Sep 16th, 2025

News Release: Vibrant Mural Ignites Community Spirit in Banff-Ledbury Ottawa Community Housing Neighbourhood 

Sept. 16, OTTAWA, ON – A new mural entitled Joy was unveiled on Sept. 16 in the Banff-Ledbury – celebrating residents’ pride and creativity in their neighborhood. From blank walls to bold stories, Joy reflects community connections, recreation and love. The mural features a child’s face framed by vines, along with flowers, and symbols of youth hobbies representing   a strong, supportive, and joyful community. Placed on a building facing Bank Street, it’s visible from the bridge, making it a colourful new landmark for the neighbourhood. 

The artist 

Claudia Salguero, a community-engaged artist, is known for vibrant murals exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice. She has a long-standing relationship with OCH, helping to create dozens of murals in OCH communities – including the tallest murals in the city – Wisdom at 1365 Bank St, and W.O.W at 215 Wurtemburg.St. 

Funding 

The mural was funded through OCH’s Community Capital Fund, a tenant-driven program, aimed at community improvements that make a difference in the lives of tenants.  

Community Revitalization 

Residents worked with a Carleton University graduate student to create a story map – advocating for recreational space, including multi-use pathways and a full-size basketball court. Their efforts are guiding future community improvements. You can read the full story map here. 

Quick facts: 

• Banff-Ledbury is home to over 500 residents 

• Seven Ottawa Community Housing locations are within the Ledbury-Heron Gate-Ridgemont neighbourhood limits. 

• Since 2009, the Community Capital Fund has supported 59 projects in 2024 alone, totaling $224,890. 

Quotes: 

“This mural stands for trust, renewal, and joy. I’ve seen youth here inspired and proud to join something meaningful. Happy kids and dedicated parents are eager to share how vibrant Banff Ledbury has become. The mural shows young people growing up in a healthy, hopeful community—where they are trusted to follow their dreams.” 

– Claudia Salguero, Community Engaged Muralist 

“Whatever the picture, we wanted to show hope, family, community and strength.” 

– Gwendy Herrison Community Engagement Coordinator for the Banff Community House. 

“Thank you to residents, staff, and partners for bringing this mural to life. Murals like this celebrate our community’s diversity and will inspire joy for years to come.” 

– Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCH

Note: OCH can provide photos and video of the prep work to create the mural.  

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact: 

Jennifer McIntosh 

jennifer.mcintosh@och.ca  

613-914-9953