A season of community building in Strathcona Heights
Fatimazahra Mounfaloti
The Strathcona Heights community in Sandy Hill has recently shown the power of unity and resilience through a series of resident-led initiatives that bring life, connection, and healing to the community.
Neighbours came together to plant a mini-forest as part of Ottawa Community Housing’s Innovate & Grow program, transforming their neighbourhood into a green sanctuary that will improve air quality, offer cool shade, and create a welcoming natural space for years to come.
Building on this green initiative, residents rolled up their sleeves for the Capital Clean-Up, working side by side to restore and beautify shared spaces throughout Strathcona Heights. The day concluded with a community meal sponsored by the TD Park People Grant and catered by Burger Lovers, a local restaurant on Laurier Avenue, bringing families together in a joyful celebration of collective achievement and connection.
In response to the needs of local families, Strathcona Heights has also launched an after-school program, providing essential academic resources, homework assistance, and mentorship. This program offers students a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn, connect, and thrive, while also relieving parents of the year-round pressures of academic support. Through this program, Strathcona Heights reinforces its commitment to supporting young minds and strengthening families.
Adding to this series of community-building efforts, the Conservation Co-op recently hosted an inviting “Soup Night” under the PEERSpective Program. Spearheaded by the Community Development Framework and Britannia Woods Community House, resident leaders Lushanthi and Eddie—a semi-retired chef and restaurant consultant—prepared a flavourful Central American meal that invited neighbours to come together for an evening of warmth, cultural sharing, and connection.
In a powerful act of remembrance, Strathcona Heights held a memorial on November 9 to honour community members who have passed. Jointly organized by Ottawa Community Housing and the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, the event offered a deeply supportive space for shared reflection and healing. Ottawa Public Health and the Post Incident Neighbourhood Supports contributed vital resources to help residents navigate grief and mental well-being, reminding all that Strathcona Heights is a community that stands together, offering support through life’s challenges.
These transformative initiatives exemplify the commitment of Strathcona Heights to environmental stewardship, educational support, and mutual care. In moments of both adversity and celebration, this community proves that together, they are stronger, more resilient, and ready to uplift each other at every turn.
