Community
11 September 1, 2011 - OTTAWA THIS WEEK - CENTRAL
Events a sign Glebe still thriving: BIA EDDIE RWEMA eddie.rwema@metroland.com
A new dance studio in the Glebe hopes to create a buzz and remind people how wonderful the area is even with the current ongoing reconstruction on Bank Street. Everybody Dance will open its doors to the public on Sept. 10 for a day of free dance lessons, fitness and fun. As Glebe business struggle to stay afloat, studio manager Melissa Marshall thinks the event will help bring more people in the area. “I truly believe that the Glebe is the heart of the city, and people need to remember all of us though these messy times,” said Marshall. Christine Leadman, executive director of the Glebe Business Improvement Area, said it is always good news to have new businesses in the area. “We are happy about that. It is a sign that Glebe is still a great place to do busy and to be,” said Leadman.
She added it is events like this that makes the public aware the neighbourhood is still accessible and that they can still visit the area and keep supporting their local businesses. She is hopeful that businesses will be in even better shape after the construction. Though starting a business in the Glebe at this time looks quite ambitious, Marshall said she is counting on the support of residents in the Glebe and its neighbours. “I hope they will stick with us through the tough times,” said Marshall. “We are doing this as a way of drawing more people into the Glebe.” She hopes the open house will be able to draw at least 500 people from all over the city. “It is a day for us to give back and contribute to the community,” said Marshall. “We are a small business, we don’t have a big budget, but if we can go out and create some fun and energy around the street then that is what we are going to do.”
Photo by Eddie Rwema
Matthew Halawnicki and Melinda Tombs demonstrating what the public should expect during the free dance sessions their studio is offering in the Glebe on Sept.10. Another event lined up for the same weekend in the neighbourhood is the called Glebe Streets, a celebration of talent, culture and community. Previously known as Glebe’s Got Flavour, the event will feature a skateboarding mini-ramp and street skate competitions, a BMX flatland display, bouncy castles and many musical acts by local artists.
The event will be held Friday, Sept 9th, from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. along Bank Street from Glebe to Fifth avenues. Though no business is earning what they did before construction, Leadman said most of them were pleased by the pace of the construction. “People are really impressed
that it is moving on very well,” said Leadman.She thinks the Glebe experience should be used as a concept for similar construction projects in the future. “They should be looking at doing it as quickly as possible, work with communities to ensure there is still accessibility to the businesses, residences and having mitigation measures in place,” she said.
Unfortunately Buster still can’t bowl worth a lick.
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Next best thing to being down on the farm. Make it your regular stop!
WAIT TIMES FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT REDUCED BY 245 DAYS. Source: Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, 2011. 491252
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