KITCHISSIPPI TIMES
Great River Media Inc PO Box 91585
Ottawa ON K1W 1K0
Kitchissippi Times wins 11 OCNA Awards
BY CHARLIE SENACK
Running a community newspaper is a lot of work.
There are long nights, writing, editing, proofing, sending countless emails, and keeping an investigative eye for story ideas. The grind never stops.
But we do it because we love it. We love telling the stories that matter most to you. When elections happen, we introduce you to the candidates. When a new business opens, we let you meet the owners. When a controversial development application is submitted, we share the neighborhood feedback. Most of these stories are not covered by mainstream media.
We do it as a small team. Besides myself as editor, we have a sales representative, two graphic designers, an accountant,
and a publisher. The rest of the work is assigned to passionate freelancers, mostly made up of journalism students. It can be a tough job, but it never really feels like work. It’s a passion—a passion for storytelling and documenting history. That is why the Kitchissippi Times is proud to announce that we have won 11 awards from the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA).
Our highly talented graphic designer Celiné Paquette won four awards for Best Creative Ad, Best Use of Colour, Original Ad Idea, and Best Local Retail Layout. I’ve had the chance to work with many great people in this business, but I can say without a doubt that Celiné is one of the greatest. She constantly brings new ideas
to the table and comes to work daily with a bright smile and a huge heart for those she works with.
Our photographer extraordinaire Aaron Reid is taking home a Photographer of the Year award. I couldn't say no when Aaron first approached me about joining the team. He has an eye for creativity and the patience to capture the perfect shot.
I was very honoured to win five awards for KT, including the Stephen Shaw Reporter of the Year award, Best Feature Writing, Best Investigative Story with Sarah MacFarlane, Best News Story, and Best Diversity Coverage alongside Hannah Wanamaker. KT also won an award for its special 20th anniversary issue in November 2023.
Unfortunately, we did not get Best Newspaper, though we were listed as an honourable mention in the category, which is still a privilege. ‘Early Days’ writer Dave Allston was also given an honourable mention for his stellar history columns. We will need to wait until April to find out if we won first, second or third place in each category. Either way, it’s an immense honour.
Thank you to everyone for reading!
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
Amanda McLeod, Simon Hopkins, Dave Allston, and Aaron Reid.
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
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.
DISTRIBUTOR Comet 2000
info@kitchissippi.com
The Kitchissippi Times is published by
FOUNDER PUBLISHER
Mark Sutcliffe Michael Curran
WomenCelebrate
UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES
Jan 19 |1:00-4:00pm |Open House
Interestedinlearning
Jan 26 |1:00-4:00pm | CelebrateChinese NewYear
Celebratethe
Island Park resident Marion Zarkadas receives King Charles III’s Coronation Medal
BY AMANDA MCLEOD
Marion Zarkadas counts her life as a very fortunate one. She’s reluctant to claim accolades or distinctions, preferring to talk about her family, travels, and art.
A quick name search on the internet, however, shows a lifetime of work in the field of celiac disease research and policy creation for which Zarkadas has recently been awarded the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.
Born in the mid-1930s, Zarkadas spent her early years in Edmonton, Alberta. She describes a childhood and early adult years filled with adventure and family, ranging from earning a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics and Food and Nutrition studies at the University of Alberta to travelling abroad with the Canadian Air Force—but also the experience of a constant and ongoing state of unknown unwellness.
“I had a good time, but I was always on the edge of not being as well as I should
But, as luck would have it — or in Zarkadas preferred phrase, “the whole thing is just kind of a big fluke” — that diagnosis would alter her life path profoundly in a variety of ways.
“The thing that was the most significant after I found out I had celiac disease was that I was over at Health Canada, and there was a fellow there from Quebec. I shared that I just discovered that I have celiac disease, and he said, ‘Well, you’ve got to speak to Sammy [Samuel] Godefroy, Director General at Health Canada,’” she recounted. “I made an appointment with Sammy, and at five o’clock that afternoon, I met him, and without a word of a lie, he is the key to everything we’ve been doing.”
The Island Park resident would go on to help shape public policy and educational resources through her research with Health Canada. She worked with and advised the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on matters of food allergen and gluten labelling regulations and sat on the board of the Canadian Celiac Association from 1993 to 2011.
When reflecting on her work in celiac disease research, Zarkadas downplays her role. Instead, she speaks highly of her colleagues, naming the previously mentioned Godefroy several times, Celiac Canada’s Executive Director Melissa Secord, and Shelly Case, a registered dietician, author, and consultant on all things celiac.
So it’s no surprise that when asked about the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal, Zarkadas says she was shocked to receive the call.
be. It’s a question of exhaustion and sometimes pain…it’s very debilitating actually,” Zarkadas told KT.
In 1988, Zarkadas was referred to a doctor at the Ottawa General Civic Hospital, who diagnosed her with celiac disease. At the time, celiac was not an illness that the medical community, let alone the general public, knew much about. So, while Zarkadas now had an answer to the question of her lifelong illness, what that meant precisely was still unclear.
“I was told that I was going to be getting an award for the work I did for the Celiac Association, and I was surprised, to tell you the truth,” she said. “It completely blew me away because, my goodness, I haven’t been involved with the organization [recently].”
In December 2024, Secord shared with Zarkadas that she would receive the honour. In February 2025, Celiac Ottawa hosted a presentation ceremony for four honourees, recognizing their significant contributions to celiac disease research and advocacy.
“If not for her, we wouldn’t have international labelling laws and research
Marion Zarkadas has been recognized for her work in the field of Celiac disease research. PHOTOS BY AMANDA MCLEOD.
I
— MARION ZARKADAS
for living a healthy life with celiac. Canada is an international leader in celiac disease and food allergy labelling…people can now trust the label because of Marion,” said Secord.
The plot twist is that Zarkadas also received Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. When asked about that honour, she shared a story about seeing the same colleagues at both events and how nice it was to spend time together again.
“We had a really nice get-together. That was amazing. I’ve been well cared for and well appreciated…but it’s almost embarrassing with this one because I think, oh my gosh, this is a long time ago. It’s a beautiful plot.”
In addition to her life’s work of Celiac research and education, Marion raised three sons with her late husband, Kosta, while living in Montreal, New York City, Greece, and then finally, Ottawa. She also continued her beloved stained glass and photography hobbies. Now, she’s dabbling in chocolate making.
“My brother died at 40, and I’m wondering if maybe that’s why…and my dad when he was 80, they talked about the possibility of him having celiac disease. I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m telling you, it’s just been like a miracle. How can you be this lucky to be so well at this age and stage? I turned 90 in October and thought, ‘How did this happen?’. But to get this, it just blew me away,” said Zarkadas.
Meditation and breath work to relieve modern challenges:
• nervous system dysregulation; anxiety, PTSD
• brain health; staving off dementia, reverse aging
• strengthen memory; improve focus and concentration
All classes are customised for the individual(s). With 45 years of dedicated practice and direct experience of the healing power of meditation, Brenda draws upon deep wisdom and knowledge. Clients include first responders, corporate, private citizens, athletes, bookclubs...
www.interiorconsciousness.com
brendam@dmlaw.ca
519-525-2604
MARCH UPDATES
OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
• Summer Camps and swim lessons
• March Break Camps Mar. 10-14
• Spring Recreation programs (arts, pottery, dance, sports etc). Programs begin April 7.
UPCOMING REGISTRATIONS
• April 1: Spring II swim registration
• April 1: Spring Fitness registration
MARCH BREAK CAMPS MARCH 10-14
It’s almost here! We’ve got an exciting lineup of Theme, Specialty and Youth Zone camps including Circus Performers 7-9, Video Game Design (9-12), Aviation: Into the Clouds (Grades 2-4) and Grade 5-6 Youth Zone: The Challenge (Grades 5-6).
SUMMER CAMP & SWIM LESSONS
This year’s lineup is incredible! Some exciting new and returning camps include Gamers: Video Game Design, Junior Lifeguard, Overnight Adventure (2 nights), Challenger Soccer and a full lineup of brand-new Theme Camps! Summer Swim lessons are available once a week or 5 days in a row.
FIT PASS
The best value and most fun! 45+/ week classes including group fit, spin, and aquafit classes, fitness centre, pool access and pickleball. Starting at $47/ month.
AFTER SCHOOL
Registration for 20252026 After school program will be available April 1.
BY CHARLIE SENACK
T5
priorities Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi has for this year
1FEDERAL TRANSIT FUNDS
2BUILDING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
but little action has occurred. That might soon change.
here isn’t a shortage of changes in politics: A provincial election has just ended. There are threats of U.S. President Donald Trump implementing tariffs on Canada. A federal election is imminent. And it’s only March.
But with so many big headlines in the news, the smaller, more communitybased stories sometimes go unnoticed. The Kitchissippi Times caught
In a somewhat rare move, the federal government announced in January that it was giving the City of Ottawa $180 million to maintain and upgrade its transit infrastructure fleet.
The announcement made at the LRT Line 2 Coro Italia Station near Preston and Gladstone committed to giving OC Transpo $18 million per year for a decade — though it was tied to building greater density around transit hubs.
“What I keep hearing from constituents is that they want a reliable and affordable public transit system. And so we worked hard in finding funds that would help the City in alleviating their financial pressures,” said Naqvi.
OC Transpo is currently facing a $120 million deficit. While operating costs typically come from the provincial government, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe launched his ‘Fairness for Ottawa’ campaign in the spring, calling on both government levels for support.
According to 2021 statistics, one in five Ottawa residents lives in affordable housing. Those numbers are growing as the cost of everything goes up, and the ability to purchase a home becomes more challenging to obtain.
Naqvi said he’s confident that Ottawa Centre is changing how affordable housing is built. Several projects are in the works, including Rochester Heights, 1010 Somerset, and LeBreton Flats.
“Those are all very significant projects taking place because of funding from the federal government,” he said. “But we need to keep building. My big focus has been making federal lands available as quickly as possible to build that housing.”
That’s what was done at Somerset and Preston, where 336 new affordable homes— ranging from studios to four-bedroom suites—are being constructed as Phase 1 of Gladstone Village. Ottawa Community Housing purchased the land from the federal government for $7 million in 2017.
Ottawa is in an affordable housing crisis. What’s made matters worse is the removal of rent control on any new buildings constructed after 2018. January statistics showed the average price to rent an apartment in Ottawa was $2,214 — up $49 from the month before.
Rents ranged from $1,638 for a bachelor to $2,553 monthly for a two-bedroom apartment. A three-bedroom would cost more like $2,618.
3THE FUTURE OF TUNNEY’S PASTURE
Today, Tunney’s Pasture is a concrete jungle of Soviet-style office buildings and a whole lot of grey. But in a few decades, the site should hopefully be unrecognizable.
For years, the federal government has long talked about tearing portions of it down to make way for housing and green space,
The National Capital Commission unveiled a revamped vision for the site in January. It calls for between 7,000 and 9,000 new housing units, with upwards of 1,800 of them listed as affordable. That’s over double what the initial 2014 plan called for.
The space for federal office workers would also shrink — drastically. A decade ago, there were plans for as many as 25,000 employees. Today, that number is down to 7,600.
“The opportunity is for us to build an inclusive community that is mixed in its profile in terms of market homes, non-profit and affordable homes, not to mention it would be a sustainable community in terms of walkability and use of public transit,” said Naqvi. “The need arises because we don't need a lot of those buildings anymore to provide important public service.”
The federal government is currently preparing a master plan that will be submitted to the city for zoning approval. The goal is for the first stage of construction to begin in 2026.
4SAFETYCONCERNS
There has been increased crime reported in various parts of Centretown, including Chinatown and Rideau Street. To try to get issues under control, an increased police presence has been added to these areas.
A new police hub has opened in the Rideau Centre, and officers will soon begin patrolling the area on horseback. There have been mixed results. In November, police reported crime was down in the ByWard Market by 4.62 per cent, but noted calls for crime were up 25 per cent on Rideau Street and 24.2 per cent on Nelson Street.
Naqvi said policing is not the only option and is also looking for ways to improve access to social services.
“Recently, I was able to secure $1.3 million for Operation Come Home, which works with youth in the community,” he said. “That will allow for social workers to be out in the community working with youth, finding them housing, and ensuring they have all the support necessary to deal with the challenges they might be facing. But it also then allows for better-enhanced community safety.”
5THE FUTURE OF THE LIBERAL PARTY
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned as leader of the Liberal Party after calls for his resignation came from within his own party. But one of his fiercest supporters right until the end was Naqvi, who believed he should have stayed and fought.
“I mean, hindsight is always always 2020. I stand with my perspective that Prime Minister Trudeau served our country well through some significant crises, whether it was dealing with the first Donald Trump administration, making sure the Canadians were safe through the pandemic, or building an enhanced social safety net across the country,” said
the Ottawa Centre Liberal MP. “But I also know that no leader stays forever.”
The Liberals will choose their new leader in Ottawa on March 9. Still, Naqvi said he isn’t publicly endorsing any of the candidates because he is part of the leadership expenses committee.
THINKING OF MAKING THE MOVE TO SENIOR LIVING...
Despite strong support for Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives to win a majority, polls show it will become a more competitive race. But it will also be in Ottawa Centre, where Naqvi will be going up against NDP candidate Joel Harden, who until recently served as MPP.
Sound familiar? The two faced off together in 2018 when Harden beat Naqvi for a spot at Queen’s Park.
“It's a democracy, and the people will decide at the end of the day. My focus is to keep working hard for the people who live in Ottawa Centre,” said Naqvi.
QUESTION
Above: Construction underway on Gladstone Village in fall 2024. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK. Insert: Yasir Naqvi is the MP for Ottawa Centre. FILE PHOTO BY ELLEN BOND.
Catherine McKenney is heading to Queen’s Park
BY CHARLIE SENACK
When Catherine McKenney lost Ottawa’s Mayoral race in 2022, they planned to move on and be done with politics. That was until the NDP candidacy came up in Ottawa Centre, and the former Somerset ward councillor realized they could work on issues they were passionate about.
Affordability, transit, housing, and climate change are what McKenney lives and breathes every day. They even cofounded a non-profit organization called CitySHAPES after leaving municipal politics to make a positive difference.
On Feb. 27, McKenney was elected to Queen’s Park with 32,483 votes, totalling 55.7 per cent of all ballots cast. Liberal candidate Thomas Simpson came in second place with 13,591 votes (23 per cent), and PC candidate Scott Healey came in third with 9,573 votes (16.41 per cent). Green candidate Simon Beckett managed to stack up 1,550 votes (2.6 per cent), and four other candidates took less than 500 votes each.
Voter turnout in the riding was 49.85 per cent.
“I feel so honoured and humbled by the trust that's been placed on me by the voters of Ottawa Centre,” McKenney told the Kitchissippi Times after their big win. ”The type of work that I'm going to be able to do is so closely aligned with what I did as a city councillor. Now at the province, I get to have that same interaction with the community. I still can work with my former
council colleagues on issues like housing and homelessness, transit, health care and education. These are all issues for everyday people.”
McKenney said their first order of business will be ending chronic homelessness.
“I also want to work on housing issues to make sure that we have good housing for people, that they're able to stay in their rental accommodations, and that they have
stability in their lives,” added McKenney. “If they want to purchase a home, they can save because they have that type of stability. I know that's not what we have in place today, but I hope I can bring that message to Queen's Park and do that work, even if it's across party lines.”
This was an interesting election in Ottawa for several reasons. While no incumbents lost their seats, one riding switched parties after decades, and three new faces will be in the Ontario legislature.
McKenney takes over for the NDPs Joel Harden, who first won the riding from the Liberals in 2018. The outgoing Ottawa Centre MPP has won the federal NDP nomination for the same community and hopes to make it to Parliament Hill.
In Carleton, the strong blue riding stayed PC, with Osgoode Coun. George Darouze getting elected. And in Nepean, the Liberals Tyler Watt won the riding from the PCs for the first time since 1995.
Elsewhere in Ottawa West-Nepean, the NDP's Chandra Pasma is returning to Queen’s Park for a second mandate, and the strong Liberal wall of KanataCarleton, Ottawa South, OttawaVanier, and Orléans holds firm. While both backbencher parties have promising
results in Ottawa, they must review their strategies due to poor provincial results. Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie was unable to win her own Mississauga seat but regained official party status with 14 seats.
The NDP received fewer votes than the Liberals but still won more seats. McKenney said they continue to have confidence in Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles.
“We are still the official opposition and retained most of our seats,” they said. “Marit Stiles is a big part of the reason why I ran. We have to take the next four years and make sure that we are out there and talking to people about things that matter most to them.”
Spending much time in Toronto will be a big adjustment for McKenney. Still, it will be made easier because their 17-yearold daughter Avery has just been accepted to the University of Toronto.
“We won't live together. She's insisted that that is not going to happen. We'll see after year one. She may want to save on rent,” McKenney joked. “My wife works as an executive director in a housing organization. She's busy. I'll be busy, and I’ll go back and forth. It will be somewhat of an adjustment.”
I feel so honoured and humbled by the trust that's been placed on me by the voters of Ottawa Centre.
— CATHERINE MCKENNEY
Dominion Observatory receives National Heritage designation
BY SIMON HOPKINS
If you’ve driven down Carling Avenue, chances are you’ve passed the Dominion Observatory. Its Romanesque Revival is hard not to notice. It stands as a symbol of Ottawa’s history and time lost to the past.
Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault announced on Jan. 15 that it would be designated a national historic site.
“The Dominion Observatory Complex was an important centre of research and collaboration in the fields of astronomy, geophysics, seismology and gravitational studies,” said Guilbeault. “The precision of its master clock was also instrumental in setting official time standards across the country.”
According to Canadian scientists Randall Brooks and Calvin Klatt, the observatory’s construction began in 1902 as the federal government made commitments to science and research institutions in the National Capital. The government committed $350,000 to the project, which would likely be equivalent to $10 million in 2024.
Canada wanted a primary astrological reference point for surveyors, astrology, and timekeeping in the country, like the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, United Kingdom. The observatory would be the primary longitudinal reference point for Canada and be able to provide precise time to government departments and railroads across the country.
The observatory provided the information for CBC’s time signal broadcast until 1970. The national
The Dominion Observatory is known for its ancient character. WIKIPEDIA PHOTO.
broadcaster would transmit a tone just before 1 p.m. every day, ending precisely on the hour, providing a time to set clocks. Surveyors and cartographers also needed precise geographic information as Canada’s population grew and areas further west developed.
The sandstone building was designed by chief government architect David Ewart—the same man who designed much of the Royal Military College and the Royal Canadian Mint. It took three years to build and included a four-storey octagonal tower topped with a retractable copper roof. Telescope equipment was ordered from the U.S., and clocks from Paris.
Additional buildings were later added to the complex, like a residence for the chief astronomer. Seismology equipment was installed in the observatory's basement in 1906, and a dedicated geophysics building was constructed in the 1950s.
The building led research in astronomy, the sun and seismology for over 50 years until it closed in 1970.
Celebrating Creativity : A SENIOR ART EXHIBITION
Did you know some of our residents are talented artists? Many have been creating artwork for years, and others have discovered their passion later in life!
We’re pleased to invite you to Amica Westboro Park for an arts and crafts showcase. Explore the awe-inspiring pieces, meet the artists, enjoy live piano music, and savour wine and cheese—all while experiencing a taste of life at Amica.
Thursday, March 20 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you! PLEASE RSVP BY MARCH 18 AT 613-728-9274.
Making an ‘Impact’ through food and learning Caldwell program allows students to start their own businesses
BY CHARLIE SENACK
The sun is going down over the Caldwell Family Centre, and about 40 high schoolers are lining up for a warm meal. On the menu this frigid February night is chicken and potatoes. For dessert, there is a chocolate cake from Costco.
The teens are opening their laptops and getting ready to dive deep into a project they are passionate about. They are all students in Impact, an entrepreneurship program started by the private school R.I.S.E Academy.
It is a transformative initiative “aimed at empowering youth in underserved communities to explore entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and community engagement.” The Rideau Hall Foundation supports the program.
“The students get to work with mentors and look at their vision, mission, and business plan for something they want to create. We are working on budgets now, and the next step is applying for grants, which are $500, to get their business off
the ground,” said R.I.S.E founder Rebecca Chambers, who used to be an Ottawa Carleton District School Board teacher.
“The neat thing about us is we get to give two forms of currency: High School credits and hopefully money in their pockets,” she added. “It’s also a great way to network and make connections. The mentors provide the students with social capital at a young age. We’ve seen students ask their mentors to help them work on resumes or find a job.”
Run out of the Caldwell Family Centre, the program caters to a community housing group which often lives in poverty and can lack additional educational support. The facility feeds about 200-250 people daily for breakfast and lunch. It’s open to anyone in need and has grown in popularity due to tough economic times.
A local church sponsors Monday dinner for the R.I.S.E students, and
Chambers said she’d like to see the program expanded to twice a week because of its popularity.
Alexandra Apps is the community support coordinator for the Caldwell Centre. She said the team offered more programs before the COVID-19 pandemic
hit and is now trying to find more ways to partner with other groups. When R.I.S.E showed interest, it was an instant yes.
“It shows the community that we care. There's room here for youth to have a voice, grow, and show their skills,” said Apps, who's also mentoring a group baking bread. “The students are doing something that interests them, and it has the impact of empowerment.”
AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT SKILLS TO GOOD USE
Grade 12 student Alec Izere mentors students whose projects involve content creation. As a child, the 17-year-old streamed on Twitch and YouTube.
Izere grew up in Burundi, a country located in East Africa. It’s a very different lifestyle than here. That’s part of the reason why he wanted to give back to the younger students.
“You don’t get the same opportunities. In my home country, no one is trying to create anything, and education is a privilege. But it's also seen as if you have a very high status,” said Izere. ”When I got here, seeing that people at a very young age are getting those opportunities, I realized that you need to embark on a career in which you’re inspired.”
His sister Yenna Dushime agrees. She’s working with five girls who are trying to start their own jewelry businesses.
One of those students is 16-year-old Tedia Maniratanta, who got involved with R.I.S.E after finding out about the program through a friend. She chose jewelry for her business plan because the bijouterie can say a lot about someone’s personality.
“It’s so elegant, chic, and classy,” said
Maniratanta. “When you see someone with jewelry, you think they must be wealthy. It gives a vibe of greatness.”
Rick Dusenge, 16, is also a newcomer to Canada and said it was hard to adapt and socialize in a new climate. He hopes to pick up business skills in the Caldwell program and is organizing a video game event.
“There will be music, a DJ, food, and there’s going to be a prize for the winner,” said Dusenge. “We are working on budgets and finding space to host the event. We plan to invest our grant money into hiring dancers to find a big event venue. Then we are planning to turn our $500 into twice that.”
Chambers said Impact has partnered with Fringe & Foliage, a hair salon and plant shop near Westgate, which will sell some of the students' products. The students are also planning to attend various farmer’s markets and church craft fairs in the area.
“The program has grown above and beyond my wildest dreams. It’s inspiring to see the group of youth grow every week and see them work on topics they are passionate about. That is how education should be,” said Chambers. “Our world will be better for it.”
Patti Brown Broker
Susan Chell Broker
Sarah Toll Broker
Other page: Rick Dusenge and his classmates work with a mentor on their gaming project. Insert: Caldwell Family Centre community support coordinator Alexandra Apps with R.I.S.E Academy founder Rebecca Chambers. Above: From left to right: Ola Banjoh, Yenna Dushime, and Alec Izere are Impact mentors. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.
The 1956 Miracle in Westboro
BY DAVE ALLSTON
The morning of Tuesday Nov. 13, 1956 began like most others in west Ottawa. The weather was typical for mid-November, with sub-zero temperatures overnight leading to chilly mornings for commuters travelling into the city for work or school. On this particular morning the temperature hovered around zero, and the skies were largely cloudy. A dull November morning in Ottawa, but it would not stay that way for long.
The Ottawa Transit Commission was still running streetcars in 1956, but the writing was on the wall for their future. The trams were losing the city big money. The City had acquired the streetcar line from the privately-operated Ottawa Electric Railway in 1950 for the incredible price of $6.3 million. It did not take long for the evidence to flood in that it was a bad deal. It would be a little over a year later that the City would announce that they would be scrapping the entire streetcar service.
The entire streetcar line from Britannia Into downtown would take between 35 to 40 minutes. It ran along Byron to Holland, passed the Somerset bridge into Preston, and then to its final destination.
On that November morning, streetcars were coming through Westboro heading east every five minutes or so. It was business as usual. One in particular was driven by conductor Yvon D'Aoust, which passed through McKellar Park and Westboro just before 8:30.
The train was packed and full. It was standing room only with about 70 passengers on board, largely students and office workers. At the same moment that morning, Gaston Regimbal of Forward Avenue — a 24-year-old truck driver with the Frazer Duntile Company
—was driving his full 20-ton dump truck northbound on Churchill Avenue. The truck was full with 17 tons of rock recently mined from Frazer Duntile quarry at Clyde Avenue.
Regimbal was driving at what he later estimated was about 10 miles per hour, and was approaching the Churchill hill, when he noticed the Churchill Public School traffic patrol flagging him down to stop.
"I eased on the brakes and nothing happened," Regimbal later told the Ottawa Journal. "I thought for a second I could swing east into Byron avenue but there were some kids standing on the corner."
He considered wheeling around the children, but at that very moment, a car rolled up to the westbound Byron Avenue stop sign at Churchill. When Regimbal realized he wasn't going to be able to stop the truck, he spun his wheel to the left in an effort to simply swing the truck around the streetcar, in the hopes of avoiding an oncoming car as well. He miscalculated by 10 feet.
"When the truck hit the tram, an avalanche of rock cascaded over its cab roof. The heavy stones crashed through the cab windows among the passengers. Oddly, none of the big rocks hit the crowded tram occupants." wrote the Ottawa Citizen at the time. "Crushed stone burst into the street car through shattered windows, showering passengers with broken glass and debris."
THE INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE
Regimbal told reporters later: "There was a terrible crashing sound and people began to scream. I cut the power at once, and threw over the lever which controls the doors. The front doors opened immediately, but the back doors were
1. A photo showing the truck after it drove inti the streetcar at Churchill and Byron on Nov. 13, 1956. OTTAWA CITIZEN PHOTO.
2. A newspaper clipping from the Ottawa Citizen headlining what was a dangerous day on local roadways.
3. The inside of the wrecked tram. OTTAWA CITIZEN PHOTO.
When the truck hit the tram, an avalanche of rock cascaded over its cab roof. The heavy stones crashed through the cab windows among the passengers. — OTTAWA CITIZEN
jammed." He added that after the initial shock there was little or no panic among the passengers, and all of them filed out quickly through the front doors. "Some were bleeding about the face and head, and a few had to be helped, but it seemed apparent, almost at once, that no one had been killed or badly injured."
The truck driver himself was shaken up and had cuts to his head and face.
Miraculously, no one was killed. There were 10 injuries, but none of them major, beyond cuts and bruises. If the
streetcar wasn’t there, the truck instead would have barreled down the hill on Churchill towards the much busier Richmond Road intersection out of control and gaining speed, during the peak of the morning rush hour. The results would have been devastating. Someone asked Regimbal why he hadn't tried his hand brake. "Ever try to stop 10 tons with your arm?" he asked back.
Conductor D'Aoust also shared his account of what happened.
"We were over the crossing and almost stopped — in fact barely moving — for the passenger pick-up, when wham-bam, it sounded and felt like a bomb had hit us,” the streetcar driver said. “The back of the car was jarred and jolted up and over almost to the west-bound track. Then there were shouts and screams and the tinkle of falling glass. We were lucky; everybody could get out under their own power.”
The injured were all taken to the Civic Hospital. Every available doctor and nurse was waiting when the injured began to arrive. A nurse reported, "We did not know how bad the accident was, and we were ready for anything. When they began to come in there was a lot of blood in evidence, but we realized quickly that we had nothing more serious than some nasty cuts and ugly-looking bruises to take care of.”
Injured were Regimbal (the truck driver), D'Aoust (the tram operator), and passengers Donald Stevens, 40, Mabel McGovern, 31, Bruce Keeler, 15, Lloyd Gore, 14, Paulette Lacosse, 10, John Gleeson, 12, Dalton Parks, 16, and William Croshaw, 14.
SURVIVORS CALLED IT A “MIRACLE”
"I was sitting in the seat nearest the window when the truck hit," recounted survivor Stevens. "It's a miracle that I escaped with only these cuts. The rock slammed in among us. There was a great swirl of dust and a lot of screaming and then we started sorting ourselves out." Mr Stevens was swabbing several bloody cuts on the side of his face and the back of his neck with his handkerchief while telling the papers his story.
Mabel McGovern was located at the front of the streetcar, standing, when it was hit. "I didn't see a thing," she said. "First thing I know I was looking at the car floor. The impact flung me on my face in the aisle. The thing I can't understand is that it was my ankles that were hurt."
Bruce Keeler was sitting in one of the rear seats facing south on Churchill and saw the truck approaching. "I ducked my face in my hands and waited," he said. "It was a terrific jolt."
Harold Watson, 23, was sitting on a side seat at the rear, reading a newspaper. "Suddenly I was hurled forward out of the seat and people standing in the aisle were bowled over like ninepins. Broken
The street car seemed to lift up in the air for a minute. I thought it was going to turn over but it didn't. — DALTON PARKS
glass flew around my head and one jagged piece ripped right through my newspaper. But I wasn't even scratched by the glass. All I got was a bruise above the left knee. That must have been when I was thrown to the floor."
Paulette Lacasse, 10 years old, had been standing in the aisle. "I was never so scared. I was so frightened after it happened. I couldn't move. I didn't know for a minute what had happened, but I was sure it was awful."
Dalton Parks was one of two boys from Stittsville on the streetcar, and reported a "tremendous crash" when the truck hit. "The street car seemed to lift up in the air for a minute. I thought it was going to turn over but it didn't."
Interestingly, Churchill Avenue just prior to the accident had been targeted as a concern by local residents, who complained that it was being used by heavy commercial traffic as a cut-through between Richmond Road and Carling Avenue. Local truck traffic was permitted at the time, but not through-trucking.
Area police were also busy that morning with another train-truck accident. Ironically, just twenty minutes after the Byron-Churchill collision, a separate accident took place in Hull, which saw a 55-year-old Gatineau Point man killed. An Ottawa to Montreal CPR passenger train struck a panel truck at a level crossing on St. Henri Street at 8:50 a.m.
Experience Curated Rental Living at Parkdale Collective: Move in This Month!
Parkdale Collective at 159 Parkdale Avenue is set to revolutionize rental living in Hintonburg with its innovative design, modern functionality, and community-focused amenities. With move-ins available this March, now is the perfect time to experience a new way of living. For a limited time, take advantage of special incentives—including free internet for the entire term of your lease, half-price parking, one month free rent on a 24-month lease, and two months free rent on a 36-month lease—that make starting fresh even more appealing.
Sustainability is also a priority, with energyefficient features integrated throughout the building to enhance everyday living.
Developed by one of Ottawa’s most established names, Richcraft, Parkdale Collective combines striking architectural elements with practical, stylish living spaces. In collaboration with top design partners, this bold new highrise promises to make a lasting impression on Ottawa’s skyline and provide residents with an elevated lifestyle in a vibrant, culturally rich neighbourhood.
This impressive 31-storey highrise offers thoughtfully designed rental suites, including both one- and two-bedroom units tailored for modern urban living, with one-bedrooms starting from just $1800. Unlike most residences, which only provide parking with two-bedroom or larger units, Parkdale Collective goes the extra mile by offering dedicated parking for one-bedroom plus den units, ensuring convenience and ease of access for all residents.
Inside each apartment, you’ll find contemporary features designed with both form and function in mind. Modern kitchens equipped with Italian cabinetry, in-suite laundry, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and open layouts that maximize space and natural light create inviting homes that cater
to today’s lifestyle. Spacious balconies and custom finishes further enhance the appeal of every unit.
Beyond the suites, residents can take advantage of a range of outstanding amenities. Enjoy a stateof-the-art fitness centre, a dedicated yoga room, a chef’s kitchen, coworking spaces, and gaming areas. There’s also an outdoor pool, BBQ, and lounge area—perfect for relaxing or socializing. Sustainability is also a priority, with energy-efficient features integrated throughout the building to enhance everyday living.
The leasing office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, ensuring personalized
service whenever you need it. Located in the heart of Hintonburg, where trendy cafes, boutique stores, and local art galleries abound, Parkdale Collective offers the ideal blend of convenience and urban excitement.
Discover a new standard in curated living at Parkdale Collective. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit parkdalecollective.com
with artists who have master's degrees but is looking to support Black and Indigenous creators alongside street artists.
The Ottawa Art Gallery paints community and creativity
BY CHARLIE SENACK
When people think of Canadian art districts, their minds probably turn to Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver. But Ottawa has a growing creative scene, in part thanks to the work of the Ottawa Art Gallery.
The OAG was founded as a grassroots initiative by a group of artists in 1988. Then known as the “Gallery at Arts Court,” it operated out of the Old County Courthouse Building. However, its collection and mandate grew.
Designated as Ottawa’s Municipal Art Gallery, the space underwent a significant five-floor expansion, which opened in 2018. Its main attraction is the Firestone Gallery, part of a 1,600-piece collection
amassed by Ottawa residents O.J. and Isobel Firestone, which began in the 1950s.
“They were a fascinating philosophical family with a deep love for art. They were great friends with Group of Seven member A.Y Jackson, and they always invited people into their homes for parties and to showcase their art,” said Alexandra Badzak, director and CEO of the OAG.
The art was once shown in Firestone’s Rockcliffe Park estate, an impressive 8,000-square-foot space built in the 1960s. It had temperate and humidity control for the paintings and exhibition lighting. There was no shortage of Canadian talent. Paintings included work from the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, Maurice Cullen, and David Milne.
The OAG acquired the collection after the home and art pieces were donated to the Ontario Heritage Fund. They stayed in the Firestone home until O.J. had to move for health reasons. The Rockcliffe estate was eventually sold and bulldozed due to heating issues and moisture damage, but pieces of its history were saved.
The original staircase is in the OAG lobby. The Firestone Gallery also has brass and teak wood elements reminiscent of the home's interior design. Funds from the sale were used to build the museum space.
Badzak said the gallery doesn’t plan to abandon its community-focused mission statement. The OAG doesn’t only work
“I think local artists bring such an important perspective to our world. And I think as the world becomes more and more homogeneous in its output, social media promises something and delivers something else,” said Badzak. “We never program in isolation. We're always thinking about how our artists are working in dialogue with the more global contemporary art scene. Sometimes we do shows that include international artists, too.”
The OAG is now looking for ways to take its art outside and strengthen an arts culture and entertainment district downtown. Last year, it partnered with digital artist Eric Chan—also known as EEPMON—to paint a mural on the parking garage of Les Suites Hotel next door.
“Chaos Bloom — Tidal Wave “delves into the beauty of flowers and their Fibonacci connections, cosmic fascination, and intertwining Earth and lunar rhythms.
“We need to lean quite heavily into art and wellness because we all feel the need,” said Badzak, who added that the OAG also partners on several mental health initiatives with the Royal, Ottawa Mission, and Youth Services Bureau.
“We feel very passionate about providing service to the community, and I guess that’s what distinguishes us,” she said.
Above: The “Chaos Bloom - Tidal Wave” mural painted on the parking garage of Les Suites Hotel. Right: Paintings on display in the OAG Firestone Gallery. Insert: Alexandra Badzak is director and CEO of the Ottawa Art Gallery. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.
Stories through photos: Jeff Thomas ensures Indigenous voices are heard
BY CHARLIE SENACK
It was 1984, and Ottawa artist Jeff Thomas stood on Queen Street West in Toronto with his son Bear. The curator, activist, and cultural theorist had just moved to the big city with his family. It was a surreal but also isolating experience.
“It was very busy, and I wondered how long we’d need to stand there before we saw another Indigenous person walk by,” said Thomas.
An idea struck. Thomas picked up his camera and began snapping photos of his son. He wanted Bear to grow up with stories and memories, to tell a story.
Decades later, those photographs hang on the walls of the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), a free space near the Rideau Centre that promotes creativity and supports local artists. Thomas’ exhibition, “Stories My Father Couldn't Tell Me, " runs until March 16 and holds deep and personal meaning.
“It’s a starting point for telling my own story. The stories I wanted from my father were about living in the city as an Indigenous person and living on a reserve,” he said. “It was just things that he wasn't going to talk about, so I was pretty much left on my own.”
These two parts of Thomas’ life were brought together for the work in his exhibition, “Dream Panels,” which the OAG said is “authorship of his experience on this land, regardless of government designations, in resistance, reflection and activism.”
OTTAWA BECAME A PLACE OF INSPIRATION
Thomas, whose hometown is Buffalo, New York, first came to Ottawa in 1992 at the suggestion of his then-partner to see the Samuel De Champlain statue on what was then known as Nepean Point. At its base was a life-size Indian figure kneeling. It was nearly invisible.
“We came up there in Remembrance Day week, which set off this whole question of how you make the invisible visible. That was
a question I began addressing when I moved to Ottawa in 1993,” said Thomas.
A decade after standing on Queen Street West in Toronto, Thomas was finishing up a contract with Library and Archives Canada, where he was writing new captions for photographs that contained inappropriate words once used to describe Indigenous people. On his final day, he met the thencurator of the Ottawa Art Gallery, who offered him a solo exhibition.
“I had displayed a photograph of what I called the Indian scout in the lobby area. Shortly after my exhibition closed, the assembly of First Nations had their protest at the Champlain monument and asked for the Indian figure to be removed. I was in opposition to that because I felt that it was an important landmark to talk about colonialism and all the other things associated with that,” said Thomas. “That was like my avatar, in a way. I was looking at scouting for him and finding other Indians like him, and so I began a research project at Librarian and Archives Canada.”
That was a challenging project to do, he said. Photos of Indian Residential Schools were in the hands of the Canadian government or the church. They were once used to make the practice which killed thousands of children look beneficial rather than the horrors which occurred.
Thomas sought advice from mentors like architect Douglas Cardinal. The designer of the Canadian Museum of Nature was enrolled at St. Joseph’s Convent Residential School in Red Deer, Alberta.
”I had a firm belief that photographs have the ability to ignite your imagination and to take you to a different place outside of the picture itself,” said Thomas. “I realized that one of the things that I found was so important and missing from the residential school era was the ability to dream. And as an artist, it's my currency. It's what inspires my work. And then I thought, well, how do we begin to heal? And I thought, well, about renewing the sense of dreaming.”
Above: A photo of Bear posing with the Indian figure statue next to the Samuel De Champlain monument in 1996. PROVIDED PHOTO.
Left: Some of Jeff Thomas’ photos on display in the OAG exhibit.
PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK
Chinatown celebrates Year of the Snake
On Feb. 2, hundreds lined the street of Somerset in Chinatown for Chinese New Year celebrations. This was the Year of the snake. KT photographer Aaron Reid was there to capture the sites.
FREE In-Home Consultation
• RANDALL’S KNOWLEDGEABLE SPECIALISTS can guide you on style, fabric and the manual or automated lift system to suit your needs
• Discover UNCOMPLICATED, motorized lift systems - BLISS™ or SOMFY® AUTOMATION - designed for the everyday user
• Set times to move your shades automatically throughout the day for COMFORT, PRIVACY and SECURITY whether AT HOME OR AWAY
Michelle Kitchissippi Resident
SJCC Summer Camps: Keeping Kids
Looking for a fun-filled, enriching summer experience for your kids? SJCC Summer Camps offer something for everyone, with Day Camp, Sports Camp, and 18 unique Specialty Camps to spark excitement and creativity.
Specialty Camps provide oneweek adventures where kids can explore new passions. This year’s highlights include LEGO Mechanical Engineering & Robotics with Ian Dudley, Horseback Riding, Film Making with Film in a Box, and the new Soccer Camp with Challenger Sports. SJCC Day Camps, designed for kids ages 2 to 10, feature engaging themes, special guests, and daily swim lessons in the outdoor pool. For active campers, Sports Camp is the perfect choice, combining instructional and recreational sports with weekly field trips and visits from guest athletes. A daily swim lesson and pool time top off the actionpacked days.
Visit jccottawa.com or contact camp@jccottawa.com for details. Join the summer fun at 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, at Carling and Broadview!
SUMMER CAMPS
9things to do in Ottawa this summer
By Kitchissippi Times staff
The days are getting longer and summer is not far off. As we try to dream the snow away, here’s a look at some urban Ottawa activities you can put on your bucket list for this summer.
1
- MAKE A SPLASH
Summers are getting hot and people are needing to find different ways to cool down and beat the heat. For the little ones, there are several splash pads: Fisher Park (250 Holland Ave.), Laroche Park (51 Stonehurst Ave.), Roy Duncan Park (295 Churchill Ave. N.), and Hintonburg Park (101 Duhamel St.). The Dovercourt Recreation Centre is located nearby, too. If you’re looking for a more natural place to swim, Westboro Beach is expected to re-open this year after countless delays. Britannia Beach or Mooney’s Bay are also good options.
2
- BUILD A SUMMER READING LIST
Did you know that the Ottawa Public Library’s (OPL) Rosemount branch (18 Rosemount Ave.) went through a significant revitalization that was completed a few
summers ago? Or that it’s the oldest OPL branch still operating in its original building, according to the OPL website? Wander down to this historic branch and get working on that summer reading list.
3 - GET OUT YOUR BIKES, ROLLER SKATES AND RUNNING SHOES
Kitchissippi and beyond is home to several multi-use urban pathways including along the Kichi Sibi Mikan Parkway or the Mud Lake Trails near Britannia. Dust off your bike, skateboard, rollerblades or running shoes and hit the trails. Other options include the bike paths which run along the light rail line, the Chief William Commanda Bridge, and the Voyageurs Pathway across the river in Gatineau.
4 - COOL OFF WITH SOME ICE CREAM
With the Ottawa heat, it’s always ice cream time in the summer. There are a ton of options, including The Merry Dairy (102 Fairmont Ave.), The Beachconers Microcreamery (273 Britannia Rd.), Marble Slab Creamery (1412 Wellington St. W), and the recently moved Moo Shu Ice Cream (1130 Wellington St. W).
5 - GO FOR A DONUT CRAWL
If ice cream isn’t your thing, then no worries. Why not do a doughnut crawl? There’s Maverick’s Donut Company (307a Richmond Rd.) and SuzyQ’s Doughnuts (1015 Wellington St. W.) in Kitchissippi, of course. But you can also get delicious doughnuts at several local bakeries! Why not do a doughnut crawl and stop by Little Jo Berry’s (1305 Wellington St. W.), Strawberry Blonde Bakery (111 Richmond Rd.), and Batter Up Bakery (396 Athlone Ave.)
6 - BREW SOME FUN
Need to wash it all down? Visit one of the local breweries this summer. There’s Beyond the Pale Brewing Company (250 City Centre Ave Bay 106), Tooth and Nail Brewing Company (3 Irving Ave.) and Braumeister Brewing Company (175 Carruthers Ave.) to get you started.
8 - IRONMAN IS COMING TO BRITANNIA BEACH
Some of the world’s top athletes will be coming to Britannia Beach in August 2025 for the Ironman Canada-Ottawa Triathlon. The hardcore fitness competition will begin with a 3.8-kilometer swim in the Ottawa River followed by a 180-kilometre cycle down the city’s many National Capital Commission parkways, including the newly-named Kichi Sibi Mikan. It will end with a 42.2-kilometre run that begins at Parliament Hill and goes along the historic Rideau Canal to Hogs Back.
9 - VISIT THE WEST END STUDIO TOUR
7 - RELAX ON A PATIO
There are far too many great Kitchissippi patios to list them all. If you walk anywhere in the area from Westboro to Chinatown, you’re sure to run into a great outdoor spot. And new ones are opening every year! Need recommendations? Visit the websites and social media channels for the Wellington West, Westboro Village, Preston, and Chinatown BIAs.
While technically at the tail end of summer, the 13th annual West End Studio Tour will be back from Sept. 2021 and Sept. 27-28. The artist collective has evolved into a dynamic group that loves their trade and warmly invites you to experience their latest creations and the unique environments in which they create them.
The tour is a rare opportunity for art lovers to leave the echo of the gallery and, instead, visit spaces where artists use their inspiration to form various media into rich visual displays for your pleasure. With an ever-growing roster of talent in our community, you might be surprised to discover some of the creativity happening just steps away.
Dovercourt Camps: An Exciting Summer Awaits!
Dovercourt is recognized throughout Ottawa for providing camps that offer safe, memorable, and fun experiences for children and youth across the region. The camps are famous for their staff, the variety of camps available to kids aged 4 and up, the convenience of a central location, many partnerships with expert instructors, and the extra value of inclusion support and extended care for early and late drop-off. Its central location and range of specialized
programming team works hard all year round to plan innovative and imaginative ageappropriate themes that will spark curiosity and intrigue in every camper. Weekly themes are enhanced with games, crafts, special events, guest visits, and outings to exciting locations. Theme campers are grouped according to school grade for maximum friendship building.
In addition to theme camps, Dovercourt is renowned for its extensive variety—over 40!—of specialty camps, catering to various levels of interest and skill, including culinary arts, performing arts, visual arts, sports, science and technology, and outdoor adventure.
Are you a parent of a tween who seems to be outgrowing traditional summer camps? You’re not alone; many parents find it challenging to motivate their older kids to engage in summer activities, especially when they are too young for a job but get bored staying at home. Dovercourt’s Youth Zone camps
are the perfect solution! Designed specifically for kids entering grades 6 and 7, these camps offer an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation that your child craves. Each week is packed with outtrips that include thrilling activities like zip-lining, trampolining, and rock climbing, or more laid-back experiences such as enjoying ice cream at the beach or taking a photography lesson.
The specialty camp lineup will also appeal to those hard-to-please 10 to 13-year-olds: some of the most exciting options cater to their interests, from fishing to band camp, ultimate frisbee to parkour, or white water rafting to pastry arts — and everything in between. Registration is underway, and some camps, especially for younger campers, are full. But don’t despair: the waitlists move quickly as summer approaches.
Learn more at www.dovercourt.org
