Faces Magazine March/April 2024

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EMERANCE

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FIND YOUR OT TAWA NEIGHBOURHOOD Discover the Mattamy neighbourhood that inspires the life you want to live in the country’s capital. Blending urban amenities with an inviting community energy, you’re sure to find the right home for you in Promenade, Half Moon Bay, Oxford Village, Richmond Meadows, Kinwick, Wateridge Village or Fairwinds South.

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Homes are subject to availability. All dimensions are approximate.

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Fine Italian Dining In Kanata’s Distinctive Heritage Building

Cabotto’s is a place where tradition meets modern elegance, making it the top choice for fine dining in Ottawa’s west end. Come for the unique ambiance, stay for the extraordinary cuisine, and experience 45 years of unwavering commitment to authentic Italian cooking.

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HAIR CUTS & STYLES TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE

26 Locations Across Ottawa First Choice Haircutters is your locally owned and operated hair salon where you can feel safe and comfortable each and every visit.

Our stylists are extensively trained so you know you’ll receive a great haircut that fits your style and your lifestyle. We offer full-service hair care and products for the entire family with no need for check-ins.

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Find affordable haircare for the whole family at your neighbourhood First Choice Haircutters.

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IN THIS ISSUE MAGAZINE

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LIANNE LAING After a two-decade career in television, Lainne Laing is now leading the philanthropic charge for one of the city’s greatest sources of pride, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

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22 MATHIEU JOSEPH

Now in his sixth year in the NHL, Mathieu Joseph is still bringing the elite speed and defense he’s famous for, but the 27-year-old Ottawa winger is also on pace for career-highs in goals, assists, and points.

We caught up with Joseph to discuss all things on and off the ice.

MATTHEW BARNABY Since his final game in 2007, Matthew Barnaby has kept busy with family, broadcasting, and podcasting.

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EMERANCE MASCHMEYER’S Road To Excellence Page 60

7 Questions With Jason York Page 72

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CATCHING UP WITH ERIK CONDRA Page 98

All About CTV Ottawa’s

AUSTIN LEE Page 106

NATHAN GRAVELLE on helping to build Ottawa’s HipHop scene Page 111

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CONTENT

MAGAZINE IN THIS ISSUE

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Ottawa ranks as the 2nd most honest city in Canada & other surprising finds.

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The Home Edit Top trends + must haves to inspire your living spaces.

The Sushi Sourcebook

Discover Ottawa’s Japanese food scene at these 4 eateries.

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Spaces We Love - Four interiors that inspire us through distinctive design.

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Here’s how to choose, serve and sip Cognac like a pro.

Four Candidates For The NHL Trade Deadline

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Gala Style How to choose your best black tie fit.

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The Spring Tech Edit - 5 gadgets to buy this year.

AN INTRO TO COGNAC

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Spring In Spirits 4 local brands to sip on this season.

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SPACES WE LOVE

TIME CAPSULE looking back on 4 major events in Ottawa’s history.

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Protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

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Andrew Smith Insurance Inc | Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. Commercial insurance is underwritten by Co-operators General Insurance Company. Not all products are available in all provinces. © 2021 Co-operators and Co-operators FACES MAGAZINE Financial Investment Services Inc. Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited. For Saskatchewan, visit cooperators.ca, or contact 1-877-545-2667. C0010 (10/21)

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March/April 2024 - Volume 84 FIND FACES Faces Magazine is distributed bi-monthly and offered free at select locations across Ottawa and in cities across Eastern Ontario.

Full issues are also available online.

Faces Magazine is a non-traditional print medium with a strong brand presence on social media.

facesmag.ca @facesottawa

Editor In Chief Evan Childerhose Publisher Justin MacKinnon Hank’s Paw Publishing (A Division of 8624771 Canada Inc.) Creative Director Catheryn Wheeler Accounting/Finance Linda Zhang Office Manager Jonathan Rock

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Steve Warne Dan Lalande Maggie McCleary Orion Taylor Morgan Sampson Alex Feeney Jordan Palleck Courtney Wheeler Corey Stone Christopher Lord Alex Grant Molly Burke Garry Thom Mark Steele Ryan Bova Eric MacIsaac Kenzie Murphy Jamie Brown Robert Smith Kate Wright Meaghan Vincent Guillaume Dubois Connor Khonick Todd Hamilton Marc Paul Lindsay Risto Morris Miller Hugo Tremblay

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Cover: Kerbens Boisette Nicolai Gregory Kamara Morozuk Greg (Freshh) Anderson Sean Sisk Jessica Thomas Lenz Studio Chris Tanouye John E. Sokolowski Jana Chytilova David Maman Andre Ringuette Connor Armstrong Taylor Condon Peter Wright Yana Klaiz

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Where To Go In

March

13-24 Ottawa Home & Garden Show March 21st - 24th EY Centre

International Film Festival of Ottawa March 13th-24th This multi-week, multi-venue festival in Ottawa’s downtown core brings the best of the global film circuit to the city.

The festival will showcase 20 feature films from Canada and around the globe, along with Canadian short films to accompany each feature screening.

1-2 08Awards 21-24 16 I Heart Beer & Taco Festival

March 1st-2nd Aberdeen Pavilion

Mattamy Homes Presents The

2024 Ottawa

March 8th Brookstreet Hotel Seth Meyers March 8th Canadian Tire Centre The Harlem Globetrotters March 19th Canadian Tire Centre

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Ottawa-Gatineau International Auto Show March 21st - 24th Shaw Centre

21-24 Tegan & Sara March 26th Meridian Theatre

The Ottawa Wedding Show March 16th-17th

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Where To Go In

April 12-14

Ottawa Cottage Life & Backyard Show April 12th - 14th EY Centre

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The Travel & Vacation Show April 6th - 7th Shaw Centre

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Signatures Originals Craft Show April 4th - 7th

Browse over 150 artisans from across Canada at Ottawa’s premier spring shopping event. Signature Originals is an annual tradition that brings together artisans from coastto-coast for an unforgettable showcase of handmade art and goods.

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Orleans PoutineFest & Street Food Frenzy April 26th - 28th 255 Centrum

20-21 The National Franchise Show April 12-14th EY Centre

28 Stars on Ice

April 4th - 7th Canadian Tire Centre

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Bouncing Back: Ottawa Senators Winger

MATHIEU

JOSEPH

By Steve Warne Photography by Kerbens Boisette

Finds Another Gear

As the 2023-24 NHL season approached last fall, the Ottawa Senators had a big problem.

For the first time anyone could remember, the famously frugal Senators were suddenly spending more money on player salaries than the league allows. And many of Ottawa’s loudest armchair general managers on social media suggested that trading Mathieu Joseph’s $2.95 million-a-year contract might be one way to help the club slip back under the league’s salary cap.

In hindsight, what a terrible solution that would have been.

Following a Senators practice, Joseph is right on time for our mid-February visit. He meets me at the open door of the team’s locker room, dressed in a creamcoloured sweatsuit and a matching bucket hat, looking every bit as smooth as he does on the ice.

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Now in his sixth year in the NHL, Joseph is still bringing the elite speed and defense he’s famous for, but the 27-yearold Ottawa winger is also on pace for career-highs in goals, assists, and points. Whether it’s the third line, the top line, the penalty kill, or the power play, Joseph looks comfortable in any situation.

And that includes interviews, like the one he’s about to walk into.

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“ I ’ V E S E E N G U Y S E AT I N G T H I N G S O U T O F T H E S TA N L E Y C U P, A N D I WA S L I K E , I T F I T S M E . I WA N T T O E AT P O U T I N E O U T O F I T.” Family Business Joseph was born on February 9th in Laval, Quebec. His father played and coached hockey for many years while his mother France was a competitive athlete in her youth.

His younger brother Pierre-Olivier is a defenceman for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

By contrast, Joseph’s team is in the middle of another bumpy ride this season. Barring a miraculous springtime winning streak that would make Ottawa’s 2015 Hamburglar run seem dull by comparison, the Senators will miss the playoffs for a seventh straight year.

But if we zoom in on Joseph strictly through the lens of his individual play, he’s exceeded all expectations. 40 games in, he had already surpassed all of his offensive numbers from last year.

So, what’s been different this season?

“I think, in general, my game has evolved a bit every year, even if last year was maybe a bit of a down year,” Joseph said. “(Last year) was kind of a transition. I just got a new contract and wanted to perform and maybe put a bit too much pressure on myself.

Maybe I was thinking a little too much.

“So, I prepared myself to bounce back this year. I put the work in during the summer, went on the ice a little bit more, watched some video and took care of my body a little bit more. I feel like it’s paying off this year. But I was never a big stats guy. I try to be efficient at both ends of the ice, and when I get my opportunities, I try to capitalize on them.”

Joseph’s former team knew how to capitalize on opportunities. In 2020

and 2021, he won two straight Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Or, as he jokingly refers to the achievement, “One and a half Stanley Cups.”

During Tampa’s first Cup run in 2020, Joseph played half of the regular season but didn’t get into the playoffs.

So, in his mind, that was Joseph’s halfCup, even though his name is proudly engraved on the trophy for that season. He did see plenty of action the following year, including the Cup final with games in his hometown against the Montreal Canadiens.

“Obviously, I’m never gonna forget that,” Joseph said. “Playing at the Bell Centre. I wish there would’ve been more fans (COVID). But it was still awesome. It’s kind of surreal to think about it. Playing that Game 5 and winning it at home in front of our fans was very special.”

That summer, Joseph had his day at home with the Cup and enjoyed it his way – not with champagne or beer.

No, he ate poutine out of it.

“I always talked to my dad about it,” Joseph said. “I was like, ‘Hey, I’ve seen guys eating things out of the Stanley Cup, and I was like, it fits me. I want to eat poutine out of it. I thought it was a great idea and I was really happy about it.

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“It was also pretty special to celebrate those two Cups with my close people. And my mom and dad hadn’t seen some people in so long. Everyone came out for it. I was able to bring the Cup to my high school. So that was really cool.”

Less than a year later, with the Lightning on the road to their third straight Stanley Cup Final, Joseph got re-routed at the deadline, being traded to Ottawa straight up for Nick Paul. Joseph admits now that it wasn’t an easy transition.

He didn’t see it coming at all and was disappointed at the time.

“Yeah, it was pretty much a shock for me, to be honest, Joseph said. “It was the first time I was traded ever. We already made one or two moves, and our general manager (Julien BriseBois) kind of came out and said there wouldn’t be any more trades.

“So, I was a little bit surprised about it, obviously. At the time, I didn’t really understand it. I was playing on the first or second wave of the penalty kill. I’d been battling with these guys all year. We were in playoff contention, and I wanted to finish the year and battle with these guys for sure.”

Joseph’s average time on ice per game (13:42) had increased in Tampa Bay as well, but it was nothing like it would be in Ottawa (16:50), where they used him in all situations. So, for that reason and a few others, the disappointment was short-lived.

“I think, looking back at it, it was probably a good move for both organizations, and on a personal level, the move really helped me,” Joseph said. “I got to sign a four-year deal, have a little security, and be so close to home. And

LO O K I N G B A C K AT I T, I T WA S P R O B A B LY A G O O D M OV E F O R B OT H O R G A N I Z AT I O N S , A N D O N A PERSONAL LEVEL, THE MOVE R E A L LY H E L P E D M E .”

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I knew some guys on the team who made the transition a bit easier. I even stayed with Chabby (Thomas Chabot) for those first six weeks.”

Chabot and Joseph are both amazing skaters, so they’ve literally been fast friends for a long time.

They arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick, as 16-year-olds in 2013-14 and played four years together as Sea Dogs in the QMJHL. But Joseph says his best friend is his younger brother, Pierre-Olivier, who’s now a defenceman with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In their early days, coming up together in Montreal, they didn’t always get along.

But the Josephs do occasionally butt heads during games. In fact, Mathieu says he and Pierre-Olivier hold the distinction of being one of the rare brother combinations to take off-setting minors against each other in three different leagues – major junior, the AHL, and the NHL. Their NHL run-in last season during a game in Pittsburgh won’t soon be forgotten. They were both penalized for accidentally high-sticking each other in the mouth on the same play.

While they skated off to the penalty box with fat lips, their mom, France, and father, Frantzi, got plenty of TV camera time in the stands, where they were chuckling and shrugging their shoulders at the absurdity of the situation.

I W O U L D D E F I N I T E LY C O N S I D E R H I M M Y B E S T F R I E N D . W E H AV E A G R E AT R E L AT I O N S H I P, A N D I ’ M V E R Y L U C K Y T O H AV E A B R O T H E R L I K E H I M .”

“We didn’t really always like each other,” Joseph said. “I think growing up, we were not as tight. He had his friends, and I had my friends. But the more we grew up, the closer we got. With both of us playing in the NHL and having the same lifestyle for a long time, nowadays, I would definitely consider him my best friend. We have a great relationship, and I’m very lucky to have a brother like him.”

During games against the Penguins, Joseph says he sees his brother as an opponent. But that doesn’t mean he’d ever get in a fight with him. Just like it is with the Tkachuk brothers, their mom wouldn’t be down with that.

“My mom would never let us fight,” Joseph said.

“Honestly, I don’t think she’d talk to us if we ever got in a fight during a game.”

In the midst of another tough season, Joseph says he feels like the Senators are now finally heading in the right direction. He says he enjoys playing in Ottawa, and his interactions with the fans have all been extremely positive.

“After the season started, a lot of people came up to me and said, ‘Hey, congrats on your season so far, keep it going; I love the way you play.’ And it’s flattering to hear. We have a very passionate fan base. It’s rewarding for someone like me who’s just trying to work as hard as possible.”

If the Senators could find a few more players like Mathieu Joseph, their ongoing playoff drought wouldn’t be long for this world.

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THE LATEST Here’s What’s New In The World of Surprising Finds

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Ottawa Ranks As The Second Most Honest City In Canada A country-wide survey found that Canada has the 2nd highest percentage of ‘honest’ citizens, tied with Montreal, Richmond and London. Respondents were asked if they would return money ($1000) found on the street.

Almost 70% of Ottawans surveyed said they would turn in the money.

The most honest cities (tied at #1) were Laval, Windsor, and Burlington.

The most dishonest cities in the survey were Surrey, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.

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Study Says Your Self Esteem Will Peak At This Age A study published in the Psychological Bulletin found that most people experience their peak level of self esteem when they hit their 60s. This time in our lives is when we are most confident and established in our careers and our relationships, and our children have grown up and are selfsufficient. This is why researchers claim that people in their 60s might be the most confident of us all. According to these findings, your self esteem will continue to grow until your 60s.

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You Can Now Convert Your Home Into A Fourplex, According To A New City of Ottawa Announcement

In response to the housing crisis, the City of Ottawa has made 4 units a legal right of way as of February, allowing homeowners to create up to 4 separate living units on one residential lot. Previously this number was maximum two units.

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Lianne Laing’s Latest Challenge “As a competitive person, I wanted to feel challenged, inspired, and motivated.

I needed a new purpose in life. By taking this leap, I knew that I would find it.”

That’s Lianne Laing—athlete, media personality, wife, mother, and community activist— talking about the spiritual uplift afforded by her latest professional transition. After a two-decade career in television, taking her from ages 22 to 42, the former sports anchor and host of CTV Morning Live is now leading the philanthropic charge for one of the city’s greatest sources of pride, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

In some ways, it’s hardly a change; after all, Laing has always been eager to serve the

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greater Ottawa community and beyond. “As soon as I started working in television, community involvement was critical,” she reminds us. “I was a board member of the Snowsuit Fund for almost 15 years and an ambassador for The Ottawa Senators Foundation. I was also on the board of the Youth Services Bureau. I probably worked with every major charity there is, hosting events or being part of other initiatives.”

Combining her athletic prowess with her need to give, Laing even once climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money.

The new job, which takes her charitable instincts to new heights, is more in tune with her current lifestyle. At mid-life, the still impressively fit Laing is on the brink of 22 years of marriage, which has given her two bright, busy teenagers. No more getting up at 3:30 A.M. to

By Dan Lalande Photography by Nicolai Gregory Hair & Makeup by Salon Fiorella

sit in a make-up chair and look over a script for Laing. Now, she can be more available for her family and herself.

Laing grew up in the city, rollerblading on the 416 before it was open to traffic and learning how to handle a car on Colonel By Drive. She left for UMass/Amherst but boomeranged back as soon as her studies were over. “Ottawa has always been home,” she says appreciatively. “I have seen this city grow in all aspects, from infrastructure to amalgamation, from new businesses to expanding communities.

Despite the reputation for being a boring government town, there are restaurants, events, and people who contribute to making it a great place to live.”

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It was a place she got to know even more intimately through her stint on local TV. Even then, though, Laing was planting the seeds for career no. 2. The former gymnast (who started at age six) went back to her passion for health and wellness.

She started her own lifestyle podcast, Living Your Life with Lianne Laing, hosted a European wellness cruise, and continued with media consulting and speaking engagements. Then, she was approached by the Heart Institute Foundation. They instantly recognized the full value of her winning admixture of health-based acumen, refined communication skills, and sincere interest in community welfare.

“My initial reaction to the offer,” she confesses, “was ‘NO!’ However, the more I thought about what I could bring to the role, the more excited I got. It combined all my skillsets and passions, which I could use in exciting new ways.”

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The real lure, though, was the opportunity to continue to tell stories. “I get to tell patients’ experiences, celebrate the success of our brilliant doctors and researchers, and promote all the wonderful things the UOHI has to offer. The Ottawa Heart Institute is worldrenowned. That really helps in moving our projects forward and earning the trust and investment of fellow Ottawans.”

Laing will be helping to raise money and awareness to help the over 225,000 patients who come through the institute’s doors every year. “As a health and wellness advocate,” says Laing, “it’s critical for me to share the message that 80% of heart disease can be prevented with physical activity and healthy choices. Plus, heart disease is the number one killer of women worldwide. I want to get the information out there about how we present our symptoms differently and how our risk factors are different than men’s.”

As you can see, she’s already knee-deep in her new capacity, demonstrating her signature enthusiasm, educational instinct, and dedication to the greater good.

While Laing may have suffered pre-performance jitters before her recent reinvention (an industry hazard among athletes), she urges others who are considering major life changes to simply go for it.

“There is no right time,” she

advises. “You just need to put one foot in front of the other and take the leap. I constantly feel that I am juggling fire and knives while balancing on a tricycle. But you need to accept that sometimes things are going to fall and crash and that that’s OK. Lead with passion and don’t be afraid to do the hard things.

“Lead with passion and don’t be afraid to do the hard things.”

You’ve always been passionate about healthy living but started focusing on helping others live better in 2018, when you launched your own wellness initiative. Tell me more about your work in inspiring others to live their best lives?

When COVID hit and I was writing my “Fit At Home” column for Ottawa At Home magazine, I knew that people needed help to stay motivated.

I began showing people on Facebook Live how to work out from home without the use of a gym or big equipment. What started as a very temporary project to lend a helping hand turned into a 2.5-year endeavour. I hosted live workouts at 7 AM Monday to Friday and created a community of people who came together and inspired each other. I am incredibly proud of this group

that helped change each other’s lives. I feel very lucky to have played a part in this.

What are three of your favorite wellness trends right now?

As I’m getting older, I am realizing the workouts and lifestyle choices I made in my 20s, 30s and early 40s no longer work the way they used to. I used to be hardcore in the gym, but my body doesn’t adapt the same way. These days, I realize that despite a daily morning workout, my lifestyle keeps me sitting for long periods of time.

I am big now on aiming to get in my 10k steps and for the first time in my life, I am trying to drink water. I’ve always known this was important but never applied it. I also meditate and practice gratitude. Honestly, I think that has probably been the biggest game-changer for me.

You are a mom to two teen girls. What advice do you have for parents who are managing the challenges that come with teenagerhood, especially in 2024?

Ask me on any given day and my answer will be different. Phones, social media, TikTok, fake news, online shopping - none of this existed when I was growing up, so I’m just trying to present the best reflection of my actions for my girls. I am grateful that we talk about everything, and they feel they can trust me and come to me with anything. I take that as a win.

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“

I’m just trying to present the best reflection of my actions for my girls.

You and your husband Tony have been married for almost 22 years. What’s your favourite thing about him?

What’s some advice you can share to others who may be in a similar position, tasked with taking a leap of faith?

After 24 years together, I still look forward to long car rides together because I love his stories and realize we still manage to learn new things about each other. We were both elite athletes and still love being active together. He’s also the best father to our daughters and their best qualities are a reflection of him.

When you know you know. Your gut always tells you and the key is to listen to it and trust it with your life. I was already sensing that my light was diminishing on TV and I knew I just wasn’t as motivated. I also knew change, as terrifying as it was, was my only option. To prepare for the transition out of TV, I went back to my mindset as an athlete, with visualization and preparation.

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I knew I had a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. I knew I was coachable and that my skills were adaptable. I think others need to trust in their abilities and to understand that they know more than they think they know. That their own life experiences will come into play, and their skillsets can be used in a variety of ways. It all comes down to putting in the work. @liannelaing

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Trailblazers 4 Exceptional Career Stories from Ottawa’s Own Helena Alexis Attends The Emmys Ottawa-born model/actress Helena Alexis plays Jessica Wu, an autistic superhero and title character in the TV Series “Chronicles of Jessica Wu’’. In 2023, the actress made the Emmy ballot for a second time, this year, for ‘Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series’, and her co-star in the series, Jasmine Guy, went on to win the Emmy. Helena-Alexis recently attended the awards ceremony with her father, Lou Seymour, to celebrate with her castmates.

The Ottawa-born actress’ latest work includes the feature film “Exceptional Beings” available on Amazon Prime, Google Play & Dish Network. “Exceptional Beings” has won 8 awards at the “New York Movie Awards” and 7 awards at the “Paris Film Awards”.

@helenaalexis

Chantal Cousineau Works With Major Hollywood Productions As An Intimacy Coordinator Ottawa-born Chantal Cousineau began to model at the age of 17, shooting for Abercrombie & Fitch, Aveda, Italian Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Roots and more. Moving to Los Angeles in 2001, she carved out a successful career as an actor in 100+ television commercials.

Since 2017, she has become a grounded voice within the MeToo advocacy community, helping 1,400+ survivors of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. She combined her many years of experience as a performer, with her advocacy work, to pivot to her career as a certified film/television Intimacy Coordinator.

An Intimacy Coordinator Professionals(IPA)-certified intimacy coordinator, Chantal Cousineau has been a pioneer in the area of developing (teaching) protocols to work with minors of all ages, in a safer way.

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Photo by Lisa Franchot

She has worked with major films and TV series, including a role as Intimacy Coordinator on Grey’s Anatomy in 2022. She is currently supporting a new TV series, Hacks, as a covering Intimacy Coordinator.

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Ottawa’s NFL Star Breaks Into The Music Industry

@ottawasveryown

Arizona Cardinals linebacker and Ottawa native Jesse Luketa, now known as Lu’, is diversifying his portfolio beyond the NFL spotlight with the release of his debut single, “FEVA,” which dropped in February. With aspirations to make his mark on the Billboard Hot 100, Lu’ has already received a nod from fellow Ottawan Belly, and many other fans and supporters.

Holey Confections Wins Dragon’s Den Pitch Photo via CBC

@holey_confections

Ottawa’s Holey Confections was seen in a recently aired episode of Dragon’s Den, where the husband and wife duo Samantha and Tyler Armstrong secured a $500,000 investment for 25% of their business from Vincenzo Guzzo and Manjit Minhas.

Initially sparked by a layoff amid the pandemic, the couple went into business four years ago, introducing their signature 140-layer donut via Instagram and garnering immense community support. With aspirations to dominate the national donut scene, they’re poised for significant growth, buoyed by their Dragon-backed venture.

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GUIDE SHOPPING GUIDE

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In

The Home Edit

STYLE

Spring styles to inspire your living spaces.

Wolf AXIS Triple Winder With Storage

Fornaseti Tema e Variazioni Square Face Wall Clock

Finn Sling Chair

Cadieux Interiors Nothing To See Here 30 x 30 Framed Print

This low sling chair with an exposed warm wood frame and thick plush cream cushions quietly shouts relax. Hip and stylish, this throwback design is comfortable and trendy all in one. Available at Ottawa’s Dala Decor.

Fellow Joey Double Wall Ceramic Coffee Mug

Baccarat Heritage Rouge 540 Candle Refill

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Bearby Velvet Napper Knit Weighted Blanket

This stylish mug with a double wall construction Graphic Image Ballparks: Past & keeps the outside of the Present mug cool to the touch, so you can enjoy your hot coffee without worry. The ceramic body is contrasted by a sleek copper bottom, giving this mug a chic and modern look.

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MATTHEW BARNABY Former NHL Tough Guy

Remains Unfiltered

When Ottawa’s Matthew Barnaby was a junior player, he was amazing. He once scored 111 points in a single season, which was an incredible accomplishment since he also had 448 penalty minutes that same year.

With that much time in the penalty box, how in the world did Barnaby find the time to score that much?

Suffice it to say, the guy wasn’t much fun to play against. Barnaby was a buzzsaw who would give it to opponents on the scoreboard, with his fists, or a loud barrage of well-timed, unfiltered insults. He did his best to continue that throughout his ornery 14-year NHL career in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, New York, Colorado, Chicago, and Dallas.

When all the smoke had cleared after 834 career games, Barnaby had posted 2,562 penalty minutes. Only 17 tough guys in NHL history have posted more.

By Steve Warne

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Matthew Barnaby at The Westin Hotel Photography by Nicolai Gregory

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MAGAZINE to play golf and have beers with the boys every day,” Barnaby said. “But that’s just not me. I love golf. I don’t mind the odd beer. But I’ve got to stay busy. So, I’m kind of transitioning into motivational speaking for companies.

“I just think I have a lot of experiences that I’d love to share. And I’m very comfortable in front of people and telling my story – the good and the bad – because there are a lot of ups and downs in life. It’s gratifying to be able to share my experiences and hopefully motivate people to be better in their everyday lives.”

Since his final game in 2007, Barnaby has kept busy with family, broadcasting, and podcasting. He even wrote a book just over a year ago and, like his podcast, it’s called “Unfiltered,” which is how Barnaby, now 50, has lived his entire life.

“I’m never not going to be me, “Barnaby said. “That’s just who I am. My friends and family know that if you ask my opinion, I’m going to give it. And I don’t ever worry about, ‘Oh my god, maybe you’re not gonna get this job or that job because you said something people don’t like.’”

Whether on the ice or behind the microphone, Barnaby is a talker, brimming with energy, and speaks from the heart. So, his next career path seems like it’ll be a perfect fit.

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That’s a far cry from Barnaby’s NHL image back in the day when he was so often motivated to punch people in the face. But that’s how it was back then, with tough customers waiting for him in every NHL market.

“The hardest time was the day before and the afternoon before games,” Barnaby recalls.

“You’re playing Toronto, and they have Tie Domi, Ken Baumgartner, and Nick Kypreos.

You roll into Detroit, and they have Joey Kocur and Bob Probert. Roll into Philadelphia, and they have Donald Brashear. And the list goes on. Every team had a guy that literally could break your jaw or your orbital bone or give you a concussion, which I had many. It’s not a lot of fun to have to go to work knowing that could happen.

“But once I walked into that locker room, I became a different personality. It’s almost like I had an alter ego. And once I got on the ice, I didn’t think about it. I wasn’t nervous.

Once I got into it, I loved defending my teammates. I loved the gratification of hearing the crowd chant your name or applaud you and cheer for you.”

If you ever wondered why Barnaby used to smile, laugh, and chirp through so many of his NHL fights, it wasn’t because he was having

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“Now it’s about them learning how to win on a nightly basis,” Barnaby said. “I think that’s the big difference between average teams and great teams.” a great time. It was a strategy to throw his much bigger opponents off their game.

“They were so pissed off that they couldn’t hurt me,” Barnaby recalled. “And it was more of a mind games thing than anything, trying to make it look like you’re this crazy man – the sicko that loves to get hit. No one loves to get hit. But I wanted to trick them into doing something that they weren’t comfortable doing so I could have the upper hand.

Because most of the guys I fought were 50 pounds heavier than I was.”

Barnaby feels fortunate that he wasn’t exclusively a fighter, like the Rob Rays or Tony Twists, or in Ottawa, Brian McGrattan or Dennis Vial. He was more like Chris Neil, who could also play the game. As a result, he didn’t have to worry about his job if he didn’t fight for five or ten games. Not that fighting droughts like that happened very often.

Still, Barnaby knew that if you were going to be public enemy number one, you had to understand the soldiers were coming at some point, and you had better be ready.

Doing that 82 times a year can be a grind.

“Everyone’s always ready to play on a Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada,” Barnaby said. “But are you ready to play in Anaheim on a Tuesday night?

“That’s the same line I used on (former Senators GM) Pierre Dorion after he

drafted Brady Tkachuk. You don’t have to worry about your team being dead because Tkachuk is the kind of guy who’s going to drag the team into a fight. And he might not go into the game looking for a fight because he’s the captain and arguably their best player, but he’ll always be ready.”

Barnaby says he strongly believes in new Ottawa GM Steve Staios.

“I love Stevie Staios,” Barnaby said. “I’ve known him for years and played against him. He’s very smart and analytical. He has a little bit of everything you need to be a great manager.”

As for the team, with its core locked up for years, Barnaby believes it will be an excellent team that will soon have a chance at winning a Stanley Cup. “Now it’s about them learning how to win on a nightly basis,” Barnaby said. “I think that’s the big difference between average teams and great teams. The Detroits and New Jerseys of my era went out and expected to win. And if you go in expecting to win – not hoping to win – that’s the mindset you need to be successful.”

Barnaby remains full of fire and energy at age 50, and whether it’s podcasting, writing books, or motivational speaking, he obviously has the winning mindset he needs to be successful in those ventures as well.

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The Sushi Sourcebook

In February, we asked: What are some of Ottawa’s most top notch establishments to explore fresh and creative sushi, sashimi and Japanese cuisine?

Discover Ottawa’s diverse Japanese food scene at these inviting eateries.

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/02 SHINKA SUSHI Shinka Sushi Bar has been a staple in Ottawa for 20 years, and is now opening a new sushi speakeasy: a mid century modern decor sushi bar with signature creations.

Must-Try: The Rainbow Aburi Roll.

A household favourite on the menu, this signature roll is topped with torched bluefin tuna, drizzled with in-house sauce and garnished with crispy julienne sweet potato.

BAMBU Bambu is a relaxed, buzzy bar and eatery serving fresh sushi rolls and Japanese, Thai and Chinese bites with a twist. The dine-in restaurant off Hunt Club is known for its chef-staged sushi boat displays.

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Must- Try: The Killer Shrimp Roll. A unique combination of sweet-spicy shrimp, ebi shrimp, masago, and crispy tempura flakes, topped with four jumbo shrimp tempura and served with Bambu’s signature spicy mayo and unagi sauce.

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/04 OPTIONS JAZZ LOUNGE The Brookstreet Hotel’s Lobby Bar and Jazz Lounge is home to Sushi Chef Yasuda’s inspired creation of sushi and sashimi.

Must Try: Kamikaze Roll: Spicy tuna, rice pearls, avocado, spicy mayo.

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KIKO SUSHI BAR

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They have a variety of specialty rolls that have inspired a whole new generation of fine Japanese artistry.

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Since 2009, Kiko Sushibar has been a goto for sushi lovers in Ottawa’s Little Italy.

Kiko Sushibar is proudly This vibrant and urban sushi bar offers a wide range of creative appetizers, sushi, sashimi, freestyle rolls, teriyaki, noodles, donburi (specialty rice dishes) and desserts. All sauces used in preparing their food are made in-house.

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A Guide to

Cognac Cognac, considered the finest brandy in the world, is a premium spirit that originates from the Cognac region of France. It’s made from grapes, primarily Ugni Blanc, and is known for its rich flavor profile and complex aging process. Cognac is twice-distilled in copper pot stills to concentrate its flavours and aromas, then aged in French oak barrels from either Limousin or Troncais.

Cognac labels often indicate the age of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend. Here’s how to choose, serve and sip Cognac like a pro.

Classified Info Cognac is classified based on its age and quality. VS (Very Special) indicates a blend with the youngest spirits, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) signifies a blend with older spirits, and XO (Extra Old) denotes an even higher quality, often aged for a minimum of 10 years.

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After a given amount of time, cognac will stop aging and developing, and the quality will remain the same as the day it was bottled.

Tasting Notes Colours range from pale gold to deep amber, while aromas can include notes of fruit, flowers, spices, and oak. On the palate, expect a harmonious blend of flavors, with hints of vanilla, caramel, nuts, and dried fruits. The finish should be long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth.

Serving Cognac is best served neat and at room temperature. The most popular choice of glassware is a snifter, which allows you to swirl the cognac, releasing its aromas and concentrating them at the top of the glass. Experienced pros prefer a tulip-shaped glass–the longer stem allows for a sensory experience without warming up the cognac by holding the glass.

Understanding Pairings

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Cognac’s versatility makes it a perfect companion for a wide range of foods. When selecting pairings, consider the spirit’s rich and complex flavor profile. Dark chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits complement the caramel and nutty notes of cognac, while cheese and charcuterie provide a savory contrast.

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O T T A W A M A G A Z I N E F A C E S

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HAYLEY SCHURMA January 2nd, 2024, was a night Hayley Scamurra will never forget.

That was the historic first game for Ottawa’s new Professional Women’s Hockey League team, and like every other player in the league, Scamurra was thrilled to be part of it.

HAYLEY SCAMURRA

The 29-year-old forward from Buffalo, New York, had already enjoyed several lifetimes worth of great, wellearned hockey memories. Scamurra has been a Team We’ve all received pressing or enticing email, social media message USA member since a2019, winning two gold and two or text, usually by a link or attachment. silver medals at accompanied the World Championships.

She had We’ve clicked on it, only to discover we’ve been duped.

Unwittingly, have opened the also competed at the 2022 Olympics, taking home we silver. door to malicious code. Now, they can compromise networks, breach data, or otherwise reap the ill-gotten rewards too commonly collected by ransomware or malware. Photography by Nicolai Gregory

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But this night was something unique. With 8,318 fans in attendance, Ottawa’s home game against Montreal set a record for attendance (since broken) at a professional women’s hockey game.

“Playing in front of our home crowd in Ottawa was more incredible than I could’ve imagined,” Scamurra said. “I got very emotional when we received a standing ovation during warmups! You could feel their excitement and energy throughout that entire game. Even when we lost, they stayed and cheered for us as if we had won. I’m very grateful for our fan base.”

But this unforgettable evening for women’s hockey in Ottawa also came with a special individual moment for Scamurra.

It happened at 16:23 of the second period in a scoreless game. Scamurra was set up on the left side of the power play at the top of the circle. After teammate Zoe Boyd hit her with an easy 15-foot pass to the outside, Scamurra took three strides

first player from Buffalo to be drafted into the NHL. He was selected in the first round by the Washington Capitals and played 132 games with the club in the late 1970s. After his career, he passed his love of hockey down to his kids, and Hayley says he’s been instrumental in her career.

Oh, and he had a secret weapon to inspire Hayley to lace up the blades in those early days.

“He bribed me with M&M’s to skate in our backyard rink with my three older brothers,” Scamurra said.

“He was my coach all through growing up and continues to coach me to this day. He taught me the importance of work ethic and being a coachable player.”

What was it like in the house and the backyard trying to keep up with your older brothers? Do you think competing with them had a hand in your hockey success?

Awareness Training That Works

“I remember when our equipment manager asked for my stick to put it in the Hall of Fame. I think that’s when it truly hit how special and historic that moment was.”

“I’ve never experienced a crowd that loud before,” Scamurra said. “And the amount of support and love I received after the game was incredible. I remember when our equipment manager asked for my stick to put it in the Hall of Fame. I think that’s when it truly hit how special and historic that moment was.”

Like many great hockey careers, Scamurra’s journey began on the family’s backyard rink, built by her father. Peter Scamurra also reached hockey’s highest level, holding the distinction of being the

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And TD Place Arena went bananas.

Our house was the place to be for me and all of my brother’s teammates and friends.

My dad always built a backyard rink so we constantly had friends over playing through the night. We turned our kitchen into a locker room and had mats all down our deck so we could get to the rink from our kitchen. I think competing with them definitely made me more competitive and ready to battle.

Did you have other sports or passions when you were growing up?

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and hammered a perfectly placed slap shot in the top corner of the Montreal net for the very first goal in Ottawa PWHL franchise history.

I played tennis and soccer as well. I played soccer competitively until my junior year of high school when I focused on hockey exclusively. Tennis I played for fun because that was my dad’s first sport growing up. I still play tennis every summer with my dad and brothers.

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“OUR TEAM IS TRULY A FAMILY. WE KEEP IT LIGHT AND FUN WHENEVER WE CAN, BUT WE GET GRITTY AND INTENSE WHEN THE TIME COMES.

and the facilities and resources they were offering. Their main focus was to have a professional setup and they have definitely exceeded that this season.

How would you describe the Ottawa PWHL team?

Our team is truly a family. We keep it light and fun whenever we can, but we get gritty and intense when the time comes. We are a team where you will always see our effort and passion on the ice. We are always going to be a hard team to play against.

How are you enjoying the city of Ottawa so far?

When did you realize that you could maybe play at the highest level of women’s hockey someday?

I think I realized it my sophomore year of high school when colleges started reaching out to recruit. Before that, I don’t think it was really on my radar at all. I just loved the game.

Participating in the 2022 Olympics Beijing must have been amazing.

My Olympic experience was incredible. It truly hit during the Opening Ceremonies that I achieved my dream of making the Olympic team. It was so much fun getting to know other Team USA athletes and hear about their journeys and how they differed from ours. I loved going to other events and cheering our fellow athletes on. It felt like Team USA University at times!

I’m loving the city! As soon as I arrived, I felt welcomed by the community. It feels like a small town community here in the way everyone supports their local teams and shops.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I would like to thank our Ottawa fans for their support. We definitely have the rowdiest fan base and we love them for it! We can feel their energy and support on the ice and it really helps us.

What was it like to be part of history at the very first PWHL Draft Day and getting selected by Ottawa?

Draft day was exciting but also stressful. Waiting for your name to be called, it felt like an eternity. When I was selected

by Ottawa, I was elated. After my talks with the team, I felt like Ottawa was a really good fit for me considering they wanted their style of play to be gritty. I also loved the coaching staff 56

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@hayleyscamurra

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SPRING ESCAPES

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Make the most of the first warm days or the last of winter weekends with these dreamy getaways near Ottawa.

The Majestic Chalet, Val-Des-Monts, QC 2 Hours

A one-of-a-kind 4-season lakeside chalet located just 35 minutes from Ottawa in Val-Des-Monts. This stunning Scandinavian-style retreat offers a wood-burning fireplace, spacious terrace, and breathtaking waterfront views of Lake Dam (Lake Grand). Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen and three cozy bedrooms.

The spacious, naturally bright and rustic chalet is the perfect blend of modern, luxury and cabin.

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Villa Summit in La Conception 2 Hours

This stunning newly built stand-alone chalet is located at the top of the Sept-Sommet development and offers an unbeatable view. The Summit Chalet is perfect for family getaways or gatherings, with 7 bedrooms, 4 ensuite bathrooms, 2 living rooms, a home theatre, an outdoor fire pit, and a sauna.

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Lakeview Luxury Dome in Shawville, QC 1 Hour

A unique glamping experience in a 4-season Geometric Dome is only an hour from Ottawa. Hillhaus Domes in Shawville, QC, are each fully equipped with a hot tub, AC, electric heating, kitchenette with cooktop, couch, wood stove and full bathroom for the most comfortable nature escape you can find.

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MICA Panoramic Micro House, in Lac-Beauport 4 Hours

This highly-touted vacation rental has garnered a lot of attention due to its breathtaking panoramic views of the mountainsides near Old Quebec. The stunning glass cabin is considered a micro-house, with a minimalist design that includes a Master Bedroom, modern kitchen, a wood fireplace, and heated floors throughout.

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EMERANCE

MASCHMEYER’S OAD TO EXCELLENCE

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For PWHL Ottawa starting goalie Emerance Maschmeyer, these past couple of years have been a whirlwind of blessings and achievements.

n 2022, Maschmeyer made her Winter Olympic debut in Beijing, where she helped Team Canada win the gold medal. In 2023, she married her best friend in a beautiful ceremony on her family farm in Bruderheim, Alberta. And in 2024, Maschmeyer made her Ottawa PWHL debut as one of the three marquee free-agent players the club was allowed to sign before the draft.

grandmother who was memorialized for her tireless decades of community work as one of the founders of Bruderheim’s agricultural society.

For all of her achievements (too many to list here), Bruderheim named a street after her on Canada Day, befitting a Canadian hockey hero.

“All four of my siblings played hockey at high-performing levels so they understand the beautiful challenges and opportunities that being a professional athlete brings,” Maschmeyer said. “I am a product of each individual in my family and much of my success has come to fruition because of their support and motivation.”

“It is such an honour to have a street named after me in my hometown,” Maschmeyer said. “My hope is that when Bruderheim’s youth see the street sign they’re reminded that they can achieve anything that they put their minds to.”

“Emerance Way” is now the name of the street in front of the Karol Maschmeyer Arena. Karol was Emerance’s

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Emerance’s story reads like one you might see on Hockey Day in Canada. She grew up on a third-generation grain farm outside of Bruderheim, where her father, Arlan, built an outdoor rink for his five kids.

While Maschmeyer has become one of the very best goalies in the world, her first love was playing forward.

“I started playing hockey when I was 3 years old, and I absolutely loved to score goals,” Maschmeyer said. “One day in Novice hockey, it was my turn to go in net, and I

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had a really fun time stopping pucks. I went home and told my parents how much I loved it. So I got goalie gear for Christmas that year and began playing both goalie and player for a couple of seasons.

At age 10, I officially switched to goalie because I loved making the big saves and wearing the really cool goalie gear. I love being goalie but there’s still a small part of me that is a forward at heart!”

Clearly, Maschmeyer’s goaltending accomplishments indicate she made the right decision.

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After starring at Harvard University, setting the school’s all-time saves record, she played in the CWHL with Calgary and Montreal and then the PWHPA. But a pro league like the PWHL is something she couldn’t envision ten years ago.

“Ten years ago, I dreamed about playing with Team Canada and representing Canada at the World Championships and the Olympics, but I didn’t really envision a viable professional league as it was so far out of reach at the time,” Maschmeyer said. “I believe that when the Canadian Women’s Hockey League folded in 2019, it was the first time that many of us started envisioning and dreaming – we were determined to form a professional hockey league that would provide us with salaries, resources, visibility, coverage, and long-term investment.”

we really enjoyed our night dancing and having a fun time with each other and our guests.

Your wife Geneviève has retired now but was also an elite goalie. Was it challenging when you were both competing for jobs?

She was such an amazing goalie. We have so many amazing memories of competing and supporting one another on the ice. We were in a unique situation where we often were competing for spots on teams and for ice time. But the way that we always approached it was if we both did everything we could individually to put ourselves in the best position to make teams and play, then the decisions were out of our hands. It was up to the coaches and GMs. After the news, we would be able to support each other as needed.

What’s been your PWHL Ottawa The experiences we had together highlight so far? through hockey far outweighed the challenges and adversity we faced. We Our home opening game against are grateful for all the travel, opportuMontreal in front of a sold-out home nities, and memories we have shared crowd is my highlight of the PWHL together on our journeys playing toso far. There was so much energy and gether for Team Canada, the CWHL, emotion projected from the crowd, and the PWHPA. and the arena was filled with cheering for the entire 60-plus minutes. It was How are you enjoying the city of the moment that we felt that we had Ottawa so far? finally arrived.

Ottawa is a wonderful city. It is a city Speaking of meaningful moments, with a small community feel. And you got married last summer. What coming from a small town in Alberta, can you tell us about the big day, and I have a big appreciation for that. what memories stand out most?

What’s your message for Ottawa’s Our wedding was such a beautiful and strong PWHL fan base? special day for us. We felt nothing but gratitude and love on our big day. To our fans, you have all been so amazOne of my favourite moments was ing! Thank you so much for all of the finally marrying my best friend after support. We feel the love every single 8 years of dating and doing it on my day. You truly are a 7th player for us on family farm in front of all our closest the ice. We truly believe that we have family and friends. I must admit, we the loudest, most supportive fans, and are suckers for a dance floor, and so we really appreciate you!

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Spaces We Love Spaces That Inspire Us Through Distinctive Design

SPOTLIGHT: THE ANDAZ Ottawa’s Andaz Hotel has been at the forefront of contemporary modern hospitality experiences since it opened in 2016. The ‘Concept by Hyatt’ Hotel has two destinations for those looking to eat ‘on the town’. On its main floor, Feast & Revel: a breezy eatery serving comfort fare and creative cocktails.

With its earthy grey tones, stylish lighting fixtures, and trendy furnishings, the restaurant exudes an air of urban sophistication.

COPPER SPIRITS & SIGHTS Touted as one of the best rooftop experiences in Ottawa, Copper Spirits is still just as chic as when it first opened.

The locale seamlessly blends modern sophistication with vintage allure.

Illuminated by pendant lights casting amber hues, plush leather stools invite patrons to indulge in mixology, while curated artwork adorns walls adorned with rich wooden paneling. Strong black and white marble perfectly offset the copper tones throughout.

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Expert Advice

At a time when the insurance industry is growing increasingly impersonal, Kevin Carruthers is taking the opposite tack. “You can buy insurance anywhere,” the approachable Carruthers philosophizes, “but when you actually need it, you’ll wish you were able to reach someone who knew you by name and had given you a personalized experience.”

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There have been major changes to home, auto and business insurance in Canada.

Ottawa’s

KEVIN

Carruthers Desjardins Insurance Agent, shares why reviewing your insurance coverage now is the best policy.

Kevin Carruthers has always prized the personal. After all, it was a scarring experience with an indifferent home insurance broker that inspired the Desjardins agent to go into the industry himself, specifically to import the muchneeded human touch. He’s been a success ever since, managing an office space as welcoming as a Starbucks while offering his sizeable clientele an invaluable one-on-one experience.

Recognized as a straight shooter, Carruthers prides himself on imparting important information rooted in the latest industry developments. These days, that entails advice on how to deal with

the mounting costs of auto and home coverage, particularly in Ontario. Changes are afoot that are directly attributable to recent crises—namely, the scourge of COVID and the tangible effects of climate change. Those relying on their current policies might well be leaving their most valuable assets effectively unprotected.

Clauses buried therein are veritable booby traps, passing unforeseen costs on to policyholders in the short term and offering them limited to no protection for the long.

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Major Changes To Insurance In Canada “Over the past eighteen months,” Carruthers elucidates, “every company offering home and auto insurance in this province has had to make adjustments. We have seen a radical increase in the average payout or cost per claim. The supply chain issues spawned by COVID have brought higher prices that are now, unfortunately, the norm.”

Carruthers is quick to add that the problem is not solely attributable to the parts and labour shortage.

Car theft is another key contributor.

The problem has gotten so bad, the Official Opposition is even making an election issue out of it. To hear Carruthers tell it, the greater Ottawa area has been especially vulnerable:

How Ottawa’s Car Theft Problem Affects You “My agency is seeing ten to twelve thefts a month. That used to be what we’d see per year. Theft is covered under the comprehensive coverage of your policy and carries a typical deductible of $500, meaning the amount you pay before we pay in a claim. But most companies are now pushing this standard deductible up to $1,000 to help contain future rates.

Many companies are even moving to a policy that requires you to have a tracking system to combat the rising theft rate or hitting people with a hefty surcharge to offset risk.”

The provincial government is aware of this situation, of course, which is why it’s allowing Ontario drivers to opt out of direct compensation for damage coverage in order to save money. But as a cost-cutting measure, this is a suspect solution.

New Ontario Opt-Out Program Puts Drivers At Risk “Direct compensation is the ‘No Fault’ part of a policy, which covers damage to your vehicle involved in an accident for which you weren’t responsible,” Carruthers explains. “People are removing it to save money but don’t fully understand what they are actually losing by doing this. The issue is what other kinds of coverage become voided in the process. I caution my clients, ‘When you call me because you’ve been involved in an accident and you are stuck on the side of the road, do you want me to tell you that you had the cheapest coverage in place, or that you had the best?’”

Property insurance is a tricky matter, too—again, particularly in Ottawa.

Climate change has made the city a veritable epicentre for floods, hail, and tornadoes. Most policies, however, have yet to play catch-up. In addition, the vagaries of modern weather are sending the cost of claims soaring.

Much of this has to do with the rising costs of repairing or rebuilding a house. Most policies take care of this matter by way of an inflation index, which increases limits at a rate of 3%

a year. According to the concerned Carruthers, though, that model is no longer applicable. His advice?

Pay the proper premium in monthly installments. It’s easier in the end than having to take large lump sums out of your pocket or to remortgage your home to cover an unforeseen disaster.

While it’s all good advice, the best single solution to asset protection in this rapidly changing world of ours is an in-person appointment with a trusted broker. Electronic correspondence isn’t conducive to the kind of forensic policy review required to ensure that vulnerable policyholders are exempt from the newer forms of unforeseen victimhood. The famously personal Carruthers touch, however, offers the kind of constructive consultation that allows visitors to rest easy.

“Your biggest assets deserve to be reviewed and re-explained,” says Carruthers. “Our agency was built with this in mind. We make it convenient and enjoyable for clients to visit us. We encourage them to come in and try our coffee of the month, a snack, and give us fortyfive minutes to make sure they fully understand what they have. This is the one thing that deserves a personal more focused approach.”

So, anyone up for coffee?

kevinjcarruthers.com

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GalaStyle 4 Essential Tips For Choosing Your Black-Tie Attire.

Jacket, Tom Ford Atticus Velvet-Jacquard Tuxedo Jacket, Cuff Links, Chopard Ice Cube Rose Gold-Plated Cufflinks, Shoes, Christian Louboutin Greggo Patent-Leather Oxford Shoes

Earrings, David Webb 18-karat gold clip earrings, Dress, Versace asymmetric embellished draped jersey and crepe gown, Shoes, Christian Louboutin

Gala Guide 1 The Tuxedo For men, a well-tailored tuxedo is essential.

Ensure that the jacket sleeves hit at the wrist bone, the trousers have a clean break at the shoe, and the shirt fits snugly without pulling at the buttons. Choose luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, or satin for an extra touch of elegance.

2 Gold vs Silver

Tacori Tacori Classic Crescent RoyalT Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Available at Ottawa’s La Maison d’Or

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Look at the veins on your wrist in natural daylight. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones, so silver may suit you best. If your veins look green, you likely have warm undertones, making gold a fantastic choice.

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Jason

757-game NHL veteran Jason York reflects on career highlights, the 2024 edition of the Ottawa Senators, and starting a new podcast with co-host Brent Wallace.

Looking back on your 757-game NHL career, what accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

I’m most proud of the fact that I was a really late draft pick, like a 7th-round pick. I was bypassed in 2 NHL Drafts. I actually went to an NHL draft in Montreal, and didn’t get picked and went home. I spent 3 and a half years in the minors.

It didn’t come easy. So when I finally made it and had a nice long career, I’m very proud of the fact that I pushed through that adversity.

Being from Ottawa, I’m also very proud of being a part of that first team in Ottawa Senators modern history to make the playoffs. I think of that all the time, the crowd and the energy in the city, that was one of my favourite moments of my career.

Tell us a little about what Jacques Martin was like as a coach, and what do you think is the biggest impact he will have on the young core of players on the Senators?

To this day, Jacques was the most pre74

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pared coach I ever had. He was probably the best teacher of the game.

He’s really good at teaching the small details that you need to be successful in the NHL, like making good decisions when you have the puck, being aware defensively, playing without the puck… Ottawa’s got a lot of good young skilled guys, but they needed to improve on their defence and their puck management, and that’s what Jacques helped the most with. The little details.. making the right plays, taking shorter shifts, when to dunk the puck and when to try and beat someone one on one, when not to try and do that. Just making these guys learn how to make better decisions on the ice, is probably the number one thing that they needed.

I don’t know if he’s going to coach here long-term, I don’t think so, but I think he’s a good guy for right now. Along with Alfie, they create some building blocks. They have a lot of young players, so it’s a good time to build good habits. I think a lot of the habits some of these young players have need to be improved on, especially defensively, and he’ll help with that a lot.

If you were the GM- as the Senators stare down a 7th consecutive season missing the NHL Playoffs – what would you consider doing to turn things around?

They’ve got some really good pieces.

One of the things with the Sen’s that people forget is that they’re really young up the middle. They’re one of the youngest teams in the league as far as centres go. I think this team is going to automatically get better as they mature and get a little older, but I do think they need to add a right shot D, as #1. And you could either hopefully do that at trade deadline or next year at free agency at the draft but, a right-shot defenceman for sure, an experienced 200ft player that could play in your top 9, that’s smart defensively. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the core pieces is traded to help get or bring in a right D and a good 200ft player with experience.

Looking back on Pierre Dorion’s 10 years as GM, what letter grade would you give him and why?

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I’d give him a C. I just think, too many mistakes, too many trades. It’s not all on Pierre though. Unfortunately for him, there was a lot of interference with ownership, with Melnyck, project restraints, he wasn’t surrounded by the right people, the smallest hockey office staff in hockey. I understand there were different things like he was being told to trade players, but you know when you trade Mark Stone, and you get a player and you declare that the greatest and happiest day of your life, that’s pretty tough. And now you see the player they have, and the players not turning up… and no fault to Erik Brannstrom, that’s a lot of pressure. There were too many instances like that, where he traded great players and didn’t get a lot in return. But, I’ll give them credit, the Karlsson trade was very good, they got a lot of assets there. There were some good things, but for me, but too many bad things. And losing a firstround draft pick for Dadonov, inexcusable.

Tell us about the ‘Coming in Hot’ Podcast that you co-host with Brent Wallace and Bobby Ryan – how did that come about and what do you enjoy about it the most?

I worked in television for a long time, with Sportsnet, and Hockey Night in Canada, so I come from a media background. I wasn’t even planning on doing anything like this, though, I was thinking of going back to coach Junior Hockey. I had a couple of

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offers, I was looking at USports, some other things… and then Brent Wallace called me and asked me to do a podcast with him.

The thing I like about podcasting is that you can do it from your home. If you go on a trip or a vacation you can do it while you’re there. It gives you a lot of freedom in your life. You also have a lot more freedom to discuss things and explore opinions.

I’m just honest… I say what I believe and I have no biases or skin in the game or anything, so that’s why podcasting has been so great for me, because you can just tell it as you see it.

If you have one piece of advice you’d give to someone that’s reading this one day, that wants to follow in your footsteps and make it to the NHL, what would that be?

Go to school (laughs). It’s really hard to make it to the NHL… don’t put all your marbles in one basket.

I love the fact that you have a dream, but I truly believe that being a student-athlete is the best way to play sports. Then you can get to the NHL by doing that. Technically you get more time by doing that now. But still, you have to put in a lot of practice, a lot of hard work, you need some luck, and you need a lot of things to go your way.

I have found that people who are successful, whether in music, sports, anything at the highest level, they have a drive. You have to have a drive to be a perfectionist at your craft. Whatever it is, you have to practice and do it more than everybody else. I just like seeing people passionate about whatever it is they choose to pursue.

What would you say is the key to happiness?

I think you need something in your life that you’re passionate about, you need some purpose in your life, something that you get up and you’re excited to do. And you need love in your life too. And I think you need to be active. I’m a big believer that you need to be active and you need to do something every day, just get out and get the blood flowing.

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polancohomedecor.com

|

177 Richmond Rd. Ottawa

MAGAZINE 77 | FACES 613.761.8690

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ADAM ROSEBUSH

Why Ottawa Moving Logistics Is The Logical Solution

Ottawa Moving Logistics is the logical solution to all your relocation needs. Because of Adam Rosebush and the dedicated staff at Ottawa Moving Logistics, the difficulty of organizing your packing, moving or storage needs are removed.

Adam Rosebush started his career with Ottawa Moving Logistics in 2017. Through hard work and dedication over the course of his career, Adam has climbed every rung of the organization’s ladder, starting as a mover/helper to driver/supervisor to trainer/manager and now director of residential services. “It’s a matter of integrity and respect for others and their individual situations, recognizing that everyone has specific needs,” he shared. Regardless of his role, Adam’s success has been fueled by the same abiding passion to provide superior customer service. “The thing I genuinely love most about my job is meeting new people and connecting with them to make their relocation as stress-free as possible,” Adam proudly declares.

“For all clients, just listening is key. That’s how you provide the greatest possible service; at the end of the day the client is the priority, not the pay cheque”.

While some of the business comes inevitably, by word of mouth, the majority is a result of “honesty and an above-and-beyond attitude” states Adam, with a particular emphasis on the last.

With caring and conscientiousness, Adam wouldn’t have it any other way.

When choosing a moving partner,” he advises, “I always encourage people to diligently investigate who they’re hiring to come into their homes or offices.” That way, says Adam, they’ll know beyond a doubt that they’ll be entrusting their move to Adam Rosebush, Director of Residential the very best.

Services, Ottawa Moving Logistics As Ottawa Moving Logistics continue to grow, they strive to maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and an extremely high standing with both the Canadian Business Review Board and The Canadian Association of Movers. Moreover, they aim to continue to excel as a leader in the industry, setting the bar for customer service. No company can achieve these forms of recognition, as well as the constant appreciation of countless clients, without a reputable director of residential services. That’s Adam Rosebush and that’s Ottawa Moving Logistics. The logical choice.

omlogistics.ca | (613) 612 6853

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Sens Guide

The NHL Trade Deadline 4 Ottawa Senators That Are Good Trade Candidates In some ways, an NHL General Manager shares the same challenges as a world class chef.

irst, you need the ability to identify and acquire premium ingredients.

Then you need a perfect recipe that contains exactly the right amounts of each ingredient.

F

Vladimir Tarasenko

The pending UFA has a no trade clause, but he just changed agents. The timing of that hints that he’s expecting to need top level representation soon. He wouldn’t be doing that if he were planning to enforce his no-trade clause. Maybe the plan is to work out a sign and trade arrangement?

Tarasenko has been a good soldier for the Senators this season. As of this writing, he’s fifth in Sens scoring with 35 points in 48 games. Tarasenko probably won’t give up the open auction of unrestricted free agency unless the 28th place Senators really make it worth his while.

And why would the Sens overspend on an ingredient they probably already have enough of when they have other needs?

Staios admitted recently that he hasn’t had any talks with Tarasenko and while he did say he’s been impressed with the player, he didn’t suggest it was on his to-do list either. No matter what happens on March 8th, it’s doubtful Tarasenko is back next season.

Over the course of the Ottawa Senators’ long rebuild, former GM Pierre Dorion did a fine job of acquiring a lot of talented roster ingredients. But there’s always been something “off’ about the recipe. Some have suggested the Senators’ current mix lacks veteran leadership; physical, two-way players; and trustworthy goaltending.

Now, as the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 8th, new GM Steve Staios has to make some hard decisions on players who may want to test free agency this year or next. It’s also an opportunity for Chef Staios to refine his Stanley Cup recipe and address some of the ingredients it lacks.

Here are four Ottawa Senators who are good trade candidates at the deadline.

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5 Ottawa Senators That Are Good Trade Candidates

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Dominik Kubalik

Kubailk arrived in Ottawa from Detroit in the Alex DeBrincat deal. He’s another example of a surplus ingredient. He’s rarely been in the club’s top-six, and gets about half the power-play time he did last year in Detroit. He stands 15th in club scoring and he’s not an ideal bottom-six player either. Kubalik’s $2.5 million would be better spent elsewhere and, as a UFA this summer, the Sens would like to get something for him at the deadline while they still can.

Subheading.

Erik Brannstrom Brannstrom is a very small, non-physical, puck moving defenceman. If you put him on the top power play, he’d certainly produce more points. And that might be intriguing to a team that’s hurting for that on their blue line. But the Senators are not, not by a long shot. Brannstrom is an RFA this summer and won’t be looking for a huge raise on his $2 million, but the money is better spent elsewhere.

In truth, Brannstrom probably would have been moved along before now if not for Dorion’s intense desire to make things work. When he acquired Brannstrom from Vegas for fan favourite Mark Stone, Dorion declared that it was his proudest day as a GM. Staios doesn’t have that hanging over his head and can honestly evaluate what the team has in Brannstrom. In fact, Staios isn’t connected to any player on the current roster.

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Thomas Chabot The fan base is divided on Chabot. On one side, you have fans who love everything he does. On the other, you have fans who are frustrated by his play. The only opinion that matters belongs to Staios.

Staios was a hard-nosed defensive NHL defenceman back in the day, pretty much the opposite of Chabot.

Thomas Chabot #72 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the New York Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre on January 25, 2024. Photo by Chris Tanouye

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If he’s not in love with this player, the four years left on his deal at $8 million per year would be a huge concern. And it will never be easier to trade Chabot than it is between now and July 1st. Chabot has a modified no-trade clause that kicks in this summer. This would be another good example of giving up a valuable ingredient that you already have enough of for one you lack.

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Dr. Lucie Beaupré and Dr. Jason Leclair of

MEDICART OTTAWA REVOLUTIONIZING TREATMENT: THE EVOLUTION OF VEIN CARE METHODS. BY DAN LALANDE

In 2018, the well-respected Dr. Lucie Beaupré, Ottawa’s leading authority on the diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases, a.k.a phlebology,,transferred her popular vein

clinic to the Ottawa arm of Medicart. Medicart is a reputable network of clinics across Ontario and Quebec. It offers high-quality vein care to patients of all ages, as well as a variety of aesthetic treatments. These include a selection of life-enhancing, painfree injections, including hyaluronic acid (fillers), neuromodulator (Botox), and, for hair loss and facial rejuvenation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

“I chose Medicart because of their expertise in leading medico-esthetic clinics,” explains Dr. Beaupré. “When meeting with the owners and managers, I was very impressed by their mission statement. We shared the same managerial, clinical, and personal values.”

The respect, says Medicart Ottawa’s Medical Director, Dr. Jason Leclair, is mutual.

“If you’re going to work in phlebology, you couldn’t ask for a better mentor than Dr. Beaupré,” he acknowledges gratefully. “The most important lesson she has taught me is what it means to be an expert. If you’re going to do something, you should strive to be the best. That means continuing to learn as the field develops and not being afraid to add to or change your practice when research or evidence or experience suggests it’s time to do so.”

As proof, Medicart has recently integrated the state-of-the-art VenaSeal procedure, allowing them to treat large, high-pressure veins that would have required surgery in years past. Miniscule amounts of medical-grade glue are used to hold the walls of the vein together, stopping then redirecting blood flow to the healthier veins. Dr. Leclair and his colleagues are also furthering the industry through applied research, which they’ll soon be sharing at the Canadian Society of Phlebology’s Annual Congress.

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Photography

by Nicolai Gregory

The majority of Medicart’s clientele are women. Because of hormonal factors such as pregnancy and menopause, women develop more varicose and spider veins than men. These unsightly annoyances are largely hereditary and often, a lifetime situation.

Until the late 1980s, the standard North American treatment was stripping surgery i.e. partial removal of the vein. Fortunately, at that same time, Dr. Beaupré was studying in Paris. At l’École de Médecine de Paris and the Pitié Salpetriere Paris hospital, her eyes were opened to the more progressive, less invasive European approach: sclerotherapy, wherein veins are collapsed by way of injections. The suc84

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cess rate, pain-free nature, and convenience of this ambulatory (i.e. outpatient) procedure begged for a foothold in Canada.

“I recognized that I could have a direct impact on the well-being of thousands of women at home,” recounts Dr. Beaupré, “helping them to achieve healthier and better-looking legs. Patients could be vain by getting rid of their veins!”

Inspired, Dr. Beaupré went about setting up the first-ever vein clinic in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. “I had licenses to practice medicine in both Quebec

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and Ontario,” she explains, “so I could offer bilingual services on both sides of the river. Many doctors were skeptical of the need for this service on such a large scale but enough were open-minded to start referring patients.”

Since that momentous day in 1989, the Dr. Beaupré Vein Clinic grew from a four-person operation to the most well-known clinic of its kind in the area. And as the practice evolved, so did its methods: Doppler technology that sourced problems via ultrasound was introduced and became the norm to better assess and treat veins not visible to the eye. Then, of course, the clinic underwent its biggest change to date: the amalgamation with Medicart.

For all of its exemplary emphasis on best-in-class treatments, research, and the rigorous in-house training of its practitioners and staff, what distinguishes Medicart Ottawa most is another value it shares with Dr. Beaupré: a genuine appreciation for the patient and client.

Adds Dr. Beaupré, who still puts in time at the clinic, “We all keep in mind that the patient’s well-being comes first. Patient satisfaction remains our number one goal.”

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variety of people that I deal with in family medicine, and that sentiment carries over into my duties in phlebology. As a result, our patients can look forward to friendly and professional care from the moment they walk in the door to when they check out.”

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“Patients aren’t just veins,” says Dr. Leclair, who enjoys a dual practice as a family physician and is the Director of Education Services in Inpatient Family Medicine at the Ottawa Hospital’s Civic Campus.

“They are people with lives, stories, and sometimes complex medical issues. I love the

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TheTechEdit 5 of the Coolest Gadgets to Buy This Year 1

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COTADAMA Speaker Canvas in Black/Gold, Frank Muller Limited Edition

LARQ Bottle PureVis™ in Obsidian Black

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Tech Guide 1. The Cotodama Speaker Canvas is a luxury speaker with an added touch of innovation - the screen displays lyrics as it plays. 2. The LARQ Bottle PureVis™ is the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. It uses PureVis and blue light technology to eliminate up to 99%* of bio-contaminants such as E. coli from your water and bottle. 3.

Flaüs is the world’s first electronic flosser. It uses sonic vibrations to move quickly and gently between tight teeth. 4. This auto-tracking iPhone stand is the easiest way to FaceTime, create action-packed videos, and go hands-free for livestreaming and video conferencing.

The Auto-Tracking Stand Pro follows your face and body movements with 360° rotation and 90° tilt with smooth, quiet motors. 5. BALMUDA The Speaker creates a live-stage-like presence with its 360° three-dimensional, clear sound and groove-enhancing brilliance. The speaker is rechargeable, portable, and compatible with Bluetooth and AUX input.

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BALMUDA The Speaker in Black

4

BELKIN Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit

FLAUS Electric Flosser in Black

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THE TOP 5

Reasons That Neighbours Fight Over a third of us have had a heated exchange with our neighbour at some point in our lives. North American real estate and housing source homes.com commissioned a study to get an inside track on the inter-neighbourly behaviours that unite us.

After surveying 2,000 homeowners in North America, they identified the most common reasons that neighbours argue.

Noise ranks as the leading cause of neighbourly arguments.

A whopping 18% of respondents reported having this fight with their neighbour at least once.

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Especially in the winter when snow makes our parking spaces that much thinner, sharing a driveway or a street with your neighbour will lead to a dispute 11% of the time. Blocking parking spots, filling rightfully reserved ones, or consistently parking your car in front of your neighbour’s house can lead to tension.

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Kids can generate a lot of noise, at all hours of the day. Almost 10% of survey respondents have reported having a heated exchange about children with their neighbour: for concerns with noise, supervision, or damage.

Pets

Damage to Property

If your animal is able to enter your neighbour’s yard, the odds of your animal marking its territory there are pretty high. Over 9% of neighbours will fight over pet droppings, especially after a spring snowmelt reveals that you’ve let your pet run free in their yard one too many times.

Hockey pucks, dogs who love all things wooden and wiry, and the most treacherous of all: stones shot out of a lawnmower. Damaging your neighbour’s property can happen without you even realizing it.

Which is exactly why it’s a common fighting ground: Finding property damage done by a neighbour who has yet to acknowledge it can be aggravating, to say the least, and a recipe for tension, according to over 7% of survey respondents.

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8 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! ST. LAURENT MALL | 4230 INNES RD. | 2440 BANK ST. 2961 CARLING AVE | 2910 WOODROFFE AVE | 464 RIDEAU ST 464 BANK ST | CARLETON U FACES MAGAZINE

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A life-size mosaic replica of Michelangelo’s Davide welcomes you to Euro Tile & Stone’s Ottawa showroom.

This dramatic statue was built over 6 weeks by 12 sculptors from Décors 3D – a group that has done work for Cirque du Soleil and The Sochi Olympic Games – using over 360,000 micro-mosaic pieces.

SET IN

Stone

Euro Tile & Stone Celebrates 37 Years in Ottawa

By Dan Lalande

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In many hermetic societies, there is a tradition in which members of the up-and-coming generation are sent out into the greater world. The hope is that there, they will develop outside skills that will serve them in good stead when they return to the fold.

ing to the family business, Euro Tile & Stone, he first sought experience in a number of alternative fields. As tradition would have it, the talents he acquired in those capacities inspired him to refine and expand what his hard-working parents had founded.

For Giancarlo Colasanti, that journey was self-propelled. Before return-

In 1987, Ben and Sandra Colasanti established Euro Ceramics. Previously,

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FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION Top, bottom left and bottom right: Euro Tile & Stone’s impressive showroom on Hawthorne Road, Ottawa, provides an end-to-end experience for clients in creation. Top Quinessenza Ceramiche Marea Restaurant, bottom left, Dom Kobe tiles, bottom right, Bianco Crea-La FioreMIO6 floor tiles..

Ben had been a successful tile contractor frustrated by the lack of product selection and, most of all, the lack of service in Ottawa. Determined to revolutionize the market, he and his wife started importing newer, high-quality tile and stone from Italy, Spain, and Portugal with a focus on providing the best service and experience possible. Since that time, this specialized service has grown into Euro Tile & Stone, a thriving, fast-growing and trusted company with four locations across Eastern Canada, countless satisfied clients, and several high-profile projects in its portfolio.

Before the company started opening new locations, Giancarlo was acquiring an extensive, hands-on education. He developed his own mobile

app during his university years before enjoying immersion in the worlds of art, fashion, and banking.

Reflecting on these experiences, he shares that his stint in tech taught him how to connect with consumer needs; the internship at the prestigious Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, the highest level of prestige; his work for an e-commerce fashion agency in Milan the finer points of leadership; and his tenure at RBC how to implement structures, organize teams, and problem solve.

Fully equipped to take the family business to new heights, Colasanti reunited with the loyal employees, suppliers, and clients in whose company he and his sister Mattia had grown up.

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Euro Tile & Stone AN UNPARRELLED PLANNING AND DESIGN PROCESS

Giancarlo’s guiding philosophy honours the customer-focused tenets of his parents. “Our process begins with understanding the client's vision and objectives,” he explains. “We offer unique and exclusive products curated from around the world, ensuring that our clients have access to the latest trends and highest quality ma-

An impressive slab of porcelin from Euro Tile & Stone’s Sensi Up Collection stands in the Hawthorne Road Showroom.

terials. After all, our products are the foundation of their space, helping to create an atmosphere that can influence their mood, happiness, and productivity.”

When asked for his best advice to anyone starting a new design project, Giancarlo, who describes his own experience as a myriad of lessons from parents, past bosses and international endeavours, shares: “My advice is to prioritize quality, reliability, and communication. Understand what your goals are, how you’ll interact with the space or products you’re contemplating. When designing a kitchen, for example, I’m often asked about materials. My first questions are do you cook a lot? Do you live in your kitchen like I do? Then you probably want low maintenance tile floors and a durable countertop like porcelain, rather than something that stains easily like marble or quartz”.

For a better taste of the endless variety of floors, wall coverings, countertops, and sinks the wellstocked company offers to both residential and commercial customers, Ottawans are privy to an impressive showroom on Hawthorne Road.

Above: Euro Tile & Stone’s COO Giancarlo Colastani.

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There, visitors are “greeted” by a life-size, micro-mosaic replica of Michelangelo’s iconic Davide, before being invited to explore the vast collections of luxury brand materials and engage with the space’s approachable, well-informed consultants. The company also has an Outlet in Ottawa, a showroom in Toronto and a design office in Montreal, part of an ambitious expansion plan. “We felt it was long overdue to provide these regions with the Euro Tile & Stone experience, our unique product offerings and our

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attention to detail and service,” he states. “By expanding our presence, we can provide faster delivery times, reduce shipping costs, and offer localized support. Despite these being highly competitive markets, we’ve been blown away with the positive reception we’ve received.”

And the company is still growing. They’ve just launched a new ERP and CRM system, are busy planning a 120,000-square-foot distribution centre to support all of its locations, and are exploring additional opportunities for expansion. A celebration is in the works, too: Soon, Euro Tile & Stone will be commemorating 37 years in business, a milestone of which Colasanti is particularly proud. “It’s a reflection of the vision, perseverance, and dedication of my parents,” he shares. “Their determination to expand product offerings and enhance the client experience laid the foundation for Euro Tile & Stone’s longevity. It also signifies a responsibility my sister, Mattia, and I share to keep to those principles in place as we plan for the future”.

Built on Solid Rock: Euro Tile & Stone's flagship showroom on Hawthorne Road.

A Design Haven Euro Tile & Stone's team of design consultants guide clients through all phases of their design project.

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O T T A W A

SPRING in

SPIRITS

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MAGAZINE

Earl Grey Gin, Dunrobin Distilleries

Sandbanks Cabernet Franc VQA,

Sandbanks Winery This premium, small-batch, handcrafted gin blends twelve botanicals including bergamot, also found in Earl Grey tea. A combination of flower petals provides the regal purple hue along with a warm herbal earthiness and delicate citrus notes.

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Bright ruby colour; floral, plum and dried red pear with hints of chocolate and smoke; dry, light to medium body; plum and oak spice with fine tannins.

There are over 10 different wineries and 3 distilleries in and around the Capital Region, and we’ve highlighted 4 of our top picks for the warmer weather ahead.

Kin Pinot Noir, Kin Vinyards

Bierschnapps, Stratford-Fox Run Distillery

A blend of Lincoln Lakeshore 72% and Carp Ridge, Ottawa 28%, the Kin Pinot Noir is Pale Garnet in colour, has a nose of red cherry, cranberry dried autumn leaves, and subtle leather notes, and is fruity, earthy and fresh on the palate with a medium finish.

Crafted from Kichesippi’s 1855, SFR’s schnapps (a German spirit similar to vodka) captures the essence of amber ales with a balanced blend of malt and hops, underscored by hints of pine and citrus from Chinook hops. Offering a lighter alternative to beer, this spirit boasts a smooth texture, perfect for savoring neat or in refreshing cocktails.

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Enter code FACES50 when you reserve for

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HALPENNY INSURANCE POISED FOR MAJOR GROWTH

By Dan Lalande | Photography by Nicolai Gregory

Over the last few years, Halpenny Insurance Brokers has been making an impact in the Ottawa region.

Halpenny, also known as Eastern Ontario’s oldest and largest, locally owned and fully independent insurance brokerage, has roots dating back to 1912 in Westboro. And though that acclaim may give off the impression that Halpenny has an affinity for the traditional, instead, the company has embraced countless changes in its century-long lifespan.

Its latest change might well be its most exciting.

“The Insurance landscape has changed drastically” explains Richard Massie, Halpenny’s enthusiastic CEO. “Many local brokerages have sold. The insurance industry is quite different today than it was a few decades ago. As for our firm, we’ve brought on an entirely new partnership group and a younger generation of insurance experts. We have completed the largest transformation in our history and now have a much stronger core team with an unparalleled depth of experience that will lead our brokerage forward.”

Halpenny’s growth is already evident with its recent rebrand, commemorating its 110 years in the industry. The brokerage also launched a new employee benefits and retirement planning division earlier last year.

“Halpenny can now provide a complete and comprehensive insurance solution to our corporate clients with a high level of expertise and an exceptional service commitment.” its CEO says of the new addition.

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Poised for Growth: Richard Massie’s Halpenny Insurance is recognized as one of Canada’s fastest growing insurance companies.

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We are very proud to be Eastern Ontario’s largest independently owned insurance brokerage. Being fully independent means everything to me.

H

alpenny is no longer just a small brokerage in Westboro is it?

“We most certainly are not! Halpenny is licensed in every province in Canada and represents all types and sizes of corporate clients from small local businesses to multi-national corporations.”

As a young man, why did you choose insurance?

“After graduating with a degree in Economics from McGill University, I accepted a management training position with Guardian Insurance, a leading commercial insurance insurer at the time. I felt that position would be a great challenge as I entered the business world. I quickly completed my CIP and FCIP designations while working as a commercial insurance underwriter. In March of 1997, Halpenny hired me to grow their commercial insurance division.

After 20+ years of being a partner at Halpenny, I was given the opportunity to take over as President and majority owner in December, 2018.”

“The last few years have been, by far, the most rewarding in my insurance career. I felt it was very important to personally recruit, interview and hire every new employee. We now have over 50 staff and have integrated seven new partners.”

The result: Halpenny’s staff doubled during this time period and their revenue tripled, all while successfully navigating the pandemic. This impressive growth has landed Halpenny recent recognition as one of Canada’s fastest growing insurance companies.

”

Halpenny seems to be very active in supporting local charities. Can you elaborate on why this is so important to you?

“Giving back to our community is extremely rewarding. We donate to 20-30 local charities every year. It is a very important part of our corporate mission. We live in our community and we care about it and we want to see it flourish.”

Perhaps Halpenny’s biggest attribute and competitive advantage is providing the kind of consulting advice that is essential in today’s risk-strewn landscape.

“Today’s business owners face an extremely complicated insurance and legal environment. Our risk management and corporate insurance solutions give our clients the guidance and direction they need to manage their businesses without fear of an uninsured loss or lawsuit.”

Looking ahead, Richard emphasizes that Halpenny is poised for major growth and is currently planning further expansion.

Any parting words?

“I would like to hear from and connect with local business owners that are currently not getting expert advice from a locally owned broker. At Halpenny, we are doing things the old-fashioned way.

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MAGAZINE

RECONNECTING WITH FORMER

By Steve Warne

OTTAWA SENATOR ERIK CONDRA When the Ottawa Senators selected Erik Condra in the 2006 Draft, he was undoubtedly a prospect they liked a lot. But as a seventh-round pick, chosen 211th overall, making the NHL was still a longshot.

Not only did Condra defy the odds, he went on to play almost 400 games in the league – most of them with Ottawa – where he spent six seasons in the organization.

Today, Condra is a player development coach with the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks.

And he’s enjoying family life with three great kids.

“I live outside Minneapolis, which is a great place to live and has a huge hockey community,” Condra said. “So many ex-hockey players live in this area.

The family is doing great. We have a 9-yearold boy playing hockey and soccer, a 7-year-old daughter doing gymnastics, cheer, and piano, and a 5-year-old boy doing every sport under the sun.

Besides work and the travel that goes with that, we’re a full-time taxi service to get the kids to their activities and events!

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The Blackhawks job came along in 2020, not long after COVID-19 struck the final nail in his playing career.

“It was a weird ending having COVID end your career for you,” Condra said. “We finished a game and heard the NBA was shutting down. Little did I know that would be the last game I would ever play. It’s not easy to give up something you love so much, but our family had moved around a ton, and my body was getting worn down.

“To have some stability and live in one place has been great for the family. I also had a pretty quick transition into the Player Development role, which kept me in the game.”

FACES: Can you describe your new role with the ‘Hawks? How are you enjoying it?

Erik Condra: I work with the draft picks and minorleague players for the Blackhawks. Our job is to help in any way possible to get our drafted players to play in the NHL. We visit them and see them in person quite a bit, along with our AHL team in Rockford, a couple of hours west of Chicago.

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It’s been fun to see guys that you’ve worked with make it to the NHL. Have you spent much time with ‘Hawks rookie Connor Bedard? What are your impressions of him as a person and as a player?

I have not spent a ton of time with Connor, but from the time at our development camp, you can tell he is a pro who loves the game of hockey. His dedication and work ethic is as high as I have ever seen. Also, he already holds himself like a 10-year pro with a lot of maturity and confidence.

Let’s look back at your playing career. Who or what got you hooked on hockey as a kid?

My uncle, Kirt Bjork (father of Anders Bjork), played hockey at Notre Dame and went overseas to play for a few years. Hockey was a big part of my mom’s side of the family.

Growing up in the Detroit area when the Wings were dominant and winning all those Cups had a big part in my falling in love with the game.

What are a couple of your best memories of playing at Notre Dame for four years?

Most of my best friends to this day are from Notre Dame. It’s such a unique place. Away from hockey, there was nothing better than a football Saturday at Notre Dame. The atmosphere on campus is electric. When one of the sports teams is ranked #1 in the nation, Notre Dame lights up a big #1 sign on one of the buildings on campus. My sophomore year was the first time that they did that for the hockey team, which was a pretty special moment. I’ll never forget winning the two CCHA championships at the Joe Louis Arena, where I grew up watching the Wings.

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MAGAZINE At what point did you start to believe you had a chance at playing in the NHL?

were there. Ottawa flew my family in the next day.

This is an interesting question for me. I guess I never really thought I was great at hockey.

Growing up, I always played with better players than me. Once I got to juniors and then college, I gained confidence in my own game, but whenever I would watch the NHL, I would just always assume those players were much better than I was. I was a seventh-round draft pick. After being drafted, I got a little hope but still didn’t really believe it.

We played the Islanders, and there was no way I was getting a pre game nap that day. I was way too jazzed up! I think the most nervous I was the whole day was during warmups. The best thing I did during the game was pass it to Erik Karlsson and watch him do his thing to help me get my first point in the NHL that night.

Even during my time in Binghamton, there were many times when I didn’t think I would ever make it up. In my second year there, the Sens were having a tough year and trading away much of the team. At that point, I was hoping I would get my shot.

So when did it happen for you? Tell us about the day you called up?

Ryan Keller was actually supposed to get called up after a game that season, but he tweaked his knee. So no one got called up and we came home. The next day, a few of us were at lunch, knowing they had to call someone up. It was Valentine’s day, and we were all waiting to see whose phone would ring. My phone rang, and it was my turn! I got a call that there was going to be a limo to take me up to Ottawa in an hour and to hurry to the rink to catch it. I called my parents and my future wife to make sure they

You helped Binghamton win the 2011 Calder Cup with future Ottawa players like Zack Smith, Robin Lehner, Mike Hoffman, and others. What was that experience like?

That was an incredible year! I got to play my first NHL game. We had a great group of guys and a pretty deep team. Six or seven of us were up in Ottawa for the last twenty-some games of the season, so the guys down in Bingo were grinding to even make the playoffs. After we all got sent down for the playoffs (Smitty, Butler, Greening, myself, and a few others), we didn’t play great. It’s hard sometimes to come from the NHL back to the AHL. We were on the brink of elimination in the first round. Down 3-1 in the series, we switched goalies and put Lehner in. We won the next three games in OT and proceeded to roll through the playoffs to bring a championship to Bingo. The city loved it and embraced us with a parade and party in the city that lasted for a few days!

“ I L O V E D O T TAWA . I F E E L L I K E T H E R E WA S A C O R E G R O U P O F Y O U N G G U Y S T H AT G R E W U P T H E R E TO G E T H E R .

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MAGAZINE Your lone playoff series win in Ottawa was that wild series over Montreal in 2013 that included the brawl. You guys won 6-1 and seemed to win every fight that night. How crazy was that game, and what do you remember most about it?

That was a crazy series. I remember Eric Gryba stepped up in Montreal and crushed Lars Eller.

After that, the whole series was a bloodbath.

Name-calling, number-calling, it was intense.

I’m glad we had guys like Chris Neil during those series! After winning, I remember any restaurant we went to, no one would let us pay for anything. Everyone in Ottawa loved it and showed their support for us.

What would you say is your NHL playing career highlight?

A few stand out. My first game. My first playoff series where I was in the starting lineup in MSG. Beating Montreal in that 2013 playoff series, and making it to the ECF with Tampa in 20152016.

Generally speaking, how did you enjoy your time in Ottawa? Is there anything about the city you miss?

I loved Ottawa. I feel like there was a core group of young guys (Zack Smith, Kyle Turris, Nick Foligno, Erik Karlsson, Colin Greening, Bobby Butler, Mark Borowiecki, Mark Stone) that kind of grew up there together. I live in the Minneapolis area now, and it reminds me of Ottawa a lot. It can get super cold, but no one cares, and we’re always active doing something outside. I feel like Ottawa had a great restaurant scene. We lived in Westboro for a couple of years, and we loved it there. I’m excited to bring my family back there at some point as the kids get older!

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TimeCapsule The

March & April’s Notable Events In Ottawa History

01 The Rideau Centre Opens, March 16th, 1983 On March 16th of 1983, the Rideau Centre opened after over 10 years of planning. The project stemmed from a revitalization plan announced in 1972, aiming to transform the Rideau Street area, previously marred by declining commerce.

Despite delays and disputes over funding and name changes, the mall finally opened its doors.

Its impact was mixed, with success measured against the struggles of neighboring businesses and subsequent closures of anchor stores like Eaton’s and Sears.

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Ottawa Hosts The First Recorded Women’s Hockey Game In History, March 8th, 1889: The first recorded women’s hockey game occurred in Ottawa on March 8th, 1889. It was brought to Ottawa by Lord Stanley of Preston, and his daughter Isobel. Women’s hockey became an Olympic sport in 1992 and seeing the establishment of professional leagues like the Premier Hockey Federation, with the Isobel Cup named in Lady Isobel’s honour.

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03 Elvis Performs In Ottawa, April 3rd, 1957 Elvis Presley never performed outside of the US in his entire career, except for three shows in Canada. including one in Ottawa on April 3rd, 1957 at the Ottawa Auditorium (now the Taggart Family YMCA). Despite initial controversy, Elvis’s performance drew around 9,000 enthusiastic fans, including a dedicated group from Montreal. The visit left a lasting impression, with Ottawa later honoring him by naming a street “Elvis Lives Lane” in 1991.

04 The Rolling Stones Perform In Ottawa, April 24th, 1965

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Despite initial controversy, The Rolling Stones performed in Ottawa on April 24, 1965, attracting around 3,400 fans.

The concert, marked by teenage hysteria and minor disturbances, was critiqued more for the crowd’s behavior than the music. Forty years later, in 2005, the band returned to Ottawa for a more subdued performance, reflective of their changed status as rock legends.

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All About AUSTIN LEE

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12 Questions with CTV News Ottawa’s newest Anchor, Austin Lee. We’re both from Campbell River, and almost every time I mentioned to anyone back home that my dream was to pursue a career in broadcasting I would I don’t think I appreciated how special Vancouver get the same reply: “Oh! Like Kyle Bukauskas? Right Island truly is until I had moved away. Campbell River on!” I feel like that response could grow tiresome if has a small-town feel which I miss from time to time. Kyle wasn’t such a stand-up guy.

Sure, there are nearly 40-thousand people who call the city home, but it feels smaller than that. Looking Who was your hockey team growing up? Are back, I was spoiled by the natural beauty all around they still today? the Island growing up.

The Vancouver Canucks will always be my favourite You’re never any more than 15 minutes from the team, but ever since I was about ten years-old, I’ve beach, there’s an endless list of swimming holes in cheered for the Florida Panthers. Last season was a rush. When the Panthers went on that miracle the area, and the fishing is world-class. run and reached the Stanley Cup Final, I knew I had As my dad would say when talking about Vancouver to go. Money was tight, but I sold my TV and a few Island, no matter where you go in the world, it doesn’t other belongings to get to Las Vegas for game one. get any better, it just gets different.

Looks like I may have to find some more things to sell the way Florida and Vancouver are both playing When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in media? Did you have any role models this year. Another cup run for one of my favourite teams? Fingers crossed. growing up who inspired or supported you?

You grew up in Campbell River, BC. What was your childhood like?

Ironically, we didn’t have cable TV growing up so I spent a lot of time listening to the radio. Team 1040, which later became TSN 1040, was the must-listen radio for a young Canucks fan.

Don Taylor was a role model for me. He was someone who never seemed to fake who he was. You could tell that he was always being himself. I found that refreshing.

You’ve been in Ottawa for just over four months. How do you like the city?

It’s a gorgeous city. The old architecture and rich history is something I truly appreciate. We don’t have much in the way of old-time brick buildings on the west coast, at least not on the same level, so something as simple as going for a walk and appreciating the magnificence of Parliament Hill is still awe-inspiring for me.

Kyle Bukauskas is another broadcaster who has been not only an inspiration, but also someone who has always been willing to listen, offer advice, and What’s your favourite part about working with the team as one of CTV Ottawa’s weekend anchors? provide feedback.

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Photography by Nicolai Gregory

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Everyone in that newsroom is pulling in the same direction. From day one I have felt welcome and I know that my colleagues care deeply about putting together the best local newscast day in and day out.

Live reporting is not a skill everyone has, how do you stay focused and clear when on camera?

I tend to picture a friend or a family member’s face on the lens of the camera. I don’t want to feel like I’m just reading the news. The delivery needs to feel as natural as possible while also getting to the point quickly, so I find it helps to imagine you’re just having a conversation.

Outside of work, have you had a chance to explore the city?

I’m living right in the ByWard Market, so I have explored the downtown core quite extensively and I absolutely love the fact that there are so many shawarma options. I’m a big shawarma guy. Oh My Grill on the corner of York & Cumberland St. is top-notch. That’s my go-to.

Who is your favourite artist? What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

What are some of your favourite things to do in your free time?

What’s a book or movie you’d recommend to everyone to watch/read at least once?

Not to sound like the most cliché Canadian guy, but hockey in the winter and golf in the summer. I try to be as active as possible, so anything that will get me outside really. I’m also a big fan of cards.

Texas hold’em, rummy and blackjack are some of my favourites.

Another tough question. I’ll go with the Bee movie. It may be the least controversial pick out there if you ask me. An all-time performance by Jerry Seinfeld and absolutely a cinematic masterpiece. An honourable mention goes to the Prestige. A more serious, and intense flick.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

That’s a tough one. I like to think that I’m a bit of a chatterbox and an open book. Not a great mix when it comes to keeping some level of mystery.

I guess I would say my affinity for

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pottery. I took a class at North Island College for a semester and absolutely fell in love with the whole process. Working the wheel can be frustrating, but at the same time, it’s so relaxing when you get into a rhythm. One of my goals in life is to be able to set up a little studio of my own.

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My favourite solo artist is Mindchatter. The guy doesn’t miss. If we’re talking bands, I’d have to say the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. I saw them play in Vancouver back in 2012 and that was my first concert. Probably the best as well.

Kendrick Lamar is right up there as well.

For anyone looking to get started in a new profession, what’s your best piece of advice?

Be flexible and don’t take yourself too seriously. It really doesn’t matter the industry. In my experience, as long as you put the work in, never stop learning and are easy to work with, you’ll find success. Depending on the job and if you’re able to, I’d also say don’t be afraid to move to a new city. We live in a beautiful, vast country with a lot to offer.

Get out there and take in as much as you can.

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84is Nathan Gravelle, also known as Thrilla, a music entrepreneur, manager, and curator from Ottawa, Canada, with Jamaican roots. He began his career as a music promoter in the mid-2000s and later expanded his expertise to include public relations and online media through his platform CapCityHipHop, an influential online platform focused on supporting Ottawa’s hip-hop scene. It quickly became a go-to source for discovering local talents and international artists touring the city.

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MAGAZINE Through CapCityHipHop, Thrilla engaged with industry executives and musicians, gaining valuable insights into nurturing emerging talents.

Thrilla’s investments included booking performances for up-and-coming artists in the National Capital Region, attracting nearly 10 artists from outside the city within a few years. Additionally, he partnered with CapCityHipHop to sponsor major events in Ottawa, such as the inaugural CRANIUM Festival.

Throughout his decade-long involvement with Ottawa’s local artists, Thrilla developed a close relationship with rising star Pressa, a Toronto rapper who toured with Drake and gained recognition from the industry. Inspired by their collaboration, Thrilla expanded his role to become Pressa’s publicist in 2017. He also took on the responsibilities of managing Pressa’s independent record label, Blue Feathers Records.

In 2020, Thrilla discovered and signed Ottawa artist TwoTiime to his management company, TWLV 6XTN. Their journey together will soon culminate in the announcement of a major record deal. We caught up with Gravelle to discuss what’s next in 2024.

What are your goals for CapCityHipHop in 2024?

CapCityHipHop has a lot in the works for 2024.

We recently launched the record label side of the company and teamed up with Foundation Media to amplify distribution avenues for BIPOC artists in Ottawa and across Canada. We are also going to launch our new website and are looking to add some new creatives to the team. We aim to build more of a presence in the community at the universities and colleges, connecting hip-hop more with our community and the younger generation. Our motto is AMF = Always Moving Forward, and that’s what CapCityHipHop is going to continue doing.

You’ve worked to bring artists to Ottawa while also cultivating emerging talent from the city. Who are some notable artists on both sides?

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The list keeps growing with successful concerts being brought to Ottawa, including Toronto’s Casper TNG, K Money, Top5, Jigsaw, Burna Bandz, Houdini, and JNeat.

Other standout performances include 3MFrench, BVLLY, Roadrunner, and Aaron Cohen from New York City. These concerts have become notable additions to my portfolio of successful events in Ottawa.

My dedication to working with emerging talent expands not just in Ottawa but also across Canada and, more recently, in the United States. After leaving Ottawa in 2016 and joining Toronto rapper Pressa’s management team, known for touring with Drake and Tory Lanez, I achieved significant milestones by securing gold and platinum plaques for my contributions to two records—a goal I’d aspired to since childhood.

In 2019, I discovered local Ottawa rapper TwoTiime from the West End of Ottawa, who attended the same high school, Woodroffe High School, as I did. Our connection started when he posted on social media that he was looking for a manager. I signed him to my management company and brought on my childhood friend Ziad “Big Zee” Ashkar as co-manager, with Sean “Frost” McRae joining as part of the management team, serving as TwoTiime’s advisor.

After releasing several singles, our efforts resulted in a two-single deal with WorldStarHipHop in America.

Continuously dedicated to developing TwoTiime, Polo G reached out, leading to a major record deal with his label ODA Records in partnership with Columbia Records. Recently, we released TwoTiime’s first single, “Priceless,” under the label, setting the stage for an exciting lineup of new music in 2024.

Who are some Ottawa-based artists to watch for in 2024?

I would say, keep an eye out for new music from TwoTiime, Ottawa artist Shubz, Nino Coreleone, JAIoftheRise and AK-SLIM from Calgary. While I work with many other artists, I believe these artists mentioned are really going to make some noise in 2024.

“TO THE YOUNGER ARTISTS, KEEP STRIVING FOR WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE. IT WON’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, BUT IF YOU GIVE UP, IT WON’T HAPPEN AT ALL.” What is some of your best advice for aspiring artists or promoters?

To the younger artists, keep striving for what you want out of life. It won’t happen overnight, but if you give up, it won’t happen at all. Make sure to eat healthy, educate yourself or connect with mentors like myself who can help educate and guide you. As for the promoters, we need to keep the resources and networks in our city. There are a lot of artists and companies like CapCityHipHop that can handle the work right here in Ottawa instead of outsourcing it to others. I would like to see our community come together more, support each other, and show love.

What’s next for you in 2024?

In 2024, I will be focusing most of my time on CapCityHipHop, artist management, and digital marketing. CapCityHipHop has a lot in store for the new year, and we update news and entertainment daily. Make sure to follow to stay updated. I also recently launched a digital marketing company, TWLV 6XTN, that will focus on offering services to independent artists, labels, and businesses. As a business owner and entrepreneur, you wear many hats and come across different paths, so I look forward to all the collaborations and connections in the upcoming year.

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EVERY THING GOOD IS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Welcome to a community where a neighbourhood feel and conveniences come together. Near various shopping centres, your necessities are always at hand and downtown Ottawa is just a short drive away.

Find opportunities to play and explore at local skating trails, golf courses and recreational complexes.

When you’re looking for entertainment, head to the Canadian Tire Centre to cheer on the Ottawa Sens.

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