Xtra Living Ottawa by Pink Triangle Press

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

THE BEST OF GAY & LESBIAN OTTAWA

Feeling the love at Bruce House Hot winter festivals & events Buying & reselling houses

OTTAWA’S OTTAWA’S GAY GAY&&LESBIAN LESBIAN NEWS NEWS

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Xtra Living

DEC 2014 – JUNE 2015

Beating the cold

Listings directory ›4

A place to call home Bruce House provides more than just a roof › 6

Beating the cold Embrace winter at Ottawa’s many festivals and attractions ›10

The art of the ﬂip Tips and strategies for buying and selling homes for proﬁt ›16

The listings ›20 Index of advertisers ›34 On the cover: Pat Croteau, database coordinator and administrative assistant at Bruce House. PHOTO BY BEN WELLAND

The art of the flip

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

Listings directory Adoption

Legal Services

AIDS/HIV Resources

Massage – Certiﬁed/Registered

Alternative Transportation

Mortgages

Clothing – Men’s

Motorcycles & Scooters

Community Groups & Services

Optical Services

20 Pharmacies

Politicians

Prenuptial Agreements

Psychologists

Publications

Real Estate

Recreational Vehicles

Restaurants & Cafés

Spa Services

Websites

Computer Consultants

Contracting & Renovations

Counselling

Estate Planning

Furniture

Health & Personal Care

Home Improvement & Repairs

Housing

Jewellery & Jewellers

Lawyers

About us Xtra Living

Pink Triangle Press

PUBLISHER Brandon Matheson EDITORS Matthew DiMera, Andrew jacome COPY EDITOR Lesley Fraser CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lucinda Wallace GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Darryl Mabey, Landon Whittaker ADVERTISING & SALES DIRECTOR

Mailing address: 160 Elgin St, PO Box 70063 - Place Bell RPO Ottawa, ON, K2P 2M3 Phone: 1-800-268-XTRA Fax: 1-416-925-6674 Website: dailyxtra.com Email: ads@dailyxtra.com

Founded 1971

Ken Hickling SALES ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Lexi Chuba SALES TEAM LEAD Lorilynn Barker DISPLAY ADVERTISING Matt O’Leary SPONSORSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Kero Saleib CLIENT SERVICES & ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR Eugene Coon ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Gary Major

To reserve space or to obtain more information about advertising in Xtra Living or other Pink Triangle Press publications, call 613-986-8292 or 1-800-268-XTRA.

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DIRECTORS

Jim Bartley, Gerald Hannon, Glenn Kauth, Didier Pomerleau, Ken Popert, Gillian Rodgerson HONORARY DIRECTOR Colin Brownlee PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ken Popert CEO, DIGITAL MEDIA David Walberg CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Andrew Chang

COVER PHOTO BY BEN WELLAND

Show us a copy of this ad with the purchase of your new motorcycle and receive a $100 in-store credit

DEC 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201C;JUNE 2015

PROFILE

Bruce House provides more than just a roof

A PLACE TO CALL HOME BY JULIE CRUIKSHANK

Bruce House ﬁrst opened its doors in 1988, at the height of the AIDS crisis. Throughout the province and around the globe, gay men were dying at an alarming and tragic rate. The disease took a tremendous toll on its victims, leaving them weak, emaciated and susceptible to cancer and other forms of disease. In those early days death was a certainty, but it could be a slow, lingering process. The associated stigma meant that sufferers often found themselves homeless at the end of their lives. Bruce House was conceived out of a need to mitigate this unthinkable environment. A community-based organization, it provides housing, care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS. In those early days, much of the work revolved around allowing people to die with dignity. Executive director Jay Koornstra says that because of the stigma associated with the disease, many palliative care facilities and even hospitals were unwilling to take on those affected by AIDS. It was clear that something had to be done. Calling themselves the AIDS Housing Group, a small group of social workers, ministers and

LGBT community members came together as a sub-committee of the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) to address the problem. With help and funding from the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC), they purchased a four-bedroom house on Arlington Avenue from philanthropist Janet Bruce. The house was remodelled and furnished to accommodate people in their last months of life and eventually became known as Bruce House. “In the ’80s and the early ’90s, most of the people that came to Bruce House were destined to pass away, and a lot of our work involved helping people transition into palliation and from palliation into death,” Koornstra says. “It was a horrendous time; the staff attended so many memorials and funerals, and it was very, very trying on the people there.” Advances in HIV/AIDS research and treatment mean that people now live longer — and in many cases live well — with the disease. Today, Bruce House’s work is focused more on living than on dying, and the organization leases and maintains subsidized apartment units throughout

XTRA LIVING › THE BEST OF GAY & LESBIAN OTTAWA

From left, Bruce House’s Richard Naster, Kevin Allen, Linda Truglia, Pat Croteau, Doug Cooper and Lana Duss. BEN WELLAND

Bruce House leases and maintains subsidized apartment units throughout Ottawa, including at Beaver Barracks. JULIE CRUIKSHANK

DEC 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201C;JUNE 2015

Bruce House executive director Jay Koornstra.

the city, providing a supportive, independent living environment for 50 to 60 clients, including adults, youth and children. They also maintain a temporary transition house with space for up to seven men and women at any given time. Although the housing Bruce House provides goes a long way toward restoring dignity and independence to people living with HIV, Koornstra and Jill Woodley, fund development and community engagement manager, acknowledge that their units are almost always full, with the waiting list often growing to 200 people. “I think there’s a crisis situation for supportive housing and low-income housing, period,” Woodley says. Most of Bruce House’s clients receive a housing allowance through the Ontario Disability Support Program, and rents in the units are geared to income. Supportive counselling, health referrals and prevention are also available. “We believe that housing is a prevention technique as well,” Koornstra says. He says that Bruce House works with women and the trans community but that almost half their clients are gay men. Once clients are in housing, the organization can work to stabilize their health and decrease their engagement in risky behaviours.

Bruce House also maintains alliances with hospitals, community health centres (including Somerset West and Sandy Hill) and the ACO. “At Bruce House, we believe that we need to be involved with a lot of community organizations working together,” Koornstra says. Woodley says that Bruce House goes beyond helping people live: it helps them live well. A community kitchen and a buddy program exist to teach people who have been unstable or street involved for many years the necessary skills to function on a day-to-day basis. More holistic services like chiropractic care, massage therapy and Reiki are also available, offering another level of health support. For those clients who do ultimately die from the disease, Bruce House provides palliative support, bringing in nursing assistants and allowing people to choose where their lives will end. Koornstra says that for many clients, the housing Bruce House has provided has meant the difference between life and death. “We absolutely [know], and those clients themselves say, that if it wasn’t for that housing they probably would be dead today. So we know that housing is part of the solution.” Q brucehouse.ca

XTRA LIVING › THE BEST OF GAY & LESBIAN OTTAWA

Bruce House goes beyond helping people live: it helps them live well.

PHOTOS BY JULIE CRUICKSHANK

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

EVENTS

Embrace winter at Ottawa’s many festivals and attractions

BEATING THE COLD

Winter in the Capital Region can be long, cold and dark, sending many of us indoors to burrow into our couches until March. But if you’re brave enough to venture forth, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. From maple taffy at Winterlude to BDSM workshops at Snowblower, the winter festival scene has something for everyone. So put down the hot chocolate, turn off House of Cards and get outside to see what the city has to offer. In 2013, crews hung more than 15,000 lights on Parliament Hill for Christmas Lights Across Canada.

BY JULIE CRUIKSHANK

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Christmas Lights Across Canada Every December, downtown Ottawa lights up in a spectacular way. Launched in 1985 to brighten up winter nights in the capital, the trend caught on, and now provincial capitals across the country light up their downtown vistas for the holidays. In Ottawa the lights are especially impressive and include a special snowﬂake projection on the Centre Block of Parliament. In 2013, NAC crews hung more than 15,000 lights on Parliament Hill

alone and more than 350,000 along Confederation Boulevard. The best places to see the lights, which are turned on nightly from 4:30pm to 2am, are on Parliament Hill, in Confederation Square and from the Alexandria Bridge. The season kicks off with an official illumination ceremony on the Hill on Dec 3, with free beavertails and hot chocolate to keep everyone in warm spirits. Wed, Dec 3–Wed, Jan 7. Free. DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

Upper Canada Village: Alight at Night

Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village sees the park’s trees and buildings festooned with more than a million lights. ROB STIMPSON

For a truly authentic holiday experience, you can’t get more magical than Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night festival. Held yearly since 2001, the event sees the park’s trees and 19th-century buildings festooned with more than one million lights. “Every year we try to expand it and we try to add something else, because we know for many of our visitors it has become a family tradition,” says Susan Leclair, manager of corporate communications. The spectacular light displays are a major draw that set the entire village aglow. Hop aboard a horse-drawn wagon for a tour of the grounds, or book a romantic Pommier carriage ride for two ($92.10). While the event is popular with families, Leclair says it has also become a romantic destination for couples and has played host to many engagements over the years. Guests can also take in caroling at Chrysler Hall and meet an authentic 1800s Santa Claus, enjoy a turkey dinner at Willard’s Hotel or the Harvest Barn, and take a ride on the illuminated toy train. The star attraction is the sound and light spectacular, which features an epic light display set to music. Upper Canada Village also hosts a special-needs night on Dec 9, allowing those with physical disabilities to tour the park in accessible vehicles. Alight at Night has become extremely popular, and Leclair recommends pre-purchasing admission tickets online. Runs until Sat, Jan 3, Thursday thru Sunday, 5–9pm. Closed Dec 24 & 25. Special-needs night Tues, Dec 9. Adults $13, youth $10, children free. uppercanadavillage.com Winterlude’s focal point is Confederation Park, which features the Crystal Garden of ice sculptures. SHAUN PUDSEY

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Winterlude Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a little wobbly on the ice, Winterlude is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy winter in Ottawa. Created in 1979, the festival celebrates all things ice and snow. The Rideau Canal Skateway generally is open from January to March if the weather stays cold enough, and heated change facilities and on-ice concession stands make it a popular spot for skaters. Confederation Park is home to most of the action, featuring a Crystal Garden of ice sculptures that are lit up at night, as well as an international ice-carving competition. Take a stroll through the park and check out the various outdoor art installations, DJs and performers. The festivities continue at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau with the Snowﬂake Kingdom, a huge snow playground featuring ice slides, tobogganing and more. Winterlude is a great excursion for families, and when you start to get tired you can snack on a beavertail or some maple taffy for the ultimate Canadian experience. Fri, Jan 30–Mon, Feb 16. Confederation Park, Jacques Cartier Park, Rideau Canal Skateway. Free.

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

Cracking Up the Capital The middle of winter is typically not a cheerful time. It’s all many of us can do to roll out of bed in the morning, much less do it with a smile on our faces. Which is why Cracking Up the Capital, known for its summer comedy festival, holds a winter event that brings big laughs and bigname stars to the city. This year, festival president John Helmkay says audiences can look forward to a live taping of This Hour Has 22 Minutes at the Algonquin Commons Theatre. Another highlight is a performance at the Marriott by Rick Green of his one-man show Totally ADD. Cracking Up has always been supportive of mentalhealth initiatives, partnering with such organizations as the Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre and the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. “Since the beginning, we’ve had this link h,” Helmkay to mental health,” says. “Everyone supports the cause, and we think the h comedy] cause links [with very nicely.” s once again Cracking Up is partnering with Winterlude and will present a live taping of CBC Radio’s Laugh augh Out Loud with comedians dians Ali Hassan, Eman n El-Husseini, Mike e Paterson, Derek Seguin, Jim McNally and DJ ar the Demers. This year Saturday night gala, ala, which will include performances ormances by comedians Mike ike MacDonald and Mary Walsh, will be held at TD D Place in the newly redeveloped eveloped Lansdowne Park. k. Tues, Feb 3–Sat, Feb 7. lgonquin Marriott Hotel; Algonquin re; Commons Theatre; TD Place. $22–50. 0. crackup.ca

The Feb 7 Cracking Up gala features a performance by Mary Walsh. JVL PHOTO

TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival Three years ago, the organizers organiz of the Ottawa Jazz Festival decided to bring some cool grooves to chilly winter nights, bringing the th summer event back bac for a reprise in February. Febru “I think people are totally ready to hear some music [in the] dead of the winter in February,” says programming mana manager Petr Cancura. “Tha “That’s the hardest mont month.” Cancura says say the festival festiva tries to pull in pul

Musician and AIDS activist Oliver Mtukudzi Mtuku and his band are part par of the Ottawa Winter Jazz Ja Festival lineup.

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a creative mix of local and international stars. This year you can catch the Megan Jerome Trio with Fred Guignon and Mike Essoudry, as well as Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan, the Matt Wilson Quartet and Zimbabwean musician (and HIV/AIDS activist) Oliver Mtukudzi and his band, the Black Spirits. Cancura says the festival sticks to downtown venues, including the NAC Fourth Stage, Dominion Chalmers United Church and the Mercury Lounge, so it’s easier for audiences to get to concerts in the middle of what is often Ottawa’s coldest month. “It’s all kind of walking distance,” he says. “You kind of get to check out different little shows with the occasional bigger show.” Fri, Feb 6–Sun, Feb 8; Fri, Feb 13– Sun, Feb 15. NAC Fourth Stage, Dominion Chalmers, Mercury Lounge. Tickets available at ottawajazzfestival.com.

Snowblower While the winter months may be long and dreary, there is a bright spot for the queer community. Started in 2007 by the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO), Snowblower is an annual winter festival for guys into guys that consists of workshops, parties and a popular gala event that keeps the Capital Region hot — even when it’s 40 below. The ACO’s Heather Money says the festival aims to combat the isolation many feel in winter and looks at the health and social needs of the gay community in a holistic way. Money says a major focus for this year’s workshops will be the ongoing debate around PEP and PrEP (postand pre-exposure prophylaxis). “[They’re] deﬁnitely the hot topics of the year, so we’d like to have presentations for the community around that.” She says the ACO is also considering a workshop on queering black history and will be bringing back its popular family day, with kid-friendly activities for LGBT families. Snowblower is also known for its parties, including the Magnet Party, which promotes a sense of healthy community for both negative and poz guys. The festival’s not-to-bemissed event is the annual gala, where the yearly Ms Snowblower and Mr Plow titleholders are crowned. Held on Feb 14, it’s a great chance to either step out with your honey for Valentine’s Day or head out solo for an evening of glamorous, sexy fun. Dixie Landers will do her bit to heat up the Capital Region at Snowblower. SHAUN PUDSEY

Mon, Feb 9–Sun, Feb 15. Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave (other venues TBD). Tickets and more info at snowblowerottawa.ca.

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

REAL ESTATE

Tips and strategies for buying and selling homes for proﬁt

THE ART OF THE FLIP BY JULIE CRUIKSHANK

If you have some time, a few technical skills and are in a good place financially, buying and reselling a home could lead to profits — so long as you go into it prepared and don’t try to cut corners. While television reno-shows would have us believe that rundown properties can become gleaming modern palaces that sell for tidy profits, the reality is a little less glamorous. But if you’re smart about it, it can be a lucrative and eye-opening experience. Realtor Anneke Cundasawmy says there are two types of “flip”: a fast flip, where a property is purchased, renovated and put back on the market in a relatively short amount of time (say, nine months), and a slow flip, in which the seller often lives in the home and renovates slowly. Regardless, if you’re looking to flip, the first thing you should look for is a good deal. “Make your money by buying [your property] at a discount,” Cundasawmy says. “You make your money on the buy end.” Having a realistic budget and sticking to it can also make a big difference. Getting a home inspection done at the beginning of the process is key so that any underlying issues come to light right away instead of halfway through renovations. Things like asbestos and knob-and-tube wiring must be addressed if they are found and can quickly deplete budgets and cut into overall profits. “A lot of folks, if they’re handy, will skip the home inspection. They’ll save the $450 or whatever it is, and to me that home inspection is almost like your beginning to-do list,” Cundasawmy says. Chartered professional accountant Mark Houghting says living in a home before you sell it — a slow flip — can make sense from a tax perspective.

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Staging is key to selling a home, but it’s important to put aside your ego and personal style.

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

BEFORE

Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) principal residence exemption stipulates that when a principal residence is sold, the sale doesn’t have to be reported when the seller files an income tax return, and tax is not paid on profits from the sale (known as capital gains). So if you live in a home prior to selling it, you can keep more of the profits than you would otherwise. But it’s not a foolproof solution. “There have been people that have flipped houses, but they try and claim it as a principal residence exemption where the capital gains are not taxed, and CRA will look at it — especially if there’s a series of them over a short period of time, say five, six years and you’ve sold four houses as principal residences. They’re going to come back and assess you,” Houghting says. “Basically, you’re entering into a business, so it’s business income.” When you sell a home that isn’t your principal residence, profits are considered business income and can be taxed anywhere from 25 to 50 percent. If you plan on doing a fast flip or flipping multiple homes, it’s best to set up a corporation and pay corporate taxes instead of income tax, Houghting says. This is a particularly good idea if you plan on going into a flip with a partner or partners, though having a lawyer draw up an agreement helps protect both parties. Cundasawmy also recommends getting a variablerate mortgage, which allows the interest rate to be adjusted periodically. One area that Cundasawmy says is often overlooked is the strain a DIY flip can have on relationships. If a couple or a pair of friends decides to go into a flip together, she says, they need to be aware that they

AFTER

XTRA LIVING › THE BEST OF GAY & LESBIAN OTTAWA

will have to maintain a working relationship even if things don’t go to plan. During a slow flip, the strain of living in a partially renovated house can be trying. “Expect your relationship to not be the same at the end of it.” When it comes to the nuts and bolts of flipping a house, contractor Greg Savage says it’s best to start with whatever looks like it needs the most attention. “Kitchens and bath, definitely,” he says. “And then on top of that it’s décor that is more current.” Savage recommends updating to trendier paint colours and paying attention to smaller details, like trim and floor

BEFORE

coverings. He says things like painting can typically be DIY jobs, but professionals should handle any structural work or remodelling. For safety purposes and a faster sale, he also recommends addressing any structural issues. Savage says homes built in the 1950s and ’60s are good candidates for ﬂipping, but less so homes built in the 1970s and ’80s. “They were trying out some new products that weren’t up to par,” he says. Flipping century homes can be expensive and laborious, but Savage says there is a market for these homes and they tend to be good sellers. “Taking the character of that type of a house and putting in all new amenities is really on trend, and it’s what people really like.” In terms of selling, Cundasawmy says the spring market in Ottawa tends to be best. So if you’re planning a ﬂip it’s best to time it with this in mind. As with selling any home, she says staging is key — and it’s important not to get too personal. “You want it to appeal to the most number of buyers so that you get the most amount of interest and therefore the best sell. So it’s not about your ego and your personal style.” Both she and Houghting stress the importance of using professionals and having a second home inspection done at the end of the process to prove to potential buyers that everything is in order. Q

AFTER

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

ADOPTION

The Listings Adoption

AIDS/HIV Resources

Clothing – Men’s

The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa

AIDS Committee of Ottawa

Stroked Ego

Protecting children and youth from abuse and neglect.

Providing education, prevention and support services for people living with, and at risk of, HIV/AIDS.

SEE AD ON PAGE 36 1602 Telesat Court 613-747-7800, casott.on.ca

SEE AD ON THIS PAGE 19 Main St 613-238-5014 aco-cso.ca

Alternative Transportation Powersports Canada Imagine all the fun you’re going to have! SEE AD ON PAGE 5 1 Laser St 613-224-7899 powersportscanada.com

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The stylish store dedicated to men and those who love them. The place for fashion, dress accessories, socks, skin care and shaving products. Stroked Ego also has the best selections of underwear and swimwear in Ottawa. Our unique range of products will help you, or your man, stand out in a crowd and will stroke your ego! SEE AD ON PAGE 21 224 Bank St 613-667-3008 strokedego.ca

Community Groups & Services AIDS Committee of Ottawa Providing education, prevention and support services for people

COMPUTER CONSULTANTS living with, and at risk of, HIV/AIDS.

613-747-7800 casott.on.ca

SEE AD ON PAGE 20

Centretown Community Health Centre Offering a full range of medical and social services:

SEE AD ON PAGE 20 420 Cooper St 613-233-4443 centretownchc.org

The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa Protecting children and youth from abuse and neglect. SEE AD ON PAGE 36 1602 Telesat Court

Kasuwade Friendly Tech Get the most out of your devices! We provide friendly and patient in-home services for your computer, tablet or smartphone: • training for beginners and current users, one-on-one and small groups

Services are offered in the comfort of your own home. Five percent discount for seniors. SEE AD ON THIS PAGE 613-804-4200 friendlytech.ca

simply call us for all training, support and maintenance of computers,

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tablet and smartphones!

• medical care • counselling services • medical and social walk-in services ( weekdays, 1–4pm) • addictions and problemgambling services • child and family programs • health education and support programs

Computer Consultants

How to avoid frustration

19 Main St 613-238-5014 aco-cso.ca

• maintenance, troubleshooting and repair • advice on new purchases • internet safety and privacy • data backups • speeding up slow computers • video and photo editing • and much more

TECH Phone: Email: Website:

613-804-4200 contact@friendlytech.ca friendlytech.ca

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

CONTRACTING & RENOVATIONS

Contracting & Renovations

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Merkley Supply Ltd First impressions that last. Brick, stone, thin stone, veneer, landscaping products, cement products, concrete restoration, caulking, insulation, glass block, concrete block, natural stone and hardwood ﬂooring. SEE AD ON PAGE 23 100 Bayview Rd 613-728-2693 info@merkleysupply.com merkleysupply.com

Counselling 437 & 430 Gilmour Street Ottawa ُ ON ُ K2P 0R5 613.230.4709

Gilmour Psychological Services Providing a full range of psychological services. SEE AD ON THIS PAGE

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437 Gilmour St 613-230-4709 ottawa-psychologists.com

Established 1983

Estate Planning Mann & Partners, LLP Serving and supporting the community as a multiservice law ﬁrm.

We can help you find the perfect ring to celebrate your love...

SEE AD ON PAGE 24 1600 Scott St, Ste 612 613-722-1500 info@mannlawyers.com mannlawyers.com

Furniture The New Oak Tree Handcrafted solid wood furniture: cherry, maple, hickory, elm, walnut. Locations: 470 Town Line Rd, Carleton Place: 613-253-9797 3495 Trim Rd, Navan: 613-835-9792 1197 Pembroke St E, Pembroke: 613-732-9333 26 King St E, Brockville: 613-865-7566 SEE AD ON PAGE 2 thenewoaktree.com

790 Bank Street, Ottawa 613 234-4136

davidsonsjewellers.com

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Advertise! 613-301-9910 ads@dailyxtra.com

JEWELLERY & JEWELLERS

Health & Personal Care Centretown Community Health Centre Offering a full range of medical and social services: • medical care • counselling services • medical and social walk-in services ( weekdays, 1–4pm) • addictions and problemgambling services • child and family programs • health education and support programs

Stone is Beauty from the Inside Out

SEE AD ON PAGE 20 420 Cooper St 613-233-4443 centretownchc.org

Home Improvement & Repairs Merkley Supply Ltd First impressions that last. Brick, stone, thin stone, veneer, landscaping products, cement products, concrete restoration, caulking, insulation, glass block, concrete block, natural stone and hardwood ﬂooring. SEE AD ON THIS PAGE 100 Bayview Rd 613-728-2693 info@merkleysupply.com merkleysupply.com

Housing John King Team SEE AD ON PAGE 31 1433 Wellington St, Ste 113 613-695-8181 info@johnkingteam.com johnkingteam.com

Jewellery & Jewellers Davidson’s Jewellers

Stone and masonry products from Merkley Supply can help you create warm and welcoming features throughout the interior and exterior of your home – from fireplaces to feature walls. Consider the natural warmth, timeless beauty and rich textures and colours of stone for your next renovation or your new home design. Drop by to see our showroom or visit our website online.

Ottawa jeweller since 1939, offering custom design, appraisals, watch and jewellery repairs. SEE AD ON PAGE 22 790 Bank St, at Third Ave 613-234-4136 info@davidsonsjewellers.com davidsonsjewellers.com

First impressions that last. 100 Bayview Road 613.728.2693 www.merkleysupply.com

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

LAWYERS

One lawyer, yours. Putting you first. • • • • •

Family Law Civil Litigation Wills & Estates Immigration Law Notarial Services Reduced rates for wills and powers of attorney for people living with HIV/Aids.

tel: 613-261-9024 James@AndersonLawyers.ca www.AndersonLawyers.ca

Straightening out the details of your not-so straight union? Good People. Great Lawyers.

Suite 710, 1600 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4N7 T: 613.722.1500, mannlawyers.com 24

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MASSAGE – CERTIFIED/REGISTERED

Lawyers

Legal Services

Massage – Certiﬁed/Registered

Anderson Lawyers

One lawyer — yours. Putting you ﬁrst.

Urban Escape Massage Therapy

SEE AD ON PAGE 24

200 Metcalfe St, Ste 300 613-261-9024 james@andersonlawyers.ca andersonlawyers.ca

Healthy body, healthy mind.

Mann & Partners, LLP

Serving and supporting the community as a multiservice law ﬁrm.

SEE AD ON PAGE 24

1600 Scott St, Ste 612 613-722-1500 info@mannlawyers.com mannlawyers.com

Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP

We get it. Business, family, litigation, employment, estates.

SEE AD ON THIS PAGE

50 O’Connor St, Ste 1500 613-238-8080 info@nelligan.ca nelligan.ca

SEE AD ON THIS PAGE 230 Gloucester St, Ste 105 613-799-2900 jimcollinsrmt@icloud.com urbanescapemassagetherapy.com

Urban Escape Massage Therapy

Jim Collins Registered Massage Therapist ASK ABOUT OUR XTRA READERS PROMOTION!

613.799.2900 By appointment only Covered by most health plans.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE LAW FIRM Supporting the LGBT community Business Law Employment Law Condominium Law Family Law Personal Injury Law Wills and Estates

Pam MacEachern 613-231-8276 pam.maceachern@nelligan.ca nelligan.ca

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

MORTGAGES

CALL TODAY FOR THE LOWEST MORTGAGE RATES IN CANADA!

613-563-5095

or visit www.mortgagesmadeeasy.com Over 25 years experience. We work for you, NOT the Lenders!

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MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS

Mortgages

The best of gay & lesbian Ottawa — on your desktop and on your mobile device!

Mortgage Alliance Free mortgage reﬁnancing and debt-counselling service. SEE AD ON THIS PAGE 1010 Polytek St, Ste 26 613-612-8400 cduncan@tmacc.com ghartsgrove @mortgagealliance.com

Check out the digital edition of Xtra Living at

xtralivingottawa.com

Ottawa-Carleton Mortgage Inc For the lowest mortgage rates in Canada! SEE AD ON PAGE 26 381 Richmond Rd 613-563-3447 mortgagesmadeeasy.com

Motorcycles & Scooters Powersports Canada Imagine all the fun you’re going to have! SEE AD ON PAGE 5 1 Laser St 613-224-7899 powersportscanada.com

Pre-approvals

Residential Mortgages

Reﬁnances

Self employed or bad credit? No Problem!

Cindy M. Duncan, AMP Broker/Franchise Owner 613-612-8400 cduncan@tmacc.com

George Hartsgrove, AMP Mortgage Agent 613-263-0609 ghartsgrove@mortgagealliance.com

Head OIÀce 26-1010 Polytek St. Ottawa, ON K1J 9J9 licence # 10717 independently owned and operated franchise of the Mortgage Alliance Network

DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

OPTICAL SERVICES

Optical Services Eyemaxx Optical Studio Located in the heart of Ottawa, at Elgin and Cooper streets, Eyemaxx Optical Studio is independently owned. We provide every client with specialized eyecare service. Book an eye exam instantly on our website (eyemaxx.ca). Drop in today and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to serve you. Store hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 10am–6pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 10am– 7pm; Saturday, 10am–5pm. SEE AD ON THIS PAGE 237 Elgin St 613-216-6076 maxxmail@eyemaxx.ca eyemaxx.ca

Pharmacies Shoppers Drug Mart, Bank and Gladstone Health, beauty, convenience. Located right next to the Village. SEE AD ON PAGE 29 455 Bank St 613-238-9041 shoppersdrugmart.ca

Politicians Office of Mayor Jim Watson Building a better Ottawa. 110 Laurier Ave W 613-580-2424, ottawa.ca

Monday & Tuesday 10-6 Wednesday & Thursday 10-7 Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-5 Sunday 12-6

Prenuptial Agreements Mann & Partners, LLP Serving and supporting the community as a multiservice law ﬁrm. SEE AD ON PAGE 24 1600 Scott St, Ste 612 613-722-1500 info@mannlawyers.com mannlawyers.com

Psychologists Gilmour Psychological Services Providing a full range of psychological services. SEE AD ON PAGE 22 437 Gilmour St 613-230-4709 ottawa-psychologists.com

XTRA LIVING › THE BEST OF GAY & LESBIAN OTTAWA

Bank and Gladstone

PROUD TO BE IN

YOUR

NEIGHBOURHOOD Ben Gunter and his Pharmacy Team are here to answer your questions and help you and your family achieve the best health possible. Come in and discover an array of services that can help make managing your health easier. Speak to a member of our Pharmacy Team today. Our Pharmacists are available from 9am to10pm, 7 days a week to provide health knowledge and advice and help you live well.

SPECIALIZING TO MEET YOUR NEEDS Pharmacy Services Include: Medication Reviews, Smoking Cessation Counselling, Flu Shots and Personalized Adherence Counselling for Chronic Conditions

Your Local LGBT community Shoppers Drug Mart 455 Bank Street, Ottawa ON | 613-238-9041 *First 100 customers. Some conditions apply, see store for details. Bank and Gladstone location only.

DEC 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201C;JUNE 2015

PUBLICATIONS

Publications Pink Triangle Press FREE 15,000 AUDITED CIRCULATION

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OTTAWA’S GAY & LESBIAN NEWS

GOING DOWN UNDER E22–24

The Ottawa Burlesque Festival bends genders and rules E16

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Capital tease

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DJ Kitty Glitter brings Aussie sparkle to Glow Fair E 14

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views and arts — both in print and online.

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Pink Triangle Press (PTP) is Canada’s leading gay and lesbian media organization. Founded in 1971 to advance the struggle for sexual liberation, PTP’s deﬁning activity is lesbian and gay journalism. PTP publishes Xtra, Xtra Living and the Ultimate Pride Guide in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa, and operates dailyxtra.com and squirt.org. 2 Carlton St, Ste 1600 416-925-6665 pinktrianglepress.com

Xtra Ottawa Serving the community since 1993, Xtra is the National Capital Region’s largest and most widely read gay publication. Xtra also publishes Ottawa editions of Xtra Living and Ultimate Pride Guide. Please note, we operate a virtual office in Ottawa; there is no public access. SEE AD ON THIS PAGE

XTRA LIVING › THE BEST OF GAY & LESBIAN OTTAWA

REAL ESTATE Advertising: matt.oleary@ dailyxtra.com, 613-301-9910 Editorial: matthew.dimera@ dailyxtra.com

Professional Marketing for Your Home

Mail: 160 Elgin St, PO Box 70063, Place Bell RPO, Ottawa, ON, K2P 2M3 416-925-6665 info@dailyxtra.com dailyxtra.com

Real Estate Focus Properties/ Michael Gennis Don’t make a move without me! SEE AD ON PAGE 30 1530 Merivale Rd 613-254-6580 mgennis@sutton.com focusproperties.ca

John King Team SEE AD ON THIS PAGE 1433 Wellington St, Ste 113 613-695-8181 info@johnkingteam.com johnkingteam.com

GET YOUR HOME NOTICED AND SOLD QUICKLY. CONTACT JOHN TODAY! The best of gay & lesbian Ottawa — on your desktop and on your mobile device! Check out the digital edition of Xtra Living at

xtralivingottawa.com

John King, Broker

1433 Wellington St W, Suite 113 Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X4

613-695-8181 info@johnkingteam.com DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

A classic gem with a luxe ambiance, Giovanni’s is also justly ju renowned for it’s thoughtful and extensive wine list and wide selection of ﬁne spirits.

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XTRA LIVING › THE BEST OF GAY & LESBIAN OTTAWA

WEBSITES

Recreational Vehicles

SEE AD ON THIS PAGE

Powersports Canada

16 Chemin Nordik 819-827-1111, info@lenordik.com lenordik.com

Imagine all the fun you’re going to have! SEE AD ON PAGE 5 1 Laser St 613-224-7899 powersportscanada.com

Restaurants & Cafés Giovanni’s Ristorante

Websites Dailyxtra.com Daily Xtra is a journalism-driven website. Coverage includes Canadian and international news, analysis, opinion, arts and events listings.

With the special care and attention that every patron receives, Giovanni’s is the perfect setting to enjoy great food and ﬁne wines.

SEE AD ON PAGE 34

SEE AD ON PAGE 32

Squirt.org

362 Preston St 613-234-3156 giovannis-restaurant.com

Spa Services Nordik Spa-Nature A stimulating and rejuvenating experience through the beneﬁts of thermotherapy and massage therapy.

2 Carlton St, Ste 1600 416-925-6665 matthew.dimera@dailyxtra.com dailyxtra.com

More than 6,500 Ottawa men. More than half a million members worldwide. Chat live via webcam with other hot members. Check out member pics. Search for thousands of member-tested cruising locations in Canada and around the world. Your cruising community. SEE AD ON PAGE 35 squirt.org

The best of gay & lesbian Ottawa — on your desktop and on your mobile device! Check out the digital edition of Xtra Living at

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DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

Index of advertisers A

AIDS Committee of Ottawa Anderson Lawyers

20 25

Gilmour Psychological Services 22, 28 Giovanni’s Ristorante

Centretown Community Health Centre 21, 23 The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa

20, 21

Kasuwade Friendly Tech John King Team

23, 31

Dailyxtra.com

Davidson’s Jewellers

22, 25, 28

Merkley Supply Ltd Mortgage Alliance

22, 23 27

Eyemaxx Optical Studio

The New Oak Tree

Nordik Spa-Nature

F Focus Properties/ Michael Gennis

P Pink Triangle Press Powersports Canada

30 20, 27, 33

Stroked Ego

U 25

W Office of Mayor Jim Watson

Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP

Xtra Ottawa

#news #arts #travel #events Everything gay, every day.

DAILY dailyxtra.com

Squirt.org

Urban Escape Massage Therapy

Shoppers Drug Mart, Bank and Gladstone

M Mann & Partners, LLP

Ottawa-Carleton Mortgage Inc

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DEC 2014–JUNE 2015

Looking at

Adopting?

worth considering The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aid Society of Ottawa endeavours to be inclusive of the LBGTQQA community and strongly encourages potential parents in the community to adopt through CASO.

Interested in learning more? Call 613-216-1818