Kitchissippi Times January 2019 by Great River Media inc.

D CONTENT

— SPONSORE

AGER

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VILL WESTBORO

PLUS Westboro Villager PAGE 23

and brings health I hope 2019 all! happiness to

with our ning the year We are begin – reviewing ral Meeting Annual Gene the plan is ssing what 2018 and discu committed dy, we have for 2019. Alrea map in new boro on the West ng to putti ways! and exciting boro Village This year, West soring the Sir will be spon onald John A. Macd er Trail, a Wint ) (SJAM i-use groomed mult along the winter trail SJAM multi-use promotes pathway that along the living e activ Shoreline, and Ottawa River users, diversity of welcomes a on skis, are walking, whether they Westboro or a snow bike. snowshoes Kitchissippi sponsor the Village will where ent of the trail Woods segm ” a ski the SJAM on the “Winterlude uled for sched is , loop activation p.m. to 8 2 from 6:30 Feb. day, Satur y for a great out the famil p.m. Bring Winterlude experience evening, and t forget to Westboro! Don’ right here in s in Westboro many place stop into the from the yourself up warm to e Villag inside out.

A century’s worth of memories Page 12

Jeff Leiper City Councillor conseiller municipal

613-580-2485 kitchissippiward.ca

January 2019

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

@kitchissippi

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on great season many, the board after tenure from service to this y Design of volunteer Harding, Xactl many years k you! unity. Than (re-elect); Steve Prashad, Merit Travel n business comm (re-elect); Darre Bown, Urban Turf and rd ming news ge; upco (re-elect); Richa LePa to l d Roya tune boro Stay Eisert, ribing the West (re-elect); Rick Kids. events by subsc idt, West End felt thank letter at Sheba Schm Village news extend a heart ge.com. We’d like to man, Bill westborovilla Hwang, chair is, Morr you to Dan Rick and chairman, their Bourk, viceend ally they offici treasurer as

forward s is looking Dave Adam

to another

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2018

Year in Review

These are just a few of the stories we shared with you!

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2018 IN REVIEW A quick look back as we move forward Updates on all of KT’s cover stories in 2018 BY ANDREA TOMKINS

JANUARY KT’s first cover story of the year was about a fundraising campaign by Rebecca Hollingsworth and her sister, Mary Ellen Hughson. The same week Rebecca was diagnosed with breast cancer (in November 2016), she found out Mary Ellen had the same disease. Both were determined to raise funds to support The Ottawa Hospital’s Breast Health Centre’s expansion and purchase of sophisticated diagnostic machines. The Breast Health Centre opened in September 2018. Rebecca and her sister had a screening room named after them and a tree was planted in their names. “We ended up raising over $400K and were able to support the purchase of the 3 Tesla MRI, a new breast screening ultrasound machine and clinical trials in chemotherapy,” reports Rebecca. “My sister and I are both great,” writes

FEBRUARY Meet the ice master When we reached out to Stewart Dewar in December he assured us the Dovercourt rink crew were working hard to get the skating rink up and running by the week of Christmas. Always the optimist, he was hoping the community could squeeze in a few skating days before the next warm spell. “We always like to get the rink going for when the kids are out of school (and college and university),” says Stewart. Since KT’s article about Stewart and the need for volunteers, residents have

January 2019 • 2

Kitchissippi’s Rebecca Hollingsworth (pictured) and her sister Mary Ellen Hughson – both cancer survivors – undertook some major fundraising for The Ottawa Hospital Breast Health Centre. PHOTO BY ELLEN BOND contacted Dovercourt and offered to help. “That’s actually something new and encouraging,” says Stewart. “[Fellow volunteer] Matt Boldt has also been doing a great job recruiting some new people.” “Of course everyone is wondering what this winter will bring us after a couple of years where we’ve had numerous warm spells throughout the winter. We will see!”

Remembering Alex Néron

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The diagnosis that prompted a fundraising campaign

Rebecca in a recent email exchange. They’re getting their energy back as they return to “real” life. Rebecca estimates that she and her sister will be on hormone medication for the next five to ten years. The two are busy focusing on healthy lifestyles, quality time with friends and family, driving kids to hockey practice and, like all of us, just “trying to keep up with laundry.”

Photo of Alex Néron. BY TED SIMPSON

The community was devastated to learn that Railbender Tattoo and Art Gallery proprietor, Alex Néron, passed away on January 17, 2018, two-and-a-half years after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Alex was 40 years old. His Celebration of Life took place on his 41st birthday, February 25, at Railbender. “It has been a very difficult year for myself, my wife Donna, my son Yves, and for my beautiful daughter-in-law Marta,” writes his father, Marcel, in a recent email to KT. “We miss him so very much.” Alex was a keen supporter of The

Ottawa Hospital’s annual cycling fundraiser, ‘The Ride,’ which takes place in September. In 2018, Alex’s team, named ‘#youarenotalone’ for Alex while he was fighting cancer, completed The Ride in his memory and raised over $15,000. The 2018 event raised over $1.1 million overall. Marta has taken over Railbender Studio and is keeping his legacy alive. “Alex was a very special, kind and loving man and is missed by so many,” says Marcel. “For myself, losing a beautiful son is still very surreal. Christmas will not be the same without him but we all love him and he will always be in our hearts.”

MARCH Changes at the BIA The Westboro Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) welcomed Michelle Groulx as its new Executive

Director in February and she’s managed to is completed,” says Michelle. Also of pack in a lot since she took over the helm. note, a bright new mural was painted at One of her goals was to bring people McRae and Richmond Road, designed by together at Winston Square with a series of local artist, Tara Tosh Kennedy, who was grassroots events. “I’m so happy this great inspired by the Inukshuks at Remic Rapids. urban space has been used for community “I think it is the perfect fit,” says Michelle. and fundraising events over the year,” says Of course, there was also Westboro 8. October 9 Michelle, which included the first-ever Fuse. It will be back again in August Christmas Market and featured local 2019 and there may be an additional makers and vendors as well as a campfire community event in June. Stay tuned for and s’mores station hosted by Councillor more details. Jeff Leiper. This spring, Westboro will be an official Another goal was to expand the BIA 2019 Canadian Tulip Festival Friendship to McRae Avenue and to improve street Tulip Garden location. The BIA arranged beautification by installing street banners for nearly 500 official Tulip Festival bulbs along McRae, and adding a bench with to be planted at Westboro Station, located a large flower planter in front of Otto’s at the intersection of Golden Avenue and Subaru parking lot. “At the moment, there Richmond Road. “We hope to do even is one evergreen there, but we will modify more for the very special upcoming 2020 Owner Jeffchange. FrostMore doesn’t need brag this with the season’s will festival,”to says Michelle. happen when the construction at Scott Continued on page 16 about that time a local sports hero

40 FINDS 7. October 2

at Hintonburg’s Les Moulins La Fayette (LMLF)

came to eat; they’re in this memorabiliacovered eatery all the time.

40 FINDS

from Wellington Wellington Diner West 1385 Wellington St. West

from Wellington Hintonburg and Wellington Village are full of surprising people, quirky places, unique West FINDS we’ll9be featuring in our giving season. 7. October 2 gifts and hidden treasures. Here are four 8. October 9. October 16

8. October 9

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3 • January 2019

You can really taste the people Owner Jeff Frost doesn’t need to brag (metaphorically) in everything they serve about that time a local sports hero FIND yourat wheelhouse thisLes Moulins FIND La Fresh Air. Now in the came toFIND largest FIND room to breathe. And a Hintonburg’s Fayette eat; Canada’s they’re insecond this memorabiliayear... Fresh Air!... SCUBA store... cup ofbut tea... That shouldn’t be surprising, in an era (LMLF) covered eatery all the time. No store-bought naan bread will do for Gourav At first glance you might think It’s been a go-to spot for outdoor There are more than 17,000 PranaShanti offers much more of food stores that sell everything but Sharma. He enthusiasts makes it fresh every Les“Guru” Moulins La Fayette Diner it’s just another exercise studio, for 50 for years. But Wellington now, products to be found at Morris than exercise. It’s a place to find food, Mike Steinberg doesn’t mind being 1000 Wellington West 1385 St. West or maybe even a bike shop. ButSt. Fresh Air Experience taken its Wellington Home Hardware, but to get the mind, soul, spirit, and a hot cup of customer. And Frankeis? Read abouthas them later Wheelhouse Cycle is so much show on the road....or Parkway... owner’s passion project, you have tea... the anomaly. this month. more than that... to dive into the basement... Fresh Air Experience PranaShanti Yoga Herb Wheelhouse9. Cycle 1291 Wellington St West Sharky’s Scuba Supply 52 Armstrong Street October 16 10. October 23& Spice Guru’s Inspired Food Bar You can really taste the people Owner Jeff Frost doesn’t need to 1279 Wellington St West 1226 Wellington St West 1310 Wellington St. West 1123 Wellington St. West

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7. October 2

10. October 23

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40 FINDS

Les Moulins La Fayette 1000 Wellington St. West

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Stewart Dewar is the volunteer and onethe of a core group of regulars who You canco-ordinator really taste people maintain the ice at Dovercourt Recreation Centre. PHOTO BY ELLEN BOND (metaphorically) in everything they serve

from Wellington West

brag (metaphorically) in everything they serve about that time a local sports hero at Hintonburg’s Lesevery Moulins La Fayette came to eat; they’re in this memorabiliaA new FIND week at: WELLINGTONWEST.CA/FINDS (LMLF) covered eatery all the time. Les Moulins La Fayette

Wellington Diner

January 2019 • 4

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PHOTO BY TED SIMPSON

KitchissippiTimes

EDITOR’S LETTER

Hello 2019! While we were putting this issue together, it occurred to me that a community is only as strong as the people who live there, and we certainly are a strong, giving, and kind community. The annual retrospective issue has become a bit of a tradition here at KT. It’s a good opportunity to look back on the previous year’s cover stories and provide readers with updates where it makes sense to do so. It’s also worthwhile to be reminded of the many amazing people who live and work here in Kitchissippi. There are cancer survivors who became superstar fundraisers, volunteers, musicians, artists, inventors, business owners and entrepreneurs, and activists. Not only do they share a common geography, but they are the people who are making this community a vibrant and dynamic place to live. What’s more, their stories aren’t necessarily being told anywhere else, which is why I am so happy to be able to shine a spotlight on them in a way that only community media can. Speaking of community news, it was with a heavy heart that I learned that Newswest would no longer be publishing a printed edition. Newswest represented a unique publishing model and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Are there many other

printed publications that print a separate publication inside each issue? Somehow I doubt it. We flagged Newswest as “a paper within a paper” on each cover of KT because that’s what it was, a completely independent, non-profit entity within our pages, with a different look, a different editor, and a board of directors. I always enjoyed the approach they took, whether it was an opinion piece about traffic and development issues or fun photos from around the neighbourhood. In this issue, Alyson Queen brings us the story of Newswest. I am certain it will answer some questions readers have about how it all came to be and why it came to an end. One of the strengths of Newswest was its deep ties to the community, which was often reflected in reader submissions and letters to the editor. If you have a hankering to be heard on any local issue, send your submissions to editor@kitchissippi.com. I’m looking forward to possibly collaborating with former Newswest volunteers in the new year. Contact me any time. The final printed issue of Newswest was in December, but it may not be the end just yet. There may be a Newswest 2.0 in the future. You’ll have to stay tuned for that. Of course, along with this year-in-review edition, we are also taking the time to look at ourselves with the help of an online reader survey. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to fill it out so far. It’s a bit premature to draw many conclusions, but early survey results are revealing. For example, we know that the majority of survey respondents believe community news is important, subscribe to our e-newsletter, and give KT a high rating. Also, the vast majority likes to shop locally, which is what we’ve always known but it’s good to have the data to back it up. If you haven’t filled out the survey yet, please do so! Grab a cup of coffee and go to kitchissippi.com. You’ll find it right at the top of the page. It’ll only take a few minutes and will really help us set the direction for 2019 and the years to come.

The top ten stories on Kitchissippi.com in 2018 1) The dark history of Kitchissippi’s shanty town 2) The early days of Magee House 3) Letter to the Editor: Westboro is changing 4) Mamie Clafoutis brings a taste of France to Westboro 5) Letter to the Editor: Illegal signage in Westboro 6) The glory days of Bate Island 7) Welcoming new business to Kitchissippi and saying goodbye to a few favourites 8) A ‘friendly and affordable option’ for local diners 9) When compounding pharmacy meets cannabis programming 10) What’s happening at Westboro Beach this summer?

Did you miss any? Find them online at kitchissippi.com.

Happy New Year, Photo submitted by KT reader Emilie Temmerman

COMMUNITY Newswest ends 40-year print run The “paper within a paper” is no more BY ALYSON QUEEN

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PRIVATE & GROUP LESSONS

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Group classes in Music and Art start January 12th. Sign up today!

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WINTER CARNIVAL Sat. Jan. 19, 4:30-7:30pm.

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ack in November 1978, a group of local residents joined together and released the first edition of a new, monthly community publication that would earn a lasting place in Kitchissippi. Forty years later, its volunteer board of directors sent Newswest to the printer for the last time, with plans for a new online format. Like many publications, Newswest had to evolve over the years. The local paper was originally launched by a group of volunteers who handled every aspect of the production process, from writing to advertising to distribution. Fast forward to 2003, when an opportunity came to form a unique partnership with the newly-formed Kitchissippi Times; a partnership that would last for 15 years. Mark Sutcliffe is co-owner and CEO of Great River Media and founder and publisher of the Kitchissippi Times. Growing up in the area, he actually wrote articles for Newswest as a teenager. When creating the Kitchissippi Times with business partner Donna Neil, Mark says the focus was to collaborate and complement what Newswest had started – and not become competition. “So we approached Newswest and said look…why don’t we work together?” Mark says that after many discussions, including public consultation, a new partnership was formed where Newswest would become a paper within a paper. Over the years, some readers mistakenly thought Newswest was part of the Kitchissippi Times. But the fact is, it

always remained an independent, not-forprofit publication with its own board of directors. Ask any publisher; a key to survival is advertising. Within the Kitchisssippi Times, the volunteer Newswest team was able to focus on creating and delivering monthly content under its well-established brand while the larger for-profit handled the layout, printing and advertising. The model also meant access to a widerdistribution than had previously been possible. Over time though, things changed. The Kitchissippi Times was originally distributed by Flyer Force, a subsidiary of Postmedia. In May 2018, the publication moved to a monthly format and upgraded its distribution by moving to Canada Post, which has better penetration and more reliable delivery but comes at a higher cost. At the same time, Newswest was reduced from an eight page to a four page format with added advertising and other responsibilities that grew more challenging for the volunteers. “Four pages is not really a lot of space in the newspaper to focus on issues. So we decided as a Board, after 40 years, that we would terminate the partnership with the Kitchissippi Times and focus on growing our e-newsletter,” says Pat O’Brien, chair of the Newswest board of directors. “I can understand it,” said Tim Thibeault, editor of Newswest for the past five years, speaking about the decision. “The paper is getting smaller, the median age of volunteers is getting older – and a lot of us just can’t do the running around anymore. It’s a tradition that began, but as time has changed, so have traditions.” Continued on page 7

Building a healthy, active and engaged community through recreation

HUMANS OF KITCHISSIPPI

Humans of Kitchissippi is a special street photography project designed to introduce readers to some of the people who live, work, and play in Kitchissippi. Each instalment of HOK contains three elements: a photo, a name, and a quote from the subject that reveals a little bit about who they are. Go to kitchissippi.com to view our ongoing collection of humans.

January 2019 • 6

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Meet John Dingwall “I’ve always liked Ottawa because it’s a small big town. It’s a town of over a million people but it’s still humble in its own way. The Kitchissippi area does a lot to get people out doing things, it’s very unique and has it’s own appeal to it, unlike cookie-cutter suburbia. “This is my third year volunteering at the Fisher Park rink. Steve Potter did it for years, but moved out of the area and Greg McDougal and I took over the reins and this is the second year of us doing it by ourselves. On paper we have 20 volunteers but preferably we would like 30 people. We need that many people to create nightly teams of four or five because we know everyone is busy these days. We are always looking for volunteers and we would welcome the first woman to volunteer. We have two different types of volunteers here, the attendants, which are usually high school students earning their volunteer hours, and the maintainers, who shovel and flood starting around 9 p.m. We have up to three pads of ice and a skating oval. I do it for the kids and to see people enjoying themselves. Our goal is to get kids away from technology and come play a game of hockey. If you want to volunteer you can email us at fisherparkodr@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.” COLLECTED BY ELLEN BOND

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

250 City Centre Ave., Suite 500 Ottawa ON K1R 6K7 www.kitchissippi.com Kitchissippi, meaning “the Grand River,” is the former Algonquin name for the Ottawa River. The name now identifies the urban community to the west of downtown Ottawa. EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Andrea Tomkins editor@kitchissippi.com twitter.com/kitchissippi CONTRIBUTORS Dave Allston, Ellen Bond, Shaun Markey, Charlie Senack, Stephanie White PROOFREADER Tara Tosh Kennedy ADVERTISING SALES Eric Dupuis 613-238-1818 x273 eric@kitchissippi.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Celine Paquette celine@greatriver.ca FINANCE Jackie Whalen 613-238-1818 x250 jackie@greatriver.ca All other enquiries 613-238-1818 info@kitchissippi.com Distribution A minimum of 15,000 copies are distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the O-Train tracks and Sherbourne Road. Most residents in this area will receive the Kitchissippi Times directly to their door. If you did not receive your copy, or would like additional copies, please contact us. Bulk copies are delivered to multi-unit dwellings and retail locations. Copies are available at Dovercourt Recreation Centre and Hintonburg Community Centre. distribution@kitchissippi.com 613-238-1818 The Kitchissippi Times is published by

PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran The next issue of your Kitchissippi Times: February 1 Advertising deadline: Reserve by January 22

Newswest ends print edition; eyes online format the community involved with… Newswest over the past 40 years that it would be impossible to thank them all by name. Please know that our ward is stronger because of your role,” he wrote. The memories continue. Tim recalls being “volun-told” for his first assignment. “My first involvement with Newswest was when a friend...said ‘You have a good camera, we need a photographer, come and do this!” The rest, as he says, is history. “It wasn’t an easy decision because many of our people had been involved for years, like [former editors] Cheryl Parrott and Gary Ludington. When you lose a voice that has

NEWSWEST BOARD MEMBERS, PAULETTE DOZOIS AND PAT O’BRIEN. PHOTO BY ANDREA TOMKINS

Pat remains hopeful for a way to continue the Newswest legacy through an e-newsletter format, reaching out to the broader community and neighbourhood associations for help. “We do believe there is a value in carrying on.” The Newswest board will be reviewing options for an online publication in 2019.

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Continued from page 5 Councillor Jeff Leiper recalls some of his first community-involvement efforts as a younger reporter looking for ways to contribute through the paper. Not only that, his spouse, Natalie Hanson, was the editor for several years. In his newsletter, Councillor Leiper noted that he was saddened by the closing but also acknowledged the growing challenges Newswest faced, both with declining volunteer engagement and increasing competition with social media and other channels. “There have been so many people from

brought issues forth and has been wellrespected by the community, it’s difficult to toss in the towel,” said Pat. “For us, it was just time to put the print to bed and look at other opportunities, and hopefully with new volunteers and new blood we’ll be able to make a more meaningful Newswest available to the broader community.” One thread was constant while talking about neighbourhood news in Kitchissippi. Despite the challenges, especially in print, it remains an important part of the community fabric and needs to be sustained. “It was a great partnership,” concluded Mark. “It was really gratifying that we were able to find a way for us to work together. The absence of Newswest leaves a hole but I’m confident that we can find ways to fill that, for sure,” confirmed Mark.

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A familiar face in Kitchissippi ‘Sam likes people and it shows’ SUBMITTED BY KATHERINE BENNETT

“WHICH SECTION IS SAM WORKING TONIGHT,” IS A FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION AT NEWPORT. PHOTO BY KATHERINE BENNETT

is kind, and it shows. It is not surprising that Sam is such a highly regarded figure in Kitchissippi.

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11 • January 2019

t is a cliché that people want to have a neighbourhood place that they can go to where everybody knows their name. When customers are greeted by Sam, a neighbourhood icon and server at Moe’s World Famous Newport Restaurant, that’s the way they feel. Sam likes people and it shows. Samir Matta, popularly known as Sam, has the welcoming personality and good memory that combine to ensure that customers feel welcomed and, if they are regulars, served by someone who remembers their faces, their names and their food preferences. “Which section is Sam working tonight?” is a frequently asked question at the Newport. People want to get their meal but also want to chat with Sam (who does not write down the order but simply remembers it). Not long ago, when Sam was out for a stroll on a summer’s night, he noticed that the staff at the Newport were very busy. He simply went in and took over as busboy for a while to help his colleagues—a clear illustration of Sam’s helping nature. Sam has been working at the Newport since 1993. Starting at the Newport when it was located at Richmond Road and Churchill, Sam’s section held 40 seats that were booked every night. That is a lot of meals served up by Sam over the years. Sam has had a long association with the restaurant business in Ottawa. He was co-owner and chef of The Bistro on Wellington Street in the 1980s. At that time in Ottawa, the west end was

not known for its good eateries but Sam’s partner Leslie “Les” Lucas did some research and concluded that the Kitchissippi neighbourhood was ready for a new concept in dining. The Bistro’s location did not deter customers, including many of Ottawa’s movers and shakers (some of whom arrived with RCMP security). The bistro concept of good, freshly made food, inventive recipes and nice people in a casual ambiance caught on in a city more used to low-key diners and formal dining rooms. (On a personal note, in the 1980s my husband and I enjoyed many meals at The Bistro, prepared and served by Sam, while Les took care of drinks and the front of the house. The Coquilles St. Jacques was a favourite, remembered to this day.) The Bistro was written up in Where to Eat in Canada every year. It also appeared in many popular magazines of the day including Gourmet and Bon Appétit. One article in Gourmet captures the way that Sam thinks about his work. When a disappointed customer at The Bistro could not get the cold soup that she had ordered because it was a very hot day and The Bistro had run out of the soup, Sam called her the next day and said he would like to drop something off at her house. Thinking she had left some article behind, she agreed, only to have Sam turn up at her door with a container of the soup for her dinner. Born and raised in Lebanon, Sam came to Canada in 1976 for a visit. Lebanon was then in the midst of a civil war and he liked Canada so he renewed his visa and decided to make Canada his home.

Sam had trained as an accountant in Lebanon and spoke Arabic and French. Because he had to learn English and earn a paycheque at the same time, he got into the restaurant business. He met Les, they opened The Bistro together, and the rest is part of Ottawa’s history. Since selling The Bistro and closing its successor, Bistro Bis, Sam opted for a change of pace when the owner of Newport, Moe Attalah, offered him his current job. Sam made Westboro his home, and over the years has brought 17 members of his family to Canada. Sam contributes a lot to the special neighbourhood feel of Westboro. When he goes for groceries, he checks if his neighbour needs something. When he cooks, he shares his creations with his neighbour. He is the volunteer chef when the Newport kitchen prepares Meals on Wheels at Christmas. He likes people, he

EARLY DAYS A century’s worth of memories The history of the Lululemon building BY DAVE ALLSTON

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he iconic Lululemon building in the heart of Westboro, on the village’s busiest corner, turns 100 years old in 2019. This building has housed important shops, restaurants, medical offices and even homes that have been integral to life in Westboro. There are a century’s worth of great community memories found here. John Ullett of the prominent Woodroffe pioneer family constructed the oldest portion of the building in 1919 on a lot he acquired through foreclosure on a mortgage he had given to the previous owner. The lot was wide; fronting 106 feet onto Richmond Road. At the time, the lot contained only a small, primitive wood house on the western edge, about where Lexington Smokehouse and Bar exists today. The rest of the lot sat empty and was fairly thickly treed. This wood house – built in 1898 by 31-year-old jeweller Benjamin Read Whiteley – was actually one of the first structures on the south side of Richmond Road, which until 1906 was the Highland Park Dairy Farm run by the Cole family. (It was the first

farm in Canada to use electricity!) The Nepean Township town hall was built in Westboro in 1896 and when the streetcars arrived in 1900 it turned Westboro from farmland to a thriving village almost overnight. Ullett’s building may have originally looked similar to one he had built four years earlier (in 1915) at the northwest corner of Richmond and Woodroffe (the old corner store that stood until just a few years ago). The first tenant was one of Westboro’s most prominent citizens, and its first Jewish resident, Mr. Benjamin Bodnoff. The 32-year-old was a widower who had spent his twenties in the western neighbourhoods of Ottawa working his way up from nothing. He operated small shops that he also resided in, and in one documented instance, a building that had been condemned as uninhabitable. In Westboro, Bodnoff operated a dry goods and clothing shop in the long, narrow one-storey commercial building that fronted busy Richmond Road. His determination and drive for success was nothing short of epic. In March 1923, Bodnoff purchased the property from Ullett. The following

”It’s a much-loved building

that continues to stand as part of the enduring legacy of early Westboro visionaries like Benjamin Bodnoff. ” year, he demolished the Whiteley house and constructed a massive $3,500 addition along the west side that filled the lot. It featured Bodnoff’s store, a Dominion grocery, Turner Brothers butchers, and the offices of lawyer W. E. Haughton and dentist W. M. Myles. During this time, Morris Feldberg built the adjoining brick building to the south on Churchill Avenue (now Equator Coffee) for his shoe-making business. In fact, you can still see his “M” and “F” initials installed between the upper windows of the front of the building. He later opened Morris Formalwear in Hintonburg. Bodnoff’s continued to flourish through the roaring twenties and he

Lorenzo Bar & Grill , a new family restaurant located at the corner of Woodroffe and Richmond. Specialize in Greek and Italian food and also known for their amazing pizza. OPEN FOR BREAKFAST

January 2019 • 12

reinvested constantly in Westboro. Between 1929 and 1930, Bodnoff renovated the portion of the store alongside Churchill, making it larger and creating the unique rounded corner that remains an instantly recognizable landmark to this day. He also strategically built the front of this portion of the building set 14 feet back from Richmond Road, in anticipation of the required widening of the road. As Ottawa and Westboro grew and cars replaced horse and buggy, the Richmond Road streetscape was simply too narrow. Over nearly 10 years, and at a massive cost, Richmond was widened to 66 feet from Western Avenue to McKellar Park. These costs included the expropriation of

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the other side of Churchill in 1979. At the west end of the building, in what is now Lexington, was a long-time butcher shop operated by George Turner (1925 to 1956), a television sales shop when TV first arrived in Ottawa, Rothman’s TV Centre (1956 to 1959), Cicero’s Pizzeria (1969 to 1981) and Puzzle’s tavern (1982 to 2009). There have always been apartments on the second level, and notably one man in particular, Marcus Goldenberg, lived there for 47 years (1934 to 1981). It’s a much-loved building that continues to stand as part of the enduring legacy of early Westboro visionaries like Benjamin Bodnoff. Dave Allston is a local historian and the author of The Kitchissippi Museum (kitchissippimuseum.blogspot.ca). Do you have early memories or photos to share? Send your email to us at stories@kitchissippi.com.

13 • January 2019

Canada as a teen with little money. As for the Lululemon building, long-time Westboro residents may remember this store as being Bort’s Nepean Outfitters from 1930 to 1955, then Males Ltd. menswear from 1955 to 1964, at which time Carver & Ward expanded and doubled their floor space (they had been operating next door since 1951, in the former Dominion grocery store which had operated from 1926). In 1974, Carver and Ward sold, and it became the Westboro IDA Pharmacy, and later a Pharmasave until Lululemon moved in June 2004. Next to this business in what is now freshii has almost always been a restaurant. Snider’s Lunch opened in 1933, replaced by Baird’s Lunch (1935 to 1943) and most famously, Port’s Lunch (1932 to 1973). When Port’s closed in 1973, the Newport restaurant’s first iteration opened in this location, until it moved to

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Cowan, (where Fooshin now stands), was converted to the Ideal Bakery in the 1920s. Bodnoff retained this house and built around it, constructing a large brick commercial building that originally housed Stevenson’s Hardware and for many years an A&P Grocers, but most notably, the second floor housed the Westboro Bowling Alley operated by William Seed. This building (and the Ideal Bakery house) were replaced in 1958 with the new Queensboro Building built by Freedman Realty, which still stands today. Bodnoff purchased and developed several other Westboro properties while he was also significantly involved in local politics and charity work. He spent the remainder of his life in Westboro, moving from the upstairs portion of his building to a house at 472 Churchill in 1941, where he lived until his death in 1960 at age 72. It’s a remarkable success story for a Russian-born Jewish man who came to

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property, the demolishing and moving of many homes and buildings along the way, and the resurfacing of Richmond Road. The rest of Bodnoff’s building originally did reach 14 feet further out to Richmond Road (over what would be the sidewalk today). This is best seen in the 1935 photo of the building (above), which shows the setback of the corner portion from the rest of the front (allowing for a great advertising space on the doomed front wall that was sliced off in 1939). Bodnoff found his true passion in real estate rather than as a merchant. The early days of the depression also made business difficult, so he closed his store in May 1930 and put all his efforts into property acquisition and development. In 1930, he acquired the two adjoining lots to the west, giving him nearly 240 feet of frontage, about to where Essentia is located today. An 1898 house built by former Hintonburg hotel-keeper, Andrew

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This photo from 1935 shows the original businesses on this corner, but also highlights the 14 feet that would get sliced off the front of this building 1939. It also shows the curved corner, as it still stands today, which was the creation of Benjamin Bodnoff. Photo courtesy of the City of Ottawa Archives, CA-7611. For more photos see the web version of this story at Kitchissippi.com.

January 2019 • 14

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earned his degree in engineering physics. Vanessa, currently a stay-at-home mum, holds a BSc from Dalhousie and a masters’ in earth sciences (mineralogy) from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She also found time to attend cooking school and work in the restaurant and food industry. The couple originally met while playing Ultimate Frisbee here in Ottawa. Later, Vanessa decided to move to Vancouver to attend UBC. That decision made, she posed a short question to Owen. “I’m going to Vancouver. Do you want to come?” His answer was shorter: “Yes.” After three years in Vancouver, the couple opted to make Ottawa their longterm home and moved back. Today, their children attend schools in Westboro. In addition to hockey, they enjoy their neighbours, Clare Park and their four-yearold Great Pyrenees mountain dog, Olive. There are no plans to move. In a neighbourhood as popular as Westboro, older homes on 50-foot lots are vulnerable. The underlying value of the property almost dictates that single homes will be demolished to make way for much larger semi-detached doubles and singles which more often than not dwarf those around them. But once in a long while, the occasional older house on a 50-foot lot is saved. Perhaps not always in original form, but largely so. Though she knew she had to leave 475 Athlone, Alison Francis did her best to place the house in the hands of a young couple she thought would treat it with the respect it deserved. She could not have found better custodians than Vanessa Gale and Owen Lumley. The young couple preserved 475 Athlone, not because it was historically important or an architectural gem, but because they knew it could be altered to meet their needs. They also knew the home was important to Ms. Francis. And now, it is important to them, too, which is the way things should be sometimes.

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Continued from page 9 When the family moved back into 475 Athlone Ave., it had the new kitchen and a larger dining area. A wood stove was added to a corner in the living room. The original kitchen became a general-purpose area with a computer, pantry, and a large storage area with laundry facilities and a powder room nearby. Happily, they were able to keep the original windows on the north side of the house on the first floor. Much of the woodwork and trim was retained as well. The downstairs flooring is a mix of hardwood and in the new addition, cork. Upstairs there are now four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Their original plans had called for a new porch on the front of the house, which would also wrap around the south side. A good portion of the side porch, an area of about 16 by 20 feet was to be screened. “We had planned on the porch but we were going to do it later. My mum said ‘just do it.’” So they did. Building the porch meant relocating the laneway to other side of the house and building a new garage at the end of it. Vanessa’s mother was also the inspiration for the purple front door on the Athlone house. “The door is purple because I grew up with a purple door,” explains Vanessa. “My mum had one on her house in the Cabbagetown area of Toronto. When she passed away, I decided to make our door purple.” Vanessa’s inheritance from her mother ultimately enabled the couple to build the porch sooner rather than later. In the summer, the porch is a great spot for family dinners. In the winter, it’s an equally good location for airing hockey gear. And in this family there’s a lot of hockey gear! All five play hockey on a regular basis. When he’s not playing hockey, Owen works for Acacia Communications Inc., a leading telecommunications firm in Kanata. He is originally from Ancaster, Ontario and went to McMaster where he

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Readers where shocked and saddened to hear the news Chef Michael Holland shut down Holland’s Cake and Shake in March. His creatively-themed mini cakes were a big hit in Kitchissippi and beyond. Today, the location at 229 Armstrong St. is now a Morning Owl, but that doesn’t mean Michael is out of the picture completely. He’s focused on production behind the scenes and is busy setting up the baking program for the two Morning Owl locations, Rochester and Armstrong, preparing all the treats, and organizing bread production. In terms of cakes, his focus has changed from small to big. Large custom birthday cakes are being baked up for new fans and old and the plan is to eventually expand cake production. There’s a website in the works, which will feature a line of five or six cakes along with an option for custom cakes. There will also be cakes for those who embrace the “devil’s lettuce,” reveals Michael. “It will include a line of stoner-themed cakes for those that get the munchies, along with the eventual production of edibles.”

Photo of Arpi by Ted Simpson. Michael Holland at Holland’s Cake and Shake. This space is now a Morning Owl. PHOTO BY JARED DAVIDSON

Westfest’s top volunteer In the March 29 issue of KT we introduced our readers to Paul Knoll, who’d been volunteering for Westfest for ten years. 2018 was the 15th anniversary of Westfest and in March, Paul joined Westfest producer, Elaina Martin on stage at a special event hosted at Cube Gallery to accept Mayor Jim Watson’s

commemoration of this special milestone. One thing is clear: Paul has a lot of friends in Kitchissippi! According to Paul’s sister, Helen Ries, health challenges may prevent him from volunteering in 2019, but his passion for art is as strong as ever. In May 2018, Paul’s artwork was displayed at Dovercourt Recreation Centre and was available for sale at a vernissage, which was well-attended. Paul painted the outdoor wading pool at Dovercourt this past summer and is busy painting, and attending artist meetups.

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From baby cakes to the “devil’s lettuce”?

Where is Arpi now?

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Westboro resident Paul Knoll was feted as a “super volunteer” in the March 2018 issue of KT. PHOTO BY HELEN RIES

Since moving to Ottawa six years ago, Arpi, an acclaimed street artist, has had an active role in Ottawa’s art scene. He has been the creator of many murals in Kitchissippi, including a large composition over the entrance of Railbender Tattoo Studio located at Armstrong and Hamilton. On that same

building, two finches add a touch of colour to the wall of the former location of the Orange Art Gallery. Arpi is also responsible for a mural on Lowrey Street near Garland, and another near Maker House on Wellington Street West. After three years of working out of what he calls his “nest” in the former location of LOAM Clay Studio located at 7A Hamilton Ave., Arpi had to vacate the space at the end of December. While Arpi said his agreement with the landlord would eventually come to an end, the timing couldn’t have been better. “Right now there is this new opportunity that is panning out — basically a dream job for me — working as an arborist at the Experimental Farm in the arboretum, which in my view is an Ottawa gem,” he reveals. Working with wood and trees is not something that is new for Arpi. When he’s not painting murals around the community, he’s using scraps of wood and is turning them into art. “Nature is the ultimate artist and beauty is all around us,” says Arpi. “If you’re open to it or not, it’s there. If you look at a forest, it’s beautiful. If you look at a tree ,it’s beautiful. Even if you look at one leaf, it’s beautiful. The best thing we can do is learn from our environment and work with it.” Continued on page 18

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2018 IN REVIEW Continued from page 16 That was Arpi’s main message at his final art show held at his “nest” on December 14. The show titled “What about us!?” gave visitors to the gallery a chance to reflect on life’s meaning in a world where “most people see themselves as socially conservative,” according to Arpi. The theme of his show also focused on life’s meaning. Labeled “Conservative imperialism and the progressive individuals in the year of the dog,” Arpi says the idea came after reflecting on one of the lowlights of his career. Earlier this year, Arpi was commissioned to paint a two-storey mural of a French bulldog on the side wall of a building on Stirling Avenue in Hintonburg. When someone complained to the Ottawa bylaw department, they told the owner to cover it up. The story garnered a lot of media attention in fall of this year, which Arpi says was not positive. “I had a couple of opportunities this fall that totally got squandered,” says Arpi. “I lost half a dozen projects this year alone, but there are countless other things that maybe will never get to be because for a lot of people it was an ‘I told you so’ moment.” Arpi says the reason why customers backed out of projects is that they were concerned about bylaws. Instead, some chose to go through the formal permission process. After Kitchissippi Ward Councillor Jeff Leiper put forward a motion, council unanimously approved an exemption and allowed the dog mural to stay. A review is underway to make it easier for homeowners, while still respecting the neighbourhood. Arpi started his new job at the Central Experimental Farm on December 18, but said he will continue to do art while riding the wave of opportunity. “It is possible I become one of those people who lives a normal life,” jokes Arpi. “[But] I doubt it because I think art is a part of who I am. I’ll play it by ear.”

MAY Five things about Dovercourt Did you know that the land at the corner of Dovercourt and Roosevelt Avenues was once a swamp? It was transformed into a park, which eventually became the site of a small community centre and finally, the recreation centre we know as Dovercourt. In 2018, Dovercourt celebrated their 30th anniversary and in our May 2018 issue, we shared five things everyone should to know about it. Here’s another five: 1. The building expansion is nearing completion and is expected in early February. The lead architect is Sandy Davis, who was a young new Hobin architect employee in the original build. The Morris Home Team room promises to be a great new large multipurpose room. 2. Dovercourt is a social enterprise, something John Rapp, Dovercourt’s executive director, loves to chat about. “Our 2019 budget expects to bring in close to $6 million in revenue, which really helps us meet our mission of a healthy active community with a strong menu of activities for all ages and abilities, and fuels us to be the largest youth employer in west Ottawa and our charitable initiatives,” says John. 3. Summer camps are “looking great” for 2019 and registration starts in January. “We are very excited about the menu we are offering, with some great partners like MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre,” says John. 4. “Doverkids” are a special part of Dovercourt staff. “Not only do we enjoy the kids who have grown up and now work here, as we start our 32nd year of operation we celebrate some great alumni like Will Amos M.P., and Uday Jaswal, deputy police chief,” says John.

In an effort to get to know Joel Harden a bit better we presented KT readers with five things you should know about him in the July 2018 issue. PHOTO BY TED SIMPSON

5. Accessibility is a key tenet of Dovercourt’s mission. “While we are blessed with great architecture (thanks Barry Hobin!) and a great landlord (we love you, City of Ottawa), accessibility is more about attitude, and we sure have one. Every obstacle to participation is a problem we take on together!”

JUNE Robots on the beach In June we brought you the exciting story of robots on the beach. Erin Kennedy (a.k.a. RobotGrrl), Ottawa-based inventor and founder of Robot Missions, deployed beach-cleaning robots to Westboro Beach, which many residents got to see and try out for themselves. Unfortunately, a fire in September seriously wrecked their home “pod” at Westboro Beach. The robots weren’t damaged, but electronics and robots parts were destroyed. A Kickstarter campaign to replace the pod quickly

raised almost $3,000. Will the robots be back at the beach in 2019? Erin is still in planning stages. Stay tuned!

JULY Get to know Joel Harden In the provincial election, we saw a massive shift take place in Ontario’s political climate. Many communities have seen a change in their representation at the provincial level. Here in Kitchissippi, one of those changes brought Ottawa Centre a new MPP: Joel Harden. If you’ve been at a community event these past few months, you’ve probably seen Joel Harden there too. On September 21, he was on site when students at Nepean High School walked out of class to protest changes to the sexed curriculum, he sang Christmas carols with the crowd at Westboro’s tree lighting ceremony December 1, and many other events. Joel hosted a town hall about cannabis in October, and one in November on the

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Located at the north end of Tunney’s along the Ottawa River, the shanty town was “like a visit to another world.” PHOTO CA-18439 COURTESY OF THE CITY OF OTTAWA ARCHIVES publish extra photos on the web version of this story. If you missed it (or any other Early Days column), find it in our web archive at kitchissippi.com.

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19 • January 2019

A dark chapter in Kitchissippi’s history

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In September, we brought you the story of Peter Joynt and Pei Pilgrim’s upbeat musical collaboration called Loving This Feeling. The song’s accompanying video, shot with a drone and featuring the nowdemolished Harmer Avenue pedestrian bridge, shows Peter and Pei walking through Kitchissippi. Continued on page 22

AUGUST

The untold story of Kitchissippi’s shanty town was one of our most popular features in 2018. Like with many of Dave Allston’s history columns, we were able to

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topic of a 100-day government review, which included panelists from Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative (OREC), Ottawa ACORN, and Fight for $15 & Fairness Ottawa. In our July cover story about Joel, he said the goal of these sessions is to bring together people who are more knowledgeable on these issues than him, so he can learn from them what makes the most sense for our province. Joel’s plan is to continue to host regular town halls in 2019. The next one will be a panel and film screening for Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 1-7) at the Mayfair Theatre on February 3. Readers can find details at joelharden.ca closer to the day. The other big election news this year, of course, was the re-election of Councillor Jeff Leiper in October, who won nearly 85 percent of the vote against his only opponent, Daniel Stringer.

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HOW NOT TO SABOTAGE YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION Q: Every year I commit to start eating healthier and working out on a consistent basis. After a few weeks I fall off the wagon and regress to my old habits, how can I do better this year? A: Having the idea in your head that you need to do this 100% of the time and then “falling off the wagon” has serious negative effects on your mental health. This is why so many of us get caught up in the yo-yo diet culture and get seriously stuck. You stick to your “diet” for a week, but then the weekend rolls around and you have a piece of your favourite cake. Well you already blew the diet, so why not have pizza the next day. Then the guilt kicks in. Instead of feeling guilty and getting lost in the modern diet culture cycle, pick yourself back up and remember that life happens. I tell many of my clients who claim they have “fallen off the wagon”, to start fresh right away and get into a positive mind-set. It’s all about the small, healthy habits you include every day that amount to big changes. Q: What are some tips I can do to recover when this happens? A: The best thing you can do is drink some water, keep moving and take some extra probiotics. And of course, get back to eating a real food diet! A real food diet should consist of veggies, fruits, good quality animal products, fermented foods, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds. Book your Nutrition Assessment during the month of January and get NutriChem’s 3-Part Nutrition E Book Bundle for free! Includes: Real Food for Real Life, 14-Day Real Food for Real Life Meal Plan and Coffee Challenge e-books. Book now by calling 613-721-3669 and use coupon code REALFOOD.

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COUNCILLOR’S CORNER City Hall update SUBMITTED BY JEFF LEIPER, KITCHISSIPPI WARD COUNCILLOR

appy New Year, Kitchissippi! I hope everyone had a safe and cozy holiday season. We had a busy 2018 and we’re ready to hit the ground running in 2019. Read on to find out what’s happening at city hall. This term of council I will be serving as the chair of the information technology sub-committee, as vice-chair of the transportation committee, and as the only urban core member of the planning committee. It’s been well-reported in the press that councillors from the urban core were frozen out of committee chair and deputy mayor positions that would give them a seat at the finance and economic development

committee, the mayor’s de facto cabinet/ executive committee. My motion to add councillor Menard and Brockington to planning committee was defeated at council, and I and eight other councillors voted to reject the Mayor’s nominations outright. The budget direction report was also passed, with four of us dissenting. Staff will now prepare a budget draft that anticipates a citywide tax supported levy of no more than three percent. These funds will address increased labour costs and support critical infrastructure renewal projects. This would add no additional debt, but I anticipate that there will be little new funding beyond inflation to address the ongoing housing crisis, increase our social

services, or improve our other pressing needs. In better budget news, an additional $400,000 has been approved for the Rosemount Library renovations! The new glassed-in reading room at the front was well-received by folks I spoke with at the open houses showcasing the revised plans, and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product. We’ll resume pop-up office hours shortly, so keep your eye on the newsletter for more information about where and when we can meet up to chat all things Kitchissippi. In the meantime, we do have a community meeting for a potential development at 258 Carruthers coming up on January 15, and another meeting to discuss the Westgate (1309 Carling Ave.) development. More information on that at kitchissippiward. ca. I hope to see you there!

”In better budget news, an additional

$400,000 has been approved for the Rosemount Library renovations! The new glassed-in reading room at the front was well-received by folks I spoke with at the open houses showcasing the revised plans, and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product. ”

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homes. It’s encouraging that the mayor AT UNITARIAN HOUSE has voiced support for this tool, but we Unitarian House oﬀers an aﬀordable home like need to ensure that inclusionary zoning environment in Kitchissippi surrounded by ttawa has a housing crisis. rules require a significant percentage of gardens with easy access to the parkway. We recently learned through affordable housing, rather than a token a CBC report that the number of amount. • In-house exercise • Nutritious meals program • Housekeeping chronically homeless families seeking We also need to see provincial • Van to shopping centers • Laundry services shelter in our city spiked by 143 percent investment in building more affordable • 24 hour Registered • Libraries, movie room between 2014 and 2017. To make housing, including support for co-ops Nurse and much more! matters worse, at the time of writing and adaptive housing. Unfortunately, Call 613-722-6690 or email retire@unitarianhouse.ca there are 380 families living in motels the Ford government is proceeding to and hotels, waiting to be housed. make housing even less affordable by Unitarian House of Ottawa 20 Cleary Ave We call it home off Richmond Rd City shelters are over capacity, eliminating rent control for newly built and have been for some time. Shelter units. operators talk about people sleeping In the meantime, more people are upright in waiting room chairs because sleeping in cars, in bus terminals, at home@dianeandjen.com municipal regulations prevent mats fast food restaurants, or outside in dianeandjen.com from being laid out on the floor. makeshift tents during these It’s crucial to ensure those cold winter months. Many who need shelter can access organizations are making it, but we also can’t overlook the rounds to check on the root of the problem. The outdoor sleepers, but fundamental cause of this these actions forestall overcrowding is a lack of the inevitable. Sooner affordable housing supply in or later, we will hear Our office is here for you with: Ottawa. news about a preventable Right now, about 10,500 death from someone sleeping Monthly Town Halls families in our city are on the waiting outside. Canvasses list for subsidized housing. In some We cannot allow that to happen. Community Organizing cases, the wait can be up to five years Which is why on December 9, Help our Accessing Government Services long. office hosted a meeting with shelter As we work towards finding providers, housing advocates and city P: 613-722-6414 emergency housing for those living councillors to discuss109 shortand longCatherine St. / rue Catherine E: JHarden-CO@ndp.on.ca Ottawa, ON K2P 0P4 on our streets, we must also discuss term solutions to addressing housing MPP / Député provincial, www.joelharden.ca Ottawa Centre how other cities, like Edmonton and and homelessness. Lots of creative ideas Montreal, are increasing the stock of emerged for how we can help those affordable housing. We need policies without a home now, and tackle the that emulate these positive examples. shortage of affordable housing. We’ll One of these policies is inclusionary continue working closely with these zoning, where new residential organizations as we encourage the city developments are required to include and province to act with urgency in a certain percentage of affordable supporting those without a home.

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2018 IN REVIEW Continued from page 19 Peter, who is known for his motivational speaking engagements with young people about bullying and overcoming personal challenges, just finished his 145th (!) talk at Ottawa schools. He told KT the head of the OttawaCarleton District School Board used the video to launch a meeting with all the principals and vice-principals to kick off the school year in September 2018. Pei is proud that Devonshire P.S., her former school, screened the video at a school assembly and talked about it together as a school. Peter and Pei continue to write music together and we look forward to seeing what’s next for this dynamic duo.

OCTOBER No straws please Maelyn Kaya is still encouraging local businesses to forego plastic straws with her No Straw Ottawa campaign. Since our story about this high school activist was published in October, Mae has recruited nearly ten more businesses and continues to reach out to add more to her list. She also wants to connect with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board about school-wide plastic bans and generating awareness. In December, she did a presentation at Ottawa University to raise awareness about the plastic-free movement in Ottawa

TIPS & IDEAS We want to hear from you about what’s happening in our community. Contact the Editor.

NOVEMBER Five+None = a new spin on the music scene In November we brought readers the story of a group of young musicians called Five+None. Five+None came together at the Bluesfest School of Music and Art (BSOMA), an enterprise founded by Dovercourt Recreation Centre and RBC Ottawa Bluesfest back in 2014. There have been a few exciting updates since the publication of the article. LiVE 88.5 continues to play their song “3D” and several of their songs have been picked up by community and university radio stations. Locally, CKDJ is playing “3D” and “Ball & Chain” and “3D” is charting on Amherst Island’s community radio station. Alan Cross of the Ongoing History of New Music shared news of “3D” with his social media followers, a huge coup for these young musicians. They continue to play gigs (find out when and where at their website at fiveplusnone.com). They’ve written two new songs and will be releasing them in the new year. What’s more, they’ve committed to another session at BSOMA and will be playing at RBC Bluesfest in July.

Nepean High School student Maelyn Kaya. PHOTO BY ANDREA TOMKINS

DECEMBER The Good issue We did something a little different in the December edition of KT. We pulled together information about a few local charitable initiatives and residents who are doing good work. One of those is Moe Attalah, who works with Meals on Wheels to provide Christmas dinner to those in need.

Moe Atallah’s Newport Restaurant teamed up with Meals on Wheels to deliver Christmas dinners. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK

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WESTBORO VILLAGER HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope 2019 brings health and happiness to all! We are beginning the year with our Annual General Meeting – reviewing 2018 and discussing what the plan is for 2019. Already, we have committed to putting Westboro on the map in new and exciting ways! This year, Westboro Village will be sponsoring the Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) Winter Trail, a groomed multi-use winter trail along the SJAM multi-use pathway that promotes active living along the Ottawa River Shoreline, and welcomes a diversity of users, whether they are walking, on skis, snowshoes or a snow bike. Westboro Village will sponsor the Kitchissippi Woods segment of the trail where “Winterlude on the SJAM” a ski the loop activation, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring out the family for a great evening, and experience Winterlude right here in Westboro! Don’t forget to stop into the many places in Westboro Village to warm yourself up from the inside out.

Dave Adams is looking forward to another great season on the SJAM Winter Trail. Photo by Ellen Bond This year, we will also be welcoming a new Westboro Village BIA board of management. This will be ultimately voted on at the annual general meeting, January 9, and ratified by the city of Ottawa in February/March. The candidates are volunteers that represent the businesses in the area: Molly Van der Schee, The Village Quire

(re-elect); Steve Harding, Xactly Design (re-elect); Darren Prashad, Merit Travel (re-elect); Richard Bown, Urban Turf (re-elect); Rick Eisert, Royal LePage; Sheba Schmidt, West End Kids. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dan Hwang, chairman, Bill Bourk, vice-chairman, and Rick Morris, treasurer as they officially end their

tenure from the board after many, many years of volunteer service to this business community. Thank you! Stay tuned to upcoming news and events by subscribing the Westboro Village newsletter at

westborovillage.com.

WESTBORO VILLAGE • January 2019 • 24

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Dave Adams is the head groomer of the SJAM Winter Trail. Photo by Ellen Bond

WINTER IN WESTBORO The snow arrived early this year, which means we've had even more time to enjoy the SJAM Winter Trail (wintertrail.ca) located in the heart of Westboro! This groomed multi-use winter trail along the Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) multi-use pathway (MUP) provides access to the Ottawa River shoreline and welcomes a diversity of users, whether you are walking, on skis, snowshoes

or a snow bike. The salt-free trail will respect environmental sensitivities unique to the river shoreline. Did you know the Westboro BIA is a proud sponsor of the SJAM trail? They not only manage and groom the trail but offer some great events as well! Mark your calendars for the Ski Festival at Remic Rapids Park on Sunday, January 20. It will feature a ski loop for kids and adults as well as a fat bike competition. Then, on the first Saturday night of Winterlude, the BIA is hosting a bonfire

and hot chocolate at Kitchissippi Woods. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. If you’re just learning to ski or want to learn more about where to ski locally, sign up for the Nordic Skiing 101 event hosted by Bushtukah (203 Richmond Rd.) on the evening of January 29. You will learn about the best places to ski, about the different types of skis and which are right for you. They also have a learning clinic about winter camping on January 22. Their resident camping expert, Georges, will be on hand to share tips for extending your camping season and how to stay warm and dry during

the colder months. The clinics are free, but spaces are limited so make sure to reserve your spot. If you’re looking for the newest products to keep you warm this winter, head to Great Escape Outfitters (369 Richmond Rd.). They feature Indygena women’s wear, which is designed to stand up to seriously cold temperatures as well as other cold-weather brand favourites for men and women such as Fjällräven and Kuhl. They also have snowshoes, hiking and walking poles and other gear that will get you outside and enjoying winter in Westboro!

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

If getting strong is your goal for 2019, Anna Barone of Victory Strength and Boxing will help you get there. Photo by Ellen Bond

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fitness level. They also offer a low-impact workout that helps people of all ages and abilities to start leading active lifestyles. And at just 25 minutes, the workouts are the perfect length to get in over the lunch break! If your body needs an energy boost after a workout, drop by Raw Pulp + Grind (307A Richmond Rd.) and grab a cold-pressed juice, smoothie or superfood salad. If you’re looking to

detox after indulging throughout the holiday season, take a look at their oneday, three-day or “Juice til Dinner” cleanses. Available for pick up or delivery, the cleanses are designed to cleanse and nurture while supplying your body with a full range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The ingredients also promote detoxification of the liver, kidney and bowels for a complete system reboot.

It’s a New Year filled with possibility. Choose the perfect journal at The Village Quire. 312 Richmond Rd, Westboro 613-695-2287

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25 • January 2019 • WESTBORO VILLAGE

Ave.) was designed as a complete body workout to improve strength, flexibility, co-ordination, endurance, and balance. It is intense on the muscles, but low impact and safe on the joints, spine, and connective tissues. Reform yourself with their innovative 25-minute workouts designed to strengthen your body’s biomechanics safely and effectively. The reform method challenges people of all ages and abilities regardless of their

KitchissippiTimes

If you’re looking for a sustainable approach to fitness this year, visit Victory Strength & Boxing (294 Picton Ave.). They will assess you to determine imbalances brought about by ageing, lifestyle, injury, repetitive movement, or illness, and work to develop strong movement patterns and refocus on sustainable health. Victory offers a 20-day meal program to determine clients’ inflammatory response to food. Owner Anna Barone is clear about her prescription for total health, “It’s simple, actually chew your food, lift, push and pull weight properly to reinforce proper movement patterns, and actually feel your body!” Start getting into shape with the Victory Strength & Boxing series, which combines both a strength and mobility component as well as boxing in a one-hour session two times a week for eight weeks. The reform method™ available at Reform Health & Fitness (300-317 McRae

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New Year's resolutions can be hard to keep, but when the support and resources are in your backyard, chances are those resolutions will quickly become habits.

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EVENTS

Westboro Village Business Improvement Area

Annual General Meeting & Board of Management Election

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Wednesday January 9, 2019 5:30pm-7:30pm Whispers Pub & Eatery 249 Richmond Road For details: admin@westborovillage.com

When: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Place: Whispers Pub & Eatery, 249 Richmond Rd. (Upper level)

AGENDA: • Welcome • Motion to approve meeting minutes of 2017 AGM

WESTBORO VILLAGE • January 2019 • 26

This feature is a paid advertisement sponsored in part by the Westboro Village Business Improvement Area. For more information, please see westborovillage.com

• Presentation of 2018 operating results (financials) • Presentation and motion to approve 2019 operating budget • Presentation to outgoing board • Board of management election and motion to approve oncoming board of management • Presentation: “30 ideas in 30 minutes” for retail success, by Gilbert Russell, retail coach with Bob Negen’s Whizbang Training and owner of BRIO Bodywear.

RSVP: admin@westborovillage.com (2018 operating results and 2019 operating budget will be emailed to RSVP emails prior to the annual general meeting).

Board Election Candidates:

PUBLISHED BY:

Great River Media

Rick Eisert – Royal LePage

CONTRIBUTORS:

Richard Bown – Urban Turf (re-elect)

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Molly Van der Schee – The Village Quire (re-elect) Darren Prashad – Merit Travel (re-elect) Steve Harding – Xactly Design (re-elect) Sheba Schmidt – West End Kids

Tracy Noble Ellen Bond

Eric Dupuis eric@kitchissippi.com 613-266-5598

COMMUNITY CALENDAR JANUARY 9 – ONFE VOLUNTEERS IN EDUCATION ONFE Volunteers in Education orientation sessions are ongoing, Wednesdays starting January 9. EVERY CHILD NEEDS a champion! Are you patient, creative and want to help students learn? Become a school volunteer. Read aloud to young children, become a math tutor, help students learn English or French. Screening and training provided. Apply online at www.onfe-rope.ca/ovie or contact Anne Brouillard @ 613-366-3085 x255 abrouillard@onfe-rope.ca

FEBRUARY 9 - WRITING WORKSHOP WITH AUTHOR CATHERINE AUSTEN Join local author and contest judge Catherine Austen for tips and tricks on how to write a winning short story. For ages 9-12. Saturday February 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Carlingwood branch of the Ottawa Public Library. For information and to register go to biblioottawalibrary.ca. WESTBORO SUPPER CLUB IS LOOKING FOR MEMBERS Food has a way of bringing people together. Some of our best memories are shaped around meals shared with family, friends, and neighbours. The Westboro Supper Club was created with the goal of creating new memories and sharing a meal together at one of the many wonderful restaurants our city has to offer! If you would like to join us in this experience of all things edible, please send us an email at westborosupperclub@icloud.com so you’ll be the first to know about our exciting Westboro Supper Club events. We look forward to hearing from you!

Wednesday evenings at The Ottawa Bronson Centre Starting January 9th, 2019 To Register: Contact Pauline Brown 819-684-7885

NEW

YOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS For up-to-date news on your neighbourhood, stay in touch with your community association. Information about events, traffic changes, development, neighbourhood clubs, volunteer opportunities and board meetings is available from the following Community Association websites.

Friends of Churchill Seniors Centre friendsofchurchill.com Hintonburg Community Association hintonburg.com Hampton-Iona Community Group hamptoniona.wordpress.com Island Park Community Association islandpark.wordpress.com McKellar Park Community Association mckellarparkcommunity.wordpress.com Mechanicsville Community Association facebook.com/MechanicsvilleCA Wellington Village Community Association wvca.ca Westboro Beach Community Association westborobeach.ca Westboro Community Association lovewestboro.wordpress.com

Deadline for submissions:

JANUARY 24 editor@kitchissippi.com Please include “Community Calendar” in the subject line of your email.

To place a Classified or Marketplace ad, please call 613.238.1818

beginner STEP DANCE & FIDDLE classes

Starting in January 2019 for all ages

Dave Rennie’s Autocare www.stepdancewithpauline.ca

819-684-7885

Quality Service & Repairs Since 1980 801 Richmond Road Ottawa, ON K2A 0G7

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27 • January 2019

DANCE NEW LINE CLASSES in Ottawa!

CHURCHILL SENIORS CENTRE Drop-in programs at Churchill Senior Recreation Center: Folk Song Circle is now meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Open Lounge happens Tuesday and Thursday, from 12:15-4 p.m.,– meet others and play chess, Scrabble or cribbage. Play Pickleball Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. or Fridays at 11:15 a.m. Come play ukulele on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and/or Friday at 9:00 a.m. Weight & Cardio Agility on Mon/Wed/Fri 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and there’s open use of the fitness center. Fees are nominal. For more information call 613-798-8872 or email Anita.Findlay@ottawa.ca.

Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association Chnaottawa.ca

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KITCHISSIPPI MARKET PLACE

TOASTMASTERS Learn confidence and hone your leadership skills. Above and Beyond Toastmasters will help you get there. We meet every Monday at 7 p.m. except holidays at the Civic campus of The Ottawa Hospital in the Bickell Room on the main floor (across from Tim Hortons). Everyone is welcome. For more information, please see abottawa.toastmastersclubs.org or contact toastmasters.iwona.bm@gmail.com.

Champlain Park Community Association champlainpark.org

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WESTBORO LEGION’S BINGO AND LEAGUES Bingo every Wednesday night at the Westboro Legion. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for Ric’s@480 food service. Bingo games begin at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Join us with your friends, or come and meet new friends. Funds raised are donated back to community organizations. We also have Bid Euchre, Darts, Pool and Sandbag Leagues on a weekly basis starting in the Fall. For more information visit our website at rcl480. com or call 613-725-2778.

WESTBORO LEGION’S SATURDAY AND SUNDAY POOL Free pool from noon to closing upstairs at the Westboro Legion on Saturdays and Sundays. Everyone is welcome. For more information visit our website at rcl480.com or call 613-725-2778.

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JANUARY 22 – ALPHA DINNER AND FILM Come and explore the big questions of life, meaning, and faith at our Alpha Dinner and Film Experience – Tuesday evenings starting January 22. Check-in 6:28 p.m. Register via stmarysottawa.ca/alpha, or by email at alpha@ stmarysottawa.ca or leave a message at 613– 728–9811 x 701. St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 100 Young St. Access via parking lot. Alpha is free, the experience, priceless! A ‘Come and See’

information night will be held January 15 at 7:15 p.m. for those who want to know more before registering. Refreshments will be served.

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JANUARY 21 - BASIC DIGITAL PHOTO EDITING (HANDS ON) Led by Lynda Buske with assistance by Chris Taylor from the Ottawa PC Users’ Group, this hands-on session will help you discover easy ways to organize and enhance your photos by adjusting light, colour, and composition so you will be proud to display them. You must bring a laptop computer (Windows or MacOS). This workshop is limited to 10 people. It is recommended (but not a requirement) that you have previously attended one of the ‘Basic Digital Photo Editing’ demo-only sessions given by Chris or Lynda at the Ottawa Public Library. It will be happening at the Carlingwood Library on Monday, January 21 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. For more information go to biblioottawalibrary.ca.

It's Heart Season along Wellington West

6 Ways to Stay

Heart-Healthy this Winter with Wellington West

WALK AND SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

January 2019 • 28

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No excuses! Grab your best friend and get out there! Explore Wellington West and try a new shop or restaurant today!

GET OUTSIDE!

WORK OUT WITH FRIENDS!

Try fat-biking or skate-skiing this winter. Wellington West and Fresh Air Experience are proud sponsors of the SJAM Winter Trail.

Wellington West has an amazing variety of fitness, yoga, and cross-fit studios - more than a dozen to keep you moving all winter.

EAT HEART-HEALTHY! There are so many healthy new food choices to try: light, raw, vegetarian, and gluten-free options abound on Wellington West.

TAKE CARE OF YOU! Winter is hard on your body, hair, and skin. Relax with a massage, haircut, or at one of our many beauty spas or health practitioners.

RESTORE YOUR PASSION! Not just furniture, our shops offer lots of arts-and-craft classes. Learn knitting, painting, cooking, music, pottery… even taxidermy!