By Sandra Pilote, chair
Lowertown East Residents Committee
In late spring 2014, Lowertown East residents were told that the retirement residence at 240 Friel Street was about to become a new residence for students attending the University of Ottawa. The building was to go from about 200 spaces for seniors to about 350 for first-year students.
Given the publicity around building conversions catering to students, residents were initially concerned about this large influx of young energy into the neighbourhood. However, in various meetings with University representatives, they heard about the plan to manage the building within the same structure and with the same supportive services available at other residences. They were somewhat reassured on hearing that students would benefit from in-house community advisors, study groups and 24/7 reception and security services. They also heard that the students would be encouraged to reach out to the community.
When September arrived, so did the students; shortly after, their presence was noticed when they distributed flyers announcing a barbecue for the folks in the nearby towers at 200 – 201 Friel Street. In spite of the persistent rain on that September day, about 50 people showed up to enjoy the halal and other food.
But the new Lowertown East residents’ culinary goodwill did not stop there. In mid-October, the students baked and decorated 400 cupcakes for the Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses. In boxes of a dozen goodies, they included notes and cards written by the students for donation to our local Good Neighbours Community House on Beausoleil Street as well as 14 others located in Ottawa Community Housing areas. The children who attend the homework club at York Street School also got to sample the little iced cakes decorated with Smarties and other treats.
On October 31, after elaborate preparations, the students opened their residence lobby – now renamed the Freaky Friday haunted house – to the community. Costumed spooks, scary music, storytelling, and slimy things greeted the almost 200 people who dared to enter. Most came out alive and are looking forward to the next student-organized event.
Thus far, the university has lived up to its commitment to be a responsible part of Lowertown East and for nearby residents, this building filled with young university students brings a note of positive cheer to the neighbourhood. They have clearly demonstrated that they are part of the community and we hope to see them at the community Winterfest celebration to be held at Jules Morin Park on February 16th.