About Us
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You have only to walk through the doors of Unitarian House to quickly learn how it has gained its long-standing reputation in the Ottawa area, and beyond, for quality seniors’ living. The tasteful décor and warm, welcoming atmosphere of our Home reflects the genuine pride of its close-knit community of residents, staff and volunteers.
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A 5-storey residence located on a beautiful, treed and tranquil property alongside the Kichi Zībī Mīkan and Ottawa River, Unitarian House offers affordable living in a unique home-like atmosphere. Easy access to the outdoors allows residents to enjoy the many gardens, a well-appointed courtyard and safe walking areas.
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Unitarian House is a not-for-profit registered charity. Charity # 119276111RR0001.
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Unitarian House is a member of the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA)
Unitarian House has been designated an Age Friendly Community by the Council on Aging of Ottawa
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Unitarian House acknowledges the location of our home on the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin nation
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Our Mission
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The mission of Unitarian House of Ottawa is to continue to provide a not-for-profit residence for seniors where, in a safe, inclusive, respectful and caring environment, residents will have maximum independence, opportunities for personal fulfillment, companionship and participation in a dynamic, collaborative community of residents, staff, volunteers and management.
Our Shared Values
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The residents, staff and management of Unitarian House share the following values:
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We believe in and value the uniqueness and the individuality of all who live, volunteer and work in Unitarian House, the diversity of their cultures, their life experiences and their need for personal safety and security.
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We believe that the health of our community depends on the participation of its members in its activities and management.
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We believe in the value of friendship and of mutual respect, in discretion, and the need for individual privacy.
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We believe in the value of all contributions, of whatever kind, that are made to enhance the well being of our community.
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We believe in the need to innovate, to improve and to achieve excellence in all our endeavours.
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We believe in open communication and in accountability in the use of all our resources.
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We believe in a high quality work environment with appropriate remuneration and opportunities for the personal and the professional development of staff.
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We believe in advancing the knowledge and understanding of seniors' issues by participating in research projects and in the training of health care providers.
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We believe it is important to advocate on behalf of seniors by participating in, and making submissions to, appropriate organizations concerned with their well-being including, where needed, submissions to political representatives
Our History
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Unitarian House was built on a strong foundation of social responsibility, vision, determination, caring, a sense of humour and a dream.
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In 1973, the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa gave top priority to an outreach program that would culminate in the building and operation of a senior citizen’s complex, with graduated social and medical care, affordable for seniors.
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In 1975 Unitarian House was registered as a “not-for-profit corporation” with Registered Charity status.
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After a decade of planning, funding was approved by CMHC and on March 27th 1983 the sod turning of Phase 1 of the housing and retirement living project took place.
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In the spring of 1984, the first residents moved into Unitarian House of Ottawa.
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In 1986 and again in 1996, renovations were made to the residence, adding a recreation room and more retirement living suites.
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In 2011, Unitarian House upgraded its courtyard and added a covered entranceway, and in 2012 a new social and leisure room called the Courtyard Corner was designed with input from both residents and staff.
Unitarian House Founders
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All of us at Unitarian House and in the Ottawa Community owe our gratitude to the founders and builders of Unitarian House for their vision and perseverance: David Bray, Robert Carson, Fred Corbeil, Werner Daechsel, Frieda Dougherty, Lloyd Francis, Phil Gross, Sophie Hamelijnck, Frances Morrison, Robert Neville, John Rutherford, Don Saxon, Dorothy Smith, Joyce Sweet, & Ilse Wulf.
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