Faces Magazine - July/August 2023

THE CLASSIC CANADIAN BARBER SHOP

You

3 AIRBNBS FOR A MINI VACATION

Looking for a waterfront getaway this summer? These 3 airbnbs are only a short drive from Ottawa.

COCKTAILS FOR SUMMER

CANVAS LOFTS @18 HAMILTON AVE

Offer a new way of experiential living for renters in Ottawa.

THE TOP 3 MOST CHALLENGING GOLF HOLES IN OTTAWA

We asked: which golf hole is the toughest to play in Ottawa? The survey of readers and followers names an almost resounding winner, with two distinct runner’s up. Here are the top three most challenging golf holes to play in the Capital.

OTTAWA’S MUSTTRY CAESAR’S

Who does the classic caesar, the best? Here are 4 of the winning mentions.

4 LOCAL WINES YOU NEED TO TRY THIS SUMMER

There are over 10 different wineries in and around the Capital Region, and we’ve highlighted 4 of our favourite local wines for summer sipping.

IN THIS ISSUE

DAX

Ottawa-born rapper Dax is one of the biggest artists to ever come out of the Capital. This summer, he returns to grace the Bluesfest stage on July 6th.

BOB DYCE

Bob Dyce of the Ottawa REDBLACKS is an excited 57-year-old rookie. Read about Dyce’s road - usually travelled on his Harley Davidson - to finally becoming a full-time CFL head coach.--

METROCITY PROPERTY GROUP

Here’s how Metrocity cofounders Steve Alexopoulos and Tarek El Attar, along with their business partner Cris Karson, established one of the largest real estate teams in Ottawa.

KATHERINE DINES

Move 100’s Katherine Dines shares her love of Ottawa in the summer, what makes her career most meaningful, and the lessons she’s learned on happiness and true well-being.

JOANNE KUDAKIEWICZ & NIK LEMIEUX, BRUYÈRE FOUNDATION

Joanne Kudakiewicz, Community Relations Manager for the Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network, and Nik Lemieux, a strategic consultant with Mirabel Management, discuss how they help clients make charitable giving part of a larger financial strategy.

JACK QUINN

Jack has come a long way from his Muskrat Minor Hockey days. Now 21, Quinn made the NHL full-time this season, playing 75 games for the Sabres and then capped his 2022-23 campaign with a gold medal performance for Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships in Finland. Now Quinn is home for the summer to train for next season, but also happy to dial things back a little with some down time, primarily a little golf and some time with friends.

BREA LAWRENSON

Ottawa country singer celebrates a summer of new music.

JESSIE SIMONS

7 Questions with Afro-Caribbean singer and songwriter Jessie Simons.

DEVONTE DEDMON

One of the CFL’s most dangerous return men, DeVonte discusses his return to Ottawa in 2023.

HOT 89.9’S RACE

10 Questions with Hot 89.9’s Race

ROSIE ROWE

Unpacking the Success of Ottawa Moving Logistics

July / August 2023 - Volume 80

FIND FACES

Faces Magazine is distributed bi-monthly and offered free at select locations across Ottawa and in cities across Eastern Ontario. Full issues are also available online.

Faces Magazine is a non-traditional print medium with a strong brand presence on social media.

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Editor In Chief

Evan Childerhose

Publisher

Justin MacKinnon

Hank’s Paw Publishing (A Division of 8624771 Canada Inc.)

Creative Director

Kevin Commerford

Accounting/Finance

Linda Zhang

Office Manager

Jonathan Rock

CONTRIBUTORS

Steve Warne

Dan Lalande

Duve Dagher

Grace Whitman

Alex Feeney

Jordan Palleck

Courtney Wheeler

Corey Stone

Christopher Lord

Molly Burke

Garry Thom

Mark Steele

Ryan Bova

Eric MacIsaac

Kenzie Murphy

Jamie Brown

Robert Smith

Kate Wright

Meaghan Vincent

Guillaume Dubois

Connor Khonick

Todd Hamilton

Marc Paul

Catheryn Risto

Morris Miller

Hugo Tremblay

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sean Sisk

Chris Tanouye

John E. Sokolowski

Jana Chytilova

Andre Ringuette

Connor Armstrong

Taylor Condon

Peter Wright

Yana Klaiz

Lucas Short

Jordan Zlomislic

WHERE TO GO JULY

Here’s how to make the most of summer in the city.

JULY 1ST CANADA DAY FIREWORKS

Don’t miss the 15-minute show at 10:00 pm on the Ottawa River, launched at Nepean Point. The best viewing spots are Confederation Boulevard, Major Hill’s Park, Victoria Island, Jacques-Cartier Park, and the Canadian Museum of History grounds.

JULY 6TH - 16TH

OTTAWA BLUESFEST

This multi-staged, multi-weekend music festival hosts over 200 live performances in the heart of the city at Lebreton Flats, and this year’s headliner is no other than Shania Twain.

JULY 15TH

HOPE VOLLEYBALL SUMMERFEST

JULY 21ST - JULY 23RD

CARIVIBE

OTTAWA CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

JULY

11TH NATIONAL MOJITO DAY

One of Ottawa’s most popular Saturdays on its summer event calendar, Hope Volleyball Summerfest in the largest outdoor volleyball tournament in Canada, which doubles as a concert and festival at Mooney’s Bay. You don’t have to play volleyball to attend, and those interested in putting in a team for beach volleyball can choose between the ‘pro’ and ‘amateur’ leagues… all in support of 5 local/ regional charities.

This is the summer’s largest celebration of Caribbean culture in Ottawa, and includes 4 major events: an opening party on York Street, a day Festival on Petrie Island, a Block Party, and ‘Mango’ Food & Music Festival in the Byward Market

JULY 25TH

NATIONAL WINE + CHEESE DAY

While its origins are relatively unknown, the mixture of rum, mint and lime has been around since the 1500s. In honour of this ageold favourite, enjoy a mojito on this national day.

Ottawa has no shortage of excellent local wines and local, artisanal cheeses. Turn to page 66 for some top picks.

WHERE TO GO AUGUST

Here’s how to make the most of summer in the city.

AUGUST 11TH MATTAMY HOMES PRESENTS: THE NATIONAL CAPITAL CHARITY CLASSIC

The 10 th Annual NCC Classic is Ottawa’s most anticipated golf tournament in support of Bruyère Foundation. The tournament hosts a full 144 golfers at Loch March, where the day provides networking opportunities, fun activities on each hole, and sampling of local restaurants and breweries.

AUGUST 2ND - 19TH GRANDS FEUX DU CASINO LAC-LEAMY

The 26th edition of Ottawa’s largest fireworks festival comes to the Capital for three weeks in August. At Casino Lac Leamy, the festival is more than just pyro-musical entertainment, and includes gourmet food experiences, art performances, and multimedia installations

AUGUST 4TH - 7TH OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL BUSKERFEST

Performers from across the globe will convene on Sparks Street to entertain. Clowns, stilt walkers, musicians, and magicians alike will roam the streets and provide unscheduled performances, against a backdrop of local food and beverage vendors

AUGUST 18TH - 27TH CAPITAL FAIR

Capital Fair is the largest Fair in Ottawa, and offers a midway and fair rides, children’s programming, highland games, live music, woodcarving/local artisan displays, a demolition derby, and more, over a 9 day schedule.

AUGUST 23RD - 27TH NOSTALGIA MUSIC FESTIVAL

This festival is dedicated to the music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s through professional tribute bands and event experiences that will revive sights, sounds and vibes of these decades.

AUGUST 19TH WWE SUPERSHOW AT THE CTC

Performers include Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Sami

Zayn and Kevin Owens, Seth “Freaking” Rollins, RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, The Brawling Brutes, SmackDown Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, Matt Riddle, Bobby Lashley, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez and many more.

AUGUST 31STSEPTEMBER 4TH GATINEAU HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

This 5-day event includes music, a fair and midway, and most importantly, the chance to ride in or view at least 50 different hot air balloons, both during the day or for lighted night rides

HOW TAX-EFFICIENT IS YOUR PORTFOLIO?

Outside of registered accounts such as an RRSP or TFSA, tax efficiency plays an instrumental role in building wealth Tax efficiency is a key consideration in maximizing your investment returns after taxes. Capital gains and dividends receive preferential tax treatment relative to income derived from interest Building an effective diversified investment portfolio with tax efficiency in mind is a key way to build wealth and accelerate growth over time

Tax efficiency in your investment portfolio

As Portfolio Managers and Financial Advisors, we understand that achieving tax efficiency within your investment portfolio is an important strategy for clients When a client’s investment plan includes long-term goals, we work with the client to minimize the amount of taxes they will pay on their investments which has an immense impact on their investment portfolio over time This is why it is important to build a properly constructed portfolio to accelerate growth over time

Reducing Taxes with Smart Investing

There are many factors to consider when making investment choices, including the potential return, asset class, level of risk, and portfolio diversification. As your Portfolio Manager, we never overlook the one factor that is important to consider which is the amount of tax you will have to pay. Our investment strategies help you reduce taxes, stay ahead of inflation and move closer to achieving your financial goals. The first step toward tax efficiency is to consider all of your assets in the financial planning process. This includes registered and nonregistered savings (including RRSPs, TFSAs, employer pension plans, real estate, life insurance, and business assets) and your partner's assets and savings. We take a holistic approach to look ahead to determine the taxes you may have to pay in retirement and take steps now that may help reduce those taxes

A key strategy is to hold and defer. What this means is to hold a welldiversified equity portfolio, and hold it for the long term to defer capital gains and tax. Some of the benefits for hold and defer include:

Increase in tax-deferred compounding

Return of capital

Lower tax rates in the future

Less tendency to buy high and sell low

We value the opportunity to discuss the benefits of working with us and to learn about how we make your investment portfolio tax-efficient

Consider joining us for a discovery meeting and a second opinion. A meet and greet with a Financial Advisor should be enjoyable and that is what we guarantee!

Written by Michael and Adam Prittie

I don’t lack skill, I lack recognition

Dax is one of the biggest artists to ever come out of Ottawa. From an early age the now LA-based rapper—whose real name is Daniel Nwosu Jr— had high aspirations. He played a host of sports growing up, but excelled in basketball, and focused on building a career in it. He didn’t do much else—all of his time was focused on his own personal development.

At 22, Dax was a full-time college student who worked overnight shifts as a janitor to make ends meet. And in his very small amount of free time, he began to make music. Just 5 years ago, the Ottawa-raised rapper graduated college and made a pivotal career decision. He began to pursue music fulltime. Within just 6 months from that moment, he had become a seemingly overnight sensation, complete with a record deal, collaborations with stars like Hopsin and Daniel Bregoli, and an international fanbase.

Today, the rapper is even further. He’s a Billboardcharting artist with over 13 million followers across his social media. He’s collaborated with Trippie Redd and Elle King, and his song Dear God has just been certified Gold in Canada and the US.

This summer, Dax will return to Ottawa to grace the Bluesfest stage on July 6th.

“To be 29 and have good intentions and to be making positive music that isn’t tearing down my community, I’m proud of that.”

Dear God was just certified Gold in Canada and the US, congratulations. What does this accomplishment mean to you?

It means everything, especially because of the way it was achieved. To release a song independently and for it to go Gold was a pretty big feat. When I first made Dear God, I felt it was one of the most important songs of all time. So just to see it slowly gain accolades organically, it’s assuring me that I’m on the right path. It’s nice when actual people are listening to it… it’s not on the radio, it’s not on playlists, it’s not being shared on anything mainstream, it’s just actual people hearing the song and wanting to share it with someone.

So, it feels good. It feels organic.

It’s been 5 years since you graduated, quit your job as an overnight janitor, and decided to pursue music full-time. Can you believe it’s been 5 years? What’s your best advice for anyone just starting out?

Time flies! I’m 29, so it’s been 10 years since I started college. My advice would be to mess with the people who mess with you. There’s two types of people in this world, people who give energy and people who take energy away. So I think you have to be able to discern who is taking and who is giving you energy. And you have to limit your time with people who take energy. Because sometimes that may be family. There may be people who are close to you who you can’t necessarily exit out of your life. But figure out who those people are, and try to keep people who give you energy around you.

What recent accomplishment are you most proud of?

Musically, I would probably say Dear God. But personally, just being 29 and having a good head on my shoulders. Growing up in a place like Ottawa especially, you tend to fall into a cycle... you grow up, go to school, find a job in the government... and you can get stuck in that. So I think I’m most proud of the fact that I was able to not listen to the people who told me that I was crazy, and that I followed my own path. And to be 29 and have good intentions and to be making positive music that isn’t tearing down my community, I’m proud of that.

You’re performing at Bluesfest this year, how special is it to be asked to play on your home stage?

It’s huge. I am the type of person that doesn’t really let fame resonate, and honestly it’s a bad thing because it always keeps me wanting more… but it really hasn’t set in yet. I was thinking the other day… I grew up in Ottawa, and always heard of Bluesfest and I had never been to any concerts until my own. But everyone I knew always went to Bluesfest. And it hit me that I am one of the biggest artists to come out of Ottawa and I’m performing at Bluesfest for the first time. My friends and family will be there, it’s really an honour. I’m excited to just go out there and give energy and go hard.

Were you ever a Sens or Redblacks fan?

I was definitely a Sens fan. I went to school with Cody Ceci. We both went to St. Petes and played on the basketball team, he was a year older than me. I always liked the Senators. I remember the year when they were in the finals, even though we lost, I remember the dope energy in the city. So I mess with the Senators, I was never really into football like that, I don’t like watching people get hit in the head and get a concussion. I was quarterback for one year at St. Petes so there’s that.

What’s your best advice for aspiring artists in Ottawa?

Where was the last time you got in a car without a destination? Never. You never get in a car without knowing when you’re going. Our lives are like cars, and there’s too many people getting in theirs without a destination.

So my advice would be to write down your goals, to clearly define them, so they become real life. And then figure out what your target audience is. There’s niche pockets of millions of people who have special interests, so you don’t need to follow the masses. You are a business. When I was making poetry, I would only talk to and message people who liked poetry. Find your genre, and interact with those people. That’s when exponential growth happens.

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OTTAWA POLICE BREAK DOWN THE MOST COMMON VEHICLES STOLEN IN OTTAWA IN 2023

TORONTO AND MONTREAL AIRPORTS ARE #1 AND #2 IN THE WORLD FOR AIRPORT DELAYS

On a top 5 list recently posted by CNN travel, Montreal Trudeau and Toronto Pearson took the top two spots for the most airport delays, or in other words, the least amount of flights to leave on time, in the entire world.

Since 2023 began, over 300 vehicles have been stolen in Ottawa. Vehicle theft has risen sharply since the began disrupted automotive supply chains, creating a high demand for black market cars in other countries. Today, almost every single person in Eastern Ontario knows someone whose car has been stolen. Recoveries of stolen vehicles happen just under 1 in 3 times (or 20 to 30 percent), according to a quote from Detective Douglas Belanger of The Ottawa Police Service Organized Crime Section in a CTV News article this month.

The Ottawa Police Service has shared data on the Theft of Vehicles in Ottawa in 2023 so far. Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators top the list as the most common vehicle stolen, with a whopping 66 vehicles reported stolen, roughly 20 a month. Next on the list was the Toyota Highlander (49 vehicles), then Honda CRVs (45) and Dodge Rams (31).

Durangos, Acuras, Tacomas and Lexus SUVs were also on the list.

Toronto Pearson ranked #1 as the airport with the most delays (51.9%), most commonly due to weather events. Combined with recent staff shortages, it’s not a surprise that Toronto has held this spot for the past 3 years.

Montreal (#2) sees 47.8% of all flights delayed (as of 2023), and this figure is largely due to weather events and the airport’s older infrastructure and capacity issues.

By comparison, JFK and Newark airports see roughly 28 – 35% of all flights delayed.

The problem seems to be a combination of weather and operational leadership with each facility’s largest airline and its contender–Air Canada and Westjet. Just 6 months ago, Cirium Aviation Analytics released a report measuring the performance of North America’s top 10 airlines. Air Canada ranked dead last, with over 45% of all of its flights delayed. Westjet’s number was 40%.

CANADIAN AIRLINES WILL NOW HAVE TO COMPENSATE FOR DELAYS AND DISRUPTIONS

According To Changes From The Government Of Canada

The Ministry of Transportation has announced new amendments to the Canadian Transportation Act, building off of the standards set by the 2019 Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). With the aim of further defining and strengthening the rights of passengers, these changes will have a particular emphasis on compensation requirements for delays and disruptions, and are scheduled to be put into effect by September 30th, 2023.

OTTAWA RANKED IN THE TOP 10 CITIES TO WORK REMOTELY IN

These amendments will remove exemptions to air carriers compensation obligations, even in the case of circumstances beyond the control of the airline (i.e. inclement weather or other safety concerns). Additionally, standards of treatment for passengers will be regulated, with food and water now becoming a mandatory provision for all flight disruptions. Baggage delays will also now have more strict regulations in place, with refund requirements being mandatory to establish for air carriers.

A new study by Preply.com found 74 of the best cities to work and live in as a remote worker, and Ottawa came 9th. No other Canadian city made the top 10 list for the WORKATION index, which was ranked according to 3 indicators: Climate & Environment, Costs & Safety, and Quality of Life.

Ottawa’s Quality of Life was the second highest score on the top 10 list, behind only Iceland. The 1st place city, Brisbane, scored only 85 in this area. However, the Queensland Capital scored a perfect 100 in the area of Climate & Environment, something that Ottawa’s winters cannot compete with.

READY TO ROLL

Last year at this time, the Ottawa REDBLACKS were filled with optimism due to a major influx of free agent signings. While they were fairly busy again in free agency a few months ago, much of their 2023 enthusiasm stems from a completely overhauled coaching staff.

The man running the show this year – probably arriving for work on his 2019 Harley Davidson CVO Street Glide –is 57 year old Bob Dyce. Dyce signed a three year deal with Ottawa back in December, replacing Paul LaPolice who was fired as head coach last year with four games left in the season. Dyce has guided the ship ever since, but now the interim label is gone.

With 30 years in coaching, including 20 in the CFL and seven of those in Ottawa, Dyce brings a wealth of football experience to the position.

But as a full-time head coach, he’s actually a rookie. Dyce caught the head coaching bug in 2015, temporarily taking over the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the second half of that season.

“Growing up, I had always envisioned myself on the offensive side of the football,” Dyce said. “So probably my main goal was to be an offensive coordinator. And then in Saskatchewan, when I had the opportunity to start engaging and meeting with the whole team and managing situational things in the game and substitutions. That’s really when I thought head coaching is something I’d definitely like to have in my future.”

A year later, Dyce found himself in Ottawa, where he immediately won the 2016 Grey Cup as special teams coach, helping Ottawa end a 40 year drought. He spent the next six years in that role.

“Since I came to Ottawa, I was blessed to work with Rick Campbell,” Dyce said. “He was a great coach to work for. So I was locked in and focused on putting the best special teams out there we possibly could. When Rick left, the (head coaching role) became an opportunity that I thought I would like to seize, but it didn’t work out. And then when the job opened up this year, it obviously became a real target for me.”

By Steve Warne Photography by Sean Sisk

BOB DYCE IS THE HEART OF THIS ORGANIZATION.

– Ottawa REDBLACKS general manager Shawn Burke

Faces: So GM Shawn Burke did a bunch of different interviews and then finally sits you down and tells you you’ve got the job. Can you share what that conversation was like and what your emotions were?

Dyce: Yeah, I’d actually just flown in for my second interview and afterward we’d gone out for supper. And we’re having normal discussions with Shawn and Brendan Taman, the director of pro personnel. I think Shawn had come back from making a phone call and asked me if I’d be happy having dinner at Al’s for three more years. I think I either punched or slapped him on the shoulder. I was pretty excited and obviously agreed. The first thing I wanted to do was share the news with my wife back in Winnipeg.

I’m not going to call it a culmination of a lot of work, but I’ve been in the league 20 years, and this is something I’ve wanted to do since 2015 and I really wanted to do it here in Ottawa. It was just a really good

With the season underway now, have you moved here full-time?

Yeah. That is the plan. I have a teenaged daughter and don’t want to disrupt her life totally. So we’re looking at buying a property in Ottawa so we can transition, over time, to become full-time Ottawa residents.

You were the interim head coach in Ottawa for the final month of the season. And suddenly you had to interview for this job that you’d already been doing and probably starting to get comfortable in. What was that experience like, having to wait for the process to play out?

Um, it was interesting. I think if anything was a little challenging, it was probably my last meeting with the players and the fact that you want to leave a message with them, but you don’t know if you’re going to be the guy who’s coming back to lead them in 2023.

I just worked through it. Shawn gave me the option to either interview early or late in the process and I chose late. I just focused all my energy on that. From my first interview to the second interview, it wasn’t that long. It was only about a week. So it really never felt that I was floating out there for too long.

I’ve always thought that every coach kind of falls on a spectrum. From the hard nosed, drill sergeant who can be intimidating to the nice guy that players might try to walk over. So where on that coaching spectrum do you think you fall?

I think if you talk to players new into our system, early in training camp and times like that, they would say I really lean towards hard. I set high standards for guys and I’m very direct in how I get my point across. Sometimes for players who are new to our team, they see it as abrupt. Conversely, I think one of my strengths is the relationships I build. I think players realize I have a lot of respect for them and what they do.

Tell us about your new offensive coordinator, Khari Jones, a former CFL quarterback, a league MVP, and a CFL coach for 14 years. You must be excited about everything he brings to the table.

Well, I’ve known Khari for over 20 years now, having coached him and having coached with him. When I was an offensive coordinator, he was my quarterback coach. And it was great to see him grow into a head coaching role in Montreal. So there’s a lot of things that made Khari the right choice for the job. I can lean on him with head coaching conversations. And Khari has a positive personality so he can maybe provide some contrast to my demeanour at times!

Good cop, bad cop?

Yeah [laughing]. Just the breadth of knowledge he has. Over 20 years, he’s shown me as a player, as a coach, and a coordinator to be a great leader of men. He’s got a great understanding of the game. One of the things that’s important to me is being a solid family man and that’s exactly what he is. I’ve seen Khari, his wife Justine, with the kids growing up and I’ve seen the type of dad, the type of person he is. He’s just a strong individual who fought through challenges to get where he is. When you wrap all that together, it was an easy choice to have Khari on staff.

And as a former quarterback, what a great support for Jeremiah Masoli.

Oh, one hundred percent. For Jeremiah to have a resource like Khari to work with as they talk about what’s happening on the field is just massive because Khari’s been out there and he’s done it. He’s faced a lot of the challenges that Jeremiah’s faced as a player. Sometimes when you’re dealing with someone who hasn’t done that, something might get lost. Khari’s experience as a player will just pay dividends throughout this season and beyond.

What does the ideal Bob Dyce team look like?

One of the things that Shawn and I have been very much on the same page on is, we want to be a very physical team that plays with great speed and plays for each other. When you talk about whether you’re a pass heavy or run heavy team, that’s going to be dictated either by your opponent, a situation or your game plan.

But one thing we want to be is a team that’s extremely physical that competes all the time and finishes well at all times. One of the challenges last year was we felt we didn’t finish as well at times. And I think we had eight games we lost by seven or less points. So we have to become better finishers and that’s about mental toughness.

But I would say the main thing you’re going to see is a very physical team that competes right to the end, plays smart, disciplined football, and finishes with the best teams in the league.

Back when you were a kid, it seemed like there weren’t many head coaches coming from a Canadian football background. Am I right in thinking we’re seeing more Canadians in the role?

Yeah, I would agree. Obviously, Wally Buono was in the league when I started. When you have a guy like Coach Buono who had the success that he did, I think it opens people’s eyes. And then it carries on to people like Greg Marshall, who got the opportunity in Hamilton and then guys like Jim Daley got opportunities as well. And then you see somebody like Mike O’ Shea, a great success. And with the success of those guys, it’s really opened it up for people like myself.

I consider myself unique because I’m not a former player in the CFL. I just worked my way up from the grassroots coaching in this country. And I’m very proud of that fact.

Growing up in Winnipeg, did you play any other sports besides football?

Yeah, basketball was really my main sport throughout high school. I probably liked playing basketball more because it’s an easy thing to do when you’re by yourself. And my sisters had played basketball at the University of Winnipeg so we played together at home. I just happened to be a better football player, but basketball was my first true love. My son Trysten (BC Lions running back coach) and I often get into it over Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

I feel like you’ve made a good choice going the football route. Were you a CFL guy or an NFL guy as a kid?

Oh, total CFL. Even though I grew up in Winnipeg, I was a huge Edmonton Eskimos fan –Tom Wilkinson, Waddell Smith, Jim Germany, Hec Pothier, Brian Kelly... Larry Highbaugh and Warren Moon are probably my two favourite football players to this day.

And as I got older, just after high school, I probably became more of a Bomber fan because they were in my city and those players had left Edmonton. So yeah, I grew up as a true CFL fan. Obviously, I respect and love the level of athleticism in the NFL and I love watching the intricacies of their game, but I grew up as a full-fledged CFL fan.

Did you have a mentor in the early days who helped inspire you to get into the coaching ranks?

You know, it’s funny. I never thought I would coach. I was kind of a hotheaded receiver as a player.

Did you have a touchdown dance? Every hotheaded receiver in the 80s had a touchdown dance.

Uh, no [laughing]. That’s one thing I didn’t do. But receivers back then, at times, seemed to focus on themselves and that was kind of the player I was. I didn’t get into coaching until a buddy asked me to join his staff. And I would say if I had a mentor, it would’ve been my high school basketball coach, Brian Thompson.

He was a mentor in regards to how to treat people and how to treat players and athletes to try and get the best out of them. Coach Thompson had a unique way of dealing with us, but he allowed us to express our individualism and didn’t worry.

As I got into the CFL, Richie Hall was someone I got an opportunity to meet with early when he was in Saskatchewan as a defensive coordinator and I was just starting in the league. He’s probably the nicest person anyone will ever meet. I’ve really tried to emulate him as a leader throughout my career, and as a man, he would definitely be someone I would consider a mentor.

A coach’s life isn’t easy. Can you talk a little bit about what your family has meant to you, supporting you through all this?

Yeah. They really mean everything, you know? I think everybody in life, if you want to be successful, sometimes you have to make certain sacrifices. I’m not trying to say I’ve had to make more sacrifices than anybody else but in this business, you do give up certain things. My oldest daughter, Brooklyn, played division one soccer at North Dakota State, and I never saw her play a game live because the soccer season coincides with football. I could get down and see the odd practice in the winter and things like that.

My son Trysten’s university career, I saw about four games. And then my youngest daughter, Ava, you know, you just missed certain things. She was born just before I left Winnipeg, and luckily I was in Saskatchewan, so she was able to travel back and forth. But you know what it’s like having kids. You’d like to be there every night.

But they’ve always been a support. They’ve never wavered and said, “Oh, I wish you were home more.” They’ve been one hundred percent behind me. My wife, Amanda, has worked hard toward her goals and finished her masters as an adult. But she has always been there to support me and these goals.

I can honestly say I would have never achieved what I have thus far if it weren’t for the four of them. Amanda has done a fantastic job of taking care of business when I’m not home. I’m usually pretty good, mood-wise, until the day of the game. I could keep it away.

But game day is usually a different demeanour. And they put up with all of it. I’m so thankful to have the family I have and it goes even to my two sisters who were based in Winnipeg. It’s just been a really phenomenal support base that I’m very thankful for.

Finally, tell us about your love of motorcycles. It sounds like you go well beyond being an enthusiast. One hundred percent. In the past, when I actually had free time in the off season, I spent my time working on motorcycles. And the last two years with the pandemic and the season starting late, I was able to ride out to Ottawa that year.

So it was good to get a long ride. And then last year, we had two bi-weeks close together. So I didn’t mind sacrificing a couple of days and I rode home from Ottawa for that. I got in a couple of long rides in the past year because normally summertime’s busy and I’m not able to do a long ride. But yeah, it’s something I started when I was around 45 and started rebuilding them.

When you’re so invested in football and that’s all you think about besides your family, it gives you something else to focus on. And whether you’re modifying, taking the cam out, putting a bigger engine in or changing your exhaust, it’s a good way to change your focus and make your mind think in a different way.

For a team that’s missed the playoffs for three straight seasons, a man with a knack for rebuilding things feels like the perfect hire.

A SUMMER OF MEALS

In June, we gave away a summer of meals from MEAL PREP OTTAWA , the Capital’s largest and locally-owned meal prep service. Here’s a look at the prize: a 2-Month Subscription to Meal Prep Ottawa.

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CHOOSE FROM 1 OF 5 DIFFERENT MEAL PLANS.

CLEAN & MEAN

Dairy/gluten-free. Low in fat, salt and calories but high in nutritional value.

PALEO

Contains about 450500 calories per meal. Each meal is nearly devoid of carbs and is high in healthy fats and proteins. Helps to induce and maintain ketosis.

Free of grains, legumes, soy, processed sugar, and most sources of dairy.

KETOGENIC VEGAN

An average of 20g of protein per meal.

ATHLETE

Dairy/gluten-free and low in sodium. High in protein and low in fat, with clean carbs.

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Deliveries are made every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon. The winner’s subscription included 7 freshly prepared meals for 8 weeks in July & August, delivered in an MPO cooler bag to keep the freshness in!

ENJOY A WEEKLY, ROTATING MENU

Every meal plan offers a weekly rotating menu, so you never get bored. MPO’s chefs cook from scratch and let the ingredients speak for themselves. Absolutely no artificial flavoring. Meal Prep Ottawa is the ultimate fusion cuisine, offering dishes utilizing Italian, French, Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean and North American cuisines.

RECEIVE HEALTHY, FRESH AND HIGH-QUALITY MEALS TO YOUR DOOR. EVERY WEEK.

Water Front AirBnBs Near Ottawa That Are Perfect For A Mini Vacation

As the nice weather arrives, you may be itching to get out of the city and close to the beach. The good news? There are an abundance of vacation rentals waiting to host you this summer.

Here are three AirBnBs with waterfront that are only a short drive from Ottawa.

The Sandy Bottoms: CONSTANCE BAY BEACH HOUSE

‘Beach’ is the keyword for this quaint and minimal waterfront Airbnb only 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Located on Constance Bay, this peaceful getaway boasts a modernized cottage with a

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stylish white aesthetic, and a large beachfront that is perfect for campfires, beach volleyball and picnics. The cottage sleeps four guests in total in 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom.

Huard: VAL DES MONTS CHALET

HOM mini chalets offer you the opportunity to spend your vacation in a micro chalet in the Outaouais. The cabin, which sleeps two, has a contemporary feel both inside and out with abundant windows and patio space overlooking McGregor Lake and the surrounding hills. The chalet comes with a private spa balcony and shared dock/ lake access.

The Meadow: MODERN WAKEFIELD COTTAGE

This contemporary cottage with floor-to-ceiling windows is a perfect escape into nature. The cabin, which sleeps 4 in total, is located on a 2-acre lot with waterfront access, and is

close to Wakefield’s quaint downtown. The property is part of the Wakefield sur le Golf project, and offers access to the river, parks and trails.

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OTTAWA’S BOTOX EXPERT: Dr. Caroline Tosoni AT DERMAPURE OTTAWA

I was also extremely fortunate to train very early on in my career with some of the best physician injector trainers in the country. The rest well, I attribute to 24 years of focus, hard work, attention to detail, dedication to my patients, integrity, commitment to always learning the latest and safest skills and my profound understanding how to use this medication to provide my patients with consistent beautiful and natural results.

Chances are that if you talk amongst friends, colleagues, family members or anyone interested in Botox treatments and discuss who they see, where they go or who they would recommend, Dr. Caroline Tosoni ‘s name will pop up in the conversation. That’s not only because she is one of the very first physicians to have started to offer such treatment in Ottawa, but because she has focussed the last 24 years of her medical career to perfecting her skills in offering neurotoxin treatments. Has such, she has been for the past 15+ years, one of the most well recognized names and respected non-surgical medical aesthetic physician in Ottawa amongst her patients, in the Ottawa community as well as in Ontario, and even Canada amongst her peers and the industry as a whole.

When asked to what she attributes the success of her practice, she will tell you that timing is everything. ‘’ I was lucky. I graduated and opened my practice at just the right time, in the very early days of when Botox Cosmetic was first approved by Health Canada for cosmetic use. Only a few of us were offering injectable treatments in Ottawa at the time. Maybe 10 physicians and that was it. It was a very exciting time. It felt very natural for me to transition into Cosmetic Medicine. I loved it immediately. It made sense to me.’’

‘’This is an exciting field of medicine. Always evolving. Always changing. Many think that Botox is just for treating the frown lines yet it has so many other applications. In my practice I use Botox to treat migraine headaches and excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis). I

use it to reduce pores size and improve skin quality. I use it to reduce wrinkles in the forehead, frown and crow’s feet areas. With precise injections, I use it to lift the brows, open up the eyes, reduce a gummy smile, create a lip flip, sharpen the jawline, upturn the corners of the mouth, diminish bulky masseter muscles and thin the lower face, treat necklace lines, soften platysma bands and the list goes on.’’

If you would like to meet with Dr. Caroline Tosoni at the Dermapure Ottawa clinic located at 22 York street (Byward Market), you can do so by calling 613-244-5151 to book a consultation.

Follow her IG @tosonimd or @dermapureOttawa for some educational posts and videos.

Mezcal Martini

We’ve got bad news for tequila; mezcal is making a comeback. Although all tequila is mezcal (a type of liquor made from agave), not all mezcal is tequila. Since this agave-based spirit can be made from up to thir ty different kinds of plants,, bar tenders are reaching for varieties of mezcal when crafting new cocktails due

The Mezcal Margarita is smokier

ear thy notes

5 M u s t - T r y

C o c k t ai l s f or S u mme r

Ingredients

2oz mezcal

1oz orange liqueur

1ozfresh lime juice

1/2oz agave nectar

Sea salt rim (add cayenne or chili powder to turn up the heat!)

Lime for garnish

Rim with lime, then dip the glass in your salt mixture. Pourents into a shaker with ice, shake until chilled. Strain over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge

With warm weather around the corner, changing up what’s in your glass is an easy way to honour the season. Simple substitutions or aromatic additions to classic cocktails are a great way to to your go-to drinks. Here are

Whiskey Espresso Martini

There’s no doubt that 2022 was the year of the Espresso Martini. Service-industry research indicates that this popular cocktail eclipsed the Manhattan by five places on the index for most-ordered drinks. This spring, variations of this popular cocktail are in, like the Whiskey Espresso Martini, made by swapping out the vodka for a smoky bourbon or top-shelf scotch. Swap out the scotch for a chocolate flavoured bourbon for something even sweeter

Ingredients:

1.5oz whiskey

1oz good-quality espresso

½oz of simple syrup

Garnish with 3 Coffee beans

Add ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake hard until foamy, then strain into a chilled mar tini glass. Garnish with coffee beans and enjoy!

Spoiler alert: The infusion of earl-grey into this sharp yet lifted cocktail will surprise you.

Earl Grey G&T

Swapping out your regular gin for an earl-grey infused variety will bring with it distinct notes of -

grey gin, you can easily together by adding chilled earl grey tea.

Ingredients

2oz gin or earl-grey infused gin

3-4oz tonic

½ lemon juice

2 bags of earl grey tea

(optional)

Ice

Optional: Bring water to a boil, add two Earl Grey tea bags. Once the tea reaches room temperature, cover and refrigerate. (Be sure to strain the tea if using loose leaf)

Lime for garnish

Fill a highball glass with crushed ice, mix ingredients. Garnish with a lime.

Bitter Raspberry Collins

A twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail, this boozy beverage packs a punch with one secret ingredient: Red Bitter Soda. While sometimes hard to find in regular grocery stores, Red Bitter Soda is likely readily available at your local bodega or mercato, as an imported Italian speciality

Ingredients

2 ounces. whiskey

1/2 ounces raspberry syrup (buy or make your own)

3/4 ounces lemon juice

2-3 ounces of red bitter soda

Ice Raspberry or orange slice to garnish

Fill a tall glass with ice and set in freezer to chill. In a shaker, combine whiskey, syrup and lemon juice. Shake thoroughly. Pour

soda. Garnish with orange slice or raspberry.

Lavender Gin Sour

This purple spin on a classic cocktail uses botanical-infused gin to get its crisp, lavender shade. Frothy egg whites balance this cocktail out both visually and from

not too sweet.

Ingredients

2oz of purple gin

1oz lemon juice

1/2oz lavender simple syrup

1 egg white Ice

Dried lavender for a colourful garnish.

Add ingredients into a shaker without ice and shake thoroughly until white foam appears. Add ice and shake again until chill. Strain into a chilled glass. Scape any leftover foam from the shaker and garnish the

The Top 3 Most Challenging Golf Holes In Ottawa

We asked: which golf hole is the toughest to play in Ottawa? The survey of readers and followers names an almost resounding winner, with two distinct runner’s up. Here are the top three most challenging golf holes to play in the Capital.

Eagle Creek, a Club Link course in Dunrobin, is a par 3 hole that measures 157 yards from the white and 125 from the red box. Like every hole at Eagle Creek, a thick crop of tall trees completely surrounds the fairway, up to the putting green, where you’ll find three distinct bunkers on each side. This makes this short and narrow hole a challenge for most golfers.

This par 4 hole at Equinelle Golf Course in Kemptville ranks number two in Ottawa for its challenge. Water surrounds the putting greens here, and just before them, a sharp jut of rocks to the left makes the approach not so simple. The hole is 400 yards from the white box and 325 from the red.

A resounding winner among golfers in Ottawa, Hole #2 at The Marshes in Kanata’s Business Park is also the longest hole in the region. It measures a whopping 581 yards from the white box, and 530 from the red. The hole remains narrow as it curves around a small pond, and stays

CANVAS LOFTS

@Hamilton Ave. offer a new way of life.

Design your best life. That’s the invite from @Properties and the visionaries behind Canvas Lofts.

Located at 18 Hamilton Ave. N. in the heart of Hintonburg, this newly-built rental property is the first of its kind, offering suites packed with modern amenities ideal for today’s renter lifestyle. The property’s units—one and two-bedroom spaces with den, balcony, and terrace options—set a new standard in experiential living. Each loft comes with revolutionary features promoting the core values of the digitally savvy, health-conscious young professional.

@Properties is the real estate development arm of Toronto-based private equity firm, Conqora Capital Partners, that prides itself on making socially conscious investments. Explains co-founder Rupesh Amin, “We have a ‘good karma’ clause in everything we do. That means that in the type of opportunities we choose to look at, we make sure that the investment will make a positive impact on both the tenants and the community in which they live.

If the project does not meet that criteria, no matter what else it has going for it, it’s not one we’re going to pursue.” Adds co-founder Sekhar Angepat, “We want to give occupants harmony in their home environment so that they can feel free to go out and enjoy everything that their circumstance has to offer. That’s what dictates the quality of the build and the nature of the technology.”

Amin and Angepat have been responsible for the financing and development of more than 35 billion dollars’ worth of North American infrastructure over the past twenty years. Now, with @Properties and Ottawa’s Canvas

Lofts, they are determined to create a whole new model of investment opportunity to drive technology-enabled, and design and convenience-focused standards for rental properties.

The establishment of Canvas Lofts marks a number of residential firsts for the Ottawa area. Each unit reflects such modern values as environmental awareness, personal wellness, and communal interaction.

Features Include

- An automated Klaus parking system, the first elevator-only condo parking system in Ottawa, enables residents to park directly in their spot, saving them the trouble of navigating through a garage.

- SmartONE’s “smart community” solutions, allowing tenants to control keyless entry, thermostat, security system, and the flood sensor of their units via their mobile phone or in-unit tablet.

- A Lululemon studio mirror: a one-one training stand or wall mount, providing an easy way for residents to stay active with live interaction with professional fitness instructors or the ability to co-design one’s own fitness routine with a personal instructor.

- Cleveland Clinic Canada’s virtual health care service that gives tenants 24/7 access to a clinician from the comfort of their own suite. Tenants also receive a state-of-the art medical exam kit to allow for a more precise remote diagnosis.

Residents can socialize with their neighbours on the building’s scenic rooftop or explore one of Ottawa’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, just a few steps away.

It was Angepat who helped cast @Properties’ eye on the Hintonburg-Westboro-Parkdale triangle “I’m a graduate of Carleton U, with an engineering degree and a background in entrepreneurship and infrastructure,” he explains. “I advocated for Ottawa. There are a lot of really cool, vibrant, and fun communities popping up there, and we wanted to add to its fabric.”

With its focus on technology, convenience, and design, Canvas Lofts is taking multi-residential living to new heights–offering renters a chance to truly design their best life with increased connectivity and efficiency.

Mentorship METROCITY MEANS

by Dan Lalande

“Success is a journey,” maintains Steve Alexopoulos, one of the co-founders of MetroCity Property Group, the fullservice real estate agency that’s become Ottawa’s go-to resource for key industry insights and professional best practices. “Find someone who can guide you along; a mentor who can help you through the process.”

For Alexopoulos, that person was Tarek El Attar, the hardworking Ottawa-based business leader. El Attar, a longtime friend, had parlayed both his International MBA in Sales and Marketing and Doctorate in Business Administration with a Real Estate specialization into an award-winning career as one of Canada’s leading realtors. Possessor of finely honed residential, luxury, investment, and commercial real estate acumen, the unstoppable El Attar was selling over 350 properties a year. 40% of it was new and pre-construction developments. Needless to add, he had become a hero to largescale builders across Ontario, especially in his hometown of Ottawa.

The swarthy Alexopoulos, meanwhile, was a national sales manager at NCH, a world leading Fortune 500 interest dealing in specialized maintenance products (grease, oil, fuel, water). Inspired by the success of El Attar, he opted

for a change of career, turning his sideline in investment into a full-time occupation. “I saw the success Tarek was having and decided to take the leap into real estate. It provided me with the opportunity to help people and families to buy and sell their dream homes and aligned with my passion for investing.”

In 2016, the duo pooled their resources to form the MetroCity Property Group. In no time, it would become one of the largest real estate teams in the National Capital Region and collect enough industry awards to cover half of Bank St. Says Alexopoulos, “It was one of those things with perfect timing. It was beneficial for the both of us.”

In this spirit, El Attar, Alexopoulos, and the thirty like-minded professionals who share their offices work hard to keep the founding principle of mentorship alive. MetroCity offers invaluable guidance to every citizen of the real estate landscape, from sellers and buyers to developers and investors. The company’s website is teeming with databacked research and other forms of insider knowledge. You’ll find up-to-date listings of a variety of properties, statistical insights on the status of Ottawa’s residential, retail, and commercial markets, and helpful courses aimed at orienting first-time buyers and aspiring agents.

That last demographic— those looking to get into the brokerage game—is of particular interest to MetroCity. Having established the gold standard for occupational protocol, the company is indefatigably committed to grooming Ottawa’s next generation of real estate professionals.

Explains Sara Khoury, MetroCity’s Director of Operations, “We look for agents and encourage them to grow their own business within our organization. We attract them through our approach to coaching. Ideally, we look for people willing to follow our proven systems to get the best results.”

El Attar, Alexopoulos, and their business partner Cris Karson, are constantly reshaping the local industry, stocking the city with the class of dedicated, informed, and savvy professional it takes to successfully negotiate such a unique and difficult market.

Karson came to real estate from his own highly successful civil construction group. The Ottawa U Business and Geography major, now MetroCity’s entrepreneurial President of Commercial Acquisitions and Sales, is particularly encouraging to those looking to crack his area of specialty: “Gain as much knowledge regarding the specific field you want to target,” he advises up-and-coming commercial brokers. “If you’re diligent, competent, honest, and fair, and truly want to assist people in their ventures, there’s plenty

of opportunity and unlimited potential for Commercial Real Estate professionals in the marketplace.” That said, he offers this cautionary advice when it comes to the entry-level skill of evaluating development projects: “Uncover all the stones. Be holistic in your due diligence. Look for all the pitfalls and evaluate the worstcase scenario. If it’s still a viable deal, then it’s likely worth it.”

As for residential and other types of investment, the knowledgeable Alexopoulos is more than happy to weigh in on that one: “It’s okay to start small,” he offers newcomers. “Save up enough money and buy your first property. Over the years, you can use it as leverage to scale up and/or buy larger properties or more units or multi-unit properties.”

There’s more, of course, a lot more, online and in person. You can expect nothing less from the members of the mentorminded MetroCity.

metrocitypropertygroup.com

Move 100’s

Katherine Dines

On health & happiness

Katherine Dines is a radio personality, brand ambassador, actor and mental health champion who feels most alive in nature. She wears many hats, yes, but is someone who knows first-hand the importance of finding and being yourself. Katherine shares her love of Ottawa in the summer, what makes her career most meaningful, and the lessons she’s learned on happiness and true well-being.

It’s important to advocate for your own health & work at it every day. Learn what feels best for you.

You have been with Move 100 (formerly Majic 100) for over 10 years now. What’s your favourite part of the work you do at Bell Media?

All of it. I love getting out to events, volunteering, emceeing and meeting new people. I love being able to share positive opportunities, fun activities, health and well-being. Listening to people get excited about winning contests is very cool. Chatting with artists and hearing about the inspiration for their music & how they’re using their platform for good. Attending concerts, fun charity events and sporting activities.

What are your favourite things to do in Ottawa in the summer?

Bluesfest! I love cycling to MOVE along the Rideau Canal. Camping, hiking or just walking through the forest. Kayaking, canoeing. Love being near the water. I try to find escapes in nature away from traffic and concrete. Year three playing in Bell Media Ottawa’s Pickleball league! Love just being outside and being active. I love simplicity. I’m a gardener wannabe. Still trying to green up my thumbs. I’ve killed a lot of plants but some are thriving.

You work with many local charities in Ottawa, including the Ottawa Humane Society. What are some causes and groups that are important to you, and why?

We fostered cats with the Ottawa Humane Society for over a decade. My daughters adore cats and they were quite young when we began.

It was a fun way to give back as a family. My girls learned so much about the responsibilities of caring for animals before we adopted one of our own. Animals can teach us a lot about ourselves. I love emceeing the Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run every year.

Mental health is another cause close to my heart, especially for kids. Some annual events I’m involved with include the annual Wonderland Tea Party For Youth Mental Health at CHEO in memory of Jamie Hubley. Ottawa Blues For Youth is another which raises money for youth mental health at The Royal. Proud To Be Me Gala raises funds for programs to empower kids and help them learn about inclusion and kindness.

A few years ago, you shared your own story about your mental health journey, including your former eating disorder and earlier childhood trauma. Why was it important for you to bring this forward, and to those reading, what is your best advice for navigating similar struggles?

I know what it’s like to feel alone and afraid, like the world is too painful to be part of any longer. Like no one understands or cares. I realized, through group therapy and reading the stories of others, just how powerful sharing can be. I was encouraged to use my platform to help. I haven’t shared everything publicly. It’s a lot. In 2020 I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD. I had just started seeing a new psychologist and it was the first time I really opened up about everything I’ve experienced. I’d stuffed so much down for so long. I used to feel shame over crying and I would stop myself. Now I understand that crying is important for regulating emotions. I’m learning so much every day about the many ingredients in creating better mental health. I consume as much info as possible on the role of nutrition and

gut health in reducing anxiety & depression. As well as how proper sleep cleans the brain, exercise reduces risk of disease, positive thoughts nurture our mind.

It’s important to advocate for your own health & work at it every day. Learn what feels best for you. So many of us live on autopilot and ignore what our bodies and brains are trying to tell us. Nothing is more important than taking care of yourself.

You are a mom of two daughters. What is the best part about being a parent?

Seeing my daughters doing what they love, learning and finding their joy, creating their own path. Children are a blessing. It is the greatest gift seeing them find their happy place & thrive. Being a parent inspired me to find strength and heal so I could be better for them too.

What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve given up gluten, dairy, alcohol, processed sugar, COFFEE (that was the toughest). I’ve had digestive issues for a very long time and after testing positive for COVID in 2022 they got so much worse. I’m slowly healing my gut. Always looking for new ways of improving body, mind and spirit.

Lastly, what would you say is the key to happiness in life?

Choosing it. Nothing outside of yourself will bring you true happiness. Practice gratitude. Be grateful for what you already have. Collect memories and experiences not things. Taking care of yourself. Good sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, time in nature, quality time with loved ones, solitude, reading, doing something you love and always keep learning. AND laughter! Finding humor in life’s lemons.

Bruyère

A Gift to The Community

by Dan Lalande

Bruyère is a comprehensive healthcare organization focused on compassionate care. This bilingual, Ottawa-based consortium oversees a series of sites devoted to different aspects of stroke and geriatric rehabilitation. Foremost is the Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital, the respected academic healthcare organization Newsweek recently named one of the best specialized hospitals in the world. There’s also The Bruyère Research Institute, a leader in diagnostic research, development and innovation, as well as the Bruyère Memory Program and the John and Jennifer Ruddy Geriatric Day Hospital.

Every year, thousands of Ottawans support Bruyère’s mission through various forms of philanthropy. Some give planned, pre-authorized payments on a monthly basis. Others make personal tributes in the form of in memoriam donations.

Joanne Kudakiewicz, Community Relations Manager for

the

Desjardins Financial Security

Independent Network, and Nik Lemieux, a strategic consultant with Mirabel Management, are dedicated, active members of the Bruyère board. As experienced holistic planners, they advise prospective donors on how to make charitable donations to the Bruyère Foundation part of one’s greater financial strategy. “We’ve always used a person-first approach when working with our clients,” explains Lemieux. “Through conversation, we help them to discover their goals. Then, we work with them to find strategic ways of enhancing those ends. One of our main services is ensuring that their plan or structure is tax efficient. That opens the door to philanthropic giving.”

It’s an option that far too many people don’t realize they have, explains Kudakiewicz. “It comes down to strategic philanthropy.

With proper financial planning, you can turn a donation of ten thousand into one hundred thousand dollars, all while streamlining your financial strategy to minimize your exposure to investment taxes and make a meaningful impact.” For Joanne, many of her clients do not know that philanthropy is an option for wealth management, and this simple conversation has been gamechanging.

Kudakiewicz is a former business owner and now a full-time holistic wealth and insurance advisor. As an experienced entrepreneur, she is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of her clients. After attending McGill University, Kudakeiwicz co-founded Recovery Matters, an Ottawa-based initiative that raises awareness about the financial impact of illness on business owners and their circle.

Lemieux has fronted Mirabel, her own company, since 2014. From its Dalhousie Street headquarters, Mirabel offers fiduciary and business guidance on a non-commission basis, a gesture aimed at proving that its interest lies not in itself but in the nonpartisan accommodation of the needs and desires of its clientele.

Lemieux’s stake in the beneficial work of Bruyère is personal. As she explains it, “I decided to join the Bruyère Foundation because it had such a direct impact on the community I was living and working in.” This eyewitness involvement reframed her approach to her practice, motivating her to educate her socially focused clients on the importance of Bruyère. As she informs them, it’s not simply an investment in a worthy cause— potentially, it’s an investment in their own future. “Preserving wealth and creating tax efficiencies is only one aspect of ensuring a client or individual will be able to execute their retirement plans successfully and securely. Knowing that there’s a place that assists with complex continuing care when those same clients might require it is even more assuring.”

As board members with deep financial intelligence and hands-on experience with charity initiatives, Kudakiewicz and Lemieux often help interested parties negotiate a living legacy, a gift awarded through one’s Will. Commonly, these kinds of donors either specify a dollar amount or arrange to leave a residual bequest—a portion of the remainder of their estate after other needs are met.

Contributions of this kind go a long way in helping to ensure the continued growth of Bruyère’s diverse services, each furthering the shared mission to provide rehabilitative, transitional, long-term, and palliative care with impact.

bruyere.org

OTTAWA’S

MUST-TRY CAESARS

OTTAWA:

HEART & CROWN

Hairy Larry–aptly named for being THEE hair of the dog, and a nod to the Heart & Crown’s OG boss, Larry Bradley. It’s been an H&C staple for years, but recently updated to make it extra great.

“We switched out regular vodka for Dunrobin’s Silver PickleVodka, as well as using a side chaser of our very own house beer–Crown Lager. Add a bacon salt & spice rimmer, dill pickle & brine, stuffed olives, pickled onions, Dubliner cheddar, and a pepperette and you’ve got yourself the cure to end all cures.

Sláinte!”

ALBION ROOMS

An Albion Rooms signature cocktail, The Marcus Brutus features Dill Vodka, Worcestershire, Sriracha, lemon, Walter Caesar mix, red wine and charcuterie.

FEAST & REVEL

An ultimate ode to the Capital, this all-Canadian Caesar is made with Walter’s Caesar mix, rimmed with ketchup chips, and garnished with local charcuterie.

“The crowning glory of our National Capital Caesar is the saltyspicy rim–an inspired mix of ground ketchup chips (only-in-Canada ingredient!), dulse, fried onions, pink peppercorns and other spices.”

LUXE BISTRO

Fully loaded with dill & pickle infused vodka, clamato, traditional seasoning, steak spice rim and deliciously garnished with a jumbo poached shrimp, crispy bacon, olives and a dill pickle.

WE ASKED

WHO DOES THE CLASSIC CAESAR, THE BEST? HERE ARE 4 OF THE WINNING MENTIONS.

THE HAIRY LARRY

THE MARCUS BRUTUS

THE NATIONAL CAPITAL CAESAR

THE HAIRY LARRY

EXCEPTIONAL, AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE IN A RELAXED, CONTEMPORARY ATMOSPHERE.

The Mighty Quinn: OTTAWA NHL STAR JACK QUINN AND A SEASON TO REMEMBER

Jack Quinn has come a long way from his Muskrat Minor Hockey days. As a kid from the Ottawa Valley – Cobden, to be exact – Quinn was always a fine young player, but never seemed to be able to make that top team, getting cut at Triple A for several seasons in a row.

But as they say, things often happen for a reason. Without the sting of not making the top team, perhaps Quinn never discovers the motivation to improve the way he did. By age 15, he finally made that Triple A team, but didn’t just squeak on to the squad. No, by mid-season, Quinn was leading the entire league in scoring.

And things just kept getting better from there.

Quinn got to stay local for his junior hockey career, starring for the CCHL’s Kanata Lasers (now the Renfrew Wolves) and then two years with the Ottawa 67s. In the 2019-20 OHL season, with a stunning 52 goals and 89 points in his NHL Draft year, Quinn was an easy choice as a first round selection. He was taken 8th overall by the Buffalo Sabres. And that winter, he was a silver medalist for Team Canada at the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championships.

Now 21, Quinn just completed another memorable season, filled with achievement, the kind that almost certainly makes old minor hockey coaches second guess their decisions of the past.

Quinn made the NHL full-time this season, playing 75 games for the Sabres and then capped his 202223 campaign with a gold medal performance for Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships in Finland. In Buffalo, as an NHL rookie, Quinn scored 37 points as the upstart Sabres missed the playoffs by just one point. For Canada, he scored 7 points in 10 games en route to a World title last month.

Now Quinn is home for the summer to train for next season, but also happy to dial things back a little with some down time, primarily a little golf and some time with friends.

Faces: How would you describe your first full year with the Buffalo Sabres?

Quinn: I think it was pretty successful. I’m really happy with it. I think there’s a lot of ups and downs in trying to figure the league out. There were some struggles and some times where I was doing really well and I think that’s all part of it. But in terms of the year as a whole, I think it was a really positive one. And hopefully, I can build on that going into next year.

Just like the Senators, it looks like you guys have a really good young team in Buffalo that’s ready to get to the playoffs. Do you guys feel that way too?

Yeah, that’s our feeling for sure. We’ve got a really special group and we can keep getting better and be dangerous down the road. So we’re really excited in that aspect.

Who did you play with mostly this year?

The most common line was me, Dylan Cozens and John Peterka so they called it the Kid Line. It was a young line and we had a lot of success at times and struggled at times, but it was pretty cool to play with those guys. I played with Peterka in the AHL last year and Cozens is my age too, so it was cool.

Can you describe what your first NHL game was like?

Yeah, it was awesome. I remember definitely being nervous. I mean, you’re a little bit nervous about how you’re gonna play and it ended up going really well. I thought I’d played great, but we ended up losing, I think, 5-1 to Tampa. They were pretty good. So that was too bad. But it was a great experience.

You won a gold medal with Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships in Finland last month. That must have been an amazing experience.

Yeah, it was. It was awesome. An unbelievable experience. I’m super grateful I could be a part of it and that I decided to go. It was cool to meet all those guys and build some friendships. And to be part of a gold medal was really cool.

Did you have family over there watching?

Yep, I did. My mom and dad were both there. They loved it.

Can you tell us a little about their involvement in your hockey career?

Yeah, they’ve both done so much for me. They’ve been separated since I was young, so they kind of both just shared the roles. I was lucky to have outdoor rinks at both houses. I’m super grateful for everything they’ve done for me.

So which moment was your favourite? The World Championship, your first NHL game or your NHL Draft day?

Good question. You know, they’re all special. They’re all a little different. But I think probably playing the first NHL game is at the top. Just cause it’s kinda the one you most dream about as a kid. To accomplish that was pretty surreal.

What was draft day like for you?

My draft (2020) was actually during COVID, so it was all online. I was just at home with my family and friends. And really, I had no clue where I was gonna get drafted. I figured it would be in the first round but I didn’t know which team, so it was all a surprise. It was awesome when Buffalo picked me and it was cool to celebrate it with family and friends at home.

Do you remember a time as a teenager when the light bulb went off and you realized that maybe you have what it takes to play in the NHL someday?

For me, I think when I was around 15 or 16, Before that, my whole minor hockey career, I only played AA. And I was getting cut from AAA teams and stuff. And then at 15, I played AAA my first year, and like halfway through the year I was leading the league in scoring. And I kind of started to realize maybe I could be good and could go somewhere. It all happened kind of quick.

Did you buy something cool when you got your first NHL pay cheque?

Honestly, I don’t think anything too crazy. I got a car like a couple years ago when I got my signing bonus. I got my own car! So that was nice. And then I kinda worked my way up. I made AHL money last year, so nothing too crazy yet.

How do you prepare for games?

Any interesting pre-game rituals?

Not really. I play sewer ball with the guys before games and I’m a huge, huge coffee guy… love the caffeine. I have one big coffee and maybe an espresso shot too before every game. I like good coffee.

Just like Senators’ star Claude Giroux, you work out with trainer Tony Greco in the summers. How’s that going?

I think it’s been five years now. I just love the energy Tony brings. He’s so positive and it’s a mindset with him that you can achieve whatever you work towards. And his workouts are really challenging. It’s a little bit of a unique training style, but I’ve had a lot of success with it. And he’s just an awesome person to go to the gym and see every day and be around his energy.

Any hobbies or interests that don’t involve sports?

Not a lot. I’ll play video games during the season with the guys, but I’m terrible. So I get frustrated pretty easily and quit. But it’s fun to kill some time in the winter with the guys on the mic and everything, so I’ll go in spurts. I’ll play for a month and then won’t touch it for a couple months. I like watching shows as well, but I don’t have a ton of hobbies outside of sports.

What show do you usually recommend most to your friends?

Seinfeld. I love Seinfeld.

Do you have a favorite Ottawa restaurant pub or bar?

I like Fratelli. I go there a lot.

Have you ever had a job that isn’t hockey related?

I worked on a Dragonfly golf course in Renfrew when I was 14 to 15. It’s a nice course. I was just like the cart boy. I’d just wash all the power carts and park them.

How would you describe your look, your style, or your clothing?

I’d say I’m pretty simple. I don’t think I have a ton of fashion sense, but I’d describe it as, “I do my best.”

What kind of music is your phone generally filled with?

I really just listen to country. The guys right now I like are Morgan Wallen and then Luke Combs. They’re pretty mainstream, but those guys are good.

And so is Jack Quinn, the kid from the country who’s likely to be a big hit in Buffalo for a long time.

THIS OTTAWA PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES

CHECK OUT THESE CREATED BY A 20-YEAR-OLD

NEXT LEVEL JERSEY CONCEPTS

DOG PORTRAITS

Ottawa photographer Camille West is one of few studio dog photographers in the city, and her unique style of photography that captures all the excitement, movement, and personality of each pet has caught the eyes of almost 4,000 followers on Instagram.

Camille has a Diploma in Photographic Arts & Production and has been offering studio sessions for dogs for less than a year. “It all started by taking paw pictures of my own dog.” She remembers. “When I posted the paws on social media, people went nuts for it. That led to

photographing portraits of dogs in a studio setting. I also felt that Ottawa didn’t have many studio dog photographers, especially ones that capture more of the fun and silly photos.”

Camille emphasizes the importance of ‘letting dogs be dogs’ during her sessions, and notes that she does use a lot of treats to help keep the dogs focused. “Clients are sometimes concerned that their dogs don’t listen or stay still, but I just let the dogs be dogs! The more fun they have, the more they’ll stay interested in what I’m doing, and that makes for great shots.”

Camille offers sessions from her own commercial studio space.

MULTIMEDIA

DESIGNER

SENS FAN &

Noah Balkovec is a multimedia designer from Ontario who has a passion for jersey design. He’s one of 4 members of 5 members of Jersey Nerds, a media source and podcast for all things sports uniforms, hockey jersey design, and more. He’s also the owner of Balko Creative, his own graphic design agency.

On this instagram, Noah posts his own jersey concepts for NHL teams, and most recently for his favourite team, the Ottawa Senators. You can check out all of his designs at @balkocreative

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THE RETURN OF DEVONTE DEDMON

DeVonte Dedmon is one of the CFL’s most dangerous return men, but his return to Ottawa for 2023 was no sure thing. Dedmon was set to become a free agent in February and there would have been no shortage of league-wide interest in his services, because his resume speaks for itself. In 2021, Dedmon won the league’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player Award that year with 2,841 return yards. He also became the fastest player in CFL history to record five return touchdowns in his career.

But Dedmon didn’t even get to free agency, opting to take himself off the market by signing a two-year deal in Ottawa. According to Dedmon, who sat down in the offseason for a wide-ranging interview with FACES, it was an easy decision.

“Ottawa gave me a chance when nobody else did,” said Dedmon. “I remember sitting at home with my parents watching the NFL draft as the timer is going, going, going... and never getting the call. And I remember being down on myself and I’m sitting on my deck with my dad. And I start crying. Like, what am I gonna do?

“And my dad, being the great man that he’s always been, just held me and said, ‘It’s gonna be okay. God has a bigger plan for you.’ And that was that. So I sucked it up, went inside, and had family and friends over. And they were all like, ‘Bro, that’s their loss. You’re gonna go wherever you go and you’re gonna show out like you’ve always done your entire life.’

And that place has turned out to be Ottawa.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. This is home,” said Dedmon, on the day of his signing. “I’m excited to be back with my teammates and to have the opportunity to learn from this great coaching staff. I believe in this group. This is my family.”

Dedmon now calls Ottawa home in the off-season as well, dealing with the cold and snow for the first time in his life.

“Well, my girlfriend (Erica McCarney) is from Ottawa,” said Dedmon. “We stay out in the Manotick area. She’s actually in Australia right now finishing law school. So I’m just gonna be cheering her on from the sidelines, like she’s always done for me.

“So now I’m just trying to get adjusted out here. I’ve never had to shovel a driveway in my life. I send snaps to my boys back home and they’re like, ‘Bro, it snows every single day there!’”

Home for Dedmon is Williamsburg, Virginia, where he grew up as the middle child in a family of five. School and athletics all took place minutes from his home, including five years at the College of William and Mary. But football actually wasn’t his first choice.

“Yeah, in high school I thought I was gonna be a basketball player,” said Dedmon. “I always took basketball more seriously. In my sophomore year of high school, my brother and I started going to camps and touring schools with my parents. I was like, ‘Listen, I’ll play up until my senior year.’ I was still getting interest for basketball, but it was like, ‘I know I’m five foot nine.’ There’s not a huge career ahead of me in basketball.

“My parents were just like, go get it. Go do whatever you want to do. My dad (Tyrone) played baseball, basketball, and football. My mom (Gina) was a cheerleader and played basketball and softball. So they’ve been around sports. My older sister (Nikkia) played basketball and my younger brother (Keron) and I were just everywhere in the neighbourhood, playing basketball, football, baseball. We even tried tennis and lacrosse. We just did whatever it was that would keep us busy and occupied.”

Dedmon ultimately made his decision to step away from basketball, partly because of his lack of size. Ironically enough, he started out in football as an offensive lineman, a position reserved for bigger bodies.

“Yeah, I played offensive line and then defensive back,” remembers Dedmon. “The Williamsburg Hornets was my youth team. My mom actually became the club’s president, which was really dope because I got to play with all my friends from six years old, all the way up to 18. So it was a really cool experience. I remember making one tackle my first year on this huge guy. My mom never forgets it to this day. She’s like, ‘I knew then and there you had the heart to play.’ She’s always bringing that up.”

OTTAWA GAVE ME A CHANCE WHEN NO ONE ELSE DID

By Steve Warne

Faces: Based on that draft day story on the porch, it sounds like your dad was a great support too.

Dedmon: Yeah, he is. He works his tail off. He’s actually retiring and I’m so happy for him. He works at the shipyard back home and he’s been working there since he was 18 years old. So, I’ve always known hard work from him and my mother and I don’t want to ever let them down. So that’s what I’m always thinking about before every kickoff – all the people back home who got me to this position. I want to do what I can so they know I appreciate everything they’ve done.

Do you hope to get more involved at the receiver position this season?

Coach (Paul) LaPolice tried to use me (at receiver) a little bit, but he didn’t use me as much as I would have hoped. He’s a great man. I learned a lot of lessons from him, like off the field. But as soon as he got fired (in October), receivers coach Alex Suber and QB coach Will Arndt were like, ‘Yo, we’re gonna get you in there. We know what you can do.’ Everybody in our organization knows I can play receiver. I’m just waiting for that opportunity to show what I got.

We’ll definitely see this year. I’m really excited about the core group of guys. I’m sitting here as all the signings pop up in the news and I’m fist pumping. I’m excited. I saw what our new OC (Offensive coordinator Khari Jones) did in Montreal, so I’m like, ‘Yo, we can really turn this thing around.’

I know last year was Flip the Script, all that kind of thing. But I’m not trying to flip the script. I’m trying to take over. That’s what I keep trying to explain to everybody. We’re trying to have no let-up. We’ve been laughed at for the last three years. Think about those two Winnipeg games last year – you lose by a touchdown and they’re in the Grey Cup. You know what I mean?

And then obviously quarterback Jeremiah Masoli going down, that was a lot on everybody. That’s the heart and soul. And when you remove the heart and soul... we’re fighting, we’re crawling to get back. But he’s been there. And when I got back (from Miami), Masoli was right there by my side working with me. We were throwing the ball like 100-150 times at practice. Just me and him trying to play catch and get our timing together.

Photography by Jordan Zlomislic

You signed briefly with the Miami Dolphins last year. Do you feel like they gave you a serious look before letting you go?

It was a frustrating experience, I can tell you that. Just knowing that you can play with those guys. (Denver Broncos linebacker) Alex Singleton played up here and said the same thing in an interview recently. There are only a few things that change this league from that league. It’s like two or three guys. I wanted the chance to actually show what I had. They were respectful with everything but they felt they couldn’t give me the opportunity that I needed.

No one expected them to get Tyreek Hill or Cedrick Wilson or all these guys that they ended up getting? Where do I fit in that role? And I understood right away that I have to start preparing myself for what could possibly happen.

Like, I wish Hamlin the best. But we all go into this knowing the potential that anything could happen. So there’s no fear. There’s never any fear.

Who was your favourite NFL team and favourite player growing up?

I used to be a Chiefs fan back in the day when they had Priest Holmes, Dante Hall, Trent Green. I just loved how explosive they were. Dante Hall is my favourite player ever. The Human Joystick! Just the way he would go around the field, and just do whatever he wanted. He was like Reggie Bush before Reggie Bush. And then when I got older it was more Devin Hester. My dad’s a huge Cowboys fan, so there was a lot of Deion Sanders to talk in our house too. So I was like, you know what? I’m gonna put a mix of everybody in my game and try to be me.

You must have been pumped to have your old Tribe teammate Will Kiely show up as a teammate in Ottawa last year?

Will is my guy. It’s actually so funny. We had classes together in college. I used to drive him around. He had a buzz cut then and now he has a full beard with long hair. It’s crazy how things work. Will actually got hurt in training camp up in Ottawa while I was down in Miami. He was like, bro, I don’t know if they’re gonna call me back.

And then I ended up getting cut in Miami, so we talked on the phone. I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m going back. So just let me know what your thing is. And then a week later he calls to tell me he’s on his way to Ottawa. That’s how it is though. William and Mary is in the CAA (Colonial Athletic Conference) and if you look around the CFL, there are a lot of CAA guys – especially ones who’ve been in Ottawa for a while: R.J. Harris, Jacob Ruby, Dino Boyd, Deshawn Stevens, Sherrod Baltimore. We all played in the same conference in college and had a lot of battles.

What’s it like being a returner, sprinting toward twelve angry men who want to clobber you?

Actually, it’s kind of crazy, but I’m more at peace back there than anything. I’m a little psycho. That’s what a guy in the room said. I’m catching the ball and running into oncoming traffic 10 times a game. You know what I mean? So yeah, it’s a little crazy.

I had somebody ask me, ‘Did the Damar Hamlin situation change my mindset on football?’ And I’m like, ‘Nah, not really.’

Jordan Zlomislic

Let’s close with some off-the-page questions. What’s your most prized possession?

My parents actually gave me this watch when I graduated high school, a Michael Kors gold watch, and in that moment, I was like, ‘Oh, wow. That’s dope.’

But now as I’m older, I go into my jewelry box and I have the CFL ring that they gave me and my conference ring from college. And I’m always just looking at that and I just think about everything that they went through, all the sacrifices and stuff to get me to where I am.

What non-football thing are you most passionate about?

Fashion. I love fashion. I love shoes. Right now, I actually like thrift shopping. I go once a week with my guy out here, Brendan. And we’re actually trying to start a podcast about stuff like that. There’s a lot of stuff out here in Ottawa that people don’t really check out.

Now that the new season is underway, what message would you have for REDBLACKS fans?

Believe in the change. It’s that simple. They changed the regime up front and we believe in them. You see it with everybody that signed back early before free agency even took off. And then you see Masoli restructuring his contract in order to get more people in here. So, let’s just keep the ball rolling. Honestly, I’m just excited about everything.

DeVonte Dedmon may be one of the league’s most dangerous return men but, in hindsight, his return to Ottawa was never really in danger.

Local Wines You Need to Try This Summer

There are over 10 different wineries in and around the Capital Region, and we’ve highlighted 4 of our favourite local wines for summer sipping.

Medium lemon in colour, this wine presents a nose of citrus, almond and subtle toast notes. The palate is full and rich yet fresh and cleansing with a long finish.

Available in the LCBO.

Kin Vineyards, Carp, Ontario

With notes of aromatic red cherry fruit, herbs, and floral hints combined with a woody spice, this medium bodied red is perfect for long summer days and pairs excellently with hard cheese, pasta and red meat.

Vankleek Hill Vineyard, Ontario

White wine made from an off-dry blend of 5 varieties of cold hardy white grapes, and infused with raspberry for a refreshing and summery splash.

Green Gables

Vines, Oxford Station, Ontario

Medium lemon in colour, this wine presents a nose of citrus, almond and subtle toast notes. The palate is full and rich yet fresh and cleansing with a long finish.

Available in the LCBO.

Kin Vineyards, Carp, Ontario

BREA LAWRENSON

Ottawa country singer celebrates a summer of new music.

Brea Lawrenson is an Ottawaborn Country artist who has been creating and sharing music since she was 13. In her teen years, Brea was a pop artist who dominated regional singing competitions in classical and broadway styles. At 21, she switched her genre to Country, and never looked back. Today, she is an award-winning country singer and songwriter who records all of her music in Nashville. When she’s in Ottawa, the self-titled homebody enjoys connecting with her fan base on social media, and hosts her own Podcast called ‘The Distillery’,

where she shares stories from her time performing, writing and recording all over the world. Her audience reaches The Netherlands and Brazil, Canada and America. This summer, Brea will celebrate a career milestone and one of her wildest dreams–she’s scheduled to share the stage as an opener for Shania Twain at Ottawa Bluesfest. We caught up with Lawrenson to discuss her new Nashville-inspired music, life as a new mom, and how she is preparing for a ‘full-circle’ moment as a Bluesfest artist this summer.

Shania has inspired me to be a brave woman in the music industry. To be relentless and hard working. I am so excited to bring my show to her crowd in my home city.

When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in country music? Who in your family supported you and inspired you to do so?

I grew up on 90’s country because my dad loved country music. And he always wanted me to sing Country. My mom loved Classic Rock and so did I but I wanted to be more of a ‘POP’ Artist than anything. I recorded my first album at 15 and it was POP and I did go on to record a few more Pop demos and albums during my teens. But it was when I was about 21 that I decided country music was the focus and then I rebranded and recorded an album with Keith Glass

(Guitarist of ‘Prairie Oyster’) called ‘Somewhere To Go’ and it’s on my Spotify, Youtube Channel and is available for streaming everywhere. Through out my whole life, my mom has been my support system and has acted as my manager for all these years. We work so well together and she’s the back bone of my career, a voice of reason when I feel like quitting. I owe how far I’ve come and all I’ve learned to her. You recently released Neon Nashville, what’s the inspiration behind this song?

‘Neon Nashville’ is a dreamer’s song. It’s about the nature of being a struggling artist in Nashville. It’s about chasing a dream and getting all the way up the hill and realizing that maybe it’s not what it seems or it’s not as glorious as you thought it would be. Going to Nashville so regularly, I have had a front row seat to how hard artists have to work in Nashville for just tips in a Pickle Jar. Being in that kind of atmosphere has inspired me but also taught me a lot.

This summer, you’re scheduled to play at Ottawa Bluesfest, on the same stage as Shania Twain. You’ve described this as a fullcircle moment, and a dream come true. What does this achievement mean to you?

Being given the opportunity to perform on Shania Twain’s stage means everything to me. It is a full circle moment for me, meaning, I dreamt about this moment a thousand times and saw it in my head play out, singing my songs for a crowd of fans that have supported a woman like Shania throughout the years of her global stardom. Shania has inspired me to be a brave woman in the music industry. To be relentless and hard working. I am so excited to bring my show to her crowd in my home city. You are very active on social media, candid, engaging and funny… why is it important to you to be so authentic on social media, and to connect with people in

I have always had fun with my social media and I try hard to be engaging and authentic because it’s the fastest way to connect with my audience. I have fans who have become my close friends on TIKTOK and my community is so supportive and real. It’s really amazing how social media has connected me with people from all over the world. All the way to Australia and The UK and North America. What amazing exposure for an Indie Artist like me. You can follow me everywhere through my website brealawrenson.com and be sure to join me on Patreon for exclusive content including the stripped down versions of my new music that I am recording in Nashville in the next coming weeks!

What’s your favourite thing about Ottawa?

My absolute favourite thing about Ottawa is.. The Market downtown in the summer time. I love the patios and the vibe on Preston Street in

and Roberto’s. I love the Live Music Venues like The Royal Oak’s which is where I started playing bars. And the beautiful parks and walking trails like Andrew Hayden Park which is where I played on my first Ampa Theatre that faces the water. Incredible.

What’s your favourite restaurant to go to in Ottawa?

I have so many favorite places I love to eat in Ottawa but I’d have to say my all time favorite restaurant is, Giovanni’s on Preston. Best Cream Chicken and King Crab and Gnocchi! I love the Vibe, I love the food, I love the Wine. I love Italian food. What’s your best advice for aspiring country artists?

I’d like to tell any aspiring Country Artists that there are a lot of sharks out there in the industry and if anyone asks you for money to be on a record label or to have a development deal, don’t give them your money. That’s a shark. If you have to do it all on your own, so be

The Paperboys

The Paperboys (Darwin Demers, Kevin Little, Scott Milks and Charles McInnis) are known for their powerful vocal delivery in a varied repertoire of classic and newer rock tunes. Appearing regularly in establishments, corporate and private bookings in and around Ottawa, the band has also recorded and performed with Alanis Morrisette, The Cooper Brothers and Eight Seconds.

@thepaperboysottawa

Sticks ‘n Stones

The Sticks ‘n Stones Band have been performing to sold out audiences around Eastern Ontario, Canada region for over 25 years, as well as other regions of Canada and international venues. The band consists of 5 males and 2 females, and offer a range of tunes (70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s) catering to any crowd. They’ve opened twice for Canadian hall of famer Tom Cochrane, Nazareth, Trooper, Stampeders, Chilliwack and last year Kim Mitchell, country sensations Tim and the Glory Boys and Tebey. They also had the honour of performing for the Governor of Canada and the JTF2 Military branch at the Canadian War Museum. On July 15th, they will be hosting a large fundraising event on the Rideau River in Kars.

@sticksnstonesottawa

New Vintage

New Vintage (Angele Desbois, Tony Vrhovnik, Michael Gauthier, Lucien Picard, Sacha Nagy) is a high energy cover band that takes you on a nostalgic journey with old and modern hits. The band delivers an extensive repertoire spanning many decades and various genres, and are a top choice for any event seeking a nostalgic and engaging musical experience.

@newvintageottawa

Otis Strange

Otis Strange (Dave MacLachlan (Mug) Jonny Olsen (Jonny O) Nelson Hursti (Nelly) and Dave Matsukubo (Kubo)) is an original Canadian Rock band that formed in 1992 in Ottawa. The name derives from a line in Shakespeare’s Hamlet “O’tis strange the night…” The band’s present-day style is an eclectic funky acoustic vibe with a percussive twist, which they define as ‘Urban Roots Rock’.

The Chesterfields

Though this dad-rock dance band officially kicked off as a “party band” in October 2019, their origins can be traced back to Cornwall, Ontario, in 1997. The Chesterfields pride themselves in exceptional musicianship, vocals that can make your heart skip a beat, and a song selection that’s like a musical time machine, spanning five glorious decades. Weddings, galas, corporate shindigs, private parties—name it, they’ve got it covered.

Big Love

Big Love (Rebecca Noelle, Rob Patterson, Michael Goyette, Jeff Steel, Matt Babineau, Brent Hultquist) brings some really big love to the stage with their wildly energetic performance that pays tribute to the music of Fleetwood Mac. The band does not aim to clone Fleetwood Mac, rather, they dive into the repertoire with precision and explore the essence of what Fleetwood Mac brought to the stage. Big Love takes you to the show that you would expect to experience in Fleetwood Mac’s early years with soaring vocals expertly folded into harmonies and dancing over grooves and melodies that have stayed the test of time.

@biglovecanada

The Retrogrades

Formed in 2014 as an excuse to get out of jury duty, The Retrogrades (Mary Gellner, Jon Coote, Dave Milliken, Brady Mofatt) began playing clubs and private events in the Ottawa area, covering your favourite bands of the 80’s and 90’s such as Duran Duran, The Cars, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, Green Day and Weezer.

The Vanduras

The Vandura’s (Jayla Kirkey, Alex Mastronardi, Alex MacFarlane, Scott Reeves, Mitch Mainville) is a 5 piece cover band from Ottawa that performs regularly at Heart & Crown locations as well corporate events and weddings. The band covers a wide range of genres, from classic rock to pop to country to funk to contemporary, and are known for their energetic stage presence and entertaining live show. All the members are full time musicians and play in several musical outfits in the city, and truly love what they do.

Disco Inferno

Formed almost 25 years ago, Ottawa’s Disco Inferno Band Canada is composed of ten highly seasoned musicians who capture the undeniable and contagious sound and rhythm of the 70’s disco era.

@discoinfernocanada

The Start

The Start (Graeme Weeks, Marianne Dumas, Martin Newman, Nathan Hoedeman, David Little) was formed in 2009 to get people dancing and singing. Playing the classics across all genres and decades, mixed and mashed up into perfect, smooth medleys, the setlists are given a fresh sound that keeps you guessing, and keeps you on the dance floor. As founder Graeme says, “If you’re going to be a cover band, be an original cover band!”. Image credit: Cailie & Shannon Clement

Sussex

Now rocking the capital for 10 years, Sussex is a go-to band in the nation’s capital for amazing vocals, skillful guitar playing, and popular tunes. Their performances are so captivating that they’ll send shivers down your spine. Sussex has graced some of Ottawa’s largest stages, including the Grey Cup in 2017 and TD Place, where they’ve rocked out to the biggest hits from renowned artists like Journey, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, and many more. Be sure to catch Sussex Sept 1st supporting Canadian Icons BIG SUGAR at the Shawville Fair!

@sussexband

UNO (Androcles, Greg Szepietowski, Rafael de Los Reyes, Israel Martinez, Juan-Luis Vasquez Ceron, Andrew Ferderber, James Arif, Szymon A. Szańczuk) started back in April 2016 when Androcles (Andro), a singer from Venezuela, decided to make Ottawa his new home. UNO blends the fiery energy of salsa with wicked chords and crazy distorted guitar solos, and they even throw in some classic rock feels while focusing mainly on Latin music. And get this, they can go from something as simple as maracas or bongos all the way to the intricate sounds of pure jazz or disco. The band hosts UNO Rock en Español, a special concert series, a few times a year, and it’s been a game-changer for Latin music in two provinces since it started in 2017.

@uno_official_

The Keystrings

This Ottawa-based five-piece rock band takes you on a musical wave, traversing the realms of the 70s, 80s, Nineties, and Now. They know the musical rules but are bent on busting them to create an unforgettable live music experience. Jill (Keys) blends vocal harmonies with her musical soulmate Dan (strings) while Jeff (drums) and real-life brothers Gene (bass guitar) and Todd (lead guitar) provide a rock-solid backbone. It’s a true family affair!”

The Young Bucks

Getting their start playing small local bars around The Ottawa Valley, The Young Bucks (Randy Frobel, Rory Mayhew, Tim Anderson, Corey Sullivan) have grown into an indemand band in the Ottawa area and abroad. Their high energy, do-it-yourself approach to Rock and Country music gives them a unique sound most bands spend decades developing. In 2022 the band was

contracted to open for Canadian country music star Jade Eagleson and multiple CCMA nominee Aaron Goodvin, along with a string of performances on the local fair circuit. The band can be spotted at venues like the Heart & Crown pubs, The Pour House and Aulde Dubliner, D’arcy McGee’s Sparks, and at festivals like Ladysmith Oktoberfest.

5 Fresh Colognes for

SUM MER 2023

1 2 3 4 5

This cologne has recently been touted as the ‘$100 cologne that will turn you into a movie star’ by GQ. Not only because it’s a sophisticated classic, but also because of its new brand ambassador, Timothée Chalamet. It’s the rising star’s first big brand campaign, and was undoubtedly picked carefully.

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

For those who are steering away from heavy perfumes or harsh ingredients in favour of lighter products, this is a perfect fit. The scent is light, earthy and fresh–top notes are sharp and crisp with a hint of bergamot, lemon and blackcurrant.

Considered one of the best summer colognes of the year, Dior Sauvage is a fresh and versatile fragrance that can be worn on any occasion. Notes of bergamot, pepper and vanilla are subtle and sophisticated.

A fresh, modern scent that is suitable for casual and formal occasions, Hermes H24 opens with refreshing top notes of bergamot and vegetal, giving away to heart notes of clary sage and narcissus, and finishing with base notes of cedar, Szechuan pepper and rosewood. It’s an energizing but grounding scent that is perfect for summer evenings.

A unique and refreshing unisex cologne that features dominant notes of Orange, Basil, and Cedarwood, this unique Citrusy cologne is a summer favourite with a cult following. It’s described by its followers as original and fresh: a sensation of nature.

Chanel “Bleu De Chanel” Eau De Toilette

Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum

Hermès H24 Eau de Parfum

Hermes Concentre D’Orange Verte

Essential Perfumes for SUM MER 2023

1 2 3 4 5

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

Known as one of the top selling perfumes in the world and also as one of the most versatile of the Chanel perfumes, Coco Mademoiselle’s citrus notes make it an elegant and refreshing choice for summer. It also works well in the heat and is long lasting, even on sticky summer days. It’s a woodsy citrus that blends into notes of rose and patchouli.

Valentino Donna Born In Roma

Coral Fantasy

A fruity, sweet perfume, this Valentino Perfume was inspired by the sunsets in Rome. Notes of kiwi and rose blend together to create a tropical scent that provides hints of jasmine at its center. If you like white floral and fruity perfumes, this is your signature scent for summer.

Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue

Eau Intense

Fans of Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue will surely love this improved rendition of the scent, that is both sharper and crisper than it’s famous predecessor. Light Blue is a musky citrus scent that features top notes of citrus and lemon, with a heart of romatic marigold and amber wood.

Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum

This floral scent is a summer staple that is both captivating and refreshing. The fragrance blends white flowers, jasmine, and tuberose to create a lively and modern fragrance with impressive longevity.

Chloé L’Eau

Ottawa-born

artist

Jessie Simmons

is an AfroCaribbean singer and songwriter with powerhouse vocals and an incredible stage presence.

When I perform, I aim to take the audience on a journey, specifically to Haiti, and allow them to experience the richness and beauty of its music and culture.

Jessie started singing at just 3 years old, and was actively involved in her church choir and high school singing programs and musicals growing up. On June 30th, Jessie released her debut album AMONI. The soulful setlist features many collaborations with artists from far and away.

We caught up with Jessie to discuss her journey to music, her creative processes, her biggest supporters and inspirations, and what’s ahead of her this summer to celebrate the release of her new album–including her first headlining show on July 13th at Club Saw.

You grew up in Ottawa’s Draper neighbourhood. What was your childhood like?

I have the fondest memories of attending a fantastic elementary school, surrounded by friends who made each day exciting and full of laughter. But what made my childhood truly remarkable was the unwavering love and determination of my incredible single mother.

Being raised by such a resilient and supportive figure meant that I never had to worry about having my needs met. My mother went above and beyond to ensure that I had everything I needed to thrive. Looking back, I realize that she saw something in me long before I even recognized my own potential. She enrolled me in dance, music, and singing lessons, nurturing my talents and encouraging me to explore my creative side.

Those lessons and activities became my sanctuary, a place where I could pour my heart and soul into my passion for the arts. I discovered the joy of dancing, the power of music, and the freedom of expressing myself through song. It was through these experiences that I began to realize my own dreams of becoming a singer.

When did you first discover your passion for music, and when did you decide to pursue it as a career?

I first discovered my passion for music at a very young age—I’ve been singing since I was three years old. Music has always held a special place in my heart, and it all started with singing in church. In those early years, I even joined a gospel group called

Les Petales, which was a wonderful experience. We had the opportunity to perform at various events and venues in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Montreal.

It wasn’t until I became involved in my high school musical that I began to grow as both an artist and an individual. I started singing at more events within school and even for the school board. Winning a prize at one of the school board festivals further solidified my belief that there was something special within me when it came to music.

After high school, stepping out on my own to pursue music was daunting. However, fate intervened when I met DJ Rocsteady, who gave me my very first performance opportunity outside of school. From that point on, I never looked back. The journey has been filled with trials and tribulations, releasing singles, and striving to make a name for myself in the city. Through it all, though, I held onto my unwavering love for music.

Who were some artists or people (friends/family) that inspired you?

First and foremost, I have to mention my incredible mother. She is a true go-getter, and I owe so much of who I am today to her unwavering support. From enrolling me in singing lessons to attending numerous shows and sharing my music

Now, looking back on everything I’ve been through, I can proudly say that I never gave up. I persevered, and now I’m on the verge of releasing my debut album.

with others, she has always been there for me in my music career. Another influential figure in my life is my biological father, who was a respected musician in the Haitian community in Ottawa. As an AfroCaribbean artist with a deep desire to showcase the beauty of Haitian culture, I have gained a lot of respect from industry veterans because of the high regard they held for my father. His legacy has undoubtedly influenced my artistic path and instilled in me a sense of pride in my heritage.

Recently, I have found a deep connection with the story of Haitian singer Rutshelle Guillaume, who is celebrating her tenth year in the music industry. As a Black woman in a music industry that can be maledominated, her journey resonates with me on a profound level. Her determination and perseverance inspire me to break down barriers and overcome the challenges that come with being a woman in this field.

Furthermore, my friends and my partner are a constant source of inspiration in my life. It’s humbling to hear that they find inspiration in me, but in reality, they are the ones who keep me grounded and motivated. Their unwavering support and love are like the lifeblood flowing through my veins, propelling me forward in my music career.

You recently released the ‘For You’ remix and music video. Tell me about the inspiration behind this song, and the music video.

I recently had the pleasure of releasing the remix and music video for “For You,” the second single from my debut album, AMONI. It was an incredible experience collaborating with talented artists such as Jeff Sanon, Doressa, Erah, and DJ Velvet. The inspiration behind this song came from the creative process with Jeff Sanon, who played a crucial role as my friend and sound engineer.

I presented him with the beat and expressed my love for it but was unsure of what to do with it. His suggestion was simple yet profound: “Get in the booth and sing some melodies.” We both recorded takes, and from there, we built the song and wrote the captivating hook.

During the pandemic lockdown, Erah, Doressa, and I connected on FaceTime and wrote the song together in just an hour. It was a testament to our synergy and determination to create despite the challenging circumstances. For the studio session, I invited DJ Velvet to add her talent to the mix, as I wanted to enhance the women’s presence on my album. The studio session turned into an incredible vibe, and the energy we shared was palpable.

The music video was shot in Mexico and expertly directed by 1mofilm, a highly skilled videographer. Filming in such a beautiful location added another layer of visual appeal to the song. The response to “For You” has been overwhelming, exceeding my expectations. People loved it so much that I decided to release a remix featuring the amazing Joe Gez. Collaboration with other artists is truly inspiring to me and contributes significantly to the growth of my career as an artist. I cherish the opportunity to work with talented individuals and create music that resonates with listeners.

Overall, the journey behind “For You” and its remix has been an incredible one. From the initial creation process to the music video shoot and the positive reception from listeners, it has been a pivotal moment in my musical career. I am grateful for the collaboration and the inspiration it brings, as it continuously pushes me to evolve and reach new heights as an artist.

You have a busy schedule this summer performing at events, weddings and parties in Ottawa. What is your favourite part about performing?

I love the fact that my summer schedule is packed with performances at various events, weddings, and parties in Ottawa. It’s an exciting time for me as an artist, and my favorite part about all these performances is the opportunity to connect with the audience. There’s something truly magical about being on stage and witnessing the energy and emotions of the crowd.

What’s next for you?

I am incredibly excited to announce that I will be headlining my very own first show for the release of my album. The show is set to take place on July 13 at Club SAW, and it will be a momentous occasion to celebrate this significant milestone in my musical career. I can’t wait to share the stage with my talented collaborators and bring my music to life in a captivating live performance.

To stay updated on all the latest news and developments, I encourage everyone to follow me on social media. You can find me as jessiesimmonxo across various platforms, and I invite you to visit my website at www.jessiesimmonsmusic.com. By staying connected, you won’t miss a beat when it comes to upcoming shows, exciting collaborations, and, of course, new music.

What’s your best advice for aspiring artists?

One piece of advice I can give to aspiring artists is to stay true to yourself. In the ever-changing music industry, it’s easy to get caught up in trends or compromise your artistic integrity. But remember, your uniqueness is your greatest asset. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through your music.

Remember When…

Ottawa has a vibrant history. Here’s two top stories from memory lane:

KISS AT OTTAWA BLUESFEST 2009 MADE HISTORY AS THE LOUDEST LIVE CONCERT EVER NORTH AMERICA

In the age of Rock n’ Roll, becoming the world’s ‘Loudest Band’ was considered a badge of honour. At the height of rock era (say, 1970s), bands were going so far as to measure the decibels of their live music. In 1976, The Guinness Book of World Records declared The Who’s performance in an open-air stadium in Charlton, London as the loudest performance in history. It measured a sizeable 126 decibals at a distance of over 100 feet from the speakers.

Only 5 bands have measured close to or above this volume during live concerts, and those were in Sweden (Sleazy Jo, 2008 at 143 db during sound check), Germany (Manowar, 1996 at 139 db), and England (Leftfield, 1997 at 137 db and Gallows at 132 db).

It was a popular spot for business lunches, corporate events, and special occasions, and sold out every year for New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day and Canada Day.

The restaurant offered a view of the Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills and downtown like no other.

Since then, some bands and live performances have tipped that scale. In the summer of 2009, Bluesfest headliners Kiss (then in their 60s) registered a sound pressure level of 137 decibals, which at the time, was said to be the loudest live performance ever. Not surprisingly, the concert was forced to lower its volume mid-show due to noise complaints from residential areas that were more than a football field away.

Despite being considered a quieter city than our larger Canadian counterparts or American neighbours, Ottawa has its own place in the high decibal hall of fame.

OTTAWA ONCE HAD 360 DEGREE ROTATING RESTAURANT

The restaurant could be found on the top floor of the Marriott Hotel, downtown Ottawa, on Kent Street. The popular restaurant first opened its doors in 1972, as La Ronde.

In 2010, after 38 years in business, the restaurant announced its closing. In its place, the hotel opened Summit event space, offering the rotating room for private bookings, corporate events and weddings. Despite its closure, many locals remember the establishment as one of the top destinations in downtown Ottawa in

La Ronde Restaurant 1970

Photo via Ottawa Marriott

10 Questions with

HOT 89.9’S RACE

What inspired you to pursue your career in radio?

I didn’t even know what I wanted to do as a career when I was still in school. When I was 19 though, I became a mom and my life changed drastically. I was getting up early with my son and I fell in love with morning radio/television. So I decided that was what I wanted to do with my life, and I went back to school to do it.

Have you always been comfortable with public speaking? If not, what helped you to become comfortable?

If you asked my mother, she would probably say I always liked attention and talked a lot (laughs). I still get nervous when speaking in public. I’ve just done it so often that it has become easy. The trick is to know what the heck you’re talking about.

What is your favourite and least favourite part of your job?

I get to listen to and talk about music all day, every day! That is most definitely my favourite part. My least favourite part is that I can’t really have a bad day. I need to be upbeat and happy no matter what. There have been times in my life, that I would cry in-between on air-breaks, only stopping to collect myself when the mic was on. I would also bet that I’m not the only one who has done that. Working from home during COVID was probably the hardest. I was so miserable, but had to wake up and be happy all the time.

I think the most important skills is creativity…

Everyday you have to bring something to the table that will capture listeners attention and also keep that attention, entertaining them over and over.

It’s hard to imagine, because you always sound so cheerful. What’s your secret?

We all have bad days. The key is to keep it simple when you’re having one. Stick to a script and keep it short and fake it.

What is the one piece of advice you could give anyone wanting to go into the same industry?

Be willing to relocate and be flexible. You can’t just be good at one thing in radio anymore, people who work here wear many hats.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Moving to Ottawa from Kitchener for my first job in radio. It doesn’t seem like much, but I was a young mom and I moved here for a job on overnight radio. Daycare for my son was hard because of my work hours and I had no family here. The first couple of years in Ottawa were tough to say the least but we made it.

Can you remember the first time you ever talked on live radio and how that felt?

Oh yes! My first commercial radio job I totally announced the wrong song! I was so nervous.

How do you prepare for your show?

I am always preparing. I take screenshots of stories or things I find interesting all of the time. Each morning I go through those and write my breaks. I script EVERYTHING. I’ve been in radio for over 20 years now and the best radio I do is when I am super prepared.

What do you think is the most important skill to have for your job and why?

What a loaded question. There are so many different skills required for different aspects of radio. I think the most important skill is creativity. Whether it comes to being vibrant and engaging on air and coming up with some really awesome contest or promotion or even commercial. Everyday you have to bring something to the table that will capture listeners attention and also keep that attention, entertaining them over and over.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now career wise?

Although most listeners know me as an on-air personality, I’m also a radio programmer. One day I’d like programming to be my sole purpose. Either that or retired. A girl can dream.

What is your most memorable moment in your career?

One cool thing about radio is sometimes you get to do some awesome things and meet awesome people. If 14 year old me ever knew that one day she’d meet NKOTB or The Backstreet Boys she would have totally lost her mind. That was a full circle moment for me.

Three Movies Being Filmed In Ottawa this Summer

A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING

This Hallmark holiday film is currently in production in Carleton Place, with a number of cast and crew being spotted in town. While there have been no official updates on the film’s plot or who we can expect to see playing the lead roles, it’s speculated that the story follows a figure skater who returns home after missing out on her Olympic dreams, only to find herself falling for a local rink owner. Though unconfirmed, it’s worth noting that Canadian actor/producer Marcus Rosner was present in Ottawa during the filming dates, stating on his Instagram that he “…had to come to Ottawa for a few weeks to act in another project”. We hope to see the ‘Arrow’ star on our screens this Christmas.

The Ottawa film industry saw a record-breaking year in 2022; 16 holiday films , 14 feature-length films , and more than 15 TV series’ were shot in the region, contributing over $57 million to the local economy via the live-action production sector.

The excitement continues this summer as three new productions are underway in the Ottawa region, with over 8 films having already wrapped since the beginning of the year. Wondering where you’ll see the action this summer? Read on for the details on the ongoing and upcoming projects.

GNOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Seasoned holiday film director Roger Bobb is guiding production for ‘Gnome for Christmas’, the unconfirmed story of a touring musician who returns home for the holidays and reconnects with a past love––who is now in charge of the church choir. Film crews have been spotted around downtown Ottawa, including the iconic Byward Market, with Smyth Casting releasing a callout for extras in the Ottawa area on May 15th. The cast has not yet been confirmed for the film.

I’LL BE GLAD WHEN YOU’RE DEAD

This IndieGoGo funded film is currently in pre-production, and is a throwback horror feature in the style of 80’s and 90’s slasher films. This production will be Sean Parker’s directorial debut, and will feature budding actors in the lead roles. The story follows Emily, a survivor of a horrific school massacre, who finds herself once again facing off against a serial murderer at a high school party gone wrong. The location is said to be in a singular location––a decommissioned war bunker in the Ottawa area (The Diefenbunker).

UNPACKING THE Success OF OTTAWA MOVING LOGISTICS

Moving. The very word instills a deepseated sense of dread in the souls of homeowners and renters. There’s one person, though, immune to that sensation. She loves the prospect of relocation so much, she’s dedicated her professional life to it:

Rosie Rowe, owner/CEO of Ottawa Moving Logistics.

Over the early part of her life, long before she decided upon making the art of packing and transporting a career, Rowe moved over 18 times. Born in Pembroke, she found herself in such diverse places as Cold Lake, Alberta, and Kingston, Ontario. But when she came to Ottawa, she knew she’d found a place she wanted to stay. “I love it here!” she announces. “The city has a small-town feel but it’s always growing.” One of the symptoms of that growth is its effect on the population, creating a crowded real estate realm of new homeowners, aging downsizers, first-time condo buyers, serial office switchers, and people in need of storage space. For anybody in the moving business, that’s paradise! omlogistics.ca

After fifteen years of running other peoples’ businesses, Rowe was growing restless. Reading the geographic fluency of the Ottawa market, the entrepreneurial Rowe recognized a niche. Could her reputation as a helpful hand whenever a friend was trading living arrangements be the basis of a second career? “My former partner and I were listening to a friend expressing a serious lack of quality relocation service providers in the Ottawa area. We saw an opportunity and we jumped on it. We picked the name, Ottawa Moving Logistics (referred to as OML), then, followed all the steps to start a business. I resigned from my job, dove headfirst into OML, and haven’t looked back.”

A one-stop shop for small and large residential and commercial relocations, OML has dedicated specialists for both branches. The company, which serves Ottawa, the surrounding areas, and other locations across Ontario and Quebec, offers free in-home or in-office estimates, then manages the entire move. For its commercial clients, OML takes care of all decommissioning, dismantling, and installation. As for storage, the company’s spacious warehouse is fully secured, temperature controlled, and monitored 24/7 via CCTV with direct connection to first responders.

OML lists its core values as integrity, ethics, respect, transparency, and commitment—but there’s another point of pride: its owner. OML is one of few female-founded and fronted moving companies in the country. “I did have to establish myself in the

past, being in a male-dominated industry,” reflects Rowe. “I focused on building connections and learning from some of the best in the business. Since then, I have not felt many challenges, other than day-today business challenges.”

And even those, she and her hardworking staff of thirty meet with aplomb. As proof, there’s OML’s long list of institutional distinctions, including accreditations with the Better Business Bureau, the Canadian Association of Movers, and the Canadian Business Review Board. Earlier this year, OML earned Faces Magazine’s Peoples’ Choice Award for Best Office Moving Company.

But what really propels the packing of the boxes, the rolling of the trucks, and the unloading of the furniture is Rowe’s enthusiasm for a life convention most consider a necessary evil. “I love moving,” she reiterates. “I enjoy everything about it: the planning, the packing, the unpacking, the setup. I love the many hats I have to wear managing this business. There is never a dull day.”

Of all of the moves Rowe has spearheaded, the career move to head her own company has truly been the greatest.

House of Madness is an Ottawa-based blog for horror enthusiasts that offers recommendations, critiques and reviews of horror-related content, including movies, books, TV shows, and even some video games. In no particular order, here are their top 10 recommendations for those looking for a thrill.

“Sinister” (2012)

When this movie dropped, I thought it looked promising, but would most likely fall short, because although it had a modest budget of $3,000,000, it also had a big name star (Ethan Hawke), and a lot of the time in horror, this just doesn’t gel.

However, I was delightfully wrong in this instance. “Sinister’s” combination of creepy found footage along with the disturbing overall atmosphere of the house make it an uncomfortable joy to watch.

3. “The Changeling” (1980)

Shout out to one mister George C. Scott who took his acting chops normally reserved for higher brow projects, and gave us what I believe to be his finest performance (sorry Mr. Scrooge). This is what a haunted house movie should look like.

(1997)

I don’t care if some would rather classify this as more of a sci-fi than a horror, but when the two

4. “Paranormal Activity” (2007)

Yeah, yeah, that’s two found footage flicks already. I don’t care where the footage on my screen is found, as long as it delivers the scares, which this does in spades.

“The Blair Witch Project” (1999)

The hype of whether this film was ‘real’ or not when it first released is what intrigued people to flock to the theatres initially, but it was no fluke that it was a global success story. With a mere $60,000 budget, it grossed nearly $250,000,000 worldwide, and earned every single penny. are combined, it makes for claustrophobic chaos. Laurence Fishburne has never been better than he was in this film, and it’s an absolutely horrifying galactic classic.

EXPERT REVIEWER: NELSON MILLER, HOUSEOFMADNESS.CA

2. “Event Horizon”

Another sci-fi horror classic that’s light on the science, and high on the tension. It doesn’t take long for the feelings of paranoia to sink in, and once they do, we’re in for a full throttle ride to Terror Town. I hold this movie in such high regard not only because it has Kurt Russell and Keith David in it, but also for the reason that after 40 years, it still holds up and can scare with the best of them.

Going back and remembering all the great horrors of old, it’s easy to overlook and not give new horror a chance. This movie isn’t even an hour long (57 minutes

to be exact), but after tricking you into thinking it’s going to be about annoying teenagers for the duration, it pulls the rug out and shows its real tentacles, and teenagers

“The Shining” (1980)

Going back and remembering all the great horrors of old, it’s easy to overlook and not give new horror a chance. This movie isn’t even an hour long (57 minutes to be exact), but after tricking you into thinking.

(annoying or not) meet different fates which would leave a mortician covering his or her eyes.

Although I thought they did a fantastic job, and I really enjoyed the American remake, on this list I’m talking about the Hideo Nakata version from Japan. This movie brings a level of terror you’re not going to experience without the help of a 3-D movie starring your angry spouse, so definitely keep your baseball bat reserved for vengeful ghosts close by.

“IT” (2017)

Like many, I’ve read the book and seen the 1990 made for TV version, but I was none too ready for what I witnessed on the big screen this time. Tim Curry’s performance in the original was magnificent and hats off to him, but Bill Skarsgard accepted the role, embraced it, covered it with evil sauce, and cooked it to perfection. Pennywise has, and will continue to scar many’s perception of clowns, which is bad news for birthday parties, but great news for horror fans.

9. “Host” (2020)

7. “Ring” (1998)

6. “The Thing” (1982)