WHAT’S INSIDE:

Tenant Volunteer Firefighter Jeff Patrick Miller Page 7 Page 3

Ottawa Community Housing Corporation THE Quarterly OCH Tenant Newsletter Youth Futures Graduates ISSUE 5.4 Celebrate their Success FALL On Thursday, August 21, the 2014 participants in the 2014 Youth Futures program proudly stepped on stage at Ben Franklin Place to receive their graduation certificates. Family, friends, program mentors and partners loudly cheered the 70 graduates. The celebration included a multicultural meal and special guest speakers Mayor Jim Watson; Chantal Beauvais, Rector of St-Paul University and Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Community Housing (OCH).

“I wish to congratulate the 2014 alumni” commented Marianne Wilkinson, Youth Futures Graduate Doly Kakisingi with Jessica Ferguson from City Councillor and Chair of the OCH Board of Directors. “The participants Borden Ladner Gervais.LLP. have been hard at work. Every year, at the completion of the program, our hope is that they leave with a sense of pride and accomplishment for their contribution and community involvement. They can now continue their journey with new tools and confidence to pursue their goals".

The seven month Youth Futures program offers high school students from low-income households leadership training, community volunteerism, university and college introduction and experience as well as paid summer employment. About half of the 2014 participants live in OCH communities.

Funded in part by the City of Ottawa, the program is a partnership between the City of Ottawa, OCH, , Carleton University, La Cité, Saint-Paul University, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Police Service as well as other highly committed community partners.

Recruitment for the 2015 Youth Futures program will begin at the end of November, 2014. Visit the Youth Futures website at www.youth-futures.com for more information about the program.

OCH Celebrates the Official

Opening for Old St. Patrick

Sandra Pilote, Tenant Advisory Group member; Councillor Mathieu Fleury; Mayor Jim Watson; green corner Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, OCH Board Chair; Stéphane Giguère, CEO of OCH ; Councillor Mark What is Litter?* Taylor; and Beauséjour residents Riley & Kennedy Van Alstine cut the ribbon. Whenever waste is not properly disposed of, it is considered litter. Litter comes in all shapes and sizes and On August 25, 2014, OCH hosted an it can be found anywhere. It includes official opening to welcome the addition of everything from a wrapper, a piece of paper, bag of ten new townhomes at 456 Old St. Patrick garbage or even a cigarette butt. Street in the Lowertown community of Beauséjour. The event’s Master of Proper disposal is important! It is your responsibility! Ceremonies, Councillor Mathieu Fleury, We all need to generate less waste. That's the first step introduced the guest speakers Mayor Jim in reducing what goes to Ottawa's landfills. The next is to Watson; Councillor Peter Hume, Chair of reuse and recycle more often. The following list describes the Planning Committee; Councillor Mark how long it takes for items to decompose or to be broken Taylor, Chair of Community and Protective down and proper disposal methods: Services, Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, Chair of the OCH Board of Directors and Newspapers 6 weeks Recycle - Black Box Stéphane Giguère, CEO of OCH.

Cardboard box 2 months Recycle - Black Box The spacious, modern building at 456 Old Banana peel 2 years Compost or put in your St. Patrick has been designed with the Green Bin latest environmentally friendly technology. Cigarette butt Up to 15 years Garbage Some of these features include polished Plastic grocery bags 100 years Reuse or Take it Back concrete radiant floor heating, a built-in Aluminium can 200 to 500 years Recycle - Blue Box humidistat to automatically reduce humidity when levels are high, compact fluorescent Disposable diaper 450 years Garbage lights in the interior and LED lights on the Styrofoam cup Up to 1 million Garbage exterior and 42 inch stairwells to promote years ease of movement and air flow. Plastic bottle Up to 1 million Recycle - Blue Box years Thanks to a grant of $1.3 million from the

Glass bottle 1 million years+ Recycle - Blue Box City of Ottawa’s “Investment in

Affordable Housing Program”, Empty LCBO wine, beer and spirit containers (glass, Tetra, plastic and Bag in a Box) can now be returned to the new townhouses will serve The Beer Store for a refund. For your closest return as a comfortable home for location visit www.bagitback.ca. each of the ten families who *Source: http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/water-and-environment/green- will be moving in during the fall

living/who-what-where-and-why-litter 2 months. Tenant Volunteer Coming Up Patrick Miller All tenants are invited to attend OCH Board Meetings

November 13, 2014 – 7:00 p.m. 39 Auriga Drive

December 11, 2014 – 7:00 p.m. 39 Auriga Drive

District Based Committee Meetings (DBC)

West DBC – November 18, 2014 “Every little thing that a person does makes a difference”, says 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Patrick. He moved to Brooke Towers, a downtown highrise Viewmount Community Room community, over 10 years ago. He used to look at the grounds 267 Viewmount Drive around the building and think about how much better it could look. East DBC – November 20, 2014 One Sunday, Patrick decided to make a start by getting rid of the 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. dandelions. Soon he was trimming hedges, watering plants, Murray Community Room cleaning litter from the grounds and inspiring his fellow residents to 380 Murray Street get involved. Central DBC – November 25, 2014 Patrick grew up in Jamaica and worked as a farmer and gardener. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. He has brought all those skills with him to Canada and is Strathcona Heights Community Room 731A Chapel Crescent passionate about his work. He has been involved with the Brooke Towers Tenant Circle since its formation. Tenant Circle members South DBC – November 27, 2014 and residents including Gail, Bob, Bill, Mickeala, Bernard and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Margo have worked together with Patrick to create beautiful Dempsey Community Centre gardens that include flowers, edible plants and fruit trees. Patrick 1895 Russell Road and other residents continue to fundraise for the gardens, selling OCH Tenant Forum cards and plants at the Nanny Goat Hill Good Food Market and Saturday, October 25, 2014 offering baked goods for sale in the Brooke Towers lobby during 8:30 a.m-3:30 p.m. the winter months. Confederation Education Centre 1645 Woodroofe Avenue Patrick’s interests go beyond gardening. He is also the Central All are welcome District Based Committee Vice-Chair, attends Tenant Advisory Register at 613-731-7223 ext. 2210 or Online at www.och.ca Group meetings and has completed a leadership skills training course. Patrick was also very involved in a 2012 safety audit of the OCH Office Hours community performed by Crime Prevention Through

Environmental Design. Monday to Friday OCH Tenant Service Centre Offices Patrick is particularly proud and inspired by the neighbours’ 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. reactions to the changes that have taken place. Neighbours stop Closed from noon – 1:00 p.m. to praise and chat about the gardens, they have donated flowers and one neighbour has taken the gardening group out for tea as a Head Office – 39 Auriga Drive thank you for all the landscaping improvements that have been 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. made. Holiday Hours Patrick says that his volunteer work is a labour of love and that “it makes me feel good and it makes other people feel good”. OCH offices will be closed Monday October 13, 2014 and Tuesday, November 11, 2014. 3

2014 QUIT SMOKING SERVICES IN OTTAWA

FALL PROGRAMS QUIT SMOKING WORKSHOPS INDIVIDUAL SERVICES & SELF-HELP TOOLS Two hour workshops to help individuals quit smoking including an educational session and information on nicotine replacement therapy. FREE 5-week supply of Heart Institute Quit Smoking Program nicotine patches available to those who qualify. 613-761-5464 Treatment and support is provided by smoking Workshops REQUIRE pre-registration. Please call cessation nurse specialists. 613-580-6744 to find out if you qualify and to register . Kick Butt for 2 Rideau-Goulbourn Ward Group and individual quit smoking Date: Saturday, October 25th services designed for pregnant teens and Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm young single parents offered through: [ENGLISH] College Ward River Ward Date: Tuesday, Date: Tuesday, St. Mary's Home 613-749-2491 November 18th December 9th Salvation Army Bethany Hope 613-725-1733 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Time: 6:00pm -8:00pm Centre [ENGLISH] [ENGLISH] Youville Centre 613-231-5150 Drop-In Nicotine Anonymous – Dalhousie Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health Community Centre 613-859-1210 299 Montreal Road 12 Step Program, ongoing self support, 613-748-0657 ext. 308 Offered every Tuesday evening, 8:00 p.m.to Monday evenings 9:00 p.m. Quit Smoking Drop-In during Culture Night One-on-one support

Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm Pharmacists’ Smoking Cessation Program

No pre-registration required If you receive your medications through the Drug Benefit (ODB) program, check INDIVIDUAL SERVICES & SELF-HELP TOOLS with your pharmacist to see if they are offering free quit support. You may be eligible Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline for Zyban or Champix under the ODB 1-877-513-5333 program. Confidential service available by phone, online, and text messaging. Quit coaches provide personalized support, advice, information, and a “quit plan” that suits you. Physician Your physician can offer you advice about Dr. Lena’s Clinic for Adolescents: 613-737-7119 quitting and provide information about Counseling available with a referral. medication that can help.

Family Health Teams (FHT) and Community Health Centre (CHC) Quit Smoking Program Some FHTs and CHCs in Ottawa are offering quit smoking counseling and free nicotine replacement therapy. Check with your FHT or CHC. Visit ottawa.ca/quitsmoking or call 613-580-6744 for other support programs.

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Manager’s Corner By Todd Rheaume, Property Manager, West Tenant Service Centre

There’s nowhere to park…..someone’s in my spot….I received a parking ticket. Does 2014 QUIT SMOKING SERVICES IN OTTAWA this sound familiar?

In most communities, there is enough parking for tenants to register and park their vehicle. Unfortunately, those who do not register or have multiple unregistered vehicles, create issues for tenants that are paying for parking yet cannot park their vehicle due to someone illegally parked in their spot. Registering your vehicle is easy; just call your Tenant Service Center for fast and easy registering. The small monthly fee is added to your rent. Remember that parking in a fire lane or in front of a fire hydrant, even for a short period of time is illegal and can result in fines and/or towing of the vehicle. Visitor parking is for visitors only. This is not to be used by tenants; it is temporary visitor parking for family and friends. If a vehicle is to be parked in visitor parking overnight, the vehicle must be registered with OCH to avoid receiving a ticket. To register your visitor’s vehicle, contact the OCH Call Centre at 613-731-1182. OCH requires that all To report a parking violation, you can: vehicles on our sites must be road worthy,  Call OCH Community Safety Services at 745-9277 between 3:00 hold current insurance p.m. and 8:00 a.m. All Community Safety Services staff have the and be properly plated authority to issue tickets and to have vehicles towed. and stickered.  Call 311 at any time. A By-law officer will be sent to assess the situation and to take the appropriate action. Community Noticeboard

OCH tenants and staff at the First Annual OCH 3 on 3 Summer Slam Basketball Tournament, held at Confederation Court on August 9.

Three of the 60 tenant volunteers who were honoured at the East Tenant Service Centre (TSC) Volunteer Recognition event held on On July 24, OCH welcomed volunteers from the July 10th. Each participant received a certificate of appreciation, Northern Youth Abroad Program. A long way from dinner and, most importantly, recognition for all the great work that home, these youth from Nunavut and the Northwest they do! Central TSC also hosted a summer Volunteer Recognition Visit ottawa.ca/quitsmoking or call 613-580-6744 for other support programs. Territories painted the underground garage at event which was attended by over 50 volunteers. The West and Winthrop Court before leaving Ottawa to build houses South TSC’s will hold fall Volunteer Recognition events. in Guatemala. 5 5 OCH Employee Recognition Program 2014 Tenant Service Award Service Excellence is a Priority at OCH

Have you received exceptional service from ______an OCH employee? Here is your opportunity to nominate an employee who ______

provides outstanding customer service… ______above and beyond acceptable standards. ______To nominate an employee, simply complete this form. Forms are also available on our website at ______www.och.ca.and at the front desk of our offices. You can deliver the completed form to any OCH office or ______send it by fax or mail to: ______

Employee Recognition Committee ______Ottawa Community Housing 39 Auriga Drive ______Ottawa ON K2E 7Y8 Fax: 613-731-4463 ______

______Deadline for Nominations: November 17, 2014 Recipients will be announced in December ______

I Nominate: ______

My Name: ______

______My Phone Number:______My Address: ______Your nominee must demonstrate at least FOUR of the following criteria. Please include specific examples. ______

 Serves you with respect and dignity ______

 Listens to your questions or concerns to serve you ______with accuracy  Responds to your inquiry in a timely manner ______

 Keeps you informed of when we will get things done ______ Offers you the best information to help you in ______making informed decisions  Makes sure you get to the right person when you ______contact us ______ Acknowledges their mistakes, works with you to find a solution and learns from the experience ______

Describe how the nominee qualifies for this ______award in the space provided. Please provide as much detail as possible (attach extra paper ______

if necessary). 6

Firefighter Jeff A Reminder from Ottawa Public Health

New Immunization Rules to Attend School By Jeff Herlihey This fall, all students in Ontario (unless given an Fire Prevention exemption) are required to show proof of Officer immunization against: Ottawa Fire Services  Pertussis (whooping cough)  Meningococcal disease Home Fire Safety Checklist  Varicella (chickenpox): required for children born Take 15 minutes to inspect your home. As you in 2010 or later go from room to room, answer the questions on This is in addition to the previous requirements of: the checklist. Take the time to make your home Fire Safe!  Measles  Mumps Cooking Safely  Rubella 1. Does an adult always stay in the kitchen  Diphtheria when cooking food on the stove?  Tetanus 2. Are there pot holders and a pot/pan lid within  Polio easy reach of the stove? This information is on the little yellow immunization 3. Are things that can burn, kept well away record card. Make sure all vaccines given to your from the stove? child - even those given by your family doctor - are reported to Ottawa Public Health. Electrical Safety  Online at ottawa.ca/immunization 1. Are extension cords used safely? (safe means not under carpets or across  By phone 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656) doorways).  By mail or in person 100 Constellation Dr, 2. Are kitchen appliances such as the coffee- Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8 maker, toaster oven and microwave plugged Don’t forget to get your flu vaccine this fall, available directly into an outlet, not into an extension at doctors’ offices, many pharmacies, and Ottawa cord? Public Health clinics, including some for children 3. Are all your fixtures and appliances under five years of age. approved? (CSA or ULC).

Home Fire Escape Plan Brooke Towers Hosts a Garden Tour 1. Do you regularly check your smoke alarms

to make sure that they are working? th 2. Does your family have a home fire escape On Sunday, August 10 the Brooke Towers plan that includes two exits, usually a door community hosted visitors from Senior Organic and a window, from each room? Growers, a chapter of the Canadian Organic 3. Has your family picked a safe place to meet Growers. The visitors admired the flower gardens, outside after you exit your home? edible plants and fruit trees in the front and back yards of the property and the excellent manner in If you do have a fire, remember these which the garden waste is handled. important points.  Alert everyone in the house/apartment and Senior Organic Gardeners (SOG) have recently follow your escape plan begun assisting with the garden at Brooke Towers  Call the Fire Department - 911 - as soon as and are eager to offer their expertise with other possible from a safe location gardening projects at Ottawa Community Housing. If you would like more information about If your smoke alarm is not working, contact SOG, check out their webpage at the Call Centre immediately at 613-731-1182 http://cog.ca/ottawa 7 letters to the editor

Letters to the Editor can be emailed, Gail Henri faxed or mailed and must include the 39 Auriga Drive writer’s contact information. Ottawa ON K2E 7Y8 Regrettably, not all letters will be (Fax) 613-731-4463 published and letters may be edited to (Email) [email protected] accommodate space. Send to:

Thanks to all the OCH tenants who responded to our word search contest in the Summer 2014 newsletter. Congratulations to Natacha S. from the East District. She is the winner of a $25 Loblaw’s gift certificate.

Try to solve the word search game below. Bring your answer to your Tenant Service Centre or email it to [email protected] Deadline for submissions is November 15, 2014.

AFFORDABLE

FIREPREVENTION

FALL

GARDENGUIDE

NOTICEBOARD

YOUTHFUTURES

GREENCORNER

MARKETMOBILE

SMOKEALARM

PUMPKIN

SCHOLARSHIPS

FIREFIGHTER

Name: Address: Telephone: ______

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