Jul 30th, 2026
News Release: Morrison Gardens Community House Transformed Through Community Investment
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July 30, 2026, Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Community Housing, community partners, donors and volunteers came together to celebrate the transformation of the Morrison Gardens Community House, renewing an important community space for residents.
The Morrison Gardens Community House has been a gathering place for residents since 2012, welcoming more than 22,500 visits each year through community programs, activities, meals, and supports. The renovated space will help partners continue delivering programs and services that bring residents together and strengthen connections close to home.
The transformation includes:
- A new kitchenette to support community meals, cooking programs and food supports delivered by partners and volunteers.
- An accessible washroom improves access for residents, including seniors, people with disabilities and families.
- Expanded outdoor gathering space provides more opportunities for children’s activities, summer events and neighbourhood celebrations.
The project was made possible through the collaboration of community organizations, donors, businesses, government funders and volunteers who contributed funding, materials, expertise and time.
Quotes
“Community Houses create spaces where residents can connect with neighbours, participate in programs and access supports close to home. The renewed Morrison Gardens Community House reflects the importance of investing in places that help communities thrive.”
- Christine Garnier, Vice President, Asset Preservation and Digital Solutions, OCH
This couldn’t have happened without the incredible generosity of our partners at PCL Construction, through our Hard Hat Heroes program. Every year, we team up with PCL on projects that create critical infrastructure for neighbourhoods and communities throughout our region. This truly was a community-wide effort.”
– Kelly Mertl, Vice-President, Community Impact, United Way East Ontario
“As PCL helps build Ottawa’s skyline, we are equally proud to help build stronger communities. Seeing the Morrison Gardens Community House come to life is a reminder of the impact these spaces can have in bringing neighbours together, creating connections and fostering belonging.”
- Paul Knowles, Senior Vice President and District Manager, PCL
“Because of the incredible support from partners and community members, this new space will be a safe, welcoming, and fully accessible hub, complete with the essentials needed to serve families, seniors, and children with dignity and care. This is a great example of what happens when the community comes together to support people living in OCH communities. It will mean more programs, more opportunities, and more moments of connection for the hundreds of residents who rely on this space every year.”
- Traci Spour-Lafrance, Executive Director, OCH Foundation
“The reopening of the Morrison Gardens Community House is about much more than a renovated building; it is about renewing a space that belongs to this community. For years, this space has been a place where neighbours gather, children and youth learn and grow, families find support, and residents build lasting connections. This renewed space ensures the community continues to have a safe, welcoming place to come together, access programs and services, and strengthen the relationships that make this neighbourhood so resilient.
- Seyi Aribuki, Community Development Director, Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre
Project donors (in-kind gifts and funds) include:
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About Ottawa Community Housing
Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) 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 2026, OCH earned recognition for the ninth consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.
The Corporation operates at arm’s length from the City of Ottawa, our sole shareholder. OCH collaborates with nearly 100 community and private sector partners to serve and support OCH residents. The OCH portfolio includes a majority (90%) of social housing rentals (deep affordability) and affordable housing (at below-average market rents).
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Ottawa Community Housing also operates the ARRIV Properties banner.
About Ottawa Community Housing Foundation
Founded in 2012, the OCH Foundation exclusively serves people living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) communities. OCH is Ottawa’s largest social housing provider and is home to over 33,000 residents across 155 vibrant communities throughout the city. The Foundation connects people living in Ottawa Community Housing with programs and services that foster education, employment, community engagement and overall well-being.