Feb 18th, 2026

News Release: Heather Manor Resource Fair Connects Tenants to Crucial Community Programs

Ottawa, ON – (February 18, 2026) Ottawa Community Housing welcomed 20 partner agencies and tenants to the Heather Manor Resource Fair on February 18. The event connected 268 residents living in the community with programs and services that strengthen tenancies and community well-being.

The fair showcased the vital role and contribution of tenant volunteers, who help shape programs and engage their neighbours. Their involvement helps the fair meet the diverse needs of the community. These partnerships support healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.

“OCH is proud to work with partners and tenant volunteers to support successful tenancies. This fair is a great example of community leadership and the commitment to support the diverse needs of residents from across the city. Great things happen when the community comes together.”

“OCH is proud to work with partners and tenant volunteers to support successful tenancies. This fair is a great example of community leadership and the commitment to support the diverse needs of residents from across the city. Great things happen when the community comes together.”

– Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCH

“The OCH Foundation is committed to empowering, inspiring and equipping OCH tenants with access to programs that enhance their quality of life. Collaborating with partners is fundamental to that goal.”

– Traci Spour-Lafrance, Executive Director, OCH Foundation

The Resource Fair featured a wide range of partners, including:

• OCH Foundation,
• Heron Emergency Food Centre,
• Options Housing,
• Métis Nation of Ontario,
• Southeast Ottawa Community Health Centre,
• Crime Stoppers,
• Ottawa Police Community Services,
• the City of Ottawa, 
• Ottawa Public Health,
• the Ottawa Public Library and
•  Councillor Jessica Bradley.

OCH Departments Represented:

• Community Safety Services 
• Property Management 
• Tenant Support 
• Community Development  
• Integrated Pest Management  
• Grounds and Community Beautification 

Quick Facts About the Community

• Heather Manor is home to 268 residents.
• The Tenant Circle has been operating for over 20 years.
• The annual resource fair started seven years ago in response to tenant needs.
• Average monthly income: $1,216
• Languages spoken: English, French, Somali, Arabic, Amharic

About Ottawa Community Housing

Ottawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,500 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa’s primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city’s housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. In 2025, OCH earned recognition for the eighth consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.

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Media Contact:

Jennifer McIntosh
Communications Specialist
jennifer.mcintosh@och.ca or media@och.ca
613-914-9953