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We received 18 outstanding applications for the 2026 Stittsville Community Micro‑Grant program. The selection committee faced some difficult decisions, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who applied. We’re pleased to announce this year’s successful projects and events, each of which will receive a micro‑grant, for a combined total of $2,000. Stay tuned for upcoming event dates!

One Million Canadian Hearts ($200)
Stittsville United Church’s United Church Women (UCW) group is proud to support the Ottawa Heart Institute’s One Million Canadian Hearts campaign by offering the church as a welcoming, accessible mobile screening site dedicated to improving community heart health. With its fully equipped, health-compliant kitchen, ample parking, accessible entrances, restrooms, classrooms, and auditorium, the church provides an ideal venue for clinicians and residents to participate in proactive cardiovascular pre‑screening. As part of this partnership, the UCW will offer light refreshments, assist with community outreach, and help raise awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention of heart disease. By hosting this initiative, Stittsville United Church strengthens its commitment to community care by providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where residents can take meaningful steps to protect their long‑term health. More details to come on this one!

#3 Stittsville Pathfinder Girl Guides and Venture Scouts Poole Creek Invasive Species Clean Up and Health Monitoring ($200)
This spring, youth and leaders from the Stittsville Pathfinder Girl Guides and Venture Scouts will unite for a hands‑on environmental stewardship day at the Poole Creek Wetland, working together to protect one of the community’s most treasured natural spaces. Guided by expert naturalists from the Ottawa Stewardship Council and the Friends of the Stittsville Wetlands, participants will learn to identify and remove invasive plant species while gaining practical insight into wetland ecology and conservation. Youth will also collect biodiversity data using the iNaturalist platform, contributing meaningful citizen‑science information to help monitor the health of the ecosystem. This immersive experience not only improves habitat quality and supports long‑term ecological resilience but also cultivates environmental leadership, scientific literacy, and a deeper sense of civic responsibility among the next generation of Stittsville community stewards.

The Lettuce Grow Initiative ($200)
This summer, Eco West Enders and JoJo’s Community Garden are teaming up to inspire residents to grow their own food through a fun, supportive, three‑stage community experience. The Lettuce Grow Initiative begins with the distribution of free lettuce‑growing kits to interested neighbours, equipping them with everything they need to get started. Growers will then join an online community where seasoned gardeners share tips, answer questions, and cheer on participants as their plants take root. When harvest season arrives, everyone will come together for a vibrant community “feast” at JoJo’s Community Garden—an opportunity to showcase home‑grown lettuce, meet fellow growers, learn from one another, and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the garden. Along the way, the program helps residents reduce grocery costs, grow fresher and more nutritious food, lower transportation‑related environmental impacts, and experience the mental‑health benefits of gardening—all while strengthening community connection and shared learning.

Friends of Stittsville Wetlands Annual Community Forum ($200)
On Earth Day, April 22, 2026, the Friends of Stittsville Wetlands will host their second annual community forum—an inspiring gathering designed to deepen public understanding of the ecological significance of the Goulbourn Wetland Complex and the vital role residents play in protecting it for wildlife, the community, and future generations. This year’s forum will shine a spotlight on turtles, among the most at-risk species in Ontario, exploring the threats they face and the practical steps we can take to safeguard their habitat. Featuring expert speakers from the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Friends of Carp Hills, the event will offer both in‑person and virtual participation, with a recorded session available afterward. By bringing together local residents, conservation leaders, and engaged community members, the forum aims to build momentum for a Stittsville‑based turtle conservation program and inspire collective action to help protect and restore these remarkable species and the wetlands they depend on.

Douglas Sutherland Arts in the Park ($200)
Village Square Park will come alive on June 7, for Douglas Sutherland Arts in the Park—an energetic, free, one‑day festival that unites our community in a vibrant celebration of creativity. This beloved annual event showcases an eclectic mix of local talent, from emerging young artists to seasoned creators, featuring stunning artwork, photography, handmade crafts, authors, artisans, delicious food trucks, and live youth entertainment. With family‑friendly and pet‑friendly activities, including a growing kids’ talent showcase, colourful street chalk art, expanded space along Abbott Street for artists and picnic seating, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere, the festival draws record crowds each year. It strengthens community connections, supports local businesses, honours Stittsville tradition and founder Douglas Sutherland, and provides an essential platform for creators of all ages to share their craft and shine.

Stittsville District Lions Club Community BBQ ($200)
Stittsville District Lions Club Community BBQ is a fun, family‑friendly gathering open to everyone! Enjoy delicious barbecue while the kids take part in games and activities designed just for them. This event is more than just a great afternoon out; it’s an opportunity to bring neighbours together, strengthen community spirit, and support those who need it most. Come connect with friends old and new! We can’t wait to see you there!

Ottawa Carleton Trailway parkrun ($200)
The Stittsville parkrun is gearing up to celebrate its second anniversary on May 2, 2026, marking two years of bringing people together every Saturday for a free, volunteer‑run 5 km walk or run on the Trans Canada Trail. Each week, 60–85 participants—ranging from age 6 to 95—come out to get active, connect, and build friendships that keep them returning week after week. High‑school students play a big role on the volunteer team, often coming back regularly to support the event and earn their community hours. With water, popsicles, and a welcoming post‑run atmosphere, the refreshment table has become a natural gathering spot where people mingle and get to know one another. Parkrun has quickly become a vibrant community hub, uniting residents and visitors from across Stittsville, Canada, and around the world in a simple shared goal: getting outside and enjoying time together.

The 11th Annual Conductor Ave Pancake Breakfast ($200)
Each spring, the Conductor Ave community comes together to celebrate a tradition as warm and sweet as the maple syrup it’s built on. For over a decade, neighbours have joined forces to tap more than 20 maple trees across 14+ nearby properties, collecting up to 1,500 litres of sap that’s boiled for days on a front‑porch “sugar shack” overlooking Lesser Crossing Bridge. What begins with buckets, spiles, propane burners, and plenty of patience ends in a golden reward: nearly 20–36 litres of homemade maple syrup shared proudly among participating families. The season culminates in a lively potluck pancake breakfast on the driveway, drawing more than 60 neighbours from Conductor Ave and surrounding streets—kids learning to tap trees, dog walkers stopping to chat, and new friendships forming year after year. More than just breakfast, it’s a celebration of community connection, local pride, and the unique togetherness that makes this neighbourhood truly special.

Cricket Festival at Bradley Craig Park ($200)
The Stittsville Cricket Club is excited to invite the community to a vibrant Cricket Festival at Bradley Craig Park, bringing neighbours together for a fun, welcoming day celebrating the sport of cricket. This family‑friendly event aims to strengthen community connections while introducing residents of all ages to one of the world’s most popular sports through demonstrations, hands‑on activities, and opportunities to learn and play. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, the festival promises an enjoyable way to get active, meet new people, and experience something new. Join neighbours at Bradley Craig Park for a day of cricket, community spirit, and healthy outdoor fun!

BBQ & Movie in the Park ($100)
This summer in Mark Yakabuski Park, neighbours are invited to come together for a fun and relaxing community BBQ followed by an outdoor movie under the stars. This event aims to bring residents together in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where families can enjoy great food, casual conversation, and the simple joy of spending time outdoors. With a large screen and projector set up in the park, attendees can settle in with blankets and lawn chairs for a community movie night that encourages connection, networking, and new friendships—all while celebrating the spirit of our neighbourhood.

Music and Movies in the Park, Stittsville Village Square Park ($100)
Get ready for a magical summer evening at Music and Movies in the Park at Stittsville Village Square, hosted by the Stittsville Village Association. This all‑ages community celebration brings local talent to the center stage, featuring performances from homegrown musicians followed by a film. It’s the perfect chance to gather with friends, family, and neighbours, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Come out and experience a fun, vibrant night that showcases the creativity, spirit, and togetherness of our community!