Kitchissippi Times June 2024

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

BY

PHOTO

AARON REID

From Instagram craze to Wellington West: Courage Cookies brings popular brand to Ottawa

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Kitchissippi cookie monsters have a new joint in town.

Toronto-based Courage Cookies officially opened its first location in Ottawa at 1130 Wellington St. W. on May 25. It took over the space formerly housed by Sharple Waffle, which moved to Mechanicville after a dispute with former neighboring business Stella Luna.

Co-owner Ian Moore, who also serves as the recipe development and creative director, said Wellington West was lacking a shop like theirs.

“We have that home-style feel. Our cookies are thicker and never too sweet. My strength is my palette,” said Moore. ”Some cookies will have a core flavour, others have things added to it. We have multiple varieties of textures going on.”

The business venture was first started by Moore and business partner Chelsea Hearty in March 2020 when the world shut down due to COVID-19.

Moore was working in the bar industry with the hopes of one day opening a restaurant, and Hearty had just begun her dream job at a well-known Toronto events firm. It ended in five weeks.

With so much time on his hands and

CERB payments in the bank, the hopeful restaurateur decided to start making cookies.

“This was when everyone was in their sourdough era and you couldn't find flour anywhere. I made a chocolate chip cookie and put it on Instagram, and some of our friends went crazy for it,” he said. “We decided to drive around in our car and hand them out.”

It took a little longer for Hearty to get on board. She hadn’t eaten cookies since she was a child.

“When I was a kid, I ate too many Oreos and I got sick. That was followed by the stomach flu and so it turned me off,” said Hearty. “I was also keto at the time and hadn’t eaten sugar in six months. But after Ian told me to try one of his cookies and I did, I had four or five more before bed that night.”

Hearty has been eating cookies ever since. The duo began making two dozen cookies a night, exploring different textures and flavors with every batch. Within a week they outgrew their home kitchen and started using a restaurant’s instead.

Pop-ups, markets, and Instagram orders by the dozens soon followed. In four years, they’ve grown to four locations in Toronto with the fifth just opening in Ottawa, where Moore and Hearty are originally from.

The pair decided they also wanted to

Toronto-based Courage Cookies has opened its first Ottawa location in Wellington West. PROVIDED PHOTOS.

somehow give back to the community and began donating a portion of sales to purchasing personal protective equipment during the pandemic. A goal of $10,000 was set. When life returned to normal, attention shifted to other charities and organizations making a difference locally and abroad.

“Giving back to the community has always been important to me, but I never had the financial meals to donate a lot,” said Hearty. “I’ve had a lot of cancers affect my family so that was something we wanted to focus on. Now we have probably 100 organizations a year reaching out to us. This is never where I thought this was going. I thought we’d be doing it for a couple of weeks or months.”

To date, over $100,000 has been raised. Every October and December, Courage Cookies uses its donations to make food hampers which are hand-delivered to those in need.

When choosing Wellington West as its Ottawa home, Moore, originally from Kanata, said he knew they were moving into a supportive community.

“It’s an untapped market,” he said. “If I could have dropped a pin on the map, it would have been here. I like the neighborhood, it has lots of foot traffic, it’s not saturated, and it still has free parking.”

The cookie maker said he’s excited to watch the business grow while also expanding their wholesale operations, which is currently in two dozen Toronto cafes and may soon expand to big-box stores.

As part of its Wellington West opening, Courage Cookies is currently offering a 15 per cent discount for online orders with the code OTTAWA15.

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UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES

Jan 19 |1:00-4:00pm |Open House

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Jan 26 |1:00-4:00pm |

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Celebratethe Chinese NewYear at our open house.The Success Dragon Lion DanceTroupe performs at 2pmand will have aluckydrawfor agift.

TheChinese Lion Danceisa3000-year-old Chinese tradition thatsymbolizes prosperity,luck, and happiness. Taiyaki-style desserts and refreshments will be served.

Ciao Italia!

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Hello readers and happy June! It’s hard to believe we are almost halfway through the year. The sun is shining and Kitchissippi residents are back outdoors, enjoying the Parkdale Market, river pathways, and the many community patios.

In this issue of KT you will get to indulge yourself in our annual summer fun guide which is bigger and better than ever this year. We have a list of activities to do for adults and kids of all ages — both in and out of Kitchissippi ward.

Arts and culture lovers will get to enjoy our concert guide filled with local talent, and food lovers will appreciate our list of Preston Street patios.

Speaking of Preston Street, I’m excited to announce that we are expanding into Little Italy! This is a rarity of sorts in community journalism which has struggled as an industry over the last few years. Our growth and success is in no small part thanks to you — our loyal readers and business owners who have supported the small yet mighty KT team for the last 20 years.

As part of this addition, I want to stress there will be no reduction in hyperlocal content coming out of the Kitchissippi catchment.

This issue, we are sending 2,000 additional copies to Preston Street-area homes and businesses who may not already be familiar with us. If you aren’t or haven’t already, we encourage you to sign up for our weekly newsletter at Kitchissippi.com, where local news will be delivered to your inbox every weekend.

Over the course of the next few months, you will also see more of a Britannia focus as we expand our boundaries west to more parts of Bay ward. If you have a story idea you feel would be of interest to our readers, please send me an email at editor@kitchissippi.com.

A reminder there is no issue in July. We will return in August with a Pride and Diversity issue which will give a voice to marginalized communities in our neighborhood.

Happy reading!

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

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

Hannah Wanamaker, Christina Korotkov, Daria Maystruk, Dave Allston, Bradley Turcotte, Mike Carroccetto, Christopher Smith, and Aaron Reid.

PROOFREADERS

Susan Rothery and Kate Chappell

ADVERTISING SALES

Eric Dupuis 613-696-9485 eric@kitchissippi.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tanya Connolly-Holmes creative@greatriver.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Celine Paquette celine@greatriver.ca

Deborah Ekuma deborah@obj.ca

FINANCE

Cheryl Schunk, 613-696-9490 cheryl@greatriver.ca

All other enquiries 613-696-9494 info@kitchissippi.com

DISTRIBUTION

A minimum of 15,000 copies are distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the 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.

DISTRIBUTOR Comet 2000

info@kitchissippi.com

The Kitchissippi Times is published by

FOUNDER PUBLISHER

Mark Sutcliffe Michael Curran

Kitchissippi Times wins eight OCNA Awards

The Kitchissippi Times is celebrating eight wins at the 2023 OCNA Awards — a first in the newspaper's 20-year history.

KT came in second place for Best Ontario Newspaper with a circulation of 12,500 and over. Judges reviewed the March and August 2023 issues, which included stories on local singer Sherri Harding, the rise of little libraries, LGBTQ2S+ coverage, and retirement living.

“The Kitchissippi Times was both fun and refreshing to read. The layout was easy and comfortable to navigate, and the advertising was well-designed,” judges said. “Plenty of happy community faces in the photos, too.”

Ellen Bond took home three awards, including third place for Photographer of the Year.

Bond’s February 2023 cover photo of 78-year-old athlete Linda Whitfield also won her a third place award for Best Feature Photo. She took home a third place prize for Best Photo Layout alongside graphic designer Celine Paquette

“I am honored to have been nominated and to have won three awards in the province,” said Bond. “The Kitchissippi area is full of beautiful people and places. It’s a joy to capture these moments in time for KT.”

JUNE UPDATES

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION:

• June recreation workshops: Father’s Day craft, jazz dance, date night, biking, tennis tactics

• Summer recreation programs including pottery workshops, art, drama, dance classes, and sports.

• Summer Camps & summer swim lessons

• PD Days for June; Afterschool program for 2024-2025

UPCOMING REGISTRATIONS:

• Summer Fitness - June 4

• Fall Recreation & Swim Lessons - June 18

SUMMER CAMP & SWIM LESSONS

This year’s lineup includes Theme Camps, Adventure Overnight, Band, Flag Rugby, Baseball, Acrobatic Jump Rope, Fashion & Jewelry Design, Circus Performers and more!

Kitchissippi Times editor Charlie Senack won the third place Steven Shaw Reporter of the Year award. He was also part of a second place win for Best Diversity Coverage alongside Gabrielle Huston and Bradley Turcotte.

“It’s a true privilege to be recognized this way by my peers in journalism,” said Senack. “When I began this career eight years ago, I never could have imagined where it would take me. I’m equally honored by our diversity coverage win. As a Queer person, it’s important we share the stories of marginalized groups who have been silenced through history.”

KT also took home a second place Arts and Culture win for the November 2022 story on the Parkdale Orchestra, and third place for best Grip and Grin photo.

Michael Curran, owner of Great River Media which operates the Kitchissippi Times, said it’s a testament to the importance of local journalism.

"It's both exciting and inspiring to think about Kitchissippi Times getting this recognition after 20 years,” he said. “It's not easy to operate a community newspaper these days, but thanks to our great team and a community that seems to appreciate our role, we're finding success."

Summer Swim lessons - register now. Spaces are available in Monday-Friday week-long lessons at all levels throughout the summer.

FIT PASS

The best value and most fun! 40+/ week classes including group fit, spin, and aquafit classes, fitness centre, pickleball and pool access. Starting at $46/ month.

PD DAYS & DATE NIGHT

Register for spring PD Days: June 3, June 7, and June 21

Friday Date nights: June 14

EVENTS

• Wild, Wild Westboro Garage Sale - Sat. June 8, 8am-12pm

• Climate Fresk workshops: Thu. June 6, 5:30-8:30pm and

From left to right: Eric Dupuis, Michael Curran, Charlie Senack, Celine Paquette, Hannah Wanamaker and Susan Rothery. PHOTO BY PAULA CLARK.

Final concept plan for 1010 Somerset moves French school

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Afinal concept plan for 1010

Somerset has been released that will see Plouffe Park saved and a French school built at the back of the property instead.

Initial drawings released last summer were always intended to be a vision and not a final design, but they drew lots of pushback from the community. A campaign was started to save the century-old park off Preston, where the school was originally proposed to go.

Somerset councillor Ariel Troster said she feels the new plans are the best possible solution “in a big game of Tetris.”

“It’s a neighbourhood that has the lowest amount of greenspace in the national capital region. We also have about 10,000 new residents that will be coming into that community, specifically a lot of kids who will be living in small areas,” said Troster. “The Corso Italia Secondary Plan called for increased greenspace on that site and the original proposal didn’t do that.”

New drawings show the French school being built behind the current Plant recreation center which will see an expansion of its own, and one hectare of new greenspace, perhaps including a sports field and/or passive park. It will be situated behind a future residential development that fronts onto Somerset Street.

City staff looked at possibly building the education facility on Somerset, but that idea was quickly shot down due to safety concerns.

“Having the school located near proposed residential towers was a concern for parents,” said Kitchissippi ward councillor Jeff Leiper, who also chairs the city's planning committee. “The new plan takes away the traffic concerns, and the transportation around the site has been significantly changed so the school is not on a busy street anymore. Kids are not going

FRENCH SCHOOL NEEDED NOW

The French school will replace école élémentaire publique Louise-Arbour, a building on Beech Street that is being rented from the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

Parents have long complained about the inadequate space in need of repairs. The facility is over capacity by 130 per cent and has added five portables to mitigate the growing population of over 300 students. Fridges and photocopiers are stored in hallways, and there is no dedicated gym, playground, library or adequate space for teachers to meet students one-on-one.

Leiper said it’s time drawings are finalized so the school can finally be built.

This is public land and should be for the public good and not sold to private development. — Cheryl Parrott

to have to cross potentially busy roadways, and there is an enclosed school yard for the younger children now.”

PLANS CAN BE GREATLY IMPROVED, COMMUNITY SAYS

Cheryl Parrott, member of local advocacy coalition P4X, said the new drawings are better than before but can be greatly improved. She said the amount of greenspace is less than the 1.5 hectares promised in the Corso Italia Secondary Plan.

“This new 1.5 hectares of greenspace was supposed to run uninterrupted from Plouffe Park to the Trillium multi-use pathway, but this has not happened,” she said. “The greenspace is cut off from sight lines from

Somerset, Preston, Plouffe Park and the Plant Recreation Centre. That may create security issues.”

Parrott also said 20 per cent of Plouffe Park’s western side will be cut to put in a road from Somerset. She worries the city is trying to fit too much into a small site.

“A large portion is being dedicated to market housing. This is public land and should be for the public good and not sold to private development. This market housing area could be reduced or eliminated altogether,” said Parrott. “If the Conceptual Mid-Rise density block on the plan was eliminated, it would provide a connection to Somerset to and from the greenspace. This block could also be put on top of the new RCFS Facility.”

“Here is a very large space that has been used by the federal government for decades, for non-residential, noncommunity use, that will be transformed into residential and public realm space,” he said. “We can start to address the demand for gymnasium facilities that has been identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and to be able to use publiclyowned land in order to build housing. It ticks all the boxes of what we want to do in respect to 15-minute communities and increasing the amount of residential development in the city.”

Troster stressed that while its layout will not change, there will be many opportunities for public consultation and feedback. The school would be built first on the site, with its long-term plan taking 10-15 years to construct.

“Each block will have public consultation. That includes what the recreation center will look like, how the green space will be used, how the community and private housing is built,” she said. “We need to make sure it has all the proper connections for pedestrians and cyclists. I want to reassure residents that if they have more detailed concerns or comments, they can be dealt with.”

Final concept drawings for 1010 Somerset show Plouffe Park saved and a new French school built behind the community centre. CITY OF OTTAWA DRAWING.

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Rise in local thrift stores foster sustainability

BY HANNAH WANAMAKER

You’re bound to come across some funky finds between the racks of patterned button-ups, denim from every decade, patchy overalls, and Mickey Mouse merch lining Kim Cassell’s thrift shop, Goody Mart.

After more than 20 years of thrifting, Cassell wanted to create a space for the rapidly growing thrifting community. The Preston Street shop exudes good energy for all who walk through its doors with its colourful, plushy wall and clothes of all shapes, styles and sizes.

“It’s about the vibe we bring. Goody Mart is a whole community where we have art shows and are building a community,” Cassell said. “You can come and hang out here and not buy anything and that’s fine. You want to bring your mom and say ‘Check out this cool place.’”

Just a few blocks down Preston Street is curated vintage shop, Passé, opened by Centretown native Jacob Sparks and his fellow business partners in July 2023.

“Everyone who lives here has popped in for the most part. They love it, they want more options down here,” he said.

Shopping secondhand since he was 15, Sparks has developed a keen eye for style and quality items which he purchases for his store. Now, however, his handpicked pieces fall on the pricey side of secondhand fashion, with some selling for over a thousand dollars.

STYLISH AND SUSTAINABLE

Aside from nifty bargains, thrifting is also part of circular fashion. Rather than buying an item and tossing it a few months later, circular fashion is the sustainable process of rehoming a used item.

Not only does this keep clothing out of landfills, but it's also fuelled a comeback for some older styles. Cassell said that Y2K and 70s floral dresses are in high demand.

Sparks echoed that adding, “Workwear is always going to be there even when it cools down a bit, it’s still popular amongst its own crowds.”

Curators like Sparks and Cassell, who handpick many of their items, look for specific fabrics too.

“I try to only buy natural fibres. In my shop you’ll see a lot of linen, a lot of silk, a lot of cotton, a lot of rayon which is a wood pulp. I try to steer away from other polyesters,” Cassell said.

She explained that natural fibres are more comfortable than cheaper fabrics used in fast fashion. This goes part in parcel with the concept of wearing and repairing items until they literally fall apart.

While disposing of used clothing in donation boxes is one option for practicing circular fashion, consignment is another.

Westboro’s Rikochet has been thriving for 14 years on this practice. The store puts out a call for items and accepts one bag per person of clothing and accessories in good condition.

“We offer this service where you can sell your stuff here and make money, and people love the used clothes,” said manager Mona El Rafie. “Between the vintage and just regular used clothing, people really appreciate it.”

Items in-store are available for two months before they are donated to local organizations to make room for the other items. Some organizations donate the items within the communities, while others resell them.

El Rafie said that the store is so full that she’s always rotating items.

“The more packed we are, the more we have to donate,” she said.

CREATING COMMUNITY

These establishments — whether thrift, curated vintage, or consignment — are more than their racks.

Before opening Passé, Sparks co-created the 2019 Fly Market, a vintage market that sparked an increasing interest in the vintage style.

“Prior to our opening, really there was only Bad Dog, Paul’s Vintage, and for the longest time Ragtime was the real holy vintage shop in the city,” the local thrifter said.

Cassell, a vendor for over 20 years, noticed the boom even earlier. The demand for secondhand and thrifted items skyrocketed in 2017, she said, because up until then, she didn’t have much competition.

This phenomenon touched every part of the city for several years, with more local thrift and vintage markets popping up. It wasn’t until the later pandemic years that vendors began settling down to establish curated shops.

Long before these became trends, international charity St. Vincent de Paul had been selling clothing, furniture and food at a bargain to support those in need.

Left: Jacob Sparks (left) runs Preston Street Vintage Shoop Passé. Middle: Thrift stores have been a common stop for people looking to catch a bargain.

Right: Mona El Rafie is the owner of Westboro’s Rikochet. Next page: Goody Mart in Little Italy stocks a variety of vintage clothing and items.

ALL PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Since opening in 1977, the Wellington West shop has received overwhelming community support, said Marilyn Powell, the regional executive director.

“We’ve never had to go out and actively ask for donations. At Wellington, we’ve been very lucky. Everyone just seems to know us; we’re part of that community and they support what we do,” she said.

Donors come by regularly with “carloads of beautiful items” or cash donations. When it receives items that are too damaged, a service buys the products and repurposes or resells them.

The Wellington West business known for its storefront displays, however, has become

more than a shop for most regulars. Tanya Prest, a longtime employee, said that staff and customers have formed close relationships over the years.

“It’s almost like a social gathering place for some people. You’ll see customers that come and meet up here on certain days and shop around and catch up,” said Prest. “It’s not like your typical store.”

St. Vincent de Paul is currently undergoing a national rebranding. Its new name, Chez Vincent, is an invitation for people to feel at ease walking into a “clean, nice, organized space to shop at,” Powell said.

Royal Ottawa launches gender minority stress study

BY BRADLEY TURCOTTE

AUniversity of Ottawa scientist is working with The Royal Ottawa Hospital to uncover the neurological impact of minority stress.

Minority stress includes traumatic experiences based on belonging to a stigmatized or marginalized group or identity.

Excess stress, such as discrimination, violence, hate crimes, microaggressions, or “everyday injustices,” as Dr. Andrew Nicholson calls them, lead to negative mental health outcomes in both sexual and gender minorities.

“That is what our study is focusing on,” Nicholson says.

Nicholson’s previous study, The Neural Correlates of Minority Stress: Uncovering Systemic Oppression Related to the Intersectionality with Neuro imaging and Machine Learning, published in 2022, “uncovered a big controversy in the field,” he said, as previous neuroimaging studies did not take minority stress into account when comparing heterosexual and homosexual brains.

“They attributed all group differences to the neurobiological basis of sexual orientation,” said Nicholson.

Minorities experience distal and proximal

stress, according to a 1995 study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Distal stress processes are external, including experiences with rejection, prejudice, and discrimination. Proximal stress is internal, and often the result of distal stress.

Together, distal and proximal stressors accrue, leading to chronically high levels of stress that cause poor health outcomes.

Gay men who experience distal stressors related to their sexual orientation, such as bullying, have an increased tendency to ruminate, which is associated with increased depressive and anxious symptoms compared to gay men who did not experience distal stressors, the 1995 study states.

Several studies show LGBTQ2S+ people have a higher prevalence of suicide and substance abuse. A 1996 study found that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) Americans suffer from higher rates of hypertension than other populations.

Ella Bawagan, clinical research coordinator with the Mosaic study, said systemic barriers minorities face — such as non-inclusive health services — lead to health and social inequities.

“Minority groups demonstrate unique social determinants of health that are not always effectively addressed through the

current health interventions or services that we are providing,” said Bawagan. “On the other side, in research, we see minority groups have not been included or well represented. This has resulted in findings that are harmful to minority groups.”

A trained social worker, Bawagan is the main point of contact for the study and walks participants through the process, something Bawagan refers to as “a big ask.”

After a telephone interview, participants take part in a clinical assessment, where Bawagan asks about their mental health. From there, a moral injury script is developed and used when the subject enters the FMRI.

“It requires participants to think of a time where they experienced a moral transgression as it relates to their minority status,” said Bawagan. “These memories often evoke emotions such as guilt, shame, or betrayal.”

Following a debrief, Bawagan offers participants support.

“This is especially important in the FMRI component,” she said. “In the past, this has involved giving the participants the opportunity to tour the scanner at the brain imaging centre before going in, bringing a loved one in with them for support, or simply sitting with them in the winter garden at The Royal after the scan to help ground them.”

While the study hopes to uncover

Dr. Andrew Nicholson is leading a neurological study on the impacts of minority stress.

PROVIDED PHOTO.

the negative neurological impacts of minority stress, Nicholson said the team is also looking for proof of resiliency in the oppressed.

“From a neurobiological perspective, are there any biomarkers that may indicate that someone may have increased risk or show resiliency for certain mental health outcomes? That is what we are really trying to uncover.”

As a second generation Filipina, Bawagan is incredibly proud of her minority status.

“I believe it is something that not only makes me unique but it is also something that makes me strong. My community and cultural identity heal me, and it keeps me grounded. I really think it is rooted in selfacceptance,” shared Bawagan. “Although our research may focus on the negative aspects of minority stress, we also look at how minority groups exhibit protective factors such as resilience, self-acceptance, and finding community.”

To participate in the study contact ella. bawagan@theroyal.ca

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN

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NEW CA BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED IN WELLINGTON VILLAGE

The Wellington Village Community Association has a desperate need for new volunteers to join our leadership team. Please consider joining our Board if you live within our catchment (bordered by Holland to the east, Island Park to the west, Scott to the north and the Queensway to the south).

If you are interested or want to learn more, please email president@wvca.ca.

The WVCA also welcomes new members. To join, visit wvca.ca and click “Get Involved” for details.

EARTH DAY SUCCESS STORY IN WESTBORO

The Westboro Community Association, with the support of the Westboro Village BIA and Mountain Equipment Company, hosted a garbage pick-up along Richmond Road from Golden Avenue to Tweedsmuir Avenue. More than 20 bags of garbage were picked up, and two needles were found and promptly disposed of by the City. Two volunteers even continued days later to pick up garbage around the Superstore. Volunteers enjoyed getting together with neighbours, and were happy that less garbage, especially plastic, ended up in the Ottawa River. All involved are already asking about the Westboro Earth Day Clean Up 2025!

ARTSPARK IN HINTONBURG –SATURDAY, JUNE 15:

Head to Parkdale Park on Saturday, June 15th for Artspark, a family-friendly outdoor arts and craft festival. Local creativity will be showcased through artisanal craft booths, live music, an interactive art throwdown and

SPONSORED CONTENT

more. PLUS a beer garden thanks to Tooth & Nail. Immerse yourself in the colourful tapestry of your community, connecting with artists and fellow art enthusiasts alike. Find more details at hintonburg.com.

HINTONBURG 5K

AND 1K

RUN

IS BACK - SUNDAY, JULY 15:

The Hintonburg 5K and 1K ignite our local streets with energy. Runners of all experience levels and abilities are encouraged to sign up and join the fun. This race fosters a sense of celebration among residents and visitors with cake at the finish line! There is even a free 1K race for kids under 12. To learn more and register, visit: hintonburg.com.

DO YOU HAVE PHOTOS OF MECHANICSVILLE FROM DAYS GONE BY?

The Mechanicsville Community Association is seeking historical photos of our neighbourhood for the Mechanicsville 150th Anniversary. The official celebration is June 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Laroche Park, but photos are welcome anytime. We are also looking for storytellers for the event, with stories about days gone by in Mechanicsville. Please contact Lorrie at 613-240-4649 or MechanicsvilleCA@gmail.com.

Take a better look at looking better

I s it hair loss that is bothering you? Skin concerns? Or simply getting your strength back after an injury?

Springtime is all about renewal. Flowers bloom, plants grow, the grass turns green. The birds sing.

Dr. Sonam Maghera at AmbrosiaMD can help your body, too, feel and/or look better.

AmbrosiaMD is a doctor-run clinic that will follow the current treatment guidelines using the latest research and technologies. “Ambrosia MD is my passion project that encompasses aesthetic and regenerative medicine treatments,” says Dr. Maghera. “It blends my interest in procedural and regenerative based medicine.”

Regenerative medicine is a cuttingedge field.

“It is focused on using the body’s natural processes to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues or

organs,” adds Dr. Maghera. “It involves techniques like platelet rich plasma, platelet rich fibrin, micro needling, and exosomes to promote healing and restore function in the tissues treated.”

Essentially, it’s about harnessing the body’s innate ability to heal itself for improved health outcomes.

AmbrosiaMD offers many services, including the following:

Hair loss treatments (platelet rich fibrin);

• Micro-needling (skin pen) for skin concerns, scarring, and more;

• Anti-wrinkle, or Botox injections;

• Non-surgical body contouring (using the Cutera truBody System) for those who do not want to pursue surgical options (non-invasive); Muscle rehabilitation (using the Cutera truFlex System).

Their truFlex treatment, which can stimulate a 30 per cent increase in muscle mass, is run under the guidance of Dr. Maghera, a board-certified Sport and Exercise Medicine physician. Whether you need to recover from something or simply want to look and feel your best, AmbrosiaMD will help your body sing a better tune.

Dr. Maghera and her staff will work with you to ensure that a proper treatment plan is prepared to address your personal wishes and concerns.

Revive. Renew. Restore. You can learn more at www.ambrosiamd.ca 1081 Carling Ave. Suite 501

To arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Maghera, call 613-220-5477 or e-mail info@ambrosiamd.ca

Theresa Kavanagh

Ottawa City Councillor Bay Ward

110 Laurier Ave. West

Ottawa ON K1P 1J1

Tel: 613-580-2477

Theresa.Kavanagh@Ottawa.ca 3-1-1 for City Services √

Theresa Kavanagh

Conseillère municipale d’Ottawa Quartier Baie

110 av. Laurier Ouest

Ottawa ON K1P 1J1

Tél: 613-580-2477

Theresa.Kavanagh@Ottawa.ca 3-1-1 pour services municipaux

Unitarian House of Ottawa celebrates 40 years of care

BY DARIA MAYSTRUK

This summer, Unitarian House of Ottawa is celebrating its impact, growth and commitment to care over the last 40 years.

In 1984, the first residents stepped into the building. Four decades later, much has changed, but its mission has remained the same: to provide affordable living for seniors as a non-profit organization.

Left: Unitarian House residents enjoy a social activity on a hot summers day. Middle: the facility has been operating in the Kitchissippi area for 40 years. PROVIDED PHOTOS. Right: Duncan Schuthe describes himself as an amateur radio operator. He said Unitarian House has given him the freedom to pursue his passion.

PHOTO BY DARIA MAYSTRUK.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

Another resident, Duncan Schuthe, has lived at Unitarian House for 18 years, after having moved in with his mother to a two-bedroom apartment in 2006. He later moved to the lower floor on his own.

“I never expected to give it up as soon as I had, but COVID-19 changed a lot of things,” he said. “But here, I can have special care if I need it.”

“The whole initiative was to create a place where everybody who lives here would be able to consider it their home. And so the most important thing about it is everybody

does believe that this is their home,” said Jackie Holzman, former mayor of Ottawa.

Holzman worked in the Social Planning Council before getting elected as a city councillor three months prior to the building’s opening.

She said that at its inception during the 1970s, the First Unitarian Congregation planned for three buildings: a senior apartment building, retirement home, and nursing home.

“That's why you see in our logo, three red lines around the house — because it was to be an apartment building, retirement home and a long-term care

Surrounded by radio equipment and a Canadian Wireless Association Certificate on the wall, Schuthe said his passion for radio came from his father, who taught him Morse code.

facility,” said Holzman.

It’s through the project that Holzman met John Rutherford, one of the founders of the home, who she soon married.

“I visited again in December 1984 with Rutherford — he took me on a tour, we had lunch with the residents and that was our first date,” she said. “We had been on the waiting list ever since, and we moved in two weeks before COVID-19.”

Holzman is now the president of the house’s board of governors, and said the community is very close-knit: “We know each other; we volunteer together; we help each other,” she said.

He said the house is unique in this way, as they allowed him to operate his amateur radio station despite his worries about disturbing other people’s appliances or televisions.

“This place is home for me now,” he said. “It’s been a learning curve [and] it continues to be a learning curve ... I’m only just now beginning to accept the fact that I’m getting older. When I moved in here it was a real struggle, and I’d say the majority of the residents are older than I am, but they too have interesting stories.”

Mélanie Lefebvre, executive director of Unitarian House, said she is proud of what

the house has been able to offer Schuthe.

“He has stayed with us because of the support of the community [and] of his neighbours,” said Lefebvre. “We’re able to keep him in his home, in his environment where he's comfortable, familiar and not necessarily send him off to a long-term care home just because that's the next stage for care needs.”

UNIQUE COMMITMENT

The executive director said the level of care, commitment and ownership from the residents is what makes the retirement community unique.

“We have an incredible volunteer base, and people who are just dedicated to making sure that their home is the best home in the city, but also that their neighbours are well taken care of,” she said.

Lefebvre said with its non-profit model, fundraisers allow the house to continue its services, whether through donations to their Van Fund, the

Retirement Living Assistance Fund or more.

“We don’t receive any sort of financial support from any level of government,” she said. “[The Retirement Living Assistance Fund] is our commitment, within our available budget, to ensure that if you are requiring additional care services that you’re able to access those here as long as they’re delivered safely, even if you may not have the necessary funds to cover those.”

Going forward, Lefebvre said she hopes the home will continue to offer its services, alongside some renovations to the building.

“With a 40 year old building comes some major renovations, so I think we're due for a little bit of a facelift … We're starting to fundraise for that as well,” she said.

Forty-year anniversary celebrations kicked off May 31 with a barbeque at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. Further fundraisers are set for June 20 at the Chateau Laurier Hotel, with others on Aug. 9 and Sept. 21 in the Unitarian House courtyard.

New Shepherds of Good Hope building leads to increased crime

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Carlington residents are reporting increased crime and open drug use a year after the opening of a Shepherds of Good Hope building that is home to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

The supportive housing residence at 1095 Merivale Road opened in May 2023 and provides lodging to 53 residents who have experienced chronic homelessness. It features studio apartments, a community kitchen and large greenspace. River ward councillor Riley Brockington said he's received over 440 emails from concerned residents since the building opened, and is working to ensure Shepards is aware of the growing call for action.

“I’m not trying to suggest that everything going wrong in the neighborhood is because of residents from one building,” he said. “Carlington —

Above: Residents are complaining that a new Carlington-area shelter has led to increased crime. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK Middle: A map showing reported criminal activity in the area since January 2024.

SHEPARDS NOT TO BLAME, ORGANIZATION SAYS

Shepherds of Good Hope told KT they are aware of the issues reported, but don’t believe the increased crime is a result of their new building. .

“I don’t believe the increase in crime is attributable to Shepherds of Good hope. That said, we are part of the community and we want to be part of the solution,” said Ali Campbell, Vice President, Programming and Capital Infrastructure at Shepherds of Good Hope. “If crime is happening, we want to be aware of that and how we can support the community.”

By the numbers

A Carlington map breakdown on the Ottawa Police website showed over 70 reported crimes in the area where the Shepherds building is since January 2024. Many appear to be for theft under $5,000, with a few assaults and crimes against property also reported.

In 2022, River ward as a whole showed a 12.3 per cent increase in crime reported compared to 2021. That included 394 reported crimes against a person, 1,275 crimes against property, and 149 other criminal code violations.

There were 27 total drug offenses reported in the ward in 2022 compared to 21 the previous year. In 2022 River Ward also reported 10 cases of arson, 143 break and enters, 72 cases where theft of a mobile vehicle occurred, and 163 cases of mischief.

like many other urban neighborhoods — has its challenges. But since the residence opened, the number of reported incidents in the community has gone up.”

A public meeting was held in December during which dozens of outspoken residents raised issues. They had hoped the Shepherds of Good Hope would take their concerns seriously, but little change has changed.

According to Brockington, parcels have been stolen from porches, windows have been smashed and cars broken into. There have also been reports of aggressive panhandlers and confrontations when they are asked to leave.

“People are caught in backyards and sheds. Someone was followed into Alexandria Park. Syringes are everywhere and open drug deals have been seen,” he said. “People are ringing doorbells asking for money. St. Elizabeth Parish now has police because parishioners were confronted during mass. Money was taken out of collection baskets.”

Campbell said crime across all municipal wards in Ottawa is increasing, and that given the moment of time we are living in, there are many elements of society that are contributing to social disorder.

Brockington said that’s an inadequate response.

“There is a denial stage going on here. We are almost a year in and I can’t get the Shepherds of Good Hope to even acknowledge that some of their residents are causing issues,” he said.

The social service organization is now in the planning stages of demolishing an old house on its Merivale property to make way for a fourth supportive housing facility in the area.

The proposed six-storey building would accommodate 70 individuals. The project is possible due to the federal housing fund aimed at supporting affordable housing initiatives.

In April, Brockington brought forward a motion to city council requesting it look at the “cumulative effect and community impact” before any money flows. It passed 18-7.

“I’d like to see affordable and supportive housing move forward in the city. We absolutely need it and Ottawa needs to do its share,” said Brockington. “The rhetorical question is why would you facilitate any expansion when you haven’t addressed or put to bed some of the outstanding issues? I’m not going to be made to look like an ogre for standing up for my community.”

The city’s hands are essentially tied as the development does not require any permissions.

Campbell wants to reassure concerned Carlington residents that all its clients are working with support services. She said open drug use is not encouraged in the community, and if a crime is witnessed, it should be reported to police.

“Within the housing-first model, it does support a harm reduction approach. For those people who use drugs, we would actually want them to be doing that within the building where we have staff on site 24/7,” said Campbell. “We work quite closely with residents so they understand the community does not want to see this.”

When the Great fire of 1903 ravaged through Preston

(now the Trillium O-Train Line), J.R. Booth piled massive quantities of lumber. He had done so prior to the 1900 fire, and re-piled it afterwards. By 1903, the stacks were high once again, posing a major fire risk.

Tempting fate, it was here within the lumber piles, just west of Preston at the end of what is now Louisa Street West, where the first smoke was seen at 3:30 p.m.

BY DAVE ALLSTON

You likely have heard about the Great Fire of 1900, which decimated the City of Hull and caused $6.2M in property loss in Ottawa. The blaze left 14 per cent of the city homeless and leveled the area between Booth and Preston all the way to Carling.

However, what is remembered far less today is that this area of west end Ottawa suffered an almost identical fire just three years later in 1903. It forced Ottawa politicians to make some tough decisions by standing up to lumber companies who had yielded control over the city since the days of Bytown.

It was May 10, 1903, a Sunday afternoon when the sun shone down on the paved streets of west Centretown, fringed with fresh green lawns, stretching out in front of rows of impressive new houses constructed following the catastrophic three years prior.

Along the Canadian Atlantic Railway line

Minutes later, entire blocks of houses were up in flames. Carried by a wind gusting to the northeast, the flames moved quickly. Local residents who were at home had only minutes of warning.

A MAD DASH FOR SAFETY

Many frantically loaded up rigs, wagons or sleds — whatever they could find — with their belongings and furniture. Pianos were dropped from second storey windows. Sick and invalid family members were carried out into the street. Those who lived through the 1900 fire recalled how futile it was to move possessions. Many just grabbed what they could easily carry and ran.

Bottlenecks occurred on many streets and most exit points in the panic. In many cases, the fire simply was moving too quickly, and all had to be abandoned. One family used an excavated hole in the roadway at the corner of Eccles and Rochester in an attempt to save their household items.

1. A photo of the fire damage looking east from the Somerset Street bridge. CREDIT: CA-28114.

2. A New York Tribune showing a map of the fire damage from May 14, 1903.

3. A drawing that ran in the Montreal Star on May 11, 1903.

As the massive Booth lumber piles burned, the wind carried the embers throughout the neighbourhood. People took shelter in Plouffe Park, where they piled their possessions. But the Park offered no protection. The grass carried the fire, and the entire park became an inferno.

Compounding the troubles, just as the fire brigade arrived, the city’s waterworks system failed. A known leak in one of the mains had been under repair, and just a few minutes after the water was turned on to fight the fire, the pipe burst, flooding the pumping station. For half an hour, when the water was most needed, it was unavailable. Eventually, the valves to the broken main were shut off to allow for the other pipes to work. However, frustrated firemen hooking into the 80 hydrants in the area found weak pressure, if any at all.

Local militia, a fire brigade from Montreal, and dedicated community members helped in the battle. “Alderman Moise Plouffe in whose ward the fire played its wildest pranks,” reported the Ottawa Citizen, “was one of the coolest cucumbers on the vine. He was here, there and the other place all the time.”

Equal complement was paid to Hintonburg Alderman Sam Rosenthal: “The popular civic commoner from Victoria Ward worked like a bunch of beavers. He put to shame many muscular men who preferred to recite chapters on How to Fight Fires, rather than to lend a hand to save some humble home or its contents.”

The fire took six hours to get under control and burned until after midnight. The area between Preston Street and Booth Street from Albert Street to south of Gladstone Avenue was wiped out, just as it had been in 1900. In the end, over 240 homes were destroyed, and between 800 and 1,000 residents were left homeless. Ten million feet of lumber burned. The total loss was $750,000 — about one-fifth of the loss Ottawa suffered in 1900.

Hintonburg once again was luckily preserved, saved only by the wind that blew east. The community fire brigade worked hard to protect the village, particularly watching Oliver’s Mill on Gladstone Avenue and Mason’s mill at the end of Bayswater Street. Hintonburg’s pumping system proved superior to that of Ottawa’s, providing sustained strong water pressure whenever it was needed.

Hintonburg also provided great relief

to fire victims, with many temporarily opening their homes to those who had lost everything. Some who had nowhere to go simply camped in the area until they had other options.

FIRE COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE

The fire brigade focused on the former site of J.R. Booth’s mansion at the corner of Albert and Preston Streets, where its ruins still stood from the 1900 fire.

Large wood piles were now on this spot, and began to burn fiercely. Across the street on the north side of Albert,were more lumber piles, as well as the CPR depot and yards, and the working class homes of LeBreton Flats. As embers and sparks blew over to this area, firefighters and homeowners worked tirelessly.

If it wasn't for their quick action, the fire easily could have eaten through these areas and moved onto Hull — the reverse of how the 1900 fire had spread.

The Somerset Street Bridge was badly burnt, causing streetcar service to Hintonburg and Britannia to be severed. Miraculously, the bridge was repaired and new tracks laid, and service was restored just three days later.

“As night fell and the red moon rose full over the city the scene witnessed by the crowds gathered on Primrose hill was one of weird splendor”, reported the Citizen, “To the east the city looked peaceful, and almost serene in its security. All to the south was a glowing furnace now dying down into crimson heaps, with here and there spirits of flame from thick lumber piles.”

Though officially the death count was zero, the Ottawa Journal reported that a small Italian child had to be moved from his sick bed with rheumatism to the shed of a neighbour’s residence. He passed away just half an hour after being moved, the shock of the situation overcoming him.

Attention soon focused on the cause of the blaze, and immediately the police charged John White with arson. He was out on parole after having been jailed in 1895 for setting fire to J.R. Booth’s lumber piles.

White went through the court process over the next few weeks, but ultimately the Judge ruled he could not be found guilty due to lack of evidence. The Crown attempted to argue that the circumstances were so extraordinary and so suspicious that White had to be connected.

Continues on p.22

Patti Brown Broker

Susan Chell Broker

Sarah Toll Broker

EARLY DAYS

Great fire of 1903

Continues from p.21

Ignoring his prior history, the fact that he was seen — and admitted to — decoupling one of the hoses from a hydrant, moved a line of hose 30 feet away from the fire, and all his statements were contradicted by other witnesses, did not matter. He was also the first to discover the fire and pulled the alarm on the fire box, which was “the outcome of drunken imbecility,” said the Judge.

White never took the stand himself, and the defense did not call any witnesses. White in the end pleaded guilty of impeding the firemen, using his drunken condition as his excuse, and owed just a $52 fine.

REBUILDING AGAIN

Reconstructing the west end for a third time was not going to be easy. Most residents were “double victims” of both fires, and

were reluctant to do it again.

“I’ll never live in the west end again!” cried one woman to the Citizen reporter as she walked around town carrying all her remaining worldly possessions under her arm.

One thing was for sure. The massive lumber piles within the city limits had to go. This was obvious to the citizens of Ottawa, to local politicians, to the insurance companies, and to the world media, who were unanimous in their scathing reports of the irresponsibility of Ottawa to continue to allow them.

An Ottawa Citizen editorial called the piling of lumber within city limits “suicidally dangerous in a municipal sense”. The insurance underwriters immediately applied a hefty surcharge to all homeowners in Ottawa, applicable for as long as the wood piles remained. This caused much

consternation to residents, many of whom suddenly could no longer afford critical insurance.

Council immediately passed a by-law requiring all piling to cease, and for all lumber firms to remove their holdings to locations outside the city within six months.

Yet, as time ticked on, the lumber companies did not only move their piles, they began to re-pile the old ones. Unbelievably, the firms began to exert influence over council members, perhaps even buying them off. Mayor Fred Cook suspended any efforts at enforcement of the by-law, and within a few months, Council rescinded the by-law.

The public was in a furor. A new bylaw basically gave the lumber interests everything they wanted. Lumber firms complaints that the land outside city limits was hard to prepare, no rails were available to build lines, nor was labor available to do it, fell on deaf ears. The issue became a key election issues that winter, costing several council members their jobs.

In 1904, a compromise was made,

An Ottawa Journal clipping from May 11, 1903 showing the fire spreading to Plouffe Park.

placing restrictions on the sizes and locations of piling areas in the city, a requirement for the fencing in of yards, and for a watchman.

The piling of wood remained an issue for decades. In 1909, the Board of Control passed a by-law ordering removal of lumber piles south of the Somerset Street Bridge, and other areas of Ottawa, but the issue remained as lumber firms remained in business within the city, albeit with some restrictions.

for the Ottawa Italian Festival Join us on Preston Street

Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy –right here in Ottawa during this weekend- long street party on beautiful Preston Street!

Throughout the weekend, Little Italy is brought to life with fun and food for the whole family. Starting at 5:00pm on Friday, June 14th, Preston Street is closed to vehicles and open to patios, pedestrians, and performers. Many of Little Italy’s restaurants will extend their patios right into the street, so you can dine and eat without missing a beat! Throughout the weekend, enjoy a lineup of exciting main events, including the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival, the Italian Car Parade, Italian Week Ottawa’s Cultural Zone, and the Preston Street Bicycle Races. Don't miss this festive celebration of Italian culture and heritage in the heart of Ottawa!

Grand Finale Weekend!

FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival June 14-15

Get ready for an exhilarating weekend as the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival roars into action on Preston Street. This exciting event transforms Ottawa’s Little Italy into a 1.3 km concourse of rare automobiles, outdoor dining, and family-friendly fun.

The excitement kicks off on Friday, June 14th, at 9:00 AM with a brand-new event at Commissioners Park along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway. The Dows Lake Concorso d’Eleganza will showcase an impressive lineup of rare, luxury vehicles. The cars will be on display for public viewing and to be scored by a panel of esteemed judges.

Later that day, starting at 6:00 PM, the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Club will have cars on display right on Preston Street, offering a treat for automotive enthusiasts and festival attendees alike. Ferraris will be on display on Preston Street from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday, June 14-15th.

The festivities continue Saturday, June 15th, as FCA

Ottawa joins the Italian Car Parade at 1:00 PM. At 2:30 PM, the Ferrari Club takes the excitement up a notch with the Preston Street BIA Ferrari Demo Zone on Carling Avenue. This closed course event allows spectators to see, hear, and feel the raw power of these magnificent machines as they roar between Preston Street and Champagne Avenue.

The National Bank Ferrari Dream Ride happens on Sunday, June 16th . You can purchase tickets for this charity ride in advance at www.fcaottawa.com.

Italian Car Parade June 15

This historic event takes place each year on Saturday of the Ottawa Italian Festival weekend on Preston Street. The parade features over 100 Italian cars that include every make and model from Ferraris to Fiats, and Vespas to Moto Guzzis. Put on by the Italian Car Club of Ottawa, the parade proceeds along Preston Street from Pamilla to Somerset for a dazzling display of Italian automotive engineering and design. The parade will start at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 15th. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of Italian automotive excellence and culture in the heart of Ottawa!

The Italian Car Club of Ottawa will have a Vintage Italian Car Display available all weekend long at 425 Preston Street.

Preston Street Bicycle Races June 16

To wrap up the action-packed Ottawa Italian Festival weekend on Preston Street, bring the whole family down to watch the Preston Street Bicycle Races, taking place on Sunday, June 16th!

This year, the races will kick off at 9:00am on the south-end of Preston Street (between Aberdeen and Adeline Street).

This bike race brings elite riders to Ottawa to compete on an exciting urban route that features tight turns and short break-away areas. The Bicycle Races also feature women’s races, senior men’s races and even a race for kids. Bring Dad down to Preston Street and celebrate Father's Day with this historic event.

Don't miss out on the perfect conclusion to a festive weekend in Little Italy!

PHOTOS BY AARON

That’s one of the reasons they created Disrupt, an annual urban art fest and market. Communities and artists from across the city collaborate on large street art projects for the people, she said.

FESTIVALS

Packed with local and international talent, Ottawa’s arts and cultures lineups will surely get you grooving and will brighten your day.

Between June 13-23, Ottawa Fringe Festival will hold its 27th Local Theatre Testival downtown at the Ottawa Arts Court, with over 50 plays set to take centre stage.

A list of summertime activities to do in Ottawa this summer

By Hannah Wanamaker

A stroll down Ottawa’s streets in summer brings wafts of mouthwatering barbecue and the lovely smell of blossoming flowers. It’s also the season to beat the heat with a tasty treat or spend a day at one of Ottawa’s beaches.

Not sure what to do? We’ve got you covered with everything from patios and festivals to sightseeing and some family-friendly adventures.

MARKETS

Kitchissippi’s abundant summer market scene celebrates and elevates local artists, cuisines, and agriculture.

To celebrate its centennial on July 10, the Parkdale Market has included additional celebrations for its growing community, says coordinator Tina Barton.

“It’s always existed as a public space,

a neighbourhood gathering space, a market for shopping produce and handmaid Canadian goods. In recent years that’s expanded to include things like bread, prepared foods, arts and crafts, and on our Wednesday night markets, we do a lot of street food and music in the park,” she said.

Neighbours are also invited to Sunday morning yoga every few weeks in the park, led by an instructor from Wellington West’s PranaShanti Yoga Centre.

Urban Art Collective is another Wellington West-based organization that elevates local artists and brings communities together. It is perhaps best known for its night markets held every Thursday in Hintonburg, which feature various vendors, food, and art.

“We’re not just an art market,” said co-founder Lindsay Machinski. “We have everyone from artisans and makers and artists. There’s people that

knit stuff and make jewelry, and there’s people who make salsas.

There are stickers and clothing. Because it changes over weekly, there’s always a different rotation of people to meet.”

“Every year we see comedies, we see dramas, sometimes there’s circus shows. There are shows for kids, shows for adults only–it’s pretty wide-ranging,” said Harley Wegner.

Wegner has been directing, producing, and acting in local theatre festivals like Fringe for several years. Their play airing this summer, “So You’re Stuck in an Underground Bunker” is a silly portrayal of a queer friend group stuck in a bunker at the end of the world.

Another way the Collective highlights underrepresented and lesser-known art styles is through themed summer markets. Every other Saturday, people from across the city learn about and support youth, vintage, comic, and many other artists.

“You don’t need to be an artist to be here. You just need to be here to be part of something,” said Machinski.

“It’s based on COVID and focuses a lot on queer and trans joy and love, and it puts queer and trans people at the forefront,” she said.

Themes in this year’s plays include psychics, The Satanic Panic, polygraph tests and much more.

To close out the season, Capital Pride is hosting its biggest festival yet. Held in late August, the festival commemorates the 1971 Queer Canadian We Demand Rally. The festival kicks off Aug 17 by

Above: Kitchissippi residents enjoy the return of summer weather at Britannia Beach over the May long weekend.

PHOTOS BY AARON REID.

Bottom insert: Night Markets will again be held outside Urban Art Collective this summer.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK. A large group of volunteers takes care of the gardens at the Central Experimental Farm. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

crowning a Ms., Mr., and Mx. Capital Pride at the annual pageant.

Returning events include the street festival of 150 community groups, the weekend main stages featuring various artistic talents, family fun activities, and the parade, said executive director, Callie Metler.

“This year we’ll be doing our drag extravaganza on the main stage, so that’s where you’ll see talent from far and wide–local and national talent,” stated Metler. “We’ll have the big drag performers alongside giving a platform to local drag performers.”

Metler added that party-goers can also look forward to the curated DJ lineups taking over the Somerset Stage, as well as the first-ever sober space with its own DJs and mixologists between August 23 and 25.

For youth and families, Melter suggests swinging by the family

picnic at Hintonburg Park or the family zone during the main programming. Activities include face painting, bouncy castles, dancing with Monkey Rock, sitting in on drag storytime, and much more.

The festival comes to an end with a bang on Sunday, August 25, with the biggest pride parade in the province featuring over 250 groups and an expected 12 to 13,000 people.

A DAY AT THE FARM

Whether you’re looking to improve your green thumb or explore Ottawa’s natural beauty, the Central Experimental Farm has something for everyone.

Director of gardens, Linda McLaren, and vice president, Dianne Caldbick, encourage people to explore nature’s cultural artifacts: the arboretum and ornamental gardens.

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THIS SUMMER — STAY COOL, HAVE FUN — GO UNDERGROUND!

This year, the Diefenbunker is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a national historic site — and you and your family are invited!

“We will also be welcoming our one millionth visitor to the museum,” said Jordan Vetter, Marketing and Communications Manager of the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum . “We invite everyone to experience Ottawa’s immersive history destination this summer and take advantage of a “cool” site — beat the heat, and experience a family outing unlike any other, as you step back in time to the 1960s and descend 75 feet underground.”

Among the many special offerings this summer, the Diefenbunker will be offering 50 per cent off admission on Canada Day.

Diefenbunker Birthday Parties — geared towards children ages 7 to 12 — are spy themed, where children can learn the art of espionage. Children will go on secret missions, crack codes, make spy gadgets, dress up, and find Agent X as they explore this 100,000 square foot wonder deep underground! For more info, visit: diefenbunker.ca/birthdays/

Other events at the Diefenbunker this summer

“You can learn a great deal about our horticultural past as you walk through the gardens, and there is something of interest in every season,” said Caldbick. “It’s a lovely place to connect with nature and destress.”

While specialized tours of the grounds are offered throughout the summer, the farm recommends wandering at your own pace and

include hosting the theatrical production Dief the Chief: October ’62 with actor and playwright Pierre Brault, running June 14 & 15, July 26 & 27, and August 16 & 17.

The Diefenbunker is Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact — it is an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any moment in case of a nuclear attack. Today, it is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site, telling stories of national and international importance.

“Since its designation in 1994, the site has grown to be a one-of-a-kind immersive history destination, welcoming visitors from all around the world,” said Diefenbunker’s Executive Director, Christine McGuire. “As Canada’s Cold War Museum and an independent charitable organization, we are committed to preserving important stories and artifacts from our past for future generations.”

This summer, from June to August, the Diefenbunker is open 7 days a week. Address: 3929 Carp Road (about 30km west of downtown Ottawa).

referencing the online brochure on self-guided tours.

The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, a working farm within the Central Experimental Farm, offers tons of family-friendly fun. Fan favourites include petting the sheep, learning about food in the demonstration kitchen, and becoming a soil scientist in the lab

For more information, visit: diefenbunker.ca. To make reservations, e-mail: reservations@diefenbunker.ca or call 613-839-0007

July 10th, 2024

5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Join us for a lively night market filled with local delights, live music, and cherished memories. Let’s honour the past and toast to a vibrant future together!

AcadeCampKinder(Ages4&5)

AcadeCamp(Ages6-10)

Bilingual Smallgroups

Athletiks

Outdooractivities

I-can-relatecontext

SMILEaddon

reading&writingsupport)

8weeksstartingJune24

Throw the night away at

A few people have an axe to grind. Others head to LumberJaxe, where they throw axes for fun — and some playful competition.

Located in the centrally-located City Centre complex, LumberJaxe caters to leagues, groups — bachelor and bachelorette parties are hugely popular — team builders, and perhaps surprisingly, first dates.

Not as surprisingly, “each session starts with a safety discussion from LumberJaxe coaches,” said founder and owner Kerry Moher. “And if you follow a few simple rules – axe throwing is incredibly safe.”

Most importantly, a safe time is a great time.

So while LumberJaxe welcomes walk-ins – reservations are highly recommended. Lots of customers come

Ages8+

Smallgroups

Athletiks

Outdooractivities

I-can-relatecontext

SMILEaddon

(reading&writingsupport)

LumberJaxe!

right after work to throw and blow off a little steam!

“We have doubled our capacity since opening five years ago,” said Moher. “Ever since the COVID restrictions were lifted – we’ve been extremely busy. So, we finally pulled the trigger on expansion plans in the Fall of 2023. These days we are (open and) busy seven days a week.”

Can axe throwing be considered exercise?

“I think that’s a bit of a stretch,” explained Moher. “Our best, most consistent throwers are really good athletes and excel at many other sports. But axe throwing is more about precision and motor skills. If anything – it’s great exercise for your mind.”

Want to join a league? LumberJaxe has leagues

most nights of the week. Most leagues run 8 weeks. So, every 2 months – there’s a chance to join a League. Simply email ottawa@lumberjaxe.com and ask them when the next league is scheduled to start. They serve a ‘light bites menu’ along with a fully stocked bar. Plus, they allow outside catering. The atmosphere is always lively at LumberJaxe. Even casual or first-time throwers will get their competitive juices flowing.

Throw the night away — it’s the ultimate stress reliever! Best of all, LumberJaxe is close to downtown, the LRT, with plenty of free parking on site.

For more information (or to book a reservation) surf to www.lumberjaxe.ca | Ph: 613.702.8209 | e-mail: ottawa@lumberjaxe.com

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Preston Street Patios to visit this summer

By Christina Korotkov

If there’s anything Ottawans love, it’s a great patio. Preston Street has an abundance to choose from. Home to some fantastic restaurants and bars, whether you’re catching up with friends or planning a date night, there’s something in Little Italy for everyone.

Ward 14 - 139 Preston: When you walk into Ward 14, you’re immediately surrounded by some of the coolest vibes. The bar, which doubles as a consignment shop, has possibly the best drink special around — a local lager tall boy and a shot of Jameson for $9.00.

Its dog-friendly patio is now open for the summer from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with the interior open until 2:00 a.m. The patio is located next to active Fire Station 11.

“I like to tell people it’s like you’re entertained the whole time,” joked manager Mary Radmore.

The consignment bar keeps a wide variety of local craft beers and is focused on hosting weekly pop-ups where different chefs from around the city get to curate fun menus.

“It’s a neat experience, especially for any of our guests coming in to try different cuisines,” said Radmore.

Besides the pop-ups, trivia nights have long been a standing tradition on Mondays.

The Moonroom - 442 Preston: The late night classic cocktail bar has recently been acquired by new owner Dan Andre. While the Moonroom doesn’t take reservations for groups larger than six, there are some expansions taking place.

“I’m renovating the upstairs to be an event space for Moonroom. We want to do guest chef night, maybe jazz night, or you can reserve it for anniversaries or birthdays,” he said. “Hopefully by the fall it’s done.”

In the meantime, the patio has recently been renovated, which Andrew described as a “Garden of Eden.” The intimate, chill, moody aesthetic the Moonroom gives off is perfect for date nights.

Because it is a classic cocktail bar, Andrew said it’s important to maintain the quality of the drinks, making syrups, juices, and bar cherries all in-house.

“We have some of the best bartenders in the city. We’ll put our own spin on drinks, working within the constraints of a classic cocktail. We go through a lot of trouble to make all of our drinks from scratch,” he said.

La Roma - 430 Preston: This family-owned restaurant has been around since 1990 and has called Preston St. home since 1995.

“We make everything from scratch,” said owner Maria Papalia. “From sauces to pasta to desserts.”

In the summertime, La Roma’s menu gets a seasonal revamp with a bigger focus on grilling compared to its winter menu, which features braised items. Specials are available on Friday and Saturday, but if a dish is popular, guests may see it again on a later weekend.

On top of serving signature cocktails, there is half-priced wine on selected bottles available on Tuesdays.

La Roma has a beautifully decorated patio that features plants and lights. The use of sails is an alternative to umbrellas for providing shade and more room for guests.

MORE PRESTON FAVOURITES

Pub Italia - 434 Preston: If you haven’t been to Pub Italia, you need to check out the medieval monasteryinspired pub and its famous Beer Bible.

Keri Oakley and David Boudreau enjoy dinner on the La Roma patio with friends. ALL PHOTOS BY AARON REID.

Mati - 428 Preston: This upscale, modern, Mediterranean restaurant is most famously known for their towers and cocktails.

Green Papaya - 256 Preston: A great spot for lunch or dinner, this restaurant’s patio offers shade while you indulge in classic Thai food.

Pubwells - 96 Preston: The cozy English pub has half-priced wings every Wednesday, live music Thursdays and Saturdays, and if you’re feeling adventurous, karaoke on Tuesdays.

Dreamland Cafe - 262 Preston: If you’ve visited Preston Street, you may have passed by a pink building that is Dreamland Cafe. Their menu offers freshly made pasta amongst options for dietary restrictions.

The Porch on Preston - 379 Preston: Who doesn’t like a rooftop patio? Located above The Prescott, the yellow umbrellas make it difficult to miss.

Adult fun in Ottawa this summer

With Ottawa’s thriving local food and drink scene, settling on a place that suits everyone’s preferences can be tricky. Brew Donkey beer tours make the decisions refreshingly easy, with pre-planned tours of the 30+ breweries across the city.

Tours are organized regionally with entertaining and educational elements, said creator Brad Campeau. While on the bus and in each brewery, people will learn about different beer styles and how it's made “from grain to glass.”

Kitchissippi breweries include Beyond the Pale, Tooth and Nail, and Braumeister Bierhalle, and are often included in the City Beers Tour. Brew Donkey also offers a walking tour of Hintonburg breweries by demand only.

HUNGRY?

• July 11-27 Creative Canadian culinary talent at the Chef’s Table–a waterside dining experience at the NAC, complemented by local musicians.

• July 17-21 Did someone say shawarma? Pop by the Ottawa Lebanese Festival at 750 Ridgewood Ave for food and contemporary Middle Eastern performances.

• August 2-5 bring your appetite and wet naps to Capital Ribfest and Music City Festival held at 110 Laurier Ave.

• August 11-13, 15, 18-20 Craving tzatziki? Swing by 1315 Prince of Wales Dr. for Greek food and entertainment at the Ottawa Greek fest

Summer is almost here at Dovercourt

Once again, Dovercourt is gearing up for a busy summer. In just a few short weeks, kids of all ages will fill the park at Dovercourt Recreation Centre for nine weeks of summer camp. We have been working hard to plan safe, memorable, and unforgettable camp experiences for children and youth from across the region. We continue to work with more than 20 different partner organizations and individuals who are experts in their various fields, including Ian Dudley of OrangeSTEM Education, Ottawa City Rafting, Ottawa River Canoe Club, Ottawa Ospreys Rugby, Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association, Little Rays Reptiles, Horses of the Sun, and so many more. Our team of caring camp leaders is gearing up, anxious to greet new and returning campers.

The Westboro Kiwanis park at Dovercourt draws families from near and far. The play structure is engaging and accessible, featuring an infinity climber, a fitness area, monkey bars, a

tire swing, and a separate play area for younger children. When it gets hot, enjoy some splash time in the outdoor wading pool to cool down and grab a snack from the café upstairs.

Take advantage of summer swim lessons, available for swimmers of all levels. Convenient one-week blocks (Monday-Friday) will fit your family’s holiday schedule. The John Rapp indoor pool offers a welcoming environment for both lessons and recreational swims. Families love the warm water, the ramp for easy access, the water slide, and the shallow baby pool. For those who

prefer to stay dry, we’re excited to offer a variety of activities for kids and adults, including pottery workshops, art, drama, dance classes, and sports. Registration for sessional recreation classes is underway.

Make some time for health and fitness this summer with the Dovercourt Fit Pass, which offers a variety of drop-in classes such as Kickboxing, Aqua Complete, Barre Fit, Zumba, HIIT training and lower-intensity classes in our “Seniors on the Go” category (SOTG). Also included are drop-in swims, spinning, pickleball and use of the fitness centre (gym). Attend as many classes as you like for a low monthly fee!

There are also registered specialty and aquafit classes to choose from over the summer, including yoga, Pilates, TRX, pole walking, Aqua Arthritis, Aqua Zumba, and more. Registration for these summer fitness classes begins on June 4.

Wading pools at our three locations (Dovercourt, McKellar Park, and Woodroffe) offer a cool retreat from the hot sun. At least one is open daily. The season begins in July; check the schedule for hours and days.

Summer is the most fantastic time of the year and goes by far too quickly, so let’s make the most of it!

Summers are Best at the Soloway JCC

The Soloway JCC outdoor pool is the best place to spend a hot summer day as a family. Swim laps, glide down the slide, splash around or just grab a chair and enjoy the sunshine, seven days a week.

The SJCC Outdoor Pool opens in late June and is accessible to SJCC Members only. Now, with summer just around the corner, is the best time to get your membership started. The SJCC offers memberships in both 12 month or three month options.

of certified fitness trainers on hand for those looking for a personalized exercise program.

Members who are motivated by the energy of a group love our Group Fitness classes. The roster includes Powerpump, Zumba, Yoga, Bootcamp, Ballet Barre Fit, Aquafit and new classes are being added all the time.

In addition to the great outdoor pool, the SJCC is home to an indoor saltwater pool, gymnasium with basketball nets and Pickleball. Our fitness centre is fully stocked with the latest and greatest cardio equipment and there are plenty

Everyone is welcome! There is so much for your family to do at the SJCC this summer. Get your membership started now! Visit jccottawa.com.

21 Nadolny Sachs Private (one block south of Carling off Broadview) (613)798-9818. JCCOttawa.com

Local talent shares deep roots in music festivals this summer

By Hannah Wanamaker

When Jeff Rogers’ parents found him playing the melody and bass line to Silent Night an hour after pounding piano keys as a young child, they promptly enrolled him in formal lessons.

At age 10, Rogers began taking the music world by storm. His first band was with the Asselin twins – Jeff and Brian – who he still performs with decades later.

The three, now among Ottawa’s top blues and soul musicians, are thrilled to be sharing the stage at Ottawa Jazz Fest with their band, The Commotions.

“It’s a great opportunity to play for an audience who might not necessarily know who we are but are there to check out the really cool music,” said Brian Asselin, leader and saxophonist of The Commotions.

Asselin created the band after finishing his tour with the Funk Brothers 10 years ago to pay homage to the Motown music he loved so much.

The soul-pop group plans to have the audience dancing along to its groovy tunes about love, “the one thing that really connects people together,” he said.

Special guest Matthew Chaffey will be jiving along onstage too. Fans can also look forward to hits from all three albums and some newer tunes in the works, Asselin teased.

“Jazz Fest has been a staple in my life ever since I started playing jazz. I was an audience member back then, and my parents would bring my brother and I,” he said. “We would live at Jazz Fest back then, and the fact

that I’m now performing here is such an honor.”

The next day, Rogers is looking forward to sharing his solo project at Confederation Park on June 27. Backed by a 10-piece band, the “Memphis-style blues” artist is pumped for the angelic power during his gospel-inspired tunes.

“This will be my first time with my own band at Jazz Fest, so to have my own songs played at Confederation Park will be pretty sweet,” Rogers said.

Rogers teased that fans can also look forward to hearing some of the deep-south Muscle Shoals tunes he’s been sharing on his Facebook page.

Later in July, another longtime friend of the three, JW-Jones, is bringing contemporary blues to Lebreton Flats as part of Bluesfest.

Jones began playing with the Asselin twins in the early 2000s, and later formed the award-winning Horojo trio with Rogers and drummer Jamie Holmes.

“We had gone down to Memphis and won the international blues challenge over 200 bands, and then COVID hit a few weeks later,” said Jones. “We still released an album and did really well and toured for a bit.”

Since the band’s dismemberment during the pandemic, Jones has been working on his solo blues project. His rocking tunes pull from a mixture of “older, traditional blues” with lots of high-energy guitar.

From his latest record, “Poppa’s in the Pen” is a reflection on his humble beginnings and one of his mom’s partners who ended up in the Kingston Penitentiary.

Having been a festival-goer since he was 15, Jones said that he has seen

Top: Queer artist Kimberly Naledi Sunstrum, better known by her stage name OK Naledi, will play at Bluesfest this year. PROVIDED PHOTO.

Above: Ottawa singer JW-Jones will be bringing contemporary blues to the festival held at LeBreton Flats.

Next page: Westboro Artist will take the Bluesfest stage on July 11.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

some of the best blues artists perform there. Though it's no longer a hardcore bluesfest, Jones said that it's still a great platform to showcase blues talent and smaller local artists.

“I’ve opened for a lot of these acts because it's not a blues festival, but it still brings attention to blues too. If they changed the name to music fest, no one would be talking about the blues.”

GROOVING AT LEBRETON FLATS

Afro house and Afro-music artist, Kimberly Naledi Sunstrum, better known by her stage name OK Naledi, will open Bluesfest with groove.

“It feels pretty exciting to be performing on day one and get the initial excitement of it starting,” she said. “I also feel like the Ottawa music appreciators and those who come out to shows do an incredible job of uplifting and showing out local music.”

For Sanstrum, OK Naledi has been

the creative process through which she merges her heritage with her own experiences as a non-binary, Black person. Though many of their songs reflect this, Sanstrum has recently experimented with songwriting outside their comfort zone.

Fans can expect a niche and obscure new tune about Nannie Doss, a romance-obsessed serial killer from the 20s to 50s.

Folk legacy, Kaya Fraser, takes the stage on July 11. Literature fanatic and daughter of Allan Fraser from Fraser & DeBolt, her lyrics are evocative and vocals as sweet as honey.

“A lot of it is just trying to convey a mood to people. It goes beyond the lyrics of the song, but includes them. It captures a vibe, or a sensation, or a moment, and that’s what I continue to do with the songs that I write,” the Westboro resident said.

“I have a lot of material that was

written in the interim of the release of my second album and now, but I also have some much newer songs that have been written in the last year or two that I’m eager to play and share more.”

BBQ Questions? Ask us!

The Wellington Butchery has everything to make your summer BBQ a resounding success, including superior products at a very competitive price.

“We work closely with our suppliers to keep our prices stable without sacrificing quality,” said Joel Orlik, Wellington Butchery’s proprietor. “You may be surprised at the value a local butcher can offer. You can enjoy steaks, kabobs, souvlaki and more — most at the same price as last summer.”

Wellington Butchery offers variety and value –over 800 products from a family-owned butchery right in our neighbourhood. And, to keep everyone happy, they even have a few high-end vegetarian options made fresh in store. “We source the best product, then we age and trim it properly,” said Orlik. “We know all the cuts and how to cook them for the best flavour and tenderness. Don’t be afraid to ask us!”

great summer salads and sides to make your BBQ season simple and tasty.

Butcher quality makes a difference. For example, Wellington Butchery grinds their beef from fresh whole pieces and only sells grain-fed air-chilled chicken, which always make for a much better burger or kabob. Not to mention that your steaks will be very tender and tasty. “We often hear that our steaks are the best our customers have ever had because they are well-marbled, well-aged and properly trimmed” says Orlik.

Did we mention their FREE delivery yet? Any order over $200 is delivered FREE. “We can now offer next day delivery on your online order,” explains Orlik. “City-wide, seven days a week.”

They carry the highest quality cuts of beef and everything else you need for the perfect barbecue. Recently, they started carrying all natural wood chips and charcoal for BBQs and smokers so that customers can find these conveniently in their neighborhood. They also have a great selection of cheese, premium deli meats, and

Wellington Butchery is celebrating their fifth year in Wellington West in June. “We appreciate how much the community has supported us”, says Orlik. And they support local, too, from offering products from local suppliers to supporting neighborhood events and the Elmdale Tennis Club.

At the Wellington Butchery, local just tastes better.

1333 Wellington St West • wellingtonbutchery.com

Ebbing and flowing from the music scene since the 2000s, the solo artist has developed several new tunes which reflect some life changes from the past two decades.

Summer is a time to make life-long memories

By Charlie Senack

Summer is a time to make memories. Whether it’s family vacations aboard or staycations at home, we all have at least one moment that sticks out above all else.

For myself, it was a trip to White Rock, British Columbia in 2008 to visit my grandparents. It was my first time on a plane, and I was both excited and nervous. My mom and I went to Dollarama days before to stock up on all the essentials: playing cards, markers, coloring books and chewing gum.

I was in awe of the Rocky Mountains that greeted us from the plane window as we flew over Alberta. Once in Vancouver, I got to see the ocean for the first time at White Rock Beach, learn about sea creatures at the Stanley Park zoo, and take a short ferry ride over to Victoria Island.

It was two of the best weeks of my life. Vancouver was abuzz as the city prepared for the approaching 2010 Winter Olympics.

My grandmother Patricia developed Alzheimer’s soon after and my grandfather Obie, who I only met a few times, passed away a few years later. It’s one of my only memories I have with them together.

The Kitchissippi Times reached out to community members to share their stories of summers passed.

“Last summer our family had an extraordinary trip to France, with memories to last for a lifetime. A highlight for me was visiting Juno Beach in Normandy, where my grandfather landed five days after D-Day in 1945. It was peaceful last summer, but I can’t imagine what it was like as a generation of people risked everything to stop the spread of Nazi hatred. Words are hard to describe as I think of my gratitude for them. Walter, my grandfather, was a lifelong joker — we called him the teaser geezer — so in his honor I made the decision to fly a kite on Juno Beach,”

- Joel Harden, Ottawa Centre MPP.

“Some of my favourite summer memories come from something we started during COVID times — an outing affectionately known as “Bike Night.” As lockdowns lifted, the only place for people to gather were public places, like parks. So a bunch of neighbourhood dads assembled on bikes, and we would tour around the city. We’d often meet at Fisher Park, and venture off from there. We’d make a few stops per night, hitting key locations like the Arboretum, Dow’s Lake, Chaudiere Falls, the locks at Carleton and the naval monument near Victoria Island. We’ve continued the Bike Night tradition every year since then, heading out a couple times a month,”

- Peter Joynt, local public speaker.

“What do Kichi Sibi Winter Trail Folks do during summer? Pollinator Gardens! We partner with the Westboro Beach Community Association and together develop the initiative. Volunteers rip out the invasive European Buckthorn, and replace it with native plants that are also important pollinators for the

wild world around us. Sometimes, these native plants are already present and all they need is our help to remove the nasty buckthorn that is stealing their sun and soil nutrients. It is absolutely rewarding work and as our community develops more residential towers, our engagement numbers are growing with volunteers showing up,”

- Dave Adams, groomer of the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail.

“Norway Bay’s summers were golden for us kids. Nana rented our first cottage because things were tight. An orange, round-backed Pontiac bus dropped us at Pop Welch’s store. After it drove off, our new friend, the Ottawa River, stood beckoning. My brother Tom and I did everything together, picking clams in the water, catching minnows with our towels, watching Dad swim way out, discovering that pinecones make great fire starters, seeing the beans we planted sprout, breakfasting on toasted, fresh cut, Quyon bread. Tom and I and our sisters Suzanne and Terry all learned to swim at the wharf,”

- Dan Stringer, Kitchissippi resident.

“In our senior years we have taken up longer distance bike riding. With our e- assist bikes we have been able to explore many of the Ottawa trails like Petrie Island, which is a 72 km round trip with a stop at the new River House. Inspired by our successful experiences in the Ottawa area, we have just safely concluded a 280 km Bike n Barge trip down the Rhone river paths from Avignon to Aigues-Mortes in France with 20 other cyclists of all ages and abilities and a guide. This was not the Tour de France but a great memory,” - Barb Clubb and Kevin Burns, Kitchissippi residents.

Above: Dan Stringer with his family during a beach outing at Norway Bay. Middle: Kitchissippi times editor Charlie Senack with his grandmother Patricia Oborne at a park in White Rock, British Columbia. Next page: Barb Clubb and Kevin Burns recently completed a 280 Bike n Barge trip in France

WIN 2 FULL FESTIVAL PASSES TO THE OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL

June 21 - 30, 2024

The Kitchissippi Times is giving away a pair of full festival passes in June to one of our e-newsletter subscribers. If you’re not a subscriber yet you can scan here or visit kitchissippi.com before June 14th to sign-up and be eligible to win these passes and be entered into other future giveaways (think festival passes, green fees, gift cards and more)

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

Support your local newspaper: Since 2003 the Kitchissippi Times has provided free, 100% local news. Reporting on the diverse issues, people and events that are important and strengthening the community by building relationships and connecting people and businesses in Westboro Village, Wellington Village, Hintonburg, Carlingwood and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Starting in June 2024 we will be expanding our coverage to include Little Italy and Britannia Village. Signing up for our newsletter provides you with 100% local news in your inbox so you never miss out on what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood!

Tony Lofaro has friends in high places

BY CHARLIE SENACK

When Tony Lofaro first put pen to paper as a young kid, he had no clue of the 38year journalism career that was to come.

The Preston Street area resident grew up in Italy but moved to Ottawa with his family at the age of two. While he has no memories of his early upbringing abroad, Lofaro has frequently visited to connect with distant relatives.

Like many European immigrants looking to start a new life, the Lofaro family settled in Little Italy, a charming, quaint community where neighbors knew each other and children played on the streets. Its landscape has changed a lot over the decades.

Lofaro was one of them. After graduating from Algonquin College’s journalism program, the Italian native married wife Gina and had two sons, Anthony and Joseph.

The new family moved to the cookiecutter suburb of Barrhaven, where Lofaro stayed for the next 28 years. Gina passed away after a short bout of cancer in June 2014 at the age of 56.

“She was charming and sweet. She had such a beautiful smile. Everyone loved her for the person she was,” said Lofaro. “We had a great life together. She was about to retire from the library after 38 years, then got sick, and we lost her in about six weeks.”

person. I believe in God and life after this. That’s what the Catholic faith teaches you.”

CELEBRITY ENCOUNTERS

Lofaro began working as a freelancer at the Ottawa Citizen while still a journalism student and launched a 38year career there six months after graduating.

Ottawa-born singer Paul Anka had the biggest effect.

“I wrote about him many times. I saw his shows in Vegas. He’s always been good to me and always gave me access,” said Lofaro. “I was lucky enough years ago when he decided to write his autobiography. He asked me to do research for his book. He was nice enough to give me a mention. We’ve remained friends.”

When Lofaro’s wife died, Anka personally called him up to share his condolences. The two last connected in Florida this March.

After his wife’s sudden death, Lofaro decided a change was needed. He moved back to Preston Street to look after his mother, who lived on Laurel Avenue for 60 years.

“When I was growing up, there were a few Italian stores and restaurants. It’s built up quite a bit since then,” said Lofaro. “Unfortunately a lot of the Italian immigrants who came over [and] settled in this area have moved away. There are few Italians who live in Little Italy. Even the ‘old’ families are pretty much all

“I moved back to my roots to start a new life and meet some new people,” said Lofaro. “Life is a series of passages. I’m still going through it but I’ve got a good circle of friends. I’m a religious

The Preston Street resident began on the general assignment desk and worked his way up to covering city hall, the courts and entertainment. Lofaro wrote about the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and the 1999 OC Transpo shootings.

While each story had its own impact on Lofaro’s life, his connection to

In retirement, Lofaro has published a few articles, but typically spends his days with friends. He tried to write a children’s book which so far hasn’t panned out, and is now turning attention to a Christmas movie script.

“We’ve got a producer who is interested locally. It’s a different kind of writing than news writing and there is a challenge,” said Lofaro. “I’ve got a lot of ideas but it takes time to put them down on paper.”

Ashton a place of murder in Brenda Chapman’s latest novel

STORY AND PHOTO

BY CHARLIE SENACK

When author Brenda Chapman was driving through Ashton last year, she thought it would be a good place to kill someone.

The Westboro resident who has been writing for over 25 years recently published her latest book Fatal Harvest, the third in her Hunter and Tate Mystery series. It’s set in the small town of about 200 people located about 40 minutes south of Ottawa near Carleton Place.

“The reason I chose Ashton is because my husband Ted and I were driving home one day and I thought this would be a great place to have a crime,” she told KT. “All the houses were set back with open fields, a lot of farmland, and it got my creative juices bubbling and set the story for this book.”

The book begins when 11-year-old Matt Clark, who is staying in Ashton for the summer, is told to keep his head down and stay off of social media. Little does he know that someone has been posting his photo and location online with trouble not far off.

The story is riveting and keeps you

on your toes. Detective Liam Hunter, a returning character from previous books, gets a call about a missing boy and double murder. While he’s out looking for the killer, true crime podcaster Ella Tate is busy doing her own investigation.

“The rainiest September in recent history proves a fitting backdrop for this haunting story of lies, betrayal, and deadly repercussions,” the book synopsis reads.

All of Chapman’s books have an Ottawa connection. Her first Hunter and Tate book was primarily set in the Glebe, with the second focusing on Rocky Point near Crystal Beach.

It’s uncommon for well-known authors to choose Canada for settings; in fact, book publishers are firmly against it. But Chapman believes it’s one of the reasons for her success.

“We have beautiful settings in Canada. There is so much to choose in the Ottawa region alone. There are three waterways and all the different cultures and neighborhoods being the Nation's capital,” she said. “There are all the little surrounding towns and Quebec across the river. It’s a welcoming place to set murders and crimes.”

the same series, ranked eighth.

Chapman officially released her new novel during a signing at Perfect Books on Elgin May 1. Dozens of people were in attendance to hear the crime fiction writer read from the pages of her new piece of work. Among those in attendance was Olympic curler Lisa Weagle, who is Chapman’s daughter.

Susan Rothery, a friend of Chapman’s since 1979 who introduced the author at her launch, said that figuring out the perpetrators has always been a losing game.

“Brenda leaves enough red herrings so that everyone appears to have a motive,” she said. “Those years of studying Hitchcock and Murder, She Wrote plots have definitely paid off.”

Chapman is now working on her fourth book in the series and said she will then turn her focus towards an eighth book in the Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series.

It’s a business model which seems to be working. Chapman has written 25 books since she left her job in the government. In late 2021, she discovered that two of her novels were among the top 10 audio books borrowed from the United Kingdom library system. Cold Mourning, part of her Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series, was in second place behind J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Butterfly Kills, part of

The Westboro author has recently seen a one-year purchasing agreement that could see Cold Mourning, the first book in that series, picked up for a television series if the right showrunner can be found.

At a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult for authors to get noticed, Chapman said she’s no longer worried about staying relevant.

“I’ve stopped worrying about that as much as I used to,” she said. “I really like writing. And I really like creating stories. It’s not work for me; it’s fun. Every book is so different that it keeps me fresh.”

Hippie Louise

Kaleidoscope Sky Tattoo & Art House in Hintonburg

Westboro author Brenda Chapman has recently released the third book in her Hunter and Tate mystery series.

Ironman Triathlon coming to Britannia Beach in 2025

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Some of the world's top athletes will be coming to Britannia Beach in August 2025 for the Ironman Canada-Ottawa Triathlon.

The event, typically held in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, is moving to Ottawa after outgrowing its previous host city. The Laurentian Mountains resort town of 9,600 attracted over 5,000 spectators and athletes during the 2023 event.

In a news release, Keats McGonigal, Ironman VP of North American operations, said he was looking forward to starting a partnership in Canada’s Capital.

"Ottawa offers the quintessential Canadian race environment, with a plethora of outdoor activities, great weather and a mosaic of culture all nestled at the very seat of government,” said McGonigal.

The hardcore fitness competition will begin with a 3.8 kilometer swim in the Ottawa River followed by a 180 kilometre cycle down the city’s many National Capital Commission parkways, including the newly-named Kichi Sibi Mikan. It will end with a 42.2 kilometer run that begins at Parliament Hill and goes along the historic Rideau Canal to Hogs Back.

Bay ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh, who has participated in Ironman races

before, was beaming with excitement after the news was announced.

“It’s a huge boost to the economy of any place that has it. It brings in people that are highly involved and they bring their friends and family,” Kavanagh told KT. “For every athlete, there are usually three other people. They also sometimes come — even multiple times — to train.”

Kavanagh, who is a regular Britannia Beach swimmer and cyclist, moved past marathon distance training after her last completion in 2013. But with the event being hosted in her own backyard, the opportunity to put on her bathing suit and lace up her shoes is tempting.

“I’m not a kid so we will have to see how I’m feeling. This year I already signed up to do a half Ironman,” she said. “Can I do the full? I don’t know. I ran 21 kilometers the other day. When I saw this, I thought the Gods must be telling me something. Never say never.”

Ottawa is in the midst of trying to brand itself as a world-class city. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe recently traveled to London, England for a trade mission, where he also competed in a marathon.

The country's Capital has often been branded as a sleepy government town, but that changed in 2017 when over 11 million visitors came to witness Canada 150 celebrations which included La Machine, the Grey Cup, Juno Awards, and an NHL classic hockey game on the front lawn of Parliament Hill. Visitor spending topped $2.3 billion.

Tourist numbers were expected to again drop in 2018 and 2019 but they remained mostly the same. All of that changed in 2020 when the world shut down because of COVID-19. Now bouncing back, Ottawa

Tourism hopes Ironman will give the city a boost it needs.

“Ottawa is the heart and soul of Canada. We are always proud and ready to hold our door open from people far and wide and show them everything we have to offer. Ottawa is growing as a sports destination,” said Michael Crockett, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism in a promotional video. “With each stroke, pedal and stride, the athletes will leave a legacy of excellence and determination for our next generation of athletes.”

Above: Ironman will be coming to the shore of Britannia Beach in August 2025. PHOTO BY AARON REID. Insert: Bay ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh said it will mean a big boost to the local economy.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Skip the Crowds with Flight Centre

Travel is the ultimate experience. Venturing across the world into the unknown, seeing new sights, and talking to new people enriches your mind like nothing else. Even going somewhere closer to home can be exciting, as long as it’s new.

When everyone wants to go to the same place though, it can get crowded, overdone, and expensive. That’s why as the summer travel season roars into full swing, Canadians are turning to “travel dupes” to find new destinations to beat the crowds (and not break the bank!).

Instead of visiting overcrowded destinations with inflated prices and too many tourists, Flight Centre recommends alternate destinations nearby, without that tourist markup:

1. Skip Paris – try Lyon or Bordeaux: Paris is abuzz with excitement for the 2024 Olympics, meaning large crowds and even larger prices. Instead, immerse yourself in the history of Lyon or walk the famed wine-growing region of Bordeaux for a quieter, quintessential French experience.

2. Skip the Amalfi Coast – try Ischia or Taormina: the Amalfi Coast is iconic for its stunning cliff-side scenery, but you’ll find more peace in Ischia’s hot springs and volcanic beaches. Looking for views? The hilltop town of Taormina’s dramatic cliffs are close to Mount Etna, sandy beaches and more.

3. Skip Barcelona – try Valencia: with art, food, history, and sports, Barcelona offers a lot, drawing in more tourists than residents each year. The capital of Valencia, which is also the birthplace of paella, offers the rich culture without the sky-high prices.

4. Skip Santorini – try Naxos or Rhodes: Most tourists wait hours for a photo of the iconic blue rooftops of Santorini. Skip the lines and snap a pic of the stunning whitewashed buildings in Naxos or take your time exploring the ancient ruins and modern resorts of Rhodes or Naxos.

5. Skip London – try York or Cardiff: The largest city in the UK has a lot to offer, but with 30 million visitors each year, London can get cramped. Visit the walled city of York, or head to Cardiff, Wales, for quieter cities steeped in history, culture and more.

Flight Centre has a variety of different vacations and packages for every kind of traveler. Cruises to every major destination, all-inclusive resort packages, historical and cultural tours, car rentals, and more are all available on their website. They also have package deals that offer a bit of a discount on all-inclusive trips for singles, couples, or families.

Flight Centre is here to open the world to travelers without having to deal with huge crowds and costs. Since 1995, Flight Centre has been helping Canadians with family getaways, corporate retreats, and complicated events alike. Its parent company, Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is among the top five largest travel agencies in the world.

Travelers can explore their vacation options online at flightcentre.ca. You can also visit Flight Centre’s in-person travel agency at 362 Richmond Road, Ottawa, or call 1(888)241-8925 to speak to a travel agent directly.

Skip the line and dupe your destination with Flight Centre.