Last month Ottawa Salus launched “Opening Doors to Dignity,” a $5-million campaign to construct a 54-unit independent living building on Capilano Drive. Set to open in late 2025, this innovative building will be the first of its kind in Canada—a purpose-built supportive housing community designed specifically for older adults with a long history of mental health and substance use health challenges.
Older adults with severe and persistent mental health and substance use health challenges face unique and complex issues including social isolation, limited healthcare access, unemployment, abandonment, and unstable housing—often leading to homelessness. These challenges create significant barriers to living a stable, healthy, and fulfilling life, leaving many without the support they need to age with dignity.
For these individuals, reaching their mid-forties often means they have aged significantly faster than most, facing health challenges typically seen in those in their sixties and seventies. Yet, opportunities in Ottawa to age in place with dignity and independence are virtually non-existent.
Supportive housing and a sense of community for older adults like Romeo
At 65, long-time Salus client, Romeo, understands the importance of Aging in Place. “I’m so happy that Salus is creating a place like Capilano,” says Romeo. “I’m really looking forward to it because as I get older, I’m going to need all the special facilities there. The new building is going to make a difference in so many people’s lives.”
Capilano will follow universal design principles, ensuring accessibility for all tenants, with laundry facilities, onsite supportive programming, and a tenant resource centre. Eight of the 54 units will be barrier-free, and rent will align with the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) shelter allowance rate. Tenants will also be near health and social services, transportation, recreation, employment, emotional and spiritual support and more.
Romeo is especially excited about the sense of community that Capilano will provide. “I think that the most exciting part for me would be I’d have my own place, but I’d have 53 other people living there who I could become friends with.” With shared spaces like a tenant resource centre, outdoor areas, and a garden, Capilano will foster connection among tenants and the broader community.
You can help open doors to dignity
As a Salus client for over 30 years, Romeo credits his transformed life and stability to Salus’ staff and caring supporters. “I’m strong today because of the community Salus has built and the dedicated people who have encouraged me to keep going, even in my toughest moments.”
Through the Opening Doors to Dignity campaign, you can help provide essential care, support, and connections older adults need to thrive and age with dignity.
Join us in this transformational campaign by visiting openingdoorstodignity.ca.
