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IN THIS ISSUE
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24 36 GERRY DEE
24 KANIEHTIIO HORN
Ottawa-born actress Kaniehtiio (pronounced Kuh-nee-tee-ow) Horn doesn’t make new year’s resolutions, only intentions. But with a career trajectory as great as hers, perhaps resolutions aren’t needed.
Kyle Turris
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DOUG MACLEAN’S
Ottawa Hockey Connections Run Deep Page 54
Dr. Gerald Pulvermacher
is one of Ottawa’sLua Pioneer exeter - Tat Psychologistsecaborpos mi, lorum
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in, tem fuga. Um nusam eiunt aut late mintiatin penatum volorum nonse.
We caught up with Canada’s fast-moving Comedian Gerry Dee to discuss his new book, new tour, new seasons, and his insights for the year ahead.
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8 Questions with CTV Ottawa’s
Leah Larocque Page 104
ESCAPE SOCIETY Page 107
AMSTED DESIGN-BUILD is building for the future. Page 58
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The Average Date Night in Ottawa Costs $160, & other ways that Ottawa has made headlines recently.
SPACES WE LOVE
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Ottawa’s Must-Try Coffee Shops - Four next-level spots to find your coffee break bliss.
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5 Top Reads - Five titles for a new year, new you in 2024.
Spaces We Love - Three interiors that inspire us through distinctive design.
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Gifts of Affection Our guide to making Valentine’s Day luxurious and local.
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Snowy Escapes 3 destinations to explore this winter.
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The Winter Tech Edit - 5 gadgets to enhance your new year.
RESOLUTION READY
5 fitness buys to make this month.
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2024: THE HANDBOOK This year’s trends in fashion, home, beauty and more.
A New Era Of 3-Row Luxury: The 2024 Lexus TX
LEXUS LUXURY. REDEFINED. From now on, fighting over the best seats will be a thing of the past. Introducing the all-new 2024 Lexus TX, the three-row SUV that provides a new era of luxury for everyone who gets the indulgent experience of driving in one. Not only is every seat the best seat, the new TX offers the best of everything: extraordinary comfort and interior space, an unmatched driving experience, incredible all-wheel handling, and a choice of gas or powerful self-charging hybrid engines. The TX is the next chapter of Lexus SUVs, and it takes luxury to a completely new place.
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January/February 2024 - Volume 83 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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Steve Warne Dan Lalande Vinisha Lachand Duve Dagher Eric Lightfoot Alex Feeney Jordan Palleck Courtney Wheeler Corey Stone Christopher Lord Alex Grant 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 Lindsay Risto Morris Miller Hugo Tremblay
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Cover: Derita Glade, Styling by Scott Wabano Nicolai Gregory Daniel Esteban Greg (Freshh) Anderson Nicolai Gregory Sean Sisk Jessica Thomas Lenz Studio Chris Tanouye John E. Sokolowski Jana Chytilova David Maman Andre Ringuette Connor Armstrong Taylor Condon Peter Wright Yana Klaiz
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January 02 Where To Go In
PWHL Home Opener
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January 2nd, 7pm TD Place
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January 13th, 6pm Two pianists and two guitarists battle it out in a string of energetic performances at the York Street Sens House.
15 Nature Nocturne: Glow @ Museum of Nature
Deuling Pianos @ Sens House
Voting for the 2024 Ottawa Awards Begins facesmag.ca/awards From January 15th until February 15th, vote once per day in over 300 categories of businesses and professionals in the largest people’s choice celebration in the city.
The Ottawa Home & Remodelling Show January 18th-20th EY Centre
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Capital Wedding Show January 20th-21st Ottawa Conference & Event Centre
25-27
Photo via Ottawa Tourism
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Cirque España January 25th - 27th NAC
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February 2-3 Where To Go In
CITY AND COLOUR February 23rd Canadian Tire Centre
WINTERLUDE 2024 February 2nd - 19th
Canadian Culinary Championships
February 2nd - 3rd Fairmont Chateau Laurier
From February 2 to 19, Ottawa and Gatineau will be bustling with a host of indoor and outdoor activities that showcase Indigenous culture, Canadian diversity and significant anniversaries.
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The 2024 Winterlude Triathlon
Whisky Wonderland
February 3rd
February 22nd
Watch dedicated winter enthusiasts ice skate for 7-8 km, cross-country ski for 6 km, and run for 5 km in this truly Canadian triathlon. Bouge Bouge Indoor 5K February 4th
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In this unique running event, participants will run a 2.5km loop (twice) through the secret hallways of The Rideau Centre and Shaw Centre.
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Hammond Golf & Country Club This weekend-long event is Eastern Ontario’s newest and largest whisky celebration, bringing together 500 whisky lovers from all over the country to sample, learn, engage and enjoy.
Ottawa Boat & Outdoor Show February 22nd - 25th EY Centre
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KANIEHTIIO HORN Ottawa-born actress Kaniehtiio (pronounced Kuh-neetee-ow) Horn doesn’t make new year’s resolutions, only intentions. But with a career trajectory as great as hers, perhaps resolutions aren’t needed. The 37-year-old actress is best known for her recurring role as Tanis on the famed Canadian series Letterkenny. She is also seen on the FX on Hulu Series Reservation Dogs. In 2022, Kaniehtiio worked alongside Anna Kendrick as a supporting actress in Alice Darling, shot in Toronto. But 2024 will be her biggest year yet: Kaniehtiio’s feature directorial debut, Seeds, will be released this year, which Horn is writing, producing, directing and leading in. On top of those four titles, she continues to work as a producer on the Letterkenny spinoff Shoresy, is publishing her first children’s book, and continues to grow into her role as mom to her son. As our winter issue cover, Kaniehtiio - whose name means ‘Beautiful Snow’ - reflects on the end of Letterkenny, her new life as a mom, and all of her endeavours slated for 2024.
COVER PHOTO: DERITA GLADE, STYLING BY SCOTT WABANO FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: DANIEL ESTEBAN
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“I THINK THAT ART IMITATING LIFE OR VICE VERSA IS PRETTY REAL. IN THE LAST FEW YEARS I HAVE TRULY FOUND MY FOOTING IN THIS WORLD AND THAT IS THANKS TO A LOT OF THINGS, INCLUDING BECOMING A MOTHER.
You grew up in Ottawa and on the Kahnawake Mohawk Reserve near Montreal. What were some of your favourite memories as a child?
of swimming and in grade 8 I started water polo playing for CAMO, and Team Quebec and one tournament with the Youth National Team.
My entire life I have gone between two loving households. I have three sisters on my mother’s side and three on my father’s side. After the blockade of 1990 my mother moved her family back to Kahnawake where I went to school, but I did spend almost every weekend and holiday in Ottawa with my dad’s family.
I loved it so much. I remember being at the Olympics watching Waneek and thinking and truly believing ‘I could go to the Olympics’, I knew it was possible if I really wanted it but I also felt like that was Waneek’s ‘thing’. As a competitive sister, I knew I needed my own thing and I always knew that thing was performing.
I did tons of extra curricular activities as a kid… lots of sports and art including piano (I wasn’t very good, I hated practicing) and figure skating (also was terrible, legs too skinny, feet too big).
You’ve spoken in many interviews about how you’ve grown up in activism, watching your mom, Kahentinetha. What role did your mom play in supporting your own career and early pursuits?
Some of my favourite memories of my childhood are going camping in Algonquin Park every summer with my dad and spending time at my Grannies place in Picton when it was still just a town full of retirees and farmers.
...
MY MOTHER ALWAYS SAID TO US ‘NO MATTER WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO You were also into swimming and water DO, BE THE BEST YOU polo when you were young. What drew POSSIBLY CAN’. you to those sports? And why ultimately was acting your first love?
One day when I was in grade 4 my mother said, “You need to get into a sport, I found a pool in Chateauguay and signed you up for competitive swimming, you start next week.” All six of my sisters at one point in the 80s made up almost the whole O.Y.O. Swim Club in Ottawa. I think my mother’s logic behind putting her daughters in swimming is that it was a sport that didn’t involve ‘judging’ and you relied on the power of you and you alone. You race against your own best time. My sister Ojistoh ended up playing waterpolo in high school and invited my other sister Waneek to try it out and she excelled in it, eventually ending up at the Olympics. I got bored
Both of my parents have been amazing and supportive, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my father and mother’s love and support. My mother always said to us ‘no matter what you choose to do, be the best you possibly can’. If you decide to be a dishwasher for the rest of your life, be the best damn dishwasher you can be, and never be afraid to work hard, get dirty and use your hands. No one in my family pursued arts as a career even though my sisters are very artistic in their own ways… my sister Natasha, for example, is an incredible painter. So I didn’t really have anyone to guide me, I had to figure it out on my own.
I knew school was probably somewhere I should go, so I enrolled in professional theatre school at Dawson College. I was 16 when I was accepted and my mother drove me and picked me up every single day, she did the same thing when I played water polo. A few days after I got my license though, she pulled up at the house in a red Chrysler Neon and was like, ‘you want that car?’ and bought it for me so I could get myself to school and she could have a bit more freedom again. In your early career, you shortened your name to Tiio to make it easier for others. But now, you go by your full name. Did this change coincide with other perspectives in your life? My mother always said to never shorten our names and that you have to be patient when someone is learning how to pronounce it. In theatre school the only person I let call me Tiio was my movement teacher Cynthia, mostly because I was terrified of her (in a good way). When I graduated it was like 20 years ago, and some things have changed since then. My reps and I agreed that shortening my name would be a good idea so we don’t ‘alienate’ people when they’re trying to pronounce it or something along those lines. I only let a few people call me Tiio now. Truly deep down I hate being called Tiio, my full name isn’t that hard to pronounce and I think people should just get over their own insecurities and show some respect by giving it a try. Not just my name, but all unique names, I mean wouldn’t the world be boring if we were all called ‘mark, bob, steph and sara?’(no offence to those names… my dad’s name is Bob).
Letterkenny’s 12th and final season premiered on Christmas Day. What are your thoughts (and feelings) FACES MAGAZINE
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about the show coming to an end? How hard will it be to say goodbye? I love my cast mates and I think all good things must come to an end. Tanis is a bad ass and she was formed during a very different and difficult time in my life. I am happy to lay her to rest and am extremely proud of the impact that she has made in terms of representation in popular culture. In your mind, what will the next few years of Tanis’ life look like? How will you picture her in years to come? Tanis probably has a few kids, maybe settles down for a bit. Runs a couple of businesses where she employs her family members. She probably has raffles and grocery bingos on her rez during the holidays. She’s a big part of her community.
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Tell me about Shoresy. There’s a marked difference in Indigenous representation here vs Letterkenny. How deliberate was that? What is your favourite thing about your work as a Producer? I think if you are making a show about hockey in Canada it would be insane not to include Indigenous people. We invented the sport and are a huge part of the landscape that is hockey all across the country. I think Shoresy having so many Indigenous characters only makes sense and when you have a show that has multiple Indigenous characters you are able to diversify our representation. I loved helping to find each character’s looks in the first season with the costume department. Ginger and I developed Tanis together over the years and we made a lot of contacts with Indigenous artists and designers. She took those connections and worked
with the actors to create each of their unique looks. You worked alongside Anna Kendrick when filiming Alice Darling. Is it true that you had to coach her on her Canadian accent? Anna was really interesting to work alongside, I don’t think anyone has seen her play something like this. She was so vulnerable in the role she was playing and it was really my job to just support her throughout her process. Anything she needed I was happy to provide, running lines, trying scenes a different way, anything. There was once where we joked she should add in an ‘eh’, and she did it and did it well! But unfortunately that didn’t make it into the final cut.
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Seeds, your feature directorial debut, will be released in 2024. How did the idea for Seeds begin? Writing, producing, directing and leading is no small undertaking. Has your expectation met reality? Do you enjoy all four hats? I was on a really hard shoot somewhere in New York State and I just thought ‘I wanna make a movie that takes place in one location, with stunts and blood and stuff, and where I can just wear sweatpants the whole time. So it started with a Home Alone influence, home invasion, and I thought it would be funny if the bad guy was trying to get some corn, beans and squash seeds that I had to protect.
That is how it began. I have so much story inside me that I am realising I need to express, I enjoyed the process so much. It may have been one of the hardest things I have ever done in my entire life aside from an emergency C-section after 4 days of induced labour. I think I mostly kept my cool and surrounded myself with incredible people who supported me every single step of the way. I love, love, love collaborating with talented people. Writing for me is the hardest, but it’s very fun and I am willing to practice and learn as much as I can about it.
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Directing, oddly enough, came sort of easy to me. I’ve worked with so many terrible directors that instinctively I knew what NOT to do, and I’ve worked with some amazing ones (Jacob Tierney for one) and took some tips from those experiences. When I do this again I will not be writing myself into almost every scene, that’s for damn sure. How similar is Ziggy, and her process of ‘finding her power along the way’, to your own experiences? I think art imitating life or vice versa is pretty real. In the last few years I have truly found my footing in this
“I have so much inside of me that I am realising I need to express, I enjoyed this process so much.”
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world and that is thanks to a lot of things including becoming a mother. My son has guided me, has made me stronger, and has elevated my outlook on myself. He forced me to face my own traumas before he even made it earthside. I am kinder to myself because of my son and I think being kind to yourself is a strength. What do you like to do when you’re in Ottawa? Any favourite places, restaurants or spots? I love hanging with my dad and going to visit my sister Waneek and her kids. I get my brows done by Mary Deng at Eye Love Beauty Bar (look her up, she’s incredible, Ottawa is lucky to have her). I don’t really go out, but I love to order from Gongfu Bao and EVOO on Preston and have drinks at Belmont. I love taking my son to see the cows at the experimental farm. How would you describe Ottawa to someone who has never been? The perfect size for a city, not too much traffic, tons to do on the weekends for families especially, everyone pretty much takes the native status card without a fuss (that’s a big deal). The city is definitely upping its restaurant game, that’s for sure… and 9 times out of 10 you can find parking. Also the children’s hospital is amazing, I love CHEO. This is our January issue. Most people either love or hate New Years Eve, which are you? I used to put so much importance on it for some stupid reason, I don’t even understand why. When I partied hard it was so important to me, now I seriously couldn’t care less about it. Last year I was in bed by 11 and totally content.
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Are you someone who makes resolutions? I don’t make those anymore either, I think it’s an unnecessary pressure that by March goes out the window. I think I just set some intentions and reflect on all of the awesome things I accomplished the year before. What are three things you’d tell your younger self, given the chance? 1- Be kind to yourself, put yourself and your well being first. You don’t have to kill yourself to succeed. Self care is a necessity. 2- Therapy is awesome. 3- Low rise jeans are trash What’s your favourite movie of all time? Drop Dead Gorgeous What’s your all-time favourite meal? Spaghetti Pomodoro with a side arugula salad, a margherita pizza and for dessert some form of ice cream. What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you? I studied to be a yoga teacher in my early 20s. I did 8 out of the 10 modules but had to leave because the show I was on got cancelled and I had to go to LA for pilot season. What’s the best or most memorable concert you’ve ever been to? OH MY GOODNESS Rage Against the Machine last summer at Bluesfest, but also Bjork when I was 19 and Yeah Yeah Yeahs opened for her.
What’s your best advice for aspiring actors? Lean in to what makes you different and what makes you stand out. Always enter an audition with choices.
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THE LATEST Here’s What’s New In The World of Surprising Finds
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The Average Date Night In Ottawa Costs $160 A study done by online dating site Elite Singles revealed the average cost of a romantic night out in major cities across Canada, and Ottawa was the third most expensive locale. The survey found the cost of a typical ‘dinner and a movie’ date, including a ‘mid-range dinner for two, a shared bottle of wine, two movie tickets, and an 8km taxi/ uber ride home’. The results, which were published in 2019, found that this night in Ottawa would cost roughly $138 dollars. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $159.16 in 2024.
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The Average Price of a Home In 2023 At the end of 2023, the average single-family home in Ottawa reached roughly $708,900, a 1.3% increase from the same time in 2022. Ottawa’s average townhouse was $492,300, and the average condo averaged $424,300.
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Ottawans Are The 2nd Most Generous Tippers In Canada Uber Eats Canada released its 2023 Cravings Report in December, and Ottawa’s tipping was the second most generous compared to all other Canadian cities. Ottawa also claimed the second place spot for ordering the healthiest food off the app.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
Funny You Should Say That
THE INTERVIEW
CANADIAN COMEDY SENSATION GERRY DEE TALKS NEW BOOK, TOUR DATES AND LIFE AS A ‘SPORTS DAD’.
Beloved Canadian comedian Gerry Dee has spent decades bringing laughter to audiences across the country. After breaking into the world of on-screen comedy with his TV series ‘Mr. Dee,’ which ran from 2012 to 2018, Dee became the host of Family Feud Canada in 2019, and a regular on the series Animal Control in 2023. However, his most significant role to date is being ‘Dad’ to his three kids. As an active ‘volleyball Dad’, Dee organized the inaugural BioSteel All Canadian Girls Volley-
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ball Games in 2023 to promote and support the sport in Canada. In 2024, Gerry Dee has a big year ahead: he’s touring in support of his recently published memoir ‘Funny You Should Say That’, and he continues to film for Animal Control and Family Feud. In January, all seasons of Mr. Dee were released on Netflix Canada. We caught up with the fast-moving comedian to discuss his recent achievements and his insights for the year ahead.
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“moment.It’sbeenWhenarealthelyshowcool
launched in 2012, we weren’t sure where it would end up. CBC was so great to us, and now to have it on Netflix is next level.”
It looks like 2023 has been a crazy year for you. Have you had time over the holidays to relax with family?
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My 3 kids are very into volleyball, so it keeps us busy. December is a little quieter because of the break. I’m actually heading out west next week to start filming Season 2 of Animal Control. And your birthday falls right on New Years Eve, December 31st. What does that night look like for you? I was born at like, 11:40 pm… when I was younger my birthday was a bit more social. But now I’m probably in bed by 10:00, so I don’t really get much benefit from it (laughs). How has your time on Family Feud been this year? Hopefully it will return for a 6th Season? I love it. You know, when I was asked to do it I was very excited, because it’s such an iconic show. And now in season 5 this year, I’m just really starting to find my own groove. It’s such a great job, and I get to meet all these great people from across Canada. Mr. D has just arrived on Netflix Canada this month. What does this accomplishment mean to you?
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It’s been a really cool moment. When the show launched in 2012, we weren’t sure where it would end up. CBC was so great to us, and now to have it on Netflix is next level. In some ways, you know, the show has been done for 5 years and it still keeps going. I think people are really finding it now… with TikTok and everything else.. it’s really getting a second wind. I feel like it never really got its first wind or took off on a universal scale. So it’s exciting. And Animal Control has moved into Season 2. What can you share? We’re just up to our shenanigans again. We have a tremendous casting crew on that show lead by Joel McHale. It’s a great group of actors. I’m a smaller part of it, but I’m excited to get back to filming. Tell us about your new book. It’s been 10 years since you wrote your first one, what inspired you to put pen to paper again? I never dreamt I’d be an author… I was approached to do a book in 2012 and so I did. But the second book, I reached out and thought maybe it’s time to do another. I don’t think I’m much of an author, I’m a comedian that wrote a couple books. There is a big difference between me and Margaret Atwood. This new book is more of a memoir, a personal anecdote. I’ve shared stuff in the same way I share things on stage. So you get to know me better, and there’s a few laughs too. Even though you wear many hats in your professional career, your biggest title so far is ‘Volleyball Dad’. You organized the first BioSteel All Canadian Girls Volleyball Games, a showcase of the country’s best 16-and-under and 17-and-under female players. Why did you decide to get involved and promote girl’s volleyball? I used to be very involved in minor hockey, and I used to run a hockey school and camp back then. I always felt it was
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Photo by Cole Burston/ Getty Images
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MAGAZINE Your three kids are in their teens now. What’s your best advice for any dad who is making the transition from ‘dad’ to ‘teen dad’? That’s a great question. That’s probably a whole book right there (laughs). We are very lucky that our kids are great. It’s a tough age for both boys and girls. We’ve all been through it, it’s a different world now with social media. We still have a long way to go, but we’re so happy that our kids have managed to stay in sports and stay focused on some goals. I think the biggest thing is getting your kids into stuff young. They don’t always land on something, but keep trying, because having a passion for something will just keep them busy and keep them out of trouble, you hope. So whatever it is, just get them to do something to help keep them on track a little bit. You’re trying to raise them to be good kids, but you’re also trying to raise them to be good citizens. I think it all ties into how you keep them busy and how you find a balance for everything. That’s what the book will be called.. balance and busy. Now that’s my next book in 10 years.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
I’ll watch for it. As for the next 12 months, 2024, what are your hopes for the new year?
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nice to recognize and bring together the best players. We get the most excited at the World Championships or the Olympics because we get to see the best compete. So I thought, why not do something for girl’s volleyball, which is much bigger than boy’s volleyball? There’s more to be done in Canada with volleyball for both boys and girls. I have a son that plays too. But this was an opportunity to give girls recognition. I come from a golf world too, so the tournament is kind of like The Masters. You get an invite, there’s no try outs. I had some great sponsors too, lead by BioSteel, Mizuno Canada, Greenpark Homes, and Burrow Canada.
I’ve got a new show that I’m working on, I can’t say much about it, but I’m hopeful that it comes to fruition. I hope my stand up tour can start taking me to the US and other places around the world. But most of all, I just hope my family stays healthy and happy. Physical and mental health is all I care about at the end of the day. That everybody is healthy. There’s a lot of ups and downs in life, and a lot as a teenager and a kid, so I try to focus on that stuff as much as I can.
A lot of people chipped in to make this happen. I’ll be doing it again next year, and trying to find a new title sponsor. It’s a great opportunity … according to our data we reached 62 million people. CBC was a great partner, they streamed it live with commentators for us.
@gerrydee
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OTTAWA FACES
/01 DELYSEES LUXURY DESSERT BAR A new boutique experience in Lansdowne, Delysees Dessert Bar brings modern french pastry creations and baked goods to an upscale coffee shop atmosphere. This boutique dessert bar is equal parts coffee and cocktail, and brings a new flavour to Ottawa’s food scene.
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/02 DRIP HOUSE CHINATOWN A rustic café bistro serving up all day breakfast , delicious lattes and espressos. Located on Somerset, this spot is ideal to stop in or stay a while and enjoy a fresh brew. Must-try: Avocado Salmon Toast with cream cheese, on a seed loaf. This menu item works for breakfast or lunch and is made with the finest quality ingredients, also pairs well with their London Fog latte.
/04 RITUAL ON MAIN
LITTLE VICTORIES Owned and operated by one roaster and one barista, Little Victories is an independent specialty coffee roaster that has been around for six years on Bank Street. The small shop strives to elevate coffee culture in The Capital through direct trading, being ethically sourced and conscious of the environment.
Coffee & Cake
A spacious but cozy coffeehouse on Stittsville Main Street. You can find the most unique food and beverage items here like a Jamaican Beef Patty, Tiramisu Latte or even a pint of beer. Must-tr y: Chai Latte, paired with their seasonal selection of flavoured scones.
4 MUST-TRY CAFES IN OTTAWA In December, we asked: where’s your favourite spot in the city to find your coffee break bliss? Here’s four of the most notable mentions. FACES MAGAZINE
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FOR KYLE TURRIS, RETIREMENT IS NO REASON TO SLOW DOWN FACES
In August of 2022, after 14 seasons in the NHL, Kyle Turris retired as an NHL player. Turris scored 425 points in 776 games, with over half of them playing for Ottawa, where he remains one of the most well-liked players in franchise history. Turris’s NHL journey also took him to Edmonton, Nashville, and the team that drafted him third overall in 2007, the Phoenix Coyotes. But if your idea of retirement is slowing down, putting your feet up, and relaxing, you may not appreciate or even recognize Turris’s version. Because now that his NHL playing career is over, Turris is busier than ever. The 34-year-old and his wife, Julie, are raising three young children; they’re building their forever home in Vancouver; he’s coaching two minor hockey teams; he’s gone back to university; and he’s got a new job as an intern for the Vancouver Canucks. So I was appreciative – and a little impressed – that he was able to carve out some time to join me from his home in North Vancouver. As Turris jumps on an early 42
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Sunday morning Zoom call, he’s just in the door from hockey practice, still munching on breakfast cereal, with three adorable little blonde-haired people peeking over his shoulder to see who Dad is talking to on the laptop. Turris gives them their marching orders. “Okay, guys. Either go put on a movie downstairs or put on a show over in that room. And we’re going to be quiet, right?” Turris instructed. “Whoever is loud is going to go up and take a nap.” As his sons, Beckett and Cooper, ages nine and six, and his seven-year-old daughter, Teddie, hustle off to enjoy some cartoons, it’s easy to see that, while they miss Ottawa dearly, the Turris family is happy out west.
Kyle Turris celebrates after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center on November 15, 2016 in Philadelphia. Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Kyle Turris signs an autograph on the red carpet prior to the start of a game against the Detroit Red Wings at Canadian Tire Centre on October 7,2017 Photo by Jana Chytilova/ Freestyle Photography/ Getty Images
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“WE’RE REALLY ENJOYING THE WEST COAST HERE IN VANCOUVER AND BEING CLOSE TO FAMILY, AND WE’RE CURRENTLY BUILDING OUR FOREVER HOME IN VANCOUVER.” “The kids are adapting really well, all going to the same school,” Turris said. “Julie loves the mountains and the ocean, and she’s making some good friends. We’re really enjoying the West Coast here in Vancouver and being close to family, and we’re currently building our forever home in Vancouver.” But we’re only scratching the surface of the Kyle Turris life update. He’s also finishing his business degree at the University of Wisconsin, where he met Julie and played NCAA hockey for a year. Turris hopes the business degree, which he’ll get later this year, combined with his impressive hockey background, will give him a unique skill set to offer an organization in the hockey world. And he’s already getting hands-on experience in that world. In November, he accepted an internship with the Vancouver Canucks. “I’ve been in the Canucks’ business intelligence division, and I’m about to go into corporate partnerships,” Turris said. “I rotate through the different
divisions to gain experience on the business side of an organization to better understand that. And just being in a work and office atmosphere is helpful too because I haven’t done that either.” Turris doesn’t know where this will lead yet but hasn’t ruled anything out. I asked him if he might like to be an NHL general manager someday. “Yeah, I’m not sure about the exact position, but I would like to pursue a position in the hockey world that is more than strictly hockey,” Turris said. “I feel like gaining this experience will be very valuable to me in the future, and pursuing something along that line. So, I’m very grateful to the Canucks for giving me this opportunity.” Almost seven years ago, Turris got a good taste of how tough the business side of the game can be. His young family was happy and active in Ottawa, making a real connection to the community. He was just a few months removed from helping the Senators get to the Conference Final. But Turris was also 28, about to become an unrestricted free agent, and worked for a notoriously frugal owner Eugene Melnyk. So Turris was traded to Nashville that November in a blockbuster three-way deal that brought Matt Duchene to Ottawa. While many factors were at play beyond the trade, the Senators immediately plummeted in the standings, finished that season 30th place overall, and decided to begin a tearthings-down-to-the-studs rebuild.
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is glad to see that the Senators appear to be heading back in the right direction again. I asked him what he thought of the significant changes in Ottawa this year. “I think the excitement behind (new owner) Michael Andlauer is warranted,” Turris said. “I think he’s going to do a great job. And I think the team and the organization deserve somebody like Michael to come in and establish that consistency – that message that we’re all one, we’re all a community, and working towards the same goal.” It was like that in Ottawa in the spring of 2017. Turris vividly remembers the Senators playoff run that year, calling it the highlight of his career. He recalls how it brought the city and the team together and energized the players on the ice. “It’s great to have somebody like Michael Andlauer be able to come in and reestablish that. Because I feel like in between, it got ugly. You saw the polar opposite of how a team brings everybody in a community together. You saw how ownership can divide as well. When we came back in the summers to Ottawa, we could feel the division between the organization and people within the community.
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Turris’s retirement from playing came a few years earlier than he expected. A couple of years after his trade from Ottawa to Nashville, a back problem he’d managed to keep in check throughout his career slowly began flaring up. It became a major problem during his final two years in Edmonton.
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“That’s an aspect of my tenure in Phoenix that I don’t think anybody really knows,” Turris said. “In my rookie year, at the end of the season, I ended up having back surgery. So, I played about three-quarters of my rookie year with a herniated disc and shooting pain down my leg. It was a difficult, challenging year from a health perspective, and I ended up having back surgery at the end of the season. And that was a thing that I
had to be focused on for the rest of my career, maintaining my health and my back health to prolong my career.” The back issue played a significant factor in ending Turris’s career in 2022. But he sure had some wonderful hockey moments along the way. Turris had three classic overtime winners for Ottawa in the Stanley Cup playoffs - two against the New York Rangers in 2012 and 2017 and one against the rival Montreal Canadiens in 2013. He also won gold for Canada at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships, leading the good guys in scoring.
The first star of the game Kyle Turris tosses a puck over the glass for a fan following their overtime win against the New York Rangers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 6, 2017. Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images
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“It’s great to have somebody like Michael Andlauer be able to come into Ottawa and re-establish that. Because I feel like in between, it got ugly. You saw the polar opposite of how a team brings everybody in a community together. You saw how ownership can divide as well. When we came back in the summers to Ottawa, we could feel the division between the organization and people within the community.” Kyle Turris celebrates a third period game tying goal scored by teammate Derick Brassard #19 against the New York Rangers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 6, 2017. Photo by Jana Chytilova/ Freestyle Photography/Getty Images
“I feel like most kids in Canada, you grow up watching the tournament at Christmas,” Turris said. “And you’re idolizing the players on Team Canada and dreaming of one day participating and representing your country on that stage. So, actually realizing that dream and getting to experience it was one of the highlights of my career. “And you create friendships that last. I was on a line with Claude Giroux and Brad Marchand, and there’s always that bond now. I hated playing against Marchand in Boston, but after the game, we’d catch up and see how things were going. And that success we had, winning the gold medal and the team we had, it was a special group and something I’ll always remember.” But right up there with his long list of hockey memories is the time he and Julie have been able to spend with people in Ottawa. From friends to community groups, in-
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cluding the Capital City Condors, Kyle and Julie always make time for a visit to the capital every year. “Yeah, Julie is constantly echoing how much we miss being back in the hood in Westboro and all of our friends there,” Turris said. “Just the community, the people, the Sens, and everything about it. It’s so near and dear to our hearts. We’re loving our experience out here and what it has to offer, but there’s just that missing piece that Ottawa has filled in our heart.” For the record, during this interview, none of the Turris kids had to be exiled upstairs for a nap. They were good, just like their Dad.
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Three interiors that inspire us through distinctive design.
/01 MARBLE SOPHISTICATION Black marble tables perfectly accent retro hues of moody oranges in Ottawa’s newest cocktail lounge and distillery, Stratford Fox Run. Right on Silver Seven Drive, SFR Distillery produces high-quality, aged on-site Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, and Liqueurs. In the lounge, speciality cocktails are served on a black marble bar, with floor to ceiling windows displaying the distillery room just behind.
CLEAN THE STONE METALLICS: TOUCH APRON COLLECTION FRONT SINKS The Gallery by Shaws provides beautiful design options for Shaker and Lancaster apron-front sinks to enhance kitchen decor of all kinds. Imagery is fired into the sinks in specially-designed kilns and glazed to smooth perfection. The fireclay sinks are embellished with graphic elements in statement-making styles to give kitchens a fresh perspective. Find these and similar finishings at Preston Design Centre.Centre. 50
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OTTAWA’S BEST
COFFEE SHOPS Three interiors that inspire us through distinctive design.
THE CELINE DESK A soothing and neutral-toned office space adorned with luxurious wood textures and complemented by gentle whites and soft beiges. At its heart lies the exquisite Celine Desk, a harmoni-
/03 BRASS FINISHINGS & WARM NEUTRALS Brass accents instantly elevate the neutral hues of this space. At the centre are 3 Yang coffee tables, featuring a Matt Noir Desir Super Marble top and Aged Brass finish. Discover these and similar room settings at Cadieux Interiors.
VALENTINE’S DAY
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Gift
Gifts of Affection
GUIDE
Trudon Rose Poivre Special Edition Candle This special edition candle is the epitome of romance in a fragrance, and is a luxury gift for the candle lover. Available at Ottawa’s Cadieux Interiors.
5 Top Picks to make Valentine’s Day both luxurious and local.
THE CLASSICS
Simon G TwoTone Gold Ring A stylish twotone white and rose gold ring, off-center set with a solitaire emerald cut diamond is clean-cut and sophisticated, perfect for today’s modern gent. $5,720
GUIDE Propose Perfectly
with his and hers engagement rings from Ottawa’s La Maison d’Or Jewellers.
Ladies Simon G Princess Cut 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring Crafted with La Maison d’Or’s patented Simon-set design technique and accented by a glimmering combination of princess and round diamonds. Starting at $8,360
Roses Done Right
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Ottawa’s Nectar Flowers creates incredible floral designs using farm fresh blooms with unbeatable presentations, that XOXO Rose Heart are both affordable A stunning array and trendy. So you of garden roses, premium spray can move away roses, blush hydrangea other from the ‘standard’ selected, farmand impress with fresh blooms with something truly Italian greenery. Starting at $145 stunning.
A Night On The Town
Add executive transportation to your datenight plans. Ottawa’s Elite Limo has a full fleet of luxury sedans and SUVs to provide an easy and premiere chaffeur service.
Superior Sweets
Almonte’s own chocolate factory is a great spot to source high-quality chocolate that is both thoughtful and decadant.
Luxurious Blooms & Fresh Floral Designs Like No Other In Ottawa. We are proudly serving the Greater Ottawa Area with flower deliveries, wedding flowers, corporate florals, and so much more.
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DOUG MACLEAN’S Ottawa Hockey Connection Runs Deep
If you’ve ever spent time with hockey lifer Doug MacLean or listened to him on radio, TV, or podcasts, you’ll know he’s one of the sport’s finest storytellers. Regardless of the topic, it isn’t long before MacLean announces, “You know, I’ve got a funny story about that,” and spins a classic hockey tale from his past experiences in the game. So when he was asked to write a book a few years ago, the challenge wasn’t coming up with enough stories to tell; it was how to narrow it down to the best ones.
MacLean had a long, accomplished NHL career that began in 1987 with assistant coaching roles in St. Louis, Washington, and Detroit. He was a head coach in Florida, leading the upstart Panthers to the 1996 Stanley Cup
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Final. His final NHL stop was his longest, serving primarily as GM and President of the Columbus Blue Jackets. After a decade in broadcasting with Sportsnet, he’s now thoroughly enjoying retirement and excited about his new book, Draft Day: How Hockey Teams Pick Winners or Get Left Behind. It’s a great read for any hockey fan who’s curious about the draft process or wonders how their team develops that winning chemistry – or fails to – year after year. As Faces caught up with MacLean, we were fascinated by his long list of Ottawa-area stories and connections like Bryan Murray, Jacques Martin, Rick and Ryan Bowness, Marc Methot (drafted by MacLean), and even meeting his wife in this neck of the woods.
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Tell us about the new book and how it all came together. A couple of weeks after I left Sportsnet, I got a call asking if I’d be interested in doing a book. And I told them I didn’t want to do a book about myself, to be quite honest, because there’s not enough there. So, they said, no, we’re looking for something similar to Moneyball in baseball. You know, a book about the NHL draft and analytics. The NHL draft was always an important time and a big part of your year. So it intrigued me. And as it moved along, Scott Morrison joined me as a ghostwriter, and we spent three years working on it. So it became a fun project with Scott, a good friend of mine and a great writer. Do you have any desire to get back into broadcasting or the NHL? Here in Ottawa, Jacques Martin is taking another run at things at 71. Well, you know, it’s funny. I was coaching at UNB, and Jacques Martin gave me my first NHL job. He offered me an assistant coaching job with St. Louis in 1987. And if it’s not for Jacques, I probably don’t have an NHL career. So I was thrilled to see him return with the Sens last month. I have no desire to get back into broadcasting fulltime. I’m enjoying retirement, and I do a ton of real estate stuff in PEI. So that keeps me occupied. I’m having fun. I follow the NHL closely. And my son’s an agent in Chicago. I talk to him on a daily basis. So I’ve got lots going on. You famously love PEI. What is it about your home province that’s gotten into your bones? I don’t know. I was born there and brought up there. I’ve always really, really enjoyed it. My wife is from Brockville, Ontario. We met in high school when I played for the Brockville Braves. We’ve been married for 47 years and spent every summer in PEI. When you’re in the NHL, you need a home base, and PEI became our summer home base. You seem to have plenty of ties to the Ottawa area, and we haven’t even talked yet about former Senator GM Bryan Murray.
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Yeah, I talked about Jacques Martin giving me a great opportunity. But I met Bryan Murray when I was playing for Brockville. I was playing in the Central Junior All-Star game in Pembroke, and Bryan was our coach. I thought, “My God, this guy is a great coach.” I just loved how Bryan communicated with the players. So good. Anyway, later on, out of the blue, I got a call saying I had been recommended for a Hockey Canada scholarship. And in those days, you had a full four-year ride at any university in Canada. And I said, “How did I get this?” And they said, “Bryan Murray recommended you.” And then, after Jacques and I got fired in St. Louis, I got another call from Bryan Murray, who offered me a job in Washington as his assistant coach. So, how bizarre is that? Jacques gave me my first chance in the NHL, and Bryan Murray made my career. Bryan gave me the job in Washington, and I went to Detroit with him for five years. And then I was his head coach in Florida. I talked a lot in the book about what Bryan meant to me and my career. What are some of the reasons why some of these superstar 18-yearold draft prospects don’t work out in the NHL? I think about Gilbert Brule (drafted by Columbus 6th overall in 2005). I went to Moncton in the Memorial Cup and watched him a year after we drafted him. And everybody at the Memorial Cup came up to me and said, “Oh my God, you got a star, Doug. This guy is going to be so good.” He was dynamite in Moncton for Vancouver. He was the MVP of the Memorial Cup. He looked like a star. And then he came back to camp the following year and he broke his leg, and then he had concussion problems. And he had some things going on with his family. You just never know how things will turn out. Speaking of which, I’ll never forget this story as long as I live. The genius, Pierre McGuire, was on TSN then, and Montreal stepped up and took Carey Price 5th overall. And McGuire goes ballistic on TV, saying things like, “I can’t believe Montreal would do this to their fan base. I can’t. They’ve got Cristobal Huet. Why would they ever take this guy?” And McGuire is just ripping Montreal for taking (future hall of famer) Carey Price. Then, three years ago, I listened to McGuire on Ottawa radio, and he’s ripping me for taking Brule! And I’m like, “Okay, that’s just life, I guess.” Who would be one of your favourite draft picks? I hated watching what went on in the stands with the kids sitting there and not being drafted. And I’ll never forget, as long as I live, sitting at the draft table and we’re going into the seventh round. And Rick Bowness had been sitting over there in the stands with his son. So I asked my guys to tell me about his son. And they said it was Ryan Bowness, Rick’s son. He played major junior in Brampton.
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And I watched them go through seven rounds and not be picked. So I asked my guys, “Does he have a chance to be an NHLer?” And they said he was a character kid, a battler, and works hard. So I’ve known Rick Bowness from back in junior hockey and Halifax, and I said, “I’m taking this pick. I’m taking Ryan Bowness with our seventh pick.” So we drafted Ryan. Rick still reminds me of that, as does Ryan. I’m proud that he played a little bit in the minors, returned to St. Mary’s, got his degree, and now he’s an assistant GM with the Senators. So he didn’t make it as a player, but he certainly made it in the business and the hockey side of things. So, that was one of my favorite picks in the draft. And that story is in the book, too. Anything else we need to know about the book? No, if you’re interested in the draft and a hockey fan, it tells you how things are done and how it works behind the scenes. There are lots of excellent stories. And even if you’re not a hockey nerd, you still might like it from a management and leadership point of view.
Protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build. Talk to me today.
Andrew Smith, DFP, RIS®
Financial Advisor and Mutual Fund Investment Specialist 647 Montreal Rd, Ottawa
613-744-7190
andrew_smith@cooperators.ca
Investments. Insurance. Advice.
Andrew Smith Insurance Inc | Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. Commercial insurance is underwritten by Co-operators General Insurance Company. Not all products are available in all provinces. © 2021 Co-operators and Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited. For Saskatchewan, visit cooperators.ca, or contact 1-877-545-2667. C0010 (10/21)
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That’s how the former explains his relationship with the latter: “Business is tough,” says Barkhouse, “especially our industry. Working together, Kirk and I were able to help each other through the tough times and stay true to our values. Our commitment to our customers and our craft brings us great satisfaction and is what has consistently endeared us to our clientele.” Not to mention such organizations as both the Ontario and the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Associations, which have showered this innovative company with awards, including both Ottawa and Ontario Renovator of the Year several times over. As its hyphenated name suggests, Amsted Design-Build both conceives and constructs, a unique distinction that eases the burden on homeowners in search of a major renovation or custom home. “Both Kirk and I have a background in architecture,” explains Barkhouse. “Although we started the company as construction only, we quickly realized that clients wanted more. They were frustrated with being caught in the middle and suffering the challenges of combining the very different worlds of design and construction. We wanted to solve that for them and provide peace of mind.”
“OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND OUR CRAFT BRINGS US GREAT SATISFACTION AND IS WHAT HAS CONSISTENTLY ENDEARED US TO OUR CLIENTELE.” Amsted has been doing just that, servicing Ottawa and the surrounding areas, since 1989. That was a tough year to be a start-up. The money-mad 80s had come to a crashing conclusion, forcing companies old and new to innovate or liquidate. “We were heading into a recession,” Barkhouse remembers. “24% interest, high unemployment, businesses failing… it forced us to provide a higher level of service
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O T T A W A M A G A Z I N E F A C E S
TEN YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Celebrating 35 years: In 2024, Amsted’s Leadership Team from left to right, Lindsay Haley, Stephanie Haw, Mary Campbell, and Nathan Dunlop, will succeed founders Steve and Kirk (bottom), who have supported each executive in their new role over the last 5+ years. 60
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to stand out, which is what wins over customers. We were lucky because we found talented people who believed in our vision and values and who were able to provide this high level that we knew was needed. We would not be where we are today if the first few years had been easier and the talent pool smaller.” That pool has grown from two to fifty and counting. Amsted’s happy, experienced in-house team is made up of some of the most skilled professionals in the industry: architectural and interior designers, estimators, project managers, carpenters, and more. They all work collaboratively to facilitate the renovation or custom home in question from end to end. It’s a seamless process from concept to completion—better still, it comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s a combination of people and process the company rightfully calls ‘The Amsted Advantage.’ That advantage is reflected in Amsted’s own offices. The company’s headquarters in Stittsville, as well as its four satellite offices across Ottawa and one
A “WE PROVIDE A SERVICE THAT IMPACTS THE BIGGEST INVESTMENT PEOPLE WILL MAKE AND THE MOST EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT THEY HAVE.” in Brockville, resemble family living rooms. Each is designed in a different style, showcasing a variety of design trends and a diehard devotion to detail. “This idea also enabled us to become members of the community, and to better understand the needs of the areas we serve,” Barkhouse elucidates. In savvy addition, these “Living Rooms” (as they’re officially called) are also investment properties, with rental units integrated into each one. In 2022, Amsted merged with Precision Contracting, a reputable, longstanding entity in the Brockville area that had always shared the now parent company’s values. The merger not only facilitated the growth of its workforce and additional stability and longevity for its clients, it garnered Amsted yet another award. That same year, Amsted was voted one of the best places to work in the
greater Ottawa area. “We provide a service that impacts the biggest investment people will make and the most emotional attachment they have,” says Barkhouse. “The only way to do that at a high level with the respect it deserves is with ‘A’ players. And ‘A’ players want to work with other ‘A’ players, so it self-fulfills and is way more fun.” And there’s another milestone on the way: next year, Amsted Design-Build will mark 35 years in business—as well as a passing of the torch. “Kirk and I knew we wanted the company to succeed beyond us one day, so we’ve been planning this for a while now. With our vision, mission, and core values as guideposts, we hired, elevated, trained, and supported our new Leadership Team, who will take us through our next 35 years!” Of all the things Amsted has designed and built over the years, their greatest might well be their legacy.
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TOP
READS
5 BOOKS TO READ FOR A NEW YOU IN 2024.
The Happiness Advantage Positive psychologist Shawn Achor explores the science of happiness and offers practical strategies for rewiring your brain to become more positive. This book is a road map to greater well-being. 3
Grit, Angela Duckworth Psychologist Angela Duckworth delves into the concept of grit and how it shapes success. Discover how perseverance, passion, and a positive attitude can help you achieve your goals. 1
The Gifts of Imperfection Brené Brown’s exploration of vulnerability and wholehearted living is a testament to the power of embracing imperfections. Learn how authenticity can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life. 2
4 4
MEMO MODE
S
tudies show that reading one book slow and intentionally is better than reading 10 books in a fast.
Man’s Search For Meaning
The Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle’s spiritual classic explores the transformative power of living in the present moment. By mastering the art of mindfulness, you’ll learn to let go of negative thought patterns and embrace a more positive, peaceful existence.
In the face of unimaginable adversity, Viktor Frankl discovered the importance of finding meaning in life. His profound insights from his time in a concentration camp teach us that a positive mindset can thrive even in the darkest of cir- FACES MAGAZINE 63 cumstances.
Whenyou Youneed Needus, Us, When we're We’rehere. Here Help ensure Bruyère is always here when you or your loved ones need us. YES! I will help Bruyère be there. Mr _ Mrs _ Ms _ First Name _____________________ Last Name ______________________________ Mailing Address ___________________________ City _____________ Prov ___ Postal Code _______ Mobile/Phone _________________________ E-mail Address __________________________________ Option 1: ___ My cheque payable to the Bruyère Foundation is enclosed Option 2: ___ Charge donation to my: ___ VISA ___ Mastercard ___ American Express Card No. __________________________________________________ Expiry Date ________ / ________ Cardholder’s Name ______________________________________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________________Date _______________________ Thank you! A receipt for Income Tax purposes will be mailed to you. Registered charity number 88846 0441 RR0001
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SNOWY ESCAPES
Quebec City’s Hôtel de Glace is open for its 2024 season, themed “Historic Timeline.” Each room and corridor will depict a different historical period, showcasing ice sculptures capturing defining moments in history, including music, fashion, video games, sports, exploration, and writing. This iconic attraction, which has been drawing visitors from around the world for over two decades, promises a unique winter experience.
Inside Hotel De Glace The design of Hôtel de Glace, featuring 30 rooms, including 22 themed suites and a family fun area, will be completed by January
16 and open daily until March 17. Guests can enjoy an ice bar, outdoor saunas and hot tubs, and an ice cathedral for ammenities.
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2 AIRBNBS NEAR OTTAWA WORTH A WINTER WEEKEND 01
The Majestic Chalet, Val-Des-Monts, QC
A one-of-a-kind 4-season lakeside chalet located just 35 minutes from Ottawa in Val-Des-Monts. This stunning Scandinavian-style retreat offers a wood-burning fireplace, spacious terrace, and breathtaking waterfront views of Lake Dam (Lake Grand). Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen and three cozy bedrooms. The spacious, naturally-bright and rustic chalet is the perfect blend of modern, luxury and cabin.
02
Cottontail Cabin, Merrickville
Nestled amidst 22 acres of tranquil woods, Cottontail Cabin offers the ultimate retreat for those seeking a revitalizing escape in the heart of nature. This fully-equipped cabin provides all the amenities necessary for a comfortable and enjoyable stay for 6 guests with its 2 bedrooms and pull-out couch. The cabin features infloor heating and a woodstove, and a full-size hot tub and wood-fired sauna, all within the rustic charm of a modern log cabin with a cozy loft.
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The Winter Tech
Edit
5 of the coolest gadgets to buy this year.
Apple Vision Pro
GUIDE 16 Oz Ember Tumbler A 16 oz Tumbler that allows you to set an exact drinking temperature and keep it there for up to 3 hours, all controlled by your phone. The latest model of this hightech tumbler comes with a $265 price tag.
GUIDE 2024’s Apple Vision Pro is set to hit shelves in February, and will come with a $3,500+ price tag. The headset will provide immerseive VR experiences with 4K micro OLED displays, eye and gesture tracking, over 12 cameras, and 3D photo and video capture.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro will be the first Android smartphone to be powered by Google’s next-generation AI model, Gemini. Because the AI runs on-device, it will help keep sensitive data from leaving the phone and allow you to use the AI features without an internet connection.
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Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP03
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Gail Sala FROM REFRESH TO INNOVATIVE DESIGN
G
ail Sala is in the hff ffff “refresh business.”
Fifteen years ago, the personable Sala negotiated detours both entrepreneurial and familial till she found the road to Homeworks, the Carp-based interior design practice of which she is owner-operator. She defines that enterprise today as a “refresh business,” reflecting the core philosophy that guides her artistic vision: Keep what you love and refresh the rest. Sala’s home, office, and residential makeovers are both respectful and innovative, a style she describes as Urban Modern or Urban Natural. It’s largely a matter of recognizing the best a space has, decoratively, to offer. Then, she and her team adjust its vibe with a touch of something vintage or otherwise unusual, adding a sense of whimsy certain to spark conversation. “Not everyone wants a clean slate and to start from scratch,” Sala explains. “I had a client who had a 5,000 sq ft home. She and her husband were world travelers and had purchased artwork, Persian rugs, and collectibles—but weren’t
sure how to incorporate them. I changed the scale of the furniture to better fit the space, giving them the perfect backdrop.” In other words, work with what you’ve got, are given, or can add without major alteration. It’s also a great way, in today’s challenging economy, to keep costs reasonable. The inspiration for Homeworks was Sala’s aging parents. At the time, their accommodations were in need of change due to the couple’s physical limitations. While helping them out, Sala became acutely aware of the relationship between form and function and comfort and accessibility. This hands-on education paid off handsomely; she went on to specialize in the design and decoration of senior living and retirement homes across Ontario. Sala and her team have since worked on a variety of spaces locally and provincially and have otherwise contributed to community by participating in charitable causes, including Habitat for Humanity, Women Build, and Cornerstone Housing for Women. Homeworks’ professional plans for 2024 include a series of collaborative projects allowing Sala to incorporate next year’s style projections: earthy colours and eco-friendly materials, creating soothing atmospheres of personality-rich
interiors and green living. “My inspiration comes from the old and the new,” Sala reiterates. “Staying in tune with the latest design trends as well as pulling from the outdoors, travel, architecture, and antique stores.” All
skewed, she emphasizes, through the client’s individualism. “Your home or office should be a reflection of who you are, the places you’ve been, and the things that you love.”
With over 15 years of experience as an interior decorator and certified home stager, Homeworks founder Gail Sala has imparted her unique aesthetic on hundreds of residential and commercial projects.
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O T T A W A M A G A Z I N E F A C E S
ADR OTTAWA'S There's no dispute about the value of
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Through an impressive legal career spanning decades, Steven Gaon has mediated over 3,000 cases and arbitrated or investigated hundreds more at the helm of ADR Ottawa.
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he Goldilocks Zone.
As in the fairy tale, the one about the enterprising little girl who ventured from chair to chair until she found the ideal fit. That, in effect, is what Steven Gaon has done throughout his long and distinguished career, and why he’s equating where he is now with that magic, climactic discovery: the perfect accommodation. “The firm right now,” says Gaon of ADR Ottawa, the city’s top dispute resolution service, “is just where I want it to be. Mediation is a merit-based business; if you do good work, your reputation flourishes.” Plus, it’s headed by founder Gaon, whose legal roots run deep. The Montreal-born Gaon’s maternal grandfather was an archetypical mid-century lawyer: a sharp-dresser who smoked a pipe and was hugely respected by his peers. Though his comportment certainly made an impression, it was a proverbial accoutrement, his shoes, that Gaon more comfortably slipped into, becoming a talented and respected lawyer himself. After obtaining a BA at Concordia University and completing the Common Law (JD) program at the University of Ottawa, Gaon, who was called to the Bar in 1987, dived headfirst into litigation. Shortly thereafter, he found his true niche: mediation. Inspired, he eagerly obtained his credentials and began growing his practice as a mediator, arbitrator and workplace investigator. He has gone on to help thousands of people find peace and closure after being embroiled in emotionally and financially taxing conflicts.
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My favourite part of my job is helping people to be at peace, find closure, and put their conflict behind them. His advice to aspiring lawyers? “Find an area of practice you find inspirational. Second, find employment with a good firm that specializes in that area; hone your skills until you become an expert. And third, market yourself.” That last point is especially important. Building a successful practice like ADR takes expertise, vision, and sweat equity—but it’s also a matter of making the right connections, which can necessitate a self-operated spotlight. As for business owners battling uncertainty about accessing mediation services, the sage and extending Gaon has words for them too, particularly if they’re navigating the legal system for the first time. “Hire the right people,” he emphasizes. “If it’s a business law issue, hire a skilled commercial lawyer. If you get involved in a lawsuit that’s headed to a hearing, hire a civil litigator who specializes in the appropriate area of law. Whatever you do, don’t represent yourself.” And with ADR Ottawa ready to prove that they’re the right fit for your needs, why would anyone?
In 2003, the tangible results and positive client reaction to Gaon’s practical, proactive style inspired him to set up a separate line of business: ADR Ottawa. The firm offers a wide variety of dispute and conflict resolution services. These include mediation, arbitration, harassment and administrative investigation, and workplace conflict resolution. The firm works with clients of all sizes, from lawyers to private citizens and companies to government and non-governmental institutions. This year, Gaon celebrates 20 years as ADR’s owner and President. While it’s a proud achievement, it’s not his only tenure at the top of a mountain. Gaon also enthusiastically served as President of the CCLA (County of Carleton Law Association) between 2015 and 2016, helping the board make positive strides for Ottawa’s legal community. While Gaon continues to spearhead ADR, he’s also busy grooming the next generation of mediation talent. He’s an adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa, teaching a first-year dispute resolution and ethics course and an upper-year mediation course and does private mentoring. FACES MAGAZINE
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IN FASHION FACES
MAGAZINE
Cold Weather Style Secrets
5 Smart Fixes for Your Winter Clothing Woes
Say goodbye to winter clothing problems as we dive into these game-changing solutions.
1
Cling In Seconds ZapStatic Avoid static cling in one swipe of a dryer sheet. You
can run it over your hair, over your hat, skirt, shirt…whatever cling has decided to hit, a dryer sheet will help to eliminate it.
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To Clean Salt Stained Boots, create a vinegar-water solution by mixing 1 tbsp of vinegar with 1 cup of water. Rub the mixture onto your boots using a cloth to remove the stains. Adjust the vinegar amount for leather or suede boots if needed by adding more gradually until you achieve the desired result. 2
To
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For
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To
free a frozen zipper, rub a bit of lip balm or candle wax on the zipper teeth. It will lubricate the zipper and make it easier to zip up. fog-free glasses when out in the cold, wash your glasses with soapy water and let them air dry before heading out. The soap leaves a thin film that reduces fogging. avoid warped shoulders in your sweaters from hangers, fold each sweater on the hanger instead. This will also help to prevent stretching.
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It’s a deeply humanistic approach, which has helped to establish a stand-out reputation. The Teal Umbrella’s current staff of fourteen works as one to create positive experiences for patients. “Dentistry can be challenging and uncomfortable,” admits Dr. Samarrae, “but the support and collaboration of my staff, make it an easy and rewarding experience.” To that end, The Teal Umbrella offers a “comfort menu.” Its options include a heated throw, a hot towel, a neck warmer, an eye mask, and noise-blocking headphones or relaxing music. Small wonder families from across the city are venturing to its central location, availing themselves of the free parking to receive pain-free treatment. The Scotland-born Dr. Samarrae’s professional journey began after obtaining her BDS degree from the University of Baghdad in 1998. After a brief stint working in Dubai post-graduation, she moved her young family to Canada in 2003, where she graduated from the University of Western Ontario. Her time in London, Ontario, and the opportunity she had to work with people from so many different cultures made a lasting impression on her. In 2008, she decided to set up shop in Ottawa. “Our previous visit as tourists had left a lasting impression,” she recounts. “It’s a midsize city, exceptionally clean, family-oriented, and brimming with opportunities. We have never regretted our decision.”
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Dentistry, you may have divined from Dr. Samarrae’s devotion to her craft, is not simply an occupation. She considers it an art, on par with her hobbies. “The precision, aesthetics, and attention to detail required in dentistry parallel my artistic pursuits: painting, drawing, beadwork, and working with resin.” The talented Dr. Samarrae might consider making herself a card, to celebrate her fifteen years as one of the leading dentists in the Ottawa area. “That milestone holds a deep significance for me,” she shares. “Each year has brought new challenges and opportunities, allowing me to refine my skills and deepen my understanding of my field. Plus, I have had the privilege of building lasting relationships with my patients. It’s a reminder of the importance of community.” Dr. Samarrae plans to serve that community in even more diverse ways in 2024. She’ll be expanding into cosmetic dentistry, advanced implantology, and new orthodontic treatments— plus, she’ll be participating in outreach programs, educational workshops, and health fairs. Just more ways the unstoppably committed Dr. Samarrae will be offering the secure feel of standing under a reliable and aesthetically pleasing umbrella.
Not that she planned to simply enjoy the rewards of her new life and home. A continuous learner, Dr. Samarrae has gone on to achieve a number of professional milestones. She has mastered digital dentistry, allowing her to technologically create smile transformations. She is also versed in advanced orthodontic design, facilitating the use of innovative aligners and implants. And her expertise in laser dentistry has been instrumental in advancing periodontal health.
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A New Study Says A Small Percentage of Dogs Are ‘Language Geniuses’
3 Pet-Friendly Destinations For Winter Walks in Ottawa
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t’s often a challenge to find dog friendly destinations in the cold winter months. Here are some of the best places in Ottawa to embrace winter with your furry friend.
Beryl Gaffney Park
Manotick’s Beryl Gaffney Park, near the intersection of Prince of Wales Drive and Rideau Valley Drive, offers multiple views and access points to the Rideau River, and it’s a great and quiet spot to spend an afternoon with your dog. 2
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Deevy Pines Park
A great spot if you’re looking for some well-maintained trails to walk your dog in the west end, Deevy Pines Park offers a quick-to-get-to walk in the woods.
Carlington Park
A popular spot for tobogganing in the winter, you and your dog can break away to finds me great views of the city, or meet other dogs in the offleash area. Smaller trails offer forest views.
A
study published in the journal Scientific Reports has just made a compelling case to support that some dogs, like humans, can be geniuses.
The study found evidence that a small group of dogs (not breed-specific) who had a larger-than-normal ‘vocabulary of object labels’, who they called ‘Gifted Word Learners (GWLs). The research team recruited a group of dogs (through an online application) who exhibited above-average intelligence and recall, within the group, they found that 56% of the dogs knew the names of at least 20 toys. One dog even knew the names of a whopping 86 toys. No one common factor connected the identified ‘dog geniuses’. They were from a variety of breeds (though Border Collie was the most common), different living situations and health histories.
Dogs Can Process Numbers, And Are Counting Their Treats, Study Says esearch shows that dogs are capable of understanding quantities much like humans. And although they may not be able to count to ten or subtract and divide, they are able to notice when you give them less food, or don’t meet the daily treat or walk quota. The study, published in Science Magazine shows that dogs can process numbers and that this mechanism is innate, not trained. They, along with other animals, possess the ability to roughly understand quantities and counting, known as “the approximate number system’.
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Dr.
GERALD
PULVERMACHER ONE OF OTTAWA'S PIONEER PSYCHOLOGISTS
"I’m likely one of very few psychologists in Ontario who’s been certified in both Clinical and Organizational Psychology.”
T
hat self-assessment is hardly the venerable Gerald Pulvermacher’s only distinction. In the 1970s, the entrepreneurial Pulvermacher became one of the first full-time private practicing psychologists in Ottawa. In that same era, he co-developed a highly successful group fear of flying program, which was sponsored by Air Canada for several years. He was also a pioneer in the integration of psychological principles into the realm of business; long before COVID necessitated it, in fact, he helped introduce North America to the managerial and personal challenges of remote working. The company he co-created in 1980, Telework Training International, had offices in Ottawa, Toronto, and Denver. It was hardly Pulvermacher’s last career stop. Over the ensuing decades, he went on to spearhead no less than five more specialized consultancies. Pulvermacher’s lifelong concern with employee and organizational well-being is undoubtedly rooted in his unique background. “I was born in a Displaced Persons Camp in Bergen-Belsen, Germany,” he shares, “to parents who were Holocaust and concentration camp
survivors. We arrived in Montreal in 1949 when I was two, as sponsored immigrants. “The other immigrant families I was deeply familiar with had similar stories of sorrow, loss, confusion, anger, and fear - yet with a determination to create a life for themselves and their children. I naturally fell into a career in psychology to both understand and cope with those challenging early years while being sensitive to those around me who could neither comprehend nor process what they had been subjected to.” After two years of working in a hospital setting, and post-graduating with a doctorate in psychology, Pulvermacher set up his own practice. Realizing a collective lack of coping skills among his clients, he co-founded Pulvermacher, Stevens, and Shack, which in addition to treating patients, devoted itself to teaching much-needed life management skills: self-assertion, conflict resolution, mastery over anxiety and stress, overcoming simple and complex phobias, and how to negotiate domestic and professional relationFACES MAGAZINE
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Dr. Change Ottawa’s Dr. Gerald Pulvermacher has built an incredible legacy at the intersection of clinical and organizational psychology. He’s been touted as one of Canada’s ‘management gurus’ by MacLean’s Magazine, and is known by Japanese-led multinationals as ‘Dr. Change’. He’s also worked with economic and political leaders as a trainer and course designer with the World Economic Forum. But before these achievements, Dr. Pulvermacher’s career came from humble beginnings in Ottawa.
ships. The practice consisted of psychologists, psychiatrists, velopment, human capital, and organizational design, this and social workers, and grew to include several offices across international interest expanded to include 100 partners and the Nation’s Capital. 1,500-2,000 global practitioners. “Those were among the most challenging and fascinating years of my career,” PulWhile the clinical practice continued to function under the vermacher reflects. “I never stopped learning, whether it was supervision of one of the partners, Pulvermacher went on to how to manage a large number of people or deal with business form PSS Consulting. PSS integrated organization psychol- processes and strategies. The People Practice within Deloitte ogy into business training, then, offered consulting services kept growing by leaps and bounds, and with the significant focused on organizational development. That company also advent of technology and transformational change, we were grew, this time nationally. compelled to constantly innovate, train our practitioners, and deploy these skills with some of the largest multinational Deloitte Consulting acquired PSS Consulting in 1996. Shortly corporations on the planet.” after joining Deloitte, Pulvermacher became Partner and Global Practice Director for the People Service Lines, moving After nine years at Deloitte, Pulvermacher began to note the to its Head Office in New York City. Offering consulting creeping number of businesses transitioning to the next genservices in change management, learning, executive de- eration, as the Baby Boomers, like himself, were beginning
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to consider retirement. Adjusting his focus, in 2005, he founded Gerald Pulvermacher & Associates (GPA), a firm dedicated to succession and transition work. “We work with all sizes of companies in family and non-family-owned enterprises,” Pulvermacher explains. “The only difference between large and small is complexity. The methods, tools, strategies, and processes are similar, but applications can be more daunting as the number of players, particularly in family businesses, increases. Having a background in psychology is a strategic advantage. Not only does this training help to understand individual dynamics but also the interpersonal dynamics of families and teams. Without such a deep appreciation, the work is more superficial, and the required changes are less likely to be sustained. “In addition to our work with family businesses in a variety of industries, GPA has had engagements with such clients as pension funds, central banks, lottery corporations, energy and pipeline providers, hospitals, airports, professional services firms, home care providers, Crown Corporations, and many others. Our differentiator is the experience level of our people,” Pulvermacher points out. “All have advanced degrees and many years of experience consulting, training, advising, and coaching. And some have had first-hand experience leading businesses.”
the reward of helping a successful business transition to the next generation of leaders, while working with them to drive the enterprise to the next level of performance. Which distinction to single out? “Perhaps my most cherished piece of work,” Pulvermacher ponders, “was when the World Economic Forum asked me to design and train their facilitators, who were actually participants, for their annual meeting held that year in New York City in commemoration of 9/11, rather than Davos. As I looked around the classroom, I found myself training and advising heads of state, captains of business, presidents of universities, and media celebrities. It was daunting but a thrill.” That said, the man MacLean’s Magazine has called one of Canada’s “management gurus” and was is known in Japan as Dr. Change identifies the greatest gift in his life as his family. “I have placed a great deal of value in my life on family, career, and community, and have contributed a great deal to the latter two. However, when someone asks me how I am, I mentally peruse every member of my family. I check each box as to how they are. If they’re fine, I’m fine. When they struggle, I have to hold myself back from jumping in to help. When they accomplish something that they have worked hard towards, I feel extremely proud. It says to me, and I’ve never shared this with them, that I believe they are the reason that my parents survived.”
As for his best piece of advice, Pulvermacher offers today’s businesses the following: “The day of the charismatic, all-knowing leader is gone. Assemble the strongest team possible, engage them with challenging work, treat them in ways that leaders would want to be treated, and never stop learning. That and the ability to anticipate, lead, and address change successfully differentiates companies that succeed and last from those that don’t.”
“
GPA’s success has crowded Pulvermacher’s career with professional highlights. None so great, he explains, as
The day of the charismatic, all-knowing leader is gone. Assemble the strongest team possible, engage them with challenging work, treat them in ways that leaders would want to be treated, and never stop learning. FACES MAGAZINE
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Winter Warmers
Bitter Sweet Spirit is a group of Ottawa bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts with a passion for creating and sharing great recipes with friends. Here’s four of their must-try cocktails for winter.
F A C E S
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Vie En Rose
North Americano Clover Club 1 ½ oz gin ½ oz elderflower liqueur ¾ oz raspberry syrup ½ oz lemon juice 1 egg white Raspberries for garnish Cranberry bitter hearts In a shaker with ice, add the gin, elderflower liqueur, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, egg white and shake well. Strain out the ice and shake again. Double-strain the drink into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with raspberries and cranberry bitter hearts.
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1 cup sweet vermouth 2 cinnamon sticks Peel of 1 clementine 1 ½ oz aperol 1 ½ oz infused sweet vermouth 1 bar spoon lemon juice Club soda (to top) Orange slice for garnish For the infused vermouth, add the vermouth, one cinnamon stick and clementine peel to a jar, seal and refrigerate. After 24 hours, strain the mix and refrigerate again. To make the cocktail, add the aperol, infused vermouth and lemon juice to a mixing glass and stir well. Strain into a chilled rocks glass and top with club soda, a cinnamon stick and an orange slice.
1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 cup raspberries 1 ½ oz gin ¾ oz raspberry syrup ½ lemon juice Toasted Almond Eggnog 2 drops rose water Rose Petals For the raspberry syrup, add water, sugar, and raspberries to a pot and stir on medium high heat. Mash the raspberries in the pot, and remove from heat after it starts to boil. Double strain the mixture into a bottle and let it cool outside. Once it’s cooled down, set it in the fridge. For the cocktail, add the gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice and rose water to a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe and garnish with rose petals.
Blue Moon Sour 1 ½ oz gin ½ oz crème de Violette ½ oz simple syrup ½ oz lemon juice 1 egg white Lavender sprig for garnish In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, crème de Violette, simple syrup, lemon juice and egg white. Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled. Double-strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lavender sprig.
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MONIQUE GAGNE & CATHIE ORFALI show that a joyful financial journey is within everyone’s reach. She has so many little secrets hidden under the hood. The other name on the book jacket, Cathie Orfali, is a self-confessed financial wunderkind. She bought her first home at 19, renting out its rooms while she continued her post-secondary studies. Today, she’s the President of Money Advisors and is a managing member of Orfali Group LLC, a leading real estate brokerage. Cathie is also a Certified Global Priority Solutions Specialist. Monique and Cathie first crossed paths at a mortgage business meeting. In no time, they discovered a shared passion for spreading the gospel of sound money management. They went on to refine Monique’s book, released in 2008, “Who Took My Money?” Today, the new edition of that instructional guide is out, teeming with strategies that encourage better financial management. It’s a testament
BY DAN LALANDE PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLAI GREGORY
J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y
Money is a valuable tool but has no power of its own. It doesn’t care if you are good or bad, pretty or ugly. It’s a lesson too many of us learn the hard way, whether we’re just starting to earn, grappling with the mounting costs of everyday life, or planning our retirements. Monique Gagné, author of the enlightening book “Who Took My Money?”, published in 2008 has metamorphosed from teaching fashion design to becoming an IT specialist/certified trainer. After transitioning as a mortgage agent and financial coach, she has imparted her insights through a course called “The Power of Financial Happiness,” teaching people that managing Money is simple and fun!, “The Power of Financial Happiness” demystifies the art of money management. It’s a journey where snowballing debt, perfecting budgets, and planning for retirement is both simple and enjoyable. No matter your financial goals, Monique‘s teachings
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to the fact that we can all do better with our Money. “We need to change our negative mindsets about Money,” says Monique. “When Money is your reliable tool, you can really flourish. By making small and steady changes, you can achieve a life of financial significance.” The book, drawing from Monique’s course, addresses common misconceptions that can hinder prosperity. It advocates for crafting a solid budget, paying yourself first, gauging debt, and conducting financial check-ups. Moreover, “Who Took My Money?”, inspired by its own teachings, offers interactive exercises by which readers can put these concepts into practice. “Our goal,” Monique emphasizes, “is for readers to gain a toolkit that not only fosters financial happiness but also arms them with the skills to create a sustainable and prosperous future.” Cathie adds that the advice is universal: “This book is for those just starting out with their financial plans, and also for those who have faced hardship or need a refresher on the back-to-basics principles that lead to good goal setting, wealth creation, and personal fulfillment.” The sage, common-sense wisdom that the book’s main character, a wise grandfather named GP, might 88
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pass on to his grandson Charles, a financial advisor in the making, reinforces this message. Their informed dialogue is set in the family garage, where GP demystifies complex concepts, inspires confidence, and helps his grandson celebrate financial milestones. Channeling GP, Monique advises, “The best time to take charge of your financial future is now. Invest in yourself by shifting your mindset and establishing positive habits. Well-managed Money can support you for life, offering rewards beyond what you might imagine.” But be wary of perceived shortcuts. “There’s no
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professionals can come from serving others in various ways”—whether that’s through a course, a book, or simply by being the most reliable financial authority we can be. Their advice: “For anybody who’s ever uncertain, don’t hesitate to consult with a reputable financial professional”—like GP and Charles…oops, I mean Monique and Cathie. Imagine a world where financial worries are but a distant memory, and every decision moves you closer to your dreams. “Who Took My Money?” is not just a book; it’s a treasure map to a prosperous future. As a Final thought from our experts: “May you spread your wings and reach out to achieve your wildest Dream. Walt Disney has done it, and so can You!”
J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y
get-rich-quick scheme for building long-term wealth,” warns Cathie, who often sees people attempting to play that card in the game of real estate. “Investing in real estate is a significant asset class, but it’s not a liquid asset. You need to make sure that it’s a great complement to a well-balanced portfolio. People need to be prepared to make sacrifices, be adaptive in their planning, and exercise discipline.” Monique and Cathie endorse this philosophy beyond the confines of the book. Cathie is currently the Chairwoman of Stephens Children Canada, which focuses on raising money for families living in extreme poverty in Egypt. Both Monique and Cathie are very much involved in the community giving back to many needing area – Cancer, homeless, and woman shelters trough local events that help support our community. They encourage aspiring financial leaders to continue to build on their knowledge through mentorship and continuing education, but also to remember that our success as
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“The best time to take charge of your financial future is now. Invest in yourself by shifting your mindset and establishing positive habits. Well-managed money can support you for life, offering rewards beyond what you might imagine.”
O T T A W A M A G A Z I N E
GRAPES &
F A C E S
GRAINS
Silver Swallow Luxury Kombucha, Natural Food
Pantry. This refined, tea-forward Kombucha, is delicately packaged in a champagne bottle and ideal for non-alcoholic drinks. It is perfect for moments of self-care or special dry occasions. Pair it with sushi, fresh fruit, or oysters for a sophisticated treat.
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2021 Carp Ridge Skin Fermented Chardonnay, Kin Vineyards. ASkin Fermented White with an 11.5% alcohol content and 3.8 g/L residual sugar. Hand-picked and meticulously crafted, it unveils an earthy profile of ginger root and chamomile, offering a palate of mushroom, dried flowers, and a delightful astringency, culminating in a long, dry finish.
There are over 10 different wineries and 3 distilleries in and around the Capital Region, and we’ve highlighted 4 of our top picks for the winter.
Project 27 Meritage, Vankleek Hill Vineyard A warm, fresh tasting maple flavour that leaves a smooth and long lasting mouth-coating finish with hints of vanilla and spices. Named after The Rideau Trail, this double-barrel Rideau Whisky was finished in a # 3 char barrel washed with Dark Maple Syrup from Lanark County.
Ogham Craft Spirits, Traditional Poitín, Strat-
ford Fox Run. Experience the origin of every whisky with this traditional poitín, a Canadian grain, double-distilled in copper pots for an un-aged Irish-style spirit. Meticulously crafted from locally farmed grains, this smooth and colorless libation offers a pure showcase of hay, cut grass, malt, bran, and oatmeal notes.
WHERE THE ATMOSPHERE IS AS SMOOTH AS OUR SPIRITS.
NOW OPEN – 767 Silver Seven Road – Unit 23
sfrdistillery.com
O T T A W A F A C E S
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ALTITUDE GYM IS GOING TO THE TOP What if someone told you that you could burn calories, strength train, and improve your balance, all while improving your ability to solve problems, manage stress, and participate in community? “Climbing is a sport that’s good for both body and soul,” explain Patrick Lamothe and Nancy Asselin, co-owners of Altitude Gym, the Gatineau-based fitness facility promoting the tricky, rewarding art of climbing “It allows you to clear your mind, focus on a particular climbing problem, and surpass yourself. Once you’re into it, you’re disconnected from the external pressures of daily life. Nobody judges you or looks down on you.” Lamothe comes from a military background. It was during his twenty-seven years in the Canadian Armed Forces that the St-Jean-sur-Richelieu native learned the foundations of mountaineering.
BY DAN LALANDE COVER PHOTO BY NICOLAI GREGORY
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“It’s a constant process involvin g custom er feedba ck . You have to be able to talk to th em, listen an d
reorg a n ize.” His travels introduced him to the finer points of the sport, as well as to the fellow enthusiasts he would someday ask to help him establish Altitude’s flagship location. That popular facility offers over one hundred routes of top rope and leads from heights of 30 and 45 feet. There are auto-belays for solo climbers, enough bouldering for everyone, a training room featuring a Moonwall, a Kilter and a Tension Wall plus a bouldering outdoor park. Asselin, a communications professional from Jonquière, was the first to announce these features when she organized the gym’s opening press conference. In December 2010, Lamothe invited her to join the team. It was meant to be: Asselin’s communication agency had been called “Eskalad.” Altitude’s attendees range from the curious to the experienced. “If you want to try climbing for the first time,” says Asselin, “we’ll be delighted to introduce you to it. If you’re a veteran climber, we’ll bring you up to the level that you want.”
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Middle, Altitude’s Orleans Location Bottom, Altitude’s Kanata Location
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At Right, Climbers in the Annex at Altitude’s Flagship Gatineau Location.
In other words, all levels of fitness can apply. And they do. The team behind Altitude is constantly entertaining innovative ways to retain and expand their customer base. “It’s not always easy,” confesses the hard-working Lamothe. “It’s a constant process involving customer feedback. You have to be available to talk to them, listen, and reorganize.” That’s tough enough for the owner-operator of a single franchise but Altitude’s stock is (yes, I’m going to say it) climbing. Aside from its home base in Gatineau, there are gyms in Ottawa (Kanata) and Orleans. “We have to constantly adapt to different cultures,” explains Asselin. “We have to respect the specific characteristics of each gym’s clientele while making sure we keep true to our initial vision: that we’re one big family!” That family includes Altitude’s carefully selected employees, who are, well, like family. “Without our teams,” says Asselin, “we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. We guide the boat in a certain direction and give them the best possible training, tools, and support according to our corporate decisions. This keeps our businesses healthy, profitable, and in a state of steady growth.” It’s advice other companies, from start-ups to those considering expansion, need to heed. “Everything should start with a good team and good business partners,” cautions Patrick Lamothe. “But before choosing them, assess your strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself: What does my company really need? What kind of skills, competencies, or personalities will multiply its strengths? Then, make the right choices. All too often, people go into business with their friends—which isn’t bad in itself—but it’s important to make sure that that decision is in line with the company’s requirements.” And just like rock climbing, becoming successful requires some serious sweat equity. “It’s very important to have a high degree of resiliency,” Lamothe warns. “There can be troubled waters. Be strong enough not to be submerged by them. Don’t forget, lots of people are counting on you: your employees, partners, suppliers, banks, and especially your customers.”
It’s that thinking that motivates Lamothe and Asselin to keep fine-tuning their facilities, from the mega outdoor park in Gatineau to the various additions at their Ontario franchises. Additional renovations to the Gatineau gym are being planned for 2024, and an announcement will be made about an exciting fourth location. Yes, getting to the top can be a long haul—but if anyone can teach you how to get there, either in their facilities or the world of business, it’s the team at Altitude Gym.
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Resolution Ready 5 Fitness Finds For Your Best You In 2024 ELOTON GUIDE AI POWERED TRAINER
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In The Gym Subheading.
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Handbook
2024’s
The most anticipated trends of 2024 in home, fashion, and entertainment. /01 You heard it here first: farmhouse-style kitchens may be left in 2023. Modern kitchens with retro-inspired appliances and ‘kitcsh’ accessories (a word used to describe overly ornate or gaudy styles that are unusually appealing and sentimental) will make a comeback.
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/02 Hotel Luxury Cafe at Home: Pinterest reports a spike in searches for cafe-style accessories and home furnishings. In 2024, people want to bring the experience of a luxury hotel to their home.
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/04 For both men and women, the focus on skincare continues into the new year.
/03 While 2023 felt futuristic and rigidly modern in fashion, 2024 may see a return to the classics. One of Pinterest’s most popular searches in late 2023 was ‘Grandpa Style’, ‘Retro Streetwear’, and similar muses that suggest a more timeless look is on the horizon.
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/05 At home, tulled accents on furniture and walls is one of the hottest trends to enter the new year with.
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/06 Cars also steer away from the futuristic trend in 2024, as many brands bring off-road inspired upgrades to their bestsellers.
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Celebrating 20 Years of
MARVEL & SNAP TRANSFORMING WEB SERVICES WITH PASSION & PURPOSE
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Marvel & Snap. It’s the catchy, creative name for CEO and Founder André Langlois’ web services firm. The name reflects a drive to innovate: the company’s modern approach to helping businesses of all sizes manage their web operations in a cost-effective, efficient and meaningful way. You can imagine just how much the company stood out when it was founded 20 years ago. Marvel & Snap was born from a fervent passion for technology. “I’ve always held an adventurous spirit,” Langlois reflects. “Growing up on a small farm in Pembroke was an incredible experience, but the lure of technology led me to Ottawa.” Then just 21 years old, Langlois’ journey into the world of IT began during college, where he landed his first contract with the Government of Canada. “It was a pivotal project for me. It awakened my fascination with web technologies and their boundless potential.” From those foundational years emerged a vision to revolutionize the web operations landscape. André had seen first-hand the struggles of marketing teams tasked with
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modernizing their web operations in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. “Project-based work was an inefficient and unsustainable way to address the problem. Instead, I offered web services under a monthly service package.”
“I believe marketers should have instant access to a reliable team of web experts that are focused on helping them achieve their goals.” Before Langlois’ innovation, this was only a dream to marketing teams. But as an entrepreneur with years of hands-on IT experience, André saw a way to make this vision a reality.
And like most solutions designed with people in mind, André’s innovative offering of ‘web operations as a service’ was a direct hit. Since 2003, he’s amassed a portfolio of lifelong business partners, including major North American brands—like Canopy Growth, Martha Stewart, March Networks, Martello, and Open Space—who rely on Marvel & Snap on an ongoing basis. As web operations continues to explode into uncharted territory, Marvel & Snap is at the forefront of marketing innovation, firmly standing on a people-first philosophy. “The future demands ongoing enhancements and optimization,” The entrepreneur explains. “And building enduring relationships rests on delivering exceptional support, transparency, and a genuine commitment to our clients’ success.”
Celebrating 20 years isn’t merely about looking back—it’s a reassurance of the company’s promise to continue transforming web services with the same passion and purpose that ignited their remarkable journey two decades ago. Marvel & Snap’s legacy is not just a celebration; it’s a pledge—a commitment to continually evolve, innovate, and shape the future of web services with an unwavering dedication to client success and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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In the same tone, he passionately shares his secret to helping businesses enhance their online presence. “Envision us as an extension of your marketing team. By partnering with us, you’re tapping into decades of expertise in technical excellence and strategic guidance.”
A perfect example of this tenuous equilibrium is the company’s 2024 rollout of their new Customer Portal, the embodiment of that commitment to evolving in tandem with the ever-changing digital landscape. “We’re rolling out our new Customer Portal with an array of new tools, automation features, and insightful analytics,” the founder reveals.
J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y
And throughout the last 20 years of constant, purpose-ful growth, the pillar of Marvel & Snap’s success has been its people. “My team embodies the ethos of passion and dedication, and it defines our work. Together, we’re committed to crafting outstanding web experiences.” The founder announces with his trademark excitement that is both transparent and fervent when talking about his business.
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Timecapsule
Ottawa in 2004
Take a step back to 2004, here’s what was happening in the Capital a short 20 years ago.
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TTAWA SENATORS HIGHLIGHTS
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Senators painful Game 7 loss to the Maple Leafs, where Patrick Lalime was pulled after Joe Nieuwendyk beat him on 2 bad-angle shots in the 1st period. This game would be the last game that Jacques Martin would coach the Ottawa Senators, as the Senators all-time leader in Coaching Wins was fired that off-season.
Team Leaders in 2004: Goals: Marian Hossa, 36 Assists: Daniel Alfredsson, 48 Points: Marian Hossa, 82 PIM: Chris Neil, 194 Save Pct: Martin Prusek, .917
2004 Time Capsule
+/-: Zdeno Chara, +33 Notable Trades & Signings: Acquired former 50-Goal Scorer Petr Bondra for Brooks Laich and a 2nd Round pick (Bondra would go pointless during the 7-Game Series versus the Leafs)
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Top Senators Draft Picks in 2004
Andre Meszaros (23rd overall) Peter Regin (87th overall)
OTTAWA RENEGADES IN 2004 Finished with a 5-13 record, did not make the playoffs
· Kerry Joseph was Renegades QB
· Joe Paopao was the Head Coach
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2004 Headlines Here’s some of the top news stories from 2004.
The Largest Rainfall in Ottawa History took place on September 9th, 2004 – when 118.7 millimetres fell within 24 hours on the Nation’s Capital.
Metallica, Tom Jones, Evanescence, Beastie Boys, Rod Stewart and 50 Cent were among the concerts at the CTC in 2004
Zdeno Chara #3, Marian Hossa #18 and Patrick Lalime #40 of the Ottawa Senators look on during the NHL All-Star SuperSkills competition at the Office Depot Center on February 1, 2003 in Sunrise, Florida. Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI
Ottawa hosted the Grey Cup in 2004, the Toronto Argonauts beat the BC Lions 27-19 at Frank Clair Stadium. The Tragically Hip played the Halftime Show.
Top Trends Top Song: ‘Yeah!’ by Usher ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris
The Cost of Living in 2004 AirBnB in Santorini Creeping own they’re replenish and gathering seasons isn’t fifth in. And that above meat saying rule good made. Light you for gathered his. Seasons dominion own. Said land let seasons whose, lights multiply, likeness heaven also be. Kind lights day.
Bread $1.70 Eggs: $2.20 / dozen 1 KG of Chicken $5.35 Average House Sale in Ottawa: $238,675 Average Gas Price: $0.77 per litre
Top Album: ‘Confessions’ by Usher Top Grossing Movie: Shrek 2 Top Selling Toy: Nintendo DS Top Selling Car: Ford F-Series Pickup #1 Selling Video Game: World of Warcraft Top Selling Gadget: iPod mini Top Selling Book: The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
airbnb.com/santorini
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h a Le e u q c o r a L 8 Questions with CTV News Ottawa’s Leah Larocque
From her passion for languages to her love for British Period Dramas and marathon running, CTV Ottawa Multi-Skilled Journalist Leah Larocque offers insights into her life beyond the camera lens and reveals her aspirations for 2024.
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You grew up in Ottawa. What are some of your favourite memories of the city?
Who was your favorite journalist from CTV news when you were growing up?
I am so proud to be from Ottawa. I grew up in Kanata, and was a pretty busy kid. I was able to walk everywhere and had such a great network around me. I loved walking home from school and being able to jump into sports, piano lessons, or just using my imagination in the backyard with my sister or friends. Of course, one of my fondest memories was when the Senators made their run for the cup in 2007. I hopped on my bike and rode to the Coral Centre, or what’s now the Canadian Tire Centre, just to take in the excitement- horns honking, fans cheering- it was amazing to see the community support our team!
News was always around me growing up- paper, radio, television. I admire so many female journalists who really carved a path for me, and all the other women who work in this industry. Joanne Schurr was one of the best reporters Ottawa has ever seen. She has a passion for local news, doesn’t care about the noise and distractions around her, and always does things right. When I got the opportunity to work with Joanne, I learned so much. I truly believe I am where I am today because of women like Joanne. Strong female journalists in the industry like Katie Griffin and Annie Bergeron-Oliver are proving that women can have it all, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Joanne for being a trailblazer!
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When was the moment you first realized you wanted to be a journalist? Tough to say. Many people always told me I’d do well in this industry, but I was determined to set my own path. After I graduated from Queens with an undergraduate degree, I worked in communications for the Ottawa Senators. Through this experience I realized I wanted to be the one in the community telling the stories.
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h a e L q c o r a L “
My advice for anyone wanting to run a marathon is to be smart. It truly is a long journey. You have to start small, plan, and take it one day at a time. The best form of accountability is to find a training buddy. And of course, listen to your body!
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e u q What are two of the most memorable stories you’ve covered during your career? I have always had a passion for sports and look for opportunities to take on sports stories any chance I get. When Ottawa hosted the World Curling Championships I had the opportunity to do some pretty unique stories, putting a local twist on them. Interviewing the curlers’ families, as well as some young curlers from Sweden is an experience I’ll never forget, and a story I feel very privileged to have told. I also have a passion for city hall reporting. It is the level of government that affects residents the most. It is the heart of local news. Covering local stories such as the LRT inquiry, and the Fallow highlighted just how important City Hall’s decisions are. I feel very lucky to be able to bring these important stories to residents on a daily basis.
As a well renowned multiskilled journalist, what has been one of the biggest challenges in your career? Definitely when our newsroom made the shift from reporting to multi-skilled journalists. I quickly had to learn to report, shoot, write, and edit my stories for TV, radio, web, all over the course of just one day. New technology was thrown at me and I had to adapt and learn. It was a challenge to balance all these new technologies and demands, while still being true to the essence of reporting. Outside of work, you are also an avid Marathoner! Tell us about how you got into this, and your advice for those who may be interested in trying out marathons? I began running track in high school, and was on the varsity
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team at Queen’s. I was also on the varsity cross-country team. It was a way for me to be competitive, be fit, and balance a busy school load. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my teammates and teams - it truly helped shape the woman I am today. I’m lucky enough to have met my husband through running, and some of my longest and strongest friendships started through running. Now, running is a passion, a stress reliever and a way to stay social. I have raced in so many cool places, New York, Boston, and even Morocco! I always said I would never run a marathon and now I have done seven! My advice for anyone wanting to run a marathon is to be smart. It truly is a long journey. You have to start small, plan, and take it one day at a time. The best form of accountability is to find a training buddy. And of course, listen to your body! What are three big goals of yours for 2024 (or resolutions!)? Now that we have talked about it, I need to freshen up my Spanish! I’d also love to be able to read more. Finally, I just finished my fall racing season a few weeks ago. I’ll definitely have some running goals, but I’ll have to think a bit more about what these goals will be. FACES MAGAZINE
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ESCAPE SOCIETY
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“BUILD A TEAM THAT TRULY SUPPORTS ONE ANOTHER. IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A TEAM, ASK YOURSELF IF IT’S A SUPPORTIVE ONE. IF THE ANSWER IS “NO,” BUILD ANOTHER TEAM. IF THE ANSWER IS “YES,” CHERISH IT AND TREAT IT LIKE GOLD FOR AS LONG AS IT’S GOOD.” Escape Society, an Ottawa band that combine vintage cool with contemporary ingenuity, are 4 muscians from diverse backgrounds. While Scott Norris, Jay Watts, and Dean Watson all call Ottawa home and began their musical journeys here, Troy Huizinga’s roots are in London, Ontario, and his upbringing in Camlachie, which he likens to Narnia. Their collaboration started when Troy and Dean met during a recording session for Dean’s project “Everything Is Angles.” It was clear that they were destined to work together, with Jay and Scott in mind from the very beginning. In June 2022, they began planning and, by July, found themselves at Dean Watson’s “Buckingham Palace Audio,” crafting their upcoming tracks, “Sweet Days” and “Pretty City,” set for release next summer. We caught up with the band to dicuss their origins, new music, and their best advice for aspiring artists.
Photography by Nicolai Gregory
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You released your first single in June, called “Sweet Days”. Can you describe what this song is all about and what it means to you? I wrote the song at the height of pandemic uncertainty, for my partner Stacy. The lyrics are words I felt she needed to hear at the time. It’s a song of optimism. Stacy DuBois is an incredible vocalist. She contributed to the layered vocal harmonies on “Sweet Days.” She sings on a bunch of our recordings. She’s our secret weapon. We released “Sweet Days” in early June so people could experience the song as summer poured in. To push this feeling even further, we partnered with Stray Dog Brewing Company and released a blueberry wheat beer named after the song. Our plan worked. The beer flew off the shelves, and people enjoyed our song in the sunshine with a delicious treat. LiVE88.5 FM jammed the airwaves with “Sweet Days” all summer, and they haven’t stopped. These are sweet days, indeed.
In Motley Crue’s hit Netflix movie, The Dirt, Mick Mars constantly reiterated that in order to become a good band, a good band name was an absolute necessity. What inspired you to create such a unique name like Escape Society? Dean has always kept lists of fun ideas that arise during recording sessions. “The Escape Society” was a potential title that sat unused in his notebook for years. The pencil was nearly smudged out by the time he returned to it. He suggested the name when the rest of us were coming up short. We were attracted by the double-entendre. Our logo was created by award-winning, graphic designer David Boivin. We were very lucky to work with him, and we love how it turned out. He really leaned into the secret society vibe. It just goes to show you, when you get a good idea, always write it down! What is your favourite thing about writing music? You get to dream out loud. It’s revealing. All this stuff spills out of you, stuff you didn’t even know you were preoccupied with. I love the discipline of craft. The challenge of shaping that raw material into a cohesive piece. I love that you can write something in 2 minutes and it can last forever. I love working on songs with my best
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//“THE // WE PARTNERED ESCAPE SOCIETY WITH STRAY IS THE DOG BREWING GREATEST TEAM COMPANY I’VE EVER AND BEEN A RELEASED PART OF. WE A BLUEBERRY LOVE EACH OTHER.” WHEAT BEER NAMED AFTER THE SONG. friends. I love seeing a room full of people smiling and singing my lyrics back to me. What is your favourite thing about performing live? Creating an experience for people. We’ve been having fun dreaming up ways to make small venues feel massive, and ways to make big venues feel personal and intimate. Creating a show is a lot like songcraft. Tell us about your new song & video, Shut Up and Drive. How much fun was it to film the video and what went on behind the scenes? It was so much fun! We were in the great outdoors. Ryan Stacey shot and directed, while Dylan Gould did the edits and animations. Jade Savage was our HMW/Zombie Beautician. Devin Rushton was our Fixer. They did a masterful job. I love the video so much. There was so much running. Gatorade. Nature seemed to collaborate with us. We ran in the sunshine all day. It only ever rained when we needed to go inside for makeup, and for the getaway car scenes. During the band performance the wind would whip up and blow our hair around. Heat lightning shot through the sky behind Scott during the guitar battle. I get chills thinking about it. Jacob Elgin from the band Dolonia appears in the guitar battle scene. Scott used to be his guitar instructor. Jacob’s incredible. Flying fingers. He plays the first half of the solo on “Shut Up and Drive,” so we had to have the two of them face off. Student vs. teacher. I have a mental image of Dean rolling in the dirt to make his ghoulie costume look dirty. Memories of a truly terrifying getaway drive. A Clydesdale. Colonel Sanders, a Flying V, and the Spongebob theme. Pop Tarts.
In Ottawa, what venue has been your favourite to perform at, and do you have any plans on expanding and performing elsewhere? Everyone in the band has toured far and wide. We’ve done summer festivals in Australia, Southam Hall at the NAC, dive bars in PEI, you name it. We’ll do the same with “The Escape Society.” We’ll go to the moon, the first chance we get. Every show is special. Our philosophy is to always make the next show better than the last. Our debut performance was opening for the “The Beaches” at Ottawa H.O.P.E Volleyball SummerFest. H.O.P.E is a blast! It’s a fun way to raise money for charity. We loved playing the H.O.P.E stage. We’d do it again in a heartbeat. Where do you see yourself in 5 years as a band? On an island in the sun. We’ll be playing and having fun. And it makes me feel so fine I can’t control my brain! What’s your best advice for aspiring artists? Build a team that truly supports one another. If you already have a team, ask yourself if it’s a supportive one. If the answer is “no,” build another team. If the answer is “yes,” cherish it and treat it like gold for as long as it’s good.
Ryan Stacey is still traumatized from all the mosquitos.
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EVERY THING GOOD IS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Welcome to a community where a neighbourhood feel and conveniences come together. Near various shopping centres, your necessities are always at hand and downtown Ottawa is just a short drive away. Find opportunities to play and explore at local skating trails, golf courses and recreational complexes. When you’re looking for entertainment, head to the Canadian Tire Centre to cheer on the Ottawa Sens. Find space to roam and every amenity close to home at Kinwick.
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