“I love the neighbourhood,” Rob says. And for him, that feeling is inseparable from the single word he uses to describe Briargreen: community. That may sound simple or obvious even, but Rob’s decade and a half of volunteering have given him plenty of opportunity to think about what “community” means.
When Rob Welch first came to Briargreen in August 2008, he wasn’t looking for a title or to be a leader of a community association. He and his wife, Alana, were simply looking for a home in Ottawa’s west end. They had often walked through Briargreen, coming from Centrepointe, and liked the feel and charm of the neighbourhood.
Their eventual house came through word of mouth, having known the previous owners of their home on Crofton (no need for a“For Sale” sign.) Eighteen years later, Rob has a much deeper relationship with the neighbourhood. After nearly 15 years as President of the Briargreen Community Association (BCA), he is handing the role over to Josh Rottman – but rest assured, he isn’t going anywhere.
Rob’s involvement with the BCA began casually. At a social event, Fiona Johnson invited him to a meeting. Before long, he was helping with the Briarvine, Christmas parties, the skating rink, and other activities. When then-president Dan Howe stepped aside, Rob found himself at a table where everyone seemed to be looking at him when the question was asked: “who will step up?”
