When Colonnade BridgePort set out to reimagine development in Ottawa, the team wasn’t just building projects, they were reshaping how communities could grow.
From the Ground Up
For decades, Colonnade Management Inc. played a central role in shaping Ottawa’s commercial real estate landscape. From the 1980s through the 2010s, the company delivered office and industrial projects in key locations across the city, each reflecting a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and execution, while helping drive economic growth.
On the BridgePort side, its development journey began in the early 2011 with the opportunity to redevelop a contaminated parcel of land at McRae Avenue and Scott Street in Westboro. While others overlooked the site, BridgePort saw its potential: a shortage of quality apartments, a thriving neighbourhood, a transit corridor, and a chance to set a new standard for urban renewal.
The result was Westboro Connection – a three-building mixed use development which included the first purpose-built residential rental project of more than 100 units in Ottawa in over three decades. This was followed shortly after by Hintonburg Connection at the corner of Scott Street and Carruthers Avenue. Both projects, marked a turning point for the company. They demonstrated how underutilized sites could be reimagined as vibrant, mixed-use destinations and proved that Ottawa was ready for modern, purpose-built rental buildings.
A Focus on Multi-Residential Development
“We built our Westboro and Hintonburg projects in neighbourhoods that had significant amenities but no modern rental options, and we created places where people want to live, work, and connect,” said CEO Hugh Gorman. “That became the blueprint for our long-term vision of delivering transit-oriented, multi-residential communities that meet housing demand while enhancing neighbourhoods.”
With business units CBP Capital and CBP Development leading the charge, Colonnade BridgePort continues to set itself apart in this market by consistently securing desirable sites—those with direct access to transit, services, and amenities—and designing projects that integrate into the community and balance the needs of residents, neighbours, and investors alike.
The company is currently advancing a new wave of mixed-use multi-residential developments through its CBP Development Fund, carrying the strategy forward and shaping the city’s next generation of urban living. That includes two projects currently under construction: Artefact on Argyle, a 12-storey, 127-unit boutique building at 100 Argyle Avenue in Centretown, and Ryse, a 22-storey, 243-unit tower at 1950 Scott Street in Westboro. A third project is scheduled to break ground later this fall, with a fourth planned for 2026.
“As we move these projects forward, our focus is on execution, managing the complexity of construction while keeping our commitment to quality and livability at the forefront,” said Senior Vice President, Development Kelly Rhodenizer. “That means thinking through every detail, from design to delivery, to ensure we’re creating homes where people love to live and communities that will thrive long term. Each project is an opportunity not just to deliver on our vision, but to meaningfully contribute to the evolution of Ottawa’s urban landscape.”
Overcoming the Barriers
Development in Ottawa is not without its challenges. Rising construction and financing costs, coupled with lengthy municipal approval processes, have squeezed project economics across the industry, causing some developers to pause or even cancel projects.
But Colonnade BridgePort has pushed forward. “We’re proceeding because our people, our processes, and our integrated services—development, leasing, and property management—create the efficiencies that make projects viable,” said Hugh.
Kelly added, “Every project comes with hurdles, but we’ve built a team that doesn’t shy away from complexity. That resilience, paired with deep expertise across our business units, keeps us moving forward no matter the market.”
This approach has earned Colonnade BridgePort a reputation as both a trusted partner for investors and a steady contributor to the region’s housing supply.
Pride in Purpose
The real pride comes from seeing residents move into CBP buildings. “It’s about being part of the solution to Ottawa’s housing challenges,” said Hugh. “The lack of supply is a big contributor to affordability issues. By adding more housing stock in well-connected neighbourhoods, we’re helping to restore balance to the market.”
And with a proven track record, a significant pipeline, and a best-in-class team, Colonnade BridgePort is not just building projects, it’s helping build the future of Ottawa.
“We have a deep, day-to-day understanding of the city, the evolving needs of its residents, and the opportunities others might miss,” Hugh said. “That expertise allows us to select the right sites and deliver projects that are both people-focused and investment-ready. We intend to remain a dominant force in multi-family development in the city for a long time to come.”