Kitchissippi Times October 2023

The Chief William Commanda Bridge has officially opened, and almost 30,000 people crossed within the first week.

Pages 18-19

ANNIVERSARY

YEARS 2003-2023

Join us at our event!

To mark our special anniversary, Kitchissippi Times is hosting a community party on Nov. 14 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Thyme and Again, located at 1255 Wellington St. W. This is a free, public event. Please come and join us as we celebrate the importance of community journalism!

Clockwise from top left: Emma Perreault interviews

Jeff Leiper following the 2022 municipal election.

Charlie Senack interviews

Dave Adams about the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail.

Zenith Wolfe photographs little libraries in Feb. 2023.

Zenith Wolfe interviews Artist Andrew King.

Come celebrate with us!

The Kitchissippi Times is turning 20

BY CHARLIE SENACK

After two decades and hundreds of issues, the Kitchissippi Times is gearing up to celebrate our 20th anniversary!

This is a big accomplishment for a small, locally-owned, community paper which relies on the neighborhood for support.

Between 2008 and 2023, 473 Canadian news operations have shut operations, according to the federal government. Last month, Metroland Media group announced they would immediately stop the print run of 70 weekly newspapers, resulting in 605 jobs lost — about 60 percent of Metroland’s workforce.

Despite these turbulent times in the journalism industry, we are still here being a voice for tens of thousands of

readers monthly. And at a time when the world is turning faster than ever before, community-run journalism is more crucial than ever.

The Kitchissippi Times was founded in the fall of 2003 by now Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

“Each issue of the Kitchissippi Times will serve as a lively, entertaining, printed record of the rich and varied lives being lived in the area bound by the Ottawa River, O-Train, the Queensway/Carling Avenue and Woodroffe,” Sutcliffe wrote in his original manifesto for the newpaper. “The paper will capture the spirit and personality of those neighborhoods by giving a voice to the particular habits, tastes, and doings of the people who live here.”

And that is a legacy we have ensured has lived on for the past 20 years.

When the paper was first formed, other names were tossed around for what would become a community staple: The Duke, the Village Times, Kitchissippi Echo, the Village Bugle.

The paper has launched the careers of many young writers and photographers.

Ellen Bond, who has been a photographer with the Kitchissippi Times since 2015, has shot hundreds of photos for us over the years, covered 81 Humans of Kitchissippi profiles, and has attended dozens of community events.

“Kitchissippi is a vibrant electric area,” she said. “We are an inclusive community and I’ve been so happy to have shown through my photography what makes this place where we collectively live special. My first professional photography gig was with this paper and I am eternally grateful for the experience.”

The November issue of Kitchissippi Times will also have a section devoted to the biggest newsmakers of the past 20 years. It will be a great trip down memory lane as we provide a timeline of how the community has been built and transformed over two decades.

But we need your help: The Kitchissippi Times does not have any of our records from 2003 until April 2010. If you have any old issues lying around in your closets or basements, please let us know. Email editor@kitchissippi.com with any archives you have.

We hope to see you all on November 14!

Bradley Turcotte, who is KT’s longest reporter, has been with the company since at least 2010. He said the paper has provided him with an opportunity to share undervalued stories.

“Initially I became a writer because I like telling stories. As our world and country become increasingly corrupt and inequitable, articulating stories from the community… becomes more important,” he said. “I take great pleasure in reporting on the good things community members do.”

Charlie Senack sits down with former mayor Jim Watson for an exit interview.

Simon Hopkins speaks with Karen Wright in Sept. 2023. PROVIDED PHOTOS.

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KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

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GIVING KITCHISSIPPI LOCALS A VOICE

OPINIONS OF KITCHISSIPPI

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SIMON HOPKINS

Many residents have raised concerns over a proposed development to be built on the northeast corner of Parkdale and Carling Avenues.

The development would replace the existing medical building with two high-rise condominiums. One tower would be 16 storeys and the other 27, totalling over 400 apartments.

After its initial approval by Ottawa’s planning committee, the issue was reconsidered following opposition to the project by officials from the Central Experimental Farm. The federal government wasn’t informed of the project with enough notice ahead of the initial meeting, so the committee considered the issue for a second time.

The farm, located across the street from 1081 Carling,

conducts research that helps develop crops that are resilient to climate change. The officials from the government stated that shadows cast by the towers would cover areas of the farm, impacting crop growth and their research. Supporters of the project argued that large apartment complexes are needed to address the housing shortage. Their critics said that expensive condominiums won’t solve the problem because they aren’t the type of housing in shortage. After the second planning committee meeting on Sept. 20, which included representatives from the federal government, the committee again voted in favour of the development. The Kitchissippi Times spoke with community members using the paths through the farm. We asked: How do you feel about a housing development that could inhibit the work of the Central Experimental Farm?

"We absolutely think that it is very shortsighted and that they are going to set a precedent that is very bad. The planners in our city have done a very bad job in the past and are continuing to do so. Just because a developer bought that land and wants to build two towers is no reason that the city and the planners should say ‘go right ahead.’" -

MONICA ROSENTHAL

"I’m very concerned. The Experimental Farm is a special place in Ottawa. It’s special to the nearby residents and to all of Canada. The research done here is essential to our being able to feed ourselves. It’s not a small matter to have negative effects on the farm." -

KAREN WRIGHT

"This space is everything. It’s rare to find an open space like this in the city. It’s nice that it’s open to people to walk around. We need this open space – not just buildings."

- ANDRE BARKOUDEH

"Is climate change a priority? Is urban tree canopy a priority? The official plan says it is. But they’re not going to allow for proper tree canopies; they’re going to shade the farm. This is not a response to the housing crisis - this is not going to help the homelessness crisis. These are condos – this is profit."

- MARY-ANNE KIRVAN

PO Box 91585

Ottawa ON K1W 1K0

Kitchissippi, meaning “the Grand River,” is the former Algonquin name for the Ottawa River. The name now identifies the urban community to the west of downtown Ottawa.

EDITOR

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Simon Hopkins, Daria Maystruk, Christina Korotkov, Dave Allston and Ellen Bond.

PROOFREADER

Susan Rothery

ADVERTISING SALES

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Celine Paquette celine@greatriver.ca

Deborah Ekuma deborah@obj.ca

FINANCE

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

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

Distribution

A minimum of 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

FOUNDER PUBLISHER

Mark Sutcliffe Michael Curran

THIS MONTH: Residents weigh in on 1081 Carling development proposal

To read more about the 1081 Carling development, visit kitchissippi.com

Season of reflection

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Happy October, Kitchissippi!

I know I keep saying this, but where is the year going? It’s hard to believe Halloween is only a month away! The days are getting shorter and the seasons are changing. Trees are starting to show their true colours, a gradual sign that winter is not far off.

Besides the return of pumpkin spice lattes, and Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espressos (my personal favourite), I’m also excited for trench coat season. Spoken like a true reporter, I suppose some could say.

We have been fortunate to have seen warm days and cooler nights, a perfect time to check out the newly opened Chief William Commanda Bridge. For this issue of KT I spoke with Claudette Commanda, William’s granddaughter, to find out more about his lasting legacy.

I also sat down with Renée Amilcar, general manager of OC Transpo, to learn about her new vision for Ottawa’s transit system. We have recently learned the local transit unit is in a “worse than expected” financial state, and tough decisions will need to be made. All of this comes as the Trillium Line is expected to open in a few months — saying the project is still on track.

Simon Hopkins met with community members to hear their opinions on the controversial 1081 Carling development. There are continued concerns that if the 16 and 27 storey towers are built, it will impact research at the Central Experimental Farm across the street.

In ‘GIVING’, Christina Korotkov writes about the Exceptional Next, a program designed for people with disabilities. They run art programming out of Equator Coffee in Westboro.

Daria Maystruk sat down with Elisa Ferrarin Burgess, a Westboro resident who is preparing to rappel down a 17-storey building with her dog PaCe.

She’s doing it as part of a fundraiser for the Easter Seals Foundation.

The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is branching out to become its own charity. This will mean no changes for trail users; strictly behind the scenes. Groomer Dave Adams said the move is thanks to their popularity and success.

Wall Space Gallery has officially left Westboro. After 15 years in the community, the local art gallery said it was time to spread their wings and start a new chapter. I visited their new location in Old Ottawa South to learn more.

And in ‘EARLY DAYS’, Dave Allston writes his part two column on how garbage helped build the Parkway. It’s a little known piece of local history which might have saved Mechanicsville.

In closing, I want to invite all Kitchissippi Times readers to our 20th anniversary party being held at Thyme and Again on Nov. 14. You can turn to page 2 for all of the details. We are so proud to have served this community for decades, and we are excited to see what the future holds for us.

This month officially marks one year since I took over as editor of KT, and next month will be five years since I started writing for this great community paper. Life can sometimes feel as though it’s moving very fast, but change is something to be embraced.

I feel so fortunate to tell the stories of Kitchissippi residents. This is truly one of the greatest communities in Ottawa!

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Charlie Senack

Q and A: OC Transpo general manager Renée Amilcar looks to “redesign” the transit system

BY CHARLIE SENACK

OC Transpo is facing a “worse than expected” financial situation as it gets ready to launch the Phase 2 Trillium line of Ottawa’s light rail transit system.

During a technical briefing on Sept. 18, OC Transpo confirmed that their 25 year revenue projections are down $3.7 billion — more than $100 million per year. Prepandemic ridership isn’t expected to be back until 2030, and actual numbers won’t come close to the 112 million bus and train rides that were expected this year.

Last year the local transit agency had to dig into its reserves to fill a gap in their budget, running a $40.8 million deficit.

If timelines stay on track, the Trillium line, which will run from Bayview station

in Kitchissippi to Limebank Road in Riverside South, will see completion by the end of year. While no dates are being given, a more clear timeline is expected to be unveiled in October.

The Kitchissippi Times sat down with Renée Amilcar, general manager of OC Transpo, to talk about what the Trillium line will mean for Kitchissippi riders, how they plan to balance the books, and what tough decisions might need to be made.

Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

KT: Light rail transit is supposed to see the Trillium line open in a few months. What will this mean for the Kitchissippi community?

RA: It will be fantastic for residents. It will go directly to the airport which is great and will be fantastic for Carleton University students. It will be connected to the

Confederation line. We want to make sure this time we don’t make the same mistakes as the first time. We have learned and we will take our time. We will ensure it’s all properly done before we launch it for service.

KT: You mentioned that mistakes have been made. What are you doing to make sure you don’t make those same mistakes again?

I don’t want to use the word ‘mistakes.’ I’d prefer to say that we have lessons learned because everyone wanted to do their best. I think it was a new system and it’s very high tech. For more than one year now I have put in place an engineering department with experts who can really speak the language that Alstom speaks, the language that RTM speaks.

Other than that, the public inquiry report identified 104 recommendations and we are working on all of them. We have worked with experts to ensure what we can learn from Stage 1 to make sure that we have a good launch for the Trillium line and the extension of the Confederation line.

Ottawa’s Phase 1 LRT system has faced rounds of shutdowns since its opening in Sept. 2019. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK. Insert: Renée Amilcar, general manager of OC Transpo, sat down with KT for an in-depth interview about the state of Ottawa’s problem-plagued transit system. PROVIDED PHOTO.

KT: We have seen a lot of breakdowns and shutdowns with the Confederation line, one that lasted over 20 days this summer. What are some of the fixes and solutions being made to ensure this doesn’t happen again?

RA: We know that we have a problem with the bearing on the Alstom vehicles. We have identified the problems with the first derailment in Aug. 2021, the issues with the bearings in July 2022, and again this July when during a regular maintenance routine we saw something with the bearings we didn’t like. That’s why service stopped. The good thing now is Alstom and Rideau Transit Group are in an agreement to redesign the axle to strengthen the bearing to ensure it can support external forces. In the

meantime Alstom has provided mitigation measures and corrections to ensure we reduce the forces.

KT: Winter is just a few months away and transit riders are on edge. Last winter we saw shutdowns caused by snow and ice, one resulting in stranded passengers being rescued by firefighters after being trapped for over two hours. Will these fixes prevent a similar scenario from occurring again?

RA: I think we have seen for the last few years that the weather is totally different than before. Now we have freezing rain in January which is not normal. What I can say is with each issue we learn a lot and we are more prepared. I’m also looking to be more

proactive and reduce the time when things happen because situations will happen unfortunately. The Confederation line is an electric system and it’s challenging to deal with the overhang system.

KT: We have recently learned that OC Transpo is in a worse than expected financial state. What are you looking to do in order to ensure that riders get the level of service they deserve while trying to fund the system?

RA: I think it’s a good wake-up call. I think it’s time to maybe put everything away and redesign the network with what we have. It’s too late to say we don't need Stage 1 or Stage 2 anymore, but we can make a decision for Stage 3. It will be a tough time because the system is built and we need to be able to operate it and we need money that we don't have. But in 15 to 25 years we will be so proud that the system is here and available and working.

Now that people know and understand the reality, they can maybe accept more of the decisions we will need to take for the shortterm period.

KT: You have been in this job for two years now. What has this whole experience been like for you and what has it taught you?

RA: It was my choice to come here. I was very happy in Montreal, I had a fantastic job, but the challenge here was fantastic. It was a very good opportunity for me and I’m still happy to be here. I’m working very, very hard with my staff. I’m very happy to be a part of this transformation and I’m still learning. While I have a lot of experience with transit, Ottawa is unique and the politicians are very involved, more than in Montreal. I still have a lot to bring to Ottawa.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

Goodbye Westboro: Wall Space Gallery moves to Old Ottawa South

BY CHARLIE SENACK

After 15 years in Westboro, Wall Space Gallery has left the community for a new venture.

The popular local contemporary fine art gallery first opened its doors in 2004 with the mission of providing “thoughtprovoking and engaging exhibitions,” according to its website. The gallery works with emerging and established Canadian artists who specialize in traditional or new media.

Wall Space officially opened its new gallery at Bank and Sunnyside, near Lansdowne, on Sept. 9. Ava Cochrane, Wall Space director of community relations, said the move was needed in order to continue their mission.

“We absolutely loved Westboro. We loved the community. But it was really the actual space. We were getting missed a lot on the street,” she said. “We had a narrow entrance and people would walk by and not know that we have been here for 15 years. When this space came up, we were really excited

for the new opportunity. We saw so much opportunity in this space and to transform it into our own.”

In order to get the new gallery ready, adjustments were made to the space which used to house a dollar store. Cochrane said they switched how the basement stairs faced and created a more open concept.

Paintings line the bright white walls and are also displayed on movable walls which can transform the gallery for different occasions.

“We really liked the contemporary style

so we painted the front black and had the title of our gallery in all caps to be a bit easier to read,” said Cochrane. “We painted the bathrooms in this beautiful deep rose colour and we have little details, like our hanging wall in the back with all our framing samples on display.”

Tiffany April, who has been a curator with Wall Space for two years, said each space brings a new sense of feeling.

“We have this beautiful window frontage so I think curating the front half of the gallery is going to be a real priority,” she

Ava Cochrane and Tiffany April from Wall Space gallery said they are sad to leave Westboro, but are excited for their new chapter in Old Ottawa South. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK

said. “When I install an exhibition - either my own work or somebody else’s — there is that body relationship that you bring to the space. Some of it has a chaotic feeling, some of it’s calm. You can get the artist's message across.”

April moved to Ottawa when she was seven years old and said Wall Space was one of the first galleries she visited when getting into the local art scene.

“I knew it’s a gallery I wanted to be represented by,” she said. “It’s a very warm and close-knit art community.”

A decade ago, Ottawa was bustling with local galleries in trendy neighborhoods such as Mechanicvlle and the Glebe, but now they are dwindling. In the last decade some local artists have said over five galleries have closed in the Kitchissippi area alone. In Wellington West, the Orange Art Gallery is now at risk of closing at the end of the year after their landlord refused to renew the lease.

April said art plays a significant role in people’s lives and can serve as an archive to the world.

“Art plays such an important cultural role,” she said. “Whether it’s an artist who’s a huge name and selling out or not, it’s about recording our current time period.”

Cochrane agrees and said art is a way to examine and critically think about our surroundings and relay that through a different form.

“It’s a way to express things that we don't necessarily have the language for. Language can be quite limiting,” she said. “As a neurodiverse artist myself, I find that

I can express things that I can’t quite put into words and you can create a world that somebody can step into.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the way art is viewed and bought, with many galleries closing their physical spaces and relying fully on an online platform. Cochrane said while the beauty of pieces can still be admired through a screen, you aren’t able to appreciate the “static art.” “You don't experience art the same way that you do when you see it in person. You can see a photograph online and it’s beautiful, but having that ability to print it and get that depth… the experience is different, the scale is different. It becomes much more personal to see things on the wall,” she said. “Arrangements and layouts are also just as important and critical to the narrative.”

Wall Space Gallery now works with a roster of 70 Canadian artists and 10 jewelers, and is hoping to expand its presence as it embraces new space. Many former clients from Westboro have already stopped by the new location, and the gallery hopes to attract new clientele as well.

In the future they are hopeful to host more events in the gallery space, with the possibility of having a barista on-site to create a niche experience.

“We have our dedicated Wall Space collectors and clientele who have followed us here already, but we encourage everyone to come because it’s a beautiful environment to enjoy artists,” April said. “We’d love to have everybody from Westboro still come to visit us.”

Seven Tea Miles launches brick-and-mortar store

BY SIMON HOPKINS

Sourabh Chalotra was worried that he might lose some of his most faithful clients when he closed his food truck and moved to Westboro.

To his delight, new and familiar faces have visited the tea shop’s new storefront. “They all came back,” he said. “That was the best part.”

Chalotra founded Seven Tea Miles three years ago, selling chai and Indian street snacks from a food truck at the intersection of Merivale and Clyde. The civil engineer took a leap of faith and chased his dream of being a business owner. “It keeps me excited,” he said. “You have to do what you love.”

Chalotra’s brother, Karam Singh, has worked with Chalotra since the beginning. He, too, has been thrilled with the neighbourhood’s reception to the new store. ”Everything is going so well,” he said. “More than we expected.”

Chalotra, originally from Delhi, India, wanted to bring the best tea possible to Ottawa. “It’s hard to find really good tea here, so I’m trying to solve that,” he explained.

The truck business was booming from day one and quickly outgrew its mobile shop. Needing more space and wanting to stay open throughout Ottawa’s cold winters, the tea shop has taken up residence on Richmond Road, a few steps west of Churchill Street.

The store smells of warm spice from their freshly made tea blends. Regular customers, like Justin Smith, sit and sip chai.

“Their food truck was right by our house,” Smith said, explaining how he and his partner would regularly stop at their counter. After the store's move, the couple started coming to the

Richmond Road storefront.

Chalotra’s brother, Singh, crafts drinks behind the counter. “We have chai with milk, chai without, iced chaiwe have a lot of options.”

Spices like cinnamon, cloves and saffron are blended with tea to make a

wide variety of flavours, which range from fruity to perfumy. Chalotra explained that they import their tea from Assam, a state in India known for tea growing.

“It’s top-quality ingredients. You won’t find chai like this anywhere,” he said.

Next in their business ventures will be tea blends packaged for sale. Customers can take home their favourite flavours for a bit of spice in their own kitchens. But if you want the real deal made by professionals and adorned with rose petals, you’ll have to make your way to Westboro.

Westboro

celebrates Small Business Month

In October, the Westboro Village Business Improvement Area will celebrate nationally recognized Small Business Month. The BIA acts as a unified voice for businesses in Westboro Village. They provide joint advertising and promotion and advocate for improvements needed for the business area.

Judy Lincoln, the President of Westboro’s BIA, said that they’re excitedly welcoming new businesses to Westboro.

“It’s really exciting to see people willing to take the risk of entrepreneurship,” she said. According to Lincoln, businesses in Westboro are finding ways to thrive despite challenges.

“We are really fortunate,” she said. “We actually have less streetlevel vacancy than we had before COVID.”

New businesses are opening throughout the area, and the BIA is there to support and help businesses succeed. “We do everything from training to networking to marketing,” Lincoln said. The organization is there to support the passion that all owners have for their businesses.

Top: From left to right: Karam Singh, Sourabh Chalotra, and Mann Kaur. PHOTO BY SIMON HOPKINS.

Bottom: Seven Tea Miles started as a food truck and then opened up shop in Westboro. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Insert: Each tea blend is freshly made.

PHOTO BY SIMON HOPKINS.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Young Kitchissippi artist adds colour to West End Studio

Artist Alexander Zoubek follows in the footsteps of his grandmother Paula Zoubek, joining the West End Studio Tour

BY SIMON HOPKINS

Paula Zoubek sits at the edge of her garage, its walls decorated with colourful paintings.

Paula has invited guests to her home annually for over 25 years as part of Ottawa’s West End Studio Tour. The tour highlights artists like Paula, who live in Ottawa neighbourhoods.

Paula’s 22-year-old grandson Alexander wasn’t born when she first took part in the tour. But today, at the back of Paula’s garage, is Alexander, now tall and standing in front of a wall of his own art.

Alexander was excited to join the ranks of the great artists who participate in the showcase of Ottawa art.

“Artists need to have networks, and this is the first step to getting one,” Alexander explained. “The tour gets my name out there.”

The fascination with colour and contrast is clear in the paintings on Alexander and Paula’s walls. Paula said she noticed Alexander’s understanding of colour from a young age.

“He’s a very good colourist. I think he and I have a gene for colours. We can differentiate all kinds of shades,” she said.

Paula was a mentor for Alexander growing up, always ushering him in the right direction.

“There was always someone there to coach me and value my art. A lot of my early paintings were at my grandmother’s house,” Alexander said. “She had a studio with all these paints and canvases lying around, and I would paint whatever.”

Alexander’s grandmother’s impact on him is clear.

“With my earlier paintings, I did try to do what she was doing,” he said. “But I think people on the tour will be able to see the difference between our styles.”

He described his style as influenced by surrealism and focused on contrast and light.

“I’m really interested in light and dark: dramatic lighting in empty spaces,” he said. He paints with a delicate touch that captures how light and shadow cascade through rooms. Alexander’s “Many Hours from Home” depicts a dimly lit bedroom. The curtains’ light brushstrokes make the

fabric look translucent, letting sunlight spill in. A dark doorway in the corner reveals a solitary lamp whose soft light illuminates a small space on the floor.

Alexander said he enjoyed playing with the paint to create the illusion of light.

He was never forced into painting but took an eager interest in it from an early age. Paula reminisced about their regular trips to the National Gallery. “As soon as he was big enough to walk, he was interested.”

The signs of youth showed as Zoubek paced, examining his work. Paula calmly watched as Alexander remembers he still needs to sign some of his work.

Today, Paula’s support comes in the form of logistical advice. There are many challenges for a young artist, like creating a network and learning how to sell art.

“It’s hard to price them,” Alexander said. “I don’t want to rip people off, but I also want to value my work.” His experienced grandmother is never far away to offer helpful advice.

“The tour will make him more comfortable trying to sell and promote his own work,” Paula said, explaining one of the most challenging aspects of being a professional artist. “It becomes easier.”

Alexander excitedly pointed to the paintings he had already sold. “I’m thinking I might need to bring some more over.”

Alexander Zoubek and his grandmother, Paula Zoubek, were part of this year’s West End Studio Tour. ALL PHOTOS BY SIMON HOPKINS

The Exceptional Nest creates a safe space for people with

BY CHRISTINA KOROTKOV

Sarah Laurie was ready to take her career in a new direction when she decided to start her business The Exceptional Nest.

“I married my love for creating and the arts while still working with people I really loved to work with, which are adults

with exceptionalities,” said Laurie, who previously worked as an Autism specialist teacher and has experience working with adults with developmental and intellectual exceptionalities.

Laurie prefers to use the word ‘exceptionalities’ to describe people who have either physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities.

“I like the positive spin on it,” she said.

The Exceptional Nest was created to be a safe space where adults with exceptionalities may come together to socialize, but also to create.

‘Art Social Wednesdays’ is one of the series that The Exceptional Nest hosts at Equator Coffee in Westboro. Participants are led by Laurie to create a piece of art.

“We use a different art medium every week,” she said, listing sketching, mirrors, pastels and still life watercolour as a few examples.

Bailey Cherry, marketing and outreach coordinator at Equator Coffee, has known Laurie through the coffee shop for about six years.

“Equator’s mission as a whole is people over profit,” said Cherry. “We are continually looking for ways to do better by people, to invest in the community, and to be able to give back where we can.”

According to Cherry, community outreach is a big part of Equator’s B Corp certification, encouraging businesses to

Left: Equator Coffee hosts art classes for people with disabilities. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK. Insert: Sarah Laurie started The Exceptional Test to provide a safe space for rare opportunities.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA KOROTKOV. Right and next page: Art Social Wednesdays is a popular program for the group. PROVIDED PHOTOS.

do better globally, including fair trade and organic.

‘Art Social Wednesdays’ fell into this criteria.

“We do what we can, when we can,” she said about donating space for ‘Art Social Wednesdays’. “It is a good way to invest in her [Laurie] and invest in a pretty cool dream and vision she had.”

When Laurie got the go-ahead that she would have access to the space, she felt like her dreams were coming true.

“I get to provide a wonderful program for adults with exceptionalities to gather and meet like-minded people and learn to socialize again, post COVID,” said Laurie. “That’s what I’m hearing from a lot of parents and caregivers, that they really lack a safe space to come and feel themselves, to feel accepted.”

Louise McGoey’s son, James McCallum, 35, participates in ‘Art Social Wednesdays’. McCallum is a Special Olympian who

has Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has a passion for being active and especially loves art.

He was very excited to learn he would be a part of the Westboro-based arts program.

“He knows Wednesday is art, so he’ll talk about art class,” said McGoey. “James thrives on being very, very active and doing

a lot of things. He likes to have things to look forward to every single day.”

Wednesday’s are a busy time for McCallum who also attends another program on the same day.

“I wondered if it might be a little too much for him, but it's very relaxed and stress free,” McGoey said. “He really enjoys

it. It fulfills a sensory need. It helps him.”

People on the autism spectrum have high sensory needs, meaning they may need more or less sensory stimulation than someone who does not have autism.

“People with special needs have many of the same needs we do,” said McGoey. “They thrive on having a purpose. They thrive on having friends and a social life. But it's more challenging for them. So having people like Sarah who create opportunities for them to do that is really, really important.”

“I get to do something that I love,” said Laurie. “It’s just so fun to get to know these wonderful humans. I really love hearing how they integrate life.”

‘Art Social Wednesdays’ is planning on having an open showcase at the end of each series where the community is welcome to tour the art made by participants. For more information contact Sarah Laurie at sarah.c.laurie23@gmail.com.

Westboro resident prepares to rappel down 17-storey building in Easter Seals Foundation fundraiser

BY DARIA MAYSTRUK

Not many people can say they’ve rappelled down a 17-storey building. Even fewer people can say they did it with their dog attached to them.

Westboro’s Elisa Ferrarin Burgess, who works as a senior administrative officer at the University of Ottawa, is planning to accomplish the feat for her second time on Oct. 4 with her dog PaCe.

The trek down the building is in support of the Easter Seals Foundation, an organization that encourages “people living with disabilities to live their lives actively, to push boundaries and overcome barriers in order to realize their dreams,” according to their website.

The Drop Zone fundraiser is open to anyone willing to challenge themselves after they raise a minimum of $1,500. Participants also receive safety training before going down and are assisted by an experienced technical crew.

The event raised more than $50,000 in 2022, according to an email from Lauren Squizzato, Easter Seals Ontario community engagement manager. This year’s event will take place at 175 Bloor St. E. in Toronto, and Squizzato said they are hoping to raise more than $80,000.

Burgess already had 10 years of experience in search and rescue volunteering when she first reached out to organizers about the idea to participate with her dog in 2022.

Burgess said she was interested in the idea for several reasons. She said it was something she had never done before and she wanted to conquer her fears, but she also recognized the challenges people with disabilities face from watching one of her close friends navigate the world in a wheelchair.

“I'm very fortunate to be able to have the ability to not need specific equipment. I don't know what it's like to not be able to go to summer camp or not be able to get out of my house because I don’t have a

ramp,” she said. “Knowing that this money here helps send a kid to camp where it's fully accessible for them or it helps provide them with … something that we take for granted … that really captured my heartstrings.”

PaCe, pronounced like the Italian word for peace, is Burgess’s second search and rescue dog. He went through extensive training to be considered “bomb-proof,” she said.

Although PaCe had only rappelled five storeys at a time before, she said they were given a “special circumstance because of the training he’s done” to be approved for the drop.

“I started out in Alberta with a team that focuses on natural disasters, so with my first dog, we had to ensure [they] were very agile in all circumstances — whether it be rappelling down a cliff, being dropped down into a building via helicopter, climbing a ladder in or out and things like that,” she said. “We've been through the same kind of training here in Ottawa.”

Outside of the official training implemented with the fundraiser, one of the things they did to prepare was getting PaCe used to the specific type of harness used for rappelling, she said.

“It's just a matter of putting them in a harness and just lifting them off the floor, and then once you're comfortable with that, putting them on your shoulder, and then you move to greater heights like pulling them up along a tree.”

A friend of Burgess’s, Melissa Lewington, also participated in the event with her dog last year alongside Burgess and one other team member. She said the event was fun but “a little terrifying right at the start.”

“You have to climb a sixfoot ladder with the dog, and then [there’s] a little bit of weirdness to get yourself set up. When you're finished, you have a foot-wide ledge to stand on … But once you went over, it was fine,” Lewington said. “I still look back at the video I shot with my GoPro and I don't even know how my dog trusted me to put up with the craziness.”

While the team of three was invited to return, Burgess is the only one able to make it this time around.

She said that while all eyes will be on her this year, she hopes others will consider supporting the event.

“[The fundraiser is] safe, you get training … and you go down at your own speed, so if you want to take forever you’re always welcome to go slow,” she said. “It’s kind of a neat thing to do for an excellent cause and I encourage people to put those fears aside and try it out.”

Elisa Ferrarin Burgess is preparing to rappel down a 17-storey building. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EASTER SEALS FOUNDATION. This page: PaCe is Elisa Ferrarin Burgess’s second rescue dog and is considered “bomb-proof.” PROVIDED PHOTO.

EARLY DAYS

How garbage helped build the parkway and saved Mechanicsville

BY DAVE ALLSTON

The creation of landfill along the Ottawa River, and the subsequent construction of the Parkway along the shoreline in the 1960s, was an ambitious project that forever changed the west end.

In many ways, it was a curse to residents of riverside communities like Westboro and Champlain Park, who were suddenly cut off from the River around which they were built. In Mechanicsville’s case, Lazy Bay being filled in to allow for a straighter run of the Parkway likely saved the neighbourhood.

At the time, the city was implementing urban renewal projects in many of its poorer areas. Mechanicsville was high on the hit list and many options were considered, including the leveling of the entire neighbourhood.

Like LeBreton Flats, one scenario could have seen all of the houses in Mechanicsville demolished and replaced by blocks of 12-storey apartment buildings set within parkland.

The filling of Lazy Bay, Bayview Bay and Nepean Bay occurred throughout 1963. Once they reached capacity in February 1964, the first thing the City did was hold a party there. The 1964 Ottawa Winter Carnival included events all around the vicinity of Nepean Bay, including a square dance party and Carnival Queen contest at the newly opened City Centre warehouse.

As part of the festivities, the city held their annual “Burning of the Greens” on the new Nepean Bay landfill, where all of the Christmas trees collected by the city were stacked and burned in a large public spectacle. The event, however, was a failure.

Poor weather led to a sparse turnout, and the trees failed to ignite thanks to a recent covering of five inches of snow. Staff used “judicious amounts of flammable fluid” to try to get it going, but the blaze was “disappointingly unspectacular” according to the Ottawa Citizen.

The Parkway west of Parkdale had opened in December of 1963. That portion had been easy. The section from Parkdale to downtown had much more work ahead.

When spring arrived in 1964, the NCC’s next step was to convert the trashfilled bays into usable land. Delays led to these areas sitting largely untouched throughout the spring and summer, becoming a popular spot for seagulls. The Citizen referred to Nepean Bay as a “fly-in restaurant.”

The NCC’s approved budget in the House of Commons for 1964-65 included plans for the parkway construction across the new causeways at Lazy Bay and Bayview Bay, as well as construction of a parkway overpass of the CPR railway tracks near the now-named Chief William Commanda Bridge.

That summer, the NCC put out two tenders for the parkway construction of the two bay sections. Interestingly, both included requirements of the excavation of garbage as part of the contracts.

A total of 100,000 cubic yards was to be removed from the Bayview section, and 19,000 cubic yards from Lazy Bay. This amount of refuse sounds especially significant when you consider that a dump truck had a capacity of about 10 cubic yards — meaning roughly 11,900 truckloads of waste was required to be removed from the bays.

Testing at the time showed that the garbage in Lazy and Bayview Bays was deemed to be of “low shear strength and

subject to settle considerably under load,” creating concerns for foundation stability. A total excavation under the future road surface was required to avoid the risk of irregular settlement over the coming decades. Rock fill would replace it. The garbage could be left where only earth cover would be required.

L. J. Corkery Ltd. was awarded the Bayview contract for $371,969, while the Gordon S. Mulligan Company won the Lazy Bay contract for $98,126. Mulligan was tasked with the excavation work, construction of 1,100 feet of parkway, and some sewer installations for the parkway portion just north of Mechanicsville.

Two backhoes arrived on Aug. 2, and began working along the shoreline and loading the muck into trucks. Work also began on some drilling and blasting along the sides of Lazy Bay, and the completion of the causeway across the bays.

The first quantities of rock cover for the landfill began to arrive that fall when the NCC trucked out rock and rubble from yet another major project occurring concurrently, the $3.5 million burial of the CPR Prescott Line in a series of deep cuts, underpasses and a tunnel along the tracks from Bayview to Carleton University, known today as the O-Train Trillium Line.

Gordon Mulligan passed away in 2002, but his daughter Holly Reed specifically remembered that her father was involved in removing rock from the CPR line near Preston and Somerset.

“Another company had the job of blasting the rock, and then his company was in charge of taking the rock out. The rubble that came out of there was probably used on the Parkway,” she recalled.

As for the waste being removed from the bays, 44,500 cubic yards of it was pulled out and relocated from one spot over to the south slope of the Bayview Bay, west of the bridge. Earth fill was then added on top, as well as 1,000 gallons of an “odor control agent solution.” Even more of the excavated waste was hauled across the CPR tracks and dumped into the Nepean Bay landfill, which remained stagnant.

This is a view from December 1965, after Lazy Bay had been finished being filled in, but before the Parkway roadway construction had begun. You will notice the Parkway ends at Parkdale. PHOTO CREDIT: CITY OF OTTAWA ARCHIVES - CA-9097.

The biggest excavation in Canadian history

Meanwhile, yet another major capital project played a critical role in the development of the landfill areas. In the fall of 1964, it was announced that “the biggest excavation job undertaken in the middle of any city in Canadian history” was about to occur in downtown Ottawa where a $1,283,000 hole would be dug in the centre of Ottawa to make way for the new National Arts Centre.

It was stated that all of the material removed from the NAC site would be trucked west to the new landfill site along the River. The rock would be used to complete the Nepean Bay causeway on which the roadway would be built, while earth was placed on top of the landfill to compress the garbage and create a subgrade layer upon which landscaping could finish what would become new usable land.

Excavation for the NAC began in February of 1965. At its peak, 37 trucks were being used to carry the fill away to LeBreton Flats, each making three trips an hour. By project completion in August, 90,000 pounds of dynamite had been used for more than 1,500 blasts,

and 540,000 tons of excavated material had been removed from the NAC property. A total of 1.5 million yards of fill was used on Nepean Bay.

Work on the Parkway continued through various delays and challenges until finally opening all the way to Wellington Street downtown on July 7, 1967, the completion of a $12 million project that took more than 20 years to come to fruition.

Much of this man-made land along Nepean Bay through to Lazy Bay still awaits its purpose. Today, a large portion of the proposed “Embassy Row” in Mechanicsville is on this land; and most of the proposed “parks district” in the LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan is also located there. It includes an “urban beach” which incredibly harkens back to the Federal District Commission’s very first plan for this space.

Memory care for Mom that feels like home

Nearly 60 years after the land was created, the debate continues, just as it does for the streets of old LeBreton Flats. Whatever they choose to do, they’ll have to be careful about what they might find when digging down for basements and parking garages.

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How can I stay mentally active as I age?

As we journey through life, one of our most valuable assets is our cognitive prowess. However, as we age, the fear of cognitive decline often looms large. The good news is that there are various ways to ensure we stay mentally sharp well into our golden years.

Exercise Your Brain: Engage in activities that challenge your intellect, such as puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, or learning a new language or instrument.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins is vital for brain health. Foods like berries, fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens can help protect your brain from age-related decline.

Stay Social: Engaging with friends, family, and community activities not only keeps you mentally active but also provides emotional support.

Adequate Sleep: Sleep is when the brain regenerates and consolidates memories. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to maintain cognitive function.

Physical Fitness: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve memory and cognitive function.

Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact brain health. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to reduce stress and promote mental clarity.

Stay Curious: Embrace a lifelong learning mindset. Continuously challenging yourself to learn new things can help keep your brain active.

Regular Health Check-ups: Monitor and manage chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

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Left: An Aug 27 1964 News clipping regarding the award for the tender for the Bayview portion of the project. Above: An Ariel view of the three bays as seen in 2022. CREDIT: GOOGLE MAPS.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Connecting communities: Chief William Commanda Bridge officially opens

BY CHARLIE SENACK

The Chief Willam Commanda Bridge has officially opened and is already seeing large crowds.

After its first week in operation this August, almost 30,000 people crossed the former rail bridge by foot or bike, according to Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

The 143-year-old bridge, named after William Commanda, an Algonquin elder who served as chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinäbeg First Nation, had its official ribbon cutting on Sept. 9.

“This bridge embodies so much about what I love about our community,” Sutcliffe said during a ceremony on the bridge. “It connects communities… It facilitates active transportation. It’s being enjoyed by cyclists, commuters, recreational users, runners, pedestrians, visitors and tourists.”

While the bridge is being welcomed by the public, it took a long time to get here.

Formally known as the Prince of Wales Bridge, the 1.3 kilometer connection from Ottawa to Gatineau was purchased by the City of Ottawa in 2005. There were talks of using the bridge as a transit network between the two provinces, but in 2021 it was agreed upon that it be converted into a pedestrian space instead.

The total cost for the project was $22.6 million.

“For all of the delays in getting it built, I think a lot of Ottawa has already seen that it was worth the wait,” Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper said. “The views from the bridge are spectacular, and some five and 10 kilometer running groups are now passing by the bridge. I’ve been using it as a way to get to city hall without having to share the road with cars.”

Honoring a legacy

While the bridge will provide a new way for residents to cross the Ottawa River, it is playing an even bigger role in recognizing the history of First Nations people who first called this land home.

Elder Claudette Commanda, who is Chief William Commanda’s granddaughter, said the bridge will act as a point of education to teach Canadians about the hardship First Nations peoples faced for centuries.

“We value the recognition of our late grandfather because he worked tirelessly to bring people together for racial justice and equality for First Nations people,” she told the Kitchissippi Times.

“It’s fitting a bridge is named after our grandfather because he worked all his life as a bridge builder and bringing

people together in the spirit of kindness and love,” she added.

In the 1960s, William Commanda brought First Nations people and tribes from across North America together for a multi-day gathering called “The Circle of All Nations.” In 1991, he attended the Rio Earth Summit and pleaded with the Canadian government to return Chaudière Falls to its natural state.

“He was a champion as chief of our community even during the days when the Indian Act was applied to us very strictly by colonial laws and the power of the church and government over our people,” Commanda said. “Our freedoms were restricted but my grandfather stood very strongly against these adversaries. He reminded Canadians whose land this was.”

Commanda said it’s important that Canadians learn the painful truths of their history to keep reconciliation going and to ensure the past doesn’t repeat itself.

“He believed in forgiveness and he also believed in order for Canada to heal, it had to be on the foundation and pillars of our knowledge,” she said. “It’s important for all levels of government and people in general to work with our communities. They need to be at the table when decisions are made.”

Hintonburg resident Beth Greenhorn said the bridge will offer a new way for her to commute to her job at Library and Archives Canada in Gatineau.

“It’s created an environmentally friendly connection between Ottawa and Gatineau. When the bridge was closed, I always thought it would be an amazing way to connect the two provinces,” she said. “I cycle to work as much as possible and I think it will save me some time there and back.”

Greenhorn said when she crosses the bridge, she reflects on the land's Indigenous past and the legacy that’s left behind.

“Whenever I'm by the Ottawa River… I think of the past and how I’m a European settler living in what is now called Ottawa. But the Algonquins and Anishinabes peoples lived here for thousands of years before me,” she said.

Hintonburg resident Beth Greenhorn is a regular user of the Chief William Commanda Bridge, which attracted almost 30,000 visitors during its first week open.

PHOTOS BY ELLEN BOND.

Kichi Sibi Winter Trail separates from Dovercourt and becomes its own charity

BY CHARLIE SENACK

The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is becoming its own charitable entity thanks to its recent success.

The popular winter pathway, formally known as the SJAM Trail, started as a successful pilot project in 2015 and is managed by a team of groomers and volunteers. Since its founding, they have worked in partnership with the Dovercourt Recreation Centre and collaborated with the National Capital Commission (NCC).

Its use grew during the COVID-19 pandemic when outdoor activity was one of the only ways to stay active during rounds of government shutdowns. To take the trail into its new season, the mutually agreed-upon separation from Dovercourt was needed for everyone’s best interest.

“Groomer” Dave Adams, who is manager of the trail’s operations, said they are thankful for Dovercourt’s long standing partnership and are excited for what this new venture will bring.

“We really like to think of Dovercourt as being an incubator of good ideas and they should be recognized for that. It’s really hard to get new and fresh ideas going in our society,” Adams said. “They are in the business of recreation management, and having them show us the ropes was a huge asset. I know snowgrooming, but I know nothing about how to manage a recreation facility. That’s where Dovercourt came in.”

Becoming its own charity and standalone entity has been hard work, said Adams, who compared it to building a new company from the ground up. It comes with extra costs and overhead, which Dovercourt used to support.

Cheryl Caldwell, who has been involved

with the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail for six years, has recently taken on the role as president of the charity. She said the process of becoming its own entity has been in the works for two years.

“Dovercourt provided admin support to us. They sent out the invoices, made sure that they were paid, and processed all expenses,” Caldwell said. “We had to go out and find our own insurance which is not the best industry to be dealing with right now. We have to replicate all of the infrastructure and that costs money.”

While the new changes will mean differences behind the scenes, there will be no changes for trail users. The 16-kilometer trail, which runs along the Ottawa

River, will continue to be groomed from Dominion Station to the Canadian War Museum near the Mill St. Brew Pub.

The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail had one of its most successful seasons on record last year, thanks to the warmer temperatures and amount of snow.

The average January temperature in Ottawa between 1981 and 2010 was –10.2 C. In 2023 however, it was –5.9 C. As of March 2023, roughly 280 centimeters of snow was recorded at the Ottawa International Airport. In an average winter, the snowfall is about 225 centimeters..

Adams said that for this reason, winter trails are more popular and needed than ever.

“We are in the world of climate change. Last year the Rideau Canal did not open,” he said. But urban winter pathways are not bad with warmer temperatures. We only need 15 centimeters of snow and we are fully operational. Even around zero we are up and running.”

The City of Ottawa says they are looking at the possibility of incorporating the newly-opened Chief William Commanda Bridge into the winter trial. They are currently reviewing a proposal put together by Adams and his team.

“The City is currently reviewing options for the maintenance of the Chief William Commanda Bridge during both the winter and summer seasons, which includes the possibility of grooming for winter sports,” wrote Dan Chenier, General Manager, Recreation, Cultural, and Facility Services. “No decision on winter maintenance for the bridge has been made at this time.”

The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is branching out to be its own charity. Dave Adams and Cheryl Caldwell said trail users will notice no change to service. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

HOMES

HOME•LIVING•RENOS•DÉCOR

tips on caring for your wood furniture 5

By Patrick Langston, All Things Home

Caring for your wood furniture requires some elbow grease but pays dividends by helping ensure good looks and long life for your mostloved pieces.

Here are five DIY cleaning, protection and repair tips.

Dusting

Avoid a feather duster, which just flicks dust particles into the air where they can resettle on surrounding objects. A feather duster can also catch on veneers and small flaws in the wood, causing damage.

Instead, try a lambswool duster with a bit of lanolin (several Home Hardware stores in Ottawa carry the dusters). A lightly dampened soft cloth like terry cloth also works well.

Cleaning

Caring for wood furniture means occasionally removing the grime of daily life. Start by dampening

a cotton swab or cloth with water, adding a drop of dishwashing liquid and wiping an inconspicuous spot like the inside of a chair leg.

If the dirt comes off easily and the cleaning solution doesn’t stain the wood, you can tackle the whole piece of furniture, wiping gently with a barely damp cloth or sponge, rinsing with clean water frequently and drying with a soft cloth. Don’t let water sit on the wood, which could damage it.

If the grime doesn’t come off, move up to something stronger like mineral spirits applied with a soft cloth, wiping with a circular motion. Start by experimenting on an inconspicuous spot, work in a well-ventilated area and read the instructions for the safe use of mineral spirits.

Mineral spirits work well on greasy spots, oil and other grime, but make sure you wipe off any excess quickly. If the wood still looks grubby after cleaning, it’s likely going to need refinishing. That might be a DIY project or could be one for a professional.

Continues on next page

Wood furniture needs TLC if it’s going to last and keep looking good.

HOUSE CARE

Protecting

After you’ve cleaned your wood furniture, a coat of beeswax will help protect the surface while adding a rich lustre. Before applying the wax, try rubbing the wood with very fine steel wool; roughening it slightly this way gives the wax something to grip.

Some experts say commercial spray polishes can cause a build-up of film that

attracts dust and grime and may even damage wood, however, there seems to be no consensus on this.

Repairing

Even the best-quality wooden pieces can be damaged by everything from water stains and ink to nicks and scratches. Damage repair is often within the reach of homeowners.

For example, white rings left by a wet glass on a tabletop can sometimes be removed by rubbing toothpaste on it and then wiping with a damp cloth. Small scratches can be masked with a bit of crayon.

Humidity & sunlight

Wood furniture can be damaged by excessive humidity, dryness and even direct sunlight. Too much moisture or not enough in the air can cause wood to swell or shrink, leading to warping and even splitting.

Keeping indoor humidity in the 30 to 45 per cent range is not only healthy and comfortable for people, it’s also good for wood furniture.

Sunlight can dry wood as well as bleaching it and damaging the finish. Excessive heat is also hard on wood furniture, so avoid putting it over heat vents, or at least direct the airflow away from your furniture.

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Caring for your houseplants this winter

By Patrick Langston, All Things Home

Water? Fertilizer? Light levels? Heat?

Winter is approaching, and how you care for your houseplants needs to change with the change in season.

A little knowledge and kindness will help your plants stay healthy and looking good during the coming months. Here’s what to do.

How much water?

Our homes are often drier in winter, but that doesn’t mean your plants need extra water. Just the opposite, in fact. Plants go dormant in winter and don’t need all the water that they do in summer when active growth demands high absorption of nutrients with water as the medium.

Most houseplants should be allowed to dry out completely between watering (overwatering is a common cause of weak, leggy and even dead houseplants). To test for dryness, stick your finger an inch or two into the soil; if it’s dry, water; if it’s moist, keep the tap turned off. Remember, water evaporates more quickly from clay pots, so plants in them will need more frequent watering.

Houseplants can generally go two weeks or more without watering. Cacti are happy for a month or two without water (they are desert plants, after all). However, potted citrus plants like lemon and grapefruit need their soil kept moist. An internet search will bring you up to speed on the moisture requirements of your particular plants.

Start moving back to your summertime watering schedule as the days get longer.

Tip: To avoid shocking the roots, don’t use cold water right from the tap. Instead, let the water come to room temperature and then water gently.

To feed or not to feed

This is an easy one. Don’t do it.

Houseplants are asleep in winter and don’t need to eat. Giving them fertilizer at this time of year can burn their leaves and even kill houseplants. If you’re still fertilizing now, it’s time to stop.

When they start waking up in the spring — look for signs of new growth or more vibrant green in the leaves — it’s time to start feeding them again with a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer. Dry and liquid fertilizers are available at nurseries and garden centres and, if you follow the directions, are easy to apply and effective. Homemade fertilizer, including used coffee grounds mixed with water, can also work wonders.

Let there be light (and warmth)

They may be snoozing, but houseplants still need light in winter because photosynthesis, which converts light into energy, continues.

One way to ensure your plants get the light they need is keeping them dust-free so light can penetrate to their leaves (thick-leaved succulents like snake plants are especially prone to collecting dust). A damp cloth does the trick for dusty plants, and you can check for bugs on both sides of the leaves at the same time.

When you’re watering your plants, rotate the pots so all sides get the same amount of light and grow evenly.

Houseplants generally do well in the same household temperatures that humans like. Keep them away from drafts and hot spots, including radiators and fireplaces. They’ll thank you for it with good health and vigorous growth come spring.

Watch for pests

Spider mites are a common houseplant problem in winter because the little critters like a dry, warm environment. Washing the foliage with a soft cloth will help get rid of them, although repeated wiping may be necessary. Regular misting under the leaves will discourage spider mites from appearing in the first place.

If aphids show up, mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, add a drop of dish detergent, and apply the mixture with a soft brush.

An internet search will provide solutions to other common pest problems.

Spratt / Unsplash

Spanning five generations: The history of two Island Park homes

Submitted by Julie Coulson Fine

I have had the great pleasure and privilege of living with my husband Josh and our three kids at this stately 1937 “Arts and Crafts” home at 704 Island Park Drive. We moved fortuitously months before the pandemic from a smaller house in Westboro. My kids are the fifth generation in our family to live on Island Park.

Ninety years earlier, my grandparents were moving into their landmark home on the same street at 239 Island Park Drive. Built in 1921, the “broken heart” house was one of only two homes on the street at the time. Its somewhat sad name came from the developer who built it for his fiancée, who then proceeded to break off the engagement. It was here my grandparents raised six kids.

I can’t help but think of the parallels between the lives of the people in our two families, enjoying the same river sunsets, walking dogs along the same trails, shopping in the same neighborhoods, and benefitting from excellent education at local schools.

The homes have the same leaded windows with the original hardware, still in good shape, and beautiful wood floors.

Our home was designed by P. Roy Wilson McGill, an architect from

Montreal, and built by the grandson of lumber baron J.R Booth.

In the 1930s, my grandfather and Booth collaborated to lease a huge area near Mont Sainte Marie, and built hunting and fishing lodges. These buildingsThey became family cottages over the years and it was where my grandmother chose to live off-grid in summers to avoid breakouts of polio.

When my dad, D’Arcy Coulson was growing up, he lived on a large acreage in what is now the Champlain Park neighbourhood. They had horses that they would ride down to the Ottawa River. My dad remembered Winston Churchill driving by and also Princess Elizabeth before she became queen. He also remembered bringing food to the shanty village that used to be down on the rivershore, later disbanded when the parkway was built.

The exterior of both houses is rock. The home where my dad grew up has round river stones from the Ottawa River in the shades of pink and gray. Our home's exterior is granite — I presume from Gatineau Park. Both were chiseled by hand through craftsmen whose skill still continues to amaze. It impresses me to think that those rocks are three billion years old from the Canadian Shield. While many people feel the allure of moving away and starting something new, it’s comforting to feel one’s roots in the neighborhood.

Julie Coulson Fine reflects on her family’s longstanding legacy in Island Park. Provided photos.

I can’t help but think of the parallels between the lives of the people in our two families.

COMMUNITY PHOTOS

The season of change

1. The Gatineau skyline at night.

2. Colourful displays at the Parkdale Market.

3. Downtown Ottawa seen from Hintonburg.

4. Pumpkin season is here.

5. The season of Thanksgiving.

6. Shorter days.

7. The harvest.

8. The colours are changing.

9. Wellington West decor.

PHOTOS 1, 3 AND 6 BY ELLEN BOND.

PHOTOS 2, 4, 5, 7-9 BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Do Your Giggles Turn to Dribbles

UROSPOT offers a breakthrough Health Canada approved treatment for bladder leaks and urgency in both women and men. Remaining fully clothed, you’ll do 11,000 perfect Kegels in just 28 minutes simply by sitting on a chair.

Here are five things you likely did not know about your pelvic health:

• Both women and men can struggle with overpowering urgency and annoying bladder leaks.

• Over time your brain can become poorly “trained” to signal you when your bladder is not actually full. This can result in frequent bathroom trips and strong urgency.

• Your brain, bladder muscle, and pelvic floor muscles should be coordinated and working together like great friends. It is possible to “re-educate” these old friends, so they work like a team again.

• A full bladder should take at least 8 seconds to empty. If your stream lasts just a few seconds, you received an incorrect signal.

• A healthy bladder should empty every 2-4 hours depending on how much water you drink. A heavy hydrator would go every 2 hours. If you are more dehydrated; every 4 hours. If you are going to the washroom every hour you are getting incorrect signals.

www.urospot.com

613-786-7865

Real Food, Real

Opportunities

Open a New Store M&M Food Market Franchise in Ottawa-Westboro

AsFall rolls in and we adjust back to our routine this is a great time to re-evaluate our work-life balance making now the perfect time to consider owning your own business.

The kids are now settled back in school, and we resume our lives but with a shift in our attitude towards work. The professional landscape has changed with many Canadians ditching their traditional 9-5 jobs in favour of entrepreneurship. Whether they want the flexibility and balance of self-employment or the rewards and growth that come from ownership, many are looking for new opportunities to build their own business.

Come join Canada’s largest frozen food retailer. M&M Food Market is seeking passionate Franchise Partners to expand the national footprint and introduce the brand into new markets and local communities across the country.

As an added incentive and for a limited time only, eligible Franchise Partners will receive up to 50 percent of the cost of construction for their new store, reducing the upfront investment and capital required to get started.

If you’ve been looking for an exciting, community-centric franchise opportunity, now is the time to consider the benefits of bringing a new M&M Food Market to Ottawa-Westboro.

A Turnkey New Store Franchise Opportunity

M&M Food Market provides the tools, training, and support needed to achieve success with the brand.

All Franchise Partners go through comprehensive classroom and in-store training prior to operating their own location. Cloud-based daily training programs, operational manuals and guidelines, ongoing development opportunities, and regular calls with local Area Managers ensure Franchise Partners always have a place to turn to for help.

Regional and national advertising campaigns build brand awareness, and the personalized customer-centric Rewards loyalty program brings customers to your doors.

Robust technologies and software platforms simplify the operations and management of the business., while limited perishable inventory, a simple and predictable business model, and a history of success make M&M Food Market a turnkey and easy-to-operate franchise opportunity.

Proud to Serve Local Communities

M&M Food Market is proud to play an active role in communities, small towns, and local neighbourhoods across Canada.

Franchise Partners get to know their customers. They share in their milestones, learn their preferences, and become trusted sources of product

recommendations and meal advice. And they support local community organizations and charities that make a difference in the lives of their friends and family.

In communities across Canada, M&M Food Market franchises have become local hubs that provide great-tasting, easy-to-prepare frozen meals made with absolutely no artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners.

A Modern Store Designed for the Future of Retail

Food brings people together. As Canadians navigate our ever-changing economic landscape, M&M Food Market offers an attractive alternative to restaurants and other entertainment brands when celebrating special occasions or sitting down to dinner after a busy day at work.

M&M Food Market products offer not only

October is Community Support Month in Ontario

Community support organizations like Ottawa West Community Support (OWCS) have deep roots within the community and are committed to providing services to help seniors stay at home as long as possible

Throughout October we raise awareness and celebrate the staff and volunteers who make the services possible

great taste, convenience, and variety, but also an experience that can be shared around the table with friends and families.

A revamped, modern store design brings food out from behind the counter and makes it easier for customers to browse, discover new products, and try new seasonal flavours.

M&M Food Market has also implemented industry-leading online shopping capabilities, rolling out a new and improved eCommerce website, instore or curbside pickup, and delivery across most stores.

Finally, an enhanced one-to-one customer loyalty program allows Franchise Partners to offer personalized recommendations, tailored promotions, and other discounts to customers based on their unique tastes and purchase history.

Bring an M&M Food Market Franchise to Your Community Today

M&M Food Market is ready to build on past success and grow into new, previously untapped markets.

If you’re ready to make a change in your life, now’s the time to consider an M&M Food Market franchise. For more information about the opportunity available in Ottawa-Westboro, please contact Liz Riley Director, Franchising at lizr@mmfoodmarket.com or 905-814-2420.

COUNCILLOR’S CORNER

Municipal budget season

SUBMITTED BY JEFF LEIPER, KITCHISSIPPI WARD COUNCILLOR

Fall is finally here in Kitchissippi! Read on to learn more about city and ward news that affects you.

The week that I’m writing this is the week that Ottawa saw one of many nationwide anti-2SLGBTQIA+ demonstrations in the downtown core. I know that many of us have been deeply affected by these demonstrations, but I have also been moved by the show of solidarity, allyship, and affirmation that our local counterprotest produced. In Ottawa, the counterprotest in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and specifically the rights of transgender youth to feel safe in schools, far outnumbered the other demonstration. Remember that you are not alone; I and so many others have your back.

October means the return of municipal budget season. The City is currently developing the draft budget

for 2024 and they are soliciting resident feedback on the draft budget until Oct. 27.

There are lots of ways to have your say - check out the Budget 2024 page on the Engage Ottawa website for all the details and key dates.

The draft budget will be tabled at Council on Nov. 8, after which point you can continue to provide feedback through various channels until Dec. 6, when the budget is adopted by Council. As always, we will have a ward-specific budget consultation to give Kitchissippi residents a chance to share their perspectives. More details on that will be coming soon, so contact our office at jeff.leiper@ ottawa.ca or 613-580-2485 to get subscribed to our weekly email newsletter.

Even though fall is upon us, I want to remind everyone that you can still get a bounty of local produce and goods at the local markets.

The Westboro Farmers Market is running every Saturday until Oct. 28, and the Parkdale Market is still going strong, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all that autumn has to offer.

In closing, I wanted to remind folks as the season of giving starts to ramp up that the Parkdale Food Centre and Westboro Region Food Bank are worthy local organizations that need support. Check out the Parkdale Food Centre website and the Westboro Region Food Bank website for all the ways you can support them in their work of reducing barriers to accessing food.

Councillors Arielle Troster, Theresa Kavanagh, and Jeff Leiper, at the official opening of the Chief William Commanda Bridge.

TWITTER PHOTO BY ARIELLE TROSTER.

HIGH SCHOOL CORNER

Students experience Ireland’s Emerald Isle

STORY AND PHOTO BY ANYA WATSON

This past July, a handful of students from Nepean High School were able to adventure to Ireland for three weeks.

The program they followed, named the Irish Experience — offered by the Toronto Catholic District School Board and open to all Ontario high school students who have completed a grade 10 or 11 English credit — is offering its 24th escape in the summer of 2024.

With the Irish Experience, students studied at universities across Ireland to earn a grade 11 or 12 high school English credit. In the morning, students attended classes on poetry, short stories, novels, and drama.

Grade 11 students read from Irish authors such as Oscar Wilde and Seán O’Casey, while grade 12 students explored writers including James Joyce and William Butler Yeats.

“It was just really interesting to see how the books could be applied to the history of the places that we were visiting,” said Irish Experience alumnus and Nepean student Ellie H.

Afternoons offered a break from schoolwork and the opportunity to explore Irish culture and history. Most notably, students visited the Shandon Bells, the Cliffs of Moher, and watched a

Riverdance performance.

“My favourite thing was visiting Blarney Castle,” offered Ellie.

Students also enjoyed a healthy but safe dose of independence by being allowed to navigate cities on their own. The group vacationed in Cork, Galway, and Dublin.

Jackie P., a participant and student in grade 11 at Nepean High School, said her favourite city was “a tie between Dublin and Cork.”

“There were so many cool aspects within [Cork], and I feel like we really got to explore, which is why that one was my favourite,” Ellie added.

Participants resided in university residences with their classmates, utilizing the opportunity of being in close quarters to form lasting friendships.

“It kind of puts you in a setting where you have to be social, but in a good way,” Jackie said. For meals, they ate at oncampus dining halls.

Students interested in this program can arrange a webinar to find out more information. More details can be found at www.irish experience.com.

To the lucky few who will have the chance to escape next year, “It was really, really good. I definitely would recommend it. It was the highlight of my summer.”

”There were so many cool aspects within [Cork], and I feel like we really got to explore, which is why that one was my favourite.” – Ellie H.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

OCTOBER 3: YOUR RIGHT TO READ AND DISCUSS: BOOK BANNING: In recent years there have been regular reports from the US of attempts to challenge or ban books in school and public libraries. This has begun to happen in Canada as well. These actions strike at the heart of having an informed citizenry, which is essential for a functioning democracy. 7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Avenue.

OCTOBER 12: THE CHALLENGE: PLANNING WITHOUT TOMORROW DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENING: A free community screening of the short documentary The Challenge: Planning Without Tomorrow with panel discussion, 7.00 p.m. Doors open 6:15 p.m. at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent Street. In the film peer support workers, health care providers and their clients explore what advance care planning means for people who face poverty, substance use, and mental health issues. Presented in conjunction with the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association Conference in association with Ottawa Inner City Health and Compassionate Ottawa.

OCTOBER 14: TONY TURNER CONCERT:

Long-time Ottawa singer-songwriter favourite Tony Turner returns from Nanaimo for a concert with local duo Evenchick & Hucul. The Spirit of Tony Turner award will be presented to Mark & Heather Evenchick for their service to music in Ottawa. Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave. N. at Byron. Presented by Spirit of Rasputin's, Ottawa's folk music society. More info and tickets ($25) at rasputins.org.

OCTOBER 28: LOVE IN THE TIME OF FENTANYL FILM SCREENING: A free screening at 11:00 a.m. of the awardwinning Canadian documentary film, Love in the Time of Fentanyl at the Bytowne Cinema. The film follows several clients and staff of Vancouver’s Overdose Prevention Society, as they struggle with addiction and the monumental challenges it presents. An unflinching view of the daily lives of drug users and the people who work to keep them alive in the downtown-eastside Vancouver. Presented by Soul Space Ottawa, a non-profit organization within First United Church that works to support the spiritual care needs of

KITCHISSIPPI MARKET PLACE

20

YEARS

2003-2023

It’s a big accomplishment and we are proud to be one of Ottawa’s last and best small, locally-run community newspapers.

To mark the occasion, we are planning a special November 2023 issue of the paper which will look at the communities growth over the last two decades, and some of the biggest newsmakers which have shaped Kitchissippi. We will also celebrate the team who makes it all happen

street health, harm reduction, community and social service workers in Ottawa. www.soulspaceottawa.

NOVEMBER 4: PARKDALE UNITED CHURCH

BAZAAR: From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 429 Parkdale Avenue. There are lots of treasures to shop for, including gourmet baking & preserves, Christmas items, jewellery, antiques & collectibles, books, attic treasures and much more. Parking is free in the Gladstone and Parkdale parking lots. For more information, call 613.728.8656 or visit www.parkdaleunitedchurch.ca.

BIRD WINDOW COLLISIONS: Has a bird ever hit your window? It happens more frequently than you can imagine. Nearly 250,000 birds die from window collisions in Ottawa every year! A student-run group of Carleton University students is collaborating with Safe Wings, and the Westboro Community Association, to help raise awareness about the issue and become more knowledgeable in making homes safer for feathered friends. Community members can help by taking a few minutes to complete the survey. To fill out the survey visit :

our 20th anniversary this November!

and community leaders who make the neighbourhood what it is.

Book an ad for our special anniversary issue today and support your community alongside local journalism. We are also looking for any businesses who would like to donate goods or a financial contribution for our event taking place November 14. More details will be shared soon and we hope to see you there!

https://carletonu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/ form/SV_2hj2SeDwjiiKCuW

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: GARDENERS OF CLARE PARK: The Volunteer Gardeners of Clare Park is a group of neighbours dedicated to making Clare Park in Westboro beautiful. Joining the Volunteer Gardeners has benefits: gain a greater sense of community, make new friends, and enjoy time in the park. We plant donated flowers, wildflowers, and shrubs, mulch trees and gardens, plus weed and water plants. An hour a week during the growing season would be appreciated. For more information please contact: volunteergardenersofclarepark@gmail. com

MONDAYS: ARDBRAE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS: We invite you to learn the social dancing of Scotland.Exercise mind and body in a fun friendly atmosphere. No partner needed. First three classes free. Beginners always welcome. Monday nights, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Churchill Recreation Centre, 345 Richmond Rd. Contact ardbraedancers@gmail.com. Website: www.ardbrae.org

The Kitchissippi Times is proud to announce we are celebrating