The existing KDS Apartments has been in operation for more than 50 years, providing affordable housing for seniors in a neighbourhood with a high percentage of people aged 85 years and older. Despite the growing number of seniors and need for affordable housing, there has not been another suited development constructed in the area since KDS opened its existing 70-unit building. In order to address this housing gap, KDS set out to expand its facility.

The site is close to the Rideau Canal and Dow’s Lake, providing many of the units’ with green views. The majority of the units are one-bedroom apartments, with two studio units, all of which include a kitchen, living space, and some storage. A consideration taken for the rooms are heat pumps that allow for easy tenant control of room temperature, while remaining energy efficient.

The life cycle to complete a housing project can take many years, from an initial idea to tenant occupancy. I am quickly learning that there are a multitude of steps throughout the process with some considerations unique to each development. Something that stood out to me during our tour was the amount of thought that went into the building to enhance the tenants’ quality of life. Beyond the accessibility and adaptability of the rooms to accommodate different needs, thought went into how tenants could easily dispose of their garbage, which rooms will be warmer or cooler at different times of the day due to the direction of the sun, and best placement of amenity space for all to enjoy. It was a great experience to see so many people’s hard work coming to fruition, which will only be enhanced when tenants begin to move in this summer.