residents are nearly four times more likely to experience homelessness compared to non-Indigenous populations. The waitlist for culturally appropriate housing exceeds 2,500 individuals—a number that has grown by 35% since 2019.
The federal government has committed $32 million toward the project through the National Housing Strategy’s Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative. The Ontario government has pledged an additional $17 million, while the City of Ottawa has offered property tax incentives and expedited permit processing.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe emphasized the city’s commitment during last week’s announcement ceremony. “This project represents the kind of innovative collaboration we need to address both our housing challenges and our responsibilities toward reconciliation,” Sutcliffe noted. “The Jackson Building will stand as a symbol of how we can preserve our architectural heritage while creating inclusive communities.”
The redevelopment plan includes several culturally significant elements. The building will feature a ground-floor cultural gathering space, a healing garden on the rooftop, and dedicated areas for traditional ceremonies and teachings. Artistic installations throughout the building will celebrate Indigenous histories and contemporary expressions.
Lori Nikkel from Nourish Ottawa, a food security organization partnering with the project, highlights another innovative aspect. “We’re incorporating a community kitchen and food distribution hub that will focus on traditional foods and teaching,” Nikkel explains. “Access to culturally appropriate, nutritious food is fundamental to wellbeing.”
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre will manage the housing units once completed. Executive Director Mellisa Rood describes the approach as “wraparound support” that extends beyond simple housing. “Residents will have access to employment services, mental health supports, childcare, and cultural programming—all in one location,” Rood says.
Not everyone views the project favorably, however. Some heritage conservation advocates have expressed concerns about potential alterations to the building’s historical character. The Ottawa Heritage Preservation Society has requested additional public consultations regarding exterior modifications.
“While we fully support the purpose of this project, we want to ensure the Jackson Building’s architectural significance isn’t compromised,” notes James Robertson, the society’s president. “There needs to be a balance between adaptive reuse and preservation.”
Project planners insist they’re taking these concerns seriously. Lead architect Trina Cooper-Bolam, herself of Anishinaabe heritage, stresses their commitment to respectful preservation. “We’re approaching this with the understanding that preserving heritage and creating Indigenous space aren’t contradictory goals. The building tells a story about Ottawa’s past, and we’re adding an important new chapter to that narrative.”
