Glebe Report - June 2025

Local fisherman lands his first carp at Brown’s Inlet

By Chelsea Fillier

Glebe resident Carson Barber reeled in his very first carp while fishing at Brown’s Inlet on May 8. Though a long-time fan of the sport, Barber is new to targeting carp specifically, and his recent catch marked a memorable milestone.

Carp fishing is gaining popularity in Ottawa’s urban parks, especially in scenic areas like the Glebe, where shallow waters in spring and fall create excellent conditions. These fish can be caught right from the shore or by boat, making the sport highly accessible for city-dwellers looking

to enjoy catch-and-release fishing close to home.

“It’s a patient man’s game,” Barber noted, reflecting on the quiet persistence the species requires. Anglers are reminded to avoid disturbing spawning sites during this season, as fish are particularly vulnerable when on the beds – and protecting them ensures better fishing in the future. For those willing to wait, urban carp-fishing offers peaceful moments and rewarding catches – just ask Carson Barber.

Chelsea Fillier is the lucky fisherman’s partner.

Carson Barber and his catch at Brown’s Inlet on May 8 PHOTO: CHELSEA FILLIER

Would you like to star in the next Glebe House Tour?

By Caroline Warburton

Planning is underway for this year’s Glebe House Tour, a popular fundraiser for over 20 years for the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG). Five beautiful Glebe homes are opened to the ticket-buying public to view and admire and gain decorating tips and inspiration.

The success of the tour depends on the generosity of Glebe homeowners willing to open their homes to the public for three hours on a Sunday afternoon in the fall. The search for five special homes for this year’s tour is now underway. Would you consider opening your home, or are you a local business interested in joining our list of valued sponsors? If so, please email Clare at clare@gnag.ca.

I opened my home for the 2024 tour. After undertaking a redecoration project and a kitchen renovation in 2022–23, I was thrilled to have the extra motivation to wrap up the final details – and to give back to the community I love so much. It was such a positive and rewarding experience.

The process began with an initial visit from members of the Glebe House Tour Committee, followed by a second visit closer to the event. At that second meeting, I met my wonderful house

tour leader, who mapped out the visitor flow through my home and answered all my remaining questions. I shared information about my home, including paint colours and its age. On the day of the tour, my house tour leader returned an hour before the event to meet with the volunteers who were stationed in my home.

During the tour, visitors place their shoes in a bag provided at the entrance and carry the bag with them during their visit. When I returned home after the tour, I wouldn’t have known anyone had been there – the only giveaway was the beautiful floral arrangement provided by Bloomfields, one of our generous sponsors.

About a week before the tour, homeowners are invited to a private wine and cheese reception, also sponsored by Bloomfields. As an added thankyou, each participating homeowner receives two tickets to A Taste in the Glebe, a popular January event at the community centre for which tickets usually sell out within minutes.

Money raised by the Glebe House

Tour supports GNAG’s Integration Support Program, designed to help children with special needs who participate in the after-school programs, specialty programs and summer camps. The dedicated integration support workers use their unique expertise to enhance the well-being, dignity, development and independence of

Tea and scones await you at the Glebe Community Centre at the end of an afternoon of touring beautiful homes during the Glebe House Tour on September 21

Glebe House Tour Scones (makes 16 scones)

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

4 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp kosher salt

7 tbsp lightly salted butter

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 cup kefir, yogurt or buttermilk

1/2 cup whole milk

these children and youth.

The $40 advance ticket price for the Glebe House Tour also includes access to the charming tea room set up in the multi-purpose room at the Glebe Community Centre. Volunteers serve a lovely assortment of hot teas, iced tea and cucumber water along with homebaked treats like scones, ginger cookies and lemon squares. The tea is served in elegant china cups and saucers. Local artist Nicole Allen will display her stunning paintings in the space, making it a wonderful opportunity to relax and reconnect with friends and neighbours.

We’ve included one of our favourite tea room recipes for you to enjoy at home.

Tickets for this year’s tour, happening Sunday afternoon, September 21, will be available soon, online and at the Glebe Community Centre.

Caroline Warburton has lived in the Glebe for 25 years and is the volunteer responsible for communications for the Glebe House Tour.

Place a box grater in the freezer along with the measured butter. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Measure flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.

Once butter is fairly hard, grate it into the flour mixture. With your hands, lift and aerate the mixture, rubbing it between your fingers. Be careful not to over-rub as the scones will be lighter if it’s on the flakier side.

Add the sugar and toss with your fingers to combine.

Measure the kefir into a Pyrex jug and whisk in the milk to loosen it. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture with a fork and pour in the kefir mixture. With the fork, gently work the mixture together until it forms a soft, sticky dough. The less you mess with it the better at this point as the scones will become tough the more you work the dough.

Lightly flour your countertop and turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a disk.

Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough so that it is 1/2” thick. Fold the dough in half and gently roll out again. Repeat two more times.

Cut the dough into two pieces. Gently shape into 1/2” thick disks and cut each disk into 8 wedges. Brush each wedge with an egg wash (egg mixed with 1 tbsp cream) and sprinkle with raw sugar. (Scones can be frozen at this point. Just make sure to freeze them individually so that they are not sticking together. Bake from frozen.)

Place at least 11/2” apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake 12 -15 minutes or until golden (a little longer if baking from frozen).

Serve with homemade strawberry jam and whipped or clotted cream.

CAPITAL CASTING OTTAWA: The Glebe’s casting agency for local talent

By Jessie-Lee Wallace

Most days, Jessica Nichols conducts business from her kitchen table, just a few blocks away from Lansdowne Park. Nichols, the founder of Capital Casting Ottawa, is at the heart of a Glebe-based casting business.

Casting – finding the right performer for the perfect role – is crucial to the success of any video, film or television project.

Since her company started in February 2020, it has seen year-over-year growth in helping provide acting roles for hundreds of people each year.

“I don’t just cast within Ottawa,” says this entrepreneur and busy mom of two. “I (also) work in other areas like Muskoka, Kingston and environs, working on various film and television projects. It helps to have my connections from my early days as a performer.”

Originally from Muskoka, Nichols found herself at a crossroads after graduating from Queen’s University with a degree in film studies. She was coaching figure skating (in which she used to compete) and bartending while searching for direction.

Her time as a working actor in Toronto

“The film industry in Toronto was really booming,” she recalls. An impromptu visit to a film set ignited her passion for acting. She quickly transitioned from a background performer to more substantial roles in popular productions, including the movie Hairspray and the TV show Degrassi

“It was very competitive, and I never turned down any work. I said yes to everything, no matter the circumstances, whether it was wearing a Halloween costume in January or filming a wine commercial in a bikini at a beach in Scarborough at the end of November.”

New business opportunities

Ultimately, Nichols and her family moved overseas for work but returned to Canada a few years later. They chose to live in the Glebe for its charm, history and sense of community. Since then, her business and circle of friends have grown significantly.

One of Nichols’s recent successes was sending over 50 performers from

her agency to the Kingston shoot of the John Wayne Gacy story, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy. They played prison guards, police officers, journalists, businesspeople and protesters.

“Every person has a story to tell,” she explains. “I am here to help them do that.”

She credits her success to the strength of her relationships. “Networking is everything in this industry,” she says, adding that connections play a huge part in securing auditions and roles. Nichols also regularly offers career advice to aspiring actors, helping them build their presence in a competitive landscape.

Advice for aspiring actors

Does Nichols have any advice for anyone wanting to “break in” to acting? Say yes to any role, she advises, no matter how small it may seem, and create your own work.

“Yes, write your own projects. With today’s technology, you don’t need to go into a film studio to bring your vision to life. You can use your camera or even your phone to create your content.

“Don’t expect opportunities to come to you; you must create them. Young people are doing just that – they say they want to achieve something, and then they go out and make it happen.”

So, is professional acting just for the young? “One of my favourite groups to represent is retirees! They show up prepared and on time!” Nichols says with a smile.

She also warns that not everyone is kind to those first starting out. “Be cautious and don’t fall victim to scams that lead you to spend too much on services. This is a significant issue in my industry, so stay informed and protect yourself.”

The former performer also credits local community organizations like GNAG and ACT Ottawa for providing excellent, affordable resources for

“What matters most is a positive attitude and a willingness to show up. Every day is different. If you’re stuck in a desk job, I encourage you to take a day off to try it out.”

learning the craft of acting. ACT Ottawa offers classes for all levels and areas of interest. “We have great resources right here in the neighbourhood,” she emphasizes. “If you are inspired to act, start where you are today.”

When asked what main quality a performer needs to be successful, Nichols sums it up in one word: enthusiasm.

To learn more about Capital Casting Ottawa, please visit: capitalcastingottawa.com.

Jessie-Lee Wallace is a proud mom, wife, writer, non-profit leader and volunteer who believes in the strength of local community. She lives in the Glebe Annex.

Jessica Nichols is the founder of Capital Casting Ottawa, in the business of finding the right performer for the perfect role

PHOTO: JL WALLACE

Contributors this month

BRENDA SMALL

JANINE SMITH

DOROTHY SPEAK

SUE STEFKO

BEN SYPOSZ

JESSIE-LEE WALLACE

CAROLINE WARBURTON

LAURA WEBSTER

DAVID WHITELEY

DELLA WILKINSON

CHRISTIE DIETMEYER

ELLYN DUKE-WATSON

PEGGY EDWARDS

ASHLEIGH ESSER-CUMING

CHELSEA FILLIER

BRITNEY FORGET

STEPHEN HAZELL

LINDEN HOLMES

ROD HUGHES

JENNIFER HUMPHRIES

CAROLYN INCH

JULIE IRETON

NILI KAPLAN-MYRTH

SHAWNA LAING

KATHERINE LISTON

COOPER LOVE

RIANNE MAHON

BARBARA MCISAAC

CATHERINE MCKENNEY

IAN MCKERCHER

SHAWN MENARD

YASIR NAQVI

JOSH RACHLIS

SUE REIVE

STEPHEN RICHER

VANESSA RIDDELL

MARISA ROMANO

SARAH ROUTLIFFE

PETER SIMPSON

CECILE WILSON

STERLING YOUNG ZEUS

Editorial

TRANSITIONS

June is a time of transitions – the end of winter (let’s hope!), the end of the school year, the beginning of summer, a new season in the garden, the flinging off of coats and boots and mitts and the donning, with pleasure, of summer garb.

It’s the end of all our weekly commitments like choir, committees, Guides and Scouts, book club – whatever your life has been all winter will suddenly disappear. It may be a relief, it may be a disappointment, but for many of us, summer is the changeover time. If it were punctuation, it might be an m-dash — a clear separation of one time from another.

New commitments can begin – the time for swimming lessons, golf dates, camping if that’s your jam, road trips, visits with family. More time perhaps for sitting out on a patio with a good friend and a local craft beer.

And of course, it’s the time to savour the glorious food that comes with summer! The stewed rhubarb, fat crisp asparagus, strawberries that taste like berries, tomatoes juicy and full of taste! And rediscover the joys of food eaten outdoors, on a patio, in a back yard or at a picnic. Sure there are mosquitoes, ants, maybe blackflies – but have you heard that if you chill out, they lose interest? Let’s believe.

Summers are short here in Canada. Just enough time to savour the moment, reconnect with your own thoughts, look closely at your loved ones and how they’re doing. Pause to fully appreciate them and the life you have with them.

Summers are short. All the more reason to let go, and fall loose and free into the moment.

– Liz McKeen

Established in 1973, the Glebe Report, published by the Glebe Report Association, is a monthly not-forprofit community newspaper with a circulation of 7,500 copies It is delivered free to Glebe homes and businesses Advertising from merchants in the Glebe and elsewhere pays all its costs, and the paper receives no government grants or direct subsidies The Glebe Report is made available at select locations such as the Glebe Community Centre, the

EDITOR............................ Liz McKeen editor@glebereport.ca

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AREA CAPTAINS................. Martha Bowers, Bob Brocklebank, Judy Field, Deb Hogan & Dave Yurach, Lynn & Dave Johnston, Elena Kastritsa, Brenda Perras, Julie Stephens, Della Wilkinson

The Glebe Report strives to be inclusive and to represent the full diversity of the community we serve.

Jennie Aliman, Baily Alyman, Lawrence Ambler, Nico Arabackyj, Aubry family, Gaja Bartosik, Alessandra & Stefania Bartucci, Selena Beattie, Adrian Becklumb, Joanne Benoit, Carolyn Best, Daisy & Nettie Bonsall, Martha Bowers, Bowie family, Bridgett family, Bob Brocklebank, Naomi and Audrey Cabassu, Ben Campbell-Rosser, Nico Cauchi, Bill Congdon, Chiu-Panczyk Family, Sebastian, Cameron & Anna Cino, Claypool Family, JJ Comptois, June Creelman, Marni Crossley, Olivia Dance, Mark Dance, Dawson family, Richard DesRochers, Davies Family, Roslyn Demarsh, Marilyn Deschamps, DiekmeyerBastianon family, Dingle family, Delia Elkin, Patrick Farley, James & Oliver Frank, Judy Field, Federico Family, The Foo Family, Liane Gallop, Joann Garbig, Camilo Velez Gorman, Barbara Greenwood, Marjolein Groenevelt, Oliver, Martin, Sarah & Simon Hicks, Cheryle Hothersall, Jennifer Humphries, Sandiso Johnston, Tani, Pete & Bryce Nisbet-Jones, Jungclaus Family, Elena Kastritsa, Kasper Raji Kermany, Michael Khare, Lambert family, Fenton & Cora Hui Litster, Leith and Lulu Lambert, Kathleen Larocque, Catherine Lawr, Jamie, Alexander & Louisa Lem, Brams and Jane Leswick, Alison Lobsinger, Aanika, Jaiden and Vinay Lodha, Andy Lunney, Vanessa Lyon, Pat Marshall, Paul McA, Catherine McArthur, Ian McKercher, John and Helen Marsland, Matthew McLinton, Josephine & Elise Meloche, Julie Monaghan, Vivian Moulds, Karen Mount, Diane Munier, Rafi Naqvi, Imogen & Maddy North, Xavier and Heath Nuss, Sachiko Okuda, Nicholas & Reuben Ott, Matteo and Adriano PadoinCastillo, Brenda Perras, Brenda Quinlan, Annabel and Joseph Quon, Beatrice Raffoul, Bruce Rayfuse, Kate Reekie, Thomas Reevely, Mary & Steve Reid, Jacqueline Reilly-King, Anna Roper, Frank Schreiner, Short family, Deka Simon, Cathy Simons, Andrew Soares, Stephenson family, Elsie Sutherland, Cameron & Quinn Swords, Ruth Swyers, Tomlin Boys, John & Maggie Thomson, Tom Trottier, Trudeau family, Will, Georgie & Blaire Turner, Zosia Vanderveen, Veevers family, Nick Walker, Vanessa Wen, Paul Wernick, Hope, Jax and Ash Wilson, Howard & Elizabeth Wong, Berkan Yazici, Martin Zak.

A Glimpse of the Glebe

The Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG) celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 31 with crowds of well-wishers PHOTO: LIZ MCKEEN

Tulip Festival needs a major rethink

Editor, Glebe Report

I don’t know what the NCC thought the narrative was for the Tulip Festival, but it has clearly lost the plot.

This year, crowd volumes were so out of control and visitor experience so unsatisfactory that CBC Ottawa, on the Friday before Victoria Day weekend, advised people not to attend. Is this what the NCC calls success, or has it in fact created a monster?

Every year, the number of junk food vendors increases, with long lineups blocking the walking paths and trash left everywhere, including plastics. The tulip beds themselves are eclipsed by the proliferation of junk in the park. The icing on the cake this year was a garish row of phoney trees in phoney colours of lime green, purple and orange installed right beside Dow’s Lake, with giant ladybugs, giant bees, giant flowers. What is the point of all this fakery? Who is the genius behind the Tulip Festival’s “design?” Is the NCC running the show, or has the festival been contracted out? Either way, there does not seem to be any oversight or application of logistics, crowd control, thematic consistency or even a modicum of good taste suitable to represent our national capital.

Our urban population is growing, and tourism is burgeoning. When the maximum number of people are encouraged to linger in the park for a maximum length of time, you have a serious problem on your hands. Are tour buses, which are allowed to spill hundreds of clients into the festival as well as to park at length on Carling Avenue, being charged for the privilege? There are 300,000 tulips blooming in Commissioners Park. Who decided that the public would not come to enjoy this spectacle unless they could also buy fudge? Thus, the very purpose of this, the most beautiful park in Ottawa, is destroyed every spring for three weeks. The lawns are wrecked, and no attempt is made to rehabilitate them.

The NCC needs a major rethink about what the festival should be because it has become an unmanageable fiasco.

Dorothy Speak

And another thing...

Editor, Glebe Report

Walking through Commissioners Park each morning at dawn during the Tulip Festival, I was appalled to see every garbage bin overflowing with plastic drink holders, the sum of which would amount to a mountain of plastic. Paper containers are readily available in the fast-food industry. Why has the NCC not mandated use of paper-only in the park? Where is the leadership? Wake up NCC! Let’s have paper-only at the festival next year.

Dorothy Speak

Outdoor rink at Sylvia Holden

Editor, Glebe Report

I am very much in favour of an outdoor rink at Sylvia Holden Park, as announced by Shawn Menard recently. It is time that this rink gets a new permanent home, and this location makes perfect sense.

However, I think there is a good case for making it covered and refrigerated.

The Canterbury outdoor rink, a jewel for the neighbourhood, is extremely popular and well utilized. With climate change, there will be fewer days that allow for nature to build the ice. Every neighbourhood should have the luxury of beautiful outdoor ice for hockey and ringette players to enjoy from November to April. Kids and adults come out of hibernation when a rink is available. Well-being and community are strengthened.

By covering it, the sun will be less impactful and the rain will be a nonissue. As at Canterbury, there will be opportunities to play basketball in the off season.

No doubt this represents a big expense. If Canterbury could achieve this, we should be able to as well.

The opportunities for free play outdoors in the winter in our neighbourhood are very few. The downtown core, including the Glebe, needs infrastructure to balance all the increased growth. Now is the best time to achieve this.

Donations could be sought for this endeavour. It would be a great legacy.

Christie Diekmeyer

Poetry Quarter for August 2025

In the gloaming

Call for submissions

It’s certain that night follows day –but just before night falls is a magical moment when the light is still present, but faint. We feel the enchantment of the twilight hour, after the sun sets and the light fragments. In a summer evening, fireflies flash in the gloaming – when the light has mostly faded and there is a stillness until the final fall of night, letting poetry slip into the half-light.

Here at the Glebe Report’s Poetry Quarter, we ask you to send us your poems on this magical time and how it has touched you.

As usual, poems should be:

• Original and unpublished in any medium (no poems submitted elsewhere, please);

• No more than 30 lines each;

• On any aspect of the theme within the bounds of public discourse; and

• Submitted on or before Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Poets in the National Capital Region of all ages welcome (school-age poets, please indicate your grade and school). Please send your entries (up to 5 poems that meet the criteria) to editor@glebereport.ca. Remember to send us your contact information and your grade and school if you are in school.

Deadline: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Why you should read the Glebe Report

Editor, Glebe Report

Re: “Hope for the abandoned Benin embassy,” Glebe Report, May 9, 2025

After reading the article by Alan Freeman about the abandoned Benin Embassy, I noticed the Diplomatic Parking sign in front of the derelict building was put up again after Glebe Avenue was renovated recently. I guess the powers that be with the City of Ottawa don’t read the Glebe Report

Ben Syposz

Want to know when the next Glebe Report is out?

Sign up for the Glebe Report’s e-Newsletter and be one of the first to read the latest news of the neighbourhood! Go to glebereport.ca and scroll to the bottom of the home page to sign up. You’ll get an email letting you know that the next Glebe Report is out and a sneak-peek at some of the highlights.

GLEBE REPORT COVER ART

As a Glebe artist – amateur or professional –would you like to have your artwork featured on a future cover of the Glebe Report?

The Glebe Report is seeking photographs of visual art suitable for use on its covers The photo should be a clear, horizontal, rectangular photo of artwork that is appropriate to the season, colourful and preferably features a scene or event associated with the Glebe (Compensation is not available )

Please email your photo as a separate highres jpeg file to editor@glebereport.ca

Leave the man be

Editor, Glebe Report

I have become aware of a situation. A man is feeding the squirrels and birds. His name is Luke. He’s a hard worker and a good man. Luke’s a little rough around the edges, like a porcupine. He walks through the back area of Lansdowne. After years of this, he’s still getting told off and yelled at for feeding the squirrels and birds. Francis of Assisi was sainted for that kind of action. So, let’s give the man some respect and leave the man be. After all, Luke said it best: “It’s the only thing that makes me happy.”

Sterling C. Young

Mandy’s Gourmet Salads opening soon at 581 Bank Street, formerly Top of the World skateboard store. Mandy’s was started in 2004 in Montreal by sisters Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe. In addition to the Ottawa Glebe restaurant, Mandy’s now has nine Montreal locations and another opening soon, three in Toronto with two more coming and two locations coming in Vancouver.

Kingdom Lounge Bar & Restaurant is open at 665 Bronson Avenue, the former home of Latinos Resto Bar “Experience the perfect blend of delicious cuisine, refreshing drinks, and vibrant nightlife at Kingdom Lounge Bar & Restaurant.” (Facebook)

Wei’s Noodle House, formerly in the basement of the Remax building near Bronson and Carling, has moved to 706 Somerset Street.

PHOTO: BEN SYPOSZ

The Beer Store at 900 Bank Street in the Glebe (in the Amica building) will close on July 20.

Art in the Park will be held this year on June 7 and 8 in beautiful Central Park

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ART IN THE PARK

At the Tulip Festival PHOTO: LUCY BOTTOMLEY

The Legacy of Sarah Pouliot

Sarah Clothes

By Jessie-Lee Wallace

Artist Sarah Pouliot, a beloved Canadian designer and creator, recently passed away at the age of 96. Her daughter, Andrée Pouliot, remembers how her formidable mother positively impacted her community and was still making clothes into her nineties.

“Her sewing machine was going almost until the end,” laughs Andrée. “She was very particular about her clothes.”

Sarah Clothes was as vibrant as the fabrics that draped the former store at 775 Bank Street. The beloved fashion boutique was a haven for celebrities, fashion enthusiasts and local artists, and it defined a pivotal era in Canadian fashion from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Sarah Pouliot was six feet tall, stylish and striking. “She was hard to miss,” Andrée fondly recalls. Her confidence was contagious and would light up any room. Pouliot became a Canadian fashion icon, a driving force in a golden age of style.

“Canada is not Paris, right? But she was making clothes with such love and commitment. Her audience was fiercely loyal,” says Andrée. Olive Diefenbaker, Margaret Trudeau and Queen Julianna of the Netherlands were among her many patrons.

Early Life and Travel to India

Pouliot started sewing at a young age. Highlights of her early career included working in the wardrobe departments of the National Ballet of Canada, the Stratford Festival and the National Arts Centre. Her work in theatre would inspire her later designs.

“Her world was very much connected, a connection between different spheres, display of clothing, like how you appear on stage, and how any woman could appear on her own stage,” reflects Andrée.

She married Jean Pouliot, an award-winning journalist and news producer. He was involved with the CBC television when it first launched in 1952. Together, they were the “it couple” of Toronto. The marriage did not last, but it did produce three beautiful kids who would later have an unconventional childhood and help

run the family fashion business. However, it was really Pouliot’s travels to Jaipur, India, in the 1960s that sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. While travelling through India, she fell in love with the deep, multi-generational culture of tailors, embroiderers, weavers and fabric dyers that she discovered there. The artful block printers especially inspired her family, including Andrée who went on to start her own textile block printing business that continues today. Ultimately, Pouliot would retire to Jaipur and live the rest of her life in a cottage of her own design.

Hard-Won Success in Business

Pouliot would go on to establish an import business in partnership with the artisans of Jaipur, which helped her scale her business despite her lack of experience.

At its heyday, Sarah Clothes

comprised six stores, two in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa, respectively. Her creations graced the pages of magazines like Flare and Chatelaine. Fashion editors from the Montreal Gazette and the Globe and Mail featured her collections. The quirky advertisements sometimes featured cultural landmarks from Jaipur, often elephants.

A Canadian Fashion Icon

In some ways, Pouliot was ahead of her time. Her design philosophy emphasized the importance of sustainability, natural fibres and bold creativity. She also paid homage to many other cultures from her wide travels.

“At the end of the day, it was more than just a store,” her daughter shares. “It was a community hub, an inspiration many of us still cherish. People in Europe and North America still collect her clothes.”

There were occasion dresses, holiday dresses, everyday working dresses, bridal gowns and sometimes even menswear. What was on the racks depended on Sarah’s vision for the season.

“She made everyone feel beautiful,” her daughter reflects.

Sarah and Her Family in the Glebe

During her tenure, Pouliot nurtured a sense of belonging in the neighbourhood. “Our house was kind of an open house,” remembers Andrée, recalling many lively gatherings. “Music was constantly blasting – our brother was a professional musician, and band practice often happened right in the living room.”

The spirit of togetherness was palpable. It became the backdrop for many conversations about fashion, art and culture. Their home and their store were a real scene.

Sarah Pouliot was a free spirit who lived life well. Her daughter sums it up best: “Fashion isn’t just about the clothes, it’s about the connections we make, the history we carry and the memories we share. My mother understood that.”

Jessie-Lee Wallace is a writer, non-profit leader and volunteer who believes in the strength of local community. She lives in the Glebe Annex.

Sarah Pouliot’s Celebration of Life

All are welcome to come and remember Sarah and her extraordinary life Sunday, June 15, 2 to 5 p.m. Dom Polski Hall,

Sarah (Left), in India

Sarah in the mirror in her shop, Sarah Clothes, 1981 PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE

(Top) Sarah Pouliot working at the Stratford Festival wardrobe department in 1952

STRATFORD THEATRE ARCHIVE

FUTURE PARKETTE AT 299 CARLING

By Sue Stefko

The Glebe Annex Community Association (GACA) annual general meeting on May 14 featured a keynote presentation by Canada Lands Company, which largely focused on the new parkette that will be built at the 299 Carling site in 2026.

Canada Lands confirmed that residents will finally see some movement this summer with the start of remediation that will last into the fall. In the meantime, the City, working with Canada Lands and the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), will finish its detailed plan for the .34-acre park – measuring only 83 by 146 feet, it is actually officially categorized as an “urban parkette.”

The preliminary concept design was completed by Canada Lands in coordination with the AOO this spring, and a virtual public consultation was launched in March. Feedback was largely supportive of the preliminary design, given that design was informed by an earlier public consultation in 2022.

In the City-led consultation, the community was happy to see the proposed public art, which will be procured by Canada Lands and the AOO through the City’s Public Art Program, along with the interpretive panels. The neighbourhood again requested that these acknowledge the neighbourhood’s history. This could include references to the area’s Algonquin heritage, structures that used to be on the site, such as JR Booth’s Fraserfield lumber yard and the NCC rock quarry, and the area’s origins as a working-class community that supported local mills and lumberyards. Feedback also re-emphasized the desire for a community gathering space, as well as play structures and potentially exercise equipment to serve an older clientele than Dalhousie South Park, whose play structures are primarily aimed at younger children. Given the dearth of greenspace in the neighbourhood, a shortage exacerbated by each new development, the community indicated a desire to maximize greenspace and minimize hardscaping in the new park. While it is too early to discuss planting plans, the preference for native plants, such as pollinators that help wildlife, was also reiterated.

One new request was for community involvement in the naming of the park. Canada Lands explained that because this will be an Algonquin commemorative park, a name will be selected by Canada Lands and the AOO. However, the city’s commemorative naming process will be followed, which will enable the community to provide some input. The naming is expected to take place this fall or winter.

The park will not be the only greenspace on the site. As per the site’s zoning, the rocky outcropping on Bell Street South south of Dow’s Lake Towers will also remain as open space. However, unlike the park, this space’s design and creation will be up to the future purchaser of the property as part of their site plan for the proposed development, which will be reviewed by Canada Lands and the AOO to confirm alignment with the design guidelines developed for the site. The timelines will also be dependent on the purchaser.

Attendees of the AGM took advantage of the opportunity to ask about other aspects of the development in the area. We learned that the site, which was initially offered to the market in the fall of 2022, was re-offered this spring by the broker, CBRE. Canada

Lands indicated that there is interest from developers, and it is working toward a sale by the end of this year. There continues to be strong community interest in retail and commercial opportunities as part of the development. This is especially relevant given that plans for a grocery store and either a drug store or LCBO were shelved after Arnon withdrew from its proposed project at 450 Rochester. Canada Lands has confirmed that a mix of uses is permitted on the site as part of a 2022 zoning bylaw amendment. The rezoning of the site also included a requirement that for any building fronting Carling Avenue, at least 50 per cent of the ground floor must be dedicated to commercial uses and offer opportunities for retail.

The annual general meeting proved to be a valuable opportunity to share updates and engage with the community, not only about broader neighbourhood information and developments but especially about the much-anticipated park at 299 Carling.

Sue Stefko is vice president of the Glebe Annex Community Association and a frequent contributor to the Glebe Report.

Nature-based solutions for Ottawa floods

By Stephen Hazell

The Glebe has been flood lucky. We did not suffer during the severe riverine floods of 2017 and 2019 that forced evacuations and caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure elsewhere in the city.

However, our neighbourhoods, especially those near the Rideau Canal, Patterson’s Creek and Brown’s Inlet, have been affected by overland flooding during extreme weather such as the 77 mm of rain in August 2023.

Our luck may not last. Overland flooding is expected to worsen as the atmosphere, warmed by climate change, releases more water from our skies. In the National Capital Region, total annual precipitation is expected to increase three to five per cent by the 2030s and seven to 12 per cent by the 2080s. Overland flooding already generates a higher proportion of home insurance claims than riverine flooding.

The City of Ottawa is working seriously to mitigate flood risk by constructing underground storage tanks and tunnels, stormwater ponds and catch basins, delivering the Rain Ready program and preparing the draft Resilience Strategy and area-specific stormwater studies.

to the impacts of climate change, and there are many of them. Protected and restored wetlands and forests are natural buffers, holding back and absorbing excess water during floods. Rain gardens, bioswales and green roofs capture and filter rainwater before entry into storm drains. Permeable pavements allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, avoiding the storm system altogether. Nature-based solutions also support safer, more liveable cities by improving recreation opportunities and biodiversity conservation.

Citizen Climate Counsel (C3) wrote to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and City Council in May to recommend that the City declare flood management to be a strategic priority and adopt a new paradigm that reimagines precipitation as a valued resource for communities and ecosystems rather than a waste product to be flushed away. Montreal and Vancouver are already showing how to do it; Ottawa can learn a great deal from their experience.

Precipitation as a valued resource for communities and ecosystems rather than a waste product to be flushed away

But these efforts are simply not enough. Flood plain and overland flood maps essential to identifying vulnerable neighbourhoods are incomplete; meanwhile new subdivisions and urban intensification developments are approved with limited attention paid to minimizing flood risk. Nature-based solutions offer cost-effective opportunities to complement improvements to municipal “grey” infrastructure and measures taken by homeowners such as sewage back-up valves and weeping tiles. They also leverage the natural environment to mitigate and adapt

Reducing and managing floods is a challenge for all Ottawa residents and will especially demand bold thinking and investment by the City, especially as climate change generates even more extreme weather in coming years. For Glebites, this means doing our part to reduce volume and slow flows of flood water that empties into our rivers, as well as working with other communities – including upstream municipalities in the Rideau and Ottawa watersheds – to support their flood management efforts.

Stephen Hazell is a Glebe resident and member of Citizens Climate Counsel (C3), an Ottawa volunteer group established in 2019 that undertakes research to find municipal climate solutions and promote their implementation (www.c3ottawa.ca.)

GNAG summer highlights

The summer camp T-shirt is more than just staff attire – it’s a symbol of fun, readiness and embracing the spontaneous joy that camp brings.

I’ve spent the last 18 summers of my life working at summer camps as a counsellor, manager or director. You’d think the novelty would wear off, but every June, the full-time staff at GNAG feel that familiar surge of excitement as a new season of camp adventures approaches. Our full-time team of eight at GNAG has an impressive 142 years in recreation! This depth of experience truly shows that at GNAG, summer camp isn’t merely a program, it’s a cherished tradition and, for many of us, a lifelong passion.

Take our director of recreation, Paul O’Donnell, a 32-year camp veteran. He says the real start of the summer is the moment he puts on his camp uniform. Throughout the summer, you’ll spot Paul in his signature T-shirt and shorts, always ready to leave his desk and join the action.

“I’m excited to see youth grow into community leaders through programs like Outdoor Leadership, Step-Up and First Step,” says Erica Nowlan, our youth programs manager. “These initiatives focus on teamwork, problem-solving and communication –skills that prepare participants for future success in whatever path they choose.”

While many summer camps are already full, there are still plenty of opportunities available for families seeking an unforgettable experience

for their children. We’ve opened additional spots in some camps, leading to movement on our waitlists. If you’re still looking to give your child the summer of their dreams, now is the time to explore your options at gnag. ca/summer-camp.

Call for Homes: Be Part of the 22nd Annual Glebe House Tour!

Do you have a unique home you’d love to showcase to your community? The Glebe House Tour invites you to join us in celebrating our neighbourhood’s architecture and design.

Whether your home boasts historical significance, showcases eco-friendly innovations, displays modern renovations or embodies multigenerational living, we want to hear from you!

Nominate your own home or suggest one in the area. Let’s make this year’s tour an unforgettable exploration of our diverse and inspiring community. Contact clare@gnag.ca to get involved.

Summer Program Highlights

Summer Sound Sessions with Heather Robynne, held under the dome of Scotton Hall, is an immersive experience that uses crystal singing bowls, chimes, drums and voice to guide participants through deep relaxation and realignment. The room’s acoustics enhance the healing tones, surrounding you in layers of sound!

In the Musical Theatre Dance Workshop Series led by the talented Ciana

Van Dusen, students will learn choreography from musicals like Mamma Mia, West Side Story and Come From Away. It’s a must for any fan of dance and musical theatre.

GNAG Arts

The Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group has fostered a vibrant connection between our community and the arts. Through our program lineup, we offer many art classes and for one month a year, we give students the opportunity to showcase and sell their creations.

Our annual art show also welcomes emerging artists from across Ottawa.

The event is a celebration complete with complimentary wine and great conversation. What makes this initiative so meaningful is that 100 per cent of the proceeds go back to the artists. This year’s vernissage was a huge success: 14 pieces sold in the first 24 hours, with 19 sold to date. The next morning, artists were already dropping off new work, excited to be part of a community initiative. One artist said her sale paid for her next class. Another, just six years old, plans to buy more supplies with her earnings. I’m delighted to share that I’m now the proud owner of the beautiful watercolour hung with care in my hallway.

A vernissage attendee looks at the art on offer at the GNAG Arts show and sale before making a purchase

Glebe Community Association membership a bargain at any price

Great Glebe Garage Sale

“Is there anything happening down these side streets?”

I heard a voice behind me as I shuffled along with the crowds on Bank Street at the height of last month’s Great Glebe Garage Sale. The day started cloudy and wet but by mid-morning Bank was lined with vendors, people queued for discount pizza, and shoppers and strollers crowded the narrow sidewalk.

I turned and suggested that they try any of the avenues or less crowded streets at the south and north end of the community.

As always, many hands helped get the sale up and running. Big thanks go to the GCA’s new (but now seasoned) organizer, Sam Wood. The GCA also thanks Councillor Shawn Menard and his staff who along with Sam and June Creelman helped sort out potential parking restrictions that would have had a negative effect on the sale. City staff argued a parking ban would make the event safer. The GCA argued it would actually do the opposite because drivers would be inclined to go faster down busy streets.

After much discussion, restrictions were scaled back. The result was due to intense lobbying and collaboration with the councillor’s office and was a good example of the GCA working for the community. There will be follow up discussions before next year’s sale.

Transportation

John Crump President, Glebe Community Association

www.glebeca.ca

While we await the next word on the City’s updated proposals for the Bank Street Active Transportation and Transit Priority Feasibility Study, the last GCA board meeting heard a presentation on survey results conducted by the city last year. The options range from no changes, to shared bike and bus lanes in both directions, to shared lanes on one side only, to dedicated bike lanes on both sides and parking on one side only.

Missy Thomas with the Bank Street Transportation Action Group presented the survey using well-designed pie charts. When asked to rank future options, people said bus lanes (32 per cent), cycle lanes (21 per cent), wider sidewalks (not included in the city’s options for some reason, 20 per cent), on-street parking (13 per cent), car lanes (10 per cent) and space for benches and trees (four per cent). When asked how far away they would be willing to park to walk to Bank Street, 20 per cent said five minutes while 40 per cent said up to or more than 10 minutes. (For more information, go to engage. ottawa.ca/bank-street-active-trans-

portation-and-transit-priority-feasibility-study).

The ensuing discussion showed there is no consensus on how Bank Street should evolve. One speaker discussed his mobility issues and the need to park as close as possible to stores, especially in winter. Another was concerned about safety when cyclists and buses share the same lane. Another pointed out the need to widen sidewalks given the impediments –poles, parking meters and scooters – that sometimes make it difficult to walk more than single file.

GCA’s Transportation Committee will contact the City for an update. There is speculation that the four options may be further reduced.

Heat Pumps and other Environmental Matters

GCA’s Environment Committee reported on its successful heat pump tour in the Glebe held in early May. One hundred Ottawa residents visited several homes and talked with the owners about the merits and challenges of converting to heat pumps. A final report including the top takeaways will be posted on the committee webpage.

There will soon be more recognition of the Garden Angels who look after beds and planters in the neighbourhood. Signs will be printed and should start appearing throughout the Glebe this summer. There will

also be an event to remove invasive species from neighbourhood greenspaces, likely in June. The committee would like residents to let it know of areas containing invasive species such as dog-strangling vine or buckthorn, by emailing environment@glebeca.ca.

Finally, a late April collaboration with Old Ottawa South for an Earth Day Waste Collection was extremely well attended. A goal of this event was to repurpose unwanted items, such as lonely socks delivered to Smartwool’s Second Cut Project and lone mittens given to Ottawa South Eco-Action Network’s (OSEAN) Lone Mitten Project to clean and match them with similar mittens for Ottawa’s vulnerable residents.

Members, Members, Members

Throughout May, GCA volunteers hit the streets as part of our annual membership drive, our most important community outreach activity. It raises awareness about the work of the GCA and ensures residents have a voice in GCA advocacy. If you missed signing up or renewing your membership – an absolute bargain at $10 per household – you can still do so. Go to glebeca.ca/ membership/ and follow the link.

Next Meeting

The next GCA board of directors meeting will take place Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at the Glebe Community Centre. Everyone is welcome.

1041 Gladstone Ave.

613-680-2600

jon.beckman@manulifesecurities.ca www.beckmanwealthmanagement.ca

Glebe Annex Community Association’s Party in the Park

This year’s Glebe Annex Community Association’s Party in the Park is taking place on Saturday, June 21, from noon until 3 p.m. – with the rain date the following day at the same time.

It will be held in our neighbourhood park, Dalhousie South Park at 343 Bell Street South.

There will be music, lawn games for the children (or children at heart), and we’ll have Bert the Bubble Guy join us too. As always, there will be good food and good company!

We hope to see the community come out for GACA’s signature event of the season.

Fun times at last year’s GACA party PHOTO: GABRIELLE DALLAPORTA

Community updates for the Glebe

Last month, we held a public meeting at St. Paul University on The State of Capital Ward & 2026 Budget Discussion. It was a great time, with nearly 200 people attending in person and virtually to discuss what’s been happening in the ward and what the future holds. I want to thank all residents who came out as well as staff and management from the City who participated in the discussion. We will be releasing a video recording of the event through our newsletter.

More Affordable Housing Coming to the Glebe

The vision for affordable housing to replace the parking lot on the southwest corner of Bank and Chamberlain (574 Bank Street) is getting closer to becoming a reality. As part of the development of the Bank Street Secondary Plan in the Glebe, affordable housing – up to nine storeys with ground floor commercial – was envisioned for 574 Bank Street and championed by our team and the Glebe Community Association.

We can report that the City is currently in the process of taking the necessary steps to dispose of the parking lot to an affordable housing provider.

Our office has released some initial money from our affordable housing ward account to help fund initial studies for development at this site. Currently, the plan is for a nine-storey building with commercial at grade and mixed-income, non-market residential on top. We hope to be able to confirm more details soon.

New Boarded Rink in the Glebe

The City has been looking for a new home for the boarded rink that was at Mutchmor Public School in recent years. This was the only boarded rink in the Glebe.

After much discussion with City staff, we have found a potential new home for the rink at Sylvia Holden Park behind the fire station at Fifth and O’Connor. This would require some slight modifications to the park, including a new underground water connection and the installation of three permanent rink lights on the west side of the rink (facing away from O’Connor Street). No trees would be lost in the process. A trailer would also be located by the rink in the winter and removed in the summer.

We are consulting now and ensuring that details are shared with residents. If all goes well, it’s possible we will see the rink operational for the 2025-2026 winter season.

More details are available in our May 16 edition of the Capital Ward Bulletin, which you can find on our website at www.shawnmenard.ca/updates.

Shawn Menard

Councillor, Capital Ward

N 613-580-2487

www.shawnmenard.ca

Bronson Avenue Crosswalk Painting

In the coming months, you will notice “ladder” style crosswalk painting at all the side streets along Bronson. This is to better delineate pedestrian space and alert drivers to their presence. This is a preliminary measure to make Bronson safer for everyone, especially pedestrians.

In the next two or three years, the City will begin the re-construction project for Bronson, and it will be important to get proper, permanent improvements to the street. We are currently discussing these needs with both City staff and the local community associations, and we would like to thank the residents (the “Bronson Team”) who have been working so hard on this.

Great Glebe Garage Sale

The Great Glebe Garage Sale is always a marquee event for the neighbourhood and the city. Congratulations to all who participated! In recent years, City staff have had a growing concern about traffic safety, so some traffic and parking changes were implemented this year, including converting no-parking zones to no-stopping zones and adding some “local traffic only” signs throughout the neighbourhood.

Originally, the City had proposed much more extensive changes that could have restricted people’s enjoyment of the Garage Sale. Working with the Glebe Community Association and City traffic staff, we were able to revise the plan to try to better balance the various needs of people.

Staff are going to be reviewing the plan and its effects, and we expect to work with staff and the community over the coming months to begin working on plans for next year’s Garage Sale.

Tulip Festival

Also in May, we had the Tulip Festival at Commissioner’s Park at Dow’s Lake. This is always a challenging event for the neighbourhood. Over the years, the City has implemented different traffic management plans, with varying degrees of success.

This year was a mixed bag. There were some successes but also some areas that need greater attention in the future (such as traffic volume, parking and ticketing concerns). As with the Garage Sale, we will be meeting with and asking City staff to come up with an improved plan for next year.

Living at Villagia In The Glebe means having the freedom to live life your way—on your schedule, in your style. Nestled in one of Ottawa’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods, Villagia offers an engaging lifestyle with all the comforts of home—and more.

Savour chef-prepared meals daily in our elegant dining room. Join friends for a glass of wine, stroll the canal, or simply relax in your spacious suite.

And when you need a little extra support? We’re here— caring, and always ready to help.

Kitchen renovation on Renfrew Avenue

A case study

By Vanessa Riddell

I am a local designer working across Ottawa but mostly in the Glebe and in Old Ottawa South, and I wanted to share this great renovation project in a beautiful home that I was involved in recently.

The homeowners are lovely people who needed a change after a recent loss and asked me to redesign their kitchen with custom cabinetry. They didn’t want to move anything as the layout really worked for them, but we did make a few small changes in the layout, updated their front hall, redid the floors and created some custom cabinetry in the dining room.

The first thing I noticed about the original space was the fantastic stainedglass window in the dining room. This was a jumping off point and such a unique asset. So first we pulled together some soft colours that would work with the window. The kitchen cabinets, walls and ceiling are White Dove by Benjamin Moore, the hall is Setting Plaster by Farrow and Ball (above the trim-coloured panelling), and the banquette seating in the dining room is in a Moira spice velvet. To create some

tension, we picked a few contrasting colours. We picked a pale blue woven rug from Article for the dining room floor to ground the dining table and three-by-eight-inch Peronda Riad Aqua subway tiles for the backsplash in the kitchen.

A leather-finish, cement-coloured counter and black hardware add a touch of modernity.

The few changes we made in the layout involved removing the upper cabinets over the sink to open up the space and then extending the counter into the dining room to create some counter seating. We also removed upper cabinets next to the window and changed the storage there into open floating shelves. The cabinets also extend to the ceiling with crown molding that goes very well with the style of the home.

Overall, a great transformation for a calm space! We added a few touches, and polished this space, but simply, paint and picking new colours are largely what transforms this space and makes it happier, helping to lift this family from a recent loss.

Vanessa Riddell is the owner of Sachi, the creator of design plans in Old Ottawa South and the Glebe for over 10 years. Contact: 613-866-6604, info@ sachi.ca, www.sachi.ca.

3 Trees

1 The kitchen before renovation 2 Renovated and refreshed! 3 New backsplash with Peronda Riad Aqua subway tiles and custom cabinets in the colour White Dove

PHOTOS: VANESSA RIDDELL

What do you say?

Are you buying local and Canadian? Or is it just too hard?

Results of a survey

The Glebe Report asked readers to weigh in on Buy Canadian – to tell us how they’re doing in seeking out and buying Canadian products while staying away from American ones, to do something concrete to express our outrage and resistance in the face of U.S. government aggression. Twenty-two people responded – not statistically significant but useful for getting a sense of attitudes and behaviours.

Almost all respondents, 95 per cent, reported trying to buy Canadian and buying fruits and vegetables from countries like Peru, Mexico and other non-U.S. sources.

“I can find produce from countries other than the USA and, though prices may be higher, it’s worth it to me to avoid US products,” said one respondent. Another found positives in this: “I am delighted to have a good variety of fruits and vegetables available from more diverse sources. Local and other Ontario-grown cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes of many types (on-thevine from near Ottawa; but also Roma, two or three types of cherry tomatoes, and some lovely cocktail-sized ones), that actually taste pretty good; root vegetables, of course, all Canadian; hydroponic (I think) lettuces and baby greens mixes, very fresh, etc., from Canadian growers, some veg (celery,

romaine lettuce, herbs) from Mexico. Also, fruit from Spain, Morocco, South Africa, Peru, Argentina, etc. In the places I generally buy produce (Glebe Metro, Farm Boy), the prices for non-US produce are not significantly higher than what I might have paid before tariffs, considering overall inflation.”

Most respondents, 68 per cent, trust grocery store labelling of products as Canadian. The criteria for judging “Canadian-ness” varied, and many included political perspectives:

“In most cases, it has to say Product of Canada or Made in Canada.”

“If any step of manufacturing or packaging is in Canada.”

“First, if the food was actually grown (or raised or caught) in Canada; next, if not grown here, was it processed/prepared in Canada? Packed in Canada? Not really! If marked U.S., then I prefer to buy something from Mexico, Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine and other parts of democratic Europe, South or Central America, India, Southeast Asia …Anywhere other than USA.”

“Would prefer if the produce itself is Canadian or any place except U.S. But also am willing to support U.S. companies that at least process goods in Canada and thereby create jobs.”

When asked what American products or services have been given up, many cited Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming services, as well as Florida

orange juice. Also on the no-go list, travel to the U.S., California lettuce and raisins, Triscuit crackers, Earth Balance and Sephora products, all U.S. cleaning products, Facebook, Amazon, shopping at Walmart and Whole Foods, frequenting Starbucks and McDonald’s.

One person commented that “it’s hard to find replacements for some products like toothpaste, shaving cream, antiperspirants etc., within affordable price ranges for average people. I think this shows a gap in the market in Canada for more affordable Canadian made products where there are not many options available.” Another commented, “The hard thing is being mindful as my purchasing routines are ingrained.” Most respondents did not have young children, but one respondent mentioned that “my nine-year-old grandson proudly shared how he and his friends spent quite a few minutes searching for Canadian-made barbecue chips at Dollarama, where they sometimes spend their allowances.”

Most respondents, 68 per cent, had not used apps to identify Canadian products.

Overall, most respondents in this admittedly self-selected survey indicated a commitment to buying Canadian. “Because of the current political situation between the two countries, I am encouraged to do what I can to support Canadian businesses by spending as little as I can on goods and services

that come from the U.S.; if I get fooled by packaging, it is a learning experience. I am trying to make a negative impact on the policy from the U.S. that hurts Canada. We as a family have also found that it is not that hard to live without Netflix, etc., either.”

However, it was not unanimous support. Said one nay-sayer: “Frankly, our collective response to these tariffs is lame, bordering on juvenile.”

Happy Canadian shopping everyone!

Rays Repairs

The grandparent connection can be crucial

By Peggy Edwards

On June 18, One World Grannies and the Unitarian Go-Gos will host an evening of stories and songs on the theme of “Unconditional Love: The Grand Connection,” a fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign.

Grandparents play multiple roles in a family. These roles may change and grow with you and your grandchildren, and you may find yourself playing different roles throughout the years. Experts have identified several roles that grandparents play including historian, confidant and friend, nurturer and caregiver, cheerleader, role model and even wizard. Like Gandalf the Great, grandparents can be a wizard who provides their grandchild with playful imaginative alternatives to their task-oriented daily life. The simplest play and tasks can take on a magical quality to a young child, with a little wizardly help from grandma or grandpa!

As you enjoy the various roles that suit you and your grandchildren, experts advise two things.

First, don’t cross boundaries into interference. Balance connection with your grandchildren and the wishes of their parents to raise them in accordance with their values.

Second, underlay all these roles with the continuing practice of unconditional love – a deep and unwavering non-judgmental, reciprocal love between you and your grandchild that supports feelings of freedom and joy, emotional well-being and a sense of belonging.

Grandmothers in crisis

The grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa are the perfect example of unconditional love. With the support of

Canadian grandmothers, the Stephen Lewis Foundation and its community partners, African grandmothers have made remarkable progress in raising grandchildren whose parents died from AIDS-related causes and in standing up for their rights.

However, since President Trump cancelled most foreign aid health programs, the grandmothers in Africa now face the greatest crisis since the nightmare days of the spread of HIV and AIDS in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Of particular concern is the loss of medications used to manage HIV infection and prevent AIDS. Without the US program Pepfar (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 2003) or replacement from other sources, experts predict 100,000 excess deaths in one year in sub-Saharan Africa

– the One World Grannies and the Unitarian Go-Gos – will host a captivating evening of stories and songs on the theme “Unconditional Love: The Grand Connection”. It will be held in the exquisite worship hall of the First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Avenue.

Tickets are $35 and include homemade refreshments at intermission and a chance to win one of several door prizes! Purchase your tickets at Eventbrite or call 705-875-0277. All proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign.

Donations are also gratefully welcomed. Go to the One World Grannies website at oneworldgannies.ca and push on the blue donate button.

Our thanks to lead sponsor Watson’s Pharmacy and Compounding Centre, as well as other generous sponsors and donors, including Amica the Glebe. And thank you to our wonderful storytellers and musicians who give their time and talent to support the Grandmothers Campaign.

In the end, unconditional love enhances the well-being of both grandparents and grandchildren. We hope you will spread that love to the grandmothers and their families in Africa during this time of crisis.

and, by 2030 in all of Africa, 11 million new HIV infections and three million AIDS-related deaths. Infant and child mortality will increase dramatically, and grandmothers will once again be left to bury their own children and raise millions of children infected, affected and orphaned by AIDS.

Celebrating grandchildren and grandparents

On Wednesday, June 18, two Ottawa groups in the Grandmothers Campaign

Peggy Edwards is a long-time resident of the Glebe and Old Ottawa South and co-author (with Mary Jane Sterne) of Intentional Grandparenting: The Boomers Guide. She has 20 grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is an active member of the One World Grannies. If you are interested in joining a Grandmother Group in the Ottawa area (grandothers are welcome), contact her at wanderingpeggy@me.com.

Peggy and one of her 20 grandchildren and great grandchildren

Top takeaways from the Tour of Heat Pumps in the Glebe

By Jennifer Humphries and Della Wilkinson

A significant number of participants at the Glebe Community Association’s 2024 Homes & Energy Coffee House overwhelming expressed an interest in switching to a heat pump. Our natural next step was to offer more in-depth information to residents on how to transition to an electric heat pump.

In May, the GCA Environment Committee, partnering with Community Associations for Environmental Sustainability (CAFES), hosted a Tour of Heat Pumps in the Glebe. Five Glebe homeowners who had installed heat pumps in their century-old residences (detached, row and multi) shared their experience and knowledge with participants, who then met up at the Glebe Community Centre for a Q&A session with energy experts.

Top takeaways shared by homeowners and panelists include:

1 The time to switch to a heat pump is a year or two before your gas or oil furnace reaches the end of its expected lifespan. If it conks out during the heating season, it may be more problematic to switch quickly to a heat pump. Do your research well in advance of that “best before date”.

2 If your central air conditioner is winding down, rather than replacing it you can choose to switch to a heat pump at that time. Heat pumps provide AC as well.

3 It’s more expensive to install a heat pump than a furnace, but it may not be as big a price difference as you imagine. A cold climate heat pump provides home heating at lower temperatures than a standard heat pump, so you can save up front by staying with the standard. In both cases, you will want a back-up furnace, be it electric (ideal for reducing carbon) or gas, and this will switch on automatically if it’s too cold for your

heat pump to provide sufficient heat. This happens less frequently with cold climate versions.

4 You can get unbiased information for free from Electrify613 which has built a community group of neighbours, experts and software tools aiming to help homeowners electrify their home, find good heat pump contractors, and reduce their home’s emissions. Check their website: see Get Advice: Guides/Space Heating and Cooling.

5 The Canada Greener Homes Loans Program has been renewed and offers eligible applicants interest-free financing (see Natural Resources Canada’s website). You may be eligible for low-interest loans from the City of Ottawa Better Homes Program which is managed by EnviroCentre (see envirocentre.ca).

6 Energy efficiency and carbon emissions reduction do not need to start with a heat pump. Homeowners could start with improving their home’s insulation and its airtightness. Incentive programs such as the Home Renovations

Savings Program offer rebates on heat pumps, smart thermostats and many other energy-saving home retrofits without requiring an energy audit.

7 Switching to a heat pump will massively reduce the carbon emissions of your home.

8 Homeowners on our tour reported paying about $100 a year less than they had last paid for gas heating. But the price of gas has seen recent increases, making electricity a more affordable option.

9 Hydro Ottawa is making provisions incrementally to ensure that it can

Thank you and the GCA for your efforts regarding the heat pump tour. The information we received was the primary determinant in helping us solidify our decisions to move forward and in determining the direction we will take. We will be replacing our furnace (and water heater) with 100 per cent electric options within the next 12 to 18 months. This will bring our household down to zero emissions. D.S.

handle the increased demand of electrified homes and vehicles. Since not all residents are switching to heat pumps at the same time, our system will be able to handle this transition.

10 What about a backup to the backup? In the event of a prolonged power outage in the winter, how can we heat our homes? In fact, gas furnaces won’t work either during a power outage as they need electricity for some of their components. A gas generator could also be used, though if you want to eliminate fossil fuels that may not be your backup of choice. Many local homes have fireplaces, but these are rarely very effective except to heat a small space, so an efficient wood stove could give you peace of mind.

Based on positive feedback from tour attendees, the GCA Environment Committee is looking forward to seeing many more heat pumps appearing in the neighbourhood.

Della Wilkinson is chair of the GCA Environment Committee. Jennifer Humphries is a committee member and former co-chair.

Homeowner Matthew Wilson presenting his heat pump set-up, costs and carbon footprint reductions PHOTOS: JENNIFER HUMPHRIES

CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURE’S CALENDAR

By Cecile Wilson

This spring has been a seesaw of temperature fluctuations. The exceptionally warm days of early May morphed into prolonged chilly temperatures that had Tulip Festival attendees shivering on the long weekend. We can adapt to these temperature swings with our clothing, but what are the changes doing to plants?

Phenology: The study of seasonal changes

Events on nature’s calendar, like leafing and blooming, are influenced by factors such as temperature, day length and the amount of precipitation. While day length is consistent from year to year, temperature and precipitation vary and may be influenced by climate change.

A study conducted in Concord, Massachusetts demonstrates clearly that increases in average temperature have affected leafing times. Writing in 2016, scientists Richard B. Primack and Amanda S. Gallinat noted that the temperature of the Boston metropolitan area had risen by about 3 degrees Centigrade since the mid-19th century.

Primack and Gallinat were able to compare their data with observations on leafing times recorded in the 1850s by the well-known naturalist, writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. They found that the average date when deciduous trees and shrubs came into leaf in their study was 18 days earlier

than in Thoreau’s time!

Primack and Gallinat point out there are subtleties in this change. The difference in leafing times is not the same for all species. Some native plants, like the highbush blueberry, are more sensitive to temperature changes and tend to leaf early if temperatures are warmer. Others, like sugar maples and beeches, require longer chilling times and do not send out leaves until temperatures have been warm for a significant time. This evolutionary strategy helps reduce the likelihood of leaf kill by a late frost. Paper birches and wild grapes, on the other hand, get by with a shorter chilling period and leaf ahead of sugar maples and beeches, which may give them a head start on the growing season if there is no late freeze.

Global evidence of the effects of climate change on plants

The researchers in Concord wondered if their results were particu lar to northeastern United States or if they were similar to findings in other

ecosystems. To answer that, they collaborated with several arboreta around the world, including our Arboretum, to compare leafing times of various species.

The results demonstrated that trees consistently leaf out in the same order of species, no matter where they are located. For example, paper birches precede sugar maples in leafing, whether they are in North America, Europe or Asia. The arboreta also reported a trend in earlier leafing –more evidence for climate change.

Bloom time in the Arboretum

In the interests of climate science, the Friends of the Farm have decided to revive a previous Bloom Time project that ended in 2015. The earlier project had some problems with the collection of information, such as accurate tree identification and precision in determining blooming times, according to

identify checks that will ensure quality data, Jones said. At an orientation meeting in April, each volunteer was allocated a group of numbered sectors to survey. Most of the trees and shrubs have tags with their scientific names and map coordinates of the sector in which they are located. Volunteers were instructed to photograph the name tag, a fully open blossom and the whole tree or shrub coming into full bloom. The photos and dates they were taken were submitted to the team leader, who organizes the data into a useable format.

Downstream effects

Changes in blooming cycles have significant economic and ecological repercussions. Visits to the Tulip Festival suffer if the blooming cycle does not coincide with the festival dates. Late frosts can endanger or even wipe out summer and fall harvests from fruit and nut trees.

Ecosystems can suffer, too. If invasive, non-native plants take over from native plants that are slower to emerge in the spring, the food supply for birds and animals is diminished, disrupting the ecosystem’s balance.

What you can do: Citizen science

For a long-term project, try tracking the bloom, leaf bud and leaf fall times for plants in your yard or neighbourhood to see if you can detect any changes in patterns. For tracking seasonal changes in wild plants, check out iNaturalist. And next spring, consider volunteering with the Friends of the Farm Bloom Time Project!

Wingnut catkins in bloom. Tracking the changing bloom times of plants is helpful in the science of climate change.

Grosvenor Avenue, Old Ottawa South 3569 Crosswind Crescent, Osgoode

By Rod Hughes

Summer in Ottawa brings tulips, patios and canal-side bike rides and ushers in the exciting release of seasonal summer brews. At this time of year, local breweries are pouring sunshine straight into your pint glass with light, flavourful and refreshing beers that are perfect for sunny days and warm nights.

The perfect beer for an Ottawa summer is generally easy drinking, with crisp finishes, often with a lower alcohol content and a burst of citrus or fruit to match the season’s harvests. Ottawa brewers know how to deliver these qualities, with creativity and capital-city charm.

I’ll recommend a few summery beers from our own and other local breweries.

At Flora Hall Brewing, we recently introduced Flora Light, a four-per-cent lager made with Canadian grain and German hops. It’s simple but delicately balanced beer that’s perfect for quenching your thirst on the patio. We’ve also brought back our Strawberry-Peach Gose, a slightly sour fruit beer with a touch of sea salt that drinks like a cool breeze on a hot afternoon. You can try both at one of our Flora Out Front tables on Flora Street for a true cosmopolitan experience. If it gets too hot, we’ll have the AC on in our taproom.

Beyond the Pale Brewing has brewed Last Mile Lager as part of its partnership with the 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. The brewery, located in the City Centre, has a huge patio that’s great for sipping a variety of beers. BTP also recently opened a taproom in the Byward Market.

Tooth and Nail Brewing, in the Hintonburg area, leans into traditional styles with a modern twist. Its new Brewhead New Zealand-Style Pilsner is a summer sipper that’s crisp, clean and

slightly floral. The cozy taproom is a favourite for locals looking for a chill vibe, and it also features a nice patio.

Bicycle Brewing Company, on Industrial Avenue off St. Laurent, just released Ontario Summer, a 6.5-per-cent hazy IPA brewed with Ontario-grown Comet hops. Bicycle also released Igor Lager, a crisp and super refreshing European style lager with subtle notes of honey.

In Orleans, Stray Dog Brewing Company has Sunny Disposition, a 5.5-per-cent, bright and juicy pale ale brewed with Mosaic and Galaxy hops for fruit flavours that shine. If you visit with your pooch, you’re welcome both inside and out on the patio.

There are many other independent breweries to check out in the region, whether it’s Spark Brewing in Chinatown, Cold Bear Brewing in Arnprior or 5e Baron across the river in Aylmer. The National Capital Region brewing scene is vibrant and diverse, reflecting our unique blend of urban energy and rural charm.

The beauty of Ottawa’s summer beer scene isn’t just the beer itself, it’s the experience. Whether you’re grabbing a few bottles or cans before heading to Meech Lake, sipping a locally made pint in a Glebe pub or restaurant or exploring one of the many beer gardens popping up at local events and festivals, the season invites us to slow down and savour.

In a city where summer feels fleeting, these beers capture the spirit of the season in every sip. So, the next time the sun is shining and the grill is hot, reach for something brewed close to home.

Rod Hughes is head brewer at Flora Hall Brewing, and part of the team that writes this food and drink column. florahallbrewing.ca

Elmwood is more than just a school, because she’s more than just a student.

To them, we’re a support system, a studio, a playground, a blank canvas. Here, they can explore beyond the curriculum, developing passions and skills that help them achieve whatever they can imagine.

Transportation and before +

June Crossword Page 28

By Marisa Romano

We trust and rely on medications and supplements to prevent, treat or relieve symptoms of diseases, but we often forget that our diet is also an essential component of our overall health.

Although food is not a substitute for conventional medicine, healthy eating habits can promote wellbeing, protect from illness and provide benefits that cannot be duplicated by supplements. Food is essential in managing some chronic conditions (type 2 diabetes is what comes to mind first), aiding pharmacotherapy (e.g., Vitamin C in citrus fruits enhances the absorption of iron supplements) and reversing one of the most devastating diseases of our society: fatty liver.

I met Giada Sebastiani at the Ingegno Italiano Award ceremony where she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to science as an Italian researcher in Canada. The event, organized at Carleton University by the Italian Embassy, happened a few days after the annual celebration of International Liver Day on April 19.

“Fatty liver disease is a silent but widespread condition, now affecting one in three Canadians,’ Sebastiani warned in her presentation. “Driven” by rising obesity and type 2 diabetes, it can lead to liver scarring, cirrhosis, heart disease and cancer, often without symptoms.” But despite her alarming message, there is hope. The McGill-based, world-renowned hepatologist also had some good news: scientific evidence shows that wholesome food helps to reduce inflammation, support detox, establish balance in the liver – the dynamic organ responsible for more than 500 functions – and reverse early-stage fatty liver disease. Nutrition is as essential to liver health as medicine itself!

The theme of International Liver Day 2025 was “food as medicine,” and the message is an endorsement of the Mediterranean diet. A UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2013, the Mediterranean diet is more than a guide to a wholesome dinner table. Depicted as a pyramid with fruit and vegetables, legumes and

whole grains at its base and red meat at the very top, it also necessitates a lifestyle that includes convivial, joyful and mindful eating and regular physical exercise. On top of it all is extra virgin olive oil that has been scientifically proven to promote a health-protective blood-fat profile.

So, whenever we can, let’s leave behind ultra-processed foods, ease up on sugar, limit salt and choose fresh water over sweet beverages. This will not only safeguard liver health, it will also lead to a healthy and vigorous life overall. “It does not have to be perfect,” says Sebastiani. “Small changes make a big impact!”

When I asked about recipes, Sebastiani directed me to collections of liver-friendly recipes on the internet. Here is one from liver.ca/recipes, a downloadable recipe book also available from worldliverday.org.

Marisa Romano is a foodie and a scientist with a sense of adventure, who appreciates interesting people and good food.

Beet & Pistachio Cream Rigatoni by

Laura Dellandrea

This recipe adds a great source of veggies right into the sauce without even being able to tell, aside from the radiant pink colour The earthy, sweet mixture of the beets along with the nutty pistachio and creamy goat cheese is such a fun and mouth-watering concoction of flavour that I just can’t get enough of it

Ingredients:

3 large beets washed, peeled, and quartered

6 tablespoons goat cheese

1 clove garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons pistachios, toasted and chopped fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

kosher salt (optional)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 lb rigatoni

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F

Place beets in foil on a cookie sheet or in a baking dish, toss with a tbsp of olive oil, salt and pepper and bake for 35 minutes Remove from the oven and allow them to cool

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water as per package directions Drain the pasta once cooked and save some of the pasta water for later

Combine cooked beets, 4 tbsp goat cheese, clove of garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp of pistachios, 1 tbsp pasta water, a pinch of salt and a pinch of cayenne in a blender Blend until smooth

Add the blended sauce in with the pasta in a large serving dish Add some of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce

Plate and top with your choice of more goat cheese, chopped toasted pistachios, pepper, and/or fresh mint

Feel free to use any pasta: penne, spaghetti, bowtie or any other whole-grain pasta If you’re not a big fan of pistachios, lessen the amount to 1 tbsp or change to walnuts for a different but delicious flavour profile

Beet & Pistachio Cream Rigatoni, a delicious dish that’s good for the liver PHOTO: MARISA ROMANO

Latest Chapman mystery a page turner

Who

Lies in Wait

by Brenda Chapman

Review by Barbara McIsaac

Who Lies in Wait is the fourth book in author Brenda Chapman’s crime series featuring true-crime podcaster Ella Tate and Ottawa police detective Liam Hunter. Once again, she has produced a riveting page turner with lots of satisfying intrigue, believable characters and an intricate plot line.

The body of a young, unknown woman is discovered on a remote hiking trail. It is the dead of winter, and she most certainly was not dressed for hiking. It turns out she is the fiancée of a wealthy, much older, widowed architect with four grown children. Although the two were about to be married, neither he nor his family knew much about her. His children were concerned by the age gap between their father and the young woman, the mystery surrounding her and the speed of their decision to get married. As it turns out, they had just cause for the concerns. She was not who they thought she was.

Meantime, Ella is looking for a contact who had promised to provide damning information about a sex-trafficking ring implicating some prominent individuals but has since disappeared on her. She fears for the safety of her contact whom she has only met through her podcast. And another young woman escapes into the freezing weather from a condo where she is being held captive.

In her immutable style, Chapman manages to tie these disparate events together in an unexpected fashion. Be prepared for twists and turns and a satisfying, but unexpected, ending.

Like her earlier works, including the three other books in this series, Chapman’s writing style manages to capture her characters and make them human and relatable, with all their foibles and anxieties. In this Tate and Hunter mystery, as in the earlies ones, Ottawa and familiar Ottawa neighbourhoods and venues predominate: the Glebe, where Ella lives in an apartment (somewhere on Percy Avenue near Third Avenue); Carleton University; Shirley’s Bay; Rockcliffe Park; and the Byward Market. We are also reacquainted with familiar characters, including: Ella’s downstairs neighbours, Tony and Finn; Liam’s partner Julie Quade; and the favourite villain of the series, Staff Sergeant Kurt Auger.

On learning of the discovery of the young woman’s body, Ella fears that it is Finn’s estranged wife and the mother of his little daughter, Adele. We also see the return of Sara McGowan, whom we met in When Last Seen, the second book in the series. Again, the extremes of Ottawa weather provide a familiar backdrop to the unfolding mystery. This time a ferocious winter storm with snow, wind and freezing temperatures.

Chapman also manages to continue her exploration of the complicated relationship between Ella and Liam. Will their friendship develop into something more? Can Ella overcome her anxieties about commitment? And for those of you who have read the earlier books and took a dislike to Staff Sergeant Auger, as I did, he is subject to a most satisfying comeuppance.

I have been a fan of Brenda Chapman’s books for a number of years, and this latest offering lives up to her deserved reputation for tight plotting, lots of suspense and believable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As with any good mystery, it was a page turner and hard to put down once I had started.

Barbara McIsaac has been a fan of Brenda Chapman’s writing for years and has read all her previous books.

GRAND OPENING!

WEST

Merivale Road

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

at our newest and second location on Merivale Road (just south of West Hunt Club) with STOREWIDE SPECIALS. All the same products and services as our Bank St. store including Hunter Douglas custom window treatments and a broad selection of high performance inside and outside paints, stains, and epoxies.

– Ottawa’s Paint & Décor Centre – randalls.ca

Highly touted film falls short

Anora (US, 2024)

Directed by Sean Baker

Review by Iva Apostolova

Anora, the newest directorial production by writer-director Sean Baker (Tangerine, Red Rocket, The Florida Project), dominated this year’s Oscar race by sweeping five awards, including Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Director and Best Movie. Having seen the 2017 Florida Project, which featured non-actress (at the time) Bria Vinaite, and liking the raw, documentary-style of storytelling, I was excited to see Baker’s new production. While Anora still has that signature Baker there-are-no-actors-in-the-house feel, for me, it fell short on several fronts, leaving me somewhat disappointed.

The black comedy tells an almost-Cinderella story that never comes to be. Ani (full name, Anora), an exotic dancer of Russian descent in New York, ends up giving a lap dance to Ivan, a Russian oligarch’s son who likes her so much that he invites her back to spend the weekend at his lavish house. Ani is played by 24-year-old Mikey Madison, now an Oscar winner, and Ivan is played by the rising star of Russian cinema Mark Eydelshteyn.

Things heat up between the two when, after an alcohol- and drug-infused night, Ivan and Ani end up getting married in a Las Vegas chapel. Needless to say, Ivan’s family, less than thrilled by the events, sends a response team consisting of two Armenians, Ivan’s chaperones, and one Russian errand-type of boy, the latter played by the Russian star Yura Borisov, known

for his intense and emotionally challenging roles. I have to say that the best part of the movie for me was the straight-faced and quite funny individual and interactive performances by the two Armenian-American actors Karren Karagulian and Vache Tovmasyan.

Mark Eydelshteyn’s performance of the cute boy spoiled rotten by his parents’ wealth was convincing and yet felt a bit directionless and somewhat forced. The word “blyat|” was thrown right, left and centre, and just like in any language, the overuse of expletives is an indication of paucity of vocabulary, so whatever Baker’s goal was, as far as I am concerned, missed the target.

But the real surprise came from Mikey Madison’s performance. I don’t know if it was the fake Brooklyn accent or the I-am-a-tough-bitch act, but something felt terribly unnatural. There is one scene, for example, where Ani screams for at least a minute, which causes confusion among Ivan’s Armenian babysitters. The confusion itself is quite funny and does the job of providing much-needed comedic relief in an otherwise emotionally charged situation. But the screams themselves felt so forced that they were almost out of place. The plot also felt a bit tired and lacking in the freshness and spontaneity that I think Baker was aspiring to, with the ending left to carry most of the emotional weight of the storyline. I am not sure if the actors had too much or too little direction, but something about Anora felt, at the same time, too rehearsed yet under-developed.

Rated R

Running time: 2 h 19 m

Streaming on Apple TV, Prime Video

Iva Apostolova is associate professor and vice-rector, research and academic, at Saint Paul University and a regular Glebe Report contributor on films and TV.

We’re looking for new volunteer board members this fall!

As the heart of our neighbourhood, GNAG is committed to building a diverse, inclusive board that reflects the people we serve.

Board members help with: Strategic planning & big-picture thinking Governance & leadership Ensuring

Art in the Park is here June

7 and 8

Please join us for Art in the Park 2025! We’re celebrating our 33rd year with a magical weekend of art, sunshine and merriment!

Once again, our beautiful Central Park will host over 170 painters, potters, photographers, sculptors, jewellers and mixed media artists! We’ll also have food from several delish local eateries and a water station to keep you hydrated. We’ll have entertainment and activities for the kiddos. We’re pet friendly. And as always, admission is free. So, you and your family and friends can make a whole day of it!

The fest runs Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain or shine, we’ll see you in the park!

BLAST

FROM THE PAST!

Art in the Park was born in 1993

By Bhat Boy

I remember organizing the first Art in the Park when I was a starving artist just out of college. Everything was terrifying, especially the weather. My vision was to create a festival bringing the artist community together, but all I felt was terror. In the end, Art in the Park became something so much bigger. I was literally in tears that first morning when it rained, but the sun came out and shone down on us, and 20 artists set up in a big circle around a tree. We were an oasis of color, barely visible from Bank Street, which seemed miles away across a long stretch of hot grass. I never imagined that one day we would fill the whole park. That was 1993. For years, my dear mum would bring me tea in a thermos on her bike, until finally came a year when the festival had become so large that she could not find me. She gave up and went home. “I never thought I’d see the day I couldn’t find you at Art in the Park,” she said. Here we are 30-plus years later, and Art in the Park is an institution. We are an X marked on the calendar of artists across the region and beyond, a Petri dish for young artists, and of course we are still an opportunity for artists to exchange information and ideas. My

life more than most has been shaped by the festival – it has been marked on my calendar with an X for decades now as I evolved from starving young artist to sophisticated professional.

The young of today exist in the now, making their life experiences as they go along, while the old celebrate our past. Without the walls of a gallery, the bound aries that separate us dissolve, and every one feels free to run through the grass and have a look, each of us making our own day. Shockingly, I am told that two thirds of adults in Ontario spend less than two hours a week doing outdoor activities, so this is your chance. Best of all, and what makes Art in the Park the most accessible, is that it is FREE.

I have always got a lot of credit for the success of Art in the Park, but the truth is that it is a natural fit – me with both the art community and the neighborhood. But I think the real secret to our success is access to Bank Street, where buses and bikes bring us people and shoppers. Whichever way you look at it, Art in the Park has become a real Glebe institution. I hope you can make it part of your life too.

Make a move

Bhat Boy is an artist and teacher and prime organizer of the Glebe’s first Art in the Park festival in 1993.

start the journey. Summer is here... and you could be the new neighbour on the block. By working with me you are making a difference. In support of

Art in the Park is the annual, free art show and sale in beautiful Central Park on Bank Street in the Glebe

Glebe Art in the Garden Tour coming soon!

By Brenda Small

This summer’s Glebe Art in the Garden Tour is the weekend of July 5 and 6 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. both days. This popular free art show and sale features works by artists in the Glebe and guest artists from other parts of Ottawa.

There will be 24 artists exhibiting a rich variety of paintings, multimedia work, pottery and photography at 14 sites in the Glebe. Take a leisurely look around the gardens and chat with the artists about their work.

Here is a chance to buy a special work of art for yourself or a friend. As an added incentive, the tour is offering draws for vouchers toward the

Celebrate spring with Art Lending of Ottawa

By Sarah Bradfield

As spring breathes new life into the city, it’s the perfect time to bring new energy into your home or workspace. Join Art Lending of Ottawa (ALO) for its Spring Art Show on Saturday, June 14, featuring original, high-quality artwork from over 40 local juried artists. The show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, 1265 Walkley Road.

This one-day event showcases a wide variety of styles and mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, ink, photography, printmaking, mosaics, mixed media and encaustics. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a long-time collector or someone simply looking for a fresh seasonal update, ALO offers artwork for both purchase and rent, with no sales tax and accessible pricing. It’s an easy and affordable way to support local artists while rotating artwork in your space throughout the year.

Featured artists

Janis Miller Hall

Janis Miller Hall is an Ottawa-based artist whose work captures the quiet beauty of everyday moments with a style best described as contemporary realism. Her pieces often focus on people and their environments, preserving fleeting expressions and scenes with warmth and precision.

Mike Goguen

Mike Goguen brings an imaginative lens to his art, blending realism with fantasy and surrealism. For more than 30 years, his goal has been to create a sense of “escape” for the viewer, whether into tranquil natural scenes or surreal dreamscapes. His work plays with exaggerated perspective and immersive detail, drawing influence from artists like Alex Colville, Salvador Dali and Roger Dean.

In addition to exploring the artwork on display, visitors can enter door-prize

draws and purchase gift certificates for future art rentals or purchases, perfect for art lovers of all kinds.

Admission and parking are free, and there is wheelchair access.

Can’t attend in person? Visit www. artlendingofottawa.ca to explore our online gallery. To rent or purchase a specific piece in advance, contact us to arrange pickup at the show. If you are unable to come to our June show, mark your calendars for our next show on September 20.

Support local talent, discover something new and take home a piece of Ottawa’s vibrant art scene. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sarah Bradfield is an artist member of Art Lending of Ottawa.

purchase of any of the art on display and packets of note cards of the artists’ work. Fill out a contest slip at the sites you visit, then leave it in the ballot box at the site for inclusion in the draws.

For more information about the Glebe Art in the Garden Tour, go to www.glebearttour.ca The website has examples of the artists’ work and a list of the display sites. There is a map to plan your tour. Start your tour at any site you would like. You can pick up a brochure at Bloomfields (783 Bank Street) or at any of the sponsoring Glebe or Old Ottawa South businesses.

Brenda B. Small is an artist and an organizer of this year’s Glebe Art in the Garden Tour.

“Holmwood Poppies” by Sabine Modder, one of the artists participating in the Glebe Art and Garden Tour

The Clean Up Crew, by Janis Miller Hall

By Stephen Richer and Janine Smith

It is a beautiful, crisp evening as we walk toward Ottawa’s Unitarian Church. Once again it is the site for what has become a special Spring tradition: Gil’s Hootenanny. Gil Levine was research director at CUPE, an advocate for social justice and an ardent lover of folk music. He was partial to singalongs and expressed a wish upon his death that people “plan a hootenanny.” This wish has been lovingly realized for 16 years by his daughter Tamara and a committed group of folk-song enthusiasts.

The First Unitarian Church of Ottawa is a splendid building accentuated by a dazzling, soaring spire. As we approach the entrance, the sound of singing welcomes us – it is Ottawa’s activist choir, Just Voices. Walking through the door, it strikes us that the venue is ideal for this event in two respects: first, it is an uplifting, welcoming physical space; and second, the major Unitarian values – justice, equity and pluralism – dovetail perfectly with the songs of hope and protest which typically make up the hootenanny set list.

As the church fills up, the anticipation

is palpable, and somewhat different from previous events. Our sense is that the current political situation is heightening the importance of expressing solidarity via collective singing.

Indeed, the traditional entry procession, led by Arthur McGregor, features the iconic labour anthem, “Solidarity Forever,” written by Ralph Chaplin in 1915. The sold-out audience fills the room with the powerful chorus.

Tony Turner of “Harperman” fame and multi-instrumentalist Ann Downey are introduced by emcee Kathy Kennedy, who does a masterful job of leading us through the program. Among their engaging presentations is a creative, satirical song by Tony, “Tariff’s Profiteers.” Sung to the tune of Stan Rogers’ rousing “Barrett’s Privateers,”

listeners stamp their feet and clap their hands while singing the oft-repeated line, “How I wish we had Joe Biden now.”

Post intermission, Mark Evenchick performs his optimistic and heartfelt song, “It’s The Children.” The message is clear: throughout times of turmoil and uncertainty, we must always prioritize the well-being of the youngest among us.

Tamara Levine then recounts the history of Gil’s Hootenanny, paying a loving tribute to her parents Gil and Helen.

Headliner Rebecca Campbell is introduced, accompanied by Ann Downey and consummate guitarist Fred Guignon. Taking the stage, Rebecca is backlit by an emerging sunset, turning the skies into a glorious tapestry of pink and orange, an appropriate harbinger of her capacity to light up the stage and captivate the audience. She charms the assembly with her amazing voice and energy, as she offers riveting interpretations of a wide variety of protest songs, beginning with “Bread and Roses.” Originally written as a poem by Wobbly activist James Oppenheim, it emerged

from the Lawrence, Massachusetts textile strike of 1912, which was led largely by women workers. This lovely song acknowledges that while sustenance (i.e., bread) is an important issue, so too is quality of life, symbolized by the allusion to roses. From Ian Tamblyn’s “Village” to Willie Dunn’s “Son of the Sun” to Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows,” all the songs by this in-sync trio are beautifully delivered. The trio’s emotional and spiritual connection to their songs is obvious, and their vocal and instrumental harmony perfectly realized.

The magical evening ends with Tony Turner and Rebecca Campbell leading us in a most appropriate finale –Tony’s award-winning composition, The Circle of Song. The song celebrates what we have all just experienced – the power of song to unite diverse groups via the joy of collective singing.

Stephen Richer is a professor emeritus in sociology and has conducted extensive research on the history of protest music. Both he and Janine Smith are long-time supporters of Gil’s Hootenanny.

Rebecca Campbell and Tony Turner taking their final bows, joined by organizers and volunteers who joined them for the traditional Gil’s Hootenanny finale PHOTOS: SHAWNA LAING

Rebecca Campbell, accompanied by Fred Guignon and Ann Downey, charmed the audience with her riveting performance

Private Fears on the Gladstone stage

by Michael MacLean

Affordability. Scarce housing. Aging parents. The roller-coaster thrills and chills of online dating. Ottawa in 2025? Nope: London in 2004.

And it’s funny.

From June 18 to 28, at the Gladstone Theatre in Little Italy, a powerhouse cast of seven local actors presents Private Fears in Public Places, a modern masterpiece by the legendary Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

In multiple crisscrossing narratives, the play sees six and a half Londoners stumble and fumble through the social, financial and romantic minefield that was turn-of-the-century life in the British capital.

It’s an often hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking exploration of the messy business of human connection. A play where, as actor-director David Whiteley puts it, “Ayckbourn sheds the froth of his earlier work for something still comedic but deeper.”

Whiteley sets the tone in the play’s first scene. As the lights come up, his Stewart, a shy, not overly successful realtor, is trying to persuade Nicola (Sachi Lovatt) that the tiny, sub-divided bedroom they’re surveying would make the perfect study for her fiancé. But Nicola is as impatient with Stewart’s unconvincing spin as she is upset by her fiancé’s failure to show up for the viewing, while . . .

Stewart is himself obliged to share a flat – and Sunday night games of canasta or Scrabble – with his strait-laced younger sister Imogen (Vivian Burns) . . .

Who impulsively decides to take the leap into the then-new and terrifying world of online dating, connecting with Dan (GianPaolo Lattanzio), a recently cashiered army officer . . .

Who, unbeknownst to Imogen, is reluctantly hunting for a flat with his

equally oblivious fiancée, Nicola. Yes, that Nicola . . .

And while Nicola and Dan can’t agree on what they need – in either a flat or life in general – and further demoralize their realtor, the hapless Stewart . . .

Who moons over his co-worker, the deeply religious Charlotte (Theresa Stork) . . .

Who earlier got another of Private Fears intertwined narratives underway when, while hustling to make ends meet, she found part-time work looking after Arthur (played by your humble correspondent), a bedridden, never-seen but loud and cantankerous old man, the father of . . .

Justin Hay’s Ambrose, who has vowed to keep Arthur out of a care home come what may, and who tends the hotel bar where . . .

Dan laments his lot in life as Ambrose nods in professional sympathy, nurses

Odyssey Theatre’s 39th

season invites you into a darkly comic fantasy world

By Britney Forget

A beloved Ottawa tradition returns this summer –Odyssey Theatre launches its 39th season of Theatre Under the Stars with the premiere of The Girl With No Hands, an original fantasy, from July 31 to August 24.

Renowned for its imaginative and award-winning outdoor productions, the theatre is happy to welcome a good part of its audience from the Glebe, who can take a short walk down the Rideau River to Odyssey’s open-air stage in scenic Strathcona Park.

This season, Odyssey invites audiences on an adventure both fantastical and deeply human. The Girl With No Hands is a darkly comic fantasy written and directed by award-winning Ottawa theatre creator Laurie Steven. As Odyssey’s founding artistic director, Steven has been at the creative helm of the company’s unique masked and physically theatrical productions since 1985.

In her newest work, Steven sweeps audiences into a world where the boundaries of reality and imagination blur as a girl’s attempts to rescue a kingdom from collapse forces her to face demons within. At the heart of the play is a girl with no hands – a dreamer who has lost her ability to dream. With the walls of her life closing in, she is lured into a crumbling fantasy world where she becomes the reluctant heroine of a story with a mind of its own.

She is hailed as a long-awaited saviour by a trio of bumbling outcasts, courted by a desperate King, entangled in the romantic schemes of an eccentric

his own private anxieties and encourages Dan to take a step back from his relationship with Nicola and try online dating . . .

While Charlotte plots a risky (and risqué) strategy for getting Ambrose’s father, Arthur, to finally shut up.

All this in 54 rapid-fire scenes.

The fast pace and overlapping storylines suggest classic British farce. And that would certainly be in Alan Ayckbourn’s wheelhouse. But after honing his craft with decades of hits, the mature Ayckbourn has a near-magical ability to wring pathos out of absurdity.

“Rueful, funny, touching and altogether wonderful” is how the New York Times lauded Private Fears when it transferred from the West End to Broadway. The Guardian agreed: “Ayckbourn has not lost his rare, undervalued gift for comic compassion.”

It’s a gift Whiteley and The Gladstone stage are familiar with.

spirit and hunted by a Devil hellbent on destroying her. But when true love doesn’t deliver a happy ending, she must take charge of her own story.

“I want people to like this unlikely heroine, care about her journey and come to understand her more deeply as the play goes on,” says Steven. “I also want them to enjoy a wonderful night of imaginative theatre.”

The play is inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s folktale “The Handless Maiden,” one of the rare folktales with a woman in the lead. The tale’s heroine runs away from home after her hands are cut off by her father who made a bad deal with the devil. Steven was struck by the story’s limitations, often touted as the hero’s journey, he was struck by the story’s limitations.

She was introduced to the tale in the work of Jungian analyst Marie-Louise von Franz, who viewed it as an empowering story of independence and self-actualization. But Steven questioned its vision of healing through love, marriage and motherhood.

In 2008, How the Other Half Loves launched The Gladstone as the city’s home for independent professional theatre. That production was a huge success that was subsequently echoed by the playwright’s Bedroom Farce, Absurd Person Singular and the epic Norman Conquests. Conquests was a massive undertaking, a trilogy of tightly interwoven plays presented in rotation over a five-week run that culminated in all three shows running back-to-back-to-back on the final Saturday.

Whiteley – no coincidence – was there. He had gotten to know Ayckbourn’s work when he starred in Absurd Person. But Conquests was an order of magnitude more ambitious, and Whiteley’s Plosive Productions stepped up as one of the two Gladstone resident companies that co-produced the Conquests run. As an actor, he also appeared in all three shows.

So why is Plosive, which Whiteley runs with actor Vivian Burns, returning to the Ayckbourn comedy well? It’s simple: he was drawn to what he calls a “richly human” play.

“Sir Alan says Private Fears is Pulp Fiction without the violence,” says Whiteley. “And it’s true both have multiple characters whose lives intertwine. But for me, it’s more like Love Actually with brains – just as heartfelt, but sharper, smarter and more emotionally real.”

Private Fears in Public Places plays at The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, at Preston Street, from June 18 to 28.

For tickets and information, see www.thegladstone.ca or contact the box office at 613-233-4523.

Michael MacLean is an actor, playwright and editor who lives in Old Ottawa South.

Instead, she wanted to explore how this tale would apply to a modern heroine who is fiery, raw and doesn’t fit a traditional mold. “I thought, what if she was angry after what happened to her and inclined not to trust people?” explains Steven. “What if she balked at marriage and motherhood?” This became the spark for a powerful retelling of a young woman’s journey to heal that speaks to modern audiences.

What started off as a personal writing exercise evolved into a full-scale production to be unveiled this summer. Set in a gothic, post-industrial wasteland brought vividly to life by an accomplished creative team, the production showcases Odyssey’s signature style – stunning original masks, bold costumes and enchanting music – all under the open sky. Audiences will encounter a surreal world filled with pig-nosed demons, soaring wraiths, a sharply wicked queen mother and a devil with multiple disguises.

The production features a talented cast, including Odyssey veteran actors Bruce Spinney, Chandel Gambles, Nicholas Koy Santillo, Marlow Stainfield, Scott McCulloch and William Beddoe. Joining them are newcomers Erin Mackey and award-winning film actress Valerie Buhagiar. Together, they bring to life over 30 unforgettable characters for a memorable night of theatre.

Odyssey first introduced open-air theatre to Ottawa 38 years ago and has since become a summertime staple. Its professional award-winning productions draw thousands each summer to the banks of the Rideau River at the north end of Strathcona Park.

The play runs from July 31 to August 24, with performances Tuesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For tickets and information, visit odysseytheatre.ca.

Britney Forget is an arts enthusiast with a passion for words, stories and the meaning they bring to our lives.

Vivian Burns and David Whiteley, the duo behind Plosive Productions, show off the banner for their production of Private Fears in Public Places by Alan Ayckbourn, at The Gladstone Theatre June 18-28

Odyssey Theatre past production: The Bonds of Interest, 2019 (From left) William Beddoe, Bruce Spinney, Mitchel Rose, Stavros Sakiadis, Ross Mullan, Scott McCulloch

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ODYSSEY THEATRE

MP Even Someone named new Minister of AI!

AI has become the hot topic on everyone’s mind, with economists predicting everything from massive job loss and strife to a life of luxury in which AI co-pilots tend to our every need. It’s no coincidence that just as the sector heats up, prescient PM Chili Con Carne decided to create a whole new cabinet position dedicated to AI, nominating the newly elected MP Even Someone to the post.

Some are skeptical about Someone, however, concerned he may be out of touch with what’s really going on in AI. “Who is Someone? Has anyone ever even heard of Someone?!” asked Floofette from Clemow Avenue.

When queried about what the new department would do, Someone responded, “I think just look to the platform.” But skepticism grew even more when the AI co-pilots started ordering wood and hiring tradespeople, not programmers –was there a massive misalignment? Apparently not! The mystery was solved when a recently terminated IT programmer from the Glebe Revenue Agency (GRA) went public, stating, “The co-pilots didn’t misalign. Someone did! He decided he is head of a new Platform Art Installation Department (PAID), not Artificial Intelligence!”

While many thought it was Someone who was misinformed (or gone rogue), it appears that PM Con Carne completely concurs, offering up that “If anyone can make innovative art deals, it’s Someone!” proudly adding that “the platform will be fully accessible – with ramps. And bilingual.”

Either way, results are not expected any time soon. At press time, PAID announced delays due to unexpected alignment issues – this time with the co-pilots, not Someone. Indeed, sending rents even higher, a swath of co-pilots rented studios in Hintonburg to “get back in touch” with themselves. They refused contact, directing their co-co-pilots to pass on the message that they just want to be “left alone to create.”

By Josh Rachlis | SparkTheGenius com

Naqvi

N 613-946-8682

Standing up for our community – and for Canada

I want to begin by saying thank you!

Being re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre is a profound honour – and a responsibility I carry with deep humility. I am truly grateful to everyone who showed up, spoke out and helped shape the future of our community. Whether I had the privilege of earning your vote or not, I will keep working every day to serve all of Ottawa Centre – with integrity, respect and a deep commitment to delivering results.

During the campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors and spoke with residents in every neighbourhood. Again and again, I heard a clear call for practical leadership – leadership that invests in people and builds a future where everyone can thrive.

That’s the approach I committed to and, as your MP, I am ready to keep delivering on priorities that reflect our shared values: better healthcare, more affordable housing and a revitalized downtown. These aren’t just policies –they are building blocks for a stronger, more inclusive community.

Healthcare that’s stronger, more accessible and puts people first

As the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, I have seen how critical it is to protect our public healthcare system.

One of my key commitments was to expand access to dental care – and that work is already underway. As of May 1, applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan are open to Canadians aged 55 to 64. On May 15, eligibility expands to those aged 18 to 34, and on May 29 to those aged 35 to 54. For families earning under $90,000, this means access to services like cleanings, fillings and X-rays, without having to choose between their health and their other bills.

I also pledged to champion a seniors’ health and housing hub at Confederation Heights – a new model to help older adults age with dignity, supported by care close to home.

I’ll keep working to remove barriers that prevent internationally trained health professionals from contributing their skills. They bring expertise and a deep commitment to care, and they deserve a better path to serve in Canada.

Housing that’s affordable, inclusive and community focused

Housing remains one of the most important issues in Ottawa. I believe public land should be used for public good – and that includes converting underused federal buildings like the Jackson Building into housing for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

I have also pledged to push for more affordable housing at federal sites like LeBreton Flats, Tunney’s Pasture and Confederation Heights, ensuring that at least 30 per cent of new homes are set aside for community, affordable housing. We need neighbourhoods where people of all backgrounds, incomes and ages can live and thrive.

Revitalizing

our downtown and reimagining

public spaces

Ottawa deserves a downtown that reflects its creativity, diversity and energy. I am committed to making that happen.

That includes transforming places like Dow’s Lake, the Arboretum and the Experimental Farm into yearround community destinations with better trails, small business support and family-friendly spaces.

It also means investing in safer, more accessible bike paths and active transportation routes, so they work for everyone, in every season.

And it means bringing the Ottawa Senators to LeBreton Flats as part of a dynamic new hub that includes affordable housing, French-language education, Indigenous culture and a thriving local economy.

Going forward together

This is an extraordinary moment, and we must come together.

Canada is at a crossroads. We are seeing growing pressure to adopt American-style politics – from efforts to privatize healthcare and cut affordable housing to proposals that weaken institutions our communities depend on. Some would have us believe the path forward lies in fear, division and turning away from what makes this country strong.

But that’s not the vision I believe in – and it’s not the vision shared by the people of Ottawa Centre.

I believe in a Canada that protects what we have built and moves forward with compassion, purpose and pride in who we are. A country that is proudly independent, with firm foundation in rule of law and human rights.

That’s why I remain committed to working with all of you – residents, community groups, businesses and local leaders – to build a more inclusive, resilient and united Ottawa Centre. Together, we will stand up for Canada!

Thank you again for your trust and support. I am ready to get back to work – and to keep delivering for our community.

Community priorities missing in return to Queen’s Park

Queen’s Park is back in session, and it’s been a busy return for Ontario’s new batch of MPPs.

The first order of business for the new Legislature was to debate the government’s Speech from the Throne, an outline of key government priorities and a preview to their first budget of this term. In both the Throne Speech and the budget that succeeded it, the message was heavy on rhetoric and light on relief, and it failed to meaningfully address the serious issues facing our community. There were no plans to build affordable housing, fix healthcare, invest in critical infrastructure, double ODSP/OW, restore rent controls or protect workers threatened by Trump’s tariffs.

We also saw a number of pieces of legislation presented by the government that followed a similar “style before substance” pattern. One of those bills, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, has First Nations and environmental groups raising alarm bells for its gutting of the Ontario Endangered Species Act and disregard for free, prior and informed consent in the Ring of Fire. Another, the Safer Municipalities Act, doubles down on expensive and failed policies to address encampments that will cost taxpayers more, without any meaningful impact to address the growing and persistent unhoused and unsheltered

population. I did point out in my debate on this bill that there are other jurisdictions making meaningful progress on ending encampments by housing people.

In the face of Trump’s economic threats and a cost-of-living crisis that continues to spiral out of control, now is the time to be strengthening and building Ontario, not cutting corners and delaying necessary investments.

As your Member of Provincial Parliament and the newly appointed shadow minister of housing, my priorities over the coming months will be shaped by what I’ve been hearing from members of our community. For that reason, while debating and discussing the budget and beyond, I’ll be advocating for a different direction than the government, including pushing for:

• Thousands of permanently affordable, non-market homes, built quickly, with rent control and strong tenant protections.

• A fast-tracked and concrete plan for school repairs, better transit service and critical public infrastructure.

• Supportive housing solutions for our neighbours living in encampments, with access to wraparound financial, mental health and addiction supports.

• Investments in training and apprenticeships, especially for youth, newcomers and underrepresented workers, to build the workforce we need now and in the future.

• A clear plan to retain healthcare workers and hire more to fill the growing need for care.

What issues in our community would you like to see prioritized at Queen’s Park? My team and I would love to hear about your thoughts and concerns. You can reach our office by email at CMcKenney-CO@ndp.on.ca, by phone at 613-722-6414, or through my website www.CatherineMcKenney.com. I look forward to continuing to bring your voice to the Ontario Legislature.

June Crossword

By Ellyn Duke Watson & Cooper Love

1 Powerhouse of the cell (12) Acquire through work or effort (4)

9 Fifth letter of the Greek alphabet (7) 10 Short form for English (2) 11 Dwarf planet (5) 14 Sound reflection returning to its source (4)

15 Popular dog gathering spot in the Glebe (11) 17 First name of famous composer for Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean (4)

Acorn obsessed

28 Tropical fruit with pink flesh (5)

30 The full moon in June (10)

31 Universal distress signal (3)

33 Holder of ashes (3)

35 Copy _____ (5)

37 Sound used to quietly get someone's attention (4)

38 Festival at Commissioner's Park in the spring (5)

39 Popular arcade game, with ball (4)

40 Before playing, any musical instrument should hold this important status (5) Pale purple colour (5)

Style of operatic singing originating in Italy (8)

Middle Eastern cuisine on Bank St (7)

Ottawa's PWHL team (9) 3 A bear's hidden resting place (3)

4 Ancient Egyptian sun deity (2)

5 Island known for four leaf clovers and Guinness (7)

6 Declares legally invalid (6)

7 Hybrid utensil (5)

11 What an Aussie might call a shrimp (5)

12 Bathroom tissue roll, abbr. (2)

13 Along with 34-Down, the popular bakery at Bank and Fourth (3)

16 Most common English word (3)

20 Homer Simpson's frustrated exclamation (3)

21 Material from which honeycomb is made (7)

22 Ottawa's largest music festival (9)

23 Small sofa for two people (8)

24 Recently relocated

Across

1 Powerhouse of the cell (12)

8 Acquire through work or effort (4)

9 Fifth letter of the Greek alphabet (7)

10 Short form for English (2)

11 Dwarf planet (5)

14 Sound reflection returning to its source (4)

15 Popular dog gathering spot in the Glebe (11)

17 First name of famous composer for Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean (4)

18 Acorn-obsessed character from 'Ice Age' films (5)

19 Indecent or obscene (4)

22 Style of operatic singing originating in Italy (8)

25 Middle Eastern cuisine on Bank St (7)

28 Tropical fruit with pink flesh (5)

30 The full moon in June (10)

31 Universal distress signal(3)

33 Holder of ashes (3)

35 Copy _____ (5)

37 Sound used to quietly get someone’s attention(4)

38 Festival at Commissioner’s Park in the spring (5)

39 Popular arcade game, with ball (4)

40 Before playing, any musical instrument should hold this important status (5)

sports bar from Old Ottawa South (9)

26 Black Sabbath's lead singer, nickname (4)

27 Michael Jordan's college team, with 'heels' (3)

29 Western delineating road of the Glebe (7)

32 Korean restaurant in the Glebe on Second Avenue (5)

34 Along with 13-Down, the popular bakery at Bank and Fourth (4)

36 Islamic festival marking end of Ramadan (3)

Down

1 Pale purple colour (5)

2 Ottawa’s PWHL team (9)

3 A bear’s hidden resting place (3)

4 Ancient Egyptian sun deity (2)

5 Island known for four leaf clovers and Guinness (7)

6 Declares legally invalid (6)

7 Hybrid utensil (5)

11 What an Aussie might call a shrimp (5)

12 Bathroom tissue roll, abbr. (2)

13 Along with 34-Down, the popular bakery at Bank and Fourth (3)

16 Most common English word (3)

20 Homer Simpson’s frustrated exclamation (3)

21 Material from which honeycomb is made (7)

22 Ottawa’s largest music festival (9)

23 Small sofa for two people (8)

24 Recently relocated sports bar from Old Ottawa South (9)

26 Black Sabbath’s lead singer, nickname (4)

27 Michael Jordan’s college team, with ‘heels’ (3)

29 Western delineating road of the Glebe (7)

32 Korean restaurant in the Glebe on Second Avenue (5)

34 Along with 13-Down, the popular bakery at Bank and Fourth (4)

36 Islamic festival marking end of Ramadan (3)

June Crossword answers: Page 18

30 Years Ago in the Glebe Report

Volume 23, Number 6, June 9, 1995 (36 pages)

by Ian McKercher

SYLVIA HOLDEN PARK OPENED

On June 1, Councillor Jim Watson presided as 125 people attended the official opening of the newly designated Sylvia Holden Park located on the southeast corner of Bank Street and Holmwood Avenue. The three-acre park honoured Glebe resident Sylvia Holden who had worked tirelessly in many capacities to enhance the quality of life in the Glebe, including the preservation of green spaces and expansion of community facilities. (Subsequently, during Lansdowne reconstruction, Sylvia Holden Park was moved to O’Connor Street north of Lansdowne.)

ILSE KYSSA RETIRES

After 20 years as proprietor, cook and guiding light of The Pantry in the Glebe Community Centre, Ilse Kyssa stepped down to spend more time with her grandchildren and her garden. When The Pantry was to reopen in September, Ilsa’s longtime friend and co-worker, Carolyn Best, would take over running what was reputed to be “the coziest tearoom in Ottawa.”

LINDA FOURNIER HONOURED

On May 5, Glebe Collegiate Science and Co-operative Education teacher Linda Fournier received the Women in Trades and Technology Award in the Education Division. This recognition is presented annually for significant contributions in encouraging female students to pursue careers in non-traditional fields. Fournier increased the enrolment of female students in science and trades co-op from two participants in 1994 to 15 students in 1995. Glebe girls enjoyed placements at Carleton and uOttawa, Natural Resources Canada, the National Research Council, Agriculture Canada, local hospitals and many private firms in such areas as architecture, physiotherapy and engineering.

10th GREAT GLEBE GARAGE SALE

The weather was perfect for the 10th edition of the Great Glebe Garage Sale on May 27. More than 400 households set out treasures for the thousands of “garage salers” who thronged the streets looking for bargains. More than $6,200 was raised for the Ottawa Food Bank.

This retrospective is filed bi-monthly by Ian McKercher of the Glebe Historical Society The society welcomes the donation or loan (for copying) of any item documenting Glebe history (photographs, maps, surveys, news articles, posters, programs, memorabilia, etc ) Contact Ian at 613-235-4863 or ian s mckercher@gmail com Note: All back issues of the Glebe Report to June 1973 can be viewed on the Glebe Report website at www glebereport ca under the PAST ISSUES menu

STAGES OF HEALING

By Sue Reive

Physiotherapists assess patients with a variety of injuries and at different stages of healing.

Generally, there are three stages of healing. The first stage is the substrate phase, which starts from the moment of injury and lasts about five days. In this inflammatory phase, the body responds to cell damage with increased cell permeability and increased blood flow that causes swelling. Specific cells which produce collagen (part of the scar tissue) are mobilized in the damaged tissue.

In this inflammatory stage, the RICE protocol is best: R for rest, I for Ice, C for Compression, E for Elevation. The injured part should be placed 12 inches above the heart to aid in drainage. Splinting and/or braces can help protect and rest the injured part while compression, ice and elevation help reduce swelling. A physiotherapist can tape or wrap the injured part and provide guidance on the use of ambulatory aides.

The second stage of healing – the fibroblastic phase – starts about a week after injury and lasts from four to 10 weeks. In this phase, scar tissue is produced and laid down to heal the injured tissue. During this process, the goal of treatment is to restore mobility and tensile strength of the tissue and prevent adhesions. A strong yet extensible scar is the goal. Physiotherapists will provide the appropriate exercises to achieve this goal and return the patient to optimal function. I find this is

the stage where people tend to reinjure themselves. Between three and four weeks, scar tissue is knitting the injured area together. Consequently, people feel better and return to sport. Unfortunately, the scar tissue does not yet have the tensile strength and can tear, leaving the area vulnerable to being reinjured.

The final phase of healing is the maturation phase. It begins at four weeks after injury and can last six months or more. Remodelling of the scar tissue occurs to make it as strong as possible.

Patients often come in for physiotherapy four to six weeks after injury with stiffness due to adhesions in the scar tissue. The outcome is often better when patients start physiotherapy in the first stage.

Susan Reive is a physiotherapist at the Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport Clinics Glebe.

IMAGE: MOHAMED HASSAN FROM PIXABAY COM

Haidyn Picco Operat ons Manager

Ewart

Garden Tour for Abbotsford

By Julie Ireton

Linden Holmes takes pride and pleasure in her home’s unique urban landscape, and this year she’s among the 17 gardeners showcasing manicured yards during the Abbotsford Garden Tour on Saturday, June 21 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The tour is a fundraiser for Abbotsford Seniors Centre, which offers a variety of classes and services for active seniors over 55 as well as specialized programming for people with dementia.

For Holmes, inspiration to transform her standard lawn and perennial bed came from the temple gardens of southeast Asia.

“In the back I have raised stone beds, stone pathways, landscaping with small shrubs, perennials, a gazebo and a pond with a buddha,” said Holmes.

This will be the first year she’s welcomed tour participants to her garden.

“I’m really happy to participate and looking forward to seeing other gardens,” she said. “I like how it’s organized by area so you can choose to see a few or the whole works.”

Elizabeth Ballard, an Abbotsford member and one of the organizers, said this year’s tour will include clusters of gardens in the Alta Vista area, some near Hog’s Back Falls and others in Old Ottawa South, Old Ottawa East and the Glebe.

“We started the garden tour event last year, and it was a great success,” said

PUBLIC FORUM ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS

By Carolyn Inch

You are invited to a Public Forum on Primary Health Care for Older Adults on June 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Southminster

Ballard. “Abbotsford is receiving a little less money from the city than it used to, so these fundraisers are intended to fill in the gap.”

“The tour will highlight a wide variety of styles and plants and inspire ideas,” said Ballard.

“Some are of an English cottage flavour. A couple are more wild, with more native plants and pollinators. Others are more refined, such as those with a Japanese flavour that are meticulously managed,” she explained.

Lesley Sibthorpe, an Abbotsford member for the past 17 years, attended last year’s tour which, like this year, is self-directed.

“It was an amazing selection of gardens. I’m a gardener so it gave me great ideas,” said Sibthorpe, who is also a volunteer helper. “It’s like seeing people’s personalities in a garden. In this day and age, we need to be uplifted and sometimes the simple, subtle gardens are very restful.”

Even though she’ll be showing off her own plants, shrubs and trees in her Glebe backyard, Holmes hopes to see some of the other gardens featured on this year’s tour.

“I’m interested in seeing some in Alta Vista in particular because they have bigger lots there, but I also want to see those smaller, pocket gardens.” she said.

Tickets for the Garden Tour can be purchased at Abbotsford Seniors Centre by telephoning reception at 613230-5730 or by dropping by 950 Bank

United Church.

In Ontario from 2022 to 2023, the number of “uncertainly attached” seniors (those without access to reliable primary care) increased by 13.8 per cent. Even more alarming, the number of those aged 80+ years surged by 20.7 per cent, from 58,000 to 70,000. This was predicted given the demographics and the fact that seniors are a disproportionate percentage on the roster of retiring family physicians.

Recently, Dr. Jane Philpott was hired

JAMES McCULLOCH LAWYER IN THE GLEBE

James provides legal services to Glebe residents, offers home visits and welcomes new clients.

613 565-5297

mccullochlawyer@rogers.com

Street. The tickets cost $28. This is an adult friendly event.

The volunteer committee would like to acknowledge and give thanks for the support of some of our generous donors: Whole Health Compounding Pharmacy (Glebe), Venvi Colonel By Retirement Home, Brian Lonsdale of Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management and Chartwell Lord Lansdowne as one of Abbotsford’s sustainable donors. The committee welcomes the support of other local donors who want to support seniors in community.

The Abbotsford Café will be open on the day of the tour. Coffee, tea, other drinks and treats will be available for sale, and there will be some fun prizes

by the Ontario government to craft a five-year plan to provide primary care to every Ontario resident. The Ontario government’s announcement is promising, and we look forward to learning about their plans for seniors. We hope it recognizes there is an urgent need for primary care for seniors.

Why host an older adult forum?

This forum is designed to build awareness of the crisis in primary health care for older adults, to share related advocacy approaches and to provide strategies to support healthy aging. Councillor Shawn Menard and the Seniors Health Innovations Hub, a group of senior volunteers in central Ottawa, are co-hosting it.

When we approached the medical community in Ottawa about our idea, we received tremendous support. The director of the Ottawa Health Team, Monica Armstrong, will set the stage by outlining the most recent data in Ottawa about seniors without primary care.

Our keynote speaker is Dr. Benoit Robert, chief medical officer at Perley Health and a renowned seniors’ health expert. Hoda Mankal, one of Ottawa’s foremost public faces for the nurse practitioner (NP) profession, will outline the scope of NP practice and why their presence on multidisciplinary teams can provide seniors with optimal care. Other topics important to healthy aging will be examined.

You will learn about recent developments that will help you navigate services important to aging at home, about how to be safer in your home and how to identify advocacy opportunities. Attendance is free, both online and in

and second-hand garden décor. Look for surprises at some of the gardens and bring cash…you never know!

Abbotsford Seniors Centre is part of The Glebe Centre Inc., a charitable, notfor-profit, organization which includes a 254-bed long term care home. Find out more about our services by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out The Glebe Centre facilities and programming on our website www. glebecentre.ca.

Julie Ireton is a journalist who writes frequently on Abbotsford for the Glebe Report.

person, refreshments are free, and the City of Ottawa provides free bus service to seniors on Wednesday! Older adults and their families, caregivers, as well as stakeholders and advocacy groups across Ottawa are encouraged to attend. In fact, we think that the program offers something for every Ottawa resident who wants to live a long, healthy life in our beautiful community.

Carolyn Inch is a member of the Seniors Health Innovations Hub.

Public Forum on Primary Health Care for Older Adults

Wednesday, June 18, 6 to 8 p m Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Avenue (accessible, served by bus routes 6 and 7, parking on the street and at Lansdowne Park ) Registration appreciated; providing your email will allow us to contact you with event-related information Use the QR code or go to seniorshealthinnovationshub com

The agenda and other useful information will be posted on the Seniors Health Innovations Hub website approximately a week before the event

Linden Holmes’s garden is one of 17 featured in the Abbotsford Garden Tour taking place on June 21 PHOTO: LINDEN HOLMES

Lacing up in the Glebe ‘First Shift’ makes hockey more accessible in

By Ashleigh Esser-Cuming

The Glebe is one of Ottawa’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, with its charming homes, family-friendly streets and easy access to Lansdowne and the Rideau Canal. It’s also a community where for many families, hockey is more than just a sport, it’s a way of life.

Anyone who’s attended a hockey game at TD Place – whether it’s the Ottawa 67’s or the PWHL’s Ottawa franchise, the Charge – knows the energy is electric. Even if you don’t think of hockey as your thing, there’s something infectious about being in the stands, surrounded by fans cheering on the home team. You see it in everyone’s eyes when they watch youth players step onto the ice for the national anthem or during intermission scrimmages. It’s about more than the game, it’s about community.

In households like mine, hockey isn’t just a pastime, it’s a constant presence. Our weekends revolve around practices, games and tournaments. Sticks pile up on the front porch. Gear airs out in a corner of the basement. But what

OTTAWA CHARGE A REMARKABLE SUCCESS – WHY REDUCE THE SIZE OF THEIR ARENA?

By Rianne Mahon and Margaret Buist

The Ottawa Charge made it all the way to the Professional Women’s Hockey League finals, upsetting the first-place Montreal Victoire in the opening round before losing in a nail-biting final to last year’s champion, the Minnesota Frost. All four games in the best-of-five final went into overtime, and all ended in 2-1 scores. The Charge played a lot of extra hockey to get as far as they did – they needed an overtime goal in their final regular-season game just to make the playoff, played a marathon four overtimes in a game against Montreal and three in a game against Minnesota.

Charge goalie Gwyneth Philips won the Ilana Kloss trophy as most valuable player in the playoffs despite being on the losing team. The 24-year-old rookie from Ohio took over the net when veteran starter Emerance Maschmeyer was injured in March and never looked back. She is nominated as best goalie and best rookie while Charge coach Carla McLeod is one of three nominees for best coach – more proof of a truly remarkable success story for the twoyear-old team.

The Charge have a growing and enthusiastic fan base that filled TD Place Arena with up to 8,200 fans during the playoffs. TSN commentators spoke of us as the loudest and proudest fans! “They (Charge fans) come with their kazoos, they blast their lungs out,” said Amy Scheer, the PWHL’s vice president of business operations. “They’ve got Electric Avenue a couple of people deep to greet the players, and this building is so loud.”

The whole city has embraced the Charge – the team flag was raised outside City Hall and part of Bank Street near Lansdowne was temporarily

truly makes it special is the camaraderie, not just among the players but also among the parents, sharing coffees in chilly rinks and forming friendships that last long after the final buzzer.

I wasn’t always this deep in the hockey world. My son seemed born ready to skate, but I was a casual fan with no idea how to start. Thankfully, neighbours whose kids played with the Ottawa Centre Minor Hockey Association (OCMHA) helped us take the plunge.

That first step can feel overwhelming, especially if you didn’t grow up around the game. Fortunately, there’s now a great way in. The First Shift program, sponsored by the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association is designed specifically for kids aged six to 10 who have never played hockey before. It’s a low-pressure, fun introduction where no experience is required.

Next January, the First Shift program will run at Brewer Arena, with consistent weekly ice times that make scheduling easy for families. Delivered by the OCMHA, the program will include six weeks of on-ice instruction led by a female head coach and

renamed Charge Avenue.

Yet despite this outpouring of support, City Council continues to forge ahead with plans for a new smaller arena. As part of the Lansdowne 2.0 plans to build two high-rise towers, the current arena, which seats more than 8,500, will be replaced with one with only 5,050 general admission seats for hockey games (a total of 6,200 if you include 750 standing only and 800 expensive box seats).

In other words, for a club that on average drew 7,597 to games throughout the season and more than 8,000 to the last home game of the series, almost 3,000 fewer fans will be able to attend in the new arena. This makes no sense.

Why the plan for a smaller arena? Clearly, the PWHL and the City underestimated the league’s success and the growth of women’s professional sport in general. As a PWHL advisory board member noted, the initial projection for attendance was a mere 1,000 a game. Moreover, the TD Place Arena’s main tenant, the Ottawa 67s, which used to fill the stadium, has struggled to attract over 5,000 since 2015. So, the initial plan was based on what turned out to be flawed evidence.

It is not too late to change the City’s position. The Charge, like its sister teams in Montreal and Toronto which

supported by co-ed instructors. For $299, participants also receive a full set of Bauer equipment to keep. Registration opens June 2 at 12 p.m. with 30 spots available, half of which are reserved for girls. To learn more or to sign up, visit www.firstshift.ca/ the-program or contact Jack Rhoades at communications@ocmha.ca.

Ottawa Centre

Whether your child is brand new to hockey or simply curious to give it a try, there’s never been a better time to join Ottawa’s proud hockey tradition.

Ashleigh Esser-Cuming is a recent addition to the OCMHA board of directors and a resident of neighbouring Old Ottawa South.

switched to much larger arenas in their second year, needs an arena the size of TD Place, not the puny one currently being planned.

At the presentation of the Walter Cup, the PWHL’s championship trophy, on May 26, tennis legend Billie Jean King, who helped found the league, said: “Women’s sports deserve the biggest stage.” As the PWHL grows along with

other women’s professional sports, it is incumbent on the City of Ottawa to keep up. Charge fans do not want to be shut out of watching their team play in a smaller arena subsidized by their taxes. Time for this City to revisit the plan for Lansdowne 2.0.

Rianne Mahon and Margaret Buist are avid Charge fans.

Ottawa Centre Minor Hockey Association’s Capital Thunder are primed to step on the ice at TD Place PHOTO: ASHLEIGH ESSER-CUMING

The Ottawa Charge made it all the way to the PWHL championship finals, defeating the firstplaced Montreal Victoire but losing in the end to the Minnesota Frost PHOTO: ELLEN BOND

Glebe Collegiate shines in 2025 production of Comic Potential

By Laura Webster

Glebe

Collegiate

Institute’s annual MainStage production returned to thunderous applause this spring with Comic Potential, a witty and moving satire – modified for a student production – that gave more than 70 students a platform to showcase their acting talent, creativity, teamwork and resilience. From custard pies in the face to more existential concepts of humanity compared to AI, this ambitious play was a thrill!

MainStage is more than a school play: it’s a full-scale production that brings together students across grades and disciplines. This year’s production reinforced that GCI is a vibrant, opportunity-rich school where students with all interests can thrive.

“This year I had the pleasure of stage-managing MainStage, and it was an opportunity I’m very grateful for,” said Sasha Malinovski, Grade 11. “Seeing all the props and sets come together and hearing people’s feedback was worth every minute I spent on this play.”

In addition to managing backstage, Malinovski created key set pieces through her Tech Design course, including the standout “actoid” charging station.

For returning cast member Moss Weichert, the experience was both creative and communal. “I enjoyed working on (my) character ‘Adam’ because developing those little habits or speech patterns made the character more lifelike. To me, MainStage is about the community just as much as it is about acting,” he said. “Even though it was a lot of work, it feels rewarding once everything comes to its final curtain.”

He shared that even the challenges, like workshopping the play’s dramatic fake-blood scene, added to the depth of the experience. “Working through those moments ended up making the play even better.”

Newcomers to the school also found places in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Grade 9 student Isabelle Miranda joined the ensemble, but then embraced many opportunities to support the play by helping with costumes and props, assisting with set building, promoting the play via social media and joining the backstage crew. “My favourite part of MainStage is the community it builds,” she said. “I met so many wonderful people. Everyone works so hard, and we love when people come to support the show.”

New to both the GCI and the stage, international exchange student Lisa Wrbka from Austria embraced the experience. “It is my first role,” she said. “I have never acted before, but I wanted

News from Glebe Collegiate Institute

to try it because I always thought it would be fun. I learned so much about how a theatre play is created, both on stage and behind the scenes. Auditioning was one of the best decisions I made during my exchange year. I’ve collected so many unforgettable memories.”

For Grade 12 student Owen Whike, who held a lead role, MainStage marked the end of a memorable high school chapter. “Three MainStage productions later, I am extremely grateful for this part of my high school experience. What I find interesting about GCI MainStage is the variety over the years; three very different plays, all just as exciting in their own ways. This year’s play was a blast to see come to light and act in. I hope it inspires other students to step outside their comfort zone and audition next year, like I did (back in Grade 10).”

Beyond the stage, students played essential roles. As head of audio, Lily Stevenson ensured the actors were heard clearly. “MainStage showcases talents in acting, set design, makeup and music, but it takes a whole [technical] team to make it all work. You don’t need to be in the spotlight to be part of it,” she said.

Music elevated this year’s show to new heights. Grade 12 student Sally Park served as conductor and music director. “I composed most of the songs, with a few cover arrangements,” Park explained. “My favourite moment was our first dress rehearsal with the pit band. That’s when I realized how much live music elevates a play.”

Dancers from Glebe’s dance courses performed to Park’s compositions, which created a Broadway effect and helped mask quick set changes, led by backstage crew head River Conlin, Grade 11.

Glebe’s MainStage reflects the school itself: diverse, driven, inclusive and united by a shared purpose. Students aren’t just learning theatre – they are building, performing, leading, composing and collaborating. For families exploring high school options, this production sends a clear message: Glebe is a place where students don’t just find their voice and talents, they amplify them.

Laura Webster is a teacher at Glebe Collegiate and the director and producer of the satirical play Comic Potential.

Glebe Collegiate’s production of the satire Comic Potential was a hit this spring!

Student-composed music elevated the play PHOTOS: JENNIFER AUSTIN CHAMP

Congratulations to the Glebe Montessori School choir for receiving the John Sutherland Trophy for Choral Excellence at the 2025 Kiwanis Music Festival PHOTO: LAYLA RANKIN

Hold the phone: A community call to delay smartphones until age 14

By Katherine Liston and Robyn Aaron

In today’s fast-paced digital world, kids are growing up online – often before they’re ready. Smartphones, with all the convenience and entertainment they offer, have become engrained in our daily lives. But more and more, par ents like us are finding it challenging to moderate our own technology use and are asking ourselves, “Is this what we want for our kids?”

A growing number of fam ilies in our community are planning to delay giving our children smartphones until at least age 14. We think our children need more time to grow without the con stant buzz of notifications, social media pressures and demands on their devel oping attention spans.

Why Wait?

Research shows that early smart phone use can have significant effects on chil dren’s health, sleep quality and focus. The pre-teen and early teen years are a critical window for building self-es teem, developing the ability to pay attention (and to be

bored) and learning to navigate realworld social dynamics.

Smartphones, with their access to social media and the internet, introduce a whole new set of pressures: the need to be constantly “on,” to compare, to respond instantly and to curate an image. For many young users, these stresses take a toll.

As parents, we worry about being the only ones saying “not yet.” But when families make this choice together, it helps to create a community of kids who won’t be reliant on social media to maintain relationships and make plans. This reduces pressure on parents to provide smartphones so their kids won’t be left out.

That’s why we’re inviting parents and guardians (or students themselves!) to sign a community smartphone pledge – a voluntary commitment not to give smartphones to their children until they are at least 14 (or the end of Grade 8). This pledge isn’t about judging anyone or saying that phones are always bad. It isn’t about movie nights or videogames or flipphones. It’s about smartphones connected to the internet and social media

apps, and it’s about making it easier for parents to make the choice to delay giving them to their kids.

Unplugged Canada in the Glebe

On January 22, Mutchmor School Council voted unanimously in favour of endorsing the Smartphone Free Childhood Initiative, which originated in the United Kingdom and has since become a global movement to delay the introduction of smartphones and social media to children. Here in Canada, this initiative is referred to as Unplugged Canada and there are chapters growing across the country. Unplugged Canada also allows families to sign the pledge online and, if they choose to share their information, to connect with other families at their child’s school who have also signed.

Interested parents and caregivers wanting to learn more and connect are invited with their children to an in-person meet up and play date. This outdoor event is scheduled for Saturday, June 14 at Capital Park on Ella Street from 10 a.m. to noon. Fellow Mutchmor parent Alex Munter, CEO of the Canadian Medical Association and former president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, introduced the initiative at School Council and will be speaking about child and youth mental health as it relates to social media use. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, June 21 at the same time and location. If you are a parent or caregiver interested in learning more or if you want to sign the pledge, please check out www. unpluggedcanada.com or send an email to unpluggedglebe@gmail.com.

Katherine Liston and Robyn Aaron have children who attend Mutchmor Public School.

Glebe Coop Nursery School rounds out the year with a butterfly release

By Alanna Brown

Spring has finally sprung, and after long May showers, we are excited to welcome the beautiful June flowers!

Our teachers have been harvesting the wild chives growing around the community centre to bring into class as a fun mortar-and-pestle activity for our toddlers and preschoolers. They love to crush the fresh herbs to see what different smells they can make.

At GCNS, we love to incorporate elements of nature inside and outside the classroom in daily education and play. Seeing the beautiful gardens around

the school gives us an opportunity to work on identifying colours, shapes and names of plants and flowers.

In May, a firefighter joined our preschool class to teach what life is like working at the fire station. He brought his full uniform and showed how to put on each item and taught about the importance of fire safety at home.

I happen to be a musician and enjoyed getting invited into the toddler classroom in May to lead singalongs with my guitar. We sang about five little ducks, head, shoulders, knees and toes, and other fun songs that incorporate dancing, movement, counting and

This is my final time reaching out as an Ottawa Carleton District School Board trustee. By the time that this goes to press, I will have already made my resignation public. I step down as of June 4.

It has been an honour to serve as trustee for Zone 9. I have held on for three years, despite horrific harassment, because it is anathema to me to bow to individuals and groups whose goal is to chase away a leader who stands up for social justice, human rights, public education, public health. It is hard to walk away, as I am certain it is hard for politicians to walk away from other levels of politics.

As a progressive voice in the community, I was tasked by my constituents with the responsibility to keep social justice issues on the agenda, to advocate for academic supports for students with disabilities, neurodiverse students, 2SLGBTQ students, Indigenous and racialized students. I did all of that, in the face of harassment, defamation, threats to my family. My prominence as a physician advocating for vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic and my outspokenness about being targeted as a Jewish physician made me a particular focus of hate. It was the combination of the toxicity without and within – the inability or unwillingness of fellow trustees to acknowledge the manipulation of our board by nefarious outside influences or the long-standing dysfunction and lack of leadership within the OCDSB –that was truly unbearable.

I counsel my patients to leave toxic workplaces, and I must follow my own advice.

repetition. Singing is one of the ways our toddlers love to end their mornings, and we have been working on learning more songs each month as their vocabularies grow.

Our caterpillars arrived last month, and we’ve been busy watching them explore their new habitat in the classroom. Watching their life cycle provides an opportunity to learn what caterpillars eat, how they move around and grow into their chrysalis and then emerge into butterflies. Every year, parents and caregivers are invited to an outdoor celebration in June where we open the lids to the butterfly habitats and watch the butterflies fly away into nature.

As sad as we are to end our school year together, we couldn’t be prouder of how much our students have grown. Many of our preschoolers will transition to junior kindergarten in the fall,

By walking away, I leave Zone 9 without representation, vulnerable to whomever the trustees choose to replace me (there is no democratic process for a by-election in school boards). Keep an eye out for that, and keep an eye on school boards across Canada: It will only get worse, and the damage to public education is an issue you should take seriously.

and we are excited for them to bring the skills, creativity and confidence that we’ve nurtured into their new learning environments.

Above all, we’d love to thank our outstanding teachers Helen, Melanie and Erica for such a fabulous year creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Alanna J. Brown is responsible for communications for the Glebe Coop Nursery School.

PHOTO: ANDREY K ON UNSPLASH COM

Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth

Charlie mashes fresh chives from the garden.

Finley, Fulton and Myles playing dress-up PHOTOS: ALANNA BROWN

This space is a free community bulletin board for Glebe residents Send your GRAPEVINE message and your name, email address, street address and phone

Messages without complete information will not be accepted. FOR SALE items must be less than

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

ABBOTSFORD GARDEN TOUR, Sat , June 21, 10 a m -4 p m , 17 inspiring gardens in Old Ottawa East, Old Ottawa South, the Glebe, Alta Vista and Hog’s Back Tickets on sale now for $28 Call (613230-5730) or drop-in at Abbotsford Seniors Centre (950 Bank St ), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a m -4:30 p m (Cash/Visa/MC) What’s new in the gardens: metal garden art pieces and plants for sale (cash only) + Abbotsford Café and Crafts at Abbotsford (Cash/MC/Visa)

ABBOTSFORD SENIOR CENTRE (950 Bank St , Tel : 613-230-5730) is unable to collect donations of books, art, jewelry, elegant treasures of flea market items at this time We are bursting at the seams with donations that were so graciously donated to us for our Glebe Garage Sale fundraiser in May Our volunteers who sort, price and sell will take a break over the summer, and we will start collecting again in the fall Thank you for your generous contributions

ABBOTSFORD SENIOR CENTRE (950 Bank St ) Stay tuned for the Summer Program Guide coming out in mid-June In addition, please note that our Atrium Book Store will be open during the summer and the Boutique will be selling good quality ladies clothing as well as handmade crafts and teddy bears!

ART IN THE PARK, June 7 and 8, 10 a m -5 p m , Central Park in the Glebe Featuring 150-200 artists, this event continues to inspire and engage people of all ages Formerly the New Art Festival, it is a non-profit event that takes pride in its grassroots beginnings in 1992

ART LENDING OF OTTAWA Spring Art Show takes place Saturday, June 14, 10 a m -4 p m at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, 1265 Walkley Road This event features original, high-quality artwork from over 40 local juried artists and showcases a wide variety of styles and mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, ink, photography, printmaking, mosaics, mixed media and encaustics ALO offers artwork for both purchase and rent

FRIENDS OF THE FARM USED BOOK SALE We are pleased to announce that the Friends of the Farm will be holding our annual book sale on Sat , June 21 at the Neatby Building Salon (960 Carling Ave) This year’s book sale will be a change from previous years as our move to Building 75 has required us to re-think the format This means that we will have a one-day sale on June 21 and a one-day drop off on Sat , June 14 at the Neatby Building where volunteers will be there to greet you

GLEBE ANNEX COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PARTY

IN THE PARK, Saturday, June 21 Noon-3 p m , Dalhousie South Park at 343 Bell Street South Rain date the next day, same time and place There will be music, lawn games for the children (or children at heart), and we’ll have Bert the Bubble Guy join us too As always, there will be good food and good company!

GLEBE ART IN THE GARDEN TOUR: July 5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a m -4 p m 24 artists – painters, photographers, graphic artists and potters – are exhibiting and selling their art at 14 sites in the Glebe Go from site to site to see their work Chat with the artists Pick out a favourite piece of art for yourself or a friend Look around the gardens and studios Pick up a brochure at participating stores in the Glebe Check the website for information about the artists and a map of the sites www glebearttour ca

OLD OTTAWA SOUTH GARDEN CLUB VISIT, Tues June 17, 7 p m , Tour of Community Gardens

Please join Sandy Garland, a member of the Old Ottawa South Enviro Crew, who will lead a tour of mini-meadows, rain gardens and community gardens in the area Meet at Brighton Beach Park (corner of Brighton and Rideau River Dr ) There is no charge for the visit Info: Old Ottawa South Community Centre 623-247-4946

PROBUS Ottawa is welcoming new members from the Glebe and environs Join your fellow retirees, near retirees and want-to-be retirees for interesting speakers and discussions, not to mention relaxed socializing See our website: www probusoav ca for more detailed information about the club and its activities as well as contact points and membership information We will be meeting on Wed , June 25 at 10 a m at Gloucester Presbyterian Church,

91 Pike St for a presentation by a volunteer from the Humane Society, who will enlighten us on the role of the society in our community from caring for abandoned animals to assisting in finding and caring for a pet

CELEBRATION OF LIFE of SARAH POULIOT, former owner of Sarah Clothes All are welcome to come and remember Sarah and her extraordinary life Sunday, June 15, 2-5 p m Dom Polski Hall, 379 Waverley Street If interested in attending, please contact: andreejaipur@gmail com for more details

The SENIORS HEALTH INNOVATIONS HUB, a group of senior volunteers in central Ottawa and Shawn Menard, councillor for Capital Ward, will be co-sponsoring Primary Care for Older Adults: An Urgent Need This forum will be held at Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave on Wed , June 18 from 6-8 p m It will be in person and online Attendance is free including complimentary refreshments The venue is accessible; details on bus routes and parking are available on our website listed below Keynote speaker: Dr Benoit Robert, chief medical officer at Perley Health and a renowned seniors’ health expert Our goal is to build awareness of the crisis in primary care for older adults, to share related advocacy approaches and to provide strategies to support healthy aging The intended audience includes older adults and their families, as well as stakeholder and advocacy groups For online registration information and agenda details please go to seniorshealthinnovationshub com

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: the Grand Connection Join ONE WORLD GRANNIES and UNITARIAN GOGOS for Stories and Songs on a Summer Evening, Wednesday, June 18, 7-9 p m , (doors open at 6:30 p m ) in the worship hall of the First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Avenue All proceeds to the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign Tickets are $35 and include home-made refresh-

ments at intermission and a chance to win one of several door prizes! Purchase your tickets at Eventbrite or call 705-875-0277

UNPLUGGED CANADA IN THE GLEBE meet-up and playdate for parents and kids to discuss a community call to delay smartphones for kids until age 14 Meet-up to take place on Saturday, June 14 at Capital Park on Ella Street 10 a m -noon, with Mutchmor parent Alex Munter as speaker Rain date June 21 at the same time and place

BEAUTIFUL UPRIGHT MERRILL PIANO free to a good home Lovely sound and appearance Must go by end of June Contact sutherland mcgill@gmail com

AVAILABLE

STUDENT HANDYMAN SERVICE My name is Henry Chernoff, I am a Grade 11 student at Glebe I run the experienced and reliable local handyman business, Henry the Handyman Offering handyman services this spring and summer, including outdoor painting, landscaping, gardening, weeding, pressure washing, lawn mowing/care and small repair/construction jobs, as well as possibly anything else you might have Contact chernoffh@ icloud com or 343-571-5508 for rates and/or a free quote If you have any questions about a specific job or references, please contact me

WANTED

BILLET FAMILY FOR FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY PLAYER Australian family seeking family for our daughter Hannah (17, starting grade 11) She will be studying at a high school in the Glebe and playing hockey at Lady 67s in Sandy Hill Accommodation needed from mid-August to June (she will be returning home for Christmas holidays ) Transport and meals preferable If you can help, please contact ajcryan@yahoo com

The Abbotsford Volunteer Garden Tour Committee is organizing this year’s garden tour From left, back row: Elizabeth Ballard, Pat Goyeche, Anne Marie Korba, Christine Nassarallah Front row: Sue Wheeler, Hasmig Adjelein Not shown: Bev Fox PHOTO: ELLENI ADANE

“Dandy” by Jock Smith