Sep 9th, 2024

Media Advisory: City of Ottawa Grant Supports New Mural in Centretown 

Sept. 10, 2024, OTTAWA, ON – A vibrant new mural, created by artist Dan Martelock in collaboration with 11 youth from Operation Come Home, the OCH community at Marion Dewar Place, and Youth Services Bureau’s Young Men’s Shelter, will be unveiled.  

The mural transforms a once-blank concrete space into a striking wildlife-themed artwork, symbolizing the power of community and creativity.  

The mural is on the property of Marion Dewar Place (453 Cooper Street). The design was a product of consultations with the building’s 181 residents – and made possible thanks to the leadership of the Centretown Community Health Centre and a grant from the City of Ottawa.    

Tenants attended consultation sessions on the design, and pictures were posted in the building’s common area. Ultimately, the residents voted on one of two options.  

About the artist 

Daniel Martelock is an Ottawa-based artist who focuses on Illustrative graphic styles of quirky birds, wildlife, birdhouses, and fun, colourful backgrounds that can be found throughout the Ottawa area.  

He enjoys using discarded materials and making them meaningful again. 

Event details 

Please join us at the event. There will be a chance to interview tenants involved with the project, partners, the artist and OCH representatives.  

What: Unveiling of the mural by OCH Partners and residents 

When: September 10, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

Where: 453 Cooper St  

Quote 

“Through the murals, OCH engages tenants in meaningful conversations about their community and beautifies the urban landscape. We are so grateful for our partners who supported this project and are pleased to add this artwork to our portfolio.” 

– Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCH 

About OCH 

Ottawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,000 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout the City of Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa’s primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city’s housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. In 2024, OCH earned recognition for the seventh consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers. 

For more information, contact: 

Jennifer McIntosh 
Communications Specialist, 
Ottawa Community Housing 
media@och.ca 
613-914-9953