JANUARY 15, 2021 VOL. 26 NO. 1 THE BUZZ

Decorating Dundonald, 10 Heritage horsepower home deliveries, 3 A better winter deal for pedestrians? Alayne McGregor

his month, you can tell the City of Ot- T tawa what your priorities are for clearing sidewalks, paths, and roads in the winter months–with an emphasis on keeping pedestrians, transit users, and cyclists safe. The city’s current Winter Maintenance Quality Stan- dards, which determine how soon and how frequently the city clears snow and ice, date back to 2003, shortly after amalgamation. They’ve been criticized for concentrating on clearing roads for motor- ists – and for simply failing to keep up with several recent winters with heavy, repeated snowfalls, freezing rain, and below-normal temperatures. Should the city clear stairs, like these ones on the Corktown Bridge, in the winter? That’s one issue up for debate in the city’s For example, the current current review of its winter maintenance quality standards. Have your say this month in virtual workshops. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ standards specify that, after 5cm of snow has fallen, col- residential roads, pedestrian the 2022 budget. lector and arterial roads will walkways, cycle paths, and Why the new standards? Solutions wanted for West be cleared within six hours multi-use paths. It’s because residents of the last snowflake having The public will be able to have moved from single-per- Centretown’s “food desert” fallen, but busy sidewalks participate in the workshops. son cars to transit, walking, Victoria Welland ultimately creating a com- could wait 16 hours for a You can register for a work- and cycling, the city website munity food store to ad- plow. shop and fill out a survey at says, and have “come to rely recent study com- dress the problem in the long At virtual workshops be- engage.ottawa.ca/wmqs on year-round access to these missioned by the term. “A kiosk could mean a ing held January 25 to 28, In March, city staff will options and face challenges A Somerset West small section, a shelf or an city staff will unveil pro- issue a summary of resident when mobility is obstructed Community Health Cen- aisle that starts to carry fresh posed new standards, which feedback and preferred op- for prolonged periods.” tre (SWCHC) has shed new produce and other staples,” will focus on “sidewalks and tions for the standards. The As well, the 2003 stan- light on food insecurity in the Pei-Ju Wang, a community pathways, reducing rutting final version of the proposed dards did not consider “is- area, a problem which is only health promoter at the SW- on residential roads, roads new standards will be re- sues like climate change, growing with COVID-19. CHC, explained in an email. next to schools with no side- leased in September for City accessibility, equity, gender, The Food Security Fea- As the kiosks would op- walks and roads with bus Council approval. Any fund- sustainability, injury preven- sibility Study, published on erate inside local grocery stops.” The project website ing for improved snow clear- tion, healthy living and liv- November 24, highlights the and convenience stores, this said these changes will im- ing next winter would need ability,” it said. scarcity of affordable, healthy, option would require “buy- prove winter maintenance of to be approved next fall in cont on p 3 and accessible food in West in from local BIA and other Centretown. The study says agencies supporting local Comment the area can be classified as a businesses in the neighbour- “food desert” since the closure hood,” according to the study. “Plain Jane” monster skyscrapers of the Loeb grocery store on “Our next step is to speak Booth Street in 2006. with local businesses,” wrote don’t deserve landmark status But not everyone agrees Wang. “We know it’s been a Jack Hanna with this classification, -in difficult time for small - busi Jarring, massively in- cluding a local business im- nesses and our hope is that this trusive skyscrapers are pro- provement association (BIA). initiative could lead to further posed for a Centretown heri- According to a 2013 re- collaboration and investment tage neighbourhood. port from Health Canada, in the West Centretown busi- Taggart O’Connor Corp. food deserts are “areas where ness community.” has applied to the city to erect vulnerable populations have a pair of skyscrapers, 28 and poor geographic access to Chinatown not considered? 30 storeys tall, at the corner of nutritious food.” But Grace Xin, the ex- Gilmour and O’Connor. The The SWCHC commis- ecutive director of the Som- skyscrapers would stick up like The podium of the proposed 267 O’Connor development sioned the study in response to erset Street Chinatown BIA the proverbial sore thumb in a cation, 267 O’Connor Street, trict’s zoning calls for four feedback from the area’s low- in Centretown West, is con- neighbourhood of elegant old because of the quirky out- storeys. Along O’Connor, income residents on the ac- cerned that the report doesn’t houses and mid-rise buildings. come of a legal battle over the Centretown Secondary cessibility and affordability of reflect what stores in that The site is located in the the site several years ago. Plan (part of the city’s Offi- food. According to the study, area offer. Centretown Heritage Con- However, the new tow- cial Plan) allows up to nine 28.2 percent of the area’s resi- “There was no consulta- servation District; the red ers, exceeding even that lim- storeys. The proposed towers dents are classified as low-in- tion with the business com- brick podium base is a con- it, would be a monster-sized would exceed that by well come, compared to the Ottawa munity,” she said. “We were cession to this. violation of both the charac- over three times. average of 12.6 percent. not interviewed, we were not Taggart does have the ter of the neighbourhood and The secondary plan explic- The study recommends invited to the discussion, so right to build towers up to 27 the district’s zoning. itly mentions 267 O’Connor establishing food kiosks that’s our concern.” storeys on this particular lo- The surrounding dis- cont on p 5 as an interim solution and cont on p 4 2 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JANUARY 15, 2021 The Lighter Side of the Pandemic, by Karen Munro-Caple January 15, 2021 — Vol. 26, No. 1 THE CENTRETOWN BUZZ AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA SINCE 1995.

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Managing editor: Alayne McGregor [email protected]

Associate editor: Eleanor Sawyer

City Editor: Robert Smythe [email protected]

Distribution manager: Archie Campbell [email protected] The Good, the Bad, and the Bumpy: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT we need to step up the lockdown The Centretown BUZZ is created and distributed in Centretown, Ottawa, located on traditional and Ryan Lythall Over the holidays, I saw many pho- predict that the number of cases will unceded Algonquin land. tos and videos of people gathering with- continue to grow and the lockdown will appy 2021! I hope you all out masks or any type of physical dis- be extended. had a good New Year’s Eve tancing. One example was the skating The longer the city chooses to do NEXT ISSUE H and are enjoying the New rink outside Ottawa City Hall. There nothing, the more risk you’re putting on Year so far. have been several videos of people sit- those who need to use public transpor- The next issue of The BUZZ will be published As I write this, we’re once again ting on benches near each other. Some tation to get to their jobs or to go out for Feb. 12. Deadline for ads and submissions: Feb. 1. in lockdown and the number of peo- were wearing masks, while others wore groceries and other necessities. ISSN 1204-1604 ple with COVID-19 continues to rise. them like a chin strap, face uncovered. As for people with disabilities and We’re not off to a great start this year. I understand that people need to go the immuno-compromised, many of us Some of you may recall that, when out for both their physical and mental have stayed home. Yet, while we’re sit- ADVERTISING Premier Ford announced the second health. But it’s clear that some people ting at home, we see all these people go- lockdown, Mayor Jim Watson quickly continue to ignore the request to wear ing out and only thinking of themselves. The BUZZ is proud to offer an effective advertising responded that Ottawa shouldn’t have masks and keep their distance, especial- Mayor Watson, if you genuinely medium that reaches 10,000 Centretown homes and to be in the lockdown for 28 days due to ly around strangers. want the numbers to go back down, businesses each month. Our competitive advertising rates are our (then) low numbers of people with I hate to say this but I think Otta- more needs to be done by you. as low as $31 per issue. COVID-19. wa needs to step up in terms of stricter The sooner that happens, the sooner View our rate card and publishing dates at Since the lockdown has started again, lockdown measures. Our numbers are we can all get back to business. centretownbuzz.com/advertising. there seem to be many people fighting continuing to rise, and unless Mayor Follow Ryan on Twitter: For more information, email against it or downright ignoring it. Watson and the city do something, I @rolling_enigma [email protected] or call 613-565-6012.

Thank you to our volunteer carriers From the managing editor’s desk Alayne McGregor ize our advertisers if you can. ly reports, and regularly feeding the in- Ahmed Shalabi, Amanda Asquith, Anne O’Connor, — formation into the city. This facts-based Archie Campbell, Arwyn Holmes, Bayne Pearen, he Centretown BUZZ is online- In a month when we’ve seen mob approach has allowed us to get a better Betty Gregory, Brendan Hennigan, Brent McLean, only this month. The BUZZ rule, violent insurrection, and a disre- idea of what’s really under our feet and Brett Delmage, Carol Sissons, Cassidy Beers, board made this difficult deci- gard for the truth in the United States, where the winter barriers are. Catharine Vandelinde, Catherine Boucher, T sion in early January, after careful let’s celebrate the current City of Otta- Later this month, city staff will pres- Charles Akben-Marchand, Chris Edwards, Craig Layng, consideration, because of the current wa review of winter maintenance qual- ent their proposals for revised winter Colleen McGuire, David Seaborn, Debbie Barton, Diane Holmes, Don Smith, Drina Wethey, Eleanor Sawyer, lockdown and the increasingly dire ity standards. (See our story on page 1.) maintenance standards. You can learn Emily Graves, Emma Chamberlain, Glynda Newton, news from Ottawa’s medical officer The review has come about as a re- more about them and respond at vir- James Bruce, Jennifer Bedwell, Kathleen Oliver, of health. We did not want to put our sult of both citizens speaking up, and tual consultation meetings. Building Kenney Vandelinde, Kim Malcolm, Laura Mueller, volunteer delivery team at risk. the city listening. on what’s already been accomplished, Michael Hatfield, Michael Powell, Michelle Kirkman, In the hope that conditions improve, After the particularly dangerous it’s now our responsibility to carefully Mike Gregory, Mindy Sichel, Neil Parkinson-Dow, we are currently planning to go back to winter of 2018-2019, citizens made it evaluate those standards, see if they’re Pam Gahan, Pat Shaulis, Patricia Marsden-Dole, print in February. We hope this edition of clear that we needed better snow clear- workable, check if anything needs to Robert Smythe, Ruth Barrie, Shelley Pearen, Suzanne Nash, The BUZZ will provide you with some ing. The city–pushed by central-area be added, and let our councillors know Venita Warren, Wendy Bennett, Wendy Hunter, upbeat alternatives to all-COVID news. councillors–responded with more fre- what the final standards should look Wendy Sewell, Zsofia Orosz In the meantime, please wear your quent clearing and gritting, and ma- like–for everyone’s safety. masks, keep two metres distance from chines that could remove built-up ice. And we can hope that Ottawa City To join our distribution team, please call those not in your household, wash your That has resulted in noticeably safer Council will take the same attention to 613-565-6012 or email hands, stay as well as we can in these winter walking conditions, though by community concerns in other areas im- [email protected] stressful and frustrating times, and get no means perfect. We still see bike lanes portant to Centretowners. Democracy vaccinated when you can. filled with snow and ice blocks, and depends on transparency, accountability, The Centretown BUZZ is published by the Centretown BUZZ Board We have a request for you: please dangerously icy patches on sidewalks. clear adherence to stated policies, lack of of Directors, a group consisting of community push The BUZZ! Let your friends, your And this is not just an impression:. favouritism, and, many times, the will- members representing all residents of Centretown. relatives, your neighbours know that For the past few years, the Snow Moles ingness to keep talking and listening in The Centretown BUZZ operates under the guidelines of the The BUZZ is still here for their read- program of the Council on Aging has order to find a reasonable solution. Canadian Copyright Act. ing pleasure. Send them the link to our been collecting and compiling pedestri- As British Prime Minister Harold © 2021 The Centretown BUZZ website so they can read the paper on- ans’ reports on the actual conditions on Macmillan said, “Jaw, jaw is better than line or print it themselves. And patron- local sidewalks and paths, writing year- war, war.” JANUARY 15, 2021 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 3 Skyline: Heritage horsepower home deliveries Robert Smythe ated at 68 Queen Street, between Elgin and Metcalfe. inter conditions usually halted At the time that these photos were taken the limited number of motor in the winter of 1910, the livery stable was W cars moving about Ottawa’s run by Thomas Rogers. They furnished all streets in the first decade of the twentieth manner of horse-drawn conveyances. The century. That is when the horse regained tally-ho coaches sound like a lot of fun. its position as the undisputed king of the This livery stable also provided equine road. services to local businesses like these cab, The J. Templeton, Centre Town Livery, dairy, and bakery rigs pictured here. Hack & Sale Stable - “Victorias, Broughams, Grey gelding and open delivery sleigh of Slinn-Shouldis, December 30, 1910. This bakery Landaus, Tally-Ho Coaches, &c, &c” oper- All photos: City of Toronto Archives operated from a brick row on the west side of Bank, between Slater and Bank. Our neutered steed wears a horse blanket monogrammed with an S-S. Mother’s Bread was one of their favourite offerings. The building is still there and bears the firm’s name in a stone tablet.

Ottawa Dairy Co.’s grey mare and sleigh number 15, December 30, 1910. The dairy was located in a large facility on , just west of Bank, and maintained some home Jewel and Hinton’s cab sleigh, December 29, 1910. The bowler hatted driver is bundled up milk delivery by horse until the 1940s, although by then the open cart had been exchanged against the winter weather in a raccoon coat. He is at the helm of a pretty swanky coach. for a covered box wagon. The passengers remained cozy inside this sweet ride. City review concentrates on winter clearing of sidewalks, paths, bus stops

created major challenges in getting around. mendations to consider. and other groups gave the city, “we did see It concluded that the extreme weather of Menard’s report recommended five prin- an improvement last year. That shows a will that winter “merely exposed existing chal- ciples for urban snow clearing: to improve.” lenges in the city’s Winter Maintenance Accessibility: ensuring access to side- Operations. … the problems that arose relat- walks, crosswalks, pathways and bus stops Snow Moles’ 2020 recommendations ing to winter maintenance were not unique for all, and in particular for residents with In its 2020 final report, the Snow Moles in their nature; they deviated only in degree mobility issues. project made six recommendations: from issues residents have been experiencing Equity: decisions as to which sidewalks, 1. prioritize safety and put pedestrians consistently in recent years.” bicycle lanes, pathways, laneways and roads first in city snow clearance from Class B get priority snow clearance must be made so (snow packed) to Class A (bare pavement) on Problems pedestrians faced that residents are treated equitably, regard- high density residential sidewalks. The report specified many challenges; less of gender, age, income level or mode of 2. train sidewalk plow operators about • uneven and unsafe walking surfaces on transportation. key issues related to safety, especially for se- sidewalks, because ice and compacted snow Sustainability: city operations must nior pedestrians, those using mobility aids, wasn’t cleared soon enough support and encourage efforts to reduce the and children. • uncleared bus stops, making it a struggle city’s carbon footprint by not giving a higher 3. remove snowbanks on residential to board and exit buses, especially for people level of service to roads. Operations should streets before they become hazardous to pe- with limited mobility be conducted in the most environmentally destrians and before thawing and freezing • side streets that became so plugged friendly way possible, including using less into ice buildup that is difficult to remove and with snow that they were reduced to a single salt and incorporating more electric vehicles. dangerous to walk on. through lane, reducing car and fire truck ac- Climate Change Resiliency: winter op- 4. plow to connect sidewalks to transit cess erations must respond faster and be more stops, corners and curbs to pedestrian cross- • icy road ruts so large they damaged the flexible because climate change has drastical- ings, and residential streets to pathways. New city sidewalk plowing policies, combined undercarriage of cars ly and irreparably changed Ottawa’s weather 5. solve ice build-up problems due to with a so-far mild winter, have left an easy- • snowbanks in front of driveways left be- patterns. plowing and freeze-thaw cycles, such as en- hind by snow plows and not removed, which A Healthy and Livable City: Residents suring that drains are kept clear to-walk surface for pedestrians on Cartier become so compacted and ice-laden that they need to be able to get outside, be active, 6. improve safe access to city parks Street. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ couldn’t be moved by residents avoid social isolation and live in community through the winter months. • frozen-over catch basins and sewers that with other Ottawans throughout the entire cont from p 1 were not cleared, leading to water pooling year. Winter operations must allow for active Do homeowners have a role? Capital Ward Councillor Shawn Menard and flooding, and creating dangerously slip- lifestyles and vibrant communities. Some cities, such as Toronto, require that issued a report in February 2020 about the pery conditions for pedestrians homeowners shovel the sidewalk in front of problems with the city’s current “outdated” • multi-use paths along the canal that “The urgency of ensuring safe walkability” their houses, a system that might produce winter maintenance standards. were not sufficiently cleared, becoming fro- The Snow Moles program of the Coun- very uneven snow clearance depending on It said that “Ottawans from across the zen and slushy. cil on Aging (CoA) has volunteers conduct when homeowners were available. city, and especially within the urban wards, walkability audits every winter and has chan- Luloff said the city should be clearing are turning towards sustainable modes of “Superior snow clearance” last year neled this data to the city to demonstrate “the sidewalks on city property because of the transportation to a greater degree. As they The city did increase its winter mainte- urgency of ensuring safe walkability in win- burden it might put on homeowners without walk, bike or take transit, they are no longer nance budget in 2019-20: hiring more staff, ter.” (See The BUZZ story on Snow Moles the physical capacity to shovel heavy snow. willing to have their transportation and win- adding 10 new icebreaker machines and new on page 6.) “We don’t know who’s living in that home. ter maintenance needs relegated to a lower blades on sidewalk plows to handle ice bet- Janet Luloff, the chair of the CoA sub- It could be someone who’s handicapped, class than the desires of those choosing to ter, making grit and salt more available, and committee that runs the Snow Moles pro- it could be somebody who’s elderly, who drive private vehicles.” introducing catch basin heat maps. gram, said that the council has been pushing doesn’t have the capacity perhaps to even do The result, Menard’s report said, was “su- for a review of the city winter maintenance their own driveway.” 2018-19 wasn’t uniquely miserable perior snow clearance” for residents last year. standards for several years and, particularly, If homeowners were encouraged to clear His report was based on consultations sidewalk clearing standards. sidewalks and drains when they could, and that he and other urban councillors, includ- What to look for She said that her subcommittee was very “they wanted to do it for exercise, why not? ing Councillor Catherine McKenney, had with How can you evaluate the proposed new hopeful that the standards would improve But to make it a requirement? That’s a whole residents in 2019, after a miserable winter that city standards? Here are two sets of recom- because, based on the information the CoA different thing.” 4 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JANUARY 15, 2021 Centretown West a food desert? Planet of the Scapes: new starts is to provide “food that’s nourishing, culturally appro- Pearl Pirie Mid-East: zucchini relish, baba ga- smallish wedges. priate, and fresh,” according noush, sliced pickled ginger or pickled Make a serving of custard with to Megan Aubin, the proj- his month I try to recreate an radish Frye’s powder (no dairy, no eggs) ac- ect’s coordinator. Cooking English trifle made by co- Sweeties: cream cheese, sprinkle of cording to package directions, but add for a Cause works with 27 T worker Mary Sullivan circa cardamom, sliver of strawberry berries a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract social service agencies to 1997. I’ve never had a trifle as good and jam for an extra flavour boost. address the immediate prob- before or since. I can’t completely rep- Monkeying: nut butter and banana, Melt 8 squares of semi-sweet baking lem of food insecurity made licate it, but I can make it safe for dairy. sunflower seeds chocolate over a double-boiler, adding worse by COVID-19. After winter solstice has always Micro-tacos: refried beans, salsa, about half that amount of almond milk. Twenty restaurants, cafes, struck me as an odd place to start a year. chopped parsley, jalapeños or hot pep- • 2 cups frozen berries, thawed and caterers, and grocery stores Spring equinox makes more sense as is per flakes mashed have partnered with the proj- done in Korea, Japan, China, and Iran. Easty does it: sticky rice, slips of • 2 Tbsp of berry jam Chinatown grocery stores. ect to provide fresh meals to With so much going on, I’m taking it avocado, sesame seeds, vegan caviar • 1 can of whipped coconut cream Brett Delmage/The BUZZ those in need. This approach one tiny bit at a time. So what better • 2 to 3 packages of fresh fruit (6 oz helps to both address hunger time than for tapas at home? They’re each of blueberries, raspberries, straw- cont from p 1 and support local businesses a good alternative to chips or popcorn berries, expecting to use half) Smaller grocery stores like struggling to remain open in with the movies. • 1 sliced banana or kiwi (optional) Kowloon Market have ser- the pandemic. Dig out the stores of relish, pickles, • a sprinkle of brandy for the cake viced Chinatown since 1998. Since the start of the pan- and chutneys, frozen herbs, and scape (optional) “We have a lot of grocery demic, they have delivered pestos, as well as croustades shells. On the bottom of the dish put about stores in Chinatown,” said 87,875 meals, 10,537 soups, half the custard. Put half the mixture of Xin. “When they talk about and 13,227 breads and ba- Side Dish: Croustades mashed fruit and jam. what is affordable, we need gels. “Is food going to get If you can dream it, you can fill it. Layer the fresh fruit and cake, fol- a clear definition,” she said. wasted? Are people not go- Make each a unique creation. Make a lowed by more mashed fruit and cus- “The report is a waste of mon- ing to be able to eat,” Aubin tray of options and each person can fill tard. ey from my point of view.” said about her holiday meal their own shells. If your dish is deep enough, or your Despite this, Xin said deliveries. “If the answer is They get soggy if made too long family large enough, repeat the layers. that she and the SWCHC yes, then I’ll keep working.” ahead. To do ahead, stick in a baby spin- Add whipped coconut cream on top. have discussed working to- SWCHC Executive Direc- ach leaf as a liner. Drizzle with the cooling chocolate and gether in the future. tor Naini Cloutier said they are decorate with more berries. “deeply grateful” for the work Possible filling combos: English trifle. Pearl Pirie/The BUZZ This is a great presentation for Another food support for of the Parkdale Food Centre, Chard a New Course: Swiss chard Zoom or for a special-occasion birthday the neighbourhood “Somerset West Com- leaf, sweet potato, mustard, nutritional Dessert: English Trifle (dairy-free) or Valentine’s Day. The Parkdale Food Cen- munity Health Centre re- yeast, pepper, mayo If you can eat egg, use an angel food tre has found a way to both ceives 100 hot meals every Mini-East: olives, hummus, cu- cake. If not, whip up a non-egg angel: Pearl Pirie’s fourth poetry collection, work with local businesses weekday and 250 meals for cumber, hard cheese https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/ footlights, is getting good reviews! affected by COVID-19 and the weekends,” she wrote Get Stuffy: bread-onion stuffing, dessert/cake/eggless-angel-food-cake. Get your copy: www.radiantpress.ca/ address food insecurity. At in an email. “People now chutney or cheese spread, and red pep- html shop/footlights the start of the pandemic, the know there is a reliable food per jelly For this dessert, a large glass dish Author site: www.pearlpirie.com centre launched an initiative source. There is dignity in Bedevilled: egg salad or tofu can show off the layers. The deeper, the Keep washing your hands, phone, and called Cooking for a Cause. knowing where your next spread, scape pesto, and capers more layers. Tear or slice the cake into masks. Get the vaccine when you can. The goal of the initiative meal is going to come from.”

Catherine McKenney City Councillor for

Don’t let up on COVID-19 precautions! For updates on Ottawa's COVID-19 response, including resources and best practices, please visit: www.ottawapublichealth.ca

WEAR A ISOLATE STAY 2 M WASH YOUR MASK WHEN SICK APART HANDS

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Questions? We can help! 613-580-2484 [email protected] JANUARY 15, 2021 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 5 Our community has lost a kind friend Jessica and Sarah, on her own, returning to work at the centre after her maternity leave for Sarah. In March 2020, Kerry resigned from the CEFC because of illness. She died of cancer at the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice on Novem- ber 30. She was a loving daughter, mother, and grandmother. She will be sorely missed by all of her family, and many co-workers, volunteers, students, donors, and community and church members. The proposed 28 and 30-storey towers at Gilmour and O’Connor. Remembrances: Natalie Spooner-Bourgogne, Ottawa Comment: “Plain Jane” tall skyscrapers Food Bank in a note to member agencies: cont from p 1 – and build up to 27 storeys is not even interesting archi- “Kerry had been an active and vocal member as a “significant site strategi- – in return for creating build- tecture – just massive, thor- in the network and worked tirelessly in her cally located.” The plan allows ings that are “special” and oughly ordinary towers. community. She was also a pillar of knowl- it to be as tall as 27 stories, but “iconic.” However, these aes- If the 267 O’Connor edge and actively engaged in advocating for with a caveat: the developer thetic qualities are not further skyscrapers go ahead as pro- those she served.” must abide by the city’s Land- defined in the plan and are left posed, the Landmark Build- Julie Ireton, CBC reporter: “She was a mark Buildings Policy. up to interpretation. ings Policy ceases to be a lovely, giving person and I always enjoyed That policy is designed to The proposed skyscrapers trade-off that gains great our visits. I think I first met her at Southmin- promote “developments that, are not in the least “iconic.” architecture for Ottawa. It ster United when she came on a Sunday to through their design and pub- They are just tall blocks with becomes instead a breath- Kerry Kaiser (right) and Allison Dingle talk about the food bank...that led to my first lic uses, establish true civic balconies, the sort of thing one takingly powerful weapon (left) were thanked with flowers at a story.” or national landmarks.” They sees everywhere in Ottawa allowing developers to sim- recent appreciation dinner for Centretown Barbara Nimigan, manager of an ear- must “make both significant and other cities. The architec- ply ignore Ottawa’s develop- lier CCSAC employment program: “Ker- and exceptional contributions ture is very plain and pedes- ment regulations and poli- Emergency Food Centre volunteers. ry was a remarkable woman from whom I to the public realm and over- trian, not at all “landmark.” cies. Developers will put up Cathy Fortin/CCSAC learned a great deal over the years I volun- all identity of Centretown. Taggart is failing to hon- ordinary-looking skyscrap- Patricia Marsden-Dole teered and then worked.” They combine iconic archi- our the trade-off offered by ers in neighbourhoods that Louise Carriere-Normand Zucco, tecture, extraordinary site the Landmark Buildings were never supposed to have t Christmas, Centretowners said CEFC volunteer: “I will miss Kerry a great design and a unique civic or Policy. The policy allows a skyscrapers. goodbye to a wonderful com- deal, she was an exceptional person. I’ll national function to create a developer to utterly ignore Two “Plain Jane” towers A munity friend and helper, Kerry miss her laughter and her no-nonsense atti- distinctive place that invites district zoning, development at 267 O’Connor would be a Kaiser, the former coordinator of the Cen- tude.” visitors to experience its qual- guidelines, and neighbour- devastating blow to the char- tretown Emergency Food Centre (CEFC). Laurie Clarke, CEFC volunteer: ities. Both the building and its hood character, in return for acter of Centretown. The city Kerry joined the food centre in 1994. ‘When I think of her standing at the bus stop landscape should be appreci- creating stunning architec- needs to insist the developer do Over the next 26 years, she was an inspira- early a.m. going to work in the cold and rid- ated as much for their beauty ture. It’s intended to be an in- the right thing and build towers tional leader and an effective manager and ing home after a day’s work and how long as for their utility.” centive for a developer to put that are architecturally magnifi- fundraiser. She was valued as a friend and she sat on those buses. When I think about It allows a developer to up buildings of awesome, cent – or a whole lot lower. confidant of the unemployed and rooming that basement office where she worked for 26 ignore development guide- world-renowned design. All drawings from City of Ot- house residents, and worked with donors years and never did I ever hear a complaint lines for a neighbourhood Instead, what’s proposed tawa Development Application files. large and small, city and social services of- of the conditions. This is a real loss in every ficials, volunteers from across the city, and way for the food centre and everyone who members of the Centretown Churches Social knew her. Very sad.” Action Committee (CCSAC) which supports Allison Dingle, Chair of the CEFC: “I the CEFC. never heard Kerry give a talk or short pre- During this time, she guided the centre sentation that did not impress me with its sin- into the 21st century: from doing all office cerity and her intense concern for her clients. work by hand to the introduction of comput- And she had a great and almost boisterous ers, Excel spreadsheets, and then the Internet; sense of humour that could turn any chal- from space on the second floor of the Cen- lenging day into a bit of an uplift.” tretown United Church to larger accommo- Mayor Jim Watson: “Thank you very dation in the basement; and from being the much for taking the time to let me know the only staff to working with an assistant and sad news of Kerry’s passing. What a great summer social work students. loss for the centre and the whole commu- Kerry was very proud of the Acadian nity.” roots of her mother’s family and went back As soon as COVID protocols permit, every summer to an extended family in New CCSAC and the Food Centre will organize a Brunswick. During her childhood years, her celebration of Kerry’s life. Should you wish family lived for five years at the Canadian to make a donation to the food centre in her Forces Base in Lahr, Germany, where her fa- honour, you can donate online at cefcottawa. ther was posted with the Canadian military. org, or send a cheque to the CEFC, 507 Bank As a university student, Kerry worked at Street, Ottawa. various restaurants, including the Parliamen- tary restaurant, before taking up a profes- Patricia Marsden-Dole is a member of sional career beginning with the The Well/ the Centretown Churches Social Action La Source. Kerry raised her two daughters, Committee

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Constituency Office | Bureau de circonscription : Telephone | Téléphone : 613-946-8682 Email | Courriel : [email protected] 6 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JANUARY 15, 2021 Somerset Ward: toward better, faster snow operations

Catherine McKenney tenance teams to better focus cling network to keep driv- on the downtown. ers, pedestrians, and cyclists ow can we im- The city also committed safe. The current WMQS prove our winter to reviewing the standards. were adopted in 2003 and a H operations, espe- The Winter Maintenance great deal has changed since cially our sidewalk clear- Quality Standards Review then. ing? Project page has been live One example, which I The winter of 2018 was on Engage Ottawa, engage. use often, is that the city’s brutal. Repeated freeze/thaw ottawa.ca/wmqs, since No- sidewalks are prioritized cycles, heavy snow, and vember 17 and many resi- based on how much ve- freezing rain meant that our dents have already taken the hicle traffic their adjacent sidewalks were often dan- opportunity to ask questions roadway has. That means a gerous to navigate and im- about the review. road like , possible for those with dis- Anyone who wants to which carries a lot of cars abilities or who use assistive provide feedback on the pro- but not many pedestrians, devices. posed changes to the Winter has the sidewalks cleared I heard from many resi- Maintenance Quality Stan- sooner than Lisgar Street in Snow Moles auditors have reported having to walk on the road because of blocked or icy dents that they simply could dards will have that oppor- the downtown, which has not venture outdoors for tunity in January through the relatively fewer cars but far sidewalks, or no sidewalks at all. Stephen Thirlwall/The BUZZ weeks due to the poor condi- virtual workshops and the more pedestrians. I want to tions of our sidewalks. online survey. see this changed so that our Snow moles: Ottawa’s feet on the That is unacceptable. To- However, if you have cur- downtown residential side- gether with my urban city rent, specific, winter mainte- walks are cleared sooner. ground to report snow and ice problems council colleagues, we held nance concerns, please sub- City policies and plans ly North America, and pos- 69% report icy sidewalks a very well-attended public mit a service request online have evolved, and there are Alayne McGregor sibly around the world. “We Each year, the project has meeting to demand changes. (or send me a message) so many new and improved here’s that sudden haven’t heard or seen in any produced a final report sum- Last year, we saw some that the city is able to track transportation options. This feeling of instabil- of our research this type of a marizing volunteers’ experi- improvements, including your inquiry and follow-up. has resulted in a shift away T ity. You’ve stepped program.” ences. In 2020, 69 percent new ice breaking equipment, The City’s winter main- from single drivers in vehi- onto a patch of slippery, In 2020, the program of volunteers reported slip- many changes to procedures tenance quality standards cles to increased use of pub- pebbled ice and your feet received reports from 195 pery/icy sidewalks, 62 per- such as clearing sidewalks (WMQS) dictate when staff lic and active transportation are slipping. Or your bus volunteers–particularly from cent said sidewalks were not on a 24-hour basis, instead and equipment are mobilized (walking, biking, roller blad- stop is blocked by a wall central Ottawa. Sixty-four well sanded or salted, and of only at night, and a repo- to begin clearing the streets, ing, etc.). of snow and you’re los- percent were seniors and 76 48 percent said sidewalks sitioning of our winter main- sidewalks, and winter cy- Between now and early ing your balance trying to percent were female. 36 per- weren’t adequately plowed. 2021, the WMQS Project climb it. cent used ice grips on their 56 percent walked on roads Team will be reviewing and Don’t just turn the air blue. boots; 10 percent used walk- because there was no side- developing new options for Fill out a Snow Moles form ing poles; nine percent used walk or pathway, and 15 winter maintenance and they and complain productively! a mobility aid. percent said that their closest want to hear from you! For Snow Moles is a proj- bus stop was not accessible. more information on the ect of the Council on Aging Do one or many audits 68 percent stated that fear of WMQS Review Project and (CoA) – but its organizing Luloff said volunteers are falling kept them from going ways to get involved please team is looking for pedes- welcome to do just one audit out to walk, and 51 percent visit: engage.ottawa.ca/wmqs trians of all ages to evaluate or many. They can check the had fallen while walking in And have a Happy New how safe Ottawa’s sidewalks same area several times or the past two years. Year! and paths are, and how well check different areas. “You they have been cleared this can do as many or as few as Problems to look for year. you want. For some getting What should you look for The project, now in its out every day is easy. For on your Snow Mole walk? fourth year, will run from others who maybe having The CoA suggests January to the end of March. to use a cane or other mobil- • high snowbanks that It asks people to walk in their ity aids or even be in wheel- limit visibility at street cross- neighbourhood, particularly chairs, they may not go out ings after a snow or freezing rain quite as often.” • unsafe and icy side- storm, and to fill out a - de The project also wants walks, especially if impass- tailed audit form to evaluate to hear from parents about able for people using mobil- how well the city responded. how well they can navigate ity aids The forms are compiled into strollers, from children about • bus stops which are weekly statistical reports by barriers getting to school, or inaccessible due to ice and a stu- how difficult it might be to snowbanks dent, and regular updates are wheel a cart to the grocery • ice rutting and thick ice sent to the City of Ottawa. store, she said. on sidewalks The program aims to A professor in the Car- • school zones, communi- identify the “challenges and leton University School of ty centres, bus stops, seniors’ serious impacts of winter Social Work has also as- homes, and roads with no weather on Ottawa pedes- signed his students to do sidewalks where freeze/thaw trians, especially on older Snow Moles audits this year cycles can result in ice build- populations and those using as part of their classwork, up that is difficult to remove mobility aids, raise aware- she said, which will “really and dangerous to walk on ness and identify common bolster our data collection” • lack of sand or salt- themes and concerns.” and could provide input to ing, or where sand or salt is You can find the form improve the campaign for dumped in a clump in one at coaottawa.ca/snowmoles next year. area and not spread out. .You can complete it online or print it out and mail it in. Photos are also welcome.

Unique in Canada? Janet Luloff is the chair of the Age-Friendly Pedes- trian Safety and Walkability Subcommittee of the Coun- cil on Aging, which runs the Snow Moles campaign. She said it’s the only winter Central Ottawa had the largest number of Snow Moles in walking audit program they know of in Canada and like- 2020 (graphic by Council on Aging) JANUARY 15, 2021 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 7 City bylaw to ban “ghost hotels”, for now drivers behind this amend- affected as well.” Alayne McGregor ment. “It was incredibly Airbnb rentals have be- he City of Ottawa is important that we stem the come particularly contro- proposing a tempo- growth of these short-term versial after a fatal shooting T rary bylaw amend- rentals and the conversion at a multiple-unit Airbnb on ment that would make from long-term rentals, espe- Gilmour Street in January “ghost hotels” illegal, fol- cially in the downtown, and 2020. But complaints about lowing up on its 2019 de- then reverse some of this into their effects on neighbours cision to crack down on long-term rentals.” and the neighbourhood are Airbnb rentals. Anecdotally and through longer-standing. On February 11, the city some research, “we knew A 2019 report by fairbnb. planning committee will we were losing a substantial ca, a coalition of Canadian Centretown Community Association report consider the amendment. number of rentals. And it groups including tenants, Jack Hanna CCA president for 2021. The Planning Committee It will only allow a person was growing.” landlords, and hotel/B&B Shawn Barber, who has been advocates for good building to rent out a dwelling unit They noted that the 2019 operators, concluded the Learn about the vaccine president for two years, is design, affordable housing, for less than 30 nights if it council decision immedi- problem was primarily rollout in Ottawa standing for re-election. Six the preservation of heritage is their principal residence. ately stopped the growth of caused by commercial op- How will the COVID-19 directors will also be elected buildings, and better transit, This would make it ille- short-term rentals. “Land- erators who “make a busi- vaccine rollout unfold in Ot- to the CCA board. walking and cycling. It fre- gal for someone to rent out lords were no longer con- ness out of turning homes tawa? What’s likely to hap- Any CCA member is quently works with develop- multiple units, or units they verting [apartments] and into hotels, creating nuisance pen in the local battle against eligible to run for these posi- ers, politicians and city staff, don’t normally live in, as evicting people, [which had as well as health and safety the pandemic in the coming tions; to indicate your inter- and presents to city council temporary accommodation been] happening at an alarm- issues within residential months? est, email jack.2014@icloud. committees to win improve- for the travelling public. ing rate. I stopped hearing neighbourhoods and condo Ottawa’s Deputy Medical com ments to the design of big This would be in force from people who were being buildings.” Officer of Health, Dr. Brent The AGM will include buildings. within Ottawa’s urban asked to exit.” These ghost hotels “con- Moloughney, speaks on Tues- brief reports on the CCA’s boundary; fewer restrictions The current pandemic tribute to housing shortages day, January 19, at the CCA’s many and diverse activities. Neighbours helping neigh- would be placed on rentals has also reduced the demand and accelerate rent increas- annual general meeting. His The CCA’s volunteer gar- bours in rural areas. It would also for short-term rentals, McK- es,” the report said. topic: COVID-19: The Next deners had an extraordinary The CCA’s Centretown not affect bed and break- enney said. “Our vacancy Using Airbnb data gath- Six Months. summer. A crew of some two Support Network helps folks fasts, hotels, or cottage rent- rate went from 1.8 percent ered in February 2019, it de- As well, Dr. Moloughney dozen people transformed facing challenges during the als or vacation apartments. It to probably between five termined that the problem was will take questions from the the garden beds in Dundon- pandemic. Volunteers fetch would be in effect for a trial and 10 percent. It certainly particularly noticeable in cen- audience. ald and St. Luke’s Parks. groceries, deliver meals, chat period of three years. did help correct the rental tral Ottawa: Somerset (Cen- Everyone is welcome to The CCA’s Trees & via phone, and provide other City staff are asking for market in the city. Any time tretown) and Rideau-Vanier join the AGM Zoom call, Greenspace Committee or- sorts of assistance. comments on this proposal you have a surplus you will wards were “more deeply starting at 7 p.m. To ob- ganizes festivals in parks, If you could use a hand, by January 31 at https:// see less pressure on rent in- saturated with ghost hotels, tain the Zoom link contact: and advocates to preserve contact the CSN at support@ devapps.ottawa.ca/en/appli- creases over time.” relatively speaking, than To- [email protected] mature trees and the urban centretowncitizens.ca or 613 cations/__B940OF/details This is “a very strong ronto’s waterfront area.” Out tree canopy. 518-3908. City Council mandated the policy that will also be fair of 2,830 Ottawa listings, 560 CCA’s AGM January 19 The Anti-racism Work- bylaw change in November to homeowners,” McKen- were in Rideau-Vanier and Hear about the asso- ing Group fosters respect for Deck the park 2019, as well as requiring all ney said. “If you own your 424 in Somerset ward. ciation’s recent accomplish- diversity. CCA volunteers put up those providing short-term home or your unit, you get a In Somerset ward, “59% ments and plans for the next A CCA group lobbies holiday ornaments, many of accommodation to register registration number from us. of these listings are oper- year at its AGM on Tuesday, government and works with them homemade, on the trees with the city. You have to prove that you ated by commercial hosts, January 19. local stores to reduce the use and shrubs of Dundonald Councillor Catherine live there, that it’s owner- who control 63% of Airbnb The AGM will elect the of single-use plastics. Park. Enjoy! McKenney was one of the occupied, and you can rent inventory and generate 82% it out if you go away for (or $4.8-million) of Airbnb’s three months, or if you’re a estimated revenue.” student and you leave [for The report recommended MPP report: a gov’t at sea over long-term care the summer], or it’s a unit in a yearly cap of 90 nights rent- Joel Harden refused water. gars belief. your home that you share an al, which it estimated would Sheila Yakovishin, a personal sup- LTC residents are dying, and some entrance with.” require Airbnb to delist about n December 9, the Ford gov- port worker from Windsor, with are still in wards with three or four to It then becomes easy for 1,328 properties in Ottawa, ernment recessed the Legis- over 30 years seniority, died three days a room. LTC workers are still working bylaw officers to check rental and 269 in Somerset Ward (of O lature until February 16. ago from COVID-19 at a for-profit LTC short, still lacking appropriate PPE, and sites for registration numbers which 243 were entire homes As 2021 approached, one could home. This happened as Ontario sits on terrified of losing their lives or infecting and find those being rented turned into ghost hotels). identify a sense of hope and possibil- tens of thousands of COVID-19 vac- their families. out illegally. ACORN, an advocacy ity. Vaccines were arriving, and people cines. What explains this situation? To They expected the bylaw group supporting low- and could imagine a post COVID-19 future. Where is the Ford government? Dr. me, it is the cozy relationship between will “continue to stem the moderate-income families, But, in just a few days, the picture Vivian Stamatopolous, one of Ontario’s for-profit LTC homes and the Ford gov- conversion. It has already put is a member of fairbnb.ca. has dramatically changed. Instead, we LTC experts, likens the Tendercare out- ernment. At least five top Ford staffers many of those units back on the Blaine Cameron, the chair see evidence of a government at sea, break to a “downed plane”. But there have worked as lobbyists for private market. For two years, walking of ACORN’s central Ottawa in literal terms for some of its former has been no government response. We LTC in recent months. Clearly, the piper around West Centretown, you chapter, said they supported cabinet ministers. They are missing in hear brief expressions of concern, but is calling the tune. never saw anything that was limiting Airbnb to principal action when people need them the most. nothing by way of focused action. We can’t let Premier Ford muddle for rent. Almost immediately residences, as well as the COVID-19 cases have now reached This is a “call in the military” mo- his way through this moment. The On- [after the 2019 decision] every registry of shortterm rentals. all-time highs in Ontario, and a third ment but we see no urgency from the tario Legislature must be reopened, and few blocks you would see a However, he said he was of long-term care (LTC) homes are in premier’s office. Instead, we’ve seen a plan of action must be announced im- For Rent sign. disappointed that the city outbreak. The rollout and distribution astounding decisions in the wrong di- mediately. We must demand better for “In the long run, it will didn’t go further and also re- of COVID-19 vaccines has been ham- rection. seniors, people with disabilities, and certainly be fairer for people quire a registry of longterm fisted at best, or damaging at worst. Recently, we learned the Ford gov- workers in LTC. who need to rent in the city. rentals to better track the Over 60 seniors have recently died ernment is withholding information Join us on the evening of January 25 It is better not to have ‘ghost health of the rental market. at Tendercare, a for-profit LTC home from its hand-picked Long-Term Care for a virtual town hall streamed on our hotels’ operating unmanaged This bylaw may free up in Scarborough. On January 3, I heard Commission and awarding former Pre- Facebook page about the state of LTC, in the middle of a residential more housing in Centretown, the searing testimony of Reed Zhao. He mier Mike Harris – widely seen as the and what must be done to change it. You neighbourhood. It means our he said. However, “there’s lost his grandmother the previous day at architect of profiteering in LTC – with can register for the event at joelharden. tourism industry and hotel no guarantee that these new Tendercare, who complained of being the Order of Ontario for 2020. This beg- ca/townhall industry will be positively units will be affordable.” Centretown Ottawa Counselling Practice Dr. Andrew C. Watson, BA (psych), M.D., CCFP Looking for a good home?

• Adult (18+) individual counselling • Focus on people who have been affected (past or present) or concerned with another’s alcoholism or drug addiction • Stable concurrent disorders/problems welcome: e.g. complex PTSD, depression, childhood trauma/neglect • Non-OHIP, private practice

[email protected] 8 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JANUARY 15, 2021 Cycle Salvation rejuvenates both bikes and people What’s on(line) this month added skills. They gain good general work experience in the shop, he said, “knowing in Ottawa how to have a job and be ac- Tony Wohlfarth nominated by Sweden for a countable to a schedule, and best foreign language Oscar just the different parameters 021 began with an- in 2017; it is that entertain- of working with other peo- other lockdown, as ing. That same year, the film ple. It’s a great experience 2 non-essential stores was also nominated for an for youth particularly, to get and cinemas were forced Oscar for best makeup and an idea of what that’s like if to close on Boxing Day to hairstyling. they haven’t been employed contain the second wave of successfully before.” the coronavirus. National Arts Centre (NAC) At least three Cycle Sal- Sadly, the province-wide The NAC (1 Elgin) pivot- vation graduates have be- shutdown advanced the clo- ed to virtual performances in come permanent bike me- sure of the iconic ByTowne December. For January, the chanics, Robitaille said. But Cinema, as it was required NAC is streaming more live the course is not actually de- to abandon its final week musical performances with signed to create mechanics, of “best of” in-person film Blakdenim (January 22) and primarily because there’s not screenings. The ByTowne Connie Kaldor (January 30). A view through the window of 473 Bronson, showing some of the bikes which Cycle Salvation many job openings and it’s a has said it will try to resched- Both performances go live at has refurbished for sale. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ very seasonal business. The ule that final-week series to 8 p.m. program is “more about cre- late January or early Febru- The NAC has figured Alayne McGregor “It was a very good mar- lead better lives. Many of its ating job skills in a general ary if pandemic restrictions out how to do live stream- riage.” staff are individuals referred sense, and about being part are not extended and other ing without sacrificing sound ycle Salvation, by Causeway, who have of a team.” conditions can be met. See quality, lighting, or the qual- which both brings One more season “experienced barriers to em- Once the lockdown ends, bytowne.ca for more details. ity of moving images. For C used bikes back Since the new owners are ployment including mental Cycle Salvation expects to tickets and other informa- to life and assists people not yet ready to renovate 473 illness, poverty, homeless- sell bikes outside in the lane- A Man Called Ove (via tion, check out: nac-cna.ca/ to get back into the work- Bronson, Robitaille said, “it ness, and other challenges.” way by the shop, as it did in Hoopla) en/calendar/list/2021/01. force, will remain in Cen- looks like we’ll do at least Its work is supported by 2020: bringing out possible Sweden is a country of tretown in 2021. one more season here [on a grants and by bike sales. bikes for people to test-ride spectacular beauty and stel- The National Museums For the last 12 years, the month-to-month basis].” In 2020, 12 people par- and accepting payment by lar social cohesion. A Man The three national mu- social enterprise has shared In the longer term, Cy- ticipated in the program, Ro- cash or card. Called Ove is a feature seums are physically closed the building at 473 Bronson at cle Salvation is looking for bitaille said; some stayed and When they’re open, length Swedish film which is due to the lockdown. All of Gladstone with the re-Cycles a larger space, preferably some moved on. they’ll also help with imme- now streaming (for free) via them are relying on virtual Community Bicycle Shop. in Centretown, in order to Cycle Salvation has a diate repairs (e.g. fixing a flat Hoopla, with your Ottawa exhibits. Here is a guide: But while re-Cycles has found create a hub which it could core group of mechanics, he or a chain) to help cyclists Public Library (OPL) card. The Canadian Museum a new location which it will share with other social en- said, some with eight years get home. They may expand Ove is a 59-year-old of History has online exhib- announce soon, Cycle Salva- terprises. “But all that’s very of experience. They train this repair service soon, he widow. Ove (played by Rolf its on public pensions and tion (Cyclesalvation.org) is early days, and there’s a lot new staff, a process which said. Lassgård) lives in a commu- the history of Medicare in staying put for now. of work to do to pull that all can take “a solid six months Robitaille said Cycle Sal- nity housing complex and Canada: historymuseum.ca/ This month, Cycle Salva- together.” before [the new staff are] vation’s bike prices usually takes pleasure in enforcing exhibitions/online-exhibitions/ tion manager Rob Robitaille confident to be working on range from $150 to $450. its myriad rules. Notori- The Canadian Museum said, re-Cycles is moving out Busy repairing bikes for sale their own on a bicycle. It’s “And then there are spe- ously grumpy, Ove yells at of Nature is streaming videos and Cycle Salvation is refit- Because of the lockdown, a much different experience cial cases: we’ve had some his neighbours and is more of its current exhibits: https:// ting the building with new the organization is currently than building a new bike out lovely bikes. I think the most feared than liked. He patrols nature.ca/en/plan-your-visit/ workbenches and other in- not selling bikes, but it is ac- of a box, because here you expensive bike we sold last the laneways looking for what-see-do/our-exhibitions frastructure. “We’ve always cepting donations. At least have to use a lot of skills to year was just under $1000. trouble. The Canadian War Mu- shared everything half and 70 percent of the donated understand what the bike re- It was a beautiful custom, Two softer aspects of his seum is also streaming vid- half, so they’ll be leaving bikes can be refurbished and quires and you have to use a hand-built racing bike. life come into focus early in eos and stills from its collec- half the parts behind, taking sold. The remainder are dis- bin of used parts in some cas- “It was a lovely dona- the film. Ove grieves for his tion: www.warmuseum.ca/ half with them.” assembled to provide parts or es. It can be quite intuitive to tion! In fact, they donated wife, Ida. He is also lonely, museum-at-home/ The two organizations metal for recycling. figure it out sometimes.” four bicycles. All four of attempting suicide on two both accept donated bikes And its staff are fixing The bikes they work on them were just beautiful: dif- occasions, which brings him The Ottawa Historical and refurbish them for sale, bikes. “In the winter, we’re can be 20 or 30 years old ferent bikes for different pur- into contact with Parvaneh Society (OHS) but have different ways of building bikes like beavers with older technology. But poses but they were all very (played by Bahar Pars), an The OHS holds monthly operating as well as separate because it’s hard to keep up Robitaille said that often the nice. The generosity of the Iranian-born neighbour who events via Zoom. Last No- inventories of bikes. re- when spring comes. We sell older bikes are “much more general public never ceases happily shares her diverse vember, the OHS heard Cycles is run by volunteers so many bikes in the spring resilient. The newer, more to astonish us, honestly. cuisine. Flashbacks reveal about the renovations on Par- and also (non-pandemic) we can barely keep up. expensive bicycles are very “I just can’t wait for CO- how Ove met his wife, how liament Hill. A video of the operates a DIY bike “All the bikes that we finicky and somewhat -deli VID to be over so we can be his career ended, and fond presentation can be accessed workshop; Cycle Salvation sell are brought back up to cate, we find, whereas the open to the public again. It’s memories of his estranged at: historicalsocietyottawa. administers a job-training a standard that they would older bikes take a beating so nice to have people in the neighbour. He visits Ida’s ca/resources/videos program which fixes bikes. be when they were new. We and we clean them up and as shop with us. We miss that grave regularly, while com- On March 3, at 7 p.m., Both groups have said won’t allow a bike to leave long we recondition the parts part of it a lot. We’d like to peting with his neighbour the OHS is scheduled to hear that the impetus for their di- the shop that’s not safe. Any well, they work beautifully. be a community bicycle shop about whether Volvos are from Charlotte Gray. Check vorce was that the building part that’s worn out on the They’re really overbuilt in a and help people stay on the better cars than Saabs. back for registration infor- was sold to new owners. “It bike is replaced. Anything lot of ways.” road and keep them pedal- A Man Called Ove is set mation. seemed like a good move can be repaired on the bike A beginner starts by ling.” and filmed in the town of for [re-Cycles] to go, and an is repaired back to original scrapping an old bike: “that’s Trollhattan, north of Gothen- Heritage Ottawa interesting opportunity for factory state. The wheels are a good way of getting ac- People, profits, and planet burg, during the fall and the Heritage Ottawa is also us to go into the future into trued; any spokes that need quainted with the nuts and Cycle Salvation has a winter. holding its events via Zoom. something a little bit differ- to be replaced are replaced. bolts of bikes. It’s almost triple bottom line, he said, The film is based on a On January 20, there is a ent,” Robitaille said. Everything is oiled and re- a reverse process. Taking “people, profits, and planet. novel by Fredrik Backman. presentation about the his- Robitaille, who started conditioned to make the bike a bike apart gives you a lot We’re here to help people Backman also wrote the tory and architecture of 180 with Cycle Salvation a year run well. There’s a complete of knowledge about how the have a better life and we’re script. Its director, Hannes Wellington Street. Advance ago, said he got along well multi-point check system we bike functions. here to help the planet by Holm, is a 58-year-old Swed- registration is required at with re-Cycles staff, and go through on every bike.” “Then they start with keeping bikes out of the ish film director. heritageottawa.org/events/ there were no conflicts about easier safety’s, and they’re landfill and on the road. I loved watching A Man gold-snakes-mother-insur- the use of the space. Launching people back always paired with another “And we also need the Called Ove. The film melds ance-preservation-welling- “Not particularly, no. into the workforce mechanic when they first be- profits because we’re not the issues of aging and diver- ton-building-mosaic That seemed to work beauti- This is Cycle Salvation’s gin making their own bikes. fully funded. We do have sity into a touching gem of a fully because we had differ- 16th year in operation. Oper- Then all their work is in- to keep ourselves going as film. Lassgård is a very- tal Tony Wohlfarth is an Otta- ent time frames. They were ating under the umbrella of spected by someone with a a business as well. We have ented 65-year-old actor with wa-based freelance film, arts more interested in running the Causeway Work Centre, lot more experience.” to juggle those three bottom some 70 TV and film roles and entertainment writer. the building in the evening it has two goals: to rescue Staff come and go, many lines all the time. It’s quite a over his career. Released the- He participated in two NAC for DIY programs and we and refurbish used bikes, to other jobs or back to challenge, but it’s the most atrically in 2017, the running virtual performances in were here in the daytime for and to reintegrate people into school, but all “relaunched enjoyable job I’ve ever had.” time is two hours. December as a guest of the our job-training program. the workforce and help them back into the world” with A Man Called Ove was NAC. JANUARY 15, 2021 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 9 A compassionate approach to dying, loss, and grieving Stephen Thirlwall for many, can be a matter cordingly. For example, to- step by step and flexible so of years. Grieving for some day most people live in cities, that it can be altered through he COVID-19 pan- might take a lifetime. life expectancy is much lon- a process of occasional re- demic has changed 3. Everyone must bear ger so there are more elderly. view and revision as condi- T our experience of some responsibility by par- Better health care is avail- tions change and best prac- dying and grieving, es- ticipating in care of a dying able, people are very mobile, tices emerge. pecially in terms of visit- person. Palliative care has our populations more diverse 7. Compassionate care ing the dying and holding a 95 percent rule. For five and much more. requires emphasizing our funerals during this pan- percent of the time, doctors, 6. Facing death and social relationships, as well demic that requires social nurses, counsellors or social great loss are also part of as providing basic comfort, isolation and distancing sionate community for pal- with indigenous peoples workers spend time with our collective communal transportation, and help ourselves from others. liative care.” A grass roots and long-term care homes. the dying person. Family, and social lives. As we have with groceries and chores. In North America, and community-based vision The main speaker was Allan friends and colleagues can witnessed, pandemics, natu- This involves engaging in increasingly throughout the and mission statement were Kellehear, a university pro- take up some of the time, but ral and environmental disas- regular dialogue and service world, as extended fami- drafted and priorities set. fessor at Bradford, England. there can still be a significant ters, and wars greatly mul- with those who are dying, lies decline, we have turned By building a funding base, He is a member of Compas- amount of time when the dy- tiply the numbers of those listening carefully to them, death and dying over to our the organization has hired sionate Communities UK ing person is alone and doing who die and the losses we asking critical questions, and health and medical care sys- staff, recruited volunteers and founded Palliative Care nothing. bear. This leads to collective encouraging them, so that tems, and we pay for the best and developed programs in International. This can lead to increased loss. proper care is given and their external services we can af- advance care planning with loneliness, depression, anxi- To cope, our society has wishes for after they die are ford (e.g., live-in care, care schools, faith communities Guiding principles for grief ety, anger, loss of work, fam- to develop a better integrated fulfilled. homes). However, this is and others. They now run a Kellehear presented sev- ily breakdown and so on. system of exchange between Coping with life implies often inadequate and not al- series of highly informative eral clear guiding principles Similar things can happen three partners: organizations/ coping with dying, since ways appropriate. There are workshops. regarding death, dying, loss to a grieving person discon- institutions (businesses, hos- death is part of everyone’s other options available such In the United Kingdom and our grieving responses. nected from others. pitals, schools, etc.), com- life cycle. The need for as palliative care. and several other countries, 1. Dying and life-lim- 4. Education, training munity (social services, compassion, empathy and Compassionate Ottawa well-developed compassion- iting situations are com- and open discussion of the faith groups, cultural groups, care for others never ends, (compassionateottawa.ca) is based programs have existed monplace. Deaths occur and issues are badly needed, as etc.), and individuals. Con- whether we are in the midst a volunteer care organization for a while. happen all around us and in well as sharing experiences structive dialogue between of peaceful times, or war, or that “supports and empow- all concentrations of popula- with death. Often, those who these parties is needed, and a pandemic such as we are ers individuals, their fami- The workshop experience tion (urban centres, suburbs, have experienced deep grief decision-making must be experiencing now. lies and their communities To present some basics towns). are the best coaches. Con- throughout life for dying and on this compassionate ap- 2. Each death affects versations about death and grieving well.” proach to care for the dying, not only the person dying grieving within families and It was formally estab- I took a one-half-hour work- but also directly impacts among friends and commu- lished in 2017, when “four shop called Conversations those most closely around nities are important, so that dozen representatives of a with Leaders. The workshop them, both before and after we can all appropriately re- wide cross-section of com- host was Mary Lou Kelly, the death. Dying and griev- spond during different stages munity and health care a recently retired profes- ing are processes. While of dying. provider organizations met sor from Lakehead Univer- there are instantaneous 5. It’s also necessary to to explore the idea of Ot- sity with extensive palliative deaths, most take place deal with our reality today tawa becoming a compas- care experience, especially over a period of time that, and adjust our practices ac-

Brrr, I’m ch-ch-chilled to my battery.

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s I make my way through the snow, slowly forg- ing a squiggly trail on my skis, I hear a voice A from across the street: “Fresh powder!” I recognize her. Nicky, who sings on the corner of Som- erset and Bank or Elgin in all kinds of weather, whose voice makes my heart leap in summer when I know the tune. “Yeah,” I shout back. “People pay big money for this.” She waves and is on her way. As I continue my circuit around Dundonald Park, I smile to myself. Mission accomplished. I force myself out every day to walk, to breathe a little outside air, even though it’s grey out, even though I can’t drop into Art House Café for a coffee. I know I’ll feel better when I get back home. I know I’ll feel as if I have connected, in a small way, with some other humans. Many days that connection happens in the park. The park never disappoints. You can always find a friendly soul, a smile, a short conversation. On my next cross-country adventure, I repeatedly pass two young guys, sitting on one of the benches, in serious con- versation. When I approach, they cheer me on “You got this! Keep going!” And again, my heart sings. Today, as I enter the park, my eye is caught by the glinting of a star. The sun has come out today and makes the whole place look more inviting, more cheerful. It highlights decora- tions – stars, bells and even coloured streamers – someone placed on the trees and bushes of Dundonald Park. “Someone, some good soul did this,” I say to myself. “I wonder who?” A few minutes later, I get an answer. I notice two people taking the decorations down, carefully wrapping them up. I thank them for their efforts and ask their names. They in- troduce themselves – Barbara, Jack – and tell me that they’re part of the Centretown Community Association. I go home feeling lucky and buoyed by the knowledge that joy still exists, that snippets of joy link us and will get us out of the dark and into spring.

Volunteers decorating Dundonald park for the holidays: above: Stuart Kinmond hangs one of his homemade stars made from scrap tin: top: Marnee Manson and Meghan Walsh; bottom: Brian Beaven (dark coat) and Kyle Hanna (red coat). Photos by Stephen Thirlwall, except bottom right by Jack Hanna and page 1 photo by Barbara Sibbald.