Ottawa supportive housing project near The Royal will not bear Matthew Perry’s name, organizations say

A conceptual image of the supportive housing project in Ottawa that was initially going to be called Matthew Perry House. The Royal said there was a mutually amicable decision to discontinue the partnership with the Matthew Perry House organization. (Matthew Perry House/supplied)

A supportive housing project in Ottawa for people living with substance use disorders will not bear Matthew Perry’s name, the organizations involved in the development say.

The project on Byng Drive was originally meant to be called Matthew Perry House, in honour of the late Hollywood actor who called Ottawa home. In an update on Tuesday, however, The Royal said the partnership with the Matthew Perry House organization would not continue as planned.

It’s unclear why the decision was made, but The Royal said it was made amicably.

“Through constructive discussions, Ottawa Community Housing, Salus, The Royal, and Matthew Perry House mutually agreed that the partnership would not continue in its original form. This decision was made amicably, with shared respect for each organization’s mission and priorities,” said a statement on The Royal’s website.

An identical statement was shared on the Matthew Perry House website.

“All partners recognize the significant and ongoing need for supportive housing and services for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. There is shared appreciation for the early contributions that helped bring attention to this important work,” the statement said.

Project will continue: The Royal

The project, which held a ceremonial groundbreaking in May 2025, is going forward with support from The Royal, Ottawa Community Housing, and Salus, but will have a new name, which has yet to be announced.

“All partners recognize the significant and ongoing need for supportive housing and services for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. There is shared appreciation for the early contributions that helped bring attention to this important work,” the organizations said.

“The project team is united in its commitment to delivering much-needed supportive housing, centered on wellness and recovery. Planning and design activities continue to progress as expected, including the land-lease process and upcoming procurement milestones.”

Kayla Folo, marketing and communications manager for Matthew Perry House, told CTV News Ottawa in an email that the joint statement issued Tuesday contains all the organization is willing to share at this time.

“We sincerely wish the partners well, and look forward to celebrating when Byng Drive supportive housing opens its doors. We believe strongly in the importance of supportive housing, and know Ottawa needs more of it,” she said.

“Our focus remains ensuring availability of and access to data-informed, dignity-based care for all who seek it. The kind of care that would have helped Matthew on his own journey. We will be continuing to work towards better than best practice care in Ottawa and throughout Canada and will be sharing more on what that looks like in the near future.”

The project is to consist of three buildings, offering around 160 residential units and several amenity spaces. The initial plan called for recovery type programs, career training, apprenticeship services, mental health supports, financial management planning and art therapy for people who have already gone through initial treatment, with an anticipated opening date in 2027.

“While we remain united in our dedication to supporting people seeking help with substance use concerns, we have agreed to take different approaches in how our respective organizations will offer that support. This change will have no anticipated impact on scope, timelines, or delivery of the Byng Drive project,” said Alyssa Nader, a spokesperson for The Royal, in an email.

Perry grew up in Ottawa before finding international stardom on the TV series “Friends.” He died in 2023 following challenges with addictions, something he had worked to help others overcome. His friends and family, including sister Caitlin Morrison, launched a charitable foundation in his name in 2024 to provide support to others struggling with similar challenges.

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