KITCHISSIPPI TIMES
PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.
Meet KT’s new sales representative
BY CHARLIE SENACK
I’m not someone who adapts well to change. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned it’s a big part of life.
The Kitchissippi Times has faced a number of changes over the last few years, and now I’d like to let you all in on another one.
news knows how tough of a business it can be. People think print media is dead, even when it isn’t for local community publications which run on a very different model than mainstream news.
anxiety quickly turned to excitement when I found out Jennifer Tackaberry would be taking over the role.
KITCHISSIPPI TIMES
Great River Media Inc PO Box 91585
Ottawa ON K1W 1K0
The Kitchissippi Times is an award-winning newspaper that has serviced Westboro, Wellington West, and surrounding communities for the last 20 years. The word Kitchissippi, meaning “great river” in Algonquin, is the former Indigenous name for the Ottawa River.
STORY IDEA? editor@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/kitchissippi
EDITOR
Charlie Senack charlie@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/charlie_senack
CONTRIBUTORS
For the past eight years, Eric Dupuis has been our sales representative. To say he’s done a phenomenal job would be an understatement. During his time with the paper, we’ve been able to expand in more ways than ever imagined. We’ve been able to connect with more readers. Introduce ourselves to new communities. Print more copies.
Anyone who works in community
But Eric has found ways to soar above this. And now he’s going on to bigger and better things with the Ottawa Business Journal, which is also part of Great River Media.
Eric has been a great friend and colleague — even though he has a poor choice in hockey teams with the Toronto Maple Leafs. We are all so happy for him with this new adventure and he will be missed by the countless clients he’s worked with.
When I found out the news my thought was, what would this mean for KT? But any
Jen has a very impressive resume — in fact she sold briefly for KT in the past before joining the Ottawa at Home team. She’s been with us for only a month now, and is already brainstorming new ways that will continue to take us to the next level. She is also a Westboro resident!
If you’re a supporter of local news, reach out to Jen at advertising@kitchissippi. com to be seen by our audience. Your ads will reach residents from Britannia to Centretown, with 16,000 print copies and over 40,000 online views.
Together we can all ensure strong voice for decades to come!
Simon Hopkins, Dave Allston, Ellen Bond, Christopher Smith, Bradley Turcotte, Hannah Wanamaker, Aicha Chamor, Anita Murray, and Patrick Langston.
PROOFREADERS
Susan Rothery
ADVERTISING SALES
Eric Dupuis 613-696-9485 eric@kitchissippi.com
Jennifer Tackaberry 613-696-9482 jennifer@kitchissippi.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Celine Paquette celine@greatriver.ca
FINANCE
Cheryl Schunk, 613-696-9490 cheryl@greatriver.ca
All other enquiries 613-696-9494 info@kitchissippi.com
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A minimum of 16,000 copies are distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the Britannia and Preston Street communities. Most residents in this area will receive the Kitchissippi Times directly to their door. If you would like to become a distribution point, please contact us. Copies are available at Dovercourt Recreation Centre, Hintonburg Community Centre, and dozens of other pickup locations in the area.
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Comet 2000
info@kitchissippi.com
The Kitchissippi Times is published by
FOUNDER PUBLISHER
Mark Sutcliffe Michael Curran
Meet the federal election candidates running in Ottawa Centre
BY CHARLIE SENACK
The upcoming federal election is becoming a more competitive race than initially expected.
Polls months ago showed the Conservatives on track to win a majority government. But now, with Mark Carney as the Liberal Party leader, the tides are turning, and the race is neck-in-neck.
Paul D’Orsonnes is projected to come in second place with 21 per cent — something the party hasn’t pulled off since 2011. Harden is trailing behind in third with 16 per cent, and Green Party candidate Amanda Rosenstock in fourth at three per cent. The projections are based on polls, electoral history and other data.
the communities of Heron Park and Riverside Park from Ottawa South. In turn, Carlington and homes west of Golden Avenue will become part of Ottawa-West Nepean. That will impact residents in Highland Park and Carlingwood - McKellar ParkLaurentian View.
This could impact results in Ottawa Centre, where incumbent MP Yasir Naqvi is seeking a third term. His primary challenger was originally seen as NDP candidate Joel Harden, who previously served the riding provincially as MPP.
However, early projections on 338 Canada show Naqvi winning with 57 per cent of the vote. Conservative candidate
YASIR NAQVI - LIBERAL (INCUMBENT)
This will be one of the most crucial elections in recent history, said Ottawa Centre incumbent Liberal candidate Yasir Naqvi.
“This election is so much about ensuring that Canada remains a proud and independent country, both economically and politically. We've not seen anything in modern history where our sovereignty is threatened. I'm running to not only work hard for my community but to stand up for Canada,” he said.
On a local level, Naqvi is committed to building more affordable housing. That includes creating “sustainable and inclusive communities” at Tunney’s Pasture and Confederation Heights, a new part of the riding.
During the recent federal Liberal leadership race, Carney — who’s running in the Ottawa riding of Nepean — won his most support in the electoral district of Ottawa Centre, with 2,270 votes. A day later, he was seen eating at Wellington West’s John’s Diner with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
A surprise to many voters this election is the changes to electoral districts. Ottawa Centre has taken over
He would also like to see work continue to revitalize the downtown core.
”My work in converting federal government vacant office buildings for housing where suitable is paramount, starting most notably with the Jackson Building, which I'm hoping and working towards converting into housing for Indigenous people in our community,” said Naqvi.
There have been many concerns about safety in the ByWard Market and the Chinatown community. The Somerset West Community Health Centre was recently forced to close its safe consumption site due to new provincial rules. Naqvi said that would harm the community.
“That has put vulnerable members of our community in serious jeopardy
In Ottawa-West Nepean, the incumbent Liberal party candidate is Anita Vandenbeld, who has served in the role since 2015. The Conservative candidate is Ryan Telford, and the NDP candidate is Josh Bizjack. At the time of publication, no Green Party candidate has been selected.
The Kitchissippi Times interviewed the four main candidates running in the Ottawa Centre riding to learn their main priorities.
and has also undermined the safety and well-being of residents and businesses in the community. That is why I've worked very closely with the City of Ottawa and Somerset West Health Centre in getting federal funding to provide that vital outreach support and ensure that vulnerable members of our community get the proper healthcare support, but also create more public safety.”
JOEL HARDEN - NDP
The NDP in Ottawa Centre hopes a successful win in the riding provincially will also translate to votes federally.
Joel Harden, who was previously the NDP MPP for Ottawa Centre until earlier this year, said he decided to seek the riding's federal nomination after
attending former MP Ed Broadbent's funeral in February 2024.
“I thought about the good that Ed did not just for Ottawa Centre in his two short years as our MP but for the whole country and his whole career. He believed in pushing us as Canadians to be as good as possible to make our country as good as it can be. But he also believed, as I do, that you don't demonize people in other political parties,” said Harden. ”I want to try to build bridges at a time when many people are more focused on ripping each other to shreds.”
Harden said one of his biggest priorities is climate action. He referenced how, across the river in Gatineau, their electrical grid is fully powered by hydroelectricity.
“A big platform issue for me in this campaign is energy made in Canada should stay in Canada. We should be able to service our needs with help from our neighbours in Quebec and help from our friends bordering to the west of us. Manitoba has a surplus of electricity that they sell to the Americans.”
Harden noted that all of this could be accomplished in two years. He said it could also encourage the electrification of home heating in buildings and personal homes and public transit.
Harden would like to see more federal office buildings converted to build more affordable housing, such as what was done on Albert Street.
Harden would also like to see the federal government come to the table with serious money for transit. He recalled how as a kid, he could get from 10th line road in Orleans to Canterbury High School in 42 minutes.
PAUL D’ORSONNENS - CONSERVATIVE
The Conservatives are running Paul d’Orsonnens as their candidate in Ottawa Centre. The 35-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces served in various leadership positions.
D’Orsonnens originally agreed to a phone interview with KT like all the other candidates, but said an hour before that he’d only respond to questions over email.
“Having served on multiple overseas missions, I learned quickly the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving results, especially in challenging environments. I now want to bring these decades of experience to
the service of my country as the next MP for Ottawa Centre,” d’Orsonnens wrote about his reason to run.
One of his main priorities is downtown revitalization and “creating an actionable plan to bring our downtown core back to life.”
“This means working with all levels of government to create a shared vision for the downtown core. A diverse and creative hub of activity – a place to live, play, innovate,” said d’Orsonnens.
On housing affordability, the Conservative candidate said there needs to be more of a relationship between the City of Ottawa and the feds to “cut red tape, streamline processes, promote development, and encourage innovative solutions that will make housing more affordable and accessible for everyone.
That includes: “No more inefficient programs or regulations that block the delivery of home builds.”
AMANDA ROSENSTOCK - GREEN PARTY
When Amanda Rosenstock moved to Ottawa three years ago, she fell in love with the city. Wanting to make a difference, she’s put her name forward as the Green Party candidate in Ottawa Centre after running federally in Toronto in 2021.
Rosenstock said some of the biggest priorities she’s hearing at the door is around affordability, housing, and public transit.
“We don't fund our public services sustainably across Canada. The federal government is proposing a new permanent public transit fund, which is supposed to come online in 2026. But it doesn't provide the kind of funding that Ottawa desperately needs.” said Rosenstock. “We're talking about money to pay bus drivers and mechanics when our aging fleet breaks down. The fund right now only proposes to provide capital funding.”
To fix social disorder seen in parts of Ottawa Centre, Rosenstock said the Greens believe you need to fix the issues of poverty and marginalization.
“One of the things that we've been committed to for a long time is increasing federal funding for mental health,” she said. “We've also been committed to the goal of a guaranteed livable income so that no one falls below a certain floor in terms of their ability to access the necessities of life.”
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Wellington West launches campaign to fight against U.S. tariffs
BY AICHA CHAMOR
Wellington West’s entrepreneurs have seized the threat of tariffs as an opportunity to champion Canadian imports.
After the U.S. imposed steep tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian exports and 10 per cent on energy products, Trump sparked a national crisis, leading to frustration among Canadians and a movement to boycott American goods.
In response to the trade war, Aron Slipacoff, executive director of the Wellington West BIA, envisioned the "Shop Canadian" campaign to bolster support for local businesses facing the challenges of tariffs.
“We originally had a spring campaign that was planned to promote our neighborhood as a one-stop shopping neighborhood,” said Slipacoff. “However, when the threat of tariffs started, I thought that hundreds of Canadian flags all up and down the streets on the light poles would be a way to get everybody’s attention.”
The campaign is hard to miss, with over 100 vibrant street banners along a 2.1-kilometre stretch of Wellington Street
West. In addition, eye-catching posters adorn local store windows, and new gateway signs welcome visitors to the area.
Many businesses in Wellington West, from charming boutique retailers to beloved family-owned eateries, have already faced significant challenges in recent years. They’ve been navigating the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and decreased foot traffic due to nearby federal office vacancies.
“Anytime your business is relying on goods from the States and then you have to pass on a 25 per cent tariff to your customers, it’s going to create a problem,” said Slipacoff. “We’re asking Ottawa/Gatineau residents to think twice about going to American stores at American-owned malls, to reconsider their next Amazon purchase, and instead visit a Canadian store in Wellington West.”
One of the businesses navigating the impact of tariffs is Thyme & Again, which had previously sourced some of its ingredients from the United States.
“These changes have certainly impacted our cost structure,” said Jeniffer Quinlan, the general manager of Thyme & Again. “But we’ve turned this challenge into an
opportunity to focus even more on supporting Canadian vendors.”
In a bold reaction to the shifting landscape, the store rebranded their Americano coffee to Canadiano on the menu, embracing a trend that emerged following the tariff decisions.
Quinlan noted that customers are highly engaged with this initiative. “People are really enjoying that we’re making it very clear where things come from.” She said that sourcing locally is not just a smart business strategy.
“We want our customers to feel great about enjoying our food, not just because it’s delicious, but because it resonates with our community values,” said Quinlan.
Jane Berry, the owner of Blueprint Home, which has been selling local furniture for more than two decades, said that the tariffs have not affected her business. “Since 2020 we’ve been predominantly Canadian-made. Canada,” said Berry.
Wellington West’s Flock Boutique celebrates 20 years
BY CHARLIE SENACK
It was 2005 when Bridget Remai first got the idea to open Flock Boutique. The local jeweller met business partner Christina Ballhorn who made handbags. It seemed like a perfect time to open a shop that was strictly Canadian.
”We thought, wouldn't it be great if there was a store where our jewelry wasn't put right next to all this factory-made jewelry from China where the price is different and the styles are more unique,” recalled Remai. “Our focus is mostly clothing so we have pants, tops, skirts, but we also have a lot of jewelry, some bags
and a pretty robust gift room.”
According to the business mission statement, Flock Boutique believes in “ethical production and sustainable fashion.” It carries the work of over 100 independent Canadian designers and makers.
The store first opened in the ByWard Market and then moved into Wellington West five years later. This year Flock Boutique is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It comes at a time when there is more of an emphasis on Canadian-made goods than ever.
Friction between Canada and the U.S. over tariffs has meant consumers
are paying attention where they put their money. In grocery stores, products are being labelled with tags stating where the fruits and vegetables were grown. There have been boycotts of products made across the border. Remai said it’s been good for business.
“For the last 20 years we've been standing on our soap box, trying to convince people to purchase local. We have a lot of loyal customers, but we’ve had more new customers in the last month than we can really remember in recent history,” she said.
It hasn’t always been an easy model to follow. There are difficulties finding manufacturers in Canada — even for producers who live here. It can be more expensive and also more difficult to find quantity in goods.
”In Canada, we have a great minimum wage. But that costs more and a lot of our designers are actually also having fabric made for them in Canada. The cost of the raw material is higher. But we're willing to go through all that because keeping a manufacturing sector in Canada is really important to us,” said Remai.
Every spring and fall, Flock Boutique holds a trunk sale off-site where designers
Bridget Remai and Christina Ballhorn are co-owners of Wellington West’s Flock Boutique. PROVIDED PHOTO.
clear out their past season collections. The next sale will take place April 10 to 13 at Next Door Market and Event Space on Gladstone Avenue. All Canadian-made clothing items will be 30 to 70 per cent off.
Ukrainian Orthodox congregation celebrates 75th anniversary Church completes needed repairs through fundraising
BY SIMON HOPKINS
The Ukrainian Orthodox church in Ottawa has celebrated its 75th anniversary as a congregation. As part of the 2024 anniversary year, the church embarked on an ambitious fundraising goal of $200,000. The church held multiple fundraisers throughout the year, according to Parish Priest Father Taras Kinash. In total, the church raised over $160,000, allowing it to repair the roof.
Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canada. The church service took place at a Greek Orthodox church formerly located on Albert Street.
Six months later, the parish purchased its own building located at the corner of Main Street and Colonel By Drive. The building was a former Anglican church, bought and remodelled for a total cost of $19,000, according to the parish.
“It’s a place of community gathering,” Kinash said about the church. The banquet hall is frequently home to events like the ones used as fundraisers in 2024.
“It started a year ago with pysanka bingo,” Kinash told the Kitchissippi Times. Pysanka are the traditional painted easter eggs, which the church combined with a bingo night and dinner to kick off the year. There was also a borscht cooking competition that featured dozens of borscht variations from regions across Ukraine.
In addition to the roof repairs, the church was able to renovate portions of the church’s hall and foyer.
In 1949, members of the Ottawa Ukrainian community put into action the idea of a Ukrainian Orthodox church in Ottawa, joining the Ukrainian Catholic congregation founded in 1914. In October 1949, the church held its first meeting, attended by the head of the
From their new parish, named in 1950 the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, the church established Ukrainian language schools for children in Ottawa and a branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada.
In 1962, the church purchased the land on Byron Avenue, where the church now stands. The banquet hall on the ground floor of the building was built first and served as the church’s new place of worship for 12 years, beginning in 1964.
The church accepted three proposals for the sanctuary and, in 1977, began construction on the design by UkrainianCanadian architect Yuri Kodak, who designed dozens of Ukrainian churches across North America throughout the 20th century. The church opened its doors a year later and has been hosting services since then.
The church plans to continue hosting community events and conducting outreach. Their next fundraising goal is a new men’s bathroom.
Insert:
Above: Construction of the church designed by Yuri Kodak began in 1977. The central dome of the church was built on-site and weighed over 700 lbs. PHOTO COURTESY OF HELEN KODAK.
Top: The Ukrainian Orthodox congregation in McKellar Park has been welcoming patrons for 75 years. FILE PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.
Father Taras Kinash is the parish priest.
FILE PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.
Kitchissippi area parents worry over proposed OCDSB changes
BY CHARLIE SENACK
The Ottawa Carleton District School board is in a tough financial spot. It is facing a $20 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year and has no money left in its reserves. To make matters worse, this is the fourth consecutive deficit it has posted.
As a result, some tough decisions need to be made, said OCDSB executive director Pino Buffone. The public board has plans to change its map boundaries, impacting 123 schools. That would see about 11,000 students need to switch educational facilities by September 2026, which is 5,000 more than in a normal year. A total of 30 schools would see grade reconfigurations.
Parents say this would cause a lot of complications. Laura D’Angelo’s 4-year-old son Finn currently attends the French Immersion Junior Kindergarten program at Broadview Public School. But when it’s time for her now 1-year-old daughter to start school, she will need to attend Churchill Alternative for French Immersion.
“They are equidistant from my house but completely opposite directions. Churchill is an alternative school and the board has committed to phasing out alternative education, making all grades available for eight years so they can finish out the program they've selected,” said D’Angelo. “That means in 2026, when my son will be in Grade 1, Churchill will not offer French immersion so he has to stay at Broadview. But my daughter, who will go to school in 2028, has to go to the new school she's zoned in because they don't offer crossboundary transfers right now.”
Kate Purchase’s family is in a similar boat. She was “shocked” to see her kids would be impacted by the boundary changes, because they live so close to Broadview School.
“What we discovered was that only our side of the street and only our block of the street was going to be zoned out of the Broadview catchment, which meant that our daughter would not be able to go to Broadview with our son who would get grandparented into the school,” Purchase said.
When it’s her daughter's time to start public education, she will now need to attend Churchill between Kindergarten and Grade 6, Fisher Park Public School — a 40-minute walk away — for Grades 7 and 8, and then a final jump to Nepean High School for the last four years.
Another educational facility that will see drastic changes is Woodroffe Avenue Public School near Carlingwood Mall. Elizabeth MacDonald’s two kids are enrolled there and live only 350 metres from the school. But new changes will split them apart.
”We have a thriving Kindergarten to Grade 8 school in a beautiful diverse and mixed demographic neighborhood. One of the things we love most about our community school is the diversity within it. Unfortunately, under the elementary program review proposal, my 8-year-old will remain at Woodroffe because he will be grandfathered under the current plan because it is becoming a Grade 4 to 8 school. My 4-year-old will unfortunately travel about three kilometres to Regina Street School.”
That school will be at 124 per cent capacity. Four other OCDSB schools which are closer to MacDonald’s family will be under capacity. The changes would also mean her daughter needs to change schools three times before grade 4.
“I walk my kids to and from school and I don't think I will be able to logistically make that happen any longer,” said MacDonald. ”I would rely on the after-school program if we can get a spot and I would need to go walk to pick her
up from there. But walking six kilometres on a -30 C day in the dark winter along Richmond Road with the construction that is projected to continue for decades seems illogical.”
Students who attend Devonshire Public School will also face negative impacts. They will be split between four schools with the three others being Cambridge, Centennial and Mutchmor.
Simmi Dixit, whose child attends Grade 1 at Devonshire, would like to see existing students grandfathered and changes made to the boundary radius.
“Displacing children and placing them in new schools, changing their commute, their peers and their teachers all at once is a huge shock. For children in grade 3 or 4, this change would
happen two years in a row, as they move once in 2026 and again as they enter into Grade 7,“ Dixit told trustees.
“The research indicates that these kinds of disruptions can lead to increased anxiety, decrease in school performance, greater duress for educators and school systems and absenteeism in high school.”
The OCDSB planned to release a report after KT went to print which would address “some of the concerns that have been raised” about proposed boundary and program changes.
Executive director Buffone said, “It won’t be perfect, but I’m very convinced that our planners continue to work on areas that have been addressed to try and alleviate some of the concerns that have been raised.”
Devonshire Public School would have its students split between four schools under proposed board changes. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.
Grassroots Music Festival coming to First Unitarian Church
BY BRADLEY TURCOTTE
The Grassroots Festival, a multifaceted event featuring workshops, auction items, and musical performances, blooms at the First Unitarian Church Apr 24-27, headlined by roots rocker Devin Cuddy and folk star Lynn Miles.
Celebrating its 13th year, the 2025 edition is “interactive” and “inclusive,” said producer Alison Bowie.
Additional performers include The Dusty Drifters, Evangeline Gentle, The Barrow Gang Buskers, and a children’s show by Kiki, Koko and Kevin. Workshops for this year’s festival feature gardening with radio host Ed Lawrence, guitar with Vince Halfhide, and songwriting with Juno Award winner Miles. Items for the silent auction go live Apr 10, and consist of donations from Canadian businesses.
“There will be day-trip opportunities to neighbouring towns to discover
hidden gems, including restaurants, specialty shops, and studios,” previewed Grace Smith, who is in charge of the auction. "Canadians are choosing to vacation and support businesses in this country more than ever [in response to geopolitical tensions].”
Headlining Sat Apr 26, Cuddy said he has been thinking about his identity as a Canadian musician lately. Typically writing from a third person perspective and touring almost exclusively in Canada, our country inspires Cuddy’s compositions.
“All of this has been collected from Canada, from BC to the East coast and
everywhere in between. It is a reflection of the people that I have come across in my travels.”
While meeting new people and hearing their stories fuels Cuddy’s
Your bus route will change on April 27
musicality, the pandemic lockdowns were especially difficult. Unable to interact with source material at the height of COVID19, Cuddy’s creative process stalled.
The Devin Cuddy band will headline the Grassroots Festival which takes place from April 24-27. PROVIDED PHOTO.
“The woodshed approach of locking yourself in a room to write was not a very effective way for me to create,” said Cuddy. “It was not the most productive time for me. I know lots of artists say it was productive for them. I realized how tied my creative process was to touring or simply existing in that normal society.”
The bulk of Cuddy’s latest album, Dear Jane, was written before and after the pandemic. However, the title track came to him while homebound watching the ‘70s television series M*A*S*H. Another track is inspired by a Harry Connick Jr. guest spot on ‘80s sitcom Cheers.
"Perhaps that is what I got out of the pandemic,” Cuddy mused. “Mirroring pop culture, specifically from the ‘70s and ‘80s evidentially.”
Growing up in a “special situation” as the son of the frontman for Blue Rodeo, Cuddy says he was “encouraged - no, not encouraged - forced” to take music lessons. Piano and trumpet were Cuddy’s original instruments before picking up guitar while studying jazz at York University.
“The trick I learned was to play six songs on guitar that made you think
I could play guitar. If the guitar came around a seventh time, I might be exposed,” Cuddy laughed.
Immersed in the “musician lifestyle” since childhood, Cuddy said he “slowly decided” on this path paved with keys and strings.
“Now that I am further into [a career in music] and getting older, I realize how much that decision was linked to being around music growing up. Not sure if when I was younger I acknowledged that connection as much as I would now,”
Cuddy said. “There is a great joy in making music with my family as well. During the pandemic, I realized I am very lucky to have been given those opportunities to do what we do together as a family. It is a very special and lucky lifestyle that I get to lead.”
As for his Grassroots Festival set, with opener Josh Ritchie, Cuddy says they will perform from the band’s entire catalogue, and maybe workshop some new songs.
“We love coming to Ottawa and have for years,” said Cuddy. “We always have great shows and great audiences. Absolutely one of our favourites.”
Arborialis, Architects of Air
EARLY DAYS
The Kidnapping Epidemic and the Wellington Village extortion case of 1937
BY DAVE ALSTON
The Depression era of the 1930s was a difficult time to live through, and a different kind of epidemic, one of the earliest forms of domestic terrorism, was putting fear in everyone across North America. A major wave of kidnappings rocked the continent, as petty thieves and organized crime syndicates alike found opportunity in the money to be made in the game of extortion.
This dangerous game even found its way to Wellington Village in 1937.
The famous case was that of the Charles Lindbergh baby, whose 1932 kidnapping became part of an explosion of cases, with a reported 3,000 cases that year alone. The rich and famous took out kidnapping insurance, hired bodyguards, and carried loaded weapons. “Recent Kidnappings in America” was published as a regular feature in the New York Times, and other publications began listing kidnappings in their pages alongside birth and death announcements.
The situation forced the federal government to act and create new federal laws, including the Federal Kidnapping Act. President Franklin D. Roosevelt championed the fight, working with J. Edgar Hoover, who was happy to give sensational public exposure to the work the FBI was doing.
On Dec. 27, 1936, 10-year old Charles Mattson was kidnapped from his living room in Tacoma, Washington, by a masked man with a handgun. The kidnapper left behind a ransom note seeking $28,000. The kidnapper was declared “Public Enemy Number One” and Hoover sent 40 agents to Tacoma to lead the investigation. Fifteen days later, on Jan. 11, 1937, the boy was tragically found by a hunter over an hour north near Everett. The kidnapping was never solved and remains an open FBI case.
New victims understandably held a growing fear that going to the police, or the media, could be catastrophic. Many felt that simply and quietly giving in to the demands of the captors would be easiest. Thus, a window of opportunity existed for those seeking to take advantage.
Such was the case in the west end of Ottawa, where in early 1937, residents began falling victim to this worrisome crime. Multiple cases were emerging in depression-era Kitchissippi, where a letter was received through the mail, threatening harm to a family member, unless a stated amount of money was paid. In many cases, the sums being demanded — as little as between $10 and $25 — were small enough that the receiver felt compelled to simply pay the money, and ensure their family member's safety.
1. An Ottawa Citizen clipping from Jan. 19, 1937, stating Ottawa Police were looking for the culprit behind the threatening notes.
2. Another Ottawa Citizen clipping from March 3, 1937, stating Arthur Matthews was arrested for the demanding letters.
WHEN THE THREATS REACHED KITCHISSIPPI
One such case occurred in Wellington Village on the heels of the Mattson case. On Jan. 13, two days after Mattson’s body was discovered, Gordon M. Andrews, of 66 Gilchrist Avenue, manager of the credit department of Bryson-Graham Ltd., received the first of three letters which stated: "If you don't have the $100.00 by Thursday night, you won't see your daughter Verna any more. Don't show this to the police. I don't fool. Will hear from me later. - K.K.K.X."
Gordon’s daughter Verna was 19, and worked as a clerk at Parker’s Dye Works — where one could bring garments, rugs or drapes to be dyed a new colour for a new look or to fit a new colour scheme — at 716 Somerset Street West.
The next day, a second letter arrived stating: "Here are your orders, meet me at the corner of Bayview and Wellington at 8 p.m. Friday, and have the money with you. Have it in tens and twentys. If the police are there, you won't see your daughter Verna after Saturday. I don't fool. - K.K.K.X."
As with the other cases that had been happening in the west end, the Andrews’ did not go to the police immediately. Gordon showed up at Bayview and Wellington at the prescribed time, but the letter writer did not appear. Meanwhile, through all this, Verna was kept at home under family watch.
On Jan. 17, at 4 p.m., Gordon Andrews received a phone call. The caller admitted to being the one who had written the notes, and asked Andrews "why the appointment for Friday night was not kept." Andrews stated he had shown up. The caller then asked what about the money, to which Andrews replied: "I am on the spot and naturally I will pay the $100. But what guarantee will I have that Verna will be all right?"
The caller stated, "All I need is the money. You don't need to worry about Verna if the money is paid" and suggested the money be put in an envelope and hidden next to a telephone post at the corner of Holland and Armstrong. The call ended suddenly when the caller hung up, "as though afraid of detection," reported the Ottawa Journal. Gordon then decided the police needed to be involved.
The police were baffled. Inspector Mortimer Culver was put in charge of the investigation. Though Chief Inspector
George McLeod felt it was likely kids behind the whole thing, the department was taking the threats seriously and began a hunt to find out who was behind the extortion.
The police had the phone company track the call coming into the Andrews’ home. Amazingly, they were able to trace the call as having originated at the Columbia Tea Room at 1041 Wellington Street, a short-lived coffee shop that was located across from St. Francois D’Assise Church. Officers were immediately sent to investigate, where employee Rene Caya gave details of two men who had recently used the phone.
The next day, a third letter was received by Andrews, which stated, "Last letter. Here are your last orders, and you better obey them. You know what happened to Mattson. Have a boy sixteen years of age at the same corner of Bayview and Wellington. If you let police know of this, God help your daughter.” The letter further indicated that the money was to be wrapped in paper, and placed under a large stone near a telephone pole on the lot, and was signed with the same “K.K.K.X." signature.
Later that day, money was placed in the spot indicated, in the snow under a rock. Police detectives secretly watched the lot carefully all Monday night, but no one approached.
The local news media got wind of the story and wished to make a big deal out of it, splashing the story in Tuesday’s paper, which eventually became front page news by the end of the week.
Later that week, the police – following multiple leads – were able to identify a suspect. On Thursday afternoon, 20-year old Arthur Matthews of 103 Grange Avenue was arrested by Detective Albert Ouimet and Constable Modeste Desjardins. He was held without bail and charged with “demanding money by threat."
THERE WAS A CONNECTION
As it turned out, Matthews was quite familiar with Verna Andrews. Not only had the pair attended school together, he had been put behind bars five years prior for auto theft after Verna testified against him in court.
Matthews had been in trouble with the law as far back as May 1928, when at age 11, Arthur was reported as running away from his home at 50 Clarendon
Avenue. He stole two cars in 1932 at age 16 to go joy-riding at night. At his trial, the judge "remarked to the boy's father that he did not appear to have much control over him.” By July 1934, he was out on probation and back living with his parents \, whereupon he stole a car and a bicycle, and was sent back to Reformatory.
He hadn’t been out long when he decided to take up extortion and threats of kidnapping as his new source of income. Whether he was involved in the other west end cases in late 1936 was never determined, but in the Andrews case, the evidence at his trial was damning.
A handwriting expert was called in and demonstrated there was "absolutely no doubt" the letters matched samples of Matthews’ own handwriting. The clerk
Kerr witnessed him mail the third letter and also testified to giving Matthews “slugs” (fake coins) to use in the pay phone at the Tea Room. A Bell Telephone employee was called to court and testified to taking four slugs out of that telephone that week.
The defense attempted to present character evidence in an attempt to soften the sentencing blow. Matthews’ father blamed his son's friends and the reading of too many detective story magazines which "were none too good for him" for getting him in trouble. The Judge agreed.
Meanwhile, Crown Attorney Raoul Mercier said “it was impossible to look upon the offences lightly. A stop had to be made to this type of crime in Canada as there was no desire here to follow the example of the United States."
On the afternoon of March 22, Judge
HARDEN
April Breakfast Seminars
You’re invited to two educational presentations at Amica Westboro park. We hope you’ll join us for the most important meal of the day.
UNDERSTANDING CARE OPTIONS
Tuesday, April 8 | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
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Both events will include a full breakfast and chance to tour our premium amenities.
PLEASE RSVP FOUR DAYS BEFORE EACH EVENT AT 613-728-9274.
We look forward to seeing you.
Helping others: New Matthew Perry House to be located on Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre campus
BY CHARLIE SENACK
It was a regular night in Ottawa when Friends star Matthew Perry had his first drink. He was 14, in his Rockcliffe Park backyard with best friends Chris and Brian Murray. The drink of choice? Andrès Baby Duck wine.
“I was lying back in the grass and the mud, looking at the moon, surrounded by fresh Murray puke, and I realized that for the first time in my life, nothing bothered me,” Perry wrote in his memoir. “The world made sense; it wasn't bent and crazy. I was complete, at peace. I had never been happier than in that moment. This is the answer, I thought; this is what I've been missing.“
It was the beginning of an addiction that would consume Perry but also create his purpose in life. The Hollywood actor was always open with his struggles. He began drinking regularly at 18, became addicted to opioids after a 1997 jet-skiing incident, and had a near-death experience in 2019 when his colon burst as a result of opioid use.
Perry died on October 28, 2023 at age 54. The cause was acute effects of ketamine use, though a report said he had reportedly been clean for 19 months. Five people have been charged in connection with helping the actor acquire lethal doses of the drug.
Just before his death, Perry talked of one day opening a treatment centre to help others. His family is now carrying on that legacy.
The Matthew Perry House will provide long-term support and recovery to people who have completed initial addictions treatment. There will be between 160 and 170 housing sites located on Byng Drive, behind the Royal Ottawa Hospital.
“It’s about being able to give people more help than they are currently able to get. It's going to give people the opportunity to receive care, individualized, focused care, in many different aspects of their life. And for a long time — three, four years, for as much time as it takes for them to feel ready to walk out of the door — not to feel pushed out the door,” said Perry’s sister Caitlin Morrison.
That unique model will go a long way.
The Royal Ottawa says people are most vulnerable to relapse after their detox and treatment, which can range from 30 to 90 days.
There will be special substance use support on hand for women, who can face more barriers to seeking treatment, such as childcare. The on-site homes will also have spaces for small families or couples.
Ottawa Community Housing will be the developer of the project. Cliff Youdale, chief development officer at OCH, said they are always looking for ways to partner with other organizations to see greater social outcomes.
“We think that this is the future for supportive housing with the level of coordination. Look at the partners that are coming together. You have the Royal for the provision of the land. You have a handful of
supportive housing agencies with Salus and the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition, CAPSA Canada, Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition and Rideauwood. It's almost unheard of that you could get that many partners to the table to really move a project of this quality forward.”
IT HAD TO BE IN OTTAWA
When figuring out where the Matthew Perry House should be built, Ottawa was the obvious choice, said Caitlin. Despite being born in Massachusetts, Perry spent most of his childhood in Canada’s capital city, having lived in the Cityview neighbourhood and later, Rockcliffe Park.
“Ottawa is where we grew up. It’s where we have all of our memories together. This is also where everything started for him,” said Caitlin. “For people here in Ottawa, I think they feel like they knew him, even if they never met him. Matthew's story has really touched a lot of people on a deeper level than you would maybe see with celebrities and stars who go through things. I think he brought Ottawa with him wherever he went.”
Even after becoming famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends, Perry never forgot his Ottawa roots. He was spotted attending Ottawa Senators’ games and spent his last Christmas here. There were
so many great memories from the past. Perry’s mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison, moved back to Canada after divorcing his Hollywood dad, John Bennett Perry — known for his role as a sailor in Old Spice commercials. Suzanne found a footing here. She was a well-seasoned journalist and later worked as press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Suzanne later married Keith Morrison. Does that name sound familiar? Perhaps you know his deep, rhythmic baritone voice from NBC’s Dateline. Four siblings for Perry followed, including Caitlin.
Caitlin said it was a fun childhood. She remembers eating sugar cubes in the kitchen of the television station and swinging on
the seats in Parliament. For Perry, he was a regular at the Rockcliffe Lawn and Tennis Club — and he was good too. A tennis court, near where the Matthew Perry House site is, will be rebuilt and named after a community member who repaints it every year.
Stardom was calling and Perry soon moved to Hollywood for a career in entertainment. Caitlin recalls being a proud younger sister.
“I was so proud every time he would get a little role in something or a guest starring role, and I would go and tell all my friends ‘You gotta watch Beverly Hills 90210 this week. It's 21 minutes in. You gotta watch. I don't care what your parents said about you being allowed.’ Then when Friends
Above: An artistic rendering showing what the future Matthew Perry House will one day look like.
Far left: Matthew Perry with his sister Caitlin Morrison.
Middle: Matthew Perry with his mother Suzanne, stepfather Keith Morrison, and four sisters.
Left: Perry in his younger years with mother Suzanne, who worked as press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. ALL PHOTOS
PROVIDED BY THE MORRISON FAMILY.
came along, I was still proud of him. Now everyone's proud of him,” she said.
Caitlin also recalls being proud of Perry when he opened up about his struggles publicly. Now in death, the Matthew Perry Foundation is a way for her brother to keep the important conversations going.
“He decided to share these incredible personal things about his life and his story. He did it because he thought it might make somebody who was going through that feel like there was somebody else who had gone through it,” said Caitlin. “The bravery that that took. I don't imagine in a million years I could be that brave. All this time later, even after his passing, Matthew is still able to help people.”
Northwood Recovery moves to Somerset Street
The
substance use
clinic opened a week
after the closure of Somerset West Community Health Centre’s safe consumption site
BY HANNAH WANAMAKER
Take a walk down Somerset Street and you will notice cans of Ensure scattered in alleyways. One might not acknowledge the discarded metal tins unless understanding their purpose: The nutritious shakes are consumed by people who are malnourished, often due to substance use.
The drinks, which provide vitamins and minerals to help boost the immune system, have been littered through Chinatown since Northwood Recovery moved into the community a few weeks ago.
Northwood’s arrival comes just a week after the closure of Somerset West Community Health Centre’s supervised consumption site, which had to shut down due to new rules enacted by the province.
Brenda Knight from the Centretown Community Association said neighbourhood residents have concerns about regulations and the lack of consultation.
“With the closure of the safe injection site, we have those people that no longer have service and help and assistance, so those people are on the street,” says Knight. “And now, a block away, we have this clinic.”
She says there was no prior communication with the clinic. “It just showed up and we were there.”
The new Somerset location is discreet; in fact, it would be easy to miss. Only a small poster is advertised on the door, printed on paper and taped to a former law office sign. When KT visited the site in late March, two
people were seen hunched over inside.
The substance use clinic that offers prescribed alternatives to toxic street drugs was located in Hintonburg, but relocated months after opening due to community complaints.
When Northwood was operating on Wellington Street West, community members, city councillors, and Ottawa’s substance use experts repeatedly expressed concerns about the clinic’s methods.
Open drug deals were reported alongside rowdy behaviour from those high on the prescribed drugs.
The physician and owner, Dr. Koka, meets with clients virtually, omitting a physical exam and the wraparound supports Ottawa’s harm reduction services champion.
Wraparound supports work in conjunction with primary care to provide individuals with holistic care. These often include supportive housing, legal aid, and mental health services.
In her newsletter, Somerset West Coun. Ariel Troster said she’s met with Northwood alongside community representatives. One of her demands was ensuring they have proper security in place alongside wraparound services.
“The city does not have the power to shut down a health clinic that is operating within the bounds of provincial law,” she said. “We are exploring how the Somerset West Community Health Centre can help provide wraparound support nearby and are working with the Ottawa Police and community outreach teams to ensure
that the area in the immediate vicinity of the clinic remains safe for the entire community.”
“If this clinic won’t follow the Safer Supply Ottawa protocols, I will push to have it shut down,” Troster added on Facebook.
SAFE CONSUMPTION SITE CLOSURE WILL CREATE GAP IN SERVICE
In a public statement announcing the closure of the supervised consumption site, Suzanne Obiorah, executive director of Somerset West Community Health Centre, emphasized a concern that “reducing life-saving interventions in favour of a shift solely toward addiction and recovery options will lead to more deaths.”
Despite their empirical success, harm reduction strategies like supervised consumption and prescribed alternative programs have become increasingly politicized and polarized. They are also forbidden programs in Ontario HART Hubs.
“The solution can not include a return to the stigmatization of substance use, the criminalization of illness, or the withdrawal of life-saving support,” said Obiorah.
Instead, the health centre is prioritizing holistic and interdisciplinary care for the new HART Hub.
Its “client journey map” outlines supportive housing, trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive peer support, mental and physical health care, and many other harm reduction initiatives.
At a nearby intersection, Chris, who
Top: Only a small sign on the door promotes Northwood’s existence on Somerset Street.
Above: the Somerset West Community Health Centre was forced to close its safe consumption site.
PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.
asked for his last name not to be published, sits with a few others watching a security guard turn folks away from the yard behind the Somerset West clinic. He says the consumption site closure means more people will find themselves in places where they can’t get help.
Somerset West received additional funding for more robust outreach services, but that doesn’t compare with the 100 per cent survival rate the site delivered.
“They [supervised consumption sites] revive people every day when they’re using,” he says. “I myself have saved 86 people from overdoses away from the overdose centre.”
Chris arms himself with naloxone and
sterile supplies from the clinic to distribute to his neighbours. He is also one of over 500 community members who relied on the safe consumption site.
He says the HART Hub is a great idea, but it needs to work in tandem with safer supply and supervised consumption programs.
Residents are also concerned about the disconnect between Northwood and the new HART Hub.
“If we have a significant number of people and their bodies need these drugs, how do we help them?” Knight asked.
The first step, she says, is arranging regular check-ins with Northwood’s doctor. Then, he provides his clients with “some kind of support, some direction perhaps on how to get away from your addiction.”
“It’s got to be a win-win,” she says. “Obviously he’s got his goals and this is our community. We’ve got to find a way to help our people.”
BETTER EDUCATION NEEDED
Knight says that people need to take accountability for what’s in their control rather than blaming broken systems.
“Organizationally, we’ve got to work on
educating people and learning,” she added.
Kitchissippi resident Shelley McKay echoed Knight.
“Let’s not turn a blind eye. Let’s figure out how to use drop boxes, how to use naloxone,” McKay says. “Let’s get educated because the city can’t do it. They do not have the capacity and it's not hard.”
Her pleas come after repeatedly finding discarded needles, pipes, and other supplies outside her building. The first time she called the city looking for someone to clean it up, she waited two days for a response.
McKay eventually popped over to the Wellington Drug Store where a pharmacist supplied her with drop boxes, gloves, and directions to safely clean up the paraphernalia herself. The pharmacist also mentioned puncture wounds and infections were on the rise from residents trying to dispose of drug debris themselves.
Since “it’s not going to go away,” McKay insists that citizens learn how to maintain the neighbourhood.
“It took me 15 minutes to clean up that stuff and then walk the drop boxes back to the drugstore,” she said.
With files by Charlie Senack
Canadian products,
The air we breathe: Improving our indoor air
By Anita Murray & Patrick Langston
Emerging from winter hibernation to venture outdoors once more may seem like a less urgent time to be concerned about improving our indoor air, but the fact is we spend so much of our time inside — about 90 per cent, according to the federal government — that any time is a good time to improve the air in our homes. Plus, allergy season is about to descend.
Poor air quality can have an adverse effect on our health, can come from unexpected sources
and can be undetectable to us. “The issue is how do we protect ourselves from bad air, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and organic types of smells like mould,” says Roy Nandram, owner of RND Construction, a multi-award-winning and eco-conscious custom builder and renovation company.
So, how do we make our indoor air better?
“That’s where ventilation comes in,” says Nandram. “Your house needs to be well ventilated and the most interesting way to ventilate is with an energy recovery ventilator.” An
energy recovery ventilator (ERV) and similarly a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) pulls fresh air into the home that is warmed by the old air that’s being expelled. An ERV also extracts humidity in winter to recirculate it or exhausts it in summer.
He notes that new homes today are so airtight that an HRV or ERV is needed “so we can get the bad air out and bring the fresh air in.… You could open a window, but then you’re pouring the energy outside.”
While older homes don’t have that kind of airtightness — “you get a lot of air exchange naturally,” he says —
you do have to be concerned about condensation and mould.
Here are several tips for improving indoor air:
KITCHEN & BATHROOM FANS
Clean or replace the filter on your range hood as often as your owner’s manual suggests, which could be every three months or even more frequently. Often it’s as simple as popping it in the dishwasher. Clean bathroom ceiling fans at least twice a year, a simple DIY task that will improve their performance and lifespan.
Continues on page 26
Improving our indoor air
HEATING SYSTEM
Maintaining your furnace, HRV and built-in humidifier will improve indoor air quality by filtering out airborne particles, bringing warmed, fresh air into your home and adding moisture to dry winter air. Get your furnace inspected yearly and make sure other maintenance is carried out on schedule, including filter replacements.
CARPETS & RUGS
Carpets and rugs make your home cosier, but, like upholstered furniture, they are traps for dust, pet hair and other particles that decrease indoor air quality. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for best results and occasionally shampoo floor coverings and upholstered furniture.
DRAPES & BEDDING
Like carpets and rugs, drapes and bedding trap dust, pollen and other irritants. Washing them regularly in water that’s at least 55 C will keep them fresh and clean. Pillow and mattress covers that are dustand allergen-proof can be a good investment, as can allergen-proof box spring covers. Bedding should be washed weekly; pillows every six months.
HUMIDITY
Daily household routines like showering and cooking can push up humidity levels in your home, encouraging mould and causing window condensation, especially in winter when windows remain closed. Adjustments to your ventilation system may solve the problem (check your owner’s manual).
CARBON MONOXIDE & RADON
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless, colourless gas created
AIR PURIFIERS
Portable air cleaners can help improve indoor air quality by removing small particles that can be a risk to your health, says Health Canada. They are best used in the rooms where you spend a lot of time, like your bedroom, and it’s important to choose one appropriate for the size of the room and that is certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
INDOOR PLANTS
when natural gas, propane and other fuels burn incompletely and can be deadly. Because our senses don’t detect it, it’s often called the silent killer. Ontario law requires that homes with fuel-burning appliances like furnaces and fireplaces have detectors near all sleeping areas. The law also applies to all residences with attached garages because of the danger from car exhaust. Remember to test both your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month.
“Radon’s a different story,” says Nandram. Also invisible, odourless and tasteless, this radioactive gas occurs naturally when uranium breaks down in soil or rocks and can enter a home through cracks
in the foundation, sump pumps, basement drains and even well water. Almost one in 10 Canadian homes have radon levels above the recommended limit, according to Health Canada, which also notes that it is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
“You need to get a radon test to know where you are before you decide what to fix,” Nandram says.
Despite their reputation for filtering toxins, houseplants’ ability to improve indoor air quality is a myth, according to the American Lung Association. Plants do convert the carbon dioxide we exhale into life-supporting oxygen and absorb some pollutants, but you’d need so many in your home to make a significant difference there’d be little room for you and your family. However, houseplants do bring pleasure to many and they add to the ambience of any room, so they are worth their weight in gold for those reasons alone. “They’re great visual fillers in different spaces,” says designer Sue Pitchforth of Design Therapy Plus, adding that they can have mental and emotional value. “It’s caring for a living thing.”
For more tips on improving the air in your home, visit the federal government’s page on “indoor air quality in your home” at canada.ca.
AnitaMurrayandPatrickLangston aretheco-foundersofaward-winning AllThingsHomeInc.,whichhasbeen coveringtheOttawahousingindustry since2017.
Poor indoor air quality can cause allergies and other discomforts. PHOTO CREDIT: BRITTANY COLETTE, UNSPLASH
HOMES
Masterful Masonry from L.A. Sicoli
Education, Quality and Warranty
When a master takes up his tools, the result is a work of art, says Luciano Sicoli, owner of L.A. Sicoli Masonry, who was taught by his father, Antonio Sicoli, a certified master mason. Through long years of tutelage and careful practice, the two have honed their craft to become the best of the best.
Luciano believes that customers should be involved in the masonry process. Restoring or replacing a piece of masonry can be a long and complicated job, and an uninvolved customer leads to an unsatisfied customer. If they don’t know what the issue is and what their options are, how can they make an informed decision?
When a customer calls to replace flaking concrete or chipped bricks under a window, they should receive three options: new bricks, manufactured sills or a custom single piece stone. Too many companies
simply hand over a quotation for one of these, usually the most expensive and are told to call when they’re ready to do the job.
“Some companies don’t even return a
phone call” said Luciano. “I have had many clients tell me that no one called them back and some did not even show up when they said that they were going to show up. Some
spent very little time informing them of what needed to be done”
L.A. Sicoli Masonry believes in educating their customers so that they can make the best decision possible for their situation. They want their customers to be be happy not just with the price but with the finished product. Afterall it is their home. One job can be costly but redoing it can be ruinous.
Luciano stands behind his work and treats his customers as competent partners in whatever job he is hired to do. That is why L.A. Sicoli Masonry offers longer warranties than their competitors.
“Customers pay good money to have our services, they should also be given the quality that comes with the work” Luciano said “If a mason stands behind their work, they should have no issue with giving a customer more than a one year warrantly”
L.A. Sicoli Masonry is available for all your masonry needs. Customers can call 613-859-4684 or email l.a.sicoli_masonry@bell.net
Logs End is Canadian owned and operated manufacture of exquisite custom engineered wide plank hardwood flooring. Tailored to perfection, our bespoke finishes elevate any space. Renowned among designers and architects we’re pleased to offer premium white oak, hickory and reclaimed wood selections to help you create timeless, luxurious interiors.
Visit our stunning showroom at 66 Iber Rd. Stittsville to experience the artistry of premium flooring. Discover more at logsend.com
Showroom: 66 Iber Rd. Stittsville, ON. | info@logsend.com / 613-831-9333 www.logsend.com
We will be giving away a pair of passes to this year’s festival taking place from April 24-27. Better yet, a $100 gift card will also be included to Churchills Restaurant in Westboro.
All you need to do is sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to be entered into the draw taking place on April 14. Just scan the QR code below or visit kitchissippi.com to sign up before the draw deadline.
Already Subscribed?
Then you’re already entered for a chance to win!
For more information on the Grassroots Festival visit: ottawagrassrootsfestival.com
Need to stain your deck?
Make things easier on yourself with the right products & service from Randall’s
Before you tackle that tough deck-staining project, get everthing you need at Randall’s to do the job right.
Receiving the best advice and following it will yield the best results. “Proper wood surface preparation and a high quality coating are super important to the outcome of your project and the longevity of your wood surfaces,” says Randall’s owner, Marc Pilon. “The preparation for an exterior job is quite intensive and you’re investing in a high quality coating.” Performance of the coating will greatly depend on preparation, application, the location and use of the space. EASY maintenance is a priority, too.
The Randall’s team really knows stains and wants you to succeed. “The end result will be in clear view for all your friends and neighbours to see so you want to execute your project to the best of your ability and not have to redo anything. Ask us,” says Pilon. “Randall’s will take the time to make sure that you have all the information that you need.”
DECKS | HOW-TO
1. Clean the deck with Allpro concentrated deck wash and rinse thoroughly to get all dirt off and to kill all the organics. (Organics show up as black discolouration spots when stain is applied.)
2. Sand thoroughly with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper. Stain within 24 hours so the wood pores do not close.
3. Always use a thick bristle brush to apply stain. A brush gets the stain down into the wood fibres. The goal is to apply as much stain as the wood will accept and brush off any excess. Some stains may require two coats, so labour time and weather need to be considered before starting.
4. Stain the skirting first. This will prevent the runs and drips from the deck surface from showing as dark streaks.
5. Apply stain on a dry overcast day, ideally, with the temperature between 10-25C. (Always follow the manufacturer’s application instructions!)
6. Having 24 hours of dry weather post staining is a must - or have a large tarp available if rain threatens.
Environmentally-friendly products?
Yes. Randall’s has them. Canadian-owned stain companies such as C2 and Sansin offer water clean up products that are very environmentally friendly (yet stand up to our harsh Canadian climate).
Got a tough project? Ask the staff at Randall’s. They will custom match stains and can also refer customers to trusted contractors who specialize in exterior wood restoration.
of West Hunt Club Rd.
Lasting Beauty. Solid Performance. Peace of Mind.
Top security tips for renters
By Patrick Langston
If you’re a renter, your landlord should be looking after certain aspects of security and safety. But there are plenty of easy, affordable things you can do to make your home even more secure against thieves, accidents and other dangers.
WARDING OFF BURGLARS
Start by always locking windows and doors when you leave your home, even for just a few minutes. According to a survey of burglars reported by Forbes Home, 42 per cent entered homes through
unlocked windows and 39 per cent through unlocked doors.
Installing a security system inside your rental unit or home could help deter burglars. Wireless systems that don’t require drilling in walls are available online and through security companies.
Got a big screen TV, a new gaming console or other valuable items easily seen from outside your home? Draw the curtains or lower the blinds, especially at night when bright interior lights spotlight your home’s contents.
Use timers to turn a radio and lights off and on when you’re away. A light or TV left on all the time
A burglar can be in and out in minutes, but security precautions can dissuade thieves. PHOTO CREDIT: STEFFEN SALOW / PIXABAY
as a “deterrent” to burglars could tip them off that the property is actually empty.
Avoid publicly posting on social media about your vacation or other away-from-home plans and keep your holiday photos and videos off the internet until you get home: it’s too easy for photos to get into the public sphere where burglars may be watching for opportunities.
For more on safeguarding your home from burglars, check Community Safety and Crime Prevention at ottawapolice.ca.
PROTECTING AGAINST FIRE, ELECTRICAL SURGES & PERSONAL DANGER
Never leave the kitchen if something is cooking on the stove. Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires in Canada, according to the Canadian Red Cross. Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.
Renting in an apartment building? Make sure you know where the emergency exits are in case a fire or other emergency forces you to get out quickly.
Your rental building may already have surge protection built into the electrical system to protect electronic devices, appliances and other items from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes and other events. Regardless, protecting sensitive items like computers and televisions with individual surge protectors is a good idea because systems are fallible. Individual surge protectors should be replaced every three to five years.
You don’t want to spend your life worrying that you’re about to be mugged, but common sense dictates that you take precautions, especially at night. Avoid dark areas around your building, be watchful in parking lots and have your entrance key in your hand before you arrive at the front door so you don’t have to fumble in your purse or pocket.
If you are renting in a building where you feel there’s inadequate exterior lighting or other dangers, ask the property manager to correct them. You may have to advocate a bit and get other tenants on your side, but everyone benefits from a safe living environment.
MORE SECURITY TIPS FOR RENTERS
Tenant’s insurance is an inexpensive way to protect against losses from theft, fire or other causes, yet — according to a survey by ratehub. ca — fewer than 50 per cent of Canadian renters carry it.
Costs for tenant insurance can start at less than $20 a month, depending on factors like the premises and type of coverage.
Remember to keep a current inventory of your possessions in case you need to make an insurance claim following a break-in, fire or other catastrophe.
Your landlord also has obligations to ensure the safety and security of your rental home. They include installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring locks, appliances and mechanical systems are in working order.
Patti Brown Broker
Susan Chell Broker
Sarah Toll Broker
Summer renovation projects that can add value to your home
Summer is a time to stretch your legs and enjoy the warm weather with your family and friends. During this time, many people are also looking to make upgrades to their home.
Whether you’re looking to add more value to your home, make a few eco-friendly improvements or simply maximize your enjoyment, there’s a renovation project for everyone. Give your home a breath of new life with these summer renovation projects that can add value to it.
1. UPDATE THE INTERIOR
If you’re looking to undertake some bigger projects, first consider whether you have the necessary skills and experience to execute the project or if you should hire a professional. If you need to hire a professional, be sure to do your research beforehand and choose a contractor you feel comfortable with.
If you plan on starting with the kitchen or bathroom, items like kitchen tiles, custom cabinets or countertops could take months to arrive, so make sure to order these in advance if you are on a tight timeline. Use quality materials and make upgrades consistent with the rest of the home.
Repainting the interior in more neutral tones can go a long way. Cleaning up any scuff marks or filling small holes can bring your walls back to life.
Consider updating your decor such as the lighting, fixtures and countertops and replace or
refinish worn flooring to modernize your home.
2. SPRUCE UP THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME
Summer is the best time to replace any shingles on your roof that are broken or loose to avoid water leaks. Have a maintenance professional inspect all walls for any cracks that need to be sealed to keep water out and avoid major damage.
If you’re tired of seeing a sad-
looking fence, it might be time to explore waterproofing or staining.
Install exterior lighting to brighten up walkways and the front of your home.
3. ECO-FRIENDLY CHANGES
Invest in new insulation and draftsealing to help save on the energy you’re using to heat or cool. Make the switch to LED lightbulbs throughout your house. On average they last about 10 years and are around 85 per cent more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. Install energy-efficient windows to save on heating and air conditioning, while also increasing your home’s long-term value.
4. MAXIMIZE ENJOYMENT
Complete that unfinished basement and dedicate the extra space to something you love, like working out or hosting trivia nights with your friends.
Consider starting your own herb garden or picking up some houseplants – not only can they help improve the air quality in your home, but they can also boost your mood.
It’s important to inform your insurance company when you’re planning a renovation to ensure your policy remains in effect. There may be additional insurance implications if certain work is not done by licensed professionals, such as electrical work or plumbing. Renovations that increase your home’s value may change the classification of your policy, so whether the project is big or small, be sure to get a quote for any new coverage. Companies like Belairdirect can provide a quote in minutes and help you along every step on the road to renos. Learn more at belairdirect.com.
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