February 2021

The skating season at New Edinburgh Park has been in full swing since early January. Read more in www.newedinburgh.ca the CCC’s report on p. 21. Photo by Rachel Leadlay Let’s keep the 10 years since the Beechwood fire By Christina Leadlay in the aftermath? earliest childhood memo- conversation going This year marks 10 years Below are their answers, ries. [The fire] had a devastat- since fire gutted a section of which have been edited for ing impact on local business. Beechwood Avenue between length and content. Sales at the SconeWitch took about policing MacKay and Crichton Streets. seven years to recover to pre- Heather Matthews, fire levels.” By Samantha McAleese housing instead of relying on On Mar. 16, 2011, fire started owner of Sconewitch (35 and Marc d’Orgeville the police to respond to pov- in the basement of the Home Beechwood Ave.) Eric Passmore, store man- erty and homelessness. Hardware store. Over 100 ager at Nature’s Buzz (relo- Like most community news- firefighters worked to knock “Around 10 o’clock that morn- papers, the New Edinburgh In the December edition, ing I noticed a lone police cated to 55 Beechwood Ave.) Marc d’Orgeville (chair of the down the six-alarm blaze that “It was a surreal day los- News provides space to share sent toxic smoke into the air. car parked across Beechwood thoughts, concerns, ideas, and New Edinburgh Community Avenue at MacKay. The offi- ing our shop to the fire. It Alliance’s traffic and safe- Four businesses were lost that took us nine months to reopen resources that might spark day, over two dozen people cer was standing in the mid- meaningful conversations and ty committee) summarized dle of the street facing the and there was a ton of risk a conversation he had with were left homeless, and many involved with that effort. connections with neighbours. others had to be evacuated. hardware store. He was soon This article is the result of a community police officer joined by a single firetruck. However, when we did final- to remind New Edinburgh In all, 12 shops had to be ly open our doors again, we that particular power of the demolished. Fortunately, no I couldn’t see anything hap- press. residents of the process for pening from outside my shop were met with nothing but filing police reports. Advice one was hurt, and many of the support and kindness from In the NEN October edition, businesses have since relo- until moments later when the Samantha McAleese wrote received from the officer on smoke poofed out of the sec- this incredible Beechwood dealing with issues like break- cated within the community. community!” an article about people expe- We reached out to people ond floor [of the hardware riencing homelessness and ins or speeding drivers was to store] and emergency vehi- Tracey Black, owner of call the police and call them who were affected by the fire living in encampments along or who witnessed that day, cles began to arrive from all Epicuria (relocated to 357 St the Rideau River. She asked more often, as police rely on directions. Laurent Blvd.) community members to be asking: neighbours to connect with At 10 p.m. I stood in the “My lasting memory of the community-based services What is your lasting memo- Metro parking lot with neigh- Continued on page 3 ry from the Beechwood fire Beechwood fire was watch- and to advocate for affordable bours and watched as the fire ing a traffic webcam of the of 2011, and what did you fighters poured water on the learn about the community scene until the early morn- dying embers of some of my ing hours and seeking infor- mation the following day as many of us tried to under- stand the impact of what had happened. I recall the real loss felt by the neighbour- hood, and customers continu- ing to call months later to see how we were doing. The value our community places on its small businesses really hit home when we reopened a year later, and struggled dur- ing the first few days to keep the shelves stocked!” Kellyann Riley, barber at Lester’s Barbershop (now owner of Kelly’s Barber & Beauty and KBB Boutique, 30 Marier Ave.) “My lasting memory of the Beechwood fire is just being Photo by Richard Guy Briggs there and watching your life Over 100 firefighters worked for hours to quell the blaze on change in front of you and not Beechwood Avenue on Mar. 16, 2011. Continued on page 4 Page 2 New Edinburgh News February 2021 What’s the New Edinburgh Tell the City what you think about Community Alliance? its Official Plan NECA is the umbrella organization for all residents and a New Edinburgh-wide community organizations in our neighbourhood. Every perspective, and will feed resident of New Edinburgh is automatically a member of into the submissions by larger NECA. community groups, we would also urge concerned residents Its mandate is to develop and foster a sense of community Cindy Parkanyi to submit their own comments among the residents; to research, develop positions and directly to the City via their make representations to various levels of government on NECA President website engage.ottawa.ca/ matters affecting the community; and to coordinate activi- the-new-official-plan. Since ties between organizations. the draft New Official Plan is a complex document, the NECA’s committees include Traffic and Safety, Heritage Goodbye 2020, hello 2021! and other Ward 13 commu- City has created a series of and Development, Beechwood Development, Park Vision We can only hope that this nity groups at a Ward Council one-pagers on the key topics, and Environment and Climate Change. It also publishes year will be less traumatic meeting in early February. 21 in all. You can select the this newspaper. than last year and that we can The language has changed topics of interest to you or go The NECA board meets nine times a year, normally on move beyond a world where significantly from previous through them all. the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. (no meetings COVID-19 rules our every- official plans, but at least It should be noted that residents and community in July, August or December). Its annual general meeting day lives. That said, we still there is a nod to encouraging do need to stick with the strict 15-minute neighbourhoods organizations have not been takes place in October. measures for quite a while and maintaining greenspace given much time to review Meetings are open to all New Edinburgh residents. Anyone longer. Courage! and the city’s tree canopy. That the massive document and wishing to make a presentation to the board should please Meanwhile, at City Hall… said, the devil is in the details; annexes, as the formal thus the working group. At consultation period ends on contact Cindy Parkanyi in advance at newedinburgh@ The City of Ottawa is current- outlook.com. first blush, it appears that Feb. 17. At its next meeting ly updating its Official Plan, the greatest impact will be to on Feb. 16, the NECA Our next meetings will take place Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7:30 which is a document that the areas of New Edinburgh Board will be reviewing its p.m. and Tuesday Mar. 16, 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held will set the stage for upcom- that lie outside the Heritage proposed inputs to the City on virtually on Zoom. Contact [email protected] ing zoning bylaw updates Conservation District (south the Official Plan. We would and guide development for for details. of Dufferin Road). These encourage you to attend the many years to come. The areas have been designated virtual meeting to provide Your NECA Representatives 2020-2021 New Edinburgh Community under the “Transforming your feedback, or send us an Alliance (NECA) has struck Ari Abonyi [email protected] Transect” and are targeted email with your thoughts in a special working group to for more densification, with advance. 613-255-1741 review the 280-plus page doc- obvious implications for infill To receive the monthly Sarah Anson-Cartwright [email protected] ument with a focus on areas and new developments. The NECA e-updates, please send that may directly impact our an email to newedinburgh@ Ted Bennett Treasurer other area of concern is along community, as well as look- Beechwood Avenue, which outlook.com or sign up [email protected] ing at the broader effects of has been designated as a through the community Ray Boomgaardt [email protected] what is being proposed. We “major corridor” similar to St. website at newedinburgh.ca. are also collaborating with Laurent Boulevard. This is of You can also join the Google Alison Fabian [email protected] the Community Collective particular concern since we are Group “New Edinburgh of neighbouring commu- Katherine Hall [email protected] already facing developments Discussions” (new-ed-talk@ nity associations as well as with inappropriate building googlegroups.com). You can Heather Matthews [email protected] the Federation of Citizens’ heights that will inexorably also follow us on Twitter @ Associations to leverage col- New_Edinburgh. If you Gail McEachern Heritage & Development lead to a dark, wind-tunnel lective reviews and support like main street with little of would like to know more [email protected] consolidated inputs to the the charm and vibrancy that about NECA’s committees City from the broader com- Marc d’Orgeville Traffic & Safety attracted many of us to this and working groups, don’t munity. NECA will also par- area. hesitate to send an email to [email protected] ticipate in a discussion on While NECA intends newedinburgh@outlook. the Official Plan with City to provide input from com. Cindy Parkanyi President, NECA Councillor Rawlson King 613-745-8734 [email protected] Tamara Sorger Environment & Climate [email protected] Ex officio: Sylvain Bélanger President, CCC [email protected] Sean Flynn NECTAR Advertising help wanted! [email protected] Do you know the community well, enjoy building relationships with clients, and are passionate about supporting local businesses and this newspaper? We’d Christina Leadlay New Edinburgh News love have you on our team! Our ad manager is looking for volunteers to help 613-261-0442 find new advertising clients and help manage key accounts. [email protected] NEN is a volunteer-run not-for-profit community newspaper that publishes five times per year. Learn more at Contact [email protected] for details. www.newedinburgh.ca February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 3 NEW EDINBURGH NEWS Letter to the Editor 203 Stanley Ave., Ottawa, ON K1M 1P2 Is the next generation of businesses being Publication dates: Oct. 1, Dec. 1, Feb. 1, April 1, June 1 priced out of Beechwood? Deadlines: Sept. 10, Nov. 10, Jan. 10, March 10, May 10 I read with interest the articles wondering how many other be curious to know what Publisher: New Edinburgh Community Alliance in the December 2020 issue businesses in the neighbour- the difference is between of the New Edinburgh News, hood got started with cheap the rental rates per square Advisory Committee: Roslyn Butler in particular the coverage of rent in overlooked spaces. foot for St. Charles Market Carolyn Brereton Joana Chelo commercial developments on I can’t help but wonder if or The Kavanaugh compared Jane Heintzman Gemma Kerr Beechwood Avenue. NEN is Minto and ModBox aren’t to the low-rise buildings on Cindy Parkanyi Dave Rostenne doing a great job of finding pricing out potential small Beechwood Avenue. out what plans exist for new businesses with the updated If only established compa- Managing Editor Christina Leadlay commercial space in the area, commercial rent rates so that nies like banks or the LCBO but it’s the Burgh Business there’s no hope for another can afford rents in these new 78 Wurtemburg Brief about Verve Moderns VM to establish itself. buildings, then it may well be 613-261-0442 that caught my attention. It’s true that the Beechwood that an obituary is required [email protected] The article noted that VM area is much more desirable for the Beechwood “Village.” Advertising Manager Joana Chelo first set up in the basement of than it was 30 years ago, —S. Mukerji, Crichton St. Charles church, and I’m so rents are higher, but I’d Street [email protected] This year let’s act towards social change Photographer Alexander McKenzie 613-301-0852 Continued from page 1 dents and decide how to allo- advocacy is vital for Black, [email protected] “the eyes on the ground.” cate resources. Unfortunately, Indigenous, racialized, and Samantha received com- calling the police does not unhoused neighbours who are Production Manager Dave Rostenne always resolve the prob- at an increased risk of expe- ments about the December Bookkeeper Nicholas Galambos article from local advocates, lem or make us feel safer. riencing police violence and which included: “It sounds Furthermore, over-reporting being criminalized. Distribution Manager Karen Harrison like your neighbours are set- maintains the impression that One way to advocate [email protected] ting up a snitch line,” and increasing police resources in is to participate in public “They won’t be happy until our community is a viable consultations. The City of Proofreaders Adrienne Blair solution to preventing harm. Ottawa has begun Phase 2 there is a cop car on every Lori Small corner.” These comments The need for alternatives to of their consultation process were not meant to dismiss the police is clear and requires for the Community Safety Contributors Sarah Anson-Cartwright the consequences of any vio- strong advocacy. and Well-Being Plan, and we Doug Cornish Sharron Edwards lence, conflict, loss, or harm Marc and Samantha’s con- encourage Burgh residents to Patsea Griffin Susan Groundwater experienced by individu- versation illuminated not participate online: engage. conflict but rather common- ottawa.ca/Community- Andre R. Gagne Jane Heintzman als, but rather to temper the Martha Hodgson Real Lavergne impulse to call the police for alities in how we think about Safety-Well-Being-Plan. every little thing. police and community safety. For a lot of people (espe- Rachel Leadlay Bob McKellar These two articles high- For example, we both sup- cially white people), 2020 Anne Moore Keith Newton light the need for ongoing port City Councillor Rawlson was a year of listening and Marta M. Reyes Janet Ruddock King’s decision to vote learning more intently about conversations about polic- Carmel Whittle ing and community safety in against a budget increase for the desperate need for alter- the Ottawa Police Service. Submission Guidelines: Articles, photos and letters to the New Edinburgh and Ottawa. natives to policing from Like Rawlson, we both agree BIPOC (Black, Indigenous editor may be submitted to the editor. The editor reserves In a neighbourhood as privi- with de-tasking the Ottawa and People of Colour) com- the right to edit for length, content and legal considerations. leged and resourced as New Police Service. Armed police munities. Affordable hous- Edinburgh, we should be Submissions selected for publication will be published in officers are not a suitable ing, mental health supports, both a hardcopy and an electronic version. Letters to the edi- actively engaged in discus- response to mental health safe consumption sites, addi- tor must include the writer’s name, address and phone num- sions about the cycle of ever- crises, nor do police play a tional public health resources, increasing police funding that role in preventing or ending youth leadership programs, ber to be considered for publication. does not address root causes homelessness. Additionally, and community-led conflict of harm, such as poverty. The New Edinburgh News (NEN) was established as a non- we (along with others in New resolution and restorative jus- profit community newspaper in 1976 and is published five One conversation started Edinburgh) appreciate the tice options are just a few at the December meeting of councillor’s ongoing advo- examples. Let 2021 be the times a year by the New Edinburgh Community Alliance NECA’s Traffic and Safety cacy for additional funding year of acting on these calls (NECA) and supported by its advertisers. The New Edinburgh Committee, chaired by Marc. for social services, supports, for transformation. News is distributed free of charge by volunteers to residents Samantha attended the meet- and resources that prioritize NECA’s Traffic and of New Edinburgh as well as to area schools, libraries and ing to address concerns and community care. Finally, we Safety committee meetings local businesses. Views expressed in the NEN are those of to ask questions about the look forward to supporting take place at 7 p.m. every contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the purpose and intent of Marc’s Rawlson’s work on the pov- fourth Monday of the month article. Marc had not imag- erty reduction strategy for – the next meeting is Feb. editorial staff, the publisher or the advertisers. ined that a reminder for resi- Rideau-Rockcliffe. 22. Anyone interested in The New Edinburgh News is also made available online at the dents to report local incidents The initial meeting ended attending should contact New Edinburgh community website: to the police would elicit such with an agreement to keep the marc.dorgeville@utoronto. a strong reaction, but he wel- conversation going between ca. comed the opportunity for NECA and all neighbours Samantha McAleese is a www.newedinburgh.ca this more critical discussion in the Burgh. Together, we researcher and advocate who around policing. can continue to advocate for lives in New Edinburgh. Marc As a reactive service, the programs, resources, sup- d’Orgeville is the chair of Printed by Transcontinental Printing police rely on calls and ports, and responses that keep NECA’s Traffic and Safety ISSN 0703-9042 reporting to respond to inci- care at the forefront. This committee. Page 4 New Edinburgh News February 2021 A common disaster: Memories from the 2011 fire Continued from page 1 ty. The support from every- really realizing that’s what one before, during and after was happening. Lester’s shop the fire has never ceased to was fine for most of the day, amaze me, even after all this and then it wasn’t. I kept time. People live and breathe thinking ‘We’ll be back in a Beechwood and I think that is little bit,’ but of course that a very special thing you don’t wasn’t the case. see very much anymore.” I learned two things when Paul Williams, owner of the it was all said and done: that New Edinburgh Pub (now block really was a hub and owner of Whispers Pub, 249 represented what Beechwood Richmond Rd. in Westboro) was known for: communi- “My lasting memory of that

Four businesses were lost in the fire, over two dozen people left homeless. In all, 12 shops had to be demolished. Photo by Dave Rostenne day was the fear that the wind contaminated apartment. The months of broken promises would change direction and community was very gener- and insincere consultations, take out the Pub. I’ll never ous in donating over $30,000. until we ended up with just forget the number of emer- The board of the Crichton another concrete canyon. We gency vehicles and the acrid Cultural Community Centre can only hope that the huge smell in the air. [now NECTAR] was very changes that the world is Now your question regard- thoughtful in their distribu- experiencing will right many ing what I learned about our tion of these monies amongst wrongs. New Edinburgh was community: ‘Generosity’ the affected tenants, consider- a superb template of a walk- comes to mind. It was a plea- ing individual situations. The able, workable community.” sure for [my wife] Tracy and annual Lumière Festival on Cindy Parkanyi, editor of myself to operate a business Aug. 20, 2011 offered an the New Edinburgh News in New Edinburgh for 26 opportunity to show appre- (now president of NECA) years. It always felt like we ciation to the community, were in a small village. The so I installed solar-powered “After the initial shock of village came together for our lanterns in the trees spelling this devastating event, what fundraiser, helping to raise out ‘thank you’ on behalf of struck me most was how over $20,000 for the victims myself and the other affected quickly the community was of the fire. It’s a very close tenants. It was comforting for able to mobilize to provide knit community where every- me to see people stop by and help to those directly affect- one looks to help out others. I hoped that they appreciated ed. The Crichton Cultural We have many examples of its significance.” Community Centre (precur- sor to NECTAR) quickly the charitable acts from this Joan Mason, then-presi- amazing community.” sprang into action to be a cen- dent of the New Edinburgh tral point for gathering infor- Leesa Sereda, tenant at 409 Community Alliance mation from those in need of MacKay (now living near (NECA) help and those offering help. the Central Experimental “That day, we lost one small The New Edinburgh Pub, and Farm) block of shops that met most specifically Paul and Tracy “One of my lasting memo- of the community’s needs. Williams, put together a fun- ries is the week-long physical It was a fun place and we draising event, which was exertion and trauma of work- all cared for each other. extremely well-attended. ing alongside a professional Like New Edinburgh, it was At the time, we had no idea restoration team to remove all a rare survival! The smoke how long and how deep the my belongings from my soot- was toxic, but so were the effects to our main street

Sketch by Catherine Willis-O’Connor Artist Catherine Willis-O’Connor captured what that block of Beechwood was like pre-fire. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 5 would be, particularly in into NES where their apart- what was once a vibrant and ment afforded a sad view of community-centre shopping the devastation just across the area – now a veritable retail street. dead zone, with more like it “It happened so quickly,” coming (the Claridge project recalls NES resident Deborah comes to mind) if we don’t Sparks of Mar. 16, 2011. She shake some sense into the remembers feeling a sense of City’s planning department concern when the amount of and committee. It is odd that heavy and thick smoke con- the lasting effects of a dev- tinued to drift into the NES astating fire would resemble building. She was so appre- so closely the current per- ciative of all the people who vasive transformation of our helped with the evacuation 15-minute neighbourhoods.” including all the NES staff, *** the fire department and The Due to concerns about the Good Companions. Miss smoke’s toxicity, resi- Sparks still very much miss- dents from the nearby New es all the village-like stores, Edinburgh Square (NES) including the hardware, bak- retirement residence had ery, and ice cream shop. The to be evacuated overnight. eyesore of the building’s Photo courtesy Leesa Sereda Some residents shared their remains that remained for Residents displaced by the fire expressed their thanks to the community, which had raised over $30,000 memories of that experience: so long was always a sad to support those who were uninsured. Archie Bowen and his wife reminder of what was lost. were having her birthday “We sure miss the con- smoothly evacuated by bus to Big Sam, who greeted every by the Fire Chief for the resi- meal at Fraser Café. Archie venience of those friend- the safety of a staging facility arriving evacuee at the stag- dents to return. Happily, she recalls a police cruiser and a ly little shops,” says Bob nearby. ing centre with a most enthu- found The Clocktower Pub fire truck pulling up in front McLachlan, who in 2011 From there, they were siastic hug. “Maybe it’s the was open! Joyce was deeply of the restaurant. Officers had been living for just over quickly despatched to stay a sense of collective vulner- saddened by the loss of so came in. Was the retirement a year at NES with his wife few days with family, friends ability, but people do seem many valuable small busi- or at a local hotel. Bob recalls to close ranks when they are home threatened, they won- Marg. Bob was at the den- nesses in our community, but dered? “We had seen a lot tist when Marg phoned with people scurrying in and out threatened like that,” Bob she continues to make a point of smoke on our way to the news of the fire. When the of the gallery at the corner recalls. restaurant,” he remembers. order came for all NES resi- of Beechwood and MacKay, The day after the evacu- to buy local and support our “It was a very exciting din- dents to be evacuated due to carrying paintings to a wait- ation, resident Joyce Lowe community. ner. We hadn’t counted on the fire’s toxic smoke, Bob, ing van. And there was a returned a bit too early in –with files from Keith the entertainment.” Shortly Marg and the little retirement certain NES staff member, a the day only to discover Newton and Catherine afterward, the Bowens moved community were soon being server whom everyone called NES had not been cleared Scrivens-Bourque Page 6 New Edinburgh News February 2021 While a vaccine represents hope, the pandemic isn’t over not over. While the vaccine fêtes. Je veux profiter de cette nous et le gouvernement dev- represents the hope we are occasion pour réfléchir sur ons mettre en oeuvre en 2021. all counting on, the months l’année et regarder vers 2021! De plus, la pandémie n’est ahead will continue to require Lorsque la pandémie nous pas terminée. Si le vaccin us to count on each other a obligés à déclarer l’état représente l’espoir sur lequel Lucille Collard more than ever. d’urgence dans la province, je nous comptons tous, les mois Together with the city coun- venais d’être élue. Alors que à venir continueront de nous MPP Ottawa-Vanier cillors and our member of l’esprit de collaboration avec obliger à compter les uns sur Parliament in Ottawa-Vanier, le gouvernement de Queen’s les autres plus que jamais. we are committed to working Park s’épuisait, il est devenu Ensemble avec les con- on the issues that matter to nécessaire d’exiger davantage seillers municipaux et notre Happy New Year! I hope you port in areas that needed it. Ottawa-Vanier. de soutien dans les domaines députée fédérale d’Ottawa- and your loved ones had the Long-term care homes, peo- chance to take time for your- ple on the Ontario Disability As always, thank you for qui en avaient besoin. Les Vanier, nous nous engageons self over the holidays. I want Support Program (ODSP), doing your part in fighting foyers de soins de longue à travailler sur les enjeux to take this opportunity to local businesses, education, COVID-19. My team remains durée, les bénéficiaires qui comptent pour Ottawa- reflect on the past year and and the environment have available to help. Please feel du Programme ontarien de Vanier. look ahead towards 2021. been suffering from the lack free to give us a call at 613- soutien aux personnes handi- Comme toujours, merci de When the pandemic forced of investments by the govern- 744-4484 or send us an email capées (POSPH), les entre- faire votre part dans la lutte us to declare a state of emer- ment. at lcollard.mpp.co@liberal. prises locales, l’éducation, et contre le COVID-19. Mon gency in the province, I had The lessons learned from ola.org. l’environnement ont souffert équipe demeure disponible just been elected. As the spirit the many challenges of 2020 *** du manque d’investissements pour vous aider. N’hésitez of collaboration with the gov- should inform the solutions Bonne année! J’espère que du gouvernement. pas à nous appeler au 613- ernment at Queen’s Park was we and the government vous et vos proches avez eu la Les leçons tirées des nom- 744-4484 ou à nous envoyer wearing out, it became nec- need to implement in 2021. chance de prendre du temps breux défis de 2020 devraient un courriel à lcollard.mpp. essary to demand more sup- Moreover, the pandemic is pour vous-même pendant les éclairer les solutions que [email protected]. City’s budget does not support increased social needs keeping a distance of two the $3.94-billion operating led to the restoration of metres from others who are budget and $781-million greenspace in Stanley Park. outside your household when capital budget that were I was happy to be able to going out; avoiding large presented were more suited address the pre-existing gap gatherings; working from to “status quo” conditions in the Rideau River Eastern Rawlson King home if possible; avoiding and did not reflect the Pathway with the addition of visiting elderly friends fact that social needs have a new segment of multi-use City Councillor, Ward 13 or relatives; conducting increased due to the COVID- pathway between the south meetings or visits virtually; 19 pandemic. As we know, limit of Stanley Avenue and and limiting contacts to specific neighbourhoods in the north side of the New household members. More our ward suffer from high Edinburgh Park playground, Happy New Year, New ahead. Unfortunately, we are than ever, it is important that rates of poverty. For these where the pathway transitions Edinburgh! not where we need to be in we continue to practice social reasons, I could not in good to and from mixed traffic. I I hope you had an enjoy- terms of reducing and limit- distancing in order to reduce conscience vote for this am also gratified that roads in able holiday season, despite ing the spread of COVID-19. transmission as the City moves budget. the neighbourhood continue the unprecedented times in We urge everyone to continue closer towards an in-depth With our ward having some to be rebuilt and restored. which we find ourselves following the provincial and COVID-19 vaccination plan, of the highest rates of food Also, after listening to with COVID-19. It’s back to City guidelines so that we in conjunction with senior bank usage in Ontario, I residents’ concerns, I began work as usual for my office, protect those who are vulner- levels of government. will be releasing a poverty to reduce speed limits across and we are more commit- able and emerge from the As you may have heard, reduction strategy proposal New Edinburgh with the ted than ever to addressing pandemic as soon as possible. in December I voted against in early 2021 which will call introduction of residential your concerns in the year These guidelines include the City budget because for the creation of a food gateway zones which has security co-ordinator. I am brought down maximum also working with all other speeds to 40 km/h on elected officials in our area residential streets. I will be through a new task force to examining the feasibility of tackle affordable housing lowering speed limits even challenges, which includes further in these new gateway identifying funding sources zones over the course of this and locations for supportive Council term. housing. As always, you can Last year in New reach out to my office at Edinburgh, the completion rideaurockcliffeward@ of the Combined Sewage ottawa.ca, or by calling 613- Storage Tunnel project 580-2483.

Deadline for the next issue of the New Edinburgh News March 10 [email protected] February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 7 City taking concrete action against racism sustained, concrete action. ensure that an anti-racist lens project for youth with the Municipalities have a role to is applied to City policies, Neighbourhood Ambassador play and that is why I support- with an emphasis on six prior- Program. ed the creation of the Anti- ity areas: employment equity, As the Mayor of Ottawa, I Racism Secretariat. Under equity in governance, hous- remain committed to mak- Jim Watson the leadership of Councillor ing, economic development, ing our city a better place to Rawlson King, who has health outcomes, and youth Mayor of Ottawa become the first Council development. live for all residents. Change Liaison for Anti-Racism and Since the establishment of is necessary in all our pub- Ethnocultural Relations the Secretariat in 2020, some lic service institutions. If Initiatives, we are listening of the progress made by the we remain steadfast in our In the past year, we have not these issues head on. It starts and acknowledging issues. City includes: resolve, we can create a more only been challenged by the with stating uncomfortable I am also pleased that Yusra • initiating the creation of an inclusive and responsive COVID-19 pandemic, but we truths. Indigenous Peoples, Osman was hired as the City’s Anti-Racism Advisory Table; community that is welcom- have also seen the issues of Black, Asian and other racial- first Anti-Racism Specialist • launching a public aware- ing for all residents. Only racism and the disproportion- ized populations in Ottawa to advance this work from ness social media campaign together can we build a more ate impacts of systemic ineq- have disproportionately been, within and across depart- to condemn anti-Asian rac- equitable community for all uity come into sharp focus, and continue to be, the vic- ments. I have every confi- ism residents of Ottawa. both at home and abroad. tims of violence, racist graffi- dence that Ms. Osman will • launching the gender The existence and complex- ti, racial slurs, excluded from advance the important work and race equity data base- For more information about ity of systemic discrimina- activities and employment needed, including work that line study together with the the Anti-Racism Secretariat, tion must be acknowledged by opportunities and discrimi- has been underway through Women and Gender Equity please visit: engage.ottawa. our institutions as well as by nated against in the work- the Somali Community Table Specialist; and ca/anti-racism-and- us as individuals if we are place. since 2016. • creating the “Coping ethnocultural-relations- going to effectively address This can end only with The secretariat will help with Racial Stress” pilot initiatives. Priority for 2021: keeping our community safe from COVID-19 finement, je tiens à souligner Canadiennes et Canadiens, vaccin augmentera tout au que ces mesures sont néces- ainsi que nos communautés et long de l’année, ce qui per- saires pour sauver des vies nos entreprises, soient soute- mettra à tous les Canadiens dans notre communauté, et je nus pendant cette crise. Nous de se faire vacciner. Mona Fortier suis convaincue qu’ensemble allons notamment veiller à ce Soyez assurés que mon nous allons nous en sortir. que tous les Canadiennes et bureau de circonscrip- Ottawa-Vanier MP Je vous encourage donc Canadiens aient accès à un tion est toujours là pour à téléchargez l’application vaccin sûr, efficace et gratuit. vous appuyer avec tous les Alerte COVID et continuez de Nous prévoyons qu’au cours aspects des services fédéraux. Dear residents, Happy New ensuring all Canadians have pratiquer la distanciation phy- des premiers mois de 2021, Communiquez avec nous au Year 2021! access to a safe, effective, sique afin de vous protéger, et des millions de Canadiennes 613-998-1860 ou envoyez As we start a new year, I want and free vaccine. We expect de protéger également ceux et Canadiens recevront un un courriel à mona.fortier@ to offer you my best wish- in the first months of 2021, qui vous entourent. Vous pou- vaccin. La disponibilité du parl.gc.ca. es for happiness, peace, and millions of Canadians will vez télécharger l’application prosperity. As we enter 2021, receive a vaccine. The avail- Alerte COVID-19 à partir de our top priority remains keep- ability of the vaccine will l’Apple App Store ou de la ing our community healthy increase throughout the year, boutique Google Play. Notre gouvernement con- and safe from COVID-19. ultimately providing every tinuera à faire tout ce qu’il As our province continues Canadian with the opportu- nity to be immunized. faut, aussi longtemps qu’il to implement new stay-at- Rest assured that my con- le faudra, pour que tous les home measures, I want to stituency office is always emphasize that these mea- there to support you with all sures are necessary to save aspects of federal services. lives in our community, and Give us a call at 613-998- Keep up with I am convinced that together 1860 or email us at mona. The Burgh we will get through this. [email protected]. So, I encourage you to *** online! download the COVID19 Cher(ères) résidentes et rési- Alert app and continue to dents, practice physical distancing En ce début d’année, je veux to protect yourself, and those vous offrir mes meilleurs around you. You can down- vœux de bonheur, de paix load the COVID19 Alert app et de prospérité, alors que from the Apple App Store, or nous amorçons 2021, notre Google Play Store. priorité absolue doit demeu- We will keep doing what- rer le maintien de la santé et www.newedinburgh.ca ever it takes, for as long de la sécurité de notre com- as it takes, to support all munauté face à la COVID-19. newednews Canadians, our communities, Alors que notre province NewEdinburghCA and our businesses through continue de mettre en place this crisis. This includes des nouvelles mesures de con- Page 8 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Snow Moles’ winter walkability audit more important than ever By Anne Moore roadways are rarely busy, and winter weather has occurred, Have you been walking more the area is full of interest- such as a snowfall or freezing since the start of the pan- ing historical houses, new rain), and a destination (for demic? It is obvious when I modern buildings, and green example, a bus stop, grocery walk on the streets of New spaces. During the pandemic, store, school, bank, senior’s Edinburgh that more people many people have found that centre or library). If you take are walking as a form of exer- a simple walk can be calm- a walk with a family member cise than ever before. The ing. It also helps us to feel or friend, follow the public physical and mental benefits connected with those around health COVID-19 guidelines us. for safe distancing. of walking are widely known, Most of us would like to Once you have completed but walking has not always continue to reap the ben- your walk, please complete been as popular as it is right efits of walking throughout the online questionnaire now. the winter. Walking in the at surveymonkey.com/r/ I love to walk. Walking has spring, summer, and fall on SnowMoles2021. Photos are always been one of my favou- clear roads and sidewalks is welcome and can be sent to rite forms of exercise, and easy. Walking in winter can [email protected]. New Edinburgh is an ideal be more challenging and, as If you prefer you can download place to walk. Sidewalks or a senior, I am often nervous a paper questionnaire at The Council on Aging’s Snow Moles are volunteers who report on about walking when the side- what it’s like to walk outside on a winter day in Ottawa. coaottawa.ca/snowmoles. walks are snow-covered and Please encourage others to icy. walk outside on a winter day a Snow Mole and complet- complete the questionnaire While the City of Ottawa in Ottawa. Anyone can be a ing a Winter Walkability and as well: anyone in the city does a good job of clearing Snow Mole, but we are par- Pedestrian Safety Audit. Your can complete a Winter snow and ice from most of ticularly looking for seniors answers will be part of a 2021 Walkability and Pedestrian the pedestrian areas in the and children to participate, Winter Walking in Ottawa Safety Audit. city, there is always room for as well as people who use – Snow Mole Report shared The Snow Moles campaign Support your local improvement and our feed- mobility devices, like canes, with the City of Ottawa for takes place from January to businesses! back to the City of Ottawa walkers, and wheelchairs. their Winter Maintenance March and is an initiative Tell them you saw is vital. Snow Moles can do You are invited to ensure Quality Standards Review. of The Council on Aging of their ad in the that! healthy, accessible, and safe Completing an audit is easy. Ottawa. If you have any ques- Snow Moles are volunteers winter walking conditions Pick a time of day when you tions, please contact me at New Edinburgh News. who report on what it’s like to in Ottawa, by becoming need to go out (best after some [email protected]. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 9 Despite more funds for school upgrades, don’t expect a quick fix federal-provincial funding for pandemic has highlighted with on a short-term basis. education-related infrastruc- the need. However, in older Chris Ellis is the OCDSB ture projects. The program is buildings it is a challenge to Trustee for Zone 6 (Rideau- application-based and could do piecemeal upgrades and Rockcliffe and Alta Vista). inject up to $45 million more the OCDSB has been limited Contact him at chris.ellis@ Chris Ellis into the OCDSB’s project in how much can be dealt ocdsb.ca or 613-818-7350. plans. Public School Trustee, Zone 6 Unfortunately, it is chal- lenging to find the trades to carry out so much work, espe- cially when all school boards Both the provincial and fed- more than 12 million square are competing for contractors eral governments are provid- feet. Building replacement and, as a result, driving prices ing more money to school value is in the $2.5 to $3 up. Historical metrics indicate boards this year for build- billion range. More than 80 that, realistically, the OCDSB ing renewal and maintenance per cent of the spaces are can undertake $40–$50 mil- in response to the pandemic. more than 20 years old. The lion of construction work This good news will enable backlog of deferred renewal annually. It can therefore be boards to address a backlog projects is estimated to be expected that it will take up of deferred renewal projects, $876 million. to three years to get all the including upgrading heat- The OCDSB’s total budget work done that this amount of ing, ventilation and air con- for the 2020–2021 year for the funding allows. With enough ditioning (HVAC) systems. Facilities Renewal Program funding, it would take 10 to Balancing this good news are and School Condition 15 years to address the full two realities: the size of the Improvement is more than backlog, even as more main- backlogs and the limits on $111 million, which is sig- tenance came due. how much work can be done nificantly more than usual. Governments need to annually based on the avail- In collaboration with the fed- take this societal infrastruc- ability of contractors and the eral government, the Ontario ture deficit seriously. In not short summer window for Ministry of Education has addressing the issue there will carrying out larger projects. also announced a new funding continue to be higher operat- The Ottawa Carleton District source through the Investing ing costs due to inefficient School Board (OCDSB) has a in Canada Infrastructure windows and old HVAC sys- large portfolio of buildings Program to provide up to tems. Air quality has always and properties encompassing $700 million in combined been a high priority, but the

Photo courtesy John Jarecsni On Dec. 19, about 40 neighbours safely distanced on Noel Street to admire everyone’s Christmas lights, which helped bring a bit of cheer to a challenging holiday. Page 10 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Burgh Business Briefs By Andre R. Gagne, Jane Heintzman and Christina Leadlay

Farewell to Epic Fitness had to come to an end.” is an arepas, anyway? Both On Dec. 4, 2020, Epic Since the closure, many craving and question can be Fitness closed its doors at of Epic’s personal trainers answered at the new home 230 Beechwood Ave. for the have remained independently of South American cuisine: last time, lamenting on its active on the virtual train- Toasty Arepas. Facebook page: “We have sur- ing circuit, including Justin Sharing space with Goodies rendered.” Epic Fitness was Thiboutot, Kathleen Holt, Fine Catering at 51 Marier the brainchild of Stephanie Brett Patterson, Krysta Ave. (goodiescatering.com), Karlovits, an energetic young Andovic and Rami Gallego: the new restaurant was born entrepreneur who launched find them on Instagram when the owners – proud the business eight years ago, or LinkedIn. Our thanks Colombian Luisa García, offering a “full service” fit- to Stephanie and her team and Goodies’ owner Pierre ness and wellness operation for the lively business they Mineault – realized Ottawa focused on personal training, brought to Beechwood for had nowhere for Latinos to holistic nutrition, and outdoor the past three years. We wish go for something quick to community events. them well in their future eat, that little taste of tradition In her farewell message to endeavours, and a safe pas- that reminded them of home. clients, Stephanie concedes sage through the pandemic. “To come up with the name, that as a small boutique busi- Building owner Domicile we brainstormed a bunch ness in a highly competitive reports that the former of words and sayings, and industry, “we stood no chance Epic Fitness space at 230 we also asked my family against the pandemic.” Beechwood Ave. has now members what would be a Despite efforts to pivot dur- been leased to another busi- good name,” explains Luisa. ing the lockdowns by offer- ness but declined to offer any “Eventually, by elimina- ing live-streamed classes and details about the new busi- tion, we decided on ‘Toasty virtual personal-training ses- ness or its anticipated time of Arepas,’ which is half sions, the costs of maintaining arrival. Stay tuned! –JH English and half Spanish.” Epic’s extensive space were South America comes close “Arepas are corn pancakes – a staple food of South Photo by Alexander McKenzie burdensome. When the busi- to home Goodies’ owner Pierre Mineault and Toasty Arepas’s Luisa García. ness failed to qualify for gov- American cuisine,” she says. Do you have a craving for With the arepas mystery ernment rent support, it was a scrumptious, authentic all over. “Epic was a dream solved, we asked what else gluten-free, and we have tions, they allow only two arepas, but just can’t get to was on the menu: vegan and vegetarian options clients at a time inside the come true,” says Stephanie, Venezuela to snag one? Are “but like all dreams, this one “Our menu is 100 per cent for most items, so of course store, and they have joined you now wondering: what we would recommend every- Uber Eats to provide delivery. thing on our menu. But our With social media as their most popular items are the main marketing outlet, Luisa empanadas, the arepas sand- and Pierre were elated when wich, chicharron, the envuel- customers began stopping by tos, and definitely the yucca to discover what so many fries and paisa bowl. They have always known: South have been hits since day one!” American cuisine is amazing! Toasty Arepas’s Instagram “We are honoured and grate- account shows mouth-water- ful to say that the community ing images of arepas stuffed has been very welcoming and with all manner of ingredi- supportive to us since we ents, from ham and olives opened,” said Luisa. “It is to sausage, black beans and thanks to them that the word cheese. about our restaurant spread to Luisa knew that restaurants a lot of people.” are a very high-risk business Toasty Arepas is open with one out of five closing Wednesdays, Thursdays in the first five years (and and Sundays from 12–8 p.m. that’s not during a global pan- and on Fridays and Saturdays demic). Dipping a foot in the from 12–9 p.m. Contact them water instead of diving head- at toastyarepas.com or 613- long into the pool seemed 262-5238. –AG best. Luisa and Pierre decided An essential service for pet to open Toasty Arepas for owners take-out only, with plans to eventually become a full, eat- Since last March, countless in restaurant in the future. housebound families have “Having a take-out restau- reached out to acquire com- rant also allowed us to test panion animals for comfort, the [concept], to see if there distraction and a built-in really was a market for our incentive to exercise while business idea,” said Luisa. the pandemic runs it course. Opening as they have, in In our own neighbourhood, unprecedented times, their top numerous new furry faces priority was safety. To com- have joined the (already ply with provincial restric- robust) local canine popula- tion in recent months. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 11

Two eager Labradors all ready for doggy camp. Photo by Place for Paws

For first-time dog owners, call Angela at 613-446- she turned her attention to the stay-at-home environ- 2280, visit placeforpaws. Baccanalle. “We pivoted and ment has afforded an ideal com or on Facebook: @ brought Baccanalle from the Photo by Alexander McKenzie opportunity to bond with placeforpawsboardingcamp side to the forefront, essen- Baccanalle’s chef/owner Resa Solomon-St. Lewis offers a Caribbean- their new family member –JH tially building a Caribbean- inspired take-home menu. and master the basics of care, Bring a bit of the inspired menu for people to feeding and (for the brave and Caribbean home enjoy and experiment with at provided meals to vulnerable my sister and I have created wise!) training. When work- home,” she says. This time of year, some of communities and frontline a new venture: Afrotechture. ing from home is the norm, Baccanalle specializes in us like to escape (or dream workers and we, along with It’s a unique and exciting social activities are restricted, contemporary and traditional of escaping) Ottawa’s cold other restaurants, were proud space to shop and discover Caribbean and Soul food with and travel is out of the ques- and snow for warmer locales. to provide meals at or near Black Canadian artisans.” tion, it’s easy to overlook one But with international travel vegan, vegetarian, gluten- cost,” Resa says. Afrotechture’s first pop-up crucial resource. A depend- another victim of the pandem- free, diabetic-sensitive, and Resa has big plans for 2021: shop will take place Feb. 7 low-sodium options, accord- able caregiver will be a must ic, we need to find other ways “The pandemic has ignited in the ByWard Market Mall when holiday and business ing to the website. All items to broaden our horizons. Let a fight-not-flight spark for heritage building, as well as travel start up again – as they your tastebuds do the travel- are available on a pre-order some online events. Learn will with a vengeance, post- pick-up basis. me,” she says. “Inspired by ling with nearby Baccanalle my ethnic community as well more at afrotechture.com. pandemic! restaurant (595 Montreal “Our most popular items Baccanalle is open for pre- Pet boarding facilities have are our Ocho Jerk Chicken as my years with farmers’ Rd.) as your passport to new, markets and artisan shows, Continued on page 12 been an unnoticed casualty Caribbean-inspired flavours. Feasts,” Resa says. “Our pat- of the stay-at-home existence Baccanalle chef and owner ties are made from scratch and imposed during the pandemic. Resa Solomon-St. Lewis our NOLA Jazz dinner comes These small operators have was born in Winnipeg, complete with our cornbread, suffered an almost total loss Man. but has called Ottawa Cajun beans and a spicy of business in recent months, home since 1980. Resa has maple butter.” We asked the and many have not survived. a background in chemical chef what item people should In our community, Place engineering and trained as a try. “Our Chef’s Pick Fam for Paws Boarding Camp chef at Algonquin College. Packs,” says Resa, noting for Cats and Dogs has been According to her website, the family packs come with a go-to pet sitter for many Chef Resa has twice repre- stock-the-freezer staples like families, my own included. sented the High Commission pulled jerk chicken, vegan Throughout its two decades for Trinidad and Tobago in curry, and coconut rice and in business in Clarence Creek, Ottawa’s Embassy Chef peas. “Perfect to pull together Ont., Place for Paws has been Challenge, and has numerous a great nutritious meal, quick- a safe and reliable second awards to her credit. ly!” she says. home for furry family mem- “Baccanalle” is a play on Baccanalle even has spe- bers. Despite the punishing the word “bacchanal,” mean- cial menus available for blow to her business, owner ing scandal or wild celebra- Valentine’s Day (look for Angela Zorn has soldiered tion in the Caribbean, where V-Day on their website), fea- on, but with only a trickle of Resa’s family has roots. “I turing special “Lockdown canine and feline clients to first experimented with Love” meals kits for couples occupy her spacious, climate- Baccanalle in 2012,” Resa looking for a COVID-friendly controlled kennel facility. tells the New Edinburgh News way to spice things up. Order Angela hopes to weather in an email interview. Many by Feb. 8 for pick-up on Feb. the storm until life returns readers will be familiar with 12 and 13. to normal, and she greatly Resa’s Baccanalle products Resa and her Baccanalle appreciates interim support from her many years at the team have also kept busy from regular, or prospective, Beechwood Market – she has supporting the community clients. It’s worth considering been a supplier since its first during COVID times. “This the purchase of a Place for days. “We love the sense of year more than ever we have Paws gift certificate as a community they create [at the worked to support some prepayment for future visits market],” she says. amazing community groups when normalcy is restored. Resa explains that when the like Carefor Health and To learn more about Place for pandemic meant her office Community Services, Meals Paws or to lend a hand with catering business Capital Fare for Hope and JakuKonbit,” a gift certificate purchase, Café “virtually disappeared,” she tells NEN. “These groups Page 12 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Continued from page 11 ordered pick-up on Thursdays and Fridays from 4–8 p.m. and Saturdays from 3–8 p.m. at 595 Montreal Rd. Find Baccanalle’s full take-out and delivery menu at baccanalle. com or call 613-859-6297 to place your order. Gift cards are also available. –CL It’s full-on busy at Full Cycle Amid the small businesses struggling to stay afloat as the pandemic unfolds, Full Cycle at 401 St. Laurent Blvd. stands out as an unexpected beneficiary of the restric- tive, stay-at-home existence. Cycling has proven an ideal outlet for those needing dis- traction, exercise and relief from claustrophobic COVID- Photo by Dave Rostenne related restrictions, not to Full Cycle has increased their online resources to cope with a business boom in the pandemic. mention an environmentally- friendly transportation option opposed to competitive ski- rected online. The store has bikes” has soared this win- the recent east-end extension year-round. ers. now beefed up its online ter, to the point that they’ve of the multi-use ski-, walk- For many years, Full Cycle Full Cycle staffer Matti resources, adding a LiveChat become virtually unattainable ing-, snowshoeing and fat- has been our community’s Pihlainen reports that despite function to handle questions across Canada. With super- biking trail along the Ottawa full-service resource for all the economic meltdown of and requests from clients. sized tires designed to con- River. Ski Heritage East now things cycling-related, from 2020, the bicycle business To Matti’s surprise, new quer packed snow, fat bikes extends from the Aviation the sale of bikes and equip- has been booming. “Our bike purchases are already on are the go-to option for winter Museum all the way to Trim ment to repairs and regular phone didn’t stop ringing an upswing as cyclists move conditions, and now a ubiqui- Road. Visit skiheritageeast. tune-ups. During the winter from April through August,” swiftly to “to get ahead of the tous presence on trails and ca/wpshe for details and up months, it also offers a cross- says Matti, adding that when curve” and secure their wheels roads throughout the region. to date trail conditions. country ski waxing service, staff couldn’t keep up with before spring. At the same And speaking of trails, Matti Full Cycle has been diligent primarily for local families as calls, clients had to be redi- time, the popularity of “fat and his team are delighted by about COVID-19 protocols February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 13

Photo by Alexander McKenzie Photo by Andre R. Gagne The Bellefleur Physiotherapy team: (from left) Dave Bellefleur, Natasha Eddie, Michele Carbonneau Montreal-based Mr. Luko’s is set to take over the former Second and Kellie Westwell. Cup site at 1 Springfield Rd. in all its operations, including strain injuries, sports injuries, prevalent in the pandemic. Beer lovers will be happy Street in the course of just curbside drop-off and pick- concussion, tendonitis, neck- She is experienced in the use to hear that Good Prospects a few weeks, inflicting yet up. While the lockdown lasts, , shoulder- and lower-back of the McKenzie method for Brewing Company has another cruel blow to Donna only the service door will be pain, vertigo, chronic pain treating neck- and lower- officially opened at 411 Chevrier’s local business. open for bike repair clients: syndrome, and more. back conditions and offers St Laurent Blvd. (good- Nearby Jasper Restaurant at you’ll need to call in advance Few would dispute that the acupuncture for pain control. prospects.ca 613-315-3757). Beechwood and Charlevoix (613-741-2443) to arrange pandemic has been a pain in Jason’s brother Dave Curb-side pick-up launched reportedly met the same fate, a drop-off or pick-up. And the neck; in fact, that is liter- Bellefleur, company co-own- on Jan. 29. NEN hopes to losing a trio of heaters from of course, you’ll need to be ally true. “The biggest prob- er and clinical director for bring more details about this its outdoor patio. masked for any interaction lems we’ve encountered dur- Beechwood, is a specialist in new business in our April edi- As Donna’s taqueria is with staff. Visit fullcycle.ca ing the pandemic are posture- dry needling, a highly effec- tion! dependent on take-out orders for details. related symptoms that people tive (if not always comfort- Meanwhile, Minto’s Kevin to stay afloat during the lock- When NEN asked whether are suffering as a result of able!) technique for releasing Harper confirms that the down, the heaters had been Full Cycle would welcome working from home,” says tight muscles. Dave also has LCBO is on track to com- installed for the benefit of any form of community sup- Jason. Cases of neck, shoul- extensive experience work- plete its new outlet in Minto clients lining up to collect port during the pandemic, der and low-back pain have ing with seniors, and in the Beechwood by the end of their orders. But not only did Matti generously declined, surged as a consequence of treatment of golf and running March 2021 and expects to the thefts foil her attempt to suggesting that residents the sedentary routine. injuries. Sophie Drouin, a open its doors in early April. go the extra mile for custom- instead reach out to their Apart from the stresses of recent University of Ottawa And of note, ModBox’s ers, the chances of securing a favourite coffee shops and long hours of screen-time, graduate, is expected to join André Cloutier reports replacement may be slim, as eateries who have not fared “the work space, if there is the team in the next few that owing to the continuing patio heaters have been such so well! –JH a specific work space at all, weeks. uncertainties associated with a “hot commodity” during the Relief for pandemic pains may not be properly set up to The Bellefleur the pandemic, “timelines for pandemic. Physiotherapy clinic is open As a community, let’s do Throughout the pandemic, minimize prolonged strains the commercial spaces [at St. on muscles and joints,” says from 12–8 p.m. Monday Charles Market] have been what we can to compensate Bellefleur Physiotherapy and Wednesday, and from for these mean-spirited acts has remained open for in-per- Jason, “and since people shelved for the time being.” aren’t commuting to work, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. Tuesday, –JH by making a special effort to son service at 2 Beechwood Thursday and Friday. Visit support Ola Cocina, Jasper Ave. (corner of Beechwood they aren’t moving around as Patio heaters pilfered often, which compounds the bellefleurphysio.com or and all our other struggling and the Vanier Parkway). According to a recent Ottawa effects.” call 613-695-7852 for more local businesses, and to help “Since we’re regulated information or to schedule an Citizen article, three outdoor them through this long ordeal healthcare professionals, Jason has simple advice patio heaters were stolen for staying healthy and pain- appointment. –JH to the return of brighter days. we’re considered an essen- from Ola Cocina on Barrette -JH tial service,” explains Jason free through the pandemic: New year, new businesses Bellefleur, president of the “Keep moving!” And if you Despite the ongoing chal- operation he co-owns with do develop aches and pains, lenges of the pandemic, 2021 his brother Dave Bellefleur. don’t let symptoms linger promises the anticipated However, Jason adds: “we before reaching out for pro- arrival of Mr. Luko: The realized that some people fessional assistance. “We can Gourmandise and Coffee may be uncomfortable going help, whether it’s in-person Place. Mr. Luko will occu- out in the current environ- or virtually, and the quicker py the former quarters of ment, so we’ve been offer- we get started, the quicker long-running Second Cup, ing virtual services since last we can get over the problem which closed its doors at April, and continue to do at hand.” 1 Springfield Rd. late last so.” Visit bellefleurphysio. There are currently two fall. We understand that the com to learn more about or physiotherapists working at new café is a spinoff from to schedule virtual consulta- Bellefleur’s Beechwood loca- a Montreal-based operation, tions. tion, with a third expected to and will feature a variety of Bellefleur physiotherapists come on board very soon. specialty foods, including treat a broad spectrum of Natasha Eddie has special- gelato. Stay tuned for more painful and disabling con- ized training in techniques details once Mr. Luko is up ditions: arthritis, repetitive to handle the issues most and running! Page 14 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Single alliance candidates could prevent vote-splitting in next election By Real Lavergne sufficient numbers to hold the seats respectively for a total next federal election offers Cymru). As concerned citizens who balance of power. of 79 seats under a propor- the NDP, Greens, and other This is not a call for any care deeply about electoral Canada’s first-past-the-post tional system. The political progressive candidates an existing political parties to reform and climate change, system disempowers citi- landscape would have been opportunity to collaborate merge. Our country needs a we are calling on the New zens of all partisan persua- very different. and win substantially more diversity of voices. We envis- Democratic Party of Canada, sions, depending on where An alliance for change seats, based on a joint policy age that the parties would they live and whom they vote agenda including the reform jointly nominate a single the federal Green Party, and Canadians want change. like-minded candidates to for. This includes Liberal of our electoral system. progressive candidate in rid- voters in Saskatchewan and An Angus Reid poll taken after The best way — probably ings where this could make a join forces by running a sin- the 2019 election showed 68 gle alliance candidate in key Alberta, Conservative vot- the only way — to break significant difference. Once ers in the Atlantic provinces per cent support for propor- through on some of the major elected, those candidates will ridings in the next federal tional representation country- election, backed by a joint and the greater Toronto area, policy issues of our time represent the party under and NDP or Green voters wide, including 55 per cent would be for the NDP, the whose banner they ran, while platform based on democrat- among Liberal voters and 69 ic reform, vigorous climate across the country. In 2019, Greens, and other progres- respecting the joint priorities the Conservatives won the per cent among Conservative sive candidates to join forc- established under the alli- action, and social justice. voters. Among NDP and Despite the historic rivalry popular vote and it is only es in strategic ridings. The ance. Considering that the the large seat-bonus accorded Green voters, the numbers two parties need to become a next election could come at of the NDP and the Green were 86 per cent and 83 per Party and some differences in to the Liberals by our voting more credible force capable any time, it is important for system (46 per cent of the cent, respectively. of winning seats in line with alliance discussions to begin their platforms, there are sig- Add to this that we are run- nificant affinities between the seats with 33 per cent of the their share of voter prefer- as soon as possible. vote) that allowed them to ning out of time on climate ences. It is time for progres- It’s time to set partisan dif- two parties. Among their sup- change. We can no longer porters are hundreds of thou- form a relatively comfortable sives to stop splitting the vote ferences aside and do what is minority government. afford to dilly-dally, hoping in winnable ridings. right for Canada! sands of Canadians who have that someday a strong cli- supported one or both parties As usual, the NDP and the We already have a model A founding member of Greens were heavily penal- mate action government will for how to do this. In the the One Time Alliance for at some time. A major thrust be elected and miraculously of our vision is the need for ized: with a combined share 2019 UK election, the Liberal Democratic Reform, Real of 22.4 per cent of the vote, pull us back from the brink. Democrats, the Green Party, Lavergne is a retired pub- a proportional voting system. The time has come for the This One Time Alliance for the two parties won only and Plaid Cymru formed lic servant and is also presi- 8.0 per cent of the seats. NDP, the Greens, and other the Unite to Remain Alliance, dent of Fair Vote Canada. Democratic Reform is intend- progressive candidates to set ed to do something about Compared to the 27 seats agreeing to run only one can- Learn more about the One they won under the current aside their differences and didate among them in 60 rid- Time Alliance for Democratic that by helping to elect pro- find a common solution. electoral reform candidates in system, the NDP and Greens ings (43 Liberal Democrats, Reform at onetimealliance. would have won 57 and 22 What will it take? The 10 Greens and seven Plaid ca. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 15 Grieving in pandemic times By Susan Groundwater pandemic hit that it became tor, including those locally It is nearly a year since every invaluable.” at Funeral Co-operative of aspect of our lives started Although these solutions Ottawa, to discuss ideas and being affected by COVID- are welcome, they can have make advance preparations. 19. Although the restrictions their drawbacks. “Online ser- Doing so can bring peace of have varied from season to vices tend to be more sombre mind to you and to your fam- season, large gatherings have and can feel like a poor sub- ily. Hopefully your arrange- consistently been forbidden. stitute for gathering together ments won’t be required for Many people have had to rei- to share stories and laughter, many years to come, but if magine, postpone, or cancel as well as tears, with those the pandemic has showed us such important celebrations who are left behind,” explains anything, it is that we cannot as graduations, baptisms, and Nicolas McCarthy, director know the future. Doing our weddings. Unfortunately, of marketing, communica- best to prepare in advance is more sombre gatherings such tions and community out- a caring gesture we can offer as funerals have also been reach at Beechwood Funeral, to our loved ones right now. significantly affected. Cemetery and Cremation Of note, the Funeral Like every other industry, Services. The result can be Co-operative of Ottawa will funeral service businesses an inherent sense of being be holding one-hour, online have had to adapt to COVID- unable to process a loss men- presentations on funeral plan- 19 swiftly and significantly. tally, physically or socially. ning in Ontario, hosted by Photo by Beechwood Cemetery Foundation retired social worker and Although funeral services “There is an entire group of The pandemic has affected how people mourn, creating a “missed are considered essential and people who haven’t been emotional generation” of those who haven’t been able to reflect, or FCO vice-president Beverlee have therefore remained open able to have their moment who have been forced to grieve alone. McIntosh on Feb. 9, Feb. 17 throughout the pandemic, of reflection and who have and Mar. 18. Learn more at fco-cfo.coop or email info@ every aspect of these services been forced to grieve alone or Beechwood Cemetery web- Alternatively, you can reach had to be modified almost with small groups only,” says fco-cfo.coop or call 613-288- literally overnight. There Nicolas, calling the result a site: beechwoodottawa.ca. out to a licensed funeral direc- 2689. was also an urgency for pre- “missed emotional genera- planning at the beginning of tion.” the pandemic, particularly One option: to postpone in April 2020 when Ontario some grief rituals until cir- mandated the speed at which cumstances improve. In fact, arrangements had to be made many people are choosing to following a death in the prov- delay holding funerals or cel- ince: what the Bereavement ebrations of life until after the Authority of Ontario labelled restrictions lift, says Nicolas. “an expedited death response Although waiting can be dif- plan.” ficult, it does provide mourn- Although the response times ers with time to consider originally announced last how to honour their departed spring were lengthened as of loved one, and to anticipate Jan. 12, 2021, there are still an event that will help them many restrictions in place for grieve as a family in what- funeral services themselves. ever social format feels best. Currently, only 10 people “A funeral service offers a may attend, clergy included. moment of healing, when Attendees must pre-register mourners gather as part of and wear masks indoors, and a wider community to show of course, all attendees must respect, love and admiration adhere to social distancing for the person who has died, protocols and refrain from and to share their grief,” he physical contact between says. members of separate house- With vaccines beginning holds: no hugs or handshakes to roll out in Ontario, we are permitted. all hope that the end of the In the face of these reali- severe restrictions is in sight ties, funeral directors have and that life will soon return had to get more creative. to some version of normal. “New funeral formats start- Until then, Lisa suggests that ed appearing, such as drive- we take the opportunity to through visitations and broach the difficult topic of drive-in services shown on our own final wishes with our large outdoor screens,” says families and friends. Nicolas Lisa L. Wilson, managing agrees, noting that although funeral director at the Funeral many people are reluctant to Co-operative of Ottawa. discuss such matters, “know- Services also moved online ing what someone wanted in an attempt to include as allows you to avoid a knee- many people as possible in jerk reaction in a moment of the events. “This technol- shock and grief.” ogy had been available in a There are many resources growing number of funeral online to help start that con- homes,” she explains, “but it versation, including several wasn’t until the COVID-19 helpful documents on the Page 16 New Edinburgh News February 2021 taking advantage of backyard feeders throughout the neigh- bourhood. In our own dog-walk- ing excursions, we’ve also For the Birds encountered mid-sized flocks of wintering American rob- By Jane Heintzman ins along the Ottawa River Parkway (off Sussex Drive close to the Rockcliffe Pavilion). The winter (so far) has been reasonably mild and storm-free, so the stay-at- home robins have been able to find sufficient food and water supplies to stick around rather than migrate south. Wild turkeys are also in evidence in Rockcliffe Park, including a family of seven very large birds often found on Manor Road. Super flight of winter finches The birding story of this winter is a “super flight” of boreal finch species from Canada’s northern forest Canada jay. Photo by David Howe regions to more southerly areas in Canada and parts famine” in boreal regions. An of the cedar waxwings. As of the United States. The abundance of summertime their epic numbers this winter exodus is thought to be the food supplies afforded by attest, Bohemians (so named largest irruption (southward bumper spruce crops, com- for their nomadic habits) White-breasted nuthatch. Photo by Frank Martin movement) of northern bore- bined with significant out- form extraordinarily large al finches in recent history. breaks of spruce budworm flocks in the non-breeding When the COVID-19 pan- less ideal. There are fewer Learn more at audubon.org/ (a protein-rich addition to season to scour the landscape demic struck last March, bird species in our environs news. the finches’ diet), led to a for berries and fruit to tide Ottawa’s first lockdown than there were last March Virtually all the boreal finch population explosion in them over through the winter. happily coincided with the (the bright breeding plum- finch species are reported the north. The resurgence of They’re annual visitors to our arrival of waves of migra- age and full-throated song to be on the move south, the budworm infestation is own garden in late February tory bird species, returning are largely absent from this in some cases heading deep thought to have been an indi- or early March, when they into the central and south- to their breeding grounds to wintry landscape); nor are rect result of the pandemic, descend in a massive wave ern U.S. This mobile group get on with the annual ritual the conditions for outdoor which limited Quebec’s abil- to polish off the mountain birding excursions very hos- includes common and hoary ity to fully treat its forested ash berries and crabapples of finding a mate and produc- redpolls; red- and white- pitable, particularly in and areas. remaining in our garden. ing offspring. At that point, winged crossbills; evening many homebound residents around the forested areas that When boreal spruce crops grosbeaks; pine grosbeaks; failed later in the year, waves discovered the delights of are prime bird habitat. purple finches and pine sis- But all is not lost: such of hungry finches took flight birdwatching, both in their kins, along with three other in search of more abundant own backyards and in ram- hardy year-round species irruptive species: Bohemian as Northern cardinals, food sources in southern bles through the community. waxwings; blue jays and regions, our own area among The timing of this current black-capped chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches. white-breasted nuthatches, them. Local Ottawa Christmas second lockdown is a little According to the Finch bird counts (ofnc.ca) record- European house sparrows, Research Network which downy-, hairy- and pileated ed sightings of almost all the prepares the annual winter winter finch species, with woodpeckers, large flocks of finch forecast (finchnetwork. American crows, and com- Bohemian waxwings top- org), this year’s extraordi- ping the list at 6,500 sight- mon ravens are still around nary influx was fueled by a ings. The only no-show in the in abundance, many of them “perfect storm of feast and December bird counts was the dazzling purple finch, but at least one individual has since been spotted close to home on Lisgar Road in Rockcliffe Park. Bohemian waxwings are House finch. Photo by David Howe hard to miss: they’re strik- ing, crested birds with black Regional birding highlights masks, peach-coloured faces, While our stay-at-home direc- rusty-coloured undertail tive currently limits our abil- feathers and bold white wing ity to visit some of the prime stripes. They’re slightly lon- bird-watching spots around ger and more robust than their the region like Britannia sleeker cedar waxwing cous- Conservation Area, Andrew ins (6–7.5 inches vs. 5.5–6 Haydon Park, Jack Pine Trail, .5 inches) and have beigey- Mer Bleue and Shirley’s brown bellies as opposed to Bay, the Ottawa Field Northern Cardinal. Photo by David Howe the lemon-yellow undersides February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 17 green space opposite Philip’s house. A patch of dense lilac bushes, which have afforded an ideal habitat for count- less birds in all seasons, has been radically slashed back, no doubt displacing many of Philip’s customary visitors. Not far away at the Macoun Marsh (in the Beechwood Cemetery just off St. Laurent Boulevard south of Hemlock), St. Laurent Academy science teacher Mike Leveille has had firsthand evidence of this winter’s “super flight” of irruptive species. Mike recently spotted an immense flock of about 500 Bohemian waxwings, along with a smat- tering of pine grosbeaks mixed in. If past irruptive Boreal Chickadee. Photo by David Howe years are any guide, Mike and his students will likely Naturalists’ Club provides The boreal chickadee is encounter an equally large a weekly roundup of bird a rarity in these parts, but influx of common redpolls sightings from neighbour- more common in northern at the Marsh later this winter. hoods throughout Ottawa and and western Canada. Unlike West coast birding reporter the National Capital Region. our familiar black-capped and former Burgh resident The OFNC reports are not chickadee with its black cap Vicki Metcalfe logged an only a helpful indicator of and throat, and contrasting impressive 428 birds in the what species to watch out for white face patch, its boreal course of a three-hour stint locally but can also provide cousin has a brown cap and at Victoria, B.C.’s Christmas collar, along with cinnamon- Photo by Mike Leveille useful clues to the identity of bird count – much of it in Bohemian Waxwing Flock at Macoun Marsh. a “mystery bird” you might coloured flanks. the pouring rain! Among the be struggling to identify. Reports from our readers species on Vicki’s list were boosting signs of spring. Dawson. In fact, Dave’s full The OFNC reports are a Philip MacAdam’s avian common- and hooded mer- Correction: In our name is David Howe. We highlight list of notable or bistro at Alexander and gansers; a Eurasian col- December edition, we mistak- regret the error and thank rare species, as opposed to lared dove; Anna’s hum- Thomas Streets has been enly identified one of our new David for his contributions to our regular cast of characters mingbirds; a bald eagle; a quieter than usual recently, bird photographers as David this column. such as cardinals and chick- though a couple of Northern Northern flicker; common adees. Recent reports from cardinal pairs remain regu- ravens; chestnut-backed early January have recorded lars at the feeders, and a pair chickadees; a ruby-crowned several interesting sightings, of house finches dropped in kinglet; a Bewick’s wren; among them a Canada jay for a “power breakfast” of pine siskins; golden- in Lanark; Eastern blue- sunflower seeds. The white- crowned sparrows; white- birds in several locations in breasted nuthatches and crowned sparrows; house both Gatineau and Ottawa; black-capped chickadees finches; American robins Carolina wrens in Navan which normally frequent the and dark-eyed juncos. and Ottawa; an “invasion” bistro are no-shows at the Hope on the horizon of red-bellied woodpeckers moment, but chances are, While there are months to go on both sides of the Ottawa they’ll be back as winter before winter is on its way River; a wildly out-of-sea- unfolds. One possible expla- out, birders have much to son ovenbird (member of nation for the bistro’s declin- look forward to (apart from the warbler family) at the ing clientele is the recent the COVID-19 vaccine) in the Britannia Conservation Area; brush-clearing exercise car- coming weeks. If you’re able and a boreal chickadee on ried out by the National to keep your backyard feeders Fernbank Road. Capital Commission on the well stocked with black oil sunflower seed and nyjer seed (for smaller finches), chances are you’ll have regular visi- tors from the Northern car- dinal, black-capped chicka- dee and white-breasted nut- hatch families, along with rosy house finches, common redpolls and, if you’re lucky, a smattering of flashy win- ter finches such as evening- and pine grosbeaks. And in the weeks ahead, the steady drumming of pileated wood- peckers throughout the area, and the familiar mating calls of the cardinal and chicka- Common Redpoll. Photo by David Howe dee, will mark the first, spirit- Page 18 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Powerful pandemic leaves only modest mark on City’s budget and official plan By Sarah Anson- become a more resilient and of a total $47 million), there age the development of colour maps and secondary Cartwright inclusive place to live? was an additional $25 million healthy, walkable, 15-minute plans. The City did not make The pandemic’s impacts on Two sources offer a view for roads in an envelope for neighbourhoods,” cited as printed copies available to people and businesses are into how the powers that be roads and other infrastructure helping to “create the con- the public, except for initially dramatic and well docu- at City Hall see Ottawa in a totaling $171 million. ditions for future pandemic seven copies (now 11 cop- mented. Beyond the sad loss post-pandemic era. These two Roads received a higher resiliency.” ies in total) on loan via the of lives, in Ottawa the most sources – the 2021 budget budget, yet council refused to There are dozens of ref- Ottawa Public Library. vulnerable, racialized, and and the draft new Official freeze OCTranspo fares dur- erences to 15-minute neigh- “It is felt that communities low-income citizens have Plan – give some clues as to ing a period when the existing bourhoods which the City have not been given enough been disproportionately and whether Mayor Jim Watson riders are facing hardships. describes as “places where, time to review a massive doc- adversely affected. And the and senior City staff are tak- A previously scheduled City’s self-declared housing ing the lessons of the past $13.2 million increase to the and homelessness emergen- year into account. The signals budget of the Ottawa Police February 17 deadline for cy has only worsened with to date are mixed and modest. Services Board was approved COVID-19-related public Budget priorities, not piv- in a year when there were Official Plan feedback health measures. ots strong calls for changes to The new Official Plan is huge; however, the City is offering Almost one year on, it is The budget for 2021 was policing, including how they answer mental-health calls a simplified form of feedback. For each of 21 topics within worth asking if the pandem- passed in early December the plan, there is a one-pager and a related feedback form. ic’s impacts on our lives and 2020 and reflects the short- and deal with people of colour in our city. “The conversation Feedback forms are due Feb. 17. Visit engage.ottawa.ca/ work have shaped city coun- term set of priorities. In line the-new-official-plan cil’s policies or decisions. with the mayor’s dictum, has shifted with the Ottawa More specifically, is the city property-tax increases were Policy Services Board,” a res- adapting to the pandemic limited to three per cent amid ident said, despite the budget decision. no matter your age or ability, ument,” said one resident. beyond temporary, necessary a large, expected deficit. you can meet most of your While the Official Plan and measures, and is it striving to Pre-pandemic, Ottawa had Planning for growth daily needs within a 15-min- the 2021 budget offer mod- a housing and homelessness In late November, the City ute walk and can choose to est nods to the challenges crisis. It has grown worse shared the draft new Official live car-light or car-free.” arising from the pandemic, since the pandemic’s start, Plan which will guide While there are aspirations city council continues to hew with an average of 150 home- Ottawa’s growth over the in the Official Plan, there to the mayor’s agenda and less people sleeping outdoors next 25 years and be voted on is also a wealth of complex decisions. Council’s Planning rather than in shelters, up by council later this year. technical detail. This plan Committee often overturns from 90 people typically, The plan’s goal is for Ottawa changes some terminology the City’s own rules, allow- according to a report to the to be the most liveable mid- (e.g. mainstreets are renamed ing for exceptions. It is a Community and Protective sized city in North America. corridors) and the policy committee where six of the Services Committee of The word “liveable” has areas (the plan will comprise nine members have received Deadline Council last October. for the next issue of the taken on new significance six “transect areas” rather 63–99 per cent of their cam- While the budget included during the pandemic. Many than the current two: urban New Edinburgh News paign donations from devel- the City’s highest invest- have spent more time staying and rural). opers, according to grassroots ment in affordable housing close to home and exploring As one resident observed: organization Horizon Ottawa. March 10 as a result of federal govern- their local neighbourhoods, “It feels like an exercise in Citizens’ input into the new [email protected] ment funding ($32 million as well as seeking outdoor obfuscation.” Official Plan is still neces- exercise and physical distanc- The City posted the draft sary despite these issues. This ing opportunities in greens- new Official Plan online, current council will face the paces. but citizens have expressed electorate in 2022, whereas In line with this experience, frustration with difficulties the Official Plan will be the the Official Plan includes a accessing the large and varied City’s planning bible until policy intention to “encour- documents, including detailed 2046. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 19 Complexity of plants and nature inspires botanical artist By Tamara Sorger, NECA part of the Fourth New York coarse skin of russet potatoes Environment committee Botanical Garden Triennial, all leave me wishing I had chair on until March 26, 2021 more time and sunlight to This is the first in a series at asba-art.org. paint them all. of articles showcasing our Q: Your art focuses on Q: How do you incorporate local environmental heroes, vegetables and flora. What your love for nature and neighbours and friends who, inspires you most? the planet into your daily through their love for the A: I have always been drawn life? planet, are making the world to plants: their incredible A: My husband and I are a better place. complexity and resilience, the concerned about the health The series starts with cel- beauty of the fine patterns and of the planet and what envi- ebrated artist Sengmany Phommachakr a long- textures that become apparent ronmental conditions we will time New Edinburgh resi- if you stop and take the time leave for our children and dent whose work focuses on to look closely. By the same future generations. As I work botanical art, showcasing the token, there is an incredible from home, we have been beauty, mystery and com- fragility and ephemeral qual- able to scale down to a single plexity of plants and nature. ity in the leaves and flowers vehicle: an electric vehicle In addition to being captivat- that I paint. I always paint we have owned for more than ing and visually stunning, her from live specimens. The two years. We have installed work reminds us to take the challenge of reproducing all solar panels on our garage time to appreciate the natural this richness as accurately as roof and any of this clean, beauty in all living things, possible in watercolour, of renewable energy that we do including the vegetables you translating volume and shad- not consume is fed back into may grow in your garden in ows and colours on a blank the grid (resulting in a month- the summer or have on your sheet of paper, is very stimu- ly credit on our electricity dinner menu tonight. lating. bill). We are also mindful of Sengmany has received Of course, exotic and unusu- the impact of our choices many awards including, most al plant specimens from the as consumers and try to eat recently, as a winner of the tropics are always fascinat- local and limit consumption 23rd Annual International ing to look at and paint, but I of meat; we strive to fly only American Society of Botanical find browsing our local farm- once per year. We have also Artists, which has some of Artwork by Sengmany Phommachakr ers markets to be an endless divested all of our invest- her work on display as part of New Edinburgh’s Sengmany Phommachakr always paints from live source of inspiration. Vividly ments away from fossil fuels. the current exhibit “Abundant specimens. coloured tomatoes, a funny- See Sengmany Future, Cultivating Diversity shaped tuber, decadently Phommachakr’s beautiful art in Garden, Farm and Field,” flourishing kale leaves, the on her website: sengmany.ca. Sanctimony They come every Sunday. Tiny contrition Struggling vainly, as usual, against Giant smugness. The vicar waits. They arrive two minutes fashionably late. Companionable whispers of other worshippers Silenced. Heads turn to watch the ritual. Haughty bearing, Measured tread. Expensive leather on the marble chessboard aisle. They file into their appointed (anointed?) places. They are the front-pew people. Ample bums on polished seats. -Keith Newton Page 20 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Spatulas out, sticks drawn: It’s time to defeat the gypsy moth By Sharron Edwards trees. The caterpillars come throw them away. They can They arrived three years ago, out at night, eat the leaves, survive on the ground, so lurking in our yards, amongst come down the tree in the have dog poop bags at the us as we walk. We can find daytime, and repeat. They ready. them hidden in plain sight will hang from a silk for the Every tree on Hemlock around rocks, under benches, wind to take them to the next Road has them. The poor decks, and barbecue covers, tree. trees in Beechwood cemetery on house walls and window- Defoliation caused by gypsy along St. Laurent Boulevard sills, on stumps, logs, utility moths in Ontario increased are not going to cope. The poles, and of course, at the from 47,203 hectares in 2019 gorgeous trees along Stanley Avenue, the small trees on bases of our trees, under the to 586,385 hectares in 2020. But these insects can be King Edward Avenue, and boughs and between loose stopped before they start! the splendid oak tree at the pieces of bark. Armed with spatulas at the Rockeries park are all under I’m talking about gypsy ready and with sticks for a threat unless we get our spat- moth egg masses. good reach, those in New ulas out and sticks drawn. Gypsy moths are an inva- Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park If gypsy moths eggs are sive species, a result of cli- and Manor Park are on the left unchecked, the resulting mate change. We are no longer hunt for gypsy moth egg caterpillars can defoliate a getting the number of -25°C masses. These tan coloured gorgeous tree in days. Birds days we need to kill some of egg masses that we are pass- need leaves to make nests them off anymore. Egg mass ing by in spades, hidden in under cover and in shade. becomes caterpillar, becomes plain sight, each has up to Squirrels, insects, and we pupa, becomes moth. The 1,500 eggs- caterpillars ready humans appreciate the beauty egg masses we see today are to eat our trees alive. They of the trees in our neighbour- from last year’s moths, which will be hatching soon, work- hood, in our cemetery, along were still seen flying about ing their way up the trees: our rivers, and in our parks. in October. In cottage coun- oak, birch, elm, and pine. So have your spatulas at try, folks saw thousands of Photos by Sharron Edwards Track them down, scrape the ready, sticks poised to be caterpillars crawling around. Gypsy moth egg masses are everywhere. Unless we scrape them off them off, put them in dish drawn: let’s find the gypsy In Rockcliffe Park they saw now, our trees will be devastated by these future hungry caterpil- soap and water. Then seal moth egg masses and scrape thousands eating away at lars. them up for a few days and them away. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 21

Photo by Sylvain Bélanger A CCC rink attendant clears the ice at the New Edinburgh fieldhouse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ice rink team deserves kudos during difficult season unteer rink builders Bruce shift scheduling. the Rideau River. The trail McLaurin, Sam Grabner Has this been an easy rink begins at 1 Donald St. by and Steve Grabner for get- season? Not at all. Our rink the Rideau Sports Centre and ting the base ice built during manager has had to deal with extends out past Hurdman December, despite the weath- constantly changing regula- Station. This not-for-profit er challenges. We very much tions and interpret conflict- group is just shy of its fund- appreciate their dedication ing pieces of advice from the raising goal of $12,000 so if and long hours. We are also City of Ottawa, which in turn you can, please contribute to very encouraged by the large is trying to conform to and their GoFundMe page to help number of hosers who volun- clarify provincial orders. It pay for trail grooming. A trail teered this year. In past years, has been difficult to keep up. such as this provides oppor- shortages of hosers affected We were hoping to introduce tunities for exercise close to our ability to hose the rinks curling on the rinks, but the home, which we are all being on a nightly basis. This year current rules prevent us from encouraged to do right now. we have enough volunteers doing so. The rink manager’s This year and last year will By Denise Bélanger, CCC • Skaters are not permitted to hose every night and still wife would like to remind be infamous – it has been Secretary to play sports or games, or have a list of spares. We are everyone that he likes gin. difficult to coordinate and The skating season at New use sports equipment delighted that the commu- If you are interested in tak- implement our normal activi- Edinburgh Park has been • Anyone within a 15-metre nity has responded to fill this ing on a bigger role in run- ties due to COVID-19. These in full swing since early radius of the rinks must wear need. We also appreciate the ning the rinks in the future, challenges strain our volun- January. With no indoor skat- a mask “shovel elves” that help clear please contact the CCC Rink teer base. In 2021, please take ing permitted due to the latest Users are permitted to use the rinks after a snowfall. Manager, Sylvain Bélanger the time to thank volunteers pandemic precautions, out- the fieldhouse washrooms, Any high-school students at CCCRinkManager@ in our community or offer door rinks are an important but must provide contact trac- that volunteer for the CCC gmail.com. up a few hours to volun- alternative during these try- ing details and follow mask- can apply those hours against Due to new stay-at-home teer yourself. Every little bit ing times. Please be patient, ing orders. Should a medical their volunteer requirement orders, the fieldhouse is not helps. Be safe and see you in kind, and mindful of others emergency occur, the field- for graduation. Let us know available for rentals. We are the park! house will also be used to when the rinks are at maxi- if you can help. unsure at this time when the Follow the CCC shelter those affected. We are mum capacity: we are all try- The CCC uses City of City will once again permit on Facebook: @ not permitted to let users use Ottawa rink operation grants ing our best. rentals. CrichtonCommunityCouncil, the fieldhouse as a change to employ student rink atten- The Crichton Community Have you heard of Instagram: @ room. Our rink attendants dants. Typically, the grants Council (CCC) rinks at 203 the Rideau Winter Trail CrichtonCommunityCouncil will educate users about the cover 75 per cent of our oper- (RideauWinterTrail.ca)? and Twitter: @ Stanley Ave. are open for rules as required. ating costs and the CCC fun- supervised skating Monday It’s a free, multi-use trail for NEFieldHouse. Learn more at We appreciate your coop- draises to cover the rest. We classic cross-country skiing, CrichtonCommunityCouncil. to Friday 4–8 p.m., Saturdays eration and understanding provide part-time employ- 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sundays skate-skiing, snowshoeing, ca and newedinburgh.ca/ while we carry out these ment to 10 high-school stu- fat biking and walking along CCC. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. At the time of duties so that we can offer dents from the neighbour- writing, the City and provin- a safe environment for all. hood. Typically, they are cial rules for the rinks are as Should any of these rules responsible for supervising follow: change, please make sure to the rink, scraping the ice, and • Maximum 12 skaters per respect the directives that are training new rink attendants. rink posted onsite. Our objective This year we have added con- • Masks are highly recom- is to keep the rinks open as tact tracing and disinfection mended for all skaters long as possible, even if the efforts to their duties – some • Skaters must maintain maximum number of skaters new skills to add to their physical distance of two permitted is reduced to as few resumés! The rink manager metres between each other as five at a time. has also implemented the unless they are members of We would like to offer a use of the 7shifts Employee the same household big thank-you to our vol- Scheduling app to simplify Page 22 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Local library branch reopens for returns and hold pick-ups By Martha Hodgson continue to work behind the Greetings from the Rockcliffe scenes to bring you wonder- Park Library branch! ful online programs for all You might have heard ages. that the Rockcliffe Park February is Canadian Black branch (380 Springfield Rd.) History month and we are reopened in January for curb- excited to announce a wide side pick-up. If you have a variety of free virtual pro- hold to collect, or library grams through the month for materials to return, you can a variety of age groups and now do so during opening interests. Learn about the his- hours. tory of Black communities Appointments are not in Canada that have disap- required to pick up holds or peared; attend a vegan Creole return items. When you arrive cooking class; visit with at the branch, you will line up Black authors; hear members outside the branch to pick up of today’s local Black com- your holds. Please bring your munity; learn how to break- library card and wear your dance; and more! mask when picking up your We continue to offer our holds. popular online story times in Signage at the branch will both English and French for show you where to go to ages 6 and under, as well return items and pick up your as online coding, writing, holds, and employees will be science, and Dungeons and there – at a safe distance – to Dragons programs for school- provide additional instruc- aged children. Learn more at tions and to welcome you biblioottawalibrary.ca/en. back! Wishing you a happy, Photo by Kelley Oliver The John G. Diefenbaker Building (old city hall) captured in the very early morning on Dec 13, 2020. Meanwhile, library staff healthy 2021. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 23 Amid lockdown rules, NECTAR offers fun programs online By Carmel Whittle and but for now we are hosting Patsea Griffin, NECTAR it online via Zoom. Beading Back in early 2020, the sale with Patsea! offers more than of 255 MacKay St. was com- a place to bead, it’s a place pleted and the New Edinburgh for discussion – and no topic Community and Arts Centre is off the table. We are a safe (NECTAR) retained use of space and a kind place for the building under agreement all. We are also a creative with the new owners. Since space: not all participants that time, the current owners bead, and we sometimes have have put the house back up for musicians, painters, and poets sale and NECTAR continues drop by to entertain us and to to operate out of the build- share their work. Many new ing. Regarding COVID-19, and creative projects have NECTAR has certainly had come to life in the beading to navigate the public health circle – you can find a regulations and rapidly adjust number of these on Facebook its model to the new reali- @beadingwithpatsea. ties of extended shutdowns For more details, send and restrictions. It was out of your email address to this that its partnership with beadingwithpatsea@gmail. Lineage Arts (lineagearts.ca) com. took shape. If you are interested in The former Community becoming more involved Room (previously available Photo courtesy NECTAR at NECTAR, contact for community events, pro- NECTAR’s most recent events included a holiday livestream gathering, thanks to Red Cross COVID [email protected] grams, and general rentals) is Emergency Project funding. and visit nectarcentre.ca. the current home of Lineage Arts, showcasing an incred- ous outdoor activities from ed the World Multicultural ible collection of traditional late spring to early fall. These Festival. All these activities and contemporary artwork included hosting the fund- occurred when we could from Canadian and interna- raising series of Porchlight safely distance 25 audience tional Indigenous artists. To Concerts. A warm thank-you members on the lawn. These date, there has been consider- able interest from the com- to Isobel Bisby, former co- events provided a welcome munity about the artwork chair of the NECTAR board, break for many in the com- and Lineage Arts has been who coordinated the event. munity, and we are hoping for a welcome addition to the Thanks also to the musicians fewer restrictions and more NECTAR family. who shared their talent and gatherings in 2021. We also have received Red time, and to our generous Our current online Cross COVID Emergency audiences. programming includes Project funds to support We hosted the Mural the Beading with Patsea! NECTAR in continuing pro- Expressive Arts day, the Workshop which is open to gramming – which would Research In Arts (RIA) everyone. It started up shortly originally have taken place Environmental Salon, and the after the No Borders Art onsite – completely online No Borders Art Festival online Festival in May 2019 and has during this second wave of zoom and livestream, which been ongoing every Monday pandemic restrictions. opened on the lawn with tra- from 4–6 p.m.. Before NECTAR’s porch and front ditional drummers and hoop COVID-19, the event was lawn became a hub for numer- dancers. NECTAR also host- held in the NECTAR kitchen, Page 24 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Even cherished traditions seemed bleak in a COVID Christmas By Janet Ruddock brewed coffee, and the cran- didn’t ask about the shepherd “In the bleak midwin- berry-orange nut loaf we missing his poor lamb. All ter” pretty much described baked the previous afternoon grown up now, they make Ottawa this past Christmas. to wrap in foil overnight. We their own shepherd’s pie. I I opened the drapes to wel- don’t know why we wrap it in don’t know what they tell come the day and regretted foil, except the recipe in my their children. the effort. The weather did falling-to-bits Betty Crocker On this particular bleak nothing to make that morn- cookbook says to. So we did, Christmas morning, a coffee ing merry. Dark, raining, and as we do every year. lifts my spirits. Duly inspired, miserable. Talk about damp- Tradition. Like shepherd’s I set to lighting the three- ening one’s spirits. Seriously, pie. Or shepherds’ pie. Must tiered, wooden Christmas car- could it possibly have been be the latter. I suppose there ousel we picked up in a small any worse? had to have been more than town outside Heidelberg, The tree in the living room one shepherd out in that field. Germany long ago. One street shone dimly. The pseudo- In any case, that meat-and- with one pub. I wonder if candle Christmas lights we potato pie is also a must for it still serves that excellent purchased a lifetime ago on a us on Christmas Eve. What ragout and heavy bread? And posting to Belgium cast their else would the shepherds be beer…and cider for the boys. usual muted touch. I general- eating that night? Roast beef? One hopes some things never ly love the rather soft, roman- That’s what we said to con- change. tic, continental feel they add vince our two sons when they One also needs divine inspi- to the season. This year they were very young. Shepherd’s ration to set that carousel seemed…well, rather somber pie was the only thing to have spinning. There’s a trick to angling the persnickety lit- and sad. that night. The recipe calls tle propeller blades on top “Merry Christmas,” a voice for “minced meats of your and positioning the candles called from somewhere in choice.” If way back when, just right, but it’s worth the Image from thewoodenwagon.com the shadows of the darkened one of our choices of meat effort. However, our tree has Janet’s German wooden Christmas carousel has a unique feature: room. Thank heaven for my was lamb, we simply didn’t a unique feature. The charac- the characters go in the wrong direction. husband Frank, a freshly tell the boys and hoped they ters go in the wrong direction. Yup. Everyone, from the wise men and shepherds to the is a great gift, don’t get me appeared, dimly outlined with smallest sheep go backwards wrong. I’ve got one. I love it. lights. Further distant, a simi- at breakneck speed. Could be But honestly, for Christmas? larly lit – sort of lit – stable why it was the only one left in Boxing Day found us sail- scenario. Much further away, that hardware store window ing along Highway 7 on a shepherd, also rather short back in Germany. our way to brighten up that on lights. All were strangely Every year we all have a cousin’s Happy New Year. separated and in imminent go at angling those blades to Our bubble joined her bubble danger of fading away com- make it spin the right direc- to bring out the bubbly. Not pletely. If you didn’t know tion. Doesn’t matter. I get much of interest happens on the story, you’d be forgiven dizzy thinking about it. The a trip along Highway 7 at for thinking: “what an odd expression on the camel’s the best of times. Add dreary bunch hanging around that face is particularly off-put- rain trying to be snow and the corner.” ting. The sheep have their lengthy drive seemed a lot Odder still was something eyes shut and I don’t blame longer. Are we there yet? And about that shepherd. It sud- them. we no longer have kids in the denly struck me. “Is it just As the song goes, “So this is back seat. me,” I said to Frank, “or Christmas. And what have we One of those red lights that is that shepherd going the done?” Frank and I didn’t do go on forever stopped us at wrong way?” Yes, indeed. much. Christmas came and some random intersection. The shepherd, staff in hand, went. My cousin got the gift Could have been Havelock. was heading away from the of a knee replacement two Could have been I was doz- stable. Maybe he was look- days before. Now, a new knee ing off. Anyway, a sheep ing for that wayward sheep. Or the other shepherds. After all, Christmas was over, so he simply up and left. Why hang around? On to a new and, perhaps more hopeful, new year…. “Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.” –John Lennon Janet Ruddock and her hus- band Frank moved to New Edinburgh over a year ago after 10 years in Washington and Boston with Foreign Affairs Canada. Janet is a writer, traveler, lover of the arts and advocate for those living with chronic pain. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 25 Turning hats and scarves into hope for homeless women By Marta M. Reyes cant feat because Dorothy’s pathize and empathize with For Dorothy Warnock, knit- vision has been failing her them,” she says. ting started as a necessity, for a few years – but she was Dorothy started raising grew into a hobby, and most determined to do something funds for Cornerstone, selling recently became a way to to help women in need. her hats and scarves in early help others. The 95-year-old “I asked myself, ‘What can December. She’s since raised resident of Governor’s Walk I do? My legs don’t work, about $650 and hopes to hit on Stanley Avenue learned my eyes don’t work, but my the $1,000 mark. Governor’s to knit as a young girl grow- hands do,’” she says. She Walk residence has helped ing up in Ireland, at a time started the project three years her out with collecting dona- when money was tight and ago, but finally had to give tions and has covered her basic needs like clothes were up as her vision deteriorated. shipping costs. Dorothy said mostly homemade. “When I knitted my last hat her project has been a joint “During the war period, and scarf, my eyes said: ‘No effort and that she has been nobody had money, so moth- more.’” overwhelmed by the kind- ers got to knitting, and as Dorothy says Cornerstone is ness people have shown her soon as daughters were old a cause near and dear to her – from donations of yarn and enough, they started knitting, heart. She went back to uni- needles to the many orders too,” Dorothy says. It’s a skill versity and finished a master’s placed and the money people she has used all her life and degree in Women’s Studies have donated. has perfected over time. at the University of Ottawa “This wasn’t a lone job,” After moving to Canada in 1989. Why choose that she says. “There were lots of and having children, Dorothy among all the other subjects? helpers who came together has done more than her share “Because I’m a woman!” she as one voice that rose up to of knitting. She says one of says. help.” her biggest challenges came Dorothy says she was deep- A few pieces remain for sale, when her children started ask- ly interested in what women and donations are still very ing her to knit Aran sweaters go through in their lives, welcome. Those interested in for them: iconic Irish sweat- and in their marriages, and purchasing Dorothy’s pieces ers, featuring gorgeous and the obstacles they encoun- to help Cornerstone can email intricate designs, which are ter. Choosing Cornerstone as governorwalkfundraising@ very difficult to knit. Dorothy Photo courtesy Governor’s Walk the beneficiary of her knit- gmail.com. remembers having to unravel Governor’s Walk has been helping resident Dorothy Warnock ting made sense: many of the Marta M. Reyes has been the work and start all over, in selling her hand-knitted hats and scarves to raise funds for women who go there are in living in New Edinburgh for time after time, to get the Cornerstone Housing for Women. need of shelter and compas- the past 15 years with her design just right. She figures sion. two children and a dog. She she must have knitted at least “Even if it is something I is a public servant by day and 15 of those sweaters for her make a noteworthy impact. This is a particularly signifi- didn’t experience, I can sym- hockey mom most evenings. children, including at least She recently finished knitting two for her daughter’s boy- about 250 hats and scarves to friends. raise money for Cornerstone Dorothy’s latest knitting Housing for Women, a charity project involves less intricate that provides emergency shel- designs, but it’s destined to ter and housing for women. Page 26 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Skating on McKay Lake: a welcome return to a peaceful past By Doug Cornish Nestled in between New Edinburgh and Manor Park sits the jewel of McKay Lake, next to the old stone bridge on Hillsdale Road. When I was a child, we used to have infrequent pickup hockey games at one end of McKay Lake. For decades now, McKay Lake in winter has mainly been frequented by dog-walkers around its edges, the odd cross-country skier, or someone ice fishing. COVID-19 has changed all that. This winter there have been dozens and doz- ens of skaters on McKay Lake. Due to community outdoor skating rinks and the Rideau Canal getting a late start, and because the downtown Rink of Dreams is crowded, people wanted to get out – locally. They want- ed and needed unstructured space. With more time on Photo by Christina Leadlay their hands because of longer Morag Estabrooks (left) and Rachel Leadlay, grade 6 students at Rockcliffe Park Public School, enjoyed the skating on MacKay Lake in school and Christmas breaks, early January. they looked for other places. More people were out walk- ing this New Year, more than advanced skating ability. Park neighbours might not And it is great. People are seemed to be momentarily they used to, because during a There are other small “time- like their quiet space invaded, returning to what they used put aside. People were just lockdown there’s not a lot to out” places where families but while walking the dog by to do centuries ago: skating enjoying themselves in the do. Folks get stir crazy. take a break from skating; the lake, I saw a man and his and playing hockey on local idyllic, pastoral setting of this People took the initiative to they’re having a quiet time wife standing on Hillsdale ponds and lakes. It was, is, natural lake. It seemed miles clear skating lanes all over with their children, with the Bridge looking out on this and still should be, entirely – even years – away from McKay Lake in various pat- odd glove lying on the snow, wonderful, spontaneous natural. The pandemic has modern, hectic life. terns. There are multitudes a water bottle and rucksack scene. The man was taking reconnected people with If McKay Lake skating out with their kids or friends, nearby. Almost a picnic situ- a photo with his phone as I ancestral activities, particu- enjoying this natural skating ation, the entire scene is walked by. I commented in larly outdoors. Aside from catches on, it may be the rink, especially on week- something out of a Cornelius jest: “Well, there goes the someone on the bridge taking winter version of visiting the ends. Off to the side there are Kreighoff painting. You must neighbourhood!” He smiled, a photo, and others looking Pond, which is beside McKay small groups who’ve cleared experience it to believe it. chuckled, and said enthusias- on, I don’t think I noticed any- Lake. When I was young, the a small rink for their young- All along Hillsdale Road tically: “No, I think it’s just one on the lake with a phone Pond was called the Sand er children who don’t have are parked cars. Rockcliffe great!” in their hands. Technology Pits. It was man-made and became a swimming hole sur- rounded by forest. High-end homes and condos eventu- ally replaced the forest; the new, gentrified name became The Pond. The downside: it’s so popular in summer it’s turned almost Miami Beach- like. The City had to step in, smothering it with regula- tions and shoring it up, pre- venting things from getting out of hand, particularly envi- ronmentally. McKay Lake winter skat- ing hopefully won’t reach that point. Presently, it’s a welcome return to an inno- cent and peaceful past. Once they start selling Beaver Tails from huts along its edges, though…then I’m afraid it’s all over! February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 27 Rockcliffe Park school prepares for centenary in 2022 By the RPPS 100th 100-year anniversary, RPPS Anniversary Committee School Council is planning What do Dutch princesses, celebrations fit for the occa- a Hollywood actor, and our sion and has struck a 100th current prime minister have Anniversary Committee for in common? They all went the purpose. The committee is to Rockcliffe Park Public looking for volunteers inter- School. Next year our com- ested in helping to coordinate munity will celebrate the events, direct communica- centennial of Rockcliffe Park tions and alumni engagement, Public School and all those conduct historical research, who have attended during its and lead fundraising efforts. 100 years. Please send any inquiries to The school is one of the old- [email protected]. est public institutions in the We can’t wait to celebrate nation’s capital and has been with you! home to thousands of students who come from near and far, including local luminaries and foreign royalty. RPPS counts as alumni Princesses Beatrix and Irene of The Netherlands, who attended the school in Ottawa while the Dutch Royal Family was in exile during the Second World War. Have an event Friends star Matthew Perry ministers Stephen Harper Edinburgh, Lindenlea, and unteering. For 100 years, our coming up? passed through its halls at the and of the late John Turner Lowertown. The school is a community’s dedicated and same time as Prime Minister attended RPPS as well. vital part of these neighbour- hardworking volunteers have Send us the details: Justin Trudeau, who attended RPPS’s catchment area hoods and has played a cen- been Rockcliffe Park Public [email protected] along with his siblings. The has grown from Rockcliffe tral role in community build- School’s strongest asset. children of both former prime Park proper to include New ing through events and vol- As we get closer to our Page 28 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Pop-up holiday market brought welcome musical gift By Andre R. Gagne On Dec. 8, the joyful sounds of the holidays were in the air, surprising New Edinburgh residents filing out of Sunday services or simply popping on by Union Street Café for java and a scone. What they discovered was sweeter than a bite from the café’s famed Cookie Monster treat: local musician Kristine St-Pierre and her buddy from Winnipeg Justin Lacroix strumming some seasonal favourites alongside cuts from their album Noël Avec Toi. It may have been the first live music many had heard in months and, judging from the smiles, it was a much-needed early Christmas gift. Unable to tour in 2020 and like many musicians, feeling a little stuck performing online only, the duo pondered a safe way to bring their music back to “real life.” Taking a page from some fellow perform- ers’ playbooks, and a pinch of inspiration from wander- ing carollers of bygone days, Kristine and Justin brought their music to driveways, sidewalks, yards, and basi- Photo by Andre R. Gagne cally any place they could Local musician Kristine St-Pierre and her friend Justin Lacroix performed a pop-up concert at the Union Street Kitchen Café back in play, distanced, outdoors. December. “It certainly felt good to see people’s real, live reactions as opposed to comments or emo- stage on numerous occasions since it is a smaller com- having fond memories of December days, the sun was jis!” says Kristine. “We’ve since. They both cite a mutual munity in Manitoba that has the season. For Kristine, it’s also welcoming. been so lucky to be able to appreciation of each other’s fought, since its arrival on her uncle Yvan showing up “It was such a beautiful perform online and have an art that plays into their fantas- the prairies, to stay alive,” dressed as Santa on a snow- December day, the sun was audience there, but it’s also tic chemistry as a duo. That, explains Justin. mobile at her grandparents’ shining, and the weather was been great to feel people’s and they each feel strongly Their album, Noël Avec Toi, farm. just perfect,” says Kristine. presence, and see them dance about recording songs in both first germinated in the heat of “Turns out you can write a “It was so heartwarm- and enjoy themselves.” English and French. summer, but that didn’t stop Christmas song in summer,” ing to see people enjoying The two met 10 years ago “There is a sort of protec- the Christmastime feeling recalls Justin, calling himself themselves and dancing to during a gig in Thunder Bay, tionist instinct that kicks in the pair brought to the later a sort of minstrel-elf. “It was the music. This is one of Ont., and have shared the when it comes to French September sessions, each really effortless, not to say we the things I love about our didn’t work at it. But I know Christmas music: the oppor- both of us really like what we tunity to perform outside and created.” bring joy and holiday magic Being unable to open for to people!” indoor socializing, Christine Andre R. Gagne is new to Garand and her crew at the Burgh. You can usually Union Street (including new spy him roaming around with puppy Stella) were more than his camera, sipping copi- happy to host the duo: the ous amounts of coffee on performance nicely coincided Beechwood or sharing con- with the café’s own pop-up versations with his friends at markets. After a few grey The Pond. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 29 In Memoriam: Jim Watson (1936–2020) By Bob McKellar toral fellowships in England nized. He received the Medal elled widely, with trips often On Dec. 18, 2020, James and Ottawa (National for Theoretical Chemistry structured around scientific Kay Graham (Jim) Watson, Research Council, 1963– and Spectroscopy of the UK conferences at which Jim aged 84, died at his home in 1965), he held professorial Chemical Society (1974), spoke. At home he enjoyed New Edinburgh after a brief appointments in the UK and the Earle K. Plyler Prize cooking, especially Indian illness. USA before returning to of the American Physical cuisine, and he and Gemma Beloved husband and friend Ottawa in 1982 to rejoin the Society (1986), the Ioannes hosted a number of memo- for 40 years to Gemma Spectroscopy group of Nobel Marcus Marci Medal of rable parties at their cottage Kerr, he also leaves sib- Laureate Gerhard Herzberg at the Spectroscopic Society and on their back patio. He lings Tom, Jack (Joyce) and the NRC. of the Czech and Slovak and Gemma were also long- Marjorie Watson, and nieces Jim Watson was the world’s Republics (1996), and the E. time members of a local wine and nephews in Scotland. leading authority on the the- Bright Wilson Award of the tasting group which offered New Edinburgh residents ory of how molecules in the American Chemical Society interesting opportunities for will remember Jim for his gas phase rotate and vibrate, (2004). He was a Fellow of sampling wines from both many years of service on the and how these motions the Royal Society of Canada well-known and unexpected Board of the New Edinburgh interact. So pervasive are (1990), receiving their Henry locations. Community Alliance his contributions that many Marshall Tory Medal in 1999. When one talked to Jim, he (NECA), where he was trea- researchers now refer to the Photo courtesy Gemma Kerr Most notably, in 1987 he was was thoughtful and modest, surer from 2007–2014. The basic quantum mechanical NRC scientist Jim Watson elected a Fellow of the Royal passed away in December. He but what people remember year 2007 was one of change energy expression for poly- Society of London, one of most about him is his dry wit atomic molecules as the was a member of this newspa- the world’s oldest and most for NECA, and this included per’s Advisory Board, and previ- and quiet sense of humour. setting up an Advisory Board “Watsonian.” The results ously served as NECA treasurer. prestigious scientific associa- Bob McKellar was a long- for the New Edinburgh News of spectroscopy have many tions. time colleague of Jim’s and to provide support for the applications in diverse fields In both his professional and widely sought by other scien- a friend of both Jim and his editorial team. Jim signed up of chemistry and physics, personal life, Jim was uncom- wife Gemma. to the Advisory Board at the notably for atmospheric stud- tists, especially experimental- promisingly honest and had start, and continued to serve ies (detection of pollutants, ists looking for a theory to fit a keen sense of justice. But Visit The Burgh until the time of his passing. climate change), chemical their data. When discussing he was also a warm and con- Many residents of the Burgh dynamics and reactions, and a difficult new problem with vivial human being. A music Online! may not be aware that Jim astrophysics. Jim, it often happened that he lover since early childhood, was also a renowned scientist. Much of Jim’s greatest had already thought deeply he was a subscriber to con- For the most He began his scientific career work was done solo, since as about it, and may even have cert series at the National up-to-date news of in the early 1960s, receiving one colleague noted, nobody had a solution sitting unpub- Arts Centre with Gemma for the neighbourhood a Ph.D. in Chemistry from else could keep up with him! lished in his filing cabinet. many years, and also enjoyed the University of Glasgow in At the same time, he was Jim’s scientific contribu- attending summer music fes- newedinburgh.ca Scotland. Following postdoc- an outstanding collaborator, tions were widely recog- tivals. He and Gemma trav- Page 30 New Edinburgh News February 2021 EVENTS CALENDAR

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Planning in Ontario.” Traffic and Safety committee Meeting at 7:30 p.m. FEBRUARY Feb. 16 – NECA Board meeting should contact marc. newedinburgh.ca. The New APRIL [email protected] for Edinburgh Community Feb. 7 – Afrotechture Black Meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 13 – CCC meeting at newedinburgh.ca. The New details. Alliance will hold its monthly History Month events at board meeting virtually. All 7:30–9 p.m. Online. The afrotechture.com. Free. Edinburgh Community Feb. 24 – Bytown Museum Crichton Community Council Alliance will hold its monthly Lecture 7p.m. bytownmu- New Edinburgh residents are Afrotechture hosts two online welcome to attend. Contact holds its monthly board meet- board meeting virtually. All seum.com. The Bytown ing. Please contact events in celebration of Black President Cindy Parkanyi New Edinburgh residents are Museum presents “Beyond CrichtonCommunityCouncil History Month. At 10 a.m., for details: newedinburgh@ welcome to attend. Contact Bytown,” a series of discus- @gmail.com for the meeting budding artisans are invited outlook.com to engage with some of President Cindy Parkanyi sions with various members link. for details: newedinburgh@ of our local community. March 18 – Funeral plan- Ottawa’s leading Black mak- April 20 – NECA Board ers and learn about their jour- outlook.com. Today’s online lecture is on ning info session at 3 p.m. “History of Ottawa’s Jewish Meeting at 7:30 p.m. ney, inspiration, challenges, Feb. 16 – Heritage Day in fco-cfo.coop. Free. Retired newedinburgh.ca. The New accomplishments and learn- Ottawa 11:30 a.m. capital- Community,” featuring Teigan social worker and Funeral Goldsmith and Mareike Edinburgh Community ings in an interactive panel heritage.ca. Capital Heritage Cooperative of Ottawa vice- Friedrich. Register online. Alliance will hold its monthly session. Then at 2 p.m., doll Connection hosts Heritage president Beverlee McIntosh board meeting virtually. All will host an hour-long pre- collector Chakou Noubactep Day in Ottawa. This year’s MARCH New Edinburgh residents are will host the “African Princess theme is “Resiliency: rely- sentation on “Consumer welcome to attend. Contact Diaries,” a fun and engaging ing on our Heritage founda- March 4 – Bytown Museum Information on Funeral President Cindy Parkanyi way to teach young children tions to hold strong and help Lecture 3 p.m. Planning in Ontario.” for details: newedinburgh@ born in the African Diaspora us pivot in a changing pres- bytownmuseum.com. The March 22 – Traffic and outlook.com. about the cultures and tradi- ent for the well-being of our Bytown Museum Safety Committee meeting April 22 – Bytown Museum tions of the Motherland. future generations.” Register presents “Beyond Bytown,” a at 7 p.m. Online. Anyone Lecture 7p.m. bytownmu- Register online. to take part in the online series of discussions with interested in attending the seum.com. The Bytown Feb. 9 – CCC meet- ceremony and the heritage- various members of our local New Edinburgh Community Museum presents “Beyond ing at 7:30–9 p.m. Online. themed trivia event. community. Today’s online Alliance’s Traffic and Safety Bytown,” a series of discus- The Crichton Community Feb. 17 – Funeral plan- lecture is a “Women in committee meeting should sions with various mem- Council holds its monthly ning info session at 1 p.m. Museums contact marc.dorgeville@ bers of our local commu- board meeting. Please contact fco-cfo.coop. Free. Retired Roundtable,” moderated by utoronto.ca for details. nity. Today’s online lecture the museum’s executive CrichtonCommunityCouncil social worker and Funeral March 24 – Bytown is on “Syrian Refugees in director Robin @gmail.com for the meeting Cooperative of Ottawa vice- Museum Lecture 7 p.m. Canada.” Speaker to be Etherington. Register online. link. president Beverlee McIntosh bytownmuseum.com. announced. Register online. Feb. 9 – Funeral plan- will host an hour-long pre- March 9 – CCC meet- The Bytown Museum April 27 – Traffic and ning info session at 11 a.m. sentation on “Consumer ing at 7:30–9 p.m. Online. present “Beyond Bytown,” Safety Committee meeting fco-cfo.coop. Free. Retired Information on Funeral The Crichton Community a series of discussions with at 7 p.m. Online. Anyone social worker and Funeral Planning in Ontario.” Council holds its monthly various members of our interested in attending the Cooperative of Ottawa vice- Feb. 22 – Traffic and Safety board meeting. Please contact local community. Today’s New Edinburgh Community president Beverlee McIntosh Committee meeting at 7 p.m. CrichtonCommunityCouncil online lecture is on the Alliance’s Traffic and Safety will host an hour-long pre- Online. Anyone interested in @gmail.com for the meeting “History of Ottawa’s Black committee meeting should sentation on “Consumer attending the New Edinburgh link. Community.” Speaker to be contact marc.dorgeville@ Information on Funeral Community Alliance’s March 16 – NECA Board announced. Register online. utoronto.ca for details. February 2021 www.newedinburgh.ca Page 31 karate-chopping bar of soap to the family and friends of who fights hard to defeat the Anita Szlazak, who died at evil Corona. Sue was inter- her MacKay Street home on viewed on CTV Ottawa, and Jan. 5, 2021. Anita began her the book is available in both long career in the federal English and French at Books public service as a Foreign on Beechwood and at Coin Service Officer in the RATES: $10, first 25 words; $5, each additional 25 du Livre. You can also order Department of External words, payable on submission of ad. Public service ads Deadline: MAR 10 directly from the author: Affairs. She went on to work (such as lost & found) free. Call Christina Leadlay, 613- [email protected] visit captuscreations.ca. in a variety of senior public 261-0442 or email [email protected]. Congratulations to Rebecca service roles, and was Dog/Cat Walking And Sitting Your house plants are also Congratulations Sacks, daughter of Joan awarded the Queen Elizabeth Monahan and David safe with me! Emergency and regular daily walking. Puppy II Silver Jubilee Medal for Experience. References. Liba Bender: 613-746-4884. Sacks of Thomas Street, her contributions to the Public on her first novel: City of Service of Canada. Following Educational consultant will help you or your child. Tutoring, a Thousand Gates. Set in her retirement, she became project assistance, school liaison. 36 years’ experience. modern Jerusalem, the tale the first Canadian elected References. Lorna Bernbaum, M.Ed. l_bernbaum@icloud. follows several characters, Commissioner on the United com. Palestinians and Jews, striv- Nations International Civil ing to get on with their lives Wanted: Seeking services of an experienced and reliable amid a climate of sectarian Service Commission. Family cleaner, with references, for Burgh apt. Call 819-665 4541. hatreds and one-sided power. would appreciate donations This soon-to-be published to the Ottawa Regional book has already received a Cancer Centre: ottawacancer. Photo courtesy Richard Belliveau positive review in the L.A. ca. Long-time New Edinburgh Times. A recent Publishers Wanted resident Richard Belliveau Weekly feature refers to is proud to tell everyone that Rebecca as a “young writer Lorna Bernbaum, OCT and his niece, Sue Belliveau, has to watch”. Rebecca graduated continual learner is training made good use of time dur- from Colonel By Secondary to become a barber. She is ing the COVID-19 restric- School in 2004 and spent offering free haircuts, tions to write and publish three years in Israel (2014- supervised by a professional a children’s book lauding 2016). Her novel will be pub- barber. During the COVID the efficacy of washing fre- lished here by HarperCollins lockdown, cuts will take quently with soap. The book, Canada. Watch for it! place either on her back porch called Scrub: How a Simple Condolences or yours. Small heads needed. Soap Saved the Day, is about Contact Lorna at l_ an ordinary but hardworking, We send sincere condolences [email protected]. Langevin Avenue to be renamed Commanda Way On Jan. 27, City Council was important to build recon- home to uOttawa’s Institute approved the renaming ciliation with Algonquin peo- of Indigenous Research of a street off Beechwood ple because the city of Ottawa and Studies. Meanwhile, in Avenue to honour a respect- is on Algonquin land,” she 2017, Prime Minister Justin ed Algonquin elder. Thanks told APTN. This isn’t the first Trudeau dropped the name to a motion by Councillor time Commanda’s name has “Langevin Block” from the Rawlson King and over been honoured, nor is it the Prime Minister’s Office block two years of consultation, first time Langevin’s has been on the corner of Wellington Langevin Avenue will soon removed. William Commanda and Elgin Streets. be known as Commanda Hall (52 University Priv.) is –Christina Leadlay Way. The late William Commanda (1913-2011), from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg reserve near Maniwaki, Que., was a respected elder, Indigenous rights advocate, and offi- cer of the Order of Canada. According to the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Langevin Avenue is named after Hector-Louis Langevin (1826-1906), a father of confederation and an architect of the residential school system, which was a key part of the cultural geno- cide against First Nations peo- ples. The street’s new name is part of the City’s recon- ciliation strategy, a move that Commanda’s granddaugh- ter Claudette Commanda welcomed: “[Mayor Jim Watson] made it a point that it Page 32 New Edinburgh News February 2021 Snowmen of the Burg Lockdown-weary residents eagerly embraced the 21 cm of snow Ottawa received on Jan. 16, creating all manner of snowmen, families and creatures across the city. Here is a collection of some of the frosty creations in New Edinburgh. Thanks to everyone for your submissions!

A team of snowmen greet neighbours on the corner of Stanley and Union William M. and family of Maple Samuel’s snowman on River Lane. Streets. Lane created a giant snow gnome.

Evelyn Binkley with the snowman she made with help from her grandmother Christine Cram.

Marc D’Orgeville and family created a snowman to direct traffic at Crichton and Union Streets. It slowed down cars considerably! Unfortunately, a City of Ottawa supervisor and snow Keefer Street’s Chloe May proudly plow plowed it down... with a cheeky displays her snowman. smile.

Mother Nature transformed Sean Flynn’s faux Canada geese into snow geese.

A snow bird appeared at Hope and Nancy Meyer’s sons, Robert and Crichton Street’s Lars and Ian con- Mackay Street’s Nima and Ara Manon’s front door on Crichton Paul Gaudreault, built this snowper- tributed this wintery postcard while proudly display their snowmen. Street. son at 25 Noel St. currently living in Vilnius, Lithuania.