TH OE S C A R

January 2021lThe OSCAR

January 2021

l

Year 49, No. 1The Community VoiceThe Ottawa South Community Association Review

OSCARTHE

www.BankDentistry.com

613.241.1010

We are now “ringing thebell” and calling on all

residents to help Save OurFirehall! We need your help

to keep our communitycentre open!

DonateToday!

oldottawasouth.ca/donate #RingTheBell

Registration now open!

By the Woodbine News Team

We are very excited to see the transformation of a venerable business in the Sunnyside/Seneca area, from

what seems to have been a “corner store” forever…or at least since we arrived in the neighbourhood in 1995! The transformation began, when the new owners started clearing out junk in the back of the store. This is where the brothers Fares and Tamer discovered an old butcher’s block. They realized they were continuing an Old Ottawa South business which needed love.

The brothers have a background in a

family retail business in Jordan. Faris arrived at Carleton in 2007 studying marketing, and his brother arrived at Carleton a few years later studying communications engineering.

They both appreciated the uniqueness of this part of OOS and hoped to settle here and do something in the retail sector. When they saw that the store was available they both said, “this is it.” The store had both potential

and a prime location. They started as owners on Dec. 20, 2019 and have continually upgraded and expanded the products for sale and focused on customers’ needs.

Clearly it was a daunting challenge to start the transformation of the old-

Continued on pg. 4

Ottawa South Groceteria

New owners. New products. New name?

PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCOY

January 2021 lThe OSCAR

BUSINESS BEAT

By Erik van der Torre

This is not the Business Beat I had hoped to write to start a new year. But here we are.

Over the last few months we have seen several closures and announced closures already: Vapeking, Roots & Grills, It’s Mama’s Kitchen, Planet of Sound, Yardley’s, Siam Kitchen, and Adamyk Bridal all come to mind and I have touched upon those closures in past Business Beats. Sadly there are a few more to add to the list this month.

It’s true that some of these closures were potentially going to happen regardless, pandemic or not. But it seems undeniable that in many instances the current situation has contributed significantly to either the outright closure of some businesses or the decision to retire earlier than planned by some owners.

Christine’s Pet ParlorOne of the local business owners that

decided to make a change is Christine from Christine’s Pet Parlor. With her lease up for renewal, Christine was not comfortable committing to another 5

year lease, especially given that she is only able to work 3 days a week in Old Ottawa South. In addition, Christine lives in Chelsea, which makes for quite the commute. By the time this OSCAR is published, Christine’s Pet Parlor will have relocated to Clinique Vétérinaire de la Gatineau located at 101 Route 105, Wakefield, QC.

In The AirIn the first week of December, a

notice popped up in the Old Ottawa South Facebook Group that mentioned that In The Air had closed its doors and that “For Lease” signs had gone up in the window. According to their website “In The Air - The Knife and Axe Throwing Bar is closed.

It goes with great pain to note that our Bank Street location is closed due to complications with Covid-19 pandemic economical strains. These strains have affected both the business and the landlord. [...] Please support local businesses. In the Air has a survival assistance package available [...]. We are working with the landlords to ensure the viability and success In The Air ongoing. Stay tuned!” The “For Lease” signs suggest that this closure might be more than temporary, but time will tell I guess.

Throughout the pandemic, In The Air

did everything they could to survive. Like other ‘venues’, they initially tried to create some revenue by selling off their alcohol inventory and by selling gift cards and merchandise. Once the initial lockdowns lifted, In The Air opened with strict safety protocols in place and added BB gun target practice to its arsenal of activities. But a second lockdown in October, which meant another period without revenue, proved to be too much.

Eddie’s AutowaA closure that flew under the radar

a bit is that of Eddie’s Autowa, who were operating out of the Family Auto Garage parking lot ever since Noel’s Landscaping was given the boot by City Bylaw. According to their website they still have a location on Wellington Street and as late as November they were still posting cars from their Bank Street lot on Facebook, but in early December all traces of Eddie’s Autowa have disappeared from the lot.

Business owners feeling the mental strain

This will come as a surprise to no one, but an early December survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) among its members suggests that over half of all independent business owners are reporting additional stress due to the pandemic. That rate is even higher (70%) among business owners in the service industry. From the CFIB press release: “Many Canadians are struggling with stress right now, and small business owners are no exception. Many of them rely on this time of year to stay afloat, but most are nowhere near their usual sales levels at a really critical time for their survival, [...] CFIB is urging consumers to choose to shop small whenever they can.”

ByTowne CinemaWhile the ByTowne Cinema is

clearly not in Old Ottawa South, I feel its closure warrants a mention here. Not only does it impact all Ottawa movie buffs, including those living in OOS, it is also a stark reminder of the precarious situation many of the local ‘venue’ businesses, bars, and restaurants are in.

If a well-established and beloved place like the ByTowne was unable to weather this storm, it suggests that we are likely just seeing the tip of the iceberg and places like the Mayfair Theatre, House of TARG, etc. deserve our continued support.

Spend it Between the BridgesI feel like I am becoming a bit like a

broken record, but I think it deserves repeating. If this month’s column tells us anything, it’s that Old Ottawa South is at risk of losing a large portion of its local, independent businesses. The list of businesses that have already closed is growing and is now longer than the

list of businesses that are opening/have moved here. If we want to preserve the unique character of the Old Ottawa South business landscape, we need to continue to step up, support local, and spend it between the bridges.

Milano Lot SoldCarol emailed me in early December

to tell me how much she and her family are enjoying Shibayan, the new Japanese place on the corner of Sunnyside & Seneca. And I couldn’t agree more; we’ve ordered takeout from Shibayan several times now and the food is really excellent and we are absolutely loving having a ramen place so close by!

Another thing that Carol mentioned was that she had heard that the lot that Milano Pizza sits on had been sold. Carol’s fellow Planning & Zoning Committee member Karen was able to confirm this, and it seems that both the Milano lot and the small house right beside it have recently been sold. It is unclear at this point what this means for Milano, but it does suggest that something is afoot here and that we might see a redevelopment on this corner in the near future.

Sam’s CornerI am sorry I wasn’t able to provide

much positive business news this month. However, on pages 1 and 4 in this OSCAR, the Woodbine News Team did a wonderful feature on the Ottawa South Groceteria (which at some point will be renamed and become Sam’s Corner) and I highly recommend you give it a read!

Enviro Crew OOS business articleAlso make sure to check out Eco-

Friendly Business Practices in Old Ottawa South by Susan Dalin O’Grady on page 17 in this OSCAR for a great overview of some of the green business strategies employed by local businesses.

Business Beat is a monthly feature that highlights new and existing businesses in Old Ottawa South. Opinions are my own. If you know of any new businesses opening up or want to share your thoughts about existing businesses, send a note to: [email protected].

Erik van der Torre has lived in Old Ottawa South with his wife and three sons for over 11 years. He is a member of OSCA’s Traffic & Safety Committee.

Pandemic strain continues for local businesses

Christine’s Pet Parlor has relocated to Wakefield. PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCOY

In The Air has also closed its doors.


OSCA

Name: ________________________ Email Address: ______________________________

Phone Number: _______________

Donation Amount:

$30 $50 $75 $100 $150 ______ Other

By Winnie Pietrykowski, OSCA Vice-President

Within our midst there exists a little-known treasure chest filled with multi-coloured gems. It’s easily reached, requires next-to-no walking and with a slight click of the finger will open up and swallow you whole like any good mystery should. It’s in full view each time you visit the OSCA website. You may have to look slightly to the left and scroll downward on the right, but once you reach it and click – a whole other universe unfolds. Come along, take a “scroll” and witness a community in the making. You’ll be surprised at what you discover.

Yes, I’m talking about The OSCAR, Old Ottawa South’s community voice in print. Treat yourself: open, click, scroll and “browse the Archives.” Now pick a year, any year. But before you dive into any “one” month, notice how many OSCARS there are in any given year. Watch how OSCAR grows from 1974 to 2020. It’s not a straight upward trajectory, but its movement is steady and it grows from two publications in 1974 to five in 1975, from nine in 1976 to ten in 1978 and in 1986 from ten to eleven. As of 2020, OSCAR continues to publish eleven issues annually.

OSCAR stands for Ottawa South Community Association Review and has been an integral part of OSCA since 1974. From the very beginning OSCAR was seen as integral to OSCA to share information and to give voice to the community itself. For six years OSCA supported OSCAR financially but in June of 1980 OSCAR reported that with the growth in content contribution and advertising revenue OSCAR was debt-free.

Some of the topics and stories you read in the OSCAR Archives will be “oh so familiar” but at the same time, like any good mystery/novel, you will be intrigued by the variety of voices that were drawn to the collective notion of an association and how different characters/citizens come to life as you read their columns from month

to month. Old Ottawa South has a proud history of being an engaged and connected community. According to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, “People’s ability to connect with each other and participate in civil society is central to community health and vibrancy.”

With this 2021 New Year’s issue, OSCAR is inviting you to enter your name into its archives – whether it’s by writing, volunteering or taking a photograph. We invite you to “scroll” online through OSCAR’s Archives to discover the issues, social topics, political debates, public meetings, fundraising festivities, picnics, dances, children’s camps, after-school programs, sports and recreational activities and special events that have gone into the making of Old Ottawa South. We would like to hear your take on the archives, what stories come to mind, the individuals who wrote them,

the issues that were near and dear to you. We want your help to breathe new life into our shared past and hear your updates and thoughts about what you discover.

Fundraising and advocacyFundraising is not new to OSCA

or the Firehall. Fundraising is how Old Ottawa South realized its vision of a strong, active and inclusive community. From the very beginning OSCA has believed that engagement between residents and the private sector, the public sector and civil society organizations would foster individual and collective well-being. As noted by the Canadian Council on Social Development in it’s 2015 report on Community Vitality, “Vital communities are those that are able to cultivate and marshal these relationships in order to create, adapt and thrive in the changing world.”

In the fall of 1974 when OSCA learned that the NCC was going to lease the Firehall for winter storage, Nils Larsson, President of OSCA, approached the NCC who agreed to sublet approximately 300 square feet. This sublet would allow OSCA to keep its records in one place rather than in “10 or 20 desk drawers in 10 or 20 houses.” It would also guarantee an easily accessible public place where all residents could visit and meet.

And thus began OSCA’s relationship with Graham Station Number 10, the Firehall.

OSCA had been looking to acquire a central office for some time. At one point OSCA had approached OC Transpo to request the use of the bus shelter at Bank and Grove (long since torn down). OC Transpo offered to lease it on a month-to-month basis. To obtain funds for this lease OSCA had approached City Hall for assistance not only for rent but also for permanent staff. The catch? (There’s always one.) In return, OSCA would commit “to acting as a source of information on municipal services, and a referral service for citizen complaints.”

During these discussions the City had proposed that one staff person would be directed by OSCA and the commitment “would in no way limit the use of this person for OSCA’s activities.” And thus began the modest beginnings of Old Ottawa South’s very first community office/centre.

The OSCAR Archives embodies OOS’s unique history. It’s fascinating to read how year after year individuals step up to volunteer their time, energy and “know-how” to engage with one another and to help shape Old Ottawa South. As our City has grown, so too has our neighbourhood. For those of us who care about the character and integrity of OOS and for the legacy of those who founded and shaped OSCA, we cling to the vision of a caring, active and engaged community.

Take a “scroll” in the OSCAR



BUSINESSES OF OLD OTTAWA SOUTH

style corner store – a dying institution, into a full-on grocery store. They started immediately asking customers what they needed in the way of groceries and other products, and about pricing too.

Quickly there was a vast new array of products available. And if you were

shopping there at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic you could readily buy many of the products which were not available, or in very short supply, elsewhere. Products such as: yeast, flour (including monster bags!), sugar and more, all to meet the needs of those of us who were budding home-made bread bakers.

Presently the space is undergoing major changes: tearing out the old drop ceiling to create a better feeling

of space, opening up the rooms at the back to provide more shelf space, more modern shelving and replacing the floor. The old space is soon to be relinquished to history.

Coming soon is their number one addition, fresh produce. Then a deli/sandwich bar, Middle East foods (complete with their own brand of organic spices), and finally a butchery!

They will end off with a name change in honour of their father: Sam’s Corner.

Once they are fully up and running, they will advertise with flyers at Carleton – especially the residences – and then in the neighbourhood, and also monthly deals advertised in the OSCAR.

Presently, they offer delivery by

Doordash and Uber and curbside pickup for phone-in needs.

COVID-19 has brought about a slow-down in business, especially with less students living off-campus near Carleton. Their vision is to provide a great local grocery store that will meet many of the grocery needs of the neighbourhood. So we can leave behind our cars this winter, stop going to a big grocery store for a few items, and just walk to the Groceteria!

We encourage the neighbourhood to buy local and support small businesses.

The Woodbine News Team is Chris George, Sarah Dowswell and Bob & Lauree Bangs.

Continued from pg. 1

The Old Ottawa South Groceteria at Sunnyside and Seneca now has fresh produce. PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GEORGE

By Ian Boyd

1. Killers – Imploding the MirageReleased on CD in August, much to the chagrin of Vinyl lovers, this is finally on vinyl. Come and get it!

2. Paul McCartney – IIIArguably Britain’s greatest songwriter ever, Sir Paul is always a joy to listen too.

3. Miles Davis – Kind of BlueCurl up with this record, add a bottle of wine and presto! Hot tunes on a cold winter night.

4. William Prince – ReliverA gem of a guy, a great Canadian and soon to be on everyone’s minds as he is simply terrific.

5. Chris Stapleton – Starting OverQuickly establishing himself as a great songwriter, performer, and friend to all the country artists in the world.

6. The Weeknd – After HoursThis Canadian guy has been announced as the half-time show at the Super Bowl. It just has to make this list. Go Packers Go! (Somewhat presumptuous of me but us fans can dream.)

7. AC/DC – Power UpSure it’s the same song they have written for 46 years, but it makes you smile, energizes you and it’s a tribute to Malcolm, the best Rhythm guitar player in the world.

8. Colter Wall –Western Swing and WaltzesYoung guy, old soul, great record – even if you are not a country fan you can’t help yourself. It’s so good!

9. Khruangbin – MordechaiBreakout band of the year. For Floyd and RadioHead fans. Spelling it out for purchase orders is tough, but pick this up!

10. The War on Drugs – LiveLive albums be damned, this one – along with the Allman Brothers Fillmore West – are the best two live albums of the year.

Ian Boyd, along with his brother James, owns Compact Music on Bank at Third. They have had the store in the Glebe since 1996.

Hot tunes for a cold evening

BEATS ON THE STREET


By Andrew King

When the pandemic dashed all hopes for a 40th birthday celebration outside of a bubble, I was left clinging to one remaining idea that, if proven to be COVID-proof, would permanently mark the milestone.

It was time to add to a growing collection of tattoos, and, as luck would have it, I wouldn’t have far to walk to get them.

The arrival of 3 Round Tattoo on Bank Street lured me in as I made my way to Capital Daycare each morning to drop off my daughter. After checking out artist and co-owner Christopher Thomas’s work on Instagram, I sent him my drawings hoping he would agree to take me on. He did, and in late November and early December, I got inked.

From the moment I sat down to begin what would take two visits to complete, Christopher’s passion for his craft was evident at the outset as he meticulously prepared the tattoo stencil needed to properly guide his hand and needle.

“Every single day tattooing is a chance to hone your skills and learn more,” said the 35-year-old tattooist

who began his creative journey on paper, before moving to canvas, walls, and eventually skin to produce his art. “I love that I can challenge myself all the time.”

Christopher became fascinated with visual arts in high school and began pursuing a career as an artist with his father’s encouragement. Starting as an apprentice at 22, it took him years of practice and training to become the tattooist he is today.

After years of working in other people’s parlours, Christopher and fellow artists Ashley and Ormond decided to join forces, making Old Ottawa South home to their own shop. Nestled between Vertigo Records, another new arrival in the neighbourhood, and Malak Lebanese Pastry, 3 Round Tattoo has given the area a new, edgy feel between the bridges. But even though tattoos are commonplace today, for some getting inked is still clouded in mystery.

Christopher said that when he and his partners were moving into their shop during the summer, two women curiously poked their heads in the door to ask if it was indeed a tattoo parlour. “When I said ‘yes’ they quickly left in disgust,” he recalled, laughing.

Regardless of the skeptics, business has been buzzing since the doors opened in September and area residents are beginning to notice, with some contemplating that first tattoo. Recognizing that my latest tattoos were not the result of a life-changing decision, I asked Christopher what someone should consider before taking the leap.

“Just ask yourself if this tattoo will help you become a more accurate version of who you are. If the answer is yes, you’re ready.”

For those who think they are ready, or maybe simply curious about what goes on in a tattoo parlour, visit @3roundtattoo_ on Instagram to browse their portfolio, send a message, or book a consultation.

In the meantime, I’m already planning my next visit, no milestones required.

Andrew King has called OOS home with his wife and two children since 2018, and proudly serves as an OSCA Board Member.

By Helen McGurrin

On Saturday November 27, 2020, while running down Bank Street, by the Glebe Centre Seniors’ Residence, I saw two women and two young girls standing on the sidewalk, looking up at a window. The young girls were smiling and waving to the lady at the window, while one of the adults was speaking to her on the phone. I was so amazed at the sight of four generations celebrating their reunion with such happiness in the midst of a devastating pandemic that has impacted so many seniors.

I asked if I could take a picture of them all and said I would like to

share this photo with the community. Trudy and Lori, grandmother and mother, were more than happy to have the moment captured in a picture. As Grandmother Trudy said, my granddaughters will always remember their great-grandmother, thanks to that photo.

The photo says it all, and is worth a thousand words.

To Trudy and Lori, may this photo comfort you. To you two beautiful youngsters, may this photo remind you of your great-grandmother as you one day tell the story of the Great Pandemic of 2020, to your own children and grandchildren.

Helen McGurrin is a resident of OOS.

BUSINESSES OF OLD OTTAWA SOUTHBank Street’s latest addition gets under your skin

Tattoo artist, and co-owner of 3 Round Tattoo, Christopher Thomas at work.PHOTO BY ANDREW KING

Love finds a way

Trudy, who lives at the Glebe Centre, speaking to her daughter Lori and her granddaughters who were on the sidewalk outside the building. PHOTO BY HELEN MCGURRIN


PUCK LUCKD A V I D W Y L Y N K O

“A rollicking portrait of the mad, mad world of minor hockey.”

— Roy MacGregor

Former junior hockey enforcer Danny Wilde is separated, lives in a storage locker, and is facing criminal charges and

a beer league ban. When minor hockey parents offer to help, their only condition is that he coach a teenage team.

His problems are just beginning.

AVAILABLE NOW at Black Squirrel Books and from Amazon and as Kindle and Kobo ebooks.

www.puckluck.hockey

An interview with Anna Cuylits

Q. Are you concerned about winter walking conditions in our neighbourhood?

As in the previous two years Old Ottawa South is launching its winter walkability campaign.

Unfortunately, considering COVID-19 restrictions, this year Senior Watch Old Ottawa South

(SWOOS) can not enjoy group kick-off audits in the Firehall. We have to adapt our neighbourhood efforts and ask you to complete and submit Snow Mole questionnaires online at: coaottawa.ca/snowmoles.

Because walking conditions can be treacherous, we encourage you to walk the route you’ll report on with a friend. The campaign runs until the end of March. This means that at different times, preferably after a melt or snowfall, we would like you to complete and submit a questionnaire.

Q Who should complete these SNOW MOLE questionnaires?

All members of our community need to do this – every community member can be a Snow Mole!

Even though the Snow Mole campaign is an initiative of the Council On Aging (COA), not only seniors, but also caregivers of young children, people with mobility aids and even able-bodied people can be hindered by challenging walking conditions caused by ice, (snow) windrows and snowbanks.

Q What route should I report on and when?

Pick a route, any time of day, preferably after a thaw, freeze or snowfall.

Q Can we illustrate dangerous conditions with photographs?

Yes, yes and yes! And make sure to specify the location and date!

Q What happens with our completed questionnaires?

Last year 195 questionnaires were completed in the Ottawa-Carleton region, 23 of those in Old Ottawa South.

Snow Moles report on the location and dates of unsafe and icy sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings. The information is collected by the COA in a report to the City to provide substantiated and illustrated recommendations to the Transportation Committee on how to make walking in

winter safer and more accessible.

Q Does the City pay attention to Snow Mole reports and improve its Winter Maintenance Quality Standards (WMQS)?

Yes!I quote from the COA Snow Mole

Report 2020-12-10:“The City Transportation Committee

responded to increasing Snow Mole and Citizen demand and approved a motion for staff to carry out an operational review of snow clearing operations for the 2019-20 winter. COA Snow Moles have noted an improvement in the number of sidewalk plows, the co-ordination of street and sidewalk clearing and attention to local sidewalks.

The COA Snow Moles, and other citizen advocates have spoken out with presentations at the Transportation Committee meetings and have made budget requests linked to clear data-based recommendations requesting a Council approved update to the WMQS.”

Q What if I can’t complete a questionnaire on line or do not have a printer to print out a paper copy?

Our community needs to complete as many questionnaires as possible – every one counts! Therefore SWOOS can provide you with blank questionnaires. You will find them in an envelope suspended from the mailbox of the Firehall at 260 Sunnyside. Please complete as many questionnaires as possible and return them to the envelope for completed questionnaires. We will collect your completed questionnaires daily and submit them to the Council On Aging for their report.

More questions?Write to [email protected] –

we look forward to hearing from you!

Anna Cuylits is a longtime resident of Old Ottawa South, an OSCA Board member and a member of SWOOS.

SNOW MOLES

A Snow Mole with a printed questionnaire from the Firehall and ready to report on walking conditions. PHOTO BY MAURA GUILIANI

Reporting on winter walking problems

Snow Moles Needed Complete and submit Snow Mole questionnaires at: coaottawa.ca/snowmoles

You can also find blank questionnaires in an envelope suspended from the mailbox of the Firehall at 260 Sunnyside.


By Heather Scott

When I was a child, I read a wonderful story by Canadian author Kit Pearson called When the Lights go on Again. This book explored the end of the Second World War as told through the eyes of a child, Gavin Stokes, a British War Guest to Canada. Like most books I read in childhood, this novel ignited my imagination and grew my soul. This story has followed me throughout my adolescence and adulthood, settling gently somewhere between my heart and my memory. I have been reminded of it again as I walk the streets of Old Ottawa South this December. The world seems very dark this year. Pinched grey mornings and thick velvety nights fall heavily on the city. Like many others, my commute is completed more often than not in darkness. As a Psychotherapist, I have the honour of witnessing and sharing in both the beauty and pain this past year has wrought on our collective hearts, minds, and bodies. I know I am not alone in feeling that this year, in particular, has felt very dark.

And yet.My neighbours are wrapping tiny gold twinkle

lights around the bushes by their front steps today. Electric candles adorn the windows in every room of a house I walk past in the early evening. Bank Street is transformed, the highest treetops aglow. There is a fierceness to the lights this year. Mere pinpricks in the darkness of the night, but steadfastly they glow. Florescent and multi-coloured strands of bulbs, pinwheeling projections and pulsating spotlights, icicles, and crisscrossing stars; the lights this year seem to me to be intrepid and resolute. These lights are scrappy. They remind me as I crunch through the new snow that the old year is going out. It has been so many things for so many people.

As the cold deepens and the days grow short, I am filled with gratitude for the warmth of the lights that are coming on again throughout our city. Gratitude also for my determined and courageous neighbours who have strung them. They are a reminder to me that all things come to an end, and that this year, this unprecedented year, has born both challenge and long-awaited change. The lights are coming on again, and as I wind my way homeward each golden and multi-coloured bulb shines into that half-forgotten place between my heart and my memory. A mere whisper, but to that immortal child lost in the pages of her book, it is nonetheless unmistakable. Flickering gently, age-old and undaunted. A sweet inhale of hope.

Heather Scott is a snow enthusiast and avid reader. She and her husband love walking the streets of Old Ottawa South.

By Lisa Taylor

Twilight, a restaurant patio.

Mostly empty tables dotted three awkward metres apart,

Patrons raise masks in salute as they sip cafés-au-lait.

Our breaths couple as we speak of literature and love.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez (the name is a poem in itself):

When Marquez wrote of Doomed Love and corrupt Columbian nobility,

I swear the scent of spoiled orchids spilled from between the covers,

Took on that sick hospital odour of

dirty

beneath

clean.

To look at the book was to drown in a miasma of tropical rot.

“Love in the Time of Coronavirus” doesn’t have the same ring. If the age of COVID-19 had an aroma, what would it be?

(The faint but smothering scent of a damp mask. The tarry plastic aroma of latex. Pot fumes from downstairs, morning, noon and night. Apple blossom, lily-of-the-valley, and lilac, their delicate scents lying lightly on the nostrils now the fug of combustion has lifted.

Beneath, always, the sour reek of Panicky perspiration.)

You ask me if I love you. I can’t answer, because all feelings have been put on hold. There is a moratorium on romance at this time.

When the pandemic is over, people will talk about two eras: before COVID and after.

(Our children will be reserved with strangers. They will marvel at the storied rashness of the olden days, when people shook hands or triple-kissed in greeting. They will exclaim about our rigid social structure, the exaggerated respect for wealth and fame, the overweening influence of The Economy. They will laugh at our technological naïveté.)

Will you or I witness the after times? Post-COVID seems like a dream to me. Thousands die daily. The only comfort Is that people aren’t waging wars with quite as much enthusiasm as usual.

Everyone has a theory, everyone has a reason, the hydra sprouts twelve new heads every time another ridiculous conjecture is put to rest.

There is no agreed-upon truth. The experts are mistrusted, the politicians pacify with disinformation, and the people shift, human weathervanes, from one hypothesis to another.

It’s only a matter of time, has always been a matter of time, before our species extinguishes itself through a combination of stupidity and brutality.

And that’s why I can’t think about love, or about loving you, right now.

Yes, this blunt force I know. I’ve chafed under the arrogance of leaders and recoiled at blind murdering prejudice. The disease harvests the marginalized and the old. Meanwhile, killings, riots, impotent

Fury.

But let us, you and I, carve out a small space in this world, a corner in which to explore our devotion, a sacred niche where we can sacrifice our sorrows and emerge refreshed.

We can answer hate with love, we can drown bigotry in awareness, we can battle incompetence with wisdom, absorb savagery with compassion. If we decline love, we decline the chance to redress evil.

If we decline love, we decline responsibility.

Renaissance woman Lisa Taylor has lived in Old Ottawa South for three decades, and with luck will live here three decades more.

Love in the time of coronavirusPOETRY & PROSE

The lamps of Old Ottawa South



CHRISTY’S CORNER

Christy Savage,OSCA Executive Director

I’m sure there’s a lot of 2020 that many of us would like to leave behind. On the other hand, we’ve also come a long way on a journey that we were not prepared for.

We’ve had many successes as well as obstacles; as a community, an organization and a team. And now it’s time to build upon our successes and look forward to the future.

First, I want to begin by saying a heartfelt “Thank You” to our OSCA community. We’ve been moved and inspired by your level of support since launching our fundraising campaign. You continue to encourage us. The number of people who believe in OSCA and the Firehall, the staff, our programs and the work of the board and committees has been nothing short of awesome.

And so we look ahead…by looking back on some of our successes and how we will continue to build upon them for a strong future together.

In-person programsIn mid- to late January, in-person

programs will open to the public

slowly and in accordance with Ottawa Public Health guidelines. We are moving cautiously to ensure community spread is under control but we are looking forward to launching incremental onsite programming as soon as possible. In early December we held a zoom meeting with our current instructors. Aside from being excited to see them altogether, we were pleasantly surprised by their support with continuing virtual programming and slowly introducing their programs onsite. Our instructors have enjoyed their virtual experience and shared their ideas for future virtual and in-person programming. They too have learned a lot and have a variety of ideas on ways to strengthen our journey forward. We are excited.

Special eventsFirehall staff have also been hard

at work with special events such as the Christmas Craft Show (which will extend into the early part of the new year) and the “Visit With Santa,” which was a great success. Building upon the overwhelming response to the December Advent Calendars, Katherine has more wonderful

themed craft packs in store.

Virtual programsWe can’t wait to see you. And for

those of you who are not ready to return to in-person programming, we will move forward into 2021 by continuing with virtual programs and slowly adopting a hybrid model of both virtual and in-person programming.

GrantsOSCA has also been hard at work

applying for grants. As you know we were honoured in the Fall with a Red Cross Resilient Communities Grant of $45,000 for the “free/pay what you can” programming we offered last spring and summer. We’ve also applied for two more significant grants since then, and while I don’t want to jinx anything by saying any more than I already have, I can say that one grant is to support onsite children’s programming.

The other grant application was for much needed upgrades to our website, existing equipment and software and the development of an integrated information system. This would allow us to streamline

the various systems we currently use to communicate with clients and the community. It would also enhance how we manage our online programming, regular programming registrations, and video on demand. By improving on how we manage our information we anticipate being better able to engage and coordinate activities with volunteers and meet the future needs our community.

The future is no one’s guess and everyone’s dream.

We’re dreaming big at OSCA, and by big, we mean we simply can’t wait to see everyone again and have the Firehall bustling with life.

By Sue Neill

Over the course of the summer and fall, we were blessed with a new arrangement on the Bank Street Bridge, thanks to the efforts of our Councillor, Shawn Menard. Through a simple measure, pylons were placed on the bridge thereby reducing the four lanes of traffic to two lanes – one northbound and one southbound. The other two lanes were dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists and, in fact, they more or less became bike lanes. It was wonderful – more people cycled across the bridge and pedestrians and cyclists felt safer.

As winter approached and the need for snow removal became apparent, the pylons were removed and we are now back to four traffic lanes. This has brought back all forms of bad behaviour by motorists on the bridge – speeding, illegal left turns, U turns mid-bridge being among the worst forms.

So, what is to become of the Bank Street Bridge – at least in the short term? Consultations over the summer led to a decision by the City Council to change the traffic pattern on the bridge to have a widened multi-use pathway (MUP) on each side of the bridge, to be

shared by cyclists and pedestrians, and three vehicular traffic lanes on the bridge – one southbound and two northbound. The co-mingling of pedestrians and cyclists was not the preferred configuration of the OSCA Traffic and Safety Committee and we continue to pursue separate spaces for pedestrians and cyclists – but that’s another story! Why two northbound and one southbound you may ask? Well, it seems that the

agreement between the City and the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment

Group (OSEG) which runs Lansdowne Park (the Lansdowne Transportation Agreement) calls for one dedicated lane on the Bank Street Bridge to be available for buses waiting to pick up spectators after football games and other major events at the stadium.

Following the decision by the City Council, the further work

on the Bank Street Bridge was referred to the City’s Infrastructure Design Group to create more formal drawings. Our impression is that the Group was to bring forward design options for consideration by the community by the end of October. At the time of writing this article (in December), we continue to be promised that we will see these options soon and will be able to comment. These drawings will be instrumental in determining the detailed configuration of the bridge and the approaches to the bridge and we are anxious to study them.

So – where have all the pylons gone? They are safely stored away for the winter. Perhaps if the specifications for bridge redesign are delayed for a long enough time, we will see the pylons appear again on the Bank Street Bridge in the spring. Wouldn’t that be lovely!

Meanwhile we are waiting for the design report from the City of Ottawa’s Infrastructure Design Group and also trying to find out if there could be other parking spots for idling buses waiting for passengers after football games.

Sue Neill is the Chair of the OSCA Traffic and Safety Committee and an OSCA Board Member.

TRAFFIC AND SAFETY

Welcome to 2021

The pylons have been removed from the Bank Street Bridge and we are now back to four traffic lanes. PHOTO BY SUE NEILL

Where have all the pylons gone?


OSCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

PLANNING AND ZONING

By Richard Slowikowski,OSCA President

I am not going to kid you, COVID-19 has been tough on me, tough on OSCA and tough on all of us. COVID-19 is not something any of us wanted; however, it has forced us to face new realities.

The negative impacts are easy to see. COVID-19 forced OSCA to close in-person programming (except for children’s After-4 programming which restarted in September). This meant a large loss of revenue and the need for OSCA to dip into operating reserves. OSCA’s financial position is deteriorating and no one knows when OSCA will return to full, in-person programming and a positive financial position.

So, is there any silver lining?The good news starts with committed

staff and volunteers on our Committees and Board. Everyone is determined to do whatever it takes to get to the other side of this crazy pandemic. Early in

the spring of 2020, OSCA recognized the need to re-think in radical ways how we deliver our mandate in the community. All options were on the table for consideration.

We pivoted from in-person programs to experimenting with virtual programming in the spring and summer. We managed to keep most of our full time staff employed with the help of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the updated Canada Summer Jobs Grant. OSCA also successfully applied to the Red Cross’s Resilient Communities Grant (sometimes good things happen when you least expect it).

These innovations also allowed us to see virtual programming as a helpful, and for some community members, preferable service. In turn, that led to a full suite of virtual programming in the autumn, which will likely continue into the future.

In the summer, OSCA realized that our financial situation was not sustainable and that no one knew

when the pandemic would be over. This is when we decided to reinvent ourselves as fundraisers. Preparing for the fundraising campaign that was launched online in late November and in print in December has required a remarkable amount of work. It has also been a steep learning curve.

As we struggled to launch online, we discovered weaknesses in our capacity to connect various online and off-line tools in order to manage data. This in turn led us to apply for an Ontario Trillium Grant to purchase and implement the technology and software we need to become more efficient, effective and resilient (no word yet on the potential grant).

In the summer, the Board came to the conclusion that it was critical not only to focus on getting through the pandemic, but also, to plan for the future beyond it. Consequently, we did not give up on the work we started almost two years ago to renovate the fieldhouse in Windsor Park. This is a badly needed renovation and will

still take years for approvals and construction. You can read more about it in this issue of OSCAR in the article written by Michael Jenkin.

Yes, COVID-19 has generated a lot of unwanted stress and tribulation. But, it is also causing OSCA to reinvent itself. We are going to be different after COVID-19; we are going to be better. We need your help. If you want to join one of OSCA’s Committees, terrific. If you want to donate to Save Our Firehall, terrific. If you have ideas you want to share on strengthening our community, terrific. I will be happy to respond. Just send me an email at: [email protected].

I hope you have a great day.

By Laura Urrechaga

The draft of the new Official Plan spells out the proposed development vision and direction for a growing Ottawa over the next 25 years.

The draft emphasizes built form, how a building interacts with its lot and with other buildings around it, and with the public realm – the spaces we all use – rather than regulating how many units are within a building.

The change in focus allows for greater densities in 15-minute neighbourhoods such as ours, and encourages missing-middle housing for a growing population. New housing forms such as the “613 Flats” which provide more units per lot in new configurations are being proposed.

In some areas, permit parking on streets may be proposed to deal with reduced residential parking requirements and future zoning bylaws may prohibit new single-family homes in some parts of the city in order to meet multi-unit housing needs.

What will it all mean to you as a resident of Old Ottawa South?

If you enjoy walking and shopping on Bank Street and are perhaps entertaining the idea of living in an apartment there someday, it will mean opportunities in buildings up to nine storeys in height, with stores and shops on the ground floor and offices or residential units above.

If you live on our newly designated “minor corridor,” Sunnyside between Bank and Bronson, it will mean residential buildings that are a minimum of two and a maximum of

six storeys high, depending on lot size. Some buildings may have small retail or other uses on the ground floor to serve local needs.

If you live in areas designated “neighbourhood” in the draft Official Plan, new housing will have a minimum height of two storeys. Future zoning will permit at least three storeys, and the proposed maximum will be four storeys. Home-based businesses, where allowed by future Zoning Bylaws, will be permitted.

If you live on Colonel By, it will mean a Rideau Canal special district designation and, eventually, a secondary plan along the Canal from downtown to Hartwell’s Locks.

Old Ottawa South will be covered by a Transformative Overlay, which means that policies in our area, as well as in Old Ottawa East, the Glebe and a number of other communities, are meant to encourage more rapid changes.

Parks and other amenities required for denser communities are emphasized in the new draft. Old Ottawa South is fortunate to have two larger well-used parks and greenspaces along the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal.

The Plan’s policies promote a 40% urban tree canopy target for the City and, although this doesn’t necessarily mean a 40% urban tree canopy in any particular community within the city, protecting urban trees is an important piece of the draft.

Our built form, our parks, our unique cultural heritage landscapes and our spirit – our community-mindedness – all help to define what makes us in

Old Ottawa South, us. We must help to define the direction of our community’s growth over the next 25 years in order to continue building on what is already a terrific neighbourhood.

The members of OSCA’s Planning and Zoning Committee are reading through each section of the draft Official Plan. If you would like to read along, follow the Official Plan links on the city’s Engage Ottawa website. Go to: engage.ottawa.ca, scroll down and click on “The New Official Plan.”

The OSCA Planning and Zoning Committee will be holding a virtual community session towards the end of

January, 2021. Please stay tuned.Date and time, along with more

draft Official Plan information will be released in the coming weeks through News Between the Bridges, social media, the OSCA website and, of course, in the OSCAR. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you!

Laura Urrechaga is the Co-Chair of the OSCA Planning and Zoning Committee and an OSCA Board Member.

Windsor Rink

For information on ice conditions Go to: Instagram: windsor.rink

Facebook: facebook.com/windsorparkrink

Shack HoursThe rink shack will be open

(COVID-19 regulations and weather permitting):Monday - Friday 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday 2:00 pm - 6:00 pmSunday 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Extended hours may be added. Go to oldottawasouth.ca for updates.

No Kidding …

The next quarter century: The draft Official Plan and you


260 Sunnyside Ave, Ottawa Ontario, K1S 0R7 www.oldottawasouth.ca/oscarISSN: 0715-5476

[email protected]: Brendan McCoyLayout and Design: Bess FraserBusiness Manager: Susanne LedbetterAdvertising Manager: Ari Kulidjian

[email protected]

[email protected]@oldottawasouth.ca613-276-5116

Volunteer Proofreaders: Maura Giuliani, Mary Low, Kathy Krywicki, Scott Valentine, Roger Williams

NEXT DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

The OSCAR is published eleven times per year. Upcoming deadlines: January 15 (February issue); February 12 (March issue); March 19 (April issue); April 16 (May issue); May 14 (June issue); June 11 (July/August issue); August 13 (September issue).

OSCARTHE

INDEX

BUSINESS BEAT 2OSCA 3,6,8-9,18-19COUNCILLOR’S REPORT 12ENVIRONMENT 16-17FILM REVIEW 21TRILLIUM 22POLITICAL 26-27MARKETPLACE & CLASSY ADS 31GARDEN CLUB 32TRAVEL 35

ZONE A1: Kathy Krywicki (Coordinator), Mary Jo Lynch, Kim Barclay, Élie Cantin Nantel, Becky Sasaki, Sam & Aila McNeill-McKinnell, Christy Griffin, Rob Wong, Luke and Alex Vulanovic. ZONE B1: Ada Brzeski & Dave Drapeau (Coordinator), Zoe Walters, the Montgomery family, Claire & Alex Gammon, Spencer, Will and Holt Lewis , D. Georgaras, Erika, Maria & Gabriela. ZONE B2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Sandra Garland, Pat Eakins, Steve Mennill, Claire & Alex Gammon, Gillingham-Murray family, Tessa and Fiona Quinn-Crook, John Callan & Diana Carr, Esmé & Nora Perry.ZONE C1: Laura Johnson (Coordinator), the Williams family, Josh Rahaman, Jesper Lindeberg, Darcy McCoy, Bruce Grant, Bryan & Anneka Dallin O’Grady, David Fisher, Susan Townley.ZONE C2: Craig Piche (Coordinator), Steve Mennill, Alan McCullough, Charles & Phillip Kijek, Michael Jenkin, Michel & Christina Bridgeman, Melissa Johnson.ZONE D1: Mike McKay (Coordinator), Stephen Merriam, Marianne Keys, Gail Stewart, Gabe Teramura, Oliver & Claire Waddington, the Sprott family, Milo Barnett.ZONE D2: Dan Greco (Coordinator), Caitlin, Anna Chernushenko, the Stewart family, Sloane and Harrison Gilchrist, Will Creaghan. ZONE E1: Brian Tansey (Coordinator), Karen Wolfe & Curt Labond, Norah Hutchinson, Steve Adamson & Nadine Dawson, Robert Trotter. ZONE E2: Kathy Stewart (Coordinator), Marianne & Jim Kent, the Brodkin-Haas family, Carolyn Inch, Chris Berry & Frida Kolster Berry, John Bell, Julie Stock, Joan Foster-Jones, Allan Paul.ZONE F1: Carol & Ferg O’Connor (Coordinator), Jenny O’Brien, Lyle Stern, Gerald Bailie, Paloma & Liliana Ruiz, Malachi Winter, the Goutte family (Joshua, Leo and Alina), Kai Bramley, Calla Rose & Justin Connolly ZONE F2: Pierre Guevremont (Coordinator), Paulette Theriault, Alaster Ayson, Judy & Pierre Chamberland, Luc & Sydney Grenier, Mary Johnston, the Walker Family, the Polkinghorne Family, the Kushner Family.ZONE G: Shehryar Sarwar (Coordinator), Caroline & Julia Twelves, Luke & Robin Eriksson, Joanne Monaghan, David Janssen, Chris & Andy Anand-Danek, Allan Paul, Peluso-Pope Family.Bank Street: Tom Lawson, Paula Archer, Ross Imrie.

Distribution inquiries e-mail: [email protected] to the many people who delivered The OSCAR this month:

OSCAR / Glebe Report Newspaper Boxes on Bank Street

In OOS:• On the S/E corner of Bank & Sunnyside• (new) Bank & Belmont by the Senate Tavern• In front of Hillary’s Dry Cleaners

In the Glebe:• Beside Patterson’s Creek Park • On the north side of the Shoppers Drug Mart on Glebe Ave.

The new OSCAR is in the boxes for the first half of the month, the new Glebe Report is in the boxes for the second half of the month. (In the summer the new OSCAR will be available in July, the Glebe Report in August).

The newspaper boxes are a collaboration between The OSCAR and The Glebe Report, and were painted by local artists Claire and Mairi Brascoupé, and Kate Solar.

The OSCAR is recipient of funding under the Special Measures for Journal-ism component of the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Culture, Heritage and Sport Organizations of the Department of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada.

To book an OSCAR ad call Ari at 613-276-5116

[email protected]

The OSCAR is published by the Old Ottawa South Community Association Inc. (OSCA). Distribution is free to all Old Ottawa South homes and businesses. It is also available at selected locations in Old Ottawa South and the Glebe. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The OSCAR or OSCA. Contributions should be in electronic format sent by e-mail to: [email protected]. All submissions will be acknowledged by e-mail. The Editor has the final say about style, format and content. The OSCAR Editorial Policy, and Guidelines for Submissions, are available on the OSCA website. The OSCAR is available online at www.oldottawasouth.ca. Some articles will be posted on the OSCA website.


ZINN RICHARDSOND E S I G N B U I L D R E N O V A T E

ZINNRICHARDSON.COM 613-809-5089

A U N I Q U E P R O C E S S T O S A V E Y O U M O N E Y . F I N D O U T H O W .

R E S I D E N T I A L & C O M M E R C I A L P R O J E C T S

Par Fiona Collienne

Il m’a donné rendez-vous dans sa boutique, Cylie Artisans Chocolatiers, située sur la rue Bank. Chaque fois que je passe devant, les viennoiseries et le chocolat me font de l’œil. J’ai déjà pu me régaler de leurs tartes et leurs choux. Cette fois, j’ai envie de savoir qui se cache derrière cette boutique nouvellement arrivée dans le quartier. Et je comprends rapidement qu’ils sont deux. « Leslie est la femme de ma vie », me lance Cyril, le chef-pâtissier. « On fait tout ensemble ». D’ailleurs, le nom du magasin, Cylie, est une contraction de leurs deux prénoms, Cyril et Leslie.

Ce matin de décembre, Leslie m’accueille gentiment mais me fait comprendre que Cyril, son occupé en cuisine, n’aura pas beaucoup de temps pour me parler. Ils ne sont que deux (trois, en fait, avec Alex qui aide en cuisine) à faire tourner la boutique.

« Je vous connais, vous, les francophones, vous parlez toujours longtemps », ajoute Leslie en riant. Elle a raison : on finira par parler une heure, tant le parcours de Cyril est intéressant et son amour du chocolat et de la pâtisserie sont évidents. « J’adore ce que je fais », glisse-t-il avec les yeux qui pétillent, et alors que des plateaux de viennoiseries sortent du four.

L’héritage français Cyril Nebout est Français et

Canadien, totalement à cheval entre les deux pays et les deux cultures. Il est né à Paris d’un père français et d’une mère canadienne originaire de Cumberland, à 20 minutes d’Ottawa. Cyril grandit dans le sud de la France et c’est là qu’il tombe dans le chaudron de la pâtisserie. « Je passais souvent devant une pâtisserie près de mon école et j’ai eu envie d’essayer ». Il devient apprenti à Nice et trouve ainsi sa vocation. « Je suis obsessionnel et méticuleux, alors la pâtisserie me convient parfaitement », explique l’artisan.

Lorsqu’il a 18 ans, sa mère décide de rentrer au Canada et Cyril et sa

sœur l’accompagnent. Cyril continue à parfaire sa pâtisserie en travaillant notamment dans des hôtels prestigieux de Toronto.

Mais c’est à Ottawa que sa vie va prendre un nouveau tournant. Alors qu’il enseigne la pâtisserie à l’Institut Le Cordon Bleu, l’un de ses élèves s’appelle Leslie Yang, une jeune femme de Toronto diplômée en marketing. Le coup de foudre est réciproque et les amoureux ne se quitteront plus. Ils lancent leur propre boutique, Cylie, dans le quartier du marché By. Après cinq ans, ils cherchent un local plus grand et jettent leur dévolu sur Vieil Ottawa-Sud.

Ouvrir en pleine pandémieLe local trouvé, encore faut-il

le rénover. « Ça nous a pris treize mois, on a pratiquement tout refait », explique Cyril Nebout. Au début de l’année 2020, ils ouvrent enfin la boutique, prêts à régaler le quartier. Mais la pandémie de COVID-19

frappe, et ils doivent fermer. « Ça a été des mois vraiment difficiles, mais on est resté positifs et motivés », indique Cyril.

Aujourd’hui, le chocolat, les pâtisseries et viennoiseries sont enfin vendus aux clients et Cyril et Leslie se sentent extrêmement bien accueillis dans le quartier. « Il y a un vrai sens de la communauté ici, on a envie d’y contribuer. »

Leur objectif est d’offrir des produits de la meilleure qualité. « Pour le chocolat, on ne travaille qu’avec Valrhona, une farine qui vient de petits moulins locaux, le beurre vient de vaches nourries à l’herbe car il nous faut le meilleur », raconte le pâtissier, fort de 35 ans de métier.

Travailler sans relâcheLes journées sont très longues

puisque Cyril et Leslie s’occupent de tout, de la production et à la vente en passant par les tâches administratives. « Ce matin, c’est aussi moi qui ai

déneigé l’avant et l’arrière de la boutique », sourit Cyril. Mais pour lui, il n’y a rien de tel que de voir les clients déguster son chocolat et ses pâtisseries réalisées dans la pure tradition française.

Dans quelques mois, leur vie sera encore plus chargée puisqu’ils attendent une petite fille pour le 1er mars. « Je me donne à 100% dans cette grossesse auprès de Leslie, et je sais que notre fille sera tout le temps avec nous dans le magasin », se réjouit Cyril.

Une petite fille biberonnée au chocolat et aux viennoiseries, cela me paraît tout à fait délicieux comme manière de débuter sa vie.

Fiona Collienne, journaliste originaire de Belgique, est heureuse de contribuer à la vie francophone du Vieil Ottawa Sud où elle vit avec son mari et leurs deux enfants.

EN FRANÇAIS, S’IL VOUS PLAÎT!Cyril Nebout, le pâtissier français qui enchante nos papilles

Leslie Yang et Cyril Nebout sont à la tête de Cylie Artisans Chocolatiers. PHOTO PAR FIONA COLLIENNE


COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

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GMSElemAdGR19G.pdf 2 2019-07-24 10:40 AM

Shawn Menard, City Councillor

Winter can be wonderful. With activities like skiing, skating and sledding, there can be so many fun things to do only in winter, but let’s admit it; winter can also be tough. Snow, slush and ice can make walking and driving difficult. As a winter city, we must ensure everyone can get around during winter. Slips and falls are serious risks, but so is social isolation.

The winter of 2018-2019 was especially difficult, with many challenging weather events, making life difficult for residents, and for snow clearing.

But the problem isn’t the weather, it’s our “Winter Maintenance Quality Standards” (or WMQS). These are snow-clearing guidelines. They determine where, when and how often crews plow. The WMQS are woefully out of date, having been created in 2003 and never once updated.

Well, that’s changing.After that terrible winter, our office

held a public consultation on snow clearing, and we pushed council and staff to update the WMQS so that they would properly meet residents’ needs.

That’s underway right now. City staff are reviewing the WMQS. They’ll be conducting public consultations in the new year, and then presenting proposed updates to the WMQS in September – just in time for the 2021-2022 season.

In the meantime, we have been and continue to work with staff to improve snow clearing operations in Capital Ward. As a central ward, it has been

important to improve maintenance of sidewalks and bus stops, as well as roadways. We have a lot of residents who walk, bus or even bike in the winter, and the old WMQS tend to ignore those modes of transportation.

This year, we will see new machinery out on sidewalks; we will see sidewalk crews deployed sooner than in the past; and we will see the multi-use path through Springhurst Park cleared. We have also identified some problem areas for plow operators to focus on. (And if you know of any, please let our office know, so we can pass it along to staff at Public Works.)

It’s important for the city to know where our current snow-clearing efforts are failing residents. For that reason, last month, our office conducted a survey to better understand how snow clearing efforts affect walking and bicycling in the winter. A final report will be released soon, but we can give you some of the initial findings, now.

Poor winter maintenance has been a big problem, with over 90% of respondents telling us they’ve been forced to deal with poor or dangerous sidewalk conditions. Approximately 87% or respondents have experienced a slip or fall due to poor sidewalks. More than 60% of bicyclists feel unsafe on our streets in the winter. Worst of all, 58% of respondents told us that they drive more in the winter because of the poor conditions.

With a climate emergency, having more people drive is the last thing we want.

Respondents also indicated that they found themselves frequenting local business less as a result of poor winter maintenance generally, with 61.25% of

participants indicating they frequented local business less due to poor sidewalk maintenance, and with 41% of those who found themselves driving more in the winter indicating that this specifically led them to frequent local business less.

With this information, we will be bringing a number of recommendations to city staff. We need to see a prioritization of school routes. We must improve the quality of snow clearing on residential streets, sidewalks and paths – with more infrastructure being cleared to the bare pavement. And we need to make sure that city infrastructure is built properly to be used in the winter – reducing slants on sidewalks, fewer curb depressions and clearing stairs.

It’s also useful for residents to know how quickly you can expect your roads and sidewalks cleared. Once it starts snowing, crews are out clearing major roads, arterial roads and collector roads – roads like Main, Riverdale and Hawthorne.

Once accumulation has reached 5 cm, then major residential streets and sidewalks start getting plowed, and they should be plowed within six hours. Other residential streets start getting plowed after 7 cm of snow, and they should be done within ten hours. Bus stops should be cleared within 24 hours (but want to see crews get this done sooner).

From November 15 to April 1, the city can declare a Winter Weather Parking Ban when freezing rain or at least 7 cm of snow is forecast. The city will issue a special advisory through social media, news outlets and the city website when there is a parking ban.

Vehicles without a residential parking permit that are parked on the street during a parking ban may be ticketed and towed. If you have a parking permit, you are exempt from winter weather

parking bans, but if you can move your car, it will help snow clearing efforts.

We will be keeping residents informed of changes to winter maintenance, but if you’d like to learn more about the city’s snow clearing standards and where to park during an overnight parking ban go to ottawa.ca click on “Parking roads and travel” then on “Road and sidewalk-maintenance” and finally choose ‘Winter maintenance.”

If your street or sidewalk hasn’t been cleared within a couple of days, please let the city know by calling 311, emailing [email protected] or through the city website: ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1.

We all play a role in keeping our city navigable. We shouldn’t block sidewalks or dump snow on the road when shoveling. We need to keep catch basins clear (the city paints yellow “T”s in the middle of the street pointing to them), as well as fire hydrants.

On garbage and recycling days, please make sure that your bins aren’t blocking the sidewalk—place them in your driveway or the boulevard. If you have a sidewalk in front of your driveway, please park your car clear of it so that people can get by. Winter can be especially bad for people using mobility aids, so please be sure there’s space to get by.

Together, we can make Ottawa a great winter city for everyone.

All about winter snow clearing

Winter Weather Parking Ban

November 15 to April 1

The city can declare a Winter Weather Parking Ban when freezing

rain or at least 7 cm of snow is forecast.

Vehicles without a residential parking permit that are parked on

the street during a parking ban may be ticketed and towed.


For a comprehensive overview, please visit our web site:

www.sandyhill.ca or call Nathan Gurnham at (613) 832-1717

By Paige Kahkonen

Happy New Year to Old Ottawa South! A new year is the perfect opportunity to branch out and try something new! If you are someone who is interested in starting this year off right by making new friends, learning new information, and starting a new routine, join us at ‘Seniors in Conversation’ every Tuesday morning and hear our new speakers and new topics carefully curated for our participants!

‘Seniors in Conversation’ is an interactive speaker series, encouraging older adults to establish an online presence, to become more comfortable using Zoom while staying connected during isolation.

Each ‘conversation’ takes place on Tuesday morning from 10:15 am - 11:30 am, and has a variety of guest speakers who lead each session, and discuss a variety of topics tailored to the participants.

The program is available for anyone interested, just send us an

email at [email protected] to receive the Zoom link each week.

Our upcoming schedule is as follows: • January 5th – Jesse Smith from

Connected Canadians returns to discuss online scamming, and how to protect yourself from scams

• January 12th – Liam Graham Morton from the Glebe Osteopath and Wellness Centre to talk about wellness and ageing.

• January 19th – Linda McCallum from the OutCare Foundation. The OutCare Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for community-based palliative care in Eastern Ontario. Their goal is for individuals and their families to have access to the care and support they need for their end-of-life journey.

• January 26th – Dr. Fred Goodwin, retired History Professor from Carleton University, to make some predictions about the upcoming Biden Administration in the US.

We encourage all new and existing participants to send us their topic and speaker suggestions via email to [email protected], for the upcoming month!

Reaching Seniors in Old Ottawa South (RSOOS) is also continuing to hold their bi-weekly Friday Coffee Conversations, which will take place on January 15th, and January 29th. This series does not require any registration! You can find the link for this by emailing us at [email protected], or you can find it on our Facebook page, @HealthyAgeingOS.

RSOOS is made possible by ‘New Horizons for Seniors’ a grant program established by the federal government. To continue the program, we are asking participants and members of the community to consider making a donation to help us ensure the longevity of the program, and continue these weekly conversations. If you wish to make a donation to RSOOS, please do so by going to: www.trinityottawa.ca/give.

If you are interested in becoming included in this service or to participate in these ‘conversations’ on Tuesdays or our bi-weekly Friday Conversations, please email [email protected] or call 613-733- 7536. You can also find us on Facebook, at @HealthyAgeingOS. We can also provide you with a link to Connected Canadians to help you Zoom.

Paige Kahkonen is a Carleton Journalism student who does communications for RSOOS.

REACHING SENIORS IN OLD OTTAWA SOUTHJoin ‘Seniors in Conversation’ this new year!

Seniors in Conversation on ZoomTuesday 10:15 am-11:30 [email protected] or 613-733- 7536

•January 5th – Jesse Smith on online scamming, and how to protect yourself

•January 12th – Liam Graham Morton on wellness and ageing

•January 19th – Linda McCallum from the OutCare Foundation

•January 26th – Dr. Fred Goodwin on the Biden Administration

RSOOS’s Seniors in Conversation session about getting the most out of your time online, with guest speaker Jesse Smith from Connected Canadians.


www.oldottawasouth.ca

Booking now for Fall 2020

mainrenovations.com

By Deborah MacAskill

You may not be familiar with the finer points of the kindergarten yard at Hopewell Ave Public School. Why would you be? Frankly, I have a daughter in JK, and until recently I was in the dark too.

So let me fill you in.Think of the yard like a big figure

eight. Each of the two circles that make up the “8” is a shallow bowl of sand surrounded by an asphalt path. One sand bowl has a play structure in the middle of it – currently off limits. The other is empty because the shade structure that used to stand there was so old, the school board removed it. They have a responsibility to do this for safety reasons. What they don’t have is a responsibility to do is to replace it. The main play structure is over two decades old and will not be far behind.

Now comes the fun part. With the first big snowfall, each of those sand bowls fills with snow, which either melts to slush or freezes into ice. Usually first one, then the other. In short, the sand bowls become ice bowls.

Are ice bowls safe for little kids to run around on?

Nope. So the teachers cordon them off with orange pylons. The kids now have the asphalt paths to play on, until the ice melts in the spring. Then it’ll be pretty gross and slushy for a while. The drainage is so slow, a big spring rain can fill the bowls to “over the top of your boots” levels for days at a time. Then before you know it, it’s summer, and the lack of shade kicks in. Not great.

Which brings me to Project SANDbox.

I remember going door to door last winter with my Grade 1-er, soliciting donations for a dance-a-thon. The campaign to renovate the kinder yard has been running valiantly since 2019 and has raised a staggering $100K. That should be enough to replace a creaky old play structure, right?

But the trouble is those pesky ice bowls and the lack of drainage that causes them. If you’ve ever done a home reno you’ll know, it’s the structural stuff that costs the real money. And we are still $40K short of the mark to be able to do it right. Meanwhile another cohort of kids ages out of the kinder yard, and the next batch gets slippy and slushy all over again.

So let’s have a dance-a-thon! Oh, wait, we can’t do that. Or the ski and skate sale, or any of the usual fundraising stuff that would involve meeting in person, or touching things that other people have touched.

Now we know times are hard. People have lost their livelihoods. Local businesses are hanging by a thread. So we are not asking anyone to give money unless they truly feel they have it to spare.

But in all honesty, as a two-income household of public servants, whose travel and entertainment budgets have

seen very little action for the last 9 months, we are giving more this year than last.

This pandemic has taught me how truly blessed we are to live in this neighbourhood. And every time I do something that gives back to OOS, I know I am actively creating the kind of community I want to live in.

(Another pandemic lesson was just how much kids need playgrounds. We climbed an awful lot of trees from March to July!)

So, whether you choose to create community by donating to the Firehall, or spending your money “between the bridges,” or donating to Project SANDbox, know that you are not giving money away. You are investing in the future of this community.

Whatever playground we are able to build at the end of this campaign –

whether it’s the one we want, or the one we can afford – it will be around for a long time.

Personally, I feel hopeful that our legacy for the next generation of Hopewell kinder kids will be one we can be proud of.

Deborah MacAskill is a parent of two Hopewell students and a member of the Project SANDBox committee.

• Facebook: Hopewell Ave PS School Council

• Twitter: @hopewellsandbox• Instagram: hopewellSAND_box• Hopewell SANDbox Fundraising

Page: https://chimp.net/groups/project-s-a-n-d-box-at-hopewell-ave-p-s

On Saturday, December 12th, Santa visited the Firehall. Old Saint Nick stayed outside so he could say hello those who dropped by and all could have some socially distanced Christmas fun. At the same time OSCA accepted donations of non-perishable food items for the Ottawa Food Bank as well as toys for the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa. PHOTO BY DARCY MIDDAUGH

Santa at the Firehall

HOPEWELL AVE PUBLIC SCHOOLThe ice bowl cometh

The kinder yard at Hopewell Avenue Public School. PHOTO BY FRAN MORRISON


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ENVIRONMENT

By Holly Bickerton

We have to admit that at the end of 2020, our collective annus horribilis, we could all use a spark of hope and inspiration. That was an underlying theme at the Enviro Crew of Old Ottawa South’s December 13 Environment and Climate Action Book Award nomination event that took place – where else? – on Zoom. Hosted by CBC radio’s Hallie Cotnam (an OOS resident), and joined by local politicians Shawn Menard, Joel Harden and David Chernushenko, your neighbours “pitched” their top picks for a winter’s worth of inspirational reading.

We’re sharing them with you and inviting you to read along with us. In February, we’ll reconvene to pick the winners, so keep an eye on the Enviro Crew Facebook page for further details. A huge shout-out to all those who nominated and pitched their books, and to Hallie for joining us for this virtual event.

Happy New Year, and happy reading!

Fiction & memoir

The Outermost House by naturalist Henry Beston is a classic book of nature writing written from Beston’s cottage on the beach in Cape Cod, where he intended to visit for two weeks, and stayed for a year. A magical escape to the seaside landscape.

The Overstory by Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Powers describes the interwoven stories of several people whose lives were changed or shaped by trees. The Overstory was nominated for the Man-Booker prize and is described as a sweeping literary achievement that examines humans’ relationships with trees and nature.

Burning Souls written by OOS’s own David Chernushenko (and available at

Cedars!). It is the story of four friends who meet as students and navigate the climate crisis and unfolding political turmoil and ecological collapse. A thrilling read with engaging characters and a glimpse of the high stakes that could face us all.

Non-fiction: Climate action

A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency, by Seth Klein. The author compares our current situation – in a crisis, ill-prepared – with that of the Second World War, in which Canadians and their government rapidly mobilized to completely change the economy and society. What can be learned from this parallel? Read and find out!

All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, edited by Ayana Johnson and Katharine Wilkinson. This collection of short essays and poems is written by a diverse group of women from all backgrounds, who work on the ground in climate action. They offer a range of ideas and insights for reshaping society. A hopeful and inspiring book.

Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress, by Mark Jaccard. Jaccard is a Canadian energy economist who has addressed climate policy through his career. He outlines pragmatic and realistic policies that can lead to success, rather than idealistic views that have hindered past discussions.

The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis, by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac. It’s reassuring to know that the authors who led the historic 2015 Paris Agreement are optimistic. Stubbornly so, in fact; they argue that failure is not an option. In describing two very different future scenarios, they call on each of us to play a role in shaping our collective choices.

This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate, by Naomi Klein. Klein states: “Forget everything you know about climate change – it’s not about carbon, it’s about capitalism.” She outlines the ways in which capitalism must change and gives positive examples where this is already occurring around the world.

Designing Climate Solutions: a Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy, by Hal Harvey, Robbie Orvis, and Jeffrey Rissman. In this 2018 book, the authors describe a small set of focused and cost-effective energy policies to put us on the path to meeting climate targets.

Non-fiction: Urban planning

Copenhagenize: The Definitive Guide to Global Bicycle Urbanism by Mikael Colville-Andersen. We all know that bikes are a low-carbon, healthy way to get around a city. But how do we transform our cities so that everyone feels safe on a bike? Colville-Andersen gives us a road map full of engaging stats, graphics, images and case studies. Hop on your bike through Copenhagen!

Dark Age Ahead by visionary urbanist Jane Jacobs is a classic work describing how, as agrarianism progresses to a technological society, we stand on the brink of a new dark age. Jacobs brings historical examples to bear on this transformation and uses them to describe how to renew our thinking.

Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution, by Janette Sadik-Khan and Seth Solomonow. Written by New York City’s transportation commissioner, Streetfight outlines the approach used there to make car-friendly urban areas into dynamic, safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.

Non-fiction: Nature

Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in your Yard, by Doug Tallamy. Tallamy advocates homeowners turning their yards into conservation corridors to provide wildlife habitat. He suggests ideas on how to do that, even in your own small space. There are concise overviews of ecological concepts and many beautiful pictures.

The Hidden Life of Trees, by Peter Wohlleben. This book sat at the top of the bestseller list a few years ago. In 36 short chapters, Wohlleben describes the amazing processes of life, death, regeneration and (yes) communication within the forest ecosystem. It’s a readable summary of emerging science in forest ecology that will leave you with wonder and awe of this ancient world all around us.

The Nature of Nature: Why We Need the Wild, by Enric Sala. The author, a National Geographic ocean ecologist, describes examples from his expeditions that demonstrate the economic wisdom in protecting wild places. This is an intellectual, thoughtful, hopeful book, full of surprising insights on the ocean.

Holly Bickerton is on the Enviro Crew of Old Ottawa South, and lives on Aylmer Avenue with her family.

Inspirational winter reading from the Environment & Climate Action Book Awards


ENVIRONMENT

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By Heather Martin

On November 25, a new subgroup of the Enviro Crew of OOS – the Tree/Urban Canopy Subgroup – was formed when 16 motivated and talented residents of OOS and beyond met virtually for the first time. Discussion covered the subgroup’s concept and vision, functions and roles, terms of reference and next steps, but the most inspiring part of the meeting was hearing about everyone’s interests and experiences. The diversity of skills, knowledge, and interest represented was very impressive and included: founding and operating charities, journalism and writing, studying impacts of trees on human health, environmental policy and planning, biology, landscape architecture, advocacy, community reforestation, and conducting tree censuses. Our collective passion for trees and forests and the many benefits they provide to individuals and society was very motivating, and there are high hopes for what this group of dedicated tree huggers can achieve together!

The subgroup’s main purpose is to be a catalyst for actions that will increase a healthy urban canopy in our neighbourhood and beyond, to mitigate local

impacts of climate change and contribute to a healthy environment. We are still working out all the details of how we are going to organize ourselves, but one project idea is to have a column in OSCAR dedicated to issues related to our local trees and forest canopy. Some things we may cover are raising awareness around what residents can do to keep their trees healthy, keeping the community informed about what we are planning and have achieved, and promoting the subgroup’s activities and actions that residents are invited to participate in.

Watch for more from the Tree/Urban Canopy Subgroup in the coming months. If you are interested in joining the group or have a tree-related subject idea for an OSCAR article, please contact Mark Burgham at [email protected].

Heather Martin is a resident of OOS and a senior landscape architect with the NCC.

By Susan Dallin O’Grady

Old Ottawa South is fortunate to have many local businesses trying to do their part for the environment!

ReducingWe can all reduce waste by shopping

locally, bringing our own bags, bringing our own straws, etc. Post-pandemic, let’s start bringing our own coffee mugs too!

Here are a few more examples of reducing waste or our carbon footprint:Communauto - This car-sharing service reduces the need for a car or a second car. There are three pick-up locations in OOS on Bank St.: Bank at Chesley, Bank at Sunnyside, and the Indigo lot next to the library.Hair Republic has installed special eco shower heads that reduce water and energy usage by up to 65%.Hillary’s Dry Cleaners sells eco2go laundry/garment bags to replace plastic dry cleaning bags.

ReusingOOS rocks for reusing! For example,

to decorate your home, we have many antique shops in the neighbourhood. If you have clothes at home that are slightly damaged, you can repair them at Hillary’s Dry Cleaners or Majestic Cleaners and Laundry.

Here are some other great examples of reusing:• Boomerang Kids sells and buys

children’s clothes and toys. • Bridgehead Coffee uses reusable

shipping containers to transport coffee and kitchen goods to their coffeehouses.

• Black Squirrel Books sells and buys second-hand books.

• Haven Books and Café sells and buys second-hand textbooks and course materials.

• Hillary’s Dry Cleaners reuses wire hangars. So if you have any around your house that you no longer need, please take to Hillary’s.

• The Belmont sells cocktails, sauces, and preserves in funky mason jars, which you can re-use at home or return to the restaurant.

• The Clothes Secret sells and buys women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.

• Vertigo Records sells and buys vinyl records and CDs.

Recycling• Bridgehead Coffee uses

compostable cups, lids, straws, cutlery, and bags. In addition, Bridgehead composts coffee grounds and provides the grounds for gardeners.

• Hair Republic and Fluid3 Colour Concept Salon are certified Green Circle salons. This means that they recycle 95% of salon waste (e.g., hair, foils, and chemical residues). Interesting fact: the Green Circle program repurposes your hair clippings to make hair booms to clean up oil spills!

• Oat Couture uses compostable cups, bowls, bags, and sleeves. They also compost all food waste.

In the spirit of January and New Year’s resolutions, we hope that our local businesses will continue to strive to do even more in 2021!

Did we miss your business and its green initiatives? Did your businesses recently implement a new eco-practice? Please email us at [email protected] and we

can share your green business practice on our Facebook page.

Susan Dallin has lived in Old Ottawa South for nearly 20 years. She loves to shop locally and is writing as a member of the Enviro Crew of Old Ottawa South.

Tree/Urban Canopy Subgroup takes root

This Honey-Locust tree next to Southminster Church was damaged by the ice storm of 1998, and the resulting low-growing branches have attracted neighbourhood kids over the years. Many dinners have been served late, when kids leaving programs at the church begged parents and caregivers for permission to climb the beloved tree before heading home. PHOTO BY HEATHER MARTIN.

Eco-friendly business practices in Old Ottawa South


CENTRETOWN'SNEIGHBOURHOOD

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By Michael Jenkin, Chair, OSCA Windsor Park Fieldhouse Working Group

As you know, OSCA is very focused right now on dealing with the impact of the pandemic on our programming and making sure that we are in a financial position to offer programming the community needs during this trying time. However, we also need to plan now for the post-pandemic future and the kind of community we want after the restrictions and constraints of the last nine months finally are lifted later in 2021. Moving forward with the new design for a fieldhouse will be one of the important steps we can take as a community in helping to define what a post-pandemic future can look like for Old Ottawa South – a future that is premised on making the community a better place to live and bring up our families.

With this in mind, OSCA’s Windsor Park Fieldhouse Working Group has been hard at work over the summer and autumn refining the design proposals for a new fieldhouse. Our work has been based on the feedback we have received from the community both last year (a major public meeting and online survey in the autumn of 2019) and this year (discussions and

outreach to users of the park and a second major online community-wide survey held last June which received over 117 responses).

However, before we get into the detail about what we have accomplished over the past six months, the Working Group also wanted to make clear that we are engaged in a multi-year project. As with the campaign to renovate and expand the Firehall, which successfully concluded some ten years ago, getting the design work approved and lining up the funding from multiple sources will take some time. We are in the first phase of that work which is, as a community, to come to a concrete consensus about what it is we want in a fieldhouse and to make sure that the consensus, in the form of a design proposal, is something that the City can approve as it meets their standards and requirements.

Our work this summer and autumnAt the end of August, we had

detailed discussions with the City of Ottawa and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) to review our design work to date to ensure our proposals complied with the City’s design requirements and standards for fieldhouses in urban parks.

During those discussions we found out from the RVCA that the existing fieldhouse, which was built sometime in the early 1960s, is located just inside of the boundary of the Rideau River floodplain. Today construction of a fieldhouse inside the floodplain boundary would require special permission from the Conservation Authority as generally a new building on the floodplain is not permitted. Because it was built before the current regulatory regime was put in place the current fieldhouse is “grandfathered.” However, what this means is that if a new building is constructed on the current site, which is what the

community made clear during our year long consultations is what it wants, we would be faced with a major challenge in getting the Conservation Authority’s approval.

Without getting too deeply into all the complexities of obtaining permission to build within the floodplain, proponents essentially have two options. First, construct a building that avoids flooding by raising the occupied part of the building above the floodplain so that it would escape water damage in the event of a flood. Such water that would enter the building would be in a crawl space, which would allow the water to drain away when the flood receded. The second option is a variant of the first, and the most common approach, which is to remove fill from an adjacent area and put that fill on the site of the building, effectively raising the land on which the building sits above the floodplain boundary so the building would not be subject to any potential flood damage.

The Working Group examined both options in terms of potential designs and found that in both cases the results were clearly unsatisfactory. The options either compromised the layouts of the floorplan designs and/or the ability to fit the building into the existing site, especially when one also considered issues such as accessibility requirements for entry points to the building. The removal of a number of mature trees and the potential for fill and grading intruding into the pool and playground space were also very negative factors. Further, the building being elevated either on higher foundations, or on fill, would

OSCAA new fieldhouse for Windsor Park: The proposed design

Continued on pg. 19

PROPOSED SITE PLAN FOR A NEW FIELDHOUSE AT WINDSOR PARK


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be visually intrusive as well and would not blend well into the site. Needless to say, both of these options would significantly increase the construction costs for a new fieldhouse as well.

A new site for the fieldhouseThe solution to these problems was

to look for an alternative site, outside the floodplain boundary, which would accommodate the building’s footprint and not involve floodplain remediation measures which both increase the cost of the building and compromise its layout and thus its effectiveness as a fieldhouse. City officials proposed just such a site, only about 30 metres north-west of the current fieldhouse, next to the basketball court. You can see the proposed location in the site plan diagram. The site has a few issues: it slopes somewhat from the northwest to the south east and there are two or three young trees that will likely need to be moved, but it would allow the construction of an at grade facility that meets all accessibility requirements and that can incorporate virtually all the priority functions and features that the community indicated it wanted to see in a new fieldhouse.

Proposed designAnd this brings us to the design

proposal for the new fieldhouse that the Working Group has developed, based on your input over the last year. What you see is the floorplan of the proposed facility. It will be a one-storey building with a roof which overhangs the entire perimeter of the building creating a wraparound shelter. The building will be constructed on a concrete pad with no basement, will be designed as a year-round facility with heating and air conditioning, and will have its principal orientation and main entrance facing south towards the winter rink, the playing fields and the river.

The design allows the washrooms and changing facilities to be closed off from the remainder of the building so that when the rest of the fieldhouse is not operating the washrooms and changing facilities can stay open. There will be exterior lighting, and external water and electrical outlets available to support outside events and rink flooding. A programming room and meeting room have been provided,

the former with sliding doors so that both indoor and outdoor activities can be supported and integrated outside of the winter months. Similarly, the proposed kitchen could service the main programming area, and through a window/counter, service outside events. It is not envisioned that the kitchen be of commercial grade, but rather provide heating facilities for prepared food, refrigerated and non-refrigerated food storage space and sinks with running water.

Ample storage facilities have been provided, including space for outdoor and rink equipment that is directly accessible from the outside. Some of the facilities that are present in the facility are there as a result of City design standards (such as mechanical rooms, IT closets, janitorial space and the requirement that the building have two principal entrances). The building has been designed so that it meets accessibility requirements for all interior and exterior doors, corridors and, of course, washrooms and changing areas.

If the new fieldhouse is built, the existing facility would become redundant and it will be up to the City to decide what to do with it. If the building is demolished, the working group is recommending that an open-air pavilion be located on at least part of the footprint of the old fieldhouse to provide shelter and picnicking space for those people using the playground and the pool.

We’d like your feedbackBefore we finalize this design, we’d

like your views on the proposed site and on the proposed building design. Have we captured what you wanted in a fieldhouse? What’s missing? What don’t you want to see in the design? Please visit www.oldottawasouth.ca/park where you will find an online questionnaire that you can fill out. The site will open on Monday, January 4 and will be taking comments until Friday, January 29, 2021 at midnight.

Next stepsOnce we have the community’s

feedback, we will revise the design and submit it to the OSCA Board for approval at its February 16 meeting. At that meeting the Board also will make a decision on whether to apply for funding from the City’s Community Partnership Major Capital Program and consider a multi-year funding

framework for the project. Application to the program is key to ensuring that the project gets in the long-term queue for capital project funding, and will make it easier to search for other funding sources if it is approved. Of course, we will need to consider as a community how we can contribute to the project financially, but that is a decision we need to make sometime

later. As you may have heard, the Councillor has already announced that he will consider providing $250,000 towards the project from the fund available for improvements to parks in the ward, sourced from funds collected from development charges. We will be keeping you posted on developments later in the New Year.

OSCA

Have we captured what you wanted in a fieldhouse?

Fill out the online questionnaire at: www.oldottawasouth.ca/park

Open from January 4 until January 29

Cont. from pg. 18


By Jennifer Humphries

In October’s OSCAR, we proudly announced the arrival of two newspaper boxes on Bank Street in Old Ottawa South (OOS), and three in the Glebe. A sixth was added in OOS in October.

A collaboration between The OSCAR and the Glebe Report, the idea was to get our great community papers out to readers who may not receive them at their doorstep, or would like a second copy to share with friends. More than that, the boxes were beautifully decorated by young artists in our communities – a nice marriage of design and function.

In November, an unfortunate collision damaged beyond repair the box at Lansdowne, one of four designed and painted by Claire Brascoupé and Mairi Brascoupé. The Glebe Report and The OSCAR have commissioned the artists to paint a replacement box.

“I was surprised, even shocked, when I heard about this,” Claire said. “But, looking on the bright side, my sister and I spent time together working on these boxes, and we had fun doing

it. And once we had completed them, they belonged to everyone, not us.” The silver lining, as Claire called it, is the opportunity to make one more piece of street art, integrating a few creative changes to the original design.

“When we learned about the destruction of this beautifully decorated box, we were very disappointed,” said Patricia Lightfoot, Glebe Report Board Chair, “but at the same time extremely

thankful that no one was injured.”Brendan McCoy, Editor of The

OSCAR, emailed his reaction: “I knew the boxes would not last forever, but it was just so disappointing for this box to be gone so soon after all the work. They were initially proposed by the Glebe Report team and, credit to them, they did all the legwork to figure out how we could do it. I thought it was a project that seemed worth trying. The pandemic has made the boxes really useful, now that the shops and institutions (such as the library and

community centres) where we used to put out papers are closed or just not open to the public. The newspaper boxes have been a really valuable way to make The OSCAR and Glebe Report available to those who don’t get delivery to their door.”

Jennifer Humphries is a member of the board of the Glebe Report Association and co-chair of the Environment Committee of the Glebe Community Association.

By Michelle LeBlanc Have you been bothered by the increase in heavy truck traffic on Sunnyside Avenue over the years?

Did you know that heavy trucks are prohibited on Sunnyside Avenue? There are streets in the city designated for heavy trucks, but Sunnyside Avenue is not one of them. That is why you can see city signs posted at the corner of Sunnyside and Bank and at Bronson prohibiting heavy truck traffic.

Despite this, non-local heavy trucks continue to use Sunnyside Avenue increasing the risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and students, parents and staff of Hopewell Public School. These trucks are loud, and disruptive. They shake homes, damage the road, contribute to ever-increasing traffic and interfere with day-to-day life, work and sleep. It is especially urgent to enforce this by-law as more residents are staying home due to the pandemic.

There are times when heavy trucks can use non-designated truck routes, for instance for local deliveries and servicing, but this is meant only as an exception.

These trucks are breaking the City of Ottawa’s by-law but unfortunately neither the city nor the police are doing anything about it. Unless the community makes its voice heard, the trucks won’t stop. Both the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Police recommend lodging complaints to bring an issue to the forefront. All complaints are compiled and analyzed to drive proactive enforcement. In other words, it’s about limited resources and squeaky wheels. If you have concerns about non-local heavy trucks travelling down Sunnyside Avenue, here’s where you can get your voice heard!

PoliceFile a traffic complaint online at

ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting. Fill out all applicable fields. Reporting will help the Ottawa Police better allocate police resources.

Service Ottawa Email Service Ottawa at 311@

ottawa.ca or call at 3-1-1 (613-580-2400). The city collects these stats, so complaints help raise awareness to staff members and elected officials.

PetitionSign the petition on change.org at

www.change.org/StopHeavyTrucks_SunnysideAvenue. The petition will be sent to the City of Ottawa and its Council.

There is a law in place. There are signs. We just need the city to enforce its own law.

Together we can make this happen!

Michelle LeBlanc has been a resident of OOS for over 20 years.

Street art loss, and a silver lining

Scene of the Lansdown accident.PHOTO FROM THE CITY OF OTTAWA

Where to find our Bank Street newspaper boxes, from north to south:• Patterson Ave., corner with Central Park East• Glebe Ave., side of Shoppers Drug Mart• Returning soon: Lansdowne in front of Whole

Foods/LCBO/Bus Stop • Sunnyside Ave. (east corner)• Belmont Ave., in front of The Senate Tavern• In front of Hillary’s Dry Cleaners at Cameron Ave.

Support the campaign to stop non-local heavy trucks on Sunnyside Avenue

The ‘No heavy trucks’ sign on the corner of Bank Street and Sunnyside Avenue. PHOTO BY MICHELLE LEBLANC


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The Trial of the Chicago 7On October 16, 2020, Netflix

released a remarkable feature film, The Trial of the Chicago 7. The film recreates the events of 1968, when activists disrupted the US Democratic Party Convention in downtown Chicago.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 recreates the events surrounding the arrests and subsequent trial of seven Americans who organized a protest to disrupt the Democratic Convention.

The film boasts a strong cast – including Sacha Baron Cohen as the co-founder of the Yippies Abbie Hoffman, Eddie Redmayne as Tom Haydon, Mark Rylance as defence lawyer William Kunstler and Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin. The all-star cast also includes Michael Keaton as Attorney General Ramsey Clark and Frank Langella as Justice Hoffman.

The Vietnam War is raging, and the leaders of the protest are charged with conspiracy. The accused have divergent views on defence tactics, with some of them hoping to make this a kind of a show trial to embarrass the government. As the trial begins, there are eight defendants. The case against Black Panther leader Bobby Seale (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) falls apart early in the film.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 shifts seamlessly from the courtroom to the tumultuous events on the streets of

Chicago. I wondered if the depiction of the brutal police tactics were intended to reverberate in an era of Black Lives Matter? It is especially fascinating to watch as the defence attorneys meet with the accused to sort out differences in tactics. I did not follow the trial in 1968 so I found the history as fascinating as the characters.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin – who won an Oscar in 2011 for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Social Network – and who reportedly worked on the script for two years. The running time is two hours and nine minutes. The film was released on October 16 on Netflix. Despite its length, The Trial of the Chicago 7 never drags and is hugely entertaining and highly recommended.

A Private WarMarie Colvin was one determined

war reporter. Working for The Times of London, her firsthand accounts from the frontlines of conflicts in East Timor, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Chechnya, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe made news around the world and helped shape our understanding of these conflicts.

A Private War is a biopic about her storied career. Rosamund Pike plays the lead role as Marie Colvin. Her performance sizzles as much as the heart-breaking stories she covers. She is portrayed as a driven workaholic, who feeds off danger and is above all

a determined storyteller. She chain-smokes, suffers from PTSD, drinks like a fish and curses with the best of them. Yet as the title denotes, her professional career was a personal struggle. The film also stars Tom Hollander as Marie’s editor Sean Ryan.

A Private War is based on an article in Vanity Fair by Marie Brenner. War is bloody, and this film captures

it from the front lines. The language is colourful and the images are often brutal.

I have screened four films starring Pike – Radioactive, Seven Days in Entebbe, A United Kingdom and A Private War. There is no doubt A Private War is her best performance by far.

Colvin was killed in Homs, Syria in 2012 so – spoiler alert – there is no surprise how this film ends.

A Private War was directed by

Mathew Heinneman and originally released in 2018. Heinneman was nominated for an Oscar in 2019 for his doc City of Ghosts.

A Private War is currently streaming on Kanopy (which is free with your Ottawa Public Library card). The running time is one hour and fifty minutes.

Tony Wohlfarth is an Ottawa-based freelance film writer.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 and A Private War

Rosamund Pike and Tom Hollander in A Private War.


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By Jocelyn LeRoy

My brother sawed stoically and sadly, our retired – beloved actually – 73 year old canoe. Forest green she’s always been, with innumerable coats of paint and a fortification of fiberglass, which brought her original 55 lbs up to 90 or more. Not a portage canoe … but oh, what a meaningful life she had!

Sawing her up – two halves and a centerpiece – did not, could not, destroy her history, her memories, and the gifts bestowed upon our family.

An amazing amount of stuff can be packed into a canoe. This canoe carried lumber to build floors and furniture, a heavy straw carpet, and all the supplies to live in the woods, including the woodstoves.

I have recollection of being flung into the canoe in an undignified manner as my parents hopped onto the seats, pushing off from the shoreline to paddle as swiftly as possible while smoke curled upwards behind our cabin across the lake.

Our canoe never won a race – due to her flatness and weight – but that day my mother’s formidable bow stroke and father’s long draw, carefully keeping us in a straight line, nary a

second was wasted. For me it was a blur of deer-browsed

trees and cresting waves. The skill of my parents ploughing through the white-capped waves was exciting for me. I was six years old.

I shoved my feet under me and white-knuckled it as we crested the swells and slid over them, swooshing down the other side, sometimes with a great splash.

Suddenly they were back-paddling and avoided crashing into the dock – a perfect landing. My dad sprang out of the canoe leaving us rocking and clinging to the dock. People from all parts of the lake saw the smoke and raced to help. They brought barrels and buckets and shovels. My dad organized them all into an effective plan of action. My mother made coffee and sandwiches all day – also pumping water for hours. I recall my father hoisting large pails of water to his shoulders, then race-walking into the forest to quell the flames; flames that travelled underground and burst up from the peat moss patches.

A trench was dug all around the cabin. I remained on the front porch steps – ordered to not move until told to. I drew pictures in the sandy

ground, and caught a few bugs to examine intensely. I looked up at the sky, imagining Raggedy Anne jumping from cloud to cloud. It was a long, long, day.

Filthy and smoky, everyone gobbled the food my mother had managed to prepare between bouts of pumping water. It was dark when all the volunteers left. But my father, with a flashlight, carried more buckets into the woods to pour on the few sizzling remaining patches, and embers not quite out.

Our cabin was saved, from the only fire we ever faced.

Fun TimesI loved canoes. Gunnel-bobbing

(standing on the sides of the boat near one end and squatting up and down to make the canoe rock up and down and move forward) was so much fun. It was hard on the shins if you lost your balance. Exploring the reeds hoping to discover a loon’s nest, or lying down in the canoe to take a trip in the clouds or sunset while it drifted for awhile – were always inspiring to my rampant imagination.

Learning to right a dumped canoe, then emptying it while treading water, hoping not to sink, was a big challenge. We spent hours trying to master that clumsy endeavour. We even tried to paddle it under water (they never really sink to the bottom).

Best of all, I never had to carry it on a canoe trip. It was a working canoe, graceful and reliable in a stiff wind, but she never crossed a beaver dam or shot rapids. Too lovely to be called a cargo canoe, even though she was one.

On canoe trips I portaged with my brother and company (finally, he invited me!) We paddled in our red Chestnut Canoe, but through uncertain waters followed our “scouting canoe,” a mammoth size aluminum beast with lots of metal studs and gaffer-tape repairs. It had scars that bragged of a monastic ‘bong’ when colliding with a tree. You could see deep scratches – long raw streaks along the sides from scraping over sharp invisible rocks and prickly beaver dams. This workhorse canoe was better for paddling hundreds

of miles through rivers and lakes, rapids, and mud swamps.

Oh my, it made our workhorse green canoe seem so graceful and almost elegant! Both canoes created memories of storms, skies, shining flat water at golden dawn; autumn reflections on the glassy lake, brilliant and true.

Re-homedI have always been captivated by

the whimsical. How whimsical is it to have ½ a canoe (memories of half my childhood) sitting in my living room today, now with treasures on its seat/shelves? That’s one half. The middle piece is covering the woodpile – how practical! And the third chunk is holding towels and supplies in what used to be the bunky bathroom – how unwhimsical! – a recent “canoe-in-the-bathroom” project.

Ontario government edicts got reversed once again last year, requiring dismantling of auxiliary cabin bathrooms (which they prescribed when outhouses were no longer allowed). So we had to build an outhouse. It’s a majestic sky-lighted edifice built to last forever; Government be damned!

After talking with my brother, commiserating about sawing up the old canoe, my mind raced with visions of ferns growing up over the gunnels. Not petunias, they’re not wild enough. I did imagine it moving into my office, but hopes dashed when my brother announced he had plans for it. My friends would have wondered if I was feeling all right. They’d muster up a commentary on my lifestyle. “Aw, she likes books and flowers and hates shopping, so that’s probably her solution for a needed bookshelf. Whatever turns her crank”.

Well, my brother’s “plans” included a trip to Ottawa, with half a canoe. He arm-wrestled it out of his car, into the elevator. No one noticed ½ a canoe with legs under it, moving down the hall and right into my home. He went straight for the large windows and carefully parked it on its new end.

Continued on pg. 23

TASTY TIDBITS FROM TRILLIUM BAKERYMahogany, the spirit of Source Lake, and a tale of two whistles

The mahogany plywood canoe dates to 1947 and it met its demise after 73 years, a remarkable duration for that technology. PHOTOS BY BRIAN MALTMAN


By Travis J. Croken

Canadians have long enjoyed Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Making up just 0.01% of all coffee grown worldwide, this extremely rare and near-mythical coffee is widely considered one of the world’s best. Many factors contribute to coffee beans’ flavour, including farm location and microclimate, altitude, the terroir (earth), humidity, and careful processing. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee has the near-perfect balance of all, and there is a producer in your very own community, Ricardo Forbes.

President and CEO of Rocksteady Coffee Company, Ricardo Forbes, is an established Old Ottawa South resident and a driven entrepreneur. His success can be attributed to collaboration and a focus on sustainable long-term vertical growth, and empowering more women farmers – a cornerstone for his success. Another cornerstone is the support he receives from his wife, son, and Miffy, their one-year-old westie. Rocksteady Coffee, founded in 2013, and located in the Blue and John Crow Mountains in Jamaica, comprises 17.5-acres of nutrient-rich farmland surrounded by three waterfalls and natural irrigation.

Upon visiting the farm, one can smell the earth’s richness and watch the mist roll between the mountain tops and across the fields in the afternoon. The coffee is pesticide-free, grown using organic methods, including collecting cast-off cherries and used grinds to be used as fertilizer. Each step in producing these single-origin beans is meticulously planned to ensure a consistently balanced and superior taste profile.

Rocksteady Coffee is available across Jamaica. Locally, it is available at Jacobson’s Fine Foods (103 Beechwood Ave.) and Savannah Afro Caribbean Products (1838 Bank St near Walkley). Its footprint in the Canadian market is expanding to over 300 high-end specialty food stores, including several in Montreal. Forbes plans to continue to grow his company’s presence in Ottawa, across Canada and also online. There is also a plan to open a café here in the city.

Community involvement is essential to Forbes. In Jamaica, the company supports many great causes, including making donations to the local churches, and has recently provided those churches with COVID-19 temperature taking equipment. Here

at home, Rocksteady Coffee Co. is the exclusive coffee sponsor of equestrian events at Wesley Clover Parks and the Tennis Challenger Cup in Gatineau, among other community initiatives. In future, Forbes plans to create meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities for older Ottawa

residents, focusing on distribution and opportunities outside of the café.

Continuing his community involvement and expansion, Forbes plans to transition a large portion of the Rocksteady sales operations online using the eCommerce platform of another local company, Shopify. When you take some time to chat with Forbes, a few things become clear. His love for his family, his passion for coffee, and his commitment to supporting and furthering his community, be it here in Old Ottawa South or Cascade, Portland, Jamaica.

While the coronavirus pandemic has impacted many businesses, large and small, Rocksteady Coffee continues to grow – along with demand – all while supporting its local communities and retaining the entirety of its workforce.

Next time you see Ricardo walking in OOS, be sure to say hi. You will get a flash of his brilliant smile and a conversation with someone truly making a difference.

Travis J. Croken is an Ottawa based writer.

Perfect place! Not my office.Quickly we placed a few objects in

the canoe. No books. No decorating. Only the things that belonged to this, (feel a little odd saying it,) “shrine” to our childhood and beyond – the legacy given us by our parents. All the time in the forests and lakes of Algonquin. And the life lessons learned there which we realized eventually!

I’m thinking of placing one more thing in the canoe. But first – we have the burly bowl filled with rocks and gemstones, many of which were mined in Ontario. My mother’s favourite sylvan vase, now filled with cedar and pine. And another with her final arrangement of beautiful dried flowers. There sits a proud loon, a handsome carving with its necklace and red eye. I gingerly place a small birchbark and quill box my father gave me when I was eight years old – with incense he made from cedar and sage – still pungent after 60 years or more.

Three pine cones and an Algonquin rock, all guarded by another very old carving – a raccoon, chiseled by an old man in his primitive cabin in “The Park.”

There is room left for a silver whistle named “The Acme Thunderer,” which I was obliged to wear around my neck whenever I wandered into the woods, to visit my first friends: mosses, ferns, salamanders under rotten logs. Smell the scent of pine, and sometimes a glimpse a deer nervously watching me as I poked at holes under the tree roots. My father told me you could squeeze water out of sphagnum moss

in springtime and drink it. Could come in handy if you’re lost in a forest.

“If you find yourself lost – sit down. Blow your whistle. Don’t move until I come and find you.”

Oddly enough, the first gift I received from my husband was a whistle, also an Acme Thunderer. He didn’t know I already had one. “In case you get lost in the forest.” I took it as some other-worldly kind of omen.

And yes, I still gravitate towards sylvan places. So far I have not become lost.

How could I, with TWO silver whistles?

For you canoe people …Canoe history in Ontario, after

dugouts and birchbark, began to change.

In the thirties the technology of the time made canoes with cedar strips, and later, canvas. In the forties, The Canadian Canoe Company was moulding canoes out of mahogany plywood.

When purchased in that decade, our canoe weighed a mere 55 lbs, at 16’. Its life expectancy was 20 years. It took over 70 years for the mahogany ply bottom, sides, and keel to wear thin beyond repair.

On my final paddle with my elderly mother still able to get into her beloved canoe, I had to stern my utmost to keep us straight. She never lost her ‘strong paddling arm’ and impressive pace-setting. You had to master it or you’d just go around in circles. If Mom was in the bow. Round and round in circles. She wouldn’t ease up. She kindly pointed out that I must simply put more “oomph” into my stroke, until I got

strong enough to ‘keep up.’ Indeed I did.

I still feel her presence when out on the water, and now, in the whimsical remains of our Old Green Canoe, sitting here beside me as I write.

Jocelyn LeRoy is the owner of Trillium Bakery in Old Ottawa South since 1980.

RecipeFestive fruited yamsIngredents4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch pieces1 large green apple, peeled and sliced1 cup fresh cranberries½ cup raisins2 Tbsp. maple syrup½ cup orange juice

Directions1) Preheat oven to 350.2) Place sweet potatoes in 9”x18” baking dish.3) Top with fruits, maple syrup. Pour over orange juice.4) Bake, covered, for one hour or till tender.

Can be served with main course as a side dish or as dessert.

Enjoy this after-Christmas easy treat! These are good all winter long and are high in fibre.I’m sure next year you will want to add it to your holiday menu, when we’re hopefully able to have more family and friends gathered around our table in December. Bon appétit!

Cont. from pg. 22

BUSINESSES OF OLD OTTAWA SOUTH

The old boat was made into shelves, so the family heirloom lives on.

Ricardo Forbes, coffee entrepreneur

Ricardo Forbes, President and CEO of Rocksteady Coffee Company.


By Martha Tobin

We’ve all been staring at the same four walls for many months now. And staring daily at four walls is one thing; staring at those four walls and your clutter every day is quite another.

Unopened boxes filled with memorabilia stacked in the back of your basement. Mystery bins in the pantry. A coat closet with a black hole that swallows mitts, gloves and the occasional boot. A guest room that has become the family dumping zone for all-things-with-no-home. A garage that is more of an additional storage shed than a place to park your car. And kitchen cupboards that repeatedly defy your organizational attempts. Sound familiar? You are not alone.

Many people think that the issue is that they don’t have enough storage space. Interestingly enough, the problem is rarely about the amount of storage space and more about the amount of stuff. Whether you live in an apartment, a condo or a 3-storey home, the problem of clutter is the same – people think about it, worry about it, move it around and repeatedly try to organize it. In short, clutter causes stress.

And it turns out clutter is not only stressful, it’s also costly. Think about all the storage bins, containers and shelving you’ve bought over time. What about the duplicates you’ve had to purchase when you couldn’t find the original? And think about the money made by storage companies every month. (There’s a very good business reason why these companies are popping up on every corner.)

Clutter is also costly in terms of time. Time wasted to be exact. Time spent looking for the library book you wanted to return, the shoes you wanted to re-heel, the stamps you bought last week and the Tupperware you borrowed. According to R. Eisenberg and Kate Kelly in their book, Organize Your Life, “Clutter is the number one impediment to having more free time. We are drowning in our possessions”.

So if clutter is so stressful, time-consuming and costly why can’t we get a handle on it? Two reasons: over-purchasing, and the lack of maintainable systems that work with our busy lives.

Here are a few tips and tricks that might help you conquer your clutter:

One in, one outFor every item you purchase, make a

pact with yourself that you’ll discard or donate another item that you no longer need or want.

Would you move with it? If you were to move right now would

it be worth packing up and unpacking that box, bag or bin again? Similar to Marie Kondo’s question “does it spark joy,” this question about moving also tries to get to the root of the reason. Why are you hanging on to items that you’ve not looked at in years? The answer will help you discover those items that are truly meaningful and those that you can take a photo of and let go.

Donations that do goodIt’s difficult to let some items go

because of our sentimental attachment to them. By donating them, though, you avoid them going into a landfill while giving them a second life with someone less fortunate in our community who really needs those items. With the colder season upon us, coats, scarves, mitts, boots, blankets, and sleeping bags are just some of the items desperately required. You can also sell your items on the GIVESHOP app, receive a tax receipt and have all the proceeds directed to local charities.

The Sunday sweep Each Sunday take a bin and walk

through each room picking up items that belong somewhere else and then distribute those items accordingly. This 15 minute exercise will not only save you clean up time in general, but it will also save your sanity when you are trying to locate an item in the future.

While we are all staring at the same four walls of our homes it’s a great time to take stock of the stuff we have.

Perhaps try and declutter one room at a time. Or if you are finding the thought of conquering your clutter too overwhelming, reach out to a professional organizer and declutterer. In a surprisingly short period of time, they will help you determine what to keep and what to let go of. Best of all they’ll create order, give you back functional space and you’ll be able to take big, deep breaths again in those rooms.

Martha Tobin, owner Room2Breathe – Organizing & Decluttering is a Glebe resident. Martha is passionate about making a difference in her clients’ lives and the lives of those less fortunate in our community.

Before (above) and after (right). PHOTOS BY MARTHA TOBIN

Conquering your clutter


Our office is here for you with:

MPP / Député provincial,

Ottawa Centre

109 Catherine St. / rue Catherine Ottawa, ON K2P 0P4

P: 613-722-6414 E: [email protected] www.joelharden.ca

Monthly Town HallsCanvasses Community Organizing Help Accessing GovernmentServices (such as housing,ODSP/OW, healthcare, OSAPetc.) And more!

By Julie Ireton

Rosemary MacKinnon has made a new friend during the pandemic and spends hours each month chatting with her on the phone. Decades separate these new pals by age, they’ve never met face to face, but they have no problem finding things to talk about.

This fall, some Carleton University sports teams have been matched up with isolated seniors like MacKinnon, and they socialize with them by phone.

Some young women on the university’s rugby team are making calls to residents of the Glebe Centre and members of Abbotsford House seniors centre.

“With COVID-19 I don’t get out to socialize much so it’s really nice to talk to someone about what they’re doing,” said MacKinnon. “Getting to know someone young brings more to our lives.”

University teams are still training and practicing, but varsity competitions are on-hold right now, giving athletes much more spare time than usual.

Some teams decided to spend that extra time giving back to the community.

“It’s really cool to make connections outside the school and it gives an opportunity for the seniors to keep

in touch, keep busy, especially with COVID-19, because they aren’t able to do other activities,” said Zoe Coulter, a third year Carleton student and varsity rugby player.

Coulter, who is studying anthropology and sign language, is also hoping to put her signing skills to practice with other seniors in the community.

“It’s great practice for me,” said Coulter, “As a student, it’s nice to have a break and not think about any school work and just listen to them. It makes everyone feel good on both sides.”

Sometimes the phone calls last an hour or two, according to Coulter. They talk about anything and everything during these conversations, including politics.

Coulter says she looks forward to the end of COVID-19 when they can meet each other in person, and maybe set up a “paint evening or story night.”

Kirsten O’Brien, program facilitator at Abbotsford House, makes the match between students and seniors, and shares information about the clients so it’s not a “cold call”.

“They form friendships and look forward to the calls. They can all use a phone, so they don’t have to be techy with a computer for these chats,” said O’Brien. “The seniors are

interested in that real connection, a voice at the end of the line.”

Seniors looking to be connected to a Carleton University student should call Kirsten O’Brien at Abbotsford House, 613-230-5730 ext 322, or [email protected]

Julie Ireton is a journalist with the CBC, a lecturer at Carleton University and a resident of the Glebe.

Abbotsford is your Seniors Active Living Centre. We are the community programs and services of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services by telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all of The Glebe Centre facilities and community programs on our website www.glebecentre.ca

By Don Cummer

It began as a birthday party on Riverdale Avenue. It morphed into a national event that spread to nine Canadian cities. It jumped international borders to New York City, Boston and Dublin. And now the Great Canadian Kilt Skate is returning to its origins as an event for individuals, families, and small groups.

Welcome to the Great Canadian Kilt Skate – Home Edition, where Scots by birth, Scots by ancestry and Scots at heart are invited to don their kilts and their tartans, strap on their skates,

and take to the rinks in backyards, community centres, and ponds, rivers and, yes, canals.

Ottawa has a plethora of all these skating venues. We have a “home ice advantage” in competing for the title of Kilt Skate Capital of Canada this year. Ottawa is competing for Kilt Skate Capital bragging rights with Montreal, Toronto, Fergus, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Lethbridge, Calgary and Glengarry which has held the title for the past two years.

Tartaned and kilted skaters are encouraged to hashtag their social media posts:• #kiltskate2021OTT• #OttScot• #ScotlandIsNow

The #kiltskate2021OTT tag will ensure that our community’s individual skaters will be counted among Ottawa’s tally for overall Kilt Skate turnout. Kilt skaters can also email photos and videos to the Scottish Society of Ottawa (SSO) at [email protected]. The SSO will use these photos and videos to compile its own video about the kilt skate phenomenon across Canada.

Under the auspices of the SSO, the first Great Canadian Kilt Skate was held on the Rideau Canal Skateway in 2015. The following year, the warm weather on kilt skate weekend required a relocation to the Lansdowne Park Skating Court, where it has been held ever since.

And indeed, a community version

of the Great Canadian Kilt Skate has been scheduled for January 16, 2021, from 10 am to noon. Because of public health protocols and City of Ottawa regulations, a maximum of only 20 skaters can gather at one time. As a result, skaters are asked to register on Eventbrite for one of two skating slots that morning. The registration can be accessed through the SSO website: https://ottscot.ca.

But the limitations on public gatherings can’t limit the joy of celebrating Scotland’s contribution to Canada by skating in our kilts. The Great Canadian Kilt Skate – Home Edition encourages everyone to create

their own, socially-distanced, bubble-protected, safe and healthy kilt skate.

Our faces may be masked, but our knees will be bare!

Across the country, the Home Edition of the Great Canadian Kilt Skate will run from December 31, 2021 (the SSO’s annual Hogman-eh! party – see their website for details) to February 28 (when we assume the outdoor ice will be past its prime.)

Don Cummer spends his time between Old Ottawa South and Dublin, Ireland. He has been organizing kilt skates for many years. www.kiltskate.com.

ABBOTSFORD AT THE GLEBE CENTRE

Carleton University athlete Charlotte Elliott is connecting and socializing with isolated seniors by phone. PHOTO BY SEAMUS DONAHUE

Seniors and students connecting

Don Cummer, “Skater-in-Chief” of the Scottish Society of Ottawa, in 2019.

Will Ottawa’s Kilt Skate enjoy home ice advantage?


MP’S REPORT

By Catherine McKenna, MP

We made it to 2021! Vaccines are here and their availability is anticipated to quickly increase in the months ahead. Having said that, we need to continue to do our part in staying safe as COVID-19 is still with us.

The pandemic and its long-term consequences will continue to test us in exceptional ways, but we will meet these challenges with resilience, kindness and by working together to support each other and our community.

Thank you for continuing to follow public health guidelines and for contributing to keeping our loved ones and our vulnerable populations safe and healthy.

Throughout the pandemic, the federal government listened to Canadians. We developed programs to support businesses, workers, individuals and various sectors to get us through these hard times. In speaking with business owners, I know it’s been extremely challenging; we will get through this.

Local updateThere has been some exciting

progress locally that I am so pleased to share.

Since 2015, I have advocated to secure funding for the new “Super Library” and to make it net-zero. Through a strong partnership with the City of Ottawa and with Library and Archives Canada, the federal government has delivered on investing in a net-zero carbon joint facility. This was a team effort and I know how important it is for Ottawa residents.

Some more great news: I was so pleased to end the year announcing, alongside Mayor Watson, federal funding for four new electric buses and charging stations in Ottawa. This is something I committed to as Member of Parliament and it was incredible to reach this achievement with the City of Ottawa. This is yet another example of how our government believes in better transit that is cleaner, sustainable and resilient.

Now let’s talk about housing. This was another commitment I made – to advocate and deliver more affordable housing for Ottawa. Through many discussions with my colleague, Minister Hussen, and ongoing collaboration with the City of Ottawa

and Mayor Watson, we have delivered on more affordable housing in Ottawa.

In 2020, we invested $167.9M in Ottawa Community Housing through our government’s National Housing Strategy and we also allocated $31.9M to Ottawa under the Rapid Housing Initiative. Between these two programs, over 800 new units of affordable housing will be built to provide homes to those who need them most. Many of these units will be energy efficient, accessible and close to public transit. But we know there is more work to do. This pandemic has shown us just how precarious the situation is for people who are without safe, affordable housing. As a government, we will continue to support our most vulnerable and build inclusive communities.

Lastly, I would like to share the exciting announcement our government made on Canada’s strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and Healthy Economy. This plan will meet and exceed our 2030 targets and put us on a pathway to resilience and clean growth. It will cut energy waste to make life more affordable. It will make clean

transportation and power available across the country. It will make sure pollution isn’t free and you’re better off. It will build Canada’s clean industrial advantage and it will use nature to make our communities healthier. This historic climate plan delivers on our commitment to building a stronger, cleaner and more resilient Canada.

As we reflect on the past year, I want to thank all the healthcare professionals and essential workers, the non-profit organizations and the volunteers – who continue to work tirelessly during this unprecedented time. I know our community will continue to come together to help those in need.

I wish you a happy and healthy new year, with feelings of renewed hope and optimism.

MPP’S REPORT

By Joel Harden, MPP

Last month, the Ontario Legislature debated Bill 218, “Supporting Ontario’s Recovery & Municipal Elections Act.” Shamefully, the act shields long-term care operators from liability, making it much more difficult for families to hold them responsible for failing to keep residents safe.

A wide range of people and organizations from the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly to personal injury lawyers urged the government to remove long-term care and retirement homes from the Bill. They’ve argued that because there are no case

precedents defining what “gross negligence” means in the context of long-term care, it will be easy for long-term care operators to evade accountability.

Right now in Ontario, there’s a lawsuit bringing together over 200 people against the “big three” for-profit long-term care operators: Revera, Sienna Living and Chartwell. The Premier has promised families that he’d take on “bad actors” in the industry, but introducing Bill 218 speaks much louder than his words.

So too do the connections between his government and the long-term care industry. For example, a registered

lobbyist for Extendicare was the Premier’s spokesperson in the 2018 election and serves as the PC party’s Vice-President. Extendicare Starwood in Ottawa has seen one of the city’s worst COVID-19 outbreaks, tragically with 21 resident deaths.

Despite the pleas of both experts and family members, Bill 218 passed third reading on November 16 and will become law. Along with my colleagues in the official opposition caucus, I was proud to vote against it.

I’ve also spoken out against the Ford government’s recent decision to reward bad actors in the sector with money to expand their facilities, including Carlingwood Manor in Ottawa where 60 residents have died. Public money should go towards expanding public and non-profit homes, instead of for-profit facilities that have failed to keep their residents safe.

Bill 218 is yet another example of why we need to take profits out of long-term care. A recent study by the Toronto Star confirms that residents of for-profit long-term care homes are over three times more likely to contract COVID-19 than non-profit or municipal care home residents.

That’s why the Ontario NDP has announced a plan to transform long-term care and home care in this province, including by removing profits entirely from long-term care.

The plan proposes a new, public and non-profit system where every dollar

goes to resident care, not siphoned off in the form of dividends or executive bonuses. It calls for 50,000 new beds by 2030 which is what experts estimate is needed, and building smaller, modern, family-like homes instead of institution-like facilities. Importantly, it would also ensure that personal support workers, who are underpaid and overworked, receive fair pay and benefits for their labour.

We can’t continue on with business as usual after the horrors we’ve seen in long-term care homes. Instead of protecting profiteers from accountability, we need to protect residents and the staff who care for them.

We’ll keep up the pressure for a long-term care system worthy of the seniors who have built this province, and realize Tommy Douglas’s dream of an expanded system of medicare that includes home and long-term care. It’s about care, not profits.

OSCA is looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining the outdoor

rink at Windsor Park. Your duties would include helping to build

the base, flooding the rink over the season, and snow blowing the rink occasionally during

heavy snowfall. Volunteers are able tocommit to a schedule or choose

to assist as a backup. If you’re interested or would

like more information, contact Darcy Middaugh at

OSCA at: [email protected]

Renewed hope and optimism in the new year

Fighting COVID-19 means protecting people, not profits


MAYOR’S REPORT

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

By Jim Watson, Mayor

2020 was quite the year. We turned the page on a new decade, learning from past challenges and building on our many successes as a city. These last twelve months have been, without a doubt, one of the most disruptive periods in our city’s history. Life as we knew it changed in the blink of an eye as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down cities across the world, causing an unprecedented economic decline and social uncertainty. Individuals were confined to their homes, and businesses were forced to close their doors without knowing what the future held.

Despite the financial and mental toll that the pandemic has taken on our residents, we have been blessed to witness some incredible acts of kindness in 2020: hundreds of fundraisers for COVID-19 relief efforts, community groups rallying

together to make masks for their neighbours, and young children donating the money in their piggy banks to the Food Bank to feed those less fortunate.

It was clear that the people of Ottawa were ready to take on this pandemic and help their fellow residents get through it as well. As Mayor, I have remained committed to moving forward on key city-building projects, notably:• Construction is underway for

Stage 2 of our light rail system.• We have laid the foundations to

extend LRT to Barrhaven, Kanata and Stittsville as part of Stage 3 LRT.

• Elgin Street was revitalized ahead of schedule.

• We worked with our partners in healthcare to reduce paramedic wait times and secure funding for a new 40-bed unit at the Civic

Hospital.• We updated our Housing and

Homelessness Plan with tangible goals and outcomes.

• Our Official Plan is underway to guide how the city will grow and improve over the next 30 years.

• The Combined Sewage and Storage Tunnel is now operational, a major investment to protect the Ottawa River for future generations.

• We are forging ahead with a plan for a sustainable design for a net zero carbon Central Library.

While the year ahead will undoubtedly be another major test for the people of Ottawa, I am confident that we will continue to limit the spread of the virus in our community while finding ways to innovate and make progress to come out of this stronger than ever.

With the vaccine roll-out now underway, there is cause for much optimism, as we are one step closer to the return of normalcy in our daily lives. I’m confident that in a year from now, we will once again enjoy the activities we cherish, while having learned some important lessons on resilience and supporting each other through the pandemic.

I offer to all of you a year 2021 full of health, love and happiness.

By Anne Taillon-Hobson, (PT) Registered Physiotherapist

Three years ago, I received a referral and subsequently met a lovely 88-year-old lady who had broken her hip, caused by a fall. She had never had physiotherapy previously and when asked what her goals were, she emphatically said “No more falls!” This was her second fall and she was turning to physiotherapy for an exercise program to help her with her strength, balance, and mobility.

Falling is the dreaded “f” word to many seniors. It is truly scary to fall and can erode our self-confidence in our ability to participate in daily activities. Concern for falling is actually a contributing factor to increased risk of falling. Fear and

unease can cause us to restrict our activities, isolating us and decreasing our strength and balance. Unknowingly, we have jumped headfirst into the vicious cycle of falling: unease with balance and mobility, concern for further falls, activity avoidance, strength and balance deconditioning, and isolation, all of which lead to an increased risk for falls. COVID-19 has also changed our daily routines. It has impacted how we participate in our daily activities that contribute to building and maintaining strength and balance. This can lead to further physical deconditioning and general unease.

Balance is something that changes throughout our lifetime and begins when we are infants. What has a big impact on our balance is the speed at which our brain receives, processes, and responds to information. All

through the day, our brain is receiving balance-related information from our skin, ligaments, joints, tendons, muscles, eyes, and ears. All this information comes together and informs our brain of where our body is in our surrounding space. Though it changes according to our health and vitality, this process never ends.

As we age, maintaining our balance and posture becomes less automatic and we become more aware of it. This awareness can also render us more cautious and more concerned about our risk of falling. However, strength and balance exercise programs are how we optimize our physical function and stay as active, and therefore safe, as we can.

As physiotherapists, assessing and treating mobility and balance issues are an integral part of any exercise program. My lovely vivacious lady is now 91 and continues to follow the

strengthening and balance activities included in her exercise program. We also found some useful information on the city of Ottawa’s public health site regarding falls prevention in her home. She considers this an integral part of her “no more falls” program. Even as COVID-19 has restricted her social activities and outings, she continues to do her exercises and walk indoors as much as she can. Continuing to work on balance and mobility is a lifelong endeavour that can be enjoyed with support from an individually-tailored physiotherapy exercise program.

Anne Taillon-Hobson is a Registered Physiotherapist at Function Physiotherapy located in OOS at 1185 Bank Street.

Help with Snow Removal for Seniors and People with Disabilities The City of Ottawa funds two programs, Snow Go and Snow Go Assist, which help seniors and people with disabilities with their snow removal. The City partners with nine community agencies to run these two programs.The Snow Go program vets snow removal workers and matches them with seniors and people with disabilities to get their snow cleared. Residents pay the workers directly for their services.The Snow Go Assist program goes one step further and helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities with the cost of their snow removal. To be eligible for the Snow Go Assist program funding, applicants must:1. Be a senior at least 60 years old or a person with a disability.2. Have a low-income and show proof of an annual income below $31,500 if single and below $39,200 for a household of two persons or more.To apply, contact the partnering local agency in your area. In the Glebe, Old Ottawa East and Old Ottawa South contact The Glebe Centre at 613-230-5730, ext. 327 or email Kirsten O’Brien at [email protected]

New year, fresh start

“No more falls!”


CARLETON CORNERHappy New Year from Carleton University! We have a number of events and programs going on to help you stay mentally and physically fit in the new year.

Lifelong Learning at Carleton University

Learn for the love of it! Interactive and affordable non-credit lectures and workshops for adults of all ages are underway online at Carleton University. Participants are saying: “Learning in Retirement is one of the best things in my life. Honestly. And in these times of restrictions and limitations, it opens doors into worlds of learning that I would not be able to access otherwise.”

Winter topics include: jazz; the history of pandemics; visual art and culture in palaces; the recent US election; populism in Europe and Russia; and beliefs about death and afterlife in Western traditions. Lectures begin the week of Jan. 18, 2021.

See details, register, read participants’ feedback, join our mailing list and buy gift certificates, through the Learning in Retirement (LinR) program: www.carleton.ca/linr, 613-520-3699. Our program is open to all adults.

Author Meets ReadersAuthor Meets Readers invites

the community to join an informal discussion on books published by members of the university’s Faculty of Public Affairs. January’s book is Voices from the Soviet Edge by Prof. Jeff Sahadeo, which connects Leningrad and Moscow to transnational trends of core-periphery movement and marks them as global cities. He exposes the Brezhnev era as a time of dynamism and opportunity, and Leningrad and Moscow not as isolated outposts of privilege but at the heart of any number of systems that linked the disparate regions of the USSR into a whole. It will be held on Jan. 28, 2021 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on Zoom. For more information go to: carleton.ca/fpa/events

Sprott Professional MBA programThe Sprott Professional MBA

program is designed for working professionals with a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience who wish to continue in their careers while completing their degree.

Structured in an intensive executive format over 16 months, with Friday and Saturday courses on alternating weekends, the Professional MBA program is designed to let you balance life and work. For additional details and webinar dates, we welcome you to visit sprott.carleton.ca/mba.

CARLETON ATHLETICS

Our athletics department is offering fitness classes and winter programs in accordance with provincial guidelines. We invite you to visit our website for up-to-date information: athletics.carleton.ca.

Ravens fitness classesWhether you have an urge to stretch,

get stronger, burn serious calories or kick and punch, we have you covered this winter with hybrid options of in-person and online classes. With over 20 classes to choose from at lunch and in the evening, you’re sure to find something that works for you. Our qualified and experienced trainers

will teach you how to move better and stay healthy in this ever-changing environment. For registration go to: athletics.carleton.ca.

Senior Ravens fitness classes

Registration is now open for Senior Ravens Fitness for the winter term. Our Senior Ravens membership includes access to Stretch & Strength class, parking, pool, fitness centre, and the indoor track. For registration go to: athletics.carleton.ca/senior-ravens-membership.

Junior

Ravens winter programsCarleton Athletics is pleased to

announce the continuation of our Junior Ravens programs this winter. We will be offering Junior Ravens Basketball, Junior Ravens Soccer and Junior Ravens Baseball. These weekly sessions are aimed at maximizing the potential of young athletes through age-appropriate skill development with support from Carleton Ravens varsity athletes and coaches. For registration go to: athletics.carleton.ca/camps/childrens-sports/

University closureThe university will be closed from

Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 through Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021 inclusive, with the exception of Recreation and Athletics. To learn more about the athletics facilities schedule, please visit athletics.carleton.ca/fitness.

Carleton Corner is written by Carleton University’s Department of University Communications. As your community university, Carleton has many exciting events of interest to Old Ottawa South. For more information about upcoming events, please go to carleton.ca/events.

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The statue of Gandhi at Carleton University. PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCOY

The area east of Bank Street in Old Ottawa South recently became a gateway speed limit zone where the speed limit has been reduced to 30km/hr. West of Bank Street had already been designated, so this change makes the entire neighbourhood, with the exception of Bank Street, Bronson Avenue, and Colonel By Drive, consistently 30km/hr. Signage is posted at the entrances and exits to the community.

Submitted by the OSCA Traffic & Safety Committee.

DID YOU KNOW?OOS east of Bank Street is now 30km/hr

PHOTO BY WINNIE PIETRYKOWSKI


TECHNOLOGY TRICKS AND TIPS

By Cindy May

The success of the Ottawa South Committee for Refugee Support’s (OSCRS) work in resettling refugees in Ottawa has been dependent on community partnerships. The co-chairs of the OSCRS, Bev Davis and Kevin Mills noted that, “the committee works with a variety of faith and non-faith based groups in the identification of an individual or family in danger, the completion of the necessary paperwork, fundraising, and the on-the-ground settlement efforts. It takes many helping hands to successfully settle a refugee family.”

This openness to partnering with other groups/individuals is clearly evident in the work currently being done to bring a Congolese refugee family currently living in South Africa to Ottawa. Nadia Heyd, a resident of Toronto and volunteer with the Anglican United Refugee Alliance, receives so many requests from so many people that she can’t respond to most of them. But Rebecca’s story

was so compelling she corresponded with her and discovered she has family in Ottawa. Nadia reached out to the OSCRS to ask if the committee would join her in working to bring the family to Ottawa. An agreement was reached, and the OSCRS and Nadia began fundraising efforts in two cities and prepared the paperwork to bring the family to Ottawa.

Since Nadia and most of the OSCRS had limited experience in doing the paperwork, we reached out to the Mennonites. This was a natural fit for a variety of reasons. First, Rebecca’s sister is a member of the Mennonite Church. In addition, the Mennonites have partnered with our group before and bring expertise, funding and valuable community resources to facilitate sponsorship and settlement. Thus far, there have been three joint sponsorships (Mennonites and OSCRS); all have been Syrian refugees. The latest is our current family, the Chalhoubs.

By working with our partners, including the Anglican Diocese who is responsible for review and submission

of applications, we believe we have a strong case and application to put forward to the federal government.

Another partnership within the community which is very valuable is with OMRA Shelter Corporation, a non profit group established 20 years ago by Ottawa Mennonite Church to help refugees pay for housing. It operates at arms length from the church and raises funds through six area churches. Given the high cost of rent and often low wage earnings of refugees in the early years, this support is most welcome. Currently one of our former refugee families is benefitting from the assistance and we hope other families can be supported.

Finally, Trinity Anglican Church has been at the core of our community group. As a registered charity, it can issue tax receipts for donations. As importantly, their pastor and congregation have been active supporters of refugee sponsorship and settlement. We could not operate without their unwavering support.

Going forward, we will continue to nurture our existing partnerships but

also want to form new partnerships, particularly with the business community. Business can bring different perspectives and extensive networks that can aid in refugee integration. If you are a business, interested in partnering with us, please reach out to us at [email protected].

OSCRS is always ready to welcome new members. Please get in touch if you are interested in getting involved in any way. (See e-mail address above.) As always, donations of any amount to help refugees are welcomed and appreciated. If you would like to contribute, please go to: www.trinityottawa.ca/give and choose “Refugee Fund” or write a cheque to Trinity Anglican Church and mark it for refugee support (OSCRS). Cheques can be sent to 1230 Bank St., Ottawa, K1S 3Y3, to receive a tax receipt.

Cindy May is a member of the OSCRS and a resident of Old Ottawa South.

By Malcolm and John Harding, of Compu-Home

It seems a shame to start the year on a down note, but we have received reports of a lot of fraud related to the epidemic and right now it is increasing significantly. The bad guys are industriously coming up with new variations every week and so we can’t cover every detail in this column, but there are some broad categories of scams waiting for a chance to victimize us via email, texts and phone calls.

Paying for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations

Final details for vaccinations are still in planning but it is safe to say that there is NOT going to be a policy in Canada for someone to be able to jump the queue in return for a fee. In the early days of testing there were emails, websites and posts in social media advertising accelerated testing and we are predicting that there will be similar offers, creatively presented, for being vaccinated sooner.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) applications

There is no legitimate or official program for paying a person or

organization for assistance in applying for CERB or CESB, and there is also no such thing as any enhanced process in which an applicant would receive a larger sum or receive it more quickly, for having paid a fee.

Repayment of CERB or CESB benefits

Under certain circumstances some Canadians must repay CERB or CESB benefits, directly to the Canada Revenue Agency or to Service Canada, depending on from which of those agencies they received the benefit. There is no alternate organization to which they should ever send a repayment and if they are contacted by a third party on this subject they should ignore their requests, demands or advice.

Using the epidemic to elicit personal and financial information

One example: There have been fraudsters claiming to be carrying out research related to our current conditions and distributing lengthy surveys that have questions buried in them drawing out private information, such as provincial health card numbers, Social Insurance Numbers and accounts at financial institutions.

Counterfeit charities and false representatives of legitimate organizations

It is natural to want to help others in these trying times, but it is important to take extra steps to ensure that contributions are going exactly where you intend them to go.

False or misleading websitesWhen you Google a company or

organization there are often many websites listed that have a similar name in their title and legitimate-looking

graphics but a close inspection will show that the site belongs to someone else. Always be very careful that you haven’t reached an imposter site that will give you incorrect or dishonest information.

Contact Compu-Home at 613-731-5954 to discuss this column, share your opinions and suggest subjects for future columns. Our email address is [email protected] and our website is www.compu-home.com.

OTTAWA SOUTH COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEE SUPPORTThe Power of partnerships

COVID-19 scams

ADVERTISE in The OSCARcontact Ari [email protected]


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GLEBE DENTAL CENTRE

FIFTH AVENUE COURT-EVENING APPOINTMENTS OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY

For appointments call 613-234-6405

Dr. Peter Kim

new elevator access at 841 Bank St.and stairs on 4th and 5th Ave.

By Joanna H. Williams Olsen

These are trying times. Our world is in crisis. We are living in a pandemic. We are all trying to navigate the pandemic while also trying to keep our sanity. Sadly, the conditions of the world right now are optimal for the creation and intensification of mental health issues. Problems with depression, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief, insomnia, fatigue and substance misuse are rampant and very present in our communities currently.

The collateral damage of the pandemic is self-evident. There have been tragic deaths, job loss and the collapse of our economy. According to the Western Centre for Research on Violence against Women and Children, domestic violence and child abuse are on the rise. Also, unfortunately, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction indicate that some of our friends and neighbours are relying on unhealthy strategies for coping such as the misuse of alcohol and drugs. Needless to say, we are experiencing a tremendous accumulation of stress. In the spring of this year, Statistics Canada conducted an online questionnaire “Impacts of COVID-19

on Canadians: Your mental health.” According to its data, almost one quarter of participants reported fair to poor mental health.

With the pandemic, we have to keep our distance from one another. In these difficult times, we need more than ever to hug and be close to one another, but we cannot do that now. For the holidays, we weren’t able to be together with many of our friends and family members. We may be suffering from post-holiday blues as well as the disappointment of not celebrating our holidays with the usual traditions and joy that we are used to.

With this in mind, our capacity to access mental health services is essential right now more than ever. We need mental health services that help prevent and alleviate the development of mental illness, and we need sound treatment for emotional distress. Our health care system is reeling from dealing with COVID-19 and can barely manage the pandemic, let alone assist those in need with other pressing health care matters such as mental health issues. Moreover, it is sad to say that there are long waitlists for referrals to specialists such as psychiatrists, and waitlists are also very long for community-based counselling services.

Registered psychotherapists – health care providers who are specialists in providing psychotherapy and counselling services, regulated by a professional college – are available to help you with your emotional needs. However, unfortunately, access to this group of mental health professionals is hindered by some very nonsensical barriers from our federal government.

Firstly, psychotherapy patients need to pay out of pocket for therapy because it is not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). Some of you have an extended health insurance plan which will assist you in paying some of the fees for psychotherapy, some may have a plan but it doesn’t cover for the services of psychotherapists, and many others have no such plan at all.

Lastly, registered psychotherapists are required to charge GST/HST on top of their fees, making the cost higher and less affordable for many. Currently, the only professionals providing psychotherapy who must charge GST/HST are psychotherapists. Psychologists, nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, and social workers – many of whom are not specialized in providing psychotherapy – do not have to charge GST/HST.

With great disappointment I must also tell you that back in September of this year, I wrote to the Hon. Catherine McKenna, M.P. regarding this matter and I have yet to hear back from her. I am still hopeful she might read this article and begin taking steps to address this important matter of making mental health services more accessible to all.

The taxing of psychotherapy makes treatment of mental health issues up to 15% more expensive in Canada, also making it up to 15% less accessible to those in need. I am advocating for the removal of GST/HST on psychotherapy services. Let’s remove this tax barrier to improve access to this vital mental health service. Please visit www.stoptaxingmytherapy.com for further information on this extremely critical matter and to assist in the campaign to remove the GST/HST from psychotherapy services.

Joanna H. Williams Olsen, M.Ed., Clinical Member, OSRP, is a Registered Psychotherapist in Private Practice and an advocate for greater accessibility to mental health services for all. She is lives in OOS.

By Angela Burton

Scouting families and residents of Old Ottawa South once again demonstrated their extraordinary generosity in response to the 17th Southminster Scouts appeal for donations to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Thanks to COVID-19, there was never any doubt the 17th Southminster Scouts Group would have to cancel their annual holiday party. However, when it came to the annual holiday food drive in support of the Ottawa Food Bank, everyone agreed cancelling was not an option.

Despite chilly temperatures and COVID-19 restrictions sapping some of the fun, Scouting families and local residents showed up with overflowing

boxes and arm loads of non-perishable food, and generous monetary donations.

In just two hours on December 5, the 17th collected 300 lbs. of food and over $1500. The online donations campaign, which ran through December 13 raised another $500 for a grand total of $2086, far surpassing what the 17th raised in previous years.

Huge thanks go to Patty’s Pub for allowing the 17th to use their patio as a collection point. It provided a physically distanced and safe spot for everyone.

Angela Burton is the Group Commissioner of the 17th Southminster Ottawa Scouts Group.

OPINION

Generosity of scouting families and local residents help 17th Southminster Scouts fill fridges for the holidays

PHOTOS BY LENA DEVLIN

Greater accessibility to mental health services is needed


House wanted to rent

MARKETPLACE

ADVERTISE in The OSCAR [email protected]

CLASSY ADS are free for Old Ottawa South residents (except for businesses or for business activity) and must be submitted by email to [email protected]. The editor retains the right to edit or exclude submissions. The OSCAR takes no responsibility for items, services or accuracy.

CLASSY ADS

GIBBON’S PAINTING & DECORATING

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AROUND TOWN

For sale. Mason jars for preserving. Contact Joann 613-730-3928--------------------------------------------------------

For Sale

Cleaner WantedLost

Doors Open for Music at Southminster continues! These are live-streaming events; to enjoy DOMS concerts remotely, visit Music at Southminster on Facebook or go to www.southminstermusic.com.

La Leche League Canada has a group in OOS. Are you breastfeeding/chestfeeding your baby? Are you pregnant and planning to breastfeed? A La Leche League meeting is a relaxed, supportive and non-judgmental place where you can meet other parents, learn about nursing your baby and ask questions. Meetings every second Tuesday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Next planned meeting, on Zoom, is January 12th. For more information call 613-238-5919 or go to www.lllc.ca

Ottawa Newcomers Club. Our club is a non-profit, social organization for women who have recently moved to this area (and those who have experienced a significant life change), and would like to meet new people of similar interests by joining our many group activities. More information about us and what we do can be found on our website at: ottawanewcomersclub.ca or by contacting [email protected]

The Ottawa Public Library is offering lots of virtual programs for all ages! Full information (with ways to search by age, subject, and language) and registration go to biblioottawalibrary.ca and click on ‘Programs and events.’

Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, at 100 Main St. in Old Ottawa East, has Mass (by registration/ticket) at 5:00 pm on Saturdays, 10:00 am on Sundays, and (first come, first served) at 11:30 am Wednesday. Go to canadianmartyrs.org for more information.

Alcoholics Anonymous. If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call us at: 613-237-6000. Check out our meetings online at: Ottawaaa.org

Army Cadets Seeking 12-18 Year Olds: Cadets take part in a diverse program including marksmanship, biathlon, orienteering, trekking and camping, training in survival skills, team sports, first aid, and leadership skills. Come join the Governor General Foot Guards Army Cadet Corps. There is no cost for the program. email us at [email protected], or visit our website at www.2784ggfg.com.

Volunteer Ottawa. For a list of volunteer opportunities available during COVID, or to learn more about the services Volunteer Ottawa provides, visit www.volunteerottawa.ca

Light Cleaning Needed: Wanted someone to tidy our house daily. 60-90 mins/day. Flexible - come whatever time you want. Ideally Mon-Fri (or 3-4 days/week ok). Could be high school or college student. Old Ottawa South, near Windsor Park. Contact Linda: lmclea2@uottawa.ca------------------------------------------------------

Lost men’s wedding ring: Wedding ring was lost in OOS somewhere between Grosvenor Street and Leonard Ave, Grove Ave and Hopewell. If found please call 613-730-6589.---------------------------------------------------------

The City of Ottawa has placed containers of salt at key places in the neighbourhood. Feel free to spread it around as needed.

Where you’ll find grit boxes in the neighbourhood:• Corner of Sunnyside Avenue and Bank Street• Corner of Sunnyside Avenue and Riverdale Avenue• Bronson Avenue Bridge, near the stairs coming up from

Colonel By Drive• Dead end of Echo Drive, near Avenue Road and Riverdale

Avenue

Submitted by the OSCA Traffic & Safety Committee.

DID YOU KNOW?Self-Serve salt bins

Found, woman’s ring on Willard. Call 613-795-5064 to identify.

Found

PHOTO BY KATHY KRYWICKI

Looking for a 4-bedroom home to rent in OOS or a nearby community for February/March. Please call 613-730-0321 or email [email protected]


NOTES FROM THE GARDEN CLUB

By Colin Ashford

Building on last year’s successful wreath-making workshop – held in-person at the Firehall and led by Amber Tiede – the Old Ottawa South Garden Club decided this year to try a virtual workshop, this time including making urn inserts. We were pleased to have over thirty participants register. Amber, owner of Riverwood Gardens (www.riverwoodgardens.ca), arranged

packages of greenery, twigs, ribbons, circular wreath-forms, and urn inserts filled with potting soil that were picked up at the Firehall by workshop participants. The workshop started the next day after lunch using the Old Ottawa South Community Centre’s Zoom facility.

Amber began the workshop with a quick introduction to the history of seasonal decorations using plant material. During the dark Nordic winters, Vikings brought in green plant material to brighten their homes and to help ward off illness. Wreaths made of ferns, holly, and cedar were particularly important – the shape of the wreath symbolizing the circle of life. In colonial times, ribbons made of vintage fabrics were added to greenery displays together with dried fruit, such as apples, pears, and oranges. Pineapples – a symbol of welcome – were often shared amongst eighteenth-century households. Whilst talking about these traditions, Amber demonstrated using containers found around the house (in her case a wine bottle and a demijohn) and dried and green plant material from her garden to easily make appealing seasonal displays. Amber then showed a beautiful display she had previously made using a silver bowl filled with cedar, magnolia, and ivy leaves, together with pinecones and pepperberry.

Amber then began the workshop proper with a demonstration of wreath-making: Amber showed how to make small bouquets of mixed greenery and, wiring them around a circular wreath-form, complete the wreath. She noted that the final creation need not be neat. At the request of a participant, Amber showed how to make an attractive bow out of a length of ribbon, noting that it could be attached to wreaths for added impact.

Amber then went on to demonstrate making an urn insert. Starting with a plastic pot filled with earth (rather than floral foam), she inserted sticks of curly willow and dogwood in the centre of the pot and inserted, around the outside, greenery that flowed over the edges of the pot. She recommended watering the pot and leaving it overnight for the greenery to absorb as much water as possible.

To complete the workshop, Amber took participants on a virtual tour of Riverwood Gardens – her flower farm and floral design studio located in Osgoode, Ontario.

The OOSGC will be meeting virtually this winter via Zoom. On Tuesday 12 January 2021 at 7:00 pm, Lana Doss of The Fine Gardener will lead us on an armchair tour through a tropical orchard on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. To register for this and other OOSGC programs go to: www.oldottawasouth.ca and follow the links.

Colin Ashford is a member of the Old Ottawa South Garden Club.

783 Bank Street1280 Wellington St West

www.bloomfields.ca613-230-6434

Congratulations to Abbey Sugars-Keen, winner of the 2020 Governor General’s Academic Medal for Lisgar Collegiate. The medal is awarded to the student who graduates with the highest academic average. PHOTO BY PAUL KEEN

OOS student gets Lisgar CI GG’s Academic Medal

Seasonal workshop

One of the wreaths made by participants in the Garden Club’s virtual workshop. PHOTO BY AUDREY TURNER

Next OOS Garden Club Meeting is

Tuesday, January 12th at 7 pm

Lana Doss of The Fine Gardener will lead us on

an armchair tour through a tropical orchard on the

island of Molokai, Hawaii. To register go to

www.oldottawasouth.ca


By Claire Brodie

Laval Fournier, a retired teacher from Glebe Collegiate who taught whole generations of Old Ottawa South children in his day, has been a member of the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club (OTLBC) since the 1990s. Long ago, he made it his mission to nurture a century-old hydrangea that was planted when the clubhouse was built in 1923. Today, the tree is old, gnarled and hollowed out by time; and yet, with Laval’s loving care, it continues to blossom year after year. Laval is determined to keep that hydrangea going as a symbol of continuity at the club.

Continuity – from year to year and generation to generation – is a major fact of life at OTLBC. Some of the older members arrived here as very small children with their parents. They say that many of their earliest memories are of the club, and they are proudly carrying the tradition forward to their own children and grandchildren.

Stephanie McNeely and James Grant are relatively new residents in Old Ottawa South and members of the club, but they too were attracted by a sense of continuity. It is something they

want for their children, and they like the sense of being part of a long and continuing story. “The multi-generation aspect is part of what makes this place so special,” they say. “We feel we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves.” They have felt a part of OTLBC from the very beginning.

There is one club veteran, Robert Yip, who makes it his mission to welcome new members and to introduce them into the life of the club. The idea is to make sure that new members find the kind of experience they are looking for and that they happily engage for the long term.

Dave Fleming, who grew up on

Grove Avenue, is an example of that kind of engagement. He joined the club in the 1950s. During that time, he has been an active player and a tireless volunteer, at one time serving as president. When he stepped down from that role, the board of directors created an award in his name for volunteerism. Dave keeps a scrapbook of his life at the club that contains membership cards for every year dating back to 1960.

Mike Rollo is younger. He also grew up on Grove Avenue, and he joined the club as a child in 2000. An adult player today, he began as an avid junior. He was also an employee in his day, working as a camp counsellor and at the front desk. As a player, he advanced to be a club champion and is now an active member of the advanced adult group. Other members, who joined as singles and have also worked at the club, have married here and are now bringing their babies to the club in carriers. For them, the club is like a great big family.

And, as in any family, the generations intersect. Every Friday, Teresa Beauregard meets her father – he is 93 years old this year – for a game on Court 5. At the other end of the age spectrum, 15-year-old Anja

Zimonjic works for the club on court maintenance, while her 13-year-old brother Jakob is a tennis member. He walks down to the club regularly with a basket of balls and spends hours practising. He plays tennis with his peers, of course, but he also regularly partners with people from his father’s or grandfather’s generation who he considers his friends. To encourage this trend, the club organizes a special event where parents put their racquets in a pile so that the kids can choose a grown-up partner at random.

Many members – Kimberly Banks Hart and Matt Hart, for example – experience the club not just with

their own children but as an extended family. The Hart children have been coming to OTLBC since they were little. They learned how to swim here. They play tennis or volleyball and celebrate family birthdays by the pool. His sister, Katie Hart, her husband, Neil McCormick, his parents and the McCormick children are also members. For years, this whole family has been hanging out together at the club, having fun and preserving and building strong, lifelong bonds.

It is all about connection. Maggie

Fawcett and Jen Small went to Glebe in their day, and Laval Fournier was their teacher. Today, they live with their young families in Old Ottawa South, and belong to OTLBC. “We live in this neighbourhood because of the life it offers us, including the tennis community,” says Maggie. “We want to belong to this club forever.”

Claire Brodie is the Event and Customer Service Manager at the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club.

OTTAWA TENNIS AND LAWN BOWLING CLUBContinuity from generation to generation at the OTLBC

Laval Fournier pruning his beloved hydrangea in the fall.

PHOTOS BY MORGAN JOHNSON-DUGAY

The Grant family eating at the Cameron on the clubhouse balcony. Jen Small and Maggie Fawcett, friends since high school.


By Kayla Dolman

Since coming to work at Good Morning Creative Arts & Preschool – which is on First Avenue in the Glebe – at the end of September 2020, I have been watching and learning how the centre operates. What I have discovered is that there are three important things that make this place unique. Every centre has a different environment and culture to it, and what makes up this centre are truly some of the most important aspects of early childhood learning and development that I have experienced

in my career.To start, there is truly a focus

on creativity at Good Morning. Children thrive on having the ability to explore the world in their own way, and at their own pace. There are always open-ended art supplies available to the children, as well as teacher-led art projects to allow them to try new skills with different materials. Children can pick and choose how and when they want to create something, and they are always encouraged to try something new. Toys and materials are changed out weekly to keep the room feeling fresh and open to new ideas.

Next, there is an importance placed on school readiness and independence, which go hand in hand. Good Morning is a preschool in the truest sense of the word. We are here to help children prepare for the beginning of their school careers. We encourage as much independence as possible in class. Teachers are always around for support, but at Good Morning we believe that children will grow into their best self by having the confidence to do things on their own, knowing that others who care for them and support them are nearby, if needed.

Along with this level of independence, we also encourage the children to develop skills that will help them in adjusting to school. We have interests that we delve into each week with the children, and together we work on learning about each interest. We use visual art, storytelling, drama, and group discussion to grow the children’s knowledge on each topic. Children love to share their experiences, and this gives them multifaceted ways to do so - while also teaching them how to respect other peoples’ ideas and time. Each child is given the opportunity to talk, create, or give ideas, and we work together on how to listen, reflect on, and respect different ideas and forms of expression.

Lastly, Good Morning is focused on community. Our centre is run by a volunteer parent board, which is made up of parents whose children attend the centre. The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” comes to mind. All of these parents, along with the educators, take part in running this centre and giving these children a place to explore, grow, and express themselves. Responsibilities are shared – and by working together, a true community is made up by these families. Everyone is involved in a way that works for them, and that way the load is shared by all to ensure quality childcare and programming for the children at Good Morning. Everything I have seen in my time here has been of the highest quality care and education in any centre that I have worked in.

ProgramCurrently, we are running a

Monday/Wednesday/Friday program for preschool and kindergarten children aged 31 months to 6 years. It runs from 9:00 to 11:30 am, but with room to extend to 1:00 pm through our Lunch Club program. The program focuses on open-ended play and creative experiences, with daily circle activities where the children are involved in more active learning as well. There is also a virtual art class available on Thursdays at 5:00 pm, where the children (ages 4-10) can participate in a class with our

Director, Karen Cameron. Each week she features a different art project, and it can be done from the comfort of your home! Parents are welcome to join in as well to have a fun family experience.

Coming soonIn the new year, we are looking at

starting back up two programs, both run on Tuesday/Thursday. The first would be a toddler program (Ages 18 months to 30 months), running from 9:00 to 11:30 am. It would be similar to our preschool program, in that it would have open-ended art and play, and also daily circle activities. Curriculum would simply be adjusted to the appropriate age and developmental level of a toddler program. The other program we are starting back up is our beloved Storyscapes program. This program is for children ages 3-6, and would run after the toddler program on Tuesday/Thursday from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. In this program, we pick a book each week to delve into. We explore the art, themes, and storytelling of the book, and the children get to create work based on that. It is not just about recreating the book, but also extending and exploring it. This program also emphasizes collaborative creation, as the children can explore not just on their own, but as a group to create an even more special experience.

If you are interested in one of these programs, a short distance over the bridge, please contact our Director, Karen Cameron. More info can be found at www.gmcaps.com, you can email us at [email protected] or call us at 613-276-7974.

Kayla Dolman is a Teacher at Good Morning Creative Arts & Preschool.

GOOD MORNING CREATIVE ARTS & PRESCHOOLQuality community based early years learning

Playtime in gross motor room for this happy preschool girl. There is a big smile under that mask!

Artist showing off her happy hedgehog! PHOTOS BY KAREN CAMERON


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By Laura Byrne Paquet

In the winter of 2021, we’re likely going to be staying pretty close to home and be desperate for some outdoor exercise. So here are some places within the Ottawa city limits where you can enjoy the great outdoors while walking, snowshoeing, skiing, tobogganing, skating or cycling. Don’t forget to dress in layers and to bring spare mittens!

Rideau CanalEven if you’re very familiar with

the Rideau Canal Skateway, you may be wondering how your experience on the world’s largest skating rink will differ in these COVID-19 times. Thankfully, the canal is expected to be open for skating this winter (when weather permits), and the

National Capital Commission (NCC) is even trying to fix that pesky soggy patch under the Laurier Avenue bridge at the north end. There will be some changes, though: social distancing protocols will be in place at snack bars, the numbers of people allowed in the changing chalets and washrooms will be carefully controlled, and you won’t be allowed to leave your boots in the chalets – so bring a backpack.

Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail

Hugging the shore of the Ottawa River, the “SJAM Trail” is actually twin groomed tracks – one meant for snowshoeing, walking and fat biking, and the other for cross-country skiing. Stretching from the Canadian War Museum to Westboro, the trail offers16 kilometres of track-set trails

and includes lots of good places to take a break en route. The Mill Street Brew Pub near the eastern trailhead serves up beers and casual meals, and the NCC’s seasonal “Nordic Village” at Remic Rapids offers equipment rentals and handy porta-potty facilities.

Grasshopper HillThis gentle tobogganing hill will

likely be a bit tame for thrill seekers, but it’s great for families with young children. It’s just off Kilborn Avenue in Alta Vista, not far from Old Ottawa South. (If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, try the hill at Conroy Pit. It’s in the NCC’s Pine Grove Forest, just south of the intersection of Conroy and Hunt Club roads.)

Rideau Hall skating rinkLocated behind the governor-

general’s digs at Rideau Hall, this well-maintained rink is a bit of a hidden gem. On a snowy night, the surrounding parkland is hushed, and it feels as though you’re miles from the city. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you need to reserve a 1.5-hour timeslot online in advance; plan ahead, as timeslots are already booking up quickly. Currently, visitors are not allowed to park on the grounds, so be prepared to park on a

nearby side street and walk in.

Stony SwampDespite its rather forbidding-

sounding name, Stony Swamp is a gorgeous, accessible swath of NCC Greenbelt land in Bells Corners. The wooded Sarsaparilla Trail (near parking lot P7) is an ideal trail for new snowshoers, as it’s only 0.8 kilometres long and relatively flat, but still offers great odds of seeing chickadees and other winter birds. Also in Stony Swamp, Bruce Pit is another popular tobogganing hill.

Travel writer and OOS resident Laura Byrne Paquet runs OttawaRoadTrips.com, where she offers tips and ideas for independent day trips and weekend getaways from Ottawa, and where a longer version of this article (with links) is available.

The businesses of Old Ottawa Southneed our help, now more than ever!

Through everything, they haveremained open to serve the

community. OSCA encourageseveryone to support local and

Spend it between the Bridges!

Chickadees are among the birds you might spot along the Sarsaparilla Trail in Stony Swamp. PHOTO BY AMANDA FRANK

Five nearby places to get outdoors this winter


This is not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale

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