MAY 15, 2020 VOL. 25 NO. 5 THE CENTRETOWN BUZZ

Health Centre pivots to do more, 3 Skyline: Moments from the City Archives, 6 Advocacy group gives transit riders a voice

Alayne McGregor tening, and so you’d have these transit commission ne year ago, fed-up meetings and nobody would public transit riders be speaking for the riders! O in Ottawa formed a Public transit works both group to speak up for better ways. You can have the best service and a better system. transit system in the world In their first successful but if you don’t have the rid- year, the Ottawa Transit Rid- ership to sustain it then it’s ers Association (OTRA) has worthless.” advocated for a fare freeze, Centretown residents should for online booking for Para- get involved in OTRA in order Transpo, and for greater to make OC Transpo less fo- transparency and account- cused on commuting from ability at OC Transpo. downtown to the far suburbs, Stuart MacKay, a found- MacKay said. “We cannot ing OTRA board member create just a commuter ser- who lives in Centretown, told vice. We need to develop a The BUZZ that OC Transpo service where transit is not has had a paternalistic rela- the last option but is actually tionship with its riders where the first option for people to it “basically says we’re doing get from point A to point B.” this–and like it or lump it.” In Centretown, he said, OTRA has a different vi- it’s the local routes like the sion: that riders are Transpo’s 6 or 7 or 11 that are impor- biggest resource. tant. “It’s not just about get- “You need to incorporate ting people in and out of the the voice of the riders into downtown core, but it’s ac- any transit system. [They’re] tually about having a transit the people that tell you what’s system where you can get working, what’s not, what ar- from one neighbourhood to Centretown resident Stuart MacKay helped found the Ottawa Transit Riders Association after eas of improvement you can another to do your shopping, do. to visit friends.” Brett Delmage/The Buzz being frustrated by jam-packed buses “Nobody was really lis- cont on page 4 Ottawa’s choice: a compact city vs sprawl Jack Hanna change, it cannot permit good transit and be close to more suburban sprawl, ar- food stores, employment t is being called a gues Paul Johanis, chair of nodes and other amenities. “once-in-a-generation” the Greenspace Alliance of That means residents will I choice for the City of Canada’s Capital. have fewer cars, he said. Ottawa’s future. Johanis says the trend of Suburbs are costly for City Council is about ever-sprawling suburbs has taxpayers. Studies show a to decide how Ottawa will resulted in “a big part of our city has to pay a third to a house a projected 40 percent collective contribution to the half more to provide services increase in population over climate crisis we now face. to a house on the edge of the the next quarter century. The We need to stop this pattern suburbs, compared to one in choice is between suburban now.” The online debate on May 7 included CCA moderators Shawn an established neighbour- sprawl, or shoehorning infill The two exchanged views hood. It is costlier, year in houses and apartment build- at a virtual panel discussion Barber and Mindy Sichel, Miguel Tremblay of FoTenn, Paul and year out, to pay for the ings into existing neighbour- hosted by the Centretown Johanis of the Greenspace Alliance, and Councillors Catherine upkeep of lengthy roads and hoods. Community Association sewer and water lines, and to Screenshot/The Buzz This issue goes to City (CCA). McKenney and Glen Gower. provide police and fire ser- Council on May 27. It was City staff are recom- and other housing types to Future suburbs, Tremblay vices over a greater area. the subject of a Centretown mending greater intensifica- achieve intensification.” says, can be designed to have cont on page 2 debate on May 7. tion within existing neigh- Johanis says car-centric Miguel Tremblay, a part- bourhoods but say that won’t suburbs are driving global ner in Fotenn Planning + De- be enough. They recommend warming. sign, Ottawa’s largest devel- adding 15 square kilometres “We put huge populations The BUZZ is online opment consulting firm, says of new suburbs. into communities that don’t people in existing neighbour- City Councillor Cathe- have amenities and are very The May 2020 issue of The BUZZ will only hoods will not accept a lot of rine McKenney, an opponent car-dependent. You can’t be available online. Download or read the infill and apartment build- of sprawl, also took part in do anything without a car. paper as a PDF at centretownbuzz.com. ings. the panel discussion. Households normally have “It is very difficult to in- The councillor said the two cars.” Don’t miss an issue! ject new residential into ex- city can keep within its exist- However, Tremblay ar- isting communities. There is ing urban boundary. Howev- gues new suburbs have been Join our mailing list so you don’t miss The resistance and discomfort.” er, that might require a shift better designed than the old BUZZ, online and when we return to print: But if this city is seri- away from single-family suburbs. [email protected] ous about fighting climate homes towards “townhouses “The density is greater.” 2 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA MAY 15, 2020

May 15, 2020 — Vol. 25, No. 5 The Good, the Bad, and the Bumpy

THE Ryan Lythall sis. While it’s important to as music, storytelling, and Go outside: We may not keep up on current events, comedy. You can also talk be able to go far right now or CENTRETOWN f you’re like me, by especially now, there is such to friends on Zoom, and I’ve have much green space, but now you’re probably a thing as too much news. used it for appointments with try to go where you can. It BUZZ I sick and tired of hear- When I put the news on TV my therapist. may only be a few feet from ing about a certain pan- or radio, I usually have it on Most social media plat- your home, but you can sit in AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA SINCE 1995. demic. And not just tired: for about 15 minutes, more forms also offer private your chair, listen to music, the discussion can also or less depending on what chats. That’s a great way to have a drink, and relax. 101-210 Gloucester St. have a huge impact on your they’re talking about or who avoid an onslaught of infor- Create: I’ve seen several Ottawa, ON mental health. they’re interviewing. mation. The only problem is people in my neighbourhood K2P 2K4 That’s an extremely im- As for those press confer- if your friend still wants to create beautiful art. It can be Phone: 613-565-6012 portant issue for me, and one ences with Justin Trudeau or send you links related to the something as simple as writ- that’s rarely discussed. Over Doug Ford, I don’t usually pandemic. I have sometimes ing an encouraging message the past several weeks, I’ve watch them live. It’s pretty asked my friends politely to on a paper heart, or a mes- centretownbuzz.com been experiencing anxiety, easy to find a brief recap of stop. I do my best to limit the sage on a sidewalk using twitter.com/centretownbuzz severe lack of sleep, feeling what was said online shortly amount of time that I’m on chalk. It can be whatever you facebook.com/centretownbuzz overwhelmed, sadness, lone- after they finished. social media, but it’s tough. want, and for whomever you liness, confusion, and more. Speaking of online, let’s If you’re stuck at home want. It’s good for the mind. BUZZ Staff This month, I will dis- talk about social media. or going out very little, Now I realize that you’ve cuss ways on how to look af- I’m very active on so- there’s other things you can probably heard some of these Managing editor ter your mental health during cial media–but being so do to pass the time. before, or you’ve done them. Alayne McGregor | [email protected] these difficult times. connected can quickly be- Read: If you’re physi- I also know that if you’re Please keep in mind that come overwhelming. You cally unable to hold a book struggling, it’s easy to for- Associate editor I’m not an expert in mental get bombarded with news (like myself) or can’t use an get what may help you, es- Eleanor Sawyer health by any means. I’m articles, discussion of news, e-reader, get an audiobook. pecially in the moment. For just a person that writes a advertising, and maybe cer- I love them, and if you have those of you that may forget, City Editor: monthly column, usually tain things that you just don’t an OPL card, you can bor- I encourage you to save this, Robert Smythe | [email protected] about wheelchair accessibly want to see. It adds up pretty row free downloadable au- maybe put it on the wall or and issues related to people fast. diobooks online. somewhere near you. Distribution manager: with disabilities. Certain If you’re a person with a Listen to podcasts: I’m a We’re all going through a Archie Campbell parts of this month’s column disability, sometimes social huge fan of podcasts. I listen rough time, and life is full of [email protected] are based on my own experi- media is the only way that to true crime, storytelling, uncertainty right now. Please ences and/or those of loved you’re able to communicate, music, mental health, com- remember that everything ones. With that in mind, I especially if you’re non-ver- edy, interviews, and more. will be OK, and that it’s also hope that I’m able to make bal, or your voice is hard to Whatever interests you, OK to feel however you’re ACKNOWLEDGEMENT things easier for you. understand. So how can you there’s probably a podcast feeling right now. My first tip may sound avoid being overwhelmed about it. Take care and I’ll be back The Centretown BUZZ is created and distributed weird considering you’re but still talk to your friends? Take an online course: next month. in Centretown, Ottawa, located on traditional and reading a newspaper right Right now, Zoom’s pretty Try a course, whether about unceded Algonquin land. now. popular for communicat- something that interests you Find Ryan on Twitter: Try your best to limit ing face to face. I’ve used or something new. Many @rolling_enigma the amount of news that Zoom a few times, mainly courses are free right now or NEXT ISSUE you consume on a daily ba- for watching live events such at a reduced price.

The next issue of The BUZZ will be published June 19. Deadline for ads and submissions: June 8. ISSN 1204-1604 Letter to the Editor: continuing the rich Tulipfest tradition

ADVERTISING f all the events our immigrants I was raised in. week to see tulips blooming continuing this rich tradition neighbourhood Growing up I was proud to against the backdrop of clear amidst difficult times. The BUZZ is proud to offer an effective advertising O hosts, the Tulip call myself Dutch-Canadian. blue May skies. This year the lack of sig- medium that reaches 10,000 Centretown homes and Festival at Dow’s Lake is Today I am even prouder to I grew up listening to sto- nage and food stands and businesses each month. Our competitive advertising rates are my favourite. All four of think of myself as just Cana- ries of how Dutch families tour buses make this the as low as $31 per issue. my grandparents emigrated dian, but the connection lives ate tulips during the war to most striking edition of the View our rate card and publishing dates at from the Netherlands after on. survive the famine. With this festival I’ve seen. We are left centretownbuzz.com. For more information, email World War II seeking new The Dutch-Canadian re- context it is wonderful to see with expansive green spaces [email protected] or call 613-565-6012. opportunities in the coun- lationship feels especially tulips used for nothing more filled with brilliant pops of try that helped liberate relevant this year, the 75th than friendship, remember- colour. Plenty of space to them. anniversary of V.E. Day and ing, and beauty. remember past sacrifices and Thank you to our volunteer carriers This intimate connection the end of World War II. Giv- I want to thank the orga- enjoy the peace we’ve inher- between our two countries en the pandemic, I was un- nizers of the Tulip Festival, ited. Amanda Asquith, Archie Campbell, Bayne Pearen, Betty was ever present in the Ni- sure if the event would con- its sponsors, and the work- Gregory, Brendan Hennigan, Brent McLean, Brett Delmage, agara community of Dutch tinue, but I was pleased this ers who make it happen for Andrew Regnerus Carol Sissons, Cassidy Beers, Catharine Vandelinde, Cath- erine Boucher, Charles Akben-Marchand, Chris Edwards, Craig Layng, Colleen McGuire, David Seaborn, Debbie Barton, Diane Holmes, Don Smith, Drina Wethey, Eleanor Sawyer, Emily Graves, Glynda Newton, Jennifer Bedwell, Urban boundary is a once-in-a-generation choice Kathleen Oliver, Kenney Vandelinde, Kim Malcolm, Laura Mueller, Michael Hatfield, Michael Powell, Michelle Kirk- cont from page 1 bourhoods. Even moderate “More and more people On the other hand, if City man, Mike Gregory, Mindy Sichel, Pam Gahan, Pat Shaulis, “The farther out we increases in intensification, are saying this is a trade-off Council opts for a denser Patricia Marsden-Dole, Richard Coelho, Robert Smythe, go, the more it costs,” said such as those recommended we are willing to accept.” city, amenities from shops Ruth Barrie, Shelley Pearen, Suzanne Nash, Venita Warren, McKenney. “We need to by city staff, “are going to be Whatever choice city to parks must become part of Wendy Bennett, Wendy Hunter, Wendy Sewell, know how much more we all difficult to achieve,” Trem- council makes, the panelists every neighbourhood. Zsofia Orosz will pay in taxes. What are blay said. agree all neighbourhoods Along with more infill the costs for extending tran- Johanis counters that it need to be “walkable” and housing, we must have a vi- To join our distribution team, please call sit? What about the impacts won’t be as bad as feared. offer people the things they brant “public realm” rich in 613-565-6012 or email on traffic congestion?” “People say, ‘Oh my need and want close to hand. amenities, McKenney said. [email protected] Ottawa’s future may God, with no expansion (of If Ottawa is to have new “We have to be thoughtful hinge on whether residents the suburbs) there will be a suburbs, they must be neigh- about how we intensify.” in existing communities are tower in every city block.’ bourhoods with a mix of You can view the The Centretown BUZZ is published by the Centretown BUZZ Board willing to see their beloved No, it is just incremental.” stores, community centres, panel discussion on the of Directors, a group consisting of community neighbourhoods intensified. Besides, Johanis adds, arenas and parks that every- CCA’s Facebook page: members representing all residents of Centretown. Under any scenario, people want action on cli- one can walk to. facebook.com/ The Centretown BUZZ operates under the guidelines of the the city will be pushing for mate change and understand “People love the idea of a CentretownCCA/ Canadian Copyright Act. more infills and apartment cities need to be more com- more walkable community,” © 2020 The Centretown BUZZ buildings in existing neigh- pact. Johanis said. MAY 15, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 3 “Our job is to fill gaps”: SWCHC pivots to a post-viral reality

for those folks.” them, so us bringing the food The centre’s consump- to them through these chan- tion and treatment centre had nels helps that too. to stay open because of the “Our job is to fill gaps. opioid crisis. “We did have We’re not trying to deliver to reduce the hours, and we food if there’s another ser- had to practice physical dis- vice that can, but we might tancing which meant fewer deliver food to clients who people in the room at a time. aren’t eligible for those ser- But we knew that was a pri- vices or who don’t have the ority. This was a crisis before technology to access [them].” the COVID crisis. Between For the homeless popula- homelessness and opioids, tion, the centre worked with it’s a triple crisis.” Councillor Catherine McK- The centre has four re- enney and the Centretown spiratory therapists in its re- Community Health Centre gional lung health program. to get a respite centre at the They now each work two McNabb Arena. days a week in local CO- “We saw that they can’t VID-19 assessment centres. isolate during the day, they “They were always front- can’t go anywhere. So we line but this is now swabbing worked to advocate for that, Outreach workers from the Somerset West CHC deliver food to isolated and vulnerable people. Shannon Willmott/SWCHC at an assessment centre in and now it’s our staff and Alayne McGregor they’re losing a client a its programs are now deliv- which are the easiest to learn, full PPE. That’s quite an in- Centretown staff helping to week, because people are ered over the phone or on- and which are secure and tense change in their job.” staff that facility. That’s not hen the COV- overdosing at home. They’re line. For example, a program meet privacy requirements. Merrill said that the cri- something that we would ID-19 pandemic not as connected to ser- for Cantonese and Manda- sis has forced staff to blur have done in the past. But W hit in March, vices, they’re more scared rin-speaking seniors has just Helping ears needed now the lines among the centre’s they’re our clients and we few services in Centretown to go out, they’re living in held its first virtual tai chi This is particularly im- programs, in order to meet want to make sure they’re were affected more than the overcrowded apartments or class via Zoom, and English portant for counseling ses- people’s needs. safe, and so that’s where Somerset West Community rooming houses. They’re classes via WeChat. sions, which the centre has “Normally, we’re funded we’re going to go.” Health Centre (SWCHC). very at risk, and so the death It’s a much smaller tai needed to increase not only for very specific programs Merrill said the centre is The centre serves residents risk is already higher, not so chi group so far, Merrill in English and French but in to serve a certain population already looking three to six in the western half of Cen- much from COVID at this said, and it required staff to other languages. in a certain way. We tend to months out “on the assump- tretown, from the Ottawa point because there hasn’t walk through with each se- “There’s not enough ser- work in those buckets and tion that there still are going River to Carling Avenue been the outbreak, but from nior how to download and vices to support all the people that’s how the funding flows to be a lot of people who and from Island Park Drive overdoses, from the opioid troubleshoot and use the ap- who need mental health sup- and that’s how our structure aren’t going to want to come to around Lyon Street. crisis that was killing people plication. But it has kept the port in our community at the is set up. out even if the lockdown gets Almost everything the before. So it’s really heart- seniors connected and could best of times. Since COVID, lifted. And probably for very centre does–from primary breaking. Devastating.” be useful post-COVID. we know that it’s only going Food security essential vulnerable folks, being able medical care, to counsel- “It’s forced us, shoved us to get worse–with isolation, “But now we’re finding to maintain distancing will ing, to children’s playgroups, Handling multiple crises into more virtual program- with fear, with anxiety. And that we have a whole bunch go on for quite a while.” to multicultural community What helped was the cen- ming for people who maybe we are seeing that. So even of people who are seeing It hopes to open some support, to drug treatment– tre’s experience with getting could benefit from this, peo- though we have a wait list needs related to food and more in-person services, but involves human contact. out in the community. It has ple who maybe can’t come for our counseling program isolation that cross every anticipates there will be a How could the centre teams of nurses and social into the centre for other rea- normally, staff looked at how program. need for virtual services well continue while physically workers who work directly sons” like winter weather or to create a same-day single- “So we’ve started pool- beyond the current crisis. isolating? with residents in rooming lack of transportation. session counseling every ing together, working in “For the clients we serve, “We pivoted,” said Sue houses and in the Chinese For children, the centre week that they could open up groups looking at food secu- certainly keeping them con- Merrill, the centre’s Man- community, and a communi- created a YouTube channel in their schedules for people rity across all programs.” nected and keeping them ager of Quality Improve- ty engagement team working with activities and songs for in crisis.” The centre is delivering healthy, both mentally and ment, Planning, and Evalua- in low-income and high-risk parents playing with their However, there are still hot meals prepared by St. physically, will get harder tion. “Our priorities in terms neighbourhoods. children–just as though they some services that must be Luke’s Church and by local as time goes on. Because of our population haven’t “So, in some ways, we had dropped into the centre. done in person, like medi- restaurants “to the homeless these are people who were changed with COVID–it’s were actually quite well situ- “And they’re using Zoom cal care, where a phone call people, to the really isolated already facing multiple risk just the ‘how’ which had to ated to stay in touch with to do virtual playgroups and or virtual chat is not enough, vulnerable seniors. We tie factors before, which is why change.” vulnerable people, because circle times that have had a she said. Not all social ser- that in with a wellness check we were working with them The first step, she said, we have teams of people al- huge response. That’s one vices problems can be han- and maybe giving informa- probably. was to determine which of ready going out and check- maybe we can continue.” dled over the phone, for ex- tion. Some of our seniors “The more they’re alone the centre’s services were ing on people. What they’re Staff have had to become ample, because “a lot of our were going out and shopping and the more they’re having essential, including urgent doing now is more extensive experts in many different clients don’t have phones! when they shouldn’t have, to fend for themselves–it’s medical care, harm reduc- and much more in depth than virtual platforms, she said: So we kept [the office] open because it wasn’t safe for going to be very hard.” tion, and mental health and what they did before–but counseling. See swchc. they had the relationships on.ca/essential-services with the people.” “Those decisions had to For example, the cen- be made very quickly, and tre was able to help a those are hard because we’re 90-year-old Cantonese-speak- working with very vulner- ing man. His family, who lived able populations already, so in another building, were pro- stopping any of our services viding his meals–but then his is a big ethical decision. daughter-in-law learned she How do we continue to out- was infected with COVID-19 reach and do wellness checks just after visiting him. The and continue the support we family frantically called would have provided before, the centre. Staff were able knowing that these folks are to have the janitors in both in even more crisis than they buildings disinfect doors would have been before?” and elevators, and to arrange meals for the father until the The homeless are hard-hit family could start supporting The homeless population him again. is particularly hard-hit right “And they did all that in now, she said. an evening.” “Our harm reduction The centre’s offices on team is basically in a con- Eccles Street at Booth are stant state of grief, because much quieter now: many of The Somerset West CHC has had to keep its Eccles Street offices partially open to serve vulnerable clients. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ 4 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA MAY 15, 2020 OC Transpo: no longer “like it or lump it”?

cont from page 1 be.’ That energy has really conversation.” Pre-pandemic, MacKay helped us as an organization.” Another gain was in Para- was a daily transit user. He OTRA’s approach is to Transpo trip booking, which has lived in Centretown since be polite and constructive, he had left riders frustrated by 2011. For many years he took stressed. long waits on the phone and route 7 from Bank and Glad- “It’s easy just to complain no guarantee of getting the stone to Carleton University about stuff. We actually want trips they needed. where he studied for a Mas- to have a positive change and “A couple of our members ters and Ph.D. in history. present solutions. Not just have been advocating for an It puzzled him that OC say, ‘this doesn’t work,’ but online booking system be- Transpo never ran enough ‘how can we help make this yond just the telephone book- buses on that route. better?’ ing. They’ve been pushing for “The buses that run “We’ve got a really great that for an entire year. Now through Centretown are some group of volunteers, different the online booking system is Free Transit Ottawa advocates canceling high transit fares. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ of the most important routes committees which are plan- coming up and it’s being beta- in Ottawa, because they’re ning campaigns. It’s just try- tested.” Comment used by people on a daily ba- ing to harness the collective In February, the group ran sis getting to and from work, energy of people who want to a transit challenge, with a ma- Free Transit Ottawa offers a new vision going to doctor’s appoint- see better public transit in Ot- jority of city councillors and ments, getting groceries. And tawa and apply it in a positive about a hundred regular riders for public transit in Ottawa so they’re often very busy. way.” pledging to use only public “You’d have these buses OTRA is a member-driv- transit for a week. The experi- Matthew MacVicar Some do so out of a New Vision would be a sig- jammed to the gills with stu- en group, he emphasized. If ence gave councillors a better sheer lack of affordable nificant step in that direc- dents, with people with mo- someone just wants to fix one awareness of the challenges his past January I alternatives. No surprise: tion. Its key elements are: bility issues, with the elderly. route, OTRA will work with regular riders face. attended the launch since July 2016, average • Fare-free transit in Looking at that, I said, this is them. “The more voices the “This is what people are T of Free Transit Ot- rents in Centretown have off-peak hours (9 a.m. to 3 crazy! You know this route is better. My goal is to really dealing with on a daily basis tawa’s New Vision for increased over 50 percent. p.m. and 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on going to be busy, you know grow this organization, to get with transit.” public transit in Ottawa. Centretown depends on weekdays, and all day on that any bus that goes down as many diverse voices as we MacKay said he thought The group made a persua- public transit to shop, get to weekends). Bank Street is an essential can, to really be proactive in OTRA had a good relation- sive and relevant case for appointments, and to partic- • 50 more buses on route here, but why is it so terms of developing better ship with most councillors, an OC Transpo that lis- ipate in Ottawa’s economic, weekends; neighbourhood jam-packed that it’s actually public transit in Ottawa. If we although some “view us as tens to transit riders and social, and cultural life. buses linking citizens to lo- unsafe for people?” do that, then I think we will a bit of a nuisance.” When uncompromisingly works Despite this, OC Transpo cal services, shopping and He took those concerns to really make a difference.” they’ve made presentations to toward meeting their is mainly designed to get entertainment; and 40 more the organization’s first meet- In a meeting in November, the Transit Commission, the needs. people to and from ‘9 to 5’ Para Transpo vehicles. ing in January 2019. More the group set its initial pri- general response has been re- I grew up in a driver’s jobs in the downtown core. • Expanded bus-only than 80 people showed up for orities, including #ParaParity, ally good, but he has felt that paradise: Barrie, Ontario. It doesn’t meet the needs of lanes during rush hours. a brainstorming session. better notification of trip can- the commission leadership re- I was an anomaly. I never the people at its core. • Electing the four citi- “It was very much an or- cellations, and regular tran- gards OTRA as “a chore that learned how to drive, and The arrival of the LRT zen representatives (now ganic development. I attended sit performance reports. But [they] need to get through be- I relied on public transit in hasn’t changed this. Lyon appointed) on the Transit not knowing what to expect, OTRA didn’t expect the seri- fore [they] can get to the im- a city where the weaving and Parliament Stations Commission, and replacing but we had a really good dis- ous problems that emerged portant stuff.” cul-de-sacs could hardly ac- lack key amenities like two of the eight councillors cussion amongst everybody this fall with the light rail OTRA still needs to push commodate a sensible bus washrooms. And the ac- now on it with representa- who was there and we decid- system which took attention for improvements in Para- route. I learned early on in companying reorganization tives from the transit work- ed to put together an organiz- away from other priorities. Transpo and bus service my life how critical good of bus services has made ers’ union. ing committee. Then in April The group’s first victory across the city, he said. They transit can be. using public transit more The annual cost of Free 2019 we had our founding was a fare freeze last fall. An are also asking for more per- In 2015, I moved to difficult for many people. Transit Ottawa’s New Vi- meeting.” increase had been planned formance reports from OC Centretown and I brought Ottawa needs to place sion is about $100 million, There was a pent-up de- for after the LRT launch, but Transpo to get a clearer pic- this lesson with me. In my public transit at the heart or $100 per person. To put mand among transit riders for OTRA argued that Transpo ture of actual levels of service new neighbourhood I was of its transportation sys- this in perspective, even this type of group, MacKay could not raise fares because across the city. no longer an anomaly. tem. We should join the the City’s low-income pass said. More than 100 people service was not where it MacKay describes him- Centretown is populated hundreds of other cities in costs $700/person, and a showed up at Ottawa City should be and the system was self as more of a choice than a with people who do not making public transit into a regular pass is over $1300. Hall to officially launch the falling apart. captive rider, since he can also drive for several reasons. public service that is free at Full details can be found group and elect a board of di- “This was during that ter- ride his bike or use ride-shar- Some do so in order to the point of use. at freetransitottawa.ca un- rectors. rible month of October where ing. But he points out there reduce carbon emissions, But that’s not enough. der New Vision. They in- “Ottawa has a bad tenden- doors weren’t opening and are many people dependent something Ottawa’s City OC Transpo needs to be clude funding proposals cy–people get along and they people were having to hike on transit on a daily basis just Council recognized by de- developed into an attrac- which range from increased go along with a lot of things. from Tunney’s to downtown. to live. claring a climate emergen- tive, safe system that meets development charges on But I think people are becom- “We put out a full media OTRA’s goal is to “repre- cy on April 24. The trans- all of our transportation new single-family homes, ing more aware about issues blitz. We wrote op-eds for lo- sent as many of the diverse ar- portation sector accounts needs. Such a system offers to reallocating some of the and challenges that Ottawa cal papers. We went on the ray of riders as we can. There for nearly 40 percent of Centretown residents many money budgeted for road is facing. They’ve realized, ‘I radio. We got people to write are always people out there Ottawa’s carbon footprint. benefits, from reduced traf- widening to transit. need to start raising my voice, to their councillors. We did a who rely on public transit be- By shifting to public transit, fic, fewer bicycle accidents, Free Transit Ottawa has and raising awareness, and couple delegations to Transit cause they don’t have any oth- greenhouse gas emissions and a stronger link to the an online petition calling getting involved if I want to Commission during that time. er option. That’s why we need could be cut by two-thirds city around us. for the city to adopt this vi- see the city that I want it to I think we really shifted the to fight for a better system.” per trip. Free Transit Ottawa’s sion at freetransitottawa.ca MAY 15, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 5

yet that that’s the right way forward in terms of infra- structure-building.” For example, he said, the LRT was supposed to have gone through usability test- ing. But basic issues like grab straps for shorter stand- ees or the slippery stairs at Parliament and Lyon stations were not fixed before the system opened–and no one knows if they were identified in the testing. “That’s the problem with P3s. Somebody probably looked at the plans and said what can we cut out? We’re running overbudget, so what areas can we cut back? Well, we’re not going to get this expensive tile, we’re going to get this tile instead. Do we need to order straps, because that’s going to add another couple thousand dollars? So that’s always my suspicion with P3s. It’s very much based on a spreadsheet cal- culus rather than OK, is this going to be reliable and ac- “Is OC Transpo on the right track with its current LRT private-public partnership?” asks Stuart MacKay of the Ottawa Transit Riders Association Brett Delmage/The BUZZ cessible for the riders them- selves?” Can OC Transpo keep rolling along? Transparency needed In fact, OC Transpo’s Alayne McGregor agencies won’t have to the end of September, and ly, he said. not tell them what’s hap- entire operation needs to cut service or lay off staff. $155.1 million if they remain “The biggest thing that pening with their train then become more transparent, n the last year, Ot- until the end of 2020. transit agencies can do is to they won’t trust the system. MacKay said, particularly in tawa’s public transit Fewer riders = cash crunch In the longer term, keep reiterating, ‘Here’s how They’re going to be frustrat- releasing performance mea- I system has been bat- The campaign, which MacKay said, the Ontario we’re cleaning, here’s how ed and they’re going to find sures such as the true number tered by a disastrous light launched this month, is and federal governments we’re maintaining passenger other options.” of bus cancellations. rail launch, increasingly called #KeepTransitMoving need to get involved in fund- safety.’ To give OC Transpo “If the only performance unreliable bus service, and (www.keeptransitmoving. ing transit operating costs, some credit, they’ve tried A guinea pig for other cities reports you’re getting are now a pandemic which has ca/take-action). It’s asking because “public transit in to navigate the situation the MacKay recently took from somebody that’s leak- drastically cut its rider- transit users to sign a peti- Canada is facing a huge cash best they can. It’s good to see part in a cross-city webinar ing [internal] screen shots ship. How can it recover? tion calling for emergency crunch and it needs to be that now operators are being on P3s in public transit and from OC Transpo to CBC, The next six to 10 provincial and federal fund- considered as these govern- supplied with the proper pro- discovered that Ottawa has that’s not helping anybody. months will be crucial, ac- ing now, so that transit agen- ments distribute money to tective equipment.” been a guinea pig for several That’s not being transpar- cording to Stuart MacKay, cies can continue to operate maintain essential services.” He expected it would emerging P3 transit projects. ent.” a Centretown resident and enough service for riders to Currently, transit operat- take a while for people to get A LRT project in Brampton OC Transpo isn’t an- board member of the Ottawa practice physical distancing, ing revenues are only from used to taking transit again, will be using the same trains, nouncing all trip cancella- Transit Riders Association and purchase adequate PPE property taxes and fares, so “but, by the same token, if and is taking notes on Ot- tions, MacKay said. “People (OTRA). and cleaning supplies. “if one of those goes down, the worst part of this pan- tawa’s experience. know that just by standing How OC Transpo will be “We’re facing a huge is- then you’re in a bind.” demic is over (and I hope it “So I think some cities are at the bus stops, seeing that funded, how it will cope with sue in public transit in Can- is), people tend to bounce getting a bit smarter in terms they’ve been waiting 45 min- the current downturn, how it ada. Ridership has decreased Riding infection-free back faster than a lot of peo- of not delegating so much utes for a bus–but nothing’s will persuade riders to re- throughout the country, and A harder question is how ple give them credit for.” authority, especially during been tweeted out.” turn, how it will make its en- because transit agencies rely to address people’s fear of the construction process, to OTRA has been study- tire system more reliable and so much on revenue from infection from riding transit. Returning to reliability the consortiums doing the ing how other cities in North transparent–the city must riders to fund everyday op- “It’s going to take a And even before CO- building. [They are] being a America inform citizens deal with all those issues in erations, they’re going to while, I think, for people to VID-19, riders were frus- bit more wary and keeping a about how they’re perform- that time, he said. be running huge deficits,” get comfortable. I remem- trated by unreliable buses closer eye on things because ing. “We live in a metric- The first step is funding, MacKay said. ber those images of people and trains. For this, MacKay of the experience [in Ottawa] driven world and people are he said. OTRA is working In April, City Trea- taking the LRT during rush said, OC Transpo needs with the sinkhole and the is- used to that and that [infor- with other transit advocacy surer Wendy Stephenson hour, all jammed up. It’s go- to press the Rideau Tran- sues with the stations.” mation] needs to be released. groups in Ontario and Que- estimated that OC Transpo ing to take a longer time for sit Group (RTG) for actual Are there any cities doing I’m not quite sure why bec to ask the provincial would lose $98.4 million in people to get back into that.” dates and clear metrics for better than Ottawa with P3s they’ve been so obstinate and federal governments fare revenue if COVID-19 OC Transpo must clean fixing the LRT “in terms of and transit? about it. This is pretty basic to step in so that transit measures remain in place to buses much more thorough- here’s where we need to be “If there is, I haven’t stuff.” and here’s where we need to seen it. All these transit And more questions need finish. I think OC Transpo projects are still fairly new to be raised at the city’s Tran- really has to hold the line.” and the P3s in the past that sit Commission, he said. The Much of the problem we’ve dealt with have been last commission meeting is with the P3 relationship. about building infrastruc- was in February. (A special “RTG has a responsibility on ture like hospitals. A P3 to meeting has been scheduled their side to be transparent build a hospital is quite dif- for June 1.) but they’re not. The fact that ferent. You build it and then, “The fact that we haven’t we don’t even know when depending on your contract, had a transit commission we’re going to get certain you either lease it out or meeting in several months, trains, how many trains are you’re contracted to just because there’s apparently running at a certain time, the do the maintenance in it. A ‘nothing to talk about’ is ri- fact that it would take three building is far different than diculous. So we need to keep or four weeks to get that an actual transit system that pushing, and reminding peo- information, is completely has a million moving parts. ple that this is still a system unacceptable. The level of “So nobody’s really that has flaws. People need transparency needs to be in- nailed it yet in terms of a to be reassured that it’s going creased 100 percent.” good P3. I still think the to be safe and it needs to run People can forgive prob- jury’s out. We seem to have correctly. lems, he said, but if you thrown all our chips in on “But there also has to be leave them “in the dark and P3s and I haven’t been sold some accountability, too.” 6 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA MAY 15, 2020 Skyline: Moments from the City Archives

Robert Smythe

taged and posed newspaper photos never reveal much about the sitters’ inner character but they do project a sense of relentless op- (above) On the steps of St. Theresa’s R.C. Church after the marriage of Clara Eugenia S timism. They were taken to mark events like victories, graduations, Campagnola to Lt. William Fordham Johnson Wood, July 17, 1954. and weddings. This selection is from the Andrews-Newton Collection held at the City Ar- (left) Staff at the Ottawa Tourist Bureau welcome visitors to the bureau’s new location chives. To date, only a small percentage of this mass of negatives has been in the former City Registry building on Nicholas Street, May 1954. printed or digitized. These commercial photographers produced over two million images on as- signment, mostly to be published in the Ottawa Citizen. Seen today they are faintly absurd but certainly endearing. Recognize anyone? All photos are from the City of Ottawa Archives.

The No. 2 Police Station choir warms up for its Christmas concert on December 4, 1954. Graduates are given their ’L.C.’ letters at Lisgar Collegiate’s closing exercises, June 4, 1954.

(above) Annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner in the St. Patrick’s Church Hall, March 17, 1954. (left) On February 22, 1955, the team from St. Barnabas Church won the first-place shield at the city-wide Anglican Young People’s Association Drama Festival. MAY 15, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 7

Centretown’s Community Support Network: “We all need a bit of help”

Jack Hanna the Centretown Support Net- store very quickly, just ability benefit, a maximum work and was matched with throwing things in the cart, of $1169, is about half the hen Ali Ab- Ali, who volunteered to pick like a crazy woman.” $2,000 per month workers dourahman de- up her groceries with his car It was difficult for her to laid off because of COV- W livered five bags and deliver them. pass someone in an aisle. “I ID-19 now receive.) of groceries to the front door That’s vital for Mary. felt very uncomfortable.” To conserve money, of Mary’s co-op building, She tried doing a grocery At the cash, because Mary used to ride a bus to Mary says she was “relieved run after the COVID-19 cri- a Food Basics. But with the and very, very happy.” sis erupted. Before she could she was nervous, there pandemic,“I will not get on a Mary is bipolar and suf- even make the attempt, her was a momentary glitch bus. It’s too dangerous.” fers anxiety disorder. For friend had to give her a pep She cannot afford the her, grocery shopping always talk. trying to swipe her card. delivery fees supermarkets has been stressful. With CO- “I was afraid to go. She “The cashier looked into charge. “People on disabil- VID-19, it is too much. told me, ‘You will be all my eyes and saw pure ity always struggle to afford (Mary is not her real right; you can do this.’” groceries.” panic.” name. The BUZZ changed Mary donned a mask and So Ali dropping off her her name to respect her pri- went to Massine’s Your Inde- Mary lives on a monthly vacy and to enable her to pendent Grocer. cheque from the Ontario groceries is a blessing. speak openly.) “I was afraid, extremely Disability Support Program. “I cannot tell you how Mary, age 57, contacted afraid. I tore through the (She points out that the dis- appreciative I am.” Mary placed an online Comment order at Walmart and booked 10 a.m. as the pickup time. Plastic bags in the time of COVID-19 Ali said he would arrive a half hour early because there a bit of help.” Sometimes people just Barbara Sibbald and Stuart might be a line-up. The volunteer has offered appreciate someone to talk Kinmond “How nice is that?” says to do a grocery run for Mary to. Mary’s first contact with Mary. whenever needed. the CSN was a phone call afety is vital during Ali is a security guard at The Centretown Sup- from Barbara Sibbald to as- the COVID-19 pan- Hydro Ottawa and a custom- port Network (CSN), which certain how the CSN could S demic, but so is ac- er-service rep at Jack Purcell matched Mary and Ali, is a help Mary. They spoke for curate information. Lately, Community Centre. project of the Centretown half an hour about every- there has been a resurgence He is a veteran volun- Community Association. thing from Mary’s situation of support for single-use Besides making deliver- to gardening. plastic (SUP) bags, even teer and in the COVID-19 ies, volunteers have provided “That call made my day,” though there is no scien- crisis wanted to “show information on how to obtain says Mary, who lives with tific evidence that they are food or other resources, and her cat Emily. less likely to carry the virus care for my community. coached individuals on how The CSN can be reached than reusable bags. “Not everyone has the to remedy computer prob- at 613-518-3908 or via email: This has generated con- luxury of a car,” he said. lems. [email protected] troversy about the use of SUP “Why not help? We all need bags vs reusable bags for shopping. Some Ottawa gro- Stuart Kinmond/The BUZZ cery stores won’t allow reus- bags are responsible for the at the store, cashiers will able bags on their premises, spread of COVID-19. pack these for the customers. while others do allow them Whatever bags you Again, the bag could harbour Catherine McKenney provided customers pack choose to use, handling is the virus if handled by some- City Councillor for Somerset Ward their own groceries. critical to your health. Stud- one who is infected. The ad- Some jurisdictions like ies show that COVID-19 vantage with paper is that the Montreal have stood by their virus can stay alive on plas- virus can only survive up to bans on SUP bags. That city tic and metal for three days, one day. permits the use of reusable but only one day on paper or Although public atten- bags if customers pack them. cardboard. Wash your hands tion is currently focused on Respite centre Other jurisdictions, such as thoroughly after handling any health security, more than en- the states of New Hampshire bags. vironmental issues, once this Do you know someone who is homeless or precariously and Maine, have temporarily Some practical advice for pandemic is over we will still housed and needs a shower or a safe place for respite? rescinded bans. Ottawa shoppers be faced with ever increasing McNabb Community Centre has been converted to a This may be fuelled by Reusable bags are packed pollution caused by unneces- the Plastics Industry Associa- by the consumer, so the bag is sary single-use plastic prod- respite centre to provide washrooms and showers during tion’s lobby during this time not touched by the cashier. ucts like plastic bags. the COVID-19 pandemic. of crisis to get rid of bans on Both cloth and plastic re- The commitments that SUP bags. In mid-March, it usable bags should be washed governments have made asked the US government regularly. They can be put towards bans will reassert to declare that banning SUP into a washing machine. Do themselves. Environment Keep in touch! bags during a pandemic is a not put plastic bags in the Canada will not be stopping health threat. The industry dryer. its scientific assessment of cites a study from the Uni- Shoppers can also load the health and environmental For the latest news on versity of Arizona and Loma their groceries back into their impacts of micro and macro Somerset Ward, sign up Linda University, which shopping cart after paying, plastics. The assessment for my newsletter on my found reusable plastic bags wheel the cart to their car might take a bit longer if re- website and follow me can contain bacteria if not or bike trailer, and pack the sources are being reassigned washed properly. That study, groceries into reusable bags to address the pandemic but on social media: now 10 years old and based there. work will not be stopping. on a sample of only 84 bags, Backpacks: Some stores Unnecessary single-use plas- catherinemckenney.ca was funded by the American are allowing customers to tics will all be banned; it’s mckenneycatherine Chemistry Council, which pack groceries in backpacks. just a matter of time. represents major plastics Like reusable bags, back- cmckenney manufacturers. This is not packs should be washed regu- Barbara Sibbald and Stuart robust evidence, yet it has larly. Kinmond co-chair the Single- cmckenney14 prompted action. Single-use plastic bags: Use Plastics Group of the So how do we move for- Stores using these bags will Centretown Community ward? pack them for the customer. Association. It would be prudent to be- If SUP bags are handled by plastics@centretowncitizens. Questions? We can help! gin with what we know: there someone who is infected, the ca 613-580-2484 | [email protected] is no evidence or independent bags could carry the virus. studies that reusable plastic Paper bags: If available 8 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA MAY 15, 2020 Planet of the Scapes: under half an hour to plate

Pearl Pirie you cook them less, they Spoon about a tablespoon or buttercream. It makes it are chewy. If more they are per cookie. Bake for 9-10 showy if you add two table- ave you seen that crisp. minutes at 350 F on parch- spoons orange or lemon zest potato chip sales Once you bake the ment-lined pans. to the top of the icing. H are up 34 percent amount you want, roll the Normally, I don’t go for over this time last year? dough into a tube shape a sweet cookie or iced cook- Pearl Pirie’s fourth poetry We’re a snacking nation. in wax paper. Keep in the ies but this really explains collection, footlights, is due Brussels is calling on its freezer for slicing off as you the expression “the icing on out by October 2020 with citizens to eat frozen french need over the next couple the cake.” In this case, I used Radiant Press. Not Quite fries twice a week because months. the frozen rum sauce unused Dawn, from éditions des potatoes for fries (mostly When cooked from fro- from Christmas pudding and petits nuages is available sold in restaurants) are go- zen, they don’t spread as thickened it with more icing for $13 (Including S&H) at ing to waste. Maybe you much so may need a couple sugar but Royal Icing works, pearlpirie.com can serve some on the side extra minutes cooking. of the veggies. (Can’t have Pearl Pirie/The BUZZ too much starch, right?) Mix dry: slice strips of semi-firm tofu of water to steam both. 1¼ cup all-purpose un- Main Dish: in to cook on medium heat. Cover the pan. As they start bleached flour Coconut Veggies Forget about them while we to soften, add the spinach, 1 cup whole wheat flour (Serves 2-3), 20 minutes do the veggies. Flip the tofu asparagus, and coconut milk ½ tsp baking powder in 10-15 minutes. and cover for five minutes or ¼ tsp baking soda I recently fell pretty hard Add in order: until tender. ¼ tsp salt for cast iron pans. This isn’t drizzle of sesame or olive oil Combine with the tofu. ¾ cup currants a slapstick joke. They brown 1 onion, chopped I served the veggies over perogies like no non-stick. 1 potato, cubed buckwheat soba noodles. Mix until smooth: And for tofu? Really won- 1 carrot, sliced 7/8 cup granulated sugar derful. handful of spinach Snack: Lemony Currant 1 cup margarine This is a two-pan recipe, small bunch of asparagus Cookies (Makes 3 dozen), 1 egg or three if the noodles are not ¾ cup coconut milk 20 minutes 1½ Tbsp lemon juice made ahead or in series. As the onions start to 1 tsp vanilla extract Put a drizzle of sesame oil soften, add the potato, then The goal was to make Mix the dry ingredients in the first cast iron pan and the carrot and a tablespoon a crisp currant cookie. If with the wet in three parts. Pearl Pirie/The BUZZ Time on our hands 2: the secrets of sourdough “stable community of bacte- to give you some of theirs. to one part water by weight, a good, tangy taste. Because worth, and then consult the Marna Nightingale ria (mostly lactobacilli) and If they do, ask what they’ve or two parts flour to one part you’re not relying on it as internet, or try yeast” (sometimes called a been feeding it and do the water by volume. leavening you can refrigerate ast month I shared S.C.O.B.Y) living in har- same; it will settle into its Start small. Very small. or even freeze it to use later. Alex’s Basic Sourdough with you some mony, which does the same. new home in a couple of Smaller than that. Or you can give it to your Loaf L quick-bread recipes Lactobacilli are the days and be ready to go.) Two tablespoons of flour neighbour. As with zucchini, from my friends Sarah and bacteria that make milk go You will need: and one of water is lots. do ask their permission first. By weight, not by vol- Mel. This month I asked “sour”, hence “lacto-”. They A glass, ceramic, or Starter grows fast, and Then you keep feeding it, ume, take: my friend Alex Bayley, also create sourdough’s dis- stainless-steel bowl with a I tend to feel that there 1:1:1. 1 part starter whose amazing sourdough tinctive tangy flavour. non-airtight cover (a plate to shouldn’t be anything alive If it doesn’t smell good 2 parts water bread I’ve been eating and The souring is part of a put on top of the bowl works in your kitchen that’s bigger for the first few days don’t 3 parts flour loving for years, how to process that also pre-digests fine) than you are. worry: a starter can take and a pinch of salt. create a sourdough starter. some of the flour’s nutrients, Flour Next, you wait and you awhile to settle. Just keep They told me: All you making them more digest- Water tend it. Every 12 hours, feeding it, speak to it kindly, Mix them together thor- need for a sourdough starter ible. Your water should be de- more-or-less, you’re going stir it gently, and wait for it oughly in a bowl with lots of is flour—any kind at all. Yeast and lactobacillus chlorinated because chlorine to feed your starter, stirring to stabilize. extra head-room (for when It doesn’t even have to be are everywhere: in the air, on kills yeasts and other bac- it to incorporate lots of fresh Only if it, for some the dough rises), and cover wheat flour—and water. your hands, and on organic, teria, which is why we use air each time. strange reason, develops it tightly. You don’t need to know minimally processed foods. small amounts of it in drink- You can also give it a mold do you need to throw it Let it sit for 12-18 hours, how it works to make a start- All you need to do to ing water and larger amounts brisk stir in between, if you away and start again. depending on how warm er, but it’s interesting: create a SCOBY is to lure in swimming pools. think of it: yeast needs an ox- Whether you grew your your kitchen is. It will rough- Bread rises through the some into a container, then Chlorine evaporates eas- ygen supply to do its thing, starter or got it from a friend, ly double in size and come action of yeast, which eats feed them regularly. (Or ily. Use the water left in your so you want to release built- try to feed it what it’s used away from the side of the carbohydrates and emits car- ask around; as you’ll see teakettle, once it’s cooled, up CO2 and bring in fresh air to, at least until you’ve had bowl in long strings. Knead bon dioxide, which makes further down, you have to or fill a glass with tap-water fairly often. it for long enough to have it gently or simply fold it the bubbles in bread. discard the starter regularly, and let it sit for an hour. Each time you feed it, made a few loaves from it. over several times and shape A sourdough starter is a so someone may be thrilled Then mix one part flour you want to add flour and If you switch up a it into a ball or an oval. water in roughly a 1:1:1 pro- SCOBY’s food, say, from Place it on a cookie sheet portion—so if you have ¼ rye to whole wheat or spelt, or into a bread pan. In either cup of starter, you add ¼ cup it can take it several days to case, Alex says to grease and of flour and ¼ cup (de-chlo- adjust and get back to being flour your sheet or pan very We are here Nous sommes là rinated!) water. Twice a day. ready to bake with, and if generously first. for you pour vous Remember I said “start you’re a beginner it can be Cover the dough with a small?” demoralizing. clean damp tea towel, and Ottawa Centre! Ottawa Centre ! Even so, it’s going to get (This is why people let it rise until the surface out of hand fairly quickly, so name their starters; they all stays dented when you poke every few days you’re going have their own quirks, pref- it (usually 2 hours but again, Catherine McKenna to remove all but a couple erences, and, if you’re not longer in a cooler kitchen) of tablespoons of the starter careful, postal codes.) then bake at 500F for 30 M.P. for Ottawa Centre | Députée pour Ottawa-Centre and either discard it, or, if it So you’ve persevered minutes or until golden smells yeasty or milky and and now you have a happy, brown. basically wholesome, you healthy starter bubbling Let it stand for at least 30 Constituency Office | Bureau de circonscription : can use it in something else. away on your kitchen table, minutes before you slice it; Telephone | Téléphone : 613-946-8682 It won’t add any leavening and you’d like to make some 60 is better. Email | Courriel : [email protected] to pancakes, scones, or other bread. Let it grow until you quick-breads, but it does add have a bit more than a cup’s MAY 15, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 9 MPP Report: let’s never go back to normal Joel Harden breathe. who are now out of work get Global emissions have back on their feet by invest- n April 22, we ob- dropped. The waters and air ing in mass transit, renew- served the 50th an- of several major cities, once able energy, and the caring, O niversary of Earth fouled by pollution, are now low-carbon professions we Day. It’s an ominous time clear. Forms of active trans- desperately need. to mark the occasion. For portation (rolling, walking, So here’s my Earth Day all the right reasons, we are cycling) now fill city streets thought for 2020: let’s never fixated on a deadly virus once clogged with cars. go back to normal. Let’s cre- for which there is no cure And we’ve also been re- ate a Green New Deal for a yet. minded about the importance different future that keeps us Many bright minds are of low-wage service profes- safe and secure for decades working towards that now, sions. Who do we rely on to come. A different future and major changes have more? The stock trader or that puts the health of our been made around the world the grocery store clerk? The planet and people, including to “flatten the curve.” That personal support worker or care workers and the folks collective action has been the professional athlete? The they look after, ahead of cor- remarkable. politician or the warehouse porate profits. We have stayed home worker? We owe that to those and avoided contact with For years, many debated who have lost their lives, and neighbours. Jobs have been whether humanity could ad- will lose their lives, to CO- lost and many businesses dress the existential threat VID-19. We can’t be quiet or The volunteer-run re-Cycles Community Bicycle Shop partially reopened this month, selling have closed, with significant of climate change. Could we accept hollow platitudes. refurbished bicycles and parts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from its store at Bronson consequences. Major events overcome our addiction to Emily Pierskalla, a nurse have been postponed. fossil fuels, and the industry from Minnesota, showed us and Gladstone - but with strict distancing for all. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ All this has been done to that insists it draws every last what that looks like in a re- stop the spread of a virus that drop from the earth? Could cent letter: targets the most vulnerable we really transition to a dif- “If I die, I don’t want to among us. It is those very ferent economy? be remembered as a hero. ... people–seniors, people with In recent weeks, we’ve I want you to politicize my CCA report disabilities, those with au- seen the answer: bold action death.” toimmune deficiencies, and is possible when we’re faced As we mourn COVID-19 Jack Hanna workers in caring profes- with a common threat. If we tragedies, let’s organize to sions–who have paid such a can pull together to stop the ensure our most vulnerable The urban boundary: terrible price. spread of COVID-19, we can are protected. Make no decision And yet in this awful mobilize on a massive scale With the same collec- sadness, we can also iden- to fight climate change when tive action that we used to he Centretown tify hope to save our planet. this pandemic is over. fight this virus, we can build Community As- tance during the COVID-19 worked on, there simply are Homebound people and Instead of bailing out a better future for everyone T sociation’s advice crisis. not enough assignments shuttered major industries the fossil fuel industry, let’s and for the planet on which to Ottawa City Council: Volunteers have deliv- for the flood of people who have allowed the planet to help the millions of people we all depend. Sometimes the best deci- ered groceries for people have stepped up, and so the sion is no decision. who are self-isolating. They volunteers list had to be Ottawa is projected to have answered questions closed. need almost 200,000 new from individuals needing homes over the next quar- food or help with a comput- Reusable bags—down but ter century. City Council er problem. And a volunteer not out now is grappling with the is checking in and chatting issue of whether the bulk with one person who said Since COVID-19 erupt- should be in new subdivi- they would appreciate a bit ed, supermarkets have pro- sions on the city’s periph- of conversation occasion- hibited reusable bags. ery (“sprawl”), or inter- ally “to lift my spirits.” There’s no science behind spersed across the existing The CSN is a service of that says Stuart Kinmond, cityscape. the Centretown Community co-chair of the CCA’s Sin- Environmentalists say Association. See The BUZZ gle-use Plastics Group. there should be no sprawl. story on page 7 for more in- “There is no evidence or Developers counter that’s formation. independent studies show- not realistic; Ottawans will ing reusable bags spread not accept lots of infill hous- Lots of volunteers COVID-19,” he says. es and apartment towers in The movement away existing neighbourhoods. So many Centretown- from plastic bags and to- The CCA recommends ers have stepped up and wards reusables may have City Council defer the deci- volunteered that the CCA suffered a setback, but sion for a decade or more has closed its volunteers Kinmond says it will soon and, during that time, prohib- list. Two months ago, the surge forward again. it urban sprawl. This would CCA sent out a call for vol- Just before the pan- be a testing period to gauge unteers to help during the demic, the CCA conducted whether radical intensifica- COVID-19 crisis. More a survey at Massine’s Your tion can work in Ottawa. than 220 people have come Independent Grocer on If Ottawans embrace forward. Bank Street and found reus- lots of infill houses and Dozens of volunteers ables were very popular. new towers, the city can have worked at the free Of 428 shoppers, almost avoid sprawl. But, if there take-away hot meals at two-thirds were toting their is NIMBYism and public Knox Presbyterian Church groceries in reusable bags. outcry, then down the road on Elgin. (The meals are “We were pleasantly new subdivisions would served Wednesdays and surprised,” says Kinmond. have to roll out across the Saturdays from 5 to 6 p.m.) Some 49 percent lugged farmlands around Ottawa. As well, the CCA has only reusable bags. Another supplied volunteers to Op- 16 percent of shoppers had Neighbours helping eration Ramzieh (providing backpacks that wouldn’t neighbours free groceries to shut-ins hold all their groceries and who need them) and to the so had to resort to some The Centretown Sup- Centretown Support Net- plastic bags. port Network (CSN) con- work. See The BUZZ story on tinues to match volunteers Despite all the pro- page 7 for more informa- to people who need assis- grams CCA volunteers have tion. 10 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA MAY 15, 2020 Discovering pollinators as we walk about the neighbourhood descended from one queen. None live past that point with the exception of queens, who alone remain to overwinter. There are few other wasps in early spring. Wasps, while they seek nectar in the adult stage, are carnivorous in the larval stage. The adult must hunt for insects to feed the larva. Because there is logi- cally a lack of insects avail- able to hunt in early spring, overwintering as an adult who forms a new colony in spring is a good survival strategy for this species. As her colony size increases, so too does availability of other insect prey. We see a diversity of win- ter survival strategies among the pollinator species: for Green Sweat bee on sedum Gail McGuire/The BUZZ example, among butterflies. The iconic Monarch but- terfly migrates, as does the started a collection of pre- we will be seeing many new garden. This will encourage Solitary Mining Bee emerging from crocus flower Painted Lady butterfly. Other served insects which are gardens–know that your gar- pollinators to pollinate your Gail McGuire/The BUZZ butterfly and moth species local pollinators. I found dens help to support our na- tomato plants, for instance. overwinter as caterpillars these specimens already tive pollinators. These little Our little gardens provide Gail McGuire the females make tunnels hidden deep in fall leaves, dead, at the end of their life creatures are vital to the significant support to pol- into the ground or bits of while still others overwinter cycle. Usually, I would dis- health of our planet and play linator species, because we he long-awaited ad- wood, and branching from as cocoons or as eggs. play them at the CCA Earth a major role in propagating have built over natural habi- vent of fair weath- the tunnels, they form cham- Temperature variations Day event, but this year’s plants, including many food tat and our gardens replace T er, spring flowers, bers. alter the timing of spring event was canceled due to plants. some of the lost habitat. and nature returning from Into each chamber they flowers. Synchronized to COVID-19. I am taking my I encourage gardeners Gardens provide a balm dormancy are all reasons deposit pollen they have their emergence is the emer- energy-interrupted restless- to plant to span the seasons, to our spirits at this time. to feel motivated to walk collected from flowers, and gence of pollinators. Their ness and directing it into the with flowers in bloom from Remember to look for the now–and get the exercise they lay an egg. Their work life cycles are intertwined. writing of this article. early spring to late in the little pollinators amidst the we’ve need in this period is done at that point and they Most plants need to be polli- For those of us who are fall. If you are planting a gardens, and know that we of self-isolation. fly away. The egg will hatch nated by a pollinator in order beginning gardens this year– food garden, these plants can support these vital yet My walks have been mo- into a larva, consume the to reproduce, and pollinators and seed sales indicate that can adorn the edges of your vulnerable creatures. tivated by a search for early pollen, pupate, and emerge need pollen and nectar. pollinating insects. as an adult. The egg-laying Strangely, there is no First, I look for early takes place in the previous known reason for plants to spring flowers because that year. The solitary bees we produce nectar, a sugary liq- is where I am likely to find see in early spring are the re- uid which is consumed by pollinators. Over the years, sulting adults. pollinators. Scientists sur- I have made a mental inven- We are not likely to see mise that the nectar attracts tory of where I am likely to a yellowjacket wasp in early pollinators, who inadver- find spring flowers in my spring. If we do, it is a queen tently collect pollen on feet neighbourhood. which has overwintered after or furry bodies, which they Then, if the flowers are mating in the fall. She stores disperse, again unintention- on the sunny side of the the sperm in her body, fer- ally, onto other flowers, all street and the day is fair, tilizes in spring, and begins while foraging for nectar. I bend down to scrutinize to build a nest either under- The exception is bees, who the often tiny low flowers. ground or in a tree, depend- deliberately collect pollen Smartphone camera at the ing on the species. for their brood. ready, I look for insects de- The first brood she pro- I became interested in scending into or emerging duces then take on jobs in pollinators and began ob- from cups of crocus, or trum- the nest and the queen as- serving and studying them pets of daffodil. sumes the role of egg layer. because I was gardening. I The first pollinators I see Yellowjacket wasps are so- have been able to get some are small bees called solitary cial wasps. By the end of species identified by show- bees. These are bees that do the summer, there can be ing my photos to scientists not form colonies. Instead, hundreds in the colony, all and other experts. I also Painted Lady butterfly perched on echinacea, alongside bees. Gail McGuire/The BUZZ MAY 15, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 11 Community gardens can reopen, bringing local food to all

Stephen Thirlwall

he Ontario Govern- ment has now al- T lowed community gardens–including those in Centretown–to reopen under specific conditions. This news comes at an im- portant time because these gardens generally start their season in May. While community gar- dens usually produce food for the gardeners themselves, they can also produce a per- centage of the crops to sup- port food banks, shelters, and other social service centres. The April 25 amendment to the government’s emer- gency order is to “Permit the use of allotment gardens and community gardens across the province. These gar- dens are an essential source of fresh food for some in- dividuals and families, in- cluding those who face food insecurity. Local medical officers of health will pro- vide advice, recommenda- tion and instructions that the gardens must meet in order A patch of chives brings a first hint of spring to the Nanny Goat Hill community garden at Bronson and Laurier. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ to operate, such as physical distancing, and cleaning and Nepean just east of Bank in which time slots, social need to change to increase the requirements of updated duce from area farmers? The disinfecting commonly used Street, distancing and cleaning of production and perhaps have garden agreement contracts Marchés d’Ottawa Markets equipment and surfaces.” • Centretown Community shared equipment and sur- more crops that grow very and code of conduct for all has launched a new online Somerset Ward has at Garden Project at Lisgar faces, especially any locks at quickly, such as various gardeners. The first step order system for the Park- least six sizable community and Lyon, gates, these gardens should types of herbs and lettuce. was to get permission from dale and ByWard farmers’ gardens: • the Centre 507 Garden be able to pass restriction re- Other longer growing crops the landowner (Richcraft), markets at ottawamarkets.ca. • the Dalhousie Commu- Boxes on Bank Street near quirements. Many of the gar- may be harvestable into early which was received pending Customers will make their nity Garden Boxes at Som- Argyle, and deners have several years of November. review of our new contracts/ food selections online and erset West and Preston, • the McNabb Community gardening under their belts Small beds of flowers in policies. I have reached out pick up their orders from ta- • the very large Nanny Garden near Gladstone and and so should be able to have community gardens also en- to the neighbouring property bles at the market locations. Goat Hill Garden at Lau- Bronson. relatively productive gardens hance the beauty of neigh- inquiring about water use.” Initially, the Parkdale Market rier and Bronson, With careful scheduling if the weather cooperates. bourhoods. While plots have been will operate on Tuesdays and • the smaller Off-Bank of who and how many can The types of crops and some As this process unfolds, assigned, the gardeners still Thursdays and ByWard on Community Garden on garden on which days and gardening practices may it is not automatic that all have to wait patiently until Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 gardens will go back into they receive permission to p.m. each day. use or that things will hap- enter the garden. If you’re having prob- pen immediately. Permission The city has also sent lems obtaining seeds, there is to open each garden must small teams to clean up, re- a community-based source, be given locally by Ottawa plant and/or trim some of The Ottawa Seed Library, Public Health in conjunc- its small streetside cement from which seed can be bor- tion with Just Foods and the boxes at least along Bronson rowed and to which seeds Community Gardening Net- Avenue. These boxes contain can be donated at the end of work, who have partnered trees and flowers. the season. with the city on setting food Agriculture, both at the safety protocols. Some gar- Farmer’s Markets large scale and at the neigh- den groups may also decide At the beginning of May, bourhood level, should not not to operate at this time. food markets and garden be underestimated as to its Tom Whillans, one of centres were also given the value to society and commu- the co-coordinators of the go-ahead to reopen, again nity. A huge thanks goes out Off-Bank garden, updated with certain restrictions in to all who have contributed the gardeners on the reopen- place. The garden centres are in whatever ways to bring ing plan: “I participated in a important for local commu- these changes into place seminar by Just Food/Com- nity and home gardeners to within our community, thus munity Garden Network of get prestarted plants, such as allowing continued produc- Ottawa and yes, we will be tomatoes, peppers, kale, and tion of much needed food opening this year. They are a wide variety of herbs. supplies through small com- in the process of finalizing Looking for local pro- munity operations. The Centre 507 community garden is alongside the Bank Street sidewalk Stephen Thirlwall/The BUZZ Looking for a good home? 12 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA MAY 15, 2020 Somerset Ward update: urban boundary review is a decision we will live with for the next 100 years

Catherine McKenney planning mean more than opening up new territory for ow should we man- development. It means think- age the expected ing about how we want our H growth in our city? city to function for decades How should it grow and to come; where people will with what types of hous- live, work, shop, and play; ing? What would it cost to how they will move from one service new communities? activity to another; and the Should we build on agri- impact this will have on our cultural lands? These are environment, our taxes, our some of the questions being food security, our housing, considered by City Council and more. right now under the Urban I do not believe those is- Bank Street in Centretown has many local businesses who need customers now Brett Delmage/The BUZZ Boundary Review, as part sues are being properly con- of our update to the Offi- sidered. cial Plan. Most importantly, I want Mayor: support local businesses now This discussion is criti- to hear from you. Please let cal, as it will impact many me know what your thoughts Jim Watson • Send local businesses and supporting community everyone. I’d like to thank aspects of our city: food se- are on the Growth Manage- messages of support on so- organizations to address ur- you for cooperating with curity, access to green space, ment Strategy. You can find he City of Ot- cial media. gent community needs. The physical distancing from the cost of future transit, the it at engage.ottawa.ca un- tawa has launched These actions will help Human Needs Task Force others and for helping your number of cars coming into der The New Official Plan. T the first phase of local shops, restaurants and lines up with City resources, fellow residents in need. the downtown, and housing Send your submission to a “Buy Local” campaign services by providing them external partners, existing Remember to check in affordability. [email protected] and to help local businesses with critical income during funding and new funding to with others by phone or Staff have recommended please copy me at Catherine. during these challenging this challenging period. See community needs. video chat. Be kind. Sup- that the urban boundary be [email protected] times. ottawa.ca/buylocal Finally, the City has es- port your neighbours if you expanded by 1,350 to 1,650 We cannot make a hasty The campaign encourag- tablished a 2020 Interim can. Check in with yourself. hectares to facilitate residen- decision that we will have es residents to support their City help available Property Tax Hardship De- It’s OK not to be OK. Reach tial growth and development to live with for the next 100 favourite small businesses The City of Ottawa is ferral Program for quali- out to the Distress Centre until 2046. The Planning years. by taking immediate and here to help. Our community fying residents, as well as of Ottawa to connect with Committee and Agriculture concrete steps now: partners are working togeth- businesses. The program ex- someone at 613-238-3311 if and Rural Affairs Committee Don’t miss an issue! • Buy from local busi- er through the City’s Human tends both the interim prop- you need help or are having are expected to endorse the Subscribe to The BUZZ nesses online. Needs Task Force for those erty tax deadline and the fi- trouble coping. staff plan and recommend it notification list, and we’ll let you • Purchase gift cards requiring assistance. nal property tax deadline to Supporting our neigh- to City Council. know as soon as the next issue is from local businesses to use The task force is receiv- Friday, October 30, 2020. bours is essential for us to I do not support the ex- published. Email later. ing, assessing and triaging make it through this pan- pansion of the urban bound- [email protected] • Order delivery or take- all social and human needs Supporting others demic. We’re all in this to- ary and will continue to op- out from area restaurants. inquiries, while mobilizing This is a difficult time for gether. pose expansion when Council meets on May 27. Our city is growing and Ottawa Public Library storytime magic moves online for babies and children is expected to add 400,000 develop the skills to make it new residents by 2046. This easier to learn to read once will require significant in- they begin school. They tensification in all existing develop a love of reading, neighbourhoods whether or spark curiosity, develop the not we add more unserviced imagination–and let kids area. It is well documented and parents share an enjoy- that adding to the outskirts of able time together. Make a city results in an increase in books and reading a part of the taxes we all pay. Paying your routine every day! to service areas outside of the The Ottawa Public Li- current boundary will be ex- brary is increasing its on- pensive for all taxpayers. line programming regularly. In April, the city de- Please keep an eye out for clared a Climate Emergency. Lise Dumas storytimes Wednesdays at bytime programs. It is never cute baby books by Karen pop-up toddlertimes too. You The expansion of our urban Ottawa Public Library 10 a.m., and bilingual story- too early to start reading to Katz, and music for babies can also check out our Isola- boundary directly contradicts re your kids miss- times Wednesdays at 3 p.m. your child. What better way including collections from tion Recreation for Kids link the goals set out in that dec- ing their weekly Some of the books we for parents to get some tips the great composers such as which features activities such laration. Without adequate A storytimes at the love for storytime, and that on early literacy than from Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and as crafts and suggestions for transit and active transporta- library? Check out the Ot- you can find online through watching the pros from the Händel. books, music, movies, stay- tion infrastructure in place, tawa Public Library’s vir- the library website, are the Ottawa Public Library give a Five of the best ways to ing active and much more. these new residential areas tual programming! Pete the Cat series, books by babytime! help children get ready to We look forward to see- will be auto-oriented and res- Kids can still attend a live Bill Martin such as Brown Join us online for rhymes, read are: talking, singing, ing the kids every week at idents will rely on personal storytime provided by some Bear, Brown Bear, What do songs, fingerplays and tick- reading, writing, and play- our stortyimes and we hope vehicles for most trips. of their favourite children’s you see? and fun sporty dino- les for babies and their par- ing. Storytimes help children to see you there! Converting potential staff through the library web- saur books by Lisa Wheeler ents or caregivers. You may farmland into residential site: biblioottawalibrary.ca/. such as Dino-Racing and learn a few new rhymes and uses, despite numerous op- Children of all ages and their Dino-Boarding. will enjoy hearing some old portunities to intensify neigh- parents or caregivers can Want to learn some new favourites. bourhoods and communities join us online for live sto- kids’ songs? Check out mu- English babytimes are on that are already serviced by ries, songs and rhymes. They sic by The Countdown Kids Tuesdays at 11 a.m., French the city, is short-sighted and may even see some of their including everyone’s favou- babytimes Wednesdays at will also negatively impact friends attending too! rite, “Baby Shark.” 11 a.m., and bilingual ba- all residents of Ottawa. English storytimes are on Those with babies at bytimes Thursdays at 11 The principles of good Tuesdays at 10 a.m., French home can also enjoy our ba- a.m.. Online, the library has MAY 15, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 13 Feet, bikes, dogs, strollers - no cars way on the second Sunday of the clo- Alayne McGregor sure and again in mid-May. We saw many pedestrians, cy- ot enough space! That’s clists–and even skateboarders–enjoy- been the cry of many resi- ing themselves, alone and in family N dents of Centretown who groups. There was lots of space and need to get exercise while keeping no crowding. a safe physical distance during the The popular closure has now been pandemic. extended to the Sir John A. Macdon- The National Capital Commission ald Parkway. Its westbound lanes responded in mid-April by closing the from Booth Street west to Dominion Queen Elizabeth Driveway to motor Avenue will be closed on weekends vehicle traffic from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until May 31 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, from Laurier Avenue down- The Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park- town to Fifth Avenue in the Glebe. way will also be closed on weekends. The original nine-day trial has been repeatedly extended. It currently Photos by Brett Delmage: (below) is scheduled to end May 24. entering Centretown from the south; The BUZZ checked out the Drive- (right) by the Corktown Footbridge.

What’s on(line) in May and June

Tony Wohlfarth terviews and performances the gallery’s talented cura- screenings during the pan- From way back in 1941, I able 78-minute documentary with Canadian artists from tors–including the Group of demic. found this delightful Nation- about the life of Selemawit s we enter our self isolation. Last month, Seven, Gustav Klimt, and All you need is an OPL al Film Board film–Ottawa (Sally), the aunt of Tamara second month Power reached out to Avril Abadakone aboriginal art. card to access hundreds of On The River–about Ottawa- Tawit. Sally was a student A of lockdown, Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan, Hearing from the curators hours of free entertainment Hull’s history: at Carleton University in the there is an abundance of and comedian Paul Sun- enhances the experience and from multiple genres. (Read- www.youtube.com/ 1970s when she returned to online options to keep Hyung Lee (from Kim’s Con- provides insights about the ers without a card can access watch?v=Vegh2_B20Lo Ethiopia with her family. us entertained indoors. venience). art and the artists. temporary library services I also discovered this The film captures her life A highlight for me is see- by calling 613-580-2940.) Canadiana gem–The Exiled from the daughter of a diplo- #Canada Performs ing Tom’s colourful afghan, Odyssey Theatre Note: Kanopy supports only Princess of Ottawa–about mat to a Communist activist. Each day, the National handmade by his grandmoth- When Odyssey Theatre newer Windows and Mac op- the origins of Ottawa’s Tu- The film can be streamed via Arts Centre (NAC) adds er. What’re You At can be cancelled its 35th anniver- erating systems. lip Festival: youtube.com/ CBC Gem. another set of musicians to seen on CBC, CBC News- sary performances in Strath- watch?v=O612zh12NE4 its list of livestream per- world and CBC Gem at 8 cona Park, they launched a Webinars Each video runs approxi- A virtual inspiration formances. The funding p.m. every Sunday. digital theatre series, A Vir- Informative webinars mately five minutes. Every May, commu- for the musicians has now tual Odyssey, which began on a wide range of issues nity volunteers lead Jane’s reached $700,000. The list is Movies on CBC streaming on May 7. More from the pandemic to mental World Film Festival Walks, now postponed until worth checking out daily at Each Saturday evening, details are available online at health can be found online. Online September 12 to 13. nac-cna.ca/en beginning at 7 p.m., the www.odysseytheatre.ca My personal favourite is When the Tribeca Film In the interim, urbanists CBC features two feature- the Globe & Mail’s series at Festival in New York had can check out Citizen Jane, Roots Music Canada length films. The titles are More Films @ the Ottawa www.tgam.ca to cancel its annual fest, the a documentary film about Canadian musicians are announced the day prior, so Public Library I have also enjoyed the film screenings–many of Jane Jacobs, streaming on also featured on the Roots viewers are encouraged to The Ottawa Public Li- ones by the Canadian Jour- them world premieres–went Kanopy. Music site. Their website check out cbc.ca for schedul- brary (OPL) branches are nalism Federation (CJF). online at serves as a gateway to both ing updates. shuttered, but their collection Registration is free and you www.tribecafilm.com Tony Wohlfarth is an live performances online of films available online has can even pose questions to Ottawa-based freelance film along with other ways to Virtual National Gallery expanded, including access the speakers. The webinars Hot Docs Film Festival and entertainment writer. support your favourite artist: The National Gallery of to the Kanopy and Hoopla run from 30 minutes to one Goes Online He continues to self-isolate rootsmusic.ca . Canada has a virtual guide to platforms. hour. The annual Hot Docs after multiple festivals were its various collections online The best news? All the Film Festival in Toronto is forced to cancel due to the What’re You At? at www.gallery.ca/virtual-ngc. films are free! Kanopy does Quick Picks on YouTube also available online, thanks pandemic. Thanks to Chris Each Sunday, Newfound- This collection includes a have a limit of films you can YouTube has an abun- to a partnership with CBC White for many of the land’s own Tom Power hosts series of YouTube videos, see each month, but they dance of short videos avail- Gem. recommendations. a one-hour broadcast of in- featuring tours of the art by have added additional “free” able online. Finding Sally is a remark- 14 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA MAY 15, 2020

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