Celebrating 5 Years of the Andy Carswell Building
Supporters, veterans, partners, and community leaders recently came together to mark this important milestone and reflect on five years of providing housing, support, and hope to veterans.
There could hardly have been a more fitting venue.
On May 28, 2026, surrounded by the historic aircraft and stories housed within the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, Veterans’ House Canada welcomed nearly 100 supporters, partners, veterans, and community leaders to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Andy Carswell Building.
The evening served as both a celebration of an important milestone and a reflection on the vision that brought the project to life. Named in honour of the decorated Royal Canadian Air Force veteran Andrew “Andy” Carswell, the building stands as a lasting tribute to service, resilience, and the belief that no veteran should face homelessness alone.
Guests were welcomed by the stirring sounds of the RCMP Pipes and Drums and dancers, whose performance brought energy and tradition to the evening and marked the beginning of the formal program. Throughout the celebration, attendees heard remarks from Veterans’ House Canada leadership, community partners, and a member of the Carswell family, while moving video testimonials highlighted the life-changing impact of stable housing and wraparound support services for veterans.
Among those in attendance were the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and MP Mona Fortier, reflecting the broad community support behind Veterans’ House Canada’s mission.
The organization also extends its sincere gratitude to Commissionaires Ottawa CEO Michel Charron and the leadership team, whose generous sponsorship helped make the anniversary celebration possible.
A central theme throughout the evening was the extraordinary growth of Veterans’ House Canada since the Andy Carswell Building first opened its doors in 2021. What was once an ambitious vision has become a nationally recognized model for veteran housing.
As Executive Director BGen (Ret’d) Alan Mulawyshyn noted, the Andy Carswell Building has become a “proof of concept”, demonstrating that a dedicated housing community designed specifically for veterans can successfully provide stability, support, and renewed purpose for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Today, the Andy Carswell Building continues to serve as a leading example of veteran-focused supportive housing in Canada.
While the milestone was worth celebrating, Mulawyshyn emphasized that the work is far from complete.
“This is the launch point,” Mulawyshyn told attendees. “We’re going across Canada.”
That vision is already becoming reality. Veterans’ House Canada is preparing to open its Edmonton location this November, marking the next chapter in the organization’s national expansion. Speakers also highlighted emerging priorities, including support for women veterans, veteran families, and underserved communities whose needs remain unmet. Looking beyond the current projects, Mulawyshyn noted that “five buildings is not the end,” emphasizing the importance of continuing to develop innovative housing solutions for veterans nationwide.
During conversations following the event, Major Colin Carswell, grandson of Andy Carswell, reflected on what the milestone meant to his family and the legacy his grandfather left behind.
“Tonight means that my family has done something very special,” he shared. “It celebrated the connection between what Andy Carswell stood for, the legacy he left, and how that legacy can support veterans who are going through a tough time.”
Carswell also spoke about the importance of supporting those who have served Canada, noting his family’s deep military roots and expressing hope for Veterans’ House Canada’s continued expansion across the country.
His remarks highlighted the enduring connection between the Carswell family and Veterans’ House Canada’s mission to ensure that those who have served Canada receive the support, stability, and dignity they deserve.
The evening also served as an opportunity to recognize the many individuals, organizations, and donors whose support has helped make Veterans’ House Canada’s success possible. Reflecting on the importance of those contributions, Major Colin Carswell recalled a sentiment expressed by his father, John Carswell:
“Writing a cheque is easy. Anyone can write a cheque. It takes organizations like Veterans’ House Canada and the people behind it to do the actual legwork.”
The program concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting led by Mulawyshyn and Carswell. To the delight of guests, the pair used a ceremonial sword to cut the anniversary cake, bringing the celebration to a memorable close.
As attendees mingled beneath the museum’s historic aircraft, the atmosphere was one of pride, gratitude, and optimism. Five years after the Andy Carswell Building became a reality, the anniversary served as a powerful reminder that lasting change is built through vision, partnership, and community support.
Most importantly, it was a celebration of the veterans whose lives continue to be transformed through safe housing, wraparound support, and renewed hope – and of a future in which even more veterans across Canada can access the stability and services they deserve.