Kitchissippi Times February 2025

These design elements create a cheerful and refined aesthetic, making Parkdale Collective a standout on the street.

The Parkdale Collective: Richcraft’s Visionary New Rental Highrise in Hintonburg

A bold new highrise is set to make its mark in Ottawa’s trendy Parkdale area, brought to life by one of the city’s most established developers, Richcraft. The Parkdale Collective at 159 Parkdale Avenue will open its doors to welcome residents starting March 1, 2025. Featuring 31 stories of innovative design and environmentally friendly features, this building is poised to stand out in Ottawa’s skyline.

The project reflects Richcraft’s commitment to creating homes that combine exceptional design with modern functionality. Designed in collaboration with leading architecture firms TACT Architecture and Rod

Lahey Architects, Parkdale Collective brings a bold and sophisticated look to the neighbourhood. Interiors were crafted by U31 Design, ensuring stylish and functional living spaces that meet the needs of today’s urban residents.

Parkdale Collective offers a fresh and striking presence in a neighbourhood filled with beige and concrete. Its base features bright, buff material emulating natural stone, while warm glass balconies reflect sunlight in playful yet classic ways. These design elements create a cheerful and refined aesthetic, making Parkdale Collective a standout on the street.

Inside, the building offers 279 purpose-built rental suites, including one- and two-bedroom units. Each features a modern kitchen with Italian cabinetry, in-suite laundry, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and thoughtful interior layouts. The development also includes an amenity floor, five townhomes along Parkdale Avenue, and commercial space at the corner of Lyndale and Parkdale.

Designed as a smart building, Parkdale Collective provides app or FOB access and includes features like water flow detection systems, Energy Star appliances, and smart thermostats for optimal energy efficiency. The building was carefully planned to reduce energy use for residents and operations, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.

The amenities of Parkdale Collective extend far beyond the apartments. The building offers five-and-a-half levels of underground parking, 20 EV charging stations with capacity for more, and dedicated spaces like a state-ofthe-art gym, yoga room, chef’s kitchen, coworking areas, gaming rooms, and an outdoor BBQ area with a swimming pool. Residents also benefit from convenient features like bicycle storage and repair stations, secured ski lockers, and a dog wash station.

The surrounding Hintonburg area offers a vibrant community filled with character and convenience. Residents will enjoy easy access to Wellington Street, a hub of local culture and culinary delights. From trendy coffee shops and bakeries to boutique stores and acclaimed restaurants, Wellington Street has something for everyone. With nearby art galleries, parks, and the Ottawa River just a short walk away, Hintonburg combines the charm of a close-knit neighbourhood with the buzz of urban life.

As occupancy approaches, Parkdale Collective is set to redefine urban living in Ottawa, offering a premium lifestyle with progressiveness, sustainability, and thoughtful design at its core. Adding this distinguished project to its portfolio, Richcraft continues to set the standard in creating exceptional living spaces that endure and inspire.

To learn more, visit parkdalecollective.com

Kitchissippi Times has a new way to keep you informed

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Government figures paint a startling picture of how mainstream media is in decline.

More than 850 Canadian news outlets have closed since 2008. Over a third of Canadian journalism jobs have been lost. The trends will keep going on a downward spiral. What does this mean for you and your communities? There is a lack of accountability for elected officials. Stories go untold. Good work is not praised. There are fewer opportunities to spread awareness or highlight an impact being made in the community.

Part of the reason why media is declining is due to changing viewership patterns. People are spending more time on their phones or Smartwatches than watching the news on television or reading about it in the paper. So now the Kitchissippi Times is doing our part to make sure you can reach us in other ways too.

In January, we had a soft launch of our new website which can be found at Kitchissippi.com. It has a lot of new exciting features, including the weather, an events calendar, ‘buy local’ profiles, and an expanded array of stories which include news, food, the arts, homes, lifestyle, history and more.

As we grow our publication to other neighborhoods, you will also find a tab which categorizes stories by location, including Westboro, Wellington West, Britannia, Little Italy, and Chinatown.

Pramschufer from E-Moxie who brought KT to the next level. This duo from the States are at the cutting edge of transforming media organizations for the better.

So how can you help support local news? Well, I’m glad you asked because there are plenty of ways.

The work that went into this was literally a year in the making. We asked you, the reader, what you’d like to see, and then we made it happen. None of it could have been possible without the guidance and talents of Eric Shanfelt from Nearview Media and Matt

Visit Kitchissippi.com regularly for our latest developments in news. Sign up for our regular newsletter to ensure it’s delivered straight to your inbox. Share our awardwinning journalism with your family and friends. Pick up a printed copy in the many gold-coloured boxes from Westboro to Chinatown. Encourage others to advertise or make a donation yourself through our website. Send in your story tips or submit a column for us to run.

Because of you, we can keep telling the stories that matter. Thank you for all your support over the last 21 years.

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

Great River Media Inc PO Box 91585

Ottawa ON K1W 1K0

The Kitchissippi Times is an award-winning newspaper that has serviced Westboro, Wellington West, and surrounding communities for the last 20 years. The word Kitchissippi, meaning “great river” in Algonquin, is the former Indigenous name for the Ottawa River.

STORY IDEA? editor@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/kitchissippi

EDITOR

Charlie Senack charlie@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/charlie_senack

CONTRIBUTORS

Hannah Wanamaker, Dave Allston, Jack Barkley, and Emma Cummings.

PROOFREADERS Susan Rothery

ADVERTISING SALES Eric Dupuis 613-696-9485 eric@kitchissippi.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Celine Paquette celine@greatriver.ca

Deborah Ekuma deborah@obj.ca

FINANCE Cheryl Schunk, 613-696-9490 cheryl@greatriver.ca

All other enquiries 613-696-9494 info@kitchissippi.com

DISTRIBUTION

A minimum of 16,000 copies are distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the Britannia and Preston Street communities. Most residents in this area will receive the Kitchissippi Times directly to their door. If you would like to become a distribution point, please contact us. Copies are available at Dovercourt Recreation Centre, Hintonburg Community Centre, and dozens of other pickup locations in the area.

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The Kitchissippi Times is published by

FOUNDER PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe Michael Curran

local priorities Councillor Jeff Leiper has locally for 2025

BY CHARLIE SENACK

There is no shortage of headlines coming out of city hall these days: cutbacks to OC Transpo, debates over how to house asylum seekers, whether or not to build Lansdowne 2.0, the push for a new Sens arena at LeBreton Flats.

The Kitchissippi Times sat down with local Coun. Jeff Leiper to hear what his biggest priorities are for 2025 and what he hopes to achieve this year.

1A

NEW REFRIGERATED RINK AT LIONS PARK

When the Granite Curling Club moved

out of its home on Scott Street for a new development opportunity that would bring two 40-storey towers to the site, the city saw it as an opportunity to reclaim some land that could be used for public greenspace.

“We are reclaiming a significant portion of Lions Park and adding to it with the land that the developer owes us. There is benefits money attached to the project, but the question is whether that benefits money will be enough,” said Leiper. “Thoughout 2025 we want to make sure all the funding will be in place.”

Leiper said both the community and land developer want to see a portion of that space used for a new outdoor refrigerated rink.

2GETTING THE NEW ZONING BYLAW RIGHT

The City of Ottawa is currently working on a new comprehensive zoning bylaw that would reflect the provincial plan currently in place. It could have far-reaching effects in Kitchissippi — home to more development projects than any other ward, many of which are opposed by the local community associations.

“My goal is to try and find the best balance we can between the need to intensify and preserve, particularly room for greenspace. These days I am less inclined to share concerns around the number of units they go into building, but

the envelope needs to provide enough room for trees,” said Leiper.

A 2019 assessment by the City of Ottawa showed that 46 per cent of land in the National Capital Area was covered by trees. Neighbouring Somerset Ward had the lowest tree canopy at about 22 per cent compared to Kitchissippi Ward which was still below the average at 34 per cent. College Ward in Ottawa had the most trees at 48 per cent.

So why should you care?

“In the low-rise neighborhoods particularly, we know the edges of these communities are getting taller. Buildings are going in near the major transit stations and also on Carling,” said Leiper, who also chairs the city’s planning committee. ”The proposal is to add new density in the lowrise neighborhoods as well. We are looking at three and four-storey multi-dwelling buildings that hadn’t been contemplated before.”

3SAFER ROADS

Over the last decade, Leiper said he’s pleased the city has been expanding cycling infrastructure, which has included a number of bike lane projects in Kitchissippi, though there is still room for improvement.

“The stretch of Churchill between Byron and Scott, I’d still like to work through this year and next to try and advance cycle tracks there. We are getting a new protective intersection at Byron and Churchill that I think will make it an even more attractive possibility,” said Leiper.

But there are concerns the city could find it more difficult to build new bike lanes. In November, the Doug Ford-led PC government passed a new law which requires municipalities to seek permission from the provincial government to install new cycling infrastructure that removes a lane of traffic. It also said a review would be done to see if any existing lanes should be ripped up, though Ford previously said he wasn’t planning to touch the ones in Ottawa.

“Bike lanes aren’t causing congestion. Too many cars add congestion. Adding bike lanes and giving people alternatives to driving is ultimately how we will address congestion,” said Leiper. “The streets of Kitchissippi will never be less congested than they are now. They will only become worse. The only way we will be able to address that is to improve access to public transit and active transportation.”

Above: A new refrigerated rink could be coming soon to Lions Park. Next page: Kitchissippi Ward Coun. Jeff Leiper says he wants to bring more exciting events to the ward in 2025. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

4MORE FUN IN THE WARD

Before being elected to public office, Leiper was largely involved in local community associations. And through that volunteer work, he helped organize a lot of fun events: the Hintonburg 5K, dog movie nights, the Hintonburg ball hockey tournament.

“I don’t do as many of those anymore. I’d like to, as the city councillor, try to get a bit back to those roots and start creating more events that are fun. There are a lot of challenges in the ward, and I respect that and that it’s often on people’s minds. But I don't think we’ve been having as much fun as we did before the lockdowns,” said Leiper.

Part of that work could come in the form of ward forums, which Leiper said he’s only organized once since the COVID-19 pandemic. They would provide an opportunity for ward residents to engage in “productive discussion that isn’t always issue focused.”

5ADVOCATING FOR A BETTER BUDGET

The City of Ottawa is strapped for cash. In December it passed a budget with a 3.9 per cent tax hike which many urban councillors felt was not enough to keep up with aging infrastructure.

The budget, worth a total of $5 billion, was voted down by three councillors, one of whom was Leiper.

“We aren’t giving ourselves the financial room we need to give residents things like public washrooms, more exciting

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public space, more parks, more recreation opportunities,” said Leiper. ”The budget is getting meaner and meaner. It’s frustrating for me as a councillor to hear all the things people think would make a significant increase to their quality of life and basically being able to say we can’t afford that.”

The circumstances this year were particularly difficult because OC Transpo is strapped for cash with a $120 million deficit. To make up for that, transit fares are going up to $4 a ride — a five per cent increase.

On Jan. 27, during a press conference at Bayview Station, a handful of local federal representatives announced $180 million in transit funding between 2026 and 2036. It would pay for upgrading, replacing, modernizing and maintaining public transit and its infrastructure.

But funds still need to come from the province as well. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who launched his ‘Fairness for Ottawa’ campaign last summer, said he’s been told it will start flowing if the feds also pitched in. Any possible progress could now be delayed by the provincial election.

While this is optimistic news, Leiper warned catastrophic consequences would come if the city couldn't rely on upper levels of government.

”We could be faced with some really tough choices. One of those could be service cuts. I will fight service cuts. I was happy to support a package of fare increases and a higher transit levy to avoid that from happening,” said Leiper. ”We don't want to see OC Transpo in what they call a ‘death spiral,’ especially now that line 2 has opened.”

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Meet the Ottawa Centre provincial election candidates

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Asnap winter provincial election has been called, and change will come to Ottawa Centre when voters head to the polls on Feb. 27.

NDP MPP Joel Harden announced last year he wouldn’t be seeking re-election so he could run for the seat federally.

“I’m not the same person I was when I started this job in the summer of 2018. The people of Ottawa Centre have encouraged me, informed me, inspired me, and made me a better neighbour. I now value and appreciate others I had not known before,” said Harden in his last letter to constituents.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for the sudden election over a year sooner than needed. His reason? A stronger mandate is required to face US President Donald Trump, who is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.

Locally, Catherine McKenney has been chosen as the NDP candidate in Ottawa Centre. The Liberals are running Thomas Simpson, and Simon Beckett is running for the Green Party. Scott Healey, who ran for the Progressive Conservatives in 2022, will be their candidate again. KT was unable to reach him for comment ahead of publication. Answers with the other candidates have been edited for length and clarity.

CATHERINE MCKENENEY - NDP

Background: McKenney is no stranger to politics. They were formerly the city councillor in Somerset Ward for eight years and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2022. The following year, McKenney co-founded CitySHAPES non-profit organization to address "climate change, active transportation, transit, affordable housing and ending chronic homelessness.“

Housing: “I want to see housing made affordable for people. That also includes ensuring we have good rent control. An affordable place for someone to live on a low income is not more than 30 per cent of their income. Some people spend 5070 per cent of their income on housing. The definition of affordable housing needs to change. It currently looks at the median income for the neighbourhood.

That can be a pretty high income in a place like Ottawa.”

Public transit: “A 50/50 cost sharing for transit would be a game-changer for this city. That allows the city of Ottawa to keep transit fares stable, hopefully reduce overtime, and it allows for fares to be greatly reduced. It means we aren’t continuing to cut 30,000 hours from our transit system everyday. The city needs to stop what is a downward spiral in transit. We have increasing transit fares, which has been happening since at least 2010 when we saw ridership start to decrease.”

Social service issues: “We’ve got overcrowded emergency rooms and underfunded paramedics. We’ve got a consumption and treatment centre at Somerset West that this government is threatening to shutter in March. The result is that people who are living with addiction during this opioid poisoning

crisis will be very unsafe. You will have paramedics responding to overdoses, and those paramedics will be bringing people to emergency rooms. It makes the whole system less stable and unable to respond.”

THOMAS SIMPSON - LIBERAL

Background: Just days before the election, Simpson was elected as the Liberal Party candidate for Ottawa Centre. He previously worked as a policy officer at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and, more recently, held various roles at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), where he currently serves as its vice president.

Affordability and healthcare: “There is no denying people are worse off today than they were seven years ago. The Liberals have put out an affordability plan for people. It would remove tax from heating and hydro bills. It would bring relief so they can use their hardearned dollars for other things they must pay for. I was very proud of Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie’s recent announcement that has seen the removal of development charges and using the province to help fund city investment. It would help first-time home buyers and seniors looking to make purchases or downsize and make it more affordable for them.”

Public transit: “Due to insufficient funding coming from the province, it’s only added to people's lack of trust in our public transit system here. One thing I will continue to advocate for is we need to unload our LRT system to the province and take it off the city’s books so they can focus on buses. We can ensure OC Transpo staff can still stay employed. What you would see by doing that is

Catherine McKenney is running as the NDP candidate.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Thomas Simpson is running at the Liberal candidate. PROVIDED PHOTO.

Simon Beckett is running as the Green Party candidate. PROVIDED PHOTO.

that the provincial investment would fund expansions and one day use those terminus hubs for provincial transit. I’d like to one day see an Eastern Ontario transit line like GoTransit in the Greater Toronto area.”

SIMON BECKETT

- GREEN

Background: Beckett is a Sandy Hill resident and local business owner. He’s run the Pivot Turn Property Management firm for almost four years. However, the Green Party candidate also has a creative side as a choreographer and dance professional.

Climate policy: “The one thing I’m looking at right now that is affecting me is climate change's impact on the community where I live. This is the first time I have been able to skate on the Rideau Canal in two years. There are economic issues to that. How many billions of dollars will we lose when people can't come here to enjoy the canal because it can’t freeze? I used to live in Nepean near Greenbank and Baseline,

and one of my first dance teaching jobs was at the Glebe Community Centre. I’d take the bus and then skate the canal down. It was a full Ottawa experience to skate to work on the canal. But it breaks my heart that people rarely have that opportunity to experience anymore.”

Development and housing: “We need to get more housing built. The reality is we need all hands on deck. The Ford government set targets, and we are nowhere near what they planned. At the same time, we can’t rely solely on the government because we need so much of it. We need a combined public and private sector approach. Inclusionary zoning is one of the biggest changes we could make where people can expand their houses. It will unlock a huge amount of potential. We can also look at lowering development fees. In the city of Toronto, it costs $130,000 for a single unit. Ottawa is about $90,000 for a unit. Never mind the time it takes to process. There is too much bureaucracy at play.”

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Northwood Recovery allegedly leaving Hintonburg after increase in open drug use

BY HANNAH WANAMAKER

Needles. Prescription bottles. Crack pipes and cookers. These are just some of the pieces of drug paraphernalia that have been found littering Wellington Street West over the last five months.

The arrival of the regalia came after Northwood Recovery, an addictions treatment clinic, opened in Hintonburg last September. The clinic advertises safer supply services for methadone, suboxone, and sublocade. Its operation began in 2017 and has since opened 17 locations spanning the province.

Pharmacology has played an increasingly important role in the treatment of addictions since the 1950s when methadone was first used in substance misuse treatment.

15. Parents said that kids’ routes to afterschool programs at the community centre and a math tutoring program have been rerouted. Others said the nearby bus stop was regularly being used for drug consumption and a bench had to be taken away to prevent loitering.

It appears the public outcry has worked. Parrott, who was one of the main speakers at the meeting, said she learned it was Northwood’s intention to leave Wellington West for a more permanent location in Centretown. A document later shared by the Hintonburg Community confirmed this and said the move would occur in about four weeks after renovations to its new building were complete.

Safer supply and opioid agonist therapy are founded on the premise that people won’t die taking a controlled and regulated prescription. They will still experience a degree of the relief they felt from street drugs but will have the support systems in place to prioritize their recovery.

Kitchissippi citizens, politicians, and drug experts, however, say Northwood’s model has only brought harm to its patients and to the community.

“Clearly, we’ve seen that they are in harm’s way here,” said Cheryl Parrott of the Hintonburg Community Association. “Some are selling their drugs and some are being robbed of their drugs.”

She says patients are in the clinic for minutes before they pick up their prescription, just steps away at the Victoria Pharmacy. Immediately after, a wholesale diversion of the prescribed opioids takes place outside the pharmacy.

Its impact reverberates for at least a four-block radius in each direction of the clinic.

“What we’re seeing is [that] around 10 in the morning, there’s a big crowd. Now that it's cold, a lot of them go to the clinic and then to the pharmacy and get back on the bus going east or west. Sometimes there’s cars that drop four or five people off. When Northwood is closed and the pharmacy is closed, there’s no activity around here. So they seem to come and go.”

Though the sidewalks clear up by late morning, a path of littered drug paraphernalia remains. Parrott says she first learned the clinic was prescribing hydromorphone rather than the drugs it advertises from the empty prescription pill bottles along the sidewalks in early September.

In an online statement regarding Northwood, Coun. Jeff Leiper emphasized the necessity of protocols around

prescribed alternatives in addiction treatment.

“The fundamental precondition of treatment is that the patient is alive to be treated: prescribed alternatives fulfills that requirement,” he wrote. “If hydromorphone is being sold into a secondary market – or being violently stolen in brazen daytime incidents as has happened on at least a couple of occasions – then the expected public benefit of prescribed alternatives won’t be fully achieved.”

Parrott says the ideal treatment centre is one that does not negatively impact the community. To achieve this outcome, experts say wraparound supports are absolutely necessary. What’s more, when implemented correctly, the community should benefit too.

Instead of benefits, community members reported increased safety concerns at a public meeting held Jan.

The Kitchissippi Times tried to contact Northwood multiple times for an interview but did not hear back ahead of publication. It also did not confirm whether or not these reports were true.

In January, Northwood hired a private security company to monitor for illegal incidents. The community reported a decrease in open drug dealing and antisocial behaviour within the first few days. Even so, the Hintonburg Community Association says it plans to lobby the provincial government to implement regulations around the prescribing and dispensing of Safer Supply medications.

“You want to help people but you can’t completely derail an entire community by having no controls,” Parrott said.

“We support addiction treatment but it has to be addiction treatment that is actually helping the patients and not impacting the community. Addiction treatment done right, we support completely.”

Above: The Northwood Recovery storefront in Wellington West. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK. Insert: Cheryl Parrott is with the Hintonburg Community Association. PHOTO BY HANNAH WANAMAKER.

Chinatown BIA says drug users leading to increased crime

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Talk to any business in Ottawa’s Chinatown and each of them have a story to tell about the rise of crime or inappropriate behaviour in the area.

A person peeing in a restaurant window while patrons dine inside, iPads being stolen from a noodle house, and alcohol bottles being taken from behind the bar are just some of the experiences that are being shared.

Yukang Li, Executive Director of the Chinatown BIA, said many of his businesses blame a safe consumption site at the Somerset West Community Health Centre for the rise in incidents.

“This disruptive behavior has caused both emotional and operational challenges to business owners in the area

— let alone the financial loss attached to these behaviours,” Li told KT. “Repairs have increased, safety measures have had to be implemented, and insurance costs have gone up. The existence of such behaviors have deterred potential customers from visiting our commercial district, the restaurants and stores in our area.”

That is why the business community was pleased to find out last year that the safe injection site would be closing. The provincial government stated it would ban their practice within 200 metres of schools or childcare facilities. The Somerset West location is about 180 metres away from Nanny Goat Hill Nursery School.

Sylvia Jones, Ontario's Minister of Health, said at the time that they were leading to “serious safety problems” and

noted that Centretown was dealing with a 146 per cent increase in crime. Those numbers have been questioned by many, and Ottawa Police said a freedom of information request would need to be filed to access the statistics.

Suzanne Obiorah, Executive Director of the Somerset West Community Health Centre, has said repeatedly she doesn’t feel their facilities are what has led to incidents in the area. She noted many communities are seeing significant challenges around the drug toxicity crisis and how it’s related to homelessness and affordability.

In place of the safe consumption site, a HART hub will open, which

stands for a Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment centre. While it's better than nothing, Obiorah noted there are some current practices it won’t include.

“Our consumption and treatment services allow people to come to our centre and use drugs under supervision. They can also connect to many other supports and services at the centre. If someone was at risk of or if they were to overdose, we can respond to that, and we could also do needle exchange,” she noted. “This model is different in that clients are not able to use drugs, we are not able to do needle exchange, and we are not able to offer safer supply programs.”

One benefit is a new partnership to directly connect people to 24/7 supportive housing. At least 65 units were acquired to “quickly connect individuals to be housed and recover the support they need to stay housed.”

Obiorah said she has concerns that open drug use and overdoses will get worse in Somerset because the users won’t have a safe place to consume.

The varying views on how harm reduction can help Ottawa’s drug crisis

BY HANNAH WANAMAKER

For Jas Karam, growing up surrounded by substance misuse is a core component of their work as a harm reductionist.

“At the end of the day, I only know what I know about harm reduction at the root because of my lived experience using substances. I can find the compassion for other community members who use because I've been there,” Karam said. “The ups and the downs, my lived experience is key to the role that I have.”

As a teenager, Karam learned that cleaning equipment, drinking water, and eating reduced some of the undesirable side effects of consumption. Even while inebriated, they prioritized safety and protective measures.

It wasn’t until Karam began working in this sector one year ago that they learned their lifelong catalogue of safer consumption strategies were forms of harm reduction.

world have found that the broad approach is tantamount to maintaining health and well-being during an individual’s recovery.

Physicians at most substance use health organizations like Safer Supply Ottawa do exactly that. This often involves connecting patients with housing agencies, legal aid, food banks, and mental health services, on top of providing physical care like STBBI testing and much more.

Even with the increased harm reduction infrastructure across the country, Karam says so many people remain misinformed about its purposes and benefits. One potential cause, they offered, is a lack of lived experience.

“A lot of people don’t really care about it if they’re not being directly impacted by it. And so to find compassion when it has no effect on you or your family or loved ones, you’re not going to have that connection and you’re not going to have that compassion,” Karam said.

Harm reduction is becoming a growing topic in Ottawa as the Capital deals with an influx of drug-related overdoses and deaths. In 2023, 188 people died in the city after using drugs, according to Ottawa Public Health.

Statistics released in November 2024 found that 244 residents lost their lives so far that year due to the epidemic. Numbers for December were not yet readily available. The data is preliminary, though, and can change based on investigations which can take months.

Ottawa Police said they responded to 32 overdose calls in Kitchissippi in 2024, 28 of which required the use of Narcan, an antagonist that is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. That is compared to 32 calls in 2023 and 22 calls in 2022.

Neighbouring Somerset ward saw 322

overdose calls last year compared to 252 in 2023 and 115 in 2022. In 2024, Narcan had to be distributed 246 times.

While the trends are going up, they are nothing in comparison to Rideau-Vanier which had police respond to 849 overdose calls in 2024, more than any other ward.

INDIVIDUALIZED, MULTI-FACETED CARE PLANS REQUIRED, SAY EXPERTS

When it comes to drug addiction, many think harm reduction models only enable consumption. Studies from across the

According to Rob Boyd from Inner City Health, addiction recovery is a years-long endeavour and relapses are to be expected. With a harm reduction model and adequate support systems, though, individuals are more empowered to continue striving to make healthier choices and continue their path to recovery after a relapse.

“We have to make sure people have access to naloxone, safer ways to consume their drugs, and we have to be realistic sometimes about what our ultimate goal is going to be,” said Boyd.

For many patients, there are simply too many barriers to ever fully abstain from drugs, he added.

“But that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot we can do between where their life is today – between chaotic kinds of use and overdose, to more stable use, housing, harm reduction care, family. All of these things make their lives better but also make them better in the community.”

This remains true with any treatment model. Since substance use health differs from person to person, a ‘one size fits all’ approach or outcome simply will not work.

That’s why Nicholas Boyce from the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition says abstinence is an ineffective recovery marker.

“There are an awful lot of people I’ve met that do end up reducing their drug use, do end up stopping their drug use, and there’s a lot of people who don’t and will always use drugs,” he said. “If the metric you’re using is that people no longer use drugs, if that is your only metric, maybe you would think it's not doing anything to benefit people.”

The overarching benefit of the safer supply of drugs is that people no longer have to worry about where and how they might acquire their drugs.

“When you give them a pill that might cost a dollar,” Boyce said, “they don’t have to spend their lives running

Above: A needle drop-off bin inside the washroom at Westboro’s Richmond Rd Starbucks. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Next page: Jas Karam says compassion is key when dealing with people who have substance abuse issues. PHOTO BY HANNAH WANAMAKER.

around thinking about drugs. They can actually start to focus on their health and reconnecting with family and jobs. There are immediate health and psychological benefits to the people who are getting those drugs.”

HEALTHCARE IS A POLITICAL MATTER

Boyce, a Mechanicsville resident, says the province has continually ignored the evidence regarding harm reduction methods, including its own internal reports saying to expand the sites.

“All the evidence shows that it makes communities safer, it saves people’s lives, it gets people connected to care and it's a cheaper way of doing things,” Boyce said.

That’s why Health Canada allocates a portion of its budget to the Substance Use and Addictions Project each year. Community organizations across the country can apply for time-limited funding for one of their projects. Once the funding for one to five years dries up, organizations have to find alternative funding to maintain them.

Some of the Ottawa-based programs include the Safer Supply program,

At the end of the day, I only know what I know about harm reduction at the root because of my lived experience using substances. I can find the compassion for other community members who use because I've been

there— JAS KARAM

Centretown Community Health Centre’s outreach program for individuals who use toxic street drugs in downtown Ottawa, and CAPSA’s efforts to decrease stigma in organizations that serve people who use substances.

Due to the substantial overlap of social issues, exacerbation of the housing crisis, crime, and the transmission of STBBIs are likely consequences of harm reduction rollback.

Boyce says the pullback on harm

reduction services will spark an influx in HIV and Hepatitis C cases which might backtrack Ontario’s HIV Action Plan to 2030.

“Those people aren’t going to magically just stop using drugs overnight. They’re going to have no access to supplies anymore. We’re just asking for HIV and Hep C to come roaring back.”

These blood-borne infections are most commonly transmitted through shared needles. Needle exchange programs like the one currently offered

at Somerset West Community Health Centre keep blood-borne infections at bay because they ensure community members aren’t picking up used needles and that people who inject substances aren’t reusing needles.

Currently, 11 per cent of people living with HIV are unaware of their diagnosis. Ontario’s action plan outlines how more accessible testing and education are imperative to ensuring the 11 per cent receive treatment and live long lives.

HELLO WESTBORO

EARLY DAYS

5.

6.

The ghosts of days gone by at 453 Parkdale

other parishes throughout the Ottawa Valley before arriving in Hintonburg. Coleman also purchased the lot next door, giving himself a 120’ wide lot fronting Parkdale.

Coleman later sold to James Reynolds in 1911, who in turn sold the property on January 2nd, 1925 to Albert E. Veitch, for $6,400.

Veitch was Winchester-born, and ran a funeral home in Kars from 1902 to 1925. He was a multi-tasker, also operating a furniture store and a Maxwell automobile dealership and service station while there

For reasons long lost to history, Veitch decided not only to relocate to the west end of Ottawa, but decided to purchase the nondescript house on Parkdale Avenue and convert it into the west end’s first funeral home. He brought his 23-year old son Eldon, who had completed secondary school at Ottawa Collegiate Institute in 1924, into the business with him.

A.E. Veitch & Son ran their opening advertisement on Jan. 24, 1925, promoting “twenty-two years’ experience in Undertaking and Embalming.”

The city bylaw was required to be amended to allow undertaking parlours on Parkdale Avenue. A petition was put together and signed by most of the residents of Parkdale Avenue, which convinced city council to approve the bylaw change in late February.Though there surely were other funerals held at Veitch before the end of May, the first reported wake held at Veitch’s was Walter Carley, a 73-year old Westboro resident on May 29.

BY DAVE ALLSTON

The days are numbered for the old building on the southeast corner of Parkdale and Gladstone. Best known as being the recent headquarters for the Ottawa Girl Guides, 453 Parkdale has sat vacant, dilapidated and ignored for the past decade. Portions of the façade are now crumbling, windows are broken and missing. It’s the type of old building that you would suspect might have a few ghosts occupying it, and in this case, you would be more accurate than you might expect.

This property has played a key role in the history of funerals and undertaking in

Ottawa. For over 60 years, tens of thousands of west end residents experienced their final moments above ground in the rooms of this old building, operated by three generations of the Veitch family.

In fact, there was a period of time where this relatively small part of the neighbourhood (from Parkdale to Gilchrist Avenue) was actually home to a trio of funeral homes. The appropriately-named Parlour restaurant at 1319 Wellington West was the long-time home of Radmore-Stewart (1930-1976), while Lauzon Music at 1345 Wellington West was the first parlour of Lorne Kelly (1954-1965).

The north part of 453 Parkdale started

life as a residential house. Joseph Riopelle was a Hintonburg carpenter who acquired a lot from John Foster in 1898 for $175 and spent that year constructing a two-and-a-half storey wood-frame house fronting Queen Street — soon to be renamed Parkdale Avenue — in fairly close proximity to the relatively-new tracks of the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway — which ran where the Queensway does today

Riopelle sold the house in April 1902 to Rev. Abel H. Coleman, who had come to Ottawa to take over St. Matthias Church. Coleman had spent 33 years in the ministry, having been stationed at Iroquois, Arnprior, Richmond, Augusta, Vankleek Hill and

Veitch held wakes, prepared bodies, and offered ambulance services. The earliest report of providing ambulance services was in August, when a Jockvale farmer – John Cassells – was driving a farm wagon along Wellington near the junction of Somerset. His horses became spooked and ran into the verandah of the office at 959 Wellington. Cassells was thrown from the rig and suffered a broken leg, arm and skull. Veitch was called in to transport him to the Civic Hospital. A few days later, Veitch was called to pick up a 79-year old Ottawa woman who had fallen on stairs at her hotel in Malone, New York and broken a leg.

Within the first year or two, Veitch gradually expanded the house with a small addition on the side, and a large two-storey addition of approximately 2,000 square feet at the rear, which was the original chapel and where the “slumber rooms” were located. Parking was presumably on the south side of the building, accessed off Parkdale. The Veitch family resided inside the funeral home.

1. An illustration of the new building in 1950.

2. 453 Parkdale as it stands boarded up today.

PHOTO BY DAVE ALLSTON.

3. AE Veitch as seen in this Ottawa Citizen photo from 1946.

4. Eldon Veitch in 1964.

The body of R B Cherry, shopkeeper of the store at Wellington and Parkdale, on April 14, 1934.

PHOTO BY YUSUF KARSH.

The Veitch logo from 1927.

The opening of A.E. Veitch & Son was tied to a growing trend in handling of the dead.

During the 19th century and early 20th century, it was typical for family and friends to prepare the body during the period of mourning. The preparation of the body (washing and dressing) and the wake would take place in the home of the deceased.

A simple box for the body would be

constructed, and a procession would bring the deceased to the cemetery by horse and wagon, where the funeral would be held, or sometimes, to a church in between.

A gathering was held afterwards back at the home, where even the poorest would purchase abundant food and drink for all to come and celebrate the deceased.

Embalming was a process just coming into widespread use, which would allow for the preservation of the body, and thus

could allow for a funeral to be delayed to accommodate relatives travelling in, or a more ceremonial funeral process. Embalming was also viewed as more sanitary, especially during periods of epidemics and poor sanitation. Early on, embalming would happen in the home, but over time, as the requirements for body handling and funerals grew, the need for funeral homes increased.

Coffins, hearses, flowers, and all the other components of a “proper burial” led to a new industry of funeral homes, with chapels where hundreds of visitors could be accommodated, which the growing number of apartments and small houses could not.

The Veitch business was a growing success. When they opened in 1925, they were just the tenth funeral home in Ottawa, and first west of Lyon Street. The Veitches opened just earlier than two other big names in the funeral business: the Hulse Brothers opened in April 1925 at 315 McLeod, while a month later the McEvoy Brothers opened at 471 MacLaren.

In 1944, the Veitches acquired additional land adjoining the property, including the large lot off Foster, which would become the parking area.

After Albert Veitch passed away at age 73 in 1947, Eldon took over full operations. In January of 1950, a $35,000 building permit was taken out for a major expansion. Abra, Balharrie & Shore were hired as architects, and F.E. Cummings as the contractor. The new wing off the south side of the building contained the new Albert Veitch memorial chapel, where “limed oak pews and paneling keynote the decoration behind the glass brick front.” A private room off to the side allowed for the privacy of the family during services, and air conditioning was added throughout the building. An acoustic tile ceiling was added, as well as “noiseless light switches.”

The second floor featured a series of sliding doors to enable different shapes and sizes of parlour rooms.

“Of the other newly-decorated slumber rooms in the old section of the building, one was done in imitation teakwood wallpaper. It is called ‘The Teakwood Room.’ Others were finished in “bright flowery prints,” noted the Citizen. Veitch boasted that six funerals could be accommodated at the same time in the new facilities. A new garage for the hearses was added at the rear.

The firm held a three-day open house to invite the public to view the new facilities in November 1950. Eldon Veitch took on a partner in the form of its office manager Kenneth V. Draper, who bought into the company in February of 1953. The firm became known as Veitch-Draper Ltd. Eventually, Clive Veitch, the third generation of the family, took over the business as well.

It is worth mentioning that Eldon Veitch, like his father, was involved in the community in endless ways. He was instrumental in bringing Little League Baseball to Ottawa, served as President of the Gyro Club, various BIAs, the Board of Trade, Rotary Club, and the Humane Society, among many other roles.

The end of the Veitch business is a bit of a sad one. Draper passed away in 1977, and in 1979, Clive Veitch and the business were targeted in various ways. The two hearses were stolen and burned, Clive’s home was broken into and vandalized, and his private car damaged in a hit and run. An expansion to a second location at 3440 Richmond Road in 1981 (now operated by Tubman’s), Nepean’s first funeral home, may have been too much to manage.

Growing trends: House plants are becoming the new addiction

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Spring has arrived early at Wild Willy’s plant store. Tulips, begonias, succulents, and even the odd allocatia greet you with their lush foliage and fragrant, delicate scent as you walk in its doors.

The Wellington West business has been a staple in the community since 1975 and is in the midst of celebrating its 50th anniversary. Part of their success? People never get tired of purchasing flowers or house plants.

“Plants were a very big trend in the 70s and then it went into flower arrangements , silks and dry, and now it’s gone back to plants and fresh. But dries are back in style too,” said Vanessa Bishop who has owned the store for the last 10 years.

“People love plants because of the simplicity of life they bring. If you have a blank canvas and bring a plant into a room, it makes the room come alive. They are affordable and give back. If you care for the plant it does too, but if you don’t it doesn’t. They are like humans in that way.”

Owning plants is also rising in popularity thanks to booming trends on social media. Scroll through Tik Tok or Facebook reels and you will find influencers sharing their rare garden centre finds. For those who are really committed to the addictive hobby, there are IKEA cabinets some people repurpose or retrofit them to turn into mini greenhouses.

But seeing a pretty plant on social media doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. They are living things like people that

can be picky and not adapt well to certain conditions.

Plant and Curio first opened its doors on Somerset in 2017, and moved to its Little Italy storefront in 2019. Owner Leslie MacDonald said there are many questions they will ask first-time plant parents.

“If someone came in and wanted to get into house plants for the first time, instead of something like a monstera, a fiddle leaf fig, or different kinds of ficus trees — those are species people might have read about and want — we might start them off with an easier plant,” said MacDonald. “We will ask what are the living conditions like? What direction do the windows face? Do they own pets? That’s an important question because many plants can be toxic.”

Plant and Curio opened near Centretown because it’s where

MacDonald has lived since she was 17. The neighbourhood has many people living in a small area. There are few trees or parks. People need to find ways to bring greenery into their lives.

“Gardening and house plants are very therapeutic, especially when you’re living in a downtown area,” says MacDonald. “People are living in small apartments with small square footage. They might not have backyards.”

While winter can be a slow season for business because there are fewer occasions besides Valentine’s Day, Bishop from Wild Willys said they have many clients who come in during the colder months to help avoid the winter blues.

Lots of the house plants she offers are not native to this region and grow in tropical settings. In years past many would

Left: Wild Willy’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Right: Plant and Curio is located on Preston Street in Little Italy.

Insert 1: Vanessa Bishop is the owner of Wild Willy’s in Wellington West. Insert 2: Leslie MacDonald opened Plant and Curio in 2017. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Five unique tropical plants for your home

By Jack Barkley

Want to add some greenery to your living space? Here are five different plants that will bring character and life into your home.

Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’

be considered ‘rare’ and more expensive because they were difficult to find, but those trends are changing.

“We have one plant, the Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’, they used to be $100 or $150 for a little plant, but now they’ve gone down in price and are like $75. They will keep going down,” said Bishop. “The Pink Princess is $30 which might sound like a lot, but it used to be about $100. They were harder to find. I just sold two that were triple the size and they were

For those who love bold character and originality, then the Begonia maculata ‘wightii’ will pique your interest with its eccentric shiny silver polkadot pattern and rich olive green leaves with vibrant burgundy underside - not to mention its angel wing-like appearance. It’s a member of the Begoniaceae family that finds its origins in the tropical rainforests of Brazil. This explains its love of brightdappled/indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining growth media. This plant needs intermediate care and will reward you with beautiful foliage and occasional flowers when you meet its needs.

with candy cane-like stems and the occasional pink variegated leaf are more to your liking, then the Philodendron erubescens ‘White Princess,’ may be your new obsession. Both are of the same species, erubescens, and originate in Central/South American rainforests. They love similar conditions to that of the Begonia maculata.

Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek’

Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink

Princess’ and ‘White Princess’

If the image of lush pink on mysterious shadowy green foliage feeds your whimsy then the Philodendron erubescens

‘Pink Princess’ may be your new botanical interest. However, if vibrant green and white variegated leaves,

only $50. It all comes down to demand.”

To add to the plant experience, both local plant stores also offer other services. Wild Willy’s hosts classes to make holiday arrangements and dried floral pieces. Plant and Curio make their own pottery for pots. One of its most famous designs is of a

This staple of the plant community is renowned for its stunning, vibrant large green foliage and contrastingly bright white venation that gives it a beautiful yet cartoonish appearance. As a member of the Aracae family from the very warm and humid rainforests of the Philippines, it needs a constant warm temperature and high humidity. This plant is as beautiful as it is fastidious. It needs to be in moist yet not water-logged growth media as it is susceptible to root rot. It may trick plant owners into thinking it is dead with a dormancy period when there is a drop in temperature indoors. This plant is more for the experienced plant parent. However, if you can meet its needs, it will reward you with beautiful foliage.

Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai constellation’

The Monstera deliciosa (aka Swiss-cheese plant) is likely

neighbourhood cat who regularly frequents the store.

“During the pandemic there was a time when a lot of our suppliers were not able to supply to us so we went to pottery classes and now I make a good portion of the pottery we sell,” said MacDonald. “Because

the image that appears in your mind when you think of tropical plants other than palm trees, as its split leaves and fenestrations have climbed their way into pop culture. Although the species finds its origins in the forests of Mexico, the ‘Thai constellation’ cultivar, with its marbled and nebular appearance, originates in its namesake of Thailand. This mutant is believed to have been found by a grower on the side of the road. Decades later, it was produced and sold to those who could afford the plant, given its rarity at the time. This monstera is revered for its natural and stable variegation as it does not lose its creamy patterns. This aroid is significantly susceptible to root rot and is known to grow slower than the non-variegated version.

Anthurium crystallinum

With a similar velvety green appeal to its aroid relative – the Alocasia Frydek – the crystallinum is a rare beauty with its large green foliage and shiny silver venation. The crystallinum finds its origins in the rainforests of Central America. It requires a similar environment to the Frydek. Humidity is a must, as low humidity affects growth and leads to blemishes on leaf edges.

I make it I can make pots and things that are purposeful towards plants because we know what they need and what customers ask for.”

The store also supports other locallyowned businesses which include: stickers, soap, candles, self care products and greeting cards.

Broker

Sarah

Broker

Love your job, says Susan Chell Celebrating

35 Years in Ottawa Real Estate

Chell Team Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries

Susan Chell, lead agent for the Chell Team at RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group, is celebrating an impressive 35 years in the real estate business. Alongside her, Sarah Toll recently celebrated 10 years, and Patti Brown marked 20 years of success in the industry. Together, they represent nearly four decades of real estate expertise, helping clients navigate the Ottawa housing market with confidence and care.

Susan’s journey began in 1989 when her mother, recognizing Susan’s natural talent for sales, suggested she give real estate a try. Encouraged by this support, Susan decided to pursue a career as a realtor and she has never looked back.

Those early years in a challenging market shaped Susan’s approach to do business today. “When I started, there were no teams at all,” she said. “I was essentially on my own, with little guidance or mentorship. I had to learn by doing, which makes me appreciate the importance of providing support and training for others now.”

Susan’s passion for real estate has remained strong over the years, driven by a genuine love for helping her clients achieve their goals. As she reflects on her career, she shares how her enthusiasm has been a constant source of motivation.

“It’s never a chore to do this job. I love the art of the deal, I love listing homes, and I get excited when a deal successfully closes and my clients are fully satisfied,” Susan Chell said. “My love and enthusiasm for this business translate into optimism for my clients, and they feel that. It makes me relatable.”

One of Susan’s biggest lessons over the years is the value of building a team with a strong sense of unity and trust. Patti Brown joined the team in 2005. “I’m proud to be part of a team where collaboration and mutual respect are at the core of everything we do,” said Patti. “Our clients can always count on us to work together seamlessly, ensuring they receive the best possible service every step of the way.”

Sarah Toll brought her real estate experience to the team in 2018. “I’m honoured to work alongside such successful, kind, and collaborative women,” said Sarah Toll. “Following the path they have forged, while laying my own foundation is the perfect recipe for success; it’s tried and true, and our clients value us for it. I would love to continue to leave a mark on our community and in the hearts of our clients.”

The Chell Team’s strength lies in their deep experience and genuine passion for helping clients at every stage of life. From raising our own families to caring for elderly parents themselves, their unique perspectives and personal journeys enable each team member to bring heart and empathy to the process. This

understanding of life’s transitions allows them to offer personalized guidance to each client’s unique circumstances.

The Chell Team is optimistic about the housing market in 2025; lower interest rates and more flexible mortgage rules are expected to strengthen buyer activity, and the team believes there is pent-up demand for housing.

“The cultivation of client relationships has always been an important cornerstone of our business, and we will continue to put our clients first.” Sarah said. “I am very optimistic about the future - great opportunity to evolve with the times to customize each client’s experience further with the tools becoming available. I look forward to many more years as a trusted realtor helping make a difference for our clients.”

Susan, Patti, and Sarah are all deeply grateful for the trust the Ottawa community has placed in them over the years. The team is proud to have guided clients for 35 years, and they look forward to many more years of helping people navigate the world of real estate – particularly in the Kitchissippi Ward, where they’ve cultivated deep knowledge and expertise.

Ready to begin a conversation about your real estate needs? The Chell Team will be there. They can be contacted at 613-829-7484 or at mail@chellteam.com when you need assistance with your next step.

BY CHRISTINA KOROTKOV

Valentines Day date spots in Westboro and Wellington West

Love is in the air as a few of Ottawa’s locally owned restaurants get ready for Valentine’s Day.

Whether you’re looking to have a cozy or elevated dining experience out, or maybe a night in, we’re confident that our local businesses will come through with making the day special for you and your loved ones. Erring on the side of practicality, don’t forget that February 15 is the last weekend to take advantage of the HST tax-free break, Randy Fitzpatrick of Petit Bill’s reminds us.

HINTONBURG PUBLIC HOUSE

Their elevated pup fare, crafted inhouse from scratch, boasts the ultimate local comfort food. Pair a meal with fun craft beer, wine, or a cocktail. They haven’t excluded anyone and offer a non-alcoholic menu. You won’t have to worry about any surprises or expensive set menus, but they do have a few treats to make the day extra special.

They’ll be opening earlier on Friday Feb 14 at 10am for brunch. Drinks and dinner will commence after brunch, from 3pm to 10pm. Some late-night fun

is planned until midnight, but they will more than likely stay open later if it’s busy.

Hintonburg Public House wants to remind guests that it is a school PA Day. Kids are welcome during the day for brunch and board games

Reservations are always recommended, but there is room for walk-ins.

hintonburgpublichouse.ca

1020 Wellington St. W (613) 722-3887

TRIO BISTRO AND LOUNGE

Known for their cozy environment, the 32-seat bistro is the spot for community members to unwind and share elevated comfort foods with a fantastic cocktail selection. Featured works by artists are displayed and available for purchase throughout the room.

Executive Chef Rob Plummer will pause the regular menu for Valentine’s Day and extend the features beyond the holiday.

One item he’s excited about is a vegetarian take on a scallop dish. Trimming king oyster mushrooms allows them to mimic scallops. Once cooked, they’ll be served with a truffle pea

puree, toasted coconut gremolata, fried daikon, pomegranate butter sauce, and pomegranate seeds.

“We’re trying to be comfortable and approachable. We’re not trying to be fancy. We want people to be able to come in and relax and enjoy their evening,” said Plummer.

Servers will provide wine and cocktail pairing suggestions based on guests’ orders.

Parking can be found behind the restaurant.

Reservations may be made online or by phone. There is space for walk-ins at the bar. www.triowestboro.com

307D Richmond Rd (613) 722-3887

THE CUPCAKE LOUNGE

To start off the celebrations, consider signing up for their Valentine’s Day Trivia on Feb 13 at 7pm. Categories will be based on romance books and novels, movies, and music. Reservations are required. Teams may be between 2-4 people, capping out at about 6 teams.

If you’re looking for something to bring home, dessert boxes are back, along with conversation heart cookies, heart-shaped cake pops, and many other heart-shaped items. Owner Laura Porter says the rosettes and roses box ($75) is the best seller.

“We do red roses and some pink roses - a box of 12. On either side of those are six cupcakes decorated for our Valentine’s Day theme.”

They are available online, email, and by phone for pre-order.

Porter mentioned one Valentine’s Day memory that stands out because it inspired them to offer more individual items.

“It was towards the end of the day and we had one guy come in. We had one single rose left and he bought the single rose, a single cake pop, and we had a little plaque that said ‘I Love You.’ He was over the moon, calling it the ‘one stop shop’,” Porter said. “We don’t know his name, but we shout-out to him pretty often over here.”

Vegan and gluten free options are available, and they can accommodate nut-free requests. Custom orders are always welcomed, and they are more than happy to offer delivery.

thecupcakelounge.com

324 Richmond Rd (613) 862-0926

PETIT BILL’S BISTRO

The mid-sized French-Canadian bistro is doing what it does best, serving up some “down home” comfort food for Valentine’s Day. On February 14, they will be offering a table d'hôte ($80/person or $150/couple) and a wine pairing will be available. To ensure fellow industry workers don’t miss out on the Valentine’s celebrations, selected items from the table d'hôte, along with their regular menu, will also be available on February 13 and 15. Guests can rest

assured that there will be options for dietary preferences. Petit Bill’s will feature a fish item, a meat item, and there is always a vegan choice available.

Petit Bill’s is very popular among first dates, says co-owner Randy Fitzpatrick. “They will have come in for their first date and they always come around for Valentine’s Day, which is always special. We had someone come in on Valentine’s Day evening, in 2020, right before the pandemic hit, and they did a gender reveal,” recalled Fitzpatrick.

Reservations are recommended, but there is some space for walk-ins.

petitbillsbistro.com

1293 Wellington St. W (613) 729-2500

ELISE

The new addition to Westboro opened its doors on December 10 and will be hosting their very first Valentine’s Day. Open for lunch at 11am and serving their regular menu, they’ll close around 2:30pm to prepare for their 5pm dinner service. Only serving their dinner for two ($80/person or $160/couple) that night, the menu will include a sharing-style concept with French classics. Without giving too much away,

Chef de Cuisine Kat Ferries mentions beef bourguignon, Dover sole, and oysters Rockefeller.

“Think rich, decadent, and sort of indulgent, a nice way to spend a Friday night with someone you care about,” said Ferries.

The interior features original brick to pay homage to one of the original founders of Westboro, William and Eliza Lowry. The modern French restaurant invites patrons to pop in at any point during opening hours and enjoy themselves, whether that’s for a quick bite at lunch or a glass of wine late at night.

Reservations are encouraged, but there will be room for walk-ins.

eliseottawa.ca

381B Winona A 613-792-9690

A crisis in the cold: Addressing homelessness in Ottawa

BY EMMA CUMMINGS

In the early hours of January 6, tragedy struck Ottawa when a man sleeping outside near Elgin Street succumbed to the elements, later dying in hospital.

According to Environment Canada, temperatures that morning dropped to -15°C, with the wind chill making it feel like -20°C. Amy “CharChar” Louttit, shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook: “My brother Roger was found frozen to death on Bank Street.”

This devastating event casts a harsh spotlight on the inadequate support available for those needing shelter during Ottawa's unforgiving winters.

The City’s 2024 Point-in-Time Survey revealed a sharp increase in homelessness, with the number of individuals in the city’s homeless system nearly doubling in just two years. In 2022, approximately 1,341 people experienced homelessness, a figure that has risen to nearly 3,000 in 2024.

On January 9, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) released a report highlighting the growing toll of homelessness across the province. The report warns that without significant intervention, homelessness in Ontario

could double in the next decade, potentially affecting nearly 300,000 people during an economic downturn.

“The scope and scale of homelessness across Ontario’s municipalities is truly staggering,” said AMO President Robin Jones. “Without meaningful provincial action, the quality of life and economic prosperity in Ontario’s communities are at serious risk. We can solve this crisis, but it requires collaboration.”

The report also emphasizes the importance of rent supplements and housing allowances, which achieved universal adoption in 2024 as a cornerstone of Ontario’s housing strategy.

SHELTERS ARE FEELING THE PINCH

The City of Ottawa declared a homelessness emergency in 2020.

According to the Ottawa Mission, approximately 200 people regularly sleep outside, and shelters face chronic overcapacity.

“All shelters in the city have been operating at over 100 per cent capacity for the past several years,” said Aileen Leo, Director of Communications at the Ottawa Mission.

Operation Come Home offers employment, education, housing, mental health, harm reduction, and drop-in programs for at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 29. PROVIDED PHOTO.

Leo attributes the crisis to decades of public policy decisions that shifted housing responsibilities from governments to the

“The situation has gotten much worse, with emergency shelters such as ours constantly full and the number of people living in encampments sky rocketing,” she

The Ottawa Mission won’t turn anyone

away when the temperature drops, but it results in people needing to sleep in chairs and on mats in the lounge waiting area.

To further add to demand, asylum seekers from other counties have been heading to the Mission for support. CEO Peter Tilley said that at its peak, 67 per cent of its clients were newcomers, putting pressure on its resources. That number is now down to about 27 per cent.

“This is a unique group of people who were abandoned by one level of government or another while we opened up the borders. We’ve always been a welcoming country, but there was no plan for those people,” said Tilley. ”Most of the people I’ve spoken to are teachers, pharmacists; one gentleman was a cab driver back home. They are leaving wartorn countries with no plan for housing, no plan for employment, no plan for processing their papers.”

Even when shelters have available space, some individuals choose to remain outside due to past negative experiences in shelters, untreated mental health challenges, the perception that shelters are overcrowded, restrictions preventing them from bringing their pets, and more.

The primary challenge lies in the severe shortage of affordable and supportive housing. Rising rents have led to an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness. With shelters already operating over capacity, individuals often face days-long waits for an available bed.

ECONOMIC TIMES ALSO AREN’T HELPING

The affordable housing crisis stems from a persistent shortage exacerbated by the financialization of the housing market. Contributing factors include the removal of rent controls for buildings constructed after November 2018, along with renovictions and demovictions. With average rents over $2,000 per month, housing has become unaffordable not only for low-income individuals but also for many middleincome earners.

While temporary shelters provide crucial respite, long-term solutions require permanent housing. Declining an offer means restarting the entire application process. The Social Housing Registry of Ottawa admits that demand far outstrips supply, leaving many in limbo.

Addiction and mental health issues are also significant barriers to housing. The Housing First model aims to address these by prioritizing immediate access to housing, followed by supportive services. In a study published by McGill University, Housing First is described as

“a recovery-oriented approach in which staff believe that all individuals deserve and have a right to housing with no preconditions.”

Operation Come Home operates all its housing programs within this framework.

Executive Director John Heckbert said, “The core principles of Housing First are the current best practice to help people end their experience with homelessness.”

Organizations like Options Housing tackle the reluctance of landlords to rent to low-income or at-risk individuals and families by offering direct housing allowances and ongoing support. Clients benefit from a housing allowance paid directly to landlords by the City of Ottawa, and the organization provides landlords with additional assistance for rent-related concerns when needed.

The program can also access Ottawa’s Landlord Damage Fund to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Heckbert shared that Operation Come Home has already housed four youth this January and is excited about their master leasing initiative under the HousingWorks brand.

“Through HousingWorks, we can end youth homelessness in Ottawa by the end of 2028,” he said.

The AMO report highlights plans for significant expansions in affordable and community housing. Additionally, Ottawa doubled its budget for affordable housing in 2023, a move Leo describes as a critical step forward.

Locally, the In From the Cold program at Parkdale United Church runs every Saturday from Jan 4 to March 22, 2025. Guests are treated to a delicious fourcourse meal and live music performed by local bands, all offered free of charge.

This past fall, the program welcomed an average of 109 guests per week — a 35 per cent increase from the previous year. It also served a total of 2,064 meals, marking a 40 per cent rise.

Leftovers were shared with guests and community partners. Since its inception in November 2002 with just 35 attendees, IFTC has grown significantly in popularity over its 22-year history.

Breathtaking flowers, plants, gifts and striking contemporary decor.

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ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK

Winterlude moves inland

BY CHARLIE SENACK

When Winterlude was launched 46 years ago, its main attraction was the historic Rideau Canal Skateway. Scroll through any Old Ottawa Facebook group, and you will read stories of the many activities that used to take place on the ice: curling, quarter-mile horse racing, ice carving, and concerts.

But those days are gone. In recent years, the canal has been a place to lace up your skates or eat a beaver tail, but not much else. Climate change has shortened its season, and activities are moving inland to other sites. Last year, the skateway was open for 10 days; the year before, it didn’t open at all.

This year Canadian Heritage didn’t list the canal as one of its four official sites for winter play. In fact, it was only mentioned once in the three-week list of programming.

Melanie Brault, director of Capital Celebrations, which includes Winterlude, said they followed the weather trends and had to adapt to the new normal.

“It was really important for me and my team that we made sure that Winterlude remained a very viable, sustainable event in the National Capital Region. We started thinking about ways to innovate despite whatever mother nature throws at us,” said Brault.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t want people stopping by the canal.

the ice can build itself faster if it’s really cold,” said Bruce Devine, senior manager for the National Capital Commission. ”We slightly changed our approach to air temperature readings and weather readings, so at times, doing nothing instead of flooding is the best approach."

Winterlude programming will take place on Sparks Street and the ByWard Market downtown, at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau, and at various other sites around the National Capital Commission. Some of those include Lansdowne Park, the National Art Centre, and the Canadian Museum of History.

Brault said some of this year's highlights will include a new Winterlude Urban Sugar Shack on the Sparks Street Plaza, which will also be the backdrop of LüX, a nighttime sound and light experience. From downtown, festivalgoers can take a free shuttle to Jacques Cartier Park, where a massive snow mountain has been built. Zip lining and a giant snow maze are also part of the experience.

“This year the canal seems to be cooperating and visitors that are going to come down to participate at Winterlude should take the opportunity to put on their skates and skate down the canal because it's just such an amazing experience,” she said.

The canal opened for skating on Jan. 11. There were 269,700 visits in the first 10 days. The NCC has been using less heavy equipment, which allows it to open with less than 30 centimetres of ice thickness. There is also a new partnership with Carleton University

“The professors are looking at what kind of machinery we could maybe use to remove the snow much earlier so

At Zibi across the river, a new activity called Igloofest will become “the coolest music festival in town.” It will be held from Feb. 13-15 and include performances from Dillon Francis, Seven Lions, and Michael Sparks.

“It will bring a whole new element of nighttime celebrations. We're thinking maybe it will attract a new generation of Winterlude festival goers. People in their late teens, early 20s,” said Brault.

There will be events for a good cause, too. In Centretown, a cold plunge will occur from Feb. 14 to 16 at the Uncommon, formally known as the Snider Plaza. There will be saunas, drinks, and DJs for people of all ages. The proceeds will go towards Centretown 507 and the Centretown Community Health Centre.

Skaters lace up on the Rideau Canal after its full stretch opened. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day

Winter fitness classes at the Dominion Arboretum

SUBMITTED BY ANNE CLAENER

Ifeel blessed that five years ago I discovered both the joys and benefits of pole walking and snowshoeing in the Arboretum. I am not alone.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many people have incorporated into their lives the pleasures and therapeutic benefits of pole walking and snowshoeing with urban poles.

Some Thursday mornings, you may have noticed a jaunty team of people propelling themselves with self-assurance as they wend their way along tree-lined gravelly paths, up and down hills, and along leafy, gurgling streams. The smiles

on their faces attest to the social benefits of walking with a group and this type of walking never feels like work, though it is a whole-body workout.

Through this group’s energetic and skilled leader, Eileen Scully, proper technique and form are instilled and this is absolutely crucial for ensuring that a state of stability, core strength and balance are attained. The Arboretum and adjoining Fletcher Wildlife Garden and Experimental Farm present a beautiful setting for this activity. Under Eileen‘s protective but gently prodding wing, participants go at their own pace and different levels of ability are seamlessly accommodated in one class.

The benefits of urban polling are enormous and widely praised. Also known as Nordic walking —think crosscountry skiing without the skis—has toning, calorie-burning and posture benefits that have made it popular in Europe for decades and a new workout favourite in Canada. Participants often go to class with different intentions, and these can even vary within the individual from one session to the next. Those intentions can relate to the reduction of hypertension, the maintenance of bone density, the regaining of posture, balance and core strength, and so on. Welldocumented and reliable studies have indicated that twice as many muscles are

activated as walking without poles. Urban polling is for all ages, but as people advance in years, they often start thinking more about balance, strength, mobility, and overall physical wellness. During the winter months, the pole walking classes morph into snowshoeing sessions and almost everyone in the group embraces both pole walking and snowshoeing with equal enthusiasm. Lately, with inconsistent snow coverage, the group has easily reverted to pole walking rather than snowshoeing.

I feel that as long as my feet, hands and limbs work for me, pole walking and snowshoeing will remain the backbone of my fitness regime and one that I can easily take with me anytime and anywhere I happen to be. For everything that I’ve talked about here, do consider joining our welcoming, friendly group.

Eileen Scully is a former RN who has been practicing yoga for over 40 years, with a teaching certificate from the Kripalu Institute for Yoga. She is also certified as an Urban Poling Instructor. Visit www.eileensyoga.com for more information and click on the section titled: “Urban polling and yoga.”

Authorized by the Thomas Simpson campaign

Strength Training:

The Key to Feeling your

Strength training isn’t just for athletes or bodybuilders - it’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to improve their health, energy level, and confidence. Whether you’re new to exercise, recovering from an injury, or navigating the changes that come with aging, strength training can transform your life in profound ways.

As we age, we naturally lose muscle massa process called sarcopenia - which can affect your ability to live independently and fully enjoy life’s activities. The good news? Strength training is one of the most effective ways to combat these challenges, helping to preserve muscle, strengthen bones, and enhance joint health. It can even help manage chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Strength training doesn’t just benefit the body - it’s good for the mind too. Regular physical activity, in particular strength training,

Best at Any Age

has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall mental well-being. For many, it provides a sense of accomplishment and confidence that carries over into all aspects of life.

Many people, especially those new to resistance training or older adults, hesitate to try strength training because they worry it might be too hard or unsafe. The truth is, it’s never too late to start, and with the right program, strength training is accessible to everyone. Small group classes, in particular, provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Look for programs led by experienced trainers that focus on low-impact, functional movements designed to improve balance, mobility, and everyday strength. In a small group setting, you’ll receive personalized guidance, allowing you to progress at your own pace with confidence and ease.

Strength training isn’t about lifting heavy weights—it’s about building the resilience to live an active, fulfilling life. No matter your age, experience level, or goals, the right program can help you move better, feel stronger, and gain confidence. Take the first step today and discover the strength to live life on your terms.

I always thought having winter was a given in Ottawa, Canada. I’m afraid that's not the case anymore. — Dave Adams

Britannia and Kichi Sibi Winter Trail networks try to fight climate change

BY CHARLIE SENACK

It’s a Friday afternoon in mid January and groomer Dave Adams is out finetuning his equipment on the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail. His presence on the 16-kilometre stretch of the Ottawa River pathway between Westboro Beach and the Canadian War Museum is noticeable. It’s where he spends most of his days when the snow falls and weather gets cold.

But like last year, there hasn’t been much snow to groom. December 2024 saw a total of 61.8 centimetres, but most of it melted during early winter thaws. Another 25.5 centimetres came by January 27.

“I always thought having winter was a given in Ottawa, Canada. I’m afraid that's not the case anymore,” said Adams. “We are going through these vicious cycles of freezing and then thawing. We are having to groom a lot of ice after a big time of warm temperatures.”

This year, however, was welcomed by an early start.

“We had our white Christmas which made everybody’s dream. We had two snowfalls in December that really got

us going, and already we were ahead of the game as compared to last year,” said Adams.

The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail has been going strong since it was started as a pilot project in partnership with the National Capital Commission and Dovercourt Recreation Centre in 2015. Last year the organization became its own charity due to its success.

THE NEIGHBOUR NEXT DOOR

Nearby in Bay Ward, the Britannia Winter trail was started as a pilot project by eight individuals in 2020. That was the year of the COVID-19 pandemic — a crisis which was actually a benefit to the creation of the trail network.

“When COVID hit, we extended our two-week pilot by a few weeks and we’ve been going strong ever since,” said Judy Dudley, president of the Britannia Winter Trail Association. “Why are we important? I feel like we have connected our community. You can't walk down the trail without saying hi to people or going somewhere down in the community.”

The Britannia Winter Trail provides

Left: Vince Rimes and Judy Dudley are with the Britannia Winter Trail.

Above: Groomer Dave Adams has been taking care of the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail since it was founded in 2015.

Inserts: The Britannia Winter Trail stretches for almost 17 kilometres.

ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

almost 17 kilometres of groomed trail. It extends east along the multi-use recreational pathway known as the TransCanada Trail to the Deschenes Rapids parking lot and west through Andrew Haydon Park.

A team of about 30 volunteers are part of the Britannia Trail group, and they do everything from plowing the snow to shovelling. It’s a timeconsuming job that needs to take Ottawa’s unpredictable weather patterns into account, said lead trail groomer Vince Rimes.

“We have four pieces of equipment, a skidoo and an ATV that has tracks, and each of those pulls a grooming machine. The groomer is a large carpet we drag behind the vehicle. It has little teeth in front of it to churn up the snow to turn it back into ‘fluffy stuff.’ The carpet can squeeze it down and it's going to leave a nice trail,” explained Rimes.

Snow grooming is not like snow plowing. It is the process of manipulating the snow so it can be used for recreational use. When the machine drives over a snowfield, it pushes snow ahead of it and, at the same time, smooths out any surface unevenness. The whole process can take anywhere from five to six hours.

MORE REASONS TO LOVE WINTER

The Britannia Winter Trail is more than just a place to go for leisurely activity. It’s also a place where you can learn how to participate in winter sports. Its ’Learn to Ski’ program had to shut down its website after three hours in mid-January because the demand was so high.

“We still had over 140 emails to go through. We lend the skis to community members because we have a very socially and economically diverse area, so we want to make sure everyone has access to these sports,” said Dudley. “It’s been great for new Canadians.”

Students from the nearby Dr. F. J. MacDonald and Regina elementary schools also partner with the trail for winter programming. Because of their close proximity to the river, the trail is groomed right to their classroom's door.

On the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, a similar program exists called ‘Ski for Schools.’ Its mission is to create opportunities for

children to be actively engaged outside through the enjoyment of cross-country skiing. In 2023, 1,019 people participated, including over 285 students.

Today, six winter urban trails exist in the Capital, providing a way for skiers, snowshoers, fat bikers, and pedestrians an opportunity to get out and enjoy the colder temperatures. A new winter trail could open soon across the river in Gatineau.

Groomer Adams said he sees that as an opportunity to connect his trail with another province via the Chief William Commanda Bridge. But those plans were put on ice again this year when the city closed the former rail bridge for winter use, stating “safety concerns.”

In November, the city said it would use this winter to explore the possibility of keeping the pedestrian inter-provincial crossing open year-round. Testing was inconclusive last year because of the warm winter. The city says it has concerns about road salt ruining the bridge's wooden surface or falling in the river below, except that shouldn’t be a concern with winter grooming.

“Hopefully public pressure will win in the end. Our equipment is not intrusive to the bridge, and we feel we can do a good job keeping it open for the public and making it an all-season active transportation route. That’s really the dream,” said Adams.

Fun, friendly, flexible fitness!

Dovercourt has long been a community hub for innovative, high-quality programs, and its fitness offerings, including the Fit Pass and sessional registered Specialty and Aquafitness classes, are no exception. Dovercourt has a team of experienced instructors, many of whom have taught at the Centre for decades, who bring creativity and enthusiasm to their classes.

The Fit Pass delivers excellent value and flexibility. There is an extensive menu of over 45 classes each week that include favourites —like strength, HIIT, Zumba and Master classes by Gigi and Marina— as well as cutting-edge classes like TRX, Barre, TRX, Cycle Fit and Aquafitness. Online classes are an excellent option for people who prefer the convenience of working out at home. The pass also includes access to the fitness centre/ weight room, recreational swims and pickleball. The Cafe and upstairs lobby are available for coffee, snacks, Euchre Club and socializing.

Seniors on the Go classes are part of the Fit Pass schedule; classes are HeartWise certified, lighter intensity, and have a focus on cardio, strength and functional movement.

Dovercourt’s easy-to-use online system allows people to book classes seven days in advance on a computer, tablet or phone. Clients can see a calendar of everything they’ve booked from their account.

The Fit Pass can be purchased at any time and paused for vacations. There are no hidden extras like contracts, initiation fees or variable pricing. It can be purchased online, in person or by phone, and is priced at $47/month for ongoing and $57 for one-month paid-in-full.

For those who prefer to commit to a regular weekly class, registered specialty classes offer a wide variety of class types, from dynamic to rehab-oriented. Join kindred spirits in Older Adult Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and Age Strong (Small Group Personal Training). Aqua rehab classes like Arthritis, FM and Healthy Back, address specific conditions and will help you regain strength and mobility. Mind & Body Connection, a class for those with Parkinson’s, MS or Post Stroke, will help participants improve mobility and balance,

increase range of motion, activate neuroplasticity and reduce muscle spasticity. Moms-to-be and moms will find pre- and postnatal options, including prenatal yoga, postnatal yoga (baby & me), and Postnatal Fit – Strength and Core.

All are welcome to enjoy monthly Wellness Education sessions, with informative talks by local physiotherapists and wellness experts. Grab a coffee and a muffin at the Cafe and get ready to learn!

Everyone is welcome at Dovercourt! It’s a great place to get fit and meet new friends!