Kitchissippi Times May 2021 by Great River Media inc.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Mechanicsville begins protest against planned embassy row BY ALVIN TSANG

May 2021 • 2

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he Mechanicsville Community Association is actively protesting the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) planned embassy row in Mechanicsville near Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. If approved, the project will see six highsecurity embassies and over 200 parking spaces built over 3.7 hectares of current greenspace and tree canopy. Lorrie Marlow, president of the Mechanicsville Community Association (MCA), spoke with Kitchissippi Times on April 18 about a planned sit-in protest on the Parkway scheduled for Earth Day (April 22) which was postponed due to Ontario’s latest COVID-19 shutdown. “If the NCC is desperate for revenue to support itself, it should look elsewhere and not sacrifice greenspace,” Marlow said. “It’s shameful.” The NCC remains the largest landowner in the region, responsible for “beautifying” Canada’s capital, with decades of urban planning and land development schemes under its belt. Its sources of revenue vary from property leases and land disposal to acquisition and development. Due to the impossibility of a sit-in protest at this time, the MCA pursued other avenues to combat the NCC’s proposal. There is now an active petition for signatures at change. org “We are begging the city not to approve rezoning this greenspace,” Marlow said. “Especially not when the NCC [has] vacant land in LeBreton, vacant buildings on Sparks Street and Byward Market that could be used for this purpose.” The MCA formed a working group of concerned residents and subject experts. The message of the group? “‘Yes’ to trees. ‘No’ to embassies.”

Above: A sign made for the Earth Day protest in April. PHOTO COURTESY OF LORRIE MARLOW. A GoFundMe was started for legal counsel, and the collective efforts of the group went towards saving the Mechanicsville wildlife habitat. The natural open space currently has over 220 trees and was said to be integral to the quality of life of Mechanicsville. It was also said to be an urban gem in the eyes of the residents. “Ottawa needs to protect its tree canopy,” Marlow said. “This is the spot to plant even more trees to achieve that needed canopy. Migratory birds need this greenspace as well

as the wildlife and wildflowers.” The MCA launched a social media challenge where people could send a “virtual hug” in the form of videos. The video platform allowed users to record and upload short video messages about the Mechanicsville parkway. The full video collection would then be circulated to federal and municipal politicians on Earth Day (April 22). Past calls to action include the MCA and the Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s

Capital calling on Marc Garneau, minister of foreign affairs, on March 10 to undertake a comprehensive risk analysis. The MCA had called on the NCC to withdraw its building plans on Feb. 7. Mandate letters written to Steven Guibeault, minister of heritage, and Catherine McKenna, minister of infrastructure and communities, had also been sent. Coun. Jeff Leiper, who openly opposed the embassy row proposal, held a virtual open house on Feb. 10 to gather feedback from residents and to hear from the NCC about the proposal. “The overwhelming feedback from residents has been in favour of preserving that parcel as open area, and I agree with them,” Leiper said in an interview April 21. “I've noted that strong opposition directly to the NCC and will be asking my colleagues on the Planning Committee to reject the rezoning.” Ottawa continues to face serious housing issues and a homelessness crisis, and it was said to be distasteful of the NCC to propose embassies in a much-needed area. “Residents and myself have learned a lot about the need for access to outdoor spaces through the course of this pandemic,” Leiper said. “We know we're going to need more green space in rapidly intensifying neighbourhoods like Mechanicsville even regardless of the current crisis.” Kitchissippi Times requested a comment from the NCC on the proposed embassy row and received a response April 28. “The National Capital identified these lands as the site for a diplomatic precinct in accordance with its Plan for Canada’s Capital (2017 to 2067) and its Capital Urban Lands Plan (2015),” the NCC stated. “The feedback from the City and residents has been heard and considered. The feedback will be integrated in future NCC and City approvals for the embassy proposals. This will include careful and quality design of the diplomatic sites to integrate into the neighbourhood, the retention of passive greenspace at Slidell and Burnside, and improvements to pedestrian and cycling connections to the NCC’s riverfront park,” the NCC added.

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

Scottie Irving in "Deluge."

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May 2021 • 4

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

PHOTO BY KATE SMITH. EDITOR Maureen McEwan editor@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/kitchissippi

Meet Scottie Irving I grew up in a very musical family, from being given a couple of maracas as a Christmas present when I was three years old to starting piano lessons formally at age six. A huge part of my upbringing — I’ll call it my “secret weapon” — was being a drummer in a bagpipe band, a snare drummer. My brother played the bagpipes, my dad played the bass drum and I played the snare drum. And what that forces the musician to do is to really think in terms of timing, not just at the 16th note but the 32nd note. That just sort of sharpened my ears and my mind. And so a lot of the complex, classical piano stuff that I ended up studying in university at Guelph was just more intelligible to me; that precision really helped me. My Guelph years, from age 18-22, were a big, big, big, big expansion. But I didn’t become cool until I came to Ottawa — and I say that, obviously, facetiously — [because] that was the first time I started playing with other people in pop music and rock music, and that has been such a great way to enjoy music. I was trained as a soloist, but there’s no comparison between being alone on a stage with being with other people on a stage, especially eight other people. It’s just a huge, huge rush. There’s just nothing like it. I’ve been a member (of The PepTides band) since it went on the stage. I have been there — I’ve been in every single stage appearance. We didn’t know what this virus was all about — but singing, we still know, is one of the most hazardous things to do when you’re around other people. And The PepTides has five vocalists in it, so rehearsals really became impossible. The knee-jerk reaction for musicians was to try and find a way to go online and rehearse but that presented a whole bunch of technical problems. So we really haven’t been able to rehearse. We’ve been able to socialize as friends, but that’s about it. Having said that, last year has [had] a lot of work for me as a musician. In music, there’s a very rich interaction between the

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

CONTRIBUTORS Charlie Senack, Paula Roy, Kristin Perrin, Alvin Tsang, Matthew Horwood and Dave Allston. PROOFREADER Alicia Lim ADVERTISING SALES Eric Dupuis 613-238-1818 x273 eric@kitchissippi.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER Celine Paquette celine@greatriver.ca FINANCE

live product and the recorded album, let’s say. People have been hiring me for their recorded projects, and those are trucking along apace with all kinds of projects happening. I also compose a lot of music for theatre. The Undercurrents Festival, for example, just featured my work [in] the production called “Deluge.” I co-wrote that production with nine original songs with another Hintonburg resident, actually, who is called Kate Smith, who runs Skeleton Key Theatre. I grew up on my father’s father’s father’s farm in Spencerville, and I was on the farm until I was 18 and then I studied in Guelph. I had always thought I would live in the country, but Ottawa is the city that sort of changed my mind on what cities could be. Coming from this small, small place, to me it is very, very normal that people strike up conversations with strangers. And I’ve never been in a part of town where that’s more common — it’s [very] common to just speak to someone you don’t know, and I think that’s one of the best features of Hintonburg. My love for the community is real and I think that we’ll make it through this pandemic one way or another together.” Story collected by Maureen McEwan

Cheryl Schunk, 238-1818 ext. 250 cheryl@greatriver.ca All other enquiries 613-238-1818 info@kitchissippi.com Distribution A minimum of 15,000 copies are distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the O-Train tracks and Sherbourne Road. Most residents in this area will receive the Kitchissippi Times directly to their door. If you did not receive your copy, or would like additional copies, please contact us. Bulk copies are delivered to multi-unit dwellings and retail locations. Copies are available at Dovercourt Recreation Centre and Hintonburg Community Centre. info@kitchissippi.com The Kitchissippi Times is published by

PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran

EDITOR'S LETTER

Building a healthy, active and engaged community through recreation

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Write to us, Kitchissippi! PATIENTLY WAITING BY MAUREEN MCEWAN Dear readers,

FOR YOUR RETURN

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Until we see you again, stay safe.

Stay tuned for Spring session!

5 • May 2021

When the lockdown lifts, we’ll be offering spring swim lessons, sports, dance, arts, fitness and more.

KitchissippiTimes

I hope that this letter finds you well. And instead of just hoping month-tomonth, I’d love to hear from you: How are you doing? We’re always looking to connect more with our neighbours and cover a diverse range of stories in our community, despite the ongoing isolation that we’re all facing. If you’ve got a strong opinion on something happening in Kitchissippi, why not write a letter to the editor on it? Do you know of a virtual event or physically distant activity that is happening, like a fundraiser or a demonstration, that we could cover for a story? Send an email our way. Or if you know a neighbour who may be a great person to interview for our Humans of Kitchissippi feature, tag us on social media. We couldn’t do this work without you, so we want to hear from you. Please feel free to write to us about any and all things Kitchissippi. Now, to the May edition: In community news, we’ve got an eclectic mix of stories this month. A proposed development for an embassy row has resulted in community backlash. Alvin Tsang caught up with the Mechanicsville Community Association (MCA), Coun. Jeff Leiper and the NCC to learn more about where things stand. After 68 years in Westboro, the Granite Curling Club is moving due to a number of financial pressures and structural concerns. Matthew Horwood spoke with Greg Mathieu, chair of the club's redevelopment committee, about the decision to relocate. In mid-May 2020, Judy Lincoln took over the leadership of the Westboro Village BIA.

Charlie Senack interviewed the executive director to hear about year one in the role. Have you heard of Ancoura? Alvin Tsang spoke with the local non-profit organization about their work supporting persons living with mental illness and how that has been impacted by the pandemic. Last month, 18-year-old Owen Hollingsworth hosted a cooking workshop that had over 40 families participate. The workshop helped raise funds for the Parkdale Food Centre. Charlie Senack interviewed Owen on the heartwarming school project. The Ottawa Kitten Rescue recently organized a bottle drive to help vulnerable pregnant cats and newborn kittens. The group was created in the summer and has helped hundreds of animals to date. Alvin Tsang tells us the story. And we’ve got an article from the West End Studio Tour team. To celebrate the quarter-century arts event, the team has added a surprise, bonus spring tour. Dave Allston did a deep dive into research on the first Jewish residents in Kitchissippi. Early Days takes us back to 1903 and explores the experiences of those first families. For Humans of Kitchissippi, we caught up with Scottie Irving on how he became a musician, working from home during the pandemic and life in Hintonburg. And our Kitchissippi Homes section focuses on outdoor spaces this month and how to make the most of them this season. And that’s all the news that’s fit to print. Many thanks to Alvin Tsang who spent time with Kitchissippi Times this spring on an internship. We wish him all the best in his journalistic endeavours! Stay safe and stay healthy, Kitchissippi. ...And what are you waiting for? Write to us already!

COMMUNITY NEWS ”Facilities like these are an

important part of a 15-minute community, and I know generations of Kitchissippi residents have made the club a part of their life” – Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper

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The Granite Curling Club is moving from Scott Street after decades in Kitchissippi. PHOTO BY MAUREEN MCEWAN.

Granite Curling Club moving after almost 70 years in Kitchissippi

May 2021 • 6

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BY MATTHEW HORWOOD

fter more than 68 years in Westboro, the Granite Curling Club will be moving on to a new location. Increased property taxes, an old facility and failed redevelopment efforts have left the club’s 530 members with no choice but to leave their facility at 2026 Scott St. and move to a different neighbourhood. On March 28, over 90 per cent of the club’s board members approved the plan to buy a new property on Queensview Drive east of Pinecrest Avenue. Greg Mathieu, chair of the club's redevelopment committee and former club president, said the decision was difficult for those who had worked hard to remain in Westboro, as well as the members that live close to the club. “We realize some people will not

be thrilled with this because of the convenience of where we are,” Mathieu said. “But we hear the train coming down the tracks, and we have to react.” In late 2016, the Granite Curling Club was given notice that their property taxes would effectively triple from 2017 to 2021. Their tax rates jumped from $8,000 to $25,000 a year, before the club appealed to the city and was able to reduce them to around $13,000. Still, the club has been forced to raise fees for their members. The property tax hike was due to the club being located on a valuable plot of land on Scott Street, just a few steps away from the future Westboro LRT station. “We expected another healthy four-year increase in our property taxes, until the point where it’s unbearable for us because we are no longer competitive with the other curling clubs,” Mathieu said.

The age of the building, built in 1953, was another reason for the move, as the curling club is unable to maximize its usage year round. A lack of air conditioning, as well as not having a concrete ice pad, means the club can’t operate during the summer. “You look at those things and say, how much would they cost to put into this building, or do we have to look at redevelopment? The conclusion was we had to redevelop it,” Mathieu said. After the Granite Curling Club brought a developer on board, they came up with two options that might have allowed them to stay in Westboro. In October 2019, the club approached the city with a land-swap deal, which would have involved a replacement facility being built behind the current club on a part of Lion's Park. This would have resulted in the current location being turned into green space, modifying Lion’s Park and giving it easier access to Scott Street. But Mathieu said for “reasons valid to them” the city rejected this plan. A second option involved the club selling off a portion of their property to raise enough money to purchase a new club in Westboro. But Mathieu said the footprint of the club would have been compromised too much, and so the members were not happy with that plan. Ultimately, the club’s board of directors decided that the tax hikes would make

redeveloping in Westboro unsustainable, and they would have to look farther elsewhere. Although they could not remain in Westboro, the club had a “strong affinity” to stay in west Ottawa. Mathieu said because there are few real estate options in the west end of the city at this time, the curling club was worried if they waited too long they would end up as a “suburban curling club in the southwest part of the city.” The move to a new facility may take until 2023 to be completed, since the new curling facility needs to be built. In the Granite Curling Club’s current place, there will likely be a proposal for two 25-storey towers on the property. Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper said he was sorry to see the club’s members choose to move. “Facilities like these are an important part of a 15-minute community, and I know generations of Kitchissippi residents have made the club a part of their life,” Leiper said. Leiper acknowledged that as land values continue to rise, and many facilities are faced with expensive life-cycle investments, the Granite Curling Club likely won’t be the last to relocate. “Club members and residents faced a number of conflicting priorities in this discussion, and I know this wasn't an easy decision for them.”

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Braumeister Bierhalle to bring a taste of Europe to Hintonburg An authentic cultural experience can soon be enjoyed closer to home One of the most iconic and pleasurable pastimes in Austria and Germany is visiting a bierhalle, where people of all ages and backgrounds can mingle in a comfortable, friendly environment while enjoying good food and drink. The opening this spring of Braumeister Bierhalle in Hintonburg is sure to prove satisfying for those craving an authentic cultural experience closer to home.

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7 • May 2021

To learn more, including the Bierhalle’s opening date, please visit braumeister.ca.

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Mountain which is part of the company logo. A family-friendly spot without loud music or multiple blaring screens, the Bierhalle is designed to appeal to everyone from young professionals to seniors. “We believe it’s going to be the kind of place where you will feel welcomed as soon as you walk in the door. We hope people will spend as little or as much time as they like and everyone will get along and enjoy each other’s company,” notes Rohit. “Bierhalle are community hubs and we think Ottawa is really ready for this concept. As part of our efforts to showcase German culture, we are looking forward to running special events like Oktoberfest.” Braumeister is recognized in Carleton Place for its tremendous community spirit and Rohit says the company is eager to participate in additional charitable endeavours in Hintonburg, as a way of thanking those who support them. “Our overriding goal has been to create a space where people can feel transported to a place they remember from their travels, or to offer a taste of what an authentic beer hall would feel like should they venture to Europe,” says Rohit. “I am really looking forward to watching people’s reactions when they visit and experience an evocative reminder of or happy introduction to a genuine bierhalle atmosphere.”

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Braumeister Brewing was founded in Carleton Place in 2018 by Ottawa-born Rohit Gupta and his father Ravi Gupta. Rohit was inspired by his fond memories of the incredible community spirit he found in the beer halls and outdoor beer gardens of Austria and Germany while working there as a teacher. “Having a bierhalle in Ottawa was always part of our business plan; we’ve spent the last two and a half years creating awareness by generating a loyal following at our Carleton Place brewery and taproom as well as by making deliveries throughout the region. It’s immensely satisfying to see how the company has developed and grown and it’s very exciting to achieve this expansion goal within just a few years,” says Rohit. Braumeister Bierhalle’s interior capacity will be about 80, with room for about 75 more on the patio which will serve as one of Ottawa’s largest beer gardens. “We wanted our Bierhalle to be centrallylocated and easily accessible by foot, bicycle and transit. When we discovered this new building at the corner of Stirling and Scott in Hintonburg close to the LRT and the Ottawa River pathway network, we knew we’d found our spot,” he said.

“We love the positive feel of the community and the impressive way this area has been revitalized over the last decade or so. Because our goal is to be the kind of place that is accessible and comfortable, we are confident that opening Braumeister Bierhalle in such a welcoming and eclectic neighbourhood is going to be a terrific fit,” he adds. Unlike some large European bierhalle that offer just one style of beer, Braumeister’s impressive strengths in the brewing department will be on full display. As Rohit explains, educating consumers on the many different types and flavour profiles of beer that can be considered authentic to Germany’s rich brewing heritage is one of the things he enjoys most about his work. “We have expanded our portfolio and are now able to offer lots of appealing options to suit virtually any palate,” he confirms. True to the bierhalle experience, Braumeister will also offer delicious food to accompany its brews. In partnership with Carleton Place’s Bistro Polo, renowned for its exceptional Polishinspired fare, the kitchen at the Bierhalle will serve up house-made pierogis, cabbage rolls, sandwiches, sausages, meatballs and more. The Bierhalle will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, closing during the late evening. The decor at Braumeister Bierhalle will reflect all the best elements of these cherished, comfortable gathering places including lots of wood and soft elements. An impressive mural created by a local artist covers one wall, featuring a rendering of the Untersberg

COMMUNITY NEWS Curtain call: Artistic Director Coates departs GCTC BY BRADLEY TURCOTTE

May 2021 • 8

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fter nearly a decade at the Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC), Eric Coates is departing his role as artistic director (AD). As he exits stage left, he leaves behind a legacy of championing challenging and political theatre. Raised in Guelph, Coates began his theatre career as an actor at the prolific Stratford Festival before moving to the Blyth Festival where he worked for 19 consecutive seasons as an actor, playwright, and finally AD from 2003 to 2012. Additionally, Coates served two terms as president of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres from 2009 to 2015. When Coates made his debut at GCTC in 2012, he was determined to reflect “the nature of the political game in Canada” and this intent was well received by Ottawa audiences over his nine years as AD. With GCTC since 2014, managing director Hugh Neilson says when he first met Coates in the 2000s, he took notice of Coates' “savvy sense of humor.” “Behind that is this indelible intellect and a wonderfully political mind,” Neilson observes. “As I watched him work for these past seven years, I discovered he has an unparalleled commitment to the intentions of the artist and the playwright.” With his heritage including Samish First Nation, Coates says he felt a “stronger sense of accountability” to produce diverse programming. Productions under Coates’ watch included Trey Anthony’s How Black Mothers Say I Love You and Fisheyes by Anita Majumdar. Playwright Darrah Teitel’s work Behaviour explores heavy themes, and the writer says Coates’ support of female artists is exemplary. While attending a workshop Coates organized, Teitel “scrawled some words” in a notebook and read them out loud.

Eric Coates was instrumental in paying off GCTC’s one-million dollar debt, something he credits to the board of directors. The artistic director is leaving the GCTC at the end of May. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC COATES.

This powerful prose struck Coates, and what would develop into Behaviour was born. “He knew from the very beginning that he wanted to do something that would be incendiary, and together we did it,” Teitel says of Behaviour, which has also graced the stage in Montreal. “He was really great for Ottawa theatre. I think it's sad he’s leaving in many ways

because he produced some of the better plays I saw in the time I lived there,” Teitel adds. “He’s going to leave a big Ericsized hole. I want people to realize how supportive he was, particularly of young women.” When asked to reflect on his time in Ottawa, Coates describes the city’s theatre community as “an interesting beast” that

”He’s going to leave a big Eric-sized hole. I want people to realize how supportive he was.” – Playwright Darrah Teitel

needs another organization like GCTC to keep talented players employed. Yet it is the atmosphere of Kitchissippi he will miss the most. “It is one of my favourite places I have ever lived,” Coates says. “It’s busy and exciting. People who don’t live in Ottawa aren’t aware that there are neighbourhoods that are active and full of young, enterprising folks — at least it was before the pandemic hit.” COVID-19 has devastated the theatre community, Coates says, especially for independent artists who rely on selfemployed income. Yet the pandemic has allowed the opportunity for reassessment, which also played a role in Coates’ decision to move on from GCTC. “We are in such an unexpected time, but the future is looking good,” Neilson says. “We’ve had an opportunity to really look at the organization and you will be seeing restructuring that will have an impact on how we work. We are going to be back in a big way.” While Coates has delivered his GCTC soliloquy, the 2021-2022 season is his programming, and Neilson says it is “different from anything you have seen in the past.” Coates will not be leaving the Canadian arts scene when his time ends with the GCTC in May. He plans to split his time between Stratford and the west coast where he will learn and write about the Salish language. Coates says he hopes his time at GCTC will be remembered, not for personal triumph, but for the impact he made on emerging artists. “A number of people came through the organization as interns or through mentorship programs who would have gone on to really interesting vibrant careers,” Coates says. “That is what you always wish for: that the next generation had a good experience working with you and that it helped them make the next leap.”

Marchés d’Ottawa Markets is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of safety for our community members during our market season in such a unique time.

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9 • May 2021

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Bring your reusable bag • Stay distanced and sanitized • Mask up • Be kind - keep others in mind • Support Local

Nouveau en 2021 - L’équipe des Marchés d’Ottawa Markets est ravie d’annoncer le lancement du Marché de Nuit Parkdale. Jusqu’au répuscule, le Marché de Nuit Parkdale proposera de nouvelles offres uniques dans la région, des nouvelles fermes aux producteurs amusants et créatifs!

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New in 2021 - Marchés d’Ottawa Markets is excited to launch the Parkdale Night Market. Expanding the historic and bustling Parkdale Market into the twilight hours, the Parkdale Night Market will feature unique new offerings to the area from new farms to fun and creative producers!

Le Marché Public de Parkdale, c’est l’endroit idéal pour se rencontrer et pour faire l’épicerie. Il s’agit d’un incontournable du West-end d’Ottawa!

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From the casual meet-up, to the daily and weekly grocery, the Parkdale Public Market is a communal staple of Ottawa’s West-end!

En tant que deuxième marché le plus ancien d’Ottawa, le Marché Public de Parkdale offre une très grande variété des meilleurs produits canadiens, provinciaux et régionaux. À partir de mai, le marché approvisionne les jardins et les tables du quartier Wellington Ouest avec ce qu’Ottawa a de mieux à offrir.

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As the second oldest market in Ottawa, the Parkdale Public Market offers a mix of the best Canadian, provincial, and regional products around! Beginning in May, the market supplies the gardens and tables of the Wellington West area with the best Ottawa has to offer.

May 2021 • 10

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A special milestone, thanks to the people of Ottawa By: Jim Watson A few months ago, staff at the City Archives notified me that on March 20, 2021 I would surpass Stanley Lewis as the longest serving Mayor in Ottawa’s history. That got me thinking about how grateful I am to be Mayor of our wonderful city. I also reflected on a few of the projects I am proud of. With limited space, here are a few highlights that couldn’t have happened without the support of many people over the years. ENVIRONMENT - Protecting Ottawa from climate change for future generations through the Ottawa River Action Plan (ORAP), the Combined Sewage and Storage Tunnel (CSST) and record investments in growing the city’s tree canopy. LRT - Advancing one of the largest infrastructure projects in the city’s history, after years of dithering, to better connect all four corners of Ottawa to the downtown core through continued partnerships with the federal and provincial governments. BRIDGE BUILDER - Connecting communities through multi-use bridges in all corners of the city: the Vimy Memorial Bridge, the Adàwe Crossing, the Flora Footbridge, the Corktown Footbridge, the Jackie Holzman Bridge and later this year the Prince of Wales Bridge. INVEST OTTAWA - Seeing the creation of Invest Ottawa and the opening of the Innovation Centre to deliver economic development programs and initiatives that increase entrepreneurial momentum, wealth and jobs in the national capital region. OTTAWA ART GALLERY - Opening a vital visual arts institution and cultural meeting place for residents and visitors to enjoy free of charge in the city’s downtown core, highlighting local and world-renowned talent. CENTRAL LIBRARY - Breaking ground on a joint net zero carbon facility with Library & Archives Canada that will be an accessible and welcoming space for all to connect, learn, discover and create. COMMUNITY CENTRES - Opening several recreation facilities to growing neighbourhoods across the city with improved programming, equipment and accommodations.

COMMUNITY NEWS Local bottle drive helps save vulnerable kittens BY ALVIN TSANG

K Mayor Jim Watson with former mayor Stanley Lewis’ portrait in the Heritage Building at City Hall. LANSDOWNE PARK - Overseeing the revitalization and improvement of an essential space with a new stadium for large events, increased green space with a community garden, housing and retail that has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors over the last decade. TOURISM – OTTAWA 2017 Spearheading the creation of a group in charge of putting together a full year of activities and events for Canada’s sesquicentennial that saw millions of visitors in the nation’s capital to experience: La Machine, Red Bull Crashed Ice, the Juno Awards, the NHL 100 Classic and the Grey Cup, to name a few. IMPROVED GOVERNMENT RELATIONS - Fostering greater collaboration with the Mayor of Gatineau on projects involving both municipalities and successfully advocating for ex-officio seats on the National Capital Commission’s board of directors for enhanced transparency and partnerships. COVID RELIEF AND SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES - Working collaboratively with Ottawa Public Health and all City partners to lead the province in the response to the pandemic. Again, my thanks to the residents of Ottawa for the honour of serving our community.

itten season has brought a wave of pregnant cats to Kitchissippi and an organization is working to help the animals. Shannon McDonald, 38, a volunteer for the Ottawa Kitten Rescue, organized a bottle-drive program that raised $125 this month in Westboro. “A lot of people aren’t the most responsible pet owners,” McDonald said. “It’s common for people to get a free kitten from someone they know, and these new owners don’t get the cats properly neutered. They let their cats out; the cats get pregnant; the owners leave them. It’s really common for people to essentially kick their cats out for getting pregnant.” The Ottawa Kitten Rescue was founded by Jasmine Bencke, 33, and Abigail Gordon, 24, on May 15, 2020. To date, they have helped exactly 310 cats. At the time of publication, there are currently 64 cats in their care. The organization is dedicated towards helping injured and homeless cats find new homes. That means pairing up displaced and vulnerable kittens with new litters, pairing up mother cats with new foster homes, adoptions and more. It’s a network of fosters, volunteers, safe havens and people who feel strongly about ensuring the well-being and health of cats. McDonald focused her efforts in pushing for volunteers and community involvement in the bottle-drive program so that the money raised can go towards helping vulnerable kittens. “Most recently, we helped a mother cat named ‘Tulip,’” McDonald said. “Tulip was in foster care. She went into labour and was experiencing distress and having complications, so the team rushed her to the vet.” The vet decided to perform a C-section. Out of the whole litter of four or five, only one kitten survived.

A newborn kitten needs to be bottle-fed every two hours. PHOTO COURTESY OF OTTAWA KITTEN RESCUE.

Tulip was spayed on the operation table, and is now back in foster care where her health is being looked after. The surviving baby is now being cared for around the clock, tube-fed every two hours. “The bottle drive is a way that we can pool our resources,” McDonald said. “It makes the rescues possible.” Ottawa Kitten Rescue was founded because there are occasionally newborn kittens that require around-the-clock care. Rescues don’t typically take them on, and, in many cases, vulnerable kittens end up euthanized. “There’s a network and partnership between all the rescues in Ottawa,” McDonald said. “They’ll call us so we can take care of the really vulnerable kittens.” The Ottawa Kitten Rescue’s next bottle drive was planned for May 12 but has been postponed due to the new COVID-19 restrictions. “We are still looking for new volunteers and spaces!” McDonald said. “We currently only have one drop-off point in Kitchissippi, and we want more — a couple more garages, hopefully.” For more information, please visit emptiesforpaws.com

COMMUNITY NEWS Lincoln looks back on first year with Westboro Village BIA BY CHARLIE SENACK

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Judy Lincoln took over as executive director of the Westboro Village BIA in May 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY LINCOLN.

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11 • May 2021

“Wickedly Westboro,” a similar-style event which was held in the fall. The BIA also organized a virtual International Women’s Day event in March, which is typically held in-person at a local Westboro business. Lincoln said it was a great way for female business owners to come together and connect about successes and challenges they have faced over the past year. Lincoln believes no in-person events or promotions will be held again in 2021, but will continue to support businesses in different ways. The BIA is planning for all activities to be virtual, but is keeping a plan B in place in case an in-person component can be added later. “As you are trying to vision and project for the next five or six months, it is hard to do,” she says. “At the same time, we want to keep the momentum going and continue to support all these amazing entrepreneurs in Westboro.”

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last even longer. With a stay-at-home order also in effect, Ontarians have been asked to go out only for necessities and essential purposes. But the BIA is planning ahead to the future when people can go out again. Beautification projects are still underway and hanging flower baskets will be installed when the weather allows. “Shop the Village” will go ahead as planned this year, but will have to look different. Instead of a one-week sidewalk sale, it will last three weeks and will be completely virtual. “It’s going to be all online and we are going to be giving away gift cards that we purchased, which will support a lot of our amazing retailers that unfortunately aren’t able to be open right now,” said Lincoln. “But we can still tell their stories and celebrate for three weeks who they are and what they offer.” The virtual street fest will mirror

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t’s been one year since Judy Lincoln took on the role of executive director at the Westboro Village Business Improvement Area (BIA). While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges, Lincoln says businesses have been able to adapt. Lincoln, who is originally from Winnipeg, has lived in Ottawa for over 18 years. She previously worked for Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit social enterprise based in Westboro for over a decade, and knows the community well. Growing up, Lincoln’s parents owned a small business, making her appreciate the realities and challenges many others in their shoes face on a daily basis. That compassion has been important as the COVID-19 pandemic puts even more burdens on many local retailers. “I always knew that there was a lot to learn coming into this position, and I would say that we learned a lot at the BIA about adapting,” said Lincoln. “We have really gone from running a few major events to focusing almost all of our energy on engaging with our members, checking in and making sure they are OK and seeing what they are doing in the community.” Since March 2020, businesses have been forced to pivot in ways they never have before. As COVID-19 cases trend upwards, shutdowns follow, putting businesses in a precarious position. As a result, Lincoln says the BIA has been helping its members understand the constantly changing world of restrictions and is also helping businesses with applying for programs, grants, and sometimes the appeal process.

“Every time there is a new regulation of shutdown, it’s just a little bit different from the last one,” she said. “I would say, like most people, the stress is definitely on a lot of our businesses’ owners and you can’t make one statement about how all the businesses are doing: each one has been doing differently based on the industry they are in.” Westboro Village saw several major closures before the pandemic, and a few afterwards, says Lincoln, but new leases are being signed with occupancy starting in the next few months. “A lot of people see home in main streets and the opportunity to walk,” she said. “You’re not inside with a lot of other people; you can do your shopping easily and safely from the street.” The executive director says she is amazed by how creative retailers have been in pivoting to the virtual world. From fashion shows on Instagram to new online websites to make sales, Lincoln says business owners don’t give up because they love what they do. “So many businesses have gotten online stores up and running, and others are doing local delivery,” said Lincoln. “For those who are uncomfortable to do in-person clothes shopping when allowed, we even have some business owners making deliveries to people's homes to try the clothes on. Then if they don't fit, they can always return them to the store. Everyone is truly adapting. They opened a business because they love it; it’s amazing to see that passion.” Streets in and around Westboro have been quiet with Ontario in a six-week provincewide shutdown which could

GIVING Ancoura helps adults living with mental illness avoid isolation in time of physical distancing BY ALVIN TSANG

May 2021 • 12

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ncoura was founded on the mandate to help adults with mental illness avoid social isolation, but it’s had to do the exact opposite in the COVID-19 pandemic — help people with mental illness isolate, help them avoid social gatherings. The mission at Ancoura was always to provide a nurturing and fulfilling environment for adults with mental illness, which included affordable housing and a supportive community. There are currently a total of seven Ancoura homes around the city, and each home houses three residents. Brian Harrison, current communications chair and past president of Ancoura, spoke on how Ancoura residents have found the pandemic difficult on a psychological level but were able to manage it on a health level. “Having people close together has always been our model, and it’s been so hard because the public health model for COVID-19 is so far away from our model,” Harrison said. “Our model entails being close to other people.”

Above: Brian Harrison, communications chair and past president of Ancoura. Left: A volunteer teaches residents to bake a cake during the pandemic. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANCOURA.

Ancoura has effectively and rigorously upheld COVID-19 pandemic isolation rules. No resident has tested positive for COVID-19 (at the time of writing). The common loneliness, isolation, stress and withdrawal felt by everyone

else in the population, however, was felt at a higher magnitude by the Ancoura residents. The pandemic had been especially taxing on them because of higher vulnerability to experiencing relapses and mental challenges.

Symptoms were aggravated and made more acute with the lack of social interaction. “We’re carrying on as we can,” Harrison said. Before a new resident would move

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Rationalizing the Irrational By Dean Caillier, Sales Representive with Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central, Brokerage We hear it every day: Ottawa’s real estate market is on fire! With residential real estate properties selling well above list price, one has to ask: Is this a rational rate of appreciation? Like most large purchases, one’s finances is arguably the most important factor when buying a big ticket item like a home. Other factors also play a role, including environment and emotion. These days, “FOMO”—or fear of missing out—combined with low lender rates can also have an influence on making that leap into that first or next home purchase. To put more pressure on the buyer, there is limited housing inventory combined with low interest rates said to remain unchanged by The Bank of Canada until 2023. You would think this is only good news for sellers, but here is some interesting information for buyers that should help support their real estate purchase.

James Eagle of the firm EEAGLI put together a fascinating growth chart with data sourced from the Organisation for Economic Development, Canada. It illustrates the growth of the housing market in various countries including Canada over the last 20 years. Our housing prices have grown 168% between year 2000 and 2020, well ahead of other countries such as the UK at 96% and the U.S at 55%. This is not only great news for sellers, but also for buyers as they can purchase with confidence knowing that Canada has and continues to be a great place to buy a home. dean.caillier@evrealestate.com 613-299-6243 deancaillier.com

By Anita Murray, All Things Home

It’s almost as if they knew a pandemic was coming. A timely renovation to their Westboro home that was finished mere months before the pandemic hit has meant a growing family of five could weather repeated lockdowns in a home that gave them the space they need to work, gather and find privacy. “It couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Paulette MacGregor, a project coordinator with Amsted Design-Build, who oversaw the project. The renovation began because owners Erin and Simon Kaegi could no longer live with their seriously outdated kitchen. In the home since 2003, they managed while the kids were young, but “we wanted a space that would work for our changing needs as our kids got older,” says Erin. The kitchen was original to the 1940s home. That meant a decidedly dated look and a space that did not function well. It was sandwiched between a too-small dining room and an add-on family room, with clunky pass-throughs to both. And a large chunk of lower cabinets was missing from one side, although it made a handy undercounter dog bed for their golden retriever. The Kaegis took advantage of the makeover to also convert a poorly built three-season porch off the dining room

into a four-season home office, a move that proved to be particularly timely given that less than a year after the project was complete the pandemic hit, forcing the family to work from home. “Both of us are in meetings basically all day and to have the office, to have an additional area where one of us can shut the door and have privacy, is critical with three kids running around,” says Simon.

ROOM BY ROOM The renovation was a 14-week project that involved the kitchen, the dining room and the porch-turned-office. The goal was to create spaces with improved flow and function. The kitchen needed a major update. Features and finishes were old and failing, appliances were not in the best spots, it was dark and cramped and needed to be larger, with more storage, and better organized. The dining room was the only space the whole family could gather to eat, yet it was small and cramped, with the traffic flow to the three-season porch very tight. And the porch needed to become year-round living space. “A three-season room in Ottawa is really only a one-season room, and it wasn’t very well built,” Amsted president Steve Barkhouse explained in a CTV appearance last fall in which he shared the project. Continued on next page

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27 • May 2021 • KITCHISSIPPI HOMES

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507-700 Sussex Drive An elegant and modern 1250-square foot suite with stunning downtown views. John King $758,000

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5D-120 Holland Avenue Two-storey, 2090 square-foot corner unit with large windows and two parking spaces. Deb Cherry $1,100,000

2196 Elder Street Vancouver Islandinspired family home with magnificent river views. John King

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2187 Deschenes Street A beautifully designed home with space and style! Offers views of the Ottawa River. Diane & Jen $1,385,000

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of natural light (where there had been none before) creates a welcoming space. Cabinetry that was lost in taking down the wall has been replaced by a full-wall pantry opposite the stove and the passthrough into the family room was widened, with the sink centred in the opening.

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THE DINING ROOM

ABOVE: Creating built-in bench seating flanked by display cabinets saves space and gives the appearance of always having been there. PHOTO BY GORDON KING PHOTOGRAPHY. RIGHT: The old kitchen was original to the 1940s home. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMSTED DESIGN-BUILD.

THE KITCHEN As the heart of the home, this kitchen had no heart. The solution was to gut it, blow out the wall separating it from the dining room and create a new, efficient layout that replaced the awkward wall with a handy

peninsula for maximum counter space and casual seating. “Peninsulas are really sought after right now,” Barkhouse says. “People love being able to pull the chairs up (and) they’re a really great work station.” Fresh white Shaker cabinets add an airy timelessness to the home and the infusion

THE OFFICE Before the renovation, a desk in the family

Anita Murray is former Homes Editor of the Ottawa Citizen and co-founder of AllThingsHome.ca, Ottawa’s trusted resource for home buyers and homeowners.

KTICHISSIPPI HOMES • May 2021 • 28

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Continued from previous page

A built-in window bench flanked by storage cabinets has the appearance of always being there, adding to the charm of the space. It also conveniently creates glassed-in storage for displaying favourite items (including Simon’s scotch collection) and easy family seating that still leaves room for everyone to walk through to the new office. “We play family games there nearly every night over dinner, so it has become a congregating space for us, in the way we hoped it would,” says Erin.

room was an inconvenient option whatever the task — working, doing homework or relaxing. Claiming the porch as indoor living space meant completely redoing the room. The addition was grandfathered on the width, which is very close to the home next door. That meant they could rebuild using the existing footprint. Rather than creating a new foundation, the room is anchored using helical piers — essentially giant screws fastened into the ground — then closed in with cement board and parged to look similar to the rest of the home’s foundation. “From the outside looking in it has a very cohesive finish,” MacGregor says. Now a four-season room, the office is bright, easily seats multiple family members and offers a quiet space to work. The renovation, says Erin, “really has transformed our ability to use our space and during the pandemic that has just been a lifesaver.”

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Rich Textures

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AWARD WINNER: Best Renovation ($100,001 - $200,000) from the Greater Ottawa Homebuilder’s Association

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This award-winning renovation by OakWood used stunning walnut panels, floating shelves, three different types of cabinetry with various tones and other materials to create rich textures that flow seamlessly from one room to the next.

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29 • May 2021 • KITCHISSIPPI HOMES

See details on this beautiful renovation at OakWood.ca/award-winner/

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Walnut brings warmth and elegance to this home transformation

LANDSCAPING MowBros yard business helps teens save for university

KTICHISSIPPI HOMES • May 2021 • 30

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By Charlie Senack

Tackling a part-time job while being an athlete can be tough. That’s why two Nepean High School (NHS) students started their own landscaping business to raise money for university. MowBros Ottawa Yard Services was started by Noah Edwards and Theo KalffDuschenes when they were in Grade 10. The now Grade 12 students say, since launching the business in 2019, it has continued to grow. “There is a lot of hard work that people don’t want to do in their gardens, but a larger landscaping company might charge

LEFT: Noah Edwards and Theo Kalff-Duschenes launched MowBros Ottawa Yard Services in 2019.

a lot to do it,” says Kalff-Duschenes. “An example of that would be laying mulch in the backyard and bringing the garden bed up to look its best. We can do that and we love to do that. We want to do that hard labour that many don’t want to do.” On top of lawn-mowing and simple yard work tasks, the founders of MowBros say they have also done painting, cleaned eavestroughs, and redone patios. The teens admit much of it has been “learn as you go,” but Kalff-Duschenes adds that his mother — who is an avid gardener herself — has been their biggest consultant. The 17-year-old friends don’t remember who came up with the idea for MowBros first, but both wanted to find a way to

bring in some cash after struggling to find part-time employment. Kalff-Duschenes is a baseball player and Edwards plays football — two time-consuming activities. “I remember I went to apply for a job and the guy who was interviewing me asked if I played any sports and such,” recounts Edwards. “When I told him I played football, right then and there he declined me the job and said ‘I don’t like football players; they never show up to shifts.’ That made me realize I was really going to have a hard time finding a job while playing football at the same time.” When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Kalff-

Duschenes admits they weren’t sure how the business would do with people looking for new activities. Many took up gardening as a hobby, and the NHS students thought they wouldn't receive as many calls. But because landscaping has been deemed an essential service, their operations were able to continue. Aside from Edwards and Kalff-Duschenes, four of their friends are also called upon when large jobs come up. They follow all COVID-19 guidelines when they are on job sites and all payment is contactless. “From a business perspective — especially last year when we were starting the season — we were not sure if past clients would still be interested because with the pandemic, income for many people has been impacted, and landscaping and yard work is considered a bit of a luxury,” states Kalff-Duschenes. That’s when they started to partner with local realtors in the community to help stage houses. With Ottawa’s housing

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ABOVE: Some recent yard work done by the business. RIGHT: Edwards and KalffDuschenes are both headed to university this fall. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOWBROS.

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31 • May 2021 • KITCHISSIPPI HOMES

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keep the business going on their summers off or will hand over the reins to another group of local teens looking to save up for university. Edwards has a younger brother who is already showing interest in taking over the company. At a time when finding a part-time job is harder than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS students have a message for anyone else who may be in their shoes. “Sometimes people get daunted with the idea of starting a business, or they are intimidated by the things you didn't fully understand or the things you haven’t fully mastered yet,” said Kalff-Duschenes. “Just do it. Any high school kids can do what me and Noah did. It’s nothing special; it’s just about going out and doing something that you are passionate about.” “Don’t give yourself barriers,” echoed Edwards. “I feel like a lot of people count things out without thinking if they could actually do it or not. If you apply yourself, you can do anything — that is an expression for a reason. You get as much as you put in.” MowBros say they still have a few spots left for this summer season. Even if it’s not work they are familiar with, they want the opportunity to learn. Anyone can reach the group of local teens at mowbrosottawa@ gmail.com to find out more, and can follow their Instagram page @mowbrosottawa

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market hotter than ever, there hasn’t been any shortage of work to go around. At least four real estate companies in the Westboro neighbourhood regularly use MowBros for their services, with even more jobs coming from word-of-mouth. “It’s really great to work hand-in-hand with these realtors who are either selling a house that needs a garden makeover or just-sold a house and are offering our services to the (new) homeowner,” said Edwards. “It has definitely given us a big boost in work because there are less households needing our work because they are taking it on themselves.” Both Edwards and Kalff-Duschenes are in their final year of high school and are gearing up to attend university in the fall. Edwards will be heading out east to attend the commerce program at Dalhousie University. Kalff-Duschenes will also be attending a commerce program, but has not decided which school to attend. By managing their own business for the past few years, both say it was a benefit when applying to universities. They admit the competition can be tough, especially for business programs. “Our company has helped us a lot with our applications for university,” Edwards said. “Not a lot of kids do this; it is a kind of unique thing and so I feel like our business has really helped set us aside from other applicants and has pushed us forward to get into the programs we wanted. What will happen to MowBros when university starts? Edwards says they may

The Beechwood Market has a new pick-up location near you!

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“Downsizing offers an opportunity to release some capital, improve your quality of life with less maintenance, and potentially decrease monthly expenses,” explains Susan Chell, Broker, who has been working in the Kitchissippi area for over 30 years. “It can be a daunting task to downsize but it can free up more time to see friends and family, learn new hobbies, and enjoy some of the equity released from your home,” she adds. As a result, you can enjoy an overall better lifestyle for you and your family!

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Thinking about downsizing? You’ve picked a ‘good time’! Do you often feel overwhelmed by the maintenance of your home? Are you currently spending more time managing it than enjoying it? Whether you are retiring, have more space than you need, or want less upkeep, downsizing could be the right option for you. The best time to downsize is in a seller’s market which is happening right now!

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KTICHISSIPPI HOMES • May 2021 • 32

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Things to consider before downsizing: • Are you wanting a lifestyle change? • Are you planning to buy another home or will you be renting? • Do you want to minimize yard space for less outdoor maintenance? • Will you be able to bring all your furniture and/or belongings with you to your next home? If not, maybe you have adult children moving into their own places that could use some pieces. • When we can travel again, do you plan on travelling frequently? Will you want to simply ‘lock the door and go’?

• Do you need space for guests when family and friends come to visit? • Are you moving for mobility reasons? For example, do you need to be on one level with accessibility features such as elevators and entrance ramps?

Whether you’ve been thinking about downsizing for a while or the notion just crossed your mind, it is always a good idea to entertain all of your options before you start the hunt and embark on the purging process. Rest assured, the Susan Chell Team is here to help. Take advantage of their allencompassing real estate services and over 50 years of combined experience. “We have helped many clients with this process and have assisted them with their decision of whether to stay in their existing home or move to another type of home that makes more sense for them,” said Patti Brown, Broker, with the Susan Chell Team. If you are looking for a different style of house or a condominium, the team can show you several properties to help you determine your criteria. All of this can be coordinated with the sale of your current home to make the process as smooth as possible. Please contact the Susan Chell Team for more information. Office 613.563.1717 Email: mail@susanchell.com RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group

LANDSCAPING Our outdoor spaces When a pandemic keeps us at home, home expands outside By Patrick Langston, All Things Home

Gazebos like this one by Christopher Simmonds Architect, 2H Interior Design and Cada Construction offer a blend of shade, fresh air and views of the outdoor space. PHOTO BY

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33 • May 2021 • KITCHISSIPPI HOMES

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JUST SOLD

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Over 2500 Homes Sold!

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ADRIEN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY. DocuSign Envelope ID: EC4E6C20-B1ED-439E-8E1E-F5FB52BC3419

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“People want to bring the indoors out,” says Kyle Hills of Tradewind Construction. “They want to expand the four walls that they live in for six or eight months each year. They can’t go to patios or travel,

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Winter, pandemic lockdowns, gnawing anxiety: no wonder we’re embracing the freedom of spring and outdoor living like never before. For many homeowners, that means shiny new decks, pergolas, backyard yoga retreats and other outdoor revamps as we rush to expand our living space this year.

so they’re trying to bring that kind of entertainment home.” That accords with a recent HomeStars survey, which found 54 per cent of Canadian homeowners plan to improve their outdoor space this year with everything from sunrooms to landscaping. Hills has seen an uptick in his outdoor business, including decks, which are ideal for both intimate and socially distanced gatherings. He’s also seeing quickening interest in pergolas, which provide fresh air, privacy and shade. Despite demand, Hills says clients booking a new deck in May should be relaxing on it later this season. He cautions about “sticker shock” — lumber prices have spiked during the pandemic because of material shortages — but, with vacation opportunities limited this summer, $8,000 to $10,000 for an eight-by-12-foot deck sounds like money well spent. Continued on next page

KTICHISSIPPI HOMES • May 2021 • 34

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Continued from previous page

More outdoor trends

FRONT YARD OR BACKYARD?

Small-space food production: Space-saving systems such as Click and Grow let you grow herbs and vegetables on balconies and other small areas and move your farm indoors when the cold weather arrives. From $129.95. ca.clickandgrow.com Pools: Pool installers are busier than ever this season. “Last year was absolutely ridiculous,” says Shawn Benson of Campbell Pools. “This year, multiply that by 10.” Benson says getting a pool installed this year is iffy. Pure whimsy: “Whimsical” was among the top Canadian garden searches from February 2020 to February 2021, according to Pinterest. That means lots of interest in elf figurines, signs saying “Hundred-Acre Wood” and little hideaways. Maybe pandemics breed escapism. Water and fire: An older trend that keeps on giving, water features — whether a small one on a deck or a large pool with koi and plantings — bring grace and calm to your outdoor spaces. Firepits, fire bowls and outdoor fireplaces also remain popular because they create ambience and fireplaces can take the chill off a summer evening. She sheds: Like a man cave, only prettier and outside rather than inside, she sheds are popular backyard getaways for reading, art and socializing (safely distanced, of course). For ideas, just do an online search or check lowes.com/n/ how-to/she-shed-room-ideas.

Back in the day, passing a summer evening on your front porch was a thing. Air conditioning helped kill that neighbourly tradition, but front porches have been making a comeback, with about two-thirds of new American homes now built with one, according to the Wall Street Journal. “There’s front yard people and backyard people,” says Fred MacMaster of summerporchottawa.com. The former “want to talk to their neighbours or watch their kids. Other people would never think of sitting in the front yard, so they build a deck in the back.” Not only are porches an ideal way to socialize from a distance, they help nurture community relationships. So, despite its ravages, the pandemic does have some benefits.

Patrick Langston is a long-time journalist and co-founder of AllThingsHome.ca, Ottawa’s trusted resource for home buyers and homeowners.

COMFORTS OF FOOD Outdoor kitchens are another hot item. Many of Jesse Campbell’s clients at The Fireplace Center & Patio Shop have

considered the investment for some time, taking the plunge now because they’ve stashed away funds over the past year and are home more. “It’s something even when the pandemic fades away, they’re going to continue enjoying for many years,” says Campbell. A Napoleon Oasis kitchen, including built-in barbecue, cabinetry and a stone countertop, starts around $6,000, he says. For Campbell, relaxed outdoor dining equals stress relief in fraught times. “I love food and when I’m seeking comfort, food is my go-to.” He says demand for outdoor kitchens means a three- to four-month wait for installation is likely.

GREENERY AND SERENITY If a freshly barbecued burger doesn’t relieve your pandemic blues, maybe you need to get in touch with your inner self outside. “More than ever, we need help with our mental health, and the outdoors has always brought that,” says Ed Hansen of Hansen Lawn and Gardens. “We’re seeing people who want to create an outdoor meditation area... in a shaded area that’s enveloped by

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Outdoor lighting improves your home’s safety and security but also highlights the best aspects of your property, including trees, ponds and even retaining walls, says Chad Yates of Yates Landscape Lighting.

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RIGHT: A backyard design with space for cooking, dining and greenery creates zones for outdoor living.PHOTO COURTESY OF HANSEN LAWN AND GARDENS.

“It extends your inside to your outside because when you’re inside you’re noticing all the things you like (about your yard).” The most common outdoor lighting mistakes he sees? Solar lights (their brightness is inconsistent and insufficient) and inexpensive fixtures that won’t last. “If you’re not paying over $140, $150 per light, you’re doing it wrong.”

Patrick Langston is a long-time journalist and co-founder of AllThingsHome.ca, Ottawa’s trusted resource for home buyers and homeowners.

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35 • May 2021 • KITCHISSIPPI HOMES

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Conveniently located beside Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre near Britannia Beach, Lakeview Apartments offers great comfort and value, with all utilities included in the monthly rent. The pet-friendly building is next door to a grocery store and a short walk to the Lincoln Fields transitway station. Carlingwood Mall and Bayshore Mall are a short drive away. It’s also just a short walk to the Lincoln Fields transitway station. The Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway offers easy car access to downtown or via bike along the Ottawa River Pathway. Choose from our bright, spacious classic or upgraded suites with oversized balconies, many offering gorgeous views of the Ottawa River. With well-maintained premises and friendly on-site staff, you’ll love coming home to the Lakeview. This building is part of the Ottawa Crime Free Multi-Housing Program and the Ontario Certified Rental Building (CRB) Program, which means you can rent with confidence. Call our rental centre today to view one of these great suites!

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Welcome to Lakeview

Like everything about your treasured outdoor spaces, you get what you pay for.

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LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

ABOVE: Porches were common on older homes. They’re coming back in style. PHOTO COURTESY OF

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plant material. There’s also a little better disconnect from technology (outside).” Hansen is also seeing increased interest in plants that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are struggling with habitat loss and other threats. Websites such as the Ottawa Horticultural Society (ottawahort.org) are a good guide to selecting pollinator-friendly plants. Don’t want to spend all your time manicuring your yard? Not only will you be on trend (homeowners are backing away from the picture-perfect look, according to Hansen) but you’ll also help nature: Pollinators like spaces that are a bit messy, says the David Suzuki Foundation (davidsuzuki.org/project/pollinators). Going a bit unkempt this summer means you can spend more time chilling on your deck or caring for your vegetable garden, another booming trend as more of us realize that some food self-sufficiency is a good thing.

KTICHISSIPPI HOMES • May 2021 • 36

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GARDENING

ABOVE: Like other natural elements, water features have a calming effect. RIGHT: Outdoor containers are a great way to add pops of colour and personality to your spaces. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEYOND THE HOUSE.

Adding personality Containers, water features and other ways to personalize your outdoor spaces By Anita Murray, All Things Home

Outdoor containers and other “decorations” are a great way to add personality to our outdoor spaces, which are increasingly important as the pandemic continues. At a panel discussion moderated by All Things Home for the Ottawa Home & Garden Show — when it could still be held — panellists looked at containers, water features and adding personality.

ON THE PANEL The panellists were: Ed Hansen, founder and president of Hansen Lawn and Gardens Ltd., established in 1988. He’s also a past president of Landscape Ontario’s Ottawa Chapter. Mary-Anne Schmitz, founder of Gardening By Design. She has 30+ years’ experience in garden cultivation and outdoor design.

Cindy Cluett, who is so passionate about plants that she left a successful IT career several years ago to become a horticulturist and landscape designer. She runs Beyond the House. (This is an edited transcript of the panel discussion.)

WATER FEATURES All Things Home (ATH): A water feature may not seem like a low-maintenance option, particularly when so many of us want low-maintenance spaces, but there are many benefits of having one. What can you do to lower the maintenance? Ed: Water features can be tricky. They do require maintenance, but water is an element that I think is important in a backyard because of the calming effect it has. It doesn’t need to be an elaborate, expensive setup, it could be as simple as a $40 tabletop plugin model from Home Depot. Cindy: I’m a big fan of water features

and they’ve come a long way in terms of reducing the amount of maintenance they have. Like the rest of your space, you need to determine if it “works” for you to have a water feature, including the work required to maintain it. Mary-Anne: There are many kinds of water features you can include, such as pond-less features, water runs, swimming ponds. It’s a real draw to the outside. You can sit there and look at the water and it’s very gratifying.

CONTAINERS ATH: Can we explore the appeal of containers? Cindy: I love them because they can be very simple, but they can also be dramatic with big tropical foliage; they don’t even need to have a lot of flowers. There’s no end to what you can do with containers, just make sure you pick the right plant for the right place, that’s key. And starting with the right soil. Fertilizing with slow-release fertilizer can help keep maintenance down. Tip: A small container means you have to water often. The bigger you go the less work it is. Ed: There’s the staging aspect of containers as well. I love that if you’re

ADDING PERSONALITY

ATH: Is it important to add your own personality? Mary-Anne: Absolutely, it’s your garden. You have to see a little bit of what you love. A carboy, for instance, it’s just hanging around. Put it outside and move it around next year. That way it’s something you can control yourself. Cindy: Adding those fun little moments in the garden, they become focal points. So, if the plant isn’t blooming, let’s say you add that blue ladder, it still holds your eye to that area. It’s your garden, so make sure that when you invest that kind of money in doing the space that you’re doing it for yourself.

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Anita Murray is former Homes Editor of the Ottawa Citizen and co-founder of AllThingsHome.ca, Ottawa’s trusted resource for home buyers and homeowners.

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up playing at Kitchissippi playgrounds and graduated from a handful of schools in the area. “I am more than familiar with Dovercourt community extra curricular programs, classes and workshops. I’m also very aware of all regional zoning restrictions and limitations,” she said. In Kitchissippi, Kerry has had a number of different real estate roles and knows the “local factors” to consider. “I have personally been a tenant, landlord, buyer and seller multiple times. Whether it’s a condo, townhouse, semi, single or a multi-unit dwelling, I can help you to consider the current local factors that will help you make an informed decision, so that you’re assured of the right fit for you,” said Kerry.

Visit kellyandkerry.com and connect with the team today!

37 • May 2021 • KITCHISSIPPI HOMES

Thinking of moving, but want to stay local? Team Kelly & Kerry know Kitchissippi like the back of their hand! If you have an extensive list of questions, look no further for the answers. Seek expert advice from local realtors who live in the area and think of them as your friendly neighbourhood go-to team for everything Kitchissippi! “Kitchissippi has been very good to us. The majority of our business has become word of mouth referrals,” said Kelly Ebbs. Kelly spent her adult life in McKellar Park, while her business partner, Kerry Millican, has lived in Hintonburg since 2008, having moved there from Highland Park. Both haved lived and worked in the Kitchissippi region for over 25 years, with their Royal LePage office located at 384 Richmond Rd. in the heart of Westboro Village. What is the advantage of a hands-on locally-based team that will guide you every step of the way? Aside from their warm and comforting approach, the team offers practical advice from firsthand experience. Kelly’s three children (now teens and young adults) grew

It’s no surprise that Team Kelly & Kerry have remained in the top one per cent of the Royal LePage sales force nationally for many years (2013-present)! “Professional, responsive, valuable and quality” real estate services are how several satisfied clients describe Team Kelly & Kerry in their glowing Google reviews. “We have both bought and sold a home with Kelly and on both sides of the experience she made us feel supported and confident. Working with Kelly made what could have been a stressful process very smooth. When trying to find a home, she listened to our priorities and found us the perfect spot. When selling our house, she had interested buyers ready to go. Her knowledge of Ottawa real-estate and her connections in the area are incredibly valuable,” wrote Jessica S. “As first time home buyers Kerry was absolutely amazing to work with. She was incredibly knowledgeable, always responsive and really attentive to everything we were looking for, particularly as our housing needs changed as a result of the pandemic. We always felt like we were a top priority every step of the way, from the first viewing to closing. Thanks to Kerry we were able to find a great space in our perfect location — I would highly recommend Kelly & Kerry,” wrote Kristen A.

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ATH: What about other ways to add personality or dress up your yard? Mary-Anne: You can jazz it up, that’s for sure. Add some colour, like painting old tires. It’s a way to add some fun. It’s your space, usually your backyard, so it doesn’t matter what you do, but the colour and the visual

element are just one more thing to help bring you outside.

kitchissippi.com

having a party you can change up the containers and make it feel like the space isn’t the same space people were last at. It’s kind of like swapping out your throw pillows. Don’t forget about the idea of vegetable garden containers, which are perfect for those who want the idea of a vegetable garden without as much work. They’re perfect for introducing children to vegetable gardening, they’re up off the ground so they’re easier to get at if mobility is an issue, and you can easily see them at eye level if you’re sitting out on the patio. They’re yet another stress reliever. Mary-Anne: They also make a great way to do your trial and error on a small scale, letting you test things out. Maybe you change them out the next year, position them in different spots. They’re a great way to start off spring.

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REAL ESTATE Ottawa sees 51 per cent increase in March home sales By Maureen McEwan

Emergency, which commenced mid-March 2020 and impacted overall sales that month. Measuring against a drastically reduced comparable made this year’s figure jump,” Wright stated. The average price for a condominiumclass property was $437,041 in March, which

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39 • May 2021 • KITCHISSIPPI HOMES

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The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) reported that 2,285 residential properties were sold in March 2021 while 1,514 were sold in March 2020. Those sales included 1,705 in the “residential-property class” and 580 in the “condominium-property category,” according to the organization. The five-year average for total sales in March was 1,688. Debra Wright, OREB president, said there were a number of factors that contributed to the jump.

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Once again the Ottawa real estate market is breaking records this spring with a 51 per cent increase in home sales in March compared to last year.

“Typically, real estate is heavily influenced by the weather, and we had remarkable and unseasonably warm temperatures last month, which facilitated buyers’ ability to view and purchase homes,” stated Wright in a press release April 7. Wright added that there was a “significant uptick” in the number of new listings on the Ottawa market. “This total (2,798) was higher than the 5-year listing average, which hadn’t happened since July 2020, when the first lockdown ended. Ongoing pent-up buyer demand meant that most of the properties that came on the market in March were quickly acquired,” Wright stated. COVID-19 measures also impacted the final numbers. “The 51% increase in transactions over last year can be attributed to the State of

was an increase of 18 per cent from last year. The average price for a residential-class property was $758,802, up 35 per cent from March 2020. “These accelerated price growths are purely a result of long-term inventory shortage. I don’t believe that Ottawa’s market is by any means out of control but rather is coming into its own,” Wright stated. “However, until there is action at all three levels of government to resolve our supply challenges, our housing prices are not going to stabilize. And this phenomenon is not occurring in our market alone; housing stock scarcity is a nation-wide issue.” “We have already seen an upturn in new listings coming onto the market, and we are hopeful this trend will continue. In fact, there may be some pent-up supply as sellers have held back during the pandemic even though the market has been more active than expected throughout,” she added. On April 7, the OREB also reported an increase in rentals. Since the beginning of the year, OREB members assisted clients with renting 1,079 properties compared to 746 this time in 2020. To learn more, visit oreb.ca

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“refocused” police powers and insisted that carding would not be allowed. That’s two Covid-19: We remain open with procedures to protect your health and safety big wins for us. remier Ford is a danger to Ontario, and But Ford still went ahead on April we must organize for better. 19 with police checkpoints that delayed Everything going wrong is thousands of essential workers en route to apparently someone else’s fault. I’ve never our hospitals and schools (and other places). seen such a display of finger-pointing in my By that evening, public outcry had scaled Fairlawn Plaza 2148 Carling Ave entire life. the checkpoints back. A third major win Suite 201 Schools are safe, and then they’re not. for us. Why? The data changed, says the education The previous day, the government 613-722-2148 minister, the modelling of the virus didn’t signalled an intention to shut down the integratedtouchphysiotherapy.ca account for community spread impacting legislature. Having taken no steps to move schools. most parliamentary debate online, Keeping your family safe, keeps our family safe. They designated a Kanata they insisted an adjournment was postal code (K2V) for priority needed to ensure public safety. access for vaccines, despite The variants were to blame. it being 11th on the list for The official opposition COVID-19 incidence rates was having none of this. We in Ottawa. Why? Because insisted on safe legislative public health evidence says so, practices, and urgent action to Our office is here for you with: says the health minister (even meet the threat of COVID-19’s though the science advisory table latest variants. We must close nonMonthly Town Halls did not select “hot spot” postal codes, essential workplaces, vaccinate essential Canvasses and Ottawa Public Health says it’s not on its workers, and offer an effective sick day plan. Organizing Community Comfortable, affordable, retirement living in the heart of Kitchissippi! priority neighbourhoods list). This is what public health experts haveAccessing Government Services Help Having trouble booking your vaccine urged, and we stood firm. Now accepting applications for appointment via Ontario’s online portal, By the time I arrived home the evening our Retirement Floor or with a participating pharmacy? It’s your of April 22, the premier was signalling P: 613-722-6414 Call 613-722-6690 109 Catherine St. / rue Catherine E: JHarden-CO@ndp.on.ca fault, says Premier Ford, who insistsMPP the / Députéthat Ontario will get aOttawa, sick dayON planK2P for 0P4 all provincial, www.joelharden.ca Ottawaworkers. Centre If this happens, let us never forget system works. Time and again, we see the same Ford fought this idea all along, and we won response: Someone else is to blame. it by never giving up. This will be our fourth The good news is we have fought back, major win, and it will save lives. and it has made a difference. In fact, we’ve My friends, the days to come will bring seen three victories in the last five days (at adversity and needless death. It should have the time of writing). never come to this, and that is a tragedy of On April 16, Ford closed playgrounds epic proportions. But we also saw the best and expanded police powers. He ordered of Ontario — we saw communities hold a checkpoints on the five bridges and two government to account, and refuse to back ferry crossings in the Ottawa area. No down. Ottawa officials or public health officials So, let’s never forget to demand more requested these things, but somehow the from politics, and that fighting back makes premier felt he knew best. a difference. Keep firing off those messages Reaction was swift. Within hours, Ford and calls, keep organizing safely with your reversed ground on playgrounds. He then neighbours and let’s make change happen. SUBMITTED BY JOEL HARDEN, MPP FOR OTTAWA CENTRE

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41 • May 2021

COUNCILLOR’S CORNER

Have your say on Ottawa's climate future SUBMITTED BY JEFF LEIPER, KITCHISSIPPI WARD COUNCILLOR

May 2021 • 42

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elcome to May, Kitchissippi! The spring weather is always a welcome change after our long winters. If you’re able, I recommend taking advantage of every nice day we get to enjoy the many beautiful outdoor spaces our ward has to offer. As many of you know, the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine distribution in Ottawa is changing rapidly. For current news, keep an eye on the Ottawa Public Health website: it’s the best place to get information about vaccine eligibility and appointments, as well as any updates about changing COVID-19 restrictions.

I also recommend signing up for the city’s COVID-19 vaccination information e-newsletter, so you can get updates right to your inbox. I want to reiterate the public health advice that folks should get the first vaccine that is available to them, as soon as it becomes available. The more people who are vaccinated, the safer our community becomes. If you’re able to help any of your neighbours get their vaccine appointments, please do so. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get there if we keep working together. As the seasons turn, you may be more aware of the impacts of climate change on

our communities. You can have your say on Ottawa’s Climate Resiliency Strategy and learn about what Ottawa’s climate future will look like. Head to engage.ottawa.ca/ climate-resiliency to read the documents assembled by the project team and complete the survey. I’m excited to report that our team is organizing a virtual Ward Forum, scheduled for May 12, from 6-8 p.m. The forum will be held over Zoom, and will give residents the opportunity to hear updates from their community associations and participate in a Q&A session with me, as well as hear from a special guest speaker. Email our office at jeff.leiper@ottawa.ca to

register for the event, and make sure you subscribe to my newsletter to keep abreast of the latest ward updates. I want to take a moment, in closing, to acknowledge that things are tough right now and many people are feeling like they’ve hit the wall. Please know that mental health supports are available. If you are in crisis, the Distress Centre is there to help. You can reach them 24/7 at 613-722-6914. If you’re looking for counselling, Counselling Connect provides quick connections to free phone or video counselling sessions; appointments are often available same-day or next-day. You can visit counsellingconnect.org to access these services. Stay strong, Kitchissippi, and take your joy where you can.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Being there for Canadians SUBMITTED BY CATHERINE MCKENNA, MP FOR OTTAWA CENTRE

know how hard the lockdown has been, and we are all tired, but it is necessary to keep everyone safe right now. Until everyone is protected from the virus, it is critical that we follow public health measures. Supporting Canadians continues to be our priority. As part of Budget 2021, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) have been extended until the end of September. We plan to launch a new program, the Canada Recovery Hiring Program, which will subsidize employers so they can hire more people or increase their employees’ hours. Please continue to support local small businesses if you have the means — so many are offering curbside,

online and takeout. They really need our support right now! As a government, we are working hard to ensure that safe and effective vaccines reach Canadians as quickly as possible. By the end of Q1, we received 9.5 million doses, which is almost 4 million more than promised. Throughout the months ahead, millions more doses will arrive. Recently, our government invested $80 million to make important upgrades to 95 long-term care facilities across Ontario to ensure safer facilities for seniors and frontline workers. I am so happy this includes over $4.2 million to upgrade the Hillel Lodge, Grace Manor, Royal Ottawa Place and Villa Marconi Long-Term Care Center in Ottawa Centre. As a mom of three, I understand the need for schools to be safe for students and

teachers. I know how challenging it is for parents, many balancing work with kids at home. In April, we announced over $500 million in federal funding to ensure schools are safe across Ontario. Of this, Ottawa school boards received a total of $51.3 million. Through this investment, our schools will get the support needed to ensure kids, teachers and staff are safe in school. We also recognize how incredibly important affordable childcare is for families. The pandemic has made access to early learning and childcare a universal issue that is resonating across sectors, regions and income brackets. As part of Budget 2021, we’re investing $30 billion

to build a Canada-wide early learning and childcare system. Not only is this good for families, but also great for Canadians because it means more women are entering the workforce. While we will get out of this pandemic, climate change isn’t going anywhere. That is why in Budget 2021, our government announced $17.6 billion in climate initiatives and, during the Leaders Summit on Climate, we committed to a new ambitious climate target of lowering emissions by 40-45 per cent by 2030. As Budget 2021 has shown, we will continue to be there for Canadians. If you need support right now, there are resources in Ottawa Centre ready to help, such as the 24/7 Distress Line at 613-238-2211 or text at 343-306-5550. Together, we will get through this! Please note my constituency office continues to be open virtually and ready to assist. Call us at 613-946-8682 or email catherine.mckenna@parl.gc.ca

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

Stay safe and healthy, Kitchissippi!

Got a Kitchissippi-area virtual or COVID-19 safe event to share? We’d love to hear about it. Send your info to editor@kitchissippi.com

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MAY 27-JUNE 19 - WALL SPACE GALLERY EXHIBIT - “RIVER VARIATIONS” “WALL SPACE GALLERY is proud to present River Variations, a collaborative exhibition from

TUESDAYS - BYTOWN VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR Although the choir is not able to prepare for public performances, we will be meeting online

WEDNESDAYS - SHOUT SISTER! CHOIR There are 25 chapters of Shout Sister! Choir in Ontario and we are constantly growing. Shout Sister! takes an unorthodox approach to choral singing. We learn from recorded tracks, so we require no reading of music. Our method is fresh and fun, and we are a warm and welcoming community. We use Zoom to meet virtually every Wednesday afternoon (1-3 p.m.) and Thursday evening (7-9 p.m.). Everyone is welcome. We would love to have you join us! For information on joining, please contact members@shoutsisterchoir.ca or visit shoutsisterchoir.ca

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MAY 14-24 - THE CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL (VIRTUAL) Due to current pandemic restrictions, the Canadian Tulip Festival will be celebrated virtually again this year. “Unfortunately for all of us, travel is discouraged at this time. Fans of the festival are asked to stay home and experience the gift of tulips through our immersive virtual experience at www.tulipfestival.ca We look to welcome the world for our 70th

MAY 29-30 - WEST BONUS SPRING TOUR The West End Studio Tour (WEST) is pleased to add an open-air Spring 2021 Tour to its quartercentury tradition of fall tours. This special onetime spring tour will take place on the weekend of May 29-30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists will display their work outdoors, in their yards and on their porches, strictly following the guidelines for physical distancing and access recommended by Ottawa Public Health. Note: In the event the stay-at-home restrictions are extended till the end of May, the tour will take place the weekend of June 5-6.

MONDAYS - ABOVE AND BEYOND TOASTMASTERS Every Monday at 6:45 p.m. (except holidays) Have the jitters each time you need to present a speech? Visit us online. Learn how to communicate better in a relaxed atmosphere and hone your leadership skills. Impromptu speaking is one of our highlights. It’s fun, fun, fun! We would love to have you join us on Mondays. Contact our club via aandbtoastmasters@gmail.com to receive the link.

each Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. We will be learning some new music and maintaining our vocal cords in a relaxed environment, with plenty of musical and technological help. We will all be experiencing this new way of meeting and singing together and are happy to welcome new members, men and women, to join us. For more information, see our website at bytownvoices.com

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MAY 4 - MASTER GARDENER LECTURE ”Colour Through the Seasons” by Candace Dressler and Rob Stuart, part of the 2021 Master Gardener Lectures, will run May 4 from 7-8 p.m. The lecture will be hosted on Zoom by Friends of the Farm and Master Gardeners of OttawaCarleton. Individual lectures for $8 as FCEF Member (series of five for $35). Individual lectures for $10 as Non-Member (series of five for $45). For more information about ticket prices, visit friendsofthefarm.ca

MAY 18 - MASTER GARDENER LECTURE ”Into the Night Garden” by Judith Cox, part of the 2021 Master Gardener Lectures, will run May 18 from 7-8 p.m. The lecture will be hosted on Zoom by Friends of the Farm and Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton. Individual lectures for $8 as FCEF Member (series of five for $35). Individual lectures for $10 as Non-Member (series of five for $45). For more information about ticket prices, visit friendsofthefarm.ca

Vanessa McKernan and guest artist Julie Gladstone. Exploring ideas about the connected strengths and mysticisms of rivers and family mythology,” the Wall Space Gallery website states. The exhibit opens May 27 at 10 a.m. and closes June 19 at 3 p.m. To learn more, visit wallspacegallery.ca

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MAY 1 - CLARE GARDENS PARK CLEAN-UP The spring Clare Gardens Park Clean-Up scheduled for this coming weekend on Saturday, May 1, (rain date Sunday, May 2) is postponed due to the Ontario-wide shutdown. We will do our best to reschedule the cleanup when that public health guidance indicates it’s safe to proceed. Please stay tuned for updates. - The Volunteer Gardeners of Clare Park and the Westboro Community Association.

Anniversary Platinum Jubilee, May 13-23, 2022,” the festival website states. Visit the website for livestreams of the tulips, interactive maps and online walking tours of the tulip gardens. The Canadian Tulip Festival has been celebrated annually in Ottawa since 1953. “The Canadian Tulip Festival was established to celebrate the historic Royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians immediately following the Second World War as a symbol of international friendship. The Festival preserves the memorable role of the Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe, as well as commemorates the birth of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa during World War II— the only royal personage ever born in Canada,” the festival website states.

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ARTS Season Charity partner:

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Celebrate your artistic passion with the makers, artists and crafters in Hintonburg and Wellington Village!

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Tell us how you’re staying creative and tag the Wellington West merchants that are helping you.

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