Clients of PADS (Prototypes of Addictions and Detox Services) will temporarily reside at the old Ottawa YMCA while the construction of a new shelter is underway.
Rewritten Article:
The derelict Ottawa YMCA won't be gathering dust for much longer. The Old Y will serve as a temporary shelter for the homeless, thanks to Illinois Valley PADS' relocation plans from their current location.
This week, the Ottawa Plan Commission granted a conditional use permit, allowing Illinois Valley PADS to move into the old YMCA temporarily while they construct a new shelter at the same location on Canal Street. PADS Executive Director, Carol Alcorn, shares that once construction kicks off, they'll be at the Y for a period ranging from 14 months to 2 years.
The shelter will only occupy the two floors of the old YMCA building. Alcorn explains that they were struggling to find a suitable alternative in Ottawa with enough facilities to accommodate temporary shelter arrangements. A few renovations will be necessary to prep the shuttered Y for its new inhabitants.
Alcorn shares that PADS has now hit their funding target for the construction of their brand new shelter. They aim to gather $4.3 million for the project. If all goes well, the City Council will make the final call on this matter on May 6[1]. Whether the temporary relocation moves forward or not will depend on the Council’s decision.
The new shelter is projected to be ready for residents by mid-2026 to early 2027, depending on the commencement of construction[1]. This timeline makes it likely that the Old Y will serve its purpose until the completion of the new shelter.
[1] - Sources: The Ottawa Daily Times, Illinois Valley PADS communications.
- The Illinois Valley PADS, with funding secured for a new shelter, is investing in real-estate to temporarily occupy the derelict Ottawa YMCA, which was granted a conditional use permit by the Ottawa Plan Commission.
- Due to the temporary relocation, Illinois Valley PADS will provide shelter services for the homeless in Ottawa, vacating their current location for the use of the old YMCA building.
- The new shelter construction may take between 14 months to 2 years, causing the shelter to occupy the two floors of the old YMCA building in Illinois during this interim phase.
- The City Council is expected to make the final decision on whether the temporary relocation of Illinois Valley PADS to the Old Y continues, with their vote scheduled for May 6.
