Lowertown Community Resource Centre’s Good Neighbours Community House reinvents itself – and gorgeous green gardens are growing!

By Catherine Mageau, Special Projects Coordinator, LCRC

Big things are happening at the LCRC’s Community House at 145 Beausoleil Drive. Now that our food bank that used to operate on that site has moved to our 40 Cobourg Street location, our Community House is entering an exciting new chapter – with fresh energy, new projects, and a renewed sense of purpose rooted in connection and growth.

We are thrilled to announce that our Community House has received a much needed $22,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Ottawa. This funding will support important interior renovations that will allow us to offer new programming for Lowertowners of all ages. From creative workshops to community meals, drop-in activities, and more, we are reimagining what is possible in this central community space.

The transformation is not just happening inside – it’s blooming outside too! Thanks to a visionary resident volunteer, Michel Soulière (Mike), all grassy areas and underused flower beds have been transformed into vibrant and bountiful gardens. With giant sunflowers, cosmos, and morning glory vines alongside rows of onions, beets, carrots, tomatoes, beans, cabbages, and more, the garden is both beautiful and productive. 

“Mike’s vision and care have inspired others in the community to start growing as well,” says Mélissa Thibault-Canas, our Community House Coordinator. “It’s been incredible to see how quickly the garden became a space where people stop, connect, and take pictures. Some of the produce has already been distributed by our food bank, coming full circle – from planting to sharing with the community.” Our Community House isn’t just a building – it’s an initiative for community development. 

For Luis Santos, a resident and Activities Coordinator with 312 Cumberland Ottawa Community Housing Tenant’s Circle, the garden and renovations symbolize deeper roots of community development. Luis shares, “I successfully started a community garden initiative, creating a green space for 312 Cumberland Street residents to grow food and connect with nature, with the kind help of the Community House and with the support of Mike.” 

Looking ahead, we invite any and all neighbours to get involved – whether it’s through volunteering, attending programs, or just stopping by to enjoy the flowers. The changes at 145 Beausoleil reflect the creativity, generosity, and strength of the humans who call this place home. 

We are happy to share that our Community House is growing, inside and out.