Centretown · Ottawa, Ontario
Abiwin is a non-profit housing co-operative located in the heart of Centretown, Ottawa. We are a member-run community of 90 homes, including accessible units, housed across a mix of heritage buildings and purpose-built residences.
Founded in 1983, Abiwin was created to offer something increasingly rare in urban centres: secure, affordable housing rooted in dignity, cooperation, and mutual respect. Today, our members represent a diverse range of ages, household types, abilities, and lived experiences — united by a shared commitment to co-operative living.
Abiwin acknowledges that the land on which we live and gather is the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, whose stewardship of this land continues to this day.
Abiwin was founded by members of Ottawa’s LGBTQ2S+ community to create safe and secure housing at a time when such spaces were scarce. That spirit of care, inclusion, and community responsibility continues to guide us today.
What Makes Abiwin a Co-operative?
Abiwin is owned and governed by the people who live here.
As a housing co-operative:
- Members collectively own the housing
- Decisions are made democratically — one member, one vote
- Housing charges are set to cover costs, not generate profit
- Members participate in governance, committees, and community life
- Homes are removed from the speculative real estate market
This model creates long-term housing stability, encourages shared responsibility, and fosters a strong sense of belonging.
Learn more about housing co-operatives
