Partnering with Ottawa Community Housing to cut emissions and foster connection

Hydro Ottawa Group and Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) are increasing their efforts to build a greener, more sustainable future for Ottawa. Through an expanded partnership and the support of the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator (ORA) program, the two organizations are collaborating to significantly reduce carbon emissions and foster connection across OCH’s extensive housing portfolio, demonstrating that community-focused climate action can deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits.

As Ottawa’s largest provider of community and affordable housing, OCH is committed to aligning with the City of Ottawa’s Climate Change Master Plan to reduce emissions by 96 per cent by 2040. To help achieve this goal, OCH is leveraging Hydro Ottawa Group’s expertise in energy efficiency and clean energy innovation.

A strategic and impactful partnership

Hydro Ottawa Group and OCH have partnered on energy efficiency initiatives for more than a decade. This relationship grew significantly in July 2024, with the announcement of an expanded collaboration focused on deploying a series of forward-looking, energy-saving technologies. These include:

  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support a growing EV car-share program, which has already seen 255 users travel more than 34,000 kilometres;
  • Installation of heat pumps for individual townhomes, with plans for 260 units to be upgraded over time;
  • Deployment of solar panels, with 37 arrays generating 500,000 kWh of clean electricity; and
  • Building automation systems (BAS), active in 18 buildings, with another 27 in the design phase, optimizing energy usage across OCH communities.

 

In December 2024, OCH also launched CommuniFi, a free community Wi-Fi project at two of its buildings in Ottawa. Designed to improve digital access for residents, the initiative is powered by hiboo networks, a Hydro Ottawa Group subsidiary, which provides the essential fibre-optic infrastructure and technical expertise behind the reliable, high-speed connectivity. This service helps residents access vital online resources. 

Together, these initiatives lower emissions, reduce operating costs, improve indoor comfort, and help maintain housing affordability for low-income residents. They also foster stronger, more connected, and inclusive communities. Since 2011, OCH has saved $64.1 million, reinvested to enhance housing operations and sustainability.

The power of the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator

A key driver of OCH’s decarbonization plan is its participation in the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator (ORA) program, a $10 million initiative funded by Natural Resources Canada and delivered by Hydro Ottawa Limited. In consultation with Envari Energy Solutions, one of the five approved energy consulting firms for the program, ORA provides commercial, institutional, and residential high-rise buildings with expert guidance, financial support, and a streamlined pathway to deep retrofits.

As part of the program, OCH has enlisted Envari Energy Solutions, a Hydro Ottawa Group subsidiary, to conduct a carbon pathway study for 38 high-rise buildings. This analysis will create a customized roadmap for maximizing energy efficiency and aligning capital planning with long-term climate goals.

“Reviewing our eco performance is crucial for integrating our climate goals into our long-term capital planning,” said Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing. “By understanding the decarbonization pathways for each of our buildings, we can make informed decisions on infrastructure upgrades, ensuring both sustainability and affordability for our residents.”

This support from Envari builds on their earlier work with OCH, including the successful implementation of building automation systems and EV charging infrastructure.

A model for climate leadership

“This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling climate change and the energy transition,” said Bryce Conrad, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa Group. “By investing in energy efficiency and embracing innovative solutions, we can help OCH achieve its ambitious carbon reduction goals while making their buildings more comfortable and affordable for residents.”

Both organizations consider this partnership as a model for how local collaboration can accelerate the clean energy transition, particularly in sectors like affordable housing, where energy savings directly benefit residents.

“Together, we will implement innovative energy-saving technologies that reduce our carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and provide advanced energy solutions to residents,” added Giguère. “Our combined efforts underscore our shared commitment to building stronger and greener communities.”

Looking ahead

With projects underway and a clear roadmap, the OCH-Hydro Ottawa Group partnership is set to make an even greater impact. Future plans include expanding the EV car-share program to new communities, further scaling heat pump installations, and continuing to develop carbon-reduction strategies for OCH’s 15,000+ homes across the city.

This collaboration is an example of what’s possible when public utilities and housing providers work together to serve people and the planet.