Glebe Report March 2022 by Glebe Report

Serving the Glebe community since 1973 March 18, 2022 www.glebereport.ca

TFI@glebereport

ISSN 0702-7796 Vol. 50 No. 2 Issue no. 542 FREE

Anatomy of an occupation

THE ‘FREEDOM’ CONVOY IN DOWNTOWN OTTAWA By Nicolay Hristozov I had just recovered from COVID-19 when the Freedom Convoy rolled into Ottawa. After 10 days of fatigue and isolation, I felt unusually eager to see our new guests. As a firm believer in public health measures, I was opposed to the goals of the convoy from the beginning, but I was also intensely curious. Like most of us, I had seen the images of Confederate and Nazi flags in the media, so I expected to see a protest of fury and hate that I could easily demonize and dismiss. The reality was far more nuanced, and I still find myself puzzling over the convoy’s many contradictions. I should emphasize that these are my personal impressions as a sturdily built white male. I could blend in with the protesters and was unlikely to present an easy target to anyone looking to cause trouble. My experiences might have been very different were this not the case. I walked up Bank Street on the convoy’s first Saturday with my mind set on objectively assessing the protest. On my way downtown, hundreds of honking pickup trucks adorned with Canadian flags assaulted my senses. Mostly shiny new crew-cab models, these trucks (rather than the larger semi-trailers) became the convoy’s most ubiquitous symbol. When I reached Wellington, I walked into an enormous street party. I saw 10,000 people in delirious revelry, drinking, chanting, setting off fireworks and producing a deafening cacophony of horns. I saw none of the hateful

Index

ABBOTSFORD.............................. 11 ART...............................................20 BIRDS...........................................14 BOOKS....................................21-24 CANAL............................................3 CIVIC HOSPITAL............................8 COMMUNITY................................15 FAITH............................................28 FILM............................................. 17 FOOD......................................18, 19 GLEBOUS & COMICUS ��26 HEALTH.................................. 30, 31 LANGUAGE...................................29 LETTERS....................................4, 5 MEMOIR.......................................33 MUSIC..........................................16 POETRY QUARTER...................... 37 REPS & ORGS.....................6-10, 27 SCHOOLS.....................................32 TREES.....................................12, 13

A protestor pushes through a dwindling but still festive crowd in front of the police line on Bank Street, February 19, 2022. PHOTO: NICOLAY HRISTOZOV

symbols that I anticipated. Instead, I saw positive messages of peace, love and freedom. And while the faces in the crowd were overwhelmingly white, I was still a bit surprised by the diversity on display. As I waded toward the centre of the demonstration, I could feel myself melting into the crowd. In a hint of the communal ecstasy that draws people to mass gatherings the world

Contributors this month Karen Anne Blakely Leah Brockie Blake Butler Sylvie Chartrand John Dance Doug Daniels Nadine Dawson Jenny Demark Andrew Dicapua Pam Fitch Joel Harden Kim Hodges Jennifer Humphries Nicolay Hristozov Julie Ireton Bob Irvine Shelley Lawrence Angus Luff

Crystal Maitland Janice Manchee Lucia Marc Hunter McGill Shawn Menard Yasir Naqvi Michael Kofi Ngongi Tim O’Connor Douglas Parker David Perkins Dorothy Phillips Barbara Popel Louise Rachlis Jeanette Rive Kate Roberts Marisa Romano Anna Rumin Jan Salmon

Continued on page 2

What’s Inside Mike Seto Sophie Shields Laura Smith Elizabeth Stanton Sue Stefko James Stuewe Mira Sucharov JC Sulzenko Carolyn Thompson Elspeth Tory Mary Tsai Caren Von Merveldt Zeus Wendy Daigle Zinn

Providing tailored investment advice & exceptional client service 613-680-2600 jon.beckman@manulifesecurities.ca

over, I felt my anger and apprehension dissolve. I still viewed myself as a sceptical observer, but I was beginning to feel some sympathy for the protestors. These seemed to be ordinary people shaking off two years of uncertainty, isolation and frustration. If this was only a joyful mass catharsis, what was the harm? Unsatisfied with just a single visit, I returned on Monday evening.

The crowds were gone, leaving a hard core of several hundred protestors to hold down the fort. The backbone of this group was the archetypal roughneck: white, male, relatively young and likely engaged in some type of physical labour. Many of them looked less than friendly and seemed to eye me with suspicion. I read the messages on their vehicles and on the signs decorating the fence around Parliament. An alarming number were explicitly anti-vaccine. Quite a few promoted absurd conspiracy theories from the QAnon dreamscape. And many, many of the messages that I saw expressed a particular hatred for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was variously described as a tyrant, a traitor, a Communist or the biological son of Fidel Castro. The core identity of the protest came through, and it was rather uglier than my first impression. In the following days, accounts of harassment and assault by protestors started trickling in. At the same time, we learned more about the convoy organizers and their far-right beliefs. A climate of fear settled on downtown as it became clear that police could not, or would not, enforce basic laws. I continued to observe and document the protest while the so-called Red Zone felt more and more like a foreign country. As the days turned into weeks and the protest turned into an occupation, I grew increasingly furious with the protestors, the police and the multiple levels of government that had failed us. I’m sure many of the protestors

beckmanwealthmanagement.ca

Tree myths.............................................................Page 12, 13

Flora.............................................................................. Page 21

NEXT ISSUE: Friday, April 15, 2022 EDITORIAL DEADLINE: Monday, March 28, 2022 ADVERTISING ARTWORK DEADLINE*: Wednesday, March 30, 2022 *Book ads well in advance to ensure space availability.

2 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

OCCUPATION Continued from page 1

Looking to

BUYor SELL? We’re here to help with ALL of your Real Estate needs.

Basia Vanderveen, MBA Real Estate Broker

soldbybasia.com

Top 10% of Royal LePage Agents in Ottawa 2021 Scan the QR code to view current listings

RENEWING COURAGE

JOHANNES BRAHMS

Ein deutsches

Requiem Directed by MATTHEW LARKIN

SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 | 7:30PM Susan Elizabeth Brown, Soprano Ryan Hofman, Baritone Carson Becke, Piano Suren Barry, Piano Rideau Chorale Southminster United Church 15 Aylmer Avenue, Ottawa

were decent people who just wanted a return to “normal.” I’m sure many had no idea who Pat King or Tamara Lich were. But their presence still played into the hands of the far right and eroded our ability to meaningfully confront COVID-19. I began to see their weekend parties as an insult to my city. I soon found myself in the front ranks of every counter-protest. After three weeks of government paralysis, a combined police force reclaimed Parliament Hill with overwhelming numbers but with modest use of force. Protestors started leaving as soon as police reclaimed the first intersection. I was reminded of the end of a music festival: people hugging, shaking hands and signing each other’s vehicles. They had come together from across Canada and lived side-by-side, recreating a sense of community they had lost during the pandemic. They will no doubt remember those three weeks fondly and will deny that they ever caused more than a minor inconvenience to residents. They failed to understand how much their conception of freedom cost the surrounding community.

I began to see their weekend parties as an insult to my city

Nicolay Hristozov is a biologist and federal public servant from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He has lived in Ottawa for the last seven years. A semi-trailer truck on Wellington Street displaying some typical messages PHOTO: NICOLAY HRISTOZOV

rideauchorale.com | Tickets $20-50 | available at Eventbrite.ca

CANAL

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

We’ve been skating on the Canal for more than 150 years By the time this issue of the Glebe Report is published, skating on the Canal will have finished for the winter. Millions of skaters have glided along the 7.8-kilometre Rideau Canal Skateway since it was opened by the National Capital Commission (NCC) in 1971. But the history of skating on the Rideau Canal goes much farther back than that.

Hockey on the Rideau Canal, Christmas Day, 1901.

By Blake Butler Ottawans have been skating on the Canal since at least the 1860s. The Ottawa Citizen reported that thousands were taking to the ice by the 1870s. Looking to take advantage of the pastime’s popularity, local businessmen Thomas Huckell and Fred Fooks cleared a rink in December 1873 on the Canal Basin, a large moorage area that once encompassed the present-day sites of the Shaw Centre and National Arts Centre. That winter, the popular “Huckell and Fooks Rink” hosted a carnival and skating tournament, the latter organized by the governor general, Lord Dufferin. Other businessmen replicated these efforts in subsequent years, making the Canal Basin a favoured skating destination. Skating was an impromptu affair on the rest of the Canal. As the Glebe was developed and settled in the late 1800s, residents created their own rinks on the Canal and Patterson’s Creek. Skating was most popular in early winter when the ice was free of snow; by mid-winter, deep snow limited skating to small sections of the Canal. One exception came in February 1913, when cold, snowless weather created a continuous ice sheet from Sparks Street to Ottawa South. Hundreds of skaters crowded the Canal that month.

PHOTO: LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA

Residents first pushed for the creation of an extended skating rink a few years later in 1918. While members of the Ottawa Improvement Commission (OIC), the NCC’s predecessor, voiced their support, they stressed that they did not have the funds for such a project. The snow-clearing costs alone were considered too prohibitive for a “straight-away” rink. Instead, the OIC created a smaller Canal rink to complement its other outdoor rinks at Bingham Square, Lansdowne and Plouffe Parks. Grand plans for the Canal were renewed 30 years later by City Controller C.E. Pickering. In January 1949, Pickering suggested that the city should transform the Canal into the world’s longest skating rink. Weaving its way through Ottawa, the Rideau Canal, lined with concession stands and coloured lights, would be “a winter attraction second to none.” While Pickering’s proposal was endorsed by the OIC and city officials, the plan was scrapped in December when the federal Department of Transport, which oversaw the waterway, refused to maintain the water levels necessary for skating. Instead of a skateway that winter, the Canal was, as Pickering later described it, “nothing but a mud-hole.” This setback did not dampen skating enthusiasm in Ottawa. The Canal, Patterson’s Creek, and Dow’s Lake

Flooding the Canal in preparation for the 1958-59 skateway pilot project

remained popular. In response to growing demand, Ottawa’s Department of Parks and Recreation finally agreed to create a skateway between Patterson’s Creek and the Bank Street Bridge in December 1958. The Board of Control only set aside $2,000 for the project, considerably less than had been requested. Officials hoped to see at least 1,000 skaters a day in order to justify future investments; instead, only an average of 50 skaters a day turned out, possibly because there was more snow that usual. Snow-clearing costs quickly ate up the skateway’s budget. The board closed the rink on January 5, 1959, much earlier than anticipated. Local officials did not attempt any more skateway initiatives for the next decade. Instead, the city created

smaller rinks on Dow’s Lake and the Canal as part of its Winter Carnival festivities. But the idea of skating along the entire Rideau Canal continued to resonate with residents. “Each year it seems Ottawa’s Winter Carnival planners express a hope that this city could become a centre of winter sports activity,” wrote an Ottawa Journal reporter in January 1965. “Using the natural advantages of the Canal-Dow’s Lake waterway would seem to make good sense.” Continued government inaction frustrated skateway proponents. As the Journal complained in December 1970, “this imaginative idea is being killed mainly because there’s never really been the will to make it work.” The future of the Canal changed the next month when NCC Chairman Douglas Fullerton instructed crews to clear the ice between the National Arts Centre and the Bronson Street Bridge. The new Rideau Canal Skateway was a huge success with residents that winter, as it has been ever since. It’s a unique part of Ottawa’s winter culture that, as a new Glebe resident, I am glad I can take part in. Blake Butler is a history PhD candidate and new Glebe resident who enjoyed skating on the Rideau Canal whenever he had the chance this winter.

IN THE HEART OF THE glEbE

ted r. lupinski Chartered Professional Accountant • Comptable Professionnel Agréé

137 Second Avenue, Suite 2 Ottawa, ON K1S 2H4 Email: tedlupinski@rogers.com

Tel: 613-233-7771 Fax: 613-233-3442

Richard Merrill Haney, Ph.D. (Counselling & Mediation) “You are your dreams...limited only by your fears.”

• Individual, Couple and Family Counselling • Comprehensive Family Mediation (with or without lawyers) • Hypnotherapy • Life Coaching

Bank St. at the canal

234-5678 (by appointment)

email: richard@ottawacounselling.com www.ottawacounselling.com

4 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

EDITORIAL

Images of the Glebe

The “Antiques of Steel” holding an impromptu birthday celebration on the floor of the Lansdowne LCBO lobby The LCBO manager and staff and a customer add to the fun.

A shining moment of good cheer Editor, Glebe Report Perhaps in normal times, the events I’m about to describe wouldn’t be so special, but my goodness, amidst the COVID and convoy situations, it was a shining moment on February 5. Let me explain. The seven members of our run group, the Antiques of Steel, celebrate

our birthdays by running, walking or other sport, sporting the age number and toasting each other over coffee. That Saturday in the frigid cold, we walked together to the Whole Foods coffee shop, where our plan was to buy our drinks and head upstairs to the dining area. Once we’d made our purchases, we realized the eating area hadn’t reopened and we had

no inside option. Upon hearing our dilemma, the Whole Foods supervisor kindly offered to refund the price of our drinks since we couldn’t gather as expected. We then turned left and regrouped, sitting on the floor of the LCBO foyer. Of course, the LCBO manager came out shortly after to inquire what kind of sit-in was going on. Upon hearing it was an impromptu 75th birthday party for me, he not only wished all of us well and let us stay outside

the store doorway for card and gift presentation, he had a staff member present the birthday girl with a bottle of wine. A customer leaving the store, on seeing the commotion, placed $10 in the birthday girl’s hand. So thank you Whole Foods, LCBO and anonymous customer for spreading kindness and cheer. Louise Rachlis

Window sign in proud support of our great city Editor, Glebe Report Thank you to Glebe Community Association (GCA) for this uplifting community initiative, to their volunteers and to Dominion City Brewery, which printed these 11” by 17” window signs. The sign was delivered free of charge to me by volunteers in the pouring rain. I am so proud to have this sign in my window. Wendy Daigle Zinn

GRAPHIC: STEVE ST. PIERRE

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, made available at select locations such as the Glebe Community Centre and the Old Ottawa South Community Centre and Brewer Pool, is printed by Winchester Print. EDITOR............................

Liz McKeen editor@glebereport.ca

COPY EDITOR....................

Roger Smith

LAYOUT DESIGNER.............

Jock Smith layout@glebereport.ca

GRAPEVINE EDITOR............

Micheline Boyle grapevine@glebereport.ca

WEB EDITOR.....................

Peter Polgar website@glebereport.ca

SOCIAL MEDIA...................

Sophie Shields

ADVERTISING MANAGER......

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

BUSINESS MANAGER...........

Debbie Pengelly accounting@glebereport.ca

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER.....

Louise Green circulation@glebereport.ca

COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTORS

Teddy Cormier, Eleanor Crowder

PROOFREADERS................

Martha Bowers, Jeanette Rive

AREA CAPTAINS.................

Martha Bowers, Bob Brocklebank, Judy Field, Ginny Grimshaw, Jono Hamer-Wilson, Brenda Perras, Hilda van Walraven, Della Wilkinson

TFI

@glebereport

SUBMIT ARTICLES editor@glebereport.ca. OUR DEADLINES For Glebe Report advertising deadlines and rates, call the advertising manager. Advertising rates are for electronic material supplied in pdf format with fonts embedded in the file. Views expressed in the articles and letters submitted to the Glebe Report are those of our contributors. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Articles selected for publication will be published in both a printed version and an online version on the Glebe Report’s website: www. glebereport.ca. Please note: Except for July, the paper is published monthly. An electronic version of the print publication is subsequently uploaded online with text, photos, drawings and advertisements as a PDF to www.glebereport. ca. Selected articles will be highlighted on the website.

Glebe

Comings & Goings � Boston Pizza at 640 Bank Street closed in February. The Beer Store is coming soon to the ground floor of the Amica building, near its former location. Oh So Good Desserts & Coffee House opening soon on Exhibition Way at Lansdowne Rolldup Ice Cream opening soon on Exhibition Way at Lansdowne

LETTERS

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Housing density helps local businesses

Glebe Tailor owner Shirin Farzin remembered

Editor, Glebe Report

Re: “Glebe needs affordable housing,” Glebe Report, January/ February 2022

I was saddened to learn the other day that Shirin Farzin, the owner-operator of Glebe Tailoring, died this past summer at age 69 from cancer. Many of us have happy memories of chatting with Shirin when we dropped off dry cleaning or while she planned an alteration to a dress for a special occasion. With more remote shopping and a reduced need for services like dry cleaning and tailoring, life in the pandemic has meant that we are less likely to encounter many of the friendly faces who make our neighbourhood feel like home. I did discover during my visit that the shop will be in good hands under the new ownership of Mansour, who had been the store’s tailor. But Shirin, you will be missed.

I was pleased to see Dan Chook Reid‘s article on affordable housing in the Glebe. Clearly Ottawa, like the rest of Canada, has to more than double the number of houses created each year if we are to address the devastating situation faced by many Canadians. We also need to increase housing density in the Glebe. Adding affordable housing has to be addressed as well to provide for the many who can‘t afford ever-increasing rental costs. I am happy to see that the Glebe Community Association is working with the city to introduce more affordable housing in the Glebe. In addition to the need to provide housing for people, there is another reason why we have to aim for more housing density in the Glebe. The many small businesses in the Glebe are crucial for the quality of life we enjoy in this neighbourhood. However, COVID has accelerated the diversion of spending to online purchases to the detriment of bricksand-mortar businesses. One only has to walk by homes in the Glebe on garbage collection day to see how much is now being delivered from big warehouses directly to our homes. If we want to keep a vibrant business community in the Glebe for our enjoyment, we will have to accept more residents who can compensate for reduced spending in the Glebe by Glebe residents. If we lose more businesses in the Glebe and more empty shops line the streets, the community will lose much of its appeal. Doug Daniels NATTAPOL SEENGERN: NOUNPROJECT.COM

Parking woes Editor, Glebe Report For the last two years or so, we have had construction between Fifth and Fourth avenues with fences, trucks, cranes, you name it. The developer, Minto, had an encroachment permit for that time, but the permit expired about two months ago! The signs for the construction zone were not removed by the city. One of the signs was turned around, but the other is still there! Every morning, cars park on Bank Street without any problem. We are all happy to have our street back! But of course, it has to be me who got a ticket for $130. I am fighting the infraction, of course, but in the meantime, could that “construction zone” sign be removed so that it is clear that the regular two-hour parking applies? Caren von Merveldt Owner, Von’s and Flippers Note: Councillor Shawn Menard is following up.

Rink rats reunited Editor, Glebe Report Re: “Dudleigh Coyle honoured as volunteer extraordinaire,” Glebe Report, January/February 2022 Reading Roger Smith’s article on Dudleigh Coyle brought back many pleasant memories. I’m not sure how I was drafted by Dudleigh to become one of the gang he assembled to help run the Glebe Memorial rink, but it led to finding myself on quite a few evenings hosing down that precious patch of ice next to the Queensway. Dudleigh has a certain charm that makes it impossible to say no to his requests. I’m very glad he drafted me, it was a lot of fun. I have saved – and cherish – my Glebe Memorial Rink Rats sweatshirt. Hunter McGill

Mira Sucharov

With Lansdowne priorities clearly commercial sport and commerce, and the cars that go with them, there’s no room left for pedestrians. PHOTO: JOHN DANCE

Lansdowne priorities lead to absurdities Editor, Glebe Report We were not successful in transforming Lansdowne Park into Ottawa’s Central Park. Instead, developers and city councillors created a venue primarily catering to professional sports and commerce. Nothing wrong with either, but neither should be the primary activity at the park in the centre of the city and in the heart of the Glebe, Old Ottawa East and South. One of these months – after more than half a year of virtually no consultation with the neighbouring communities – OSEG and the city will propose a very expensive replacement arena and north side stands. With the coming municipal election, it’s time to say no to such a proposal. We need a Lansdowne Park focused

Crosswalk rage Editor, Glebe Report Every morning and afternoon during the school year, Mutchmor students need to cross Fourth Avenue because their yard is not on the same side of the street as their school. The Ottawa Safety Council is actively trying to hire a crossing guard for this location, and the city is planning safety improvements.

on pedestrians and active activity, not on spectating and consuming. Let the professional teams build their new facilities where there is LRT, rather than between the perpetually clogged Bank Street and a parkway that was never designed to be an arterial and in an area that has no high-capacity roadway in an east-west direction. To illustrate the absurdity of what happened with the previous Lansdowne refurbishment, just look at how pedestrians have to make their way through the park – the sidewalk before Aberdeen Square is minuscule while there is lots of room for vehicular traffic. That’s what happens when the focus is on professional sports and commerce. John Dance Old Ottawa East In the meantime, this continues to be a place of regular near misses and, recently, a disturbing incident that impacted a number of staff and students. In late February, a driver was so enraged at the group of children crossing the street that he began honking and edging his car ever closer to the crosswalk. He even got out of his car to yell at the teacher and the children. This type of behaviour is abhorrent and unacceptable. The police were called, and the incident was reported. Thank you to the parents who

Our Volunteer Carriers

Jide Afolabi, Jennie Aliman, Tyler, Luke & Claire Allan, Lawrence Ambler, Ella Åsell, James Attwood, Aubry family, Miko Bartosik, Alessandra & Stefania Bartucci, Adrian Becklumb, Beckman family, Joanne Benoit, Inez Berg, Naéma and Raphaëlle Bergevin Hemsing, Carolyn Best, Daisy & Nettie Bonsall, Martha Bowers, Bowie family, Adélaïde and Éléonore Bridgett, Bob Brocklebank, Ben Campbell-Rosser, Stella Cauchi, Bill Congdon, Tony Carricato, Ava & Olivia Carpenter, Ryan & Charlotte Cartwright, Tillie Chiu, Sarah Chown, Sebastian, Cameron & Anna Cino, Avery & Darcy Cole, Denys Cooper, June Creelman, Marni Crossley, Dawson family, Richard DesRochers, Davies Family, Marilyn Deschamps, Diekmeyer-Bastianon family, Dingle family, Delia Elkin, Nicholas, Reuben, Dave & Sandra Elgersma, Thomas and William Fairhead, Patrick Farley, James & Oliver Frank, Judy Field, Federico Family, Maria Fobes, Liane Gallop, Joann Garbig, Madeleine Gomery, Barbara Greenwood, Ginny Grimshaw, Henry Hanson, Oliver, Martin, Sarah & Simon Hicks, Hook family, Cheryle Hothersall, Jeevan & Amara Isfeld, Jungclaus Family, Janna Justa, Michael Khare, Lambert family, Leith and Lulu Lambert, Jamie, Alexander & Louisa Lem, Brams and Jane Leswick, Aanika, Jaiden and Vinay Lodha, Vanessa Lyon, William Maguire, Pat Marshall, Alicia McCarthy & family, Catherine McArthur, Ruby McCreary, Ian McKercher, Julie Monaghan, Karen Mount, Diane Munier, Mary Nicoll, Xavier and Heath Nuss, Sachiko Okuda, Matteo and Adriano Padoin-Castillo, Brenda Perras, Ann Pill, Brenda Quinlan, Annabel and Joseph Quon, Beatrice Raffoul, Bruce Rayfuse, Kate Reekie, Thomas Reevely, Mary & Steve Reid, Jacqueline Reiley-King, Anna Roper, Lene Rudin-Brown, Sabine Rudin-Brown, Casimir & Tristan Seywerd, Jugal James Shah, Short family, Kathy Simons, Abigail Steen, Stephenson family, Ruth Swyers, Saul Taler, Brigitte Theriault, Christine Thiesen, John & Maggie Thomson, Tom Trottier, Trudeau family, Zosia Vanderveen, Veevers family, Camilo Velez, Nick Walker, Erica Waugh, Vanessa Wen, Paul Wernick, Zoe & Nicole Wolfenden, Howard & Elizabeth Wong, Ella & Ethan Wood, Nathaniel & Maggie Wightman, Fil Young/Harriet Smith, Murray and Christie Wong.

THANKS AND FAREWELL: De Groot Family Florencia Furbatto Robert & Heidi Brooks

WELCOME TO: Sarah Hicks Dawson family

AVAILABLE DELIVERY ROUTES Holmwood Monk to Ralph Fifth Avenue south side Bank to Craig Bronson Carling to Fifth QED Greek Embassy to Bronson

CONTACT: circulation@glebereport.ca helped control the situation and protect our kids. As we rush through the neighbourhood, often running late or distracted, please remember that slowing down and being patient, especially around schools, are important first steps in making the Glebe a better, safer place. Elspeth Tory and James Stuewe Neighbourhood parents and members of the Mutchmor/Corpus Traffic Committee

6 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

GNAG

Mary Tsai GNAG Executive Director

N 613 233-8713 E info@gnag.ca

www.gnag.ca

It’s all happening at GNAG GNAG’s vaccine policy

Say goodbye to the hassle of moving! Ask about our moving assistance For seniors and their families planning ahead, the moving process can be daunting. At Villagia in The Glebe, we’ll remove the stress and help you settle in with practical solutions, empathy and care. Families take comfort knowing assistance is available for the whole process or just part of the transition.

Learn how we can help you! Contact Sue at (613) 617-7888

After a stellar March Break week, there is nothing better than the feeling of life slowly returning to normal. As you are aware, there have been some changes to Ottawa Public Health and provincial COVID restrictions. As we navigate the health, safety and comfort level of all our clients and staff, GNAG has decided to take a more gradual approach to changing our safety practices. Proof of full vaccination is still required of all staff and participants in GNAG programs. This includes children starting new programs after April 1. Some of you may be wondering why or how is this fair? During the pandemic many businesses, including GNAG, have had to respond and pivot quickly to the constant and sudden changes set out by public health officials. The volatility of the pandemic has put a huge strain on our not-for-profit business. It has also made clients and staff feel uneasy. Like everyone, we want to get back to normal as soon as possible. We are a small team doing the best we can. We continue to monitor the situation, and for the moment this is the best way forward for us. An online Daily Health Screening is no longer required; however, we ask that all participants and clientele perform a passive self-assessment before entering the premises. If you are not well or your child is not well, please do not attend your program or enter the building. Please note, GNAG and City of Ottawa staff have the right to ask you to leave the building/program if signs or symptoms of COVID-19 are detected. Masks are still required while indoors for all those 2.5 years and older. Some activities are exempt (dance, fitness, theatre); for these classes, masks must be worn until the start of the class. As things evolve, our policies may change. For updates and the most current information about GNAG’s safety protocols, please visit gnag.ca/ covid-19-updates.

Career opportunities at GNAG

In the February issue of the Glebe Report, you may have read the article “There is something about Mary” by GNAG chair Elspeth Tory announcing my retirement. I am overwhelmed by all the kind words and well wishes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Elspeth (the movie reference still makes me LOL) and to my many wonderful GNAG friends.

My plan is to end my role as GNAG’s executive director by the end of June. Our board is in the process of finding its new executive director. If you are interested in learning more about the position or would like to apply, visit GNAG.ca/careers or GNAG’s LinkedIn page for details.

Summer Camp staff opportunities – this is how it all started for me

How did I get into recreation? Believe it or not, I was once a camp counsellor. My summers were spent playing with children in wading pools, going on out-trips to Mont Cascade and the museum, camping at Lac Philippe and making friendship bracelets at the beach. As a teen, these were the summers of a lifetime. I got paid to play while making lifelong friendships. I learned how to be an effective leader, how to be responsible and that giving back to the community was fun! While it was not my intention to pursue a career in recreation, I realized the skills I learned at a young age were transferable to any career path. Do you want to get paid to play? Want to laugh, be out in the sun, learn some valuable job skills? Sign up to be a summer camp counsellor. You will not regret it. Check gnag.ca/careers/ for updates.

An Act of Grace – GNAG Theatre is back this May

Award-winning playwright, director, actor and GNAG’s very own adult program manager John Muggleton pitched the idea of bringing GNAG Theatre back to the Glebe Community Centre stage, and the play to be featured is his creation. An Act of Grace is written by Muggleton and directed by Venetia Lawless. In this dark comedy thriller, greed, an illicit affair and a dying woman’s last wish may force two men to turn to violence in order to survive a business meeting. It will feature Muggleton himself, Jenny Sheffield, Dale MacEachern and me (yes, you read that right!) as Julie. Warning: Strong language, mature themes; this production is not intended for children. Tickets are now on sale at a cost of $32, and all proceeds will go towards GNAG COVID Recovery. It runs May 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. in Scotton Hall at the Glebe Community Centre. Make it a date night or a fun evening out with friends. Stick around after the show for a glass of wine and a social.

To advertise on glebereport.ca and in the Glebe Report email advertising@glebereport.ca

480 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3N6

VillagiaInTheGlebe.com

Managed by

Time to Shop LOCAL! Please support our advertisers!

GACA

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Next up: park consultations for 299 Carling site By Sue Stefko With the removal of so much of the Glebe Annex’s tree canopy for infill development and the influx of population that follows development, including approximately 550 units at the 299 Carling site alone, a public park in this location is most welcome. The proposed zoning changes for 299 Carling were approved earlier this year, with the site’s zoning bylaw released on January 26. As expected, the zoning will allow buildings ranging from 8 to 20 storeys and will include space for a new public park, as well as privately owned but publicly accessible space at the rock outcrop area which will be incorporated into future development. The zoning approval sets the stage for the next step in the process – the creation of the public park. The park, expected to be just under half an acre in size, will be located at the north end of the site, next to Hasenack Place and west of the Dow’s Lake Towers apartment building at 360 Bell Street South. Although Canada Lands has solicited feedback throughout the process since 2017, there will soon be another opportunity for the public to have a say on the creation of a park plan. Information about that process will be posted on the project’s website (www.clc-sic.ca/ real-estate/299-carling-avenue) in the coming weeks. Previous public engagements asked for feedback on the most desired amenities for the park. Public art, seating, playground structures and fitness equipment were most frequently listed. Although the children’s play structures at Dalhousie South Park were updated in 2018, many still want playground equipment in the new park as well. However, given that the updated Dalhousie South playground is geared more to younger children, some think the new park should better support older children and adolescents, with amenities such as a multi-purpose court to accommodate a variety of sports like basketball, ball hockey, volleyball and badminton. What people want for the new space may evolve as

a result of COVID. During the pandemic, public use of parks and public greenspace has increased due to restrictions on indoor amenities but also due to the psychological, physical and social benefits of these spaces. This may well change park design in the future. Some see a greater move to outdoor fitness equipment or perhaps individualized uses instead of team sports. Others expect a greater movement towards contemLooking northward across the 299 Carling site from Carling Avenue. The Dow’s Lake Towers apartment plative-style gardens that provide a greater connecbuilding is the tall building at the back right. tion to nature. The creation of the Norman/ PHOTO: DAVID PERKINS Rochester Street park at the Booth Street Complex is also something that many may take into account when considering what amenities we need at the Lebreton Street location, as it is just a block or two away. Canada Lands completed the public engagement process for that park in 2020, which resulted in a proposal for a play structure, splash pad, covered/sheltered area, a basketball key (a partial court) and public gathering space for teens and adults. Given our proximity to this park, this may reduce the need The Canada Lands development at 299 Carling. The park is to be built at the for a splash pad or a multi-pur- north end (outlined in red) CONCEPT: CANADA LANDS COMPANY pose court. The Norman/Rochester park will undergo a final round of community consul- astronomical price of land and the fact so much of it tations, this time led by the city which will ultim- has already been developed, it is very likely this will be the last park built in our area for many years. We ately manage the park, before Canada Lands starts encourage all residents to take maximum advantage of construction. The process will be similar for the 299 this opportunity, consider what our community needs Carling park. Following public consultations, the most and how to best maximize this very valuable and city will lead its own confirmatory consultations and much-needed space. finalize the details before construction can start. If all goes well, construction of our new park could start in Sue Stefko is president of the Glebe Annex Community spring 2023. Given the size and density of the Glebe Annex, the Association.

Scan QR Code to see what's for Sale or Rent right in front of you! or for your property's value go to

www.GlebeFREEreports.info David & Marianne Bournes, Realtors® 613.769.3771

CENTRETOWN’S NEIGHBOURHOOD BREWERY & KITCHEN

37 FLORA AT BANK FLORAHALLBREWING.CA

BournesCAPITALgroup.com

Not Intended to Solicit Buyers or Sellers Currently Under Contract

8 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

CIVIC HOSPITAL

Risk management and the new Civic Hospital campus

the project. Or they can accept the risk and hope it doesn’t become a problem. Here are four risks I’ve spotted which TOH’s project team don’t seem to be managing:

By Barbara Popel

All large projects have the risk of construction cost overruns. Hospital projects usually quote the total cost and the cost per bed. Oakville’s Trafalgar Hospital, which opened in 2015 with 340 beds, cost $2.7 billion or $7.9 million per bed. The estimate for the new Civic, with 640 beds, is $2.8 billion or $4.4 million per bed. That “per-bed” cost is only 56 per cent of Trafalgar’s cost, which doesn’t seem credible. So the probability of a large cost overrun seems to be very high. The impact of this overrun on the two government funders – the province and the city – may be moderate. But the sooner this risk is mitigated by preparing a credible estimate, the easier it will be for Ontario and the City of Ottawa to plan their budgets to include their shares of the overrun. To date, neither City Council nor FEDCO, the city’s financial committee, have examined how much Ottawa will contribute to the hospital’s building costs.

In the last Glebe Report, I wrote about nasty surprises Ottawa residents may get when the new Civic Hospital opens in 2028. Construction of the entire campus – parking garage, utilities building, hospital, Research Tower, multi-purpose towers A, B and C and the Heart Institute – will finish in 2048. It’s an enormous project. Huge projects like this are supposed to manage risks throughout the project. I’m concerned because I’ve seen little evidence of risk management. Several senior members of the Ottawa Hospital’s (TOH’s) project team have even said that if there are problems after things are built, they’ll see if they can be fixed. This shocked me. Potential problems – or risks – are almost always easier and cheaper to deal with before they become actual problems. Does a project manager address all risks? No, of course not. The project team identifies risks and categorizes them by their probability of occurring and their impact if they do occur (e.g., severe, moderate or low impact). They update the project’s risk register as the project progresses. The team usually focuses on high- and medium-impact risks, especially if they have a high or medium probability of occurring. The project team plans how to address this subset of the risks in one of three ways. The team can mitigate a risk – reduce its probability of occurring or reduce its impact, or both. Or they can transfer the risk to another organization outside

Cost overruns

Parking shortage

There’s a high probability that car arrivals at the campus in 2028 will far exceed the parking capacity (see last month’s Glebe Report). The impact of this parking shortage on staff, outpatients and visitors, as well as on nearby neighbourhoods, will be severe. There’s been no concerted effort to mitigate this risk with a Traffic Demand Management (TDM) project. Even if a TDM project was underway, its probability of complete success would be low. Some citizens

Architect’s concept of the proposed Civic campus of The Ottawa Hospital.

have suggested TOH use offsite parking facilities – maybe even at the existing Civic campus – with shuttle buses servicing the new campus. TOH has refused to consider this. Others have suggested moving the four towers off the campus; this seems to be unacceptable. My best guess is that mitigation will eventually include TOH asking the NCC for more acreage in the Experimental Farm – probably in the Arboretum and along Maple Drive and even in Commissioner’s Park – for another parking garage and more surface parking lots. But since there’s no publicly available risk mitigation plan, this is just speculation. Other risks involve the helipad on the hospital’s roof for medevac ambulance helicopters. A recent interview of Terry Chilibeck, a retired helicopter pilot and former helipad inspector with the Ministry of Transportation, on Apple podcast The Fulcrum Radio Show, episode 14, highlighted a number of safety risks. I’ll mention two.

Helicopter safety and birds

One risk for medevac helicopters is birds! If you’ve been near Dow’s Lake in the spring or fall, you’ve probably noticed large flocks of Canada geese. Year round, there are also ducks, crows and songbirds around the lake, in Dow’s Little Swamp and in the Arboretum.

We look foward to welcoming Everyone back

779 Bank

Birds pose a danger to helicopters. I don’t know what the probability of serious accidents is – does TOH project team know? Can this risk be mitigated?

Helicopter safety and wind

Another risk is potential wind gusts and wind tunnel effects from the three new condo towers on Carling opposite the campus – their heights will be 178, 140 and 60 metres – plus the 45-storey condo at Preston and Carling. They will be facing the Research Tower and towers A, B and C. When Windsor was choosing its hospital site, one criterion was no adjacent buildings taller than 30 metres within half a kilometre. Chilibeck said he’s unaware of TOH’s project team having conducted wind tunnel experiments to evaluate this risk and how severely it will affect helicopter safety. Maybe TOH’s project team has a risk management plan. If they do, then the public, the NCC, the Ontario government and the City of Ottawa should be allowed to see it. Barbara Popel is secretary of the Dow’s Lake Residents Association and a member of its Special Committee on the New Civic Hospital. She is a former project manager and auditor of large projects.

GCA

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Laura Smith

President Glebe Community Association

T @glebeca E gca@glebeca.ca

www.glebeca.ca

What a month! Whew. What a month it’s been. As I write, we have just come through a weekend of intense police action downtown, the likes of which I have certainly never seen before in our city. I am thankful for the action that was finally taken, but I must admit that I am disappointed in the lack of response over the first three weeks of the occupation. The occupation took place between the Glebe Community Association board’s monthly meetings, so the executive passed an urgent motion in early February to ask that all three orders of government and the Ottawa Police take immediate and appropriate action to protect the personal and civil liberties of those who live and work in the National Capital Region, including the right to live and move through their city without the fear of harassment, intimidation and threats, as well as the right to live without deliberate noise and exhaust. I subsequently wrote to the leaders and our representatives at City Hall, Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill. As the situation downtown continued, we tried to think of ways that we could show some positivity and support for our city. One idea was distributing posters with a positive message that folks could hang in their windows. Following a request to Dominion City Brewing Company to use Steve St. Pierre’s “We heart this city” image, we were so grateful to Dominion City for printing more than 200 posters for us to hand out. Volunteers from the GCA fanned out to deliver the signs, and many are still up. It was quite heartening to see the signs around the neighbourhood, to know that there is such love for this city at a time when others were trying to shut it down. Though life seems to be getting back to normal, we know that there will be a lot of community rebuilding to do. If you have ideas of things we could do in our community or ways to support downtown neighbourhoods that were directly affected, please let me know at gca@glebeca.ca. At our board meeting in February, we were pleased to welcome Peter Nor from

the Rideau Winter Trail. Peter gave us an overview of the trail and the volunteer efforts to maintain it. You can find more information about how to enjoy and support this nearby trail at rideauwintertrail.ca. The board passed motions to adopt communications guidelines for the various ways that we communicate with the community and to support efforts by the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group to recognize the amazing contribution that Mary Tsai has made in our neighbourhood. As usual, there is lots of work going on in the GCA’s committees. Jennifer Humphries, who sits on the Environment Committee, made a presentation to the City of Ottawa’s Planning Committee on behalf of the GCA with respect to The Ottawa Hospital’s new campus and the need for an independent environmental assessment of the Dow’s Lake site. The GCA’s Environment Committee is also providing 100 tips for a greener Glebe on Instagram and Twitter as we get closer to Earth Day in April. Check it out at @gcaenviro175 and #greenerGlebe. The GCA’s Health, Housing and Social Services Committee is looking for someone to work with our neighbours in Old Ottawa South to form a working group about aging in place, as more people desire to stay in their homes as they age. Led by Senior’s Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS), the group will conduct surveys to assess what resources are lacking and need to be improved so more people can stay in their homes longer. If you are interested in being involved, please email us at health@glebeca.ca. Finally, the board discussed a draft conflict of interest policy and draft guidelines to help us in decisions about when to engage legal counsel, particularly with respect to development in our neighbourhood. The GCA board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and our meetings are open to the public. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 22. If you would like to join us, please email the board secretary, Janet, at secretary@ glebeca.ca. C

JAMES McCULLOCH LAWYER IN THE GLEBE

wishes to announce that he has relocated his Glebe office.

GMSElemAdGR19BW.pdf

2019-10-18

3:52 PM

A Montessori classroom is where the joy of learning comes naturally

Toddler, Preschool & Elementary Grades 1-6 Bilingual Education

CMY

Mr. McCulloch will be remaining in the Glebe, and will continue to offer legal services to Glebe residents. He will continue to offer in-home visits. He offers new clients a free initial consultation.

650 Lyon St. South Ottawa, Ontario K1S 3Z7 Please contact us at:

Mr. McCulloch can be reached by phone at 613 565-5297 or email: mccullochlawyer@rogers.com

(613) 237-3824 w w w . g l e b e m o n t e s s o r i . c o m

10 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

Nobody said investing was easy, yet it doesn’t have to be difficult. We provide tailored investment advice & exceptional client service.

beckmanwealthmanagement.ca We are local & virtual! 613-680-2600 jon.beckman@manulifesecurities.ca Manulife, Manulife & Stylized M Design, Stylized M Design and Manulife Securities are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Dr. Pierre Isabelle Dr. Peter Kim

GLEBE DENTAL CENTRE

FIFTH AVENUE COURT-EVENING APPOINTMENTS OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY

For appointments call 613-234-6405

Dog Waste Removal Specialists

SCOOPING FOR OVER 26 YEARS!

Has your dog turned the yard into a minefield?

Let us clean it for you! Spring clean-up and weekly maintenance available. Call us and reclaim your yard!

613-271-8814 POOPSQUAD.CA

While city leaders struggled with the occupation, the community showed strength February was a difficult month for our city. We suffered an illegal occupation that harassed residents throughout central Ottawa, and there were serious concerns about how the Ottawa Police Service and the City handled the crisis. Amidst all of this, we witnessed a very unfortunate city council meeting, with a lack of leadership from senior officials, which led to the removal and resignation of much of the police board. It is clear we need to take a serious look at how both the board and the OPS function. It has been noted by many residents how the OPS treated the occupation differently than other protests. There are now multiple investigations underway. Throughout this time, I was asking tough questions that I hope will finally be answered by the inquiries – why was there minimal enforcement, why did it appear that there was open facilitation of the occupation by authorities, and why wasn’t a proper plan in place before this convoy arrived? As traditional leadership structures failed, residents really stepped up, supporting each other through food delivery, by offering alternative housing arrangements and with online support. On Sunday, February 12, I was proud to stand with residents on Riverside Drive at Billings Bridge, blocking 25 convoy vehicles, forcing them to remove their signs and flags, sending a message to authorities that they needed to act. I was proud of Councillor Catherine McKenney who confronted the occupiers directly, imploring them to stop their campaign of harassment and violence against residents and handing out leaflets about the noise injunction that Zexi Li initiated. It felt important to walk with Councillor McKenney, Councillor Jeff Leiper and residents, providing safe walks for our neighbours and businesses in Centretown, the Glebe and Old Ottawa South, letting them know they weren’t abandoned. This all felt a bit surreal. Like being in a dystopian novel. But this was real life for a time in Ottawa. Thank you to all of you who found a way to provide some support and hope to others during the occupation.

Thank You to Our Outdoor Rink Volunteers!

Throughout all the challenges this winter, it has been great to have access to outdoor activity spaces, especially our local rinks. I want to say a big Thank You! to all the volunteers who spend hours maintaining these rinks. You make winter much more fun.

Skateboarding Drop-In at Lansdowne

The Skateboarding Drop-in at Lansdowne Park that happens every © kjpargeter | www.freepik.com

Tuesday evening in the Aberdeen Pavilion has been very successful. There are three 60-minute sessions: 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. During March Break, there will be additional sessions at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on March 15. The program runs until April 12. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with 140 to 150 people attending every Tuesday. Although the focus is on youth, the program is open to everyone – skaters have ranged in age from 10 to 55!

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

The EV charging station in the Glebe parking garage has been broken for some time now. Supply chain issues had prevented staff from getting replacement parts. Instead, the city has moved to install a new charging station, ready for use.

Bank Street Canal Bridge Timeline

After years of planning and consultation, the rehabilitation work on Bank Street Canal Bridge is set to get started this spring. The city intends to select a contractor to do the work in April, with construction beginning in May. Construction will happen in three stages. The first stage will be construction on the west side. The second stage will be the east side. The final third stage will be repairs to the deck and expansion joints as well as tie-ins to the curb at each end of the bridge. We hope to see the project finished by November.

New Trees for Glebe Collegiate

Last year, Glebe Collegiate applied to the city’s Schoolyard Tree Planting Grant Program. The city recently announced that the grant application has been approved, and seven trees will be planted at the school this spring!

Soil Cell Project

The City plans to install three soil cells to support eight trees on the east side of Bank Street between Wilton Crescent and Marché Way and another soil cell on Glebe Avenue west of Bank Street by the Shopper’s Drug Mart to support two trees. Because it is difficult to sustain healthy trees along Bank due to compaction, obstruction, salt use and other issues, the City is trying soil-cell technology which allows larger trees to grow by reducing compaction and providing storm-water management. Work will start with the drilling of boreholes in April, with planting scheduled for 2023. Shawn Menard is City Councillor for Capital Ward. He can be reached directly at Shawn.Menard@ottawa.ca.

ABBOTSFORD

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Day Away program at Abbotsford House By Julie Ireton For Ian Calvert, whose wife Caroline has dementia, the Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day Away Program at Abbotsford House at the Glebe Centre gives him the respite he needs every week. “I can feel pretty alone as a caregiver, but I don’t feel alone, because people at Abbotsford are on my team,” said Calvert. For the past three and a half years, his wife has been attending the day away program. Prior to COVID-19, she would attend one full day a week. “For brain health we have to be physically and socially active. The variety of activities is great. The staff is terrific. They’re very caring, and they’re fun,” he said. Due to pandemic restrictions, the program went online for months but returned to half days in late 2021. There are plans to go back to full days once it’s safe to do so. While the activities and exercises keep Caroline engaged and active, he says it’s also a chance for him to take a walk or do errands on his own. “It’s a break for me,” said Calvert who’s her primary caregiver. The program is important for the clients with dementia, but it also means a lot to all the caregivers, notes Shirley Lee, program facilitator at Abbotsford. They concentrate on three types of activities – physical, mental and social. “We try to incorporate an exercise class. It could be a game where they have to lift, bend, sit and stand quite often. We do a lot of quizzes and reminiscing. And the social component is connecting with others,” said Lee. Before the pandemic, the program ran four days a week with 12 clients a day.

With the assistance of three or four volunteers, clients are able to gather in smaller groups based on interests and functionality. Games and activities are adapted and geared towards a person’s cognitive level. “So they can succeed in whatever programming we’re trying to do,” said Lee. The program adapted quickly as the pandemic took hold in 2020, introducing “senior centre without walls,” a teleconference program in which clients could dial in and participate in trivia or music challenges. Since the program has a waitlist, the virtual program allowed potential clients who weren’t in the regular day program to start participating in the Zoom activities. “People were isolated. They didn’t have support services. So we opened up the Zoom activities to anyone on the waitlist. It allowed us to get to know them,” said Lee. “When we reopened and they arrived in person, we were familiar faces and voices.” Given the isolation during the COVID lockdowns, especially in the winter, caregivers have been anxious for the schedule to go back to normal. “My wife was always reserved, but now she’s more so. She has less confidence and doesn’t take initiative. But at Abbotsford, she really responds and she’s engaged. She’s clearly enjoying it,” said Calvert. Clients for the Alzheimer’s-Dementia Day Away Program need a referral from Ontario Health, and there continues to be a waiting list. The cost is $20 for a half day and $35 for a full day. Round trip transportation is also available for $12 for those in the Abbotsford catchment area.

Shirley Lee leads a virtual fitness class PHOTO: KAREN ANNE BLAKELY

Abbotsford is your community support centre for adults 55+. We are the community programs of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254-bed long-term care home. Find out more about our services by telephoning us: Mon.-Fri .9 a.m.– 4 p.m. at 613-2305730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and Abbotsford Community Programs on our website www. glebecentre.ca. Julie Ireton is a journalist who contributes regularly to the Glebe Report on issues affecting Abbotsford.

WHY FAMILIES BELIEVE IN AMICA FOR EXCEPTIONAL CARE ADVERTORIAL

By always putting the health and safety of our residents first, Amica is a trusted leader in providing exceptional care along with a choice of lifestyles, including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. “Our goal is for residents and families to feel connected, engaged, supported and valued,” says Sarah Moriarty, Community Relations Director of Amica The Glebe. Here’s why families trust the care at Amica.

PERSONALIZED CARE

Whether requiring help getting ready in the morning, managing their medications or more, Amica residents feel supported with care that’s respectful to their personal wishes and schedules.

PRIORITIZED WELLNESS

Amica’s holistic approach to wellness includes enriching activities, cultural excursions and a vibrant social atmosphere all designed to support and empower each senior’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive health.

FLEXIBLE SUPPORT

As each senior’s needs change, so does their care. The professional staff at Amica The Glebe will provide the personalized care and support each resident requires.

PR E SEN TAT ION CEN T R E

C E R T I F I E D S TA F F

The health and well-being of every resident is overseen by a Director of Wellness with specialized training. A Care Advisor is also on duty 24/7, with emergency response pendants monitored on-site. To learn more or to book a private appointment, please call Sarah or LA at 613-233-6363.

11 7 G L E B E A V E

12858AMI_GLB_CareAdver_GlebeReport_9.75x7.25_FA.indd 1

AMICA.CA/THE GLEBE

2022-02-09 3:38 PM

pub: The Glebe Report community: GLB insertion: March 18

12 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

TREES

142 Powell Avenue in August 1919. In this photo, courtesy of the Orr Family archives, two front yard saplings are visible. Street trees have been valued by residents and city planners from the early days of the Glebe.

The Freeman maple, a hybrid of silver and red maple, is a popular street and boulevard tree known for its showy autumn foliage, here on display on Third Avenue in October.

Tree myths and misconceptions Why planting trees is good for the Glebe By Jennifer Humphries Funny thing about trees: Most people like them, but even when they do, some adamantly do not want any on their property. What reasons do they give? Among others, they’re messy, they damage sewer pipes and foundations, and they’re dangerous. Dig a little deeper and you find that people know the benefits of trees, but a few are still determined to forego them. But these views are rooted in myths and misconceptions. Last autumn, on a door-to-door

canvass of several streets, the Tree Team (members of the Glebe Community Association’s Environment Committee) set out to encourage neighbours to plant a tree or two. Where they already had good tree coverage on their property, we asked them to keep us posted on any tree gaps they detected in the neighbourhood. Where residents lacked trees but had space, we urged them to consider planting. The Tree Team aims to encourage the planting and preservation of enough sturdy canopy trees to ensure a green Glebe for the next century. Our neighbourhood is known and even

Milk Brioche Rolls (10 pack)

Mini Brioche Rolls

Sauce‘n Cake

Mixes

(12 pack)

Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple

Sirloin, Angus, Prime Rib, Steak Spice, Bacon & Cheddar Stuffed / 6 pack

Varieties of organic vegetable, herb and flower seed. Product of Low Quebec

99 ea

50 ea

Rhubarb

Product of Ontario

Habanero Monterey Jack, Jalapeno Monterey Jack, Extra Old Cheddar Muenster, 170g

69 ea

49 ea

754 Bank Street (613) 232-9466

Monday to Friday 8:00am - 10:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm Sunday 9:00am - 8:00pm

www.metroglebe.com

envied for its tree-lined streets. But trees planted in the early 1900s – think little-leaf lindens along the avenues – are declining. Big red Xs declaring imminent removal appear on a frequent basis. Age isn’t the only factor in the disappearance of the iconic Glebe canopy. In addition to root disruption during services replacement in streets, development – both infill and demolish/rebuild projects – is accelerating, with trees considered by builders to be literally standing in the way of their work. This attitude prevails, despite a municipal Tree Protection bylaw which clearly states that tree preservation is preferred and despite the new Official Plan which recognizes trees as green infrastructure central to climate change mitigation. Our Tree Team canvass will resume this spring. If you have a question or comment, please email us at environment@glebeca.ca (Trees in the subject line).

2. Tree roots break sewer pipes. The notion that tree roots are so strong that they can break sewer pipes is simply incorrect. What they can do is take advantage of a leak by penetrating the pipe in search of water and nutrients. While they are unlikely to block a pipe, they could reduce flow. A plumber can check the pipe from inside your house and clear out the pipe if necessary. By the way, most roots are found within the top 60 cm (24 inches) of soil, above sewer lines. As for water pipes, the City of Ottawa now uses copper for water mains and pipes. They are designed not to break or leak. If you have the old lead water pipes prevalent in early Glebe construction, you may wish to change them before they develop leaks. It’s a good idea anyway, in order to reduce your lead consumption. The City may be able to help with costs. See the city website for its “Lead Pipe Replacement Program.” And if your street is being redone, make the switch at that time.

The Glebe top nine tree myths and misconceptions – debunked

3. Trees hit and smash things. When properly cared for, trees aren’t a nuisance, and falling branches rarely hit or smash parked cars, houses or poles. Maintenance is key – pruning and cabling, for example. You can also choose a tree that is known for its wind resistance. I asked Owen Clarkin, first vice-president of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, about

1. Tree roots damage foundations. This is a common refrain. But the truth is, roots can’t pierce foundations. They can get in to an opening caused by something else, but they can’t create the opening. “If there’s a crack and moisture associated with the crack, the roots can colonize the space to access water,” said Daniel Buckles, long-time advocate for Ottawa’s urban forest and Tree Co-Animator for Community Associations for Environmental Sustainability. “Keep your foundation in good repair. New foundations are built with an impermeable surface, which won’t leak, so roots can’t get in. Foundation damage isn’t due to trees, it’s due to cracks.” When it comes to city trees, the foundation issue arises so frequently that the City has initiated a four-phase process to determine whether a tree is playing a role in damage reported and, if so, how it can be mitigated. Trees are valuable – if there is a solution that saves the tree, that’s the ideal. I asked the City for some specifics on foundations and trees – their responses are in a sidebar in the web version of this article at glebereport.ca.

This young oak on Fifth Avenue is the successor to an older oak that met the end of its lifespan. In a few years, it will begin to provide canopy, like its fellows along the street.

TREES

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

what are known as “weak-wooded” and “strong-wooded” trees. “This differentiation comes from the logging industry, and is related to their value as timber,” he said. “When it comes to wind, the species doesn’t matter as much as wind dynamics.” Conifers have evolved to withstand wind – hence their use as windbreaks. And during the ice storm of January 1998, many strong-wooded trees such as oak, ash and maple broke, while weak-wooded trees such as birches and poplars, bent but held firm. Their flexibility was their strength. When it comes to city trees, homeowners should notify the city of possible hazards such as a rotting limb or cracked trunk. Then it’s the city’s responsibility to inspect and take action. On liability, see the city’s website, “Trees and Property Damage.” Keep in mind that there are ways to preserve an otherwise healthy tree that seems to pose a risk to your home or to passersby on the sidewalk. Last April, a city forester suggested that we consider “reduction” of our 90-year-old linden, which had developed a major split in its trunk. We agreed, and one of the three major sections was removed. The tree continues to thrive and provide us with the shade and beauty we prize. 4. A tree would ruin my lawn. Variations on this concern include “nothing will grow under a tree” and “tree roots will surface and wreck my lawn and lawnmower.” It’s true that trees will shade a lawn, and grass is sun-loving, so it may not grow as well. They also take water. But there are remedies. As is frequently seen in the Glebe, you can make a circle around the tree that is landscaped differently – ground cover, natural mulch or wood chips. It needs to be permeable – no hard surfacing and keep mulch away from the trunk so it doesn’t trap moisture and create fungi. You can choose a deeper rooting tree that won’t take as much surface water. To be avoided: Norway maple, which is invasive and predisposed to surface roots. According to a blog from Arbor Day, titled 8 Tree Myths Dispelled: “Under good conditions tree roots grow through the soil, not on top of it…in community settings roots grow well beneath the surface. Root surfacing is often the result of a combination of construction and compacted soil, leading to erosion which can surface tree roots.” 5. Trees are more work than they are worth. Yes, trees are work. But once established, not so much. “The joy of raking, why has it disappeared?” Carol MacLeod asked. She is chair of the Glebe Community Association Membership Committee, former chair of the Environment Committee and a long-time community resident. “Beyond the sensory pleasure of the signature fragrance of autumn leaves, they are great for gardens and lawns,” she said. “I rake leaves onto my garden to provide overwintering shelter for insects. And I mulch leaves into my lawn.” She urges residents to give up their leaf blowers for environmental reasons – air pollution in the case of gas models and noise from both gas and electric blowers. There is also the fitness aspect. Why not get a workout doing day-to-day chores like raking, rather than a scheduled run or cycle? Cheaper than the gym! Finally, speaking of worth, it’s hard to overstate the value of a lovely tree when it comes to real estate sales. That may

not conflict with the trees. It’s a myth that the Glebe is not made for trees. In fact, it was designed for large canopy street trees.” If you have hydro wires in your front yard, you can consider a shorter tree – it could still be a canopy tree, but not an especially big one. Tree advocates are urging the City to change its rules to allow for trees to be set back into private property, with the owner’s permission, so that a tall canopy tree can be accommodated. Keep in mind, Daniel Buckles advised, that not all overhead wires are the same. Hydro wires can pose a hazard, but communications lines do not; planting under them is not dangerous, although pruning may be required over time. If you do have a small yard, take a look at the two-page brochure Planting Trees in Small Spaces (it’s on the Champlain Park Community Association webpage). And don’t forget conifers. They have many advantages, including their taper which makes them less likely to run into overhead wires.

Numerous little-leaf lindens native to Europe were planted in the Glebe during its development. Now they are upwards of 90 years old, and some have split trunks. The red X indicates upcoming removal.

compensate for the occasional watering and pruning your tree requires. 6. Trees are too expensive to buy (and maintain). On our canvass, the Tree Team learned that many residents had no idea that the city has a program to plant street trees in the municipal road allowance. Others knew about the program but had been waiting for staff to contact them. In fact, the city’s “Trees in Trust” program works by application, which must come from the property owner. There is no charge for the trees, but the property owner must agree to care for it, including watering, with special attention during the first three years. Even on private property, trees don’t need to be expensive, Owen Clarkin told me. “It’s a myth that it’s hard to grow trees from seed, which can cost nothing if you collect nuts or seeds from nearby trees,” he said. “Anyone who can grow snap peas, lettuce or beans can grow a tree.” “It’s also a myth that trees grow extremely slowly,” he said, responding to the concern that a tree from seed or a seedling – such as those distributed by Ecology Ottawa each year – will take years to even look like a tree. When compared to a two- to threemetre-tall sapling from a nursery that often comes with its roots in a burlap bag, a seedling planted at the same time will usually catch up within a few years; in a decade, it may exceed the nursery tree in height and trunk diameter. “The nursery trees have been transplanted, the root bag is kind of like life support,” said Clarkin. “Seed or seedling trees grow in their home environment from the start, which gives them an advantage.” You might also obtain a tree from a neighbour who has a sapling growing in the wrong place or from a plant exchange on social media. On Facebook, try Buy Nothing The Glebe or Being Neighbourly The Glebe/Old

Lindens can be pruned to make them safe and prolong their life (even “reduced” by a full section, as in this photo). This tree thrived in 2021, following “surgery” in April 2021. PHOTOS: J. HUMPHRIES

Ottawa East and South. As for maintenance costs, your tree will need watering, especially while establishing and during drought conditions. But experts note that some homeowners drown their trees. The amount of water required isn’t likely to be a major expense. Consider a rain barrel to minimize costs. Regarding fertilizer, less is more, and you may not need to fertilize at all. 7. Glebe streets are not designed for trees. Actually, they are. Lynn Armstrong, a member of the GCA Heritage and Parks Committees, told me, “Building on the success of the tree-lined boulevards of Monkland and Clemow Avenue developed in the early 1900s, the concept was adopted on the undeveloped lots in the Glebe by requiring 25-foot front yard building setbacks, so providing space for large canopy trees. Hydro easements were placed in back yards on many avenues, from Percy Street to Bronson Avenue, to remove the visual clutter of the poles and lines and so that hydro wires would

8. The City (or landscaper) won’t give me the tree I want. While canvassing, we heard several times from residents who said the City encouraged them to choose small trees, even though there were no obstacles or there was a location to plant that would avoid obstacles. If city staff offer you a serviceberry or crabapple or other small species but you want a maple or an oak and believe it can work in your yard, ask them to consider it. Large canopy trees enhance air quality, cool the air on hot days and provide the greatest benefit in mitigating climate change. Canopy trees are typically at least 12 metres (40 feet) at maturity, but smaller trees can also provide canopy. The City may offer a number of trees that are not native. The exotic Japanese Tree Lilac is commonly planted, even though it is becoming invasive and taking over space in conservation areas. If you are buying a tree from a landscaper, they may not advise a canopy tree or a native one. Instead, they may suggest a tree based on rapid availability or showiness that they can charge more for. If you can wait a while, they can likely acquire the tree you want. Why should you plant or ask the City to plant a native tree species? They typically require less maintenance because they are adapted to the locale. As well, native insects and birds recognize native trees as food and habitat, whereas they may be confused by exotic species. 9. My old tree died and the City won’t replant in the same spot. That’s the only good place for a tree. “Old roots won’t impede the growth of new roots,” Clarkin told me. “Plant a tree near the stump, maybe a foot or so away from it. Don’t remove the old roots or you’ll be doing the new tree a disservice. The decaying roots become nature’s fertilizer.” Some find the stump unsightly, but leaving it provides great habitat for insects as well as giving nutrients to the surrounding soil. Jennifer Humphries is passionate about trees. She is the tree rep for the Glebe Community Association Environment Committee, tree coanimator for Community Association for Environmental Sustainability Ottawa and co-chair of the Glebe Report Association.

14 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

BIRDS

The Flamboyant Northern cardinal

By Jeanette Rive Though March came in like a lion, the days are getting longer and some migrant songbirds are already heading north. Birds are responding to the change in light and preparing for their journey and the nesting season. What brighter and more cheerful sound of approaching spring than the song of the Northern cardinal? The unmistakable bright red songbird will sit atop a tree and sing one of its more than 28 songs, even though it’s cold and snow is still on the ground. The Northern cardinal can be seen in our backyards all year. Its diet of seeds and berries is available yearround, so unlike birds dependent on insects, there is no need to migrate. Named by American colonists after the red cloaks of cardinals, the Northern cardinal is one of our most frequently seen birds and the most visible, its intense red contrasting with the white snow. One of North America’s most populous birds, it was originally found mostly in the southern U.S. but moved north over the last century. The first one was spotted in Ontario in 1896. There are several species of cardinals, but the Northern cardinal ventures furthest north, hence its name. It has adapted well to suburban and urban life, favouring shrubs and trees in our gardens and happily feeding on sunflower seeds from our feeders. A striking feature of the cardinal is its feathered crest, which is raised and pointed when the bird is agitated and barely visible when the bird is resting. Most birds moult towards the end of summer, shedding old, worn feathers. The cardinal will often lose all its head feathers at once and look very bald and pitiful with grey saggy skin; luckily, the new feathers grow in quickly before it gets too cold. The cardinal’s bright red colour is due to its diet – the pigments from foods such as berries and grapes are digested and carried through the bloodstream to the feather follicles where they crystallize and colour the feathers. If you see a cardinal with less bright feathers, its diet has been lacking in these foods. Cardinals are monogamous. Pairs will stay together through the winter and nesting season, although

The female Northern cardinal is less flamboyant than her male counterpart but equally beautiful. PHOTO: JEANETTE RIVE

about 20 per cent of pairs split up by the next season. The male’s songs are more recognizable, but the female will also sing in spring before the start of nesting and later while in the nest to communicate with her partner. You may have seen a male feeding seeds to a female – that’s part of the courtship as he demonstrates his ability to find food for his family. The female builds the nest, a cup-shaped structure lined with grass and hair and well hidden in shrubs, and she will typically lay three or four eggs. The female incubates the eggs, but both parents feed the nestlings which will fledge between 9 and 11 days after hatching. Then it’s up to the male to continue the feeding while the female prepares herself for another brood – cardinals can rear two to three broods a year. During nesting season, the males are very defensive of their territory, singing loudly to announce their presence, and they will attack intruding males. They will even attack their reflection in a window or mirror. They usually live for three or four years, though a banded cardinal in Pennsylvania was found to be 15 years old!

Fun fact 1: A flock of cardinals is called a conclave, a college or even a Vatican! Fun fact 2: There have been rare sightings of a dualsex Northern cardinal – one side, bright red male; the other, light brown female. This genetic mishap, called bilateral gynandromorphy and more common in insects than birds, occurs during the first division of a fertilized cell when one cell becomes male and the other becomes female. The adult bird can mate with a male and produce eggs, or it can mate with a female. It probably occurs in other birds as well, but it stands out more with cardinals because males and females are so distinct. As March and April warm up, keep your ears open for the familiar song of the Red-winged blackbird announcing its return. To identify a bird song, download the Merlin bird app, created by The Cornell Lab. It’s free and a wonderful resource when even just out in your garden. Jeanette Rive is a Glebe bird enthusiast and Glebe Report proofreader.

TFI

“There is a wonderful short story writer called Dorothy Speak. Have you caught up with Dorothy Speak?” — Margaret Atwood

@glebereport

“Speak probes into uncomfortable places and lays bare ambivalences in relationships that, in polite company, are not normally dissected and scrutinized with anything like this author’s degree of candour.” — The Globe & Mail

ISBN: 978-1-03-912297-0

“…stories that will enchant with the beautiful, diverse, and ever evolving essence of human nature. An impressive and luminous assemblage of artful and quietly devastating tales.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) 

For Agent Representation and Information on Publishing Rights, Email speak.dorothy@gmail.com • dorothyspeak.com

783 Bank Street 1280 Wellington St West www.bloomfields.ca | 613.230.6434

COMMUNITY

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

The Goggins running challenge for Carty House

DIMITER PETROV: NOUNPROJECT.COM

By Carolyn Thompson and Leah Brockie Rain, shine, snow, or ice. Four miles, every four hours for 48 hours. That’s how we spent the first weekend in March. The David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge began on Friday March 4. Five of us – four women and one man – ran four miles (or 6.4 km) every four hours for 48 hours. Yes, you read that right. We began at 8 p.m., which means we ran at midnight, 4 a.m., 8 a.m., etc., for two days straight until the last leg at 4 p.m. Sunday. The 4x4x48 model was started by David Goggins, a former U.S. Navy SEAL turned fitness fanatic. He runs the event every year on the first weekend in March, along with thousands of people across the world. While it was a fun, thrilling weekend of running, it was also a successful fundraising campaign for a local Ottawa non-profit, Carty House. Carty is a first home for female refugee claimants who come to Canada alone. It provides residents with referrals to educational and counselling support, language instruction, employment training, job-search programs and cultural-integration programs. Our goal was simple – run 48 miles and raise $4,800; in the end, we raised $5,729! Forecasts leading up to the weekend didn’t look good. There were weather warnings for ice, snow and rain, but nothing was going to stop us. At 8 p.m. Friday, the sidewalks were icy and wet. We wore light-up vests while running in the dark. The overnight runs presented another challenge – getting some sleep between them. The four women all stayed at a condo in Hintonburg; our male partner went home to his place in Centretown. Trouble is, running in the middle of the night gives you an unparalleled endorphin high that kicks in as your head touches the pillow. This sends you into spirals as you try to trick your brain into shutting down. It doesn’t always work – the hoped-for three hours of sleep between runs often turns into only one. Food is another challenge, which we learned the hard way as our energy depleted. We stocked countless treats, including muffins, pasta, energy bars, bananas, peanut butter, candy, and cookies, and tried to eat after every run (even the 4 a.m. ones!) to reduce our caloric deficit. Our daytime routes took us to the Experimental Farm. Sometimes, it was just our small, mighty running pack; sometimes, friends joined us. Between runs, we chatted with friends, stretched, watched movies or slept. Despite all those weather warnings, the weather was mostly glorious, until Sunday morning when we woke up to slick sidewalks and roads that required some acrobatics and critical thinking to navigate. After running 76.8 kilometres in two days, it’s no surprise that we slept 12 hours on Sunday night! During the previous few months, we had reached out to local Ottawa companies and organizations. Everyone was so supportive and welcoming. Dominion City Brewing Company supplied us with post-run drinks and even came to run a 6.4 km leg with us. Beyond the Pale, Strawberry Blond, Lululemon Westboro and Top of the World all sent donations to support our runners or Carty House.

The Ottawa community is remarkable. The weekend showed us just how much this community shows up. The whole weekend was sleepless and cold; it was mentally draining and took a toll on our bodies. But it taught us about resilience, and it reaffirmed our love of running and our trust in our bodies to take us to the end. Rest assured, our Goggins 4x4x48 team will be back in one year to do this all over again, to raise money for another deserving local organization. So lace up your shoes and get running because we want to do this with all of you next year! To learn more about Carty House check out their website: cartyhouse.org/. While our fundraising page is closed, you can learn more about the run and see our 2021 run video here: www.canadahelps.org/en/

Leah Brockie and Carolyn Thompson at the finish line with fellow runners Sydney and Brendan, and Louise and Michelle from Carty House. CREDIT: ANDREW DICAPUA

pages/4x4x48-goggins-charitychallenge-for-the-carty-house/. Carolyn Thompson and Leah Brockie are two runners living in the Glebe and Hintonburg. They organized the Goggins Challenge for Carty House, modelled on the event started by David Goggins, a former U.S. Navy SEAL turned fitness fanatic. This involved running four miles every four hours, for 48 hours. You will find them running along the canal or the Ottawa River most days of the year!

Brendan, Sydney, Leah and Carolyn after the 8 p.m. run in the Experimental Farm CREDIT: ELIZABETH STANTON

DOWNSIZING? Let Us Be Your Partner In Planning Your Next Move! LET’S START EARLY | LET’S START SMALL | LET’S DO THIS ON YOUR TERMS!

Our Team Is Ready To Guide You Through Step 1 To Step Done!

613 . 238 . 2801 | robmarland.com 165 Pretoria Ave. Ottawa, ON K1S 1X1

MARLAND TEAM

ROB MARLAND - BROKER OF RECORD

KATIE

GIBBS

OTTAWA CENTRE | OTTAWA-CENTRE

Your OOawa Centre Candidate, commiied to building a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive community. Votre candidate pour OOawa-Centre, engagé à bââr une communauté plus équitable, durable et inclusive.

info@kaaegibbs.ca

@kaaegibbs

@KaaeGibbsOOawa

@kaaemgibbs

Authorized by the CFO for the OOawa Centre Provincial Liberal Associaaon | Autorisé par le directeur ﬁnancier de l'Associaaon libérale provinciale d'OOawa-Centre

16 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

MUSIC

Renewing courage through music

Matthew Larkin leads the Rideau Chorale in preparing for its “Renewing Courage” concert April 2 at Southminster United Church. Rideau Chorale altos and sopranos in distanced but in-person rehearsal PHOTOS: LUCIA MARC

By Janice Manchee The pandemic has been a tough time for choirs. But Rideau Chorale has persevered. The result: a sold-out December concert, albeit at reduced capacity, with more than 700 additional views online, and now there are plans for an encore in April. “So, we thought we should do it again,” says Rideau Chorale chairperson Elizabeth Tromp. “Especially as we push towards what is hopefully the end of the pandemic.” With Matthew Larkin at the helm again, Rideau Chorale began preparing Johannes Brahms’ The German Requiem. Larkin is an organist,

composer and choral and orchestral conductor known for his enthusiastic and engaging leadership style and well known to Ottawa and Glebe residents. The choir began rehearsal in January, only online due to public health concerns until the first in-person rehearsal in mid-February. “It was fantastic to see each other again,” says tenor and Glebe resident Michael Koros. “Even though, well, I couldn’t actually see anyone because of the masks.” The German Requiem is one of Brahms’ largest and best-known choral works. Brahms, one of the “Three Bs” of music alongside Bach and Beethoven, worked with many leading musicians

of his time. He was a virtuoso pianist himself and one of the leading Romantic composers. Unlike many liturgical works of its time, the text Brahms used was from the Lutheran Bible and the words are in German rather than Latin. “It is wonderful to perform such a beautiful piece,” says alto and Glebe resident Isabella Grigoroff. “While I speak German, many choir members are not familiar with the language, so that adds a layer of work to our collective effort.” As with many of the great compositions of the time, the Requiem was written over a number of years. Brahms was great friends with

acclaimed pianist Clara Schumann and her husband, composer Robert Schumann. Shortly after Robert attempted suicide in 1854, Brahms composed an early version of the second movement of the requiem. Robert was admitted to a sanatorium at his request, where he died two years later. Brahms remained close friends with Clara, assuming responsibility for the household and her business matters. Most of the Requiem was composed after Brahms’ mother’s death in 1865. It premiered in 1868. “Every voice has challenges,” says Koros, “but every voice is beautiful. And when they all fit together, it’s pretty great.” Rideau Chorale’s concert “Renewing Courage” will take place on April 2 at Southminster Church. The title was chosen to underline Rideau Chorale’s commitment to keep singing through the pandemic. It’s drawn from a letter Clara Schumann wrote about Brahms: “… heaven has sent me a friend who has borne all my sufferings with me, and truly does only what can cheer me; a young composer, Johannes Brahms, a great favourite of my Robert’s. He has so truly supported me, ever renewing my courage when it threatened to fail – in short he is a friend to me in the highest and finest sense of the word.” “Brahms has been a friend to us these past months,” says Grigoroff, “renewing our courage too. It’s something we want to share with our community.” Janice Manchee sings tenor with Rideau Chorale. Information about Rideau Chorale and its virtual and upcoming performances can be found at rideauchorale.com. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.ca.

Paint Drying Too Fast? This time of year our heat is on and makes for a very quick dry time. Add Zinsser Extender to slow down the drying properties and allow an easier application of both paint and primer.

Totally at home in The Hub

Zinsser Latex Extender • eliminates brush and roller marks • improves paint flow and leveling • is ideal for paints and primers • won’t change topcoat colour, sheen or flexibility.

Sunny Detached Home, Steps to Park 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, MF family room.

51 ELLA STREET | Call us for more details.

FOR SALE

$13.97 per 946 ml Available at 736 Bank Street at Second Avenue 613 234-6353 HERE’S HOW!

Call us now to get a free market evaluation on your home. Can we talk?

FEATURED PROPERTY

CapitalHomeHardware

Spacious Condo with Stunning Canal Views 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

302—10 MAIN STREET | Listed at $679,900

home@dianeandjen.com 613-422-8688

dianeandjen.com

Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central, Brokerage. Independently owned and operated

FILM

Cyrano

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Cyrano Directed by Joe Wright (US, 2021) Review by Kate Roberts Based on the musical that’s based on the play that’s based on a real guy, Cyrano brings us a story of love, languish and language. The kind of story that appreciates a good old dance number at the garrison. The kind that will have you swooning over an exceptionally romantic set of 10 to 15 lines. The kind that’s perfect for Peter Dinklage. Cyrano is the big-screen musical number that we crave once, maybe twice a year. With top actors at the helm and sets that put Italy on your bucket list, Cyrano has all the ingredients for a feast, and I’m trying not to wince as it reaches for the high notes. Roxanne (Haley Bennett) is madly in love with love. She’s caught the eye of the cringiest duke in town, De Guiche (Ben Mendelsohn), but her heart belongs to poets and pretty boys. That probably comes from her childhood with Cyrano (Peter Dinklage), a hopeless romantic with a gift for poetry, a weakness for pride and an unwavering belief that his dwarfism means he can never be loved. Roxanne keeps Cyrano in the friend zone while Cyrano orbits her like the sun until, out of the blue, Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) rockets into view. He doesn’t speak, he doesn’t peacock, he just stares at Roxanne from across the room like a baby staring at a set of keys. But Christian is beautiful, and Roxanne is smitten. She immediately

goes all-in and asks Cyrano to look out for this sexy stranger, protect him at the garrison and, hardest of all, befriend him. Cyrano can’t say no, so he agrees to help Christian – who is equally smitten but infinitely less eloquent – win her over through love letters. Christian doesn’t know what a bargain he’s bought; Cyrano pours his deepest feelings for Roxanne into letters that he signs from a tall, handsome, speechless idiot. Letters that Roxanne basically takes to bed every night. How could she not fall in love with Christian, the supposed author? How could she not realize that these words belong to her oldest friend? It’s a threesome made for an 18th-century Hollywood musical, with promises of shocking reveals, heartbreak and dance numbers shrouded in chiffon. One thing that Cyrano does not lack is aesthetic. Although the sets may look like a studio backdrop, it was all

A Powerful yet simple film Taste of Cherry Directed by Abbas Kiarostami (France, 1997) Review by Angus Luff Taste of Cherry is one of the most stupendous, realistic and powerful depictions of depression and the human condition in film history. It approaches its themes with incredible patience and intelligence, and many may be turned off by its meditative and slow pace. Yet with its subtlety and respectful nature, the film tackles heavy subject matter in a way few others would try. Its unique presentation and way of communicating its message makes Taste of Cherry a timeless film that is sure to live on as one of the greats of international cinema. Taste of Cherry is a 1997 Iranian drama directed by Abbas Kiarostami. The film follows a hopeless, middleaged man named Mr. Badii (Homayoun Ershadi) as he travels across the city in search of someone who can help him end his life. He picks up multiple people, attempts to explain his situation and has no success getting anyone to help. He then meets a taxidermist (Abdolrahman Bagheri) who seems to be up to the task but also tries to talk Badii out of suicide. This film is simple – excruciatingly simple to some but endlessly meaningful to others, including me. The film mostly consists of a shot-reverse-shot conversation between Badii and whomever he picks up. Yet the conversations

are elevated by the simple, matter-offact directing style. The deep, philosophical ideas get increasingly heavy throughout the film, and the tension rises because of the locked-down direction. The film is essentially about people communicating about their struggles and their different perspectives on them. The way the camera focuses from one character to another brings out the deep, intimate conversations. That might be a complaint in some films, but Kiarostami turns this tired, monotonous directing style into something integral to the film. His shotreverse-shot, telling and not showing, not explaining a backstory for the main character – these things get turned into something meaningful and profound,

filmed in Noto, Italy. Also known as my next vacation destination. From buildings to staircases to balconies, this city was begging to be featured in a period drama. It just looks right draped in fluttering curtains, mountains of organza and the most uncomfortable shoes that history has to offer strutting the cobblestones. Cyrano is a beautifully tailored feast for the eyes. It’s a little less appetizing for the ears. Haley Bennett treats us to an authentic Disney-princess opening aria and sets the bar very high. Shortly after, Cyrano enters, rhyming off a rap of insults that make us think we’ve stumbled into Hamilton. The stage was set, my hopes were high, but the realization quickly dawned that not all baritones are natural-born singers. While Bennett has a beautiful voice and Harrison’s is passable (but remember, he’s pretty), Dinklage could have come straight from Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables. Did he sing his sections live? If not, Dinklage has an incredible gift for lip synching but needs a bit more practice with pitch. We all have our talents, and there’s no denying that Dinklage’s lies in acting. Cyrano’s songs aren’t the catchiest, the plot is super predictable, the villain is like a dandy version of Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and you just want to slap some clarity in Roxanne’s love-blind vision – but at least the acting is top notch. Dinklage delivers, without waver, these velvety smooth lines. It really is poetry. Without the sets, the costumes or any staging at

all, he could stare into a camera lens and recite monologues for hours and I’d be 100 per cent invested. Why has he not played Richard III yet? Where is his role as an unbreakable gangster boss with a secret heart of gold? If nothing else, Cyrano is a gift to the acting community, even if we have to wade through uncoordinated dancing and lengthy musical numbers to get there. Cyrano doesn’t really break the mold. It’s a movie. The actors are good – mostly. The singing is beautiful – on average. The dialogue will make you see true love – for a minute. Every character has one crippling fault that pushes them into conflict: Cyrano is little, Christian is tongue-tied, and Roxanne has a heart full of romance and a head full of cotton. They make do with what they are, but there’s minimal development to help them grow. Nothing shocking or naturally dramatic, just predictable. All except for the ending which made me question how many years it takes for a wound to bleed out. Cyrano is a great addition to Dinklage and Bennett’s repertoire, and I hope that wardrobe gets the acknowledgement they deserve, but otherwise Cyrano is a relatively flat 4/10. Roooooooooooxanne! Running time: 2 hr 3 m In theatres now

which shows Kiarostami’s confidence in his filmmaking that he is able to bend so many movie rules. The film’s slow and patient nature, the beautiful aerial shots of Iran and the philosophical conversations make for a unique, mesmerising experience. The way the film slowly transforms itself is captivating. At the beginning of the film, we know nothing about Mr. Badii – he is simply a man in a truck searching for someone to help him. By the end, we still don’t really know him – we see his stone-cold dead expression and understand he has lost all hope and is indifferent to emotion. We still want to know him better, to sympathize with him, understand his pain, yet we never will. That we know nothing about our protagonist lets us put whatever experiences, pain and suffering we have ever felt onto him. In that way, everyone who has watched Taste of Cherry probably gets something entirely different out of it. Life is hard, it’s unrelenting, it’s a test, it’s cruel, and it doesn’t really care about your feelings. And that way of thinking is amplified if you suffer depression. You may not want to think

that way, but some people can’t help it. Yet, at the end of the day, that is just one perspective on life. Life is also an uplifting, fulfilling, gorgeous place where we can live, love and dream. That’s another perspective. The way Taste of Cherry deals with different perspectives, attitudes and ways of thinking is genius. My heart goes out to everyone who has depression, anxiety or any other form of mental illness. While it’s extremely hard to get out of that way of thinking, I still believe the world can be a magical, comforting place if you let it be. And I think communicating with others about life, pain and different perspectives really helps. Communicating is such an integral part of human life. The way Taste of Cherry shows the effects of communication between people is so special. It’s a film we all need, it’s a film that will forever be relevant in human life, and it’s a very special film that deserves all the attention it gets. Running time: 1 hour 35 mins Available on The Criterion Channel

Kate Roberts grew up in the Glebe and is a movie addict who has been writing reviews since 2013. Her reviews can be found at plentyofpopcorn.wordpress.com.

Angus Luff is a student at Glebe Collegiate. He grew up in the Glebe and is obsessed with movies.

• • • •

ere. Spring is H t Now! o p S r u o Y Book

Raised Bed Design Gardening Services Weeding Mulch Delivery

Contact Tracey: 819-743-6565 info@thegentlegardener.ca @thegentlegardener777

18 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

FOOD

Tim grits By Tim O’Connor It seems that every time we turn around there’s something else to get us down, so I think we should talk about happy food. Happy food puts a smile on your face. Comfort food is something that brings you back to your grandma’s table, but something that’s new to you and has no history to you is what I call happy food. My happy food is grits. When I grew up, grits were never on my plate. I only later encountered them in the cookbooks of southern chefs such as Edward Lee, and I discovered that grits are not as difficult to make as I’d expected. I thought it took hours to get them soft, or that it was like a risotto, and I had to stay by them. You’ll really find that grits are damn well easy. You just soak overnight, though shorter soaking can work too, then cook them in the soaking liquid. Grits are a leftovers king, and you can add anything – sausage, shrimp, a leftover lamb shank, butter, cheese (coconut milk for vegan) or any garlic-sauteed vegetable. You can sprinkle Doritos on top. I sometimes add a crispy duck skin. Grits don’t care, they love it all. Tim O’Connor is the chef at Flora Hall Brewing.

Creamy grits with crispy duck skin PHOTO: TIM O’CONNOR

Tim’s simple rules for perfect grits • Soak overnight, 4 parts water, 1 part grits. Skim what floats to the top. • Place soaking liquid and grits in pot, stir while bringing to boil. • Turn off heat, cover, let sit for 10 minutes, which gives the grits time to think about how great they’ll be. • Add bay leaf, turn heat to medium low, cook for an hour and stir with wooden spoon every so often. Grits should be soft and tender. • Here is the fun part! I add 1/4 cup of butter, grated cheese and 1/2 cup of milk for creamy grits. Other suggestions are hot sauce, lemon juice, seasoning mix (Cajun, taco, your mum’s secret steak spice), coconut milk. Try most anything. If adding chopped shrimp, do so at this stage as the hot grits will cook the shrimp.

THE OTTAWA NEW EDINBURGH CLUB Ottawa’s Waterfront Sports Centre

Join for the Sports, Stay for the Fun A unique multi-sports club minutes from downtown Ottawa. Recreational or competitive tennis, sailing, rowing and paddling. Single, multi-sport and social memberships available. And check out our fun summer day camps for kids!

Leadership • Service • Commitment A Progressive Conservative Voice for Ottawa Centre

SPECIAL RATES UNTIL APRIL 30 Membership and summer day camp details and registration at onec.ca or phone 613.746.8540

Un leader engagé à servir sa communauté Une voix conservatrice progressive pour Ottawa-Centre

#onec

Bring on Spring!

Spring is just around the corner and we are so ready. Drop in to browse new Spring fashions - like a breath of fresh air.

OTTAWA CENTRE

Cochrane Photography

ottawacentre.ontariopc.ca

Authorized by the CFO for the Ottawa Centre Progressive Conservative Association Autorisé par le directeur financier de l’Association Conservatrice Progressive d’Ottawa-Centre

@onec1883

ONEC Gen Mem Ad / April 2022 Glebe Report / Trim size (Image size) 4-3/4 W x 3-1/2 H / 4C Contact Cynthia Hamady at cyn.hamady@gmail.com with ad production-related inquiries

SCOTT HEALEY scotthealey.ottawacentre@hotmail.com scotthealey.ca

@OttawaNewEdinburghClub

shop.theclothessecret.com

Mon. - Wed.: 11-4 • Thurs. - Sun.: 11 - 5 • 1136 Bank Street, Ottawa • 613-730-9039 • theclothessecret.com

FOOD

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Cannabis edibles soon on restaurant menus? By Marisa Romano

Cannabis stores are budding all around us. From my house in the northwest corner of the Glebe, I can easily walk to at least 10; five – or six if you also count the soon-to-open One Plant – are located in the Glebe. Not being a consumer, I needed another reason for checking them out. Take a look at the latest food trends and it becomes apparent that – past the joints of hippie times, the burnt-tasting, marijuana-laced brownies of yesterday and the so-popular sweet gummies sold in modern dispensaries – cannabis is now inching forward onto cutting-edge dinner tables. Here is a peek into this uncharted culinary territory. A native of Southeast Asia, Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest non-food crops, cultivated for millennia for its valuable fibers, oil seeds and medicinal properties. Extensive selections and domestications of wild plants have generated a plethora of varieties, some so different from the original plant that botanists are still debating their taxonomy. The botanical species Cannabis sativa, in fact, includes plants as diverse as the cane-like varieties used for industrial fiber production (hemp) and the short and branchier strains with a higher content of psychoactive cannabinoids (marijuana). In 2001, Canada legislated the medical use of high-cannabinoid varieties; in 2018, it became the second country to regulate their sale for recreational use (Uruguay did it in 2013). Sale of edibles received the green light one year later. Edibles are foods or drinks infused with cannabis extracts, consumed to experience the mind and body effects of cannabinoids. A variety of packaged goods are available on the market. “Gummies, cookies and chocolates are the most popular,” says Haley Fuzessy, a friendly budtender at the High Ties store at 769 Bank Street. A Carleton University psychology student, Fuzessy started using cannabis to quiet down her rushing mind and relax. After sourcing cannabis from the street for a while, she was happy to see the safer product in regulated cannabis dispensaries

and the availability of edibles as a healthier alternasee the opportunity to combine food and cannabis tive to smoking. Now she makes her own moulded also to help others who consume for medical reasons. gummies by adding her infused coconut oil to melted Smith’s petition to the House of Commons reads in regular store-bought gummy bears. She has experipart: “Allowing those struggling with medical health mented with buds from several strains and settled on issues that use cannabis to assist with their conditions the recipe that works for her. in a broader market spectrum…” Technically, all foods infused with cannabis are I can see the point in offering cannabis-infused edibles. The possibilities here are unlimited and dinners at restaurants for an evening of fun, but to aid chefs specializing in cannabis-infused preparations those struggling with diseases like “Crohn’s, cancer, are eagerly venturing into this new culinary field. Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, chronic pain, MS, Among them is the Toronto Michelin-starred chef AIDS, and many more,” as mentioned in Smith’s petiAdrian Niman. Thanks to new plant extraction methtion? Shouldn’t all medication be taken as prescribed? ods that leave behind cannabinoids with strong When I have fever, I do not lace my chicken soup with flavours (terpenes), the man behind Olli Brands has aspirin; I take the pill by following Health Canada-apcreated remarkable infused treats like Meyer lemon proved label directions. I have to confess that I strugpoppy seed cakes and raspberry cheesecake cookies. gle with the acceptance of this food rationale and I Other chefs have unleashed their creativity by may not be the only one. experimenting with pairing ingredients and cannabis strains to create menus for gourmet infused dinners. Such events are private; restaurants are not yet allowed to offer infused items on their menus for the public. Toronto chef Lida-Tuy Dinh hosted her first multicourse infused dinner in 2017. The menu of the secret midsummer-night affair included dishes like cannabis-infused sweet beet salad, poutine, pork loin and roast peach. She has been cooking private, intimate, cannabis-infused dinners ever since. While cannabis restaurants in the United States have been serving infused dishes since 2019, the food industry here in Canada is not quite there yet, but it is on the move. Last summer, London-based Jeremy Smith launched a petition to ask provincial Green Market Cannabis in Toronto has hosted a private, cannabisand federal governments to allow the sale infused, restaurant dinner. SOURCE: THE NEW HIGH MEDIA PLATFORM of cannabis-infused consumables at restaurants and cafés. If successful, his establishment would be Canada’s first. Marisa Romano is a foodie and scientist with a Niman, Dinh and Smith have been drawing on sense of adventure who appreciates interesting and medicinal cannabis properties for some time and nutritious foods.

Summer Discovery Camps for Girls Everyone welcome!

• Weekly from June 27 to August 26

Discover new challenges, make friends, and enjoy a range of fun, hands-on activities at Elmwood’s beautiful and safe campus.

• Ages 5-12 • Exciting new theme each week • Blend of active play, discovery, and creative exploration

• Experienced counsellors

Weekly fee of $340 includes a delicious lunch, healthy snacks, and a cool camp T-shirt. Learn more at camp.elmwood.ca

Holy Week AND EASTER SERVICES AND ONLINE EVENTS

Ash Wednesday March 2, 12 pm & 7 pm Palm Sunday April 10, 10:30 am Tenebrae, “Darkness” April 13, 4 pm Maundy Thursday April 14, 7 pm Good Friday April 15, 11 am The Great Vigil of Easter April 16, 8 pm Easter Sunday April 17, 10:30 am Proof of vaccination including QR code, medical-grade masks, and ID are required.

stmatthewsottawa.ca 217 First Avenue | 613-234-4024

20 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

ART

OTTAWA SOCIETY OF BOTANICAL ARTISTS

BOTANICA 2o21 Ottawa Society of Botanical Artists paints tribute to the Farm NOVEMBER 24, 2021 to MARCH 20, 2022 An online exhibition inspired by the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa www.ottawasocietyofbotanicalartists.ca Magnolia | © Kristin Rothschild

Jan Salmon, Orange Daylily, coloured pencil

During the cold, snowy days of winter in Ottawa, the flowering trees, shrubs and plants of the Arboretum, Fletcher Wildlife Garden and Ornamental Gardens of the Experimental Farm are only a click away. The Ottawa Society of Botanical Artists (OSBA) recently opened an online exhibit of new botanical art, Botanica 2021. The artists spent the summer studying, researching, sketching and painting their plants, eventually moving online to share their work in OSBA’s first online exhibition. The 17 artworks in Botanica 2021 are created in the traditional art techniques of watercolour, graphite and coloured pencils. As you enjoy the art, notice the detail in each work. Botanical artists spend hours refining their art and adding details to truly represent each plant and flower. OSBA aims to nurture botanical art and artists within the National Capital Region through education, exhibitions, activities and fellowship. We aim to create a greater awareness of both the region’s botanical artists and the plants they portray. OSBA provides its members, whether new to botanical art, experienced botanical artists or botanical art enthusiasts, a welcoming community where they can develop and pursue their interest in botanical art. For more information about OSBA, please see our website at ottawasocietyofbotanicalartists.ca. We happily welcome new members who love botanical art. Botanica 2021 can be found at ottawasocietyofbotanicalartists.ca/gallery-botanica-2021.

St. James may be just what you’re looking for! St. James is a small community-based, family oriented tennis club located in the heart of the Glebe. Featuring 4 hard courts, a quaint clubhouse and lights for nighttime play, our members are young, old and in-between, and enjoy combining tennis with a relaxed and sociable club atmosphere. Our enthusiastic and experienced coaches run one of the largest junior programs in the region and oﬀer a range of activities including individual and group lessons and camps. Over the last two summers, we have actually made the most of Covid reality and protocols to introduce a great online court booking system. Ottawa’s own, Alex Harea, is our excellent Tennis Director and Club Manager and is supported by an inclusive volunteer executive committee. We are a small club that likes to think big... This summer, some of our returning popular tennis programs are: • Beginner, Novice, and Intermediate lessons • Cardio Tennis • Parent and me lessons • Doubles tactics clinics • In school and after school kids lessons • Tennis camps We are also introducing a newly structured junior tennis program to accommodate kids of all ages and abilities!

Look us up or send us an email for more details!

web: stjamestennis.ca email: glebestjamestennis@gmail.com

BOOKS

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

A Romp with Flora through Canadian history Flora! A Woman in a Man’s World, by Flora MacDonald and Geoffrey Stevens Montreal & Kingston: McGillQueen’s University Press, 2021. Review by Dorothy Phillips Flora MacDonald’s father told her that women could do anything. Keeping in mind his admonition to help those who were poor and struggling, she decided on an unorthodox life of adventure and service. Flora met almost everyone in Canadian power circles and beyond and befriended many, including Nelson Mandela. She travelled the world, living with audacity and panache and she made a difference in many communities. Flora MacDonald died in 2015. Geoffrey Stevens, a well-known journalist, author and educator, who had known her since 1960, worked with her on the book for several years. They agreed that the book should be told in her voice. It works; Flora is talking to the reader, telling her story. They have produced both an exciting, funny and detailed account of her adventures and a fitting tribute to a great Canadian. The book opens with a terrifying incident in Afghanistan. Flora and a small group, driving from Kabul to Bamyan, are held up by thugs who rob them, slash their tires and threaten to kill them. Left to stew for several tense hours, Flora sees her life flash before her eyes – experiences of danger, high points and accomplishments – and that serves in the book as a preface. The thugs disappear into the night, their resourceful driver patches the tires, and they carry on. By then the reader is hooked, expecting further adventures; the book does not disappoint. It is easy to ignore the few repetitions as the next story comes into view. Born in 1926, Flora was descended from Highland Scots who moved to Cape Breton from America in 1776. Her family was too poor to send her to university; instead, she earned a business college diploma. Setting out on her first adventures in the mid-1950s, she

hitchhiked through Europe, meeting new people, not knowing what would happen next, accumulating some truly hair-raising stories. In 1956, she began to follow Adlai Stevenson on his campaign for the U.S. Presidency and found politics fascinating. She found work at the Conservative party office in Ottawa, eventually becoming a major organizer. Flora takes us into the back rooms of politics as she types, organizes and plans for Conservative politicians. She tells us about her failing relationship with John Diefenbaker, who arranged to have her fired after nine years of service. She was a friend and confidante of Dalton Camp throughout his campaign to oust Diefenbaker as party leader. John Meisel offered her a job at Queen’s University in Kingston where she met many people and volunteered with the Elizabeth Fry Society. In 1971, Flora was the first woman to take the National Defence College course, a year of study and travel to 27 countries that gave her the background for her later work. In 1972, she was elected MP for Kingston and the Islands, the only woman among the elected Conservatives. In 1976, she ran for leadership of the Conservative party and lost to Joe Clark. In 1979, Clark won the election and chose Flora as foreign affairs minister. She dealt with the Iran hostage crisis when US employees were sheltered at the Canadian embassy in Tehran, at great danger to everyone. Flora’s tales about women in politics and in working life will resonate with working women. Once, as minister, getting her hair done while memorizing a speech for later that day, she felt her hair being burned in a faulty hair dryer. Since her dress was often mentioned by the press, she dressed the part. I met Flora, then minister of communications in Brian Mulroney’s government, at the Communications Research Centre where I worked. I remember

her beautiful purple leather pant suit – she looked wonderful, every bit an important government minister. After losing in the 1988 election, Flora began a new career of adventure and service – chair of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), volunteer with international NGOs like Oxfam and Care Canada, film-maker for VisionTV, meeting and befriending Nelson Mandela. Many residents of the Glebe will remember seeing Flora at the Metro

or skating on the canal near her Glebe home. In 2005, I met Flora again when she addressed an International Women’s Day event. Then 79, she had just returned from a Care Canada trip to Afghanistan. I remember her description of rolling out her sleeping bag on the earthen floor of an Afghan family’s home, her sense of adventure and service undiminished by age. This book is a great romp through Canadian history and politics from the 1950s to the early 2000s and an international tour of several countries in which she volunteered. This woman’s stories make history come alive. Dorothy Phillips is a Glebe historian and author of Victor and Evie, a biography of the Duke of Devonshire and his wife, Lady Evelyn, during the Great War.

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH? LET ME HELP YOU FIND OUT

JUDY FAULKNER BROKER OF RECORD/ OWNER

613.231.4663 Judy@HomesInOttawa.com The Flora Footbridge across the Rideau Canal is named in honour of Glebe resident Flora MacDonald. PHOTO: JOCK SMITH

LIVING AND WORKING IN THE GLEBE

22 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

BOOKS

Short stories that dig beneath the surface Pseudo, by Dorothy Speak. FriesenPress, 2021 Review by Anna Rumin I first fell in love with the short-story form as an undergrad when I treated it both as bedtime reading and an easy measure of success as I was able to complete a story in one sitting. For the last hour of the day, I could step into another world, connect with a character, a setting, a conflict and, most often, less than 20 pages later, a resolution. Sometimes characters stayed, sat on my shoulder and followed me around, sometimes they didn’t, but the short-story form is one I return to over and over. Pseudo by Glebe author Dorothy Speak is a collection of 12 stories, some told in first person, some in third, all of them dealing with what as an undergrad I would have called the human condition: love, loss, death, relationships, family issues, marriage breakdowns, aging, second chances. The characters in the collection are everyday people – they live in apartment buildings and move to new neighbourhoods, they question their choices, they lie, they keep secrets, some get second chances. In one story, a woman juggles the people in her life, their needs and wants, despite their backstories; in another, an 85-year-old artist struggles to accept his wife’s decision for medically assisted death while reflecting on a childhood framed by abandonment. And in other stories: a grandmother makes a decision to leave and start life on her own; a woman returns to her family and questions the rules of communication; a character is told, or perhaps reassured, that we are all on the brink of madness; a young man experiences love for the first time; a mother never forgets her still-born; an old man

finds adventure and new possibilities on the bus; a cleaning lady shares wisdom found in grief. Do we ever truly know the people closest to us? What secrets and lies do we tell ourselves and when and how are we forced to confront them? What does it mean to listen, to really listen? What is it to know death? What is it to lose someone only to realize the hardest part of loss is that they are and will always be with us? This collection of stories reminds the reader that to know someone truly and really, to know ourselves truly and really, we have to dig far beneath the surface, we have to reveal what the sunlight otherwise won’t. Speak’s love of language, style and design is obvious. Characters muse thoughts such as: “confinement has captured her in the role I always wanted her to play”; “whittled to our core, panned down to the gold”; “I may have loved them, I don’t remember”; “I forgot to do something with my life.” Opening sentences, like “Spring arrives, the ground breaking open like an over-ripe fruit, the air pungent with the smell of soil, of life-giving minerals,” and closing sentences, like “The two of us sitting there and the rain washing down the windows, both a healing bath and an absolution,” keep the reader reading. For native Ottawa readers, the settings in the stories will be familiar – the affluent neighbourhoods, the private schools, the private ponds and lakes that are known by word of mouth, the new condos on the river, the colonies of cyclists in their bright lycra that overtake the city on the weekends, post-war housing, the cemeteries, the parks and “Always, on our street, you could count on the smell of flowers or fresh-cut grass or fallen leaves or barbeques.” And all readers will recognize themselves and the people we might not necessarily pay attention to in these stories that honour the exceptional complexity of what it means

to be human, no matter who or where we are. On my bedside table there is almost always a novel, a New Yorker, a book of poetry and a collection of short stories. I no longer read short stories as an easy measure of success, but I continue to love the experience of being transported into someone else’s life in a genre that demands precision on the part of the writer to reveal exactly what the reader needs, not only to keep reading but also to step into another life and experience what I know or better understand as the human condition. Dorothy Speak’s Pseudo did just that. Anna Rumin teaches memoir writing at Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG) and Carleton University.

FREE In-Home Consultation

+ MARCH SPECIAL on Gear System!* *Details in store. Gear system offer expires March 31, 2022 • Guaranteed fit – measured and specifically made for each individual window, door, or room divider, including specialty shapes • 25 year warranty – durable UltraSatin™ finish, UV resistant, never fade or warp, dent resistant, fire retardant • Choice of manual or UltraPower™ motorized tilt system • Improved energy efficiency – block out the sun’s hot rays in summer and cool drafts in winter

ALL WALLPAPER – SAVE 20% until March 31, 2022 555 Bank St. (FREE parking behind store, off Isabella St.)

randalls.ca | 613-233-8441 | bankst@randalls.ca Follow us on

Residential ~ Commercial ~ Builders

OPEN HOUSE April 7th to 10th • 1–6 pm

Drop in to any Chartwell retirement residence, where you can look around, get your questions answered and explore how we can make your life better.

Call or visit us today! 613-416-7863 ChartwellOttawa.com

BOOKS

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

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 reviews that follow. The End of Her, by Shari Lapena Shari Lapena is the internationally bestselling author of the thrillers The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, and Someone We Know, which have all been New York Times and Sunday Times (London) bestsellers. She lives in Toronto. Stephanie and Patrick have their hands full with two colicky twin girls but aside from the sleep deprivation, Stephanie is happy until the day Erica, a woman from Patrick’s past, shows up and accuses Patrick of killing his pregnant first wife. Erica wants money to keep quiet, but Stephanie refuses to give into her threat. The case is reopened and Patrick is arrested. Stephanie doesn’t believe that Patrick would ever do something like that, but Erica is quite convincing.

The Wrong Family, by Tarryn Fisher Tarryn Fisher is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nine novels. She currently makes her home in Seattle, Washington with her children, husband and Husky. Juno is a homeless woman who takes an interest in Winnie Crouch’s family. One day she walks into Winnie’s house just to have a look and ends up being unable to leave. She finds a place to hide and becomes part of the house. She overhears Winnie and Nigel talk about a secret. Juno can’t help herself and gets involved. She wants to find out what happened all those years ago but in doing so, she unleashes a string of events that ends in a disaster.

The Disappearing Act, by Catherine Steadman Catherine Steadman is an actress and author based in London. She has appeared in leading roles on British and American television as well as on stage in the West End, where she has been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award. She lives in North London with her husband and daughter. Steadman’s first novel, Something in the Water, was a New York Times bestseller with rights sold in over 30 territories. British star Mia Eliot has landed leading roles in costume dramas in her native country, but she is looking for her big break and goes to Los Angeles to audition, hoping to become a household name. Instead, she gets dragged into the disappearance of another hopeful actress, Emily, who was auditioning for the same role as Mia. Emily had asked Mia a favour, which was the last time Mia saw her. Mia can’t shake the feeling that something bad has happened and is determined to uncover Emily’s whereabouts.

You Will Remember Me, by Hannah Mary McKinnon Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and now lives in Canada with her husband and three sons. Lily is getting worried – she hasn’t heard from her boyfriend Jack, so she decides to call the police. Once they start investigating, they find out that Jack Smith doesn’t exist. Lily can’t believe that Jack has been lying to her this whole time, but she needs to know what happened to him, so she keeps searching. Jack woke up on the beach, cold and with a head injury. As hard as he tries, he can’t remember what happened or who he is. He starts walking, hoping his memory will come back. He knows, instinctively, that he must return to Maine, where he may find answers. 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.

Taizé Service St. Giles Presbyterian 181 First Avenue

Wednesday April 6 7:00 p.m.

All welcome

What Your Neighbours are

Reading

Here is a list of some titles read and discussed recently in various local book clubs: TITLE (for adults)

AUTHOR

BOOK CLUB

The Vanishing Half

Brit Bennett

The 15 Book Club

A Long Petal of the Sea

Isabel Allende

The 35 Book Club

Milkman

Anna Burns

Abbotsford Book Club

The Last Garden of England

Julia Kelly

Broadway Book Club

The Push

Ashley Audrain

Can’ Litterers

Leo Africanus

Amin Maalouf

Helen’s Book Club

The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden

Jonas Jonasson

Seriously No-Name Book Club

The Book of Lost Friends

Lisa Wingate

The Book Club

Such a Fun Age

Kiley Reid

Topless Book Club

If your book club would like to share its reading list, please email it to Micheline Boyle at grapevine@glebereport.ca

24 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

BOOKS

Collection of poems a searing examination of life There and Here, by Maureen Korp Hidden Brook Press, 2021

since the loss remains visceral, palpable, personal but also with universal resonance. Here are two examples: gentle as a fool, I sit on the floor beside the bed, knees draw up to my chin can’t sleep

Review by JC Sulzenko Do not be fooled by the choice of ordinary words for the title of this debut poetry collection by Ottawabased Maureen Korp. There and Here is no ordinary collection of poems but a singular and searing examination of life through the lens of loss, violence and longing, illuminated with glimpses of wonder and hope. I wish I knew the full backstory for the “Aviator Cinquains,” which make up Part I of the book. But it’s not my practice as a reviewer to interview a writer as I compose a review. Instead, I let the poems speak for themselves. Which these cinquains do, eloquently, elegantly, with a terse and tense simplicity that belies the complexity and poignancy of the emotions, experiences, and observations at play. Part 1 carries a dedication to four men, including the poet’s father, a soldier and aviator, identified as EMK. While individual cinquains remain untitled, these spare poems are grouped into five sections, “Pre-flight Checks,” “Lift-off,” “Off Radar,” “Pilot Error” and “There and Here.” I read them through, start to finish, without pause, because the ‘narrative,’ evident from these subheadings, compelled me to do so. I, too, write cinquains, which makes me appreciate how much can be conveyed in a few lines and few words. Richard M. Grove, the book’s designer, exploits this power by positioning

and

each piece on each page surrounded by white space to let the reader, if not pause because the ‘storyline’ is so compelling, then consider each offering fully, without distraction. Korp has mastered conveying the essential without any extras, as in this poignant sample, using a child’s point of view: so I waved because I believed the pilot could tell grandma he’d seen me here in Texas These cinquains imagine flight, whether in a formation of fighter jets or of geese, and then the fall, the destruction, the end of existence. There is some ambiguity in the intimate moments of longing and loss Korp describes, since, apart from the context and sequence of poems, it’s difficult to discern whether they capture the mourning of a daughter for a father or a woman for her lover. Perhaps that distinction doesn’t matter,

I want to eat olives by moon light, and have a place to come and go from…I want him there The last part of this section entitled “There and Here” offers the collection its title and a dozen poems somewhat at a remove from the sequence captured in the first four sets of cinquains. These are musings arising from memory, more philosophical in tone and subject, though still grounded in highly personal reflection. the light is beautiful through the trees…soft evenings, leaves scattering…someone’s come home next door The 21 poems in Part II of There and Here, “Heresies,” are dedicated “to all those trying to get from one place to another.” I found this construct to unify the whole collection didn’t help me make an easy transition from cinquains linked thematically in Part I to freeverse poems occasioned by responses to a range of events, from “warzones,” to memory, destruction and the fragility of life.

Even with this caveat, there is much richness in savouring Korp’s takes on Remembrance Day and Tiananmen Square, in her observations “by the side of the road” – whether waiting for a pair of deer to cross or bearing witness to a lioness dying in the mountains of Pakistan – and in her honesty about who and what she still longs for and how she wishes to be remembered. Arizona Cactus In the desert, saguaro stand big-armed, hard along the road. Half are dead, Half will be in fifty years. Don’t cry. Keep moving. No one cries in the desert. Dehydration kills, Keep moving. The dead stand still. Keep moving. Remember me. I have two remaining thoughts to conclude this commentary. I didn’t really need the fine illustrations in the book. The poems were more than sufficient for me. I also would have appreciated a preface (or afterword) with more information on this nomadic and intriguing poet, though to leave a reader with questions and an interest in learning more is, admittedly, a fine place to leave them. JC Sulzenko curates the Glebe Report’s “Poetry Quarter.” Her 2021 collection of centos, Bricolage, published by Aeolus House under her pseudonym A. Garnett Weiss, is available at Octopus Books and from bricolage.weiss@ gmail.com.

Bl a i neMa r c ha nd

26 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

GLEBOUS & COMICUS

Glebe to host winter games for seniors By Bob Irvine In February 2023, the Glebe will host special urban winter games for seniors. The Seniors Urban Winter Games (SUWG for short) will feature exciting competitions drawing hundreds of over-65s from across the globe. The goal of SUWG is to showcase how seniors can cope with – indeed triumph over – the challenges of winter in cities like Ottawa. The Glebe Report recently had an exclusive interview with the key people behind our successful bid to host SUWG 23: long-time community activist Ima Keener and Glebe-based philanthropist Sonny Waize. Keener and Waize presented their surprise guest for the occasion, Sven Svensen, president of the International Seniors Urban Games Committee. Still spry at age 112, Svensen won 44 Olympic gold medals for Sweden in cross-country skiing over a five-decade career ending at age 75. On a final pre-Games tour, Svensen spoke about what he saw first-hand in the Glebe. “I marvel at how your road graders and sidewalk plows work so closely together to create huge windrows and piles of snow and ice along Bank Street sidewalks,” Svensen exclaimed with enthusiasm. Svensen then explained how their precision is critical to the premier event of the Games. Called Parking on Bank Street After a

The Glebe according to Zeus

A GUINEA PIG’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE GLEBE

Guinea pigs speechless, postprotest?!? In an unprecedented space-time singularity, the inherently garrulous Glebe guinea pigs have gone eerily silent. Theories abound as to the source of this disturbing oddity. Environmental factors? Psychological trauma? We talked to the experts to find out. “We suspect environmental factors,” stated Rachel Johnny Carson, rodent biologist and environmentalist. “The incessant honking, diesel and bouncy castles disrupted the natural flow of the city’s environment, confusing the pigs. With their sensitive hearing,

Glebe streets offer endless opportunities for the Seniors Urban Winter Games organizers. PHOTO: BOB IRVINE

Blizzard, the event is a mixed-doubles competition featuring a man (“the husband”) as the driver and a woman (“the wife”) as the front-seat passenger. After finding a parking spot on Bank Street, the husband grabs a shovel from the trunk and attempts to make a safe passageway for them to the curb, which is typically two metres away. At the same time, the wife kicks repeatedly at her door to push the snow far enough back for her to exit the car. The two then move quickly on their path to the nearest parking machine. Now an element of chance affects their path to victory

– after all their efforts, will the City’s parking machine accept their loonie? “The judges are assessing the couple’s speed but also their style. For example, does the husband handle his shovel with flair? Jumbotrons being installed at Second Avenue will show all the action from both inside and outside the car,” explained Waize. Keener then highlighted some of the other competitions being held during the Games: • barbershop-quartet singing by teams of men in costume shovelling out driveways. (Keener

the guinea pigs now also have what’s called Direct Defence Tinnitus (DDT), a natural evolutionary defence mechanism that blocks out general unpleasantness, such as criticism or, in this case, loud noises.” Renowned rodentologist Matthew Rippeyoung agrees with Carson but claims her theory does not go far enough. “The psychological factors must be considered. A guinea pig’s natural instinct is to “freeze” and become silent in the face of fear. The potential disruption to the food chain would have sent shock waves through the guinea pig community, exacerbating pre-existing winter fears about the supply of romaine lettuce from California. Then add the bouncy castles. It’s well documented that guinea pigs suffer acute Bouncy Castle Phobia (BCP) – I treat hundreds for BCP each year. It’s their worst nightmare, being caught flailing around in a bouncy castle.” However, some argue the answer is neither environmental nor psychological. According to a local blogger, Awoman, the guinea pigs simply misunderstood Zexi Li’s honking injunction. “The little fur balls probably misheard the chatter about the

injunction and thought they were no longer allowed to “taunt.” As we all saw, they had been enthusiastically taunting the protestors with invective tirades for quite some time, to the delight of the anti-protestors,” smiled Awoman.

encourages Glebe Report readers to watch for the US team, which plans to sing Gospel tunes while dressed as a chain gang from Alabama.) • men in suits and women in dress slacks walking from Bronson Avenue to Bank Street while attempting to avoid sending their clothes soon after to the dry cleaners • a broad jump competition across the huge puddle on the west side of Bank Street at Second Avenue. Svensen interjected at this point. “Puddles that huge don’t just happen! I understand that Bank Street was reconstructed a few years ago. Road engineers and sidewalk designers must have worked carefully together to create a water hazard that large,” Svensen exclaimed. Svensen then described a special side-event awaiting Glebe residents at the Games – gold-medal-winning, Russian female pole-vaulter Gunna Nokyursoxoff will attempt to pole vault the entire block between First and Second Avenue to avoid stepping in puddles. Glebe Report readers interested in serving as volunteers at the Games are invited to come to the Glebe Report office on the morning of April l, if they still have not realized that this is Bob’s latest April Fool’s spoof. While the current silence is disturbing, experts agreed that donations of imported Italian parsley from Nicastro, Erling’s gift certificates and complimentary parsleyccinos at Morala will get the pigs through it just fine.

Helping you achieve the healthy smile you deserve!

Dr. Rowida Azzi D.M.D Dr. Richard Azzi D.M.D Dr. Kumiko Mackasey D.M.D • • • •

Dentistry for Children, Adults and Seniors Implants - Cosmetics - Invisalign Emergencies and New Patients Welcome Saturday and Evening Appointments Available

Call us now to book an appointment:

613.422.5900 Lansdowne Park, 981 Bank Street FREE VALIDATED UNDERGROUND PARKING

www.lansdownedental.ca

POLITICAL REPORTS

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Yasir Naqvi MP Ottawa Centre

N 613-946-8682 E yasir.naqvi@parl.gc.ca

How we outlasted the convoy by supporting one another We’ve had an incredibly difficult time in Ottawa, particularly in our downtown, because of the “freedom convoy.” But we also learned during this time that in a crisis, our community shows up for one another. The convoy arrived on January 29, fuelled by grievances from two years of anger against vaccine mandates and mask mandates. They were resolved to send a message and claimed to be doing so for “blue-collar workers.” What they did, however, was harm Ottawa residents. Horns blared at all hours at levels that can damage hearing. Shops were forced to close, staff missed paycheques, people were harassed for wearing a mask. I heard from hundreds of workers and small business owners who’ve lost wages and sales. I spoke to residents who were terrified. I heard reports of women, racialized folks, queer and transgender neighbours who were harassed while walking home or in front of grocery stores. At a large apartment building in the middle of the downtown core, at Metcalfe and Lisgar, two people were seen to enter the building at 5 a.m. and attempt to start a fire while taping the front doors shut. More egregious acts of violence also happened. But we persevered. Anyone who believes the convoy was peacefully protesting vaccine mandates was severely misled. But at the height of all this, the priority for the community, local leaders and our office was to keep each other safe. To get food to seniors and people with disabilities who were not able to leave their homes. To get animals out to safety. To deliver earplugs to residents facing constant honking. A Centretown Helpers online discord group was set up; it organized safe walks for community members and gave folks a place to virtually gather in a difficult time. Safety walks were organized by councillors Catherine McKenney, Shawn Menard and Jeff Leiper, as well as local residents. Social service agencies such as the Good Companions and Meals on Wheels dropped off food to people in need.

Residents organized funds to supplement the wages of workers who were not able to work because of the convoy. Others gathered funds to help downtown residents get out of the core. Zexi Li, a federal public servant, launched a $9.8 million lawsuit and won an injunction (with lawyers Paul Champ and Emilie Taman) to end the abuse of downtown residents from hours of truck honking in the downtown core. Our neighbours then went around to deliver these injunction notices to truckers. Residents of Old Ottawa South and beyond mobilized to peacefully stop convoy vehicles from entering the downtown, holding a blockade at Bank and Riverside for eight hours. Our community mobilized to let each other know that we were not alone. Our MPP office hosted several town halls to communicate these resources to residents and help them get plugged in. We also demanded action from the provincial government during the crisis. Councillor McKenney and I wrote a letter to Premier Ford asking for help for our city and its residents affected by the convoy, and we continue to call for this support. We need financial help for folks who have had their homes and front yards trashed and for small businesses and workers who lost money because of forced closures. We need mental health resources for residents and support for social service agencies on the frontlines. What I’ve learned from this convoy is that our community takes care of one another, and that is a legacy we can be proud of. But we must also understand why this happened and address the rising levels of hate in our country. Hate grows when people feel unheard. Horns blare when people believe their suffering goes unnoticed. Rural anger boils over against downtown Ottawa when people think “urban elites” have it better than them. Politicians fanning the flames only makes matters worse. As we reclaim our city, we must also heal our country. I’ve been hosting Zoom town halls since the end of the convoy to discuss how we heal the division and address the concerning rise of hate. You can watch some of our sessions on our website at www.joelharden.ca and follow the link to our YouTube. Take a moment to watch those conversations, then let me know your thoughts on how we can rebuild our communities by writing to me at joel@joelharden.ca. I would love to hear from you.

A time for healing and hope The past month has been an incredibly difficult time for everyone living in Ottawa – especially for those living in the downtown core. Due to the occupation, members of our community were harassed because of their skin colour, yelled at for wearing masks, subject to torturous honking as well as hurtful and racist symbols, and there were accounts of assault. It had been made clear that there were serious challenges to local enforcement’s ability to effectively enforce the law. That is why the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act to give police more tools to end the occupation and blockades. Additionally, it designated, secured and protected critical places and infrastructure, ensured essential services are rendered, prohibited use of property to support illegal blockades and allowed the RCMP to enforce municipal bylaws and provincial offences when required. Businesses also suffered greatly, with further closures and harassment due to the protests. That is why the federal government announced an investment of up to $20 million to help downtown Ottawa businesses recover from the impacts of these unlawful protests so they can continue serving our community. What we went through as a community was traumatic, and our mental health

SINGLE MALTS COCKTAILS VINYL

•

has been impacted. My message to you is that this is a time of healing and hope. It’s okay to not be okay, and I would encourage you to stay connected to members of our community, friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances. If you or someone you know wants to speak with a mental health professional or is seeking mental health resources, here are a few in Ottawa ready to help: • Centretown Community Health Centre: 613-233-4443 • Somerset West Community Health Centre: 613-238-8210 • Ottawa Distress Centre: 613-238-3311 • Ottawa Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 • Life Works Crisis Line: 1-844-751-2133 • Counselling Connect (free phone or video counselling): www.counselingconnect.org Throughout this unlawful occupation, we saw yet again how resilient our community is. How we all came together during this incredibly difficult time to support one another. We will have to continue to support each other as we heal and work towards a hopeful future. If there is anything I can do to support you, my office remains open virtually and ready to help. You can call us at 613-946-8682 or email Yasir.Naqvi@ parl.gc.ca.

•

MUSIC

•

FOOD

THUR SDAY - SATURDAY 5PM - LATE

RESERVATIONS 705.970.1993 New Clients Always Welcome! • Preventive Medicine • Vaccination • Assessment and Treatment • Surgery and Dentistry • Nutritional Counseling of Injuries and Illness Monday to Thursday 8am - 7pm Friday 8am - 6pm & Saturday 8am - 2pm CELEBRATING 22 GREAT YEARS IN THE GLEBE

(NOT REQUIRED, RECOMMENDED)

BAR 613.737.6654

1154 BANK STREET | 750 GLADSTONE (ON THE AVENUE)

28 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

FAITH

Glebe-St. James is thriving

Choir members gather in the Glebe-St. James parking lot in April 2021 for a chilly practice and a chance to sing together

Crystal Maitland takes a selfie with Glebe-St. James carollers on the new First Avenue ramp. PHOTO: CRYSTAL MAITLAND

By Pam Fitch Rev. Lorraine MacKenzie Shepherd suggests that thriving churches embody vision, joy, open-heartedness and risk-taking. What helps them thrive is not specifically related to their theology but more to their willingness to engage

in difficult conversations. Thriving churches use music to express joy, community, contemplation. They welcome everyone, create inspirational worship, engage in meaningful outreach and participate in community partnerships. In these secular days when church

rolls seem to be dwindling, Glebe-St. James United self-identifies as a thriving church, welcoming new members, providing live-streamed worship and creating many diverse ways to celebrate its role in the neighbourhood, the community and the region. During the past two years of pandemic restrictions and lockdowns, the congregation discovered creative ways of connecting beyond the boundaries of church property. Members built congregational supports that could function virtually and in different ways. Ten volunteer “Friendly Callers” connected with members every month or two to see how they were coping, to share news and to ensure that members had the latest updates on our COVID protocols. Worship services transitioned to live-streaming. For those who cannot access the internet, a telephone line provides worship by phone (613-2160439). A weekly Monday night meditation series began on Zoom, and the Women’s Intergenerational Group (WIGs) meets monthly to reflect on issues related to reconciliation, racism and women’s ways of connecting. The WIGs collected and distributed Christmas gifts, wrote more than 300 Valentines and provided an important forum for discussing hot-button topics. An indigenous speaker series, hosted by Rev. Teresa Burnett-Cole, draws participants from across the region and across Canada. Dudleigh Coyle offers connection and chili dinners to those feeling stuck at home. Music and the arts represent an essential part of Glebe-St. James character – it has been home to choirs, concerts and theatre groups for many years. This month marks the beginning of the installation of our new Phoenix Digital Organ to replace the almost century-old Casavant Fréres pipe organ that was installed in 1929. Several ranks are being repurposed into other organs, and some wooden pipes may be incorporated into sound gardens constructed by congregational member, innovator and Carleton Music Faculty member Jesse Stewart. During the pandemic, Zoom became an important way to connect for choir and congregation. With the first lockdown in March 2020, choirs ceased meeting in person because singing was believed to be one of the most high-risk activities. But rather than

stop altogether, the choir switched to Thursday night Zoom rehearsals. Though we had to mute ourselves because of the sound delay, we could see each other’s faces and sing along with James Caswell, Minister of Music, who directed us from his grand piano at home. Although we had a few months of in-person rehearsals last fall, weekly Zoom rehearsals restarted in December. Interestingly, choir numbers increased over the past two years. Members who had moved to different parts of the country were suddenly able to take part in the Zoom rehearsals. In addition, monthly Zoom Hymn Sings have offered everyone in the congregation a chance to sing with gusto in the privacy of their own homes. Family and friends have joined in from across the country. James even led a Zoom carol-sing on Christmas morning so that participants could enjoy their favourite carols. Community outreach represents an essential part of Glebe-St. James’s mission. The church participates in more than a dozen outreach endeavours across central Ottawa, including a cluster of churches that pool their resources to help the community. One of the newest organizations is Partage Share Ottawa, part of the Stone Soup Network (partageshare.org/). Outreach members are also trying to establish a community fridge somewhere in the central core to provide fresh food free to anyone, no questions asked. A new initiative has recently been established to improve accessibility at Glebe-St. James. Initial inquiries discovered that hearing is the most common challenge, but mobility is the more complicated problem to solve. The church was built in 1906 and the addition of office space in the 1950s resulted in the property featuring more than 200 steps. Improving accessibility will help the church remain a viable and important community hub. If you have been searching for community and you’d like to visit Glebe-St. James, please check out our website or contact Jennifer Reid in the office: admin@glebestjames.ca or call 613-236-0617. Pam Fitch is a long-time member of Glebe-St. James and its choir. She works as a massage therapy educator, author and consultant.

Help inHelp yourwith: home with Internet Email Internet Email Software Shopping Software Shopping Instruction Setup Instruction Setup Viruses Slowdown Viruses Slowdown

Aisling Boomgaardt and Bram Boomgaardt Telephone: 613-746-2367 Email: GreentreeCo@sympatico.ca www.GreentreeOttawaRentals.ca

Helpingyou youCHOOSE CHOOSEand and USE your computer. Helping USE your computer. StillProblems open, with ways to help you solved in your home. safely. John Harding Harding MalcolmHarding Harding John Malcolm info@compu-home.com 613-731-5954 info@compu-home.com 613-731-5954 www.compu-home.com www.compu-home.com

LANGUAGE

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Adjectives

Robin to nouns’ Batman

By Michael Kofi Ngongi Every year, the Hollywood glitterati descend on downtown Los Angeles for a grand celebration, an annual jamboree known to us all as the Oscars. In an industry defined by its glitz and glamour, Oscar night is the apogee of the film awards season. It is the flashiest, most lavish event on the social calendar. With their swanky dresses, elegant tuxedoes and million-dollar smiles, award nominees walk the red carpet hoping to end the night clutching one of the iconic golden statuettes. And the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor goes to…adjectives! That is what adjectives are: supporters. They can never be lead actors; that role belongs to nouns. Nouns are the protagonists of our stories; without them we simply would have nothing to talk about. Nouns are the superheroes and adjectives are their sidekicks. Like Robin does with Batman, adjectives tag along and assist the heroes in their quest for truth, justice and better stories. Yet, though theirs is a supporting role, adjectives’ contributions are significant and essential. Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns. They allow us

to add compelling details and nuance to our discourse. They supply colour, character, definition and even distinction to nouns. Without adjectives, we would lose the ability to describe people and things in any kind of detail. Everyone and everything in our world would be indistinct and indistinguishable, neither describable nor comparable. No one and nothing would be bigger or smaller, greater or lesser, richer or poorer. There would be no rough places to be made plain, no crooked places to be made straight. Skies and seas and mountains would all be alike, none clear, none deep, none high. No, adjectives cannot be our stories’ leading actors. Yet, they are no less important and deserve your special consideration. If you ignore them, you’ll soon discover the truth of the adage: you never miss your water ‘til the well runs dry. Michael Kofi Ngongi is a new Canadian originally from Cameroon, another bilingual country. He has experience in international development and is a freelance writer interested in language, its usage and how it can unite or divide people.

Ukrainian the nightingale language By Sophie Shields At the time of writing, it’s been three days since Russia invaded Ukraine. And so, it is only fitting for me to dedicate this column to my mother tongue – Ukrainian. Let’s start out with a mini history lesson. Ukrainian is part of the Slavic language family, which also includes Polish, Czech, Russian, Croatian, Bulgarian, etc. More specifically, Ukrainian, along with Russian and Belarusian, originated from the Old East Slavic of Kievan Rus (~9th-13th century). However, after the Rus’ fall, the languages went their separate ways. Whereas Russian steadily evolved with some influences from central European languages, Ukrainian was ever-changing, highly influenced by the country’s time under the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. By the mid-17th century, the languages were mutually unintelligible. To put that in perspective, Russian and Ukrainian have about 62 per cent lexical similarity, Polish and Ukrainian have 70 per cent and English and German have 60 per cent. Would you say you speak or understand German? Because I sure don’t know Russian. With that cleared up, let’s take a dive into the language spoken by

more than 45 million people. Recognized as one of the most melodic languages in the world, Ukrainian is poetically called the солов›їна мова /solovyina mova – the nightingale language. Words like тішитися / tishytysia (be pleased with yourself or something), блакитний / blakytnyi (heavenly blue colour), затишок / zatyshok (cosy place away from wind) and вирій / vyriy (mystical destination birds migrate to in winter) are only some of the unique untranslatable words the language holds. But if you are to know anything about the language of Україна / Ukraina, it should be that it is patriotic. Currently, the most common Ukrainian greeting (almost as common as dobreyden – hello) is Слава Україні / Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine), to which the recipient responds Героям слава / Heroyam slava (Glory to the Heroes). In both times of war and peace, expressions like this one give us hope that this solovyina mova will live on. Slava Ukraini! Sophie Shields is a Carleton student studying global literature and a proud Franco-Ukrainian who is learning German. She is the social media coordinator for the Glebe Report.

Luxury Freehold

55 & 57 Poplar Street 159 Gilmour Street, Ottawa, K2P 0N8 ~ www.tracyarnett.com ~ 613-233-4488 This is not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale

30 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

HEALTH

Understanding

ADHD

By Jenny Demark Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is very common. Approximately five per cent of Canadian children aged six to 11 years will receive the diagnosis. But there is still a lot of confusion as to what it is and what it is not. Let’s start by saying that ADHD is a real thing. It is a neurobiological condition affecting many areas of the brain, most notably the frontal lobes. Brain scan research has demonstrated significant differences in brain activity and brain volume between people with ADHD and people without it. There is a strong genetic component to ADHD, with studies showing that 25 to 35 per cent of parents of children with ADHD have it themselves. In fact, ADHD is more heritable than height, intelligence, anxiety or depression. To be clear, ADHD is not something that is caused by bad parenting, bad teaching, poor diets, vaccines or too much screen time.

Executive functions

People with ADHD have a hard time with executive functions. In fact, some experts feel that Executive Function Disorder would be a better term than

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Executive functions are a range of central control processes in the brain (primarily the frontal lobes) that allow us to connect, integrate and prioritize our cognitive functions. Some have referred to them as the “conductor of the orchestra” or the “CEO of the brain.” Executive functions are separate from intelligence and most people with ADHD have average IQs. Specifically, our executive functions control: • Motivation (How can I write this report when I am not interested in the book?) • Initiation (How can I get started on my chores when I’d rather watch YouTube?) • Timing (How long will it take for me to make dinner?) • Planning (What is the best way to clean my room?) • Organizing (How should I set up my workspace?) • Focus (How can I pay attention during this boring meeting?) • Effort (How can I sustain my energy and focus until my work is complete?) • Emotion Regulation (How can I control my frustration in a socially acceptable way?) • Self-Monitoring (How do I appear

to others at this moment?) • Prioritizing (What should I do first?) • Remembering (How can I remember to do everything for work, for school, for my friends and at home?) The frontal lobes are the slowest part of our brains to develop, so it is not surprising that executive functions do not fully mature until our early 20s. For people with ADHD, there is up to a 30-per-cent delay in the rate at which executive functions mature. This means that a nine-year-old child may function more like a 6-year-old child, despite being just as smart as their peers. Keep in mind that everybody has problems with executive functions from time to time, especially when tired, sick, stressed or overwhelmed. The pandemic has certainly brought about executive function challenges for many of us as we have had to pivot in our work, school and other day-to-day activities at a moment’s notice. But for those with ADHD, their executive functions are chronically impaired and that has a substantial detrimental impact on their work, school, homelife and relationships.

Still, people with ADHD can demonstrate good executive functioning in certain activities, especially when their interest is high. Many report becoming completely absorbed in preferred activities, to the point where it can be difficult to get their attention or for them to realize how much time has passed. This causes others to think that ADHD is a problem of willpower, but it is not. People with ADHD want to be successful, but they lack the skills to be so. Let’s not forget that people with ADHD have many positive characteristics. They often have truly sparkling personalities. They are funny, enthusiastic, spontaneous and generous. Many are creative and able to think “outside the box.” Their hyper-focus allows them to be very productive on tasks of interest. They tend to live in the moment, free from stress and worry. Moreover, people with ADHD are often very resilient. Going to work or school every day when it is hard, when they get into trouble for things that are outside their control, when they are teased and criticized for their mistakes – this is true resilience! Jenny Demark, Ph.D., C.Psych, is a psychologist who lives in the Glebe and works nearby.

Do you experience urine leakage? By Nadine Dawson

Movement and Nutrition have a major impact on your health. We are your specialists in the Glebe: Corrective Exercises

Mobility & Posture

Personal Training

Nutrition

We look forward to helping you! www.instephealth.ca 343-204-1303

If you are still reading, either you are shocked at such an explicit question in a community newspaper and want to know what craziness will follow or you leak urine. Not that women call it that. It’s the medical lingo for an experience that one in three women shares and that nobody seems to talk about. Oh, sure, we see the ads for adult “briefs.” We hear whispers about Kegels while attending to our children in parks and schoolyards – children whom we may envy as they hang unconcerned upside down from structures and run about with wild abandon playing grounders. Who cares to share such intimate details of our lives, especially when the condition not only restricts our freedom but also threatens our wellbeing in myriad other ways? Wouldn’t it be lovely to be so free again, to run without fear, to cough without embarrassment, to laugh with impunity? Alas, birthing children has long-term physical implications beyond lack of sleep and the kind of fatigue that threatens parents’ ability to put together coherent sentences for years after their little bundle of joy arrives in the world. But while the condition of “leaking urine” may be common, it is not normal and it can be treated. Enter the University of Ottawa’s MFM Lab, Lees Avenue Campus,

under the direction of Linda McLean, Ph.D. There, health care professionals including pelvic-floor physiotherapists are undertaking various studies involving women’s health, including the kind of stress incontinence described here. Currently, they are actively recruiting participants for two studies: the first on sensory and motor correlates of stress urinary incontinence in women and their influence on pelvic floor muscle training; the second on the effects of hypopressive exercises on intra-abdominal pressure and on pelvic floor muscle activation. Sound intriguing? Good news! You may be able to help. While there are specific eligibility criteria for each study, you may qualify for one or both if you are vaccinated against COVID, female and over 18. While neither study offers compensation or treatment per se, both provide training and information as well as referrals that may be of personal benefit to individual participants. Further, your participation will help expand knowledge of women’s health with the potential to enhance the lives of women all over the world. Participation is voluntary and confidential. For more information, please contact Silvia Saraiva, PT, at 613.562.5800 x7438 or mfmlab@ uottawa.ca. Nadine Dawson is a teacher and artist who lives in Old Ottawa South

HEALTH

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

Concussions – symptoms and treatments By Mike Seto Concussions are a growing problem we encounter in today’s society and sometimes it’s difficult to filter through all the information and opinions out there. In recent years, concussion diagnosis has become much more prevalent as we learn more about how impactful they can be on our lives. In Canada, there are 200,000 concussions diagnosed annually, though there are likely many more cases going undiagnosed. So what is a concussion? Put simply, a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can result from a direct impact to the head, or an impact to the body that causes the head and brain to shake back and forth rapidly. This rapid shaking of the brain results in damage and stretching to brain cells, which ultimately affects their function. Sometimes concussions occur after minor injuries and other times people have quite major injuries that do not result in a concussion. You do not need to

lose consciousness to have a concussion, nor do you need to hit your head. A concussion can occur with a whiplash type injury. And although helmets prevent skull injury and are often recommended, they do not prevent concussion. There is no one test available to objectively diagnose a concussion, so it’s important to know some of the common symptoms to help identify a potential concussion. Common symptoms experienced after a concussion include: • Headache • Light sensitivity • Noise sensitivity • Fatigue • Dizziness/light-headedness • Nausea/vomiting • Cognitive problems (memory, multi-tasking, concentration) • Balance problems So what can I do to help treat my concussion? The biggest key early on in recovery is rest, both physical and cognitive (especially in the first 48 hours). You’ll want to allow plenty of

sleep, stay well hydrated and eat well. You’ll want to restrict TV watching, computer use, cell phone use, reading, physical activity, school, sports and socializing. Recent research suggests that reintegration of physical activity and light exercise after 72 hours is safe and can help to accelerate recovery. However, it is still important to monitor symptoms closely to ensure that your symptoms do not become exacerbated. With that being said, it is important to note that no two concussions will be exactly alike. Though most

concussions do resolve relatively quickly, within a few weeks, roughly 10-15% of people will go on to have prolonged symptoms. Know that it’s never too early or too late to seek help and advice from your health care professional team if you’re unsure of how to handle your concussion injury. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help guide you in your recovery. Mike Seto is a registered physiotherapist at Glebe Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine.

Great Glebe Garage Sale is back in person!

May 28, 2022

Details (depending on public health advice) in next month's Glebe Report

3 Shamrock Place - $2,695,000 Cedar Hill / Orchard Estates A Ukrainian flag flying in the Glebe.

PHOTO: LIZ MCKEEN

Joel Harden MPP, Ottawa Centre joelhardenmpp.ca 109 Catherine St. Ottawa, ON. K2P 2M8

136 Acacia Avenue - $1,889,000 Rockcliffe Park

40 Commanda Way - Call For Price Lindenlea

314 Queen Elizabeth Drive- $1,599,000 Glebe

Call Today and see what Ottawa’s Best* can do for you! #1 in Ottawa 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020* Charles Sezlik, Dominique Laframboise, Sara Adam Sales Reps. & Trystan Andrews, Broker

JHarden-CO@ndp.on.ca

613.744.6697

613-722-6414

*Charles Sezlik #1 Royal LePage realtor in Eastern Ontario, 43 +/- Offices - 1150+/- realtors, based on gross closed commissions 2020. Glebe Report Jan 26.indd 1

2022-03-02 2:52:48 PM

32 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

SCHOOLS

Kids line up in the snow at Mutchmor Public School on March 1.

PHOTO: LIZ MCKEEN

Shelley Lawrence Ottawa Catholic School Board Trustee

N 613.978-2644 T @SLawrenceRSCJ E Shelley.Lawrence@ocsb.ca

News from the Ottawa Catholic School Board It is challenging to write an upbeat column following a month of deep division in our downtown core, the tragedy of war facing the Ukrainian people and the ongoing displays of hatred shown to people of colour. Yet I have hope and one of the main reasons for that hope is the students of the OCSB. #ocsbhope

Black Student Forum video

I need to look no further than to two Grade 12 Immaculata High School students, Temitayo and Christine, who chose to celebrate community and collective voice with their peers from across the board. These two change-makers and their fellow students participated in a Black Student Forum late last year and plan to make it an annual event. You can hear “their why” for being part of the Black Student Forum by checking out their video message on OCSB’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9NbES12l6XQ&t=36s).

Student award-winning Black History Month videos

February was Black History Month,

and our students celebrated on many fronts, including through a video competition. The videos showcased our students’ creativity and dedication to honouring excellence in the Black community. Immaculata High School shared first place with St. Paul High School. You can see all the elementary, intermediate and secondary gold, silver and bronze winners on the OCSB website.

STEAM Week

OCSB is a world leader in Deep Learning, which prepares children for the future. Our educators know that students need to do more than memorize facts and figures. They need to create, connect and use information in various creative ways. From February 28 to March 4, OCSB students from kindergarten to Grade 12 participated in our second annual STEAM week, an opportunity to celebrate and explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math through learning activities and virtual events. I am confident that through science, technology, engineering, arts, math and faith, our students will design a better future based on

gratitude rooted in joy, and that fills me with hope.

Indigenous Education

At a recent board meeting, I felt hope and confidence in the work underway by the OCSB Indigenous Education Team. Their commitment to listening, collaborating and improving our Indigenous students’ academic achievement and wellbeing was inspiring. Meanwhile, their steadfast devotion to increasing all students’ knowledge and awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives and contributions was evident in their words and actions. Indigenous Lead Alanna Trines told all in attendance that her role was to build relationships with our Indigenous community partners so together we could authentically embed the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action in our curriculum and our classrooms. The OCSB and its trustees are committed to doing that work. Trines said work was already underway, including expanded Indigenous courses for grades 9-12 students. She noted substantial growth in student participation in these courses, both in-person and virtually. Trines acknowledged that more work needs to be done, but she could feel the support of students, educators, administrators, trustees and the greater school communities. New initiatives are planned, including after-school programs, mural projects, Indigenous education courses for teachers, video series and OCSB Truth & Reconciliation Week. But the real hope can be seen in what is happening in our schools. Schools are learning

about the Hoop Dance and how it acts as medicine for the mind, body and soul. During Indigenous Remembrance Day ceremonies, students reflected on and thanked the Indigenous men and women who fought with Canadian soldiers during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. Knowledge brings about positive change. Knowledge building is happening in all OCSB schools and will continue to be shared with students of all ages. As I end this column, I must recognize that OCSB lost a part of its heart on February 5. Trustee John Curry passed away suddenly. He was a vocal advocate for children with exceptionalities. He was a tireless supporter of Catholic education and a huge proponent of parent involvement in their children’s education. John’s death touched me deeply and I will miss him immensely, but I know John is watching over us and hoping we come together in peace and joy.

Lyra Evans, Trustee, OCDSB The Glebe Report has not received a report from the Trustee for Zone 9 of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

MEMOIR

Glebe Report March 18, 2022 CHRISTY PRESLER: NOUNPROJECT.COM

Call of the wild By Douglas Parker Occasionally, when I’m in an “all creatures great and small” frame of mind, I think about how nature often works to reclaim what it believes rightly belongs to it. An animal, for example, from its brutish point of view, might see civilization as a kind of colonial power, claiming, taming, overcoming, conquering what civilization regards as something that requires “civilizing.” Bulldozers and earthmovers do their business, while deer, skunks, raccoons, sometimes even bears are forced to live among us, whether they want to or not, and chances are, they really don’t want to. I remember when the South Keys Mall was being built. One day, while driving past that construction site, I saw a huge turtle in the middle of the road. Obviously, it had been unceremoniously evicted from its house which, I assume, was somewhere in the construction area that was now being developed and civilized. And I’ve seen skunks waddling along Powell Avenue early in the morning. Perhaps you’ve nosed them. All that to say that animals, perforce, must live among us, probably because we’ve taken what they thought was theirs. And maybe they’re right. That’s how I feel when I’m in an “all creatures great and small” mood. But I’m not always in the mood, as Glenn Miller puts it, especially when nature moves onto my turf. Take raccoons for example. We’ve had them in our yard for a

couple of years. Two years ago, we saw five of them at the same time – clearly a family. Another family of five showed up again last year, only once though. I always thought that raccoons were nocturnal creatures. Not this crew; they were in our yard at 9 a.m. on a bright, sunny day. I stood on the deck squinting to see if they were wearing RayBans. Nope. Someone told us that if you bark like a dog, you might scare them off. Knowing this, Hilary, who’s very particular about her beautiful garden and gets angry when it’s violated, opened one of the windows of our orangery (ha!) and began making dog noises. To increase the possibility that the raccoons might actually believe she was a dog, she jumped from one foot to the other while simulating the sound of a barking dog. I suppose that’s called being barking mad. Anyway, that scenario didn’t work. Frustrated, I turned on the garden hose, hoping the water might scare them off. Nothing. They stood there luxuriating in the shower as if they were at a spa. And then there were the rats. We noticed one a couple of years ago. And then we noticed another one. A family, I wondered? Its wretched and miserable self was hanging around our bird feeder, picking up the seeds that sloppy birds let drop. I headed for Home Hardware – home of the handyman, which I definitely am not – and bought a rat trap. Wow, they’re big! I set it up without injuring myself and waited. A word of advice. Don’t bait a rat trap with cheese. It’s too easy for rats to get

TESKEY - CARTWRIGHT - KEELEY GLEBE REAL ESTATE

to before the trap has a chance to SNAP. Rats are smart. Moreover, if you choose cheese, the word gets out, and soon you’ll have more rats around than you can manage. You don’t want that. A better option is to bait the trap with peanut butter; because it’s sticky and rats find it hard to get it out of the trap. If they manage, they’re preoccupied with getting it off the roofs of their mouths. SNAP. Sadly, rat traps are dangerous for nosey animals other than rats. For example, we caught a chipmunk. Maybe two. What the military calls collateral damage. But we also caught a couple of rats. Success. One rat, we kind of caught – let me explain. What we actually caught was the rat’s leg. The rest of it got away, hopping all the way. I wondered how that could have happened. And then I looked at the peanut butter jar. Of course: Skippy. Doug Parker lives in the Glebe in uneasy coexistence with the animal world.

Centretown Ottawa Counselling Services Dr. Andrew C. Watson md - Adult (18+) individuals only - Stress, burnout, relational issues, work issues, most mental health issues e.g., depression, anxiety - Work as a team member, physical issues, medications discussed, concurrent disorders welcome - Chemical addictions, co-dependency, ACOA problems seen - Trauma, abuse, neglect, dissociation, PTSD seen - Loss, grief and palliative care all done - Non-OHIP, private practice, no referral needed

no place like

home

For more info: www.andrewwatsoncounselling.org

Helping you succeed

Value-added audit, tax and advisory solutions At Baker Tilly Ottawa, we offer hands-on partner involvement and practical tax strategies to more effectively plan and manage your business. Helping your business prosper and grow

Your Glebe Home Sale Advisors Condos - Family Homes -Townhomes - Estates & Downsizing Julie Teskey Stephanie Cartwright Jennifer Keeley

www.teskey.com

613.859.6599 613.296.6708 613.791.6186

julie@teskey.com scart1@sympatico.ca jennkeeley@rogers.com

Glebe Office

Start the conversation ottawa@bakertilly.ca | 613.820.8010 | bakertilly.ca

Now, for tomorrow

34 Glebe Report March 18, 2022

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS What is new and the same at the ABBOTSFORD SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTRE (950 Bank St.) New: The Member Clubs are back in the house and if you are registered, you can come back! In addition, patrons of Abbotsford are once again encouraged to loiter and enjoy coffee, tea, muffins and granola bars available for purchase courtesy of the Members Council! Same: Members will be screened when entering and need to have their vaccination status handy. They will also be expected to wear mask throughout the building and in classes/clubs (the only exception is when singing, exercising and eating/drinking). Things are better, let’s work to keep everyone safe. ABBOTSFORD SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTRE (950 Bank St.) is now accepting books, puzzles, jewelry, greeting cards, art, elegant treasures flea market items and women’s clothing in excellent condition to sell in house at Abbotsford and in the spring at the Great Glebe Garage Sale to help support the Centre’s much needed fundraising efforts! Thank you for your donations. CALLING GLEBE ARTISTS! The GLEBE ART IN OUR GARDENS AND STUDIO TOUR is back for this summer! It will take place on July 9 and 10! We are accepting applications from local artists who live, work or have studios in the Glebe and are looking for a variety of high-quality, original artwork from painters, potters, sculptors, photographers. Established and emerging artists are welcome to apply. A few spots are available for guest artists who can exhibit their work in the studio or garden of an artist or friend in the neighbourhood. The deadline for submission is April 30. For information and an application form, please contact glebearttour@ hotmail.ca or visit our website for images of past tours: www.glebearttour.ca FRIENDS OF THE FARM 2022 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, Sat., Apr. 9, 10 a.m., Bldg. 72 in the Arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm, east of the Prince of Wales roundabout. What better way to enjoy nature, fresh air, exercise and to contribute to the beauty of the Farm than to join one of the Friends’ gardening teams? If you’re interested in volunteering, come out and meet the garden team leaders and event coordinators at our Volunteer Recruitment Orientation. For information on garden team duties, days and times, go to friendsofthefarm.ca/volunteer. Registration is required for our Volunteer Orientation. Please complete this simple registration form (friendsofthefarm.ca/ event-forms/2022-volunteer-orientation-registration-page). More info: volunteer@friendsofthefarm. ca or 613-230-3276. HERITAGE OTTAWA LECTURE VIA ZOOM (heritageottawa.org/lecture-series),Wed., Mar. 16, 7-8 p.m.: Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Rural Ottawa: Fitzroy. Fitzroy is a land of fertile farms with the Ottawa River bordering its northwestern edge. Its pioneers built sturdy houses, some of which still survive. Others later built homes that reflected the architectural style of the times. Join local historian Barbara Bottriell for this fascinating exploration of Fitzroy’s landscape with a view to uncovering its treasures. To pre-register, go to https://bit. ly/3i6wNlH. Wed., Apr. 20,7-8 p.m.: The Concerns and Challenges of the Alexandra Bridge: PSPC’s Perspective. Join Heritage Ottawa for part two in our series of lectures on the Alexandra Bridge, this time presenting the Public Service and Procurement Canada’s perspective on the future of the bridge. The presentation will provide an overview of the concerns and risk-mitigation measures that have been implemented to ensure safe operation of the 120-year-old bridge as well as the factors that led to the decision to replace it. Find out first-hand how the government is justifying its decision to demolish this landmark bridge. To pre-register, go to: https://bit.ly/3sPXroX. After registering, you will

receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinars. MASTER GARDENER LECTURES (friendsofthefarm. ca/fcef-annual-events/master-gardener-lectures/). Every year the Friends of the Farm (friendsofthefarm.ca) partner with the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton to offer timely and informative presentations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our lectures went online in 2021 and will continue virtually in 2022. Registration required to obtain the Zoom link. The 2022 Master Gardener Lectures include: Getting a Head Start on the Summer Growing Season, Tues, Mar. 28 – Gardening with Native Plants in Ontario, Tues, Apr. 19 – Biodiversity at the Crossroads, Tues May 3 – Paint with Blooms, Tues, May 17 – Another Gardening Year behind Us, Tues, Sept. 13. Pre-payment is required. Go to info@ friendsofthefarm.ca to register and obtain the link to the Zoom presentation. Come and sing with us! MUSICA VIVA SINGERS (MVS) is a non-audition Ottawa community choir that sings an eclectic mix of contemporary and classical music. The choir meets in Centretown United Church on Bank St. at the corner of Argyle. Scott Richardson is director of this ensemble, with Tom Sear at the piano. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. The winter term will comprise 15 sessions, which started on Feb. 14. The second part of this session will run from April 4 until June 6. If you would like to join us or would like more information, please contact the membership secretary Marjorie Cooper at marjcooper@rogers.com. An introductory rate of $60 is being offered, prorated for this second part, for the remainder of this winter/spring session. *NOTE: due to COVID rules still in effect, all singers must be double vaccinated, masked and appropriately distanced. OLD OTTAWA SOUTH GARDEN CLUB Tues., Apr.12, 7-9 p.m. (In-Person Meeting at The Firehall, 260 Sunnyside Ave.): Your Cottage Garden: Working with Nature for the Best Results with the Least Effort. Working with nature can save gardeners a great deal of time, money and frustration. By utilizing native plants and sourcing material for drought and critter resistance, Lana Doss, owner of The Fine Gardener, will show gardeners how they can harness the power of nature to work with their gardening efforts. Attracting pollinators, birds and butterflies is easier than many of us realize and it has huge payoffs for us and the environment. Meeting Fees: 2021-22 season: $25 for individuals; $40 for a family; drop-in: $7 per meeting. Info and registration: Old Ottawa South Community Centre (The Firehall, 260 Sunnyside Ave.), at www.oldottawasouth.ca or 613-247-4946. OTTAWA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Tomatoes from Seed to Salsa: Free online webinar, Mar. 22, 7:30-9 p.m., ottawahort.org/event/tomatoes-fromseeds-to-salsa/. Master Gardener Judith Cox will take us through the growing process from starting seeds, dealing with diseases and pests and onto the harvest. What is the difference between heritage and hybrid tomatoes? Why do they get blossom-end rot? What manner of nightmare is a tomato hornworm? OTTAWA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A Garden for the Birds: Free online webinar, Apr. 26, 7:30-9 p.m., ottawahort.org/event/a-garden-for-the-birds/. Wild birds are currently facing a multitude of threats across North America and many bird species are in decline. Master Gardener Julianne Labreche will review the most common threats and provide gardeners with some practical, positive ways to encourage birds to visit our gardens and make our gardens more bird friendly year round. A master gardener for over a decade, Labreche is a member of the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton and is also certified as a master naturalist. Her nature and garden articles are published regularly in Lee Valley Tools. Currently, she is vice president of the Ottawa Horticultural Society.

OTTAWA SOCIETY OF BOTANICAL ARTISTS ONLINE EXHIBITION Until March 20, the Ottawa Society of Botanical Artists (OSBA) is pleased to invite you to visit Botanica 2021, its online botanical art exhibition inspired by the flowering trees, shrubs and plants from the Arboretum, Fletcher Wildlife Garden and the Ornamental Gardens of the Experimental Farm. Please go to ottawasocietyofbotanicalartists.ca/gallery-botanica-2021 to see the exhibition. PHOTO EXHIBITION Pamela Mackenzie, a local Glebe artist, and Jinny Slyfield are exhibiting their photographs at Studio B, 591 Bank St. They are members of a local amateur photo club where they draw confidence and inspiration. Aware of the importance of higher education, they will donate a portion of their sales to a local scholarship fund. You are invited to attend a Vernissage on Sun., Mar. 27, 1-4 p.m. You may also stop in at Studio B on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday from 12-4 p.m. PROBUS Ottawa invites new members from The Glebe. Join your fellow retirees, near retirees and want-to-be retirees for interesting speakers and discussions, as well as relaxed socializing. Visit www.probusoav.ca for details about the club’s activities as well as contact and membership information. Due to COVID restrictions, current meetings are held via Zoom, but we hope to resume in-person a bit later this year. PYSANKA WORKSHOPS ARE BACK! Learn to make unique and exquisite Ukrainian Easter eggs. Children’s workshops for 8-15 years olds March 16-18, Family workshops on March 20 & 27 and April 3 & 10. Adult workshops for 16+ year olds on March 19 & 26 and April 2 & 9. Space limited. Register online at Eventbrite (search for ‘pysanka’). All workshops will be held at the Ukrainian Orthodox Hall, 1000 Byron Ave. For more information, please contact pysanka.ottawa@gmail.com TACTICS (Theatre Artists’ Co-operative: the Independent Collective Series), in association with GCTC, 1233 Wellington St., presents Heartlines by Sarah Waisvisz from March 22 to April 3 with tickets available online at www.gctc.ca/ tickets-heartlines. GCTC requires that all audience members show proof of vaccination status before entering the theatre. See our COVID-19 protocol at www.gctc.ca/covid-protocols UKRAINIAN EASTER EGG MAKING KITS FOR SALE $35. Make your own pysanky at home. Kit contains 3 kistky (writing styluses), 6 dyes, one block of beeswax and instructions. Individual pysanka-making supplies also available for sale. Order and arrange to pick up your order at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Hall, 1000 Byron Ave. For more information and to order, please contact pysanka. ottawa@gmail.com VIRTUAL UKRAINIAN EASTER MARKET Sat., Apr. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ukrainian Orthodox Church Hall, 1000 Byron Ave. Take-home foods (perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht, baked items), honey, candles and more. Order by Apr. 8, and pick up your order on Sat., Apr. 16. For the latest information and to view the items for sale, please see: www. ukrainianorthodox.info/announcements.html or contact uoc.market@gmail.com

FOR SALE FRIENDS OF THE FARM SPRING GREETING CARDS showcasing the timeless beauty of the

Ornamental Gardens and Arboretum, and celebrating the work of horticulturalists like Isabella Preston who, through the decades, created some of the stunning flowers you see there, are available in our Boutique (friendsofthefarm.ca/boutique/ ) in sets of 6. They can be shipped to you or picked up curbside at our offices. Available in sets only. Each set is $20 (regularly $24).

WHERE TO FIND THE

Glebe Report

In addition to free home delivery and at newspaper boxes on Bank Street, you can find copies of the Glebe Report at:

Abbas Grocery Bloomfield Flowers Café Morala Capital Home Hardware Chickpeas Clocktower Pub Ernesto’s Barber Shop Escape Clothing Feleena’s Mexican Café Fourth Avenue Wine Bar Glebe Apothecary Glebe Meat Market Goldart Jewellery Studio Hogan’s Food Store Ichiban Irene’s Pub Isabella Pizza Kettleman’s Kunstadt Sports Lansdowne Dental Last Train to Delhi LCBO Lansdowne Loblaws Marble Slab Creamery McKeen Metro Glebe Nicastro Octopus Books Olga’s RBC/Royal Bank Second Avenue Sweets Studio Sixty Six Subway Sunset Grill The Ten Spot TD Bank Lansdowne TD Pretoria The Works Von’s Bistro Whole Health Pharmacy Wild Oat

STUDIO — GALLERY 807 Bank St

www.jkrishnanart.com

Come in and see my latest collection! 343 777-5413 Cell │ 613 237-5125 Business

jaya@jkrishnanart.com

Glebe Report March 18, 2022

For rates on boxed ads appearing on this page, please contact Judy Field at 613-858-4804 or by e-mail advertising@glebereport.ca

Place Your Easter Orders Early! RUSSELL ADAMS PLUMBER

613-978-5682

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.

DREAMING OF MEERKATS OR POLAR BEARS? Join a small group adventure to Botswana: May 3 - 16, 2022 or Svalbard: June 10 - 20, 2022

CREATIVE CAKE, CAKE & PASTRY SHOP

819-790-8670 EdieJane@gmail.com ListeningToWhispers.com/Adventure

613-233-7277

151B Second Avenue

(Just steps from Bank Street)

EASTER WEEK HOURS Wednesday, April 13th 11 - 4 Thursday, April 14th 11 - 4 Closed Good Friday, April 15th

Saturday, April 16th 11 - 4 Closed Sunday, April 17th to Tuesday, April 19th

Resume regular 11 - 4 hours Wednesday, April 20th

www.sassbakery.ca

HANDYVAN Home repairs, improvements, and painting Call or text Tim 613-297-1091 ~~~ Dependable Quality Workmanship

VISITORS FROM OUT OF TOWN THIS SUMMER? Furnished two-bedroom apartment for rent in the Glebe, minimum 30 day rental period. Parking, bicycle storage, WiFi, Fibe TV, all utilities except Hydro included. Call Hugh or Carolynne at 613-233-9455 for availability and details.

THE TRUSTED NAME IN REAL ESTATE® SERVICING CENTRAL OTTAWA FOR 35 YEARS

M CO

38 MERTON STREET $675,000

615 ROWANWOOD AVENUE $1,250,000

LOVELY SINGLE 2 BEDROOM WITH DETACHED GARAGE IN HINTONBURG. PERFECT FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS, DOWNSIZERS, OR INVESTORS.

JEFF HOOPER BROKER

I TL

FULLY RENOVATED 3 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME IN THE HEART OF MCKELLAR PARK. WALK TO THE AMAZING SCHOOLS, SHOPPING, AND AMENITIES THAT WESTBORO HAS TO OFFER.

MIKE HOOPER BROKER

DEREK HOOPER BROKER

PHIL LAMOTHE SALES REP

PLEASED TO SERVICE YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS (613) 233 8080

INFO@HOOPERREALTY.CA

March 18, 2022

Dane Hamblin, watercolour on paper (16 x 20”) Notes: Masking with tape or masking fluid used; every brick masked off and painted individually. The painting took about 100 hours over two months to complete. Instagram: danehamblin_art.

Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group Glebe Community Centre

GNAG.ca

175 Third Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 2K2 Tel: 613-233-8713 or info@gnag.ca

Summer Camp 2022

It’s out of this world

www.ottawa.ca

clothing

Registra1on ongoing

We’re Hiring! Camp Counsellors & Coordinators Deadline: March 24

Get Inspired

Spring 2022 Programs Guide available online Adult Registra3on Ongoing Children’s Registra3on March 24 at 7 pm

Glebe Report March 2022

Articles inside

MEMOIR

SCHOOLS

LANGUAGE

REPS & ORGS....................6-10

HEALTH .................................30

FAITH

GLEBOUS & COMICUS

FOOD.....................................18

LETTERS ...................................4

TREES....................................12

CANAL

ABBOTSFORD

ART

COMMUNITY

BIRDS