Kitchissippi Times September 2020 by Great River Media inc.

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Food bank volunteers shine

Jeff Leiper City Councillor conseiller municipal

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SEWING OUR SAFETY PHOTO BY ELLEN BOND

Cindy Jones creates a face mask at Fjällräven Ottawa. For more locally made masks, see pages 14-15.

NOW leasing Phase 2 - 1960 Scott Street Beautiful amenity spaces,

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In-suite laundry Pet friendly Big windows Modern finishes

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Scott

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Studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments

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1960 Scott Street Conveniently located across from the Westboro transit station.

EDITOR'S LETTER The four seasons: Summer, fall, back to school and COVID-19 BY MAUREEN MCEWAN

So farewell, summer. Welcome, fall. All the best, students. And stay safe, everyone. We’ll always be here to weather the seasons with you, dear readers.

An interesting survival from the days of 'Birchton' Dear Editor,

- Page 14 - Kitchissippi Times, August 2020. Dear Editor,

3 • September 2020

As a Westboro resident since 1980, I have seen the neighbourhood grow in a very positive way. Now, the virus has changed our lifestyles greatly. One very negative feature is that of cyclists riding their bicycles illegally on the sidewalks. Your picture depicts nothing but bicycles riding in both directions on a shared pedestrian pathway. How would it have looked if there was a pedestrian in the mix? I believe those optics are wrong. I have witnessed far too many near

collisions of pedestrians and cyclists on sidewalks, all the fault of cyclists. I have tried unsuccessfully to convince Jeff Leiper to say something in his "Newsletter" about people riding their bicycles on the sidewalk. The Richmond Road sidewalk from Golden to at least Island Park Drive and beyond, is particularly hazardous for pedestrians. If the cyclist feels they must use the sidewalk, they should, when approaching a pedestrian, dismount and walk their bicycle and only remount when it is safe to do so. - Heather Stevens

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I much enjoyed Dave Allston's article in the August Kitchissippi Times about 327 Richmond Road, the former Westboro Sports Centre at the corner of Churchill. Dave explained that George Watson purchased the property in 1927 and tore down an 1875 brick building and replaced it with the building that is there today. However, if you walk north along Churchill and look at the upper storey at the rear corner of the building, you will see that the corner of the 1875 building, with white brick quoins, survives, with the 1920s wall extending it a few feet and then angling outward along Churchill to create

the angled entranceway at the front corner with Richmond, and giving the building its current oblong shape. The rear and east walls are both from the earlier building and have bricks laid in an American bond (in which every sixth course consists of bricks laid with the ends facing out), while the Churchill and Richmond walls date from Watson's expansion of the building and have bricks laid in a stretcher or running bond in which all the bricks have the long or stretcher sides facing outwards. So, as it stands, the building still retains two of its original 1875 walls, an unexpected survival from the days of "Birchton." - Bruce Elliott

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local bakery’s efforts to raise money for the victims of Beirut’s deadly Aug. 4 blast. We spent some time reconnecting with the Westboro Region Food Bank and hearing about their superb team of volunteers. The Westboro Community Beach Association gave us an update on the important initiatives they’ve been leading during the pandemic. Our community photos feature some of the local makers behind the masks across the ward. West End Studio Tour (WEST) will

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e’re really in this now, aren’t we? It depends on how you count, but it has been roughly six months since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Canada. In late January, the first Canadian cases were confirmed in Ontario. In February, positive cases were found in three provinces — British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. By March, community transmission was beginning to take hold. If you’re like me, you may consider early March to be the more concrete timeline because that’s when the global pandemic hit home. Ottawa Public Health confirmed the city’s first case of COVID-19 on March 11. Within days, we were facing municipal and provincial

shutdowns, more federal and public health mandates and border closures. I’m focussing on the timeline because time is at the heart of the September issue. Throughout the paper, you’ll notice that we’re juggling the start of the school year, the seasonal transition from summer to fall and the ongoing COVID-19 waves and stages. Our Community News section weaved together local, provincial and even international news. We have a piece that looks at the uncertain road to reopening our schools. We’ve got a heartwarming story on a

be celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. We learned how the organizers have adapted the event to run a safe, and physically distant, local art tour this year. The evolution of Scott Street, one of our oldest roadways, is the subject of discussion in Early Days. There’s lots of history to be had on the three-kilometre streetscape in Hintonburg. In this month’s Humans of Kitchissippi, we connected with Vicky Marrack and learned more about her family. And our fall edition of Homes & Condos is out! There’s stories on optimizing your outdoor spaces (yes, in autumn!), custom furniture, home tech trends and more.

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

KITCHISSIPPI TIMES 250 City Centre Ave., Suite 500 Ottawa ON K1R 6K7 www.kitchissippi.com Kitchissippi, meaning “the Grand River,” is the former Algonquin name for the Ottawa River. The name now identifies the urban community to the west of downtown Ottawa. EDITOR Maureen McEwan editor@kitchissippi.com

Meet Vicky Marrack (and family!)

twitter.com/kitchissippi CONTRIBUTORS Dave Allston, Ellen Bond, Hollie Grace James, Matthew Horwood, Charlie Senack and Kristin Perrin. ADVERTISING SALES Eric Dupuis 613-238-1818 x273

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Vicky Marrack (far right) pictured with her wife, Alysha Dominico, and sons, Bailey and Jasper. PHOTO COURTESY OF VICKY MARRACK.

celine@greatriver.ca FINANCE Cheryl Schunk, 238-1818 ext. 250

My wife’s name is Alysha Dominico and we’ve got two boys — Bailey, he’s eight, and Jasper, he’s five. When Alysha and I first got married nearly sixteen years ago, we moved to Australia. We met at Queen’s [University], so we went from Kingston to Australia for five years. Then we came back to Canada to have children and we moved to Bancroft and lived there for seven years. And then we moved to the Westboro area in 2018. We love how welcoming everyone is. It’s just so neighbourly. We looked for houses in neighbourhoods with lots of Christmas lights and Halloween decorations because we figured that they would have kids and be spirited, and it’s totally like that. You can’t go down the street without chatting with a couple of families. We love that everything’s within walking distance. We’re a

three minute walk to Shoppers, Starbucks, everywhere —so it’s really walkable. It’s a really nice community. I would love to see the area more diversified. Unfortunately, I think it’s so expensive that it’s hard to get in as a young couple or a young family. We moved to Ottawa for two reasons: One, to get our kids into French immersion early and, two, with the hopes that we would be around more different types of families. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. But we have found lots of great families that are super loving and welcoming. It’s a non-issue, but we were hoping that there was going to be a little bit more diversity, so that maybe somebody else had two moms or two dads. There aren’t any other same sex parents that we know of — a lot of people are happy that we’re the example, which we’ve always been. We got married early,

in 2006, right when Canada legalized same sex marriage, so we were one of the first [couples] to be married and to have kids. So we’re sort of used to pioneering. We both used to be teachers so we don’t mind that either. When our boys have their friends over, it’s a non-issue. They say, “you’re so lucky that you have two parents that are still together, that’s awesome,” because, obviously, there’s a lot of divorce and stuff. Sometimes we get the question of, “oh, you have two moms?” Or “you’re one of Bailey’s moms?” And that’s it. It’s never been a thing for that age group. They do ask, “what do you call both your moms?” So that conversation happens. I hope that continues with that generation, that it doesn’t matter — skin colour, who you love. They just want to be friends. Collected by Hollie Grace James.

cheryl@greatriver.ca All other enquiries 613-238-1818 info@kitchissippi.com Distribution A minimum of 15,000 copies are distributed from the Ottawa River to Carling Avenue between the O-Train tracks and Sherbourne Road. Most residents in this area will receive the Kitchissippi Times directly to their door. If you did not receive your copy, or would like additional copies, please contact us. Bulk copies are delivered to multi-unit dwellings and retail locations. Copies are available at Dovercourt Recreation Centre and Hintonburg Community Centre. info@kitchissippi.com The Kitchissippi Times is published by

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Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath speaks at a media event outside of l'école élémentaire publique Louise Arbour on Aug. 10. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SENACK

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5 • September 2020

or the first time since mid-March, parents are gearing up to send their children back to school. But as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some parents are worried that not enough is being done to keep students and teachers safe. Over the past weeks, in anticipation of the return to school, different voices have weighed in on the issue locally. On Aug. 10, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath was in Kitchissippi to share her discontent with the Ford government’s back to school plan during a media event outside of l'école élémentaire publique Louise Arbour, located at 175 Beech St.

Horwath said parents need to feel fully confident sending their students back to school, adding that they have been “doing a super juggling act for months” but that they are “extremely worried.” The NDP leader added that if she was sitting in the premier’s seat right now, she would be “very, very busy” finding extra classroom space and hiring additional staff. “I’d be hiring thousands of more teachers, I’d be making sure that our schools have proper equipment and supplies for deep cleaning, for more regular custodial work,” said Horwath. “I’d be making sure that additional (learning) spaces would be determined.” Continues on page 6

Limited enrollment swim lessons begin Sep.19; registration starts Aug 25. Recreational Swims begin Aug 31.

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The road to reopening Ontario schools Continues from page 5 About 20 parents and teachers joined Horwath at the August event, including Rachel Inch, an eighth grade teacher from Broadview Public School. She was concerned primarily with the amount of students she could have in her small classroom. Last month, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced that Grade 9-12 classes will see a cap at 15 students, but students in kindergarten to grade eight will return to a full-sized classroom. “I regularly have classes of 32, 35 or even 39 students that are 13 to 14-years-old and most of them are adult-sized,” said Inch. “That many bodies in a room all day makes social distancing next to impossible.” Inch’s son, Chesel Law, 11, stood by her side during the event and indicated he had concerns about the return to school. Inch said Chesel is an “extrovert who needs the routine and community of attending school.” If class sizes were smaller, the anxiety many parents, students and educators were feeling could go away, Inch added. Ottawa Centre NDP MPP Joel Harden organized the gathering at l'école élémentaire publique Louise Arbour. He said when parents raise their voice and put pressure on the provincial government, controversial decisions start to get reversed. Harden has two kids, ages nine and 12, and said he recognizes the concerns parents are facing. He feels more funding should be allocated to ensure additional staff can be hired on as a way to reduce class sizes.

“We are a wealthy country and when there are moments of digress, you make sure the resources are there to get through it and we worry about rectifying the costs later, not in the middle of a pandemic,” Harden said. “You can’t do public education on the cheap.” Since Horwath’s Aug. 10 announcement, multiple changes have been made by the provincial government and Ottawa school boards regarding back to school plans. The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) are among 24 Ontario schools boards on the designated list for a mix of online and in-class learning for secondary school students. Schools that see small student populations — typically in small towns — will be able to operate as usual, with little to no change. The provincial government is also mandating masks for students from Grades 4 to 12. While it’s not mandatory for students from kindergarten to Grade 3, it’s still highly recommended. A motion was brought forward to the OCDSB to mandate mask wearing for all students but it was defeated in late August after receiving recommendations from Ottawa Public Health. “This was quite a controversial topic and I have received many emails from both sides asking us to mandate masks, asking us not to mandate masks,” said Justine Bell, the OCDSB Trustee for Zone 10, Somerset Kitchissippi.

Justine Bell, the OCDSB Trustee for Somerset Kitchissippi, wearing a mask. PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTINE BELL.

“The bottom line for me is that it aligns with the health evidence that we have and what we heard from Ottawa Public Health is that the evidence is inconclusive,” she added. “Ottawa Public Health recommends that we encourage masks, [but] that we do not mandate masks for our youngest grades.” Both school boards have decided to have a staggered start to the school year — the first day of class for some will be Sept. 8. All students are expected to make a return to class by Sept. 18. “We have a staggered start as our approach, something many boards are doing in Ontario,” said Jeremy Wittet, OCSB Trustee for Zone 7 - Ward 7 Bay and Ward 15 Kitchissippi. “The purpose is to allow for physical distancing in schools, to allow staff and students to climatize themselves with the new school environment, and to just ease into the new reality.” Both area trustees said they have

confidence in their respective boards' plans to ensure a safe return to school in the fall and feel issues will be kept to a minimum. “I am confident that we have the best plan that we can at this moment to ease the safety of both students and students,” said Bell. “Can it get better? Can we reduce the risk even more? The answer to that is ‘yes.’” Bell added that she works in international development as her day job and has seen first hand how the COVID-19 pandemic has hit other countries. “When I step back and look at what Canada is doing — particularly the capital of Canada — I take a sigh of relief because I know that we have the best experts and professionals that are working behind the scenes,” she said. Wittet echoed a similar sentiment and said that the OCSB has invested a lot of money into hiring more staff to keep the students safe, including additional custodians to help with the new enhanced cleaning measures. “I think everyone is fearful and that is rightfully so,” he said. “But I would say that we have the best educators, we have a robust plan that is in place. “We were one of the first boards to have a plan in place and we were quick to make adjustments as per the ministry.” Editor’s note: With the reopening of Ontario schools, information is changing continually. For the latest information on Kitchissippi schools, visit the Ottawa Carleton District School Board website (ocdsb.ca) or the Ottawa Catholic School Board website (ocsb.ca).

”The bottom line for me is that it aligns with the health evidence

that we have and what we heard from Ottawa Public Health is that the evidence is inconclusive” – Justine Bell, the OCDSB Trustee for Zone 10, Somerset Kitchissippi.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Local restaurant raises thousands for victims of the Beirut explosion BY MATTHEW HORWOOD

A cautious and creative reopening P

what we could do within safety parameters. From June onwards, we offered a menu of online classes, including fitness, arts and sports. The feedback has been good, and we will continue with these options in the fall session. Our camp team reinvented the lineup into half-day camps by keeping kids safe in bubbles, but preserving the fun activities that our camps are known for. As the summer progressed, we were able to include outdoor options like white water rafting, biking, Outdoor Adventure and River & Forest School. rtesy of Doverco

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Like many businesses and organizations, we closed in March for what we thought would be a short hiatus to allow COVID-19 to get under control. The weeks stretched on, and we realized that the impact was going to be much greater than we imagined. Behind the scenes, a core team worked from home to plan scenarios for surviving the financial impact of cancelling all programs from winter onwards, including our eagerly anticipated summer camps. We watched and waited, listening to daily announcements from the federal and provincial governments. As the word came that we could reopen the building in July, we reviewed

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September 2020 • 8

explosion “still hits close to home.” “This was literally the last thing the country needed,” she said. “The hardest part for Lebanese people living outside of Lebanon is there’s not much we can do here, so that’s how we came up with the initiative.” Jenan said a few days after the explosion, her family was at home brainstorming ways they could help the country, when she had an idea. “I told my dad ‘our pies are a Lebanese staple, so why don’t we take one day where all our sales go towards Lebanon.

We can get new people from different cultures trying them, and raise money and awareness about what’s going on,’” she said. According to Jenan, 100 per cent of the money raised through the bake sale and donations will be going to help victims of the explosion. Her family plans to donate half the money to the Lebanese Red Cross, while the remainder will be given to a family friend in the country to be distributed to those in need. “We are very grateful for all the support we received, and are glad we can directly

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laddin Convenience & Bakery raised over $8,500 to support victims of the recent explosion in Lebanon through a bake sale held on Friday, Aug. 14. Following a campaign on Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness about the initiative, Aladdin Convenience & Bakery was able to sell over 1,200 Zaatar Mana2eesh pastries in a single day. Jenan Farhat, a manager at the restaurant, said her family was “overwhelmed” by the generous donations and the influx of new customers.

“It was crazy how busy we were on Friday,” said Jenan. “We have never seen the store so busy.” The explosion that ripped through Lebanon’s capital of Beirut on Aug. 4 left more than 200 dead, 6,000 injured and up to 300,000 people homeless, according to Global Affairs Canada. Jenan, whose father Mohamad owns Aladdin Convenience & Bakery, said her family has friends living in Beirut whose houses and cars were damaged by the explosion. Though, thankfully, none of them were injured, Jenan said the

On the water front, we opened our wading pools in a modified way. We offered private swim lessons in zones in our indoor pool and devised “bubble” swims — pool rentals for people in the same social bubble — that quickly sold out. As Ottawa moved into Stage 3 of reopening, we created two earlymorning, in-person fitness classes that have been well received (Zumba sold out in a few days!). The success of our summer programs has given us confidence that our cautious but creative approach can extend to our fall programs, as we plan a schedule with familiar favourites and modified classes. To ensure everyone’s safety, numbers will be limited, pre-registration will be required, cleaning routines have been enhanced and entry to the building will be controlled.

COVID-19 fall updates: • Afterschool & PD Days will be starting back up as kids return to school. The programs will follow the same summer procedures and guidelines from health authorities and school boards. • Swim lessons and recreational swims will continue this fall. • Sports like parkour, karate, rope skipping, taekwondo and basketball will start up in October. • Arts classes will be modified to online offerings, including the popular watercolour class with Beverley. • Fitness will offer in-person classes throughout the day. Online options will continue for those who prefer to workout at home.

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“Even if they are not Lebanese, everyone is helping,” he said. “We have a very good community around here, and Canadians don’t hesitate to help with any problem.” While Mohamad is glad the money raised can “help make a few people’s lives better,” he acknowledges Lebanon’s recovery will be lengthy and difficult. That is why Aladdin Convenience & Bakery still has a donation box set up, and Mohamad has plans to raise more money for Lebanon in the future. “For sure, I will try to do something else. It’s not like we can do this once and it’s done. [Lebanon] still needs our help.” Anyone looking to help victims in Lebanon can also donate to the GoFundMe started by the non-profit Lebanese Club of Ottawa. All money raised will go to the Lebanese Red Cross and to hospitals across Lebanon.

In August, Aladdin Convenience & Bakery’s employees worked hard to raise $8,500 for the victims of Beirut’s deadly blast. From right to left: Mohamad, Samera, Jenan, Omar, Waheed, Hala and Jimaa. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALADDIN CONVENIENCE & BAKERY.

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send this money to help people over there,” Jenan said. Mohamad Farhat, the owner of Aladdin Convenience & Bakery, is no stranger to seeing his country under strain, as he lived in Lebanon while it was in the midst of a civil war. “I was a teenager still in high school, and it was a very bad situation for everyone. Sometimes we went to school, sometimes school would be shut when it wasn’t safe,” he said. Mohamad opened up a hardware store after finishing high school, but rising inflation and continued fighting made business difficult. When Mohamad came to Canada in 1987, he decided to switch careers and open up a Lebanese restaurant. Mohamad said he appreciates the generosity of his customers and their concern for his family’s wellbeing.

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9 • September 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS Community association works to give back safely and stay engaged BY CHARLIE SENACK

September 2020 • 10

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ike many organizations, the Westboro Beach Community Association (WBCA) has felt the effects of COVID-19. A summer that was supposed to be filled with activities for the community to enjoy had to be put on hold due to public health restrictions. The pandemic has forced organizations to shift how they operate and what they offer. For the community association, they wanted to direct

their focus towards giving back to the community safely. “We were supposed to be starting a lot of things, like an archeological dig, and we were going to have a final consultation for the new beach building,” said WBCA President Mari Wellman, adding other events, like the official beach opening and spring barbecue, were also cancelled. So instead, they decided to plant a new pollinator garden on the Selby Plains as a way of welcoming more bees

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and birds to the neighbourhood. The Fletcher Wildlife Garden took part in the initiative and donated plants and seeds to beautify the area. It’s just one of many community initiatives that has been brought forward thanks to COVID-19 — Wellman said it’s brought out the best in people. But for those in more vulnerable communities, their struggles may have only got worse, and the pandemic may have limited their access to local resources.

When most of the city’s organizations closed their doors in mid-March, so did the Westboro Community Kitchen, which runs out of the Van Lang Field House (303 Churchill Ave). It has proven to be a lifeline for some families that are looking for a hot and healthy meal, especially for those who live in motels where cooking facilities are not available. Large gatherings still aren’t permitted so the doors remain closed, but the need is still there. The WBCA has worked with community partners, including the Carlington Community Health Centre, to ensure that about 30 meals are delivered weekly. “Poverty, social isolation, health issues and homelessness do not disappear with the pandemic,” said Bonnie Campbell, a member of the WBCA in an email. “In many cases, the lives of the vulnerable

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Sandy Garland (Fletcher Wildlife Garden), and Dave Adams (SJAM Winter Trail), helped the WBCA’s Catherine and Ellen get the association's pollinator garden started this summer. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WESTBORO BEACH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION.

”In many cases, the lives of the vulnerable show – Bonnie Campbell, member of the WBCA

says the annual tradition will still go ahead as planned but the details are still being worked out. “It will have to look different this year because usually about 100 of us gather to mark the closing of the beach season,” she said. “We will still have hot chocolate but people will have to bring their own

mugs and maybe instead of handing out marshmallows, we will have wrapped candies. Of course, hand sanitizer will also be available.” To learn more about activities the Westboro Beach Community Association is planning, visit their website at westborobeach.ca.

11 • September 2020

being planned for kids in midSeptember, but parents will need to sign up in advance to limit the number of people taking part at once. A scavenger hunt has just wrapped up and plans are underway to hold a closing the beach bonfire at the end of September. WBCA President Wellman

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how great the divide is between the rich and poor in our Westboro neighbourhood.”

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show how great the divide is between the rich and poor in our Westboro neighbourhood.” Meals have been delivered to people who attended the Westboro Community Kitchen as well as dinners from the Van Lang/Taiga area and the Richmond Plaza motel, said Campbell. The community association is hopeful they can soon return to the kitchen and operate takeout service. This summer, the WBCA also partnered with Twice Upon a Time, a small, charitable literacy organization that provides both new and used books to children around the city. “The goal is to help them build a library of their own in their house,” said Barb Clubb, a board member with Twice Upon A Time. “We know that research shows that there are many children in the world that don’t have books in their house. If children are exposed to books, reading and literature, their life outcomes are improved.” So far, 26 children who attended the Van Lang’s After the Bell initiative — a homework club program — have been given brand new book packages since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Clubb said the Van Lang Field House has been involved with the initiative before, but not on a regular basis. During the pandemic, she said the two organizations have been working more closely together, a positive relationship to come out of these unprecedented times. Twice Upon a Time not only gets donations of books, but also funding donations to purchase new ones. Clubb says the organization likes to focus on important topics like residential schools and the Black Lives Matter movement. “One of the areas is around Métis and Aboriginal material because there are wonderful picture and story books out there that are not likely to be donated,” she said. “Similarly, we are doing some extra special purchasing around the area of Black Lives Matter.” As the summer draws to a close, the WBCA hopes they can still hold some inperson events. A sidewalk chalk party is

GIVING BY MATTHEW HORWOOD

September 2020 • 12

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From left to right: Lori Crawford, Anne Borde and Peter Newlands brave the rain to unload food from an Ottawa Food Bank truck on Aug. 27. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WESTBORO REGION FOOD BANK.

Dedicated volunteers keep the Westboro Region Food Bank running smoothly during pandemic

espite a decline in volunteers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Westboro Region Food Bank (WRFB) is continuing to serve people in need in the surrounding community. The WRFB was established by All Saints' Anglican Church Westboro in the 1980s to serve the area bound by the Ottawa River, Broadview Avenue to Island Park Drive and Dovercourt Avenue. In 2005, the WRFB became a member agency of the Ottawa Food Bank and began receiving regular food deliveries from their warehouse. With a 2011 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the WRFB purchased a refrigerator and two freezers which allowed the organization to begin providing perishables. Lori Crawford, coordinator at the WRFB, said before the pandemic there were 51 volunteers helping out once or twice a month. Now there are just 19. To make up for this shortfall, the remaining volunteers have “amped up” their commitments and are assisting the food bank a few times a week. There was also a substantial drop in patrons utilizing WRFB’s services around March, but Crawford said their waiting room is starting to get busy again. “Initially, people were really apprehensive and running out with

For up to date information on #COVID19 follow @ottawahealth, @CPHO_Canada, @govcanhealth, and Canada.ca/coronavirus Member of parliament for Ottawa Centre COMMUNITY OFFICE 107 Catherine Street, Ottawa, ON 613.946.8682 | catherine.mckenna@parl.gc.ca /Catherine.McKenna

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BY DAVE ALLSTON

cott Street is undergoing a significant facelift over the next few years as aged infrastructure is replaced. We are in the midst of a series of short-term modifications of the roadway, with promises of elements of a “complete street” somewhere on the horizon. More significantly, the streetscape of Scott is changing with each new condo development that goes up. Scott Street, all three kilometres of it, is transforming before our eyes. In fact, few streets in the city have seen so much evolution. You might be surprised to learn that Scott Street shares the title (at least on paper) of oldest street in Ottawa! When Nepean Township was first surveyed in 1794, Scott Street was laid out as the “road allowance” separating Concession A and Concession 1. It ran in a straight line from the Ottawa River (where the river beds just west of Westboro Beach), all the way to Bronson Avenue (where the downtown grid consists of old Concessions B and C). As a roadway, it began to take shape as “Ottawa Street.” The name first appeared in 1874 when Robert Hinton subdivided his farm, naming the northern boundary road “Ottawa” and the southern boundary road “Manatick Street” (a.k.a Carling Avenue, then just known as the road that would, eventually, get you to Manotick). Gradually, as other 19th century landowners along the road laid out their property, they adopted the name “Ottawa Street” as well, to about as far as Holland Avenue. Beyond the city limits, beginning at Western Avenue out to Churchill, the name adopted was Pacific Street, named for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) line adjacent to it.

An aerial photo from 1961 showing the CBC building and Independent Coal and Lumber. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY ARCHIVES. In fact, it was the decision of the Canada Central Railway to run their line along the north side of Scott Street in 1870 that would forever influence the makeup of the neighbourhood. That railway line would remain until 1982 when it was removed, and the deep trench was dug to accommodate the transitway. Just three decades later, it is now home to the LRT. Consistently, through each era, this key feature helped shape the neighbourhoods on both sides, and intertwines closely with the history of Scott Street. After Hintonburg was annexed to the City of Ottawa in 1907, many of its streets needed to be renamed due to duplication. Residents, land owners and city staff all contributed

to the selection of new names. There was already an Ottawa Street in LeBreton Flats, and so the more westerly Ottawa Street had to change. The original name recommended was “Ontario Street,” but, for reasons lost to history, a last-minute change saw “Scott Street” chosen instead in March of 1908. This applied only for the portion within the city limits. The portion west of Western remained Pacific Street until annexation in 1950, when the full length became Scott Street. As the Ottawa Land Association owned much of the land from Parkdale to Western along the road, their members were likely the ones to push for the street to be named for their director, William Scott. He had been on the inaugural board of directors when

the Ottawa Electric Railway Company first formed in 1891. Scott was also associated with the electric company and the land association (of which the principals of the streetcar and electrical companies were involved with for the obvious investment opportunity along the line). Scott was president of Ottawa’s Board of Trade (1893-1894) and, after years as a director with the Thomas McKay Milling Company, he opened his own grain dealer and brokerage house after the Great Fire of 1900. Today, Scott Street is seeing its most staggering changes at the western end. It once stood as one of the west end’s largest industrial areas, but now a few final traces remain.

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Ottawa, the Best Place to Live in Canada

If you Google the best places to live in Canada, Ottawa often ranks in the top five. On some surveys, it’s even number one! Being born and raised in Ottawa, this is of no surprise to me. When friends and family from out of town visit Ottawa, I always take them on a tour. The eye candy is everywhere. From gorgeous Petrie Island in the east to the iconic Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal in the center of the city, through to diverse and exciting neighborhoods like the Golden Triangle, China Town on Somerset, Little Italy on Preston, Hintonburg on Wellington, Westboro, and on to Britannia Village, Crystal Beach, Dunrobin and more—Ottawa has it all. Go north to the Gatineau Hills or south to Manotick and Merrickville; Ottawa and the region is yours to discover. When homes are selling for record numbers and in days after going on the market, it should come as no surprise. Many buyers, either from out of town or even living here for years have decided that Ottawa is the place to invest in real estate and

call it home. Even in these unprecedented times, we are a healthy city, both from a public health and overall economic perspective. Our COVID-19 cases continue to stay low and our stable federal government employment and strong tech sector, among other private sector businesses, have weathered the storm. Restaurants and retailers have suffered, but communities have rallied together to support small businesses and help keep them afloat. So when you’re thinking of purchasing or even selling a property, feel confident that whatever side you’re on, Ottawa is and will continue to be one of the best places to live and invest in the world. dean.caillier@evrealestate.com 613-299-6243 deancaillier.com

HOMES & CONDOS • September 2020 • 28

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By Dean Caillier, Sales Representive with Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central, Brokerage

Exclusive Semi in Wellington Village 388 MAYFAIR AVENUE LISTED AT $899,900.

Quality and space in St. George’s Yard, a Barry Hobin designed, Uniform built enclave on a prime street steps to Wellington Street. Plenty of home office space, yard, garage and finished basement.

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*Based on sales of semis or townhouses in the Glebe from the Ottawa Real Estate Board MLS sales data. Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central, Brokerage. Independently owned and operated

Diane Allingham & Jennifer Stewart, Brokers, Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central MORE GREAT LISTINGS ONLINE:

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Custom furniture Continues from page 26 Recently, Maker House has created a prototype for a Murphy desk. Their staff is looking at ways to create more furniture options for people with smaller spaces — like desks, coffee tables and kitchen islands — especially during the “condo boom” that is happening in Ottawa, he added. As with any year, their usual demand for dining tables has been consistent. “On the dining table side, I think each year what we’ve seen is people just constantly looking for something different, something that they haven’t seen before, or they certainly haven’t seen in Ottawa or in other stores,” Davies said. Geometric metal bases have been trendy in custom-made tables. Over the last four or five years, Maker House has carried a style called “Chevron Legs.” The metal base gives people more space on the ends, has a symmetric, geometric look and has proven to be continually popular. Other metal bases they make include Gaspipe Legs, Tripod Pedestal, Y-Legs and others. Davies said the Y-Legs look high-end yet they are affordable, so they remain in demand. “Those have been popular because you wouldn’t see them in any other store and [they] have a kind of zero gravity effect where you are looking at the table wondering, ‘how this leg is holding up this table?’” he added. “So that’s kind of fun.” For materials, one of the top trends he’s seen this year is in wood grains. “I would say the main trend in table tops has been more people interested in kind of a wilder grain variation, so different colour contrasts throughout the table,” Davies said. Maker House has created pieces with

A custom-made “Staggered Oak Floating Shelf.” Photo courtesy of Gareth Davies/ Maker House Co. different shades of walnut (the darker brown wood and lighter sapwood), the varying colours of ambrosia maple (light base, dark striations) and furniture with a distinct “striped pattern” where the wood colours alternate from dark to light. Right now, their more popular types of wood are those hardwoods — walnut, ambrosia maple and cherry — as well as distressed pine, the “workhorse” softwood. Davies said most of the company’s material is sourced in Canada. “The material that we use generally comes [from] local as well, sourced domestically,” he said. “We generally don’t use exotic, imported woods. Even the steel that is used in our table bases is Canadian steel.” “We do our best to source everything possible in Canada,” he added. Maker House Co. is located at 987 Wellington St. W. in Hintonburg. To learn more about their custom furniture, visit makerhouse.com.

The hope is that these pieces will outlast the customer in many ways. They can pass [them] on to their children. And I know, personally, one of the draws for me, in starting a business like Maker House, was an appreciation of the heirlooms that have been passed down to me

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, HOME.

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85 Helena Street Set on a grand Island Park street, this renovated & expanded home has unmistakable curb appeal. John King

967 Blythdale Road A thoughtfully designed and professionally renovated bungalow in Glabar Park. Dean Caillier

407 Eden Avenue Rare offering in the heart of Westboro Village. Beautifully renovated single family home. John King $879,000

123 Peridot Private New, exclusive community with unobstructed views of the Canal. Deb Cherry Price by Request

595 Westminster Avenue Stately red brick two-storey home located in one of McKellar Park's finest corners. John King $850,000

164 Waverley Street A gorgeous 1900-era three-storey row in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Dean Caillier $947,000

SOLD

600 Courtenay Avenue Gorgeous 3bed, 3-bath house on a quiet tree-lined avenue in desirable McKellar Park. John King

Learn more at ottawacentral.evrealestate.com

29 • September 2020 • HOMES & CONDOS

Engel & Völkers Ottawa Central 113-1433 Wellington Street West . Ottawa . K1Y 2X4 . (613) 422-8688

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SOLD

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480 Piccadilly Avenue Special home set in a coveted location on one of Ottawa's finest streets. John King

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300 Rockhurst Road Contemporary finishes, open concept flow, and discreet curb can be found in this gem. Deb Cherry $750,000

559 Highcroft Avenue This multiunit is the perfect property for those seeking to invest, build, or live. Deb Cherry $1,349,000

704 Brierwood Avenue 4-bed, 3.5 bath family home in Westboro with rare 2-car garage on a corner lot. Dean Caillier Coming Soon*

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119 Clarendon Avenue Renovated & superbly maintained single family home in sought-after Wellington Village. John King $1,329,000

Susan Chell **

S OLD

Sarah Toll**

S OLD

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Patti Brown*

A cozy outdoor living room with an outdoor TV. Photo courtesy of Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc.

HOMES & CONDOS • September 2020 • 30

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125-205 Bolton St – Byward Market

15 Ross Ave – Wellington Village

S OLD

624 Byron Ave – Highland Park

218 Plymouth St – Glebe Annex

613-563-1717 • mail@susanchell.com *Sales Representative

**Broker

Optimize your space with recent trends in outdoor living By Hollie Grace James As establishments begin to reopen, with COVID-19 regulations strictly in place, many people are still opting to stay home, preferring solitude, or gathering with their friends and loved ones away from the crowds. In doing so, creating the perfect outdoor oasis has never been so appealing. And it doesn’t require tons of square footage, or an entire overhaul, to construct a blissful backyard that, although only a few steps away, feels like a total escape to your own private, heavenly hideaway. Denise Hulaj and Jason Bellaire, partners at StyleHaus Interiors at 372 Piccadilly Ave., explain that outdoor spaces have been gaining popularity over the last few years. Even prior to COVID-19, people have become increasingly invested in these exclusive sanctuaries. Although the tough Canadian winters may limit their year-round usage, this doesn’t mean adjustments can’t be made in order to optimize

their functionality as the seasons change. Rochelle Spracklin, of Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc. at 77 Holland Ave., explains that outdoor “rooms” have been on trend recently. Clients are adding reading areas, conversation pits and even outdoor televisions, with the goal of using their backyard as an extension of their home. But scrap the typical dining table and chairs with an umbrella, say Hulaj and Bellaire, and focus on lounge seating, outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens and fire pits. Spracklin echoed something similar, explaining that these features create warmth and coziness, extending the summer season. “Add a pergola, screen or gazebo to protect you from the elements during the off seasons,” Spracklin said. “[And] night lighting adds ambiance, [so] even when the snow flies, you can have a different visual effect.” Currently, as clients look to create homey, relaxing backyard spaces that can be used everyday, Spracklin is noticing an increased

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A yard space featuring rooms and water features. Photo courtesy of Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc. dried flowers, grasses stay tall and true and elderberries keep their berries. [This] all adds up to a lovely off season experience,” Spracklin explained. Hulaj and Bellaire point out that indoor and outdoor spaces don’t necessarily have to be completely distinct from one another, as is exemplified in their recent project, a stand-alone outdoor dining pavilion complete with fold back glass walls that allow the space to open up entirely to the outdoors. “Generally, people want easy access to indoor spaces, specifically to the kitchen [in order to] bring food out,” they explained. Another great option for extending the short Canadian summer is a sunroom, say Hulaj and Bellaire, as they can be enjoyed for three seasons and offer protection from both the elements and insects. Although they believe

With the right choices of stone elements, furniture, focal points and plants, it really can be an extension of their home that this space should have a relationship to the overall style of the home, this is the spot where you can let formalities drop and incorporate a bit of whimsy. “We love rattan/wicker pieces, indoor/ outdoor area rugs and pillows, baskets with blankets for cooler evenings, lanterns, books and boardgames,” they said.

An outdoor space in Rothwell Heights designed by StyleHaus Interiors and built by Terra Nova Building Corp. Photo courtesy of Metropolis Studio and StyleHaus Interiors.

31 • September 2020 • HOMES & CONDOS

demand for pools, large patios, water features, elaborate plantings and outdoor kitchens, “so that they feel like they are vacationing in their [own] backyard.” Hulaj and Bellaire also predict there will be further increased demand for these comfortable, functional outdoor spaces because they can be tailored to both cooking and entertaining. Even if you have only a small space to work with, Spracklin insists the results can be just as amazing. “With the right choices of stone elements, furniture, focal points and plants, it really can be an extension of their home,” Spracklin said. Spracklin advises to think of your garden as a year round living space by planting evergreens, especially interesting ones with unique shapes, as they provide virtual interest all year round. “Plants such as hydrangeas keep their

A SMARTER HOME: Tech innovations for every room

HOMES & CONDOS • September 2020 • 32

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Photo courtesy of News Canada.

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(NC) With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, cool gadgets are becoming the norm in many homes. These innovations are so much more than showpieces, and in many cases can provide time-saving solutions to real, everyday problems. Here are must-have tech innovations for key rooms in your home: The laundry room: A recent survey shows that 46 per cent of consumers state mould and odour as their top frustrations when it comes to front-load washing machines. If this is a concern for you, consider upgrading to GE Appliances’ new UltraFresh front load laundry pair, which can help prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria without needing to wipe down the machine or leave the door open after each load. The washer features wider gaskets angled to allow water to fully drain after the wash cycle, and built-in

vent systems that remove excess moisture. Antimicrobial material is also incorporated in the seal, gasket, dispenser and pump to further prevent the growth of unwanted – and potentially smelly – bacteria. The bedroom: Waking up is hard to do, especially with an annoying alarm clock beeping at a jarring volume. Inspired by nature’s sunrise, the Philips Wake-Up Light uses a unique combination of light therapy and sound to help wake you up in a more natural way. The colour of the morning light changes gradually from soft dawn reds through warm orange to bright yellow. The bathroom: It’s a well-known fact that everyone’s voice sounds better in the shower. Ready to take your skills to the next level? Kohler recently released a spa-worthy showerhead with a

built-in wireless speaker that delivers up to seven hours of music, news and more by pairing with your device via Bluetooth. You can even connect it to other speakers, so your family members can listen to the same song when in different rooms in your home. The home office: Over the last few months, many of us have been adjusting to work away from the comforts of a typical office setting. If you’re looking to up your home office game, check out the HP Tango X Smart Home Printer. This printer connects to all of your devices and works with your voice assistant. Because it uses a two-way cloud connection, you can print from anywhere without having to access your home W-Fi. It comes in beautiful charcoal and indigo finishes. www.newscanada.com

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RANDALL’S: Your One-Stop Decorating Shop It’s true… Randall’s has been decorating Ottawa and area since 1948! What sets Randall’s apart is the genuinely helpful advice that their trained specialists provide. Randall’s has knowledgeable teams of experienced in-store specialists, dedicated window treatment consultants, and approachable decorators. Because Randall’s is family-owned, local and independent, they research and offer only the products and services that they feel are the best for their customers’ projects. So, if you are wondering, “How do I pick the best…”, they have a team of knowledgeable specialists right in their store who can help you sort out which of their products and services will work best for your project. Their customers return time and again because they value the way that Randall’s specialists really partner with them. Randall’s expert window treatment consultants provide FREE consultations for custom-made blinds, shutters, drapes and sheers. They can meet with you in their store, virtually, or right in your home or office. Randall’s is the largest independent Hunter Douglas dealer in Ottawa and also features top performing Canadian-made options like Shade-O- Matic, Altex

and Maxxmar. The advantage here is that you have access to Randall’s unparalleled team of experienced consultants. They KNOW window treatments and can offer you quality choices in style, materials, features (like motorized operating systems) and price. Want some assistance in zeroing in on how to achieve your decorating style? A Randall’s decorator can provide a complete decorating service or help you with specific big or small projects such as colour consultations, optimizing furniture placement, and selection of lighting, flooring (porcelain tiles, hardwood, laminate or luxury vinyl), quartz or granite countertops, custom and ready-made furniture, designer fabrics and wallpapers. Why not get started with their $99 virtual consultation? Randall’s specialists are passionate about helping their customers complete their projects successfully. They are the go-to place in Ottawa for paint and stain colour matching. They offer free city-wide paint and stain delivery and assist their customers in finding a contractor. They are proud of their repeat business and work hard to ensure that each and every customer is satisfied each and every time.

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Add soft textiles to bring comfort to the space. Pieces such as curtains, throw pillows or a cozy area rug in similar hues to complement a neutral palette and create an environment that encourages you to slow down and make time to unwind. Choosing touchable accents with natural fibres is a simple way to bring warmth and comfort to any room and establish a unified and calming atmosphere throughout your home.

Need another reason to add this colour to your home office? “Shades of green, like Louisburg Green HC-113 and even the more subtle Flora AF-470, encourage focus and productivity,” says Grech. www.newscanada.com

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33 • September 2020 • HOMES & CONDOS

Designer Fabrics | Furniture | Flooring

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Bring balance to your work-from-home space. Opt for soothing colours that support

focus and calm all workday long, even during your most stressful moments. The green family is known to be the most comfortable for your eyes to process, especially if you spend most of your day looking at a screen.

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Uplift your mood with lighter hues. A sense of space and light can instantly lift your spirits, as we head into the colder months of the year. “Choose a light neutral palette to visually expand a room and soothe the

senses,” says Grech. “Using Benjamin Moore Dune White CC-70, Collingwood OC-28 and Mount Saint Anne CC-710 throughout your home will create unified and harmonious spaces for comfort and relaxation.”

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(NC) 2020 has been a year of unexpected challenges and change. Now more than ever, it’s essential to make time to relax and rejuvenate, especially in the comfort and safety of your home. As the weather cools and we spend more time indoors, fall is the perfect season to create a soothing oasis at home with calming shades. Drawing from natural tones of stone and sky can help destress and ground you. Here, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares her designer tips to help you create room for relaxation.

Photo courtesy of News Canada.

ROOM FOR RELAXATION: Designer tips to create calming spaces

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MASONRY & RESTORATION

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HOMES & CONDOS • September 2020 • 34

★ Cultured Stone ★ Custom StoneWork ★ Interlocking Stone ★ Stone Foundation

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513 EDISON AV, WESTBORO, $1,199,800 5 BED / 2.5 BATH, NEWLY RENOVATED CLASSIC

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SMALL BUDGET, BIG IMPACT: 3 powerful, low-cost ways to update your space (NC) Giving your home a makeover doesn’t have to break the bank. From tackling weekend DIY projects to transforming the furniture you already own, there are many ways to make big changes on a small budget. Here, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares her top three tips for refreshing your home on a budget. Beautiful DIY kitchen upgrades. Transform your kitchen without the cost of a full renovation by repainting kitchen cabinets. “You can easily achieve a completely new look in a weekend by repainting your upper or lower cabinets,” says Grech. Looking for an update, but not ready to commit to repainting all your cabinets? “Paint the cabinets on just your kitchen

island a bold colour like Hale Navy HC-154 to make this the focal point of the room and transform the look and feel of your whole kitchen.” Don’t replace, repaint. Instead of replacing wooden furniture, consider repainting it to give your home a revamp. From wooden chairs to coffee tables and dressers, you can easily update furniture yourself to give it a fresh new look. “Benjamin Moore Advance paint is also an excellent choice for painting furniture. Always make sure to sand, clean and thoroughly prepare any surface before painting to ensure beautiful results.” Dip your toes with an accent wall. Want a change but not ready to repaint a whole room? Accent walls are a favourite designer trick to introduce colour into neutral spaces. Not only is painting an accent wall an easy weekend project, it refreshes a room and gives any space personality and flair. “This fall, choose hues that pull inspiration from the changing leaves, like Greenfield Pumpkin HC-40, Prairie Lily CC-98 and Golden Tan 2152-40, to introduce warm seasonal colour into your home.” www.newscanada.com

just SOLD

350B WINSTON AV, WESTBORO 3 BED / 2 BATH, UPDATED 3 STOREY SEMI

FOR SALE

9 381 MADISON AV, WESTBORO, $899,000 2+1 BED / 3.5 BATH, SEMI W/LOFT, MODERN FLR PLAN

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284 CHURCHILL AV N., WESTBORO, $849,900 CHARMING 3 BED IN CHOICE LOCATION

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898 ALPINE AV, QUEENSWAY TERRACE NORTH 3 BED / 2.5 BATH, CHARMING BUNGALOW GREEN SPACE

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2113 NEEPAWA AV, CARLINGWOOD 3 BED / 1 BATH, PERFECT STARTER HOME IN VIBRANT NEIGHBOURHOOD

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225 BRADFORD ST, BRITANNIA VILLAGE 4+1 HIGHLAND, BED / 4.5 BATH +4000 SQFT ACROSS FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD, $ 000,000 PARKLAND BED / BATH, DESCRIPTION

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creating good jobs. Through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream, projects will be eligible for a significantly larger federal cost share — up to 80 per cent for provinces, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations, and raising it to 100 per cent for territorial and Indigenous projects designated under the new stream. Lastly, as many of you know, there was an incident involving abusive behaviour at my constituency office a few weeks ago. This is the kind of behaviour that discourages women from entering politics, and I am committed to working across party lines to make it stop. I want to thank so many of you for your kind and thoughtful messages and constant support. It really means a lot to my staff and me. Other federal government updates: • CEWS extension and Period 5 applications open To assist even more hard-working Canadians, our government extended the program until Nov. 21. The expanded eligibility will qualify a larger range of organizations, a new sliding revenuedecline test to determine the subsidy amount and a top-up subsidy of up to 25 per cent for the most impacted employers. • The CERB extended for another four weeks Our government is extending the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for another four weeks, introducing new benefits and creating flexibility in programs so we can continue to offer Canadians and their families the support they need. Find more information on both programs and others at www.canada.ca/ coronavirus Thank you and stay strong, Ottawa Centre! —Catherine

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SUBMITTED BY CATHERINE MCKENNA, MP OTTAWA CENTRE Dear neighbours, I want to start off by expressing my deep sadness for the loss of lives, injuries and the devastation that resulted from the explosion in Beirut. I know that we are all thinking about the people of Lebanon and the Lebanese community in Ottawa Centre. Our government continues to aid in the reconstruction and humanitarian needs. If you can, we encourage Canadians to donate to the Humanitarian Coalition or one of its partners. Donations will be matched by the Government of Canada. Visit HumanitarianCoalition.ca for more information. In Ottawa, COVID-19 cases are steady, and it’s critical that we continue to follow public health guidelines to keep ourselves and others safe. COVID-19 will be here for the foreseeable future. We need to adapt and work together, especially with back-toschool. Together, by doing our part, we can minimize future outbreaks, and keep our loved ones safe and healthy. This month, I was pleased to announce the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. I’ve seen so much innovation in Ottawa to adapt to COVID-19, from opening streets to pedestrians, to community gardens, to apps allowing markets to have curbside delivery. These are the innovative ideas that will get us through this pandemic, while building a stronger, more resilient Ottawa. I encourage all local community groups, not-for-profits and community associations to apply! Another new program I announced this month is the COVID-19 Resilience Funding Stream. Now, more than ever, Canadian communities need our help. The new program will make it easier to support Canadian communities by protecting their health, improving their quality of life and

Affordable, Clean, Secure, Central

WESTBORO VILLAGE • September 2020 • 36

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WESTBORO VILLAGER

Fresh Starts in Fall Hello! For me, September is all about fresh starts and new to-do lists. Even though these are still some of the weirdest times, once September 1st rolls around, I can’t help but begin to plan for my favourite seasons ahead. While there is zero chance September will be anything but the usual back-to-school routine, I am hopeful we can all find a groove in this new normal. Many of our friends and neighbours will continue to work from home but I’ve recognized familiar faces the past few days - an indication that maybe the offices here in Westboro are having a go at opening. And it has been so nice to see the restaurants spilling out onto the sidewalks and parking spaces the past couple of months. Who knows what the fall will bring with COVID but I hope the familiar turning of the season brings a smile to your face. The merchants, restaurants and services in Westboro Village are ready for you! Happy Fall! Molly Van der Schee The Village Quire Chair, Westboro Village BIA

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WESTBORO VILLAGER LUXII BEAUTY AND WELLNESS CLINIC 110 Richmond Road (613) 722-2441

Get started working with a 50% discount for your 1st month of hot desk membership at Coworkly. Offer valid until Sept 30th.

WALL SPACE GALLERY + FRAMING 358 Richmond Rd

At Greco Westboro, we have taken Fitness & Health to a new level. When you come to our studio you will find:

• Highest cleaning and sanitization standards - you name it, we clean it! • Fully adapted studio procedures and training methods to accommodate new health guidelines related to COVID-19.

• Welcoming staff who will guide and coach you so you will leave the studio feeling safe, accomplished, and motivated for your next training session. Come in - experience Greco 2.0, where personal training attention meets class energy! It doesn't get any better than this. NEW MEMBERS: BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! Contact us to take advantage of this BOGO promo. Available for a limited time only.

info@wallspacegallery.ca (613) 729-0003 Free parking behind gallery. Have you noticed? At the end of August work began on the new mural on the wall on Churchill between Richmond and Byron. After community consultation last fall, representatives from the Westboro Village BIA Board of Management, the Westboro Community Association and the Westboro Beach Community Association and design and mural artist was chosen in early 2020. A fresh look for the new decade. We can’t wait to until the official unveiling this fall!

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37 • September 2020 • WESTBORO VILLAGE

• Your own space, your own equipment, cleaned and sanitized after each training session.

Sign-ups are now open for Crystal Beshara's artist talk on Friday, Sept. 11 from 4-6 pm. Please RSVP to responses@wallspacegallery.ca Painting collections and show details are online at WALLSPACEGALLERY. CA. Gallery open to public weekdays 10-6, Saturdays 10-5, and closed on Sundays. Framing by appointment.

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• A training facility that puts the safety of members and staff first.

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Wall Space is excited to present three new exhibitions. From September 9 - October 3, guests can enjoy Country Roads by Crystal Beshara, recent works by David Lidbetter, and a feature on the ceramics and large-scale drawings of eco-artist Stefan Thompson. We are also excited to introduce a new jewellery duo to the gallery. Welcome Galili Ellis!

GRECO 411, 100 Roosevelt Ave #100 (613) 725-5326

COWORKLY Your neighbourhood coworking space where remote workers get work done away from distractions.

www.coworkly.ca/westboro/ carolyn@coworkly.ca (613) 761-7794

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Whether you're looking for cellulite reduction, mobility or pain relief, or decreased inflammation, cryotherapy is designed to help you feel, look and move well. We invite you to come out and experience your 3 minute treatment at chilling subzero temperatures right here in Westboro for a unique experience. Luxii also offers premium massage therapy, chiropractic services, laser hair removal, hydrafacials and eyelash extensions in our clean, bright and welcoming clinic.

We’re right across the street from MEC. Mention the offer above. P.S. We proudly serve Equator coffee.

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Did you know Westboro is home to Ottawa's Only Cryotherapy Chamber?

COUNCILLOR’S CORNER

Byron Avenue restrictions and a ward boundary review SUBMITTED BY JEFF LEIPER, KITCHISSIPPI WARD COUNCILLOR

September 2020 • 38

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ummer is over and September has come to Kitchissippi. Throughout the summer, Team Kitchissippi has worked hard, under extraordinary circumstances, to assist our residents to the best of our abilities, and we will continue to do so throughout the fall and winter. My thanks to everyone who has written to our office with empathy while we address the huge volume of correspondence we are receiving. One matter we’ve been receiving a lot of notes about is the local-only restrictions on Byron Avenue. I advocated for these restrictions in the spring to help encourage physical distancing and create space for residents to enjoy the outdoors safely. I know

that there are residents who are hoping to make these restrictions permanent; I’ve also heard from many who would like the restrictions lifted as traffic pressures begin to rise. Presently, I don’t intend to remove the barricades. I’ve observed this space to be well-used and the need for distancing has not diminished. However, if a request to maintain these restrictions permanently comes forward, I will entertain it. Currently, we’re monitoring traffic volumes in the area and I’m discussing with the City how this could be made permanent. Most importantly though, I won’t advocate for keeping this stretch of Byron local-only without opening the question to the community for input. Council is undertaking a review of our ward boundaries. This is a complex process that needs to ensure that population and

other considerations are evenly balanced across the city. I’ve consulted with our community associations about the five options that have been on the table thus far. The City has recently made a sixth option available to the public on the consultation site. You can view this option on ottawa.ca/wardboundary — there will be several public open houses where you can learn more and provide your feedback, so keep an eye on the newsletter for more information. I’m happy to report that I’m now able to seek council approval on a plan for gateway signage that would designate large areas of the ward as 30 km/h zones. After a lot of discussion with community

associations and City staff, I’m ready to move forward with a proposal that would see most of McKellar Park, about half of Westboro, and a large portion of Civic Hospital made into gateway areas where all streets would have a 30 km/h speed limit. My goal is to get the entire ward done eventually, and this proposal gets us a little further in that direction while maximizing the limited budget the City has set for these initiatives. I’ll have more details about this soon. Finally, I’d like to take a moment to urge everyone to please download the federal government’s new COVID-19 app. The app works on most phones, is free to download, and it doesn’t rely on 100 per cent usage to be effective. This app is a key piece of our collective efforts to reduce the community spread of COVID-19, in addition to continuing to wash our hands, wear masks and practice physical distancing. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to keep our community safe.

PROVINCIAL UPDATE

Real leaders support people with disabilities SUBMITTED BY JOEL HARDEN, MPP OTTAWA CENTRE wo weeks ago (August), Premier Ford said disabled Ontarians should “get a job,” and that some were “a few hundred bucks up” under the federal Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB). So he ended a temporary $100/month COVID-19 benefit for people on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). As Ontario’s Critic for People with Disabilities, I was sickened. I asked if the premier knew what living with a disability was like in Ontario. Less than 8 per cent of the roughly 500,000 people on ODSP have paid employment (and therefore qualify for the CERB), and there are good reasons for this. To qualify for the ODSP, you must be physically

unable to engage in paid work, or at least substantial amounts of it. Think about folks who live with significant trauma or pain. Think about people with mental or physical health conditions. These are the folks on ODSP. That’s a big reason why 92 per cent of ODSP recipients have no paid employment, and survive on a meagre income of $1,169 per month. That wasn’t a typo. Folks on ODSP earn 58 per cent of what’s available through the CERB. Think about what that says to people with disabilities. In enacting the CERB, we said a basic standard of living in Canada is $2,000 per month but, somehow, the standard of

living for folks with disabilities is roughly All I’ve seen from his government are half of that. disparaging comments against our disabled Are people with disabilities worth half neighbours trapped in cycles of poverty. as much? No, but our social assistance All they’ve done is dismiss any legislation I programs suggest they are, and propose for people with disabilities as being we have a premier who can’t “red tape” for employers. appreciate why that is deeply We are better than this. We can have a wrong. province that cares about, and provides We have a premier who opportunity to, people with disabilities. We claws back 50 per cent of can follow local leaders like The Causeway, CERB earnings for the small who support the disabled with employment number of ODSP services are matched Ourrecipients officewho is here forthat you with: to the unique skills qualify for these benefits. And he’s of each person, and not intended to claw Monthly Townback Halls just ended a temporary $100/month social assistance benefits for the vast Canvasses benefit, suggesting some were doing too majority of those unable to work full-time. Community Organizing well. Real leaders support people with Help Accessing Government That’s why I’ve insisted that Premier Ford disabilities and workServices to create a more apologize for his comments last week. To enabling Ontario. I welcome any thoughts date, I’ve heard no reply from him. from you about how to make that happen. P: 613-722-6414 109 Catherine St. / rue Catherine E: JHarden-CO@ndp.on.ca Ottawa, ON K2P 0P4 MPP / Député provincial, www.joelharden.ca Ottawa Centre

COMMUNITY CALENDAR COVID-19 note: This page has been updated to reflect the developments in Kitchissippi during the pandemic.

Got a Kitchissippi-area virtual or COVID-19 safe event to share? We’d love to hear about it. Send an email to editor@ kitchissippi.com.

For the full list of events please go to kitchissippi.com.

To place a Classified or Marketplace ad, please call

613.238.1818

39 • September 2020

WEDNESDAYS - SHOUT SISTER! CHOIR There are 25 chapters of Shout Sister! Choir in

KITCHISSIPPI MARKET PLACE

NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE – CANADA PERFORMS #CanadaPerforms is a short-term relief fund that supports Canadian artists financially for their virtual performances during COVID-19. Visit the National Art Centre’s website for more information on upcoming performances: naccna.ca/en/series/canadaperforms.

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SEPT. 27 - RUN FOR WOMEN The annual Run for Women will be celebrated virtually this year on Sept. 27. The national event supporting women’s mental health is organized through the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program. The event includes a 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run taking place in 18 cities across Canada. For 2020, 100 per cent of the local registration proceeds will be donated to

TUESDAYS - BYTOWN VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR Although the choir is not able to prepare for a December concert this fall, we will be meeting online each Tuesday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (from Sept. 8 to Dec. 8). We will be learning some new music and maintaining our vocal chords in a relaxed environment, with plenty of musical and technological help. We will all be experiencing this new way of meeting and singing together and are happy to welcome new members, men and women, to join us. For more information, see our website at bytownvoices.com.

OTTAWA LIVE MUSIC STREAMS! This Facebook group was created during the pandemic “as a virtual venue to showcase our region’s musical talent.” There are live streams, and announcements of upcoming live stream performances, of artists from the National Capital Region. To tune in, visit facebook.com/ groups/ottawalivemusicstreams.

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SEPT. 19, 20, 26 AND 27 - WEST END STUDIO TOUR The West End Studio Tour (WEST) is celebrating its 25th anniversary! The annual, local event is a free tour of artists’ studios located in the “near west end” of the city of Ottawa. This year, the tour will be celebrated as a “socially distant art show and sale” on Sept. 19-20 and 26-27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the tour, or the 25th anniversary, visit westendstudiotour.ca/wp/ or check out the tour map on pg. 24!

MONDAYS - ABOVE AND BEYOND TOASTMASTERS Every Monday at 6:45 p.m. (except holidays) Visit us online to enjoy time with members learning to communicate better while honing your leadership skills. This new reality has taught us much. We are learning new skills and still relating great stories. Join our family of joy by contacting Sharon at 45sharong@gmail.com or Lucille, our webmaster, at l_bouthillier@ yahoo.ca to receive the link.

FRIDAYS - CHASE THE ACE RAFFLE The Highland Park Lawn Bowling Club is in dire need of financial support as a result of the impact of COVID-19. To alleviate the situation, ticket sales for a widely enjoyed game of chance, Chase The Ace, will begin on Aug. 28 at three community locations: The Clocktower and Barley Mow pubs and the lawn bowling clubhouse (439 Golden Ave.). The game rules will be posted at all three sites. Tickets will be five for $5. The weekly draw will award 20 per cent of the weekly sales to the lucky ticket holder, 30 per cent will be added to the jackpot and 50 per cent will help the bowling club stay green.The jackpot will increase weekly until the lucky winner draws the Ace Of Spades and is awarded its entire contents. The maximum jackpot allowed under this license is $30,000. At that point, a new raffle will commence.

The first winning ticket will be drawn at 7 p.m. on Sept. 4, at the Clocktower (418 Richmond Rd.), followed by draws each Friday at the same location and time. For more information, please contact Harry Tremain at hmtremain1@gmail or visit highlandparklawnbowling.ca.

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Stay safe and healthy, Kitchissippi!

OCT. 1 - HAMPTON IONA COMMUNITY GROUP AGM This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held virtually via Zoom and Zoom telephone (long distance charges may apply to telephone use) due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event will take place on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. All those who live within HICG Boundaries are eligible to attend and vote on HICG matters. Hampton Iona is located in the Westboro area of Ottawa — The southside of Richmond Road, to the north side of Carling between the east side of Tweedsmuir (odd numbers only), to Leighton Terrace/ Brennan Avenue (both sides) on the east. Jeff Lieper, councillor for Kitchissipi Ward, will be the guest speaker. In order to facilitate voting and the sharing of background documents for the meeting, community members must register on EventBrite (via the HICG website). If you have questions, please send them to newsletter@ hamptoniona.ca or access our webpage at hamptoniona.wordpress.com/

Ontario and we are constantly growing. Shout Sister! takes an unorthodox approach to choral singing. We do not audition, and we sing a fun variety of music from pop and Motown, to folk, to a touch of country and blues. We learn from recorded tracks, so we require no reading of music. Our method is fresh and fun, and we are a warm and welcoming community. Shout Sister has created a unique, enjoyable choir experience while singing from the comfort of your own home. We use Zoom to meet virtually every Wednesday afternoon (1-3 p.m.) and Thursday evening (7-9 p.m). Jody Benjamin directs the Ottawa chapters of Shout Sister Choir. Jody is an accomplished musician, a dance instructor, and a fabulous choir director. Everyone is welcome. We would love to have you join us! For information on joining, please contact members@shoutsisterchoir.ca or visit shoutsisterchoir.ca.

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Under provincial law, public events and social gatherings have been restricted in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Please visit ontario.ca for more information. Most regular, local events have been cancelled or postponed. We encourage readers to check websites and social media pages to see if virtual or smallerscale events are being held instead.

Women’s Mental Health at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. To learn more, visit runforwomen.ca.

September 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ 40 kitchissippi.com

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