02/02/2026
*Big news to share* PAL Ottawa is exploring new collaborations this year to fulfill its mission of providing affordable housing for local senior artists and arts workers. This marks a full break from the discussions between us and the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation for occupancy in one of the MOSAÏQ II buildings on Rochester St.
At 5:30 today, we’re having a Community Discussion over Zoom to discuss how this major change will affect you, our applicants, members, fundraisers and folks who’ve been in our corner these past years. Follow the link below to join.
More on what transpired below:
In 2021, PAL Ottawa signed an Memorandum of Understanding with OCHC to create a range of affordable apartments and a creative space for senior arts workers based on an action item in the City of Ottawa’s Culture Plan. With the rising homelessness crisis in the city, the most recent proposal by the City of Ottawa Housing Services on January 22nd put plans for PAL Place in an untenable financial position, and one that conflicted with its mandate and the spirit of the MOU. Believing that community groups can also assist in the housing crisis, we’re even more determined to seek a new housing plan to defend the needs and interests of senior arts workers.
“The Board and PAL Ottawa volunteers have worked diligently for over 7 years to bring this project to fruition,” says Peter Haworth, our Chair “This recent development is a significant blow, particularly given the anticipated opening of MOSAÏQ II this September. After careful consideration, the Board has concluded that we cannot fulfill our mission of creating a supportive community for senior arts workers within the current MOSAÏQ II framework. While it’s a shame to step back after all the hard work and the hopes we had put into the original building, we have no doubt that this is the right choice for our 200+ applicants on our waiting list. This new step has lit a fire under us and work on a new path is underway. We look forward to announcing collaborations towards a new home for PAL Ottawa.”
We’re remains steadfast in our mission to artists, arts workers and our generous supporters – who have thus far have raised nearly $1.8M towards the project
PAL Ottawa is a member of the Alliance to End Homelessness in Ottawa and stands with citizens in their concern about the housing and homelessness emergency in our city, noting that half of Ottawa’s professional artists make less than the local living wage, are paying well over 50 percent of their income on accommodation, and are themselves at an increased risk of homelessness.
Join the online PAL Ottawa Community Discussion to discuss PAL Ottawa forging a new path to affordable artist housing.
