Kitchissippi Times August 2023

Seniors Section p.24-31

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LGBTQ2S+ sports leagues Pages 14-15

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Braumeister Brewing Co. celebrates anniversary, plans for Oktoberfest

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arleton Place’s very own Braumeister Brewing Company, located at 19 Moore Street, is celebrating its 5th anniversary on August 26, and they want to thank the community by throwing a party. Starting at noon and ending at 8 p.m., guests will enjoy live music, kids entertainment, and food provided

by Trailside Canteen. Having been a staple in the community since 2018, Braumeister has survived the economic uncertainty of the pandemic thanks to the loyalty and dedication of its guests, who continued to support the brewing company through thick and thin.

“We as a team are all incredibly impressed that we've been able to navigate through the pandemic shutdowns, and a large reason for that is the support from our guests in the community,” said founder Rohit Gupta. “We opened these businesses with the goal of being a staple in the community, as a family friendly place for gathering and meeting new people, and through the relationships we've made with our guests we were able to come through a very difficult time with optimism for the future of Braumeister.”

Braumeister Brewing Co. began when Gupta moved to Austria and experienced the friendly camaraderie of a local bierhalle. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming but Gupta lamented that there was nothing like it back home in Ottawa. When he moved back, he resolved to bring some of that charm from that region with him.

The Bierhalle, located at 175 Carruthers Ave., opened in September 2021. Offering locally brewed German beer served in authentic imported beer steins, as well as guest taps from brewers throughout Ottawa and several non-beer alcohols. Dedicated to providing an authentic European experience, the Bierhalle utilizes as many European business practices as it can; it includes all taxes in the listed prices, and it pays its staff a living wage, so no tips are expected or necessary. The beer is brewed true to style and uses only the four main ingredients of water, yeast, hops, and malt.

Although it initially only served beer while another company handled the food side of things, a couple years later the business had grown, and Braumeister decided it wanted to take over the kitchen operations to make the menu more Germanic. They completely redesigned the menu and opened their Heisse Kiste German Kitchen in June 2023, which offers authentic German Bierhalle specialties such as currywurst, leberkäse, bosna, liptauer dip and flatbread, smash burgers, and staples like pretzels, schnitzel, and red cabbage salad. All their recipes are developed in-house, so although they differ slightly from true German and Austrian food, Braumeister preserves the spirit and charm of authentic Bierhalles.

Over the years, Braumeister has evolved from a simple brewing company to a center of community activity and fun. It offers new seasonal beers every four to five weeks alongside its mainstays, the Biergarten Blonde and the Route 21, and since opening it has rotated through over 20 different seasonal beers. Local musicians can register at andrew@braumeister.ca to play at the Bierhalle, and all its live music is drawn from the surrounding community. The weekly discount it offers on Stammtisch Sundays draws customers in all day, keeping the liveliness and sense of togetherness going.

“While Stammtisch essentially translates to "Member's table", we have found that we tend to get repeat guests who mingle with new friends

every Sunday,” said Rohit. “So it’s not exclusive or anything. It allows our guests to try the beer if they're new, or just give their wallets a little break during our happy hours and Stammtisch Sundays.”

They also do a trivia night once a month, although they’re looking to expand it to twice a month due to high demand. Teams of two to four players can go head-to-head and test their general knowledge of various categories, and the Bierhalle rewards the winning team with a gift card. Rohit says it’s a lot of fun, but the trivia is almost secondary to having a good time and meeting new people.

Keep an eye on its website at https://braumeister.ca/, and its social media accounts, for more information on the anniversary party, trivia nights, and Stammtisch Sundays. In addition, Braumeister Bierhalle is planning their 2nd annual Oktoberfest event for the end of September.

COMMUNITY NEWS

New development will be coming to the corner of Preston and Somerset. A French school is slated to be built in the next few years, with further development taking place over the next five to 10 years. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK

3 • August 2023

Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) is collaborating with the city on the affordable housing portion of the 1010 Somerset St. W. development. It is adjacent to another future affordable land development called Gladstone Village, which will consist of two towers in phase one: an 18-storey building and a nine-storey building connected by a four-storey podium.

“With 336 units, this phase will offer a diverse range of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and commercial spaces,” said Cliff Youdale, chief development officer at OCH. “The buildings will be constructed according to ‘passive house’ standards, ensuring energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The buildings will be equipped with high-

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he City of Ottawa is seeking community feedback on a proposed development at the intersection of the Little Italy, Hintonburg and Chinatown neighbourhoods.

The 21-acre parcel of land bounded by Somerset Street West, Gladstone Avenue, the O-Train tracks and Preston Street will become an “integrated and sustainable community hub,” according to city documents.

An expansion of the nearby Plant Recreation Complex, a new Frenchlanguage public elementary school, and affordable housing units are part of the plan.

“There will be a major expansion of the recreation centre, including doubling the gym space,” said Somerset Ward Coun.

Ariel Troster. “Downtown parents are currently driving their kids out to the Nepean Sportsplex for lessons. We don't have enough gym space downtown. It’s going to take so much pressure off of other recreational programs in the city.”

It’s a rare opportunity for the city to build a large-scale development in the centre of the city, Troster said.

The development will be made up of various parcels of land. In February 2021, city staff purchased 6.3 acres of federal land near the future Corso Italia LRT station. With a market value of $25 million, it was sold at a discount for $11 million.

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BY CHARLIE SENACK

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New development proposed at junction of Little Italy, Hintonburg and Chinatown

efficiency heating and cooling systems and wastewater heat recovery.”

The new homes will be located minutes from the second stage of Ottawa’s light rail transit system and next to expanded threeacre park space.

Early drawings for the site show the 45,400-square-foot French-language school being built in Plouffe Park, with new greenspace allocated in another part of the development. Troster said, according to community feedback, it’s an area of concern.

“They want to see more greenspace and they don’t want to see the school in the park,” she said. “Somerset Ward has 20 per cent tree coverage, the lowest in Ottawa. For climate change, we need 30 to 40 per cent.”

Private condos will be built on the edge of the property to offset the costs of the development, said Troster. A Frenchlanguage child-care facility with potential for an arts hub are part of the proposal.

While shovels could be in the ground for the new French-language public school in a year or two, city development on the site won’t begin for five to 10 years.

“This is the time for engagement,” said Troster. “If there is something you like, tell us. If there is something you don’t like, tell us. This is just a first drawing.”

OPINIONS OF KITCHISSIPPI GIVING KITCHISSIPPI LOCALS A VOICE

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SIMON HOPKINS Commuters in Ottawa pay a $3.70 charge to board OC Transpo trains and buses, but some riders skip these fares. Earlier this summer, OC Transpo increased the number of inspectors checking for proof of payment.

According to reporting by CTV Ottawa, this initiative was partly a response to a projected $39 million deficit Ottawa’s transit agency will run this year. More tickets were issued to fare evaders in recent months than in the spring.

Kitchissippi City Councillor Jeff Leiper said the increase could be a response to political pressure.

“As long as you rely on fares for a significant portion of operating revenue, there are going to be a certain number of politicians who are pushing for fare enforcement,” Leiper said in an interview.

Leiper doesn’t expect the “blitz” of enforcement will be

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

THIS MONTH: How strictly should transit fares be enforced?

PO Box 91585 Ottawa ON K1W 1K0 Kitchissippi, meaning “the Grand River,” is the former Algonquin name for the Ottawa River. The name now identifies the urban community to the west of downtown Ottawa.

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maintained long-term. He believes a light approach to fare enforcement is best and said that high fares create barriers for people who need transit to move around the city.

A soft policy approach of ‘looking the other way’ for people who can’t afford the cost of a bus ride was common among many of the Kitchissippi residents interviewed.

Although OC Transpo is losing money, fare enforcement will never compensate for a multi-million-dollar deficit. Leiper said that isn’t the goal.

“Fare enforcement is not intended to bring in revenue. Fare enforcement is to deter people from evading revenue.”

How much revenue would be lost without the threat of a ticket has not been quantified.

“The tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue are not a result of l fare evasion; those are the result of lost riders.” Riders lost by an inconvenient and unreliable transit system.

We asked several transit riders for their opinions: Are fare inspectors a good use of city resources?

Charlie Senack editor@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/kitchissippi twitter.com/charlie_senack CONTRIBUTORS Simon Hopkins, Bradley Turcotte, Daria Maystruk, Millie Farley, Elissa Mendes, Ellen Bond, and Kate Odams PROOFREADERS Susan Rothery ADVERTISING SALES Eric Dupuis 613-696-9485 eric@kitchissippi.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER Celine Paquette celine@greatriver.ca

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Deborah Ekuma

"No, I don’t think (there should be fare inspectors) because the bus system is unreliable to begin with. I don’t think we should put taxation towards hiring more inspectors."

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- WILL WANG

"I think city resources would be better used improving the transit system so that it’s more reliable rather than penalizing the people that are trying to use it." - RITA NAJJAR

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"I don’t think there’s enough fraud for them to hire people for that… I think, really, it’s a waste of money… And there are poor people who can’t afford to take it, and (OC Transpo) should be lenient with them, for instance, myself. I’m 81." - FAYE BEAUFORT

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"I don’t think this is needed… Some abuses are possible, but why have these unnecessary resources when you could put them in some other improvements? The LRT stations are falling apart and people are frustrated because (the OTrain) is still not reliable." - BOJAN VOJINOVIC "There’s so much scamming going on, people of every age grabbing a youth pass and bypassing the fares… I wouldn’t say check every pass — a few maybe — but I wouldn’t overwhelm the system with fare inspectors." - BUSKER THE BALLOON CLOWN

deborah@obj.ca FINANCE Cheryl Schunk, 613-696-9490 cheryl@greatriver.ca All other enquiries 613-696-9494 info@kitchissippi.com Distribution A minimum of 15,000 copies are distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the O-Train tracks and Sherbourne Road. Most residents in this area will receive the Kitchissippi Times directly to their door. If you did not receive your copy, or would like additional copies, please contact us. Bulk copies are delivered to multi-unit dwellings and retail locations.

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"It’s probably not the best use of city resources. There are plenty of other changes they could be making." - SANA

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EDITOR’S LETTER Celebrating pride: Living as your authentic self

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a federal law on same sex marriage only came into effect in 2005.

Happy summer, Kitchissippi, and happy pride!

For this issue of the paper I sat down with Laura Porter and her wife Mylène Côté, August means the return of Capital Pride owners of Westboro’s Cupcake Lounge, to festivities which kick off on Aug. 19 with a talk about their pride flag sugar cookies. A pride pageant. The celebrations will close fun fact: there are over 22 different pride with the annual pride parade on Aug. 27. flags, each representing a different part of Over half of this issue is dedicated towards the community. celebrating local pride and the queer Gabrielle Huston had the chance community. to interview the owner of Hintonburg’s I and roughly half of KT’s contributors Hello Dolly Pastries which prides itself on identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ being ‘neurodivergent and queer community, so working on all year.’ This is a fascinating this project has had a deep, and informative piece on why personal connection for LGBTQ2S+ members are more many of us. likely to be neurodivergent.

A question that gets Bradley Turcotte profiled asked a lot is why do a variety of LGBTQ2S+ sports we still need pride? The teams that offer a safe space news headlines speak for for queer individuals to make themselves. Hate-motivated friendships and participate in Charlie Senack incidents in Ottawa have seen basketball, volleyball, hockey, and a 23.5 per cent increase this more. year according to police, with I also had the chance to sit the LGBTQ2S+ community down with former Ottawa mayor being targeted over 30 times in the first six Jim Watson for his first in-depth interview months. since leaving office. We spoke about him Anti “gender ideology” demonstrations coming out in 2019 and what life looks like have been held outside local schools, after politics. Watson also opened up about and drag events have been swarmed by an illness he’s been dealing with. protesters who chant transphobic and In other news Simpson Hopkins tells homophobic remarks. us about a controversial new development Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed proposed for Parkdale and Wellington. The the rise in LGBTQ2S+ hate during a pride Minto highrise proposal is set to go to the flag-raising ceremony on Parliament Hill Ontario Land Tribunal later this month. in June. “It's been difficult to watch people In GIVING, Daria Maystruk visited the and institutions still continue to reject gardens of Kitchissippi residents to learn who you are, to try to deny members of our about the impacts of climate change and communities the rights to be seen and heard inflation on what they grow. and celebrated,” he said.

And in our Seniors section, Elissa Mendes And it’s been difficult for members of the writes about Westboro resident Brock Carlton community to watch as well. We hope to who isn’t letting a Parkinson’s diagnosis educate readers on some of the areas that prevent him from living an active life. are often misunderstood, but we also look at We hope you enjoy this colourful, jamhow far society has come. It’s hard to believe packed issue. Love is love!

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Building a healthy, active and engaged community through recreation

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PRIDE Westboro’s Cupcake Lounge bakes pride into their desserts

BY CHARLIE SENACK

August 2023 • 6

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he owners of Westboro’s Cupcake Lounge want customers to feel like they are entering a safe and inclusive space.

Pride flags hang outside of the Queerowned business at 324 Richmond Rd, and inside a wall of cookies with various LGBTQ2S+ flags are on display.

Owner Laura Porter, who took over the business alongside her wife Mylène Côté in August 2022, said they wanted to connect with the community and become a place where LGBTQ2S+ members feel accepted.

That’s why the local bakers decided to start selling sugar cookies with different pride flag decals on them.

“You know when you’re a kid and you want to find a magnet with your name on it and it’s not a name you can usually find? Well, everybody should be able to find the flag they identify with,” Porter said. “You can come in, find your flag on a cookie, and know you’re in a safe space.”

There are at least eight pride flag designs to choose from, including the bisexual, pansexual, and non-binary flags, which can be hard to find elsewhere. The more common progressive pride flag can also be found printed on the sugar cookies alongside the trans flag. Because of their success, they will be available year round and not just during Pride Month.

Côté, who is a youth-in-transition worker by day, deals with young individuals who have been overlooked by the system, many of whom identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. She said customers have been pleasantly surprised by their Queer focus.

“One customer came in and was so excited that we had cookies with the trans and non-binary flags because you just don’t see that elsewhere,” she said.

“Representation is important, and cookies are a small way we can add to that which is great.”

Porter got her entry into the hospitality industry at 14 when she started working in wedding catering. After returning from studying social science in Newfoundland, she took the bakery and pastry arts program at Algonquin College. Porter joined a catering company for one year after graduating, but not liking the 4:00 a.m. starts, she transitioned into property management.

The opportunity to start working as a manager at the Cupcake Lounge came up unexpectedly while searching for jobs on Indeed. Porter learned she got the job over Zoom and instantly fell in love with the staff and business.

When the former owners had to retire for health reasons, Porter jumped at the opportunity to take over the business.

“My wife and I said there was no way we could swing that, but with the help of family and friends we got some loans and we made it happen,” she said.

“We have such a warm and accepting group of us working here. It’s almost all female presenting. We have a really big queer number of people working here,

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on their walls. They are rotated every few months to give exposure to various artists.

“It’s such an easy way as a business to do something for the community,” Côté said.

“It’s free for the artists and we don't take any of the profits from the sales. They get to display their art for free and we get to enjoy the pretty art on the wall.”

Porter said opportunities in the hospitality industry can be “hit or miss” and ensure they treat all their staff like family.

“I’ll never take credit for any of the fantastic designs the girls do because they are amazing,” she said. “They are artistic and creative. I throw things at them and they roll with it. We love being a part of the celebration.”

The Cupcake Lounge also has a store in the ByWard Market and a pop-up in Kanata. Their Westboro location is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

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and it was important to me to keep that environment.”

Porter and Côté met during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and had their first in-person date canceled because of the lockdowns. “It was a FaceTime relationship to start,” Porter joked. The couple legally wed in Summer 2022, but didn’t have a ceremony until this June.

The pair wants to become more involved in pride activities as they find their footing, and they plan to be a vendor at the Pride Parade in August 2024.

This past June during Pride month, they had a special cupcake called ‘fruity loops’ which was a vanilla cupcake with fruit loop cereal on top. They plan to have another special flavor in August during Ottawa Pride festivities.

In addition to their creative cupcake flavors, the Westboro business has also been showcasing pieces of local artwork

for sale

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Laura Porter bought Westboro’s Cupcake Lounge alongside her wife, Mylène Côté, in August 2022. The pair decided to start selling pride flag sugar cookies to be inclusive towards all members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Local art hangs on the store's walls to support upcoming artists. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

CELEBRATING PRIDE

PRIDE

August 2023 • 8

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Hundreds of LGBTQ2S+ members and allies stood up to “anti gender ideology” demonstrators who were protesting outside Nepean High School on June 9. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Standing up to hate: LGBTQ2S+ counter protest inspires love and acceptance

BY CHARLIE SENACK

I

t was a chaotic scene outside Nepean High School on June 9, as demonstrators protested against what they called “gender ideology” being taught in schools.

The group, made up of a few hundred people, were outnumbered by counter protesters who were there to show their support of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Broadview was closed between Carling Avenue and Tillbury Avenue for over five hours as both groups expressed their opposing views.

The demonstrations come at a time the LGBTQ2S+ community is being faced with increased discrimination, hatred and attacks from far-right extremist groups.

Protest organizer “Billboard Chris” Elston, who rallied for “Education over Indoctrination”, is against puberty blockers being used for Transgender children.

Puberty blockers, also known as puberty inhibitors or hormone blockers, are used to postpone puberty in children.

They help to delay unwanted physical changes that don't match with a person's gender identity, a life-saving medication for those in transition.

Elston wore a sandwich board with a sign reading that “children cannot consent to puberty blockers.”

It’s the same slogan he used when demonstrating outside the same location in Oct. 2021.

The counter protest was first started by parents from nearby Broadview Public School who are in support of LGBTQ2S+ education being taught in schools.

Hintonburg resident Sam Hersh, who is also with Horizon Ottawa, said it was important to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ2S+ community. He said the “anti-gender ideology” demonstrators were primarily from outside of Ottawa.

Some of their members came from as far

away as Florida and other parts of the United States.

“These are people who came from across Canada to be here. The fact they can’t get more than 150 people but we have 400 to 500 people shows how much residents in our community support queer and trans people,” Hersh said.

The trans community is often the prime target by far-right groups, Hersh said, calling them an “escape goat” for their movement.

“Trans individuals are the group they have chosen to victimize and lay all the problems around. The rights of trans folks and the rights of queer people shouldn’t be up for debate,” he said. “But the far-right isn’t interested in dialogue.

They are interested in getting content for their live streams. We aren't ever going to debate someone’s right to exist.”

Tara Sypniewski, founder of the Ottawa Trans Library located at 1104 Somerset St. W, was among the counter demonstrators.

She said the world is seeing increased trans hate from extremist groups who want to prevent people from living their authentic lives.

“I felt like I had to be here. When I was young, counter protests like this would have been unimaginable. I’m really glad I’ve lived long enough to see the day,” she said. “In my day it would have made it easier [to be trans]. Maybe I would have started the trans library before I

demonstrations and believe their lack of action allowed situations to escalate by “emboldening” the demonstrators.

Some officers were seen shaking hands and giving words of support to the farright group.

Hersh said he’s been to many rallies and oftentimes police are facing the LGBTQ2S+ side. In this instance, police did form a divider with their bikes but faced the anti gender ideology demonstrators.

“When you think back to the roots of pride, it started because of police violence against the LGBTQ+ community,” he said.

“They haven’t always been there for the queer community. I recall at least one incident during this demonstration when people were linking arms and an officer ran through. One person was hurt and fell to the ground. I went up to the police and asked why he did that. He said he wanted to get through. All he had to do was ask.”

The strained relation between police and the LGBTQ2S+ community dates back generations to a time when it was still ‘taboo’ to be gay.

On May 22, 1976, Kitchissippi’s Club Ottawa Baths, located at 1069 Wellington Street W., were raided by Ottawa Police leading to the arrest of 27 men. The patrons were subjected to brutality and humiliation — they were unable to get dressed before their arrest.

The membership list containing over 3,000 names was also taken; it was later returned but it’s believed police kept records of the names on the list.

The bathhouse still remains in operation, but no sign advertises its location between Mint Hair Studio and Bread By Us Bakery.

Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in Canada in 1969, but same-sex marriages weren’t legally recognized nationwide

until 2005. Some provinces allowed it a few years prior in 2003, including Ontario.

Ottawa’s first same-sex couple married in June 2003.

While progress has been made, it’s expected demonstrations will continue as LGBTQ2S+ hate continues to rise.

Former Somerset ward councillor Catherine McKenney, who is queer and identifies as non-binary, was at the counter demonstration and said it’s important to stand up and drown out the hate.

“The queer community has always been a target of violence and harassment, but we have always celebrated the movement that we’ve made in terms of our freedoms and acceptance of the community,” they said. “We have to remember, though, that there is underlying hatred that we need to stand up for.”

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did. It’s important that trans kids of this generation feel they have the support.”

The demonstrations were not all peaceful. Ottawa Police arrested five individuals, but no charges were laid.

Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden was punched in the face with his megaphone after separating an altercation.

“A woman was grabbing another woman by the hair. I put my body between them and separated them. I looked over my shoulder and was punched,” he said on Twitter. “I was holding a megaphone against my face. The blow glanced off the megaphone and my face was cut.”

Harden said he did not want the woman charged, yet would rather have a conversation with her “about why she needed to be violent, and why she needed to protest outside public schools.”

Counter protesters were displeased with Ottawa Police’s response to the

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INSIDE

CELEBRATING PRIDE

PRIDE Hello Dolly Pastries is ‘neurodivergent and queer all year’

BY GABRIELLE HUSTON

August 2023 • 10

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he owner of Hello Dolly Pastries is proud to boast that their bakery is “neurodivergent and queer all year, not just during Pride.”

A sign on the door attests to that fact, and it can be found proudly displayed all 12 months of the year.

Kourtney Morin (they/them) owns Hello Dolly Pastries at the corner of Wellington Street West and Irving Avenue in Hintonburg. All of their staff are neurodivergent, LGBT+, or both. Though this may seem like a stunning coincidence, LGBT+ individuals may be more likely to be neurodiverse.

Neurodiversity is a term that encompasses individuals whose brains are wired differently than “normal.” As a result, their experience of “sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions” differs, according to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are the most well-known neurodiverse conditions, but the term also encompasses those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourette syndrome. People who don’t have one of these conditions are known as neurotypical.

Though Morin has known they had ADHD since they were 16, they also realized they had ASD after their son (he/him) was diagnosed with it. Since then, it’s been on their mind almost all the time.

One night, Morin talked to their son and described his tone as “whining.” When he complained that he wasn’t whining, the two of them discovered that his neurodiversity

had caused a communication barrier.

“He thought whining was like when dogs whimper,” Morin said. “And I said, ‘no, there’s a certain inflection in your tone when you’re speaking and that’s what we say is whining.’

And he would have never put two and two together because it’s the same tone that the dogs would make, but when you’re speaking. He didn’t understand that that was also whining.”

Morin said they realized that, as neurodiverse people age, they learn more of these implied connections and unspoken rules.

“The problem with being undiagnosed for so long is that I have everyone else’s voice in my head,” they said. “So, when you grow up autistic, you’re trying to learn all the rules, and you can end up masking.”

Masking is a symptom of neurodiversity where the person attempts to hide the traits of their condition in some way to appear more “normal” to others. For example, autistic individuals may make facial expressions even when they’re not compelled to, or ADHD individuals might self edit what they say in conversations.

“Anybody who knew me before [being diagnosed with ASD] was like ‘oh, I really liked you,’” Morin said. “No, you actually liked the curated version of myself that I made for you.”

Morin found their LGBT+ identity shared a lot of similarities to their

Top: All the staff at Hintonburg’s Hello Dolly Pastries are neurodivergent, LGBT, or both.

PHOTO BY GABRIELLE HUSTON.

Bottom: The local bakery has delectable treats made with the finest and freshest ingredients. HELLO DOLLY PASTRIES FACEBOOK PHOTOS Insert: Sheena Howard is a RN Psychotherapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. PROVIDED PHOTO. neurodiversity, including the need to present a palatable version of themselves.

“You’re just trying to fit in. It’s pure survival mode, and it’s exhausting,” they said.

According to Sheena Howard (she/her), Morin is not alone in their exhaustion.

Howard is an RN Psychotherapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience.

She focuses especially on helping those who, like herself, have ADHD and/or identify as LGBT+.

“If you are in the LGBT+ community and you are also neurodiverse, you pay a lot of attention to everything,” Howard said. “The uniqueness of LGBT+ folks is that I think many of us have had to put a lot of effort into knowing who we are and paying attention to how we exist in the world. We have to learn to do different things to make sure we’re safe. That leaves us open to watching for all different ways of being hurt or harmed or whether we’re going to be accepted. We’re really tired.”

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overwhelming sense of empathy,” they said. ”A lot of people think that people that are neurodivergent lack empathy and don’t care about others. The truth of it is we actually have to force ourselves not to get too involved because we do take on others’ energies and we can feel it in our soul. We have to put up those blockers because, otherwise, it’ll completely consume us.”

Morin said they are happy to live in a neighbourhood that, by and large, has been immensely supportive of their decision to open Hello Dolly Pastries.

They started selling baked goods out of their home as a way to pay for their son’s therapy bill, which was $300 a week and not covered by the province. When the pandemic hit and their son needed one-on-one support, they had to quit their office job.

“The community around here was so overwhelmingly supportive of us, or [our] story, everything like that,” Morin said.

“Everyone was asking ‘when are you going to have a storefront? I want to come and buy cookies.’ Then, last fall, I ended up opening the doors to let people shop, and our hours were just ‘whenever I’m here’ because I was a one-person show back then.

And I have never felt so much love from the community. Hintonburg’s been way more than anything I ever could have asked for.”

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There’s not enough published research yet to make a definite link between neurodiversity in general, or ADHD or ASD specifically, and identifying as LGBT+. Some studies have shown a link between having a neurodiverse condition and identifying as LGBT+, while others have not.

“The stats and evidence are out on it,” Howard said. “But we do have a lot of anecdotal evidence. In many of our practices, we have more than our fair share of folks who are LGBT+ and neurodiverse.”

If there is a clear correlation, it’s still unclear what may prompt an individual to be both neurodiverse and LGBT+. However, Howard has her own theory.

In investigating the data for a possible connection, Howard said she was “fascinated with the ways in which our neurological wiring gets hardwired. The pathways for sexuality and gender are similar to the pathways for neurodiversity.”

Howard believes neurodivergent LGBT+ people have a “hereditary predisposition to curiosity” and that the neurological pathways formed when individuals have to assess their own gender, or are able to identify patterns in the world with ADHD, “lock in opportunities and diversity.” In layman’s terms, they keep an open mind.

Morin echoed this sentiment.

“Neurodivergent people can have an

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COMMUNITY NEWS ”I want to build a big tent, an inclusive party that represents all of you”

Yasir Naqvi officially launches bid to be next Ontario Liberal party leader

BY CHARLIE SENACK

August 2023 • 12

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O

ttawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi is eyeing a return to Queen’s Park as he officially enters his bid to be the next Ontario Liberal party leader.

Naqvi officially announced the news during a campaign rally at St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall in Little Italy on June 3. It’s the location from which he’s launched every political campaign since first running in 2007.

The former Attorney General of Ontario, Naqvi said he’s looking to transform the Ontario Liberal Party and attract voters from all sides.

“I want to build a big tent, an inclusive party that represents all of you,” Naqvi told the crowd of about 100 people. “Not just a party of the 416 and 613 [area codes], but a party that is strong in all 124 ridings across the province.”

Naqvi focused on his family's story before and after immigrating to Canada.

When the politician was 10, Naqvi’s father was thrown in jail for nine months after holding pro-democracy movements in Pakistan. They then moved to Niagara Falls and ran a motel before the five-person family moved to a small, two bedroom apartment.

It was his upbringing that Naqvi said inspires him to envision a better Ontario.

“It has had a profound impact. Perhaps I learned the first very important lesson in life which is you never accept the status quo no matter what,” he said. “But what we had was the promise of Ontario. We knew that when my dad got sick Ontario's healthcare system was there for him. My parents knew that our public education

system was there for their children so we could build a better and more successful Ontario.”

Naqvi, a former lawyer, said he did not enter politics to stay comfortable. He has spent the past year traveling across Ontario talking to residents about their struggles and ambitions.

The promise of Ontario is “slipping away” under Doug Ford, he said, referencing education and health cuts implemented by the current Progressive Conservative government.

Before being elected as the Ottawa Centre MP in 2021, Naqvi served provincially in the same riding for three terms before his defeat to Joel Harden in 2018. He was among 51 Ontario Liberals to lose their seats at Queen’s Park during that election.

“I have a lot of experience from my time in government. I know how decisions are made. We have made some good decisions and we have made some mistakes,” Naqvi said. “I’ve learned from those mistakes.

That makes me a better leader. What I will be able to do is make sure that we have a good government for the people of Ontario. The promise of Ontario has been broken under Doug Ford.”

Five people are currently running for the job previously held by Steven Del Duca.

Naqvi is seen as a front runner in the race alongside Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie, who labels herself as a “socially progressive but fiscally responsible” centrist.

Naqvi said he plans to keep serving as the MP for Ottawa Centre as he seeks to lead the Ontario Liberals. The new leader will be announced on December 3.

Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi wants to make a comeback at Queens Park. The former MPP is running for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership. He announced the news in Little Italy on June 7. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

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Interested applicants should submit their resumé plus a letter outlining their skills and reason for interest to jobs@vhaottawa.ca no later than September 5, 2023.

The Nominating Committee interviews prospective candidates and provides recommendations for new members to the Board of Directors. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This is an opportunity to contribute to your community and to help shape the future of community-based health services in our region.

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Board members must commit to: • contributing to the Board’s consensus-building decision process by attending and actively participating in 6 to 8 Board meetings each year. Board meetings are held at 4 – 6:30 pm on Mondays.

• having a clear understanding of the distinction between the role of the Board versus the role of management.

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VHA is currently seeking interested individuals to help guide our efforts in the following key areas: • Risk Management and quality • Government Relations • Property Management / Housing • Financial management • Strategic management • Health system and its regulatory environment • Issues affecting the health system and the people served by VHA.

Our Board is made up of volunteers. The Board of Directors provides stewardship to the organization, sets the strategic direction and monitors organizational risk. VHA seeks a Board that informs dialogue and supports strong decision-making, reflects the community it serves, and has the ability to identify and question biases.

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VHA Health & Home Support (www.vhaottawa. ca) is recruiting new Directors to join our Board of Directors. The Board plays a crucial role in leading, shaping and positioning VHA within the provincial health landscape. VHA adheres to a policy governance Board model, which entrusts Board members with establishing the overarching policies of the organization.

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PRIDE LGBTQ2S+ sports leagues score big

BY BRADLEY TURCOTTE

August 2023 • 14

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W

hen Mechanicsville resident Corey Pinder moved to Ottawa during the pandemic, he was looking for a way to meet new people in the era of social distancing.

Having played with LGBTQ2S+ softball and curling leagues in Vancouver, Pinder signed up for an Ottawa Queer Softball League (OQSL) drop-in game during the summer of 2021.

“You could see how excited everyone was to be back playing ball,” Pinder said. “It was a great and welcoming atmosphere. I ended up playing most Fridays that summer.”

For members of Ottawa’s LGBTQ2S+ community looking to get active and form new connections, there is a healthy roster of leagues in the city, no matter your skill level or which season it may be.

The history of Ottawa’s queer sports leagues traces its origins to 1986 with Club Moustache. Beginning as a “gay men’s sporting club” that did everything from badminton to self-defence classes, the name of the organization was changed to Time Out as “women were not too keen on joining” due to the group’s macho name.

Kevin Nixon remembers Club Moustache, as he is a founding member of Gay Ottawa Volleyball (GOV), Rainbow Rockers (RR) curling, and OQSL. The softball league unofficially started in 2000 when Nixon and his friends, Donald Walker and Marshall Rowat, teamed up to play in a Montreal tournament. OQSL, originally named Ottawa Q Ball, officially rented fields as a league in 2008.

When Nixon moved to Ottawa in 1992, “we didn’t have Grindr and swipe left or swipe right,” he said. “You either went to bars or became a joiner. In this age of being online, it can be quite lonely. This

Left: from left to right: Chantelle Northwood, Bradley Turcotte and Kevin Nixon play on Ottawa’s LGBTQ2S+ softball team.

Middle: Kitchissippi Times writer Bradley Turcotte attempts to hit the ball during a game on July 21.

Right: A little rain did not dampen the spirits of Kevin Nixon and and Peter Douglas. ALL PHOTOS BY ELLEN BOND.

is a real connection with people.”

There aren’t many “originals” playing this year, Nixon laughed, adding he is happy to see how far OQSL has progressed. There are 13 teams this year with names like ‘Basic Pitches’ and ‘Saaasy Slaaayers’ that keep the spirit of “everyone can play.”

When OQSL commissioner and Smack That captain Chantalle Northwood joined the league in 2009, there were four females on the field. This year 40 per cent of players identify as female.

Dang notes that OQSL started out as a

gay men’s league but has “evolved and is inclusive.”

“It is the most welcoming league. We have players who can play in any other league and players who can’t throw a sock across the bedroom,” Northwood said. “Part of our league is that everybody hasn't had a chance to play organized sports. You are part of the community.

Everybody hasn’t had the opportunity to have that.”

A former pitcher on his elementary school baseball team, Tristan Dang throws strikes for Dingbats this year. It is Dang’s eighth season with OQSL. “I don't believe everyone that's part of the OQSL community knows that I'm trans,” Dang said. “When I first started with the league, I was at the beginning of my journey with discovering myself

as Tristan. Finding OQSL has been a gift that has enriched my life. Not only have I made friends, but I've also come across my chosen family.”

Gay Ottawa Volleyball has “explosively taken off” since Nixon played “informal” volleyball in 1992, he said, adding the level of play in the A division is now “varsity” — attracting players of all identities.

At a recent retreat, GOV went over a new five year plan, focusing on “diversity and inclusion.”

While there are Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), women, trans, and non-binary GOV players, as well as those younger and older, Muddiman said the not-for-profit is examining how to increase representation.

“These are specific communities with specific needs. We want to be thinking about how we can be more mindful to include those groups that often have less representation in the volleyball community” and the LGBTQ2S+ community, Muddiman said.

Offering indoor matches and summer beach volleyball, GOV operates year

”It is the most welcoming league. We have players who can play in any other league.” – Chantalle Northwood “We don’t care. We are having a good time,” Ferguson laughed.

With two teams playing against primarily men in the Carleton Adult Hockey League, OPH is mostly players who were assigned female at birth, but the league also welcomes gay men and straight allies, Ferguson said.

Inspired by a trip to Boston to play with Team Trans, Ferguson noticed “the atmosphere and the feeling of safeness in the change room.”

Ferguson and the team started with pickup games in 2020. OPH continues to offer drop-in pickup games year round and provides equipment for new players.

“A lot of people that are playing with us quit hockey when they decided to transition or a lot of them felt like hockey was not a safe space. They never played and they're coming to this as an adult,” said Ferguson.

If traditional sports aren’t your speed,

CELEBRATING PRIDE

round with league and drop in nights.

“We want to make sure we create an environment that is welcoming of everyone who wants to come and play,” said GOV president David Muddiman.

"Especially those people who are new to the sport.”

Many LGBTQ2S+ adults who play recreational sports were discouraged from participating as kids due to bullying and heteronormativity, Muddiman said.

“They have come to GOV as an adult to give sports another try. That they have been able to access sport really hits close to home,” he said. “Sport can be such a life affirming, community affirming experience.”

The teams of Ottawa Pride Hockey (OPH) may occasionally lack power, but co-founder Kat Ferguson shoots that away.

the original gay activity group Time Out welcomes you to frolic through the forest. The group primarily sticks to Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, but has gone as far as Frontenac Park, Calabogie, and Pontiac.

“With many sports, people may be reluctant to join because they've never played before or they're not very good at it. But hiking, you're just walking,” said Time Out Hiking coordinator Glenn Bugg.

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15 • August 2023

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PRIDE

Crowns and Tiaras drag performers put on a show at Parkdale Park on June 17. The family-friendly show was well attended during Wellington West ArtsPark activities.

August 2023 • 16

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ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK

Crowns and tiaras: Drag performances take over Kitchissippi

BY CHARLIE SENACK

F

or the first time ever, a ‘crowns and tiaras’ drag performance was held at Parkdale Park.

It was part of the 20th anniversary ArtsPark activities held in Wellington West on June 17.

The day also featured various other performances on the Pat MacLeod main stage and an artisan market nearby.

Drag performances have become more mainstream in recent years, with their popularity promoted by shows like ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ whose 16th season premiered this January to record-breaking ratings.

It’s unclear when drag performances

first started attracting crowds, but it's believed drag balls started in Harlem, New York in the 1860’s. Earlier than that, women were known to dress up and perform as men during the Tang Dynasty in China between 618-908 AD. In Canada, drag performances started sometime during the early 20th century, even though members of the LGBTQ2S+ community were not accepted.

During the Cold War, it was believed that members of the community could be blackmailed by Communists to turn over state secrets rather than be exposed.

In 1969, Ottawa’s most famous gay celebrity Paul Fournier, also known under his drag name Peaches Latour, was hauled in by the RCMP to “identify gays.” Despite recognizing many faces in the photo albums he was shown, Fournier refused to help law enforcement and was labeled “a traitor to his country.”

While acceptance towards the LGBTQ2S+ community and drag is more recognized today, drag is still widely misunderstood and often discriminated against. Drag storytimes for kids are often attended by protesters who chant homophobic and transphobic remarks.

Former Kitchissippi resident Eric Vance has been performing under the

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”It’s costume and it is

transformation at its most extreme form. I fell in love with the art of it.” – Eric Vance

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Disney music and dancing was part of the drag performance, which got the kids up and dancing.

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which I didn’t at the time,” Cinder said. “I immediately turned to google and started looking up drag kings. From seeing my very first drag show to being in my very first drag show was about two months.”

Cinder has been able to perform drag in various places including Tokyo, Japan.

He said its art form is becoming more connected to its past roots as it becomes increasingly controversial.

“It used to be illegal to wear articles of clothing that didn't match the gender that you were assigned at birth. In fact, in some places in the world, even in the United States, we're seeing laws like that being reintroduced,” Cinder said.

“People have this idea that we're doing something inappropriate or that we're doing something wrong, incorrect or dangerous, which we really don't agree with,” he added. “Drag can be fun, it can be funny, it can be joyful and it can be silly.”

Cinder said he gets the most fulfillment standing up for the LGBTQ2S+ community and human rights as a whole.

Eric Vance’s message to demonstrators is that each show is geared towards specific age groups that are clearly identified ahead of time. Their latest show at Zak’s Diner was tailored to a teen audience, with Vance noting “it’s nothing you haven’t seen in the latest pop star music video.”

“Watching a drag show can’t make you gay. Even doing drag doesn’t mean you’re gay,” Vance said. “Women can do drag and men can do drag. People are labeling it as sexual when it’s not. It’s an art form.“

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drag name Sunshine Glitterchild for the past three years. He participated at a drag performance at Zak’s Diner in Westboro on June 10.

Vance said he found an interest in drag seven or eight years ago after watching it on television, but wasn’t able to embrace it for a few more years.

“I started buying and investing in some drag items when I was living with my dad. He found out and put them in the garbage,” Vance recalled. “During the pandemic it was that feeling of the world ending, so that's when I [again] thought it was my chance to try it. You look in the mirror and don’t recognize yourself. It’s a cool experience.”

Vance, who identifies as a cis gay male, said drag is “his chance to sparkle.”

“It’s costume and it is transformation at its most extreme form. I fell in love with the art of it,” he said. “It’s so joyful and fun.”

His career in drag has picked up since first starting three years ago. With over 13,000 followers on Instagram, Vance was able to quit his day job and devote his energy to the art full time.

Westboro resident Cyril Cinder has been performing as a drag king since 2014. The Canterbury High School graduate grew up in theater and discovered drag while doing his undergrad about eight years ago.

After attending his first drag performance, Cinder knew it was his calling.

“I made a comment to some friends [that] if I had been born a man, I'd be a drag queen. They were a bit more clever than I was [and] knew about drag kings

COMMUNITY NEWS Minto’s Hintonburg highrise proposal set to go to Ontario Land Tribunal

BY SIMON HOPKINS

August 2023 • 18

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T

he ongoing dispute over a proposed highrise at the corner of Wellington Street West and Parkdale Avenue will continue this summer.

Housing developer Minto Communities wants to build the mixed-use project at 1186, 1188 and 1194 Wellington St. W. on the southwest corner of the intersection.

Its 2021 application was amended and finalized in August 2022 with a plan for a 16-storey apartment building featuring more than 200 units as well as about 13,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The 0.6-acre property is currently occupied by a Rexall drug store and the old Elmdale Theatre.

The height limit for the property is six storeys, and Minto sought a zoning bylaw amendment to accommodate the project. The company’s proposal to the city outlined a traffic flow strategy and argued that the development would be a net benefit to the area.

City council ultimately rejected the proposal last year. Minto appealed the city’s decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal, an independent body that is the province’s final arbiter of development disputes.

The tribunal has had three preliminary meetings on the issue, and a hearing on the dispute has been scheduled for Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. It’s unclear when the tribunal will announce its ruling.

The two opposing parties won’t be the only ones represented in this case. Both the Hintonburg Community Association and Suncor Energy will be present as parties in the dispute. Hintonburg’s community association will argue against the development alongside Suncor, which owns a Petro Canada gas station across the street.

Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper, who lives near the site, said the community’s reaction to the project has been largely negative.

“The majority of what I’m hearing is opposition to the building,” he said, adding nearby residents are concerned about the height of the proposed tower and the increased traffic the development would generate.

“I think there is significant discomfort that if this building is allowed to move ahead, it will see significant increase in [building] height in many more places,” said Leiper, who also chairs council’s planning and housing committee.

The site’s proximity to the O-Train lines, many bus routes and Highway 417 makes it an appealing location for many residents;

Planning signs for Minto’s development proposal have been graffitied with the words “evict the rich.” Residents who live in the area are concerned intensification could overcrowd the already dense neighborhood. ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Affordable, Clean, Secure, Central but the local streets aren’t designated for the significant volume of use associated with high-rise buildings, he added.

Concern about the proposed building was voiced across the street in World of Maps, a store with a 29-year history in the community. Store owner Petra Thoms is opposed to the proposed construction.

“We won’t be looking forward to the parking,” she said, referring to the potential loss of space in the area. She worried that, though there would be more people living near her store, the traffic and loss of parking from the big tower could keep many other customers away.

Thoms said she would favour a building setback from the sidewalk with inviting trees and walking space. That would add value, but what’s proposed isn’t what she thought this community needs.

“We need more affordable places, but they’re not building that,” she said.

”The traffic added by a large

apartment worries residents frustrated by the already congested streets.”

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But Amandine Pajor, who owns the Amandine Patisserie French pastry and coffee shop just down the street, said she thinks the development would boost traffic in her store.

“It would be a good thing for me and my business,” she said.

Minto Communities, Suncor and The Hintonburg community association did not respond to requests for comment.

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GIVING

Gardens unite community members despite climate change and inflation

BY DARIA MAYSTRUK

F

or Manju Sah, 20 years of hard work has culminated in a colourful display of flowers wrapping around her home.

Though her garden initially served as an additional privacy feature to her corner-lot home, it has since evolved into a bird and neighbour-friendly paradise.

Planting flowers has been “a labour of love” for Sah just as much as it has been for her community which has helped her build her garden from the beginning.

“This is my little oxygen space that is helping keep the air clean, and it gives people pleasure,” Sah said. “[Gardening] gives us a moment of calm. It makes you slow down because life is stressful enough as it is. For me, these are moments of reflection.”

However, Sah said this year’s periods

of drought and record-high heat brought unique challenges to both her garden and herself, even though she felt relieved with more frequent rain in June and July.

“In recent years we have seen more extreme weather events, and it's hard to know from one year to the next how things are going to fare,” she said.

“When we had that drought period, I'm embarrassed at my water bill. The plants really suffered with the drought. And even though I wanted to, I couldn't really water as extensively as they needed.”

Unpredictable weather is also creating

challenges for the Ottawa Flower Market Collective, which sources flowers from nine local female-owned farms around Kemptville and sells them monthly at the Parkdale Market.

Meagan Warren, owner of flower farm Wildling Acres and member of the Ottawa Flower Market Collective, said farmers are relying on strategies to overcome periods of frost and thaw during spring.

Some of these strategies include planting a variety of different flowers and relying on the collective they formed this year.

“The nice part is just the fellowship the nine of us have together. You're all pulling each other along and are able to give advice,” she said. “[This year] we were all doing the 14day forecast and just texting amongst the group. But that's just part of the seasonality of farming. I think the more years you have under your belt, the better you are to deal with that.”

Through the support of their community, Warren said the Ottawa Flower Market Collective has also experienced increased customer traffic

in addition to their “diehard people” who have been attending the market for their approximate five years of business.

Just as sales of flowers have increased for the Ottawa Flower Market Collective, support for businesses such as Les Serres Robinson Greenhouses have also seen a spike since the start of the pandemic, according to co-owner Brigit Robinson.

The family-owned business sells plants and locally-sourced produce every day in the heart of the Parkdale Market.

Robinson said the business’s sales have been steady over the past few years, with sales increasing for tropical plants since the COVID-19 pandemic. “[During] the pandemic, instead of looking for a place to go to have a cocktail at night, people made their garden look nice, so we're selling a lot more,” she said.

The business has also seen high demand for the fruits and baked goods it sources from other family-owned farms.

“During the peach season, we bring back [and sell] 253 feet of peaches weekly,” Robinson said. “It's our second year [and] we sell 1,500 pies a week.”

One key to the business’s success may rest in its relatively low price point amid inflation. By sourcing fruits and vegetables from farming families across Ontario and Quebec and by using their own trucks, the business has kept its prices “pretty much always the same” over three generations, according to Robinson.

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Left: Carolyn Ayot is a horticulturalist who tends to the gardens at Piccadilly and Wellington. Following three photos: Kitchissippi resident Manju Sah has been working on her garden for the last 20 years. ABOVE PHOTOS BY DARIA MAYSTRUK. Inset: Flower arrangements line Richmond Road in Westboro. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

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“It's also healthy for them because you're rejuvenating [the plants] by dividing,” Ayotte said. “And you can give them to friends and neighbours so it's just a win-win.”

Ayotte was recently awarded a grant from the Ontario Horticultural Society to develop a pollinator garden on Piccadilly Avenue. She said the project is currently on hold due to city construction, but she will continue planting next year and recommends others plant their own gardens.

“Urban pollinator gardens are really important because we're not going to be able to eat if we don't have pollinators— that's what we need to create food,” Ayotte said. “If everybody did a little chunk on their lawn or in their garden, we'd be laughing.”

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For at-home gardeners including Sah, inflation represents another challenge to unpredictable weather patterns.

“My garden, I think, is more expensive than my house,” she said with a laugh.

However, Sah said she still happily continues to prioritize the health of her garden and is able to lower the cost of gardening by dividing her larger plants into new spots.

“I'm happy to have plants that I can divide. Whatever extra money I have just goes into maintaining the garden, but I love it. I'd love to stay on soup and bread just to keep my garden alive.”

Carolyn Ayotte, a horticulturalist who tends the gardens on the corner of Piccadilly Avenue and Wellington Street, said dividing plants is an easy solution to avoiding high prices at garden centres.

BUSINESS Bankruptcy leads to West End Kids closure after 25 years in Westboro

BY CHARLIE SENACK

August 2023 • 22

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A

fter more than 25 years in Westboro, West End Kids has closed its doors.

The popular children’s clothing and outerwear store first opened at 373 Richmond Rd. in August 1995. In late 2020, owners Sheba and Gordie Schmidt opened a second store at 376 Madison Ave., behind the original location. The 3,000-plus square feet of extra space allowed them to have a duplicate retail front, warehouse and small office. It was also designed to provide more in-person shopping opportunities at a time when COVID-19 capacity limits were in effect.

Earlier this year, West End Kids closed both locations. The Richmond Road storefront now sits vacant. The store’s website and Facebook page have been taken down.

The Schmidts did not respond to multiple requests for comment, but documents available on the website of Raymond Chabot Inc. indicate Sheba Gordon Sales Inc. filed for bankruptcy on May 1, 2023.

The documents show that the company owes creditors just over $900,000, including $22,119 in rent.

Company assets are valued at almost $400,000.

Speaking to the Kitchissippi Times in 2020, Sheba Schmidt said business was at its best just before the pandemic. Then, during COVID, Gordie Schmidt said they relied on the newer second location to survive.

“Without it (the second store), we cannot succeed,” he said at the time.

“There’s not even a chance because the store normally does in the hundreds of thousands of dollars (in revenue) over the next couple of months and, physically, we can’t get the people in the store to do that kind of volume.”

A building permit posted on the former West End Kids door said the space will be expanded into the adjoining retail suite where clothing store Fiällräven is located.

Westboro’s changing retail landscape

Judy Lincoln, executive director of the Westboro BIA, said it’s always sad when long-standing businesses leave the community.

“They are always important members of our community and we are going to miss them,” she said. “Some may be reimagining the space they need, some may be reimagining what they want to do. We always try to respect their privacy around that.”

While some Westboro businesses have closed since the pandemic, it doesn’t take long for vacant storefronts to be leased, Lincoln said. In June, Seven Tea Miles, Playground the Pilates Collective, and Kazka Toys Westboro have opened.

“People are very creative about what a commercial space can be,” Lincoln said. “In some situations, we have two businesses sharing a space. In (other) instances we have new owners come

Popular children’s outerwear store West End Kids has been forced to close their doors after 25 years. Public documents indicate the owners filed for bankruptcy.

PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

into existing businesses and that’s a new trend we are starting to see.”

Rick Eisert, president of the Westboro BIA, said more service-related businesses have moved in recently, including nail and hair salons and fitness facilities.

As Westboro continues to evolve, trends and demographics in the community will start to change, Eisert said.

A number of residential buildings are slated to be built along Scott Street,

which Eisert said will bring more singles and young couples to the area. Phase 2 of the LRT will also be a game-changer for the community when it’s launched in a few years, he noted.

“The next five years are going to be a wait and see,” Eisert said. “There is no doubt that (development is) happening very quickly. We have to be very careful that we can manage all of the people going in to make sure we have enough jobs for people and transportation.”

Herb & Spice close its doors after half a century in business

BY CHARLIE SENACK

A

Herb & Spice wanted to change Ottawa’s grocery landscape when they first opened, allowing customers to buy fresh produce in bulk. Steinberg said he wasn’t interested in the business aspect of the venture; the “service concept” was based on European markets he and his friend encountered while traveling.

“We were definitely influenced by the old markets in our travels. We experienced the open air markets in Mexico, Guatemala, and other places,” he said. “It’s that feeling we brought to the store and it was embraced by the Kitchissippi community.”

After the announcement of its closure, non-profit Foodsharing Ottawa thanked the

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were going up. I think it’s fantastic we kept it going for this long.”

Steinberg also said when the Westboro Farmers Market started, their Saturday sales went down by 15 per cent. Increased restaurants opening along Richmond Rd — six just across the street from his store — meant many customers were eating out instead of cooking. They reduced staff to try and cut costs, but it wasn’t enough.

Herb & Spice branded itself as “the place to find Ottawa’s finest selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, including locally grown, organic and conventional.” Fresh produce was sold from at least 15 local farms and greenhouses.

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fter half a century in business and over three decades in Kitchissippi, Herb & Spice has served its last customers.

Branded as one of the first natural food stores in Ottawa, Herb & Spice first opened its doors on Somerset Street in 1973. In 1986, it moved to 1310 Wellington St. W. The news was announced on a chalkboard outside the store in early June. Its last day open was July 14.

Owner Mike Steinberg told Kitchissippi Times the tough decision was made after finding it difficult to compete with bigger retailers in recent years. That paired with a pandemic, an evolving neighborhood, and changing retail habits made it impossible to stay afloat.

“Five of the last six years we have seen declining sales and increasing costs. The only year that was reasonably good was when everything else was closed during the lockdown,” he said. “Ever since the Farm Boy opened in Westboro, we lost a significant amount of our business and that really never came back. This year was even slower than before and costs

local grocer for their partnership since 2017.

“The shop has shown true leadership in diverting surplus food to help the community and the environment,” they wrote on Facebook. “To date they have helped us redirect tens of thousands of pounds of fresh surplus food within the city. We are so thankful for their ongoing support [and] for understanding the value of food.”

Looking back at their 50 years in the Kitchissippi community, Steinberg said he is proud of their achievements. Over 500 people have worked at Herb & Spice over the last half century — many were highschoolers and young teens who were starting their first job.

The local grocer also continued to sell locally grown produce year-round, including in the winter, which Steinberg said the bigger chains “don’t have the organization” for.

Steinberg said he will miss arranging the quality fruits and vegetables by texture and colour. While that can be replaced by other kinds of artistic hobbies, he said the connections with customers and staff will be irreplaceable.

“It’s a sad story in a sense but within that is the celebration of 50 years which in itself is wonderful,” Steinberg said. “I know for myself and my staff too, we are very grateful for the opportunity given to us to work with this community. It’s really been great.”

RETIREMENT LIVING • August 2023 • 24

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LIVING

Brock Carlton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020. The Westboro resident isn’t letting the progressive disease define his life. Brock and his longtime wife, Susan Carleton, continue to live an active lifestyle and find ways to adapt. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK

Fighting back through Parkinson’s:

Westboro man isn’t letting the diagnosis define him

BY ELISSA MENDES AND CHARLIE SENACK

B

CEO on the realities of the disease so that this perspective is taken into account in their work” – Brock Carlton

25 • August 2023 • RETIREMENT LIVING

”I’m on their national Parkinson's Advisory Council which advises the

KitchissippiTimes

already experiencing tremors and a loss of endurance. The news didn’t come as a complete surprise.

“It’s hard to handle in the initial moment but I knew something wasn’t going right,” he said, noting it could happen to anyone.

“I had been so active and physically strong with lots of endurance. We have paddled Arctic rivers, hiked Mount Kilimanjaro.

Now with this disease we have to tailor our strategies so we can continue to do what we like to do.”

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that attacks the body's nervous system, causing loss of muscle control.

Symptoms present themselves slowly and progress over time. Tremors, shaking, slowed movement, and rigid muscles are some of the most common signs.

It’s a disease that impacts one in 500

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Brock and Susan Carlton had only three dates before touring China together for a summer. PROVIDED PHOTO.

E-bike so that I could manage the hills, and we could still have the adventure we wanted to have,” he said. “We did about 40 kilometers a day, so we could keep the distance manageable and take time to walk the beaches. This holiday showed us we can still do those things that drive us.”

Sue added that her work as a NonViolent Communication (NVC) practitioner has given her "a lot of gas” to address the diagnosis. Carlton explained that the practice focuses on compassionate communication through the use of empathy.

“It changes the way I am as a partner, as a friend, as a mom. I’m much more present,” she said. “I think there’s a point in one’s life too, where you want to live with peace.”

“Every day in life, there’s bumps. So when you get a major bump like this one presents, NVC gives skills and tools around gratitude. It just clarifies what really matters,” she added.

Brock said it’s important for him to have friendships with people outside of the Parkinson’s circle and adjust his mindset to recognize he can still do the activities he loves.

Brock and his family will be taking part in Ottawa's Parkinson Canada Superwalk taking place at Britannia Beach on Sept. 9.

It will include entertainment, food, the walk and a silent auction. Last year team Carlton raised almost $10,000. He encourages anyone in Ottawa to join the walk to have some fun and raise funds for this important cause.

“One of the tricks to this is to not define yourself by the disease,” he said. “The walk will be a lot of fun while helping Parkinson Canada raise the funds to support people like me.”

kitchissippi.com

rock Carlton is fighting back against Parkinson’s — literally.

Brock, who was diagnosed with the disease shortly after retiring from a 13-year career as CEO of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 2020, said exercise is one of the few things those with Parkinson’s can do to slow down its progression.

Three times a week, Brock attends ‘Boxing 4 Health’ classes on Woodward Drive, a program tailored specifically to those with Parkinson’s.

“When you’re throwing a punch, you’re twisting your body to get a coordinated movement across multiple muscle groups,” the grandfather of three said. "It involves coordination, balance, strength, endurance and fun."

Brock And his wife, Susan Carlton, also continue cross-country skiing, paddling, canoeing and cycling.

In his free time, Brock volunteers extensively with Parkinson Canada, the national body conducting research, advocating on behalf of those with Parkinson’s and spreading knowledge about the disease.

“I’m on their national Parkinson's Advisory Council which advises the CEO on the realities of the disease so that this perspective is taken into account in their work,” he said.

He also emcees and sits on the organizing committee for the Ottawa Super Walk, part of a nation-wide fundraising initiative held in cities and towns across Canada each fall.

Brock said that his diagnosis has proved “humbling.” By the time he received his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, he was

Canadians with approximately 6,600 new Parkinson’s cases being confirmed in the country each year. Brock is one of over 100,000 Canadians currently fighting the brain disorder.

When Sue found out her husband’s diagnosis, she said it took some time to get over the initial shock. Her positive outlook and spirit is what helped her adapt to their family’s new normal.

“I cried for 48 hours when he came home,” she said. “Brock was one of the most active people. This was a robust guy who could handle so many physically challenging activities. And so, when the news of Parkinson's came, it was quite a blow all around.”

The Westboro couple first met in the early 1980’s at a Government of Ontario Leadership training Centre in Haliburton.

Soon after, Brock left Canada and headed to Kenya to work as an educator. The pair reconnected when he returned to Canada.

Not long after, Brock was again traveling to teach, this time to Xiamen in southern China. He phoned Sue and asked if she wanted to tour around China with him for the summer. She flew to Hong Kong and the rest is history.

The couple have lived in Ottawa since 1985 and raised their three children in the Westboro neighborhood. They say the community's accessible environment complements their healthy lifestyle.

Brock and Sue said the diagnosis won’t stop them from pursuing the activities that help them thrive. Exercise is an important part of preventing Parkinson’s from spreading, Brock said, noting it’s important to keep your joints active and back straight.

“Last July we cycled the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and it was great. I rented an

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RETIREMENT LIVING • August 2023 • 26

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Connect this fall Dovercourt Recreation Centre, located in Highland Park/ Westboro, has been a community hub since the 1980s, with its indoor pool, tennis courts, wading pool, swim lessons, fitness programs, afterschool programs, day camps and an adjacent field and park. The Centre is gearing up for a busy fall, excited to welcome everyone —especially older adults ready to get back into a healthy routine.

After a challenging couple of years during the pandemic, Dovercourt has been steadily building back, resuming programs interrupted by lockdowns and limits. The fall 2023 session will see the addition of new classes, a sign that things are better than ever. There is much to rediscover for the older adult who may have taken a break.

Dovercourt prides itself on being a safe, welcoming, and inclusive home-away-from-home for many people. There’s a real community feel, apparent after morning fitness classes when people enjoy a coffee, snack or lunch at the Café in the lobby.

With monthly and ongoing options, the Fit Pass allows the ultimate flexibility: book ahead and enjoy over 30 classes per week. You can pause the pass for longer absences, like vacations and winters away. It

includes group fitness, yoga, aquafitness, spinning, strength, use of the Fitness Centre, the indoor pool (with hot tub and sauna) and more. This fall, the Fit Pass will include late-morning “Seniors on the Go” classes.

Registered specialty classes range from dynamic to rehab-oriented and are offered weekly for the fall session. Join kindred spirits in Older Adult Yoga, Older Adult Tai Chi, and Age Strong (Small Group Personal Training). Aqua Rehab classes such as Arthritis, FM and Healthy Back address specific

conditions and promote strength and mobility.

The Mind & Body Connection class for those with Parkinson’s, MS or Post Stroke will be offered in the pool and in the original land version.

This fall, sharpen your card-playing skills with Euchre Club (free) or join a pole-walking class or pickleball game for a nominal drop-in fee. All are welcome to enjoy monthly Wellness Education sessions, with informative talks by local physiotherapists and wellness experts. Grab a coffee and a muffin, and get ready to learn!

We know that staying active and connected is critical to physical and mental health. The pandemic had a negative impact on so many due to isolation and interruption of regular routines. Organized activities, both fitness and social, enable older adults to regain those vital connections. Make this fall your most connected season yet!

Fall classes begin after Labour Day. Purchase the Fit Pass at any time. Fall registration for registered specialty programs begins Tuesday, August 8. www.dovercourt.org

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include, support groups, therapy, or finding day programs for your loved one to attend so you can take a break. Some supports include:

Often families of those who have been diagnosed struggle to understand not only the disease and its impact on their loved ones but also how to help them. Here are a few “next steps” that can be taken after your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia.

• The Champlain Dementia Network • Carefor Respite Day Programs • Carefor Richmond Care Home

• Learn about the disease and what types of behaviors to anticipate: This will help you understand that much of what you will be experiencing is the disease and not your loved one. It will also help you create a care plan.

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Staying fit through all stages of life: A Q&A with the Churchill Seniors Centre

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KT: For seniors who want to exercise from home, do you have any useful tips?

AF: We have a handout from Public Health with basic exercises that promote improved balance and we are happy to

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29 • August 2023 • RETIREMENT LIVING

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KT: How can people get involved with the Churchill Seniors Centre?

AF: We do not require you to purchase a membership. You can stop by the Center and pick up a schedule and get a tour weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can register for a seven week session class or you can attend a drop-in program and pay as you go. Call us at 613-769-8927 and our staff will be happy to answer questions and help direct you.

KitchissippiTimes

MORE THAN JUST SENIOR LIVING. IT’S A NEW LIFE

KT: How much physical activity should people be doing every day?

AF: It is recommended that everyone should work to exercise at a pace to increase their heart rate for 30 minutes daily. That might mean three tenminute segments at first and build their cardiovascular stamina slowly. A minimum goal of 150 minutes weekly is the minimum for being active. It is also

necessary to do strength training exercises 2-3 times per week.

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KT: What kinds of programming are you offering this summer and fall?

AF: Although our Summer schedule offers less than Fall, we are offering Strength and Balance registered classes as well as Line Dance and Yoga, just to name a few.

show clients things they can do.

Rogers TV opened up several Better Strength Better Balance episodes onto YouTube for seniors to access virtually as well. Doing sit to stands and pushups off the wall or counters are two great strength exercises for legs, arms, shoulders and core and are needed in activities of daily living.

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estboro’s Churchill Seniors Centre offers a variety of programming for seniors of all capabilities.

Located in the former Nepean Town Hall at 345 Richmond Rd, the space is for seniors 50 and over who are looking to stay fit, make friends and get engaged in the community.

The Kitchissippi Times sat down with Anita Findlay, program coordinator at the centre, to learn more about what they offer.

Monday afternoons are busy with drop-in duplicate bridge players. The first and third Wednesdays will see our hall filled with dancers as we offer a drop-in social dance.

Heading into the Fall we will have the return of drop-in Tai Chi and the Ukulele sing-along as well as drop-in and registered Line Dance lessons. We offer more opportunities to attend fitness classes from Pilates to Cardio. Zumba classes are also offered alongside Strength and Balance and an Integrated Fitness class for those with health and mobility issues.

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I was already living in Unitarian House, in a one-bedroom apartment, after eleven years on the waiting list, when my savings ran out. I was panic stricken. My OAS pension was then $1200 a month.

Unitarian House is not-for-profit, but the rent for my one-bedroom apartment was still $943 per month. Add on hydro av. $70; food $300-$400; phone $60; senior’s bus pass $47. (No dentistry, clothing, replacement of worn-out household items, Christmas and birthday presents etc). Even if I went to the food bank, I couldn’t keep my apartment in UH. Where could I go?

I am so lucky that I lived here because I could apply for a rent subsidy in December, which was granted to start the following May. The moment I knew this the paralyzing fear went away.

The subsidy is enough that although I cannot run a car, I have a very good life, able to buy not only necessities, but to upgrade my glasses, see the dentist and occasionally have a meal out, enjoy Christmas and family birthdays, buy the odd book, and go to the NGC. I am one of 14 apartment residents out of 76 who have subsidies. That is not very

many. The awful truth is that there are 24 people on our waiting list who need subsidies and cannot move in unless they can have one.

Low-income seniors are the highest demographic of people living in poverty – 12%. Rapacious landlords are turning them out of low rent properties and rents for one-bedroom apartments are now $1700-$2000. OAS has just been raised $1$)" 2$/# -.$./ )/ *- -( ) )/ to $1500. People on OAS are people $1$)" 2$/# -.$./ )/ *- -( ) )/ $1$)" 2$/# -.$./ )/ *- -( ) )/ $1$)" 2$/# -.$./ )/ *- -( ) )/ on whose work you have depended – $1$)" 2$/# $1$)" 2$/# -.$./ )/ *- -.$./ -( ) )/ -( ) )/ )/ *- $1$)" 2$/# -.$./ )/ *- -( ) )/ retail workers, delivery people, PSWs, ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� construction workers, waiters, and the ���������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������

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Unitarian House Staff and Residents are once again participating in the Grand Parade.

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RETIREMENT LIVING • August 2023 • 30

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This fundraising event is held Canada wide and its focus is to improve the life of our Seniors.

Unitarian House is a registered charity and is responsible for raising the funds necessary to support its’ programs. The funds raised will assist residents who are experiencing financial hardship. Please support our fundraising efforts. Unitarian House is registered under Ottawa West-Westboro. We also accept cash and cheques.

Please note the cheques must be issued to “The Grand Parade”.

You can find more information and donate by typing the following link on your search bar: thegrandparade.org/location/ottawawestboro

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Offering physiotherapy and massage therapy services in four locations across Ottawa

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COMMUNITY NEWS Bail hearing denied for 21-year-old charged in Westboro man’s death

BY CHARLIE SENACK

T

here will be no bail for a 21-year-old who is accused of striking and killing a Westboro man with his vehicle during an alleged chase with police.

The incident happened at Richmond Road and Kirkwood Avenue on April 15. Franco Micucci, 46, was struck by

the oncoming vehicle as he crossed the street with his wife, Shirlene. He died in hospital six days later.

Tevon Bacquain, who was driving a Honda Civic, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which is investigating because of police involvement, said the “vehicle

August 2023 • 32

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Flowers are taped to a street pole at Richmond and Kirkwood, where 46-year-old Franco Micucci was struck and killed while out for an evening walk. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK FOR SALE

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of interest” was first spotted by police near Shillington. Preliminary evidence indicates a police officer in an unmarked cruiser followed the vehicle and attempted to pull it over near Carling and Merivale, but was unsuccessful.

On July 5, Bacquain was denied bail for the second time and faced two new charges — possession for the purpose of trafficking and counselling to obstruct justice. A publication ban prevents further details of his bail hearing from being released.

Members of Micucci’s family who were in court to hear the bail hearing were pleased with the outcome.

“Our family strongly believes that the accused needs to remain in jail where he belongs and we are happy that bail was denied a second time,” the deceased's cousin, Julie Cassandra, said in a statement. “We feel his continued

detention makes the entire community safer. Our number one priority remains getting justice for Franco."

A memorial with flowers and candles has been placed at the intersection where the incident unfolded. A sign reading “rest in peace Dad” is taped to the traffic light pole.

Micucci was a team member at HVAC business Team Harding and was father to Daisy and Nadya. After his death, four of Micucci’s organs were donated.

“I want Franco to be remembered as a man with great kindness (and) integrity, whose greatest love in life was being a father,” his wife told the Kitchissippi Times. “Everyone who came into contact with him — no matter how briefly — were immediately put at ease by his gentle, compassionate nature.

His devotion to family and friends was endless, and all-encompassing.”

Every month of the harvest season, Ottawa Markets will share what they learned from a farmer vending at the Parkdale Market. This month, the featured farmers are Jad and Joline Chaar of J.C. Farm.

The Chaars grow staple vegetables (including heirloom varieties), garlic, herbs, and seasonal fruit on 8 acres in Embrun, Ontario. J.C. Farm has been sharing the fruits of its harvest with Kitchissippi Ward residents for the past three years.

Pick up fresh produce and try Joline’s authentic Lebanese garlic sauce (toum), made with garlic from the farm! J.C. Farm’s stand is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am – 5 pm at the Parkdale Market. Call (613) 286-8855 to check the availability of produce.

What’s in season at the Parkdale Market • Apricots • Beans (Green/Yellow) • Beets • Blueberries • Bok Choy • Broccoli • Cabbage • Cantaloupe • Carrots • Cauliflower • Corn • Cucumber • Currants

• Daikon Radish • Eggplant • Garlic • Gooseberries • Grapes (Concord) • Kale • Leafy greens (assorted) • Leeks • Lettuce • Mushrooms • Nectarines • Onions • Parsnips

• Peaches • Peas • Peppers • Potatoes • Radicchio • Radishes • Rhubarb • Spinach • Squash • Sweet Potatoes • Tomatoes • Watermelon • Zucchini

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CELEBRATING PRIDE

PRIDE Former Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson reflects on coming out as gay

BY CHARLIE SENACK

August 2023 • 34

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W

hen Jim Watson decided to come out as gay, it didn’t shock the city with surprise.

But the former mayor decided to go public with his sexuality after reflecting during a trip to Prince Edward Island.

Watson, a Kitchissippi-area resident, broke the news in 2019 through an opinion piece published in the Ottawa Citizen.

“I’m gay,” he wrote. “There – I said it; or rather, wrote it. Those two words took me almost four decades to utter, but as they say, ‘Better late than never.’’’

The unexpected decision to share details of his personal life came after Watson forgot to book a car during his trip to Charlottetown that summer. It’s not an easy place to get around by foot,” he said, leading to lots of down time.

“I didn’t have a computer with me so I wrote in longhand on hotel notepads. I did two of three drafts, got it typed up, and sent it in,” Watson told Kitchissippi Times.

“It wasn’t as if it was a big burden that I worried about. Most people thought I was gay anyways. But I thought if my example is that you can be mayor and be gay, it might be an inspiration for somebody else to come out. I just regret taking 30 plus years to do it.”

Reaction to the news was mostly positive, Watson said, with 95 per cent of the messages he received being supportive. He has a binder

with many of the emails residents sent him. They are labeled “the good and the bad.”

Positive emails thanked Watson for his bravery, calling him “an inspiration” and wishing him well in living an “authentic life.” The negative emails said Watson would burn in “eternal fire and forever be eternally tormented by the beast.”

“‘Who cares if you’re gay or straight,” wrote some guy from Hamilton. I’m not sure why he cares,” Watson read with a laugh from his collection of ‘fan mail’.

Watson said most of the negative emails came from the United States where there is still a large anti-gay movement. There were also a few bible verses sent in.

In March 2021, homophobic graffiti was spray painted outside of Watson’s Carlingwood-area home. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at the time he was “appalled” by the action, stating there was “no place for this ignorant and inexcusable hate” in Canada.

The decision to come out was worth it, Watson said but noted it hasn’t

Former Ottawa mayor Jim Watson looks through a binder of letters and drawings gifted to him by students from the Netherlands. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK changed how he lives his life. You won’t see Ottawa’s longest serving mayor on Tinder or Plenty of Fish.

Many parents wrote to Watson, saying that opening up about his sexuality inspired their children to embrace who they are. “That was heartwarming,” he said.

A school in Harlem, Netherlands, saw Watson’s coming-out story on CNN and had their students create a binder filled with letters and colourful drawings of support.

Coincidentally, Watson was already scheduled to visit Amsterdam — only 30 kilometers away from the school — for a delegation meeting. Instead of having the binder mailed, he was able to visit in-person and meet with the students.

“We took a side trip and some of the students read their letters to me.

There were a couple of kids who came out — this was a grade 7 or 8 class,” Watson said. “It was one of the most beautiful experiences I had in my career.”

Watson was Ottawa’s first mayor to participate in the Capital Pride parade and was an avid supporter of having the pride flag hoisted at city hall every August. He said the negativity and homophobia still shown in the world is

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35 • August 2023

Life after politics Since leaving City Hall for the final time in November, Watson has been focusing on reconnecting with old friends and colleagues.

Watson has been able to take a train trip to Western Canada and has visited Quebec City, Toronto, and Montreal. He wanted to travel more but those plans have been sidelined by illness.

“I was diagnosed in December with colitis, so I’m having to deal with that and try to manage it with medication,” he said. “That slowed me down the first couple of months. I’m trying different medicines. The doctors have been very helpful, so hopefully I’ll get the right regime to control it. You can never get rid of it.”

The return to civilian life has been surprisingly easy for Watson, a career politician who was first elected as capital ward councillor in 1991. He served four terms as mayor — one term before amalgamation — two terms as city councillor and two terms as Ottawa West Nepean’s MPP, where he also held

various Ontario cabinet positions.

Not planning a return to politics, Watson has recently accepted a position on Ottawa Community Housing’s board of directors and he volunteers at Shepherds of Good Hope every Tuesday.

He has also joined two other corporate boards of directors — one in Ottawa and the other in Toronto — which will be announced in the next couple of months.

“I’ve got a good mix of corporate responsibilities and volunteer responsibilities,” he said. “I’ve also enjoyed reconnecting with former colleagues, friends, and family that I unfortunately lost touch with before I was mayor 24 hours a day. The past few years, between Covid and the convoy, were draining physically. You come home and you don’t want to go out and have dinner with friends. You just sit down, watch the news, and go to bed.”

Now having to get around the city without a driver, Watson has bought a new used car and takes the LRT downtown at least three times a week — when it works.

“It’s a frustrating experience for everyone. When it’s working, it’s a really great system. But when you have these big issues it’s completely frustrating,” he said. “I have confidence in Mark [Sutcliffe] and his team to get those last five or 10 items finally resolved once and for all.”

kitchissippi.com

why pride still needs to be embraced.

“It’s sad to see the anti-gay and antitrans homophobic hate. People often ask me why we still need pride. I say just look at the news,” Watson said. “There recently was the stoning of a gay man in Africa and people protesting against drag queens and drag readings.”

Summer in the Village Summer continues in the Village! We all love the summer feeling in the village and strolling along Richmond Road.

We are thrilled to have two more nights with Capital Pop Up Cinema – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on August 11th and School of Rock on September 8th. Come down to the village early for a bit of shopping on the street and with our friends from Vintage Pop Up 613, grab dinner and watch a movie with your neighbours.

It has also been a summer of trying all the amazing frozen treats in Westboro Village. From ice cream sandwiches to gelato, popsicles to banana splits, there are so many choices. Have you had a chance to experience the best frozen treat Westboro Village has to offer? Share your favourite with us on social media.

This August many businesses will also be celebrating with Capital Pride. For some they offered special treats or donations in June for global Pride month and for others they are recognizing the local Pride celebrations. As a BIA we hosted a learning night for businesses in June so we can learn more about the history of Pride, evolving language and what it means for our businesses. We offer these learning sessions for our businesses to learn and grow to build a stronger, inclusive community.

Judy Lincoln Executive Director Westboro Village BIA

WESTBORO VILLAGE • August 2023 • 36

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FIND YOUR FAVOURITE FROZEN TREATS La Diperie

Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream

429 Richmond Rd

Dairy Queen

Blizzard

393-A Richmond Rd

Equator Coffee

FroCho by Hummingbird

412 Churchill Ave N

Zak’s Diner

Zak’s Old Fashioned Banana Split

334 Richmond Rd

The Cupcake Lounge

Pop Culture Gourmet Popsicles

324 Richmond Rd

Wedel – Touch of Europe

Gelato

300 Richmond Rd

Batter Up Bakery

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

396 Athlone Ave

Farm Boy

Farm Boy’s Sorbets & Gelato

317 McRae Ave

Strawberry Blonde

Vegan Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

111 Richmond Rd

Juice Dudez

Handmade Gelatos

91 Richmond Rd A

Quelque Chose

Signature Milkshakes

379 Richmond Rd

Seven Tea Miles

Chai Chillers & Frappes

342 Richmond Rd

Tru Tea

Refreshing Bubble Tea

181 Richmond Rd

Circle K

Froster

256 Richmond Rd

Masters N Dogs

Brothsicle

354 Richmond Rd

MOVIE NIGHTS

in Westboro Village are back for summer!

The Westboro Village BIA in partnership with Capital Pop-Up is excited to bring a collection of musical movies.

SAVE THE DATES: • August 11 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) • September 8 Celebrate back to school with School of Rock Vintage Pop-Up 613 will have a mini market each movie night, and the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) Art Tent mobile art studio will be there in August. The tent provides a fun, friendly and bilingual space for adults and kids of all ages to explore their creativity.

Vintage shopping, an OAG creative experience, dinner, and a movie sound like the perfect summer evening.

See you there!

After

purchase tix

Supper

club Westboro

D•R•A•G

N•I•G•H•T

AUG 5 | AT 8PM | $20 (SHOW FROM 8:30 TO 11) limited feature menu with specialty cocktails, boozy milkshakes, wine, beer, & small bites

Hosted by

Saltina Shaker

Performance by: Cyril Cinder & Shea. D. Ladie WWW.EATATZAKS.COM

EATATZAKS.COM | 334 RICHMOND RD. | (613) 369 5002

Much to discover in the Village

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37 • August 2023 • WESTBORO VILLAGE

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COUNCILLOR’S CORNER

Two new big development projects coming to the Kitchissippi area SUBMITTED BY JEFF LEIPER, KITCHISSIPPI WARD COUNCILLOR

G

@Kitchissippi

KitchissippiTimes

reetings, Kitchissippi! Time has flown and it’s already August; I hope you’re all enjoying everything this summer has to offer.

In local planning news, the Taggart proposal for two high-rise buildings at the corner of Parkdale and Carling is expected to move to a vote at Planning and Housing Committee on August 16. I still find the proposal too dense, however, with pressure from myself and the Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association, these

two towers are now better offset, and the tower closest to low-rise housing has been significantly shortened.

The transition, in my opinion, is still too abrupt; that said, Planning Staff have indicated the current proposal meets the policies for development in the province and city. While I don’t like the development, I can’t argue with staff’s assessment, and for that reason I am likely to vote “yes” at committee.

Drawing showing the Taggart proposal at Parkdale and Carling. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Affordable, Clean, Secure, Central √ Inside Storage √ Over 600 Lockers √ Climate Controlled √ Over 100 √ 7 Days/Week Different Sizes

340 Parkdale Avenue (between Wellington & Scott)

Concept drawing for 1010 Sommerset.

Subject to change following community consultation. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

613-729-2130

kitchissippi.com

www.parkdaleministorage.com

August 2023 • 38

For a more detailed examination of the situation with 1081 Carling, check out the ward website.

Additionally, the City is proposing a new gym, cultural facilities, active public parkland, a child care facility, a rec centre, affordable housing, limited mixed-use private development and the future home for the Louise Arbour school at 1010 Somerset.

This proposed development is immediately adjacent to Plant Bath, and aims to create an integrated, sustainable community hub in what is currently a very underutilized space.

For more information about the planned development and to provide feedback, check out the Engage Ottawa website for the project or email 1010somerset@ottawa.ca.

If you’re looking for fun activities to participate in with friends and family around the ward, you’ve got some great options! Head to the Churchill Seniors Centre in Westboro for a Movies in the Village night; the August 11 show features Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971).

At Parkdale Park, WelliWednesdays continues to showcase great local music.

Yoga in the Park has also returned to Parkdale Park this summer and will run every Saturday until August 26, weather permitting, from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m..

IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING WITH OSTEOPATHY

Fairlawn Plaza 2148 Carling Ave Suite 201

613-722-2148 integratedtouchphysiotherapy.ca

COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUGUST 13: JAZZ NIGHT IN THE WESTBORO LEGION’S UPSTAIRS LOUNGE FROM 7:00 TO 10:00 PM: The David Glover Quartet leads off followed by an open jam session from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the upstairs lounge, 391 Richmond Rd. Tickets: $15 advance or at the door. Students (with ID): $10 at the door only.

Cover charge waived for jammers.

be announced! The Anishnabe Moose Committee has led the grassroots effort to protect the moose, their lands and their culture in their territory. This evening will be all about celebrating and fundraising to support the AMC in their front line research and community-building work. For more information visit anishnabeanikiwin.org.

AUGUST 18: SOLIDARITY IN SOUNDS: A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE ANISHINABE: Join us for a night of music, celebration and solidarity at Club Saw (67 Nicholas St, Ottawa). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Lineup to

AUGUST 30: JAZZ IN THE AFTERNOON AT THE WESTBORO LEGION: The Capital City Stompers perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Upstairs Lounge, 391 Richmond Rd. Admission is free (donations to the branch welcome).

A list of LGBTQ2S+ books for young and teen readers

KITCHISSIPPI MARKET PLACE

Blue and You!, available in both English and French, is a great read aloud about gender, restrictive stereotypes, and the joy in diversity. “Are some things for boys and some for girls? Who made these rules?” asks Gravel as her funny illustrations lead you through a narrative of great conversation-starting questions and ideas.

A Plan for Pops by Heather Smith Full disclosure – I’ve included this book because it made me cry. This story is so gentle and touching I suggest the adult reader proceed with tissues at hand!

This is the story of Lou and his beloved Grandpa and Pops. One day, their usual Saturday fun day is interrupted when Pops has a fall. When they learn that Pops will now be confined to a wheelchair, Lou and Grandpa come up with a plan (and a complex contraption!) that has one simple goal: to make Pop’s smile again.

This beautiful story not only normalizes same-sex couples as family members but shows how feeling sadness and helplessness are not only valid emotions, but ones that can, and will, get better. The power of

compassion, led by a child, is strong and meaningful in this lovely story.

Pride: An Inspirational History of the LGBTQ+ Movement by Stella Caldwell This inspiring, colourfully illustrated history of the Queer community enlightens young readers on the true timeline of LGBTQ+ history around the world, the lives of important figures and groundbreaking events. Peppered with first person stories by young Queer writers, this book is easy to dip into.

Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words edited by Dr. Lindsay Herriot and Kate Fry This accessible anthology shares short stories, essays, art and poetry created by trans youth aged 11 to 18, mostly based in B.C. First-person stories of struggle and joys, both big and small, make this book not only an empowering read for trans or nonbinary youth, but useful and insightful reading for all young people and adults, transgender or not, about what understanding, acceptance, and support for the trans community looks like.

View the full list on Kitchissippi.com.

To place a Classified or Marketplace ad, please call 613.266.5598

39 • August 2023

Pink, Blue and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes by Elise Gravel Many of us are familiar with the writing and wonderfully funny, diverse illustrations of Montrealer Elise Gravel. Pink and

Got a Kitchissippi area virtual or COVID-19-safe event to share? We’d love to hear about it. Send your info to editor@kitchissippi.com For the full list of events please go to kitchissippi.com.

KitchissippiTimes

Pride, the Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders Where did the iconic rainbow flag first come from? Did you know it originally had a pink stripe? Do the colours mean something? In this narrative nonfiction picture book, readers can trace the history of the Rainbow Flag from its beginnings in 1978 with Harvey Milk, famed US LGBTQ+ activist, and flag maker Gilbert Baker to its status as a global symbol.

This is a story of love, hope, struggle and

The Meaning of Pride by Rosiee Thor, illustrations by Sam Kirk Another ‘Pride primer’ in the nonfiction picture book category. Colourful illustrations and simple factual text guide readers through the central question of ‘What does Pride Mean?” This book explores some of the history of the Pride movement, highlighting several pioneering people along the way. Although leaning towards highlighting Americans, the book is definitely diverse, and you’ll see lots of familiar faces, even one or two Canadians! The quick ‘Pride Flags 101’ at the beginning is a useful addition as you head out to the parade and beyond.

THURSDAYS: HINTONBURG NIGHT MARKET: Stroll through the Hintonburg Night Market every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Sit back, relax, eat and be entertained by Local Musicians, Buskers and Entertainers. Located at the UAC Art Hub, 1088 Somerset Street W. (between Yakko Takko & Tinseltown).

@Kitchissippi

There is now such a range of amazing children’s and young adult books amplifying LGBTQ2S+ experiences that it can be hard to know where to start.

Here are some diverse, joyful, and affirming books for children of all ages (and their grownups) that celebrate Queer voices, culture, and history.

pride, and an informative and accessible read for children and families.

WEDNESDAYS: WEEKLY BINGO IN THE WESTBORO LEGION’S DOWNSTAIRS HALL: Door opens at 4:00 p.m., kitchen at 5:00

p.m. and the first of 17 games, including a $500 jackpot, begins at 6:30 p.m.

kitchissippi.com

BY KATE ODAMS

SEPTEMBER 9: WESTBORO LEGION’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER & DANCE IN THE DOWNSTAIRS HALL: Tickets ($15) on sale at the upstairs bar, 391 Richmond Rd. Spaghetti & meat sauce dinner 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Snap, Crackle, Pop from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.

CHECK OUT SOME SIZZLIN’

SUMMER EVENTS

KitchissippiTimes

IN HINTONBURG AND WELLINGTON VILLAGE

AT THE PARKDALE MARKET

Supported by

366 PARKDALE AVE. Find all your favourite small businesses making vegan snacks and goods!

Bring your pals!

Masks Encouraged!

August 2023 • 40

kitchissippi.com

@Kitchissippi

Music by

A NIGHT OF SMALL BUSINESS AND SNACKS AT PARKDALE PARK!

SHOP FROM 2SLGBTQIA+ BUSINESSES AND MAKERS THIS PRIDE SEASON.

Support over 50 restaurants, bakeries, ice cream parlours, florists, artists, boutiques and more! Dance along to DJ’s and performers curated by Homo Phono.

Homo Phono has curated a full line up of 2SLGBTQIA+ performers! Dance the night away in the park. Visit our food and drink vendors and stay for late night snacks including vegan and gluten-free options.

The Ottawa Bagelshop Musicfest runs on Wednesdays and Sundays from June 7 to August 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

ALL SHOWS ARE FREE TO ATTEND! SEATING LIMITED. Visit Ottawa Bagelshop on Instagram and Facebook for festival updates.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC. MASKS ENCOURAGED.

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