Tired of rising rents, group aims to keep its housing affordable—forever

"These non-profit trusts are "created by the community, trusted by the community, to hold land for community benefit," explained Mike Bulthuis, the executive director of the Ottawa Community Land Trust. 

Some trusts build new housing, but Ottawa's version focuses on preserving what already exists. 

"First and foremost, the existing tenants who are living in the building at the time of purchase [benefit]," said Bulthuis. "We invite them to stay. Our commitment is that their rents are protected." 

The goal is to avoid "renovictions," where real estate is purchased primarily as an investment and buyers aim to maximize their returns."