What’s been happening at Strathcona Heights?

Gerald Dragon

It was another busy summer in Strathcona Heights with various types of activities happening in  July and August.

If you happen to pass through Strathcona Heights, you may notice a few new structures, thanks to Home Depot and the Ottawa Community Housing Volunteer Engagement team. On June 19, a new pergola, benches and picnic tables were built and installed as part of a massive volunteer workday for which Strathcona Heights was fortunate to be the chosen neighbourhood. Community members now have a more functional space to socialize. Thanks to OCH’s Mehdi Louzouaz for supporting this initiative.

As in past years, the summer kicked off with a movie in the green space near the basketball courts, this time with the addition of a BBQ beforehand. Despite some technical challenges, participants stayed until the very end of Kung Fu Panda 4. Many thanks to Raymond, our community volunteer who was the BBQ chef and to Aron, Meron, Ola, Omar and Rayan for their assistance disassembling things at the end of the night.

Summer camp happened again at Viscount Alexander school, this time taking place over three weeks offering: arts instruction with Eden from the Ottawa School of Art, I Love to Dance workshops and basketball with Prezdential. Nearly 60 children and young people were signed up to participate in the different activities.

On August 23, we celebrated what’s come to be known as Strathcona Heights Fun Day. It is an opportunity for community members to come together as the summer winds down and the school year approaches. Over 150 people came out to participate in the different activities including: yoga for older adults led by Camille; games led by Niuma of the Parent Resource Centre; face painting; henna; storytime with Arianne from the Ottawa Public Library; bike helmet giveaway with Santiana and the team from Ottawa Public Health, and (most importantly) keeping people fed thanks to Eddie and his crew from Chef Ric’s.