Summer of Free Ice Cream

And an update on the Ottawa Community Land Trust.

Thanks to everyone who helped chipped in

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who answered the call to chip in for free ice cream at the recent cargo bike demo. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of the Ottawa community.

The July event had a great turnout, with lots of cargo bike-curious people stopping by. And lots of passers-by on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway pleasantly surprised with a cold ice cream on a hot summer day.

More free ice cream at the Suburban Legends show

People were so generous that we can provide free ice cream at another upcoming QED open parkway event.

The Suburban Legends, including Councillor Sean Devine, will be performing on August 14 on QED at Delaware at 6-7pm. Parkways for People will be there handing out ice cream bars.

Ottawa Community Land Trust

In non-ice cream news, the Ottawa Community Land Trust launched its Housing Forever bonds in May, with the goal of raising $1.7 million to purchase rental properties and keep them affordable in perpetuity.

The OCLT is a response to the fact that for every 1 new affordable housing unit we build, we loose 31 naturally affordable units. Older units that, when an owner chooses to sell, often get bought, renovated and relisted at a significantly higher rent.

OCLT issued the bonds to buy a first 6-unit property on Kirkwood Ave.

The community response has been strong, and the OCLT has already raised $900,000.

This has allowed the OCLT to purchase a second 10-unit property in Vanier, with a contribution from Councillor Plante’s Section 37 resources.

The OCLT is still looking for investors. Anyone can invest in the bonds, which pay up to 4.5% in annual interest.

This is an important community initiative, and a way we can all be part of the housing solution. My wife and I were happy to join other investors in the Housing Forever Bonds.