By Sandra Pilote
COVID-19 put a stop to the usual walkabouts by the Lowertown East Residents Committee, but some community members recently got together to do an evening stroll to look at the many colourful murals in the area, including the new one on the wall of an Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) Beauséjour home at the end of Old St. Patrick Street.
The walk started beside the imaginatively painted wood installation at the entrance to the Lowertown Community Resource Centre. Then it on to the murals on the Clarence Street side of the Patro, the Youth Centre on Friel Street, the Good Neighbours Community House on Beausoleil and finally the newly mounted one at theOCH Beauséjour home. Every mural has a story, and residents who had worked on the Beauséjour one had many charming tales about the creation of the final product.
In addition to walkabouts to identify safety and security issues such as damaged benches, burnt-out streetlights and broken sidewalks, residents have suggested walks to look at community gardens or parks, to identify trees and birds, to learn some history or to chat with the councillor, to name a few. In addition to the benefits of exercise and social time, walking with neighbours builds positive links and a stronger sense of belonging.
If you have an idea for a walkabout or simply want participate, just send me an email at sandrapilote42@gmail.com.