Winter 2020

OTTAWALIFE NEWS/POLITICS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE $4.95

WINTER 2020

REASON TO SMILE

THE OTTAWA DENTAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES ITS 125th ANNIVESARY

FASTER, STRONGER, CLEARER –

ARTIST

ottawalife.com

5G NETWORKS ARE REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY WE DO THINGS

NICOLE ALLEN’S

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

THE OTTAWA POLICE RUINED

RODNEY MOCKLER’S LIFE . . . AND COULD CARE LESS

Bistro Ristoro * Patrick Gordon Framing * San Francisco * Adventure Canada

Do we really need all these pipelines are an important part of Canada’s energy future.

Oil and natural gas – and the pipelines that move them – are important parts of Canada’s energy future.

To see how, visit: SHAREDFUTURE.CA/ENERGYFUTURE

WINTER 2020 VOLUME 22

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contents

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A beautiful bouquet

Artist Nicole Allen’s creativity blossoms on canvas and spreads joy to everyone who sees them.

Reason to smile

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Over the last 125 years, the Ottawa Dental Society have done it all. From providing pharmaceutical and dental care to soldiers during times of war, providing emergency dental care to area residents and hosting free mouthguard clinics for amateur football players, they’ve given us all a reason to smile!

No consequences

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Ottawa Police misconduct ruined Rodney Mockler’s life and they could care less.

Deep learning through music

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Meet Natalie Andrews from St. Martin de Porres Catholic Elementary School in Kanata. She is a teacher who is as gifted with equations as she is with the oboe.

NUMBER 1

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columns

Publisher’s message .............................. 4 Best picks ........................................... 5 Bistro Ristoro ........................................ 7 Best cellars .......................................... 8 In search of style .................................. 14 Patrick Gordon Framing.......................... 17 It is time to rethink the CBC .................... 24 Opinion: National Pharmacare ............... 31 San Francisco ...................................... 32 Adventure Canada ............................... 34 Costa Rica .......................................... 38 Upstate New York ................................. 40 Florida’s Historic Coast ......................... 42 Sunwing ............................................ 46

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5G primer

Huawei’s new 5G mobile broadband services are 27 times faster and of such high quality, they will revolutionize the world.

Travel

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Winter is the time of year to plan your next trip. Whether it’s the trip of a lifetime or looking to escape the cold, we present a host of travel destinations. From Adventure Canada’s Scotland Slowly excursion to Costa Rica’s lush tropical forests, Florida’s Historic Coast or uber cool San Francisco, come discover the world with us.

Our fashion editor, Alexandra Gunn, shows you how to wear red with confidence!

series

Students First ....................................... 26 Energy ................................................ 30 Canada’s Public Service ........................ 44

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publisher’s message by Dan Donovan

Expressing concern and making declarations is not an achievement Ottawa city councillor Catherine McKenney’s motion to declare a housing and homeless emergency in the national capital passed unanimously at city council on a cold night at the end of January. Typically, councillor’s changed the original motion to call it both a ‘crisis and an emergency’. According to city staff, no other Canadian city has declared a housing emergency in their jurisdiction. “I think it’s something that we can be proud of,” McKenney said afterward, adding, ‘The call today for an emergency is so that we will have said, as a city, to everyone in our shelters, to people sleeping outside, for the children in motels and their families, to women who flee abuse and get sent back with their kids into often very dangerous and sometimes deadly circumstances, that we’re going to try harder.”

And therein lies the problem with this city council.

They actually believe they have done something to help the homeless by having a meeting and passing a meaningless motion. Worse, after doing so, they then give themselves a pat on the back for doing nothing.

The homeless issue, mental health crisis and drug dependency disaster playing out before our eyes in Ottawa exists because there is zero real political leadership confronting it. There is no long-term or even short-term plan or vision to get the hundreds of drug addicts, alcoholics and people in crisis who walk around in a continuous daze off the streets and into treatment. That’s because there is no commitment to fund the kind of treatment and interventions necessary to end this scourge. Ottawa’s ByWard Market and Lowertown area are a new version of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, known for its high levels of drug use, poverty, crime, mental illness, prostitution and homelessness.

It will take a caring, committed and visionary leader with a plan to end the shameful conditions in the area that stun tourists and others who think they may have stumbled onto the set of the Walking Dead, instead of being just a few blocks from Parliament Hill. For over three decades, Ottawa councillors have implemented a series of Kafkaesque policies that include providing free injection sites, free methadone, free syringes and even free drugs to addicts, along with a cup of soup and a bed at night at one of the many homeless shelters in the ByWard Market, before booting them out each morning until the next night.

These policies combined with the fentanyl crisis has resulted in the number of addicts and homeless people being at an all-time high. In recent years, we have witnessed the spiritual, moral and physical decline of large sections of the ByWard Market and Lowertown that are truly a national disgrace. For residents here and within a few blocks beyond the ‘zombie’ zone, there is only frustration and little else.

Worse, the controversial plan by the Salvation Army (SA) to drop another massive homeless shelter, blocks away in Vanier is patently ridiculous. SA and City of Ottawa officials who claim the “social services complex” won’t have a negative impact on surrounding businesses or homes are blatantly lying.

The city requires a ten-year plan like the National Homelessness Strategy model implemented in Finland combined with mandatory rehab to permanently end this ongoing crisis. Such a plan would entail shelter, programming and counselling to get all of the homeless people and drug addicts off the streets and into rehab. The expensive yet short-term financial cost of such a plan will bring immense long-term benefits for the investment. It may cost upwards of a half-billion dollars. Even if the city borrowed the money on a fixed long-term interest loan to do this, it would be worth the investment.

The addicts and others who are suffering include many displaced and homeless Inuit, Indigenous and minority people who require intervention. The petty crime, urination, defecation, theft and harassment that has become normalized as a byproduct of this health crisis must come to an end.

The homeless, the poor and the hundreds of street people suffering in Ottawa need real help — not useless slogans and motions. Everyone deserves to live with basic dignity n 4 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

publisher/managing editor Dan Donovan art director & web editor Karen Temple director of operations Maria Alejandra Gamboa social media manager Kat Walcott cover photo by Sean Sisk Photography make-up: Corey J. Stone Styling: Sophie Jolin-Roch photographers Cosmo Condina, Jacob Fergus, Simon Gardner, George Kamper, David Lemelin, David Owens, Stacey Sather, Sean Sisk Photography, Louis Raphael, Winter Lotus Photography video Berrin Sun fashion editor Alexandra Gunn accounts Joe Colas C.G.A bookkeeper Joan MacLean contributing writers Michael R Bussière,

Dan Donovan, Emma Dykstra, Mckenzie Donovan, Alexandra Gunn, Jennifer Hartley,Vicki McKenna, Tori McNeely, Angelo Persichilly, Karen Temple, Hilary Thomson, Kat Walcott, Greg Vezina web contributors Susan Alsembach, Adele Blair, Maria Alejandra Gamboa, Dave Gross, Jennifer Hartley, Hilary Robinson, Owen Maxwell, Mona Staples, Kat Walcott, Keith Whittier social media Kat Walcott student intern Emma Dykstra, Mikaila Cober corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail,

Charles Franklin corporate counsel Paul Champagne editor in memoriam Harvey F. Chartrand advertising information

For information on advertising rates, visit www.ottawalife.com call (613) 688-LIFE (5433) or e-mail info@ottawalife.com Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement #1199056.

Ottawa Life Magazine, 301 Metcalfe St. Lower Level, Ottawa. Ontario K2P 1R9 tel: (613) 688-5433 fax: (613) 688 -1994 e-mail: info@ottawalife.com Web site: www.ottawalife.com Follow us on Twitter: @ottawalifers On Instagram: ottawalifemag Like us at www.Facebook.com/ OttawaLifeMagazine Ottawa Life is listed in Canadian Advertising Rates & Data (CARD).

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best picks

Home Hardware's Shark Snow Shovel Timothy’s® Winter Carnival Coffee

From frozen toes to slushy roads, the winter season can sometimes give you the cold shoulder. But, when you need a warm cup of coffee to keep you going try Timothy’s® Winter Carnival. This flavoured blend can warm up even the iciest winters with caramelized sugar and custard flavours, along with notes of brown sugar and roasted nuts. Perfect for après-ski, or aprèsclearing-the-driveway.

Keurig.ca/Timothys

Green and Blacks Chocolate

Green & Black’s premium chocolate has something for every palate including unique flavours like the white chocolate made from Madagascan vanilla and butterscotch with rich notes of toffee. Imported from the UK and available in eleven unique flavours, Green & Black’s indulgent and organic chocolate is the perfect treat. Look for Green & Black’s products in the natural food or specialty chocolate section at your local natural health and organic food shops, independent specialty food stores and select major retailers. greenandblacks.co.uk

Epson EcoTank® ET-2760

With the EcoTank ET-2760 All-inOne Supertank Printer you can print smarter and stress-free. You don’t even need to worry about frequently refilling expensive ink cartridges – you can get up to two years of ink1 right out of the box. To make things even easier, the ET-2760 features voiceactivated printing so multitasking parents can print out those work documents, school forms and recipes hands-free. Combined with the ability to print two-sided documents as well as borderless photos, the ET-2760 is equipped to satisfy the printing needs of the whole family.

Epson.ca $379.99 1 Based on average monthly document print volumes of about 50 pages.

A new shoveling tool, invented to help tackle hard-packed snow and ice, is making it easier for Canadians to clean their driveways. The Shark Snow Shovel is a 2-in-1 shovel that features an easy bolt action swivel mechanism allowing you to switch between a blade with “shark” teeth and a straight blade, easily reducing the time and energy you need to shovel snow. The Shark Snow Shovel has been tested by industry professionals and has been proven to make it easier for people tackling snow and stubborn ice. Not only does the Shark Snow Shovel remove snow, the innovative design features greater strength and durability to clear and remove ice. homehardware.ca $34.97

K-Duo™ Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Create your perfect cup and carafe every time with the K-Duo™ coffee maker. This versatile coffee maker offers the best of both worlds, using both K-Cup® pods and ground coffee to brew a cup and a carafe of your favourite varieties. The K-Duo Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker lets you brew the perfect amount of fresh, full-flavoured coffee whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a cup – and a moment to yourself!

Keurig.ca

Bring home wine from Languedoc — the first organic wine region of France

As a pioneer of the organic movement in France, the wine producers of the Languedoc region — a coastal region in southern France, extending from Provence to the Pyrenees Mountains and the border with Spain — utilize a wide range of sustainable practices.

The quality of the terroir expresses itself in powerful red wines that have charming aromas of dark fruit, spices and the wild hillside vegetation of the Mediterranean coast while the rich whites and full-bodied rosés are balanced by extreme freshness.

Selecting a bottle from the wine region of Languedoc is choosing a greener planet and a healthier way of living.

LCBO.com 5 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Hot chocolate from the Second Cup!

Second Cup’s iconic hot chocolates come in three flavours: Classic Hot Chocolate, White Hot Chocolate and Candy Cane White Hot Chocolate. They are perfect to have on hand for post-winter outdoor activities. Second Cup’s iconic hot chocolate is also a part of their Clean Label lineup, which means it has no artificial colours and flavours, preservatives or high fructose corn syrup.

For last-minute Valentine’s gift, Second Cup has e-gift cards that can be sent directly to the recipients inbox. secondcup.com $9.95

K-Café® Single Serve Coffee, Latte & Cappuccino Maker

Whether brewing coffee, or making lattes, with the K-Café® coffee maker, the options are endless. Use the coffee SHOT to brew a concentrated shot of coffee and froth your choice of fresh milk, including skim, plus soy & almond to create a creamy latte or frothy cappuccino. Enjoy your latte or cappuccino hot or use the COLD setting to froth cold milk for a wonderfully refreshing iced version of your favourite beverage. With its sleek design and ease of use, it will surely to become the star appliance in your kitchen. Just brew, froth, enjoy!

Keurig.ca $249.99

Savour the wines of Spain

Beyond the major style and varieties, Spain has a lot to offer for those willing to explore.

Fresh whiltes from Albarino, Viura or Verdejo, bright and aromatic rosés, reds made with a range of grapes like Carinena, Babal, Mencia or Graciano, or even the wonderful and unique taste of Sherry. There’s a reason why Spain has become the largest exporter of wine in the world: there’s really something for everyone, growing in this diverse and sunny country. From potluck dinner to impressing the most demanding wine lover at a formal dinner, there is something for everyone from the many wine regions of Spain.

LCBO.com

Celebrating life’s small pleasures with Beaujolais wines Fresh and easy to drink, Beaujolais wines are versatile, and can be appreciated on their own or with Peking duck, even a tuna steak. For vegetarian options, pairing Beaujolais wines with an ever-popular poke bowl is a sure bet.

For wines that will add a touch of joy to the weeknight, Beaujolais AOP are your go-to. The vines grow mostly in the south of the Beaujolais region where the soil is made up of marls, limestone, clay, schist and granite. With smooth tannins, refreshing acidity and generous aromas of crunchy red fruits, Beaujolais reds particularly shine when served lightly chilled. They also lend themselves well to a raclette grill with local cheese and game, dim sum baskets or even a selection of homemade pizzas.

LCBO.com

6 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Popular paint colours that stand the test of time

Paint is fundamental to any space and choosing a quality product with a timeless colour and finish will allow you to feel confident that your home’s look and feel will have stylish longevity. With Benjamin Moore Gennex® Colour Technology, you can be sure of durability, colour consistency and flawless results, proven to last. Whether your home is contemporary, mid-century modern or traditional, only a few colours have proven as timeless and able to complement such diverse settings as blue, grey and white. Visit the Website for ideas, the 2020 Colour of the Year & Colour Trends Palette, plus colour pairing ideas to enliven your home. benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/colour-overview

profile by Emma Dykstra

Discover Bistro Ristoro IN OTTAWA'S BYWARD MARKET

When Lidija andVlado came to Canada three years ago, they planned to open a Mediterranean restaurant that would be unique, authentic, and refreshing.

They have succeeded!

“We new we wanted to be somewhere central. When we found this space in Ottawa's ByWard Market, we already had an idea for the style, the food, even for the drinks, including the wine,” says Lidija. Of course, getting a restaurant up and running was no easy job. It was a lot of hard work. “It took us a while to prepare this place,” says Lidija.

“It was completely different before

we renovated!” After eight months of remodeling, the restaurant opened for business.

Bistro Ristoro’s menu offers a wide variety of food and drink. “We serve Eastern and Western Mediterranean food” says Vlado, meaning Italian, French, Greek, and Balkan food. These culinary traditions inspire the menu at the bistro and are all well represented.

One of their signatures is their pizza dough. It is made fresh daily according to a century-old recipe, and the pizzas are fired in a brick pizza oven visible at the back of the restaurant.Vlado and

Lidija believe their dough is something special, and their customers do too.

“The people coming to our restaurant realize the difference between our pizza and other pizza offered here in the market,” Vlado says proudly with a smile. “All things are made from scratch in our restaurant. We don’t use anything frozen, artificial or semiprepared. Everything is prepared by our hands,” he promises.

Come by in the summer months and enjoy a meal or glass of wine and an appetizer on the patio n

17 Clarence Street, Ottawa K1N 5P4 bistroristoro.ca (343)984-6080 7 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

best cellars by Emma Dykstra GET TO KNOW

Ontario breweries and wineries From the grape growing regions of Niagara to Prince Edward County and as far north as here in Ottawa, passionate growers are creating excellent wines in Ontario. There is something very special about enjoying a glass that was produced so close to home.

Turning to beer, the last decade has seen Ottawan’s embracing the local suds. Ottawa is hopping with

craft breweries. More than simply a place for a pint, Ottawa’s craft breweries are cultural hubs for arts, music, entertainment and some pretty great food.

Here are just a few Ontario wineries and breweries to check out. Look for them online, at your local retailer, or better still, take a drive and visit them in person.

Kin

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KIN Vineyards

Nestled along the Carp Ridge by the Carp River lies KIN Vineyards, a special place with much to offer. They are the most northern vineyard in Ontario that is producing true vinifera pinot noir and chardonnay, and all of their practices are organic and successfully biodynamic. Visitors can walk among the vines while listening to a wine expert tell all about the process in a beautiful setting and even sample a whole flight of wines.

Owners Lorraine Mastersmith and Shawn McEwan

2225 Craig's Side Road, Carp, ON kinvineyards.com

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The Byward Market’s first brewery, located right in the heart of the market, features a fully functioning brewery and open-concept kitchen, replete with a smoker and chicken rotisserie to meet all of your hunger needs.

Through historic beers, paired beers and snacks, visitors can expect a place full of innovative drinks and a historic setting. You won't want to miss what they’re brewing next.

Lowertown Brewery 73 York Street, Ottawa, ON lowertownbrewery.ca

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Whitewater Brewery Co Whitewater Brewery has a true commitment to producing high quality products. They support local business, and almost every ingredient that goes into their product is Canadian. The combination of well-brewed beer, locally sourced food and positive atmosphere gives the staff and visitors to their pubs a reason to smile. They have a wide variety of beers that can be purchased at the brewery, The Beer Store, LCBO, licensed grocery stores, and on tap all over Ontario.

22 Fletcher Road, Foresters Falls, ON whitewaterbeer.ca

Traynor Family Vineyards is a great destinations in Prince Edward County. Visitors to the vineyard see exactly how the wine is made while sampling some of the best drinks in the vineyard’s cozy tasting bar, and even talk to the people behind the wine. The tasting experience is accompanied by wine and chocolate pairings from local chocolatiers. The newly renovated bar includes a warm fire place that’s always on the go along with a gorgeous wood interior.

1774 Danforth Road, Hillier, ON traynorvineyard.com

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Traynor Family Vineyard 9 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

A.J. Casson, Frood Lake at Willisville, 1963, oil on canvas, 114.3 x 91.4 cm. Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, Ottawa Art Gallery.

Donated to the City of Ottawa by the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

(RE)COLLECTING THE GROUP OF SEVEN A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION January 18, 2020 to January 10, 2021 A new installation of artworks that celebrates the centennial of the Group of Seven, featuring highlights from the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art.

Presented by 10 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Ottawa Art Gallery | 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, ON | oaggao.ca

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Broken Stone Winery

Broken Stone Winery is a small family owned winery located in the heart of the beautiful Prince Edward County. Founded in 2013, owners Tim and Micheline Kuepfer are dedicated to providing some of the tastiest wine, their specialties being in pinot noir and cool climate vinifera grapes. ”Our family is involved in all levels” Tim promises. “We’re not just throwing money at it and having other people do our dream for us, we’re doing it. We have the dirty hands and knees to prove it”.

524 Closson Road, Hillier ON brokenstonewinery.com

PHOTO: COSMO CONDINA

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“The best wine is the wine you share with the best company and the best meal to create a great memory!”, says Bill Redelmeier of Southbrook Vineyards. The pursuit of great wine has shown Southbrook the importance of organic and biodynamic viticulture, and to prove it, they produce top notch wines. Visitors to the vineyard can attend The Grand Tasting which involves relaxing in their beautiful Oak Room as you enjoy a guided tasting of three samples of their Estate and Single Vineyard wines.

581 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON southbrook.com

Southbrook Organic Vineyards Southbrook co-owner Bill Redelmeier (RIGHT)

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gallery by Hilary Thomsom

A

Naturally beautiful THE ART OF

Nicole Allen

s I walk up the steps of the old Standard Bread Company building at 951 Gladstone Avenue, I wonder if I’ve come to the right place. The only reason I press the bell for the third floor buzzer is the sign above the door marking The Loft Art Studios and the note telling me to be patient to give time for the artists to race down from the third floor to welcome visitors.

Within moments artist Nicole Allen meets me at the door in jeans and a long sleeve shirt spattered in paint. I’ve definitely come to the right place.

Allen’s studio is bright, spacious and covered in art and painting supplies.

She has been a part of the collective of 18 different artists who have their studios at The Loft for seven years.

Prior to that she was painting at home but as her business grew, she found that she needed a separate space to let her creativity blossom. “My work got bigger and my art started taking on a life of its own,” she says. “Having a space like this is a game changer.”

Allen has always been an artist at heart.

Growing up in Oakville, Ontario her father was an avid landscape painter and

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Reckless abandon, 20" x 40"

which turned into Art in the Park,” she says. “It just grew and grew and grew.”

Allen now shows her work at art shows across Ontario as well as in galleries in Ottawa, Toronto and Oakville.

She is inspired by nature and is often drawn to florals which allow her the opportunity to play with colour, form and composition. “I’ve always been drawn to a certain style that was somewhat representational but also loose and gestural,” she says. “It’s hard to express artistically but it is not about just painting a pretty vase of flowers.”

Allen has been focusing on florals for the past four years but also enjoys painting landscapes and small birds.

She does small paintings of birds for art shows and open houses which sell at a lower price point than some of her larger, more intricate work. “They’re fun and very whimsical,” she says.

No hard feelings, 6" x 6", A star is born, 6" x 6", Golden opportunity, 6" x 6"

taught her to appreciate art at a young age. After taking art all through high school she decided to make what she thought was the practical choice and take art history at Queens University.

“I didn’t really believe I could make a living as an artist,” she remembers.

After travelling and working in the museum sector for a while she and her husband decided to settle in Ottawa and

raise a family. Her art fell by the wayside while she was raising young children but once they got older, she felt the urge to paint again. She started taking night classes at the Ottawa School of Art while also going back to school at Algonquin for museum studies. “I was thinking I would paint and work in the museum sector because I thought that was a more practical approach,” she says. “I was still holding on to the idea that I couldn’t paint full-time.”

Allen did contract work in the collections department at the Canadian War Museum for about a year while taking classes and painting in her spare time. She says she fell into showing her art by fluke when she was asked to contribute some paintings to a school fundraiser. “That turned into a collective show in the neighbourhood

As someone who never thought she could make a career as an artist Allen is trilled that she gets to come to work every day and do something she loves.

She says joining the community at The Loft has been wonderful for her creative process and she values being around other talented artists every day.

“The value of having my own space and being a part of a community is huge,” she says.

Allen says she knows she is on the right path when she sees the joy that her paintings bring to other people.“When I hear that somebody is happy when they look at my work then I know that I am doing the right thing,” she says. “I only wish I could have figured it out sooner.”n nicoleallenart.com 13 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

in search of style by Alexandra Gunn

Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexandraGunn

The Great Escape Tropical Prints and bright colour pairings took over the spring 2020 runway shows.

From Marni’s optical blooms, Dolce & Gabbana’s striking palm leaf prints to Versace’s iconic jungle-print dress (worn for a second time by Jennifer Lopez). Exotic flora appeared on everything from evening gowns, suits to the ubiquitous Hawaiian shirt.

DRIES VAN NOTEN

PORTS 1961

VALENTINO

RUNWAY FENDI

t Parrot Earings $19.99 • Winners

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Belted Blue Fit and Flare Dress $39.99 • Marshalls

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Palm Print Midi Skirt $34.99 • Winners

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With spring break right around the corner, you’ll want to start shopping for your beach essentials with this top style in mind. Looking to be ahead of the season? Snap up a tropical print for your sunny destination and mix it with bright hues and festive earrings to be right on trend. From large palm leaves to dramatic floral prints, you can’t go wrong with nature inspired styles, including shades of ocean blue and greens ranging from lime to emerald.

Grecian Straw Tote Bag $34.99 • Marshalls

JLO IN VERSACE

The Power of Red One of the boldest and exciting colours to wear, red has unwavering popularity. For years, red has been a fashion-girl favourite and is a stylist staple for walking the red carpet. Being a primary colour, adding red to your overall look will naturally draw attention so be prepared to stand out in a crowd.

If you’re looking to add this vibrant shade to your wardrobe or are searching for some inspiration for Valentine’s Day, this crimson colour has extraordinary appeal. Take a cue from these looks for new ways to style your red pieces and embolden your fashion colour palette.

HOW TO WEAR RED: Black, white and grey separates are very complimentary shades. You can also up the style factor by mixing in a vintage t-shirt or adding red accessories to complete the stand out look.

15 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Beach Essentials I’m headed to Cabo San Lucas for the first time. I’m looking forward to whale watching, exploring the art market and relaxing poolside. Here’s what I’m packing:

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Valentine’s Day Woven Wedge Sandal $99.99 from Winners

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I always purchase a new pair of sandals that can be worn during the day and out at night. If you want a heel, stick with a wedge for a more laidback look.

t From walking to the pool to grabbing a quick bite to eat, cover ups make strutting around in your bathing suit something you won’t second guess. I always pack a few just in case they get wet and aren’t ready for my next pool outing.

VDAY Parkland Fanny Pack $24.99 can be worn as a fanny pack or cross body bag parklandmfg.ca

t Hayman’s Sole Gin $29.60 lcbo.com

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la Vie en Rose_Swim Cover $39.95

16 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Photo:Winter Lotus Photography

Hobie Island Dream One-Piece Rashguard Swimsuit from Nordstrom

Celebrate those you love with roses, unique pink cocktails or small gifts to show your appreciation.

profile by Michael R. Bussière

THE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES OF

Patrick Gordon Framing atrick Gordon isn’t kidding when P his website says he’s been involved in Ottawa’s arts community since birth.

As a teenager, Patrick attended a high school arts program and furthered his studies as a painter at the Ottawa School of Art. His mum worked in the framing shop in the basement of the former DenArt gallery at the corner of Bank and First in the Glebe.

After working in various framing stores, Patrick’s business ambitions turned to the conservation and installation of art collections. All this experience is summed up by the studio he runs at 160 Elm Street just east of the City Centre.

Patrick Gordon Framing (PGF) specializes in the framing and handling of original works. He and his staff manage complex projects by individual artists and for various, prestigious government art collections.

PGF recently completed the 2019 collection purchase for the City of Ottawa, tallying over sixty pieces. The works were on show at Ottawa City Hall’s art galleries over the new year.

PGF frames the art collection of Global Affairs Canada that hangs in diplomatic missions around the world. The exclusive collection itself dates back to the 1960s and features pieces by living Canadian artists who carefully avoid

political and controversial subjects. The Department of Crown/Indigenous Relations relies on Patrick’s expertise for its incredible collection as well.

The PGF studio uses the finest materials and the highest standards to insure the longevity and crystal clarity of every artwork it frames. “Museum-quality glass, coroplast [a brand of corrugated plastic] backings versus flimsy paper.

We think of it as providing a really good, safe home for the art,” Patrick proudly says. Studio staffers are hired exclusively from professional art and museum backgrounds and know how to handle projects in a sensitive and meticulous manner. All of this is done at competitive market prices.

Patrick comes up with smart solutions for some peculiar requirements.“I think the most unusual thing I ever had to frame was a man-sized paper shirt,” he recalls. A local cabinet maker was hired to construct a deep box to act as the frame. A piece of acid-free foam core was shaped into a three-dimensional form and connected to the back of the box. The core also went through the sleeves and created the illusion of the shirt being worn on a man’s torso.

Maintaining an active and philanthropic presence is important to Patrick, who was awarded the Business Recognition for Contribution to the Arts award by the Ottawa Arts Council (OAC)

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The founder of the framing business that bears his name was born into a family of artists, both musical and visual. “My mother was the artist in the family,” Patrick reflects. “We were a total of eight kids and all my brothers and sisters were involved in the arts one way or another.”

Patrick Gordon

in 2014. The studio recently donated old frames to support local artists. In December, Patrick Gordon Framing was a “Packing Sponsor” for the OAC’s annual Luck!/Chance! art draw event, meaning Patrick and life partner Danielle Leavoy wrapped and packaged donated works for transport home by lucky ticket holders. PGF also tossed in a generous cash donation.

What sets Patrick Gordon Framing apart is its full catalogue of end-to-end services. Framing is the core offering, drawing on walls of pre-made options supplemented by creative, original solutions for any need.The studio works with the best consultants in the business for specialized conservation solutions.

Crating and shipping preparations are available, and they’ll even assist in the tricky craft of installation. Basically, they’re really nice, really professional people who know how to handle art, from big collections and gallery exhibitions to whatever may grace the walls of your favourite room at home.

Check out the website for more information about Patrick Gordon Framing’s exceptional services, plus upcoming vernissage events in the PGF space like Toronto artist Graham Robinson on April 10, 2020 n patrickgordonframing.ca 17 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

cover by Hilary Thompson

Dr. Micaela Fitzgerald, president of the Ottawa Dental Society

Ottawa Dental Society celebrates 125 years by giving back

n November 22, 1895 a group O of dentists gathered at the Russell House Hotel on the corner

of Elgin and Sparks Street. This was the inaugural meeting of the Eastern Ontario Dental Association, meant to serve dentists in Bytown and the Ottawa Valley. With only a handful of members they appointed their first President, Dr. C.A. Martin along with an honorary president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. A few other select members also played roles in what was then a very small association.

Following the first meeting the group met a few times before officially becoming the Ottawa Dental Society (ODS) in 1905. The society has continued to meet regularly since then, providing a social avenue for Ottawa dentists while also offering essential continuing education for all its members.

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This year ODS is celebrating its 125 anniversary serving dentists and the Ottawa community. Since its humble beginnings in the Russell House Hotel, the Society has grown to over 600 members. It is the third largest dental society in Ontario under the provincial body of the Ontario Dental Association (founded by Dr. Barnabas Day in 1867).

Over the past 125 years ODS has grown to be much more than a social group for Ottawa area dentists. Members have played a significant role in history like providing pharmaceutical and dental care to soldiers during the Boer War as well as WW1 and WW2. “As the city grew the association grew,� says ODS President Dr. Micaela Fitzgerald.

Currently, one of their main roles is offering four different one-day lectures a year which help members meet the continuing education commitment which is required of all Ontario dentists.

The lectures, which run in the Spring and Fall cover everything from practice management to clinical topics like PHOTO: SEAN SISK PHOTOGRAPHY

restorative dentistry, endodontics and pediatric practice. “Courses are offered on all aspects of dentistry to treat tooth, jaw and gum issues,” says Dr. Fitzgerald.

“Other topics like infection prevention and control are also offered.”

ODS runs several services that are of benefit to both their members and the general public.Their Dental Emergency Service provides emergency dental care to Ottawa area residents 365 days a year from 9am-9pm. Members sign up to be the dentist on call, ensuring that the Ottawa community has access to emergency dental care year-round.

They also have an online directory that makes it easy for people to find a dentist in their area. All ODS members have the opportunity to be listed as service providers on their website.

As part of the 125-anniversary celebration ODS is spearheading a number of initiatives on top of the services and programs they already offer.

Not only do they want to celebrate with members, they also want to give back to the community that they have been a part of for over a century.

Mouth Guard Clinic

The first initiative they are running this year is a free mouthguard clinic for amateur football players in the Ottawa area, who may not otherwise have the resources needed to protect their teeth while on the field. “Not all amateur players can afford [mouthguards],” says Dr. Fitzgerald. “Whenever there is someone who gets tackled there is the possibility for tooth injury.”

ODS has grown to be much more than a social group for Ottawa area dentists. Members have played a significant role in history like providing pharmaceutical and dental care to soldiers during the Boer War as well as WW1 and WW2. oral cancer. ODS is teaming up with the hospital to provide all oral cancer patients with an oral care package which will include a water bottle, oral rinse, soft toothbrush and lip balm. “It eliminates the step of having to put it together themselves,” Dr. Fitzgerald says, acknowledging what a difficult and overwhelming time this can be for many people.

ODS will be putting the packages together and delivering them to TOH to be distributed to patients. Screening for oral cancer is one of the many reasons to go to your dentist on a regular basis.“You are screened at every visit,” Dr. Fitzgerald says.

Oral Education

ODS has committed to providing an oral hygiene care program for people in Ottawa-area long term care facilities.

The program will educate caregivers about how to address the oral care of their residents effectively. ODS members will be going into long term care facilities to deliver the program in

Member Give Back Campaign

Finally, ODS is looking to its members to celebrate the organization’s milestone by reaching into their own pockets. They are asking members to donate $125 towards suppling much needed equipment to The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus Dental Clinic.

Dr. Fitzgerald says they have already received the hospital’s wish list which includes a dental chair and overhead lamp, an intra-oral camera and several smaller dental instruments. “I am confident that we will be delivering the entire wish list this year,” Dr. Fitzgerald says.

Dr. Fitzgerald says they are hoping to have all the initiatives rolled out surrounding oral health month in April.

ODS has teamed up with the dental program at Algonquin College whose students will be taking the impressions needed to make the mouth guards.

Several local dental labs have also signed on to the initiative to produce the mouth guards once impressions have been taken. The Ottawa U Gee Gees and Ottawa Red Black’s Alex Mateus have generously agreed show their support and raise awareness for the initiative.

Oral Care Packages

Every year The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) treats roughly 125 cases of

person, but it will also be available in a bilingual printed version for caregivers to have on hand. “When teeth aren’t cleaned properly plaque builds up and causes cavities which are difficult to fill with this population,” Dr. Fitzgerald says. “The first line of defense is good oral hygiene.” The resource will also be made available on the ODS website for people who are caring for clients or loved ones at home. “Prevention and education is a big step,” says Dr. Fitzgerald.

Mr. Tooth is spreading awareness for good dental hygiene and collecting high fives across the Ottawa area.

As part of their 125-anniversary celebration ODS would also like to recognize some of their outstanding members who are continually giving back to the community where they work. Some of them have volunteered at the Ottawa Mission Dental Clinic to provide dental care to the homeless.

Others have participated in donating equipment for the dental program at St. Mary’s Home in Vanier. “We have several members who have been incredibly active in volunteering,” Dr. Fitzgerald says.

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community will keep a look out for their mascot, Mr. Tooth, as he travels around to different Ottawa area events this year. His goal is to collect 125 high fives from children as part of their anniversary celebration. Winterlude, Ottawa Race Weekend and the Ottawa Parent and Child Expo are three of the many events where Mr. Tooth will be wandering around, spreading awareness for good dental hygiene and collecting those celebratory high fives.

Dr. Jaideep Lal began his career practicing dentistry in the Canadian Armed Forces before establishing his private practice, The Fallingbrook Dental Centre, in 1987. He is a Fellow of the international College of Dentists (FICD), Vice President of the Ottawa Dental Society (20192020), and a councillor of the ODA. He is also a member of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Ottawa Dental Society (ODS).

As a new immigrant to Canada, Dr. Tanya Bracanovich took a leap of faith and opened her own practice. Now two decades later, she has a stellar reputation for providing exceptional and personable dental services in a beautiful and comfortable environment. Dr. Bracanovich and Sparks Dental Clinic are recognized for their significant community and charitable works.

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The ODS has been around a long time and is committed to continuing to support their members and give back to the community that they have been part of for the past 125 years. Their website is a wealth of knowledge, not only for Ottawa dentists but also for the community as a whole. “Ensuring Ottawa residents have access to information to care for their teeth is important,” Dr. Fitzgerald says. “There is lots of information on the website to help promote optimal [oral] health.” n ottawadentalsociety.org

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YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region

investigative feature by Hilary Thomson

PHOTO: DAVID LEMELIN

Ottawa man left destitute

AFTER FAULTY OTTAWA POLICE SERVICE INVESTIGATION f you google ‘police misconduct in IPolice Ottawa’ it is clear that the Ottawa Service (OPS) has a problem.

From the high-profile death of SomaliCanadian Abdirahman Abdi at the hands of two Ottawa Police Officers in July 2016, to Constable Jason Mallette who faced a dozen charges of misconduct in 2018, the news is full of instances of Ottawa police officers behaving badly.

was a woman and a man coming down the stairs from the bong shop next door. Mockler started up the stairs but stumbled, as he often does because of the arthritis in his hips. He regained his balance but then fell again, brushing the hand of the woman coming down the stairs. “She started screaming bloody murder,” he remembers. “Yelling ‘He hit me, he hit me, he hit me.’”

Ottawa resident Rodney Mockler says he has witnessed first-hand some of the questionable practices that some Ottawa police officers employ while on duty. In fact, lack of police oversight and commitment to due process has cost him his livelihood.

I was not permitted to speak or give my statement of what happened.

It was a hot summer day in July 2016.

Mockler was not working because, as a man in his 50s with extreme arthritis and many other health issues, he was waiting for his first hip replacement scheduled for October. He decided to venture out from his apartment where he lives with his husband and dog to One in Ten, a local shop in Ottawa’s gay village. “I wish I would have never thought to do that, that day,” he says.

The situation escalated from there.

Mockler says he tried to apologize but the woman wouldn’t stop screaming. Eventually he raised his own voice, asking her to back off, left the scene and went into One in Ten’s back room. “I leaned against the flat seat at the window for about two minutes,” Mockler says. “Then I heard screaming and yelling, and I thought I better go try and diffuse the situation again. I wanted to apologize for raising my voice and say it was a misunderstanding.”

When he opened the door to the stairwell that led to One in Ten, there

— RODNEY MOCKLER

When he got back to the scene the police had been called and after being asked if he was in an altercation, he was handcuffed immediately and taken to the police station. “I was not permitted to speak or give my statement of what happened,” Mockler says.

Mockler was arrested and charged with assault and uttering threats to cause bodily harm by investigating officer Constable Patrick S. Lafreniere.

The alleged victim, 22-year-old Ashley Ann McColl, told police that Mockler punched her in the breast, kicked her in the knee and then grabbed her by the neck and lifted her from the ground.

In a subsequent statement taken by Lafreniere over a year later the story changes significantly with McColl adding that Mockler threatened her, saying he hated women, kicked her down the stairs, jumped down the stairs himself, dragged her back up, and then continued kicking and hitting her.

She also adds more injuries to the mix like a scratched and bleeding neck and a purple bruise on her breast. Mockler says that because of the arthritis in his hips there is no way he could have 21 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

assaulted McColl in any of these ways.

“All this led to a story that was fake from beginning to end,” he says.

Police notes and some of the witnesses’ state that it seemed like Mockler was drunk on the day the altercation occurred. Lafreniere noted that he noticed a strong smell of alcohol on Mockler’s breath and that he had slurred speech and glossy eyes.

Notes from another officer on the scene, Sergeant Claude Mallet, said that he was also unsteady on his feet and that his left eye was red.

Mockler says that although he had the equivalent of 3-4oz of vodka with orange juice at lunch he was far from being drunk. He attributes his unsteadiness to the pain in his hips and he says the glossiness in his eyes was because both lenses were removed due to radiation therapy for a tumour.The operation he underwent to remove the tumour also caused his left eye to by visibly red. No breathalyzer test was taken to confirm the suspicions of Lafreniere and the

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other police officers on scene.

Police notes indicate that McColl was asked to go to the station for them to take photos of her injuries, but she refused stating that she was late for work. Lafreniere provided her with an email address so she could email photos to him when she got home.

None of the photos that were provided

(Mockler) says he walked to the Ottawa Police Station 47 times in the months leading up to his trial to try and give his statement and also left many messages for investigating officer Lafreniere.

November 2, 2017 and he spent the next 17 months going back and forth from the Ottawa Court House to the Ottawa Police Station, trying to get as much information as he could about his case.

Mockler says both the Ottawa Police Service and the Crown were extremely unhelpful when it came to providing him with information.

He was also not allowed to submit his statement, no matter how hard he tried.

to Mockler in disclosures match the alleged injuries, although some of them were blacked out.

Executive Officer Superintendent of the Ottawa Police Jamie Dunlop says that sometimes the statement from the accused is not taken because their lawyer advises them not to give one. Mockler says this is not the case in his situation. He says he walked to the Ottawa Police Station 47 times in the months leading up to his trial to try and give his statement and also left many messages for investigating officer Lafreniere.

Mockler’s trial date was set for

An investigative report conducted by

Professional Standards Investigator Stephen T. Jones states that Lafreniere denied ever having received any messages from Mockler.

Mockler was able to get his hands on several disclosures of evidence and witness statements before his trial.

Unfortunately, the majority of the information came in only weeks before the trial date because the witness statements gathered at the scene were misplaced.

Over a year later Lafreniere made a last-minute effort to contact all the witnesses to get their statements on the events. Thomas Ramsay, the owner of One in Ten, who was working in his shop at the time of the incident says that Lafreniere came to him three times to get him to re-write his statement because it had been lost. “It was absolutely ridiculous,” he says.

This is not the first time Lafreniere has been involved in questionable police activity.

Back in 2014 he and Constable Kirk Baston faced a disciplinary hearing for tackling busker Denis Seguin to the ground before issuing a ticket for busking on Rideau Street. Seguin was injured above the eye and his wrists were hurt by tight cuffs. Lafreniere and Baston were charged with two counts of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority but were acquitted of using unnecessary force.

Both officers remained on patrol during the Police Services Act proceeding in the spring of 2014.

When it came time for Mockler’s trial Lafreniere did not show up in court and neither did any of the witnesses.

Mockler was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

The professional standards investigation report cites the difficulties that Lafreniere had in gathering statements and the unwillingness of witnesses to participate in the court process as reasons why the Crown ultimately withdrew the charges against Mockler.

Dunlop says it is not uncommon for witnesses to be asked to re-write statements and that in certain situations they do not to show up at a court date.

He said he was unable to be more specific about the case because of an investigation spearheaded by several complaints by Mockler to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD). “It is difficult to

trial. Security Screening Investigator Amanda Black told Mockler in an email that they were also concerned about alcohol-related issues based on the altercation as well as his dismissal from DCC. “It was a catalyst,” Mockler says. “My career is over.”

Mockler says that even though the charges were dropped from the incident with McColl, he believes they are still sitting on his record. He says An IT contractor for the he was told by several people that it is up to police whether or not government, Mockler has been a charge is erased. “I was told by unable to find steady work since everyone that it is at the police’s discretion,” he said. “If the police the summer of 2016 . . . . don’t like you, they won’t take it Mockler found out that there off.”

was a mark on his record and the security clearance he needed to get a job with the government was in question. say in a hypothetical situation,” Dunlop says. “There are yeses and no’s all over the place.”

The crown dropped the charges against Mockler in November 2017; however, the incident continues to haunt him to the present day. An IT contractor for the government, Mockler has been unable to find steady work since the summer of 2016. He says he had a job at Defense Construction Canada (DCC) in 2017 but was terminated without a proper explanation after six weeks. “I had never not had a job in eight years,” he says.

When he did some digging, Mockler found out that there was a mark on his record and the security clearance he needed to get a job with the government was in question.

In May 2018, Mockler went to an interview with the Security Screening Investigation Unit of Public Services and Procurement Canada where they outlined that his clearance was being reviewed because he failed to tell them of his arrest in 2016. This is a requirement that Mockler knew about, but says it slipped his mind because of his health issues and impending

On April 16, 2019 the OIPRD submitted a letter to the OPS stating that they had found several deficiencies in the OPS’ review of Mockler’s complaints that Lafreniere had not acted appropriately in the investigation of his case.

The letter found former OPS Chief Charles Bordeleau’s investigation “not reasonable” and asked that he complete another review of the matter, interviewing Lafreniere directly (instead of relying solely on his notes) as well as Sergeant Mallet and Constable Ross Griffiths who also played a role in investigating the charges against Mockler.

The OPS conducted the review as mandated by the OIPRD but still came up with nothing, except Lafreniere admitted to having received one message from Mockler but didn’t return it because his superiors had already spoken to him. “Upon analysis of all the new information, the investigator has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish reasonable grounds to believe misconduct occurred on the part of the respondent officer,” wrote investigator Sergeant Mireille Clement in the report.

On December 3, 2019 Mockler received a second report from the OIPRD who had conducted another investigation into whether the OPS continued >> page 25 23 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

opinion by Angelo Persichilli

It’s time to rethink the CBC BC license is up for renewal C and the debate is (again) on. Is it fair to keep public funding for this broadcaster? Or, more bluntly, do we need CBC?

Before dealing with CBC, we should ask another question: do we need the CRTC? Considering the globalization and the new technology, the CRTC looks more and more a Don Quixote of modern time.

Its mandate is to make sure that Canadian broadcasters operate according to the Broadcasting Act, Telecommunications Act and Canada’s anti-spam legislation.

Their mission is to ensure “that Canadians have access to a worldclass communication system.”

Over the course of many years, I had the opportunity to deal with many people working hard, diligently and with passion to fulfill the CRTC mandate. Their job had a purpose when they had to regulate “Canadian highways” of distribution over the air or the Cable System. But the Internet is out of the CRTC’s reach.

With this in mind, let’s go back to the CBC and its role in the Canadian broadcasting.That is, forget for now the carriage and let’s talk about content.

talents need to move to the South to pursue their international quest for stardom.

I’m not engaging in the frivolous debates about the CBC being a Liberal mouthpiece or the producers of programs considered, by some, the only essence of Canadianism. Programs perceived to be tailored for snobbish, cultured, and socially hypersensitive viewers and not for those insensitive couch potatoes watching House of Cards or other shows on Netflix or Amazon (not to mention the hundreds of channels bringing shows in every language and from every country on this planet.)

Canadians are already flooded with programs from all over the planet and the CRTC has no power to make sure they are “world class”; furthermore, we just need a computer connected to the Internet and anyone can become a broadcaster with more viewer than the CBC.

Unfortunately, the mandate and the mission were shaped years ago, according to the social and technologic environment of the past. Nowadays, with a box bought in the black market and a satellite dish, Canadians are already flooded with programs from all over the planet and the CRTC has no power to make sure they are “world class”; furthermore, we just need a computer connected to the Internet and anyone can become a broadcaster with more viewer than the CBC. Not to mention the mandate to implement to antispam legislation, the laughingstock of duct cleaning telemarketers bothering Canadians with phone calls generated from India.

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There is no doubt that the CBC has a rich history of accomplishments since its creation in 1936, in terms of production of quality shows and as a springboard for worldwide renowned artists. However, since the beginning of the eighties, the game has changed, and the CBC has increasing difficulties to play a significant role. They are losing ground domestically and our Canadian

Let’s pretend that the CBC has more quality programs and the best product representing Canada. The question remains: why the CBC viewership is shrinking?

True, the shrinkage is common to the entire broadcasting sector, public and private, but for the CBC this is a chronic, old and more serious disease that predates the new technology.

Some argue that the production of quality programs comes with a price, so public funding is justified. Fine, they have public funding, but the question remains: why do they have less audience then most private broadcaster?

Because, they say, private broadcasters can resort to more foreign programs

Ottawa man left destitute >> from page 23

for a cheap price, mainly from US, while the CBC is bound to the so called “Canadian content.”

Let’s try to understand: do they have better quality programs or not? If they do, are they implying that Canadians prefer to watch cheap programs? Of course not. But, some explain, that it is very hard to sell quality, educational programs compared with trash TV shows.True, but why then do the CBC newscasts, which are not supposed to be ‘educational’ but just informative, have the same problem?

Let’s try the other way around.

Canadians watch good programs that foreign producer dump for a cheap price in Canada considered only a fringe market. Canadian broadcasters, they say, cannot compete with US production companies because they have more resources.They, rightly, point out that American competitors have 10 times the potential audience available to Canadian broadcasters. Basically, if they can spend $10 to produce a show, we can spend only one.

This argument doesn’t hold water.

We compete with the US in many sectors, selling them many quality products (isn’t that the reason why Donald Trump doesn’t like Free Trade with us?); we also compete with them in sports (Aren’t we the North?). Is it possible that only when we talk about quality TV programs, we can’t do better than the Americans?

Aren’t we, as they say, the best country to live in? Why we dislike everything from US but we love their shows selling us their lifestyle? Why people from around the world love this country and Canadian ingenuity works in every sector but stops at the doorstep of CBC production studios? Why we are unable to capture that reality in our programs?

How can they hope to expand their viewership internationally, if they are unable to even interests Canadians?

I know that the mandate of the CBC

is more articulated than the one of other broadcasters, the CBC plays a big role especially in remote areas in the North to keep all Canadians connected. True, but the quality of a product is not the one in the mind of the producers, but in the acceptance of the ‘clientele’, in this case the viewers. If their role is important, how come their audience is shrinking? Do they need more public money? How much more? More importantly, to do what? Furthermore, with the new technology, conventional broadcasting is less and less important in keeping people connected, especially in remote areas.

Why should we increase public financing for a broadcaster that has serious difficulties to fulfill its mandate?

Why not invest more money in the new technology to better connect Canadians, especially those in remote areas?

Moreover, does it make sense that the more Canadian turn away from the CBC the more they are forced to pay for it?

There are many problems facing broadcasters everywhere but the first step to solve them is to recognize the source. The problems with the CBC are threefold. First, they are unable, just like most other broadcaster, to better use the new technology. Second, they don’t have the proper content. The CBC wants to talk about Canada but it’s trying too hard to shape Canadians into something they still don’t know.

And third, it is the mentality of the Corporation. Economic entitlement, lack of reward for those working hard and diligently (and there are many), no consequences for incompetent and irresponsible employers, too much bureaucracy inside and too much politicking.

The CBC has a lot of work to do before making the money issue the only obstacle to make the corporation successful again n

Angelo Persichilli is a former columnist with the Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, The Hill Times, and Corriere Canadese and was director of communications for Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

professional standards investigations were reasonable and whether Acting Police Chief Steve Bell’s decision that the allegations of misconduct against Constable Lafreniere were unsubstantiated was valid.

The OIPRD review concluded that the professional standards review conducted by the OPS was reasonable. While it did find that Lafreniere provided some conflicting evidence when it came to his ignoring Mockler’s repeated attempts to contact him, the OIPRD concluded that his actions surrounding Mockler’s case were reasonable and did not constitute misconduct. “When I received that I was unbelievably angry,” Mockler says.

Because Mockler has not been able to work for several years he is facing serious financial hardship. He and his husband are at risk of losing their apartment because they are unable to make rent. He is currently receiving a disability benefit from the Canada Pension Plan, but he has been refused funding from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) because his husband still brings in some income to the household.

Mockler has no idea where to turn next.

Even if he doesn’t get work, he wants the police to know they were wrong and for McColl be held accountable for ruining his life. “I’m blown away by this because I don’t understand it,” he says. “They’ve won and I’m left in the dirt.” n A check by Ottawa Life Magazine of both the OPS and OIPRD investigations into police misconduct shows a clearance rate of between 92 per cent and 96.3 per cent of all cases in favour of police, regardless of the complaint. Over 60 Ottawa police constables have been criminally charged with offenses in the past six years on everything from assault, sexual assault, (assault involving a spouse), driving under the influence, fraud, theft and illegally accessing the police database to source information — not one has been fired.

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students first series by Michael Bussière

Deep Learning Through Music day you meet a music/ Ikidst’smathnotat St.every polymath, but some lucky Martin de Porres Catholic

Elementary School in Kanata get to meet one every school day. Natalie Andrews is a teacher who is as gifted with equations as she is with the oboe. After exploring a couple of earlier career paths, Natalie eventually followed in her family’s footsteps into the joy of the classroom. Mum Diane is a retired supply teacher and sister Norina teaches high school, so it felt like family fate was moving the spirit.

“I do believe with my faith that things happen for a reason,” Natalie shares. “I love what I do and that I’m meant to teach. I want my students to know that God does have a plan for all of us.”

Like most musicians, Natalie began her instrumental studies at an early age.

After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Natalie moved back to Ottawa and began teaching privately and free-lancing around the Ottawa area. Natalie applied her devotion and energy to developing a new extracurricular music program at her first permanent teaching position at St. Elizabeth School. Over her 11year tenure, she directed school choirs, beginner and advanced ukulele and recorder clubs, and a bucket drumming club.

Natalie is in the early stages of developing a music program at St. Martin de Porres, where she is now in her second year. She’s already established a choir “that my principal is very proud and supportive of,” she

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beams. The choir performs at Masses, liturgies and a variety of small concerts, including a recent and very exciting first-time appearance on Rogers TV. Her hard work was recognized by the Sharon Hiscott Creative Arts Award in 2017 which is given to an elementary school teacher of the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) for significant contributions to the creative arts.

s Natalie Andrews (left) and the choir members at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Elementary School in Kanata.

Natalie received a $10,000 grant from MusiCounts Band Aid in 2017, a national charity that donates new instruments to school programs across Canada. Her success prompted an invitation, along with 3 other educators, from Kristen Charles, the OCSB’s K-6 Arts Consultant to participate as mentors and facilitators in an inspiring venture in music and education called the Deep Learning Through Music Network. Deep Learning is an educational framework that supports “authentic learning experiences through voice, inclusion and agency for all students,” says the OCSB.

Musicians hear it all the time, something or other about being good at math. Perhaps it’s because music and math are the only two disciplines that have invented a written language to communicate and formulate abstract concepts. Natalie the musician has now additionally become a Math specialist in the primary/junior division by taking Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) courses over the last few years. “I really do believe that music is a foundation for learning so many things. It teaches perseverance and practice,” says Natalie. “Think about how many brain centres music activates, and how it supports the learning of math and languages.”

Deep Learning Through Music assembles an OCSB-wide network of junior teachers (grades 4 to 6) who are not primarily music instructors but whose musical knowledge can be supported to help enhance music education. As Kristen Charles explains, “A music facilitator will personalize the learning based on yours and your students needs. As part of this network, your school will be receiving two class sets of instruments in your school colours (bucket drums and ukuleles) as well as a global rhythm kit.” Natalie

is thrilled by the initiative. “The Board really committed funds to seriously support the arts,” she says. “We’ll have 67 schools involved by the end of this school year!”

Natalie’s goal is to build a slate of music clubs at St. Martin de Porres and get kids in front of audiences. “It’s the performer in me. I’d much rather be in front of a crowd than in one.” The school and the community will be richer for it n Natalie Andrews is an active member of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association.

technology/the future is now by Michael R. Bussière

5G Primer

Long gone are the bleeps, bloops and wait times of 56K dial-up modems.

In the split-of-a-split second 5G world whole vineyards can be monitored in a matter of minutes.

adison Avenue’s knack for M hyperbole would have us believe that every new product is revolutionary rather than a mere upgrade.

Bells and whistles do not a revolution make, as in; so what if my refrigerator spits out ice? Automobile basics have not really changed since the Model-T, nor has assembly line mass manufacturing. Renewable sources aside, the electrical grid and the dissemination of cheap power has not changed since the lighting of cities at the end of the nineteenth century.

here at home. Quebec’s Videotron recently signed a 5G deal with Samsung, marking the first time the S. Korean multinational conglomerate is supplying network solutions in Canada.

experiences, demanding greater network capacity, speed, etc.Try to tally the flood of new services and products since the advent of smartphones 12 years ago, so many of which may be of dubious value.

Videotron President and CEO Jean François Pruneau stated, “LTE Advanced and 5G will undoubtedly revolutionize [there’s that word again] the way we interact with our loved ones and the environment around us.”

If you were a fan of HBO’s Silicon Valley, you may recall a term coined by the Satan-worshiping data scientist Gilfoyle: solutionism. Create a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist; hence, household appliances that stealthily monitor your conversations and spit out to-do lists. The impact will be felt across the full spectrum of applications, and companies are preparing for roll out.

Translation: Our relationships may be further virtualized, and; the Internet will become ubiquitous.

Information networks date back to encoded data transmission via telegraph wires and voice over the first Bell lines. 1G (first generation) Instead of walking many hectares Huawei has an invitationmobile analog voice networks only presentation centre in its of rows every week, irrigation, (and your medieval cell phone) Markham facility designed to the only untethered us, eons before disease, and overall quality of grapes eyeballs to showcase its 5G vision.

4G LTE ushered in the mobile Room after room, phones and can be monitored with sensors from displays installed like artwork, the Internet and a society addicted to staring at a magic rectangle. If polyphonic tide of the company’s above in a matter of minutes. you feel the Internet is already too futurist dream dazzles the visitor. intimately grafted to your visual Picture the bridge of the USS cortex, then look out (or at least up).

Enterprise with complimentary Here comes the 5G revolution.

The New York Times dubbed the Nespresso. iPhone the holy grail of technology; a Tech news these days is dominated by consumer network device into which Leo Seto is Huawei Canada’s senior 5G, so if you’re flummoxed by what it just about any function could be solutions manager and he loves to all means, well, you’re not alone. But installed. It was the dawn of the 4G talk 5G. “Canada is a bit behind when while the impending effects of mobile mobile Internet.Technology progresses it comes to 5G deployment,” Leo data’s fifth generation remain fuzzy, its in a chicken-and-egg fashion. Innova- says. “Bell and Telus went with fibre business impact is already being felt tions in hardware spawn new user covering about 80 per cent of urban 27 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

areas. Wireless takes us all the way and more efficiently including rural and remote regions.”

So what are the differentiators and advantages of 5G over current 4G networks? Essentially, 5G delivers faster, higher quality mobile broadband services. All network generational

like connected refrigerators assume the kitchen to be the centre of the home, and potentially the centre of a domestic digital ecosystem. That inky whiteboard on the fridge door is replaced by a touchscreen connecting car, phone, home security, and virtually everybody and every Internet thing inside and out.

Farmers need to be notified immediately (of bovine etrus) in order to increase yield. 5G provides a cost-effective solution with wide, reliable network coverage and low battery consumption by the wearable monitors. upgrades have, but 5G is going to be a big, big leap because it can expand into new highly demanding, missioncritical service areas that require ultralow latency and a super high degree of speed and reliability.

Latency, that delay between machinetalk “knock-knock” and “who’s there?” must be split-split second tops for applications that will become a part of our daily lives. One day soon, safetyrelated systems in autonomous vehicles will require connectivity to everything in and around them, meaning massive data in sixteen lanes of the 401 crossing the GTA. Industrial/robotic controls, real-time medical applications, and drones operating in controlled airspace are all mission-critical services.

5G is all about the Internet of Things (IoT), that stuff beyond your desktop that makes computing and networks more and more ubiquitous. Products 28 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Entire prototype communities are on the horizon. Google-affiliate Sidewalk Labs is developing a smart neighbourhood on old industrial waterfront in Toronto.

The idea is to populate an eco-friendly neighbourhood with robots and sensors that collect a wide range of data about urban life in order to design better and greener communities.

The original proposal of 0.7 sq. km has been scaled down to 4.8 hectares.

Privacy activists want to know why a company that already owns over 90 per cent of search has been given such a sweet deal by the city. Advocates believe it prepares Toronto for a new generation of start-ups. For better or worse, only 5G networks can enable this kind of world.

On the better side, Leo Seto has a catalogue of incredible Huawei demonstrations. Brace yourselves: connected cows. A recent event at the

company’s Markham office featured a dairy cow munching on the lawn with an unusual device around her neck. Bovine estrus is mission-critical in a herd, but traditional monitoring is insufficient for the farmer to get the timing right. Its occurrence and duration are somewhat random, but farmers need to be notified immediately in order to increase yield.

5G provides a cost-effective solution with wide, reliable network coverage and low battery consumption by the wearable monitors.

Huawei Canada’s Intelligent Winery Event in August 2019 demonstrated the use of aerial drones for monitoring the health of a vineyard. Willow Springs Winery in York Region has signed a 5-year deal with Huawei to research agricultural applications.

Instead of walking many hectares of rows every week, irrigation, disease, and overall quality of grapes can be monitored with sensors from above in a matter of minutes. Daily reports can be sent anywhere in the world. Drones can even act as scarecrows. They’re already delivering wine and glassware to wedding guests and other visitors to Willow Springs. And again, only 5G can do this.

We can’t quite grasp what is going on around us, submerged as we are in media and technology. “We look at the present through a rear-view mirror.

We march backwards into the future,” once wrote an Elizabethan poetry scholar. It will be a while before we can understand the impact on human intelligence of asking Google to turn off the lights, but we’re seeing clues.

A 17-year old cyber-Bart Simpson recently hacked into a family’s home network in the US and tormented them for hours. 5G is enabling remote surgery. Pop culture is imagining robotic tattoos over distance. Videotron’s 5G promises to enhance “the way we interact with our loved ones and the environment around us.”

Our devices may very well become our loved ones, and more and more our environment will become the Internet of Things.

One thing’s for sure; it’ll be weird n

It’s a clean, reliable and affordable energy source that powers our homes and businesses.

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energy series/opinion by Greg Vezina

Carbon tax and new green deal solutions oth Justin Trudeau’s Liberal and B Andrew Scheer’s Conservative climate change policies are flawed.

They exempt the largest CO2 emitters in the highest polluting sectors between 70 and 80-90 per cent assuring failure to meet Paris Agreement level of green house gas (GHG) reductions of 30 per cent below 2005 levels, by 2030.

Even worse, most forms of renewable energy like wind, solar and battery power GHG or life cycle emissions are not covered, and both Ontario and Ottawa propose to increase the minimum mandate use of food-cropbased ethanol regardless of land use and other harms.

No policy can possibly get us anywhere near the 80 per cent reduction of 2005 levels of GHG or life cycle pollution from all forms of energy by 2040 but an ammonia solution would.

Two of Ontario’s recent auditor generals’ found the Liberal’s green plans were badly flawed for not doing research before needlessly spending many billions of dollars.

The parliamentary budget officer recently concluded that for Canada to reach its target, the federal carbon tax would need to increase to $102 per tonne by 2030.

Justin Trudeau has awarded billions of dollars for green projects without having his belatedly (April 2019) announced climate institute, the PanCanadian Expert Collaboration, to help Canadians see if their federal government is making decisions in their best interests when it comes to tackling global warming.

Using as a benchmark a joint Concordia University and Montreal Economic Institute June, 2017 study, “Subsidizing electric vehicles inefficient way to reduce CO2 emissions,” the $5,000 federal battery vehicle subsidy CO2 reduction costs $200 per ton — 30 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

10 times the current federal carbon tax and the Quebec-California cap-andtrade price.

An April 2019 University of Chicago analysis of 30 U.S. state-level programs “Renewable energy mandates reduce carbon dioxide emissions—but at a cost” found they upped electricity prices as much as 17 per cent, concluding the global experiences from carbon markets and taxes make clear that much less expensive ways to reduce CO2 are available right now.

All the while our major parties and their leaders including the NDP and Greens ignore dozens of proven ammonia solutions to our energy, environmental, critical infrastructure and economic challenges.

No policy can possibly get us anywhere near the 80 per cent reduction of 2005 levels of GHG or life cycle pollution from all forms of energy by 2040 but an ammonia solution would.

A November 2015, Carnegie Mellon University report the “Use of NH3 fuel to achieve deep greenhouse gas reductions from U.S. transportation,” concluded, aggressive implementation of NH3-fueled vehicles to replace gasoline vehicles, would eliminate 96 per cent of the annual light duty vehicle CO2 emissions projected for 2040, a 718-million metric ton CO2 reduction.

A July 2016, NH3 Fuel Association conference presentation by the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy demonstrated that ammonia was already the lowest-cost, proven technology for long-term, large-scale energy storage, where “long-term” refers to any time period greater than one day.

A March 2017, joint study by Oshawa’s Ontario Technical University (formerly UOIT) and Mississauga’s Hydrofuel Inc., found that using ammonia improves both fossil fuels and renewable energy for all industrial, agricultural, heating, cooling, and transportation applications except for transoceanic aircraft.

In November 2018, the portal Ammonia Energy wrote that national oil companies are looking to satisfy demand for clean hydrogen by exporting carbon-free ammonia. One of the biggest global LNG exporters is investigating NH3 for the same market, as it considers Australia’s future as a renewable energy exporter.

And the biggest coal producer in China is funding the development of “the world’s first practical ammoniapowered vehicle.”

An April 2019, Institute of Energy Economics, Japan study found Japan could use ammonia fuel to reduce total CO2 emissions by 80 per cent in 2050 for electrical power generating.

In May 2019, Environmental Defense Fund reported international shipping can at least halve its emissions by 2050, and can unleash trillions of dollars of investment opportunities in sustainable industrial infrastructure by using clean fuel such as “green” ammonia.

In June 2019, Norway announced a subsidy free offshore 75 windmill wind-to-ammonia production and combined ocean freighter fuelling hub to supply 65 marine vessels per day.

We have viable ammonia energy solutions to implement life cycle taxbased policies and regulations to put the real price on all energy based pollution and eliminate subsidies to level the playing field for industry and taxpayers n Greg Vezina is Chairman of Hydrofuel Inc. and leader of Ontario’s None of the Above Direct Democracy Party.

ope-ed by Vicki McKenna, RN

A National Pharmacare Program is the right thing, say nurses and health care professionals anada has just re-elected a minority C Liberal federal government, which featured a bold proposal to finally include prescription drugs in our much-loved public health care system.

Nurses and health care professionals across Canada are among many who have called for such a program. For two decades, they have known that pharmacare would ease the suffering of millions of Canadians, and save the country billions in health care costs.

Polling conducted in January of 2019

by Environics Research shows that 84 per cent of Canadians support such a program, and one look at the numbers makes it easy to see why:

The independent, nonpartisan Parliamentary Budget Office has calculated that a singlepayer national pharmacare plan would save a minimum of $4.2 billion a year from bulk-buying alone.

• More than 42 per cent of Ontarians aged 25 to 34 years have no prescription drug coverage.

• More than 1.5 million Ontarians who work each day could be struck down by the potentially prohibitive costs of prescription medications should they become ill or injured.

These are more than just statistics.

They tell the stories of Canadians who too often have to make choices: of a mother working in retail who skips her insulin doses to put food on the table for her children instead, slowly damaging her internal organs; a man in a labour job who skips his cholesterol drugs to instead save enough money to pay for his elderly mother’s care; or of a young office worker in a temporary administrative job, skipping antipsychotic medications to treat bipolar disease in order to be able to afford the rent.

• Lack of prescription drug coverage is even more widespread among part-time workers – a growing share of Ontario’s labour force – and almost half of part-time immigrant workers have no coverage at all.

On the front lines of health care, nurses and health care professionals see the impact on these patients, particularly on workers whose private coverage falls considerably short of what they need.

• More than one in five workers in Ontario do not have workplace drug coverage, and most likely don’t qualify for the Trillium lowincome plan or other government coverage.

PHOTO: PIXABAY

Many workplace insurance plans include costly co-payments and have an annual limit. One young Canadian, Rowan Burdge, says that despite her workplace insurance plan, her medications and supplies to control her Type 1 diabetes leave her paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to buy private insurance and pay for the supplies when the coverage runs out.

Speaking publicly, Burdge says she estimates she has spent $70,000 out of pocket in the last decade, despite being employed and insured.

There will be some who want a continuation of the current patchwork of private and public coverage. This approach risks the advantages of a universal pharmacare program.

The independent, non-partisan Parliamentary Budget Office has calculated that a single-payer national pharmacare plan would save a minimum of $4.2 billion a year from bulk-buying alone. That does not include the broader savings that would accrue thanks to a healthier population and a reduced number of avoidable hospitalizations.

Canadians are compassionate, and their nurses know that a national pharmacare system will benefit everyone and our pocketbooks too. It’s time to move forward and do the right thing n Vicki McKenna is the provincial President of the Ontario Nurses’ Association ona.org 31 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

travel by Jennifer Hartley

SucculentSan Francisco Decadent. That is the first word that comes to mind when trying to describe San Francisco. It is a mecca for well, everything good. Beauty, vitality, fine dining, joie de vivre, eclectic night life, diversity and acceptance --- and chocolate (Ghirardelli chocolates is based there). It is a vibrant city

Get into the Vibe There is something beautiful about the ethos of acceptance is part of the social fabric of the city.While grabbing an incredible lunch/feast at ONE65, it was moving to listen to the chatter of the next table which was a group of well-dressed seniors with a young transgendered woman dressed in heels and jeans. It was a beautiful scene of acceptance and friendship.

There is also something remarkably romantic about the city. Walking along the Embarcadero at dusk, with the smell of ocean air filling your senses, watching the Bay Bridge lights glisten in the sky is nothing short of enchanting. (The Bay Bridge is a portrait of resilience — parts of it had to be rebuilt after the horrific earthquake in 1989).

Embarcardero Traditionally, ports (Embarcardero is Spanish for “place of embarking”) have been less than stellar parts of town but finally cities have realized that people like being near water and so development has been booming in cities across North America, and San Francisco is no exception. There are restaurants, museums and great scenery.

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where literally anything goes. Even you had 72 days you would not have enough time to fully explore this magical city, so a mere 72 hours hardly seems like enough time, but a long weekend is just long enough to give you a flavour— and whet your appetite for more.

Along your stroll, stop at the Exploratorium. It is a hands-on experience for people to learn about all types of science. Give it an hour.You won’t regret it.

ABOVE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Fisherman's Warf sign. The San Francisco skyline from Marin Headlands. Sea Lions sunning themselves at Fisherman's warf.

Alcatraz and Pier 39 Everyone knows the Alcatraz history as a federal prison, with notorious convicts such as Al Capone, but it was also the site of the first lighthouse built on the Pacific Coast. (Alcatraz is Spanish for pelican.) There are boat tours that will take you there for a full tour but if you are tight for time, hop on a one-hour Blue and Gold Fleet tour of the Bay where you can sail by.

Presidio Indigenous Americans have called northern California region home for nearly 10,000 years. Later, like from 1776 to 1821, it was the Spanish empire's northernmost post. The point is there is a lot of history in this area.

The one-hour Bay boat tour is worth doing because you will sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, past Angel Island State Park, get a fantastic view of the San Francisco skyline and waterfront.

Pier 39 (where you board the boat) itself has shops, restaurants and tourist traps, but stop in at the Sea Lion Center. It is a small education center where you can learn about this swarm of creatures that live on the Pier.

The military presence is still felt (and a walk through the military cemetery is moving) but new businesses came into the area, such as Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light and Magic and the Walt Disney Family Museum, which is focused on the very beginnings of Walt Disney the person and how his vision came to life.

Golden Gate Bridge The Bridge spans about 3 km from one end to the other. Approximately 120,000 automobiles drive across it every day. A pedestrian walkway also allows crossing on foot, and bikes are allowed on the western side. Magical thing to do.

PHOTO: LOUIS RAPHAEL

(There is an urban legend that the Bridge is always being painted somewhere. By the time they finish one end, they have to turn around and start again.)

Golden Gate Park You could spend a whole week in here alone in its 1,000 acres and not see everything. It is a mecca for the senses and is the third most visited park in the US. There are gardens, groves, lakes, museums (the California Academy of Sciences (the greenest museum in the world) , the DeYoung Museum, the Conservatory of flowers and iconic Japanese Tea Garden which is a feast for the eyes). There is everything in this jewel of San Francisco, including a Buffalo compound. You can rent bikes or segways to putter around in to see more of the park quickly.

Hail to the Hippies

If the Summer of Love or learning about the hippie counterculture movement of the 1960s, then make a quick visit to the Haight Ashbury neighbourhood.

Stop at Amoeba Records. It is one of the largest independent music stores in the world and you can catch a free show.

LGBTQ

Arguably, the fight for LGBTQ rights all began in the Castro District of San Francisco. Harvey Milk (immortalized in the movie starring Sean Penn) lived and worked here and it is worth visiting. There is an amazing walking two-hour tour.

No visit to San Fran is complete without taking in a drag queen show. Head to AsiaSF in SoMa neighbourhood. It is legendary and even has a documentary about the Queens. You can grab a cocktail and dinner and be ignited by these dynamic ladies. The scallops, chocolate cake and cocktails are amazing and you are guaranteed to have a great time. The shows are not long but worth it.

PHOTOS: HILARY THOMSON

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ONE65's bread and butter is like eating bread for the first time.

The Pied Piper Bar at The Palace Hotel. Yoda graces a fountain at Lucasfilm headquarters. Dinner and Drag Queen show at AsiaSF. Room with a view — ­ a cabin at Chayote Lodge. Dining with a view, waterfront in Embarcadero.

Fuel Be prepared to indulge. San Francisco is known as foodie heaven for good reason.

If you have a craving for pizza, head to funky Zero Zero. Italian wood-fired pizza, creative side dishes and pastas.

Local halibut crudo, charcuterie.

The attention to detail and care at French restaurant ONE65 makes every morsel an eating experience. It is unpretentious and focuses on what it should: top quality food and service.

The sourdough bread comes from the famous SF bakery Boudin and the butter imported from France — Bordier butter no less, quite possibly the best butter ever.

The steak in all its forms on the menu – including steak tartare – melts in your mouth.

Fisherman’s Wharf is of course well known for its fresh seafood. You may notice a lot of restaurants with Italian names. There is an Italian heritage in San Francisco that dates back over 171 years.

brunch with must-try breakfast cocktails and breakfast cake. Erected in 1903 as a military barracks, the historical building has been converted into a modern eatery.

Sleep Since you must sleep, you might as well do it in style.

The Palace Hotel is an icon in San Fran. It is a grande dame of a place, established in 1875 and in her day was the first premier luxury hotel and the largest in the world. Everything about this Marriott hotel is rich, stylish and regal-feeling. The only downside is that there are no coffee machines in the rooms but then again you should be grabbing a drink in the magnificent lobby bar or in the Pied Piper bar anyway.

At the end of the day, it is truly difficult to do San Francisco justice.

The vibrancy, vitality and magic of the place is infectious. (By the way, the San Francisco City Pass pays for itself and is worth getting for the discounts.)

Hit casual dining Cioppino’s in Fisherman’s Wharf for its version of the Cioppino (a San Francisco fish stew).

The portion is enough for two.

Writer Rudyard Kipling once wrote, “San Francisco has only one drawback—‘tis hard to leave.” Indeed.

But you will go back because it is one of the most magical cities in the world n

Presidio Social Club has an amazing

sftravel.com 33 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

travel by Dan Donovan

THE MOST WONDERFUL TRIP IN THE WORLD

Scotland Slowly Our Adventure Canada blue shell jackets emblazoned with the distinctive Polar Bear logo kept the wind out and the warmth in as we jutted across the salty ocean waves in one of the Ocean Endeavour’s zodiac’s, mist spraying in our faces.

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Orkney and the Shetland Islands before turning south to end in Aberdeen.

It was the third week of June and we were off the Scottish coast in the safe hands of the legendary Chelseabased singer songwriter, playwright, producer, raconteur and sometime host Ian Tamblyn, who has been guiding expedition travel with Adventure Canada for much of the past three decades.Tamblyn deftly brings us ashore while regaling us with facts and stories of the area. We are met on the beach

by Scotland Slowly Expedition Leader Matthew Swan, who is in hipwaders as he lends a hand as we disembark.

We quickly got used to the rules for boarding and landing but Swan and his team are always there with a smile.

We are traveling on the Ocean Endeavour, a 190-passenger converted Russian ferry built in 1985 that has been transformed into a wonderfully modern expedition ship, customised for passenger experiences in remote environments. It boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to explore throughout the Arctic summer and it carries 20 zodiac boats and advanced navigation equipment for long or shorter excursions. There are multiple lounges, a superb restaurant and a top-deck observation room. The staff has an international flare with a friendly and helpful crew from over fourteen countries. The captain was Ukrainian, the chef was Italian and there were cabin, maintenance and restaurant staff from South America, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.

It would be like this for the next 11 days as our expedition circumnavigated Scotland passing by the Hebrides, the distant and remote Western Isles,

World-renowned wildlife photographer Kristian Bognro was the official Nikon Ambassador on the expedition and was happy to share his knowledge PHOTOS: DAN DONOVAN

with anyone who asked. Guests could borrow a Nikon camera for hikes and excursions and Kristian was a great tutor providing helpful tips and suggestions on how to get the best shots. Passengers looked forward to his daily photo and videos montages that captured the best of what we had seen that day.

The soul of the trip was a trio of Scottish raconteurs who should take their show on the road. Musician Bobby Watt is an internationally renowned educator in heritage stonemasonry techniques and one of the best storytelling and folk musicians to ever come from Scotland. Tom Muir is a historian, archaeologist and author with an unbridled love for the lore of his native Orkney Islands, and for the Nordic lands of his Viking ancestors.

David Edwards is a geologist who managed to make everyone onboard interested in rocks, volcanoes and cliffs with his funny but very sensible jargon-free stories, it was pure theatre.

Individually brilliant, together these guys are a show. And did I mention how much they love Scotland.

Author Margaret Atwood was a special guest on the trip. She has a long history of trekking and touring with Adventure Canada and is as lovely as her books leave you to believe she would be. She is unpretentious, polite, reserved, kind and incredibly friendly — as Canadian as they come, eh!

Dinner was a highlight each day as passengers gathered in casual attire and mingled to share their daily exploits over a glass of wine. There were always a variety of meal selections, lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, chicken, pork, beef, and scrumptious desserts – incredible really. The permanent coffee and snack bar in the library/ reading room area is open 24/7 and depending on your mood you can just sit and watch the waves roll by or read a book.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Island of Staffa with its columnar basalt rock formations. A view from Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important medieval castles in Scotland. The blue-jacketed adventurers heading off for daily land-based excursions. The Ocean Endeavour, outfitted with 20 zodiacs, was home for our 10-day adventure.

were formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption cooled very quickly leaving this incredible geologic structure in its wake.

because he grew up doing these tours with his family — he’s a natural. He must have got it from his dad who started the company in 1987.

As a couple of zodiacs entered the caves Scottish native and trip Ornithologist, Chris Rollie began singing the Robert Burns song The Banks O’ Doon. You could have heard a pin drop. Hearing that voice in the cave reminded me of a choir I once heard in the Cologne Cathedral. It was so lovely, almost religious. I later learned that Chris is one of Scotland’s leading authorities on Burns.

Adventure Canada’s start is one of the great stories of Canadian ingenuity and entrepreneurship. It began as a dream when Swan brothers, Matthew Sr. and Bill, and their good friend David Freeze were students who earned cash as white-water rafting guides on the Ottawa River. They loved it so much that they decided to see if they could make a career out of it by starting an expedition adventure company. Within a year they were taking travellers from the south on backpacking and camping trips to Nunavut.

Each morning we awoke to Matthew Swan’s friendly voice over the ship’s intercom calling, ‘Good morning, good morning’, before he took us through that day’s activities. Every afternoon he led a recap of the adventures, turning it over to the excursion experts who would share their highlights, answer questions, and prep us for the next day.

Swan is a total pro. He kept everyone up to date on itinerary changes. With any kind of travel, especially an excursion trip, stuff can happen. Weather, winds or tides can be factors in revising the original program. When this happens, Swan always has a back-up plan — sometimes better than the original!

I found myself wondering, how did he (and the captain) figure things out so quickly and so efficiently? It’s probably

They went through the trials and tribulations of building a business but most importantly they treated people well, both their staff and their passengers. They built relationships in the North and abroad and worked hard to market themselves to adventureseeking travellers. There were plenty of takers looking for authentic experiences a little off the grid. In the early days, they led expeditions by horseback in the Rockies and took people hiking in Auyuittuq National Park, in the Western Arctic.

A few years later they had a particular request from the Art Gallery of Ontario, who wanted to bring a group of forty art lovers to Kinngait (Cape Dorset).

Adventure Canada guides are exceptional. Whether they are maneuvering the zodiacs across choppy waves for beach landings in the remote Western Isles or steering them into the entrance of Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa with its towering basalt columns that 35 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Matt, Bill, and Dave jumped at the opportunity — despite knowing there weren’t enough hotel rooms in Cape Dorset to handle the crowd.

Their solution became the basis for the growth and success of the company — they leased a ship. It was the perfect solution. Their guests could eat and sleep in comfort without straining the resources of Arctic communities and the ships mobility took them to places unreachable by roads. The real magic came via the collaboration and bonding that occurs when you travel and do unique things together in remote places. It created an energy and enthusiasm that was special for staff and passengers alike.

Before long, Adventure Canada had a well-earned reputation for its signature style on expedition ships that took passengers on far away journeys to learn, explore, enjoy and be happy.

Over the next three decades the family company stretched its legs and grew, winning dozens of International and domestic travel awards. The second generation of kids were all raised in the business (Cedar Swan is the second generation CEO) and now a third generation is doing the same.

The Scotland Slowly expedition begins in Glasgow and includes excursions at Islay, Iona, Staffa, Skye, St. Kilda and the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The trip themes are hiking, history, birding, botany and geology.

Now I’m not a birder or a botanist and 36 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

CLOCKWISE: Finlaggan Trust in Islay is an important archeological site. The ruins of Scava Brae. I'm no birder, but I sat for almost three hours admiring a pair of puffins on Fair Isle.

have not spent a nanosecond thinking about geology. However, I do like to hike, I like Scotch and I’m a big history buff. I knew a bit about the Scotish, Norse, Pictish, and Neolithic cultures and figured this was one way to learn more. I’m also a former military reservist in Ottawa’s famous and meritorious Scottish Regiment, The Cameron Highlanders and have been to more than a few Robert Burns dinners.

The idea of traveling in comfort on The Ocean Endeavour to visit this distant locale was appealing. What surprised me the most was how much I ended up liking botany and birds and geology.

The expedition leaders for each of these subjects were enthusiastic and so happy to be sharing their knowledge, it was infectious.

Everyday brought different adventures with shoreline landings via the zodiacs in places that are otherwise inaccessible to visitors.

I loved the tiny and tranquil island of Iona. It is small at only six kilometres long and two kilometres wide but it packs a big punch in Scottish history.

The Irish monk, St. Columba founded his famous monastery here in the sixth century bringing Christianity to

Scotland. The town has a pleasant bay, white sandy beaches with storybook shoreline cottages and homes and very friendly locals who are either farmers, fishers or working in local tourism.

The island cemetery is said to hold the remains of Macbeth and more than 40 other kings of Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Norway.

One of my favourite treks began with a beach landing on the island of Skye followed by a hike to Loch Coruisk, a freshwater loch accessed through Loch Scavaig. The soaring mountainscapes and wide open spaces were breathtaking and the morning hike seemed much shorter than it was — I lost track of time taking it all in.There is something incredibly liberating about hiking 12 kilometres across the Scottish Highlands learning about the birds and botany and environment around you.

Trekkers are always offered the option to take a shorter hike, but I loved the long ones.

One day we walked up to the top of a cliff at St.Kilda so we could look down upon the scaling rock face rising from the sea that was inhabited by thousands of birds who nestled into the sides in ingenious nests. They dive bomb down to the water below and effortlessly soar high before dropping graciously PHOTOS: DAN DONOVAN

back towards the cliffs. Chris pointed out the different birds: the guillemot, great black-backed gull, the tysti (black guillemot) and peregrine falcons. St. Kilda was inhabited until 1930 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting its fascinating ruins and natural habitat.

When we arrived at the southern end of the Shetlands, we boarded our zodiacs heading for the uninhabited island of Mousa. Ian reminded us to be on the lookout for Northern gannet birds who may, “come dive-bombing at you as a defence mechanism to protect their nests”. As I walked beside rock face I noticed there were a lot of chirping birds not pleased by our presence. To avoid them you raise your hiking pole in the air. It sounds worse than it is and was actually kind of funny. Gannets are small and their dive-bombing is more pesky than anything. I was laughing out loud at one point- it would be a great sitcom scene.

We made our way across the island towards the Broch of Mousa, which is the tallest (44 feet) and best preserved tower of its time. It was made with flat stones and has no cement or motor or substance holding it together. Our guides tell us that between 100 B.C. and 100 A.D. there were probably 700 or more of these Brochs in Scotland.

We were thrilled that we could climb to the top of this well-preserved twothousand-year-old Broch and look out from above at the vast ocean, green landscape and endless shoreline.

A highlight of the day was sitting around with fifteen or twenty other trekkers at the bottom of the Broch listening to Bobby, Tom and Dave (our Scottish guides and raconteurs) as they conversed about the myths and truths of Scotland.

The expedition included a tour to Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old village and Neolithic Age site that is still very much intact, near the Bay of Skaill, Orkney, Scotland. Skara Brae was occupied from around 3100 B.C. to 2500 B.C. It was covered for centuries under a sand dune which protected it from destruction and preserved the original site footprint. A wild winter storm in 1850 uncovered it and archeologists were able to save and restore much of

the original ten stone structures.

As you explore the walkways throughout Skara Brae, you get a sense of what daily life was like for the Neolithic peoples who fished, hunted and did some limited farming to help them survive the long winters, and at times harsh environment here, over 5000 years ago. Skara Brae is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The North Sea’s Fair Isle was not on our original itinerary, but weather changes led us to an afternoon excursion at this glorious arcadia, which is home to 55 residents.

The Scotland Slowly expedition begins in Glasgow and includes excursions at Islay, Iona, Staffa, Skye, St. Kilda and the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The trip themes are hiking, history, birding, botany and geology.

Matthew had contacted the community with less than a days notice to tell them we would be ‘dropping by’ for a Saturday visit. This three-squaremile, Scottish island is overseen by the National Trust for Scotland whose mandate is to keep the island accessible, occupied and productive.

The trust pays for some infrastructure and support including a full-time nurse practitioner. It has a small bay and a modern wharf. Upon arrival you can bike or hike down a long and winding road that takes you to the community centre (and elementary school that has three students!). The residents are mostly sheep farmers.

As I walked towards the community centre, I chuckled wondering what the 55 residents were thinking as they watched 170 blue coated smurfs (us) hopping off a bunch of zodiacs to roam around their remote island home with its lush green landscape, sharp coastal cliffs and puffins. There were lots of friendly puffins. They hung out in pairs because they have no natural

predators on the island, they seemed just as curious about us as we were about them.

The Isle of Lewis is the largest of the Hebridean Islands and home and to the famous Harris Tweed. We went to the island’s capital of Stornoway on a fog-covered misty morning for a tour of Gearrannan Blackhouse Village in Carloway.

The stone and thatched-roof homes are notched into the dramatic island landscape and will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. The architecture of the blackhouses is quite innovative and stunning. Gaelic history, culture and traditions thrive here. The themes and stories are about families and a hard life by the sea.

Over the course of the expedition we saw whales, sea lions and seabirds. We hiked remote islands with glorious vistas and wondered aloud how anyone could live and survive and thrive in such remote spots. Scotland is truly magnificent. It is blessed with beautiful highlands, soaring cliffs and endless shorelines. History comes alive in its Neolithic villages or when you traipse around its medieval castles.

Adventure Canada gave me a new appreciation for the world around me and for the simple beauty and ingenuity of the many things we take for granted.

As crazy as it sounds the highlight of the whole trip (eventhough there are many) was sitting on the base top of a grassy cliff on Fair Isle overlooking a puffin colony. Puffins are hilarious quirky creatures. I sat there in silence for almost two hours waiting to see if this one inquisitive puffin would get comfortable enough with me to hop on my shoe. Suddenly he did. I thought, I am the puffin whisperer! As they say, it’s the little things in life.

Adventure Canada’s goal is to help every traveller become an enthusiastic ambassador for the regions and the cultures they visit.They believe travel is an opportunity to enrich people’s lives and that getting to know the world is one way of becoming a better global citizen n adventurecanada.com 37 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Exploring the land of Pura Vida country of five million people, A Costa Rica is wedged in between Nicaragua and Panama, in middle

Pura Vida, meaning simple life or pure life, is a term heard almost everywhere from people of all walks of life in Costa Rica. But they don’t use it as a greeting or an enduring term, they live it.

38 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

America. It rises from the Caribbean ocean, across lush tropical rainforests, up and over mountain tops before descending through the humidity back down to the beautiful Pacific coast.

Rather than fight against nature, Costa Rican’s embrace it, make it part of their life and their livelihood. They live among nature like cohabitants rather than conquerors . . . that’s Pura Vida.

Catching only a glimpse of our surroundings as we exited the airport, a waiting shuttle quickly spirited away out of the city through the highlands and to the mountains. After an hour of driving past incredible scenery of unparalleled beauty, we arrived at the Chayote Lodge near Naranjo de Alajuela. It is the complete opposite of the frantic paced capital city of San Jose, now a carpet of twinkling lights in

the valley down below.

Owner, Rolando Campos wanted to create a destination for tourists in his native region. He speaks passionately of his admiration for the nature in the surrounding the area. The lodge has 12 cabins that are all positioned overlooking the valley.

With volcanos and mountains tops all around, you can’t help feel as if you’ve become one with the clouds. The cabins have rustic interiors crossed with modern architecture that includes all-glass front that allow for a full view of the valley. . . It’s an incredible sight to wake up too.

Dinner or breakfast at the hotel restaurant is superb. The food is simple but fresh and delicious. For those with a more anthropological inclination, the hotel offers some great outings one of which is to a local elderly woman’s house in the village below the hotel PHOTOS: MCKENZIE DONOVAN

PHOTO: COURTESY MISTICO ARENAL HANGING BRIDGE PARK

travel by Mckenzie Donovan

where you help to cook a traditional Costa Rican-style meal. The menu for our visit was fried cauliflower and plantain with potatoes, chicken, and rice and beans. The food was homey, delicious and mostly prepared on a wood stove that doubled as the source of heat that keeps her house warm, even though she did have modern amenities like a fridge and gas stove. Delicious as it was, the meal was unexpectedly different from Mexican or Cuban food; it is not spicy at all.

Hike down to the base of the waterfall at Catarata Del Toro Adventures Breakfast at the Chayote Lodge is a wonderful experience too. Costa Rican coffee, which is delicious, fresh fruit, local rice and beans served with fresh cheese and eggs will temper any appetite and the view, on the patio overlooking the valley below with the rain forest-covered mountains, is second to none.

Further immerse yourself in the natural beauty with a visit to the waterfall at Catarata del Toro Adventures near the town of Bajas Del Toro, about an hour away from the Chayote lodge.The hike to the bottom of the falls is not for the faint of heart. but after doing all 3500 steps down, the view was more than worth it.

Immerse yourself in nature at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridge Park Another experience for the adventurous is the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Hike through the jungle and across bridges made of planks and steel cables, while surrounded by snakes, howler monkeys, sloths and more. The animals are literally all around you. Fear of heights aside, it is an experience for all age groups and ability levels.

If relaxation is more your style, the Arenal region is a great place. With resort-like accommodations, the Hotel Magic Mountain sits at the base of a volcano in the town of La Fortuna.

It has a nice pool, swim up bar, and a retro sports bar that serves really cold,

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: An oecelot (native to middle America) sits on a branch at Centro de Rescate Las Pumas. Hike down to the base of the waterfall at Catarata Del Toro Adventures. View from a Chayote Lodge cabin.

Hot spring pools at the Buena Vista Lodge. Pedal Boarding on beautiful lake Arenal. View of Mount Arenal . Map of Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in nature at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridge Park.

cheap beer. The bar is a great place to rub elbows with the locals, many of whom seem to go there after work.

Another spot in the La Fortuna region that is worth a visit is the hot spring resort, Tabacon. The water is heated by the magma from the Arenal volcano and mineralized underground. It flows naturally forming the Tabacon River.

The resort is surrounded by 900 acres of rainforest and offers a swimming pool with bar and the hot springs, as well as a spa. Purchase a day pass which can include either lunch, dinner or both, for an added fee.There are towels and locker available for the day time guests n visitcostarica.com/en 39 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

travel by Tori McNeely

Two counties, twice the fun

PHOTO: BREAK THE ICE MEDIA

Winter in Upstate New York is enjoyed with equal parts breathtaking beauty, cozy culinary experiences and wintry outdoor activities. In particular, Cortland County and Oswego County present the best elements of the snowy season.

Depending upon which county you choose to visit first, these fun-filled destinations are just three hours from Ottawa, give or take.

Whether you’re considering a family vacation or a friend’s weekend away, these two counties offer twice the fun for everyone.

Cortland County Hampton Inn

Conveniently located just off the I-81, the Hampton Inn promises a comfortable stay for those seeking to explore Cortland County. With free Wi-Fi, private ensuites, a heated indoor pool and complimentary breakfast, you will feel right at home in one of 68 cozy rooms.

PHOTO: TORI MCNEELY

Bru 64

Just a few doors down from the pub, you will find local hotspot Bru 64. Coffee shop by day, live entertainment venue by night.

Owners Judd and Kelly are as passionate about craft coffee, beer 40 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

and wine as they are about the town they live in.

Grab a cold one and catch a performance by some outstanding musicians when you stop by Bru 64.

Brix Pubaria

Brix Pubaria is a casual eatery located in the heart of Cortland on Main Street.

Boasting an industrial atmosphere with exposed brick walls and hardwood floors, Brix Pubaria serves some of the best brick-oven pizza in the county.

Lime Hollow Nature Centre

Lime Hollow’s Executive Director, Glenn Reisweber’s (a.k.a.“Fun Glenn”) passion and appreciation for the great

PHOTO: TORI MCNEELY

outdoors is contagious. Since 1993, this exceptionally well-maintained nature centre offers locals and tourists alike an opportunity to connect physically, emotionally and spiritually with over 447 acres of pure outdoor bliss.

With 12 miles of entrance-fee free trails, dense forest, plenty of ponds and more, a visit to Lime Hollow is a chance to get lost in the wonder of nature.

Rex’s Pasta

Featuring homemade, authentic Italian cuisine like Mama’s Spag and Balls and Aunt Josie’s Special cavatelli, the only thing larger than the portion sizes at Rex’s Pasta are the staff ’s hearts.

This family-owned restaurant is run by sisters Haley and Heather, who named the establishment after their father, Rex. Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Greek Peak Mountain Resort is Central New York’s largest ski resort and home to 55 trails and an average of 122 inches of snowfall each year. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing, this is one Cortland County experience you don’t want to miss out on. Is it your first time hitting the slopes or looking

Oswego County Douglaston Salmon Run

People from all over the world come to cast a line in the Douglaston Salmon Run (DSR), a two and a half mile stretch at the lower end of the Salmon River. Over the years, the Douglaston Salmon Run has evolved into a fishing experience for every type of angler, even newcomers seeking a personalized approach to learning the art of flyfishing.

PHOTO: DAVID OWENS

to brush up on your skills? Greek Peak’s friendly staff provide lessons in a comfortable learning environment.

If skiing and snowboarding isn't for you, get your adrenaline pumping at the Greek Peak’s 18-lane Winter Tubing Centre or experience pure excitement on the Nor’easter Mountain Coaster that takes you through every peak, turn and dip of the mountain.

Specializing in fly fishing catchand-release, Jay Peck is one of many DSR guides. With over 20 years of experience fishing and guiding on the DSR, Jay will teach you as much about the history of the Run as he will about the sport.

A little preparation goes a long way for this outdoor sport. Be sure to wear layers of warm clothing and bring extra socks and gloves in case yours get wet.

Millhouse Market

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Millhouse Market is a quaint deli PHOTO: TORI MCNEELY

specializing in over 30 different mouthwatering sandwiches on a selection of freshly baked bread. Fun fact: each sandwich is named after historical persons from the surrounding area.

Accompanying the eatery is a gift shop featuring local, one-of-a-kind products that would make for great souvenirs of your time in Oswego County.

Tailwater Lodge & Tailwater Restaurant

No Upstate experience is complete without an overnight stay at Tailwater Lodge. From luxurious bedding to spa-like baths, rooms at the lodge are designed with comfort in mind. Take advantage of the lodge’s close proximity to hundreds of trails waiting to be explored by foot, ski or snowshoe.

Enjoy fine dining at Tailwater Bar + Restaurant, where nautical flavours and metropolitan flair unite to form a menu of thoughtfully prepared dishes.

Round out your stay with a visit to the tap room, a soak in the outdoor hot tub or a friendly round of foosball in the game room n experiencecortland.com visitoswegocounty.com PHOTO: TORI MCNEELY

At the base of the mountain, a two-tier heated outdoor deck awaits, making for the perfect place to enjoy your aprèsski after a long day on the hill. Dine mountain side at Trax Pub & Grill where you’ll find over 20 different beers on tap.

Hope Lake Lodge

In close proximity to the hill, Greek Peak’s Hope Lake Lodge exceeds expectations with sweeping panoramic views, wooden accents, and grandiose main entrance.

Each luxurycondominium-style suite features a fully-equipped kitchen, large living space, fireplace and flat screen TV. The lodge’s rustic charm carries throughout the entire hotel and into Acorn Grill, a casual dining area with a large selection of traditional American fare.

PHOTO: COURTESY BREAK THE ICE MEDIA

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Florida’s Historic Coast:

New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beaches and Amelia Island ast year 3.48 million Canadians Lremains visited Florida. The Sunshine State the go-to place for snowbirds, travelers and tourists and those seeking a reprieve from the cold Canadian winter. If you are regular visitor to the state, be sure to put New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beaches and Amelia Island on your Florida “places to visit” bucket list. You may end up loving them so much that you’ll decide to return for a full winter stay.

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach (NSB) is a small Florida beach community and surf hub thirty minutes south of Daytona Beach.

We stayed at the Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach, a spacious, comfortable and stylish hotel on Flagler Avenue, a five-minute walk from the beach. You can park your car here and just walk everywhere.

NSB is famous for its 17-miles of golden sandy beaches and waterways that are a big draw for surfers, paddleboarders, and people who love sailing, kayaking and fishing.The town’s palmlined Canal Street historic district features art galleries, shops restaurants that are a foodie paradise.

The vibe was relaxed and laid back as we ventured out on a three-hour food tour with a local guide. Ricky’s Canteen, Riverpark Terrace, Yellow Dog Eats, Corkscrew Bar and Grill, Little Drug Co., LaAbilie’s Tea Room and Bistro,Thai Mango,The Galley and 42 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Panheads Pizzeria did not disappoint as they all served exceptionally prepared local dishes with a flair that has made this place a culinary haven. We tried tapas, tasty tacos, seafood charcuterie, authentic Greek cuisine and some pretty impressive vegan dishes too.

The next morning, it was off to surfing lessons with the pros from the Nichols Surf Shop. We headed out to catch a wave — well the waves caught me. I only managed to get up on the board twice but was laughing the entire time. It’s both fun and exhausting so pace yourself. Back on shore we reenergized with a visit to Café Heavenly, a local favourite where they make a killer homemade seafood chowder and serve up great burgers and cold beer.

The New Smyrna Museum of History provides a glimpse into the early lives and hardships of early settlers.

I was fascinated to learn the story of the Seminole Indian tribes and their relationship with the colonial people.

Afterwards, we dropped into The Hub

on Canal, a local arts collective and incubator for more than 70 artists who foster art, education, music, support the local community and stimulate economic growth through scholarship programs and the sale everything from fine art to items sculptured from clay or wood, to jewelry, metal, pottery, and glass.

NSB is also hub for craft beer and spirits. Drop into the Sugar Works Distillery for a tasting and tour. Dinner at the Third Wave Café and Wine Bar with its spectacular patio and their seacuterie of smoked and cured seafood selections capped off a perfect day.

St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beaches

It’s a pleasant 90-minute drive from NSB to St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beaches along Florida’s Historic Coast.

We spent two nights at the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort, arriving in time for the daily complimentary cocktail reception (4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.).

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Castillo de San Marcos, St Augustine. Beach Pier at

sunrise. Kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing are just a few of the exciting and popular activities on the inland waterways along Florida’s Historic Coast.

PHOTO: STACEY SATHER FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM

PHOTOS: Stacey Sather FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM

travel by Dan Donovan

before taking the two-hour Amelia River Cruise. It’s a comfortable cruise and you’ll learn all about the area as you whip along its shores.When you return, a block from the dock is a popular haunt called The Salty Pelican which serves specialty drinks and great bar food.

Dinner was a delight of locally-sourced produce and seafood at the hotel’s Harvest & Reel Restaurant.The hotel’s beach and the adjacent public pier are wonderful. We had many things to do in St. Augustine, but I must say I really enjoyed just spending time at this hotel and beach.

St. Augustine is one of the prettiest cities in the United States and the history of the town comes alive when you take the Old Town Trolley Tour.

The cafés and streets are bustling, and the covered trolley shelters you from the sun as the driver shares the richness of the local history on the intercom.

A highlight was touring Flagler College.

Built in 1888 in a Spanish Renaissance style by millionaire industrialist and Standard Oil co-founder Henry M. Flagler as an exclusive luxury hotel that he named the Ponce de Leon, it is now an exclusive private college. Across the street you can find the exclusive Costa Brava restaurant at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. Try their paella before hoping on the trolley to the worldclass Lightner Museum. When we visited, they were exhibiting works by the French Impressionist Edgar Degas.

Our last stop was a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos fort along the shores of town.

The Municipal Marina offers a great sunset cruise aboard the schooner Freedom and afterwards you can head over to O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits, a local favourite, for dinner. Save desert for Peace Pie ice cream shop. Trust me!

The next morning we did the threehour “Sun Run” paddle boarding excursion with Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board St. Augustine. It’s a great recreational activity and it’s always fun to be in the water. After, we visited the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. It has a 165-foot tower that dates back to 1874, the Keepers’ House, two summer kitchens, a U.S. Coast Guard barracks (1941) and a garage (1936) that was home to a jeep repair facility during World War II. The site is also a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather station. We climbed the 219 steps to the top of the tower for the exceptional view of the area.

PHOTO: GEORGE KAMPER, FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM

ABOVE: Flagler College was formerly a luxury hotel named Ponce de Leon.

We topped off our great day with a nice chardonnay at Casa De Vino 57, another local favourite, before heading to the famous Columbia Restaurant for dinner. I’ve previously visited and written about the Ybor City location in Tampa — same family, same great service, comfortable atmosphere and exceptional food.

After dinner we opted for a night stroll with A Ghostly Encounter Walking Ghost Tours. It was a little goofy and brought new meaning to the word embellishment when it came to the idea of close encounters with the “paranormal”, but it was also charming and fun. Lots of laughs and a great way to end the day.

One of the highlights of the trip, to my great surprise, was the visit to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. I was reluctant to go — expecting that it was just a tourist trap — it was anything but. The oldest zoo in the North America, it is the only place in the world that contains every living species of alligators and crocodiles, and you can even feed them. A large variety of migratory birds nest within close range which makes for great photos. There are lots of snakes, mammals and other reptiles too. The park staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. I loved it.

Amelia Island

If you are a snowbird or on an extended stay in some other part of Florida, Amelia Island is a must see. It is short 90-minute drive from St. Augustine and is storybook pretty with much to offer.

Start with a quick sandwich or seafood chowder at Timoti’s Seafood Shak

We checked into The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation by Omni, a big resortstyle hotel. Nearby is the Kelly Seahorse Ranch. Book a solo excursion or go horseback riding on the beach with a group. Expect to be out for two hours and make sure to wear a hat. There is something magical about riding a horse along the beach on a sunny day.

Next up was a two-hour kayak tour along Egan’s Creek with Kayak Amelia.

Don’t worry if you have not kayaked before, it’s like riding a bike and just as fun.

Make sure to visit the historic Fort Clinch State Park with its Civil War-era brick fort that sits guarding the coast.

A canopy of glorious trees covers the adjacent biking and hiking trails as well as the campground. A boardwalk leads all the way down to the ocean beach.

Tourists spend time here swimming, tanning and searching for sharks’ teeth and seashells.

Our great trip to historic Amelia Island Florida ended with dinner at Lagniappe.

The Louisiana French Creole use the term “lagniappe” to describe something that’s “a little something extra,” and chef/owner Brian Grimley ensures that the food experience is one you’ll never forget. I shared a charcuterie platter before having the Spanish seafood-stew special, while my partner had the catch of the day (grouper) over risotto. As Canadians we laughed when we were served a poutine appetizer that chef had prepared for us. Smoke’s Poutinerie in Ottawa better watch out.

We didn’t laugh after trying it . . . I’m still trying to convince them to make it a main!

Florida’s Historic Coast: New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beaches and Amelia Island are a lot like the poutine at Lagniappe Amelia . . .

You just can’t get enough of it! n floridashistoriccoast.com 43 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

public service series by Michael R. Bussière

THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS OF

Canada’s professional public service

here was no public service as we T understand it today prior to the advent of responsible government. The

administration of colonial territories under both the French and British regimes was simple. The civil and judicial needs of a sparse population in re-mote outposts like Detroit would have been addressed by a parish priest, military officer, or even a doctor if there was one. Jesuit Father Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, for example, arrived at the Detroit River outpost in 1701 and served as the first official representative.

The population of Upper Canada was ethnically, linguistically and denominationally diverse and so it was the intension of Simcoe’s appointees and friends to establish a ruling class that favoured England. The elected Legislative Assembly was effectively powerless, with the unelected appointees being answerable only to the lieutenant governor. The whole affair set in place the conditions for what eventually and pejoratively became known as the Family Compact. It stood firmly, albeit occasionally rattled, from 1792 to 1837 as a system of political patronage.

of their flocks. Curriculum provided moral and social instruction and was based on the particular theological framework of their respective denominations. The Reverend William Bell of Perth, for instance, was preacher, teacher, and moral arbiter to those of the Presbyterian faith, while conferring on broader issues with neighbourly Protestant missions. Roman Catholics tended to their own turf in what evolved into a separate school system, and Anglicans had what was generally felt to be an official status with aristocratic leanings. Public education and the required tax base and funding was still a long way off.

Under British rule, Lt. Gov. John It took scandals and Graves Simcoe used the new powers of the 1791 Constitutional accusations of ineptness to bring In the early 19th century, individuals Act to build a system of English started most schools as business about the Civil Service Act 1882 ventures tied to the needs of common law, with its courts, trial by jury, and freehold land tenure. production. Classes often met in and a Board of Civil Service Simcoe installed a tight clique private homes where pupils were Examiners. Applicants were of conservative members of the also tasked with maintenance labour.

Church of England to administer By the 1840s, grammar schools screened for literacy and little Upper Canada from York.The belief averaged fewer than 30 pupils more, meaning if you could was that Toryism was conducive to and one or two teachers. As the social order and cohesion, versus economy grew, so did funding from work a pen, you were in.S the fledgling democracy in the the public treasury, and, along with American republic that led, lest they it, a more standardized curriculum forget, to mob rule and social turmoil. Religious clerics arrived in new and school year. New incentives were The invasion of 1812 only reinforced settlements bearing the responsibilities put in place to support construction that world view. for guiding both the souls and the minds and maintenance. By 1846, Egerton 44 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

Ryerson, a Methodist minister and educator, openly challenged the Family Compact of John Strachan and toured Europe extensively to study alternative systems of education. His 1846 Report on a system of elementary instruction advocated for free and compulsory public education in Canada West. The ensuing legislation formed the basis of Ontario’s school system and the democratic mandate of a new Ministry of Education.

The Province of Canada was established in 1840 and Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine became the first leader of a responsible government in Canadian history in 1849. Political and nonpolitical officers of government were separated in theory, but normal practice was political patronage appointments to the emerging civil service along party lines. Along comes Confederation and the constitution of a federal government in which the same patronage system held firm for the next fifteen years.

of department officials were thereby made according to a merit system and competitive examinations. It wasn’t perfect, but the Act did bring about conditions similar to those in the British civil service.

The growth of Canada, its federal government and its civil service necessitated a more centralized approach to government spending. R. B. Bennett created the Consolidated Revenue Fund and establishing the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury in 1931. Spending bills were now the exclusive domain of Parliament itself and subject to its approval alone. It was Sir Robert Borden a measured response to the demands of the Great Depression but made for a sluggish system which must have resembled Harper’s Accountability The Civil Service Superannuation Act by which blowing one’s nose requires sign-off. Things were again Act 1924 established the first fine tuned in 1932 with the transfer real public service pensions to of many staffing responsibilities from the Civil Service Commission to the encourage retention and attract Treasury Board.

Tour guides earnestly point out that Ottawa’s original Parliament professional applicants. It was the Buildings housed the entirety of national affairs, the largest beginning of today’s career-based departments being Agriculture, public service, replete with job the Post Office and Customs and Excise. Patronage was one of the security, benefits, and perks. main functions of government, both for appointments to public office and for government contracts. It took 11,000 civil servants resigned or were scandals and accusations of ineptness removed in 1911 under the Borden to bring about the Civil Service Act government due to patronage legacies, 1882 and a Board of Civil Service but political influence was tenacious Examiners. Applicants were screened and internal lobbying resulted in the for literacy and little more, meaning exception of a significant number of if you could work a pen, you were in. offices from the oversight of the Civil There was no tenure system for civil Service Commission. Its commissioner servants, al-though senior ranks tended resigned in 1917. Additionally, reform to remain in their roles when a change was seriously disrupted with the of government occurred. Pensions and coming of the Great War and the rapid other benefits were unimaginable. growth of government.

Patronage seriously hampered continuity in the development and implementation of government policy. There were six civil service inquiries between 1868 and 1913. The first genuine attempt to reduce and eventually eliminate political patronage came when the Laurier government eliminated the official patronage lists in 1907 and passed the Civil Service Amendment Act 1908. Appointments

1924 established the first real public service pensions to encourage retention and attract professional applicants. It was the beginning of today’s careerbased public service, replete with job security, benefits, and perks.The federal civil service was by and large seen by the general public as being competent, professional, and respectable.

Borden’s Union government of 1917 beefed up job qualifications with the Civil Service Act 1918 amendment; the Act also favoured the hiring of anglophone men. The Commission now oversaw all service hirings and shared, with deputy department heads, greater control over appointments and promotions.

The Civil Service Superannuation Act

The relationship between Cabinet and the civil service was loosely structured and improvisational.

There was no secretariat and the decision-making process was completely under the thumb of the PM. But WW II made it imperative to streamline communications with the civil service during a rapidly growing and complex set of government roles and responsibilities.

The fix came in 1940 with the establishment of the dual role of Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. Prime Minister Mackenzie King named his principal secretary Arnold Heeney to the job. Heeney was a Montreal-born lawyer, diplomat, and consummate professional civil servant.

He set about establishing a Secretariat to the War Committee of Cabinet by which Heeney provided organizational support to the PM and became the de facto Head of the Civil Service, a role that would be made official in 1992 n This begins a three-part series about Canada’s federal public service; its history, evolution, and its current state.

45 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

travel by Karen Temple

Sunwing and RIU

make escaping wintery Ottawa to the beaches of Mazatlán Mexico . . .a breeze We love our capital city with all its year-round festivals, museums, parks and activities. It’s nice to enjoy a white Christmas,Winterlude, outdoor skating rinks, and the wonders of winter. But when the mercury drops into the double negatives, it’s great to be able to take a direct flight and escape to a sunny destination for a week or two of warmth and beach fun.

you might like take part in. You save 25 per cent by purchasing them during the flight. Upon arrival in Mazatlán, a Sunwing representative directs you to a bus that takes you directly to the resort, as round-trip transfers are included in your package. Upon arrival you are met by helpful and friendly staff and the check-in process is easy peasy!

the Pacific side of Mexico on the expansive and beautiful Brujas Beach.

There are only a few hotels on the beach so there is plenty of space to play, run, walk fly a kite or find a quiet spot to just lie around and read a book. The beach bar's friendly staff serve cold beer, wines, margaritas, coffees — whatever you like.

(Sunwing) has been ferrying Enter Sunwing. The Toronto-based frozen Canadian to southern beach vacation company has been ferrying frozen Canadian to southern beach destinations since 2002, including seasonal destinations since 2002, including If pools are more your thing, Riu direct flights from Ottawa to seasonal direct flights from Ottawa Emerald Bay has seven on the a variety of southern destinations. to a variety of southern destinations. property including a swim up bar.

Ease of travel and staying at a great For the thrill seekers, there is Splash resort are key to any winter travel.

Water World waterslides and a We love Riu Hotels and Resorts. RiuLand Kids Club for the little ones.

We’ve been to many and keep coming We took a last-minute Sunwing flight back because we know we will have a from Ottawa to the all-inclusive Riu A Riu trademark is the food. You will Emerald Bay in Mazatlán, Mexico. great time in wonderful relaxed setting. never be hungry at a Riu resort and Sunwing is the exclusive Canadian Booking with Sunwing took all the the quality and variety of fresh food vacation provider of Riu Hotels & stress out of travelling. options is enough to satisfy even the Resorts, and Riu provides a level of pickiest eaters. There are also snacking quality and service that is consistent First there is their optional upgrade to stations set up during the day and preacross its chain of hotels and resorts.

Elite Plus. I highly recommend this as made snacks available in the sports bar it comes with a few perks including, all night long.

A bonus is Riu Emerald Bay's Travelife extra leg room, baggage allowance (on Gold certification: an internationally top of their normal complimentary Riu Emerald Bay has activities all day recognized certification program that is checked bag!), priority baggage and into the night. Take part in a yoga assessed not only based on sustainability handling and priority boarding. En class, water aerobics, beach volleyball, but that also includes community route, take time to read the seat back bowls on the beach, pingpong or engagement, human rights, labour and brochure and select any off-resort conserve your energy to dance the excursions, with Sunwing Experiences, environmental impacts. Riu takes great night away at the disco. Do as much or pride in taking care of their resorts as little as you want. (the grounds are spectacular) and their employees — this shines through in If you are looking for a break from the service resort employees provide to shovel, scrape, sleep, repeat let Sunwing vacationers. be your gateway to the sun!

Riu Emerald Bay in Mazatlán is on 46 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020

sunwing.ca

47 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2020