Life in Ottawa is getting more expensive, with housing costs constantly on the rise. CBC Ottawa has covered the numbers, and the impact.
But there are some who’ve found creative housing solutions — often with added benefits, too. As part of CBC Ottawa's series Living Reframed, we caught up with people who have come up with housing hacks to save money and live better lives.
The following interviews have been edited for style and clarity.
Learn why less house is more for these unconventional roommates.
The homesharer
Thomas Wallace
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and as a transgender person, finding housing in Ottawa has been a challenge.
I’m not at the point in my career where I can afford to live alone, but looking for a roommate online can be a daunting task.
- Have you found a creative housing solution? Email christine.maki@cbc.ca to share your story as part of CBC Ottawa's series Living Reframed.
It’s scary to live with people who may not understand some of my unique challenges. I’d often wonder if they’d accept me for who I am, or if there would be prejudice.
For years, I was just racking my brain for a housing scenario that would work for me.
The homeowners
Lorne Cooper
Traci and I are accustomed to a full house. Over the years, our friends have stayed with us for stints of time when they needed a place to crash.
We have a three-bedroom home, and don't need all the extra space.
- Click here to meet a man who gave up his apartment to live in his van, as a way to save money and follow his dreams.
I heard a CBC Radio broadcast about homesharing and it sounded really cool. I thought, we’ve got space, let’s find someone who needs it. And we did.
Traci Jorgenson
It's been fabulous having Thomas in the house. He brings such a valuable perspective to our home. It’s easy to get away from issues facing young people, because of our age difference. Thomas keeps us aware of that point of view.
I foresee a lot of evenings playing board games and enjoying each other in the future.
The facilitator
CJ Blake
I started Hygge Homesharing about a year ago. I match a homeowner with a homesharer based on interests. I am not a fortune teller, but I do have a good sense of who might get along.
Housing is so personal. It’s safety and comfort and well-being all wrapped in one. So, seeing Thomas, Lorne and Traci living happily together has been heartwarming.
Other perks
Thomas Wallace
There are some other perks of living here. There's a Keurig coffee machine with reusable cups and there's four cats. I like cats. But what's really cool is I get to new learn things every day.
Lorne and Traci are well-travelled and have so many stories. It’s exciting. I’ve learned so much about the world that I didn’t know before.
Building friendship
Lorne Cooper
Our schedules don't always match up. Sometimes, we meet at the front door while one is leaving and one is coming home. But when we do have time together, we can talk and we can play games.
We all share a love of board games, puzzles and quiet activities to do at the end of the day.
Thomas can share about his day and we can share about ours. That's what friends do, and that's what we’re trying to build. A friendship.
Ash Abraham is an associate producer and reporter at CBC Ottawa. You can reach her by email at ash.abraham@cbc.ca.