Summer BBq's Rooted in Community

by guest blogger, Ella Matheson, Fundraising Coorinator

Each summer, MHI brings neighbours together by holding BBQ events across our communities.

This year’s BBQ series felt especially meaningful, as MHI was honoured to receive an Ottawa 200 Civic Events Grant from the City of Ottawa to support these community events. The funding installed MHI’s 2026 BBQs as a part of the city’s Bytown 200 landmark celebration series, bringing Ottawa’s 200th anniversary festivities directly into MHI neighbourhoods, helping to make them accessible, inclusive, and meaningful to all.

Between June 26 and August 29, we hosted eight BBQs across all MHI communities. Each event had its own special moments, with food, storytelling, music, activities, and great company.

We were glad to work with Théo Paradis who opened our BBQs with a land acknowledgment that was followed by drumming, singing, and an invitation for guests to join in. As people found their rhythm, any initial shyness turned into pure enthusiasm. 

Some Summer Highlights:

At Somerset Gardens, intermittent rain couldn’t dampen our spirits. Tenants, neighbours, passersby, and participants from Belong Ottawa at The Well were excited to gather to enjoy a meal together. The Reverend Canon Gary van der Meer from nearby St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church was on hand to help dish out the BBQ feast.

Ken Steele Court featured dynamic bubble artistry and a fire truck demonstration, while at Fine Crescent, our partnership with CityServe offered everyone a free flea market experience where they were invited to fill their bags with new, donated treasures.

At The Haven, new Canadian and good friend of MHI, Fadi Taiba, entertained guests with a performance on the oud.

And when rain arrived suddenly at Carver Place, several tenants quickly pitched in to help move things indoors so the celebration could continue.

One family made a point of attending all eight BBQs and bringing handmade origami gifts to share with MHI tenants at every event. As always, it is good to see people who live outside of MHI communities come out to connect with residents and be a part of the celebration.

The Ottawa 200 funding not only helped us deliver consistent events across each of our communities; it was also a meaningful recognition that residents of affordable housing communities are an important part of Ottawa’s story.

This was our second summer since MHI’s amalgamation with Gloucester Housing Corporation, and as we continue to strengthen the foundation of our communities, these BBQs show what happens when we create opportunities for neighbours to connect, share stories and celebrate with one another.

Thank you to the City of Ottawa, and to each person who joined us and helped make this summer one to remember.