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SPRING 2018
LISGAR COLLEGIATE
Celebrates 175 Years
OPIOID
CRISIS One Addicts Story
CABIN FEVER
Daalder Leisure Cabins Reduce, Reuse,
REUPHOLSTER
The Wooden Button Studio
OTTAWALIFE.COM
Alexandra Badzak ON THE OTTAWA ART
GALLERY’S NEW HOME Homewood Health * Darlene Kulig * Guadeloupe * San Diego * Orlando
LIV E EXC EP T I ONA L LY.
O T T AWA ’ S N E X T L E V E L L U X U RY C O N D O M I N I U M AT T H E N E X U S O F W E S T B O R O A N D W E L L I N G T O N W E S T. TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT 1451WELLINGTON.CA P R E S E N TAT I O N
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publisher’s message by Dan Donovan
4 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
NUMBER 2
art director Karen Temple director of operations Maria Alejandra Gamboa web editor/features writer Tori McNeely cover
Sean Sisk, siskphoto.ca
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photographers James Blank, Joanne DiBonna,
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Andre Gagne,Valerie Keeler, Kevin Kolczynski, Christine McAvoy, Annie Pearson, Lucas Saporiti, Isabel Payne, Sean Sisk, Karen Temple, Richard Termine video Brittany and Amanda van Frankfoort
PHOTO: KAREN TEMPLE
copy editor Dave Gross
fashion editor Alexandra Gunn accounts Joe Colas C.G.A bookkeeper Joan Hamilton contributing writers,
Dan Donovan, Andre Gagne, Alexandra Gunn, Jennifer Hartley, Anna Jonas, Don MacLean, Isabel Payne, Rosa Saba, Karen Temple, Debbie Trenholm, Greg Vezina web contributors Anne Dion, Maria Alejandra Gamboa, Dave Gross, Andre Gagne, Jennifer Hartley, Don Maclean, Alex Mazur, Owen Maxwell, Isabel Payne, Mona Staples, Kat Walcott, Keith Whittier
PHOTO: SEAN SISK
T
he new state-of-the-art Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) opening gala was a starstudded affair featuring artists, ambassadors, business and political leaders, major donors and plenty of good will. The $38.8 million project was financed by the City of Ottawa, the provincial and federal governments, the Ottawa Art Gallery itself, the University of Ottawa and a slew of very generous private donors.Alexandra Badzak, CEO of the OAG, deserves much of the credit for delivering on the long-standing dream for a municipal arts centre for the visual, performing, literary and media arts in the capital. She has serious arts credentials, is approachable, engaging, authentic and highly respected in the local and national arts community. It is for these reasons that many private financial contributors donated millions to the project. Donors knew their contributions were in good hands. Badzak is always noted for her grace — thanking her staff, the OAG board, artists and the many OAG supporters. We, at Ottawa Life Magazine, were more than pleased when she agreed to grace our cover. (But she asked that we thank everyone. So, thanks!). The OAG’s mandate is “to be the most vital visual arts institution in Ottawa and to present new ideas and provide a cultural meeting place to actively promote relationships and exchanges between artists and various diverse facets of the national capital community. The OAG will explore and reflect on diversity and social change through a spectrum of visual arts practice, focused on, but not exclusive to, the region in a national and international context.” Contrast this with the debacle happening at the National Gallery. In the same week the OAG was firing on all cylinders, the National Gallery board of trustees was over-riding a decision by CEO Marc Mayer to sell its La Tour Eiffel painting by Marc Chagall at Christie’s auction house. Mayer had championed the sale of the Chagall painting at Christie’s in New York, for an estimated $9 million US. The stated goal of the sale was to raise funds to purchase Saint Jerome Hears the Trumpet of the Last Judgement by Jacques-Louis David, which is owned by the NotreDame-de-Québec parish corporation in Quebec City. Mayer said the painting was at risk of leaving Canada if the parish corporation sold it to a foreign buyer. Hence the National Gallery’s interest in selling the Chagall to acquire Last Judgement. However, as a result of the cancelled sale, the National Gallery (taxpayers) now stand to pay up to $1 million in penalty fees to Christie’s. Complicating matters was Mayer’s dismissive remark to a reporter who asked about the perception that he was withholding information surrounding the proposed sale rather than replying to questions. His response? “That is exactly how I should do my job. I’m a professional and when I have the information to give you is when I will give it to you, and not before.”The belittling comment left many people shaking their heads. Mayer is, after all, a public servant. It was later learned, as well, that Mayer did not respond to an April 24th letter from the VP of the Marc Chagall Committee in Paris, who asked him not to sell the painting. The Chagall committee has an established relationship with the National Gallery that spans more than six decades. Mayer also managed to upset smaller museums across Canada when he dismissed the idea of the gallery collaborating with two museums in Quebec to acquire the David painting. He described the idea as “treating the David painting like the child of divorced parents, shuttling from one museum’s custody to another.” Mayer has directed museum officials to not answer any questions relating to the penalty or the terms of its contract with Christie’s or any associated negotiations. Given these questionable practices (and cost to taxpayers), Canadian Heritage Minister Melanie Jolie, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage and Canada’s auditor general need to review spending and management practices at the National Gallery n
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publisher/managing editor
Dan Donovan
contents Cirque du Soleil Shines Bright
social media manager Kat Walcott
student intern Sophie O’Reilly corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail, Charles Franklin, Dennis Mills corporate counsel Paul Champagne
Ottawa Art Gallery
editor in memoriam Harvey F. Chartrand
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The Ottawa Art Gallery is back and better than ever after a massive expansion and renewal project. Introducing new facilities and resources to the local art community, expanded storage, updated gallery rooms and more, the Gallery and the Arts Court renovations will bring art in the capital to a whole new level.
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175 Years of Excellence at Lisgar Collegiate Institute
Ottawa Life Magazine, 301 Metcalfe St. Lower Level, Ottawa. Ontario K2P 1R9 tel: (613) 688-5433 fax: (613) 688 -1994
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Celebrating a big birthday this May, Lisgar Collegiate has long been an integral part of the Ottawa community. Take a look back on the local high school’s storied history, how it earned its stellar reputation and its contributions to the capital over the years.
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Travel
Like us at www.Facebook.com/ OttawaLifeMagazine Ottawa Life is listed in Canadian Advertising Rates & Data (CARD). Ottawa Life subscription rates: one year $50.00, includes postage, plus HST (six issues). Two years $80.00, includes postage, plus HST (12 issues). Add $20 per year for postage outside Canada. Subscriber service is 613-688-LIFE (5433) Ottawa Life Magazine is printed in Canada on recycled paper.
DARLENE KULIG
Go behind the scenes with the famous Canadian acrobatic troop as they prepare for their upcoming show Corteo, coming to Ottawa this summer, and discover how much work it takes to make performing look easy. It will make you want to run away and join the circus.
social media Anne Dion, Anna Jonas, Kat Walcott
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Think Orlando is all about theme parks? Think again. Discover what else the Disney Mecca has to offer. Explore the diverse neighbourhoods of San Diego, the birthplace of California, to marvel at the Spanish architecture and Mexican food. If you can’t decide between a beach vacation or a sightseeing sojourn, head to the islands of Guadeloupe, a French-Créole fusion where you can have it both ways. PHOTO: ANNA JONAS
A contrast in competency – the Ottawa Art Gallery versus the National Gallery
SPRING 2018 VOLUME 20
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columns
Publisher’s Message ...................................... 4 Best Picks .................................................... 6 In Search of Style ........................................ 9 Gallery: Darlene Kulig .................................. 12 Savvy Selections .......................................... 15 Book Review........................................... 16 The Wooden Button Studio .......................... 18 Daalder Leisure Cabins ................................ 20 Spray-Net .................................................. 22 The Holistic Picture ....................................... 25 Travel: San Diego ........................................ 39 Guadeloupe......................................... 42 Orlando .......................................... 41 Opinion: Greg Vezina ............................... 45 Saint Paul University ..................................... 46
series
Health/A Second Chance at Life .............. 33 Canada/Georgia Friendship .................... 36 Canada/China Friendship ....................... 37
9
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14&15
On July 14 and 15 kiosks will be set up around the Place des Festivals (Zibi site on rue Laurier at rue Laval, Gatineau) for the ECOSPHERE Canada environmental fair. A non-profit organization that engages people in the sustainable development movement, ECOSPHERE hosts three other environmental fairs in different cities around Quebec. The fairs demonstrate that it can be easy being green with a special focus on green innovation, housing and technology. With free admission and 120 exhibitors, come learn about environmental issues, sustainable nutrition, gardening, industrial hemp and how you can take action against climate change. Ask questions about green renovation or Quebec’s plan for waste management. Test drive electric vehicles or take part in a cooking workshops, even a yoga class. Browse ethical fashions made from ecological fibers like linen, bamboo or eucalyptus and meet eco-entrepreneurs who have woven eco-friendly practices into the fabric of their businesses. Say hello to local Quebecois farmers who cultivate organic produce and hear from environmental experts in sustainable transportation and clean energy. Don’t miss Saturday night’s fascinating panel discussion with leading environmental experts sharing their views on energy transition for solutions to climate change. foireecosphere.org
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Diefenbunker 32,000 tonnes of concrete. 5,000 tonnes of steel. 1000,00 square feet. Four-storeys underground. Built to withstand a five megaton nuclear blast. This is the Diefenbunker. You’ve only got 60 minutes. Could you escape it? On the last guided tour of the day through the Cold War era shelter, you learn that this now museum is all a front, a cover up for an enemy spy organization set to attack Ottawa tonight. You and 12 others are the only people left to save an unsuspecting population outside the mammoth steel doors that have now closed you in. Do you remember where the communications room was? How do you stop the launch sequence? Can you even get out of this place? You have an hour to find out! Set to an exhilarating and epic soundtrack, this is the scenario that plays out in this immersive spy story that thrills while also teaches. Players will actually interact with artifacts from the Cold War, just one of the ways ’Escape the Diefenbunker‘ is unlike any other escape room on (or under) Earth. Think you’re up to the challenge? EscapeManor.com
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vitamin E bring comfort while providing essential nourishment and hydration. Retinol Reface is an intensive wrinkle repair and skin resurfacer. A derivative of Vitamin A, Retinol is considered one of the most effective ingredients that help to reduce visible signs of skin aging. The advanced triple retinol formula quickly and efficiently fights off signs of aging including deep wrinkles and crow’s feet. It also enhances collagen production, reduces acne scars, improves skin tone, smooths and refines the skin’s surface. Gentle enough to use on all skin types. Inddedlab.com
Celebrate Sheets The perfect balance of soft, crisp and airy, Casper sheets are made from California Supima® long-fibre cotton. Combined with a lighweight percale weave, Casper sheets won’t pill or wear thin. An envelope opening keeps your pillow inside the case and the fitted sheet features blue labels on the shorter sides, so you always know which end is which — part of Casper’s more snuggle, less struggle philosophy. Casper Sheets come with a 100-night money back guarantee and are available in six colour options. $180 casper.com
6 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
AirHelp is the world's leading flight delay compensation company that assists passengers in applying for compensation following a delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight. AirHelp has offices across the globe and offers support in 16 languages. The free App scans boarding passes and tells travelers if their flight disruption is eligible for compensation. Passengers can even connect AirHelp to their inbox to scan for applicable flight tickets from three years ago and get updated automatically on future eligibility once they are on a disrupted flight. AirHelp eliminates the stress of applying for flight compensation in a foreign country by figting the tiresome legal battle on behalf of the passenger. Now that's helpful! airhelp.com
Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre Having the option to give birth however and wherever they choose enables women to feel comfortable, respected and empowered. Located at 2260 Walkley Road, the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre (OBWC) is a notfor-profit, midwife-led community healthcare facility that specializes in both healthy childbirth and caring for pregnant women, new parents and young babies. They provide inclusive professional care to help babies, parents and their families navigate this major transition and their service is free to all residents of Ontario registered with an Ottawa area midwife. The facilities at the OBWC are nothing less than top notch. Modern, warm and comfortable, the three spacious birthing suites offer women with midwives and low-risk pregnancies a casual and family-centered place to give birth. The Wellness Centre hosts a range of practitioners and offers community-based healthcare, yoga classes, childbirth education and everything in between. They also host a variety of services available for families, such as massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, prenatal classes and mom-and-baby classes. Having served clients in the capital for four years now, the centre is a local hub for pre- and post-natal care. Home to experts on maternal and newborn health, it’s a place where people can feel comfortable to seek the care that they need. ottawabirthcentre.ca 7 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
in search of style by Alexandra Gunn Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexandraGunn
W
ith fresh tulips at the market and spring fashions marking a path toward warmer weather, I sort through my closet to hide away all of my winter staples and clear some space for new additions. I’ve always found that by assessing what I need (and want) for the coming season, that I’m able to adhere to my style without getting caught up in trends that simply don’t suit my overall look. While trends offer a fresh take on fashion and can reinvigorate your personal style, it’s important to seek out fashion staples that will help to maximize your wardrobe for years to come.
Fresh Start
ROCHAS
OFF-WHITE
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p ELIZA J BELL-SLEEVE SHIFT DRESS AVAILABLE AT THE BAY $99 t JOE FRESH FLORAL SCARF
Florals of all styles are back again.
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Offered in a variety of colours and retro-inspired prints, a sea of florals and pretty dresses were the focus on the spring/summer 2018 runways. Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten and Erdem showed bright new florals in striking prints, giving the look a more modern and fashion forward appeal. Soft feminine and 60s florals made a comeback offering an airy and romantic feel with micro-floral prints. Tropical prints were also a key focus with palm leaves and hibiscus flowers, giving the trend a vacation-ready look. Needless to say, prints are here to stay for 2018. t ALDO FLORAL BAG $48 WINNERS BOTANICAL TOP $29.99 u
8 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
9 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
The Moto Jacket
Leather jackets continue to pop up on my style radar season after season with no signs of fading into the background. Their versatility allows you to wear them any time of the day and quiet often, for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to invest in a splurge-worthy piece or opt
for a faux-leather moto jacket, the options are endless. Stay ahead of the fashion curve by choosing a jacket with embroidery, studded detailing or go for a bold statement shade. If you want it to last for seasons to come, stick with a sleek and simple version. This topper is a must-have for spring.
out & about by Jennifer Hartley
Cirque du Soleil shines bright ou might want to label Cirque du Soleil as ‘extraordinary,’ Y but the reality is, that hardly does the magnificent organization justice. To be honest, I always wondered how a circus-type experience could take the world by storm . . . but Cirque certainly has. More than 155 million spectators have attended a Cirque show since its founding in 1984. Currently, there are 21 shows in the repertoire, 19 of which will be on display somewhere around the world in 2018; representing more than 50 nationalities and 25 different languages. Not bad for a band of colourful characters who roamed the quaint streets of Baie Saint-Paul, Que., striding on stilts, juggling, dancing, breathing fire and playing music in the early 1980s. After spending a day with the Cirque du Soleil production team for the show Corteo, which is coming to Ottawa at the end of June, I now know why they have grown into a worldwide sensation. Everything about Cirque is professional and their attention to detail is impeccable. For starters, as you might expect, there are breathtaking costumes. Many of the spectacular costumes have hand-crafted Swarovski crystals sewn in “because they give the best sparkle.”
The Fanny Pack Is Back Appearing on numerous spring runways and throughout the street style scene The once taboo accessory has been revitalized and reinvented as the ‘belt bag’. The ultra-nineties nylon iteration is still worn around the waist, looped through jeans or draped across your chest like a cross-body bag. Don’t be surprised when you see this trend being worn around Ottawa tourists and locals alike. 10 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
The music composed for Corteo and the sets create a dreamy, fantastical environment that immediately transports you into their world. When the performers (athletes really, in PHOTOS: LUCAS SAPORITI
fact some are former Olympians) take the stage the magic begins. There are beautiful, strong bodies contorting around contraptions, climbing 50-foot ladders, in and out of hulahoops and jumping on trampolines. The acrobatics are jaw-dropping. For the show’s two hours you hold your breath, completely absorbed in every move. The story-line of Corteo follows Mauro the clown who stages his funeral (Corteo means cortege, a funeral procession, in Italian). His friends arrive, pay homage and - in the process – the audience gets to re-live scenes from his life. Mauro’s funeral takes place in a circus environment and instead of mourning, it is a true celebration. The Corteo cast is made up of 15 nationalities. Actors come from Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, the UK, Ukraine and the United States.
Corteo
CANADIAN TIRE CENTRE
June 27-July 1, 2018
Each component of the show requires months of time and energy to create. Choreography and training (and more training!) go into every segment. On top of that, the production crew and performers live and travel together and make it work as a family. Overall, the polished show you end up seeing has taken months to achieve, so enjoy every second. And you will n 11 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
gallery by Anna Jonas
things, but for me, painting requires that I fully commit myself to it. I focused on one thing at a time – my business, my family and now it’s my turn to finally paint.”
DARLENE KULIG
— Making the rainbow connection
Jelly Bean Hill with White Boat, 36” x 36”
In the following years, after losing her nephew, her mother and a friend of her husband to cancer within a short period, she turned to her painting with more purpose. “It was therapeutic and then it became joyful. I fully committed to painting.” “My path and style became clear.” Travelling the world for inspiration, she photographed champagne bubbles dancing in her glass while in a café in Vienna. Ever since she has added that signature, floating champagne bubbles to her work. As a revered instructor shared with her: “the opposite of loss is joy.”
Canoe Resting in Rainbow Reflection, 40” x 60”
There’s something about art that can transport you. The work of certain artists can make you feel a depth of emotion, take you to far-away places or make you remember a time that you thought you’d forgotten. Darlene Kulig is one of those artists. Though Kulig knew she wanted to be an artist, it was being awarded the CSEA/Berol Prismacolour National Art Scholarship for “outstanding potential in visual arts” that led her to the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto. Leaving Nepean for the big city, she had no idea what a job in art looked like. 12 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
“I quickly realized that to pay the bills, I would go into graphic design, which was a great career,” she said. Within four years of finishing at OCAD, she was at the helm of her own flourishing graphic design studio where she balanced art and business for 25 years. Kulig fully turned to painting 11 years ago after losing a close friend to cancer.
Snow Ghosts, 30” x 36”
“I deliberately use yellow for optimism and rebirth. I use turquoise for spiritual grounding and wisdom, and pink for unconditional love. It is said that when we are grieving, we need nature the most. It’s a place that gently lures us back to our ‘self ’ and is essential for our souls.”
the camp that supports children with and affected by cancer.
Kulig’s style is a melange of bright colours and bold strokes, it comes from her roots as a graphic designer, semiabstracted and based on flat shape.
Hosted at the Mizrahi presentation showroom, half of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Ottawa Hospital’s Ride for Research. “It’s a great way to keep Craig’s memory alive and to recognize the cuttingedge work being done at TOHF. It’s a small thing, but I believe it helps.”
Kulig strives to evoke a subjective
SOMETIMES ARTISTS PLACE A LOT OF PRESSURE ON THEMSELVES TO CREATE SOMETHING SERIOUS AND PROFOUND; I AM COMFORTABLE WITH THE FACT THAT I MAKE JOYFUL PAINTINGS.
Her work will also be displayed at the upcoming Kulig Fundraising Art Show on May 30 in memory of her nephew, Craig Kulig, and in partnership with Ottawa Life.
Kulig loves being able to give back, sharing her art while also supporting a charity that is near to her. “It feels very rewarding. You get to an age where you’ve raised your family and you’ve done your work and it feels
Beach Walk Shifting Sky, 24” x 36”
Northern Lights Majestic Sweep, 40” x 30”
Her work now hangs in galleries across Canada as well as in private collections.
experience rather than the objective description of a scene.
Global Affairs Canada has installed a selection of Kulig Canadian Landscapes in various Canadian Embassy buildings around the world.
“Sometimes artists place a lot of pressure on themselves to create something serious and profound; I am comfortable with the fact that I make joyful paintings. But there is a psychology that underlies the simplicity of it all – the cotton candy and the gumball and the jelly bean hues, they make you feel good.”
meaningful if I can somehow touch people.” As well? “The connections I make with people are so deep, even strangers. It’s remarkable when you meet a person who viscerally connects to one of my paintings of a beach walk, a canoe ride on still waters in the moonlight or a tiny tugboat sailing toward home.”
“I vowed to carry her forward in my work,” she said. It had been decades since she had picked up a brush.
Well known for her vibrant landscapes depicting locations across Canada and the world, Kulig considers nature to be a sacred place. Her work has been described as ‘otherworldly and anthropomorphic.’
“We raised our family, I gardened, I enjoyed cooking, I crafted Halloween costumes . . . I did a lot of creative
While many cultures wear black while navigating grief, she chose to paint with a rainbow palette.
Her current project is a brightly coloured paddle to be auctioned off as part of the annual Camp Oochigeas Paddle Project this summer – an event that raises money and awareness for
“There is ‘what’ I paint and more importantly ‘why’ I paint,” she said. “I love it and it makes me happy . . . I do it because it’s fulfilling, I truly enjoy it, and because I’m here. You realize, ‘I can do this everyday.’ And so, I do.”n darlenekuligartist.ca 13 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
Presented by
FIRST PUBLICATION OF ITS KIND! A visual exploration of the art produced in the Ottawa-Gatineau region going back 6500 years. This gorgeous companion catalogue to the OAG’s inaugural exhibition draws together a broad selection of curators, artists, writers, art historians and community members to generate the most extensive and multilayered exploration of the region’s art history and contemporary production to date. For purchasing inquiries, please contact the OAG at info@oaggao.ca or 613.233.8699 ext. 234.
It’s the greatest wine festival on the planet
PHOTO: CHRISTINE McAVOY
A SURVEY OF ART IN THE OTTAWA-GATINEAU REGION APRIL 28 – SEPTEMBER 16, 2018
Unknown, Anwi nabahigan [socketed point], c.4000 BCE, ozawabik [native copper]. Collection of the Canadian Museum of History, BkGg-11-1049, IMG2008-0583-0005-Dm.
ÀDISÒKÀMAGAN NOUS CONNAÎTRE UN PEU NOUS-MÊMES WE’LL ALL BECOME STORIES
savvy selections by Debbie Trenholm
n the middle of February, the Ottawa Idestined airport is full of people heading south for sand and sunshine. On the other hand, I was heading to Vancouver. I’m trading in thoughts of rum punches and margaritas for wine . . . lots of wine. Every year, the wine world arrives in Vancouver to participate in the Vancouver International Wine Festival. There are numerous international wine tradeshows and events that rival ‘Van Wine Fest’ (as it is know in the biz, now in its 40th year), yet this festival is notably different on so many levels. This year, 16 countries and 173 wineries were represented, showcasing 1,450 wines in 51 special events – from master classes specifically for wine writers, sommeliers and restaurant owners, to themed tastings at more than 20 restaurants throughout the city. There was also the spectacular Vintners Brunch, the festival’s grand finale. In all, 25,000 wine fans took over the Vancouver Convention Centre where 43,000 bottles were opened, and 82,000 wine glasses were used during the event. What makes Van Wine Fest special?
Winery owners and winemakers make the trip to Vancouver especially for this festival.
“It’s all about discovering new wines, connecting with winery principals, and learning more about the wine world,” said Harry Hertscheg, the festival’s executive director. “Since 1979, festivalgoers have met the producers directly responsible for the wines they are tasting and hearing the stories that bring those wines to life.” Only at Van Wine Fest, would I have ever met Tony Torres – head of Torres Wines from Spain, a family run business that has been operating for generations and has become synonymous for quality Spanish and Chilean wine. Or Jose Zuccardi, the founder of Zuccardi Winery who produces LCBO’s top selling red wine from Argentina – FuZion. Also there? Sandra, the head winemaker at Friexenet & Segura Viudas Cava. “What struck me was how very approachable and sincere each winemaker was; this was not an arrogant and snooty wine event. This was a real, honest, down to earth opportunity to chat with winemakers who just happen to be among the best in the world,” said Karen Wright, also of Savvy Company. A different wine region discovery each year
Each year, the festival shines the spotlight on a wine region or country. This year was a double-header with Spain and Portugal sharing the limelight.
You can take a tasting tour of these countries by sipping your way around the Grand Tasting Hall or fill your week with seminars and special events involving notable wine industry personalities and winemakers. I have discovered – in the past - the wine regions of Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, France, Italy, and now Spain and Portugal. A warning though, the hazard of this festival is that you’ll want to visit these places. Better start saving your airline points! A Taste of Spain and Portugal
These two countries have a fascinating wine history that has been intertwined for many years. The keynote speaker was wine marketing guru Paul Wagner from Napa, CA., who moderated the soldout seminar Storied Iberia in 9 Wines. Paul was more of a tour guide than a moderator as he presented the evolving backstory of Iberia’s wine industry, then engaged winemakers to share their family’s role as winemakers. “I was blown away by the fact that practically the entire expert panel were 5th- to 14th-generation wine industry professionals, said Ottawabased sommelier Matt Steeves. “It was great listening to their stories, getting insight into why certain styles of wine taste a specific way, and what their winemaking philosophies are for different wines.” Kicking off the festival, we were introduced to high-end Cava sparkling wines which are ready to rival the finest French Champagnes. 15 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
book review by Don MacLean
traumatic stress disorder. Something more sinister was at work; they were driven to tragedy by a malign force unleashed the night of the plane crash.
Universes collide in Taylor’s novel
He’s desperate for Catherine to know that she will likely be subject to the same sort of mysterious entrapment.
Tim Taylor’s new novel usefully begins with a definition of the title, The Rule of Stephens. The Rule of Stephens n. an axiom holding that the observable universe works in one of two mutually exclusive ways: (1) strictly in accordance with materialist principles such as those advanced in the work of Stephen Hawking, or (2) by rules providing for the paranormal aberrations manifest in the work of Stephen King. Doubleday Canada • PAPER: 9780385687362 eBOOK: 9780385687379
atherine and Valerie are sisters. The C former is a doctor and scientist who – since she was a brainy teenager
— has identified with the Stephen Hawking camp. The latter is more dependent on intuition and possesses a world view that allows for the sort of ‘paranormal aberrations’ about which Stephen King writes. The sisters do not come into conflict in the novel, but their world views do. It’s Catherine’s beliefs that are put to a severe test. The Rule of Stephens revolves around a deadly plane crash. Catherine was aboard Flight A801 from Paris to Chicago that went down over Ireland. All but six on board were killed. That Catherine not only survives but emerges physically relatively unscathed is the first hint that something is amiss. A plane ripped apart before impact. A devastating crash into the cold sea. A total loss of bodily control as the plane begins its deadly, tragic descent. As a doctor and scientist trained to understand statistical probabilities, Catherine knows her fate should have been far worse. That she could walk away so easily from a scene of
16 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
so much death and destruction is in complete defiance of the physical laws of the universe in which she so firmly believes. Stranger still is the surreal sense she had as the plane unraveled. That of being in two places at once and of a flock of birds spontaneously emerging from inside her chest. For all the terror she experienced, there was also the strange sense of the universe operating according to different laws. Maybe King is right. Nevertheless, Catherine is determined to reaffirm her firm belief in the Hawking world view. She carries on with her life in Vancouver, which happens to involve founding a hightech company that will develop a technology that promises to revolutionize anyone’s capacity to understand his or her body. Catherine’s idea: develop a digestible tool that will then moor inside the body for a determinate length of time. While there, the device will measure and record vital data about various internal organs. She and others in her circle of employees and friends are convinced the idea has tremendous merit. ‘Know your body, change your world’ and ‘Your body is talking. Listen.’ – are two of the phrases used to highlight the device’s apparent promise. The idea of digestible technology might seem, yet Taylor excels at making it utterly plausible.
The human body is a warehouse of biomarkers and signals. If those markers and signals could be detected and understood earlier than was possible, optimal health could more easily be sustained. Diseases and disorders could be thwarted before they even take root. Taylor expertly conveys the idea. As Catherine is very much aware, there are enormous challenges, chief among them is to figure out how to moor the technology for many months without doing harm to the body. Despite Catherine’s steady resolve, the plane crash continues to take a toll. Ominously, unexplainable developments stemming from the accident begin to make their presence felt. She receives a phone call out of the blue from a fellow survivor. Like Catherine, Richard is a doctor committed to objectivity and rationality. Yet, certain mysteries remain. Someone has assumed his identity. More mysteriously, the person looks almost exactly like him. The other four survivors, he informs Catherine, have suffered similar grave fates since the crash. He’s persuaded that their many problems were not simply due to post
Catherine’s is skeptical. Richard must be suffering under the weight of grief. Understandable, not only given the airplane crash but because he also lost his wife. Too much grief can render even the most scientifically minded susceptible to painful figments of the imagination. Yet, Catherine cannot help but notice similarly strange developments happening to her. Someone who looks suspiciously like her is caught on security cameras inside her building. Catherine assumes it was herself she was observing only to determine that it couldn’t possibly be her. Does she too have a doppelgänger? The Rule of Stephens is a relatively slim novel. Taylor is a fine writer whose prose is characterized, in part, by a lightness of touch. These stylistic features stand in sharp contrast to the novel’s heavy themes. Not only grief and loss and the promises of technology but the even deeper mysteries of existence. How do we make sense of the universe? Can science and rationality possibly make sense of every development? Should we not make room for the inexplicable? How much can any individual direct one’s life? The novel’s greatest strength is Taylor’s ability to explore such weighty questions without being heavy-handed about it. By novel’s end, does the reader know if Taylor comes down on the side of Catherine or Valerie? Hawking or King? In fairness, such deep mysteries do not lend themselves to definitive resolutions, particularly in a novel. Yet, for all the novel’s many strengths,
we wish Taylor would plumb the mystery’s depths further than he does. Instead we simply learn of seemingly terrifying and inexplicable developments wreaking havoc on the lives of the other survivors. The only context provided is that of the plane crash. The reader is left with little choice but to believe that some malign, supernatural force is at work. But what if our understanding of the context is simply incomplete? Reading The Rules of Stephens occasionally feels like trying to spot something too far away to accurately assess what’s going on. That we can’t know or understand what we’ve just witnessed doesn’t mean there isn’t a rational explanation. It might just mean our vantage point doesn’t allow us to know what that explanation is. Not that the fate of Catherine’s fellow survivors settles the fundamental question the novel poses. For just as it looks as though Catherine too will suffer in the same way, things change. Grave threats to her wellbeing disappear. She’s able to reassert at least some control over her life. In so doing, it’s as though the orderly, materialist universe reasserts itself as well. She’s a bright and courageous woman who has suffered enough. Nevertheless, there is the gnawing sense that Taylor wants it both ways. There’s room, in other words, for both Hawking and King in his world view. Fair enough even though the definition with which the novel begins suggests the two are mutually exclusive.
Debbie Trenholm and Karen Wright of Savvy Company
The greatest wine festival >> from page 15
The Sherry Revolution continued at the festival with winemakers debunking the myth that sherry is sweet and is your grandmother’s drink. In fact, it’s the hottest and newest ingredient on the cocktail scene. Same with Portugal - we were shown that vintage ports could be served young with barbecued steak or mushroom risotto rather than letting them catch dust in your wine cellar. These winemakers also unravelled some of the complicated details their wine labels. They took the time to explain the full range of sherries and differences of each style of port. They translated important information on the wine labels that is going to make my shopping for wines from these countries even easier. “It was a classic and humbling demonstration of the more you learn about wine, the less you know,” said Tony Gismondi, the Vancouver Sun’s wine columnist. Oh, and the food. There were lemon-stuffed olives, dark chocolates, cheeses and olive oils to enjoy. If you were lucky enough to get a ticket to one of the dinners or grazing events at a local restaurant, it was memorable. I will never forget the Crema Catalana (aka Crème Brûlée) served at the Graham’s Port dinner.
The problem, however, isn’t so much that he accommodates both, but that he arrives at this point somewhat disingenuously and arbitrarily.
Consider this your wine tip: Skip going south next winter and block Feb. 23 to March 3 off in your calendar to join us at Van Wine Fest. California wines will be in the spotlight n
Therefore, the novel’s denouement, although uplifting, still fails to satisfy n
Debbie Trenholm is a sommelier and founder of Savvy Company 17 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
“I think there was a need for it in the market,” Martin said. “My style and my take on things are young, fresh, bold.”
homes by Rosa Saba
She often combines two or more fabrics in one piece, playing with colours and patterns that bring out the quality of antique and mid-century modern pieces while also updating for their new homes. Martin works with clients to figure out their style including a home visit to see the space the newly upholstered piece will fit into.
BEFORE BEFORE
She keeps her prices accessible, with sustainability in mind – she wants customers to be able to choose a custom antique piece over a new one without breaking the budget, especially since the older pieces she loves to work with are built to last much longer than the plywood and chipboard furniture that dominates the market today.
Reduce, Reuse, Reupholster
BEFORE
Many of her repeat clients are antique hunters looking to make their finds last into the future, as well as to add comfort to worn-down or stiff oldfashioned styles.
PHOTO: KAREN TEMPLE
The business of upholstery is not often equated with stylish, modern home decor – it might in fact call to mind old heirloom couches or dusty wooden chairs cluttering up a garage. But antique furniture has become a popular way of adding personality to homes, and one Ottawa upholsterer has made a name for herself by bringing old furniture into the 21st century with her unique, colourful aesthetic and design skills.
Brittany Martin of The Wooden Button Studio has been putting her spin on antique and mid-century modern furniture for four years, and her clients have come to know her for her fresh take on classic wooden pieces. With a background in furniture, Martin said her creative upbringing made upholstery a natural fit. 18 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
Her mother taught her to sew at a young age, and her father was an engineer and a carpenter. Martin has dabbled in many creative endeavours, including stained glass and landscape design, but found herself drawn to furniture. What began as a hobby – taking chairs apart, seeing how they were made, and covering them in whichever colourful fabrics caught her eye – turned into a full-time business. Within a year, she had gone from selling these pieces on Kijiji to almost exclusively dealing with clients who would bring in family heirlooms or special antique finds looking for a fresh touch.
“If I put my touch on it or I upholster . . . it’ll last people forever,” Martin said. Martin works mainly with seating, from antique tub chairs to sofas and even dining room sets. She has an eye for colour, and the studio below her home is filled with rolls of fabrics, with tapestry-like prints of birds and flowers, and a mix of muted and colourful, rich patterns. Some were picked out for specific projects, whereas others just caught her eye. She pointed to a chair in the corner that she found on Kijiji for $20 and “fell in love with,” and the fabric she plans on using for it. This is one of many side projects she will end up selling, once she has the time to work on it. There are chairs everywhere, some
BEFORE
fully covered, others still waiting to be worked on. In the entrance is an antique couch partially covered with a new coat of royal blue velvet. The matching tub chair is in the corner, finished and waiting for the set to be completed. The brilliant new blue makes a modern, striking appearance against the delicate old woodwork of the pieces, which were once covered in a carpet-like tapestry from the 1920s.
“It just kind of came naturally,” she said. What began as a hobby is now a career, and Martin’s work not only makes her clients’ furniture stand out, it also makes her stand out as an artist and designer of unique, colourful pieces that speak for themselves n upholsteryottawa.com
Martin said she especially loves working with antique pieces like these because of the signature woodwork. Furniture just isn’t made with the same details today, she says, and putting her own personality into these pieces is what she loves to do most. 19 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
homes by Anna Jonas
ERIE CABIN
SHED
with the customer.” After figuring out how to make their needs and desired luxuries work, he then looks at the property to plan accordingly for the elements desired, such as a bigger porch or maximization of the view. Next, he considers how to keep within building planning restrictions. Daalder then puts a package together that outlines the best possible structure adjusted for the needs of each customer.
just wanted to step out of that box and provide more options, customizing it to what the customer wants instead of just what we offer.”
When it comes to building the cabins, 95 per cent of the creation and planning is done in Daalder’s shop. This prefab takes an average of 3-5 days depending on size, followed by another 2.5-3 days on the job site.
“A lot of people invest a lot of money in cottage or vacation property and I want to help make their dreams become a reality or make it as close to their dream as possible,” he said.
“I just want the customer in their cottage as fast as possible.” Daalder’s cabins are made from either
Daalder Leisure Cabins:
Whether you want to add a loft or full second floor, extra windows or doors, an overhang or even add on to an existing cottage, Daalder Leisure Cabins will make it happen. Custom vinyl windows can also be created. CUSTOM SCREENED ROOM
Daalder is passionate about his business and especially being self employed, something he’s always enjoyed. Not only does his job give him the opportunity to meet great people, but also to work
ONE THINGS THAT MAKES DAALDER LEISURE CABINS DIFFERENT IS
COVERED PATIO
HOW CUSTOMIZABLE THE STRUCTURES ARE. STARTING WITH THE
THE BEST KIND OF CABIN FEVER
BASIC CONCEPTS ON THE WEBSITE, THE DESIGN OF THE CABIN IS COMPLETELY BASED ON THE DESIRES OF THE CUSTOMER.
ONTARIO CABIN
CUSTOM CABIN
Cottage life could be called a Canadian institution. Summers spent in a cozy cabin with friends and family are practically a national pastime. But what if you could bring that kind of atmosphere to your building the log structures for about 35 years.
There are three styles of cabins that Daalder offers – the Erie, the Michigan and the Ontario – which serve as a baseline from which the customer can add on or personalize the structure.
When he was pitched on the idea, the business seemed like a great match for Canada’s cottage country and Daalder’s love for woodworking.
The starting plans are mostly based on budget; by keeping the designs basic and simple, Daalder can keep the basic costs down.
“At the time there was no such thing around here,” said Daalder. He then started researching, planning and sourcing and the company began to take shape.
“Most people prefer keeping things simple,” he said. “That way it’s cost effective and if you want to add on, we can always do that even later on.”
very own home? Arie Daalder, founder and owner of Daalder Leisure Cabins, has always enjoyed working with lumber. After creating various projects over the years and having built his own house, despite having no training in woodworking or carpentry, he developed a passion for the field. In the two decades since, he has gained an unmatched expertise through firsthand experience. The idea for constructing cabins came from his relatives overseas. A traditional European design, his family saw the concept at a trade show and decided to try it. Daalder’s family now has been 20 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
Daalder has now been in business for about 10 years.
“It started with a lot of ambition and common sense . . . Then one day everything fell into place and we were off to the races.”
The process starts with sitting down with the customer and talking about what he or she would like. “We try and mix and match within the budget,” said Daalder. “I call it brainstorming
spruce or pine, all kiln-dried and checked for defects. The sturdy and reliable woods are Canadian sourced, as are all the materials his company uses, to ensure top quality. “I prefer quality over quantity, even if I have to take the difference in price,” he said. “Quality always comes through for you in a positive way down the road.” Daalder always strives to keep the customer in mind when building a cabin, catering to his or her specific needs and wants in every possible way. In fact, one of the things that makes Daalder Leisure Cabins different is how customizable the structures are. Starting with the basic concepts on the website, the design of the cabin is completely based on the desires of the customer. “I knew the stuff was available in Lithuania and Estonia, but everything is very limited in how you want stuff done and I just wanted to branch out a bit more in custom elements and custom sizes, like where you want your windows or doors,” he said. “I
in a variety of beautiful areas, often including waterfront properties. “One week, my office view could be the big Rideau Lake and then next week, it could be Charleston Lake on an island.”
CUSTOM ERIE CABIN
“The days are long and you have to put up with the weather, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore because I love what I do.” For Daalder, the most rewarding part about running his company is satisfying a customer, seeing “the happiness in their eyes and the smile on their face” when they walk in or are given the keys. He hopes that his cabins give his customers lifelong memories.
CUSTOM BUNKIES
“I hope the little kids grow up with the cottage and they talk about all of the memories and experiences that they had there, the traditions they put in place for the families.” n Daalder mini log cabins can be ordered online on its website (leisurecabins. com) or by phone at 613-930-1963
GARDEN SHED
21 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
homes by Anna Jonas
and windows in a colour other than white, they’ve actually been painted in a factory. I wanted to do what was done in a factory, but on-site at the homeowner’s doorstep.” Carmelo decided to take matters into his own hands, collaborating with paint chemists to formulate a unique range of industrial-strength coatings. Each one is designed for a specific exterior material and all have the innovative technology to adjust according to weather. He let painting teams tweak the paint’s formulation and chemistry to deliver prime results, whether there’s heat, humidity or wind. No surface is off limits with SprayNet’s specialized spray materials – able to make exterior siding, front and garage doors, stucco, windows and even brick appear like new within the day. Carmelo was finally able to satisfy his customers and make their houses into something that they truly felt great about.
Devin Andersen, franchise partner for the Ottawa-West territory, joined Spray-Net when a friend of his came across a Spray-Net flyer. “I like that we can offer a product that is an instant return on investment for any homeowner,” said Devin. “I could never have anticipated the satisfaction of seeing how happy people are with their transformations. As a business owner, my goal is to provide clients
and time-saving, streak-free spray equipment making one application equivalent to four traditional coats, it’s supremely cost effective, boosting curb appeal without it costing an arm and a leg. “Spray-Net is disrupting the paint industry as a whole,” said Devin. “We are technical, innovative and environmentally conscious. We are a Canadian company and formulate all of
Spray-Net can revamp aluminum and vinyl siding, front and garage doors, stucco, windows and even brick. The finish won't peel, looks like new and most projects are completed in as little as a day.
SPRAY-NET:
Bringing long-lasting quality to your door
Have you ever wanted to spruce up your home’s windows or doors with a fresh coat of paint only to be disappointed when it starts to peel a few seasons later? Thought about modernizing your exterior finishes but struggled to come to terms with the cost of replacing them? Spring is here and it’s the perfect season to revamp your home, without potential setbacks.
But how can you guarantee that the repainting will last, go on without streaks and be cost effective, without starting from scratch? These are the dilemmas that Spray-Net founder Carmelo Marsala identified when he started out in the exterior painting industry as a student. Now, Carmelo has come up with a solution. 22 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
Carmelo realized his customers’ desire to repaint their doors and windows couldn’t be done effectively with existing types of paint. He was aware in advance that the paint couldn’t withstand the elements and eventual peel. He saw first-hand there was a gap that needed filling and that customers needed more than just commercial latex paint and a brush-and-roller application. He wanted to deliver the quality that customers desired while saving them the cost of replacing their functional siding, doors or windows. “I knew there had to be a way to bring permanent, factory quality results to homeowners,” he said. “After all, when you purchase brand-new doors
Having won the International Franchise Association’s NextGen in Franchising Global Competition and been named Top Young Franchiser by the International Franchise Association, the Montreal-based company has quickly become one of fastest expanding home improvement franchises in the nation.
with products and services they feel they have invested wisely in.”
Carmelo was rewarded for his hard work and dedication with the 2015 Air Miles for Business Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, as well as garnering a nomination for the 2014 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
“The beauty of our solution is that the price of a project is immediately outweighed by the resulting boost in curb appeal,” added Carmelo.
Known for delivering factory level quality that maintains a permanent justlike-new finish no matter the surface, the company helps homeowners make their dream homes a reality.
With a 15-year warranty against peeling,
our own products in Canada.When we explain what we do, the most common reaction is ‘I didn't know that could even be done!’” In the coming years, the brand promises to expand, and strive to help home-owners transform the look of their homes into something they can be proud of. Spray-Net runs more than 30 franchises across Canada. Inquire about a free home consultation by visiting www.spray-net.com n 23 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
cover by Andre Gagne
Revitalized Ottawa Art Gallery Spotlights 6,500 Years of Regional Art
Trinity Development Group is proud to sponsor the new
Ottawa Art Gallery
A new world class Arts venue and gallery in the the National Capital region.
PHOTO: COURTESY OAG
It has been a long time coming but Ottawa’s ever expanding art collection now has a glorious new home in the expanded Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG). For the local art community, the cutting of the ribbon on this vibrant exhibition palate was not just welcome, it was a much needed embracing of art and artists in the National Capital Region.
art #DOWNTOWNRIDEAU 24 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
The OAG has had strong links to Ottawa’s artists since inception when the then named The Gallery at Arts Court was opened in 1988.While the National Gallery served to showcase works over a larger global spectrum, the smaller gallery inside the old County Courthouse building (built in 1870 and designed by architect Robert Surtees) looked to give the city and surrounding area talent a bigger spotlight of their own. It wasn’t as though there was a lack of work to display either. A survey of local art conducted in the Hall of Commerce Building at Lansdowne Park in 1975 revealed over 300 pieces by 156 artists in need of wall and floor spaces. Mayo Graham was brought on as the first director and curator of the gallery and in the coming years the location would see the OAG name change as well as its official designation as Ottawa’s Municipal Gallery. This served as a fresh start 25 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
PHOTO: COURTESY OAG PHOTO: SEAN SISK
FAR LEFT: Alexandra Badzak, OAG Director and CEO
Finally we have a home for the arts that is worthy of the artistic talent in the city.
LEFT: OAG’s new entrance ABOVE: OAG’s John Ruddy Cube
“A remarkable book about the POWER OF STORIES, LOVE, HUMAN INNOVATION, and the critical need for the world to leap forward in a post-truth era.” — Rebecca Foon, planner, Juno Award Winning Cellist,and cofounder of Pathway to Paris PHOTO: COURTESY OAG
for the main gallery spaces and included the unveiling of the Firestone Gallery to house the extensive collection of twentieth-century Canadian art amassed by city residents O.J and Isobel Firestone. Though praised by many as a vital showcase of Ottawa’s past and present artworks, the additional expansion of the mostly dimly lit rooms of the original gallery inside Arts Court has had its supporters for decades. Mayor Jim Watson would note upon his first visit while still city councilor that the facility needed something more.
in its current incarnation was simply unable to support their vision let alone the amount of artwork that could be populating bigger walls.
After three decades, more has now arrived.
“More than anything the OAG needed its own front door to Ottawa, the new building needed to give us presence and profile within the city.”
“Finally we have a home for the arts that is worthy of the artistic talent in the city,” beams OAG Director and CEO, Alexandra Badzak as brightly as the new John Ruddy Cube lighting up the Ottawa skyline. With it, the Capital’s cultural landscape is seeing an elevation. Six floors, to be exact. After many years of hard work, the re-opening of the OAG on April 28 was a momentous moment in the city’s artistic community that fittingly included an inaugural exhibition honoring 6,500 years of making art in Ottawa-Gatineau. Packed into a former parking lot by Arts Court, the rejuvenated OAG is part of a $100-million facelift that also factors into the mix a condo, hotel and classrooms for the University of Ottawa’s theatre program. Though coinciding with the revitalization of Ottawa’s downtown core and other projects centered around Canada’s 150th, Badzak – who has served as the OAG’s Director and CEO since 2010 – says that, from the gallery’s humble beginnings 30-years ago, those behind the OAG have always strived for something bigger. A proposal was revealed back in 2008 but the OAG team would have to wait a bit longer for the wheels to really start to roll. People like Badzak and OAG board chairman Lawson Hunter knew that the gallery 26 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
“Being one of the smallest municipal galleries in Canada, we needed a larger space and one designed, first and foremost as a museum with all the technically specifications that it requires,” says Badzak, adding that, outside of more space for the art, the gallery needed expanded storage areas and other amenities for clients, artists and the public.
Thankfully, the two would have a valuable ace up their artistic sleeve when Watson once again found himself in the Mayor’s seat at City Hall in 2010. He would go on to boost the OAG in council as a legacy project and in 2014 the city agreed to bring $100-million to the redevelopment. Despite having originally been denied a requested $9-million by the federal government as extra funding, the team remained optimistic that things would get off the ground sooner rather than later. Their patience would be reward when the feds brought $6.5-million to the table in 2016. Hunter himself donated $100,000.With even a passing glance at the exterior of the new OAG, you can see that every penny was in no way wasted. Stretching across one city block with entrances off Mackenzie Bridge and Daly Avenue, the gallery will now have 55,000 square feet of programmable spaces instead of the initial 10,000. Visitors can also expect the place to be more luminous and spacious giving art lovers more room to peruse. They’ll have ample opportunity, too, with the inaugural exhibit Àdisòkàmagan / Nous connaître un peu nousmêmes / We’ll all become stories! This is 193 historical and contemporary works on display by 181 artists in an effort to
adequately show the history of art making in the region. “We have never had the opportunity to tell our story at this scale before, and it is an amazing, complex and diverse story! You will see contemporary artworks in dialogue with historical pieces,” Badzak says.
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Badzak goes on to add that they wanted to first exhibition to be about the region because it was the local artists and cultural leaders who lobbied for the OAG 30 years ago. “We also had to present the diversity of art making in the region, from the earliest works by Algonquin artists to reaching across the river to represent Francophone artists, to English speaking artists who have called Ottawa home and new Canadians.” The renovation has also allowed for more dedicated gallery space for the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art which includes works by the beloved Group of Seven. Another gallery holds the growing OAG Permanent Collection with other shifting galleries reserved for contemporary, historical and touring exhibitions. Two outdoor terraces (one overlooking the Peace Tower), a child care facility, multi-propose room and cinema space and the new Jackson café –named after Group of Seven founding member A.Y. Jackson– are also part of the immersive package. Now more expansive, the OAG has had to bulk up in other areas as well. “We knew we weren’t just building a building but growing an institution for art, so we expanded staff, built new business units, expanded programs as well as having longer hours of operations, and a huge commitment to accessibility,” Badzak says, adding that there were never any down times for the team over the months of construction. “They put their heart and soul into making the OAG expansion a reality.”n
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education by Anna Jonas
of first schools in Canada to do so.
However, the outlook wasn’t always rosy.
An east wing was built in 1902 and the west wing and top floor added in 1908.
175 Years of Excellence at Lisgar Collegiate Institute
The details of the building’s top floor are fabled, and legends abound about what is up there. An attic rifle range was built in 1912 for the school’s cadets, where students learned how to shoot at wooden targets. Though it’s unclear exactly when the range stopped being active, it became a storage space until 1976. Sylvia Kershman was one of the students who learned how to shoot a gun at school. Graduating from Lisgar in 1942, she started at the school when she was just 11 years old.
ven if you live outside of Ottawa, E you have probably heard of Lisgar Collegiate Institute.
Founded in 1843, Lisgar is older than Canada itself. Bytown, as it was known, had a population of about 5,000 and was one of the central hubs of the booming timber trade. It was decided that the Dalhousie district, the new capital of Bytown, should have a grammar school like the ones in England, that to properly educate the children of the area.
One of the province’s best public secondary schools, its name carries a weight of tradition and excellence; its prestige gathered throughout its storied history. Part of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Lisgar’s central location draws students from across the city.
FOUNDED IN 1843, LISGAR IS OLDER THAN CANADA
The school is so revered that parents of potential students used to camp out outside the school for hours in hopes of snagging one of the limited transfer spots for students living outof-boundaries. The reputation has been earned over the years thanks to Lisgar’s commitment to excellence in each of the three A’s: Academics, Athletics and Arts.
ITSELF. BYTOWN, AS IT WAS KNOWN, HAD A POPULATION OF ABOUT 5,000.
Arts is another area where Lisgar excels.
The Dalhousie Grammar School was born, setting up shop in the basement of an two-story building on what is now Waller Street. Just a one-room apartment for classes, the institution could only hold 40 students. As the population grew, the school was forced to relocate five times and changed its name three times before settling at its present-day site.
Lisgar academics are purposefully rigorous.
The school has long been home to a top-notch music program, with one of the only strings programs in the city, and its stand-out improv team has qualified for the national level tournament since 2004.
Well-known for its striking gothic style, designed by W.T. Thomas and W. Chesterton, the heritage building was built in 1874 after the institution gained the title of collegiate institute, one of seven grammar schools in Upper Canada to earn this distinction.
Students can participate in a range of specialized streams to add an extra dimension to their diplomas. Superb teachers encourage and guide students in becoming the best they can be.
Lisgar’s history of excellence in sport is noteworthy. Despite the lack of regulation facilities given its location, that has never stopped Lisgar teams from taking home trophies.
Throughout its early years, the school started to develop a reputation for its dedication to high-calibre learning. It was in this same period that girls were first permitted to attend, making it one
28 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
PHOTOS: COURTESY LISGAR COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
Though she attended Lisgar during war time, she still maintains her experience was wonderful. “It was a big difference from public school. The education we got was superb,” said Kershman. When the world was at war, life at Lisgar soldiered on with a few noticeable changes. Students were always aware of what was going on, especially being located right next to the drill hall. “That had a big influence on what happened at school,” Kershman added. “The young men were encouraged to leave school and join up and the girls were encouraged to take employment, especially with the civil service. They had a lot of kinds of examinations to try and get the women into the workforce . . . Many (students) left school at that point. It was encouraging to get a very good job with lots of opportunity.” As classmates left school to fight for their country, others wrote essays in the school’s newspaper with their opinions on the conflict.When the London Blitz was on, some of those who could afford to left London and came to Canada, meaning some students finished their education at Lisgar. “It was a different life, altogether different from what you see today.”
COME CELEBRATE LISGAR’S BIG BIRTHDAY Taking place May 4-6, the 175th anniversary festivities organized by the dedicated Lisgar Alumni Association will celebrate the school’s legacy in true Lisgar style. Take an in-depth school tour that will walk you through Lisgar’s eventful history. Listen to performances by the school’s award-winning band and orchestra. Commend the achievements of former student and staff athletes as new names are added to the Athletic Wall of Fame. Chow down at the barbeque or meet the teachers. Try your hand at trivia night or be entertained by event headliners Rich Little and Valdi, both Lisgar alumni. Relax at the “Blue and Grey” pub night, show off a secret talent at the variety night, or dance the night away at the reception and dinner dance. More information can be found on the Lisgar Alumni Association’s website.
More than 2,000 names of students and alumni who served in WWI, WWII, and the Korean War - almost 300 of whom were killed in active service are memorialized on the brass plaques lining the walls of Memorial Hall. As the world around it changed, so did many other elements of Lisgar. After WWII, the school’s resources were increased, and the facilities improved. The content of the school curriculum shifted to keep up with the times, becoming increasingly international.
In the 1970s, Lisgar was almost shut down due to school board costs, declining student populations and safety concerns. However, students, alumni and the local community rallied to raise the funds required to completely renovate the school, saving it from demolition. Even when the institution was facing extinction, Lisgar triumphed against the odds. As D. Ian MacDonald wrote in the 1993 book commemorating the school’s 150th anniversary,“the future is uncertain, but what Lisgar still possesses to counterbalance the contentious changes is a long tradition of stability, a well-preserved history and heritage, a deep rootedness in the community and an ongoing adherence to excellence in its staff and students.” This year marks the school’s 175th anniversary. Though it’s come a long way from its humble beginnings, it has maintained its traditions and high standards throughout the ups and downs. Lisgar has produced many remarkable alumni in its long history who continue to leave a legacy. Today, Lisgar remains a centre for excellence. But in this modern age, the school is also looking beyond. It hosts innovative technology programs, gets involved with the local community and provides its students with a place to discover and pursue their passions. With new projects on the horizon, Lisgar continues to evolve. It will do as the phrase on the wall of the main hall states: “Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow.” After all, the school’s motto is Alere Flammam – let the flame of truth shine. It will continue to nourish the flame as it always has - with some modern tweaks - keeping the passing of knowledge and traditions alive and well for another 175 years n 29 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
health by Anna Jonas
The holistic picture
a healthy, natural lifestyle has Living never been more popular. We now live in a culture where wellness retreats are the new hot ticket, and water-cooler talk has evolved from office gossip to dermatologist recommendations. But health is about more than just prescriptions and medications. With ever-growing evidence indicating the harmful effects of some current lifestyles, a new-found awareness is leading more and more people to take a different approach to health - seeking out natural ways to be healthy. Alternative health is going mainstream and people are increasingly interested in looking at personal wellness from all angles. Sue Taylor, owner and clinic director of Ottawa Holistic Wellness, said though - this interest in a natural path to wellness is not new. Sue has been interested in health since her youth as both her parents were doctors. The former police officer decided in 2003 she needed a career change. She met her eventual husband Dominick Hussey, a functional medicine and osteopathic manual practitioner, and that led her to that change.
30 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
OUR INTENTION . . . (IS TO) HELP YOU FEEL BETTER NOW . . . (AND) TO ALSO LOOK AT THE UNDERLYING CAUSES SO THAT WE CAN ACTUALLY GIVE YOU THE TOOLS TO FEEL WELL, PROMOTE HEALTH AND PREVENT ILLNESS.
Sue Taylor
natural wellness field, completing the certification course. Sue became his first patient. After an effective treatment, she decided to pursue her path, qualifying as a natural allergist in 2004 and later in reiki and energy healing. The husband-and-wife team has been working in Ottawa since 2009, practising in a smaller clinic before realizing there was a need for something bigger, something truly holistic. “There wasn’t something that covered the mind, the body and the spirit for the whole family,” said Sue.The couple then opened Ottawa Holistic Wellness in early 2014. The clinic offers a variety of services that fall under the holistic health umbrella, ranging from counselling and chakra balancing to chiropractic, acupuncture and osteopathy.
“He sort of opened the door for me to various things in the alternative health field,” said Sue.
Sue and Dominick not only aim to discover the root causes of illness, but to provide clients with the strategies necessary for lasting health as well.
At the time, Dominick was being treated for allergies and became interested in the
“Our intention was to put together somewhere that would provide the
PHOTO: ANNA JONAS
treatments that were necessary to help you feel better now, but to also look at the underlying causes so that we can actually give you the tools to feel well, promote health and prevent illness going forward,” said Sue. After launching the business, the couple said the clinic took off like a rocket. Fourteen practitioners joined in the first year.“There’s so much demand,” said Sue. “People are really looking for something beyond the medications and the need to come for treatments every week, week after week.They actually want something that’s going to give them longer lasting healing.” What makes Ottawa Holistic Wellness different is the clinic strives to discover the whole picture by considering all symptoms, both physical and emotional, looking after inner health while taking a more personal approach. The dedication and professionalism of the team of practitioners also makes the clinic stand out. Not only is the group qualified, many work during off hours to be available when their clients need them. The clinical team individually offers free discovery sessions. The clinic also offers a free pathfinder session with a health coach if clients aren’t sure where to start. For Sue, the most rewarding part of running the business is helping people. “I get such joy out of seeing people get their life back and improve and really seeing them grow,” she said. “It’s just amazing that we can provide such a good service to people.” She also loves being able to support their practitioners. “We all nurture each other, and its a gift to be able to see the 31 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
The whole-istic picture >> from page 31
second chance at life/health series by Rosa Saba
practitioners grow and become the best they can.” The clinic has grown during the last four years.
Homewood Health —
The expansion included moving from five treatment rooms to 11, and the current group of 19 practitioners sees more than 900 people in an average month. The clinic also frequently gives back to the community by hosting lunch-and-learns for companies as well as donating services to charity.
Connection. An active lifestyle. Balance.
The goal now is to continue to grow, expanding services and resources.
It starts here, with you, at the Y.
“We still have space for our current practitioners to grow and we’re always seeking to add to our team,” said Sue.
Join today! ymcaywca.ca
Another priority is health education. “People don’t realize they need to invest in their health,” said Sue. “Health is the basis for well being and when you invest in your health, everything else follows.” n
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recognizing addiction as a mental health issue ational network of mental health N and addiction treatment clinics Homewood Health has acquired
another facility, this time in Montreal, called Homewood du Plateau. Homewood Health acquired half of the facility in 2014, and the 16-bed residence is now a fully-functional, bilingual treatment centre for people struggling with addiction and related mental health issues. Dr. Ronald Fraser is an addictions psychiatrist who specializes in personality disorders. He runs an inpatient detoxification service at the McGill University Health Centre and is the co-medical director for Homewood du Plateau in Montreal, a 16-bed residential treatment program for addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. The program was originally developed by himself and Dr. Warren Steiner to provide people the opportunity to access evidencebased treatments. “There’s no one treatment that works for everybody,” explains Dr. Fraser, which is why it’s an intensive, six-week program that incorporates a number of those treatments. A combination of motivational enhancement therapy, CBT, structured relapse prevention, a blend of general therapeutic activities and health programs, and pharmacological treatments for both addiction and other mental disorders. For example, many patients use opiate replacement therapy with methadone or suboxone as a way of coming off their medications. Dr. Carlos Lalonde, the chief of psychiatry at The Residence at PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Homewood in Guelph, Ontario, told Ottawa Life via email that The Residence encourages an abstinencebased model, but recognizes that opiate replacement therapy is the most effective option for some patients. Dr. Lalonde calls The Residence’s model a “bio-psycho-social-spiritual model” committed to working towards abstinence via a variety of methods. Dr. Fraser says many of Homewood du Plateau’s patients were originally introduced to opioids via prescription by their doctors, and often substitution therapies with methadone or suboxone are the most effective for those patients. Patients also have the option of an abstinencebased model, and occasionally of an opioid blocker. Between the addictions treatment and the full days of programming, Dr. Fraser says patients are treated for all of their needs, including any co-occurring mental health problems. “All of these disorders are being treated in order to optimize peoples’ chances of success,” he says. Treatment is individualized with each patient, and often their family is involved as well to ensure continuum of care past the end of the intensive program. Once patients have completed their six weeks, they can still attend day programs or weekly meetings at Homewood du Plateau in order to stay accountable to their recovery program. As Dr. Fraser explains, the six weeks are meant to build a foundation for what will be a lifetime of work. The same continuum of care is used at
The Residence at Homewood, which Dr. Lalonde says encourages attendance at 12-step programs or relapse prevention groups. Dr. Fraser says it’s important to recognize addiction as a mental health issue, which is why Homewood Health treats not just physical addiction, but also the mental condition of addiction and mental disorders that can stem from or contribute to opioid addiction. “If you treat one disorder but ignore or neglect the other disorders, you’re probably not going to have an optimal outcome,” he says. “The reality is, addiction is a mental health condition. It is a psychiatric condition.” Dr. Lalonde agrees, adding that the stigma surrounding addiction can often prevent people from reaching the help they need. This is why, in addition to treating the addiction itself, Homewood Health programs offer a variety of therapies, including mindfulness, behavioural, and grief therapies, to try and address the range of issues someone struggling with addiction might be dealing with. “The more we do to address other underlying conditions in addition the core addiction itself, the better the outcomes will be,” Dr. Lalonde says. “We want to assist Canadians in letting go of the stigma that is attached to getting help for mental health conditions and addictions while at the same introducing them to the many options available to them that allow access to appropriate, professional treatment that meets their clinical and lifestyle needs.” n 33 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
second chance at life/health series by Rosa Saba
Jesse – an opioid addict’s story
“Right away, those around me could tell I had a different reaction to this stuff,” he said.
PHOTO: KAREN TEMPLE
Jesse eventually transitioned to OxyContin, which was easy to get and inexpensive. The first time he suffered withdrawal symptoms, he knew he was in over his head. A few stints at Newfoundland’s only detox facility weren’t enough – detoxing is often a last resort.
As frontline workers and policymakers continue to try and mitigate the opioid crisis in Canada, harm-reduction services have been popping up in major cities to address the rapid increase in overdoses due to fentanyl.
34 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
“When I go in there, it’s because I want to change,” he said. “It’s the only thing I can think of to create that gap between me and the drugs.”
Long-term recovery models are still dealing with waitlists months long, and supervised injection sites serve as short-term solutions to what for many is a lifetime struggle.
At 18, he began methadone treatment, which deals with withdrawal symptoms. Methadone or suboxone are usually used to regulate recovery with the eventual intention of removing the patient from opioids altogether.
Jesse is a recovering addict in Ottawa who says it can be difficult to access full treatment, including mental-health services, due to a lack of funding and the overarching stigma against addiction.
At 20, Jesse was sent to the Bellwood treatment centre in Toronto, the city where he eventually moved. At first, he stayed clean, but opioid drugs were more readily available, and he eventually relapsed.
Jesse grew up in St. John’s, NL, and has been dealing with addiction since he was a teen. At 13, he began “the way most kids do,” trying alcohol and marijuana, but things got out of hand quickly.
After getting back on methadone, a worker at Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto landed Jesse a spot at Anchorage Ottawa, one of the only treatment centres that will accept patients on methadone.
“I just couldn’t take being in that environment. Within a month or two, I was back using, and on the streets,” he said.
addressed. Though many supervised injection sites also offer counselling referrals and other services, he said it can be difficult for people in recovery to enter a facility where people are using, just like he found Anchorage’s location a challenge.
He added that methadone doctors are swamped with patients and long wait lines, unable to do much After going back on methadone, then beyond prescribing and administering suboxone, before deciding to detox maintenance treatment. It’s almost altogether, Jesse eventually found a impossible for people in his shoes housing program in Sandy Hill, which to get a physician beyond walk-in helped him find stable housing in centres, where they are often treated 2014. with judgement or distrust. Jesse said the stigma and misunderstanding He has relapsed only about what it means to once, around the time be addicted to opioids JESSE FEELS THERE fentanyl began to mean many doctors ARE HOLES IN appear in Ottawa. don’t look past the THE WAY OPIOID addiction. After overdosing twice ADDICTION IS BEING and losing a close “People frame it as a ADDRESSED. THOUGH friend, Jesse said he was choice. When we go to MANY SUPERVISED frightened for his life. places and ask for help INJECTION SITES ALSO He chose to go back on for addiction, we’re methadone in 2016, this often dismissed.” OFFER COUNSELLING time with Recovery REFERRALS AND OTHER Ottawa. Looking back Despite all these diffiSERVICES, HE SAID IT at the rise in opioid culties, Jesse also CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR overdoses in 2017, he considers himself luckPEOPLE IN RECOVERY TO said he couldn’t have ier than many. The chosen a better time to Wabano Centre has ENTER A FACILITY WHERE go back into recovery. been instrumental in the PEOPLE ARE USING. building of the support “I didn’t know what system he currently else to do. I kept going has – there, he accesses into detox, then coming out and maybe weekly counselling, and often health staying clean for a couple of weeks.” services as well. This time, he’s taking the process slowly and trying to deal with his anxiety and depression at the same time through weekly counselling at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. Since he went back on methadone in 2016, Jesse has been able to reduce his dosage significantly.
“I feel very lucky to be Aboriginal. Wabano has helped empower me.”
“I don’t want to be on it for the rest of my life. I’m on my way to finding out what works for me.”
Right now, methadone is helping stabilize his life until he feels ready to make the next step.
Having accessed multiple services in Ottawa while using and while in recovery, Jesse feels there are holes in the way opioid addiction is being
“I feel like the change is really in me at this point. I’ve made the effort to improve my life and make things better.”n
Jesse indicated what’s missing is awareness of the realities of addiction, and of the need for long-term treatment for opioid addiction beyond harm reduction services.
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Jesse said he had no idea what to expect when he arrived in Ottawa.The Anchorage treatment centre was right on “the block,” a centre of concentrated drug use downtown.
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canada-china friendship series by Dan Donovan
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and South Ossetia (also referred to as the Tskhinvali Region), which together equal 20 per cent of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory.
Tbilisi, Georgia
onstantin Kavtaradze has been the K Georgian Ambassador to Canada for only a short period but has had
great success in raising the profile and ties between Tbilisi and Ottawa. Kavtaradze is one of Georgia’s most seasoned diplomats and for the past 28 years has been at the forefront of many of the tense international developments that have befallen his small but feisty democratic country. Kavtaradze’s previous postings include serving as Ambassador of Georgia to Finland, Sweden, and Poland. He is also a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Georgia. Kavtaradze and other Georgian diplomats continue to build strong relations with the European Union, Turkey, Canada, the United States and other western countries, despite being the fact that their country is still partially under the military occupation of an invading Russian force. Georgia is one of the ancient kingdoms and oldest Christian countries in the world. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it covers a territory of 69,700 square kilometers and has a population of 3.7 million people. It is bordered by the Black Sea to the west, Russia to the north, Turkey and Armenia in the south, and Azerbaijan in southeast. Because of its strategic location, Georgia has experienced continuous wars and revolutions for centuries. It’s been invaded and occupied by the Greeks, Persians, and Romans and by 36 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
Konstantin Kavtaradze
the Arabs in the 7th century. From the 11th to the 13th century, Georgia experienced a Golden Age of cultural, political and military ascendancy, until the invasion of the Mongols during the 14th century. Later it came under the tutelage of the Russian Czars. Georgia first declared its independence as a Republic from the Russian Empire on May 26 1918. Five years later the Soviet Red Army rolled in and took over the country. Georgia lived through the horrors of WW2 and the tyranny of Stalin and communism for seven decades before regaining its freedom again in 1991 when the Soviet Empire collapsed. In 1995, the Georgian government held its first presidential elections as a democratic country. Relations for the new republic were always tense with Russia. Even though Georgians have always looked West, Russia has long wanted to control Georgia. In August 2008 this tension erupted again over discussions and a plan for Georgia to join NATO. A Russian invasion force entered Tbilisi and other parts of the country. A ceasefire ended the short war but much was lost. A decade later, thousands of Russian forces still occupy Abkhazia
These Russian forces still threaten key transit links, railways, and pipelines linking the heart of Eurasia to Europe. The Georgian government has never ceded the territory to the Russians and has remained calm, patient and resilient while watching as South Ossetia and Abkhazia grow into large Russian military bases with thousands of Russian troops and hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles. Puppet governments in these occupied regions have declared sovereignty but depend solely on Moscow for their security and economic well-being. No country in the world except Russia has recognized their “independence”. The international community still considers Abkhazia and South Ossetia to be Georgian territory and consider the Russia invasion of the area as an egregious attack on Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Georgia currently has no diplomatic relations with Russia and Kavtaradze says this will remain the case until the Russians leave. “You cannot have diplomatic relations with a country that is occupying one quarter of your country. We may have to wait but we are patient and realize this may be the long game.” In the meantime, Kavtaradze says his current mission in Canada is “to talk to Canadians about Georgia, its history, our shared western values, bilateral relations and expanding trade, economic and cultural ties.” n
he Chinese have a saying: T Bing dòng san chi fei yí rì zhi hán which translates to: Three feet of ice is not formed in a single day.
When used as part of the narrative in the Canada-China free-trade discussions it basically means: Rome wasn’t built in a day. That aptly describes how China is approaching a potential free-trade agreement with Canada. China is playing the long game of patience, no timelines and a belief that its agenda for trade with Canada will eventually come its way. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that moving forward on a trade agreement with China is a big thing, not a small thing. For Trudeau this means pursuing “progressive trade,” that includes chapters on the environment, gender and labour standards as part of any negotiation.The problem is the Chinese aren’t interested in that agenda. (Nor are the Americans, Canada’s largest trading partner). The population of China is 1.4-billion people. Canada’s is 38 million. From that perspective it is certainly audacious for Canada to try to assert what the terms of a trade agreement will be with China, especially when those terms include items the Chinese will not engage in. While both countries believe in trade
liberalization and removing barriers to investment, China currently dominates the $90-billion bi-lateral trade relationship; its exports to Canada were worth more than $64 billion in 2016 and the gap has grown every year since 2012. Based on the numbers, China has the upper hand in any trade talks. This message was reinforced in April when the Chinese ambassador to Canada, Lu Shaye, met with Ottawa Life Magazine and a small group of parliamentary reporters at the Chinese Embassy. Speaking through an interpreter, Lu told reporters that Canada’s “so-called” progressive trade agenda has no place in the free-trade agreement the two countries have been discussing for several years. He added that “China’s leaders are not interested in entrenching labour, gender, environment and governance issues in the negotiating framework of any free trade talks with China.” Lu cited the NAFTA agreement between Canada and the United States and Mexico as an example saying, “Canada does not tell Mexico what their labour wages should be and it is the same for China. If Mexico were to accept such a standard, many of the factories would close down and their workers would be laid off.” Still, Lu remains optimistic about the Canada-China relationship calling it “warm.”
He said China “definitely has no deadline for starting formal trade negotiations” despite four rounds of exploratory talks. Lu added: “We have reached consensus on extensive issues, but (there) still remains some differences on the so-called progressive trade factors.” He believes the key to a potential FTA revolves around agreeing on how to respect boundaries. “It is the national conditions that really matters. Canada will not tell China what it will pay its workers and they should not seek to do this.” When asked if Chinese companies will respect Canadian labour laws if they are doing business in Canada, Lu responded with a firm: “Yes.” Canada mainly exports natural resources to China, and largely imports manufactured goods. The biggest imports are mechanical appliances and electrical equipment, followed by consumer goods, like toys and clothing. China is a major buyer of Canadian wood and paper products, fish products and oilseeds, like canola. Canada continues to express concern with China over intellectual property rights, cyber security transparency and the bulk sale of water. In June of 2017, after years of talks, Canada formally established a working agreement with China on cybersecurity, where both agreed to not engage in state-sponsored hacking of each other’s trade secrets and business information. Canadian officials say the hacking from China was very problematic and is still 37 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
Canada has no plans to enter into any bulk water agreements with China. Lu said China respects international rules regarding intellectual property rights and will continue to do so. Unlike a decade ago, China is now becoming a holder of very important intellectual property as well as an acquirer. This evolution means China is as concerned about other countries acquiring its intellectual property as it is taking it from others. The Trudeau government also believes it is appropriate for Canadian global affairs officials to raise human rights issues in their ongoing dialogue with China. For their part, the Chinese continue to politely listen to Canada’s concerns, but they firmly respond that China has moved 800-million people out of poverty in the last three decades. On the natural resources front, Canada has proven to be a reliable and stable energy supplier for China. The Chinese have made billion-dollar investments in Canadian oil companies like Penn West Energy, Syncrude and Athabasca Oil Sands. China is seeking tariff-free access to Canada for its exports and the freedom for its state-owned companies to invest where they want. Last October, CCCC International Holding Ltd. of China made a $1.5-billion bid to acquire Aecon Group Inc., which has a long history of participation in Canadian construction and engineering projects like the CN Tower, Vancouver’s SkyTrain, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Halifax shipyard. The CCCC International Holding Ltd. (CCCI) is a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC) and is one of the world’s largest engineering and construction firms. In 2016 it generated revenue of $62 billion US and its core business activities include the construction of ports, roads, terminals, bridges, 38 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
rail and tunnels. Canada’s Aecon had sales of $3.2 billion in 2016. The deal is controversial because many Canadians feel the Chinese are swallowing one of Canada’s most successful engineering firms. Officials in Canada’s security agencies have suggested there is “a potential of injury to national security,” if the deal proceeds. The Canadian government is still reviewing the deal, but more analysts say they would be shocked if the government stopped the deal. Ambassador Lu said, “there should be no concerns about the proposed acquisition of Aecon. I think the Canadian media, or the Canadian public, is too sensitive about the Aecon case because Aecon is just a construction company. From your side, you have your rules and regulations on the foreign companies overtaking Canadian companies. I think for the national security issue it is your internal affairs. The Chinese side does not want to interfere (with) it.” Lu added that China just wants Canada to apply the same standards for Chinese companies as it does for other foreign companies proposing to take over Canadian firms. For its part, Canada is seeking reciprocal privileges and discussions on intellectual property, dispute settlement mechanisms and regulatory harmonization. The elephant in the room is, whether, Canada and its highly paid work force agrees to participate in a comprehensive economic and trade agreement with a very powerful yet very low-wage China. Lu’s comments make it clear the Chinese are not prepared to negotiate matters related to labour wages in China and are willing to play the long game and wait it out. The reality is China views trade through a very different lens than western countries. For several years, President Xi has positioned China as a supporter of free trade and of the world’s rulesbased global trading order.
travel by Karen Temple
Lu said, “China has taken active measures to promote economic globalization, to advance free trade and to uphold the authority of the multilateral trade regime. These kinds of actions are fully different from that of the U.S. ‘America First’ initiatives and its measures.” He views the current China-USA friction on trade as being the result of the U.S. taking “an aggressive stance” that might preclude the possibility for successful trade negotiations. It is interesting to note, China has developed as rapidly as it has under international institutions established by America and its allies, largely to its advantage.
You can spend weeks taking in all the theme parks, museum, beaches and green spaces of the big bay city but we hit the streets to get to know a few of San Diego’s many neighbourhoods.
P
oint Loma, the historic site where California was first discovered in the mid-1500s, by Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo, is a great spot to begin a visit to San Diego.
Lu said the comparison is wrong noting that “American companies like Apple and many car companies have set up factories in China and are benefitting by making iPhones and other products in China at a much lower cost and then they are shipping them back to the United States for sale at big profits. China makes none of the profits on these sales and the Chinese workers do not make any of the profits.”
Check out the Cabrillo National Monument. Then, sit on a bench, relax, look back toward the city and take in the spectacular view. With the mountains to the west, the Mexican border to the south and the ocean all around, you get a great feel for the city of San Diego. First Spanish, then Mexican, the city became part of the United States in the 1850s. Spanish influence can be seen in the architecture around town and it can be tasted in the many Mexican restaurants.
Lu suggested, in a sophisticated economy it makes no sense to measure the economic relationship between the two countries solely through the lens of the manufacturing and trade deficit.
Not wrong, just different.
San Diego
View of Point Loma and the city of San Diego
PHOTO: JAMES BLANK
PHOTO: ANNIE PEARSON
When asked if it’s correct using the term “aggressive stance” when the United States ships $130 billion worth of goods to China, while China sends $505 billion worth of goods to the United States, the vastly different perspectives on trade become clear.
For the Chinese, the perspective on what free trade is, how process and production methodology and profits are viewed, and how economic relations are measured between countries, is different from the western thinking.
Discovering
Little Italy Mercado
PHOTO: JOANNE DIBONA
a going concern post-agreement, with verification being a key irritant.
Head to Old Town, considered the birthplace of California, for a glimpse of the original Mexican village of El Pueblo de San Diego. Original and reconstructed buildings that harken back to the early 18oo’s and the hot, dusty street set the scene.
Stroll through the museums and shops but make sure you stop at one the many authentic Mexican restaurants. The staff must be among the thousands of Mexicans who cross from Tijuana everyday to earn American dollars in the US. Coyote Cafe serves the best carnitas with traditional sides – and margaritas too. The tortillas are made curb-side by a duo of traditionally-dressed ladies. If you don’t have time to stop for a meal, pick up some fresh tortillas to go. Across town, the historic Gaslamp quarter, formerly known as New Town is a good spot for a night cap. The area is a combination of new builds and older Victorian-sytle architecture, including the Grant Hotel built by Ulysees S. Grant Jr. as a tribute to his famous father. Full of bars, restaurants and theatres, the warm climate means the buzz of nighttime activity spills out onto the sidewalks year-round. San Diego has a vibrant history tied to the Tuna industry. Little Italy is home to the families of those who made their
living from the sea when the city was the tuna capital of the world. This hip, trendy neighbourhood is full of great shops bars, breweries and some of the best restaurants. Saturday is Little Italy Marcado, a.k.a. market day. Make sure you visit on an empty stomach. San Diego is home to the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet. You might not spot the uniformed personnel coming and going around town but you can't miss the USS Midway moored in the harbour. A testament to the largess of the current base and naval operations in the area, the enormous, decommissioned aircraft carrier operates as a museum. It is home to 29-restored aircraft and is well worth checking out. Explore the many decks and operations rooms, and make sure to stop for a chat with one of the many retired vets. They enhance any visit by parlaying their first hand experiences of serving on the ship. From the top deck of the Midway, look down over the side to the park below and the 25-foot sculpture replica of the famous iconic photo of a sailor embracing a nurse in New York at the end of WWII.
The reality is that Chinese economic strength is becoming so prevalent that Canada, Europe, the United States and western businesses can no longer ignore this perspective n Gaslamp Quarter
Old Town
Tuna Fishermen Monument
A hundred metres down the waterfront floats a collection of boats known as The Maritime Museum of San Diego. It is an open-air, or 39 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
p Away from the hustle of the city, the Kona Kai Resort & Spa on Shelter Island is the perfect place to stay. Formerly a private club favoured by the likes of Bobby Kennedy it has been recently renovated and expanded to 170 rooms, all of which have a beachy-chic vibe. Enjoy a great breakfast at the Vessel Restaurant while you gaze out at the rows of luxury boats moored in the marina. Afterwards, rent stand-up a paddle-board and paddle around the slips or visit Spa Terre for a message on their exclusive alpha-quartz heated sand bed. At night, sit by one of the beach fire pits and make s'mores. There is no swimming at the beach but the resort has a beautiful pool with chair service and funky tiki bar. There is also a new, adults-only pool. The Kona Kai offers cruiser bike that you can check out and take for a spin around the peninsula. resortkonakai.com
t The amphibious SEAL Tour drives through town before splashing into the bay. The 90--minute guided tour leaves from Seaport Village and motors out to see the sea lions.
p Firmly high-end with a fresh, quirky delivery, Born and Raised steakhouse in Little Italy has wow-factor. The panelled interior with brass light fixtures is reminiscent of an art deco luxury liner but the hip-hop artists framed on the walls keep it in the current decade as do the tuxedo-clad waiters sporting Converse running shoes. Service is excellent, outdone only by the food. The steak was by far the best I have ever eaten and the combination of anchovy oil, hot pepper flakes and parmesan elevated broccoli to edible art. The prime rib was so tender it melted in your mouth. bornandraisedsteak.com
PHOTO: KEVIN KOLCZYNSKI
travel by Jennifer Hatley
Nothing Mickey Mouse
ABOUT ORLANDO
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rlando has a well-earned reputation as the theme-park capital of the world, but there is much more going on in and around this eclectic city. Each time I visit, I focus on a different experience. This time it was doing Orlando ‘on the cheap’ and it turns out you don’t need to break the bank for a good time. Here are a few tips. When booking a flight to Orlando, avoid weekends. Flights are cheaper during the week. If you’re in Ottawa, try hitting Syracuse, NY, for even cheaper options.
Flighdeck aboard the USS Midway
Aboard the Soviet B-39 sub
more accurately open-water, collection of boats and submarines. From a replica of explorer Cabrillo’s ship, the San Salvador, to the steel-haul merchant ship named the Star of India that made 21 trips around the world and was used to haul almost everything, including humans during the exodus from Ireland during the 1800s, the ships tell the maritime history of San Diego. The submarines are particularly cool. Life aboard must have been an underwater experiment in claustrophobia. For an added fee, take a tour of the bay on the retired pilot boat. Continuing the naval theme, visit Liberty Station naval training station. Reborn as an arts district, the Spanish colonial-style buildings all open on to the enormous central lawn that was the 40 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
The Star of India
Liberty Public Market
parade grounds. You can easily spend a day here. Taste your way around the trendy Liberty Public Market or grab a meal or a drink from one of the many vendors and sit down to enjoy it on the patio before strolling through this 100acre space that has been re-purposed as artist studios, dance studios, galleries, museums, office space, restaurants and even a brewery. There is a real buzz here.
performances. The city on the bay has ceded most of the prime waterfront real estate to the U.S. military but what the downtown area is lacking in beach frontage it makes up for in arts, culture, parks, entertainment and more breweries than you shake a stick at — reason enough to get to know San Diego n sandiego.org
— SLEEP —
Try to book at a resort hotel that has amenities, pools, activities and where suites come with a full kitchen and there is space for the full family. The Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort on International Drive is a strong choice. It is a stunning, peaceful oasis. There is everything you could possibly want onsite. — FOOD —
Eat at the hotel. Cheapest way. Period. Pack lunches and snacks. — CHEAP STUFF TO DO —
A highlight of was the Japanese Americans & The Impact of Internment exhibition at the New Americans Museum and, believe it or not, the Quilt Museum. These are not your gran’s handiworks, they are full-fledged works of art. The first Friday of the month Liberty Station (5-9 pm) features open studios, PHOTOS: KAREN TEMPLE
The Quilt Museum
Once in Orlando, rent a car. Hotwire. com has inexpensive deals, but you will have to be firm in your plans.You can’t change your reservation.
Orange Picking: You know your morning hit of OJ comes from Florida so why not visit an orchard? Visit Showcase of Citrus: It is free to stroll through. Check out the 50-plus varieties of citrus. You can pick your own, which is fun, and take a ride Liberty Station
on the 4x4 Monster Truck. The tour guide and driver teaches you about the different types of oranges and their origin. They also have large animals along the route and you’ll enjoy a bit of regional history. Lake Eola Park: This 43-acre recreational area is amazing. You can picnic along the shore, enjoy a concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, feed the swans and rent a boat. There's also free outdoor yoga on Sunday mornings and a market . . . and it is just a beautiful place to unwind. Kennedy Space Center: Experience the wonders of human curiosity regarding the universe and feel the awe and absolute respect and reverence for human potential and human ambition. It is a shame the center only focuses on American contributions to space exploration, but it is NASA. The majesty of the machines that have gone beyond our wildest dreams is inspiring and the human stories of dedication and determination even more so. Take the two-and-a-half-hour bus tour to see launch pads. It is a fraction of the cost of the theme parks and is in fact, the stuff upon which dreams are made. You will also see plenty of wildlife. There are alligators and other animals everywhere, as it is a natural reserve. Cocoa Beach: Close to Kennedy is Cocoa Beach. It is absolutely beautiful. If there is a launch at Kennedy that day, you will have a great view without having to brave crowds. You will get your hit of sun, beach and relaxation
there as well, but be sure to bring snacks. Universal Studios: There are places to spend your cash that are worth it. Universal is one of them. One of the great features of the theme park is how compact and easy to explore the tourist spot is; it is a total thrill for everyone. Technology has dramatically changed the standard rollercoaster ride experience. Be prepared for full stereo sound and 3-D video effects. The Simpsons’ ride will have you howling and Jimmy Fallon’s Ride through New York is an absolute riot as is Harry Potter’s Escape from Gringotts. Universal is a pricey ticket but once inside, you don’t need to hit all the concession stands or souvenir stands. Pick and choose what to spend your money on. Three words describe Disney: massive, breathtaking and overwhelming. The Star (Tours) Wars ride (recently upgraded) alone is worth the trip to Disney. Be sure to do your homework before going as there is lots to see and do in this gigantic complex. Try and hit Disney after March break and before summer to lower wait times. A good site is mousesavers.com to help you before you go.Be sure to catch fireworks displays at night as well. A number of parks host these on a nightly basis. Orlando and the entire region is fabulous any time of year, but spring is perfect as it isn’t too hot. Fall is another ideal time. Just go n visitorlando.com 41 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
travel by Anna Jonas
and dark wood buildings surround the central pool. A serene atmosphere radiates through the top-notch spa and entire property. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, this is the spot for you.
Guadeloupe
– where Caribbean congeniality and French flair collide
— What to Do — Discover coral reefs and local marine life on the stunning Réserve Cousteau in Les ilets Pigeon.
Head to the dark-sand Plage de Malendure for an introductory dive with PPK Plongee. Don’t fret if you have never been before; the experienced guides will walk you through every step. Take the Route de la Traversée through the tropical forest, part of Guadeloupe’s National Park and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Hike on the paved track of La Maison de la Foret and swim in the cool pools of la Cascade aux Ecrevisses, or trek 40 minutes to the 30-metre waterfall of Bras du Fort in Goyave.
In Guadeloupe there is truly something for everyone. Featuring gorgeous natural landscapes, lush tropical forests and sandy shores, as well as bustling city life, Guadeloupe is an ideal vacation idea. It’s like multiple vacations in one, featuring activity options for every taste, age and energy level. As part of the French Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, the group of five islands has a relaxed culture with a European twist. — How to Get There — Fly directly from Montreal’s Trudeau Airport to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s busiest town, in under five hours with Air Canada.
Visit from December to May for unwaveringly gorgeous weather. You can avoid the crowds by travelling in the off-season.
— Where to Stay — Located in Sainte-Anne, the idyllic Relais du Moulin is surrounded by tropical gardens of hibiscus and bougainvillea. At the heart of the charming hotel is a refurbished historic windmill.
Watch fishermen scale seafood or buy it directly off their boats at Marché de la Darse in Pointe-à-Pitre or swing by the Marche Sainte-Anne which carries everything from coconuts to colombo spices. Hike up to a stunning cliffside 360-degree lookout point at la Pointe des Chateaux. Visit the fascinating and enlightening Memorial ACTe museum to learn about the history of slavery and the slave trade, throughout the Caribbean
Dine at Le Mango for the most amazing hotel breakfast that combines classic French baguettes and croissants with juicy tropical fruits. Simultaneously central and secluded, it’s perfect for those looking for a relaxing retreat within the city.
la Pointe des Chateaux
Kayak through four different species of mangroves in the "cul de sac marin" lagoon with Yalodé Kayak Canyon Guadeloupe to watch from the water as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. Interested in seeing what the other islands have to offer? Take a day trip to Marie Galante. Stroll through the market stalls, view the culture’s traditional architecture and taste classic Creole food. Roam the grounds of Le Château Murat, a historic sugar-cane plantation.
Plage de Malendure
Spend the afternoon at the distillery of Rhum Bielle to learn about the tradition of rhum agricole. Kick back and relax at the end of the day on one of 10 pristine beaches with minimal crowds. — What to Eat — A delectable fusion of French and Creole cuisines, the food in Guadeloupe is as unique as the islands themselves. One traditional dish is accras de morue, deep fried balls of codfish typically served as an appetizer with la sauce chien, an oil-based creole condiment.
Quad Buggy Guadeloupe
If seafood isn’t your thing, Chicken Colombo is a definite crowd-pleaser. Another must-have is the Frenchinfluenced Boudin, otherwise known as black pudding or blood sausage.
Of course,you cannot go to Guadeloupe and not taste the local rum. Drink it in a traditional ti’ punch or a planteur cocktail n
Situated on sprawling grounds with a private beach, La Créole Beach Hotel and Spa is its own little oasis. Palm trees
PHOTOS: ANNA JONAS
If you’re looking for an activity that gets your adrenaline going, go offroading through the tropical seaside forest of Saint Francois on a half-day ATV or buggy ride with Quad Buggy Guadeloupe.
For dessert, indulge in the coconut sorbet made in a traditional wood icecream churner, available around the islands. Accompany your meal with freshly-squeezed juice from one of the many sweet tropical fruits.
Relais du Moulin 42 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
and beyond.
lesilesdeguadeloupe.com
Chateaux Murat 43 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
opinion by Greg Vezina
Canadian fake news hits awards circuit anadian media organizations C and the journalists they employ say they have a responsibility to the
public to hold politicians accountable, but many also proudly claim that responsibility doesn’t apply to their most basic obligation: to truthfully inform the public about our politics.
Research from Columbia Journalism Review indicates the mainstream media spreads as much, if not more, partisan and false political news as any social or new media organization (or alleged Russian interference).
Canadian election studies have proven news and public affairs coverage, polls and debates as being the most important factors in campaigns, with a commercial value of many times the combined legal campaign spending limits of all parties and candidates.
The Canadian Fake News and True News Awards were announced recently in 10 categories: private and public radio and TV and educational broadcasters; print and online media; polling; and new media platforms, including news aggregators.
Corporate and union contributions of any good or service that promote a candidate or party are illegal except “bona fide” news that provides “equitable” coverage to all. The major parties work with the old and new media, third parties and special interests to break these laws. Most media regularly mislead the public in daily reports that indicate there are only three or four officially registered parties, when there are actually 21 registered parties in Ontario, and a similar federal number. Local candidates and debates reports also exclude legitimate smaller party or independent candidates, except when partisan crowds applaud media coined “fringe” party candidates’ removal or threatened arrest for asking to speak at public debates. CBC polling analyst and senior writer Éric Grenier’s website Threehunderedandeight.com offers extensive polling analysis. It concludes that parties and candidates excluded from polls have their votes reduced by 400 per cent, which alone is enough to prevent most from reaching the two per cent minimum vote needed 44 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
to qualify for public subsidies.
CATEGORY
Public TV
gloated about winning its Fake News Award, tweeting: “We, as a team, feel honored and humbled by this endowment. We'd like to thank our publisher and the press gallery for their support. We did it!” The US military’s congressional report “Background to Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections” concluded in annex A, page 6, “In an effort to highlight the alleged ‘lack of democracy’ in the United States, RT broadcast, hosted, and advertised third-party candidate debates and ran reporting supportive of
FAKE NEWS AWARD
TRUE NEWS AWARD
CBC
NO WINNER
Private TV
| Global
CTV
Educational TV
TVO
NO WINNER
Public Radio
CBC
NO WINNER
Private Radio
Bell Media Radio
CHML Hamilton (Global)
Newspaper
Toronto Star*
Sun Media & Hamilton Spectator
Community
Metroland
Sun Media & Ottawa Life
Online Media
QP Briefing*
Wikipedia
Polling
CBC News
Threehundredandeight.com
Aggregators
National Newswatch
NO WINNER
All awards were based on fake and true news media ‘political’ reports and polls, and social media nominations using the #FakeNewsAwards and #TrueNewAwards hashtags.
the political agenda of these candidates. The RT hosts asserted that the U.S. two-party system does not represent the views of at least one-third of the population and is a ‘sham.'”
CBC and Torstar won three Fake News Awards and Torstar won one True News Award; Sun Media won two True News Awards; Bell Media/ CTV and Global TV/Radio won one of each; and Éric Grenier won the Polling True News Award.
Only the True News Awards winners gave coverage to smaller parties and independent candidates more than once or twice. That out of hundreds - if not thousands - of political news reports and polls n
QP Briefing, Torstar’s provincial political affairs online media company,
Greg Vezina is president of the Democracy Channel® Inc. and leader of Ontario’s None Of The Above Party 45 OTTAWALIFE SPRING 2018
education
Saint Paul University launches new school of social innovation aint Paul University is pleased to S announce the approval of its new Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Innovation by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development of Ontario, in December.
The bachelor joins the existing certificate and graduate diploma in social innovation; both programs are committed to addressing the issue of poverty reduction in its many forms, working with marginalized communities and engaging with local and national leaders to promote justice, democracy and social change. Fall 2018 registrations are now open for both the certificate and the graduate diploma. The bachelor will be available in English in the fall of 2019. All three programs are available in French. As of September, 2017, Saint Paul University became the first Canadian university to have an entire school dedicated solely to the new and promising field of social innovation. Though this field of study is new in academia, it is centuries old in terms of our communities’ day-to-day lives. Every time we are collectively faced with a problem we have never encountered before and find new ways to fix it, we are practising social innovation. In the 19th century, working women
in Canada had to leave their children with a family member or neighbour, or sometimes on the street next to the factory entrance. However, a solution was found for the problem.
What does it mean to hold a degree in social innovation?
In Quebec, a public daycare system was introduced that relieved women of the obligation of looking after their toddlers, but did so while educating children in ways that improve development.
The team developing the programs is convinced that it’s possible to teach social innovation,but also acknowledges that this involves transforming current practices.
The creation of this daycare system is a story of social innovation. From inception to consolidation, it went through the typical stages of a social innovation project.
Social innovation cannot be taught solely in a classroom – where analytical tools, historical facts or case studies are taught. Though this theoretical knowledge is useful to a social innovator, it’s not enough.
There are many similar stories to be told, from the micro-level of small coops to the macro-level of international networks.Social innovation is a powerful tool. It is how our communities shape the world in their own image. At Saint Paul University, social innovation means social change. Our world is facing enormous challenges: poverty, climate change, social exclusion and so on. We need to address these problems and recognize that solutions will be found only through profound social change. To make that happen, we need to develop new and better tools, and to study and value the knowledge produced within our communities. But how can we study such a thing?
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Social innovation must be learned outside academia, through fieldwork in real organizations with real people.
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For this reason, the program offers a series of practical courses, and is also linked to a social innovation hub. In this space, through the lens of critical thinking, students will interact daily with social entrepreneurs and social organizations. If the students want to start a group or a project, they will have direct access to all the resources they need. Saint Paul University’s School of Social Innovation does not only provide its students with new ideas, it helps them create organizations that foster social change n
You can be the face of change! Saint Paul University (1848) is the founding college of the University of Ottawa, with which it has been federated since 1965. Bilingual and on a human scale, it offers programs in social communication, counselling and psychotherapy, canon law, public ethics, conflict studies, philosophy, human relations, and theology.
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ustpaul.ca PHOTO: COURTESY UNIVERSITY SAINT-PAUL
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