Jun 15th, 2023

News Release: More than 20 Middle School Students Lay Down Roots in Russell Manor Community

Ottawa, ON June 15, 2023 – More than 20 students from Vincent Massey Public School planted flowers, did general landscaping and cleared overgrowth in the community of Russell Manor at 1909 Russell Road.   

The students were part of an ongoing partnership between Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) and one dedicated teacher, Greg McKean, who has been bringing out student volunteer groups to complete beautification projects in Russell Manor and other OCHC communities for 10 years.   

Over the years, those projects have made a difference in the lives of thousands of tenants – and helped create connections between students and OCHC residents.   

What’s next? 

On June 26, 2023, 50-60 students will head to another community – 1799 Russell Road – to do a community cleanup and prune overgrown vegetation.  

Quotes: 

“We are so honoured by the continued commitment of Vincent Massey staff and the students. We believe it’s a win-win. Community improvements benefit OCHC residents, and the work helps to create bonds between the students and residents.” 

– Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCHC 

“Beautification projects such as the ones completed by Vincent Massey students help to increase community pride and allow OCHC to invest in other supports to help meet the diverse needs of tenants.” 

– Brian Gilligan, Chief Officer, Community and Tenant Support, OCHC 

Quick Facts 

• 196 residents live in the Russell Heights community
• 169 seniors living alone  
• Other Vincent Massey projects include tree planting, snow shovelling, litter picks, gardening, overgrowth removal, and more. 

Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) provides approximately 15,000 homes to about 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with special needs, within many communities across the City of Ottawa. OCHC houses a diverse population of varying languages, ethnicity and cultures. OCHC is the largest social housing provider in Ottawa, managing two-thirds of the City’s social housing portfolio, and is the second-largest in Ontario. OCHC was selected as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.   

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