The City of Ottawa’s planning and housing committee has approved plans to construct a new six-storey building on Arrowsmith Drive that will provide space for a community food bank and 50 new rental units.

The new structure will replace the existing building that houses the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard (GEFC). The GEFC will temporarily relocate during construction to maintain food bank operations.

The new building will offer 50 rental apartments, 10 of which will be accessible, and will be offered at affordable rates for low-income and moderate-income households.

The committee approved a zoning amendment to facilitate the development of the new building at its meeting last Wednesday (Feb. 19).