On May 22, the Fine Crescent Community witnessed a great example of leadership, initiative, and community pride in action.

One of our community members, Tahsin, went above and beyond to help improve the cleanliness and safety of our shared garbage area. After noticing debris and buildup beneath the community bins, Tahsin took the initiative to engage directly with waste management while they were on site the bins could be temporarily moved and the area properly cleaned.

What made this act especially meaningful was that Tahsin didn’t simply report the issue — he took action himself. With shovel in hand, he worked hard to clear the debris and restore the area, while waste management staff supported the effort once the bins had been moved. Thanks to his dedication and persistence, the space was left cleaner, safer, and fully accessible for everyone in the community.

Acts like this may seem small, but they have a major impact on the health and safety of our neighbourhoods. Clean garbage areas help prevent pests, reduce odors, eliminate hazards, and create a healthier environment for families and residents. More importantly, they demonstrate respect for shared spaces and for one another.

Tahsin’s actions are a reminder that positive change often starts with one person willing to step forward and take initiative. Building strong communities is not only the responsibility of staff or contractors — it takes all of us working together, taking pride in where we live, and doing our part to keep our neighbourhoods clean and welcoming.

We hope Tahsin’s example inspires others throughout our communities to get involved, lend a helping hand when they can, and continue building a culture of teamwork, respect, and community care.

Thank you, Tahsin, for your outstanding initiative and for helping make Fine Crescent Community a cleaner and safer place for everyone.

For siblings Spencer and Shelby, living at The Haven has made it easier than ever to stay connected while still enjoying their own independence.

The two now live in the same housing community, which means spending time together comes naturally. Whether it’s watching Netflix at Spencer’s apartment or letting Shelby take the lead on entertainment at hers, they have found a rhythm that works for both of them. While they don’t often cook together, they enjoy sharing meals and visiting each other regularly. Living close by has not changed their relationship, but it has given them more opportunities to spend time together.

What stands out most to both Spencer and Shelby is the strong sense of community at The Haven. They describe it as a friendly and welcoming place where people are kind and connections come easily. Shelby especially enjoys the community garden, where she spends time working on her plot. Spencer, who is newer to The Haven, appreciates the calm environment and the convenient access to public transit, with a nearby bus stop that makes getting around simple.

Both are looking forward to the summer months, especially the community BBQs. These gatherings offer a chance to meet other tenants and build new friendships, something they both value.

When it comes to daily life, Spencer and Shelby enjoy having their own spaces. Spencer spends his time on the computer, watching TV, and reading, while Shelby enjoys TV, computer games, and walking along the pathway outside the building. They both appreciate the balance of independence and connection, often chatting with neighbours and building relationships within the community.

Outside of The Haven, they enjoy typical sibling activities like going to the movies and going out to eat. Now that they live so close, they are excited to spend more time shopping, visiting bookstores and gaming shops, and going for walks together.

Living independently has also brought new experiences. Spencer has discovered a love of cooking since moving into his own apartment. With assistance and encouragement from his support workers, Chris and Aby, he has been building his skills and confidence in the kitchen. Shelby is also supported in her day to day life by her support worker, Maggie, helping her maintain her routines and stay connected to the community around her.

Both Spencer and Shelby describe their experience at The Haven as a positive one. From decorating their apartments with posters to building friendships and routines, they are creating a space that feels like home while staying closely connected to each other.

Their journey to independent living has also been supported by the important partnership with LiveWorkPlay. Through this collaboration, Spencer and Shelby have been able to access the supports and opportunities that make living independently not only possible, but meaningful and sustainable.

Spencer and Shelby at LiveWorkPlay's "Make A Buzz" event with their Mom, Sandra and Keenan, the Director of Communications at LiveWorkPlay, in the background. Spencer received the Terri Hill My Own Home Bursary Award.

In 1994, when Fine-Meadowbrook first opened its doors, the Soueidan family became one of its first tenants. Mohammed was just four years old when his parents moved in. Today, he’s a thriving entrepreneur, running the Ottawa Corn Roaster at the ByWard Market — a beloved local spot known for its sweet corn cups and refreshing lemonade. 

This summer, Mohammed returned to Fine-Meadowbrook for the annual community BBQ, bringing his roasting machine and serving corn to tenants free of charge. It was a full-circle moment: a former tenant giving back to the community that helped raise him. 

We spoke with Mohammed to learn more about his journey, his business, and the values that continue to connect him to Fine-Meadowbrook. 

Q: What do you remember most about growing up at Fine-Meadowbrook? 
I remember when we first moved in, it was so beautiful and growing up there was amazing. I’ve had lifelong friends from that neighbourhood and we’ve all grown up together, working finding our own paths. We would play at the parks together and remember staying out until dark, the play structure was getting used quite a bit in my day. 

Q: How did living in the community shape who you are today? 
It taught me to be humble and never forget where you came from. Even after many failures and many successes, I still find myself visiting the old neighbourhood. It shaped me to be resilient and to never give up no matter how hard it is. With every down there’s always an up. 

Q: How did the idea for the Ottawa Corn Roaster come about? 
Ottawa Corn Roaster was just an idea at the beginning; there wasn’t anyone really doing anything like this on a full-time basis it was always for special events, and I taught why not corn is native to Canada, and why not use a product we already have and make it even better. I started Ottawa Corn Roaster in 2016 and haven’t looked back since. We established ourselves in the Byward Market and have been a staple here for many years. I did think at the time it wouldn’t workout, but I kept pushing through and here I am now. When Covid hit in 2020 I thought we were done but the city proved me wrong! There wasn’t any travelling, but our local Ottawans gave us probably the most successful summer that year. 
 
Q: What was it like starting your own business? 
It was difficult. I didn’t know much about corn, but I knew that almost every country in the world does their corn a little bit differently and I started looking into a “corn roaster”. I’ve had a lot of experience in the food industry, so I decided to make corn on the cob. We can put in a bowl for you, different ideas and spices that gave me a lightbulb effect. I just rolled with it and let my customers tell me what they want. If you’re ever going to open a business, let your customers dictate what you do with that business. Working for yourself is honestly a dream come true. You aren’t working if you enjoy what you’re doing and are passionate about it. 

Q: At the MHI Tenant BBQ, you roasted and served corn for free. Why was that important to you? 
It was important for me to give back to the community, especially the community I grew up in. My parents still live in there and it just felt right to give back. Sometimes it isn’t about the money but about a smile you put on someone’s face. Seeing everyone enjoy our corn at the community that I grew up in, where my parents still live - honestly that was the best payday ever. 

Q: What does “community” mean to you personally? 
Community means home, it’s that simple. It’s always been home and always will be home. I grew up there, I’ve made friends, I’ve had both bad and good times out of that community. It’s family, its motivation, it’s the backbone.  

Q: What advice would you give to kids growing up in Fine-Meadowbrook or other MHI housing communities today? 
Never forget where you came from, doesn’t matter where you’re from. Keep looking forward and better yourself. Stay in school, learn and grow up and become a better person for you and your loved ones. Don’t ever give up and always bet on yourself. Become what you want to be, education is key, but education isn’t only in school. You can learn a lot out there in the real world. If you have a dream, set smaller goals and steps to achieve them. 

Mohammed’s story is a reminder of what community can nurture and inspire: resilience, creativity, and a spirit of generosity. From his earliest days at Fine-Meadowbrook to running one of ByWard Market’s tastiest businesses, he continues to live out the values of connection and giving back.