Building a healthier Lowertown – launching the Health and Wellness Committee 

When I first moved to Ottawa, I knew exactly where I wanted to live. The connection to Lowertown was immediate, nurtured over years of visiting my grandmother, walking through the ByWard Market, and spending time in the museums and galleries that are at the heart of this vibrant neighborhood – alive with history, diversity, and community. Those early visits left an indelible mark on me, making Lowertown feel like home long before I actually settled here.

You don’t need me to tell you that our community has immense social capital and pride of place. Yet, it continues to surprise me how others react when they learn where I live – with a soft tinge of sympathy, as if Lowertown were defined by its struggles. Even more surprising is the persistent narrative that Lowertown needs to be “fixed,” reinforcing the perception of “bad” neighborhoods rather than embracing the truth that our community is inherently good. Yes, there are real challenges, but they are solvable. The key lies in truly empowering the people who care deeply about this community – those who live here – to lead in addressing these issues.

A closer look at Lowertown’s demographics tells a story of resilience. According to the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study, approximately 26% of Lowertown’s population are immigrants, with 5% having arrived between 2016 and 2021. Economic disparities also persist with 22% of residents living in low-income according to the 2021 census, compared to 9% citywide, meaning Lowertown has approximately 2.4 times the proportion of low-income residents compared to the Ottawa average.

These social and economic factors are closely tied to healthcare access, which remains a significant challenge in our community. Many of our neighbours, including those managing chronic conditions, struggle to access primary care – an issue that often leads to avoidable emergency room visits and longer hospital stays. A recent report on the Social Determinants of Health and Health Outcomes, published by Montfort Renaissance in collaboration with the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, found that 34% of Lowertown residents do not have access to a family doctor or healthcare clinic, compared to 21% citywide. This highlights broader health inequities that continue to impact the well-being of Lowertown residents. 

The challenges are real, but so is our community’s commitment to addressing them. With dedicated efforts from residents and local organizations, Lowertown is striving toward a future where healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental right – one where everyone has the opportunity to lead healthier, more stable lives. 

The launch of the Lowertown Health and Wellness Committee in 2025 marks an important step as we work to create spaces where residents can reconnect with nature, advocate for improved access healthcare, participate in wellness activities, and build stronger community bonds. With each passing year, we will work towards Lowertown becoming a healthier, more connected place, ensuring that all residents can live their best life. We don’t just live here. Lowertown is a place we’re proud to call home.