Kitchissippi Times August 2020

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VILLAGER WESTBORO

24 hour walk for mental health 2020 • August

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Jeff Leiper

VILLAGE

City Councillor conseiller municipal

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Schee Molly Van der Quire The Village oro Village BIA Chair, Westb

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August 2020

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EDITOR'S LETTER Prioritizing mental health during the pandemic

BY MAUREEN MCEWAN

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reflection, how was I? With the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health has been at the forefront. All Canadians’ mental health has been impacted in one way or another, with vulnerable populations being even more susceptible to mental health concerns at this time. For months, we’ve been struggling with the concept of a “new normal” or “next normal” and trying to manage continual change in our lives.

In a July policy paper, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) suggested that Canada was already in the “midst of a mental health crisis” before the pandemic began and now that situation has

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”For months, we’ve been struggling

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only been “magnified.”

“As we move through the initial COVID-19 crisis and adjust to the next normal, it is imperative that we continue to focus on mental health. A recent poll found that 7 out of 10 Ontarians believe that there will be a ‘serious mental health crisis’ as a result of the pandemic,” CAMH wrote.

So, in turn, our paper reflects that focus.

Across several stories, you’ll find mental health awareness and issues are explored.

Moving forward, whether you take on some advocacy or activism (say a 24-hour walk as an example?), or focus on your own wellbeing and needs, we’re on the same page: Mental health is a clear priority.

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f you’re reading this, you’ve found a familiar friend at your door, mailbox or nearest newsstand.

We are back in print and couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Did you miss us?

We certainly missed you.

There isn’t enough space in this editorial to tell you how much local news matters or to thank you properly for supporting it. I’ll simply say this: We’re very grateful to our community.

In this edition, you’ll find a classic mix of Kitchissippi topics.

We take a 150-year journey along Westboro’s streetscape in the latest Early Days. With the pending development at the corner of Richmond Road and Churchill Avenue, we look back at the businesses and community members who have shaped the block’s history since 1873.

For Humans of Kitchissippi, we spent a bit of time getting to know Nancy Mooney better. The local photographer is well-known on Twitter for her shots of nature, wildlife and her ongoing “sunset project” at Westboro Beach.

In Community News, we connected with the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women about Unsafe at Home Ottawa, a text/online chat service launched during the pandemic to support women experiencing violence. We reached out to the Parkdale

Food Centre to learn more about “Cooking for a Cause,” an initiative that helps serve 3,000 meals to the community weekly. We covered the four year anniversary of the death of Somali-Canadian Abdirahman Abdi, who was killed during a violent altercation with police in 2016. And we quite literally caught up with Marc Gagnon, a local man who decided to walk for 24 hours consecutively to raise awareness on women’s mental health. Finally, have you ever wondered about the E.coli levels at Westboro Beach?

This month, we connected with Ottawa Public Health to understand the science behind those red flags at the beach.

In the arts section, we learned more about local artist Eryn O’Neill and her LRT-themed body of work Ottawa Underground. We also checked in with the organizers of Porchfest to hear how they are adapting the music festival this August. In the community photo collection, our photographer took us on a summer tour of the ward. We’re glad to see that everyone is working hard to maintain safe distance while embracing summer.

And we’ve got our political columns back in print. Thank you to Coun. Leiper, MPP Joel Harden and MP McKenna for helping to keep the community informed throughout the pandemic.

Unintentionally, a broad theme emerged in the August edition: Mental health. For exactly a minute, I was surprised. Upon

HUMANS OF KITCHISSIPPI Humans of Kitchissippi is a special street photography project designed to introduce readers to some of the people who live, work and play in Kitchissippi. Each instalment of HOK contains three elements: a photo, a name and a quote from the subject that reveals a little bit about who they are. Go to kitchissippi.com to view our ongoing collection of humans.

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August 2020 • 4

250 City Centre Ave., Suite 500 Ottawa ON K1R 6K7 www.kitchissippi.com Kitchissippi, meaning “the Grand River,” is the former Algonquin name for the Ottawa River. The name now identifies the urban community to the west of downtown Ottawa.

EDITOR Maureen McEwan editor@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/kitchissippi

Meet Nancy Mooney I am Nancy and some of you know me as @NancyfromCanada on Twitter where I post nature photos. I’ve lived in Kitchissippi for 20 years where we raised our two sons, three dogs, many gerbils and even fostered three abandoned baby red squirrels. Having a degree in biology (Queen’s), I have always had an interest in the natural world, so when I got a camera a few years ago, I started taking photos of nature. That led to my daily sunset photo project, now in its sixth year.

It started with the death of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo (October 22, 2014)...being at the beach that night, the people that were there and just the emotions that you could feel people had — the sadness. So I took a picture (of the sunset).

And it’s just continued. I was actually going to stop it this year but then with the pandemic, I just sort of continued.

I prefer doing it (the sunset project) in the winter, to be perfectly honest, because there’s not that many people at the beach and it’s really quiet. I actually like cold weather better than hot weather!

I started [photography] with the sunset project and, from that, I just continued. You start taking one thing and [it] evolves into something else — flowers, or landscapes and then animals.

I love the natural beauty of Westboro Beach, the SJAM Trail and the Ottawa River and often profile them in my photos. I am also an avid birder and am still trying to get that perfect bird in flight photo!

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CONTRIBUTORS Ellen Bond, Dave Allston, Charlie Senack, Matthew Horwood, Hollie Grace James and Paula Roy. ADVERTISING SALES Eric Dupuis 613-238-1818 x273 eric@kitchissippi.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER Celine Paquette celine@greatriver.ca FINANCE Cheryl Schunk, 238-1818 ext. 250 cheryl@greatriver.ca All other enquiries 613-238-1818 info@kitchissippi.com Distribution

Nancy Mooney stands at the Westboro Beach Community Association’s Pollinator Garden on July 28, 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY MOONEY.

A minimum of 15,000 copies are distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the O-Train tracks and Sherbourne Road. Most residents in this area will receive the Kitchissippi Times directly

We live very close to Westboro Beach...You can just walk out the door and you’re right by the water, by the river, by the Parkway — and there’s so much there, so much wildlife, right outside your door. That’s what I love about it (Kitchissippi). There’s been a lot of changes in this neighbourhood in the last 20 years. It’s gone from being a lot of cottage houses to being much more intensification.

So that greenery is so much more important because we’ve seen a

lot of trees disappear.

There’s a lot of really nice people in this neighbourhood.

And I think when you go out and take your photos, you meet those people. There’s people who care about the Ottawa River, and all the wildlife around there, who go out and clean it every day. There’s just a lot of people who do things sort of behind-the-scenes that nobody knows that they are doing.”

Collected by Maureen McEwan.

to their door. If you did not receive your copy, or would like additional copies, please contact us.

Bulk copies are delivered to multi-unit dwellings and retail locations. Copies are available at Dovercourt Recreation Centre and Hintonburg Community Centre. info@kitchissippi.com The Kitchissippi Times is published by

PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran

COMMUNITY NEWS Local text and online chat service supports women experiencing violence during COVID-19

BY MATTHEW HORWOOD

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Dillon Black, senior advisor on sexual and gender-based violence at OCTEVAW, shows the Unsafe at Home Ottawa website on their computer at their desk in Ottawa. The text/chat service supports women living with abuse or violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DILLON BLACK.

mid-July with a grant from Crime Prevention Ottawa. Now, with funding from the Ontario government, the service will be running until at least spring 2021.

“We just really wanted a platform that met the unique needs of survivors, because we weren’t getting the calls we used to, and text messaging is one of the best ways for us to do that now,” Black said.

Unsafe at Home Ottawa is available through texting or online chat seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. until midnight. Text (613) 704-5535 or go to Unsafeathomeottawa.ca to access the service or to learn more.

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as proof of the need for a text/online chat service for survivors of abuse.

In the future, OCTEVAW would like to expand the service to include other languages besides English and French, and make it more accessible to the LGBTQ2+ community and new immigrants to Canada — two groups where there has been an increased demand. Immigrant Women's Services Ottawa has recently begun working with OCTEVAW to connect more immigrant and refugee women to Unsafe at Home Ottawa.

Unsafe at Home was able to operate until

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omen living with abuse or violence during the COVID-19 pandemic have a safe space to reach out for advice, emotional support and referrals to shelters or counsellors through the secure text/online chat service Unsafe at Home Ottawa.

The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) worked together with Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, Ottawa Victim Services, Crime Prevention Ottawa and Interval House of Ottawa to create and maintain the texting line.

So far, as of July, Unsafe at Home Ottawa has been used by over 400 people, including 134 people in the two weeks after it launched in April.

According to Charlene Maurice, Interval House of Ottawa’s residential program manager, the COVID-19 lockdowns “cut off survivors’ points of contact, such as schools, work and daycare” which restricted opportunities for them to reach out for help.

“We also knew that the regular helplines were all phone lines, and that accessing them while in lockdown with an abuser would be very challenging,” Maurice said.

Dillon Black, a senior advisor on sexual and gender-based violence at OCTEVAW, said a reported decrease in calls at crisis lines in Ottawa around March confirmed that women in Ottawa were “caught between two different pandemics: one of gender-based violence and COVID-19.”

OCTEVAW quickly realized that, in

order to make help to these women accessible, a text-based service with built-in anonymity and confidentiality would have to be established. They connected with a representative from the platform Resource Connect in British Columbia to utilize their software for the service.

Black said the technology Unsafe at Home Ottawa utilizes has several built-in features that ensure privacy and anonymity for survivors. Online messages automatically expire so they can’t be found by abusers later on, and conversations are encrypted so only service workers have access to the data.

The service’s counsellors come from the various organizations collaborating on Unsafe at Home Ottawa. Black said the service started out with two counsellors working the local text line at a time, but more were soon added after a surge in demand.

Most of the work the counsellors are doing involves providing mental health support and helping survivors find in-person counselling, Black said. They also assist survivors in creating safety plans, which involves finding temporary living spaces and devising strategies to stay safe while living with an abuser.

Black said when CBC wrote an article on Unsafe at Home Ottawa, people all across Canada — including some in different countries — began accessing it. While the service was created to assist people in Ottawa, Black said counsellors have helped people find services within their communities “wherever they are.” Black added that they see this nationwide interest

COMMUNITY NEWS Ducks and geese take a dip in the water at Westboro Beach on July 28, 2020.

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PHOTO BY MAUREEN MCEWAN.

A staff member at Ottawa Public Health takes a sample of the water at a beach in the city. PHOTO COURTESY OF OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH.

Test the waters: Learning about the Westboro Beach bacteria levels

BY CHARLIE SENACK

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or over 100 years, Westboro Beach has been a popular swimming hole in the Kitchissippi neighbourhood.

According to Friends of Westboro Beach, the area was first recognized as a site for swimming in 1910 when the “Clarella subdivision plan” designated three parcels of land for public swimming. But it wasn’t until 1926 when the Westboro Board of Trade supported swimming on the site, despite being privately owned at the time.

If you have visited Westboro Beach recently, you may have noticed a red flag flying multiple times this summer advising beach goers to stay out of the water due to

high bacteria levels. Ottawa Public Health said there is no need to worry, but everyone should take precautions when going for a swim.

“Westboro Beach is one of the city beaches that commonly has no swimming advisories, about one third of the time,” said Martha Robinson, program development officer at Ottawa Public Health, who is coordinating the beach sampling program this year.

“It’s subject to both dry weather, high bacteria counts and wet weather,” she added.

Robinson said Westboro Beach is unique in terms of its geographical location, and they believe that’s part of the reason why bacteria levels are often high at the beach.

If you look upstream, she said, there is no sewage treatment plant or combined sewer overflows — two things which would possibly help keep bacteria levels low.

“I would say the most likely source of bacteria levels at the beach really comes down to two things,” said Robinson. “One would be the local bird population....In my experience, the ducks there are very tame because people feed them and you can often see them outside of the swimming area with their babies at this time of the year. Birds create many kids of bacteria when they poop just like humans do.”

Robinson said the second source for high bacteria levels is the location of the beach.

Wind often comes over the Ottawa River,

bringing warm water up to the surface which washes onto shore.

“We find often that when the wind is coming towards the beach with a bit of wave action, it’s probably washing up water that contains higher levels of bacteria just because it’s not being sent down the river and off to another location,” she said. “It’s just being pushed onto the beach.”

No-swim advisories are commonly issued when bacteria levels exceed provincial guidelines for swimming, which is more than 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water when averaged across five samples.

As an example, Ottawa Public Health reported E. coli levels at 238 per 200 ml of water at Westboro Beach on July 7.

Robinson said measures have been taken in the past to try and lower bacteria levels in the water. She noted both Britannia and Mooney’s Bay Beaches have overhead netting which keeps birds like seagulls away from the water and beach area. Experts looked to see if a similar measure could be implemented at Westboro Beach but it

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could get a gastrointestinal infection.”

Robinson urged people to pick up their garbage and to go to the washroom before entering the water, something which is even more important when you have children.

She added that it’s important to change baby diapers away from the beach in a changing room or washroom.

She also credited the Kitchissippi community members for looking after the beach through a variety of initiatives.

“Our rivers are important to us and they are great advocates for keeping the rivers clean through the Ottawa River Keeper,” said Robinson. “Westboro Beach has always had a very active community that has done shoreline cleanup and made sure that the beach is a central part of their community. I admire the work that the community does to ensure their swimming is available at Westboro Beach.”

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proved to be challenging due to its unique shape and location.

“A few years ago, the city contracted out an assessment engineering firm for Westboro Beach to see if there were any solutions they could suggest and there was no conclusion that I remember,” Robinson said. “What we found was that one of the deepest points in the Ottawa River was right off the shore of Westboro Beach, so they worked out things like having a curtain to protect the swimming area.”

Robinson said people should listen to the no swim advisories when they are posted because it’s a matter of keeping everyone safe.

“The risks would be if you had an open wound, it could get infected,” she said. “If you put your head under the water, you could get an ear infection, eye infection or skin infection. If you swallow the water, you

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COMMUNITY NEWS Community gathers on fourth anniversary of Abdirahman Abdi’s death

BY MAUREEN MCEWAN

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t has been four years since the death of Abdirahman Abdi in Hintonburg. The 37-year-old Somali-Canadian was killed during an altercation with Ottawa Police Service officers outside of his home at 55 Hilda St. on July 24, 2016.

This July 24th, hundreds of community members gathered at the site to pay their respects to the memory of Abdi and his family and to demand change. The “Standing Together 2020” event was organized by the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition (‘the Coalition’).

The Coalition is an Ottawa-based advocacy group that was created in 2016 days after Abdi’s death.

“The objective of the Coalition’s campaign is to obtain greater transparency, challenge racial inequity, and bring positive change in order to secure justice for the late Abdirahman Abdi and his family,” the Coalition’s webpage states.

At the Standing Together 2020 event, Farhia Ahmed, the Coalition’s chair, spoke to the crowd.

“His death has caused an awakening.

A united community and a strong call for justice has emerged,” said Ahmed, echoing the message on the memorial plaque at 55 Hilda St. honouring Abdi.

“We are in awe of the movement that we’ve seen rise around us and we are in awe of the support that we’ve received,” Ahmed added. “Of course, we benefit from the plight and the fight of those activists who came before us. Indeed, they were many. But you, you have endured with us and the Abdi family — Four grueling years of justice moving at a snail’s pace.”

The week of July 20-24 also marked

Signs line the benches at the park outside of 55 Hilda St. for the Standing Together 2020 event on July 24.

PHOTO BY MAUREEN MCEWAN.

Farhia Ahmed, chair of the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition, speaks to the hundreds of people gathered to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the death of Abdirahman Abdi on July 24. PHOTO BY MAUREEN MCEWAN. the end of the trial of Con. Daniel Montsion. At the Ontario Court of Justice, Montsion was charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon in connection to the fatal incident in 2016. The verdict will be read in October 2020.

“The system must change. The structure must change. The process must change. And the infrastructure, the framework — and the legal framework, in specific — must change,” Ahmed said. “And we’re all going to change it together.”

At the time of his death, Abdi was known to have mental health issues.

Naini Cloutier, Executive Director of Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC), spoke to the need for first responders to deal with mental health issues in a different way.

“For someone who is suffering from mental health, the consequences should not be that disastrous. The fact that someone did not get the needed support in [their] community should not end up in the disastrous manner, in the horrifying manner, in which [that] life had ended,” Cloutier said at Standing Together 2020. “There are so many alternatives available. There are so many other models and possibilities.”

“I think it is a lack of imagination and it is a lack of awareness when people resort to such inhuman approaches to dealing with mental health,” she added.

Local religious leaders, business owners, advocates and members of the Coalition spoke at the event as did Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper and Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden. Lawrence Greenspon, lawyer to the Abdi family,

Chalk messages were drawn around the sidewalks at 55 Hilda St. for the Standing Together 2020 event on July 24.

PHOTO BY MAUREEN MCEWAN.

spoke towards the end of the evening.

“This past year has been particularly difficult for the Abdi family, and they fully recognize and appreciate your support during this difficult time,” Greenspon said. “At a time of despair, thank you for your concern. At a time of loss, thank you for your support and understanding. And, above all, thank you for remembering Abdirahman Abdi and his family.”

To learn more about the Coalition, visit www.justiceforabdirahman.ca.

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WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE. Amica Westboro Park is pleased to announce our doors are once again open to friends, family,

and guests. While we have long awaited this day, we have done so with caution and with a priority – always – on the health and safety of our residents and team members. We are now welcoming

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visitors on an appointment basis and look forward to showing you what life at Amica is all about.

Contact us for more information or to book a visit.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Hintonburg resident walks 24 hours for women’s mental health

BY MAUREEN MCEWAN

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arc Gagnon decided to start his summer vacation in a different way.

On July 27-28, the Hintonburg local walked 24 hours consecutively around Ottawa to raise awareness on women’s mental wellness and to encourage participation in this year's Virtual Run for Women.

The national Run for Women event supports women’s mental health and is organized through the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program. For 2020, the 5K run/walk and 10K run events will take place in 18 Canadian cities virtually on Sept. 27.

This is Gagnon’s first year participating.

“I’m a co-captain for a team in the Run for Women,” he said. “So I was looking for a way to encourage the team, to set an example for the team, and then really to have people join.”

After developing the idea with a friend, Gagnon settled on the idea to walk for 24 hours because of the symbolism.

“The struggle with mental health, it’s not just 24 hours,” he said. “My pain that I feel, this is temporary. The struggle with mental health, and mental illness, it goes beyond 24/7.”

In the city, he said the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre (‘The Royal’) provides vital services to those with mental health issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“So this just seemed to [have] that symmetry there, or that synergy, with 24.”

Gagnon set off from his home in Hintonburg around 7 a.m. on July 27. He first headed west to Stittsville, reaching Quitters Coffee. After that, he turned back

A map of Marc Gagnon’s 78 km journey through Ottawa July 27-28.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARC GAGNON’S TWITTER.

Marc Gagnon arriving home as he finished his 24 hour walk raising awareness on women’s mental health on July 28, 2020. PHOTO BY MAUREEN MCEWAN. to head east, taking West Hunt Club Road through the evening towards Orleans. In the morning, he looped back through the Byward Market/Hull and then towards home in Kitchissippi.

Gagnon completed the 78 km loop around 7 a.m. on July 28, taking approximately 103,000 steps, and finishing on time.

One of the biggest challenges was the weather — Gagnon said the 30 degree heat “zapped” his energy at points. The “loneliest part” was from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. when he was heading east. Gagnon said he was walking slowly and taking more minibreaks during that stretch.

But there were lots of positive moments. Gagnon said there was plenty of virtual encouragement and, along the route, he was visited by his mom, friends and staff from both The Royal and The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.

“It was nice to feel that support," he said. "And they were very grateful for what was done.” he said.

During the pandemic, he said women have had the added challenge of balancing different roles — being a mother, partner, teacher, employee or employer, etc. For him, the best part of the 24-hour journey was just being a part of the conversation

supporting women’s mental health.

“I think part of it was just the conversation and the encouragement that I saw,” he said. And, certainly, the opportunity to ask people — like my teammates [who] are part of Team ‘It Matters’ — why are you getting involved?

And for people to share their [stories] and their passion.”

“Women’s mental health, it matters,” he added.

Gagnon’s 24-hour journey marked two months until the 8th annual Run for Women. This year, 100 per cent of the local registration fees will be donated to the Women’s Mental Health program at The Royal.

To learn more, visit runforwomen.ca or theroyal.ca.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Adapted Ottawa Porchfest to go ahead

BY MATTHEW HORWOOD

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thought it would be wise to stick to a smaller, more localized event this year.

“Many people are still feeling scared, so we obviously wanted to take that into consideration and not have people running around the neighborhood.”

While McKay is expecting a much smaller turnout than previous years, he says this year’s Porchfest is still a great way for local Ottawa local musicians to show off their talents. And as far as McKay knows, this will be the only musical festival in Ottawa that wasn’t forced to cancel this year.

“So, let’s keep the spirit of Porchfest alive, and next summer is going to be a big one,” he said.

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relies on these donations to continue to offer affordable care, housing and financial assistance programs to our city’s seniors. A need reflected by the length of our Waiting Lists.

Every dollar donated goes to support our senior community at Unitarian House of Ottawa, and all donations over $10.00 qualify for a charitable tax receipt.

If you want to know more about Retirement Living at Unitarian House of Ottawa or wish to make a financial contribution please get in touch!

Affordable retirement living in the heart of Kitchissippi!

Call 613-722-6690 www.unitarianhouse.ca

11 • August 2020

Unitarian House of Ottawa 20 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K2A3Z9 613-722-6690 retire@unitarianhouse.ca

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A Community to call Home!

A COMMUNITY TO CALL HOME The past few months haven’t been easy on any of us. No matter your age, location or background, being isolated from family & friends, cut off from your favourite social activities, and feeling trapped in your own home, can weigh on your body & mind.

Times like these show us just how important being part of a warm and caring community is!

The Residents of Unitarian House of Ottawa, have taken comfort in their community. They have continuously supported each other through running errands, picking up groceries, offering rides to essential appointments, volunteering to help set up inhouse programs, visits and services, and gathering together (in socially distanced groups) to offer comfort and comradery.

While our community spirit is high, the current pandemic has taken its financial toll. Our Spring Fundraising Dinner, Summer Beer Garden and Fall Fair have all had to be cancelled, and as such our donations will drastically fall.

As a Not-For-Profit, Unitarian House

McKay said event organizers had originally planned on doubling the size of Porchfest in 2020, as they had extra support from the Wellington West BIA and Kitchissippi Ward Councillor Jeff Leiper.

But by March, the organizers were considering whether the music festival would have to be cancelled altogether due to COVID-19. McKay said it was decided not to cancel Porchfest prematurely, “in case we entered stages of reopening that would allow for small groups.”

While MacKay acknowledged that outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed during Phase 3 of Ontario’s reopening strategy, the organizers

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ttawa’s sixth annual Porchfest will be going forward in a limited fashion, despite the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling numerous music festivals in Ottawa.

Local artists will be performing on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 1-5 p.m. in the Hintonburg and Wellington neighborhoods, but with some changes to guarantee public safety.

Instead of playing at businesses and select locations throughout the neighborhoods, local artists are being asked to play on their own porches, or the porches of willing participants, to

discourage large crowds from gathering.

“We were not sure how the pandemic would unfold and wanted to get back to normality as quickly as we could. We can go back to normal life eventually.

However, we are still at a pinnacle moment where we can determine the real effects of this pandemic. So no crowds this year,” Ottawa Porchfest announced on Twitter July 25.

A map of the locations won't be posted online either, leaving it up to the musicians to market their acts themselves.

“This year, it’s basically for the community to play to itself,” said cofounder and organizer Ken McKay.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Westboro artist celebrates LRT progress through acrylic paintings

BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES

KitchissippiTimes

B Local Artist Eryn O’Neill standing in front of her newest body of work, Ottawa Underground, on display at Wall Space Gallery earlier this summer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALL SPACE GALLERY.

Some of Eryn O’Neill’s pieces from her art collection Ottawa Underground at Wall Space Gallery. PHOTO COURTESY OF WALL SPACE GALLERY.

orn and raised in Westboro, full-time artist Eryn O’Neill is often inspired by the architectural and recreational scenes of the city surrounding her. Through acrylic paint on canvas, the intricate underground network of the LRT system is the focus of her newest body of work, aptlynamed Ottawa Underground. O’Neill hopes that her paintings inspire a moment of pause in the inertia of day-to-day life by invoking an appreciation for the in between elements that people may not have time to appreciate.

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A letter to the community from your Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Trustee Justine Bell

August 2020 • 12

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By Somerset-Kitchissippi Trustee Justine Bell I thought it best to let you know exactly how the upcoming school year will play out…the details of a costed plan that takes into account special education, ESL, transportation, socioemotional well-being, post-secondary planning, health and safety, parent work contexts, etc. Unfortunately, I can’t right now. Instead, I’m writing to tell you about my experience, commitment and projections.

It’s been five months since I became the trustee for Somerset/Kitchissippi. I don’t need to tell you that in that time we have experienced a pandemic, labour negotiations, and a rising consciousness of racism…What a time to step into a leadership position!

Throughout, my priority has been to listen actively and to make evidence-based decisions for the safety and well-being of all students.

I’ve heard you. In the hundreds of emails, the daily phone/zoom calls, the news articles, the board meetings, I have listened to your stories. I have heard about fears, uncertainty and frustrated children confined to their homes; about teachers’ concerns regarding the mental health of students and their desire to plan for and protect them; about the lack of funds to open schools safely, the threat to our efforts to create an equal playing field and so much more. I have heard resilient and committed voices.

What has surprised me? How frustrating and scary it can be working as a parent, public servant and trustee in these unprecedented times. Despite how hard it has been, I have been inspired daily by the unwavering dedication of parents, educators, the administration and community organizations. I know now,

more than ever, that there are so many that will not give up the fight to ensure our right quality public education.

What’s next? The decisions made at the board directly impact your lives. I take our governing decisions very seriously and will continue to seek your input, speak up, ask the obvious questions, put forth evidence-based recommendations, fight for adequate funding and work to ensure

that you are informed, and that your child and their teachers are safe.

Although I can’t tell you exactly how things will roll out this school year, I am confident that it won’t be easy and that together we will move forward with great creativity, compassion and tenacity.

For more information: @TrusteeBell @justinegbell

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a ruler will come out once in a while,” O’Neill said. “There’s absolutely no preplanning — it’s freehand sketch. I kinda like that they aren’t perfect.”

Erin Crowell, Wall Space Gallery curator, said that O’Neill was the perfect fit to fill a gap that opened up for the month of June.

“We really jibed with her work. And, at the moment, it’s definitely something that clearly represents an Ottawa-specific landmark in an identifiable way.”

Although the LRT hasn’t been without its problems, O’Neill is just happy that Ottawa is moving forward with the project.

“I figure anything has got growing pains. There’s going to be problems with any kind of infrastructure,” she said. “This is my celebration of it, actually.”

Ottawa Underground is the culmination of this section of her work, though O’Neill doesn’t think that she’s done with the progressive transit system just yet.

“I want this to be a continual project, so I’m really interested in going to see the construction now,” O’Neill said. “I get to see this next phase happening and I’m watching them change the landscape of the roadways and I think that it’s fascinating. Whether or not that's going to be a body of work or not, I'm not decided.”

While the solo exhibition of Ottawa Underground ended in late July, there are still pieces on display at Wall Space Gallery available for purchase.

For more information, go to www.eofineart.com

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After completing an MFA at the University of Waterloo, and moving back to Ottawa in October, O’Neill’s own experience as a commuter on the recently launched LRT initiated the idea.

“When I moved away, it was under construction and when I came back it was a fully functional section of the train,” she explained. “I ended up using it from Tunney’s to Rideau on a daily basis for work and I realized that this would be a great launching point for the work I wanted to do.”

Taking photographs as a starting point, O’Neill was able to emulate the recognizable, real life spaces — including modern light rail transit stations at Tremblay, Rideau and Tunney’s Pasture, — onto paper through drawing. Then she simply let the paint do the work. She explained that by using a darker colour palette, it conjured feelings of nostalgia and stillness in her work.

“You're caught up in this sense of movement about to happen and because of the first person perspective, it’s [all] through the eyes of the viewer,” she said.

“Hopefully, [they] feel like they’re in the space and directly activating it.”

Beginning work on her second graduate degree as an MA candidate at Carleton University, O’Neill was also accepted into architecture school. She said that the discipline holds a special place in her heart, although her paintings are meant as a strong contrast to its detailoriented focus.

“These are all hand-drawn, maybe

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ALL PHOTOS BY ELLEN BOND.

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1 - A familiar mural at Westboro Beach shows a timely message.

2 - Locals pass their weekend time on their bikes in Kitchissippi on July 26.

3 - Bright purple and white flowers catch the sun at Maplelawn Garden on July 26.

5 - Parkdale Market welcomes local customers on July 26.

6 - Families beat the heat by stopping by a wading pool in the ward.

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4 - Families enjoy a day at Westboro Beach while maintaining social distance.

“

Inside the spacious restaurant, which has been reconfigured per new safe dining protocols, guests will find a refreshed menu featuring some of their old favourites along with scrumptious new dishes. Those wishing to hold small gatherings will appreciate the private room in the back.

However you choose to enjoy CoBrie’s tempting fare, you can be sure that Karen and Brian will always serve you carefully-prepared food made fresh with quality ingredients.

2121 Carling Avenue, unit 127 613.680.5040 • www.cobrie.ca facebook.com/bycobrie/ @cobrie3 @cobrierestaurant

15 • August 2020

CoBrie Family Restaurant and Catering

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Like many businesses in the hospitality industry, CoBrie Family Restaurant in the Carlingwood Shopping Centre has shifted its focus this year.

A renewed emphasis on takeout meals and highly customizable catering means Chef Brian Vallipuram can keep on doing what he loves, which is feeding people.

Co-owner Karen Vallipuram says that while the restaurant — which has an exterior entrance directly from the parking lot — is now able to welcome diners indoors, many are also relishing the opportunity to enjoy CoBrie’s tasty food in

We are eager to serve you truly appealing dishes and glad to accommodate any dietary restrictions.” - Brian Vallipuram

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CoBrie Family Restaurant and Catering now offering more delicious options

their own homes. A new takeout menu offers generous portions at reasonable prices, featuring sandwiches, salads, burgers, gourmet thin crust pizzas, pastas and much more, with lots of kidfriendly and vegetarian options as well as à la carte family-style meals. House-made desserts are also available and you can add wine, beer, soft drinks or juice to your order too.

For catering, CoBrie offers everything from rustic picnics to fine dining.

“The sky is the limit,” says Brian. “If you’re looking for unique gourmet ‘ready to heat or eat’ meals, or want to enjoy the services of a personal chef in your backyard, cottage or home, we are eager to serve you truly appealing dishes and glad to accommodate any dietary restrictions.”

Catered breakfasts with inventive fare such as crepes, house-smoked salmon and Mexican burritos are a CoBrie speciality, as is their home meal replacement service.

“With people eating more of their meals at home now, some are finding it takes a lot of time and energy to do all the shopping and cooking required so our pre-prepared meals offer a delicious respite,” notes Karen.

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Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Cobrie Restaurant

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GIVING

BY CHARLIE SENACK

August 2020 • 16

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Erica Braunovan holding the Cooking for a Cause soup made by the Wellington GastroPub at the Parkdale Food Centre in July.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

‘Cooking for a Cause’ businesses, organizations serve 3,000 meals a week in Ottawa

INCLUSION

he Parkdale Food Centre has proven to be a vital part of the Kitchissippi neighbourhood. That may be more apparent than ever due to the COVID-19 partnerships and programs the organization has created.

When government restrictions forced the closure of all non-essential services in mid March, many social service providers could no longer operate in the way they did prior to the pandemic. That meant many clients who relied on them for warm meals would go without them.

“People became accustomed to eating a hot meal at lunch and dinner and they were no longer able to access those meals which we saw as a big gap which emerged very quickly, and we wanted to fulfill that need,” said Erica Braunovan, the Ottawa community food partnership coordinator at the Parkdale Food Centre.

“We also noticed that the restaurants in our neighborhood and across the city were finding it hard to drum up business and were needing to see additional support,” she added.

That’s when a new program called ‘Cooking For a Cause’ was started at the centre.

The initiative, which has quickly grown, works with 14 restaurants in Ottawa to make 3,000 meals a week. As of July 3, Braunovan, who spearheaded the program, said 20,000 meals have been

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that means so much to us here at Parkdale. It demonstrates that members of their community believe that they deserve healthy, nutritious and delicious food.”

The Cooking For a Cause program costs $12,000 a week to run and public support is needed to keep it going.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the city donated close to $100,000 to the program but that lasted a little over two months.

A GoFundMe page started by Bread by Us has raised an additional $17,000 while another GoFundMe created by Marcie’s Café has raised over $25,000.

“When you donate to Cooking For a Cause, it goes directly to the food and to helping the businesses in the community,” Secord said.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so on the Parkdale Food Centre’s website which can be found at www.parkdalefoodcentre.ca

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”It shows the dignity and respect

When it comes to re-opening the centre for in-person meals and activities, Secord said the size of their space has brought many limitations. The centre staff are waiting to see how Phase 3 pans out before making any decisions.

“A few weeks ago, on a Monday morning, when Ontario entered Stage 2, there was a lineup outside the door with people excited to come in. People think because it’s now Phase 3 we are now open but that’s not the case,” said Secord. “We want to open but our space is just not big enough.”

“The question we keep asking ourselves is ‘how we are going to manage that [while] enforcing social distancing and keeping our staff and clients safe?’” she added. “We are not ready for that just yet.”

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means so much to us here at Parkdale,” said Braunovan. “It demonstrates that members of their community believe that they deserve healthy, nutritious and delicious food.”

“People are saying to us that they have never felt this good,” echoed Parkdale Food Centre Executive Director Karen Secord.

“They have never eaten food like this.

One guy said we are eating food like other people do. Another said for the first time in his life, he is finally gaining weight.”

The Parkdale Food Centre was among a long list of organizations that had to change their business model in the wake of the pandemic.

The centre, which provided food to over 100 families a week before the pandemic, always prided itself on its open door, collaborative policy which brought the community together.

Secord said the centre had to shut its doors and start operating without its volunteers in mid-March after being mandated to do so by the provincial government. All Parkdale Food Centre staff were then assigned to look after the packaging and collecting of food. She said four staff members are currently doing the job of 30 volunteers.

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provided to the less fortunate in Ottawa, including many Kitchissippi community members. Those meals included 5,000 litres of soup and 4,500 loaves of bread or bags of bagels.

The Wellington Gastropub, The Urban Element, Ottawa Bagel Shop and Deli, Thyme & Again and Bread By Us are among the Kitchissippi neighbourhood businesses that have cooked meals weekly.

“We started to get restaurants to make the meals and then we were able to deliver them to people who needed food through the social service operators that were no longer able to have food-basic programming like they did prior to the Covid outbreak,” said Braunovan.

The food is handed out to clients of the Parkdale Food Centre and at 20 other social service agencies across the city including Cornerstone Housing for Women, Somerset West Community Health Centre and the Caldwell Family Centre, to name just a few.

They are all fresh, high-quality meals which we’ve become accustomed to having in our daily lives, said Braunovan, but is something that means a lot to those who are struggling to put food on the table.

“It shows the dignity and respect that

EARLY DAYS ‘Connecting pieces:’ Remembering 150 years of history on Richmond Road

BY DAVE ALLSTON

August 2020 • 18

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O

ne of Westboro’s most recognizable buildings, situated at the neighbourhood’s busiest intersection, will soon fall prey to a condo development. After years of sitting vacant, the former Westboro Sports Centre building, at the northeast corner of Richmond Road and Churchill Avenue, will be removed and replaced by a new ninestorey, mixed-use building, with ground floor commercial and 184 residential units.

This development will take over the entire block fronting Richmond Road, another major change to a streetscape that has lost much of its original character in recent years.

This unique corner brick building has architectural features reminiscent of a small town main street shop. Indeed, when the building was first constructed, Westboro was still very much its own village and the intersection of Main and Richmond was at its heart. The little diagonal front entranceway has been passed through a million times or more over the last century, its visitors encompassing about five generations of Westboro residents.

The new condo will be the fourth different structure to stand on this exact spot. To tell the full story of the property, it would require going all the way back to 1873. The Birch family owned most of the land in the east half of the future Westboro. The part east of Churchill was actually known as “Birchton’’ long before “Westboro’’ was voted on by a handful of residents at a community meeting. 35-yearold Joseph Birch constructed a sizeable brick hotel and tavern on the corner to serve the mill workers of Skead’s Mills and the travellers along Richmond Road.

A photo of the centre from around 1978.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE ALLSTON.

An early ad for Westboro Sports Centre that ran in the Ottawa Journal on June 24, 1948.

Sadly for Birch, a 2 a.m. fire in October of 1875 destroyed the barely two-year-old building, which Birch had invested $5,000 in, an enormous sum for the era. The alcohol in the bar-room literally added fuel to the fire — the entire building burned to

the ground in 45 minutes. Senseless arson was believed to be the cause, as a fire had also burned down a large barn on Capt.

Cowley’s property that same night (a little further to the east on Richmond Road).

Using more capital and some insurance

money, Birch immediately rebuilt the hotel, a large two-and-a-half storey brick structure. But he was never able to recover financially, and lost the building to foreclosure on Christmas Eve of 1878.

Stephen and Fanny Switzer would later operate the hotel (1881-1902), before William G. and Catherine Graham acquired it in 1903 and converted it to a bakery and grocery store with a residence upstairs. The business changed hands a few times, but would largely become known as Abel Whitehorne’s Grocery store — a butcher and hardware shop from 19101912 and 1916-1922. Thankfully, a great photograph preserved from this era shows the old Birch Hotel/Whitehorne Grocery as it once stood.

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office remained in its new location at 327 Richmond until 1951, and then the east half of the building went through a series of tenants (Nevins Stationery, Cinkants Paints, European Glass & Paint) over the next two decades.

Traditionally, there were three apartments upstairs, though for 25 years from 1933-1957, one unit was used as the dentist office of Fred Thompson and later Donald Ferguson.

Immediately adjoining the brick building, that will also be part of the demolition, is a yellow-brick building (325 Richmond) that was built in 1956 for Westhill Stationers, who remained here until 1978.

Westboro has always had a long history of sports shops (Dover’s, Clost’s, etc.) and one of the big names for many years was Charlie Lawrence. C.A. Lawrence’s Westboro Sports Centre had originally operated in a small, one-storey building adjacent to the yellow brick building (323 Richmond) beginning in 1944. That old building was demolished in 1968 to make way for an expansion of the auto garage at the corner of Winona, but it was steeped in Westboro history. Built in 1924 by Charles A. Port, the store started life as a combination of its owner’s passions: cigars (United Cigars) and flour, animal feed and poultry supplies (Westboro Feed).

By 1934, it had morphed into the Westboro Bicycle & Repair Shop, operated by Robert E. Tink, who died at the young age of 40 in 1943. Charlie Lawrence took over the business, establishing the Westboro Sports Centre, a name that would live on for the next 70 years.

Continues on page 20

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELLEY HARISKI.

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Druggist George E. Watson acquired the property in February of 1927. He had opened a drug store in Hintonburg in 1897.

From 1914, Watson had also been operating a drug store in Westboro in a smaller location at 376 Richmond Road (situated on what would be today’s MEC parking lot).

Watson tore down the more than 50-year-old building and constructed a fine new brick building, which was ready by the fall. He occupied the west half (331 Richmond), and rented out the east half (327 Richmond) to a new chain of grocery stores which had swept across Ottawa in 1927. “Stop & Shop” had opened their first four Ottawa stores in April and, by the fall, had at least 10, including the new Westboro location.

331 Richmond on the corner remained a drug store for the next 40 years. After Watson retired in 1940, it was operated

by Gordon E. Kidd (1940-1953) and W. Hartley Hodgins (1953-1966). H&R Block was briefly a tenant (1967-1968), before it became a sports store.

Meanwhile, the Stop & Shop closed during WWII and the east portion became residential during the housing shortage during and after the war. It re-opened as a post office and stationery shop in 1946 under the operation of Harriet White.

From 1924, White had been the Westboro postmistress (replacing her deceased husband who had been the postmaster for the ten years prior) at their little store on the north-west corner of Churchill. In 1946, she was forced to relocate when the post office sold that building to the Bank of Toronto (TD Bank rebuilt it in 1953, now the current home of Gezellig). The post

A photo (circa 1915) of the original hotel/store that appeared on the corner from 1875-1928.

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It was like a zombie apocalypse—people walking past my house at all hours of the day and night, many of whom I didn’t even know. This daily parade was the aftermath of the first COVID-19 wave, where everyone just wanted to get outside and feel human again.

My wife and I joined in the daily stroll, sometimes multiple times each day. Connecting with other people and seeing old and new faces at a social distance was what we all needed. More than ever, our home and our community was our sanctuary.

Spending so much time at home gave me the chance to get some of those odd jobs done; painting a room and cleaning out the basement, among other things, has brought new life to various spaces within our home. For many, it has been a time of reflection, including considerations about the kind of home and neighborhood to live in.

The lifestyle of working from home, where one isn’t required to commute to work on a regular

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Rediscovering Where and How We Live

August 2020 • 20

An ad taken from the 1927 booklet “History of Westboro - The Town of Possibilities.” The ad was run by the drug store owner at the time, George E. Watson.

An ad that ran for Port’s Westboro Feed Store in the Ottawa Citizen on July 15, 1924.

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”Every lot, every structure has a unique and interesting history.”

By Dean Caillier, Sales Representive with Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central, Brokerage

basis, has redefined how we live in our homes.

Families where parents and even older kids now work from home may decide to move to a larger house where everyone can have their space. With “staycations” being the new normal, a home with a pool may be on the list.

On the other hand, life may have just gotten simpler for some. Downsizing to a smaller house or condo life might be the next move. Change in location may also be up for discussion; being closer to amenities and services in a more urban setting might be the choice while others may choose a more rural lifestyle with more land around them.

Or, with everything we have just gone through this year, the home and neighborhood you’re in may be right where you should be.

Whatever the direction, stay safe and healthy and enjoy your home. dean.caillier@evrealestate.com 613-299-6243 deancaillier.com

Remembering 150 years of history Continues from page 19 Charlie Lawrence sold the business to William Herbst in 1964. When the old drug store at the corner was put up for sale in 1967, Herbst bought Charles A. Port’s and moved the Westboro Sports Centre to its new location. Herbst ran the Sports Centre over both halves (327 and 331 Richmond), and even later expanded into the yellowbrick building next door in 1978 as well.

His sons, Geoff and Doug, eventually took over and ran the business until it closed on July 31, 2012, just three months after Doug passed away from cancer. Other than for short-term projects, it has sat vacant ever since.

The Avenues Garage at the corner of Winona, which will also be part of the condo development, also has a long history. Though the current structure dates

to just 1968, the first gas station opened on this spot in 1934. It opened as a Supertest station and remained so until the 1970s. It became Avenues Garage in 1983.

Like any street block in Westboro, summarizing 150 years of history into a thousand words is almost impossible.

Every lot, every structure has a unique and interesting history that has played a role in the lives of every Westboro resident through time. Whether it was a trip to buy a first pair of skates, a bicycle, a prescription or chicken feed, these familiar buildings hold special significance to many, and that little bit of intangible history is lost when the bulldozers arrive.

Though we can’t preserve every building, and nothing can stay the same forever, it is fair to mourn a little when the connecting pieces to Westboro’s past are slowly lost.

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FEDERAL UPDATE Doing our part to limit a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and protect our community

August 2020 • 22

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SUBMITTED BY CATHERINE MCKENNA, MP OTTAWA CENTRE Dear friends, Thanks to our collective hard work and respect for public health instructions, our community has made it to Stage 3 of reopening!

While this is certainly a welcome development, it brings a heightened need to be mindful of our actions. COVID-19 is still here, and we must continue working to reduce transmission.

Ottawa Public Health advises that ignoring the need to be vigilant can quickly lead to a resurgence of cases. They recommend that before choosing to take part in activities, ask yourself: “What is my level of risk with this activity? Can I do this safely? Is there a safer alternative?”

If we all keep doing our part, we can limit a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Ottawa.

As per federal assistance, here are some major updates: The Safe Restart Agreement: Ontario will be receiving over $5 billion in federal dollars through the Safe Restart Agreement. This includes $2 billion in federal funding for municipal operations and $1.8 billion in transit funding, $1 billion of which is coming to Ontario.

More funding for childcare: The federal government is acting to support families as we begin to safely restart our economy by investing $625 million in emergency federal support to ensure that safe, sufficient and affordable childcare is available.

Canada Wage Subsidy extension: The federal government is proposing changes to the wage subsidy that would extend it until Dec. 19 and expand it to help even more business owners and employees across the country.

Increase in GIS Benefits: This month, new higher GIS earnings exemptions will increase benefits for over 300,000 low-income seniors.

Increase in Canada Child Benefit: The Canada Child Benefit has increased once again for Canadian families.

This tax-free benefit helps with the cost of living. Check out the family and child benefits calculator to help with budgeting.

Here are some great things that have been happening locally, here in Ottawa: I’m so pleased to have announced funding to CENTRE 507, under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. This funding will help this vital Ottawa Centre organization to continue to provide hot meals to those in need.

It was also great to hear that the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club is welcoming members back into the club for Summer Day Camps!

Call or visit your clubhouse for information on registration.

Earlier this month, I had a great time chatting with Jennifer Stewart and Catherine Clark on The Honest Talk about the challenges, and the opportunities, of being a mom and a politician, and the importance of creating a better environment for women in politics.

Those are quite a few updates, but let’s get back to the main points; Ottawa Public Health is still recommending that everyone continue physical distancing, on top of wearing a mask inside of all closed spaces, which is now mandatory. Remember, carefully go about socializing.

It takes a community to beat a virus. All our actions add up to protect everyone in our city.

Keep doing your part to protect your friends, family and neighbours.

PROVINCIAL UPDATE Let’s focus on schools, not bars SUBMITTED BY JOEL HARDEN, MPP OTTAWA CENTRE

I

don’t know about you, but I’m concerned about Ontario’s priorities.

On July 17, Ottawa entered Stage 3 of Ontario’s “Framework for Reopening our Province,” and it meant patrons could once again frequent the inside of bars.

COVID-19 cases have spiked in recent days, and photos suggest a party atmosphere.

As elsewhere, we’ve seen an increase in COVID-19 cases with young adults.

What was Premier Ford’s defense? “Hey, I’m

not a drinker.” Classic spin and deflection.

No one asked if the premier drank alcohol.

The question was if it made sense to open indoor spaces in bars for people to socialize.

Dr. Vera Etches was much clearer. The recent spike in COVID-19 cases, she noted, is linked to “...parties indoors, people not physically distancing, people gathering in greater numbers outside of their household or their social circle…These are the behaviours we need to stop and make sure we have the good practices that are hard to maintain, but are essential to stop transmission of the infection in Stage 3.”

fund public schools appropriately to ensure safe, small class sizes and safe working conditions five But as Ontario makes days per week. reckless decisions in bars, At the time of writing, the there is no meaningful plan for Ford government’s funding the reopening of schools. At our commitments boil down to an Our office is here for “back to school” conversation last additional seven cents per student Friday, we heard as much from staff, in Ontario. That’s a joke.

Monthly Town Halls trustees, and public education experts.

As Jacquie Miller from the Ottawa Citizen Canvasses Kids deserve a chance to learn, and staff explains, other places have been Community imaginative Organizi need to know there are plans in place for their in adjusting schools to COVID-19;Help it’s high Accessing Gove safety. Parents need a break from doubletime Ontario did likewise. shifting child care and employment.

It’s time to focus on schools, not bars.

We need a real plan and fast. Lyra Evans It’s time for Ontario to make significant 109 Catherine St. / rue Catherine and Justine Bell, our terrific OCDSB trustees investments and we0P4 Ottawa, ON K2P MPP / Député provincial, in public education, Centre demand this happens now. in Ottawa Centre, are insisting the provinceOttawashould

COUNCILLOR’S CORNER Summer and Stage 3 in the ward SUBMITTED BY JEFF LEIPER, KITCHISSIPPI WARD COUNCILLOR

A

bridge, I’m given to understand that as soon as the bridge is ready it will be available for use. City staff are continuing to consider whether the bike lanes on Holland Avenue can be retained once the bridge reopens.

In other bridge news, the closure of the Beech Street O-train bridge has been postponed. The closure was originally slated to begin July 20 but will now be delayed until late August. Keep an eye on the newsletter for more information on that as we receive it from the MTO. In July, the city saw the launch of e-scooter rental services after council voted to approve a pilot period allowing e-scooters on city roads. You’re likely to see the scooters parked around the ward and concentrated

Stay cool, Kitchissippi!

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s we settle into summer and Stage 3 re-openings across the city, I want to once again thank all the residents of Kitchissippi who have stepped up to support their neighbours during the pandemic and all those who continue to follow the guidelines set out by Ottawa Public Health. Your efforts make a difference.

City Council passed the Temporary Mandatory Mask By-Law on July 15.

This means that reusable cloth masks or disposable non-medical masks are now mandatory in indoor public spaces, with a few exceptions. Evidence shows that wearing any type of mask helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. Masks should still be used in

concert with other precautionary measures, such as practicing physical distancing, handwashing and staying home if you feel sick. The City’s focus right now is on education for both patrons and business owners, but by-law does have the power to issue fines if necessary.

For more information about the new by-law, visit the Ottawa Public Health website or call (613) 580-6744.

We’re very excited to see that the Jackie Holzman Bridge (formerly known as the Harmer Avenue pedestrian and cycling bridge) is almost ready to reopen! In a few weeks, we should be able to enjoy this newly-refurbished pedestrian and cycling connection. Although there will be an official re-opening of the

in the downtown. You can find more details on the pilot at kitchissippiward.ca, but there are some rules to keep in mind when using the scooters. The scooters are not allowed on the sidewalk or on NCC pathways, and when you’re done with them, please be sure to park them considerately. Scooters can’t go on roads with a speed limit of over 50 km/h and they must use the bike lanes when they’re available. The scooters can travel a maximum of 24 km/h.

Finally, I want to remind Kitchissippi residents that myself and my staff will be taking vacation over the month of August.

I will be off from July 27 to August 14 and, while my staff will take rotating vacation time during the month, someone will always be available to answer your calls and emails.

Please be patient with us as we are inundated with correspondence and are working hard to keep up.

WESTBORO VILLAGE • August 2020 • 24

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WESTBORO VILLAGER

IN THIS TOGETHER Hello!

The past few months have definitely knocked the wind out of our collective sails, don’t you think? From the very beginning we exchanged our fears and worries.

We talked about the what ifs and the maybes that this pandemic might bring about.

I think many of us thought we’d give it a couple of weeks and everything would go back to normal. The days turned into weeks and while we stayed socially distanced, the Black Lives Matter movement erupted bigger than ever before. I think it’s safe to say it’s been hard for all of us to navigate the waters.

As a small business owner and mother, I know not going it alone. We are in this together. We live in a great community and the relationships between the people who live here and the businesses that call Westboro Village home continue to thrive - we’re finding new ways of doing business and, from all accounts, it is working. Shopping online, curbside pick-up and deliveries seem to now be part and parcel of many retail spaces. Online fitness programs, Zoom appointments with professionals and expanded patios connect us even more.

I hope as we move forward, we continue to do it together. We all have a say - that’s what makes a community. It’s a shared sense of responsibility and inclusion. And a bit of kindness, too.

Take care!

Molly Van der Schee The Village Quire Chair, Westboro Village BIA

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WESTBORO VILLAGER

https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/merit-travel-7998943380

Quelque Chose is offering ice cream macaron sandwiches, and signature milkshakes and sundaes topped with macarons and awesome flavours.

If you're a lover of macarons and ice cream, these treats will basically complete your life. https://quelque-chose.ca/

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info@wallspacegallery.ca 613-729-0003 Free parking behind gallery

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Painting collections and artist talk details online at WALLSPACEGALLERY.CA Gallery open to public weekdays 10-6, Saturdays 10-5, and closed on Sunday. Custom framing by appointment.

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WALL SPACE GALLERY + FRAMING 358 Richmond Rd We are excited to present three artists for our August exhibitions, on display at the gallery August 8-29. Inspired by her travels, Amy Shackleton presents Futures, exploring the relationships between humanity and the environment. Claire Desjardins’ LOVE will showcase bright, summery canvases infused with colour and emotion. Sherry Czekus creates graphic paintings that immerse viewers into crowds, investigating our (now more than ever) multifaceted relationship with bustling streets, in her show, Come As You Are.

QUEL QUE CHOSE – SUMMER TREATS There's nothing better on a hot summer day than a delicious cold treat. kitchissippi.com

MERIT TRAVEL Merit Travel Talks have gone virtual! On August 6th, join Kendra Tainsh from Merit Travel and Luciana Lyons from Collette Tours as they take you on a journey to two distinct yet equally beautiful countries, Iceland & Italy.

Register online and watch for more Travel Talks.

WEST END KIDS - 25 Years in Business

Gordie and Sheba Schmidt have planted a seed and watched it grow. They have enjoyed being part of beautiful Westboro Village. Gordie and Sheba love watching the countless children their store helps clothe as they grow with the community. Under their guidance, West End Kids has maintained its reputation for high-quality kids clothes, efficient shopping, and expert customer service.

Locally owned, West End Kids is offering a variety of sale items, and clearance prices on last season inventory all month long. You can shop ONLINE, for curbside and in store pick up or ship to home. westendkids.ca

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25 • August 2020 • WESTBORO VILLAGE

Join the West End Kids family to celebrate 25 years!

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BIZ ROUNDUP

Holland 300, Ottawa Welcome back to the biz roundup! We caught Suite11710, 1600 ScottAvenue, St, Ottawa • Suite 613.722.1500 • mannlawyers.com 613.722.1500 • mannlawyers.com up with the Wellington West and Westboro Village Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to hear the latest news.

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BIAS WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES Refined Image Ottawa is now open for business at 375 Richmond Rd. The Cosmetic Clinic offers treatments and procedures like dermal fillers, botox/dysport, PRP, hyperhidrosis and microneedling.

PHOTO BY ELLEN BOND.

340 Parkdale Avenue

At 255 Richmond Rd., Capital Printers has set up shop. The Westboro company offers silkscreen, embroidery, promotional print services and others.

(between Wellington & Scott)

613-729-2130

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HOMES+ CONDOS K I TC H I S S I PP I

K I TC H I S S I PP I

Supplement to the Kitchissippi Times • Spring 2020

HOMES + CONDOS |

LIVING

|

RENOS

|

DÉCOR

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HOME

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NOW RENTING 613-369-5622 HintonburgConnection.com

9 • April 2020 • HOMES & CONDOS

August 2020 • 26

Indo or gardens Basement renos F i r s t- t i m e b u y e r s

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B e s t t i p s fo r :

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THIS SPRING’S

Studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments

Customers enjoy sunshine on the patio at Savoy Brasserie at the end of June.

Why is Kitchissippi one of Ottawa’s most desired neighbourhoods?

Location, trendy shops and restaurants, great schools, green spaces and more!

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September 4, 2020

BOOKING DEADLINE:

August 18, 2020

Eric Dupuis | 613-266-5598 | eric@kitchissippi.com

The Tattoo Machine has moved into Hintonburg. The local ink shop hosted its grand reopening on July 12 at its 1107 Wellington St. W. location.

In July, Lusa Bakery opened a second location in Kitchissippi. The Ottawa-Gatineau company has been operating since 1988 and specialises in “fresh Portuguese breads, fresh pastries and groceries from Portugal.” The new spot is located at 1111 Wellington St. W. Recently, Joe’s Italian Kitchen has also opened a second location. The business, specializing in Italian cuisine, first opened in Almonte, ON, before expanding to a second location in Kitchissippi at 1323 Wellington St. W. Attention parents, students, math lovers!

The Mathnasium of Carlington has opened at 1063 Wellington St. W. and serves the “Hintonburg, Westboro, Carlington and Mechanicsville communities.” The learning centre offers an after school math program year-round for grade 1-12 students as well as a summer program.

Zydeco Smokeshack + Eatery welcomed customers to its counter the first week of June.

Stop by the local food stand in the Parkdale Market block at 25 Hamilton Ave. N. and try the latest “smoked goodness” from Pitmaster Greg Delair.

Hintonburg has a new hair salon. Danny Gerges opened the Shampoo Hair Salon at 124 Spadina Ave. earlier this summer. Gerges was the former owner of Riccioli Hair Salon on Rideau Street.

COMING SOON TO KITCHISSIPPI Noor Food Market is arriving next month in the heart of Westboro. The business is “a Middle Eastern inspired food for health grocery store featuring locally sourced, ethically made and grown produce and food products.” The Noor Food Market is aiming to open its doors around August 7.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS Blumenstudio, the shop owned by floral designer Kat Kosk, moved to 1395 Wellington St. W. just before the pandemic hit in the spring. The local floral shop first opened in 2011, operating out of a studio space on Parkdale Avenue.

CELEBRATING PATIO SEASON With COVID-19, businesses had to adapt their procedures and spaces to accommodate physical distancing regulations. One of the silver linings has been the addition of many new patios across the ward. Some restaurants and retailers that have never had patios now do, and many of the classic neighbourhood patios have reopened.

So stay safe and find a fun, sunny spot to enjoy!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR COVID-19 note: This page has been updated to reflect the developments in Kitchissippi during the pandemic.

FELINE CAFÉ – CAT VIDEOS AND LIVESTREAM Hintonburg’s cat lounge is temporarily closed but the staff are working to connect cat lovers with their favourite felines electronically. There are videos available on the shop’s Youtube channel and a livestream is coming soon. Check in on the local kitties here:youtube.com/felinecafe.

Got a Kitchissippi-area virtual or COVID-19 safe event to share?

We’d love to hear about it. Send an email to editor@kitchissippi.com.

NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE – CANADA PERFORMS “#CanadaPerforms is a $600,000 shortterm relief fund that pays Canadian artists

For the full list of events please go to kitchissippi.com.

613.238.1818

27 • August 2020

KITCHISSIPPI MARKET PLACE

To place a Classified or Marketplace ad, please call

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OTTAWA LIVE MUSIC STREAMS! This Facebook group was created during the pandemic “as a virtual venue to showcase our region’s musical talent.” There are live streams, and announcements of upcoming live stream performances, of artists from the National Capital Region. To tune in, visit facebook.com/groups/ ottawalivemusicstreams.

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AUG. 8 - OTTAWA PORCHFEST The sixth annual Ottawa Porchfest is going ahead on Aug. 8 from 1-5 p.m. with a few changes. This year, organizers are adapting to physical distancing rules to keep the community safe.

“Ottawa Porchfest is a free community based arts festival that allows local artists to entertain and express on volunteered porches and businesses around the neighborhood. Multiple acts go on simultaneously on porches and in shops throughout the local community. We aim to

SEPT. 27 - RUN FOR WOMEN The annual Run for Women will be celebrated virtually this year on Sept. 27.

The national event supporting women’s mental health is organized through the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program. The event includes a 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run taking place in 18 cities across Canada. For

ABOVE AND BEYOND TOASTMASTERS Every Monday at 6:45 p.m. (except holidays) Visit us online to enjoy time with members learning to communicate better while honing your leadership skills. This new reality has taught us much. We are learning new skills and still relating great stories. Join our family of joy by contacting Sharon at 45sharong@gmail.com or Lucille, our webmaster, at l_bouthillier@yahoo.ca to receive the link.

for their online performances. It was launched by Facebook Canada and the National Arts Centre to help ease the financial strain for Canadian artists impacted by the closure of performance venues across Canada related to COVID-19, and to lift the spirits of Canadians during the crisis. Artists who are selected will receive $1,000 and their online performance will be announced and listed on the NAC’s Facebook page,” the event page states. Visit the National Art Centre’s website for more information on upcoming performances: nac-cna.ca/en/series/canadaperforms.

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Stay safe and healthy, Kitchissippi!

AUG. 23-30 - VIRTUAL CAPITAL PRIDE FESTIVAL The annual summer celebration of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region will be hosted online this year. The 2020 Virtual Capital Pride Festival runs Aug. 23-30.

“Join us virtually as we deliver some amazing events, performances and live artists such as; Pride Pageant, Queer Talent Extravaganza, DJ FYAH Battle, Drag Bingo with Latrice Royale and It’s Drag Henny Drive In Drag show! Whether you’re staying home or celebrating with friends, Capital Pride always aims to put our community first,” the event page states. “We promise that although we may not be able to celebrate in person, we will forever be proud and celebrate #WhereverWeAre!” Check out the full festival calendar of free, virtual Pride events online at capitalpride.ca/ virtual-pride-festival/

2020, 100 per cent of the local registration proceeds will be donated to Women’s Mental Health at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.

“Even though we can’t be together, we can still feel the unstoppable power of thousands of walkers and runners coming together in the first ever Virtual Run for Women,” the national event page states.

To learn more, visit runforwomen.ca.

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Under provincial law, public events and social gatherings have been restricted in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. In Ontario’s Stage 3 regions, indoor gatherings must be limited to a maximum of 50 people to maintain physical distancing. Outdoor gatherings must be limited to a maximum of 100 people.

The province encourages that “social circles should continue to be kept at 10 people province-wide, regardless of stage.” Please visit ontario.ca for more information.

Most local events have been cancelled or postponed. We encourage readers to check websites and social media pages to see if virtual or smaller-scale events are being held instead.

expand on the idea that local artists have a great silent talent,” the event page states.

Learn more about this year’s festival at ottawaporchfest.ca or read our story in this month’s paper!

August 2020 • 28 kitchissippi.com

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MASK UP. STEP OUT. SUPPORT LOCAL.