New? Start Here! Calendar Sunday Morning Upcoming Events eUU Weekly Newsletter Our Church isn't just for Sunday Services; it's a gathering place where we co-create our community of like minds and shared values, every day. Welcome to the First Unitarian Congregation, a liberal, spiritual congregation located on the shores of the Ottawa River. We're a diverse, multigenerational community built on a variety of philosophical and faith traditions, and we're committed to turning compassion into action. We're inclusive and caring, offer small group ministry, several choirs , social and personal growth events , Religious Exploration for children and youth , and much more. Our social justice action groups are committed to climate action, mental health, affordable housing , food security , Indigenous reconciliation , and supporting our 2SLGBTQ+ community. 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa ON K2A 4A1 613-725-1066 uuoffice@firstunitarianottawa.ca "We kindle the light within and inspire courage to nurture the web of life and to create a just and compassionate world." Reverend Lara Cowtan, Minister Fall Fair is Coming! Saturday, November 14, 2026 Sunday Mornings sunday-info SUNDAY SERVICE Join us for Sunday Service at 10:30am, in person and online. This Sunday's Service Details Past Sermons RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION Find out what our UU Kids will be doing this week. Kids' Religious Exploration HOSPITALITY HOUR Attending in Person? Join us in Fellowship Hall immediately after our Sunday service for coffee and conversation. Accessing FirstU's Campus During Construction (Updated September 2026) Click here for information on how to find us, and how to access our campus during construction of two affordable housing apartment buildings on our campus. Events Upcoming Events at FirstU

Spiritual Learning and Growth Events and Workshops Jump to Ongoing Programs Journey Groups In Person Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month 2:00pm to 4:00pm in Room 6 FirstU's Journey Groups will be starting soon, with our first meetings scheduled for September 8 and 22. Everyone is welcome to register: Just fill out and submit this form. The September Theme information is available here. A Meaning Making Journey Group is a small, covenant group that offers a space for spiritual connection and exploration, tied to monthly worship themes. They share many similarities to small group ministries and chalice groups. Members engage in deep listening, share personal stories, and use provided materials to reflect on their spiritual path, fostering a sense of community and deepening their understanding of Unitarian Universalist principles and values. Contact Amalilly at JourneyGroupAS@firstunitarianottawa.ca to receive the monthly theme materials. OngoingPrograms Ongoing Programs Taoist Tai Chi Practice and Learning Sessions Tai Chi is a series of gentle movements that improves circulation, strengthens the bones, and develops good balance. Many have found their health greatly improved by regular practice. Master Moy first developed Taoist Tai Chi to improve his own health, and later dedicated his life to enabling others to do the same. We welcome anyone to participate, beginners included. Each two-hour session will be led by experienced instructors from "Friends of Tai Chi" and will include a break for tea. No advance registration needed just drop in. Some familiarity with Tai Chi is recommended. Tuesday Tai Chi Every Tuesday - 1:00pm to 3:00pm - Fellowship Hall Led by Friends of Taoist Tai Chi, Ottawa Thursday Tai Chi Every Thursday - 10:00am to Noon - Fellowship Hall Led by Friends of Taoist Tai Chi, Ottawa Send questions to: adultlearning@firstunitarianottawa.ca Weekly Online Meditation On Break until Wednesday, August 5 Wednesdays - 7:00pm on Zoom Join our long-standing meditation sessions by dropping in on Wednesday evenings. We meditate together and share readings from teachers like Thich Nhat Hanh. Zoom Link Meeting ID: 880 7343 6250 Passcode: 259109 Let Colleen Know if you'd like to receive a friendly email reminder on Tuesdays. WIPC Women's Inclusive Pagan Circle Samhain Ritual Wednesday, October 28 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall $5 Join us to celebrate Samhain, the Witches' New Year. We will be honouring our Beloved and Mighty dead, practice the divinatory art of scrying, and feasting together! Bring finger foods to share after the ritual and anything seasonal you'd like to include on our altar. Our trans-inclusive, loosely "Eclectic-Dianic" Circle meets every 6 weeks (except for August) to celebrate the Sabbats together. Our space centers around women’s experiences with spirituality.We meet on week nights but vary them to accommodate people’s schedules. Trans women, cis women, and nonbinary folks who feel at home in “women’s space” are all encouraged to attend! Our 2026-2027 rituals are on the following dates: Tuesday, December 22; Tuesday, February 2; Monday, March 22; Monday, May 3; and Monday, June 21. Plus A Wide Variety of Ongoing Spiritual and Personal Growth groups. See the Getting Connected Guide for information on ongoing fellowship / growth / creativity / music / social justice groups, including Women's Personal Growth, Spirituality and Philosophy book discussion group, and two Reading for Growth groups. Hard copies are available in the office. You can also check the Make Friends page for a list of our weekly, biweekly, and monthly social activities.

FirstU Events Calendar Click on the calendar item for more information. (You might have to wait a few seconds or click on space below for the calendar to load.) To obtain contact information regarding specific events, please email the office or call 613-725-1066.

Meet the Religious Exploration Team Jodi McIntosh (she/her) Director of Religious Exploration After being a congregant for many years I am so incredibly pleased to find myself in the role of Director of Religious Exploration (DRE). After being home with my kids as a homeschooling momma for many years I started working at First U as a custodian. I enjoyed working out of the house so much that when the position for DRE came up I jumped at it. Having a degree in education and several years’ experience as a supply teacher I felt that it would be the perfect position for me. I hope to bring some of my passion for music, storytelling, and drama into the programming. When not at First U, I can be found scooting around the city on my electric moped, walking the trails in the greenbelt with my kids or snuggling with my dog on the couch with a cup of tea and an audiobook. esther paul (they/them) Religious Exploration Assistant Hello! My name is Esther Paul, and I am thrilled to be part of the RE team as a Childcare Assistant in the Rainbow Room. I graduated from Woodroffe High School in 2025, and I am currently a full-time student at the University of Ottawa studying Biomedical Science. When I am not at First U, I can be found studying, obsessing over my aquariums, playing with my cats, enjoying a good TV show, and dabbling in some arts and crafts. Rita Ross (she/her) Childcare Coordinator Hello my name is Rita Ross I am the childcare coordinator at the First Unitarian church in Ottawa. I am a single mother of two wonderful adults, I have been working in the childcare field as an RECE for over thirty years. I am educated in infant mental health, basic sign language, collaborative problem solving, resource teaching for children with exceptionalities, language acquisition and am fully versed in the current child care philosophy 'How Does Learning Happen.' I am also a trained health and safety inspector. I am currently employed at the Youville Centre where I work with infants, toddlers and young mothers. I have enjoyed working at First U since 2016 and am excited to continue to deliver a fun age appropriate program to the children in the Rainbow Room. [Name Here] Childcare Assistant

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Music at FirstU Our Music Director Jennifer ("Jenn") Berntson became FirstU's Music Director on August 16, 2021. She is also the Artistic Director of Aella Choir, and conducted the Ottawa Children’s Choir for seven years. She believes in the transformative power of singing to build community, inspire personal and spiritual growth, and create social change. Here is an example of Jenn's work (full length is 16 minutes). Meet FirstU's Music Director Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied She holds a BMus in Voice from Mount Allison University and an MA in Music and Culture from Carleton University, where she researched collective music-making as an expression of protest. Choirs at FirstU Join a FirstU Choir - Come Sing With Us! Join a FirstU Choir - Come Sing With Us! Our choirs are always looking for new voices and there is a place for everyone to sing at FirstU! Fusion Choir rehearses on Monday afternoons, 1:00pm - 2:30pm Three Rivers Singers meets on Wednesday afternoons, 1:00pm - 2:30pm Chalice Choir meets on Thursday nights, 7:00pm - 8:30pm Each choir sings music that explores and uplifts our UU values, and performs at church services 1-2 times a month from September to May. The choirs also perform a full-length concert twice a year. Read on for information on each of the three choirs, and if you are interested in learning more about music here at FirstU, email Jenn at music@firstunitarianottawa.ca. Chalice Choir is a mixed-voice choir open to anyone interested in choral music and able to commit to attending weekly rehearsals! We value social connection, dedication to musical development, laughter and learning. Our repertoire is as wide-ranging and diverse as our UU sources, including sacred music from different faith backgrounds, traditional/folk music from around the world, and arrangements of popular music. Choir members come from a variety of backgrounds and levels of singing experience, but share a love of making music and being in community with each other. Chalice Choir is a great place to begin your singing journey. Anyone is welcome to join a rehearsal at 7:00 on Thursdays nights - enter through the basement parking lot door and come up to Worship Hall to say hello! Three Rivers Singers is a small, upper voice ensemble of sopranos and altos who believe music can inspire us to action, and move us towards a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. Our repertoire reflects the rich diversity of human experiences and perspectives, with an emphasis on music written by women and texts that center women’s voices and stories. We primarily perform a capella music, without the support of a piano or other instruments. We are an auditioned group open to women and gender diverse people; some musical experience and the ability to learn music (by ear or by reading notes) is necessary, as well as a commitment to attend weekly rehearsals. Fusion is a mixed-voice chamber choir for experienced choral singers; we like to sing music that challenges and excites us from any genre, but with a special interest in jazz! We spend time in rehearsal working on the finer details of choral blend, diction, tuning, and other nuances. We are an auditioned group; prospective members should have significant choral experience, be able to learn music quickly, and be confident holding their own part in music with a lot of vocal divisi. The FirstU House Band welcomes instrumentalists and vocalists to participate in Sunday services and other FirstU events, with a focus on contemporary folk, rock, country music. All levels of ability and experience are welcome. Please contact houseband@firstunitarianottawa.ca for more information.

Odayanhaway Groundbreaking Ceremony On Wednesday, August 19, about 100 people gathered to celebrate a ceremonial ground-breaking of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) building that will provide 66 affordable and deeply affordable units on the FirstU campus. In addition to the ceremony, which was conducted by elder Grandmother Irene Compton, there were speakers drawn from project partners, local dignitaries and cultural performances. A large number of community partners attended as well. Many thanks to the numerous volunteers and staff who made the event such a success.Rev. Lara and Cathy Connor, the project lead from OAHS, were interviewed for CBC Radio's All in A Day, with additional print and video coverage provided by CBC News. The OAHS press release is available here. Photos from the Ceremony can be viewed here. If you weren't able to attend the Ceremony, you can watch the full livestream here. Odayanhaway FirstU Campus Redevelopment Project In early 2023 members of the congregation voted by more than 90% to move forward with plans to add affordable housing on campus with goals of helping to address the city’s housing crisis, acting on reconciliation, addressing climate justice and sustaining the congregation. We are contributing land to Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services for them to construct a 6-storey building that will provide 66 affordable and rent-geared-to-income units. In partnership with Theia Partners we will construct a 16-storey building that will provide 148 rental units of which at least 80% will be affordable or rent-geared-to-income. Read on below for more information about the project! For background information regarding this project, click here to read the FirstU presentation to the City of Ottawa's Planning Committee on August 28, 2024. Updated Site Plan – May 1, 2025 The FirstU Odayanhaway Project Team is pleased to share an updated site plan with congregants and others on the campus. We look forward to receiving comments that can be incorporated into further revisions. This updated site plan shows the location of the two buildings that are at the centre of the project: the 6-storey building that will be constructed and operated by Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) and is located in the northern part of the FirstU large parking lot; and, the 16-storey building that will be constructed and operated by Aspire Riverview Homes - the corporation that has been created by FirstU and Theia Partners and is located in the FirstU large parking lot between RPCC and the southern gardens. Click HERE for Site Plan Click HERE for Close-Up of Site Plan Click HERE for Garden View This plan reflects input from the charette planning session held in November 2024, with representatives of all occupants on the campus. It also responds to questions, suggestions and requirements from city staff and other agencies, such as Ottawa Hydro. Bill Van Iterson, a member of the Project Team, has prepared a list of changes that appear in this updated plan compared to the one distributed in October, 2024. Click HERE for Site Plan Changes The team organized a number of sessions for discussion with congregants and others on the campus: First Town Hall via Zoom to introduce the plans. Click here to watch a recording of the May 6, 2025 meeting. Second Town Hall via Zoom for final feedback on the plans. The FirstU Odayanhaway Project Team appreciated hearing from those connected to our campus about these updated plans. We will provide further updates as they are available. October 2024 Press Release on Odayanhaway Odayanhaway (Little Village), a new sustainable transit-oriented infill development at 30 Cleary Avenue, has received the green light from Ottawa City Council to proceed. This ambitious project, a unique partnership between Theia Partners, the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa (FirstU) and Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS), will transform an underutilized parking lot adjacent to transit and the Ottawa River into a thriving inclusive community for 200+ individuals and families. Click HERE to read the full, October 24, 2024 release. Click HERE to download FirstU's Ecological Asset Review Ottawa City Council Approves Odayanhaway FirstU is pleased to report that on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Ottawa City Council accepted the recommendation from the City’s Planning Committee and approved the rezoning application for FirstU’s affordable housing project “Odayanhaway”. The announcement following the Planning Committee’s meeting the week before stated the following: The City of Ottawa Planning and Housing Committee today approved Official Plan and zoning amendments to facilitate one six-storey and one 16-storey residential building on Cleary Avenue, within the Unitarian campus north of Richmond Road. The six-storey building would have 66 affordable units, run in partnership with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services. The 16-storey tower would have a four-storey base and 148 dwellings. The building heights for this development are consistent with the secondary plan in effect for the property, provided there is a 30-metre transition zone from the abutting residential properties. The term “transition zone” is not defined in the Official Plan, however, and the amendment would establish a defined setback from the shared property line. The site currently houses institutional uses including a church, retirement residence and daycare, and the zoning amendment is primarily needed to permit residential uses including a mid-rise apartment and a high-rise apartment. Council’s decision is another critical step in the process, started in 2018, to create affordable housing on our campus. It follows a three-hour discussion of the project at the Planning and Housing Committee, which included several delegations presenting their pros, cons and concerns for the project. With this approval by City Council, the project will now enter the detailed planning and financing stage. It is anticipated that this process could take up to a year and would culminate with construction starting in Spring 2026. While unanimously approved by Council and the Committee, FirstU is committed to working with our campus partners on addressing their concerns, including the health and safety of campus residents, employees and visitors during and after construction. FirstU and its development partner, Theia Partners, will also make efforts to determine if a second temporary entrance to the campus can be maintained during construction. Our partnership with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services continues to be an important part of this project, and Cathy Connor from OAHS provided a well-received presentation to the Planning Committee. Several city councillors, including our Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, complimented FirstU on the project as an excellent example of how faith communities can use their land assets to address affordable housing and reconciliation. The approval of this project represents a significant step for FirstU. FirstU can be proud of reaching this milestone on the path to living into its values, vision and mission. Update on the Odayanhaway Campus Housing Project – July 2024 This is an update on the campus redevelopment project. It is being provided by the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa Project Negotiating Team to members of the congregation and to other interested parties, including, among others, residents of Unitarian House and the River Parkway Children’s Centre. Application to the City of Ottawa for Re-Zoning Applications for re-zoning of the land where the new buildings are to be located were submitted to the City in October of 2023. Progress on consideration of the applications has been slow, mainly because of new planning processes and a severe shortage of staff in the City’s Planning Department. However, city staff recently declared our application for necessary zoning changes complete and ready to go to the Planning Committee at their meeting on August 28. Select the Zoning amendment (the Official Plan amendment is nearly identical), where you can download and review all the files as well as send your feedback. We hope you will send your comments to the City in support of our project. The deadline for comments is July 25. The city’s Planning Committee can decide to approve, deny, or defer the project. If, as we hope, and expect, the committee decides to approve the project, it will go to the full City Council for consideration. This usually happens fairly quickly. If council gives its approval, this will mark the beginning of other significant pieces of work, one of which will be to create the detailed site plan (building materials, pipelines, landscaping, etc.) that will guide construction. At this point planning for the redesign of various common areas on the campus will be brought forward again. The site plan development process usually takes many months and will provide the opportunity for lots of discussion with and input from members of the congregation, River Parkway Children’s Centre, and residents of Unitarian House. Legal Agreements The congregation’s negotiating team has been working with the congregation’s lawyers to craft and negotiate the legal documents necessary for our planned development of the two buildings. One set of documents will transfer land to Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) so they can construct the 6-storey affordable housing building which they will own and manage. The other set of documents creates, in partnership with Theia Partners, a new corporation that will own the land for the 16-storey building and manage the construction and ongoing operation of that building. The First Unitarian Ottawa Congregation will have majority ownership of this corporation. This work is now moving along well, and it is expected that these agreements will be able to be signed by the end of the summer. Housing Affordability Circle We are also launching a group called the Housing Affordability Circle, which will investigate and develop processes for us to offer affordable housing for the 16-storey building – including at a deeply affordable level – and explore ways to fund this. If you are interested in contributing to those efforts, please contact Lisa Sharp. Construction After the City has approved the rezoning, work will begin to prepare and obtain City approval for our detailed site plan, secure financing, and obtain a building permit. Similar work will be undertaken by OAHS regarding the construction of their building. Their efforts and those of the new First Unitarian/Theia corporation will be coordinated. Financing for the 16-story building will be secured from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Recent easing of interest rates points to a likely advantageous interest rate, which will be important as that will help us hold down rents once the building opens. At this point, it is estimated that construction will begin around Spring 2026. Detailed construction plans – including consideration of how the work will impact people, parking, and gardens – will be developed in consultation with First Unitarian Ottawa Congregation, Unitarian House, and River Parkway Children’s Centre, and circulated to those parties once they are drafted. Ongoing Discussion As we move along with this project, the First Unitarian Board will hold regular update sessions with everyone on the campus and interested neighbours regarding progress and opportunities for input. In the meantime, if you have comments you would like to pass along, please feel free to send them to the Board President of FirstU Ottawa. October 22, 2023 - Odayanhaway Town Hall Use the buttons, below, to download the two slideshow presentations from our October 22 Campus Planning Town Hall. If you have specific questions or concerns, email them to campusplanning@firstunitarianottawa.ca. October 22, 2023 Town Hall - Odayanhaway Update - Part 1 October 22, 2023 Town Hall - Odayanhaway Update - Part 2 First Unitarian Ottawa and Partners Unveil Plans for 'Odayanhaway': A Little Village of Sustainable and Affordable Housing ~ Sarah McBain The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa (FirstU) and its partners Cahdco, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS), and Theia Partners are thrilled to announce their upcoming housing development project located on Cleary Avenue, unofficially titled “Odayanhaway”, a word in Ojibwe meaning “Little Village”. The master plan of the project involves two new buildings and programs to help provide much-needed affordable housing to the Ottawa community with themes of reconciliation, prosperity, and sustainability. The first building will be approximately 66 units of affordable housing and will be owned and operated by OAHS. The second building, a planned 16-storey mixed market/affordable rental building, will be jointly owned by FirstU and Theia Partners, a real estate development company rooted in strong values of inclusion, affordability, and sustainability. Overall, the project will provide over 200 families with a beautiful place to call home. Both new buildings will be close to existing greenspace along the Ottawa River, as well as a new light-rail transit (LRT) station currently under construction. The project’s transformation of underutilized parking spaces, the site’s convenient access to new public transit, integration with existing gardens, and expected energy-efficiency design choices will help to fulfill the project’s environmental sustainability goal. Much momentum from the project was kick-started in 2021 with FirstU’s Campus Planning Committee meeting with Cahdco to discuss how to build more affordable housing on their seven-acre property. The desire for this project came from FirstU seeing the opportunity to transform their campus on Cleary and achieve their goals of meeting community needs and preserving the green space and environment. Early on, Graeme Hussey, President of Cahdco, provided explanatory workshops on affordable housing and introduced FirstU’s Board of Directors to Theia Partners and OAHS. “Cahdco listened to FirstU to understand their values and priorities, which included creating affordable housing, reconciliation and addressing climate change,” Hussey recalls. “OAHS and Theia are the ideal partners to help realize this vision.” With OAHS’s roots in the Ottawa Indigenous community and significant asset base throughout Ontario, FirstU felt confident in the partnership to not only provide affordable housing solutions to the development project, but through the two organizations' parallel values. “Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is proud to partner with FirstU, Cahdco, and Theia Partners on this significant housing development in Ottawa,” says Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Board Chair of OAHS. “We are pleased with their willingness to collaborate with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services on housing that is designed, developed, and delivered by and for Indigenous people. This partnership showcases how organizations can come together to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous people in urgent need of housing. We hope that this project will serve as a model for future partnerships and collaborations, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the community." Rodney Wilts, Partner of Theia Partners, is just as enthusiastic. “We are ecstatic to be working with such incredible partners on an amazing development,” Wilts exclaims. “Affordable housing, reconciliation and climate change are some of the most pressing issues of today and this project makes a tangible response on all three. We think it is a great model for other Churches and non-profits.” Over the past year, there has been much consultation with the Congregation and its campus partners on how best to transform the campus. The campus partners include a seniors’ residence, a daycare centre, and a Jewish reconstructionist synagogue, all of whom rent space from FirstU. Consultation included a design workshop, and several town hall meetings for the development partners to present options and hear concerns. Relationships strengthened and by March 27, 2023, members of the Congregation voted in favour of proceeding with the housing project of affordable and market-rental housing on its campus. “The Congregation’s decision to proceed with the project is a significant milestone for FirstU,” says Brent Nicolle, president of the Board of the Congregation. “It simultaneously advances toward four goals: providing affordable housing, making a tangible step toward Indigenous reconciliation, building an environmentally responsible choice for our planet, and aiming for future financial stability to the Congregation. I am enormously pleased to see FirstU living its values with this project.” The development partners recognize that there is much consultation with the neighbourhood and the city ahead, and that building a village requires community engagement. Coming together is the key to major developments like this, and the shared values of all project partners including innovation, sustainability, respect, and reconciliation make this collaboration a strong and exciting example of what can be accomplished in a community like Ottawa or anywhere across Canada. For more information, please contact: Board President, First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa O: 613-725-1066 E: president@firstunitarianottawa.ca About First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa (FirstU) has occupied its current location at 30 Cleary Avenue since 1967, where it shares a seven-acre campus with a seniors' residence and a daycare. As a Unitarian-Universalist congregation, we strive to find concrete ways to live our Eight Principles, which include recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of everyone, seeking a responsible search for truth and meaning, and respecting the interdependent web of all life. You can find out more at www.firstunitarianottawa.ca. About Cahdco Cahdco is a non-profit real estate development corporation and related to Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC). Cahdco develops affordable housing in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario area and combines the experience and resources of CCOC with a team of development, construction, and project management experts. In 2023, Cahdco launched the Toolbox+, a national coaching and mentoring program to increase affordable housing development capacity. About Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services Founded in 1994, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services provides safe and affordable housing to urban and rural First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people in Ontario. Our vision is to lead the design, development, and delivery of a sustainable and culturally-appropriate continuum of housing. We are governed by representatives from three Indigenous organizations in Ontario – the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, Ontario Native Women’s Association, and the Métis Nation of Ontario. Learn more at ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca. About Theia Partners Theia Partners is a values-based development company with expertise in socially and environmentally sustainable real estate and renewables-based energy projects. Theia is best known for its groundbreaking work at Zibi, the first endorsed One Planet Community in Canada, a 4 million square foot redevelopment with a mix of affordable and market housing, powered by a zero carbon district energy system. Neighbourhood Town Hall On Thursday, May 18, 2023, the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa (FirstU) welcomed nearby residents to an online Neighbourhood Town Hall, where we at FirstU - joined by representatives from Theia (developer), Figurr (architect), and OAHS (indigenous housing) - presented our Affordable Housing plans, answered questions, and heard concerns from our neighbours. If you missed the Town Hall, you can watch it on youtube to see what questions came up and how they were answered. Click HERE to watch the May 18, 2023 Townhall recording on Youtube FirstU Votes to Proceed with Affordable Housing Plan! Dear congregants and friends of FirstU, At a Special Congregational Meeting on Monday evening, March 27th, 2023, members of FirstU voted in favour of proceeding with developing affordable and market-rental housing on its campus. The results were overwhelmingly supportive: 95% in favour of the overall Master Concept Plan, 93% in favour of Affordable/Market housing, and 97% in favour of Indigenous housing. This decision is transformative. It will eventually see the creation of two new buildings on our campus, and provide over 200 families with integrated rental accommodation at various levels of affordability, from market rates to deep affordability. Campus residents and visitors will benefit from a new LRT station. New amenities will be added to our campus, and our beloved Meditation Gardens will remain intact for all to enjoy. This decision was not easy. For some, the coming transformation is very difficult to imagine, and we listened to each others' concerns respectfully. This decision is significant. It brings us closer to four goals: providing affordable housing, making a tangible step toward Indigenous reconciliation, creating an environmentally sensitive place to live, and aiming for the future financial stability of the Congregation. Thank you to everyone who made this achievement possible. I am proud to see us live our values like this. Brent Nicolle President, FirstU Board president@firstunitarianottawa.ca Why Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) In June, 2022 the Campus Planning Committee (CPC) initiated an onsite due diligence process with representatives of the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) to determine if OAHS met FirstU’s detailed criteria for an affordable housing partner. The criteria were established by the CPC and supported by the FirstU Board. Based on input from our affordable housing consultants (Cahdco), we had earlier identified OAHS as being a candidate organization that met our initial objectives. Other local potential partners had been considered, but screened out by Cahdco as not being in a position to participate in the FirstU project for a variety of reasons, including other commitments, lack of funding, and not having the necessary experience with buildings of the scale FirstU is contemplating. OAHS was represented by their Executive Director and four senior staff for a series of meetings lasting much of the afternoon and evening. The CPC and various Board members spent two hours interviewing OAHS on the specific due diligence questions. Following that, the OAHS group was introduced to other leaders and staff of FirstU, as well as to our campus partners. This group had an opportunity to hear about OAHS’ experience in affordable housing and their plans for building housing at FirstU, as well as being able to query OAHS in a variety of areas. OAHS then took a tour of River Parkway Childcare Centre and Unitarian House, meeting with staff and others at each location and fielding questions. To complete the day, members of the Board and CPC attended a dinner with the OAHS representatives. We learned a great deal about OAHS through this multi-stage process. OAHS serves 11,000 people every day (both residents of buildings they manage and non-residents), and are preparing themselves to serve as many as 90,000 more across Ontario, including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents. Their governance model and mission is rooted in community. They provide a broad variety of programs to their residents and others. Their core business is property management, and they have 2600 units currently under their management. They have expanded supportive housing programs, and regularly partner with community organizations. They have 150 colleagues/employees, of which 80% are Indigenous. We learned that: OAHS welcomes people of all backgrounds to live in their buildings. OAHS would offer a range of affordable housing in a building on our campus from deeply affordable to "rent to income" to just below market rent. OAHS owns a fair number of multiple-unit dwellings across Ontario and is experienced in property management. OAHS has experience in working with local service providers to offer supports to residents in their buildings. Several of OAHS' buildings have daycares located in them which is considered a support service to parents attending school or working. OAHS controls their own application process. This means that First U members could apply to live in their building, if they qualify as low income households. OAHS has connections with Ottawa area Indigenous organizations like Gignul, Odawa Friendship Centre, etc. OAHS' Indigenous connections to Ottawa are impressive: they have relationships with the Inuit Children’s Centre, Wabano, Gignal, the Friendship Centre, Ontario Native Women’s Association, and Minwashan. One of their most successful programs offered to residents is Homeward Bound, which focuses on helping mothers get education, employment and training so they can make a better life for their families. From a financial perspective, OAHS has a significant asset base and a favourable ability to raise money for construction. They are driven to create as many deeply affordable units as possible (at least 10% of the units are rented at 25% of income). They also offer a support function that provides subsidies. After the meetings, members of the CPC and the Board were asked to provide their comments about whether or not OAHS met the criteria for an affordable housing partner. The responses were unanimous in favour of entering into a relationship with OAHS. The CPC therefore made its recommendation to the Board to partner with the OAHS as our affordable housing partner. The Board subsequently accepted the recommendation. So, we are moving forward with OAHS as our affordable housing partner and several FirstU members within the Board and CPC intend to travel in the near future to Peterborough to view one of the OAHS facilities. Click HERE to download a PDF of the motion to be presented at FirstU's AGM on May 1st, 2022 Campus Development Meeting - March 27, 2021 On March 27, 2021, the Campus Planning Committee held a zoom meeting for FirstU about how we and our partners (Unitarian House, River Parkway Children's Centre and Or Haneshamah) might move forward with developing our seven-acre property while achieving our goals of environmental protection, green space preservation, and providing for local community needs. Below you can watch Part One and Part Two of that meeting. Campus Planning - March 27, 2021 - Recording - Part 1 Campus Planning - March 27, 2021 - Recording - Part 2 Affordable Housing Presentations by CAHDCO Use the buttons, below, to download PDF documents from CAHDCO - a non-profit real estate development corporation, and sister to Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, that develops affordable housing and social purpose real estate and provides consulting in the Ottawa area - to learn more about developing affordable housing in Ottawa and on the FirstU Campus in particular. Download "Affordable Housing Introduction" (March 13, 2021) Download "affordable housing development 101" (February 3, 2021) Download "Capital Funding and Financing" Download "Market Building Proposal Details" Download "Potential Non-Profit Partners" Download "Appendix C: FirstU Housing Needs Assessment" Download "Appendix D: Case Study - Multifaith Housing Initiative's Veterans' House"

Justice and Equality Action Group The Justice and Equality Action Group is an amalgamation of three smaller groups focused, respectively, on Global Justice, Poverty, and FirstU's participation in Unitarian Universalists at the United Nations. The group’s mandate is to educate itself and the community about situations of injustice and inequitable treatment of people, and to work to establish justice and equality. We encourage congregational members to deliberate on issues of social justice, advocate for social change, and join with other people of faith and goodwill. We are heavily involved with the on-campus affordable housing development, and also with our Food Cupboard, which support food-insecure congregants at FirstU. Additionally, we maintain a connection with and promote the work of the UU United Nations Office (UU-UNO), participate in local actions and campaigns such as Multifaith Housing Initiative's Tulipathon fundraise, and raise funds for our various projects through annual gift sales of fair trade luxury and household products. UU @ UNO News and Events "The UU@UNO brings UU values to the United Nations. We advocate for issues important to UUs, such as equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; peacemaking efforts; anti-racism work; opportunities for women and children; and mitigation of climate change. The UU@UNO focuses on these key issues at the UN and promotes action in UU congregations. Current programs include the Global Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI) Human Rights Initiative, the Every Child is Our Child program in Ghana, the Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Initiative, the Climate Justice Initiative, and the Racial Justice Initiative." UUA UU-UNO "The Unitarian Universalist Association Office at the United Nations is a non-governmental organization in association with the United Nations Department of Global Communications and in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The UUA Office at the UN represents the UUA and the Canadian Unitarian Council at the United Nations, where we promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, as reflected in the United Nations Charter. Through targeted education, advocacy, and outreach, we engage Unitarian Universalists in support of international cooperation and the work of the UN." UUA International Justice

YES! I'd Like to Make a Donation! Thank you for your generosity and your interest in the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa! Your support helps fund programs, as well as allowing us to continue offering opportunities for non-dogmatic spiritual development to our community and members of the public. We also accept remote donations through eTransfer, via credit card and by cheque. See other ways to donate, below. Information on Legacy Giving Information on Donating to Ajashki About Your Offering Each month, we share our undesignated offertory 50/50 with a community partner. In September, our offerings support the Ottawa Network for Education School Breakfast Program. ONFE's breakfast program provides nutritious breakfasts and snacks every school day to children and youth at publicly-funded area schools. Together, our community ensures that students in the region have the energy they need for physical and intellectual growth. Other Ways to Give By eTransfer - Make a one-time donation through your preferred banking institution or credit union. Send your donation to fm@firstunitarianottawa.ca and, in the comment field, let us know who you are, the nature of your donation and if there's is a specific FirstU project you want to support. eTransfers default to "general support" unless otherwise specified, and will be automatically deposited with no need for a security question. Via Credit Card - Make one-time or monthly donations to FirstU using your credit card. Call Michelle at 613-725-1066 x 222. By Cheque - Make your cheque out to the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, and let us know in the memo section if there is a specific FirstU project you want to support. Send it to us at: First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa Attn: Finance Manager 30 Cleary Ave Ottawa, ON - K2A 4A1 If you like what you see, and you're interested in deepening your commitment to FirstU, please contact Michelle to discuss other ways to give: Email Michelle Our Annual Pledge Campaign What is pledging all about? Pledging is your commitment to contribute financially over and only during the indicated fiscal year. Why is it so important? Since pledges historically represent ~ 70% of our revenue, it is a critical part of the budgeting process. The budget is created using the pledge forecasted revenue which then is presented to the congregation for member approval at the Fall Congregational Meeting. Without your pledge commitment, we cannot plan for FirstU’s financial commitments, sustainability, and programming for the coming year. Click HERE for more information on annual giving.

Tell Us Your Thoughts on FirstU's 2026 Fall Fair and Our Future Plans The below survey will help us plan future Fall Fairs. Please let us know your thoughts. How did you hear about Fall Fair 2025? From First Unitarian Friends Advertising on College Radio Posters Newsletter from a city councilor or community group Other How did you get to Fall Fair 2025? Drove a car (car share vehicle or my own) Took an Uber/Lyft Carpooled with multiple people Public transit / Paratranspo Bicycle Motorcycle Walked, use my mobility scooter, or otherwise came "on foot" Other If you drove would you be willing to pay $2-$5 for parking? Yes No How many times have you atteneded Fall Fair? 1 2-3 4+ What is your age? Under 18 18-35 36-49 50-65 66+ For our November 2026 Fall Fair, there will likely be major construction on our campus. This would result in very limited on-site parking on our campus; LRT service will likely not be available until 2027. Your responses to the following questions will help us plan the changes we will need to make, for 2026 and beyond. Would you attend the sale if there is no parking on site, but only elsewhere in the neighbourhood? Yes No Not Sure Would you be more likely to attend Fall Fair if a shuttle service was offered from a nearby public transit stop like Lincoln Fields bus station or Carlingwood Mall? Yes No Not Sure If the Fall Fair was split into smaller events during the year, for example a book sale, clothing sale, flea market, and gifts/toy sale, would you be interested in coming? Yes No Some, but not all, of them Not Sure Below is a list of the ‘booths’ available at Fall Fair. In the spaces provided, please list up to three booths of most interest to you, and up to three booths of least interest to you. Baking/Jam Bargain Haven / Flea Market Books Children’s Toys/Books Electronics Gifts Jewellery Knitting / Crafts Linens Men’s Wear Music/Movies Outdoor/Large Items Puzzles Silent Auction Women’s Clothing The three booths I'm most interested in are: The three booths I'm LEAST interested in are: Is there anything you would like to see that we don’t currently offer? If you'd like to be added to our Fall Fair mailing list, please provide your email address in the field below: Submit

Volunteer Leader Resources Hello Volunteer! Thank you for stepping into this leadership role. Below, you'll find documents that will help you lead your team or committee. Click the titles to open the documents. 1) Who We Are and How We Build Community Together "Who We Are and How We Build Community Together" includes our Vision and Principles, what it means to be a Welcoming Congregation, what it means to be a Lifespan Learning Congregation, and our Covenants. 2) Who Does What? "Who Does What?" defines "program staff", "teams", "working/action groups", and "committees" and offers an overview of what these different designations apply to. 3) Governance Manual (2020) Check page 6-7 of the Governance Manual for FirstU's Org Chart and responsibilities. 4) Tips for Engaging Potential Volunteers Wondering how to match people's passions and interests with roles and tasks in your team, committee, or group? This document can help. Click HERE for suggestions on how to celebrate volunteers. 9) Important Policies and Guidelines Privacy Policy Accessibility Policy Public Policy Development and Dialogue Activities Guidelines for Rentals Policy on Teams 10) Communications The Communications document includes social media accounts, FirstU publications, and examples of FirstU branding and letterhead. You'll also find information on Bulletin Board promotion in the church building and on how to have things added to the FirstU Calendar. 11) Using the Church Building This document includes processes for opening and closing up the building, using Fellowship Hall and the kitchen, booking space, operating the elevator, and accessing the wifi, as well as fire and safety procedures, and the location of first aid kits, fire exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. You can download "(12) Maps of the Building" by clicking here. Still In Development 5) Facilitating Meetings 6) How to Start a New Group or Activity 7) How to Put On an Event 8) Financial Information 13) Answers to Common Questions 14) Other Resources 15) Sample Forms 16) Appendices

It takes a lot of effort to keep the wheels turning The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa is funded by its members and it costs about $2,000 per member to keep running our programs and maintaining our building. We have several different annual campaigns and events to raise funds for the congregation, plus other fundraising events for specific causes. Pledge Campaign We hold an annual pledge campaign in the fall - starting in late September and running through late November - that educates our church community about our budget and what is needed to fund us for the year. This is, by far, our biggest "fundraiser" of the year. About 70% of FirstU's annual budget is supported directly by pledge donations from members and friends. Click Here to Learn More About Annual Giving Fall Fair at FirstU The Fall Fair is FirstU’s big fundraising sale and a great community-building event! We welcome your participation - as a volunteer and as a shopper - and your donated goods for our Big Event in mid-November every year. Click Here to Learn More About FirstU's Fall Fair