Sep 17th, 2025

Media Advisory: New electric vehicle carshare at Mikinàk community expands sustainable transportation for Ottawa Community Housing residents

September 18, 2025 (Ottawa) — Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) is inviting media to the launch of its newest electric vehicle (EV) carshare station at Mikinàk, part of OCH’s affordable housing branch, ARRIV Properties. This is a milestone that expands affordable, climate-friendly transportation for hundreds of residents. This innovative program, supported by a $250,000 investment from the RBC Foundation, provides tenants with convenient, on-site access to electric vehicles, enabling them to commute to work, appointments, and activities while reducing the cost and carbon footprint of transportation.

Media will have the opportunity to see the new EV carshare station, take a test drive with a Communauto representative, speak with tenants about what it means for their daily lives, and hear from OCH, EnviroCentre, Communauto, and RBC representatives about how this initiative is promoting social equity and climate action in Ottawa. Photo and video opportunities will be available.

When: 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2025 

Where: 715 Mikinàk Rd (in case of inclement weather: indoor location at 255 Barielle Snow)

Schedule

1:30 p.m. – Welcome and land acknowledgement – Traci Spour-Lafrance, Executive Director, OCH Foundation

1:35 p.m. – Stéphane Giguère, CEO, OCH

1:40 p.m. – Jennifer Steltzer, Director of Strategic Impact, EnviroCentre

1:45 p.m. – Rawlson King, councillor

1:50 p.m. – Glenn Sheen, Regional Director, Marketing and Citizenship, RBC

1:55 p.m. – Marco Viviani, VP, Communauto

2:00 p.m. – Group photo and mural ribbon cutting

2:05–2:20 p.m. – Media Q&A and interviews

2:20–3:00 p.m. – Networking with tenants; opportunity for media. We kindly ask that any media interested in taking a test drive of the electric vehicle please let us know in advance.

Available for interview

• Stéphane Giguère (he/him/il), Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Community Housing – English and French
• Daniel Dicaire (he/him/il), Senior Manager, Conservation and Sustainability, Ottawa Community Housing – English and French 
• Traci Spour-Lafrance (she/her), Executive Director, Ottawa Community Housing Foundation. English and French.
• Jennifer Stelzer (she/her), Director of Strategic Impact, EnviroCentre – English
• Glenn Sheen, Regional Director, Marketing and Citizenship, RBC – English
• Lucie’s is Regional Director, Communications, RBC – French

Media Contact

Jennifer McIntosh

Communications Specialist, Ottawa Community Housing

jennifer.mcintosh@och.ca

613-914-9953