Category Archives: Uncategorized

Tis the Season to Support #Local & give Global @planetcoffeeott

Tomorrow evening Ottawa’s top coffee-shop Planet Coffee hosts a “Pearls for Girls” evening from 6-8PM in the Byward Market. Planet Coffee teaming up with a charitable opportunity means your on to a buzzing time and the opportunity to pair holiday shopping with fundraising aimed specifically at building the confidence and leadership skills of young women in Lesotho. The Pearls 4 Girls program has both fundraising and education components. Funds are raised through the sale of beautiful pearl jewellery in support of transformative leadership programs for girls in Lesotho. Each purchase is an important contribution towards something bigger than a piece of jewellery – it is a commitment to gender equity and the belief that girls can make a difference. All proceeds raised through the sale of Pearls 4 Girls jewellery goes directly to Help Lesotho. Pearls for Girls Thursday Nov 20 6-8PM Planet Coffee – 24a York St in the Byward Market

Reevely: On those that Cry “Split-Vote” #ottvote

In this, my first municipal election in Ottawa, I hear a lot of split vote talk which is intimidating and disruptive to the democratic process. Individual voters must evaluate candidates with an open-mind and cast their ballot for the one they believe is best suited to serve their ward.
In Kitchessippi ward anonymous notes were sent to the supporters of challenger Michelle Reimer in an attempt to dissuade and deter their commitment. Reimer remains a strong, qualified and committed candidate.

This base tactic is nothing short of bully-tactics. The fear-mongering over vote splitting is disgraceful and, as so often with cowardly tactics, unfounded. Let us put forth that anyone who feels the need to fear-monger over vote-splitting would be better off using this energy to build a better campaign for their preferred candidate.

It is particularly sad in this instance that the tactic was aimed at a female candidate in a city that is very poorly represented by elected women.

On October 27th, Be Brave. Vote with your beliefs not governed by fear.

Nancy Peckford: One step back for women in municipal politics

If we want diverse representation we need to support diverse representation in #ottvote and not decide upon the candidate to support before listening to them.

Eye Spy: Media Coverage of Mathieu Fleury’s conflict of interest.

There may only be 3 Claridge builds but there are 2 towers slated for the Metro’s location, 2 being built across the street from the Metro & the one of St Andrew/Bruyere so this is more about scale than how Claridge “groups its projects”. An equally important consideration is the sheer number of units in each of these buildings. I believe the two towers at Metro are to be 27 & 32 stories alone.

Today Rideau-Vanier Street Talk #Ottvote @CBCOttawa

Lucy Van Olden and CBC Street Talk will be in MacDonald Gardens Park today from noon until 1PM. McDonald Gardens is located near Rideau St and Charlotte St.

80 - "Stone Gazebo" as seen in MacDonald Gardens ParkCome down to watch the recording and share your opinions on the Ottawa Municipal elections race in your ward and the issues that matter most to you.

Rideau-Vanier Candidate makes case for Central Library

Libraries HeartVisionary thinking could uplift not only the Byward Market but all of Ward 12. I love libraries, including our 60’s- style current Central library at Laurier & Metcalfe. A library at the heart of the Market in sites that are only car parks and with underground parking could truly transform local perception of why we go to the market. This type of infrastructure would brand the market as a local as well as a tourist destination. Further, libraries world wide are of course visited by tourists so this idea doesn’t negate but only uplifts the current profile. Currently Bayview is under consideration for the location of the ‘Central’ library which may be handy for Hintonburg but what about those in Centretown, Lowertown, the Glebe etc who chose to live downtown so they can walk and bike to use service rather than drive. Ward 12 and the market needs an advocate that stands up for preserving not only the physical heritage but also the historical importance of the Byward market as a core part of our city and not simply a tourist destination. A candidate who proposes workable positive and truly transformative ideas is one definitely worth very serious consideration.

Rideau Vanier Candidates Debate – Monday Sept 15th

The race for the Ward 12 Rideau-Vanier is nothing if not exciting. With many issues from homelessness, the urgent need for revitalisation, committed representation, smart place-making and increasing modal-share just to name a very few.

Sept15AllCandidates

Monday night will be the first All Candidates debate – strictly on transportation issues – in our ward and it is taking place 7PM at 159 Murray.  Transportation touches on so much and is an integral part of making Ward12 a full success ensuring room for pedestrians, patios, and all modes of transit. Prep some tough questions and come here how your candidates respond.

Eye Spy: Two Parks, Two Events, One Neighbourhood TODAY!

windinthewillowsJoin Odyssey & Rag and Bone Theatre for today’s final matinee performance at 1PM in Strathcona Park. The sun is currently shinning bright over Sandy Hill so no better opportunity to experience theatre in the great outdoors with kids and the young at heart. Today’s performance from the innovative puppet theatre Rag & Bone Theatre brings Kenneth Grahame classic “The Wind in The Willows” to Ottawa’s stage with a river view.

1PM Strathcona Park (River Road by Laurier Ave E)

RAIN DATE MOVE!!! Play has been relocated to All Saint’s Church 317 Chapel St at Laurier Ave.

80 - "Stone Gazebo" as seen in MacDonald Gardens ParkThis evening it’s over to MacDonald Garden’s Park on the opposite side of Rideau to celebrate the centenary of this local dog-friendly haven with one of the best sunset views in the capital city. This park has a fantastical history as a previous a cemetery when the cemetery by Parliament (Queen St) was moved here due to overcrowding in the 1830’s. Come celebrate 100 years and learn some of Ottawa’s oldest history.
6PM MacDonald Gardens.Park (Between Coburg St & Wurtemburg St and Heney St & Rideau St)

Eye Spy: Rideau St features in Spacing.ca

This week our very own Rideau features in Spacing.ca

Rideau Street and really all of Ward12 has a fascinating, long-reaching and rich history.

From the worker’s that built the city and canal, the historic Jewish community alongside many other immigrant influxes, to the diplomats and posh historical families including many Canadian leaders that have all called Rideau-Vanier their home.

Locals work tirelessly to have the neighbourhood’s heritage recognised; often an uphill battle as grand homes and historic businesses are demolished. Hopefully the recent coverage by Spacing Magazine will help to preserve further some of our phenomenal history.  Read and enjoy the article here!

Eye Spy: Blooming Businesses in Ward 12 – Support Local!

Amongst the Canada Day wandering we spied the new John Fluevog store’s Grand Opening in the Byward Market.

JohnFleuvogThe celebrated Canadian shoe-designer has opened his flagship Ottawa shop in the heart of the Market at 61 William St. at George. Nice to see another cobbler take over the premises that formerly hosted Lou’s Boots – good continuity and another great shop open for business in the hood!

Straddling the border of Sandy Hill and Lowertown “Saffron Restaurant” at 426 Rideau St at Chapel has just been granted permission for a patio. This is thrilling news as the street fairly screams for more strolling leisurely foot traffic.

HeartlocalSaffron deserve local support – this restaurant gets great reviews on both Yelp and Google+ and the entrepreneurial owners have, alongside great food; invested in free Wifi, offer an breathtakingly inexpensive breakfast and never stop improving the interior.  Lets give back the love and with the advent of the patio, let’s hope this is a trend that many more local businesses will follow.