Ottawa Multifamily Market Report

Apartment sector well positioned. Ottawa’s labour market is less exposed to potential U.S. tariffs than other major Ontario cities. The metro’s largest employer is the federal government, which provides a stable employment base that is not directly affected by ongoing trade uncertainties. Additionally, Ottawa holds a strong tech presence in software, telecommunications and defense technology. Some of these firms export to the U.S. – such as high-tech, aerospace and defense – but they are not as vulnerable to tariffs when compared with traditional
manufacturing industries. Unlike Ontario’s auto-heavy regions, Ottawa has less exposure to this sector. Looking ahead, while potential tariffs would hurt the broader Ontario economy, given Ottawa’s economic makeup and diversification, the metro’s multifamily sector is well positioned to weather these ongoing uncertainties.