Feds, City of Ottawa to convert federal building into temporary warming centre
CTV
The City of Ottawa, in partnership with the Government of Canada, will be opening a temporary warming centre in a federally owned building for those experiencing homelessness in the city to seek refuge from the cold.
The City of Ottawa and the Government of Canada will be opening a temporary warming centre in a federally owned building for those experiencing homelessness in the city to seek refuge from the cold.
In a news release by Public Services and Procurement Canada on Friday, the federal government said it is opening up the Graham Spry Building at 250 Lanark Avenue in Ottawa's Westboro neighbourhood to provide a 'safe and warm space' for up to 45 people at a time.
The building once served as the CBC's Ottawa television studios and had more recently been occupied by Health Canada.
It is one of 10 federally owned buildings in the National Capital Region that have been identified for disposal to be reconverted to residential or commercial use.
"During these colder months, it is essential that we work together to protect everyone in our communities, including those who are more vulnerable," said Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos in the release.
"As we find ways to accelerate and streamline the process of converting surplus federal properties into affordable housing and redesigned space that will benefit Canadians, we are seeking meaningful opportunities to use these properties to best serve local communities."
The approximately 715 square metres of ground floor space includes washrooms and showers. The federal government will act as the landlord in the agreement and the City of Ottawa will manage the centre's operations.
