Glebe Report - April 2025

Coming to Canada

By John Meissner

Half a century ago, I completed the trifecta of reaching my 21st birthday, getting married and immigrating to Canada in less than two months. Following a modest wedding in Minnesota, Chris and I had a brief honeymoon tour through the Upper Ottawa and Madawaska valleys. I secured a job as a writer and photographer for a weekly newspaper − This Week in the Madawaska Valley − out of Barry’s Bay. The job offer gave us the much-needed points required to obtain Landed Immigrant Status.

Being a writer-photographer required a 50-hour week that included getting the papers from the printer (Runge in Pembroke), interviewing, driving on the potholed backroads and delivering the latest weekly edition to the regional general stores. Taking pictures of the remains of wrecks and head-on fatal car crashes (usually involving drinking and teenagers) was a requirement to provide front-page drama that sold papers, which in turn helped sell advertising. Naturally, pay was less than minimum wage if calculated by my hours.

I was often asked whether I was a draft dodger. This could help determine whether I was a potential outlaw that people needed to keep an eye on or a good guy with the courage of his convictions. I did not pass the physical to be drafted into the U.S. Army (due to a previous car accident injury). I did, however, hold most of the sentiments of a draft dodger. I was tired of unending years of war in Southeast Asia, political assassinations (JFK, RFK, MLK), Nixon’s “war on drugs,” segregation, and the cruel use of clubs and dogs, the military and guns, guns, guns (though I did have a rifle for plinking tin cans – it seemed normal in the U.S.) One friend went to prison for six months after being caught with two joints. I was looking for a fresh start in a more stable and civil society that Canada seemed to offer.

My wife, Chris, and I rented an old log house just off the highway at the bottom of Wilno Hill for $40 a month. We had electricity and telephone but no running water, so the water came from a well-bucket system, and we used the outhouse out back. We heated with wood: a Renfrew Cookright stove on one side that needed to be refuelled every three hours, and a Findley box stove that would stay hot for four to five hours. It didn’t take long to get used to sleeping in long johns and coming downstairs around 3 a.m. to feed the fires. Water in a bucket in the kitchen often had a layer of ice on top.

We were in the middle of the hippie commune territory of the Madawaska Valley that brought out every stripe of alienated but optimistic “back-to-the-landers,” often educated but poor people from southern Ontario attracted to the low land costs in this remote area.

Chris and I straddled the boundaries of several sociological groups. We worked, were young, alien, striving to be with the times and identifiable. Being near the highway with a phone meant that people would drop by to use the phone when they were snowed in or when cars wouldn’t start. On some Saturday mornings, people would drop by to watch “Bugs Bunny” on our little black and white TV that worked with a coathanger antenna. In town, as a driver of a 68 Chevy Malibu wagon, a person with a legitimate job and a somewhat outgoing demeanour, we were acceptable, or maybe tolerable, in the Valley’s downside “come from away” take on things.

Because I attended every municipal and school board meeting, I stood out less and less over time.

We had to get used to the new ways of doing things. In the pubs there were separate men-only entrances and women could only enter through a different door − if they had an “escort.” To get a bottle of wine, you had to wait at what felt like a teller’s booth and fill out a small LCBO form with a tiny lead pencil. The clerk would then go back out of sight to retrieve the bottle, hidden in a brown paper bag that whispered, “We know what you are doing.”

As alien newcomers, we were also the subject of police interest. by an RCMP officer who wondered if he could have a word. We invited him in and offered him coffee. He wanted to know what we were about. We were polite and friendly and shared a briefcase of our official documents with him. When we entered Canada, I had indicated that I would not be using my car for work. When I learned that my car was indeed required for work, I wrote back to correct my error. I was then billed (by return mail, it seemed) $250 by the CRA, which I quickly paid.

The RCMP officer looked at me in mild astonishment that anyone could be so ignorant as to bring this situation to the surface and volunteer to pay the CRA. The message seemed clear that such an unforced error of flatfooted ignorance could pose no civil threat and that he could make much better use of police inquiry time.

John Meissner is a retired psychologist living in the Glebe who has worked with local school boards, Algonquin College and Carleton University.

The author in the 1970s as a recent immigrant to Canada, with his son

BUTTONING UP FOR CANADA

A Glebe family’s response to uncertainty

By Mary Ann Fitzsimmons

In the heart of the Glebe, a neighbourhood known for its local spirit, our family has found an unexpected way to express national pride. What started as a simple dinner-table discussion quickly turned into a full-fledged project − one that involves design, logistics, online marketing and a shared commitment to a meaningful cause.

Jacques, Isabelle and I never set out to launch a patriotic initiative. Like many Canadians, we had been following political discourse about Canada’s future with a mix of concern and frustration. The talk of Canada becoming the 51st state, combined with trade uncertainties and economic tensions, left us uneasy.

But instead of dwelling on the negativity, we asked ourselves: What can we do to bring people together in a positive way?

From a small idea to a nationwide initiative

As we brainstormed, we kept returning to the idea of everyday expressions of identity. People wear flags on Canada Day, pin poppies in November and place stickers on their laptops. But what if there was a simple, year-round way to celebrate being Canadian?

That’s when Isabelle, who is completing her degree in Interactive Media and Design at Carleton University, started sketching button designs. Small but powerful, buttons have long been used to express political statements, personal beliefs and community belonging. The family realized a button could be more than just an accessory − it could be a symbol of unity and pride.

With that, Buttons for Canada was born. Determined to keep the project as Canadian as possible, we ensured that every aspect − design,

production and shipping − was handled locally. We also wanted the initiative to give back. A portion of every button sale supports two causes we deeply care about: Food Banks Canada and the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society.

A family effort

Each member of the family plays a key role:

• Isabelle designs the buttons and manages social media;

• Jacques, a young entrepreneur and owner of Revive Detailing in the Glebe, took the lead on the website, pricing strategy and ad campaigns; and

• I, known as the “logistics queen,” ensure that orders are produced and shipped efficiently.

The attic has transformed into a mini fulfilment centre, with stacks of buttons, packaging materials and mailing lists taking over the space. Balancing work, life and this unexpected venture hasn’t been easy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

A growing movement

Since launching buttonsforcanada.ca, orders have poured in from across North America, with many sharing their personal connections to Canada. One such supporter, Jerry Macy from Ocean Park, Washington, sent a heartfelt message after receiving his order: “Thank you for the wonderful pins…Stand strong and know that millions of Americans love and respect your beautiful and proud country.”

Jerry and his friends are even planning trips to Canada to support the economy and have asked for other ways they can contribute. Stories like his highlight just how far this simple idea has reached.

More than just a button

At its core, this project is about more than just selling buttons − it’s about fostering a sense of connection. A button alone won’t change the world, but it can spark conversations and serve as a quiet yet powerful reminder of what it means to be Canadian. As the initiative continues to grow, the family hopes to inspire others to find their own ways − big or small − to celebrate and share their Canadian identity. Whether through a pin, a story or a simple act of kindness, national pride is something we create together. Button up, Canada. Let’s wear our pride. Visit buttonsforcanada.ca to learn more.

Mary Ann Fitzsimmons has lived in the Glebe for 20 years and is the proud mom of Isabelle and Jacques.

(From left) Isabelle Legault, Mary Ann Fitzsimmons and Jacques Legault, the family that initiated the Buttons for Canada project, designing and selling buttons celebrating a sovereign Canada.

Celebrate Canada, one pin at a time

By Greg Szabo

Two long-time friends and Glebe Collegiate alums, M. Jay Burch and I, are making waves across Canada with our artistic response to political challenges. Through our company, I Make Pins, we have designed a collection of enamel pins that unite Canadians and celebrate national pride.

I Make Pins (imakepins.ca) was born from a passion for art and a commitment to standing up for what is right. It began with a simple tribute to a Victoria, B.C. landmark but quickly evolved into something much greater − a movement that uses art as a means of self-expression, solidarity and activism. Now, the latest collection resonates with Canadians who want to show their support for their country in the face of political adversity.

In recent years, shifting political landscapes and rhetoric from international leaders have prompted M. Jay and me to take action. Frustrated by threats against Canadian sovereignty − ranging from economic policies to discussions of annexation − we decided to channel our emotions into our work. Our new collection of pins is more than just an artistic endeavour; it is a visual statement of patriotism and resilience. These pins are about more than just fashion − they’re a way for people to show their pride and support for this country.

My journey into the pin-making business began unexpectedly. My first pin, featuring the phrase “You’re my boy, Blue!” in reference to the iconic blue bridge in Victoria, was created out of admiration for a local landmark. However, when someone attempted to reproduce the design without permission, I realized the importance of protecting my work and standing up for myself. Instead of backing down, I turned this moment into an opportunity, launching I Make Pins as a business rooted in artistic integrity and creative resistance.

M. Jay, a cybersecurity specialist still living in the Ottawa area, soon joined forces with me, and together we built a company that thrives on originality and advocacy. Over time, our work expanded beyond local tributes to designs that address broader social and

political issues.

Throughout history, art has played a critical role in shaping political discourse and uniting people under common causes. M. Jay’s and my latest collection is a testament to that tradition. The designs reflect Canada’s strength, resilience and independence, transforming small enamel pins into powerful symbols of national identity.

One standout piece from the collection features a well-known symbol of resistance from the Star Wars movie franchise with a reimagined Canadian maple leaf. Another design showcases “flipping the bird” at tariffs aimed at destabilizing our economy with the slogan “Tariff This” across the knuckles.

“These pins allow Canadians to wear their beliefs with pride,” M. Jay explains. “It’s not just about expressing

frustration − it’s about showing that we care about this country and its future.”

Beyond their artistic appeal, these pins serve as a rallying cry for Canadians to come together and stand firm in their convictions. We hope the collection will spark conversations and encourage people to engage in meaningful discussions about Canada’s future. Our work is a reminder that small actions − whether through art, activism or everyday choices − can collectively make a difference.

By supporting I Make Pins, customers are not only purchasing a piece of wearable art but also contributing to a movement that promotes local businesses, homegrown talent, artistic expression and national unity. Every pin is designed with thoughtfulness and produced with quality, ensuring that wearers feel a genuine connection to the message behind the art.

In today’s world, where global uncertainty and political tensions often make headlines, it is more important than ever to celebrate what makes Canada unique. We have taken an artistic stand, turning our passion for design into a symbol of patriotism. Even the smallest accessories can carry great meaning.

So, the next time you’re looking for a way to express your love for Canada, consider wearing one of our pins as a declaration of pride, unity and unwavering support for the values that define us as a nation. To explore the collection and show your support, visit imakepins.ca and join the movement − one pin at a time.

Greg Szabo is a Glebe Collegiate grad who now lives in Victoria where he undertakes creative projects.

Former Glebe resident Greg Szabo with the Canada pins he designed for his company I Make Pins.

Business Buzz

Margarita restaurant has now opened at 873 Bank Street, the former location of Mona’s Taqueria owned by the same people. “Mexican fusion, bar, karaoke.” Margarita restaurant was formerly located at 895 Bank, corner of Bank and Clarey.

Mathnasium, the Math Learning Centre is now open at 856 Bank Street, former home of Gong Cha bubble tea. “Our customized math learning plans meet kids where they are and set them on a path to success.” One of seven Ottawa locations.

Walk-in Thrift & Spiritual Gifts is now open at 889 Bank Street. Instagram walk_in_thrift. Clothing, thrift & consignment store, astrologist & psychic.

Contributors this month

Iva Apostola

Wendy Bergeron

Alanna Brown

Les Bunbury

Ben Campbell-Rosser

Sylvie Chartrand

Sam Chiappetta

Brian Cox

John Crump

Paul d’Orsonnens

Ellyn Duke Watson

Mary Ann Fitzsimmons

Mary Foster

Oscar Gorall

Joel Harden

Scott Healey

Emily Holmes-Brewster

Jennifer Humphries

Julie Ireton

Clare Jackson

Sharon Johnson

Nili Kaplan-Myrth

Kathy Kennedy

Lauren Lemke

Marie-Chantal Leriche

Katherine Liston

Janice Manchee

Angus McCabe

Catherine McKenney

Ian McKercher

John Meissner

Shawn Menard

Sadeen Mohsen

Simon Morris

Yasir Naqvi

Karl Nerenberg

Tim O’Connor

Cashton Perry

Rafal Pomian

Stella Rastogi

Sue Reive

Marisa Romano

Amanda Rosenstock

Sarah Routliffe

Martyn Simms

Luke Spicer

Sue Stefko

Greg Szabo

Charles Weiner

Della Wilkinson

Cecile Wilson Zeus

Editorial

What we can do for our country

This election feels like a destiny-defining moment for our country.

In some ways, it’s not who you vote for, it’s the act of voting that counts. Voting says that I care about my country. And not voting says I don’t care, or at least not enough.

When we see the spectacle of democracy gone awry in our neighbours to the south, it brings it home sharply – like a marriage or like bringing up a child, we need to work at democracy every day. We need to pay attention to things that matter to the country, even if it sometimes feels like work. We need to do our homework – read, listen, think, use our best judgement – educate ourselves so that we can exercise our franchise intelligently.

We need to gravitate to and reward politicians who live solid values, who demonstrate character and integrity,

and who move through life with a degree of kindness. Even though politics is a rough game, there are ways to play it that do not impinge on the need to be a good human being.

As citizens, we reap what we sow. We can show that we are able to think about vexed questions intelligently and understand nuance and the need to balance opposing interests. We can hold back on vitriol, angry outbursts, name calling, and instead model civility and respect, in order to bring forth from among us leaders of quality.

This is a lot for us citizens to carry on our shoulders. But even if our lives are so filled to overflowing that we can barely keep our heads above water –we need to recognize that Canada is the water we swim in. It’s vital that we keep it healthy, clean and teeming with life.

—Liz McKeen

www.glebereport.ca

Established in 1973, the Glebe Report, published by the Glebe Report Association, is a monthly not-forprofit community newspaper with a circulation of 7,500 copies. It is delivered free to Glebe homes and businesses. Advertising from merchants in the Glebe and elsewhere pays all its costs, and the paper receives no government grants or direct subsidies. The Glebe Report is made available at select locations such as the Glebe Community Centre, the Old Ottawa South Community Centre and Brewer Pool, and is printed by Winchester Print.

EDITOR............................ Liz McKeen editor@glebereport.ca

COPY EDITOR.................... Martha Bowers

LAYOUT DESIGNER............. Jock Smith layout@glebereport.ca

GRAPEVINE EDITOR............ Micheline Boyle grapevine@glebereport.ca

WEBSITE EDITOR............... Kayleigh Osborne website@glebereport.ca

ADVERTISING MANAGER...... Judy Field advertising@glebereport.ca 613-858-4804

BOOKKEEPER.................... Susanne Ledbetter accounting@glebereport.ca

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER.....

COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTORS Murray Kronick circulation@glebereport.ca Teddy Cormier, Eleanor Crowder

PROOFREADERS................ Martha Bowers, Jennifer D'Costa, Jeanette Rive

AREA CAPTAINS................. Martha Bowers, Bob Brocklebank, Judy Field, Deb Hogan & Dave Yurach, Lynn & Dave Johnston, Elena Kastritsa, Brenda Perras, Julie Stephens, Della Wilkinson

The Glebe Report strives to be inclusive and to represent the full diversity of the community we serve.

Jennie Aliman, Baily Alyman, Lawrence Ambler, Nico Arabackyj, Aubry family, Gaja Bartosik, Alessandra & Stefania Bartucci, Selena Beattie, Adrian Becklumb, Joanne Benoit, Carolyn Best, Daisy & Nettie Bonsall, Martha Bowers, Bowie family, Adélaïde and Éléonore Bridgett, Bob Brocklebank, Naomi and Audrey Cabassu, Ben Campbell-Rosser, Nico Cauchi, Bill Congdon, Chiu-Panczyk Family, Sebastian, Cameron & Anna Cino, Claypool Family, JJ Comptois, June Creelman, Marni Crossley, Olivia Dance, Mark Dance, Dawson family, Richard DesRochers, Davies Family, Roslyn Demarsh, Marilyn Deschamps, Diekmeyer-Bastianon family, Dingle family, Delia Elkin, Patrick Farley, James & Oliver Frank, Judy Field, Federico Family, The Foo Family, Liane Gallop, Joann Garbig, Camilo Velez Gorman, Barbara Greenwood, Marjolein Groenevelt, Oliver, Martin, Sarah & Simon Hicks, Cheryle Hothersall, Jennifer Humphries, Sandiso Johnston, Tani, Pete & Bryce Nisbet-Jones, Jungclaus Family, Elena Kastritsa, Kasper Raji Kermany, Michael Khare, Lambert family, Fenton & Cora Hui Litster, Leith and Lulu Lambert, Kathleen Larocque, Catherine Lawr, Jamie, Alexander & Louisa Lem, Brams and Jane Leswick, Alison Lobsinger, Aanika, Jaiden and Vinay Lodha, Andy Lunney, Vanessa Lyon, Pat Marshall, Paul McA, Catherine McArthur, Ian McKercher, John and Helen Marsland, Matthew McLinton, Josephine & Elise Meloche, Julie Monaghan, Vivian Moulds, Karen Mount, Diane Munier, Rafi Naqvi, Maddy North, Xavier and Heath Nuss, Sachiko Okuda, Nicholas & Reuben Ott, Matteo and Adriano Padoin-Castillo, Brenda Perras, Brenda Quinlan, Annabel and Joseph Quon, Beatrice Raffoul, Bruce Rayfuse, Kate Reekie, Thomas Reevely, Mary & Steve Reid, Jacqueline Reilly-King, Anna Roper, Frank Schreiner, Short family, Deka Simon, Cathy Simons, Andrew Soares, Stephenson family, Elsie Sutherland, Cameron & Quinn Swords, Ruth Swyers, Tomlin Boys, John & Maggie Thomson, Tom Trottier, Trudeau family, Will, Georgie & Blaire Turner, Zosia Vanderveen, Veevers family, Nick Walker, Vanessa Wen, Paul Wernick, Hope, Jax and Ash Wilson, Howard & Elizabeth Wong, Berkan Yazici, Martin Zak.

WELCOME TO: Paul McA

THANKS AND FAREWELL: Patrick Collins Mayer

Want to know when the next Glebe Report is out?

Sign up for the Glebe Report’s e-Newsletter and be one of the first to read the latest news of the neighbourhood! Go to glebereport.ca (at the bottom of the home page!) to sign up. You’ll get an email letting you know that the next Glebe Report is out and a sneak-peek at some of the highlights.

A Glimpse of the Glebe

The willows at Brown's inlet PHOTO: LIZ MCKEEN

Why are elections not taken seriously?

Editor,

Glebe Report

It is sad that elections have such low turnout. The just-held Ontario election had 45 per cent turnout which doesn't augur well for the looming federal election. So what's ticking off the voters? Could it be the talking points of the party leaders who sound so predictable?

Take the New Democratic Party, who are actually not that new having been around since 1961 with much the same giveaways. You want more teachers, we'll get them. Want more doctors, sure thing. Want more affordable houses (who doesn't?), just show me where. And to pay for all that we will tax the deviously fat corporations. Oh, and don’t forget Christmas bonuses to all who ask for it.

Now the cagey Liberals are smarter. They'll do most everything the NDP promises, with an escape proviso that they will take more than one term to implement them. They know full well that after four years no one will remember exactly what was promised so that their slate is clean to start anew with the same stuff, different slogans.

The most outrageous promises are put out by fringe parties like the Communists who have no hope of implementing any of them. They would abolish private wealth and make everyone fraternally equal, if somewhat poorer.

The PCs, or Tories as they are affectionately called, like to exude no-nonsense efficiency, like balancing the budget in the not-too-distant future, which somehow never arrives. Not to worry, they have a plan to find efficiencies, if only the nasty opposition would cooperate and let them get on with it. Tories tend to have short fuses and will readily lob politically incorrect names at their opponents, who, not to be outdone, reciprocate vigorously, resulting in an interesting name calling contest.

Then they blame the voters for getting blasé about politics and switching off.

Democracy has a funny way of making it work. Sort of.

Rafal Pomian

More absurdity in Ottawa

Editor, Glebe Report

Re: “Absurdity and pandering to a minority” by T. Scott Murray, Glebe Report, March 2025

I certainly support Mr. Murray’s March letter, “Absurdity and pandering to a minority,” but I will take it several steps further. I don’t know where to begin when I look around at the absurdity and total lack of prioritization, but let me start with the [broken] sidewalk condition in the Glebe and the expensive new bike lane on Glebe Avenue.

I would very much like to see the business case for the expenditure of this bike lane. Was a study done on bike traffic or was this another pet project by our councillor to save the world from itself, one Glebe street at a time?

Were infrastructure improvements required on Glebe Avenue, yes. Eliminating one third of the road to accommodate cyclists; I am not so sure. It would be fair to say that Glebe Avenue at that section of the road was more than wide enough to accommodate parked vehicles and traffic including buses and cyclists.

I’ve seen better sidewalks and streets when serving in Kabul than here in Ottawa. I’ll leave this thought with readers; the rapid decline in urban centres across North America, cities like Portland, San Francisco, Vancouver and Ottawa, coincides with the overwhelming election of extreme left-wing progressives at all levels of government for the past two decades. This left-wing unfocused and careless agenda is the common denominator of the urban failures we are now experiencing.

Bike lanes are just one symptom of a growing disconnect between what the reality of the situation warrants and the wish list of special interests that have the taken over the political discourse.

Scott

Healey Former provincial PC candidate, Ottawa Centre

The Poetry of Home Call for submissions

Home – there’s no place like it! Even board games have a “home” square where you are safe from all comers! In hideand-go-seek, “home free!” is the call of triumph and relief. Home is where you find comfort from the world, where you can be, in short, “at home.”

Let us know your poetic thoughts on the idea of home, the longing for it, the sanctuary it can provide, or the heartbreakingly easily-fallen-into pit of homelessness.

As usual, poems should be:

• Original and unpublished in any medium (no poems submitted elsewhere, please);

• No more than 30 lines each;

• On any aspect of the theme within the bounds of public discourse; and

• Submitted on or before Monday, April 21, 2025.

Poets in the National Capital Region of all ages welcome (school-age poets, please indicate your grade and school). Please send your entries (up to 5 poems that meet the criteria) to editor@glebereport.ca. Remember to send us your contact information and your grade and school if you are in school.

Deadline: Monday, April 21, 2025

Lansdowne 2.0’s smaller arena will drive Charge away

We don’t want to lose the Ottawa Charge Editor, Glebe Report

How long will it be before Ottawa loses our beloved women’s pro hockey team, the Ottawa Charge, to another city with a large enough arena to make the team money?

It’s a question worth asking when you consider what our City Council is preparing to do.

This fall, Ottawa City Council will decide on a plan in the works to build a new arena at Lansdowne and reduce seats by 3,500 to build the two tall towers. TD Place, which the Charge routinely fill, is set to be replaced by a much smaller hockey venue with the re-do of Lansdowne 2.0. The Charge’s 8,500-seat home rink will shrink to a 5,000-seat venue. With a future like that it would be understandable for the team to move on at the first opportunity to play somewhere that can accommodate the massive success that women’s pro hockey enjoys. Just ask the PWHL teams in Toronto and Montreal –after their first season, both moved to larger arenas the size of our current TD Place.

The PWHL arrived in Ottawa and five other Canadian and U.S. cities two years ago to great fanfare. The league and our team are doing the game differently. Our community responded to their inspiring vision. The stands are filled with families and the Charge players are heroines to young girls all over Eastern Ontario dreaming of a career in pro hockey. “Play like a girl!” signs are seen in the hands of many youngsters in the stands.

A smaller arena will mean 3,500 fewer of these girls will have access to games. Ticket prices are sure to rise. In the new design, corporate boxes are set to replace seats for families and community hockey teams.

The festive and joyful atmosphere of Charge home games will change drastically as ticket prices go up and half the rink is filled with suits in corporate boxes.

The worst part is Ottawa taxpayers are paying for the proposed new rink as part of the nearly half-billion-dollar bailout City Council is poised to greenlight to realize Lansdowne 2.0, a proposal submitted by a for-profit consortium, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group.

And it is not just Charge fans who will pay the price for the smaller design. Ottawa hosts many international sporting events like curling and hockey as well as concerts. We are bound to lose these with a smaller venue the size of those in cities like Kingston or Barrie.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Since taxpayers are footing the bill, we must have a say in a decision that could push our team away. The current rink is working for both the team and Charge fans.

Until they sign the cheque to pay for Lansdowne 2.0, Ottawa City Council holds great influence over the future of the Charge in Ottawa. We need to let our city councillors and mayor know we do not want to lose the Charge, and we want value for our tax dollars on any changes to TD Place.

Let’s put the plans for a new and smaller rink on ice until a more reasonable and responsible plan is proposed.

Fans of the Ottawa Charge: Rianne Mahon, Glebe; Margaret Buist, Alta Vista; Débora Rodriques; Penny Bertrand, Glebe; Susan Jones, Kanata; Ellen Bond, Kitchissippi; Debbie Broad, Glebe; Duane Faris, Gloucester-Southgate; Blair Rutherford, Sandy Hill; Monette Maillet, Somerset Ward; David Power, Rideau-Rockcliffe; Laura Farquharson, Sandy Hill; Holly Carswell, Rideau-Rockcliffe

POETRY QUARTER

FEDERAL ELECTION

Candidates for Ottawa Centre

The Canadian federal election will be held on Monday, April 28.

The Glebe and Glebe Annex are in the riding of Ottawa Centre. The Glebe Report has asked candidates for Ottawa Centre to make their case for your vote. In the short time available before press time, the following candidates have responded. Other candidates in the running , at press time, include Marie-Chantal Leriche, Christian Heritage Party, Cashman Perry, Communist Party, Andrea Chabot, Canadian Future Party and Zed Chebib, Independent.

For information on where and how to vote, go to the Elections Canada website at elections.ca.

Joel Harden, New Democratic Party

Dear Glebe neighbours,

It’s been an honour to serve as your MPP for six years and I’m asking for your support in the current federal election. I’m motivated to get more things done.

As Ottawa Centre’s MPP (2018-25), I opposed government cuts, advocated for local solutions and worked across party lines to deliver results.

For example, I was proud to help win a provincial public inquiry into our struggling LRT, and to receive

Yasir Naqvi, Liberal Party of Canada

Every day I work hard to deliver real results for Ottawa Centre. It’s what I have done as your MP and MPP.

I have fought for policies that make life better for our community. I have secured federal funding to double affordable housing and deliver projects like Ādisōke and the Chief Commanda Bridge. I have worked to protect

unanimous support for Voula’s Law that affirmed rights for seniors and people with disabilities who live in group homes, retirement homes and long-term care homes. These were gains that mattered to Glebe voters.

The federal NDP has also used its leverage to win recent gains for Canadians.

Three million Canadians now have dental care and three provinces have signed pharmacare agreements. We will push to expand these programs that keep people healthy and reduce costs for our public health care system.

We will continue pushing for truly affordable housing (by requiring federal lands or buildings be released for non-market housing) and price limits for essential items at the grocery store (which is standard practice in many countries).

We also want a local climate action plan that includes doubling public transit usage by 2035, and more hydroelectricity imports from our neighbours in Quebec.

And let’s talk for a minute about our Trump tariff moment. We are in a tough spot.

Decades of ill-advised trade decisions

have led to 75 per cent of Canadian exports flowing to the United States. For decades, the NDP has warned this would put Canada in a vulnerable position. It is not enough to respond to tariffs with counter-tariffs.

I earned my doctorate in Political Science at York University (2004) by studying the work of Canada’s leading political economists. I am keenly familiar with the need for serious proposals to address the critical needs we are facing now.

We need made-in-Canada solutions that facilitate economic self-sufficiency and relationships with reliable trading partners. Eighty per cent of things produced in Canada are used here. We need more of this with things we currently export to the U.S. (like lumber and electricity).

We must also support those hurt by Trump’s tariffs, just like we did during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must fix our broken EI system and ensure support is available for those in need.

I’m ready to work for Ottawa Centre on Parliament Hill. I’m ready to bring local solutions to national debates. And I would be honoured to earn your support.

Palm Sunday

Holy Eucharist

Holy Eucharist

Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday - April 13, 8am & 10:30am - April 14, 10am - April 15, 10am - April 16, 10am - April 17, 7pm - April 18, 11am - April 19, 8pm - April 20, 8am & 10:30am

the Experimental Farm, revitalize our tree canopy and expand public transit.

With my experience and record of results, I am the leader Ottawa Centre needs to stand up for our community.

Leadership means advocating for policies that put community needs first. That is why Liberals are lowering childcare costs, expanding healthcare access, including dental care, and ensuring internationally trained health professionals can work in their own communities. I am committed to tackling the housing crisis by turning federal buildings into homes and using public land for affordable housing. Renovating buildings rather than demolishing them is good for both affordability and the environment.

These policies make our community more livable. So will improving our bike paths and active transportation routes. So will making Dow’s Lake, the Arboretum and the Experimental Farm community destinations. I will also champion bringing the Senators back to a new home at LeBreton Flats.

As our population ages, investing in seniors’ health is key so they can age with dignity. As Confederation Heights

transforms, I will push for a seniors’ health and housing hub to ensure they have the care and support they need.

Beyond local issues here in Ottawa Centre, I will always stand up for Canada. Trump’s threats to our economy and sovereignty demand a strong response. Prime Minister Carney has made it clear: “We won’t back down… Nothing is off the table.” Our government is responding with tough, targeted tariffs while strengthening supply chains, enhancing border security and building new trade alliances. These actions will protect jobs, diversify our economy and ensure that a sovereign, independent Canada gets the respect it deserves.

I am not running to sit in opposition − I am standing up for Canada and stopping Pierre Poilievre from dragging us backwards. This election is about leadership, experience and results. I have proven that I can deliver for Ottawa Centre. From making life more affordable to defending our national interests, I am ready to keep fighting for our community and Canada. On April 28, I ask for your support to continue this important work. Vote Yasir Naqvi.

Paul d’Orsonnens, Conservative Party of Canada

As one of two fresh faces in this campaign, I welcome this opportunity to offer Common Sense Change to the riding of Ottawa Centre.

Why am I am running in Ottawa Centre? Well, it’s about real leadership and delivering results.

As a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, having served 35 years, I have been in leadership positions throughout my career and experienced many situations where decision making is critical

When I first ran for the Greens in 2021 in Toronto, I was struck by the conversations with residents at the door and on the streets about their challenges affording a home, reliably getting to work or accessing a family doctor. Now

for success. Serving on multiple overseas missions, I learned the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving results, especially in challenging environments.

I firmly believe in the mantra “Service Before Self” and want to bring these decades of experience to the service of my country as the next MP for Ottawa Centre.

I am not a career politician, which means I bring new perspectives and ideas to the challenges facing Ottawa Centre. Since moving here in 2013, I have watched Ottawa, a G7 city, slowly deteriorate.

One of my main priorities for Ottawa Centre is downtown revitalization –creating an actionable plan to bring our downtown core back to life and make our streets safe again. A Conservative government will work with all levels of government to create a shared vision for the downtown core – a place to live, play, innovate. Years of Liberal-NDP leadership have failed to deliver on the challenges facing our riding with no results, just continued decline. Ask yourself if you feel the city is better off today than it was 10 years ago? From my vantage point, it is not.

as an Ottawa resident myself, I hear many of these same stories reflected at doors and on the streets of Ottawa Centre too. I live a car-free lifestyle and rely on public transit to get to work so the unreliability of our system directly affects me. My partner and I were outbid twice on offers we put on homes in Ottawa, and I rented for years while living on student loans and EI during COVID. I understand the uncertainty of young couples who worry they will never be able to afford a home where they can raise their children and young professionals who spend too much of their incomes on rent. When I moved to Ottawa, I waited nearly a year for a family doctor and my mother-in-law does not have a primary care provider. Four years after my first campaign, these issues are amplified by the economic pressures from the ongoing trade war with the United States. I want to be a strong voice for urgent action for the residents in the Glebe and Ottawa Centre prioritizing:

The concerns of Glebe residents are no different from other communities across the riding. Affordability, housing and tariffs are top of mind, and a Pierre Poilievre government will help ease these daily challenges. By lowering taxes and implementing affordability measures, families and communities will become stronger and more prosperous.

After 10 years in government, the Liberals have failed miserably on affordability. Canadians are worse off across every economic indicator. This isn’t about partisan politics; it’s simply a fact. The Liberals have led Canadians to this point with little regard. Do residents really want another four years of the same?

On the question of tariffs, the Conservative’s response to the Trump tariffs will be firm and thoughtful, limiting hardship on Canadians but never bending.

From a local candidate’s point of view, Ottawa Centre needs a new voice at the table. I am that voice. Vote Paul d’Orsonnens to bring Common Sense Change to Ottawa Centre.

Reliable transit: Greens support the calls from advocacy groups to, at minimum, double annual funding for municipal services and to modify the forthcoming Canada Public Transit Fund to allow for funds to be spent on operations and maintenance (Ottawa’s primary needs) and not just capital expenses.

Affordable housing: Greens support measures to ensure more homes and more types of homes, like townhouses, walk-ups and mid-rise buildings, get built in Ottawa Centre. This will enable more people to become first-time home buyers and will help bring rents down.

Accessible healthcare: Greens support modernizing the Canada Health Act and expanding student loan forgiveness for doctors and nurses based on local needs instead of the government’s current approach based on population.

Unified response to the trade war with the U.S.: Greens are ready to work across party lines to defend Canada’s

sovereignty, diversify our trading relationships and strengthen our green economy while putting the well-being of people and the protection of the planet at the centre of these efforts. We have a 38-measure plan to protect Canada: www.greenparty.ca/ protectcanada.

Amanda Rosenstock, Green Party of Canada

Happy 50th anniversary, Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group!

FULL CIRCLE FROM CAMPER TO PARENT

By Les Bunbury

I dropped my girls off at GNAG on Second Avenue with Monty and at the front doors with Sophia. After a quick chat with Paul, I walked by Lauren and asked how she was feeling in her third trimester. Two steps later, I ran into Nick. We stopped, we hugged and, as we caught up, I explained that my family had moved back to Ottawa three years ago. Nick had just finished dropping off his two kids with the GNAG staff as well, so we made plans to go for a coffee. Before we walked down Third Avenue, he paused, “Wasn’t this the best job you ever had?”

Yes.

Between 1998 and 2010, Nick and I had the privilege of being staff with GNAG’s school year and summer programs. We were a generation of staff who knew the old building, with all its quirks − the hidden rooms, the catacomb basement and the cupboards where we all knew which shelves we could climb to hide on during giant games around the centre. We were there before and during the renovation, and when there was no building at all. We helped build a new GNAG inside the renovated building, something bigger than ourselves, that would continue for years to come.

I started with GNAG as a volunteer, then a junior counsellor earning $5 a day − even for full days during holiday camp programs. The money didn’t matter. I loved the energy, the fun and the chance to lead.

Friends of mine, Ali, Alyssa and Kayleigh, started as campers before they

were staff. Kayleigh recalls “playing Alien Attack in the large Main Hall with a million juice lids and popsicle sticks; embarking on Bigger, Better, Best where staff sent us into the community with a paper clip in hand asking strangers to trade for a larger item: we came back with a family-sized couch! We searched the entire community centre during a game of Sardines, finding a counsellor who had spidermanned himself up a wall…”

As staff, we were fortunate to meet you, the parents, who trusted us to help raise your children and − more importantly − to have fun with them all summer long. We taught them songs that got stuck in their heads for weeks, even months. We played floor hockey, went on wild boar hunts during beach days filled with imagination and excitement. We went caving at Lac Philippe, one time with only one flashlight between us! Those experiences are forever etched in my memory, because of the kids’ smiles, their energy and their boundless curiosity. Your kids filled our days with beautiful, hilarious kidquotes and brought us joy. Watching them grow, learn and develop over the years was so rewarding. We were adult kids ourselves, but we got to grow alongside them.

Now, all these years later, my kids are in Grades 2 and 3 and they get to experience GNAG for themselves. They go to GNAG camps and get to grow up with today’s staff. It’s an incredible feeling to see the next generation having the same experiences, making new memories and learning new things. They don’t call it Trippers, Trekkers, or Girls

Day Out. They call it Ali camp, Monty camp, Sophia camp, Lauren camp, Paul and Mary camp, Jason camp, and Tanis camp. It’s the people who make the programs sparkle, shine and thrive! They go to GNAG for the relationships and the sense of family.

GNAG has evolved over the years, but it’s remained an essential part of our community and the staff still make it such a special place. As a parent now, I understand how much of an impact those peer-staff members had on my life, and now I get to see the same thing with my kids.

I know I speak for all the past staff of my generation − Nick, Ali, Gillian, Eva, Yuki, Simon, Kayleigh, Mike, Jehann, Alex, Krystyna, Alison, Kit, Dorthy, Sergio, Owen, Gord, Jenn, Sebastien, Emma, Julian, Pao, Amelia, Erica, Jean, Julia, Meghan, Geoff, Rob, Alana, Darcy, Fiona and the staff that followed, Alyssa, Vanessa and Kathleen to name a few. We all look back on those

days with a sense of pride and gratitude. To see GNAG come full circle and to now be the parents who drop off our kids with the same incredible staff that we were once a part of − that’s something truly special. We were part of a family, and now our kids get to experience that same family. It’s a privilege and an honour to watch it continue.

Memorable Moments

GNAG invites you to share a favourite GNAG memory on its social feeds. Send your memories to clare@gnag. ca with the subject line “Memorable Moments” and then check out what others remember!

Watch for upcoming information about GNAG’s Family Celebration, Saturday afternoon May 31, and the 50th Anniversary Dance, Saturday evening May 31, featuring Kelly Lee Evans!

Les Bunbury has been growing with GNAG since 1998.

GNAG has evolved over 50 years but remains an essential part of our community. GNAG staff and peer-staff have a lasting impact on the lives of our children.

It’s happening at GNAG!

As the first flowers push through the earth and reach for the sunlight, we too can take a cue from nature. Now is the perfect time to embrace the season and get out into the world! For those of us who’d like to keep our boots dry and watch the spring thaw from a more comfortable distance, GNAG is proud to present a yoga series led by some of Ottawa’s most sought-after instructors!

Yoga Series at GNAG

Join us for a rejuvenating yoga workshop series at GNAG, where relaxation meets movement in a fun and engaging way. Each 75-minute session is led by experienced yoga instructors, each bringing their own unique yoga specialty to enhance your experience!

Set in the stunning Scotton Hall with high dome glass ceilings, these workshops provide the perfect atmosphere to unwind and connect with your practice. No matter your style, there’s something for everyone!

Upcoming workshops

April 24 – Radiant Rhythms with Michael Dynie and Saman Tayari

A dynamic vinyasa yoga flow experience paired with live hand drumming to elevate your energy and movement.

May 15 – Heart-Opening Flow & Sound Bath with Julie & Bronwyn Levebrve.

A powerful mother-daughter duo guides you through a heart-opening sequence, closing with a soothing sound bath meditation using singing bowls.

May 29 – Candlelit Yin & Reiki with Imad Khaddaj

A deeply restorative practice in a candlelit setting, complemented by reiki for both physical and emotional release.

June 5 – Shake It Off Flow with Megan Beahen

A playful, accessible yoga flow set to Taylor Swift’s music − perfect for Swifties looking to “shake it off” in the best way!

June 12 – Power & Peace Fusion with Mary Tsai

A GNAG favourite, Mary Tsai, combines strength-building power yoga with deep relaxation for the ultimate balance of effort and ease.

Each workshop is only $25 + tax, so come out, support these incredible local instructors and enjoy a unique yoga experience with your community.

GNAG 50th Anniversary Party!

Mark your calendars − May 31 is going to be BIG! As you know, GNAG never does anything small and our 50th anniversary celebrations are no exception. Bring the whole family for a day of fun, featuring hayrides, bouncy castle, and some seriously delicious carnival food.

Evening Party (Ticketed): Your $25 ticket includes a phenomenal live performance by Kellylee Evans and one free drink of your choice. Part of the proceeds will go toward our Youth Room Renovation Project. We’ve raised around $20,890 to date, but our goal is $50K for 50 years! We’ll be adding to that total with our Youth

Dance Fundraiser, and private donations will be accepted at both the family and evening parties. Let’s come together to celebrate and support our community’s youth. See you there!

GNAG ARTS

GNAG will be transformed into an art gallery this spring and you’re invited to the vernissage (opening night) on May 7! The halls of GNAG will be adorned with local artwork from emerging artists, with 100 per cent of the proceeds of the sales going to the artist themselves. Please come see some of the beautiful art for sale in this building!

Submission dates: April 28-May 2

Vernissage: May 7, 6 -7 p.m.

Exhibition: May 7-June 19

Summer Camp volunteers

We are looking for eager, creative, self-motivated volunteers who are excited to step up, learn and grow as camp counsellors! What better way to spend your summer than making kids smile and building leadership skills that will help you excel as you enter the working world? Check out our website at gnag.ca/careers under our youth volunteer opportunities section to learn more! Volunteers (14+ years old by December 2025) are invited to apply to volunteer in our Summer Camps.

Rockcliffe Park

Spring Book Sale

25,000 + donated books at bargain

Saturday, April 26 10am - 5pm

Where: Sunday, April 27 11am - 5pm

Rockcliffe Park Community Centre 380 Springfield Rd. Ottawa, K1M 0K7

Proceeds support the Rockcliffe

Mary Tsai, former GNAG executive director, and friends back in the day

Glebe Community Association in action!

Democracy in Action – Elbows Up!

In the last few weeks Canadians have come together to proclaim, loudly and in many ways, their attachment to this country no matter what their political stripe. Tariffs and “51st state” can have our blood boiling. On April 28, voters will decide who is best equipped to tackle the threats our country faces, not only from our erstwhile allies to the south but also the issues that we have faced in the past years – the need for affordable housing, food security, dealing with the opioid crisis, and climate change to name a few.

There’s a lot at stake during this short campaign. So once again the Glebe Community Association is working in partnership with community associations in Centretown, Old Ottawa East and Old Ottawa South to hold a candidates’ meeting on the evening of Tuesday, April 15 at Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Elgin Street.

The meeting will follow the pattern established for the candidates meeting held February 20 for the provincial election – opening remarks by each candidate; questions posed to candidates by the moderator and time-limited responses by candidates; and concluding remarks by candidates. We will seek questions from the public in advance and on cards completed by the audience at the event. A team will

John Crump President, Glebe Community Association www.glebeca.ca

support the moderator in grouping and combining questions during the meeting.

Residents of the Glebe – and the riding of Ottawa Centre riding in general – have a reputation for being politically aware and engaged. We are anticipating a large turnout for this second candidates’ meeting in the last two months so come early.

The federal election will launch the Glebe into a lot of other spring activities.

Park cleanup

The Glebe Community Association’s annual park cleanup, part of the City of Ottawa’s Spring Cleaning the Capital program, is coming once again to our neighbourhood’s 13 beautiful city parks on Saturday, May 3 starting at 10 a.m. (pouring rain date Sunday, May 4). Bring your energy and enthusiasm, along with a rake, work gloves, a container (like an empty jar), and a few smaller, compostable bags to help consolidate garbage.

Earth Day waste drop-off

The GCA Environment Committee is collaborating with the Old Ottawa South EnviroCrew to hold a waste dropoff at Brewer Park (corner of Cameron and Seneca) on Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here’s a chance to get rid of old printer cartridges, egg cartons,

Time to renew your GCA membership!

The Glebe Community Association is a volunteer organization that unites residents interested in improving the Glebe. Together, we advocate for a liveable, sustainable, diverse urban neighbourhood.

Our committees are made up of neighbours who work on issues related to planning, including meaningful consultation on Lansdowne 2.0, greening our environment and parks, traffic patterns and infrastructure renewal, heritage, education, and health, affordable housing and social services. We also run the Great Glebe Garage Sale. New members are always welcome.

Amplify your voice on issues that matter! $10 per year makes a difference in your community.

Join today

Buy a $10 membership (per PERSON) online at glebeca.ca/membership or at the door or

Complete this form and mail it to the Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 2K2, with a $10 cheque payable to the Glebe Community Association.

Name: Street

razor blades, reusable shopping bags, compact fluorescent light bulbs, scrap metal, old socks and many other items that have been taking up space in your home. All the items collected can be recycled, reused or repurposed. For information, write envirocrewoos@gmail.com and environment@ glebeca.ca.

Heat pump tour

Ever wonder how heat pumps operate and if one would work in your home? On Saturday, May 10 several Glebe homeowners who have installed heat pumps in their century-old residences will share their experiences and knowledge. The types of homes include a row house, houses with multiple apartments and single-family homes. The tour will run from 1 to 3 p.m. with attendees being assigned a starting house after registering on Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.ca/manage/ events/1280169534539/details). The tour ends with a Q&A session over a cup of tea at the Glebe Community Centre’s Multi-Purpose room from 3 to 4 p.m. Representatives from Electrify613, Envirocentre and Hydro Ottawa have volunteered to answer questions on anything from installation tips to current heat pump rebates and incentive

programs and how Hydro Ottawa is preparing for an electrified future.

Great Glebe Garage Sale

Here’s an early heads-up. This year’s Great Glebe Garage Sale takes place on Saturday, May 24. Last year’s event was a huge success and we expect a repeat this year. It’s hard to beat hanging out with thousands of your closest friends on a sunny Saturday in May. If you want information, write gggs@glebeca.ca

And next fall…

While September may feel very distant at this point when we are waiting for the first flowers to push their way out of the ground, the GCA voted at its last meeting to move its Annual General Meeting to Wednesday, September 10. This will allow the membership campaign to wind up and all the necessary information to be gathered, and financial statements to be completed without the rush that has always been associated with a June AGM. More information will follow in due course.

Next Meeting

The next GCA board meeting takes place on Tuesday, April 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Preschool Room at the Glebe Community Centre.

John Harding

www.compu-home.com

Shawn Menard Councillor, Capital Ward

N 613-580-2487 www.shawnmenard.ca

All you ever wanted to know about potholes

It’s been a tough winter, but warmer weather and longer days are upon us. In the coming weeks (or maybe even by the time you read this!), snow will be receding, patios will open up, grass will appear and so will the potholes. No doubt, you’ve all seen quite a few already appearing around the ward and the city.

Ottawa’s winters − especially the freeze-thaw cycles we see so regularly − do a real number on our roads, sidewalks and paths, and now is the time of year that city crews will be opening and filling potholes.

Potholes are formed when water seeps into small cracks in the road. This can either be from rain, or from melted ice or snow. The water gets under the road and when it freezes, it expands (which we all learned about in science class). This expansion pushes up on the roadway, creating cracks. Then when the weather gets warmer, the water can evaporate and that leaves an open space under the road. Then, as cars, trucks and buses drive along the road, they break the asphalt in these compromised spots and, voila, potholes.

(You can see why the freeze-thaw cycle, compared to just cold weather, is especially damaging, and we’ve had 37 cycles this year…and counting!)

There are a few steps in the process of filling potholes. Crews have to come out and clear all water and debris from the pothole before packing it with asphalt. Once the pothole is filled with asphalt, crews will roll or pound it down.

Sometimes, water can find its way back into the repaired pothole. This prevents the asphalt from forming a proper bond with the pavement. If this happens, crews will have to come back to re-fill the pothole.

Most potholes are filled in the late winter and spring because the conditions in winter are so unstable, with the temperature dancing above and below freezing. Nonetheless, some potholes demand attention even in winter, so staff will do a temporary repair before coming back to do a proper fix as we get into spring.

In winter, staff will use what is called “Cold Patch” and “Warm Mix” asphalt. Cold Patch is a blended asphalt material that can be used in all temperatures. It doesn’t need any special equipment to compact it and can be applied directly to the roadway without any heating. Handily, it can be stored for extended periods before use.

Warm Mix asphalt is a year-round product that is made at a lower temperature using different adhesives. When it’s heated, the adhesives become thinner and this makes them easier to work with, improving their workability and flow in the roadway. Warm Mix asphalt can be manually compacted with a tamper, or it can be

shaped and compacted with power plate tampers or rollers.

This year, the city is seeing an increase in the number of potholes on our streets and crews were deployed starting back during March Break fixing them. As snow clearing becomes less of a chore, more and more city crews are getting assigned to pothole duty.

Things are heating up; the city has even resorted to using Pythons!

Don’t worry, not the snakes. The City has acquired the use of two Python 5000 machines. These “Python Pothole Patchers” have accelerated pothole fixing in the city. Staff members operate the machines from within the cab, so that workers aren’t exposed to oncoming traffic. This allows potholes to be filled much quicker, in under two minutes. They’re deployed for 12-hour shifts, which equals a whole

lot of potholes filled.

We haven’t been told exactly where they’re being deployed, but they will be showing up in neighbourhoods across the city. The City asks that if you see one of these in action, please give them sufficient space to work (though feel free to give the operator a friendly wave from a reasonable distance), and if you see one while driving, please don’t pass them. The delay will only be slight (less than two minutes!), and it will be safest for everyone on the road.

Our office is greatly appreciative of the work our city crews do for us.

Wanna help? Aside from giving crews space to do their work, it would also be helpful to report any big potholes you see out there. You report them directly to Service Ottawa by calling 3-1-1, emailing 311@ottawa.ca or visiting the city’s website at ottawa. ca/en/3-1-1.

ART EXHIBITION & SALE

ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Elgin & Somerset Streets

Saturday April 26 - Sunday May 11

Saturday to Wednesday Noon – 6 pm, Thursday & Friday Noon – 8 pm Tel: 613-232-4500 www.artcredo.ca

JAMES McCULLOCH LAWYER IN THE GLEBE

James provides legal services to Glebe residents, offers home visits and welcomes new clients. 613 565-5297 mccullochlawyer@rogers.com

Catherine McKenney MPP, Ottawa Centre

N 613-722-6414

E CMcKenney-CO@ndp.on.ca

I’d like to begin my very first MPP update with a brief, but sincere, message of appreciation.

It is an honour to represent the Glebe at Queen’s Park, and I want to thank this incredible community for the trust and confidence they put in me on February 27. This election we showed that, in our community, we always embrace love and hope over anger and fear.

For those who don’t know me, my name is Catherine McKenney and before I was elected as your MPP, I spent eight years as the Ottawa City Councillor for Somerset Ward. Prior to that I spent many years as senior staff at the City. In 2023, I co-founded CitySHAPES, a non-profit dedicated to building stronger, more liveable Canadian cities.

As a city councillor, I successfully pushed the city to declare a housing and homelessness emergency, led the fight for a public inquiry into Ottawa’s LRT debacle and stood up for downtown residents against the trucker convoy in 2022.

As your MPP, I promise to hold this government to account and continue the fight to build a better province − one where everyone has access to the housing, health care, education and transit they deserve.

While we’ve been working to get our community office set up over the past few weeks, many of you have already taken the time to write to me about

the Ottawa Carleton District School Board’s (OCDSB) Elementary Program Review. Parents and community members are concerned about the new proposed boundaries, splitting of families between schools, the impact that will have on your children’s education as well as the changes to the Special Ed programming and the elimination of Alternative Schools.

In early March I wrote a letter to OCDSB Director Buffone, and was able to hold what I felt was a productive meeting with our local OCDSB trustees to pass along what I have been hearing from parents. The trustees expressed openness to working with the community to make improvements to the proposal.

In particular I have raised significant safety concerns related to students needing to cross Bronson Avenue and other major arterial roadways in order to get to school. It really is critical to take the time to do everything we can to keep kids safe, and in their community.

As a Member of Provincial Parliament, I do not vote on this issue, however I will continue to work with parents to ensure that their voices are heard.

If you need to reach my community office on this issue, or for any other reason, please send us an email at CMcKenney-CO@ndp.on.ca or visit www. CatherineMcKenneyMPP.ca . My team and I are here to support and assist you. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can over the coming months, whether it be at the Lansdowne Farmers Market or the Great Glebe Garage Sale or even just on a walk down Bank Street − please be sure to stop to say hi!

A number of Glebe residents were recently awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals in recognition and celebration of their volunteer commitments and achievements in the community. The coronation medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III in 2023. To be eligible, a person must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and have been alive on May 6, 2023, the date of the king’s coronation.

Martha Bowers is a dedicated community organizer renowned for her leadership in coordinating the Glebe Art in Our Gardens and Studio Tour. With a deep passion for local art and culture, she connects residents through creative events that celebrate artistic expression and community.

Beatrice Keleher-Raffoul is a devoted volunteer and a skilled, compassionate connector of people and causes, especially women.

Keleher-Raffoul played a key role in placing the Women are Persons! monument on Parliament Hill in 2000.

Angela Keller-Herzog is an economist active in environmental and social justice, a People’s Official Plan Coalition leader, the founding executive director of CAFES and an initiator of Ottawa Centre Refugee Action.

Isabel Metcalfe has played a multitude of volunteer roles with distinction over many years. Among her achievements, she was the founding chair of Famous 5 Ottawa, the group that ensured the placement of the Women are Persons! monument on Parliament Hill. Metcalfe also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022), the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2012), and the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (2002).

Neil Saravanamuttoo is a prominent Ottawa urban development expert, economist and community organizer. As director and co-founder of CitySHAPES, he champions sustainable city planning, housing, transit and climate action.

If you are a Glebe resident who received the coronation medal and we somehow missed you, please do get in touch. The Glebe Report will be happy to add your name to this impressive list of worthy honourees!

Isabel Metcalfe, with Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi, receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal on February 23, 2025.

What do you say?

Are you buying local and Canadian? Or is it just too hard?

What do you think?

Many of us are seized with the need to seek out and buy Canadian (or at least not American) products in a boycott of U.S.-made products and services. It is symbolic but also undertaken in the hope that it could have a real economic impact. But will it make a difference? And how do you find good, inexpensive Canadian alternatives? And how do you even know if it’s Canadian? Or Canadian enough?

Many questions and no easy answers. Indeed, the concept of “Canadian” seems not at all black and white, but many shades of grey. We need to know that “made in Canada” means at least 50 per cent Canadian, whereas “product of Canada” means at least 98 per cent Canadian. And the weaselly “prepared in Canada” can mean anything from handled, harvested, preserved, processed, tested, treated or slaughtered in Canada and could include, for example, concentrated orange juice from Florida that has had water added to it in Canada. Labels put on by grocery chains may be misleading.

Then there are the larger questions. What about an iconic company like Tim Horton’s owned by an American corporation. Do we deem that Canadian by tradition? Or an American company like Walmart that creates jobs for Canadians. Even the dreaded Amazon employs Canadians.

What about unique American services like Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime? Are we prepared to give those up? Are our kids?

How are we navigating the swampy waters of “buying Canadian?” Tell us what you think.

1 Are you trying to buy Canadian? Yes/no

2 If no, why not?

If yes:

3 Are you buying non-American fruits and vegetables from countries like Peru, Mexico and others?

Yes/no

If yes:

4 Are you successful in finding suitable produce? How about prices? What have you been unable to find?

5 Do you rely on or trust grocery store labelling of products as Canadian? Yes/no

6 What is your rule of thumb for deciding whether a product is Canadian enough?

7 Have you given up any American products or services (eg., Netflix, Florida orange juice)? If so, what?

8 Are your children on board with your decisions? Why or why not?

9 Have you had success using apps identifying Canadian products (eg., Shop Canadian, Buy Beaver, O SCANada, Maple Scan)?

Yes/no

Please provide any additional comments, concerns or opinions you have on these issues.

Many thanks for your thoughts!

April Crossword

By Ellyn Duke Watson

To respond to these questions, scan the QR Code or go to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/YQ3YLZG

Survey results in our next issue.

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Now, for tomorrow

BANK STREET ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT PRIORITY FEASIBILITY STUDY –OPTIONS

By Simon Morris

The City of Ottawa conducted a feasibility study in June 2024 focused on enhancing Bank Street’s active transportation and transit (engage.ottawa.ca/bank-street-active-transportation-and-transit-priority-feasibility-study). The study presented four options aimed at improving the Glebe Bank Street corridor for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users while addressing existing challenges and anticipating future needs such as a steady growth in traffic.

The study included statistics on the mix of how people move on Bank Street in the Glebe as well as bus travel times, which were on average between 4.5 minutes and 5.5 minutes during peak hours for the stretch of Bank Street from the 417 to the Bank Street Rideau Canal bridge. The study also summarized parking which stated that 7 per cent of parking in the Glebe is on Bank Street (143 spaces out of 2,000) and that parking at Lansdowne accounts for 971 spaces or almost 50 per cent. Average Bank Street parking peaked at about 75 per cent on Sundays during the day and evenings and about 75 per cent on Saturday evenings. The City’s Transportation Planning group is expected to present its recommendation this June to the public. The four options being considered are summarized here.

Option A: 4 lanes, existing arrangement

Option A proposes no major changes to Bank Street use though there could be some modest enhancements for improving transit flow (transit signal priority) and pedestrian safety. Key features include:

· no dedicated bike or transit lanes;

· 3 shared lanes in peak/rush hours (2 lanes in rush hour direction);

· no changes to Bank Street parking; and

· no parking on both sides of Bank Street during major Lansdowne events (15,000+ visitors).

Aisling Boomgaardt and Bram Boomgaardt Telephone: 613-746-2367

Email: GreentreeCo@sympatico.ca www.GreentreeOttawaRentals.ca

Option

B: 4 lanes, dedicated transit lanes

This option focuses on prioritizing transit by introducing dedicated lanes for buses. Highlights include:

· dedicated bus lanes shared with bikes on both sides at the same time during rush/peak hours;

· no dedicated bike lanes;

· no Bank Street parking during rush/peak hours; and

· no parking on both sides of Bank Street during major Lansdowne events.

Option C: 3 lanes, dedicated northbound bus lane peak hours

Option C proposes a dedicated northbound bus lane during a.m. and p.m. peak hours as northbound bus transit times are always slower than southbound. Key elements include:

· parking on southbound (west side) Bank Street with bulb outs essentially eliminating one south bound lane;

· no dedicated bike lanes. Dedicated northbound bus lane at peak hours shared with bikes;

· southbound lane is always shared by all traffic; and

· during major Lansdowne events street parking on southbound (west side) lane remains.

Option D: 2 lanes, dedicated bike lanes, dedicated parking

This ambitious option aims for a comprehensive transformation of Bank Street, creating a vibrant, multi-modal corridor. Main features include:

· northbound and southbound dedicated bike lanes next to sidewalks;

· permanent parking lane northbound (east side) with bulb-outs; and

· no dedicated bus lanes at any time. One lane in each direction shared by all vehicles.

Members of the Glebe Community Association (GCA) Transportation Committee compared these options against the committee’s mandate. This mandate includes nine guidelines including: 1) working to improve safety for all users of streets, sidewalks and pathways in the Glebe; and 2) promoting mobility choices for Glebe residents with an emphasis on transit and active transportation. Relative to this mandate the members ranked Option B the highest, and Option C closely behind with Option A least favoured. None of the options were seen as making pedestrian traffic significantly safer though the bike lanes and parking lanes provide some buffer to the vehicle traffic. The primary challenge in comparing these four options to the committee mandate is in somehow balancing the priority between transit users and cyclists while not totally exasperating vehicle users. Coincidentally, the Centretown Community Association also recently wrote to the City of Ottawa voicing their support for dedicated bus lanes during peak hours and during Lansdowne events, which would be Option B.

Though the GCA is not expected to conduct a formal resident survey on these options, the GCA Transportation Committee welcomes your feedback on the options by emailing your ranked preferences to transportation@glebeca.ca.

Simon Morris is chair of the Glebe Community Association Transportation Committee.

Bank Street transit that works for all

By Samuel Chiappetta

As the warm spring air began its seasonal return, I was happy to see that restaurants had started to open their windows and Bank Street was teeming with people heading to a Charge’s game or to visit one of the many shops we are lucky to have right at the heart of our neighbourhood. However, I also saw a street filled with bumperto-bumper congestion, cars and pedestrians weaving dangerously around each other, and cramped buses stuck in heavy traffic. And this was no extraordinary occasion: as a popular destination and major transit corridor, Bank Street is often uncomfortably packed. Undesirable already, this situation is set to worsen as Ottawa’s population continues to grow and we get closer to Lansdowne 2.0, with its expected negative effects on traffic unaddressed.

It is because of this combination of love for Bank Street and concern over its continued success for the sake of residents and businesses that I wanted to do something, a sentiment which I hope you may share. This led me to the Bank Street Transit Action Group (BTAG), on behalf of which I write to you today.

BTAG is a group of local transit riders and allies fighting to make bus routes 6 and 7 along Bank Street the reliable and convenient service residents deserve. We want frequent, timely buses on and off peak; accessible and clean buses

and bus stops; improved rider involvement in transit decisions that directly affect them; and most pressingly, as a key investment in the viability of our transit system, we want 24-hour bus lanes on Bank.

We have already been at work. Meaningful change begins with the community, and we have reached out to residents and businesses in the Glebe for support and to understand what they want to see for Bank Street. We have heard frustration, concerns and a lack of faith in OC Transpo; all quite understandable given the situation. But this has been matched by expressions of support, great ideas and hope that we can indeed do better. We intend to make a strong case to the City that we need and want change.

To its credit, the city has already partly recognized this. Last summer it launched the Bank Street Active Transportation and Transit Priority Feasibility Study, exploring ways to improve

the Glebe portion of the street for transportation and as a destination. While one of the study’s proposals included temporary bus lanes during peak hours, we found the solutions fell short of what is needed. We need permanent, clearly visible and well-integrated bus lanes that, in cities like Toronto, New York and San Francisco, have cut travel times in half during rush hour, and by 10 to 25 per cent during off-peak hours. Encouragingly, data from the city survey shows that dedicated bus lanes was the top choice of respondents when asked about the most important feature of the redesign. It also notes that on-street parking on Bank accounts for only 7 per cent of total available parking in the Glebe. Surely this space can be better utilized.

I allow myself a moment to make an appeal for the need to avoid the binary that tends to oppose transit riders and drivers. Fundamentally, we all just want to get around. There is a

misconception that investment in transit inherently means less space and a worse experience for drivers. When transit works better, more people take it, reducing traffic for those still driving. It is also good for business as buses − particularly those with dedicated lanes − can bring five times more people to local shops than private vehicles. We are fighting for change, yes because we care about transit, but further because we are practical and want all to be better off. We are determined to pursue a constructive conversation to this end.

So, I ask you to join this conversation, whatever your opinion. You can reach out to BTAG at banktransitaction@ gmail.com with your views and ideas and/or to be kept in the loop for upcoming events. If you share the drive to see Bank Street thrive, we further welcome you to join us as a member. For information on bus lanes and the city’s study on Bank, you can visit https:// strongtownsottawa.ca/bank/. Let’s work together to ensure that the spring air brings with it positive changes.

Samuel Chiappetta is a member of the Bank Street Transit Action Group and a happy resident of the Glebe.

Get pumped for a Tour of Heat Pumps!

By Della Wilkinson and John Humphries

The Glebe Community Association’s Environment Committee invites Ottawa residents on a Tour of Heat Pumps in the Glebe on Saturday, May 10.

Who hasn’t heard of heat pumps by now? Everywhere you go people are talking about them and many Glebe residents have installed them in their homes. If you are like me, living with a gas furnace getting close to the end of its days, you are probably paying more attention to heat pumps and have many questions. How does the magic happen − pulling heat out of a -20 ⁰C winter day to warm my home, or cold out of my hot house during the summer? Are there still rebates and incentives to help with the costs? How will our electricity grid handle a mass movement towards heat pumps? As with most changes, there

are many questions to answer, which is why the GCA Environment Committee decided to arrange a tour so that residents can get their heat pump questions answered!

The Tour of Heat Pumps in the Glebe will take place on Saturday, May 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Several Glebe homeowners who have installed heat pumps in their century-old residences are willing to share their experiences and knowledge. The types of homes include a row house, houses with multiple apartments and single-family homes. The heat pumps include a range of manufacturers from Fujitsu to Mitsubishi, as well as from standard models to cold-climate models.

The tour will run from 1 to 3 p.m. with attendees assigned a starting house after registering on Eventbrite. The tour ends with a Q&A session over a cup of tea at the Glebe Community Centre in the Multi-Purpose Room from 3 to 4 p.m. Representatives from Electrify613, Envirocentre and Hydro Ottawa have volunteered to answer your questions on anything from installation tips to current heat pump rebates and incentive programs and how Hydro Ottawa is

preparing for an electrified future.

In contrast to the popular Glebe House Tour, the homeowners on the Tour of Heat Pumps in the Glebe will be present at their house. Some homeowners have invited their suppliers/ installers to be present. Attendees will be able to view the exterior heat pump unit, see pictures illustrating the interior set up, and ask questions about the homeowner’s experience relating to selection, installation and operation. Volunteer guides will be present to accompany attendees on a suggested route which will include at least three houses. If you prefer to take a selfguided tour and see as many locations as possible, the guides will provide details of other locations including walking times between locations and the Glebe Community Centre. Please don’t procrastinate as the Q&A session has a maximum capacity of 75 attendees. Register at Eventbrite – Tour of heat pumps in the Glebe.

Della Wilkinson is volunteer chair

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a device that consumes energy (usually electricity) to transfer heat from a cold heat sink to a hot heat sink. Specifically, the heat pump transfers thermal energy using a refrigeration cycle, cooling the cool space and warming the warm space. In cold weather, a heat pump can move heat in from the cool outdoors to warm a house; the pump may also be designed to move heat from the house to the warmer outdoors in warm weather. As heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating heat, they are more energy-efficient than other ways of heating or cooling a home.

and John Humphries is a member of the Glebe Community Association’s Environment Committee.

A vote for climate is a vote for the next generation

By Cecile Wilson

[Atmospheric CO2 at Mauna Loa, Hawaii on 24 March 2025: 429.44]

On March 24 a coalition of climate groups launched a “Baby Carriage” campaign, encouraging Canadians to “vote for the next generation.” Co-organized by Citizens Climate Lobby Canada, Grand(m)others Act to Save the Planet (GASP), For Our Grandchildren (4RG), and Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN) Ottawa, the crowd gathered on Parliament Hill one day after Prime Minister Mark Carney called a federal election.

Protect what we love

The key message of the event was to act now to protect who and what we love from the threats posed by an overheated climate. Cathy Orlando, National Director for Citizens Climate Lobby, emphasized the large impact people can make by voting for a candidate whose party has an effective climate plan.

Orlando referred to an analysis of the 2019 climate platforms of the five major political parties. Of the two front-running parties, the Liberal platform included a carbon tax, regulations that reduced methane emissions and phased out coal use, and a clean fuel standard. The Conservative platform proposed cutting the carbon tax and the clean fuel standard, and replacing other existing policies with “voluntary programs and modest subsidies.” Focusing on how the proposed policies of the two parties would affect the amount of greenhouse gas pollution (the main driver of an overheated climate), the analysis concluded that by 2030 the Liberal plan would result in 100 fewer megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year than the Conservative plan.

Collective political action brings the best results

According to Citizens’ Climate Lobby, if we consider the voters to be responsible for the victory of a political party, then “the average pro-climate voter” in 2019 would be responsible for a 34.2 tonne reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030. This level of

reduction is equivalent to taking 14 cars off the road for one year, recycling for 162 years or upgrading 342 years worth of incandescent light bulbs to low emission ones!

Climate and nature still high priorities

Climate issues have not dropped off the election map, despite Canadians’ concern over affordability and Trump’s threats to our economic and political sovereignty. A Leger poll done in the second week of March for the David Suzuki Foundation found that 67 per cent of respondents agreed that climate action and the protection of nature should be a “high priority” for the next federal government. Sixty-five per cent agreed that Canada should invest in renewable energy rather than fossil fuels, and 62 per cent agreed that Canada should keep its climate commitments, despite what the U.S. does.

Statistics on the amount the financial damage caused by intense weather events indicate that Canadians are wise to consider climate action an important contributor to economic security. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported that in 2024, insured damages caused by severe weather passed the $8 billion mark for the first time. This amount is nearly triple the total insured losses for 2023 and twelve times the annual average of $701 million for 2001 to 2010. Over one billion of those damages occurred in Ontario due to flooding. Such high costs are certain to lead to increased insurance premiums and may even result in the denial of insurance for people in susceptible areas, like we have seen for some residents in the case of California wildfires.

Which brings us back to voting.

What you can do

Vote: For the greatest potential impact; vote for climate action in the April 28 election. Advance polls are on April 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Talk: Talk to your candidates, whatever party they belong to, about their policies for fighting the warming climate and the economic pressures it is bringing to bear. Talk to your neighbours, friends and family

members. Use the information you can find at citizensclimatelobby.org to get the conversation started.

Support: Local groups are working to raise awareness of both the broad and specific effects of climate change. Earth Day is April 22.

Check out:

· Our Planet, Our Power: Working Together for the Next Generations, April 23 at the Knox Presbyterian Hall, 120 Lisgar, starting at 12:30.

· The Centretown Environment Committee’s Eco Fair at McNabb Park on April 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

In the inspiring words of Alex Neufeldt, one of the youth plaintiffs in the Ontario Mathur et al case, “To the naysayers who say the world is doomed and there’s no point in taking action, I say, ‘Get out of the way for those of us who are crazy enough to think we’re going to be able to do it!’”

Cecile Wilson is a member of Seniors for Climate Action Now and lives in the Glebe.

Citizens Climate Lobby analysis of political party platforms on climate as of 2019

Amazon – can we live without it?

By Jennifer Humphries

Full disclosure: I despise Amazon. I confess to having asked others to order a couple of items for me. But no more. It isn’t hard to find reasons to dislike Amazon.

It’s run by a billionaire who clearly does not care much about his employees, the environment and individual privacy.

It’s unethical. Its employees make a minimum hourly wage and can barely take bathroom breaks. It busts unions. It’s unfriendly to the environment. While it reduced its packaging after complaints, it still generates a huge amount of waste and a vast quantity of returned items go to landfill.

It’s a behemoth with multiple tentacles. It’s Whole Foods, Goodreads, Audible and more. It wants to eat the lunch of small businesses and local shops.

It’s not just me. Many consider Amazon an uncaring beast, to be avoided or used sparingly. In the context of the U.S.-initiated trade war and the campaign to buy Canadian, I began to wonder whether local residents had reduced or even eliminated their Amazon shopping.

I reached out to neighbours via the Facebook group “Being Neighbourly in the Glebe, Old Ottawa South and Old Ottawa East.” Four residents and a University of Ottawa MBA student generously agreed to share their views.

Views from the ’hood

Nicholas Surges was wary before the trade war, but in March he cancelled

his Amazon Prime membership. He continues to use the Amazon site as a catalogue, but he tries to order directly from the manufacturer. Some family members are reluctant to entirely give up Amazon purchases, so they are considering having one family member keep an account for niche items. “Amazon’s pitch is that we can’t live without it,” Surges said. “People come to rely on it and are reluctant to decouple even when the geopolitical reality demands it. But we can live without it and we can find other options that benefit our local community.”

LeAnne Parrish has cut her Amazon Prime membership although she hadn’t used it much. She is concerned that Amazon undercuts Canadian suppliers. She finds Amazon’s treatment of workers unacceptable and its recent closure of its Quebec distribution centres was obviously a case of union busting. Parrish’s Gen Z daughter is keen to purchase fashion from online suppliers but she orders directly from the source.

Caroline Horton was already trying to limit her Amazon use, which went up during the pandemic. She has always aimed to buy local. It’s not always easy: her nephews sent their Christmas wish list in the form of Amazon links.

“However,” she said, “since the antagonism of Trump and tariff threats, I’ve vowed not to use it at all. I cancelled my Audible membership and Prime, and no longer shop at Whole Foods.”

Her go-to is buying local, shopping in bricks-and-mortar stores or ordering online from Canadian suppliers, especially in Ontario and the Ottawa Valley. “I hate giving Jeff Bezos any money simply for convenience,” she said.

Ellen Dickson offered this comment: “I was an infrequent Amazon user, but I stopped completely during COVID when Bezos put a “donate” button on

the site [with donations going] to help employees who needed sick leave.”

MBA student Sam Pakparvar said his Amazon shopping habits haven’t changed with the trade war, citing convenience as well as price (60-70 per cent of products are cheapest on Amazon). He chiefly uses Amazon for electronics, especially niche products difficult to source elsewhere. For other items, he shops locally. Pakparvar said that Canadian sites are not well known and demonstrate “a failure of marketing.” By contrast, “Amazon is very smart. Plus they do market analysis on an industrial scale.” He also likes the product reviews which often include photos and videos. “I see this as a great competitive advantage which serves as a way of verifying the quality of a product.”

It’s a digital shopping world

A 2023 Statistics Canada report on retail e-commerce trends showed that online shopping as a percentage of overall expenditures by Canadians was on a growth trajectory before the COVID19 pandemic but ramped up markedly in 2020 through 2021. In 2022 it declined but remained higher than pre-COVID.

It’s hard to imagine the popularity of online shopping dropping off.

But it seems we will be buying considerably less from U.S. online vendors over the next four years.

A Leger poll conducted in early February examined the shift in Canadians’ shopping habits. It’s no surprise that 80% of respondents said they are significantly increasing their purchase of Canadian-made products. That said, just 40% plan to reduce or have reduced online purchases from U.S.based companies while 32% would not do so (18% didn’t know and 10% said non-applicable). Fifty-six percent either plan to stop or have stopped travelling to the U.S.

What we are finding harder to give up are streaming services. Still, 28% of poll respondents said they have cancelled or plan to cancel U.S. streaming services such as Netflix and Disney.

Variations among the three age groups are relatively modest, though the younger group (18-34) is slightly less inclined to drop U.S. travel and more inclined to drop U.S. streamers.

The pleasure of being there

Shopping Canadian, digital or in person, is one thing. But what about buying local? Judging by the number of familiar faces I’ve seen on Bank Street and around, it seems we are pretty dedicated to our local business community. Elbows up, Canada!

Jennifer Humphries is a board member and former co-chair of the Glebe Report Association and of the Glebe Community Association’s Environment Committee. For more on reasons to avoid Amazon, take a look at www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Amazon. It details issues with human rights, environment and privacy, and touches on online shopping addiction.

Can we of the Glebe break our addiction to Amazon?

PHOTO: JENNIFER HUMPHRIES

Krakowsky McDon a l d

By Angus McCabe

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Happy spring everyone! December through March saw the return of a true Ottawa winter in the Glebe. Ottawa takes great pride in being a winter city. This is reflected in measures we saw implemented this year – like the stairway leading into Central Park West from Bank Street being kept open and clear of snow all season long. Meanwhile, skaters made wonderful use of ice surfaces at Mutchmor field and Glebe Memorial Park (Glendale), thanks to dedicated volunteers at both locations. The Rink Rats at Glebe Memorial look forward to continuing their decades-old tradition of neighbourhood outdoor rink maintenance. We’d love to know your thoughts on how things went this year at Mutchmor rink. Is this something the community desires to see continue there?

As we say goodbye to these joys of winter for another year, it is time to renew our spring efforts to keep the Glebe’s 13 beautiful city parks safe, clean, green and fun for residents young and old.

The Glebe Community Association’s annual park cleanups, part of the City of Ottawa’s Spring Cleaning the Capital program will once again take place, this year on Saturday, May 3 starting at 10 a.m. (pouring rain date: Sunday, May 4). The Glebe Annex Community Association will be leading the cleanup of the Dalhousie South Park on the same date.

For many years, neighbours have

used this event as an opportunity to gather, combining some fun park play with a little bit of community service. If this sounds good to you, join with others and start organizing now.

On the cleaning front, the main goal is to pick up litter. For parks with play areas, this includes giving the sand a rake to remove any dangerous items (to be carefully removed and safely contained by adults with gloves). In green areas, it is advisable to “leave” the leaves alone and let nature do its thing. If you can, bring along a rake, work gloves, a container (like a jar) and a few smaller, compostable bags to help consolidate (and safely store) any garbage found into one garbage bag’s worth (or hopefully much less) at each park (to minimize our use of larger single-use plastic bags).

Come together with your friends, family and neighbours to the park cleanup near you, make some new acquaintances – and create some more wonderful neighbourhood moments and memories!

See the listing of GCA Parks Committee contacts who plan to be on hand at the parks that morning. Always feel free to contact us at parks@glebeca.ca to get involved with and organize for this and other Glebe parks initiatives in the years to come.

Angus McCabe is chair of the Glebe Community Association’s Parks Committee.

Central Park East & the Exploration Garden:

Chamberlain Park / Chamberlain Park Tennis Courts: on Glendale between Lyon & Percy Jason & Janine Anderson

Dalhousie South Park: Bell Street S.

Rebecca Schweitzer and her mom Virginia posing with litter collected at last year’s park cleanup at Glebe Memorial Park

Cooper’s hawk at Brown’s Inlet

By Ben Campbell-Rosser

Imagine you are a crow-sized hawk perched 40 feet up in winter branches. You are agile, powerful, one of this planet’s most skillful fliers. Your forte is whipping through tangled tree canopies in highspeed pursuit of your main quarry – other birds. In the open, you are capable of a burst of speed up to 100 kilometres per hour. You are faster when you dive. You are a top predator. You are a Cooper’s hawk.

In urban settings, Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii) have a penchant for visiting bird feeders. They hunt where their prey congregates. There are several winter feeders alongside Brown’s Inlet. The author had glimpses of a hawk (or hawks) at Brown’s Inlet during the first months of 2025, but each time the bird was too fast and elusive to identify or photograph.

Cooper’s hawks are native to North America. They are year-long residents throughout most of the continental U.S., with the breeding range extending into southern Canada and the winter range into Mexico. They are year-round residents in Ottawa. Cooper’s hawks live in a variety of climates and habitats. They prefer forests and woodlands, deciduous, coniferous or mixed, typically with tall trees and clearings or an edge habitat. However, they also inhabit savannas, grasslands, pastures and urban green spaces.

Cooper’s is a medium-sized hawk, variable in size. On average, females are about 40 per cent heavier and 20 per cent longer in linear dimensions than males. Cooper’s hawks in eastern North America are larger than those in

the west. Older birds are larger than younger birds. Therefore, there is a great range reported for body weight (220 to 600 grams), body length (35 to 50 centimetres) and wingspan (60 to 90 centimetres).

Adults are a solid blue-grey or browngrey above. The underside is whitish overlaid with irregular cinnamon-coloured bands. Adults usually have a well-defined crown of blackish-brown feathers above a pale hindneck. The tail is blue-grey on top and pale underneath with black bands. The short bill is hooked and robust. Legs are thick and long, ending in toes armed with strong talons. Juveniles have brown backs, darkbrown streaking on a white chest and markings different from adults. It can be difficult to tell an adult Cooper’s hawk from the lookalike

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), especially as they overlap in distribution. There are several differences, though. The Sharp-shinned is smaller, being more the size of a blue jay. The head of a Sharp-shinned is also proportionately smaller and the legs thinner. In the Sharp-shinned, the black crown of the Cooper’s becomes a hood extending over the back of the neck. The body of the Sharp-shinned narrows from the shoulder to the waist, but that of the Cooper’s is more uniform or barrel-shaped throughout.

Cooper’s hawks hunt a variety of animals. The size of the prey depends upon the size of the hawk, larger birds catching larger prey. Most of the diet consists of small- to medium-sized birds. Over 250 avian species are on the menu. Favoured prey includes doves, pigeons, starlings, robins, jays, blackbirds, juncos, sparrows, quail, grouse and, if they can get at them, chickens. The diet can also include non-avian fare such as hares, rabbits, voles, mice, squirrels, bats, snakes, lizards, frogs and even insects.

They hunt with speed and precision. Techniques vary from cruising with a few stiff wingbeats followed by short glides low over open terrain to surprise prey, soaring high then diving falcon-like to seize a bird in mid-flight, or speeding through dense foliage to nimbly chase down other birds. Cooper’s hawks are masters of the ambush, using trees and other obstacles to conceal their approach. Hurtling through vegetation after a mobile meal can be hazardous. A study of more than 300 Cooper’s hawk skeletons revealed that almost a quarter had healed fractures in the bones of the chest. In the wild, a Cooper’s has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, with the longevity record

being just over 20. Their bodies are adapted for agility. Large eyes located forward in the comparatively large head give good binocular vision for depth perception. For a bird of its size, its wings are moderate in length and rounded, permitting easier movement through tight spaces. The relatively large, long tail is a perfect rudder for abruptly changing direction during flight. The Cooper’s hawk is preferred by some falconers, though others think it too high-strung.

Populations are now stable or increasing. The number of Cooper’s hawks had plummeted during the mid-1900s due to shooting and the use of the pesticide DDT. However, they rebounded when it became illegal to kill the birds and DDT was discontinued for agricultural use. Adult Cooper’s hawks have few natural predators, especially during daytime. But at night, very large owls can be a problem. Populations are susceptible to habitat loss, avian diseases and parasites, and manmade chemicals that can concentrate to toxic levels in meat eaters. In cities, however, the leading cause of death is collisions with man-made objects such as windows, motor vehicles, cables and wires.

As a Cooper’s hawk perched 40 feet up, you survey Brown’s Inlet. You have a superb view of the wildlife supported by these two little ponds and their associated vegetation. It is ever changing, day to day, season to season. Brown’s Inlet hosts a myriad of plants and animals, water reeds to lilacs, sunfish to woodpeckers. You, a Cooper’s hawk, are part of it.

Ben Campbell-Rosser is a resident of the Glebe, a Glebe Report carrier and a retired academic.

Cooper’s Hawk perched high above Wilton Lane in the Glebe, February 27, 2025

PHOTO: BEN CAMPBELLROSSER

The long and the short of it – Carling Avenue and Daniel McCann

By Sue Stefko

This is the last article in the series on the east-west street histories of the Glebe Annex and discusses two very different streets. Carling Avenue, at about 19 km long, is one of Ottawa’s longest streets. It was named for politician and businessman Sir John Carling from London, Ontario. During his long and varied political career, Carling was Minister of Agriculture from 1885 to 1892 and was largely responsible for the establish-

Three Sisters Soup: survivor of a food system ravaged by colonialism

By Marisa Romano

I recently participated in a KAIROS Blanket Exercise organized by Glebe-St. James United Church and run by Indigenous facilitators who live with the consequences of colonization (see also page 26). The exercise is an experiential lesson in the history of colonization in Canada, a difficult relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples that with time turned from amicable to tumultuous, ravaging the social order on Turtle Island (kairosblanketexercise.org/). European colonization brought cultural alienation with the loss of Indigenous languages, values, rituals and family relations. Among the casualties is the traditional Indigenous food system.

Food is not only nourishment of self but also sustenance for communities, culture and relationships, and the colonial disruption of the Indigenous food system, without any doubt, contributed to the impoverishment of the peoples it once nourished.

Disruption started with the European impingement and dispossession of Indigenous people’s traditional territories, the destruction of their cultural practices, the introduction of horses and firearms, and the lucrative fur trade.

The deliberate elimination of bison, seen as the solution to the “Indian problem,” brought to near extinction the most prominent animal on Turtle

Island and the principal food source for Indigenous peoples of the Plains. Dams and canals constructed by settlers to facilitate navigation in the watersheds of the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg deprived Ojibwe people of their traditional wild rice harvesting areas and their main staple. And the depletion of natural resources together with the dependence on fur trade brought loss of self-reliance skills and dependence on imported foods among Inuit communities. These are just a few examples of the damage caused to the Indigenous food system.

One of the ancestral agricultural practices discouraged by the settlers is companion planting (or polyculture), the system of growing different crops together so they can help one another thrive. It mimics a natural environ ment and supports sustainable land use. It is the farming method used by the Indigenous Anishinaabeg for thou sands of years.

Island, Indigenous three-sisters gar dens were flourishing all over, with

Three Sisters Soup (corn, beans and squash)

(Canada Food guide website: food-guide.canada.ca/en/recipes/ corn-bean-squash-soup-threesisters-soup/)

Serves 8

Ingredients:

10 mL (2 tsp) vegetable oil

1 onion, diced 4 carrots, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 stalks celery, chopped

2 L (8 cups) vegetable broth

1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed

375 mL (1 ½ cups) frozen corn

2 cans (2 x 540 mL/19 oz) no salt added kidney beans, drained and rinsed

10 mL (2 tsp) dried thyme (or 60 mL/4 tbsp fresh)

5 mL (1 tsp) ground pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and sauté over medium heat, stirring often until golden, about 2 minutes.

corn providing support for climbing beans, beans enriching the soil with nutrients through nitrogen fixation, and squash helping to conserve water and control weeds by covering the ground with their large leaves. And when eaten together, the three sisters − staples of Indigenous cuisine − provided a life-sustaining balanced meal with complete proteins, carbohydrates, essential vitamins and minerals. Three sisters soup, made with these ingredients, is the symbol of all this: a sustainable Indigenous food system that nourished its people.

Relocation deprived Indigenous populations of their traditional foods, and the imposition of strict Eurocentric agricultural rules brought crop

2. Add carrots, garlic and celery and sauté for another 8 minutes, or until softened.

3. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

4. Turn down heat and add cubed squash. Simmer, covered, for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add beans, corn, thyme and pepper. Stir and simmer another few minutes until squash is soft with a fork.

For a creamier soup, add squash a little earlier than indicated in the recipe and let it cook with the other vegetables for a few minutes before adding vegetable broth.

Ingredients in the recipe include frozen corn, available in any grocery store. The ancestral formula used corn processed through a century-old practice where corn kernels are soaked and cooked with ash or lime (nixtamalization). This treatment, developed by the Indigenous population of Central America in the pre-Hispanic era, increases the nutritional value of corn.

history of Canada. Indigenous peoples across the country are now telling their stories and celebrating their culture with art, literature and music, but also through cuisine and traditional foods. Several Indigenous restaurants offering traditional recipes and ingredients are opening across Turtle Island and Indigenous food is starting to claim its space in urban dining.

The Canadian culinary landscape includes flavours from all over the world; it is the reflection of the mosaic that this country is. What has been missing for too long are the flavours of the people who first inhabited and took care of this land. It is now time to taste them.

To experience Indigenous cuisine in Ottawa and elsewhere in Ontario:

Three Sisters Soup, made with the “three sisters,” beans, corn and squash, is a specialty of Indigenous cuisine.

PHOTO: MARISA ROMANO

A tour of tasty tacos

by Tim O’Connor

When asked about my favourite food, or what food could I survive on for the rest of my life, I think of tacos.

There’s something about food being served in a tortilla that just gets me, and the versatility of it is unique.

Many restaurants serve tacos − they’re pretty well everywhere at this point − and there are places with good tacos. That said, we’re only getting a small percentage of what Mexico has to offer from a vast landscape of tacos, and I’m determined to expand the horizons for Ottawa taco lovers.

Lately, on Tuesday nights − tacos and Tuesday are almost synonymous these days − I’ve been trying to make more than just the familiar flavours, to go beyond the al pastor or barbacoa, the pulled pork or fish tacos. I’m trying to replicate a taco from, for example, the Yucatan region or from the Tabasco region and others.

I’m trying, with the help of my very Latin staff, to create tacos that remind them of home.

I’ve been reading books about the tacos of different regions and how to make them, and how I can learn to make them and sell them for $5 each. That’s my new mission, to find as many different variations as possible of tacos and to sell them at Flora Hall on Tuesdays.

The more I research, the more I realize that in Ottawa we’re only getting a thumbnail of the totality of tacos offered by Mexico’s regions.

The range of flavours is vast and

inspiring. Even the methods are amazing. The regions of Hildago and Guanajuato, for example, have a certain style of braising meat whereby not-fully-cooked tacos are placed in a a tarp sack and bicycled around the city to be sold roadside. The rest of the cooking is done in the sack. I won’t be biking around Flora Hall delivering tacos to tables, but we’ll try to replicate the flavours as best we can.

The other day we were making chicken mole − I know everybody knows mole, but rarely do I see a chicken mole taco. There’s also room to experiment with less traditional taco varieties. Recently we were using chickpeas, walnuts, oats and traditional Mexican seasonings to create a vegan meatball that is Mexican styled. We enjoyed them so much that we made a vegan taco with chickpea meatballs that had been cooked in an enchilada sauce.

I’m fortunate to have a good friend, Manny, who is from Mexico City and works in our kitchen, and who has really opened my eyes to a wider world of tacos, and I adore making things and trying to bring him back home. We’re trying to get the right chiles and we’re trying to recreate all the flavours from Manny’s region and from the other regions of Mexico.

And, by the way, it all needs a freshmade tortilla. We make them fresh every time, as you can’t make a great taco with a frozen or mass-made tortilla. When it’s Taco Tuesday in our kitchen, fresh is where it all starts.

Tim O’Connor is executive chef at Flora Hall Brewing.

A Chicharron Tabasqueño taco, one of chef Tim O’Connor’s expansions into the world of taco flavours and styles PHOTO: FLORA HALL BREWING

Sylvie’s thriller& mystery review

By Sylvie Chartrand

Here is a summary of some of the books I have read so far this year, in order of when I read them, not by favourites. I mostly like mystery novels but hopefully you can find something that appeals to you in the book reviews below.

The Opportunist, by Elyse Friedman Elyse Friedman lives in Toronto. She is a critically acclaimed, award-winning writer. Her work has been shortlisted for the Toronto Book Award, the Trillium Book Award and the Relit Award. Her story, “The Soother,” won the Gold National Magazine Award for fiction.

Alana, who is estranged from her 76-year-old father, Ed, is getting messages from her half-brothers, who want her to help protect their father from the gold-digging Kelly, a 28-yearold nurse who is engaged to Ed. Alana, who lives in Toronto, gets on a plane and flies to their father’s 900-acre west coast island retreat to do the one little task her brother asked her to do, but Kelly isn’t going to make it easy for them. How far are they all willing to go to get what they want? This book is a good read.

The Disinvited Guest, by Carol Goodman

Carol Goodman is the author of 24 novels, including The Widow’s House and The Night Visitors, both which have won the Mary Higgins Clark award. Her books have been translated into 16 languages. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her family and teaches at the New School and SUNY New Paltz.

What can go wrong on a haunted island? Lucy Harper and her husband, Reed, who inherited the island, invited his sister Liz and four friends to stay on the island to protect themselves from the new virus. The island has quite the history, 200 years ago it was used as a quarantine hospital for immigrants who arrived by boat with typhus.

Lucy finds a journal that belonged to the doctor who took care of those patients and becomes obsessed with the past. Strange things, like mysterious shapes appearing in the woods and accidents turning deadly, are making everyone suspicious of each other. Can Lucy figure out what’s going on before she becomes the next victim?

Local Woman Missing, by Mary

Kubica

Mary Kubica is the New York Times

bestselling author of several thrillers, including The Other Mrs. and The Good Girl, which has now sold over one million copies. She lives outside Chicago with her husband and two children.

Local Woman Missing is another great book. It is about Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah. Both of them were last seen near where Shelby Tebow disappeared. Shelby and Meredith are eventually found dead but there is no sign of Delilah and the case goes cold. Now, 11 years later, Delilah resurfaces and is reunited with her father Josh and her brother Leo. Everyone wants to know what happened to her during those missing years. The author will delight you with her sizzling plots.

What Lies in the Woods, by Kate Alice Marshall

Kate Alice Marshall writes horror and thrillers for all ages, from middle grade to adult. Her books for younger readers include I Am Still Alive, which was nominated for a Washington state Book Award, and Rules for Vanishing, which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. What Lies in the Woods is her adult thriller debut.

Naomi Shaw and her two friends, Olivia and Cass, found some bones in the woods one day and decided to keep it a secret and worship them by playing what they called the Goddess Game. They were 11-year-old children and didn’t realize the implication of their actions. One day Naomi was attacked in the woods. Stabbed 17 times while her friends hid nearby, she somehow survived. The girls identified a man accused of murdering six women and got him put away for life even though Naomi never actually saw who attacked her.

Twenty-two years later, Olivia wants to tell the whole story, then she goes missing and Naomi realizes she needs to know what really happened in the woods that day, even if it puts her life in danger. Was the right person sent to prison?

These books and so many more are available at the Ottawa Public Library!

Sylvie Chartrand is a public service assistant at the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.

BLANKET EXERCISE

A step in righting relations with Indigenous Peoples

By Wendy Bergeron

Glebe-St. James United Church plays an important role in the Glebe, creating opportunities for engagement for anyone wanting to commit to social justice and inclusion. We are committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Our ReconciliAction Working Group has worked over the past couple of years to educate ourselves and our community on the history and contributions of the First Peoples and we are working to build relationships with local Indigenous communities and service organizations.

We deepened our understanding of the history of what is now known as Canada by hosting a Blanket Exercise on February 23. This learning event, guided by Indigenous facilitators, told participants the history of Canada from the Indigenous point of view, and helped address Call to Action 59 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The United Church of Canada was one of the churches asked to educate its congregations on their role in

colonization, the history and legacy of residential schools, and why apologies to former residential school students, their families and their communities were necessary.

What is a Blanket Exercise?

The 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples contained recommendations to improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, including education as one of the key steps to reconciliation. In response to these recommendations, in 1997, KAIROS, a Canadian faith-based ecumenical

organization, developed the Blanket Exercise in consultation with Indigenous elders and representatives, as an interactive way of learning the history most Canadians are never taught. Since 1997, it has since been offered thousands of times. The program was updated in 2023 and this new updated program, led by an Indigenous facilitator, is the one we experienced on February 23.

What happened at the Blanket Exercise on February 23?

The activity began with blankets arranged on the floor to represent Canada before the arrival of Europeans. Directed by the Indigenous facilitators and using prepared scripts as well as their personal stories to tell the story, all the participants were invited at the beginning to stand on the blankets. Participants were given an identity as a First Nations, Inuit or Metis person. Individuals were then directed to move around, based on events affecting Indigenous people. At the end of the exercise only a few people remained on the blankets, which had been folded into increasingly smaller bundles and covered only a fraction of their original area.

Participants were visibly affected by the narration and the experience as they listened to Indigenous perspectives they may not have previously heard and told by the descendants of survivors of centuries of mistreatment.

By involving us in a holistic way, the Blanket Exercise is helping us understand how churches were involved in colonization and residential schools, and how the federal government policies and practices impact on and continue to influence the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Here are some reflections from participants:

“I learned that my perspective and education were insufficient and colonially centered.”

“I learned that I am at a point where learning is no longer enough. I want to do more.”

“Although this was my second time experiencing the Blanket Exercise, hearing once again the truth about the incredible hardships, loss of land, culture, spiritual practices, etc., really brought home the injustice of it all. I am heartened by the courage and work of

the indigenous people who do this hard work. Also that the community of GSJ [Glebe-St. James] is committed to walking this path of reconciliation. I find the work that is happening genuine and encouraging.”

This is my church. If you are committed to making a difference in a world that increasingly needs kindness, come join us! You’d be welcome.

Wendy Bergeron is chair of Council at Glebe-St. James United Church.

Spring Fling Fibre Art Show

By Sharon Dawn Johnson

Do you know the difference between textiles and fibres? Do you love the colours and textures of cotton, silk, wool, felt? Then you won’t want to miss this year’s Spring Fling Art Show, hosted by Out of the Box fibre artists!

On Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we are holding our popular Spring Fling Art Show at Kitchissippi United Church, located at 630 Island Park Drive. Admission is free, with monetary donations gratefully accepted for the Ottawa Food Bank.

The two-day art show and sale will showcase the fibre art of nearly 100 artists from Ottawa and the surrounding areas – offering a range of works, including embroidery, felting, wall hangings, purses, silk scarves and cards.

Our visitors feel a personal connection to our artworks. They are inspired not only by the textures, materials and techniques but also by the ways diverse materials evoke memories and resurface long-forgotten experiences that connect them to our themes and subjects.

Several artists will be on hand to share insights into fibre art and offer demonstrations on various techniques. You’ll have the chance to meet machine and hand embroiderers, art quilters, weavers, felters, doll makers, embellishers, silk painters, beaders, dyers, book artists, mixed-media creators and other fibre artists.

This is our 16th year hosting the event. It continues to grow and improve every year. Along with our new attendees and guests, many of our repeat customers bring their friends. The word is getting out!

We invite you to spend a few relaxing hours immersed in this wonderfully tactile art experience.

Sharon Johnson, a 35-year Glebe resident, is a writer and bead and fibre artist, and a 20-year member of Out of the Box

Blankets representing Canada pre-contact. PHOTOS: BING XIE

“Once in a Blue Moon,” 8 x 8 inches, beads, thread, fabric. PHOTO: SHARON JOHNSON

Spa infuses Morocco’s traditions with Nordic experiences

By Sadeen Mohsen

The story behind So Morocco at 20 Pretoria Avenue is one filled with culture and friendship, highlighting immigrant women in Ottawa. Ottawa’s first women-only hammam, So Morocco, is relatively new, opening its doors in the Glebe neighbourhood in mid-October 2024.

The three founders, Ihsane Benhalima, Oum Keltoum Berrada and Ibtissam Nasroullah, are from Morocco and play a notable role in their first shared business. All three women have a background in marketing and work together on the “big picture stuff.”

Benhalima’s role is arranging what services they offer and the internal processes. Keltoum Berrada focuses on social media marketing and the communication aspects of the business. Nasroullah’s role is on the creative side, where she focuses on bringing the brand together, including beauty products, labelling and logo designs.

The women said the shift from the marketing and corporate world came from wanting to create something meaningful and to prioritize self-care. That’s where the idea of a spa came from. “The stress of life made us realize we needed to stop, we needed to breathe and to value the time we have to create something for us,” Benhalima said. “We wanted to share this experience with women…creating a space where people can just disconnect and reconnect with one’s self.”

Despite having three heads in a leadership role, they say they get along

pretty well, having known each other for years. As immigrant women from Morocco, they said they don’t feel any different in a diverse city like Ottawa.

“Our business [was started by] women who wanted to create and to integrate a piece of our culture here [and] to participate in the involvement of the spa area in Ottawa,” Benhalima said. “We want people to discover a new way of self-care.”

Entering So Morocco, the first thing that hits the senses is the smell of essential oils permeating the space. Benhalima says this is an integral part of the experience of a Moroccan hammam, which means “bath” in Arabic.

The Moroccan hammam is a traditional steam bath that engages all the senses through exfoliation and steaming body treatments. Benhalima explains that they also incorporated soothing music for hearing, essential oils for smell and, to end the experience, the final touch: Moroccan tea and treats that feature traditional flavours such as mint, almonds and orange blossom water.

“This is our way of welcoming people,” Benhalima said. “It’s the hospitality of Morocco.”

Another way of strengthening Moroccan identity within their spa was ensuring they could authentically reconstruct a hammam setting that would be seen in Morocco. Keltoum Berrada said they imported marble sinks and a heated marble table from Morocco because “it’s part of the experience.”

This includes organic source

materials such as black soap, Moroccan clay and dragon oils. “This attention to small details is important in providing an authentic experience,” Keltoum Berrada said. “We try to include all authentic ingredients of the hammam in our experience.” They also include locally made products to support other small Canadian businesses.

For those who are not familiar with the hammam experience, Nasroullah said they have created a fusion experience, where they combine both Nordic and Moroccan hammam methods to create something clients can experiment with. While Nordic experiences are all about cold circuits, the traditional Moroccan way focuses on heat and steam. This starts with a steam room, followed by a body scrub and massage.

“Here, it’s a closer relationship with your body,” Nasroullah said, adding that the hammam experience offers a

deeper relaxation for their clients.

The theme of Nordic and Moroccan infusion is notable throughout the spa, with classic Nordic lounge chairs and Moroccan arches. Benhalima says this is intentional and is a way to introduce a different style of lounge while keeping things familiar.

“This is why we call [it] So Morocco, because Moroccans are attached to their roots and traditions but open to modernity and to the world,” Benhalima said.

The three founders agreed that the most important element of this journey together was being able to create “special moments” with their clients, especially for those experiencing a Moroccan hammam for the first time. “It’s the real reward of all the efforts we have put in,” Benhalima said.

Sadeen Mohsen is a journalism student at Carleton University.

From left: Oum Keltoum Berrada, Ibtissam Nasroullah and Ihsane Benhalima, owners of So Morocco, have integrated Moroccan spa traditions into Ottawa’s Nordic spa scene.

PHOTO: SADEEN MOHSEN

SEVENTEEN VOYCES AND FRIENDS bring Ben-Hur to life in concert

By Clare Jackson

On Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, Glebe-based chamber choir Seventeen Voyces will bring together guest choirs Caelis Academy Ensemble and the Ewashko Singers to mark the centennial of the 1925 legendary silent film Ben-Hur at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Glebe.

Conducted by Seventeen Voyces founding director Kevin Reeves, the three choirs will join forces to sing selections from Carl Orff’s enthralling Carmina Burana as well as works by Michael Praetorius, William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, among others, that will bring this classic silent film to life.

“The film is a tour de force,” says Reeves. With powerful organ and

percussion accompaniment, Reeves raves that in the famous chariot race featured in the film, “this will be the real chance to see Chariots of Fire.”

In the making of Ben-Hur, a staggering 200,000 feet of film was shot for the iconic chariot race alone. The intense, high-adrenaline sequence, which was eventually edited down to just 750 feet, has become one of cinema’s most frequently imitated scenes, with its influence reaching as far as the pod race scene in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

The chariot race, which remains one of the most thrilling moments in film history, was further enhanced by the star power of Hollywood’s elite of the day, many of whom appeared as extras in the crowd – among them the

Barrymore brothers, the Gish sisters, Joan Crawford, Marion Davies, Samuel Goldwyn, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.

Ben-Hur , a Biblical epic centred around the title character played by “Latin lover” Ramon Novarro, was the most expensive silent film ever made. Though Novarro portrayed the heroic Judah Ben-Hur, it was Francis X. Bushman, playing the villain Messala, who truly mastered the art of chariot driving. Unlike Novarro, Bushman became an expert charioteer, a skill that would later prompt actor Charlton Heston to joke during the 1959 remake that, “the only man in Hollywood who can drive a chariot is Francis X. Bushman – and he’s too old!”

Released in 1925, Ben-Hur was marketed with the slogan, “The Picture Every Christian Ought to See.” The film’s religious scenes, including BenHur’s dramatic entrance into Rome, were filmed in two-strip Technicolor, a technique which used a two-colour subtractive camera designed just a few years earlier in 1922.

The performances by Seventeen Voyces and guests in May will feature Quebec-based bass-baritone Phillip Holmes, a graduate of the University of Ottawa’s voice performance program who founded the Ottawa Valley classical music festival Under the Pines. In demand in the Ottawa-Gatineau region as a solo performer, Holmes is also a theatre arts teacher who has directed numerous award-winning high school musicals.

Also returning to St. Matthew’s for the performances is Ottawa-born countertenor Mark Donnelly, who first joined the church’s Men and Boys Choir at age six and is also a former member of Seventeen Voyces. Donnelly has performed and recorded

A festival of Handel music

By Janice Manchee

When Rideau Chorale selected Handel’s Coronation Anthems for their spring concert, they had no idea that monarchy might be the future of our neighbour to the south. But, like much classical music, these stirring and beautiful pieces were composed in a time when monarchy was the dominant form of government.

“Handel was born in Germany,” says Rideau Chorale music director Kevin Reeves, “but he relocated to Britain and was declared a naturalized citizen by George I just prior to his death in 1727. It’s fitting Handel wrote the anthems for the coronation of George’s son.”

Handel’s four anthems were introduced at the coronation of George II and Caroline, his queen. They drew from some of the texts used in previous British coronations dating back to that of King Edgar in 973.

The Coronation Anthems are made up of four separate motets (choral compositions) highlighting the events of a coronation.

“Zadok the Priest” celebrates the recognition by God and the church of the heir. “Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened” underlines the individual as the rightful heir to the throne.

“The King Shall Rejoice” is sung during the crowning. Finally, “My Heart is Inditing” celebrates the anointing and crowning of the queen. “Inditing” is an old-fashioned way of saying that someone feels strongly inspired to express their thoughts or feelings.

“The Anthems contain dance-like and celebratory music,” says Reeves. “But they also clearly address the serious nature of confirming the nation’s leader.”

These Anthems were popular right from the beginning during Handel’s lifetime. Because of the grandeur of a coronation, many singers and musicians were involved, and this contributed to Handel’s image as a composer who required a crowd of performers or, as Hector Berlioz described it, “a barrel of pork and beer.” In fact, Handel tailored his compositions for the audience and venue.

Rideau Chorale will feature Matthew Larkin on organ,

in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Europe and Asia. In 2019, he attended the International Baroque Academy at Musiktheater Bavaria, Germany, and performed lead opera and concert roles by Monteverdi and Merula in Germany and Austria.

Virtuoso organist Matthew Larkin, founder and director of Caelis Academy Ensemble, will masterfully provide improvised organ music throughout the film, offering seamless transitions between the choral pieces. In addition, five percussionists, including Zac Pulak – who CBC named one of Canada’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” – will also add vigour and intensity to the shows, including the famous “O Fortuna” chorus from Orff’s Carmina Burana

Each season for the last two decades, Seventeen Voyces has presented a concert featuring a silent film classic projected on a large screen and accompanied by live choral and organ music. Past film selections have included Peter Pan (1924), The Phantom of the Opera (1925) and Joan of Arc (1928). With its epic scale and groundbreaking cinematography, Ben-Hur remains a monumental achievement in film history, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and inspiring generations of filmmakers. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Ben-Hur live in concert, on Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 130 Glebe Avenue. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students, with children 12 and under free. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at seventeenvoyces. ca or at the door (cash, credit and debit accepted).

Clare Jackson is a Seventeen Voyces choir board member.

Travis Mandel leading the trumpets and Zac Pulak on timpani.

Rideau Chorale will perform three additional pieces by Handel. Two are from his oratorio Samson, which was composed directly after he completed The Messiah and first performed in 1743. “Music, Spread Thy Voice Around” is a sweet and lulling piece, while “Awake the Trumpet’s Lofty Sound” is energetic and stirring.

The third piece, “See, The Conquering Hero Comes,” is from Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus. The oratorio tells the story of how Judaism was saved through the heroic efforts of Judas Maccabaeus and others. This story is the foundation for the festivities of Hanukkah.

Rideau Chorale is also welcoming soprano Ania Hejnar and countertenor Mark Donnelly. Hejnar will sing Handel’s love song “Let the Bright Seraphim.”

“It truly is a festival of Handel,” says Reeves. “We are delighted to share this music with our community.

Rideau Chorale’s Handelfest will take place on Saturday, April 26 at Southminster United Church beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Information about Rideau Chorale and its upcoming performances (including livestream details) can be found at rideauchorale.com. Tickets are available on zeffy.com/ ticketing/handelfest

Janice Manchee sings tenor with Rideau Chorale.

Rideau Chorale’s Handelfest will take place April 26 at Southminster United Church. PHOTO: PETER POLGAR

Seventeen Voyces and other choirs will bring the silent film classic Ben Hur to life in concert at screenings on May 2 and 3 at St. Matthew’s church.

Rebecca Campbell and the power of song

By Kathy Kennedy

When Woody Guthrie painted the famous slogan “This machine kills fascists” on his guitar, it was a tribute to the power of song to change the world. Today, as Canada and the world are being rocked to the core, the importance of Gil’s Hootenanny and its focus on celebrating and singing songs of hope and protest seems more important than ever.

Gil’s Hootenanny 2025 is thrilled to welcome headliner Rebecca Campbell back to Ottawa to galvanize the audience in speaking, and singing, truth to power. Campbell is a performer energized by activism whose earliest childhood aspiration was to “save the world.”

Growing up in Ottawa, Campbell has deep roots in the city and in the Glebe neighbourhood. She even had a hand in editing a July 1983 issue of Not The Glebe Report, which was described as “informative and witty” and was distributed through shops and corner stores. She went to Hopewell and Glashan Public Schools and Glebe Collegiate Institute before heading to Montreal to study history at Concordia University and currently lives in Toronto.

Campbell honed her musical artistry in Ottawa. From playing Adelaide in Guys and Dolls at age 12

to singing with some of Ottawa’s most influential musical groups like Fat Man Waving, The Black Donnellys and Three Sheets to the Wind in the 1980s and ‘90s, her performance portfolio from her time in Ottawa is impressive. She continues to collaborate with singer-songwriters like Lynn Miles, Melwood Cutlery and Dave Bignell, returning to Ottawa regularly to perform with and visit musical friends.

Besides being a singer, songwriter, song interpreter and collaborator, Campbell is also a live event producer, stage manager and visual artist who performs at union meetings and rallies. With the Toronto-based SPECIAL INTEREST group, she adapts new versions of songs of hope and struggle and will be bringing some of those songs to Gil’s Hootenanny, where she will be accompanied by Ottawa musicians Fred Guignon and Ann Downey.

The 2024 Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, helps illustrate the influence of folk musicians Guthrie and Pete Seeger on protest music of the 1960s, including the music of Dylan and Joan Baez. Today’s musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Maines and Eliza Gilkyson are carrying on the tradition along with Beyonce and her song “Freedom” and H.E.R.’s “I Can’t Breathe” echoing the music of the civil rights movement.

Modelled on Seeger’s hootenannies where he led audiences in singing traditional and new songs, Gil’s Hootenanny is an annual opportunity to celebrate the importance of music of hope and protest and its place in today’s world. As Pete Seeger once said, “A good song reminds us what we’re fighting for.”

Tony Turner will be this year’s opening act at Gil’s Hootenanny. The connection between Gil’s Hootenanny, Turner and Campbell goes back to 2015 when Turner’s song “Harperman,” about then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, thrust him into a media spotlight few could have anticipated. After “Harperman” won the 2015 Gil’s Hootenanny song-writing contest and a video of the song went viral, Turner was suspended from his federal public service job and became an

unintentional, international public crusader for freedom of expression. Weeks before a federal election, Turner’s song was exuberantly performed in over 35 communities across the country on September 17, 2015, during a Cross-Canada “Harperman” Sing-Along to draw attention to Turner’s plight and the election issues of the day. Campbell was part of the Toronto sing-along event. Gil’s Hootenanny was inspired by the legacy of Gil Levine, founding Director of Research at the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). Levine was a labour, peace and social justice activist and a folk music enthusiast. When he died at 85 in 2009, three words in his obituary, “… plan a hootenanny,” were the seeds of this remarkable musical get-together.

Tony Turner, singer/songwriter of “Harperman” fame, will open the hootenanny.

Levine and his wife Helen contributed to Ottawa’s musical scene for decades. In 1958, Gil co-produced a Pete Seeger concert in Ottawa when Seeger was blacklisted in the U.S. Self-described as “old folkies,” the Levines loved folk music and May Day and hosted hootenannies at their home for years.

Gil’s Hootenanny will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 (May Day Eve) at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Avenue. The venue is accessible, has ample parking and is serviced by OC Transpo.

Tickets for Gil’s Hootenanny will be $20. Kids are welcome to attend for free.

Kathy Kennedy is on the organizing team for Gil’s Hootenanny.

Rebecca Campbell, well-known Ottawa musician, will headline this year’s Gil’s Hootenanny on April 30.

Ottawa jazz lovers’ group has big birthday plans

By Karl Nerenberg

JazzWorks, a feisty local arts education organization, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this spring with a concert series and a Great Big Jam Session.

With a focus on community adult jazz musicians and talented youth, the mission of JazzWorks is to provide an inclusive opportunity for musicians at all skill levels to learn about and play the improvised music we know as jazz. JazzWorks organizes jam sessions, vocal open mics, concerts, workshops and an annual residential jazz camp.

JazzWorks got off the ground in 1994, with a summer weekend workshop at Christie Lake Camp, near Perth. Founder and executive director/producer Judith Humenick was inspired by her experience teaching at the Saskatchewan School for the Arts, where she saw curious adults clamouring to sit in on jazz workshops aimed at teenage musicians.

The camp started as a two-day event with 21 campers. The faculty were all members of the Ottawa band Chelsea Bridge: John Geggie on bass, Rob Frayne on saxophone, Jean Martin on drums and vocalist Tena Palmer coaching the singers.

The response of campers was so enthusiastic that JazzWorks camp became an annual event, now comprising a three-day Composers’ Symposium and Practice Retreat, followed by a three-day Jazz Camp.

This year the camp will take place during the last week of August at the Music Centre owned by the Canadian Amateur Music Association (CAMMAC) at beautiful Lac MacDonald, 90 minutes from Ottawa in the Laurentians. Seventeen top professional jazz artist/ educators will coach 70+ campers who love to sing or play traditional jazz instruments like saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, drums, guitar or piano, as well as some less common ones like accordion, violin, flute, vibes, clarinet and harmonica.

Humenick points out that while there are lots of jazz camps across the country, none are quite like JazzWorks. “What sets JazzWorks apart is that we are welcoming to both adults and young people – and that we will find a place for all who want to attend, regardless of their level of musical proficiency.”

JazzWorks has big plans to mark its 30th birthday in a weekend celebration that will take place from May 2 to 4 at three different locations in the city.

To kick off the festivities, there will be a Vocal Dinner Show, featuring eight singers who have taken part in JazzWorks’ monthly vocal open mics, backed by a group of top-flight professional players. It takes place on Friday, May 2, at Festival Japan Restaurant on Kent Street.

On Saturday, May 3, the main attraction is a Young Artists’ Concert, featuring some of the best young professional jazz musicians in the country who, as teenagers, were once campers at JazzWorks camp. From its earliest days, JazzWorks has offered camp scholarships to outstanding high school musicians. JazzWorks also collaborates with music teachers during the school year, and two Ottawa high school jazz bands will open the Young Artists’ Concert at Centretown United Church on Bank Street.

Finally, Sunday afternoon, May 4,

OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE

If you have a strong interest in the care provided to our aging community; a willingness to share your skills and experience; and you would like to make a difference, the Glebe Centre is seeking volunteer Board members with expertise in some of the following areas:

• Board governance and leadership with not-for-profit organizations

• Senior health care and well-being including community services and programs

• Fundraising and foundations

• Accounting and financial management

• Human resource management

• Other relevant experience

To learn more, please visit our website https://glebecentre.ca/

To express interest, please submit your resume and letter of introduction to hfluegel@glebecentre.ca

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: April 16, 2025

starting at 3:30 p.m. and continuing well into the evening, JazzWorks will host a Great Big Jam Session at the Westboro Legion on Richmond Road.

“Everyone is welcome to come listen, play and celebrate JazzWorks’ 30th anniversary with us,” said Hummenick.

Over the years, jazz campers and faculty members based in Ottawa have formed a special kind of community. JazzWorks monthly sessions are warm and welcoming reunions, a chance for music lovers of all ages to connect with people who share their passion for jazz and, especially, for the art of collective improvisation.

“The interaction among generations has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our work,” said Humenick.

To find out more about JazzWorks’ activities, including the 30th anniversary events May 2-4, go to: jazzworkscanada.com/.

Karl Nerenberg is a journalist and filmmaker who reports on politics for rabble.ca. He also plays jazz piano. His next gig, with violinist daughter Laura Nerenberg and singers Samantha François and Michèle Castonguay, is on May 11 at Festival Japan on Kent Street.

Noon-hour concerts every Wednesday at

April 16 − SPRING IN THE AIR!

Soprano Ellen McAteer and pianist Matthew Larkin perform spring-themed vocal works by Britten, Rachmaninoff, Canteloube and Schubert.

April 23 − ALLEMANDE

Montreal-based guitarist Steve Cowan plays baroque and neo-baroque works for solo classical guitar, featuring music by J. S. Bach, S. L. Weiss and Alexandre Tansman.

April 30 − CHOPIN BALLADES

Virtuoso pianist Roman Timofeev performs Frédéric Chopin’s Four Ballades, cornerstones of the Classical-Romantic piano repertoire.

May 7 − VIOLA, PIANO AND GUITAR!

Andrew Paul MacDonald, Carmen Picard and Bojana Milinov present Romantic era works and new compositions arranged for their unique instrumentation.

May 14 − SONGS OF THE JAZZ AGE

The Colin Perry Quintet performs rare and familiar jazz songs from the 1920s and ’30s − rooted in tradition yet bursting with spontaneous originality.

May 21 − SCENES FOR FLUTE AND PIANO

Flutist Christian Paquette and pianist Frédéric Lacroix play duets including Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, Lacroix’s own Night and Ian Clarke’s Orange Dawn.

May 28 − LOVE, WAR AND PEACE

Baritone Mark Daboll and pianist Sarah Westbrook reunite to present rarely heard gems by Poulenc, Wolf, Barber, Klein and Berg.

June 4 − THE BEAUTIFUL TROMBONE

Malcolm Wade and Frédéric Lacroix showcase the lush sonority of trombone and piano in a program of classical and contemporary works.

June 11 − EARLY INSPIRATIONS

Four recent UOttawa graduates perform piano quartets by Brahms and Schumann, highlighting the early inspirations behind Brahms’ later chamber music.

June 18 − BEETHOVEN VIOLIN SONATAS II

The second instalment of a two-part series of Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas, performed by violinist Ralitsa Tcholakova and pianist Joycelin Mosey.

June 25 − DUKE ELLINGTON IMPRESSIONS Capital Youth Jazz Orchestra explores Ellington’s legacy through his own compositions and Big Band-era interpretations of his music.

Aiming for Zero Waste

Every spring (April) and fall (October), the Enviro Crew holds a “big collection” of items that they know they can recycle, reuse or repurpose. The list changes as new items are added or deleted. Here’s the latest one.

• Egg cartons

• Milk bags (outer only)

• Bread bags

• Bread & milk bag tabs

• Marking pens

• Crayons

• Printer cartridges

• Batteries

• Razors, blades & their plastic packaging

• Walmart (& other) reusable shopping bags

• Compact fluorescent bulbs

• Mesh bags from onions, oranges & firewood

• Scrap metal

• Old socks (any material)

• Usable mitts & gloves (odd or pairs)

• Skincare & cosmetic containers

Please save these items for our collection at Brewer Park (corner of Cameron and Seneca), on Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. This year the Glebe Community Association Environment Committee is collaborating on the waste collection. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about waste reduction –envirocrewoos@gmail.com and environment@glebeca.ca

Ottawa jazz lovers’ group

Southminster United Church on the corner of Bank St. and Aylmer Avenue. Free will offering.

The OCDSB Elementary Program Review

By the time this goes to print, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) will have released its final proposal on the Elementary Program Review (EPR). At the end of April, we will be tasked, as a board, with voting on EPR recommendations.

As your trustee, I have written to you several times about the EPR. I have already explained that the OCDSB identified disparities that we have to address across the district. This is based on enrolment data, demographic data, achievement data, as well as psychosocial data from the Student Achievement through Equity inquiry, and through Valuing Voices and School Climate surveys. Our analysis unequivocally demonstrates that we need to address the lack of French immersion in lower socioeconomic neighbourhoods − two tiers of schools (the “haves,” or schools with French immersion; and the “have-nots,” schools without French immersion) − and streaming of racialized students, students from lower socioeconomic households and students with disabilities into English, alternative and specialized programs.

In the Alta Vista area of Zone 9, four schools (Arch St Public School, Hawthorne Public School, Charles Hulse Public School, and Featherston Public School), as well as Riverview Alternative, are currently English only. They represent stark examples of systemic inequality in the OCDSB, as they serve predominantly racialized and lower socioeconomic populations.

From the perspective of families in the Glebe, Old Ottawa South and Old Ottawa East, lack of access to French

Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth

OCDSB Trustee, Zone 9

immersion programs is not an issue. Nevertheless, there is a long-standing high attrition rate from French immersion for students with learning disabilities, neurodiverse students, students with behavioural dysregulation and a gender-bias with a higher attrition rate for boys.

Since we launched the EPR consultation process, the OCDSB has held multiple public consultations and town halls, and used their engage.ocdsb.ca platform to survey the community and staff. Through review of all of our data, and from my own on-the-ground visits to each of the schools I am responsible for in Capital and Alta Vista, conversations with school councils, and conversations directly with parents and staff, it is clear to me that the stark differences between schools must be addressed.

In the Capital area, the proposed changes are as follows: Mutchmor Public School would remain solely French immersion, JK-6. While the goal was for every school to become dual-stream, with Enhanced English (EE) and French Immersion (FI) programs, at Mutchmor there would be insufficient numbers of students enrolled in EE to create a viable dualtrack program. The plan is for First Avenue Public School to gradually phase out Middle French Immersion (MFI) and to offer dual track EE and FI, JK-6. Similarly, the plan is for Hopewell Public School to gradually phase out its MFI and offer dual track EE and FI, JK-8. Finally − and the biggest change

30 Years Ago in the Glebe Report

− is that Lady Evelyn would gradually phase out its Alternative program and become a community school that phases in dual-track EE and FI, JK-6, starting with kindergarteners in 2026. Feedback from the community has varied across Ottawa, according to the magnitude of change that is proposed. In the Capital area, I have heard from some parents whose children would have to switch from Mutchmor to First Avenue, according to new boundaries. Mutchmor and First Avenue are both really in the same neighourhood, both easy walking distance from the Glebe Community Centre, both equipped with extended day programs and there are already crossing guards at major intersections. That said, I am aware that there are some children who will be in their final year at one school in 2026 who do not want to have to switch schools for Grade 6 and then face another transition, the following year, for Grade 7. There are also siblings who may be split between schools because of boundaries and age cohorts as we phase out/in programs at Hopewell and Lady Evelyn. For those families, and for other extenuating circumstances, I am hopeful that we will be able to offer cross-boundary transfers/exemptions for students. I have certainly advocated for that publicly and behind the scenes.

Many other concerns across the city have been raised in response to the EPR, including supports for students with special needs, walking distances to schools, safety of walking routes,

50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP

by Ian McKercher

access to extended day care programs, access to school buses, costs of retrofitting schools, change of grade configurations (K3 and 4-8) and the impact that such changes may have on siblings. I have been in discussion with the OCDSB senior team about each of these issues.

Overall, from a local perspective in the Glebe, families have it relatively easy. My message to families who will ultimately have to switch from one school to another is this: most children are resilient, most elementary age students can adapt quickly and easily to change. As long as an adult in their lives supports and encourages them, most children will thrive.

From an educational perspective, I sit on the Special Education Advisory Committee and I am confident that the OCDSB is proposing appropriate and needed change in terms of inclusive classrooms, the phasing out of some specialized programs and the phasing out of Alternative programs. What does this mean for the children who are currently in those programs? They would continue in their programs until they graduate out of elementary school. What would it mean for other students? It would put the onus on educators, and on the OCDSB centrally, to ensure that every student is supported in their classroom, in their local school. At the end of the day, will I vote in favour of the EPR recommendations? I still have to see the final proposal. The deal-breaker, for me as a trustee, is the question of what happens to the schools in Alta Vista that currently lack French immersion. If French immersion is not added at every school in Alta Vista − even if they’ve made other concessions in response to feedback − I will vote against the recommendations. I will only vote in favour of the EPR recommendations if they will address the fundamental disparities in our district.

In 1945, Canada played a heroic role in the liberation of Holland. In May (1995), Canada’s Capital Region was to host a special edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival to honour the 50th anniversary of Holland’s liberation. Events would focus on the Dutch Canadian “Friendship that Flowered” 50 years ago. It would include a special tribute to Canadian veterans with commemorative ceremonies, military parades and marching bands. Her Royal Highness, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, was to preside over events, making a special return to the city of her birth to personally thank Canada.

RESIDENTS HONOURED

Over 300 area residents turned out for the third annual Whitton Awards ceremony which honoured 24 residents and one group from Capital Ward. The awards were named after former ward Alderman and Ottawa’s first female mayor, Charlotte Whitton. They were initiated in 1992 by councillor Jim Watson as a way to recognize the efforts of the many volunteers in our neighbourhood who worked so tirelessly for the benefit of the community. Award categories included the Environment, Sports & Recreation, Business & Commercial, Arts & Culture and Community Activism.

FRONT YARD PARKING

In spite of a City of Ottawa bylaw prohibiting the selling of front lawn or driveway space as commercial parking, some residents were continuing the practice, providing paid parking for people attending events at Lansdowne Park. The Ottawa Citizen had recently championed the causes of a couple of offenders who parked dozens of cars illegally. Two articles and a letter to the editor focused on the negative aspects of the illegal parking. It created an eyesore, increased volumes of traffic, reduced green space and was an added hazard for children. The Glebe Community Association endorsed councillor Jim Watson’s support of the bylaw.

This retrospective is filed bi-monthly by Ian McKercher of the Glebe Historical Society. The society welcomes the donation or loan (for copying) of any item documenting Glebe history (photographs, maps, surveys, news articles, posters, programs, memorabilia, etc.). Contact Ian at 613-235-4863 or ian.s.mckercher@gmail.com. Note: All back issues of the Glebe Report to June 1973 can be viewed on the Glebe Report website at www.glebereport.ca under the PAST ISSUES menu.

A winning winter of sports at Glebe

By Oscar Gorall and Luke Spicer

The canal is now officially closed, the snow is beginning to melt and Glebe’s winter sports have come to an end. It’s safe to say that winter in Ottawa is in its final days, but that definitely does not mean that the successes of Glebe’s winter athletics will soon be forgotten. Glebe’s many winter sports all experienced significant advancements in their own right.

To begin, Glebe’s Swimming Team sent 12 swimmers to OFSAA this year. While every one of them did our school proud, Samuel Lanca finished 3rd in the province for Boys 200m IM in a race where the OFSAA record was broken. Also, a big shout out to the Boys 400m freestyle relay team who snagged bronze.

Another team that deserves praise is Glebe’s Boys Curling Team, where an experienced group of seniors who had played all four years led the team to a very solid season barely missing out on the playoffs. Glebe’s Girls Curling Team qualified for the playoffs and demonstrated very good sportsmanship while building the foundation for years to come at Glebe Curling.

Not all sports have met their end and this is the case for the Junior Girls volleyball team. Their success has allowed them to prolong their season, finishing 2nd in their division and poised for the playoffs. They’ll be the center of attention as winter turns to spring and they represent Glebe on the big stages. Volleyball and Glebe have gone hand in hand for a while. This year’s Senior Girls team was no exception. With a team that only got better throughout the season, they clinched a playoff berth and were confident going into the quarterfinals. After a hard fought battle they couldn’t bring it home, but with many young players, they’ll be looking for revenge next year.

The Junior Boys Basketball team shocked many with a couple of upset wins, unfortunately missing the playoffs by one spot. The future is bright not only for the Junior team but also for the seniors as many key players

News from Glebe Collegiate Institute

look to move up. The Glebe Senior Boys Basketball team was one of extremely high expectations. They posted a record of 35-16 on the season and won the prestigious Blackball tournament in Orillia. After beating several high-quality schools in Toronto, they had their sights set on provincial success. Although halted by a disappointing loss in the city semi-finals, their efforts and success across the season are not to be underscored. They were led by talented Seniors Russel Heins, Elliott Hartell, Grady Overwjik and Nathaniel Locklear-Dolan, and supplemented by a young core that is poised to make a run next year. Glebe Senior Boys basketball, will be turning heads

cruising to the finals of the UOttawa tournament. In the championship bout they met their match, losing to an equally strong Nepean team. Overall they went 5-1 and finished 2nd out of 24 teams.

Girls Ice Hockey is another team that impressed, finishing 11th at the end of the 8-game season, only eliminated in a hard-fought quarter-final game against Béatrice-Desloges E.S.C, who were 2 goals away from an OFSAA berth.

Glebe’s 2025 Nordic Skiing Team has OFSAA written all over it. This could be because of Erich Schreiner’s monster performance, capturing silver in the Junior Boys OFSAA division. It could also be because our Senior Girls captured bronze. Or maybe it’s because our Senior Boys are the champions of all Ontario thanks to the formidable talent of Lluc Bou (5th), Oscar Bereznai (11th), Ben Batchelor (13th), Zach Wells (17th), and Ian Taggart (97th). No one was surprised when Glebe was crowned OFSAA Senior Combined Champions in Sudbury this year.

upon next winter’s return. This can also be said for Glebe’s Ultimate Team. With multiple experienced players mixed with some eager to learn athletes, they were able to embody the underdog mentality

Looking back on this season of winter sports, it’s easy to blur the lines and lump it in with those of the past. But that does not do the efforts of our Glebe athletes justice. Instead we will remember this season for not only the successes, the OFSAA qualifiers, the big game wins and the victories but equally for the growth and representation that these athletes brought to GCI athletics and to each other. Glebe thanks all the parents, coaches, athletes, fans and people who helped make this season one of its best ever. Sports come and go each year like the graduating students that play them. But this winter of sports will certainly stay etched in the history books and serve as the standard for athletes to come.

Oscar Gorall and Luke Spicer are Grade 11 students at Glebe Collegiate Institute.

The junior girl’s team won top award at the nordic ski OFSAA in Sudbury, Ont. From left to right are Leonie Ravard, Fenna Irish, Fiona Quinn-Crook, Camille Cuylets and Ally Mueller

PHOTO CREDIT: KIRK DILLABAUGH

Be repaired for uncertain times

By Charles Weiner

No, the title is not a misspell, it is to amplify the message of setting priorities in our household maintenance and improvement. We live in a time when job security is on everyone’s mind as well as dealing with higher taxes, tariffs and rising cost of living expenses. This is why I believe that we must now prioritize what home projects need to be done and what projects can wait for a later date.

I would like to mention that yes, I am really a foundation expert but if after 43 years in the trades, if I haven’t learned a thing a two about related construction fields, including structural engineering then maybe I need to find a job where knowledge is not so important, let us say, as in politics. Jokes aside and fortunately for everyone, I am an honest person who knows a lot about construction. So without further adieu, here is my advice. I will try not to be prophetic.

Unless you have good financial reserves, maybe it’s a good time to hold off on renovation plans and stick to household basic repairs.

Most important on the list is the roof. Holding off is really never a good idea. We all know that roof repairs can be costly, so getting opinions on whether the entire roof needs to be replaced or part of it is a priority. My advice is to first have your roof looked at by an experienced carpenter with nothing to gain but a couple hundred bucks to climb up and tell you what

has to be fixed and how long other parts can wait until they need to be fixed. If you like, I can recom mend individuals with the know ledge and experience to give you an unbiased opinion.

Same is true for your furnace and central air conditioning units. Unfortu nately, I wouldn’t use a carpenter to do these assessments and neither would they. So call your furnace company. If they tell you that you need to replace your furnace, ask them what is wrong with it, and how much does it cost to fix. If you do not feel comfortable with the assessments, then get a second or even third estimate.

Basic plumbing problems like running toilets, leaking shower heads or replacing kitchen sinks do not necessarily require a plumber. That’s not to say that there aren’t things you definitely want a plumber to do in your home. For example, install ing welded plumbing and even replacing your septic pipes. Not because it is par ticularly difficult it’s just that most people like myself are not fond of getting human waste on themselves. Basic plumbing on the other hand is something a handyman can do for a lot less than a plumber. Yes, I also can recommend some very good handymen.

Electrical upgrades are always import ant and I do not recommend for safety

reasons like fire that you do not use anyone but a certified electrician for such work. So you may have to bite the bullet on this one. They are not running cheap these days. Finally the foundation of your home. This includes the joist system. Usually signs that there are problems with the foundation include water or moisture penetration to the inside of the wall, structural cracks, loose and falling parging on the outside of the wall and loose and falling debris on the inside of the wall, especially on rubble foundations. Another very important sign that there are problems with the foundation is if you see cracks forming or bulging areas in the exterior brick walls above the foundations. I offer a free inspection service on all foundations. This is also for those who are looking to buy a home and are concerned that there might be issues with the structure at hand. On a positive note, one does not need necessarily to repair the entire foundation at once. I always recommend to clients that they begin the process and repair what they can afford, continuing the process every couple of years. Unless of course the entire foundation has been badly compromised. So, hopefully we all get through this time

Charles Weiner is an Ottawa structural expert and foundation repair specialist. He can be reached at 613-915-8377 or at charleszave65@ gmail.com.

Woman of the Hour a promising directorial debut

Director: Anna Kendrick (USA, 2023)

Review by Iva Apostolova

Woman of the Hour stars Anna Kendrick while being, at the same time, her directorial debut. As has been the case in the past, I am always curiously suspicious of directorial debuts, particularly of established Hollywood actors and actresses. But given the storyline, I simply couldn’t resist this one! And once again, I was pleasantly surprised. Woman of the Hour is based on the true story of the serial killer Rodney Alcala who appeared on the dating show The Dating Game in 1978, before he was captured in 1979 for multiple murders of women and girls. Kendrick, who needs no introduction, plays Sheryl, a struggling aspiring actress living in LA on the verge of proving right the saying that the City of Angels sucks your soul and crushes your dreams. In an attempt to get ahead in the acting game, she appears on The Dating Game, a successful ‘70s reality show. That is where she meets Alcala, played brilliantly by the up-and-coming Costa Rican Daniel Zovatto, known to audiences from the horror movies The Pope’s Exorcist starring opposite Russell Crowe, and the post-apocalyptic mini-series Station Eleven Woman of the Hour is not a true crime flick though. Not that there is anything wrong with true crime movies; there have been plenty of very successful ones (I’m thinking Dark Crimes, Monster or All Good

Things). The flashbacks between 1971 and 1979 are expertly executed, especially for a newbie director such as Kendrick. The vulnerability of the main protagonist, sitting alone on the brightly lit stage with her suitors behind the partition, is echoed in the scenes where the violence committed against the many innocent and often unsuspecting women who just happen to cross paths with Alcala is not spared for the audience. At the same time, Zovatto moves fluently between the superficial disarming charm of the baby-faced Alcala, and the deeply seated anger, which erupts into the predatory behaviour of the same man, the killer.

The supporting roles of Laura, played by Nicolette Robinson, and Mario, played by Dylan Schmid, are worth mentioning as well, as they add to the suspense and help build up the tension where it is cinematically necessary. Overall, I think that Kendrick, both as an actress and a director, has managed, with great success and elegance, to unveil not only the undisputed misogyny of the time period, but also, the ways in which gender vulnerability can be weaponized so that it can lead to social change.

Duration: 1h 35m

Rated R

Netflix original

Iva Apostolova is associate professor and vicerector, research and academic, at Saint Paul University and a regular Glebe Report contributor on films and TV.

Living a happy life

By Emily Holmes-Brewster

Barbara, a former resident of the Glebe Centre, found not just care but a sense of comfort and belonging in her final years. Soon after her husband, Michael, was admitted to long-term care, Barbara found herself needing the same care and joined the Glebe Centre family as well. Barbara enjoyed the programming and living experience. The vibrant energy on the floor − filled with music, dancing, games and laughter − helped make her days brighter, even during the more challenging times of increasing dementia.

For her, music was particularly meaningful. “Some of Barbara’s happiest moments included singing with the activity coordinators and participating in the choir,” said Sarah, one of Barbara’s daughters.

This love for music was nothing new for Barbara. When the family moved to Ottawa in the 1970s, she and Michael became involved in several volunteer groups and shared their passion for music in the Ottawa classical and choral music community.

This passion lives on through Barbara’s legacy. As a generous donation to pass on the gift of music, Barbara’s estate is dedicated to continuing and enhancing the music programming at the Glebe Centre.

The transition to long-term care can be a daunting one, often perceived as a shift into impersonal, institutional settings where independence and a sense of self can feel like they may be lost. To address these concerns there is a growing push for a more positive,

emotion-based approach to senior care. Across the city, a number of longterm care homes are adopting models of care that are more person-centred, focused on improving the quality of life for seniors.

The Glebe Centre was the first home in Ottawa to embrace the Butterfly Model, designed to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. It focuses on creating a warm environment where they feel valued, understood and supported. In particular, music has been shown to play a vital role in emotional well-being, promoting engagement and stimulating memory. Studies show that music interventions can improve attention and engagement in dementia patients by 35 per cent.

Barbara’s connection with the Glebe Centre was not just about her participation in the activities but also about the bond she built with both the staff and

other residents. Her days were filled with conversations, new friendships and shared experiences, providing a sense of community and purpose that she cherished deeply. The care team understood the importance of these connections, ensuring Barbara felt truly at home, supported, and engaged. Barbara’s legacy is a reminder that each of us has the power to make a lasting impact. To make a donation to the Glebe Centre, please visit the website at glebecentre.ca.

Emily Holmes-Brewster is the fundraising and community engagement coordinator for the Glebe Centre.

Grant enriches life at Abbotsford

By Julie Ireton

It doesn’t matter what age you are, one of the highlights of an Ottawa spring is cycling along the canal and taking in the tulips. Now, thanks to the Cycling Without Age program at Abbotsford Seniors Centre, seniors who no longer cycle on their own can get back on the bike path.

Thanks in part to the Provincial Senior Community Grant from the Ontario government, an adaptive, three-wheel bicycle is taking seniors out biking around the neighbourhood and over to the arboretum. The bike is piloted by a volunteer and there’s a bench for one or two passengers.

“They’ll be out biking as soon as the weather permits,” said Cassandra Ford, a program facilitator with Abbotsford. “The seniors enjoy chatting with the volunteer pilots, they get fresh air and socialization. The volunteers love it too.”

The Cycling Without Age program runs between May and October.

Since last summer, the $24,000 Provincial Senior Community Grant has benefited more than the cyclists, as it’s enhanced some 20 different events and programs at the senior’s centre across from Lansdowne Park.

During the Lunar New Year in February, Chinese lanterns decorated the multi-purpose room as musicians and dancers helped celebrate Year of the Snake.

“The grant helped pay for the musicians and dancers and provide food,” said Ford, who works with the Day Away program for seniors with dementia.

“These kinds of events provide for a cultural sharing between communities,” she said.

On Valentine’s Day they hosted a friendship tea with an English tea service, and for St. Patrick’s Day, clients enjoyed Irish stew.

Grant brings in artists

In mid-March a three-hour Indigenous art workshop

was held at the centre. An Indigenous facilitator showed several members ink-on-paper techniques which included decorating light switch plates.

“They turned out so well,” said Abbotsford member Carolyn Brule. “Everyone had a wonderfully diverse artistic expression and everyone left there quite pleased with the art.”

Brule, who also volunteers at the centre, takes part in yoga classes and helps make teddy bears to sell at the Annual Craft Fair fundraiser in November, said she loves the support and activities at Abbotsford.

A little extra for “treats”

The grant has helped pay for musicians and treats for Abbotsford’s luncheon club and Day-Away programs, including pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, Ottawa’s famous beavertails during Winterlude and monthly music programming that would otherwise not be affordable.

“The people in those programs are our most vulnerable seniors, so the grant money allows us to bring in more interesting programming,” said Jane Stallabrass, a program facilitator.

Money from the grant also helped Abbotsford celebrate its many volunteers at get-togethers at Christmas and in late March. Abbotsford volunteers are essential in the running of programming, fundraising and creating such a positive and fun environment within the centre. Every person who uses Abbotsford programming and services will have benefited in some way with this generous grant.

“We like to thank them for everything they do,” said Stallabrass. “We hope to apply for the grant money again.” Every bit of extra funding goes a long way to enhancing the lives of seniors in Ottawa, whether as a member, volunteer and/or client this support enhances connectivity and people’s sense of community.

Abbotsford Seniors Centre of The Glebe Centre Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254-bed long-term care home. Find out

more about our services and programming by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon –Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and seniors’ services on our website www.glebecentre.ca.

Julie Ireton is a journalist who often writes about Abbotsford for the Glebe Report

Barbara was surrounded by caring people and the music she loved.

Abbotsford member Carolyn Brule at an Indigenous art workshop exploring ink-on-paper techniques to decorate light switch plates PHOTO: KIRSTEN O’BRIEN

UNDERSTANDING MOULD IN HOMES AND ITS HEALTH EFFECTS

By Lauren Lemke

My name is Lauren Lemke, and I am a Nutritional Counselor/Holistic Nutritionist. I specialize in mould and the effects that it has on the body. This is near and dear to my heart since my children and I have both suffered from mould toxicity. Once we realized what was making us sick, we were able to rebalance our bodies and start thriving again. I hope that I can help my community by bringing awareness to the effects that mould can have on the body and help to regain mental, emotional and physical strength.

Mould is a common problem in many households, often thriving in damp, warm environments. While it may seem minor, mould can pose significant health risks, especially for 25 per cent of the population with a specific (HLA) gene type. Understanding the causes of mould growth, its potential health effects and prevention strategies is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy home.

What is mould?

Mould is a fungus that can grow on various surfaces, including wood, drywall and fabric. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can be inhaled or settle on surfaces. There are thousands of mould species, but common household molds include Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys, often referred to as “black mould.”

Causes of mould growth

Mould thrives in environments with:

• Moisture: Water leaks, high humidity and condensation create ideal conditions for mould growth.

• Poor Ventilation: Insufficient airflow allows humidity to build up, especially in basements, bathrooms and kitchens.

• Organic Material: Mould feeds on organic substances, such as wood, paper and fabric.

Health effects of mould exposure

Mould exposure can lead to various health issues, particularly for those with the HLA genetic mutation or overstimulated systems due to stress or chronic infections. Twenty-five per cent of the population

Bursitis of the heel

By Sue Reive

Many people suffer from foot and ankle pain. Indeed, foot pain can limit activities of daily living, particularly walking, and make life difficult. One cause of pain is retrocalcaneal bursitis which can cause swelling and pain at the back of the heel. Physiotherapy can help resolve the injury.

carry this gene without knowing it. Mould tends to be the silent bucket filler of toxicity. Common health effects include:

1. Respiratory issues: Inhalation of mould spores can cause coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion and throat irritation. Repeating bouts of pneumonia or bronchitis could be present.

2. Mental/emotional issues: Anxiety, depression and mood swings

3. Muscular issues: Chronic fatigue, weakness, muscle aches and cramps, joint pain with morning stiffness and numbness.

4. GI issues: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination and weight gain.

5. Whole system reactions: Mould can trigger skin rashes, itchy eyes, headaches, vibrational feeling in the chest, heart palpitations and even early onset dementia.

6. Infections: Individuals may be more susceptible to mould-related infections, especially pulmonary issues such as pneumonia and chronic cough/sinus congestion.

7. Toxic effects: Some moulds produce mycotoxins, which can lead to more severe health effects such as neurological problems, gut dysfunction (SIBO/IBS) and immune system suppression.1

Prevention

Preventing mould growth requires a proactive approach.

1. Control moisture: Fix leaks promptly, use dehumidifiers in damp areas and ensure proper drainage around the home.

2. Improve ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and consider opening windows to promote airflow.

3. Regular cleaning: Clean and dry any damp or wet areas swiftly to prevent mold growth. Keep dust to the minimum since mycotoxins live and thrive in the particulates.

4. Use mould-resistant products: When building or renovating, consider using mould-resistant materials, especially in high-moisture areas.

5. Monitor indoor humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels below 50 per cent using humidistats or moisture meters.

A bursa is a small sac of fluid that sits between tendons or tendons and bones. It functions to prevent friction between the tissues. Sometimes the bursa will become inflamed and swollen due to compression from tight and/or irritated overlying tendons. The retrocalcaneal bursa is located between the back of the heel (calcaneus) and the Achilles tendon. It often gets injured from repetitive jumping, running or walking, which overloads the Achilles tendon causing excessive compression on the underlying bursa. Another factor that can aggravate the bursa is wearing shoes that are too tight. Moreover, bursitis can occur in many of the inflammatory arthritic conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. The bursa can also become infected; luckily this is not often seen but can occur if bacteria enter a small cut near the bursa. Symptoms of infection include fever and a hot, red, swollen bursa with likely pain at rest. In such cases, the doctor may test some of the bursal fluid for bacteria to confirm the bursa is infected and then treat with the appropriate antibiotic.

Symptoms of retrocalcaneal bursitis include visible swelling at the back of the heel, pain with running, walking, rising on the toes and climbing stairs, and pain on palpation of the bursa. There is often tightness and weakness in the associated calf muscle. Sometimes I will notice weakness in the hip abductor muscles on the same side as well, which will affect a person’s gait

6. Test your home: I offer in-house testing through Envirobiomics, a specialty lab that assesses mold/ mycotoxin levels in your home. I also offer lab testing to check the individual mycotoxin levels in your body. More information on the effects of mould on health can be found on the Health Canada website at canada. ca/en/health-canada.

Conclusion

Mould in homes can lead to serious health issues. By understanding the causes and effects of mould, homeowners can take proactive measures to prevent its growth and protect the health of their families. Regular maintenance, proper ventilation and moisture control are key to maintaining a mouldfree environment. If mould growth is suspected or detected, it’s essential to address the issue promptly and test your home with a reliable mould assessment company.

1Toxic; Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chromic Environmental Illness, by Neil Nathan. (Victory Belt Publishing, 2018)

Lauren Lemke, BA, RHN, NNCP, is a nutritional counsellor and holistic nutritionist in the Glebe with YOW Wellness (YOWWellness.com).

and could be a contributing factor to the bursitis.

The diagnosis is made based on the signs and symptoms. In addition, an X-ray may be ordered to rule out any bony deformities such as a heel spur which may be contributing to the issue. An MRI will show the inflamed bursa and if there is any tendinitis of the Achilles tendon.

Treatment includes a period of rest to offload the tendon and bursa and allow it to heal. Ice will help reduce the inflammation and swelling and gentle stretching of the calf muscles is incorporated to help reduce any compression of the tight Achilles tendon on

the bursa. Heel cushions can be helpful to reduce the tension in the tendon and therefore lessen the compression on the underlying bursa. Modalities such as ultrasound and electrotherapy can enhance the healing process and reduce the inflammation and pain. Once the bursa has settled down and is less painful, strengthening exercises are implemented. The stronger the leg muscles, the less stress on the bursa with sports and activities of daily living.

Sue Reive is a physiotherapist at the Ottawa Physiotherapy & Sport Clinics – Glebe.

The Glebe according to Zeus

Special inter-neighbourhood edition

By Zeus

It has come to my attention that the once-peaceful borders between the Glebe and Hintonburg are now being threatened by a sinister force − one more nefarious than any hungry rodent. I am, of course, referring to tariffs. Yes, my loyal subjects, our beloved streets, lined with artisanal coffee shops, yoga mats and a lingerie accessory store, are under siege by the shady dealings of Resident Rump of Hintonburg. Rump seeks to impose a 400 per cent tariff on all our exported natural fertilizer, which would result in mass layoffs of hard pooping guinea pigs (who unfortunately failed to diversify trade with other neighbourhoods after the last tariff war).

In an attempt to settle these escalating tensions, I, as your beloved King and CEO, CFO and POO of GiddyPigs.com, shall embark on a diplomatic mission to Old Saudi-wa South. The goal, you ask? To meet with none other than the illustrious Prince Mohammed Bin There. We’ll be discussing business deals but also tackling an issue of great import − one that has stirred controversy in the highest circles: the dress code for diplomacy (DCD). Should neighbourhood negotiations be conducted wearing the time-honoured standard suit? Farm fatigues? The Saudi shemagh? Populist yoga wear (Lululime, of course)? The matter is of the greatest import to the future of all rodentkind. Its resolution will determine whether inter-neighbourhood trade agreements (ITAs) will be successfully negotiated or fall to bits before they even get started.

As for the tariff debacle with Hintonburg, rest assured, I will take swift action. I will implement immediately the Tit-for-Tat Tariff Strategy (TTTS), designed by Marco Con Carne, a renowned rodent economist and canal skater. A series of welltimed carrot missiles and an occasional public decree will also remind Rump that no tariff, however punitive, shall thwart pigizen patriotism!

Zeus is King of the Glebe.

Donna Edwards House Portraits 613 233 4775

www.donnaedwards houseportraits.com

Facebook: Donna Edwards Art

Neighbours on Woodlawn Avenue and Wilton Lane took to the ice on Brown’s Inlet in February for a fierce and friendly curling competition.

RAPID FC WOMEN’S SOCCER

About Ottawa Rapid FC

Wiltonlude Pondspiel delights again

By Stella Rastogi

The second annual Wiltonlude Pondspiel was held on Saturday, February 22. Once again, neighbours of all ages from Wilton Lane and Woodlawn Avenue gathered for a friendly but raucous curling competition on the frozen Brown’s Inlet in the Glebe.

Using the same old battered, concrete-filled margarine containers as last time, embedded with shelf-bracket handles, two teams competed on a sturdy ice surface marked with a house of blue and red circles. As last time, we did not use the brooms that some people had brought, for many reasons: One participant commented that he still didn’t like the “new brooms” used in modern curling. Another noted that the brooms supplied for the Pondspiel were nothing but old, heavily used, bent-bristled indoor kitchen brooms. Many participants had only curled a few times before, including in the last Pondspiel, and didn’t know what to do with the brooms.

Some readers might recall the first annual Wiltonlude Pondspiel, held on January 30, 2022, and reported in the Glebe Report, when play was

Ottawa Rapid FC is one of the Northern Super League’s six founding clubs set to begin play in the spring of 2025. The club is built on the principles of community, continuous improvement, collective power and respect. Our goal is to build a world-class sports organization that inspires greatness both on and off the pitch. For more information and updates on Rapid FC, please visit www.rapidfc.ca.

About the Northern Super League

The Northern Super League is a new Canadian professional women’s soccer league, which currently consists of six clubs in key Canadian markets and is set to kick off in the spring of 2025. The League is built by players and supporters of the beautiful game with best practices from around the world and aims to further Canadian excellence in sport, equity and inclusion. For more information and updates on the Northern Super League, please visit www.nsl.ca.

interrupted by honking trucks making their way to the Freedom Convoy protest. Unfortunately, the Pondspiels for the intervening years had to be cancelled due to poor ice conditions. Fortunately, the only disruptions to the play this year were when we all decided it was time to have a hot beverage and delicious brownies at some points in the game.

Play was made more exciting by the participation of two kids who have actually taken curling lessons, knew what they were doing and helped with rules, suggestions, etc., to “level the playing field.”

As before, competition was fierce but friendly. It was a very close series of ends, but the game was eventually won by a whisker/bristle by one team or another. Players and spectators cheered and, before scattering, many of them posed for a photo with The Cup, a real yet unengraved trophy that was brought out for the photo. We look forward to more Pondspiels, weather permitting!

Stella Rastogi is an enthusiastic amateur curler from the neighbourhood.

Join us for an afternoon of Italian fun! Enjoy a delicious, themed lunch, sip on a signature Italian drink, test your trivia skills, and explore Italy through iPad travel. Don’t miss out on great food, company, and Italian flair! Buon Appetito!

The enduring community impact of Taste in the Glebe

By Dr. Brian L. Cox

Taste in the Glebe is the flagship fundraiser each year for the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG). Local residents packed the community centre at the end of January to mingle with friends while sampling offerings by restaurant and beverage vendors from the neighbourhood and beyond.

Although the event remains the talk of the neighbourhood for days after the last patron leaves and the venue is locked up for the night, the enduring impact of the fundraiser may be less apparent to vendor and attendee alike. While GNAG describes Taste in the Glebe as “an evening to remember,” the money raised that one night continues to make a difference throughout the year.

GNAG executive director Sarah Routliffe reveals that the sold-out event raised about $47,000 this year. These funds are directed into the neighbourhood group’s community development fund to support various local initiatives.

One specific priority is renovating the youth room of the Glebe Community Centre. This space has never been refurbished and Routliffe says the goal of the makeover is to create a “vibrant

space where youth want to be and hang out.” A total of $10,000 raised from Taste will be set aside for this capital project.

Another initiative supported by the fund helps provide subsidies for recreational programs, camps and childcare. Yet another is integration support to help children who require assistance to participate in activities offered by GNAG.

The community development fund features a subsidy to help groups participate in GNAG programming as well. One recent example is a pottery class that was partially subsidized by GNAG for Carlington Community Health Centre clients. GNAG’s current goal is to expand this line item of the community development fund to be able to provide subsidies for up to three organizations.

The common thread connecting these and other GNAG initiatives with the Taste in the Glebe event that raised thousands of dollars to support them can be summed up in just one word: community.

At a bustling Tartelette Bakery & Café, just before Taste in the Glebe, owner and chef Sanaz Homa expressed why she looks forward to participating in the fundraiser as a vendor. “I really like to be part of the community,” she says, “and it really makes me happy when I see people enjoy our pastries.”

In the packed main hall of the Glebe Community Centre at the Thr33’s Company vendor booth, co-owner Ian Wilson reflected that “so many people come by and say they’ve been to the restaurant.” Participating in Taste, Wilson says, brings “really great customer appreciation.”

Josh McJannett of Almanac Urban Mill and Bakery emphasized the community impacts for local businesses at his booth during the fundraiser as

The money raised that one night continues to make a difference throughout the year

the evening came to an end, she said she appreciates that this annual fundraiser is a “good way to push out of our bubble” and connect with residents and vendors alike from the community.

well. “When you eat this brownie,” he notes, “you’re eating grain from a field at the end of the 416.” McJannett says participating in fundraisers like Taste in the Glebe is one way to bring locally sourced ingredients to the communities close to where they are harvested.

Glebe residents Laura Banducci and Joe Beals said they were impressed during their first time attending the fundraiser. Banducci said it was a “good opportunity to be exposed to lots of local vendors” all in one place.

The common thread of community was expressed by Angela Chodat during Taste as well. She was one of many volunteers on hand to help manage all the moving pieces behind the scenes. Making note of the “high energy” of the crowd, Chodat suggested, “Everything about this event screams community.”

Neighbourhood resident Sapna Mahajam estimated this was her ninth time attending the event. As

One restaurant joining the roster of food and beverage vendors yet again this year was Cantina Gia, located in the heart of the Glebe on Bank Street near First Avenue. Expressing a common sentiment among vendors who participate in the fundraiser, co-owner and chef Adam Vettorel revealed he enjoys “contributing back to the community I live in and making it better.”

Wilson of Thr33’s Company ended the evening with a similar suggestion. While patrons filtered out of the main hall and he and his team packed up for the night, Wilson reflected on how rewarding it is to “support the community that supports you.”

As the 25th edition of the fundraiser fades to a distant but fond memory, the initiatives it helps support at GNAG continue throughout the year. Taste in the Glebe lasts a few short hours but the community impact endures.

Dr. Brian L. Cox is a Master of Journalism student at Carleton as well as an adjunct professor of law at Cornell Law School, a research fellow at the Centre for International Law and Defence Policy at Queen’s University and a retired judge advocate in the U.S. army.

Patrons filled the main hall of the Glebe Community Centre to sample food and beverage offerings from more than 40 local vendors. Thr33’s Company offers treats to attendees. PHOTOS: BRIAN COX

Busy times at Mutchmor

By Katherine Liston

Kindness Month

and Black History Month

February was an exciting month at Mutchmor as students marked both Kindness Month and Black History Month.

The Grade 2-3A class hosted an assembly about kindness for kindergarteners and students in Grades 1 and 2, and the Grade 2/3A class had an exciting visit from Olympian Sheridon Baptiste. The students were excited, engaged and respectful during the entire presentation. There were so many thoughtful questions and learning opportunities that Baptiste ended up staying for 1.5 hours instead of 45

the contributions of Black Canadians and marked kindness month by writing “I am” poems from three different perspectives: a bully, a bystander and the bullied.

Cultivating new skills

Mutchmor students of all grades are learning new skills. Grade 3 students in Monsieur Lemelin’s class are learning to crochet, to shape wood with an auger and sandpaper, and to design and build models of both observation towers and public art installations. Grade 2 students are developing their science skills by preparing experiments for their Kindergarten learning buddies in the Elephants class. Grade 6 students are learning to play uku-

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The Mutchmor Grade 2/3A class had an exciting visit from Olympian bobsleigh athlete Sheridan Baptiste. PHOTO: PAUL RAVENSCROFT

The bears awake and more spring excitement at GCNS

By Alanna Brown

Spring is finally here, and we have been busy celebrating the longer, sunnier days. Glebe Coop Nursery School (GCNS) is bringing fresh energy, joy and curiosity to the classroom. As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, the little ones are captivated by the vibrant changes in nature. From the first sighting of crocuses pushing through the soil to the sound of birds singing in the morning, spring is an exciting time of exploration and discovery. Each day at the Glebe Cooperative Nursery School feels like a new adventure as the children engage in hands-on learning activities that allow them to connect with the season. The classroom is filled with colourful decorations of flowers, butterflies and raindrops, and the air is alive with the excitement of new possibilities.

The children’s imaginations blossom just like the world outside, as they dive into art projects, nature walks and storytelling sessions centred around the beauty of spring. Each student has their own individual bear that we put into our papier-maché cave back in the fall during hibernation season. These bears have been sleeping the cold winter away while we eagerly waited for the snow to melt and temperatures to rise high enough for us to celebrate their awakening, and the time is finally here. This month we woke up our bears and learned all about how they forage for berries and fish after six months of not eating anything.

Circle time is filled with songs and stories about the changing season, where the children sing about rain showers, flowers blooming and the animals that return with the warmer weather. The magic of spring comes alive through these playful, interactive moments. The excitement shines as they act out the story of how seeds grow into flowers, moving their

arms wide to mimic the stretch of new shoots reaching for the sun.

The children’s enthusiasm doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Outside, they excitedly play in the sand pit which has reappeared after being covered in ice and snow for months. Our slide is back in action and it’s finally safe again to run around our outdoor play space. Whether it’s hopping like frogs, running like rabbits or splashing in the puddles after a spring shower, the children are full of energy and imagination.

Easter is fast approaching and here at GCNS we see every holiday as an opportunity to learn about different family traditions, creative crafts and songs. Some children might love to paint Easter eggs while others hop around the classroom like bunnies. Our preschoolers have been particularly interested in puppets lately, and we are so lucky to have the opportunity to invite a real puppet show into our classroom later this month. Will they have bunnies? We hope so!

Save the Date!

GCNS Spring Fling returns in May! We are excited to invite the community to our annual Spring Fling on Sunday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. outdoors at Third Avenue and Lyon Street! This beloved event brings families and neighbours together for a joyful morning of kids’ activities, carnival-style games, baked goods and snacks, live music, a fire truck visit and even a special appearance from a beloved Marvel character (we’ll give you a hint: they’re amazing AND friendly).

We’ll also be holding a silent auction featuring donations from some of Ottawa’s favourite local businesses − with fantastic items for families or individuals to bid on. Trust us, you won’t want to miss what’s up for grabs!

And yes... there will be pizza! A limited supply will be served during the event, generously sponsored by Magnolia Construction, who selected GCNS as a beneficiary this year. The local Bank Street favourite providing the pizza will be revealed on the official event flyer, so stay tuned for more delicious details!

All proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting GCNS, a non-profit, co-operative nursery school. Your support helps us continue offering special programming, learning materials and enriching experiences for our youngest learners.

Mark your calendars now. A full event flyer with all the exciting details will be shared soon. We can’t wait to see you there for a morning of fun, food and community spirit!

Alanna Brown is responsible for communications for the Glebe Cooperative Nursery School.

Charlie works on his driving skills at play time.

This space is a free community bulletin board for Glebe residents. Send your GRAPEVINE message and your name, email address, street address and phone number

Messages without complete information will not be accepted. FOR SALE items must be less than $1,000.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

ABBOTSFORD SENIORS CENTRE (950 Bank St.) The SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE is now available. Pick up your paper copy at Abbotsford, Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. or go to www.glebecentre.ca click on Abbotsford Seniors Centre and then Current Program Guide. Registration for classes and clubs can be done online at myactivecenter.com/ with your key-tag, by phone at 613-230-5730 or in-person at the Abbotsford Reception Desk.

ABBOTSFORD SENIORS CENTRE (950 Bank St., Tel.: 613-230-5730) FREE LEARN & EXPLORE SPEAKER’S SERIES, (non-members welcome) Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m. APRIL 16: German Chique-Alfonzo is the Education and Program Coordinator for the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County (DSORC), He will be presenting: Mind Your Brain Health, which offers an overview of the brain, aging, MCI and dementia. He will also share tips on healthy lifestyle choices that can help in preventing and delaying some forms of dementia. This will be held LIVE and on ZOOM simultaneously. APRIL 23: Dr. William Dalziel, a recently retired geriatrician who served as the Medical Director of the Geriatric Day Hospital at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, will present: The Aging Brain: how to age as successfully as possible. As a geriatrician, he has specialized in the healthcare needs of people who are aging. His vast experience in this field makes him uniquely qualified to share insights into aging successfully. This will be held LIVE. APRIL 30: Diana McCarthy, piano teacher and music adjudicator, has returned with an encore of her presentation last fall: Salzburg: In Mozart’s Footsteps. She will walk with us through the city of Mozart’s birth, telling stories of Salzburg’s history and its effect on Mozart’s formative years. She’ll then look at how Mozart’s legacy has created one of the world’s top classical music and artistic destinations. It will be held LIVE and on ZOOM simultaneously. MAY 7: Dr. Richar Knapton, an avid birder and researcher, has taught biology and ornithology courses at three universities and leads birding tours. He will be presenting Birds of Alta Vista. Let us herald in spring with our local feathered friends. This will be held LIVE. N.B.: The lectures are free, but one must register in advance for a seat or zoom link. Tea/coffee and treats available for purchase in dining room courtesy of your Members Council and Amica the Glebe.

ABBOTSFORD MEN’S BREAKFAST (for members) is back with a HOT Breakfast! Once a month in

Lord Lansdowne Penthouse: Thursday mornings 9–10:30 a.m., Apr 3, May 1, June 5. Cost: $5 (to be paid upon registration).

ABBOTSFORD SENIORS CENTRE (950 Bank) continues to look for books, flea market items and your treasures to sell in house. Accepted at Abbotsford House Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your donations will be supporting the Centre’s Programming and Services.

BLESSING OF THE BICYCLES, Sun., Apr. 27, 10 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Church.

CANADIAN CENTENNIAL CHOIR presents Music Inspired by Nature, a spring selection of naturethemed works such as Les chansons des roses by Morten Lauridsen, Four Choral Critters by Christine Donkin, There Will Come Soft Rains by Ivo Antognini and more! Sat., May 10, 7:30 p.m., Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St. Tickets: Adult: $25, Senior/Student: $20, available at https://m.bpt.me/event/6460780

FROM SILENCE INTO JOY! A special fundraising concert for Glebe-St. James United Church, May 31, 7 p.m. The concert will feature the Glebe-St. James Choir, the Glebe Montessori School Choir, the Canterbury High School Vocal Ensemble, the Canterbury Trebles Women’s Ensemble and special guest Dr. Mark Wilkinson, baritone and music educator. Admission by donation.

18th ANNUAL MARTINI MADNESS Thurs., May 8, 6 p.m. at Lago on Dow’s Lake. Mingle at Ottawa’s finest spring event in support of Crohn’s & Colitis Canada. Your attendance raises funds and awareness for transformative IBD research. Tickets include gourmet dinner stations, live music, local art and of course martinis! Follow updates @martinimadnessottawa Early bird ticket pricing available now via www.martinimadness.ca.

MUSICA VIVA SINGERS proudly present On Wings of Song, offering you soaring harmonies and uplifting sounds for spring, celebrating all things that rise and take flight: songbirds, angels and of course music itself. We raise our voices to the skies in selections that range from pop song to oratorio, from Fleetwood Mac and Sarah McLachlan to Haydn and Mendelssohn. Tickets: $25 general admission, $15 low income, $70 family pass (up to 2 adults and 4 kids). All tickets are available from choir members about a month before the concert or can be purchased online through the Musica Viva Singers website at www.musica-viva.ca. The concert will be held Monday, May 5, 7:30 p.m. at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St. (accessible via ramp).

OLD OTTAWA SOUTH GARDEN CLUB MEETING, Tues., May 13, 7 p.m.: Improving Garden Soil Health. Plant physiologist and President of the Gatineau Valley Gardeners Club, Lynne Evenson will talk about different soil types, important soil properties, what lives in the soil and various methods for improving soil health. Membership: $25 per year; $40 for a family; drop-in fee $7 per meeting. Info: Old Ottawa South Community Centre 623-247-4946.

PROBUS is welcoming new members from the Glebe and environs. Join your fellow retirees, near retirees and want-to-be retirees for interesting speakers and discussions, not to mention relaxed socializing. See our website: www.probusoav.ca for more detailed information about the club and its activities as well as contact points and membership information. We will be meeting on Wed., April 23 at 10 a.m. at Gloucester Presbyterian Church, 91 Pike St. for a presentation by Peggy J Blair about getting published. The lawyer and published Canadian mystery author will speak about her “reverse

trajectory” from being published by the Big Five (and being an internationally acclaimed bestselling author) to being self-published and her future plans for ReBound Press.

RUMMAGE SALE Sat., May 3, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, 82 Kent St. Clothing, books, household items, treasures, low prices!

TWIGS (Those Who Initiate Greener Spaces), Glebe Collegiate’s environmental club, is renting out spots on the school property for the Great Glebe Garage Sale on Sat. May 24. Lots are approximately 8-10 feet wide with varying depths, around the school building and parking lots along Glebe, Percy and First avenues, and cost $50. TWIGS is also looking for student volunteers to help on the day before and day of the garage sale. Email green4glebe@gmail.com

UKRAINIAN EASTER MARKET, Sat., Apr. 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Ukrainian Banquet and Convention Hall, 1000 Byron Ave. Homemade Ukrainian food to go – varenyky (pyrohy), cabbage rolls, borshch, homemade sausages, homemade smoked sugar maple bacon, traditional Easter breads, baked goods, Ukrainian Easter eggs and other Ukrainian goods. For more information or vendor tables, email uwacottawabranch@gmail.com

AVAILABLE

HOUSESITTER available to live in and care for your home while you travel or stay at another residence this season. I have experience supervising renovations, gardening, packing and moving a home, organizing, watering plants, collecting mail, etc. I am a young lady who studies the Bible/Word of God remotely at home. I am a homemaker at heart. I have cared for and lived in many homes over the last 6.5 years in the Glebe with excellent references from many families in the neighbourhood. I also love caring for God’s precious animals (especially puppies!!) Sarah: 613-682-0802 or mayyouhope@ gmail.com.

STUDENT HANDYMAN SERVICE My name is Henry Chernoff, I am a Grade 11 student at Glebe and I run the experienced and reliable local handyman business, Henry the Handyman. Offering handyman services this spring and summer such as outdoor painting, landscaping, gardening, weeding, pressure washing, lawn mowing/care and small repair/ construction jobs, as well as possibly anything else you might have. Contact chernoffh@icloud.com or 343-571-5508 for rates and/or a free quote. If you have any questions about a specific job or references please contact me.

FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL HANDCRAFTED TABLETOP FOUNTAIN Stand of three irises with copper stems and leaves with blue enameled flowers. Gentle sound. Includes 5-speed motor, black river stones, black ceramic bowl. Bowl diameter 12”, total fountain height 22”. $200. Call Sue after 4 p.m. at 613-230-4327.

OAK WHISKY BARREL PLANTERS, authentic, secured steel rings, $65 each. Can be delivered in the Glebe area. Spring planting season is here! Call 613-2614504.

LARGE MAHOGANY DISPLAY EASEL, magnificent, hand carved. Measures 85” high x 26” wide. Perfect for displaying a special painting or a restaurant menu. $325. Call 613-261-4504.

BEAUTIFUL SUPERCYCLE 6-SPEED GRIP SHIFTER NEWPORT SPORTS CRUISER BIKE, 26” wheels, green, kept indoors. $225. Classical “look.” Call 613-261-4504.

Garden Sorceress

Home renos and repair — interior/ exterior painting; all types of flooring; drywall repair and installation; plumbing repairs and much more.

Please call Jamie Nininger @ 613 852-8511.

613-978-5682

Unfinished Business by Nicole Allen