About this award 

The ONPHA Tenant Achievement Award recognizes a tenant or tenant group who volunteers to make their non-profit housing community and neighbourhood a better place to live. The tenant or tenant group has fostered community connections and has made meaningful contributions to their community that can serve as a model to tenants across Ontario. 

This award recognizes an active tenant or tenants involved in group efforts (rather than an organization). 

Eligibility criteria  

The tenant or group must meet the following criteria:

  • Be associated with an ONPHA Housing Provider Member.
  • Has made their non-profit housing community a better place to live.
  • Has fostered connection within their community and contributed to the well-being of their neighbourhood.
  • Has made a meaningful contribution that can serve as a model to tenants across Ontario.
  • Has not been compensated for their volunteer work.

2025 Awards

We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 ONPHA Awards! Make sure you submit by Friday, May 2 at 5:00 p.m. in order to be considered.

Do you prefer to apply offline? Download our nomination form for groups or our nomination form for individual tenants today.

2024 ONPHA Tenant Achievement Award Winners

Group Award: Birchmount Community Action Council

The Birchmount Community Action Council has been recognized with the 2024 ONPHA Tenant Achievement Group Award for their exceptional work in transforming their community at Toronto Community Housing.  This dedicated group of tenants has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including food security programs, youth employment opportunities, and community gardening projects. By empowering residents to take ownership of their community, they have created a thriving and vibrant neighborhood.

Individual Award: Gaston Brisson

Gaston Brisson, a dedicated tenant of Options Housing, has been recognized with the 2024 Tenant Achievement Award from ONPHA. Gaston has played a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of his fellow tenants. His passion for cooking, community building, and promoting a healthy lifestyle has made a significant difference in the lives of others.

Past Winners

2023: The Bellwoods’ Community Advisory Council, Sylvain Rock

2022: South Mountain Planning Team, Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes

2021: Somerset Towers Tenant Circle, Ottawa Community Housing

2020: Guy Clairoux, Ottawa Community Housing

2019: Blaine Dunlop, LOFT Community Services

2018: Carissa Davis, Ottawa Communtity Housing

2017: Maggie McGroarty, Evangel Hall Mission

2016: Lisa Burton (City Housing Hamilton0, Rhea Ryckman (Wawil Villa Turtle Creek Manor), Robert Huff (Ecuhome), and ReSet Local Design Team (Toronto’s Community Housing Corporation)

2015: Helen Landry (Brockville Non-Profit Housing Corporation), Harold Roebuck (Central King Senior Residence), Danny Hobag (Ottawa Community Housing)

2014: Howard Breen (Parkview Place), 130 Centrepointe (Nepean Housing Corporation), John Shields (St. Stephen Community House), The Doll Workshop (Cambridge Non-Profit Housing Corporation)

Other ONPHA Awards

Know someone who deserves recognition? Explore our other awards and nominate them today!