Kitchissippi Times June 2025

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES

Ottawa is not a boring city

BY CHARLIE SENACK

I’ve recently been spending a lot of time by Ottawa's shorelines. With every excursion I take, I can’t help but marvel at the beauty of Canada's Capital.

We have Westboro Beach, Andrew Haydon Park, Britannia Beach, the Kichi Sibi pathways, and Chief William Commanda Bridge all in our backyard. A little further out there is Hog’s Back Falls, the Dominion Arboretum, Bruce Pit, Strathcona Park and Rideau Hall. There are so many others, too.

These places bring a sense of calm in

what can be an incredibly loud and chaotic world. But not only that, they provide a backdrop to so many festivals and events.

For far too long, people have liked to call Ottawa a “boring government town” or “the city that fun forgot.” But that simply isn’t true. Sometimes it takes just leaving your house to find a hidden gem.

Over the past few weeks, I went to the Tulip Festival at Dow’s Lake which was followed by a spectacular firework and drone show. There was also a rib festival

in Barrhaven, the Great Glebe Garage sale, Tamarack Race Weekend, markets, and so many art shows.

At each of these events I saw people slow down and embrace each other’s company. They posed for selfies, created memories, and supported local vendors. How great is that?

As we head into the summer, there will be so many more festivals and activities taking place all across Ottawa. Go out and support them. Show there is a need for even more. And find ways to get involved. You will make your community and city even better as a result.

A reminder we have no KT edition in July but will be back in August.

For the latest news and information, head to Kitchissippi.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter. And if you have a story idea, email me at charlie@kitchissippi.com.

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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.

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Right: The Ottawa River (also known as the Kichi Sibi River) used to be a prime trading route for the Anishinaabe Algonquin people.

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Climate change is destroying Ottawa’s Indigenous history along the waterways

BY AMANDA MCLEOD

Today the Ottawa River shorelines are lined with sprawling office buildings, high rises, and urban sprawl. Tens of thousands drive along the adjacent parkway each day for work, pleasure, or other everyday tasks.

But centuries ago before colonization, the land was also a hub for trade, ceremony, and sustenance. The Algonquin First Nations people first called it home, setting up communities along what is also known as the Kichi Zībī — translating to “big” or “grand river” — where they fished, hunted and formed connections.

Now part of that historic past is being unearthed, in part due to climate change.

The Ottawa River runs just over 1,200 kilometres with its headwaters in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec and continuing east along the border of Ontario and Quebec. When it arrives in the Capital, it tumbles over the Chaudière Falls, enveloping both the Rideau and Gatineau rivers into its massive flow, before pouring into the St. Lawrence River at Montréal.

The early 1600s saw European explorers enter the lands we now know as Quebec and Ontario, primarily seeking fur trade routes and other natural resources from the Canadian landscape. Since then, many cultural groups have left artifacts and archaeological remnants that provide a glimpse into earlier worlds and cultures.

A WINDOW INTO THE PAST

The National Capital Commission is a prominent stakeholder in finding and preserving both land sites and artifacts from previous settlements and gathering places.

One of the many projects the NCC is responsible for are archaeological dig sites which offer information about how past First Nations groups interacted with each other and the environment — some of which are available to the public around Lac Leamy Parc, a location that “contains the largest precontact archaeological site complex in the Outaouais Region”.

NCC Archaeology Program Manager Monica Maika said “to promote public awareness, one of the reasons why we do our public dig in Lac Leamy is because it’s the largest concentration of pre-contact

Indigenous sites in the National Capital Region.”

While the Lac Leamy site hasn’t given evidence of long-term settlements like a village, it does offer substantial insight into both travel and economic patterns of original First Nations cultures.

“For the Anishinaabe Algonquin people, it’s known as Kabeshinàn, or the ‘Gathering Place.’ It’s right at the confluence of three rivers. We have to think about how people would have been travelling in the past and you’re not getting very far, very fast, on foot. When you do want to regroup with your extended family, friends, and other trading partners, you’re going to use your canoe,” said Maika. “What we’re seeing is a recurring use of the site over time of people coming back and trading. We’re getting artifacts from

Left: Bob Clark and Monica Maika are NCC archeology program managers who are saving Ottawa history. PHOTO BY AMANDA MCLEOD

The Chaudière Falls seen between Ottawa and Gatineau. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE SENACK.

It’s important for archaeologists to work with Indigenous communities to gain as much knowledge about the pre-settler use of the land so we don’t repeat past mistakes and can work with communities for reconciliation.

— MONICA MAIKA

very far distances like Mistissini, Quebec, Lake Superior, and even from the States.”

Maika also spoke to the relevance and urgency of trying to learn as much as possible from sites like the Lac Leamy ones while they’re still there.

“It’s important because a lot of people think about Canada from 1867 to now, but there were people here for thousands of years before settlers,” she said. “It’s important for archaeologists to work with Indigenous communities to gain as much knowledge about the pre-settler use of the land so we don’t repeat past mistakes and can work with communities for reconciliation.”

WEATHER IS PLAYING A NEGATIVE FACTOR

Even with the effects of two hydro river dams — one upstream and one down from the Lac Leamy site, which alters the rise and fall of water levels — the land around Kabeshinàn has shown increasing evidence of loss of soil and the artifacts in it due to more extreme weather events in recent years.

“Regardless of the dams, there's been stronger rains which are increasing some of the surficial erosion…and there’s been an incredible shift in the topography of the landscape of the site where we do the public dig,” said Maika.

While soil is able to soak up rainfall, there is a saturation point and the water has to go somewhere, often taking the soil and its contents with it.

But it’s not just a matter of an increase in rainfall or flash flooding. The impact of climate change on the land is wide ranging in a variety of ways.

”We also get big wind storms, the derecho for example. We lost all kinds of

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trees in Leamy Lake Park,” said NCC Archaeology Program Manager Bob Clark. “If they’re right on the shore and they fall down, they fall with a big chunk, with two meters of the shore away with them and all the soil.”

Additionally, a lack of water and rainfall can also have a detrimental effect.

“In droughts, if it’s really hot, the clay dries right out and then it cracks. And then when it rains really hard, those cracks fill with water and break apart. It’s a cumulative thing,” added Clark.

With no end in sight to the increase of climate change, both Clark and Maika said we can expect further loss of valuable historical and cultural artifacts. In a report published by the United Nations Environment Programme in March 2020, it outlined the connection between climate change and flood events.

“Floods are made more likely by the more extreme weather patterns caused by longterm global climate change. Change in land cover — such as removal of vegetation — and climate change increase flood risk,” part of it read.

For the Lac Leamy site, all of this means that not only are artifacts being washed away more readily, but the background and the framework of the history of the land as well.

“We’re losing the context that [the artifacts] were in originally, and it’s the context that can really tell you the story of [the cultures]. Sure, this stuff is cool but if we can’t tell a story, we’re not really getting at the heart of archeology, which is to tell us more about our history,” said Maika. “You don't find groups of fourteen Indigenous archaeological sites elsewhere in the national capital region — it’s pretty significant.”

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Body of Indian national found at Dick Bell Park

BY CHARLIE SENACK

It’s a quiet spring day at Dick Bell Park along the Ottawa River. People are out having a picnic and inspecting their boats which have been docked for the winter. In the calmness of the moment, it’s hard to fathom that a body was recently found here.

On April 30, Ottawa Police sent out a press release stating that the body of a woman in her 20s was found deceased near the river a few days prior. She was later identified as 21-year-old Vanshika Saini, who was set to graduate from Algonquin College with a degree in health administration.

Reports from India state that Saini was in the middle of looking for an apartment to rent. A person connected to her family told the Kitchissippi Times she was studying until around 9:30 p.m. on April 25 and then took a bus to Dick Bell Park where she got off around 11:00 p.m. Saini then didn’t show up for her IELTS exam the next day.

Saini is the daughter of Davinder Saini, an Aam Aadmi Party leader in that country.

“She wanted to win big in life… The last time I talked to her was on 25 April when she was on her way to work,” her father told

Indian news outlet ANI. ”I had asked her about her new job. Everything was fine…On the morning of 26 April, I received a message that she had gone missing.”

On May 4, a small vigil was held in the park. Law enforcement were still on location with a command post, but their purpose was unclear.

Some media reports have suggested Saini’s family were displeased with the police investigation and received various accounts of what happened. In an effort to set the record straight, police put out a press release defending their actions and said “protocols are in place to safeguard the integrity of investigations, protect personal privacy, and honour the wishes of the families involved.”

Saini’s family soon followed up with a separate statement stating they were “satisfied with the communication and updates” from law enforcement, and asked people to “refrain from sharing unverified details.”

Police say they don’t believe the case is suspicious. Family members have indicated it’s their belief the matter was not suicide. Saini’s body was returned to India where cremation was held.

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A police command post at Dick Bell Park after the body of 21-year-old Vanshika Saini was found. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Native trees planted in Atlantis Woods by Westboro volunteers

The work was part of a revitalization project which includes Westboro Beach reopening this summer

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Is there anything that says building community quite like planting roots?

On May 4 under the morning sun and a gentle breeze, about 60 volunteers helped plant over 550 native seedlings in a forested area called Atlantis Woods next to Westboro Beach. Another four kilograms of wildflower seeds were spread across the site.

Up until recently, the land had been overtaken by buckthorn, an invasive plant which can harm ecosystems and agriculture. The shrub discourages other plants and trees from growing.

The NCC was able to remove about 50 per cent of it and decided to reforest the area with assistance from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

Patricia Le Saux, co-president of the Westboro Beach Community Association, said it was nice to see the community come together.

“There were so many personal stories being shared. Some were planting trees for family members who had passed. A lot of kids came out with their parents and said they were going to come and watch the trees grow. It brought a generational aspect to the project,” she said.

For those who visit the forest, they might be unaware of its once very different past. Over six decades ago, rows of tiny cottages lined the shoreline. It was a place where Ottawa residents went to relax and unwind during the summer months. But in the 1950s, the land was expropriated to make way for what is now known as the Kichi Sibi Mikan Parkway.

Besides memories, all that’s left of the previous village community are stones and pieces of the building's former foundations.

Clockwise from above: About 550 native trees were planted in the Atlantis Woods by volunteers. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK. A group of volunteers help plant the trees.

Adams from the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail with Westboro Beach Community Association co-president Patricia Le Saux. The reforestation was done where the trail keeps its storage equipment. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Today they can be seen littered amongst the dirt and fresh foliage.

Over the past few years, the Westboro Beach Community Association has been strengthening their environmental sustainability mandate. It makes sense after all – they are literally surrounded by nature all around.

“We have a little pollinator garden. We are currently redoing our green gateway at Workman and Churchill,” said Le Saux. “We have a busy parkway right there. Light rail construction is ongoing nearby. There is so much intensification ongoing and it’s easy to feel boxed in. So imagine people living there and looking out their window and being able to see this. To me, that's liberating.”

WESTBORO BEACH TO REOPEN LATER THIS YEAR

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments to come out of Westboro this summer is the reopening of Westboro Beach, which has been closed since the summer of 2022.

The revitalization project faced countless delays due to supply chain and labour shortages, but finishing touches are currently being done to the beach pavilion and surrounding landscaping. At the time of publication, no exact opening date has been announced.

The association is hoping it will be before their opening summer barbecue being held on June 27.

“It’s a big fundraiser for us. We don’t

collect any fees from anybody, so we sell hotdogs and hamburgers and things to support our events,” said Le Saux.

The beach will be worth the wait. The $21-million-project aims to introduce a list of new amenities, including a new zero-carbon pavilion, riverfront lookouts, picnic areas and universally accessible pathways.

“Everyone is quite excited about it,” said Len Fardella, co-president of the Westboro Beach Community Association. “The beach is at the centre of pretty much everything we do and we are very excited to have it back. It’s a core reason why people choose to live here.”

PHOTO BY PATRICIA LE SAUX. Groomer Dave

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Former Westboro convents future in limbo after developer forced into receivership

BY CHARLIE SENACK

For well over a century, the former Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary convent has stood as a landmark near Westboro with its large stone walls and steepled roof.

When Ashcroft Homes purchased the

property in 2009, there were strong hopes it would be turned into a community space. Then plans came that would see it incorporated into a nine-storey residential high-rise development. But a decade and a half later it sits vacant and deteriorating. Its future is now uncertain again as the property is up for sale. The reason:

Ashcroft Homes was pushed into a receivership by creditors. In total, $723,567 of tax arrears have built up on the property, and another roughly $140,000 is owed to a contractor.

Documents filed with the court show the Ashcroft subsidiary known as Ashcroft Homes – 108 Richmond Road, did not

keep up with interest on a $7 million loan from the Royal Bank of Canada. Other properties owned by the developer are in similar positions with different lenders.

The city has deemed the Richmond Road building unsafe and is worried about significant structural cracks to the foundation. Ashcroft was issued an order to retain a certified engineer to assess it and provide recommendations for repair, but they’ve appealed it.

That is concerning news to Heather Mitchell, vice president of the Westboro Community Association and chair of its heritage committee. She said a property of such age and calibre should have had more protections from the beginning.

“You don't have to go far to see cities in Canada that do a great job protecting heritage. We don't have to do the European model. Look at Montreal, look at Quebec

Above: A Postcard from 1916 showing the Chapel at center, The Elms at left, and the Monastery at right. PHOTO BY JULES-ALEXANDRE CASTONGUAY / KEN ELDER COLLECTION. Right: The stone house on the property

lumberman James Skead.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

City, or even Kingston,” she said. ”I think what happens is our Bytown heritage sometimes gets overlooked through all the national buildings that we have.”

A LONG HISTORY IN WESTBORO

The former convent has a storied past of its own. In 1865 a stone house was built on the site and later lived in by James Skead, a well known senator and lumberman who helped shape Westboro. At the time it was known as The Elms.

Then in 1910, the sisters moved in and soon built the monastery connected to the house. According to Heritage Ottawa, it ”followed a medieval plan with a monastic church in the northwest corner, designed in a French Classical style with Gothic Revival interior and an attached cloister court.” Inside was a chapel, infirmary. palliative care suite, office for the Mother Superior, refectory, kitchen, bedrooms for the sisters and workrooms.

Surrounding the property was a very large wall. The nuns, who were part of a cloistered order founded in 1610, lived a very secluded life from the world around them. Even during church services open to the public, they would hide behind a screen. The same discretion was used when visiting with their own family members.

The last eight nuns living at the property moved to Pembroke when the property was sold.

While the building has heritage designation, which means it can’t be torn down, there are concerns a new buyer could try to argue the building is no longer salvageable. Lorne Cutler, president of the Hampton Iona Community Group, says its deterioration on the exterior is noticeable.

“There's always the risk with developers. We've seen numerous historic buildings around the city slowly decay due

Theresa Kavanagh

Ottawa City Councillor, Bay Ward

to neglect rather than actual demolition,” he said.

HOPE FOR A REIMAGINED FUTURE

As part of Phase 1, Ashcroft Homes did build three nine-storey buildings along Richmond Road on a portion of the former nunnery site about a decade ago. Phases two and three would have seen a retirement residence and lowrise building on the south site, and 161 housing units in a mixed-use space which incorporated the restaurant. That would have also included space for a restaurant.

With those plans now in limbo, the community is hopeful an even better vision could be brought forward. Cutler said the neighborhood felt they were not consulted enough originally.

“We wanted some control over what went into it and hopefully community space. We really never got that,” said Cutler. “No one was happy with the level of development that was proposed for the site. But it's been approved and it is likely that the level of density is what it will be.”

But Mitchell has a slightly more optimistic view. She would like to see at least a portion of the old convent converted into a coffee shop or art gallery.

“In Westboro, we’ve got the magnificent Maple Lawn. The NCC protected the heritage garden and right next to it is the Keg restaurant. It has been preserved for everyone to enjoy,” she said. “Here we have this beautiful, large piece of heritage in our community with the former convent. I hope that the new owner will work closely with Heritage Ottawa and the community to make sure that this beautiful building is retained in some way and is shared with the community.”

The 4.23 acre convent property did not have a listing price and was accepting bids until May 28.

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How Children's International Summer Villages is promoting a better planet

BY AMANDA MCLEOD

In July of 2024, 17-year-old Sasha Pach travelled to Midtjylland, Denmark with three other teens and a young adult chaperone in order to join similarly sized delegations from around the world. They would spend the next twenty-one days exploring global issues “through activities, in-depth discussions, and social interactions.”

Pach and her friends are part of the Ottawa chapter of Children's International Summer Villages (CISV), an organisation founded in 1951 by the American psychologist Dr. Doris Allen in response to the aftermath of WWII and the changing global order.

Dr. Allen believed “that the ultimate source for peace, long range, lay with the children.” She went on to develop a variety

of summer programs for youth aged 11 to 17, designed to bring together participants from around the globe to learn with and from each other about building a just and peaceful world.

CISV’s mission is rooted in its four Pillars of Peace: sustainable development, diversity, human rights, and conflict resolution — with each program building activities and guided conversation topics based on them. Of its five programs, four are camp-based: Village (age 11), Youth Meeting (12–13), Step Up (14–15), and Seminar Camp (16–17).

The fifth, Mosaic, is a community-based program “delivered in cooperation with local partner organisations.”

Pach first participated with CISV at age nine as a local volunteer after her mom discovered the organization on Facebook. In 2019, she travelled to Brazil for the monthlong camp, Village.

Children's International Summer Villages was founded in 1951 by the American psychologist Dr. Doris Allen who wanted to promote peace. PROVIDED PHOTOS.

“It was one of the most incredible things I’ve done. I still talk to some people from that camp and you learn so much,” she said. “We did a really interesting activity on stereotypes where you get a map of your country and it’s passed around to all the different groups, the delegations, and they write what they think about each country. And then we talk about that — and it really gets you thinking, at 11 years old.”

Pach has since participated in all the available programs. She now sits on the Ottawa Division Junior Board, helping organize the same kinds of local activities that launched her involvement years ago and has plans to volunteer as an adult

chaperone for future delegations.

Like Pach, Quinnlan Guest, 22, began his CISV journey at age 11, attending a Village program in the Philippines. He went on to be a junior counsellor in Czechia at age 16 and served on the Ottawa Junior Board for a number of years. In July 2024, he led a delegation to Norway and is preparing to guide another delegation this summer to Brazil.

“It’s an intense period of growth that I was able to do at a younger age. Most people do this in university, that time of finding yourself outside of your family group,” he said. “The camps offer an exposure to other cultures and help you to think about who you are.”

He also emphasized that from the preparation for a trip, to the actual undertaking and beyond into the rest of life, the Pillars of Peace are relevant.

“They offer a worldly perspective. You make friends from around the world, maintain those connections, and you gain skills in peace education and conflict resolution,” said Guest. “And they don’t just apply to being a diplomat or a politician, but they apply to being a human being. I’ve definitely become a more resilient person.”

In the months leading up to travel, Guest met every two weeks with the children in his delegation to build trust and camaraderie. These meetings included community fundraising — such as selling maple syrup — and home visits to get to know the families.

Kim Banks Hart, Chair of the CISV Ottawa adult board and parent to three children who have participated in CISV programs, says this model of team building is valuable and essential for everyone.

“It gave me a lot of comfort getting to know the team. It makes a huge difference because you’re not just sending them with some random stranger. It’s someone who understands your child and understands your family. I was really confident that I was sending my child with someone who has the knowledge, the skills, the training, and the leadership to be able to make the right decisions in the moment if something goes wrong”.

Banks Hart said the programs have

had a lasting impact on her children, noting that all of her kids have returned empowered to engage more fully with their communities and with issues of social justice and equity.

After a Youth Meeting in Brazil at age 13, her middle child became passionate about water conservation and energy use.

“She came back with friends from all over the world and talked about how water is used differently in South America,” she said. “So now we talk about how we use energy and the different levels of consumption across the world.”

Pach echoed that global awareness, particularly in relation to current events.

“With all of the stuff happening with Gaza and Israel… from my friends in Lebanon, I hear all of their stories about the bombings,” said Pach. “And it's not just somebody that I don't know. These are people that I know that are being affected by it. It hits on a whole different level because it’s not just somebody — it’s my friend”.

For Banks Hart, the real value of CISV lies in how it equips young people to navigate and engage with the world.

“It helps to make these connections as they go out into the broader world and bring back these perspectives,” she said. “Especially as they get older, the tools to be able to engage in sometimes really difficult discussions around things that impact people's day-to-day lives, rooted in equity and human rights, I think are really going to serve them well for the rest of their lives.”

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Ceremonial tree planting held at future Matthew Perry site

BY CHARLIE SENACK

Imagine a place where mental health treatment was no longer a luxury. Then imagine a space where people can access long-term support rather than just a one-time solution.

That’s a world the family of late Hollywood star Matthew Perry is envisioning — and they are planning to create it right here in Ottawa.

On May 15, a few dozen people gathered behind the Royal Ottawa Hospital on Byng Drive for a ceremonial groundbreaking of the future Matthew Perry House. Among those in attendance were Perry’s Mother, Suzanne

Morrison, and his stepfather, Keith Morrison.

Once built, the treatment centre will house between 160 and 170 people. They will receive personalized care and can stay at the centre for a few years, unlike traditional programs, which can last 30 to 90 days.

“We want to ensure that everything we do is part of the objective we all hold to help create better lives, to enable people to create their own better lives,” said Caitlin Morrison, Perry’s sister and executive director of the foundation.

The project has come with some controversy. A coalition of a few hundred members has demanded more public

consultation be done. They are worried about the loss of some greenspace where the Matthew Perry House will be built. But the Royal has indicated that the land is already zoned for such use, and the forested berm between the site and houses next door will remain undisturbed.

During the ceremony, a few of those dismayed neighbours blared heavy metal music, had their children play loudly in backyards, and banged balls against the fence. However, those in attendance did not acknowledge their acts of protest.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, a Wellington West resident who supports the addiction treatment centre, said Ottawa was lucky to be chosen as the city where Perry’s life will be remembered.

“This will become a home and a special place for vulnerable people in our community. This is going to be a place full of compassion and support for those who are courageously rebuilding their lives one tough step at a time,” said Sutcliffe. “We know that Matthew would be so proud of what is happening here on this site.”

Perry, who was best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom ‘Friends’, died in October 2023 from “acute effects of ketamine” and subsequent drowning. He was 54.

In her speech, Suzanne Morrison shared various stories she’s heard from family ones who have loved ones battling addiction. The former journalist and press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau said the best act a parent can give is love.

“Matthew was very secretive about his treatments and his faults. But the week before he died, we were talking about his new house, and I just burst out saying that I loved him so much,” Suzanne recalled. “And he said ’you’ve done this wrong and that wrong. I have a list.’ And I just kept saying,’ I love you. I love you so much’. I knew we wouldn’t have him too much longer, and suddenly shackles fell from his face, and he came over to me, and we gave each other a kiss. He never liked to be hugged.”

Susanne said that at that moment, she realized something had to be done to help those struggling.

“It gets bigger and bigger. It’s like watching a monster grow. People are succumbing to drugs,” she added. “It’s tragic to see what people need to go through because they aren’t finding the love or support we need in the world.”

During the ceremony a “bing” cherry tree was planted as a homage to Perry’s ‘Friends’ connection. There is hope that an official groundbreaking can be held in a few months. The goal is to have residents living at the site by 2027.

1. Matthew Perry House executive director Caitlin Morrison speaks as partners of the project listen.

2. Many special guests were in attendance including Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper, Dateline correspondent and Perry’s step-father Keith Morrison, his mother Suzanne Morrison, Ottawa Centre MP Yasir Naqvi, and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

3. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the future addictions centre will be a game changer in Ottawa.

4. Suzanne Morrison spoke about Matthew Perry’s desire to help others.

5. Caitlin gives her mother Suzanne a hug after her speech.

6. A bing Cherry tree was planted where the future Matthew Perry House will be located.

What makes Canada great? This Cooper Brothers’ song has a few ideas

BY CHARLIE SENACK

It was 2011 when Ottawa’s The Cooper Brothers released 'That’s What Makes Us Great.' The love letter that recognized all that makes Canada special, as Dick Cooper branded it, was enjoyed by some — even radio stations played it — but then the fame of it faded away.

That was until recently when the song made a rebound on social media given recent events unfolding in the United States and President Donald Trump's related calls to make Canada the 51st state.

“There’s close to a half a million views on Facebook at 470,000 or something like that. I must have just put the song out at the wrong time, I guess, because now everybody's freaking over it,” said Cooper. “But oftentimes, that's what happens in music.

So what makes it stick today?

“Instead of this flag waving thing, it's tongue in cheek,” said Cooper. “It’s also humorous. We talk about poutine, Tim Hortons, and maple syrup. It makes us laugh at ourselves, but it’s also a very patriotic song.”

Wellington West Musician Dick Cooper’s single 'That’s What Makes Us Great' started trending after tensions rose between Canada and the United States. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

There is also a subtle swipe at the United States. The song begins with the lines, “We don’t need no Trident Missiles. We got no subs to put them on. We don’t mind keeping the peace. We try to get along.”

Downspouts

The piece of music also makes mention of Don Cherry, universal healthcare, and 40 below winters.

Cooper's inspiration for the song came after meeting troops who recently returned from serving in Afghanistan

at a hockey game. They made a great impression and went out for a beer together afterwards.

“They were just great. I have to admit, I was kind of a little bit prejudiced about soldiers beforehand. But these guys were just the opposite of everything I thought,” admitted Cooper. “They were inspiring. They wanted to go back to Afghanistan to help people and to help farmers.”

There is no questioning Cooper's success as a musician. Two of his albums with his Ottawa-based band charted on the Billboard Top 100. The Cooper Brothers also toured with The Birds and opened for The Doobie Brothers, Joe Cocker and Charlie Daniels.

But in 1980, their label Capricorn Records folded, and so too did the band. Cooper went on to work as a screenwriter for 'You Can’t Do That on Television', then had a career as a creative director for video games.

In 2006, The Cooper Brothers got together for a second act and released a “best of” album. Then new songs followed. Last September, the music group celebrated their 50th anniversary with a concert held at Centrepointe’s Meridian Theatre.

Cooper admits it’s hard to believe fans are still listening to their music all these decades later.

“Usually with a band, you get three or four good years, and then life just happens – people get married, have kids, life gets in the way — unless you have like monster success right out of the gate,” he said. “When we got back together, it was like ‘Oh, cool, we'll finish this on our own terms.’ We weren't doing it because we had to pay the rent. We were doing it because we wanted to. That makes our music a little more honest.”

Alteriors is happy to be back in the neighborhood

After ten years away from Kitchissippi, Alteriors has moved back to the neighbourhood and reopened at 2183 Carling Avenue. The new building boasts brighter windows, a warmer showroom, and much better parking.

Alteriors is now open to prospective clients looking to make their spaces their own with quality pieces from European and Canadian manufacturers.

“We’re kind of in-between two Ottawa landmarks, the biggest Canadian Tire and then Golden Palace,” said co-owner Jacob Visutskie. “It’s worked out well, we have a lot more visibility with the bigger windows and six lanes of traffic passing by.”

Each time the showroom moves is another opportunity to gain new clients. Most of their marketing comes from referrals and word of mouth, with the enhanced visibility every car that drives by is a potential new customer.

Alteriors has always been supporting Canadian brands alongside their European ones, but this year especially there is a special focus on Canadian made goods.

“With all the tariffs and the weirdness going on, showing Canadian-designed pieces is super important,” said Jake. “We also want people not to fear buying European pieces as well.

“We have a great collection of upholstery coming from Perez, Montreal and a new lighting line from Toronto, Anony” said Monika. “In the next couple of weeks, we’re going to have a lot of Canadian products flowing in.” “We’ve visited the Perez factory, we’ve met the people that work there and care about the brand,” said Jake. “It’s smaller scale, a lovely brand from Montreal. It’s very good value for the quality you’re getting.”

Alteriors is preparing for its annual Canadian Design Sale. Starting July 1st, Alteriors will offer 20 per cent off on all Canadian furniture, lighting, and accent pieces. They expect the new items to arrive mid to end of June, so visitors can decide on the perfect piece before buying during the sale.

“This year we really want to showcase the new brands for people who are looking to support Canadian items,” said Monika. ”People are being careful, they’re looking for quality, and that’s what we have. We have items that you’re going to pass down to your kids.”

The sale will run for the entire month of July, so come and take a look and support a small family owned local business that specializes in European and Canadian Design brands!

See you here!

Photo credit: Amanda Thirkill

The history of Holland Avenue’s Queensway overpass

BY DAVE ALLSTON

The Holland Avenue Queensway overpass is such a familiar piece of road infrastructure in Kitchissippi that hardly anyone gives it much thought. But it’s becoming an increasingly important subject as it reaches the end of its lifecycle.

The overpass started as a railway bridge 130 years ago. The Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway (OA&PS) was built by lumber baron J.R. Booth, largely to facilitate shipping of his timber and wood products. Booth surveyed the farmlands stretching from Ottawa to the west and decided on an optimal route through the vast countryside.

On Nov. 30, 1892, Andrew Holland sold to Booth a 80’ wide, 719’ long strip of land through his Kitchissippi farm property, totaling about an acre and a third, for $528. This would set in motion a major piece of the neighbourhood's development.

The OA&PS immediately built their line, which saw its first trains arrive less than a year later. By early 1895, the city was putting pressure on the Ottawa Electric Railway to run streetcars to the Experimental Farm. City Council’s Street Railway Committee was tasked with exploring potential extensions of the system.

Initially, the city had planned for the streetcar line to run south up Preston Street to get to the Farm, but the plans became contentious. Not only was the south end of Preston a large swamp, 25 of the 26 families living on Preston Street south of Somerset petitioned the Committee, saying they didn’t want the streetcar line in their neighbourhood.

As the city had also committed to building a line to Hintonburg, it became clear that the extension down Wellington to Preston, then west on Somerset and

back onto Wellington through Hintonburg would be an ideal route to extend all the way to the Farm.

Once the decision was made in April 1895, things moved quickly. By late May, the railway ties were delivered all along the route, and the rails were soon laid. Streetcars arrived at Somerset Square by September and were running as far as Parkdale by October 1.

It became a busy spot, far different from a few decades earlier when it was a track through the wilderness.

Meanwhile, the entrepreneurial Andrew Holland filed a subdivision that same month, splitting the old Hinton farm between Parkdale and Harmer into builder lots. Down the centre of the plan he included a street specifically designed for streetcars. Extra-wide at 80 feet, it was to be the route of travel to the Experimental Farm. He named this street Holland Avenue.

THERE

WERE CHALLENGES

Presenting the biggest challenge was the crossing of the OA&PS at the top of a fairly steep hill about halfway between Wellington and Carling. It was decided that a subway bridge needed to be constructed underneath the OA&PS tracks. This would both help ensure a more gradual grade as the cars travelled along Holland, and also to eliminate the risk of crossing trains and

slower travel times that a level crossing would have created.

To create the subway, an embankment under the OA&PS line was cleared for one hundred feet, and at either side abutments were built for a bridge, on which the trains would cross. The stone used in the building of the subway was taken from a small quarry at Mechanicsville.

The trains of the OA&PS were running over the bridge by Dec. 14, 1895.

Though Holland Avenue was now officially open all the way to the Farm, streetcar service did not begin until spring. The tracks ran from Wellington to Carling, and featured two tracks with a single line of posts in the middle, with arms branching out over both tracks for the trolley wires. The posts were also constructed to hold electric lights and telephone and telegraph wires, which would soon come to the new residential section along Holland.

To coincide with the arrival of the streetcars, the Electric Railway opened the West End Park, just south of the OA&PS bridge — a 24-acre grove with entertainment and attractions, intended to draw Ottawa residents out to a relaxing resort away from city life.

Meanwhile, the Holland Avenue bridge continued to serve the railway. The OA&PS became part of the Canada Atlantic Railway in 1899, which was sold to the Grand Trunk Railway in 1905. When it went bankrupt in 1923, it was merged into the Canadian National Railways.

As road traffic became more prevalent, Holland Avenue became a major roadway in the west end. Streetcars and automobiles shared the road. Houses were constructed on three of the properties abutting the subway. It became a busy spot, far different from a few decades earlier when it was a track through the wilderness.

Lighting became an issue. The steel girders of the subway were occasionally problematic. Children and pedestrians would step out from behind them, causing sudden panic for a motorist. During slippery driving conditions, cars would occasionally slide into them.

The overpass also became a place of mischief for teens. One reported story, on Halloween night 1949, saw kids on top of the subway hurling bricks at passing cars. One struck a car heading south on Holland, denting the hood, and cracking the windshield. The driver stopped and ran after the culprits, who had fled west along the tracks.

Tragedy was also seen in this area. On New Year’s Day, 1937, 13-year old Jean Hyde of Merivale Road was walking on the overpass tracks with her brother when she was struck and killed by a passing train.

A NEW USE FOR TRAVEL

The last of the CN trains passed over the bridge in 1952, and soon after it was announced that this old train line would become the route of the new Queensway.

The 80 foot wide path was insufficient; an extra 100 feet were required. So the government set about expropriating along the Queensway route, removing multiple houses on either side of the planned corridor. Thus, a handful of houses which once stood in this area were demolished or moved — five houses on the east side and a single house on the west side.

On April 22, 1956 the last streetcar went south down Holland Avenue through the subway, and the tracks south of Byron Avenue were soon pulled up. That same month, details of the Queensway plans were announced, which included the construction of 34 overpasses and underpasses, at a total cost of $8.3 million. Included on the list was the overpass at Holland Avenue at a cost of $203,000.

Parkdale was always planned as an access point for ramps on and off the Queensway. Holland could never have handled the ramps, largely owing to the location of Fisher Park High School, built in 1949.

The Holland Avenue bridge was completed in June 1961. The Island Park Drive bridge was finished later that fall, and Parkdale and Bayswater months after that.

The Queensway opened to vehicles for the first time between Carling-Kirkwood running east to O’Connor Street, on May 18, 1964.

A little over 50 years later, in 2016, the MTO completed a study of 23 Queensway bridges at 12 locations between Holland Avenue and O’Connor Street. Initially the bridges at Holland, Parkdale, Fairmont and Bayswater were recommended for rapid rehabilitation. However, in the ensuing years, deteriorating bridge conditions and concerns over the rapid rehabilitation approach on these bridges led the MTO to suggest in 2023 in an Addendum, that the bridges would instead need to be replaced.

GRAND OPENING!

JOIN

Come down to Preston Street for the Ottawa Italian Festival

June 6-8

The Ottawa Italian Festival is right around the corner! Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavours of Ottawa’s Little Italy during this weekend-long celebration on beautiful Preston Street!

Preston Street Bicycle Races

Sunday, June 15

Celebrate Father’s Day with the 51st Edition of the Preston Street Bicycle Races! Head to Little Italy to cheer on the racers and enjoy the energy of this historic, high-speed tradition.

WHAT’S IN STORE

Starting at 5pm on Friday, June 6, Preston Street will be closed to vehicles and open to patios, pedestrians, and performers. Little Italy’s beloved restaurants will spill out into the street, offering the perfect spot to sip, savour, and soak in the atmosphere. All weekend long, the street comes alive with crowd-favourite events, including the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival, the Italian Car Parade, and more.

Experience the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival June 6-8

The FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival roars into action on June 6-8! Kick things off with the newly added Dows Lake Concorso D’Eleganza, a rare vehicle showcase set against the scenic backdrop of Commissioners Park and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway. Then on Saturday, catch the Ferraris as they join the Italian Car Parade at 1:00 pm, before hitting the Preston Street BIA Demo Zone on Carling Avenue at 2:30 pm to unleash their speed and signature roar! From Friday through Sunday, these stunning Ferraris will be on display along Preston Street for a close up view.

Catch the Italian Car Parade on June 7

The Italian Car Parade rolls into Little Italy on Saturday at 1:00 pm, showcasing the timeless beauty and power of Italian engineering. Presented by the Italian Car Club of Ottawa, this iconic parade travels down Preston Street from Pamilla to Somerset, turning Ottawa’s Little Italy into a moving gallery of Ferraris, Fiats, Alfa Romeos, and more. Don’t miss this crowd-favourite event—a stunning celebration of Italy’s automotive legacy that draws car lovers and festivalgoers alike!

Family Fun on Preston Street

Enjoy family programming all weekend long as part of the Ottawa Italian Festival. Facepainting, balloon art, street performers and live entertainment. Catch the Taggart Tent Stage at 412 Preston Street for magic shows, traditional Italian folk dancing, live music and more. New this year: the whole family will enjoy inflatable carnival games and an obstacle course, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, thanks to Preston Hardware! Whether you’re here for the cars, the cuisine, or the culture, don’t miss the most exciting weekend of the year on Preston Street.

For more information, visit www.ottawaitalianfestival.com

Follow @littleitalyottawa on social media

Local grannies raise money to help African aids epidemic

BY SHELAGH JANE WOODS

hen people describe the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, one phrase comes up again and again: unconditional love. It is a key aspect of grandparenting, involving a deep and unwavering love for your grandchild that supports feelings of joy, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.

The grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa are the perfect example of unconditional love. With the support of Canadian grandmothers, the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the African grandmothers’ own community partners, African grandmothers have made remarkable progress in raising their grandchildren whose parents have died from AIDS-related causes.

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

Shelagh Jane Woods is a member of One World Grannies.

PHOTO BY AARON REID.

Of particular concern is the loss of medications used to manage HIV infection and prevent AIDS. Without the US funds, or funding replacements from other sources, experts predict 100,000, excess deaths in one year in sub-Saharan Africa. But it gets worse: By 2030, 11 million new HIV infections and three million AIDS-related deaths are expected.

Infant and child mortality will increase dramatically, and grandmothers will once again be left to bury their own children and raise millions of children infected, affected, and orphaned by AIDS.

On Wednesday, June 18, two Ottawa groups in the Grandmothers Campaign — the One World Grannies and the Unitarian Go-Gos — will host a captivating evening of stories and songs on the theme "Unconditional Love: the Grand Connection". It will be held in the

exquisite worship hall of the First Unitarian Congregation at 30 Cleary Ave.

Tickets are $35.00 and include homemade refreshments at intermission and a chance to win one of several door prizes. You can purchase tickets on Eventbrite or by calling 705-875-0277. All proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign.

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

Shelagh Jane Woods is a long-time resident of Kitchissippi and an active member of the One World Grannies. If you are interested in joining a Grandmother Group in the Ottawa area ( you needn’t be a grandmother; “grand-others” are welcome), contact her at shelaghjane@gmail.com.

How the Ottawa Tool Library is helping people get crafty

BY AMANDA MCLEOD

In September of 2014, when Bettina Vollmerhausen and her friend Frederick were out for a drink, they had a lightning strike idea.

Frederick had just purchased a tile cutter in order to do a small renovation in his kitchen. While he knew he was unlikely to ever use it again, purchasing was cheaper than renting the item. Bettina brought up the idea of tool libraries, a concept they both were familiar with.

“I was like, what about tool libraries, and wouldn’t it be amazing if Ottawa had one?” recalled Vollmerhausen. “We had both heard about tool libraries, which are essentially libraries where you can borrow tools instead of books. It’s a movement that came out of the States in the ‘70s.”

Vollmerhausen goes on to discuss how our current urban communities perhaps aren’t as close as in times gone by or in more rural settings.

“When you think about it, it’s really how we used to live in our communities. We were closer, we knew each other. We knew that John had a ladder and Paul up the street had a lawn mower. And if you needed to borrow something, you go around and ask them for help and would

Rejoignez-nous

For more information, visit engage.ottawa.ca/zoning

Pour plus d’information, visitez participons.ottawa.ca/zonage

In-Person Citywide Public Open House

Journée portes ouvertes en personne

June 2 at/à Ben Franklin Place

Virtual Citywide Public Open House

Journée portes ouvertes virtuelle

May 29 and/et June 3 via Zoom

Focused surveys

Enquête ciblée

Top right: Bettina Vollmerhausen is co-founder and executive director of the Ottawa Tool Library. Above: The organization is run by volunteers and funded through grants and membership fees.

Left: From left to right: Megan Baughan, Lindy Spirak, and Phil Tait are volunteers with the Ottawa Tool Library. PHOTOS BY AMANDA MCLEOD

also reciprocate,” she said. “But now that we live in big apartment buildings, you don’t know who is above you, below you.”

A few weeks after their conversation, Vollmerhausen had to go to Toronto. She found she had some free time and was able to squeeze in a visit to a tool library there, which convinced her even more that it could be done in Ottawa.

On the train ride home, Vollmerhausen started brainstorming. Another friend offered to make a website, and Vollmerhausen put together a proposal to be presented at Soup Ottawa - a micro-grant participatory dinner where individuals could present projects that benefit the community and then receive funds — generated from the $10 dinner fee — to support the project. Sadly, the organisation closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We came really prepared. We had that rudimentary website, I brought a bunch of tools with a sign-up list, and throughout the evening people could come by the table to chat,” said Vollmerhausen. “At the end they voted, and ours had the most votesso that evening we received $1300.00.”

Very quickly she and the team realised they would need a space other than her garage to house all the donations. In April 2015 they organised a crowdfunding campaign which exceeded their goal, allowing for the signing of a lease, and in the summer of 2015 they officially opened their doors to the public as the Ottawa Tool Library.

Run entirely by volunteers and funded through grants and membership fees, the current location at 877a Boyd Avenue is a dream for anyone who enjoys wandering the aisles of a hardware store. From hammers and screwdrivers to every power tool imaginable, as well as gardening or canning supplies, and even an ice cream maker, the Tool Library has many offerings — including beyond simply borrowing hardware.

“When we started the tool library, Frederick and I — and actually there was a core team quite quickly of 5-10 people — we wanted to make sure that not only were we a place to borrow resources,but also a place where you can learn,” said Vollmerhausen. ”So knowledge and skills were really important because people might want to borrow a table saw but they don’t know how to use it safely.”

The OTL offers their WorkSpace for patrons to work on DIY projects, with

the option to rent tools if they wish to complete their project at home. In the name of safety, before you can start hammering and sawing, the tool library offers a mandatory WorkSpace 101 and 201 course which teaches the basics of tool operation, safety and protective practices, as well as measuring and planning your project.

Vollmerhausen also speaks passionately of the workshops and events the OTL offers, tying it all to the notion of a circular economy and the notion of “waste not, want not.”

“In 2017 we started holding Repair Cafes, a movement that came out of the Netherlands. It’s all about keeping items out of the landfill. We unfortunately live in an overconsumption society that produces and also consumes way too many resources. It’s all based on cheap, quick, easy, which ends up in the landfill,” she said. “So this movement was about keeping items in use and also for people to realise, Maybe I could spend a bit more, buy quality, and have it for longer, right?”

OTL holds Repair Cafes throughout Ottawa, traveling to different neighbourhoods every month. They bring 35-40 volunteers, of which 15-20 are fixers or menders. Members of the public can bring their toaster, their lamp, their curling iron, and a seasoned pro is available to lend their skills to repair the item.

Other programs the organisation offers are Workshops and Demo Nights that will help you build a planter box, will teach you basics of bike maintenance, or will offer tutelage in canning.

There is a Tinkering School, which the OTL website describes as providing “experiential learning opportunities for kids 9-12 years old with a focus on environmental education and activities that will teach tool skills for the next generation of do-it-yourselfers.”

And finally, there is an online web store of surplus tools available for purchase that have all been tested and tried by OTL’s in-house Tool Doctors.

“Now we're open five times a week. We started with the lending library, which had 250 items at the beginning, and we are now over 3000. And this whole idea of giving people the opportunity to learn the skills, use the tools, came to fruition by starting the Workspace and then also all these Workshops,” said Vollmerhausen. ”We want to give you the skills so that you can use this space.”

Churchill among five alternative schools to be phased into mainstream education

BY CHARLIE SENACK

When parents start planning to send their children to elementary school, they will now have fewer options after the Ottawa Carleton District School Board voted in favour of phasing out the alternative education program.

The decision made May 13 put to bed a contentious issue the board had been debating for months. But shortly before the vote was made, a few dozen parents and their children rallied outside Westboro’s Churchill Alternative School to plead with the board not to cut what they say is an essential program. They held signs reading “This Isn’t Fair” and “ALT saved me. Now I’m saving ALT.”

Unlike a traditional mainstream classroom, the alternative program puts students in a less competitive environment where only comments - not grades - are shown on report cards, sports teams are for everyone, and group accomplishments are praised over personal achievement.

Pino Buffone, the OCDSB’s director of education, said a “culture shift” was needed in the board and said focus should be put on creating community-based schools which cater to everyone.

The OCDSB is also looking for ways to deal with a possible $20 million shortfall in its budget. It also still owes the province $11.1 million from its last budget, and is now having its finances investigated by the Ontario government. Axing the alternative program is expected to save $1.2 million in transportation as many of the students are bused from other parts of Ottawa.

The elementary program review also includes boundary changes aimed at redistributing students to under-capacity schools. Ten facilities in the Kitchissippi catchment will experience redrawn borders

to offer more French immersion options, including Cambridge, Hilson, Churchill, and D. Roy Kennedy.

To lessen the impact to existing students, exemptions will be made when space allows and if it doesn’t impact the viability of programs at other schools. The new changes were passed 12-3.

Kitchissippi Trustee Suzanne Nash, who voted in support of the shift, noted it was long overdue. The board decided to remove alternative schools because the matter was first debated in 2009.

“It was a very, very difficult decision. I think you need to look back again when the two boards amalgamated. The alternative program was something that was with the Ottawa Board and it dates back to the ‘80s,” Nash told KT. “I think when you look back, the original intent was to create these schools to bring forward innovative practices. We see a lot of these practices now within our schools.”

Nash also noted how enrollment was down and only a small fraction of OCDSB kids were part of alternative programs.

“We had five schools with a little bit under 800 kids. But Broadview, for instance, can accommodate 900 children,” she said. “You have 20 or 30 minivans arriving each day, [from] as far as Dunrobin.”

But parents of students who attend alternative schools don’t agree with those assumptions. Emily Addison, whose son Calum Hyde goes to Churchill, said she blamed board staff for combining the removal of alternative schools with other recommendations.

Addison first heard of alternative schools while doing a placement during her Bachelor of Education. Fast forward a decade and a half, the Westboro-area parent decided to enroll Hyde in the program because she wanted something that wasn’t so structured, grade-based and competitive.

“It’s just like how you or I might thrive better in different working environments. We also know that high school students and university students do well in different learning and environments. It's the same for younger kids,” said Addison, who is also co-chair of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board's Alternative Schools Advisory Committee.

“It's been a powerful option for families to inform their children's path in life. There are also many kids that come to the alternative program who experienced educational trauma and felt dumb and stupid in mainstream classes,” she added. “There were so many testimonials and presentations and delegations over the last number of months, talking about how the program saved their child's life and how their child started to thrive again in school.”

Alternative schools will be gradually phased out, with the last cohort of Grade 8 students graduating in the 2034–35 school year. Nash said she hopes lessons from that method of education can be incorporated more broadly.

“I know CHEO has their own school for junior and senior kindergarten which is for students with special needs. They work with us at our Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education and at Clifford Bowey Elementary School,” said Nash. “A lot of the pushback and concern came from parents with children who are special needs or neurodivergent. We have a lot of brick and mortar schools. Maybe there is a way we can work with CHEO.”

Nash also noted the possibility of working with Indigenous groups.

“One particular school, Regina, has beautiful Mud Lake and a wonderful green area for children to learn about nature and so forth,” she said. “There is hope for other opportunities.”

Those comments weren’t satisfactory to Addison, who said CHEO’s program is for students with complex needs, which is not always the case for kids who are looking for different options.

“The beauty and magic of the alternative program is it’s for all kids. Families whose kids don't have special needs choose this program because they love the program and the philosophy and culture that it creates,” she said.

Churchill Alternative Schools is among five alternative facilities that will slowly transition to a mainstream school. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK.

Joanne Patricia (Potter) Lovett

March 8, 1943 – April 22, 2025

Joanne Patricia (Potter) Lovett, also known as Jo, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, April 22, 2025, after an eight-year journey with Alzheimer’s. Until the end, Joanne maintained her kindness, humor, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for a life full of wonderful and varied experiences. She is survived by her children William Roscoe (Bill) Lovett (Becky); Patricia Joanne Lovett (Marcel & Mira); Andrew James Lovett (Josee) and Margaret Jean Lovett. She is also survived by grandchildren, Joelle Margaret Lamarche (William); Jonathan William Lovett; Ashton James Lovett and Hailey Helene Lovett. She is also survived by her former husband, James Frederick Lovett.

She will be missed by her siblings, Brian Potter; Whynne (Judy) Potter; Linda Hiltz and Mary MacDonald; as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents, Roscoe Merritt Potter, Clementsport, Nova Scotia and Marjorie Cecelia (Russell) Potter, New Ross, Nova Scotia. Joanne was born March 8, 1943, at her grandmother’s house in New Ross, Nova Scotia. She graduated as Valedictorian at New Ross Consolidated School 1961; she proceeded to Mount St. Vincent University where she acquired a Secretarial Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Economics. She was Admissions Officer at Mount St. Vincent University beginning in 1967 and became President of Mount St. Vincent University Alumnae 1970-71. She lived in Moncton, New Brunswick and Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, before moving to Rockland Ontario in 1974. She became the first English Cub Scout leader in Rockland in 1976. She attended the University of Ottawa in 1984 and successfully completed oral and written French courses. She raised four children and during those years she enjoyed curling and was an avid ballroom dancer. She later became a successful licensed real estate agent, followed by becoming her own business entrepreneur specializing in helping others. In her retirement years, she enjoyed spending time with family, gardening and was known as “The Garden Lady of Wellington Street” in Ottawa. She also enjoyed walking, reading, painting, writing articles for the Kitchissippi Times-Ottawa newspaper, listening to music, singing and watching television.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Caressant Care Bourget Long Term Care Home, in Bourget Ontario, for all the love, support and kindness dedicated to our mother in her final years.

A celebration of life will be held privately with close family members and her cremated ashes will be placed in her honor in the St-Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cemetery on Mill Rd. in New Ross, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia.

Donations can be made to Caressant Care Bourget Long Term Care Home and Alzheimer Society of Canada in her memory.

Local residents recognized during Distinguished Women event

BY AICHA CHAMOR

The community of Ottawa came together to honour the outstanding contributions of females at the annual Celebration of Ottawa’s Distinguished Women.

The event, held at La Maison de la Francophonie, celebrated the remarkable achievements of women who have made significant impacts across various fields, including public service, education, and community engagement.

Senator Kim Pate emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to society and the essential role they play in shaping the future of the city.

“We must work together to address issues of inequality and ensure that all voices are heard,” she said while praising the honorees for their dedication to creating positive change within the community.

The evening began with a warm welcome, followed by a land acknowledgment recognizing the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe.

“I feel really proud to be nominated and honored to work with all of these people that have contributed so much to the community,” said Gislain Hameline, one of the evening’s distinguished honorees.

Hameline emphasized her work’s impact on women accessing V.A.W. shelters, saying, “When they transition to their new homes, they appreciate knowing that someone in their community is thinking of them.”

Hameline also mentioned her challenges in raising awareness about their initiatives, hoping the event would help increase visibility for their shelters. “We

Dr. Monia Mazigh accepts her award during the event. She’s standing with Bay Ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh.

PHOTO BY AICHA CHAMOR.

motivate each other,” she added, referring to the women they help and the volunteers.

Another honoree is Dr. Monia Mazigh, a human rights activist known for her work advocating for justice and community support, especially following her husband’s wrongful detention.

“It’s mainly about my involvement with the community,” she said, highlighting her extensive volunteer work, particularly with the Ottawa Muslim Women Organization. Mazigh stated that their work has a tangible impact “We realize that our efforts have positively influenced lives on the ground.”

She expressed her hope to inspire others, especially women who feel unheard. “I want them to find inspiration in what we do,” she said.

Mazigh credited her upbringing and faith for her motivation, saying, “We should not give up when we see injustice.”

fun guide

Best Patios • Events • and more

Looking to spend some time in greenspace this summer? Perhaps Andrew Haydon Park should be added to your list. PHOTO BY AARON REID.

The best patios to visit in Westboro and Wellington West this summer

By Charlie Senack

Summers are short in Ottawa so it’s important to make the most of it. Westboro and Wellington West are home to some of the best patios in the city. Here is a list of nine restaurants and bars where you can go for a night out while enjoying the humidity of summer.

1. ZAK’S DINER

Since 1986, Zak’s Diner has been a proud Canadianowned business offering nostalgia with a modern twist. Its Westboro location opened in spring 2023 and has been a popular brunch spot in the community ever since. Besides an extensive breakfast menu, Zak’s is known for its burger options and large variety of milkshake flavours (boozy options

are available for the adults). For vegans, there are are a number of plant-friendly alternatives. All of this can be enjoyed on the diner’s patio which overlooks Churchill Avenue in the heart of Westboro. Located at 334 Richmond Rd.

2. PETIT BILL’S BISTRO

When people think of seafood, their minds immediately turn to the East Coast.

Wellington West’s Petit Bill’s Bistro brings a piece of Newfoundland to the heart of Ottawa.

According to the restaurant's website, the seafood and steak joint was born on “family values and

sense of everyday ’down-home’ hospitality.” Its menu includes beer battered fish and frites, yellowfin tuna, a salmon wrap and beef short ribs. There is also an extensive wine and cocktail list which can help you wash down your main course inside the restaurant or on its patio this summer. Located at 1293 Wellington St. W.

3. HOUSE OF PIZZA

For over 30 years. House of Pizza has been a staple in the Westboro neighbourhood. Its website reads “every meal is prepared from fresh and real ingredients, made to your liking.“ Sauces and the pizza dough are prepared daily. In addition to pizza, the menu also includes Lebanese and other Italian options. Sandwiches, subs, and salads are also available. Located at 160 Richmond Rd.

4.

TRIO BISTRO AND LOUNGE

Westboro’s Trio Bistro and Lounge brands itself as Ottawa’s favourite hangout spot in town. From baja fish or BBQ Pork belly tacos to cheeseburger sliders or charcuterie, there are many food options that can be enjoyed on its patio. The restaurant also has an extensive wine, beer, liquor, and cocktails menu. Located at 307D Richmond Rd.

5. CHURCHILLS

A cozy pub in the heart of Westboro, Churchills’ rooftop patio gives amazing views of Richmond Road and Nepean’s old town hall across the street. Its menu also does not disappoint with over a dozen starters, soups, salads, and some classic options such as fish and chips, fajitas, and mac and cheese. Located at 356 Richmond Rd.

6. CLOCKTOWER BREW PUB

Craft beer enthusiasts love the Clocktower Brew Pub. A quick

from-scratch cooking with local and sustainable ingredients include menu items such as BBQ platters, handhelds and salads. Its patio offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. Located at 344 Richmond Rd.

8. CAFFÉ MIO

glance at its website shows some rather unique options such as Berried Treasure Raspberry Wheat, Peak Pacific West Coast IPA, and Snarling Bully Bitter. To pair, there are fish tacos, wings, poutine, and pierogis to name just a few. Located at 418 Richmond Rd.

7. LEXINGTON SMOKEHOUSE AND BAR

Lexington is a chic and contemporary spot known for its North Carolina-inspired barbecue and handcrafted cocktails. Its

Located in West Wellington Village, Caffé Mio, with its large patio, has quickly “become a favourite place for a romantic dinner, a family celebration or a relaxing summer evening dinner” according to the Italian restaurant’s website. Main courses include a variety of pizza and pasta options, paninis and salads. Located at 1379 Wellington St. W.

9. THE ROYAL OAK

With 12 locations in Ottawa, Wellington West’s Royal Oak Pub is a staple in the neighbourhood. It’s British-style feel offers a rather traditional pub experience and can feel like you have traveled across the pond. There are too many alcoholic options to count. Its extensive food menu features popular pub fare, including fish n’ chips, chicken pub pie, bitter chicken and Atlantic salmon, all of which can be enjoyed indoors or outside on the patio.

Located at 1217 Wellington St. W.

Here are some of Ottawa’s hottest events and markets happening this summer

By Nathalia Lencioni

The summer is shaping up to be a lively season, with the city’s signature events already set in motion. Still haven’t made any plans? Don’t worry, here’s a guide of some of the capital’s most anticipated events and activities.

MARKETS

Celebrating its 101st season, the Parkdale Public Market remains a cornerstone of the Hintonburg neighborhood and a testament to Kitchissippi’s enduring market culture.

According to Tina Barton, the Market’s organizer, putting a season at Parkdale together looks very different in 2025 than it did in 1924, but the spirit remains unchanged: the market is a place for local

artisan goods. Some vendors have been part of the market for decades, while others are brand new - but all contribute to a vibrant, everchanging scene.

Barton said she was lucky to take the lead in organizing centennial events for Parkdale in 2024 and after digging deep into the history of what makes the market special, is excited to see how the market will continue to change with the community.

“What is the future of a public market like Parkdale, and how do changes in farming, business practices, and consumer behaviours impact a space where we’ve sold local food for over 100 years? I think there’s a bright future in store for Parkdale, and I’m looking forward to seeing the first year of our next century unfold,” she said. Sundays feature a

offers a variety of products that range from art to jewelry, clothing and food.

FESTIVALS

The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is a highlight of Ottawa’s cultural calendar, and its success is the result of a full year of planning.

Trina Mather-Simard, CEO of Indigenous Experiences and the festival’s producer, said they begin preparing for the next festival during the current season to ensure each year brings something new and memorable for festival fanatics.

“Thankfully, we have so many talented Indigenous artists, elders and chefs,” said MatherSimard. “We can create new experiences each year and bring back our visitor favourites. We look forward to creating a fun, engaging and family-friendly event that really brings all Canadians together to learn about and celebrate Indigenous

Fan-favorite activities like the drone show and glow-in-the-dark pow wow return, joined by exciting new elements such as Indian Relay Racing demonstrations and the SuperDogs dog show.

“The Summer Solstice is more than just a free and fun outing for your family,” said Mather-Simard. “It’s a chance for all Canadians to really immerse in Indigenous culture and appreciate everything it brings. It is a chance for our Indigenous community to reconnect to our culture and our community.”

Mather-Simard said she is especially excited about the new location of the festival due to the opportunity to showcase Indigenous horse culture, including a new program of teachings around the Ojibwe Spirit Horses.

Capital Pride continues to be one of Ottawa’s most anticipated summer festivals, and 2025 promises to be the biggest festival yet.

Organizing Capital Pride is a year-round effort, with each festival building on the last. Callie Metler, the festival’s executive director, said she has been a part of planning for three festivals in a row and is thrilled JUNE 4 THROUGH OCTOBER 8 | DU 4 JUIN AU 8 OCTOBRE

festival will be set at Wesley Clover

to be a part of the 2025 edition.

Metler said the entire team works hard to ensure the event is inclusive, vibrant and reflective of the community’s diversity. The festival’s growth has been unstoppable, with attendance increasing by 10 to 20 per cent each year since 2022, and this year’s theme, “We Are The Village,” emphasizes the importance of the local community.

“We're just really looking forward to having the biggest parade in Ottawa again, the Pride Parade,” said Metler. “It’s really exciting to see the festival get bigger and better every year.”

Signature events return, including the family picnic and the Capital Pride pageant, alongside new programming such as an international human rights panel focused on international perspectives on creating 2SLGBTQdedicated safer spaces.

The festival features a street festival with 150 community groups, a main stage drag extravaganza with drag race headliners and curated DJ lineups.

Metler said the theme, as well as advocacy, are very important parts of the celebration this year.

“There's always kind of something coming down the pipeline when we're talking about Pride festivals,” said Metler. “But we’re doing whatever we can to just make sure that, for that week, we're celebrating the wins that we've accumulated throughout the year for the advocacy that we do and the lives we lead as a community.”

The festival culminates with Ottawa’s largest pride parade,

expected to draw over 12,000 people and more than 250 groups. For Metler, the most magical moment is the start of the parade, when the city comes together in celebration.

“The thing that I always remember is I really look forward to just being able to say happy Pride to people,” said Metler. “And for people to know that that's a time to celebrate and a time to be who they are. It just has so much meaning, that little phrasehappy Pride.”

One of the vendors that will be at the pride festival is Tubby Tabby Soaps, a queer and transowned family business that makes small-batch, handmade soap. The brand also includes a range of sustainability initiatives such as packaging trade-ins and use of sustainable materials.

Co-owner, Lia Walsh said they make quality products with a cute and fun personality that shines through their products and marketing.

“We make a real effort to make our products as inclusive as possible,” said Walsh. “Part of that is making soap that looks like various Pride Flags, but another part is making sure we’re using inclusive language in our marketing. We decided from the start not to gender our soaps, for instance. And we try to steer away from appropriating cultures that aren’t ours. Pop culture references are typically related to folks that have shown support for marginalized communities because we feel

those are the voices that should be magnified.”

Capital Pride Week begins Aug. 16 and concludes with the parade on Aug. 24 starting at 1:00 p.m.

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM

The Central Experimental Farm offers a range of sightseeing, history

weather can always be a factor. Information is shared online, and tours are popular enough to require waitlists. Each tour offers visitors a chance to explore specific gardens or plant collections, learn about the history and care of the gardens and enjoy the results of the volunteers’ hard work.

“We do this every year,” she said. “Asking the volunteers who lead the various garden teams to lead the tours - they choose dates when the gardens are likely to be at their best, though that can be a bit of a guess as the weather affects bloom time.”

What makes the farm special is its accessibility - a free, beautiful attraction in the heart of the city, where visitors can return throughout the summer and fall to witness the changing landscape. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, located on the farm, offers hands-on experiences for families, including animal encounters, kitchen demonstrations and interactive science labs. For the volunteers, the tours are a chance to share their passion and expertise, as well as highlight the unique features and stories of the

Have you tried Wellington West’s rolled up ice cream?

By Charlie Senack

When Afnan Liaqat came to Canada as a student in 2009, he had plans to become an electrician engineer. Little did he know that path would also take him into the ice cream business.

Liaqat works in private security by day and co-runs Wellington West’s Happy Rolls ice cream stand by night. It first opened at 1195 Wellington St. W near Hamilton Ave last summer and has been expanding ever since.

“You don't get rolled ice cream everywhere. It's a bit unique,” said Liaqat. “There are a few places that are doing it, but this is our own recipe. People come and see the ice cream being made fresh in front of their face.”

The rolled ice cream trend started as street food in Thailand about 15 years ago and is also called Thai rolled ice cream or stir-fried ice cream. It's easier to make than you might think: First you prepare a frozen ice cream base, spread it on a cold surface, chop and mix it with your desired toppings and flavours, then, unsurprisingly, roll it.

Flavours at Happy Rolls include: cookies and cream, peanut butter cup, mixed berry lemon, and maple pecan, to name just a few. One of their most popular is strawberry cheesecake.

“What we do is we add fresh cut strawberries in front of customers on our cold plate and then a mash of cheesecake, a little bit of strawberry sauce, and then we add our ice cream mixture,” said Liaqat. “The process is fascinating to a lot of people.”

For those who can’t have dairy, there are shaved ice options which include fruit juices, jellies, and boba bubbles. Chocolate strawberry cups are also a fan favorite, and new this year is the addition of mini pancakes and banana pudding.

“People are comparing it to the viral banana pudding that's trending on social media from Magnolia Bakery in New York,” noted Liaqat. “Some people are saying it’s even better than that.”

If business continues to pick up this summer, Liaqat hopes Happy Rolls can expand to a few more locations, and perhaps a store of its own.

Happy Rolls ice cream is located at 1195 Wellington St. W, near Hamilton Ave N. PROVIDED PHOTO.

The Soloway JCC:

Your Summer Oasis in Ottawa’s West End

Looking for the perfect summer spot for the whole family? The Soloway Jewish Community Centre (SJCC) is your go-to destination in Ottawa’s west end. Located just off Carling at 21 Nadolny Sachs Private, the SJCC’s outdoor pool is the place to be on a hot summer day. Swim laps, glide down the slide, or simply relax and soak up the sun—seven days a week. The pool opens in late June and is available exclusively to SJCC members.

Now’s the perfect time to start your membership! Choose from a threemonth summer pass or a full-year membership.

Beyond the pool, members enjoy a full fitness experience, including a saltwater indoor pool, a modern fitness centre, and a gymnasium with basketball nets and Pickleball. Certified personal trainers are on hand to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Try our popular Group Fitness classes like Yoga, Zumba, Powerpump, Aquafit, Shine Dance, and Ballet Barre Fit. New classes are added regularly, keeping things fresh and fun. Whether you’re staying active, cooling off, or just enjoying time with family, the SJCC has it all.

Come in for a free tour and get started today!

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

SPEND SUMMER AT THEJ

Start your 3 month membership NOW and enjoy our outdoor pool , plus everything at the SJCC all summer long!

Then, from June 20 to 29, the Jazz Festival will take place at Confederation Park. On June 22, the Roots, the house band on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, will headline the event.

Ottawa’s summer concert lineup includes many big acts

By Simon Hopkins

Feet will be tapping along as musicians sing at various outdoor concerts over the summer.

Ottawa’s largest electronic music festival, Escapade, will mark the official summer music festival season in Ottawa. It will run from June 20 to 22 at its new location, the RA Centre grounds. Notable headliners include The Chainsmokers, Kygo, Kaskade, Disclosure (DJ Set), and Above & Beyond.

Other upcoming jazz acts include Gary Clark Jr., Mavis Staples, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Broken Social Scene, Samara Joy, Allison Russell, and the Branford Marsalis Quartet.

Outside, you can turn the amp up; then you really get the sound you want. — JW Jones

Fan favourite Ottawa Bluesfest kicks off July 10 at Lebreton Flats with dozens of all-star names. The musical range will include folk star Hozier, rock legends Def Leopard, rapper Sean Paul, pop-punk group Green Day, and country stars Lainey Wilson and Shania Twain.

Local artists Elizabeth Royall, Claude Munson, and blues guitarist JW Jones will also perform.

Jones, from Alta Vista, has played at Bluesfest over a dozen times since his first appearance in 2001. Jones took to music at a young age, playing the drums as a child. But when he was a teenager, Jones saw blues legend B.B. King played at Ottawa’s old congress centre in 1994 and that changed everything.

“That was the moment for me where I was like, ‘I want to do that,’” Jones told the Kitchissippi Times. “I had already been playing blues on the drums, but that was the moment where I really wanted to play guitar,” he said.

A friend started Jones with the basic blues chords, but he mostly listened.

Top: Greta Van Fleet plays at the City Folk Festival in September 2024. PHOTO BY JACK BARKLEY. Below: Ottawa blues musician JW Jones (centre) has played at Bluesfest over a dozen times. He alongside Harrison Singer and Joel Oppong-Boateng will play on the River Stage July 19 at 7:45 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JW JONES / RICARDO BOREKA.

“Most of what I learned was just sitting down with a tape and rewinding it 100 times,” he said.

Jones said all that listening made him a better musician. He could hear his trio beside him on stage and play together as one unit rather than three.

When King returned to Ottawa to play at Bluesfest in 2013, Jones was one of King’s opening acts. “I met him several times… meeting B.B. was the greatest,” Jones said.

The atmosphere at Bluesfest is different every year, according to Jones. He’ll be playing with his trio on the River Stage this year.

“I’m excited this year because we’re going to be on an outdoor stage again,” Jones said. “Outside, you can turn the amp up; then you really get the sound you want.”

Jones’ show is at 7:45 p.m. on July 19, the second last day of the festival. Before and after his stage time, there are other bands Jones is a fan of.

“We’ve got the Texas Horns on right before us and Kingfish after, and they’re all my friends,” he said.

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Jones hopes to have a chance to jam on stage with some of the other groups.

Jones, bassist Harrison Singer and drummer Joel Oppong-Boateng will rock the stage with a collection of tunes, including songs from their latest album, 'Everything Now'.

To cap off the summer concert season, City Folk is returning to Lansdowne Park from Sept. 10 to 14.

Alex Warren, Dropkick Murphys, The Pogues, Down with Webster, Melissa Etheridge, and Indigo Girls will be among the headliners.

Some local talent will include Ottawa’s School House, Gatineau’s Mia Kelly, and other well-known Canadian artists such as Tyler Shaw and Junkhouse.

“It’s a great time of year to stage an event,” Mark Monahan, CityFolk executive and artistic director, said in a statement. “People are always up for one last chance to enjoy some great music under the stars, and the musicians always seem ready for more outdoor gigs before heading back to the indoor concert scene.”

STAY COOL THIS SUMMER, 75 FEET UNDERGROUND AT THE DIEFENBUNKER

Tucked into the scenic hillside, the Diefenbunker is unassuming from the outside, but as you step inside and travel down the Blast Tunnel, you are transported back in time to the 1960s. The deceiving exterior opens up into an impressive four-storey underground facility, which operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War.

Now Canada’s Cold War Museum, a national historic site, and an independent charitable organization, the Diefenbunker offers an immersive experience unlike any other in Canada. Explore stories and artifacts from the past through award-winning exhibitions, tours, programs, events, and escape rooms — there is something for everyone.

This summer, participate in one of the Diefenbunker’s many special offerings: >> 50 per cent off admission on Canada Day >> Spy-themed birthday parties for children >> Dief the Chief: October ’62, a theatrical production by actor and playwright Pierre Brault

Experience a one-of-a-kind destination this summer and take advantage of a “cool” site — beat the heat, and enjoy a family outing unlike any other, 75 feet underground. From June to August, the museum is open 7 days a week. Book a tour today!

The stage is set for a summer of vibrant performances! Come experience the magic at the NAC.

Free shows and tickets starting at $15

Get Ready for an Exciting Summer at Dovercourt!

Dovercourt is all set to welcome the fun and excitement of a jam-packed summer! In just a few weeks, children of all ages will flock to the Dovercourt Recreation Centre for nine weeks of unforgettable summer camp adventures. The team has been hard at work to curate safe, memorable, and enjoyable experiences for kids and youth from all around the region!

Dovercourt partners with over 20 incredible organizations and experts, including the innovative Ian Dudley from OrangeSTEM Education, the thrilling Ottawa City Rafting, the adventurous Ottawa River Canoe Club, the dynamic Ottawa Ospreys Rugby team, the enthusiastic Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association, as well as Little Rays Reptiles, Horses of the Sun, and many more! Their dedicated camp leaders can’t wait to welcome both new and returning campers. New this year: camps are

being offered at Accora Village near Bayshore. The Westboro Kiwanis Park at Dovercourt is a family favourite, attracting visitors near and far. Kids can unleash their energy on the fantastic play structure featuring an infinity climber, a fitness area, monkey bars, a tire swing, and a dedicated play zone for the little ones! When the summer heat sizzles, cool off with some splashy fun in our outdoor wading pool, and don’t forget to grab a tasty snack from the café upstairs.

Why not dive into summer swim lessons, perfect for swimmers of all levels? One-week lesson blocks (Monday to Friday) are designed to fit seamlessly into your family’s holiday plans. The indoor pool welcomes you with warm, inviting water, easy ramp access, a thrilling water slide, and a shallow baby pool for the tiniest swimmers.

For those who prefer to stay dry, there’s an exciting lineup of activities for both kids and adults. Think

arts and crafts, drama, dance classes, and a variety of sports! Registration for summer sessional recreation classes is open now, so get in on the fun!

Don’t forget to prioritize your health and fitness this summer with the Dovercourt Fit Pass! Enjoy a variety of invigorating drop-in classes like Bootcamp Express, Foam Rolling, Aquafit, Barre Fit, Zumba, HIIT training, and gentle classes in our “Seniors on the Go” (SOTG) category. You’ll also have access to drop-in swims, spinning, pickleball, and the fitness centre. With a low monthly fee, you can attend as many classes as you like!

Explore registered specialty and aquafit classes, which feature yoga, Yoga Dance Therapy, Pilates, TRX, Nordic pole walking, Couples on Weights, Aqua Arthritis, Aqua Zumba, and much more! Mark your calendars—registration for these summer fitness classes starts on June 3!

Refreshing wading pools at three locations— Dovercourt, McKellar Park, and Woodroffe —offer a cool escape from the sun’s rays. At least one wading pool will be open daily, starting in July, so be sure to check the schedule for hours and days.

Summer is the most magical time of the year, and it always seems to fly by—let’s embrace every moment and make it the best summer yet!