Matthew Perry House Progresses Slowly Amid Growing Concerns

Despite earlier publicity and changing narratives, the proposed Matthew Perry House continues to move forward slowly and with considerable uncertainty.

Documents and statements reviewed by the Island Park Community Association indicate that the $56-million project remains in its due diligence phase, with no confirmed construction funding or finalized lease agreement for the proposed site on the Royal Ottawa

Hospital campus.

Instead, the consortium behind the project is proceeding under a memorandum of understanding with the hospital.

The agreement specifies that the Royal Ottawa Hospital will have no formal affiliation or operational connection with the Matthew Perry House multi- apartment complex, despite sharing its property boundary.

Under the current plan, the project would be constructed and owned by Ottawa Community Housing, operated by Salus Ottawa, and include addiction-related programming delivered by Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. The Matthew Perry House Foundation

functions primarily as the project’s public brand and fundraising vehicle. Neither the Mathew Perry Foundation, nor The Royal Ottawa Hospital is contributing financial support for construction of the project.

Once constructed, according to documents received by the Island Park Community Association, annual operating costs are estimated to be $8 million dollars.

Originally marketed as a transitional housing and recovery facility with on-site medical services for people living with addictions, the proposal has since evolved. The

current concept calls for a two-thirds permanent housing component—falling under the Residential Tenancy Act—and one-third transitional housing, reducing the medical and

treatment aspect that was initially emphasized.

Following concerns raised earlier this year, project representatives agreed to relocate the proposed building footprint further west on the site (see diagram). Updated plans

describe a 167-unit building that could accommodate up to 400 residents, with vehicular access from Island Park Drive and Byng Avenue.

While project partners emphasize the development’s social value—citing its potential to address housing needs and support individuals in recovery—local residents remain divided.

Key concerns include the project’s scale, traffic impacts along Island Park Drive, its

proximity to single-family homes, and the absence of a funded, integrated oversight plan.

The Island Park Community Association has requested further clarification from the City of

Ottawa and project proponents regarding governance, safety protocols, and long-term operational accountability as the proposal moves through its early review process. We are

seeking feedback from community members at info@islandparkcommunityassociation.ca.