Jan 31st, 2024

CCF: Tranquility Mural at McEwen Terrace Powered by Tenant Leaders 

A view of the Ottawa River has made its way indoors thanks to the hard work of OCH tenant volunteers. On January 31, residents unveiled the Tranquility Mural with community artist Claudia Salguero.  

“The Tranquility Mural is the colourful evidence of the power of the community working together. This sunset representing the peace and the wonders that the Ottawa River gives us every day, was painted with love and gratitude by the tenants of 31 McEwen.”    

Claudia Salguero, artist

The Community Capital Fund funded the mural and provides grants for community improvement projects. It’s a program driven by tenants for tenants. Tenant groups work with their Community Developers to fill out funding applications. A selection committee with tenant representatives reviews the applications. You have until February 23 to apply.   

Murals 

There are more than 30 murals in OCH communities across the city. Ottawa Community Housing is committed to nurturing healthy, safe and inclusive communities. Murals across OCH showcase communities and represent their spirit through art. 

Residents in the Tenant Circle at 31 McEwen decided on a mural to foster community connections and to bring people together post-pandemic. The 14 tenants who led the project completed the painting after four days of six-hour sessions. Many residents also stopped by to check the progress as the work was finished. OCH provided $4,600 in funding for the project. 

Claudia has worked with OCH on dozens of projects. She works with multicultural groups in at-risk communities. Working in collaboration with different social institutions, she has created 77 community murals in the city since 2014.     

“We are proud of the ongoing partnership with Claudia and other artists who support mural projects in our neighbourhoods,” said Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCH. Murals bring residents together and are a chance to showcase the unique and diverse characteristics of OCH communities. Murals create a strong sense of belonging and ownership in our neighbourhoods.”