JUNE 19, 2020 VOL. 25 NO. 6 THE CENTRETOWN BUZZ

Where to get that reusable mask, 11 Pollinators in local gardens, 10 Hydro poles vanish from Elgin Street

Alayne McGregor The poles also took up considerable space on the he hydro utility sidewalk. poles and overhead “To redesign and to re- T electrical lines have construct a street like Elgin vanished from Elgin Street, and to widen the sidewalks never to return. the way we did, and then It was one of the final to put poles in the middle stages in the street’s recon- of them, just was counter- struction, which lasted al- productive. It really gives so most all of 2019 and restarted much more space to pedestri- in January. The city’s website ans, to people.” states that the street will be McKenney said it was a closed until early August. struggle to get the lines bur- From May 27 to 29, ied on Elgin. That wasn’t in Hydro Ottawa brought in the original plan, because the large bucket trucks to remove City of Ottawa’s policy is the old wooden poles and the that it will not pay for bury- overhead power lines, doing ing hydro lines – a third party several blocks each day. It must bear the cost. had put in new underground The original estimate for ducts to hold the lines last burial was between $8 and fall, installed underground $10 million, but McKenney electrical cables in the winter, and the community “kept and then energized the buried pushing for it and worked lines this spring. closely with Hydro to get that With the poles and over- number down. head lines gone, “just visu- “Because once you take ally it looks better. It opens into account the cost for up the sky,” said Councillor poles, the cost for life-cycle Hydro Ottawa brought in multiple large bucket trucks each day to remove the old wooden Catherine McKenney. renewals for poles, you can Hydro Ottawa/The Buzz “I found it almost shock- start chipping away at that poles and overhead wires. ing when I went down to estimate.” Elgin the first time and After almost a year, city cal choice” because the new and because the overhead completely reconstructing looked up. It gives you that staff agreed to the burial as non-linear road geometry lines would be too close to traditional main streets. nice openness. You feel that part of the reconstruction. On would require a complicated buildings. “It’s obvious we should you’re not constrained in a its website, Hydro Ottawa support system to anchor McKenney said the city be removing hydro poles.” sea of big poles.” said that burial was the “logi- new wooden hydro poles, policy should change when Tree removal pushes city tree bylaw forward

“When I saw they were (the trees) came down, peo- preparing to cut down an- ple were devastated. People other tree, I went down and were emailing me. They felt asked them how many trees distraught. Going out on that were they planning to re- corner now is not going to be move. They said all of them. the same.” I couldn’t believe that this Soccer Canada General magnificent green wall of Secretary Peter Montopoli trees was going to disap- said that the foundations of pear.” the heritage building at 237 McKenney said they Metcalfe incurred structural were not informed in ad- damage in 2009 and 2016, vance of the tree removal which engineers concluded but quickly heard about it. was caused by moisture They said, “The day they cont on page 4

The BUZZ is online On May 21, a grove of large trees at the corner of Metcalfe and Somerset Streets was cut down. The June 2020 issue of The BUZZ will only John Pedersen/The Buzz be available online. Download or read the Alayne McGregor strictions on cutting down trees were cut down at 237 paper as a PDF at centretownbuzz.com. urban trees. Metcalfe Street at Somerset, he loss of a grove McKenney is asking City at the Soccer Canada head- Don’t miss an issue! of trees at a major Council to bring forward the quarters. Centretown resident downtown corner implementation of the new John Pedersen said he looked Join our mailing list so you don’t miss The T BUZZ online and when we return to print: has inspired Councillor city Tree Bylaw to January out from his balcony and saw Catherine McKenney to 1, 2021. the first tree coming down [email protected] push forward tighter re- On May 21, several large about 8:30 a.m. 2 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JUNE 19, 2020

June 19, 2020 — Vol. 25, No. 6 Dorothy O’Connell lived in public housing - and fought to improve tenants’ lives with humour and stories THE employment and more ac- on the Dorothy O’Connell cess to bank services. It was Monument to Anti-Poverty CENTRETOWN the first local financial insti- Activism in the grounds of tution to lend to women in Ottawa City Hall. The gran- BUZZ their own names. ite sculpture by local artist At conferences across c.j. fleury, which was unveiled AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA SINCE 1995. Canada, she spoke about in 2004 with O’Connell in housing, women, and pover- attendance, is in the shape 101-210 Gloucester St. ty. She served on the Social of a slice of bread with a Ottawa, ON Assistance Review Board of house removed from it. The K2P 2K4 Ontario, the predecessor to removed piece forms a po- Phone: 613-565-6012 the current Legal Aid On- dium, symbolizing the hard tario, the first non-lawyer to choices poverty imposes on sit on the committee. people. centretownbuzz.com “She was an astonishing In a tribute to O’Connell twitter.com/centretownbuzz person,” Holmes said. “She published in the journal Ca- facebook.com/centretownbuzz along with Aline Akeson nadian Women Studies, Mary Dorothy O’Connell at an Ottawa StoryTellers event for World were the leaders of many Garrett said that O’Connell’s other women living in Ot- stories empowered women BUZZ Staff Pat Holloway/Ottawa StoryTellers Storytelling Day in 2016. tawa Community Housing. she was working with “by Managing editor Alayne McGregor constantly inventive Gomez, “She was a born orga- showing them they can fight Alayne McGregor | [email protected] they ran a fat farm, set up a nizer and organized tenants and take chances because orothy O’Connell, vacation camp for moms and of Rochester Heights to fight there will always be a Chi- Associate editor who used pointed kids, and organized a wheel- for their rights. She was ap- clet there to stand beside Eleanor Sawyer D humour and en- chair cordon to catch a ban- pointed to the Social Plan- them. … She has shown out- gaging storytelling to push dit who tried to steal from ning Council of the day to siders that we are not the vil- City Editor: for better treatment of their co-op store. Their ven- ensure that the voice of pub- lains of society we are some- Robert Smythe | [email protected] people in social housing in tures didn’t always succeed– lic housing tenants would times thought to be. She has Centretown, died on May like their themed toilet cover be heard and appreciated. shown Canada who we are Distribution manager: 22 at the age of 80. business–but they were al- Marion Dewar was mayor at and made most of its people– Archie Campbell O’Connell famously dis- ways fun to read about. the time and supported and well some of them–like us.” [email protected] tributed a button saying that The stories are “funny, encouraged Dorothy in her O’Connell’s obituary then-Prime Minister “Pierre warm hearted, and educa- many endeavours.” said that memorial services Trudeau lives in Public tional,” said former City One of O’Connell’s will be held at a later date, Housing”–and got Trudeau Councillor Diane Holmes. maxims was “Poverty stops and suggested those wanting ACKNOWLEDGEMENT to not only wear the button “She was a smart, witty equality. Equality stops pov- to donate in her memory give in the House of Commons, woman and was much ap- erty.” That motto is engraved to the Ottawa Food Bank. The Centretown BUZZ is created and distributed but to pay for it! She and preciated for her sympathetic in Centretown, Ottawa, located on traditional and Trudeau continued to corre- rendering of the difficult unceded Algonquin land. spond for years. lives of many of her neigh- The button was one of bours.” her fundraising ideas for O’Connell gained a large NEXT ISSUE the Ottawa Tenants’ Coun- audience when her stories cil. When she found herself were regularly featured on The next issue of The BUZZ will be published and her family poor and in CBC Radio’s Morningside. Aug. 14. Deadline for ads and submissions: Aug. 3. social housing in Rochester The stories were collected ISSN 1204-1604 Heights, she helped found in two books, Chiclet Gomez the council in 1968. and Cockeyed Optimists. She ADVERTISING Based on her experienc- also published a children’s es, she invented an alter ego book, Sister Goose: Feminist The BUZZ is proud to offer an effective advertising named Chiclet Gomez, and Nursery Rhymes and Cau- medium that reaches 10,000 Centretown homes and wrote a series of stories fea- tionary Tales. businesses each month. Our competitive advertising rates are turing the adventures of Go- O’Connell worked as an as low as $31 per issue. mez and her friend Tillie, and author, playwright, film edi- View our rate card and publishing dates at their antagonists King Kong, tor, teacher, organizer, and centretownbuzz.com. For more information, email Fat Freddie, and Housing journalist, while raising five [email protected] or call 613-565-6012. Authority bureaucrats. children. She helped estab- Her characters were lish Ottawa’s first commu- single mothers struggling to nity legal clinic in the early Thank you to our volunteer carriers bring up children with little 1980s, and served on the money in cramped rooms, board of West End Legal Amanda Asquith, Archie Campbell, Bayne Pearen, Betty never sure if the welfare or Services of Ottawa. She co- Gregory, Brendan Hennigan, Brent McLean, Brett Delmage, Mothers’ Allowance cheque founded the Ottawa Wom- Carol Sissons, Cassidy Beers, Catharine Vandelinde, Cath- The Dorothy O’Connell Monument to Anti-Poverty Activism would arrive on time. But en’s Credit Union, in order erine Boucher, Charles Akben-Marchand, Chris Edwards, Brett Delmage/The BUZZ led by the indomitable and to give low-income women was unveiled at Ottawa City Hall in 2004. Craig Layng, Colleen McGuire, David Seaborn, Debbie Barton, Diane Holmes, Don Smith, Drina Wethey, Eleanor Sawyer, Emily Graves, Glynda Newton, Jennifer Bedwell, Kathleen Oliver, Kenney Vandelinde, Kim Malcolm, Laura The Good, the Bad, and the Bumpy: When nature calls Mueller, Michael Hatfield, Michael Powell, Michelle Kirk- man, Mike Gregory, Mindy Sichel, Pam Gahan, Pat Shaulis, Ryan Lythall washrooms at City Hall or are often used for medical worker (PSW). I have had Patricia Marsden-Dole, Richard Coelho, Robert Smythe, at a mall. With most busi- reasons as well, including by some PSWs who are not Ruth Barrie, Shelley Pearen, Suzanne Nash, Venita Warren, s the weeks have nesses and malls closed now, me. This ongoing issue has comfortable, especially if Wendy Bennett, Wendy Hunter, Wendy Sewell, gone by during it is difficult to find public also been discussed as it ap- they’re female, assisting me Zsofia Orosz A this pandemic, I washrooms and even harder plies to LRT and OC Transpo in a public washroom. have become restless, as I to find a washroom that’s stops but the city seems to be While I understand the To join our distribution team, please call am sure many of you have wheelchair accessible. ignoring it. safety issues around pub- 613-565-6012 or email as well. Typically, dur- These days I am not able Public washroom acces- lic washrooms, where used [email protected] ing the warm weather of to stay outside very long sibility is very important to condoms, needles and oth- spring and summer, I try to largely due to the lack of many people. Parents use er illegal items have been get outside every day or as wheelchair accessible wash- them to change a baby’s dia- found, accessibility to public The Centretown BUZZ is published by the Centretown BUZZ Board often as possible. Either I rooms. While I’ve come pers or a mother may nurse washrooms for people with of Directors, a group consisting of community go for a stroll along Bank across random port-a-pot- her infant there. In fact, fam- disabilities needs to be ad- members representing all residents of Centretown. Street or the Canal with or ties, most are not wheelchair ily washrooms downtown dressed. And City Hall needs The Centretown BUZZ operates under the guidelines of the without friends. And soon- accessible despite signage are scarce and these wash- to keep in mind that not all Canadian Copyright Act. er or later, nature calls. that says they are. rooms are good for people disabilities are alike. © 2020 The Centretown BUZZ Before the pandemic, it It is also important to with disabilities, especially Find Ryan on Twitter: was possible to find public note that public washrooms if with a personal support @rolling_enigma JUNE 19, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 3 From ore processing to shops and homes: Booth Street transforms

Alayne McGregor 1952, largely under the su- pervision of prominent Ot- rom federal govern- tawa architect Werner Ernst ment labs to homes, Noffke, who also designed F shops, restaurants the Medical Arts Building and offices, a three-block on Metcalfe Street and the area in southwest Cen- former Ogilvy’s department tretown is beginning a ma- store. Seven of its build- jor transformation while ings have received federal preserving its history. heritage status, and the city This summer, Canada has designated the site as a Lands Corporation (CLC) is property of cultural heritage demolishing four buildings value under the Ontario Her- in what is to become the new itage Act. Booth Street Complex, locat- Only the outer shells of ed between Booth and Roch- the heritage buildings will ester, and Orangeville and be retained, since their in- Norman Streets. It will retain sides (labs and special-pur- seven of the red-brick heri- pose offices) were not given tage buildings that date back heritage status. They will be as far as 1911, as well as the completely redeveloped in- site’s iconic tall smokestack side, Jarvis said. of its central heating plant. The demolition on the Mary Jarvis, the CLC’s Booth Street complex site director of real estate, said had initially been halted by the ultimate goal of the de- the province because of the The Booth Street complex was a research centre for mining and fuel technology in the 20th century. In the 21st, it’s planned velopment is to create a pandemic but restarted in to contain shops, offices, restaurants, and homes - but not affordable housing. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ “full-day population in the May; it should be finished neighbourhood,” much like before the end of the sum- ed in the site. They vary from overall. They said, “Canada cess hasn’t started yet. Nor is cery store. It’s allowed un- the redeveloped Distillery mer, she said. By the end of the treatment at the pedes- Lands did a very extensive it clear when it will start. der the zoning but McKen- District in Toronto. “The site 2020, site soil remediation trian level, to the expression and inclusive consultation Jarvis said that, once ney said that would depend has been dormant for a num- and removal of contaminants of the tower, to landscaping, with the community, with the Canada Lands has prepared on the developers. ber of years and, with the such as asbestos from inside lighting, materials. This is Dalhousie Community As- a property for development, But the councillor was redevelopment, we’ll have buildings will also have been standard within the CLC sociation and residents. We it hires a broker to dispose hopeful. “We always are activity at various times of completed. mandate.” spent a lot of time together, of it. However, it has not yet promised grocery stores. The the day, which is important The city has approved a The city will also have walked the neighbourhood, determined its timeline or development at Preston and for the community.” plan for the complex, which some influence on the build- looked at the buildings, not strategy for selling the prop- Aberdeen has a proposal for Local city Councillor also includes new towers ings’ architectural design just the immediate area that’s erty, Nor has it decided how a grocery in there and they’re Catherine McKenney said ranging between 10 and through its site plan review being developed but how it will divide up the site, she building their ground floor the complex will also “pro- 25 stories for a total of one process and urban design re- it links to other parts of the said. Jarvis was not aware to provide for that. But that vide services and amenities million square feet of new view panel. community.” of any developers who had doesn’t mean that you can’t not just for the new resi- development. Jarvis said the In March, CLC did a already expressed interest in have a smaller-type grocer at dents but the community as building heights were de- “A lot of synergies” further consultation with the the complex. this development. With Ot- a whole. There’s a new park. signed to feature the heritage It’s a major increase in community about the de- McKenney noted that tawa Community Housing There’s options for things buildings, rather than hide density for this area, which tailed design of the new park Canada Lands has been just down the street, we’re like indoor farmers’ markets. them. “The higher buildings borders on both the Preston to be located at Norman and working through the process always talking to non-profits A lot of the heritage was are located away from the Street shopping/restaurant Rochester Streets. They may of rezoning and remediating and others about grocery maintained.” heritage buildings, along the strip to the west and Roch- hold another session about the property “with inten- co-ops. As this area grows, For most of the 20th cen- north part of the site along ester Heights, a major com- the final park design. tion. I’ve always been under and it is, it really is intensi- tury, the buildings in this Orangeville or at Aberdeen munity housing complex to McKenney expected the the impression that they are fying. Grocers want in. So, block housed a major fed- and Rochester.” the north. park to be built as develop- ready to go and want this. almost every development eral research facility criti- She emphasized that the McKenney said the com- ment commences. Once it’s And there’s a demand for that developers come to see cal to the development of new buildings will be sub- plex will complement the completed, it will be trans- housing in this area! So I me about these days brings a Canada’s mining and energy ject to specific architectural current redevelopment of ferred to the city and become see it happening. I don’t see marker for a grocery store.” industries. Metallurgy, fuels, design guidelines, enforced Rochester Heights and the a publicly owned park. it taking five, 10 years.” De- In the long term, McKen- explosives, and industrial through the CLC’s agree- proposed development on velopers will not be required ney expects the development minerals and ceramics were ments of sale with devel- Preston at Aberdeen Street. No timeline yet for selling to provide affordable hous- to improve the neighbour- investigated there. Raw ore opers. The guidelines were “There are a lot of synergies The area has been zoned ing as part of the complex, hood, which is very close to was crushed, ground, and developed with local com- in those three developments to allow a wide range of uses: because the city does not yet the LRT, already serviced, separated using flotation or munity feedback. that will create an entire residential, office or com- have inclusionary zoning in and has been underdevel- magnetism in the ore-dress- The site is also subject neighbourhood of mixed- mercial. Exactly what will be place, they said. oped. “It will be a vibrant ing laboratory at a rate of up to the CLC’s Public Realm income, mixed-use, close to built there will depend on the Residents of this commu- block that contributes to that to five tons per hour. Guidelines “which were cre- rapid transit, close to a tradi- developers that buy part or nity have been pushing for growing area of the city,” The complex was con- ated to ensure the highest tional main street. I think it all of the area and that pro- many years for a local gro- they said. structed between 1911 and level of design is incorporat- will be a great addition.” Canada Lands Corpora- tion is a self-financing fed- eral Crown corporation. It ensures that “former govern- ment properties are redevel- oped or managed in accor- dance with their highest and best use, and that they are harmoniously reintegrated into local communities.” It took over the Booth Street complex in 2015 and, in 2017, began to work with the community to create a vision for the site. The prop- erty was rezoned in 2019. McKenney described the process as “quite excep- tional,” and said the com- munity’s reaction to the The Fuel Research Laboratory is one of the heritage buildings whose insides will be gutted development was positive Brett Delmage/The BUZZ The centre’s iconic smokestack. Brett Delmage/The BUZZ and redeveloped for new uses. 4 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JUNE 19, 2020 Centretown residents reflect on the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement

Mariam El-Behiry and what’s next for Black as both race and gender). death, progress, she says, Lives Matter. “Many movements use “The police officers arrested fter the death of Racial injustice exists the labour of Black people are symptoms of the problem George Floyd at here too. Robert has dealt without inviting them to the but not the problem. System- A the hands of a with overt racism and ho- table,” Melissa says. “The ic racism is the problem. The Minneapolis police officer, mophobia in Ottawa and in reason that we are experi- idea that we would consider weeks of global protests, Centretown. As an African- encing anti-Blackness is be- four people caught in a snuff and further deaths of Black American, he recognizes cause they thought that they film getting arrested as prog- men, the Black Lives Mat- Canada has its own systemic can carve Blackness out of ress is absurd to me.” ter (BLM) movement is the issues, “I don’t feel any less humanity without under- The trending abbrevia- biggest story globally. And or more safe in Ottawa than standing how it intersects tion ACAB (All Cops Are the issues behind it also I do in any other city I have with other movements. Push- Bastards) is controver- touch those living in Cen- been to. Being a queer Black ing the concept of Black in- sial; many are behind it, tretown. person, there is always a tersectionality is the respon- while others believe it is an Whether by signing pe- sense of vigilance. That fear sible thing to do.” over-generalization. Robert’s tititions, donating, or attend- is constant.” Referring to the past ex- view is that, “The police, as ing a protest, allies are ex- Melissa says that Ottawa clusion of LGBTQ and wom- an institution, has not served amining how they can make is no more a safe haven for en from the BLM movement, communities I am a part a difference and start conver- people of colour (POC) than Robert adds, “It is important of. Some people are well- sations about similar issues any other city. “Ottawa is a that we don’t recreate struc- meaning and join the force to in their own communities. very white town. Any POC tures around ourselves that make a difference but, as an During the second week knows that. Centretown is oppressors have built upon institution, they have done of June, I spoke by phone a community I am proud to us in the past.” more harm than good.” This multilingual poster calling for Justice for George Floyd with two Centretown resi- live in but I don’t feel any On the future of the To end the conversations, was posted this month in Ottawa’s Chinatown. Cat Meier/The BUZZ dents involved with these is- safer in it than any neigh- movement and its prog- I ask Robert and Melissa sues: Robert Alsberry, an Af- bourhoods in Ottawa.” ress thus far, Melissa asks, how they think allies should rican-American nurse, and As the discussion shifts “It’s interesting that we are support the BLM movement lissa urges us to start asking only cements the idea that I Melissa Redmond, a pro- to the exclusion of black looking for progress when in ways other than protest, as questions that are not rooted should be treated like this. If fessor at Carleton Univer- people from social justice it’s only been a few weeks. we are still fighting a global in white supremacy–and to this was an issue of educa- sity’s school of social work. movements and milestones, What does progress look like pandemic. start taking Black people at tion, facts would rule. During our conversations, both Robert and Melissa relative to a hundred years of Robert urges young peo- their words and proceed ac- “This is an issue of privi- we discussed the historical highlighted the importance history?” ple to do a self-assessment cordingly. lege. People of privilege, importance of intersectional- of recognizing intersec- When asked about of their own strengths and “Hearing stories about specifically old white men in ity in activism, how media tionality (where people are whether she would consider weaknesses, as well as those how I was treated differently power, are choosing to deny propaganda has shaped the disadvantaged by multiple the arrest of the police of- of their communities. because of my race does not facts.” global response to protests, sources of oppression, such ficers involved in Floyd’s On the other hand, Me- shift the way you think but

Black Lives Matter posters are going up - McKenney’s aim: to save the canopy of large and being ripped down trees in Centretown cont from page 1 • The tree has been dam- ficult to cut down large trees. Marna Nightingale a different feel. depletion attributed to the aged, for example, by being One of its provisions reduced Marnie Wellar, who has fast-growing deciduous trees hit by a car. the diameter requiring a per- esidents of Cen- put up at least three sets of removing water from the soil. • The tree is dead. mit from 50 to 30cm in the tretown and the BLM posters, said she con- At that time, they installed • The tree is dangerous, inner urban area (the urban R Glebe have been fronted a man removing an exfiltration trench and in- with large cavities, splits, or lands within the greenbelt). out postering to show sup- posters on Bank near Third creased tree watering. cracks. That provision “means port for the Black Lives on Monday night and had With increased heavy ve- • An approved building we will save more trees. We Matter (BLM) movement, a loud argument with him hicle traffic on Somerset in plan or infrastructure modi- will have a defence against and to demand justice about his reasons for remov- 2019 caused by Elgin Street fication requires the tree’s taking down trees,” McKen- for, among too many oth- ing them. reconstruction, he said, there removal. ney said. “For anything over ers, George Floyd, killed As Wellar was poster- was further subsidence and The removal of danger- 30cm, you have to get a dis- by police in Minneapolis ing, others had spread out to damage to the foundation and ous trees, or those infected tinctive tree permit. You have in May; Regis Korchinski chalk messages on the side- the north side of the building. by emerald ash borer, is auto- to have a good reason for re- Paquet, killed in Toronto walks, posts, and planters of At that point, they took matically allowed. moval.” during an encounter with the Glebe, determined to at the engineering advice that McKenney said at least But the change wasn’t to police, also in May; and Posters went up... least make life difficult for “there was no longer a viable once a week they hear from come into effect until Phase Abdirahman Abdi, killed anyone who wanted to oblit- alternative to the removal of staff, a developer or a resi- 2 of the bylaw implementa- during his July 2016 arrest erate the messages. the trees and roots. Not doing dent that there’s a really good tion. That date was pushed in Ottawa (closing argu- “It’s dispiriting for us to so would have, in the long reason for cutting down a back even further to the fall ments in the manslaughter see so much effort wasted, term, resulted in the building tree in Centretown. “And it’s of 2021, when staff were re- trial of Ottawa Police Con- but it has to be worse for being uninhabitable. We have difficult. Because if you just assigned because of the cur- stable Daniel Montsion Black or otherwise racial- plans to landscape the area said yes to all of them, we rent pandemic. have been postponed due ized residents of the Glebe in the coming months upon would have even less of a This is just too late for to the pandemic.) to see this happening,” one completion of renovations.” tree canopy than we do now. McKenney. City staff have Almost as quickly as said. “If posters aren’t safe, The current city tree by- “But really we just need agreed that it would be fea- the posters go up, though, how can people be?” law requires property owners a whole change in culture sible to enact the bylaw as they’re being taken down. As of June 15, the chalk to obtain a distinctive tree around preserving our trees of January 1, 2021, including A small group of down- was still there, although permit in order to cut down and around our urban tree the reduction in the distinc- town residents gathered in Wellar had had an argument a tree whose diameter at canopy. Unless you live tive tree diameter. McKen- the Glebe the night of Mon- with police about whether 1.2m high is 50cm or greater. downtown, I think it’s hard ney will bring this as a mo- day, June 14 to put up yet an- chalking was legal. McKenney said that a permit to imagine what four or five tion this month to the city’s other round of posters, this ... and were ripped down Several Glebe residents was obtained for one tree at trees mean. If you walk down Standing Committee on En- time with staples as well as within a few hours had set up web security 237 Metcalfe but the other a street in the downtown vironmental Protection, Wa- tape, and supplemented with cameras to capture images trees were just under 50cm in without trees, it’s unpleasant. ter and Waste Management, Marnie Wellar/The BUZZ chalked slogans of support. of anyone who violates city diameter. “They were on pri- If you walk down a street just and then to City Council. The group began poster- bylaws by removing post- vate property. There was no a block over that’s tree-lined, “I’m hopeful that my ing and chalking at 9 p.m. poster vigilantes for years ers. Section 22 of the Signs way for us to stop that from it’s a completely different ex- council colleagues agree and —and by 10:30 p.m. all but (see our April 2014 story on on City Roads bylaw says happening,” they said. perience. And it doesn’t take that we can get this through two of the newest batch of this controversy) but typi- only the original poster or A permit is granted for much to lose it.” and, come January 1, we’ll posters were already gone. cally they act against post- authorized NCC or city staff one of five possible reasons: In January, City Coun- be able to save many more Downtown Ottawa has ers advertising businesses or can remove lawfully placed • The tree is causing cil passed a new tree bylaw, trees.” been telling stories about shows. These removals have posters. structural damage to a build- which, when it comes into ing or septic systems. force, will make it more dif- JUNE 19, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 5 Centre 507 keeps the boat afloat for all Linda Pollock have seen mostly single has two doors, one opening his COVID-19 cri- men, from 30 to 70 years to Bank Street and the other sis has affected peo- old, in the centre. They live to the church’s parking lot. T ple differently. As in Centretown–in rooming Each door has an accessible the poem says, “We are in houses, community housing, ramp. This allowed staff to the same storm, but not in or at the YMCA. A few sleep design a safe, physically the same boat.” rough in the streets. During distanced pathway through For some, quarantine is this COVID crisis, staff have the chapel where clients can a moment of reflection, of noticed new faces coming pick up food parcels, pre- reconnection. For others, it into the centre: families with pared fresh each day. is a desperate financial and children, some older women, When the centre initially family crisis. Some who live and those whose income has reopened, each parcel con- alone face endless loneli- disappeared because of this tained a hot soup, sandwich, ness. Those without a home shut-down. and a small salad. More re- have had to watch many In non-pandemic mode, cently, they have been able community supports scaled the centre served hot, sit- to add a more substantial hot back or closed down. down lunches, augmented meal, snacks, and breakfast But the downtown com- by fresh vegetables grown items as well. Thanks to the munity service agency Cen- in the community garden generosity of the Centretown tre 507 has quickly adapted beside the church. Clients BIA, they have distributed its operations to continue could access the internet and over 100 individual hygiene serving its clients while miti- join cultural and recreational kits. Carleton University Centre 507 staff distributing bagged lunches. Tim Desjardins/Centre 507 gating the risk of infection to activities organized by staff showed up with 150 meals. clients and staff. such as baseball games, The centre’s biggest chal- ads for upcoming events in safer one-on-one assistance whose mission is outreach Centre 507 is a city-op- movie nights, visits to art lenge throughout the pan- the Centre. through greater use of tech- in response to the needs of erated drop-in program lo- galleries and theatres, and a demic was finding sufficient By mid-June, the centre nology like tablets and mo- our community, is happy to cated in Centretown United BBQ at Mooney’s Bay. hand sanitizer, and masks, plans to offer access to the bile phones. see their space supporting a Church. The church, at the Nurses from the Royal gloves and gowns for staff. internet by having partici- The congregation at critical service during this corner of Bank and Argyle, Ottawa Mental Health Centre Volunteers, working from pants schedule time on the Centretown United Church COVID time. has welcomed and supported and the Centretown Commu- home, have since sewn over computers. This will en- is grateful to the centre’s Linda Pollock is a mem- some of Centretown’s most nity Health Clinic regularly 100 masks for Centre staff able safe distancing. Centre staff for continuing to serve ber of Centretown United vulnerable community mem- met with individuals. Centre and participants. North of 7 staff are also researching a vulnerable community Church and a former Board bers for over 35 years. staff also did one-on-one re- Distillery, which switched how they might provide safely. The congregation, member for Centre 507. In 1983, the church be- ferrals to find better housing from producing spirits to gan the centre as a simple and work readiness opportu- hand sanitizer, gave the cen- outreach project. At that nities. And the Centre’s vol- tre 36 large bottles. City Council didn’t hold the line on sprawl time, there was a small food unteers provided everything This was the start of re- Jack Hanna structed in the already-built who take election-campaign bank in its basement. Some from hair cuts, repairs to inventing the centre to be cityscape. They said sprawl contributions and those who church volunteers noticed clothing, singing groups on a able to safely reintroduce ttawa has em- will force people to rely on refuse them. All six coun- that clients, after picking up Sunday afternoon, book dis- services and the comfort of braced increased cars, feed climate change, cillors who voted against food staples, would often cussions, renovations to the community to clients. O urban sprawl. and increase taxes (for up- sprawl accepted no develop- hang out and chat with other Centre’s kitchen, and much Participant Melanee K. is In one of its biggest deci- keep of roads, sewers, water er money in the 2018 elec- clients and volunteers. It was more. grateful to the Centre for re- sions in years, City Council lines and police and fire- tion, including Councillor apparent that some people All this activity had to opening so quickly. She said voted in May to add about protection services over a Catherine McKenney. were lonely and seeking be shut down in March. For that “this pandemic is affect- 15 square kilometres of new bigger area). On the other hand, all company, conversation, and centre participants this has ing people psychologically. land for subdivisions over Council approved the 15 councillors who voted as connection. The church folks been devastating–not only Without 507, we would be in the next quarter century. “middle” response recom- developers had advocated, set up a large coffee urn, the loss of all these supports despair.” The issue was hotly de- mended by city staff, with in favour of the staff recom- gathered some comfortable but, just as critical, the loss David Seemungal, a reg- bated. At the committee a push for greater intensi- mendation to expand the ur- chairs, and created a modest of community, friends, con- ular 507 participant and vol- stage, before the full-council fication as well as sprawl. ban boundary, accepted de- space in the church for con- nection. Many regard the unteer since 2012, said, “My vote, debate raged for three The vote reflected a split on veloper money to fund their versation. centre as family. life under COVID is very de- days with 93 presentations council, between councillors election campaigns. From these humble be- Centre 507’s executive pressing. The Centre is like from the public. ginnings, Centre 507 grew director, Richard LeBlanc, my home and, when it had to Developers urged the into today’s city-run opera- and his team found alterna- close for a couple of weeks, maximum amount of new Looking for a good home? tion. The city provides 70 tive, safe ways to continue I felt all my routines dis- land for new subdivisions to percent of its current budget, supporting 507 participants. turbed.” When operating in meet demand for housing. with the remainder coming In conjunction with full service mode, the Centre Environmentalists and from donations from the Centretown United Church, gives structure and meaning activists argued for no United Church of Canada they relocated some of the to David’s life. He enjoys sprawl, claiming that a 40 and many faith groups, or- centre’s operations from the volunteering in the kitchen, percent increase in Ottawa’s ganizations, and individuals second floor of the church to acting as a guide on some of population can be housed from across Ottawa. the former chapel space on the outings, using his artistic through intensification in Pre-pandemic, you would the ground level. The chapel skills to prepare posters and homes and apartments con-

We are here Nous sommes là for you pour vous Ottawa Centre! Ottawa Centre !

Catherine McKenna M.P. for Ottawa Centre | Députée pour Ottawa-Centre

Constituency Office | Bureau de circonscription : Telephone | Téléphone : 613-946-8682 Email | Courriel : [email protected] 6 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JUNE 19, 2020 E-scooters: a hazard or a convenience? in Portland and Calgary, three-month pilot in 2019 Alayne McGregor e-scooters could replace attracted 50,000 riders mak- around 30 percent of per- ing 200,000 trips. But many re electric-pow- sonal and ride-hailing car users simply left the e- ered scooters an trips. They could also re- scooters on streets and side- A easy, nonpollut- duce GHG emissions and walks when they were done. ing way to get around traffic congestion, and de- The city finally announced your neighbourhood and crease crowding on transit it would impose $50 tickets connect to the LRT, or a vehicles. Since they don’t on riders caught parking il- hazard to pedestrians and require special clothing, legally. the disabled? they’re useful for short, Now that Ottawa City spontaneous trips. E-scooters 13 times as Council has approved a dangerous as cycling one-year pilot of a dockless Sidewalk misuse the major Ottawa Public Health e-scooter sharing program, concern has also raised concerns Centretowners will have a The controversy comes about e-scooter injuries chance to determine that over the e-scooters’ pres- caused by speed, losing con- for themselves. Centretown ence on sidewalks. The trol, or hitting a pothole or is expected to be one of the city is banning riding on stationary object. The OPH major areas for the pilot. sidewalks because of the report to City Council cited Borrowers dropped their items into cardboard boxes in front of the Main library’s main The trial will start this danger to pedestrians, but an American CDC study doors on June 8, the first day of returns. All items are quarantined for 72 hours before summer and run until Octo- would allow the e-scooters in 2018, which found that ber 31. The e-scooters will to be “parked” (left on the e-scooters were 100 times Brett Dellmage/THE BUZZ being checked in. Note the arrows directing drop-off traffic. be allowed on most Ottawa ground) in the “furniture” risker than walking and 13 streets, in bike lanes and on section of sidewalks next to times riskier than cycling. Ottawa Public Library reopens a crack raised cycle tracks, and on the road, as well as in some In Calgary, there were 33 footbridges like the Cork- designated on-street corrals. e-scooter injuries which re- Alayne McGregor waiting, and have 28 days their holds. town Footbridge. They can Because the sharing pro- quired ambulances in four in which to pick them up. With loan periods for travel up to 24 km/h, and gram would be dockless, months in 2019. he doors of the They can also reactivate already-checked-out physi- must be equipped with a those using the e-scooters Councillor Catherine Ottawa Public Li- holds they already placed to cal material extended to at bell, a brake, and lights. would not have to leave McKenney said that, while T brary reopened a be picked up at one of the least September, however, them in a specific place she voted for the pilot, crack this month, after six branches, but so far can- there is no requirement to Won’t run on NCC paths when they finish their trip. she’ll carefully watch to being shut for 12 weeks not place any new holds on return an item if you’re not While the city will al- This raised alarm bells ensure that the e-scooters because of the pandemic. physical material. The li- finished with it yet. low e-scooters on its path- on the city’s accessibil- are not ridden on sidewalks But it’s still difficult to brary is accepting holds on The library has also re- ways, the National Capital ity advisory committee. Its and aren’t left where they borrow physical books, eBooks and downloadable sumed delivering materials Commission and the City members were concerned block the right of way for CDs, or DVDs. audiobooks. to patrons who cannot leave of Gatineau will not permit that the e-scooters would be pedestrians. On the other On June 8, the library The library is still not their homes. them on their paths or roads. abandoned by users in in- hand, they’re “a good way began accepting returns at open for browsing. The six It says many of these are This will be enforced elec- appropriate places, like the to expand the use of transit. six of its largest branches, branches are only open for “elderly and often isolated, tronically through geofenc- middle of sidewalks, creat- Somebody would go one or including the Main branch limited hours for pickups aged 80 or older, and do not ing (using cellular location ing a barrier for people with two kilometres on an elec- downtown. As of June 15, and returns: from 10 a.m. have Internet access. Half data to prevent the scooter disabilities and seniors who tric scooter when they might library users could also pick to 6 p.m. on Monday and do not receive assistance from operating.) Geofenc- would not be able to move not walk to the LRT.” up existing holds at those Wednesday, from 1 to 8 from family or friends, and ing will also reduce the them out of their way. For the last four years, branches. p.m. on Tuesday and Thurs- 26 percent only receive scooters’ maximum speed to The committee was also McKenney has owned a Patrons must book an day, and from 10 a.m. to 4 assistance, in an average 8-15 km/h on footbridges, concerned about the impact push scooter (without a mo- appointment online for a p.m. on Friday and Satur- month, from their doctor or and stop them from operat- on cyclists and pedestrians tor) and said it’s become specific half-hour window day. OPL staff.” ing inside transit stations. of adding a silent, fast ve- their main transport in the in order to pick up their Rachael Duplisea, the However, it says that Two companies have hicle to paths. summer. “Certainly to get holds. Their items will be library’s manager of com- library deliveries to shared expressed interest in provid- to work, to get around the waiting for them, already munications, said on June living facilities such as re- ing short-term rentals of the Montreal bans e-scooters community – you can’t beat checked out for four weeks, 12 that returns at Main had tirement homes, long-term e-scooters, and the city has after 2019 trial it! It’s more exercise than at that branch at that time. been “steady but not over- care homes, and hospitals recommended having 600 The City of Montreal cycling, less effort than run- There are only a limited whelming,” but didn’t have are unlikely to resume soon. available in 2020. Riders decided not to renew a ning – and it’s more fun! I number of pick-up slots any numbers because items The library board will will be able to rent them by similar e-scooter pilot proj- love getting around that each day. were still in quarantine. She consider its next steps for the minute or have access on ect this year, because 80 way. In the ward I represent, They receive an email expected more returns as opening up services at a a daily or monthly basis. percent of the e-scooter us- I can get anywhere in about telling them they have holds people started to pick up meeting on June 23. The city staff report said ers didn’t park in the des- 15 minutes. So it’s really that, based on 2019 pilots ignated parking areas. The handy for me.” JUNE 19, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 7

Long-term care in Ottawa: Council on Aging recommends improvements

Patricia Marsden-Dole with most people waiting in of deaths in Ontario due to seniors’ residences. Almost COVID-19 have so far oc- he non-profit Coun- half of LTC residents are curred in long-term care fa- cil on Aging of Ot- 85 or over and seven of 10 cilities. T tawa recently re- residents have some memo- The report calls for four Centretown Community Assn report leased a report outlining ry impairment. The median areas of change: the state of long-term care wait time for a bed is now • more direct care staffing, Dundonald Park heritage ing. The Planning Commit- (LTC) in Ottawa during 232 days. • more beds now and as the district? City staff plan to release tee ordered the developer to this pandemic. The number of those 85 population ages, new heritage dis- the new report in mid-June meet with Councillor Cath- The city has 28 long-term years plus will triple over the • reduced wait times for a trict could be and hold public consulta- erine McKenney, city staff, care homes with a total of al- next 30 years reflecting a 20 bed, and A created in the tions. and the CCA to discuss most 4,500 regular long-stay percent increase from those • increased attention to in- neighbourhoods around changes. beds. Thirty-one percent of 75 years plus since 2011. To novation and continuous Dundonald Park, according CCA wins changes to big these beds have been rated accommodate this growth, improvements in long-term to a just-completed report parking garage Volunteers make Dundon- below ministry standards the number of beds must in- care. commissioned by the city. The Centretown Commu- ald Park bloom for almost 10 years. Four of crease well above the recent It also recommends more The new report, prepared nity Association (CCA) re- Volunteers are once again the homes in Ottawa are mu- 0.8 percent (i.e., 84 beds) to direct nursing care by reg- by consultants, had not been cently carried the day at City gardening Dundonald Park. nicipally owned (accounting accommodate the monthly istered staff, more attention released when The BUZZ Council’s Planning Commit- The city banned volun- for 16 percent of LTC beds), increase in demand for beds to measuring progress, and went to press, although city tee, winning changes to a teer gardeners from the park 10 are non-profit homes (32 from 1,973 in 2013 to 3,560 organizational changes in staff had sent out an email proposed huge underground because of the COVID-19 percent of LTC beds) and 14 in 2019. the health sector that ensure with the major conclusions. parking garage. crisis. The CCA lobbied the are for-profit homes (over The research for this long-term care is more vis- Recently, two Cen- Developer Claridge city, arguing the gardeners half of LTC beds). timely report began in 2018, ible in the community. tretown districts have been Homes is completing three could do their work while The waiting list for beds well before the crisis this More details about long- discussed as possibilities for apartment towers on Metcal- maintaining social distanc- increased by 52 percent from spring. Since the start of the term care in the report are new heritage districts. Be- fe Street between Gloucester ing. 2014 to 2018 to 5,200 people pandemic, almost 80 percent available at: coaottawa.ca. sides the Dundonald Park and Nepean, and has built a Late last month the city area, the Golden Triangle six-storey underground park- gave the volunteers the green (from Elgin Street to the ing garage beneath the new light to get their hands back Rideau Canal) had been a buildings. Claridge only in the dirt. Back on the street! candidate. However, the new needs half the parking garage “I am ecstatic,” said study does not recommend for tenant parking and has Brian Beaven, chair of the The Centretown BUZZ is hoping to return to a print edition for our next issue, to be published heritage protection for the applied for a zoning change CCA’s Trees and Greenspace August 14. Golden Triangle. to make the remainder, 250 (T&G) Committee. “There’s The city commissioned spaces, into a commercial still lots of planting season to But we need more volunteers to deliver the paper door-to-door in Centretown. Can you take a the study as part of a major parking garage. make progress this year.” few blocks near your house and deliver the paper to your neighbours? review of heritage districts in Speaking before the city Volunteers from two Please let us know at [email protected] or 613-565-6012 if you can help. Centretown. councillors on the Planning organizations, T&G and Centretown has two ex- Committee, CCA President the Dundonald Gardening isting heritage districts. The Shawn Barber asked that Group, keep the park attrac- biggest stretches from Elgin the developer be required to tively in bloom. to Kent. A second comprises meet with the community as- the buildings facing Minto sociation to discuss changes, Neighbours helping neigh- Park. and that the issue be deferred bours Catherine McKenney A heritage district is a until that happens. The Centretown Support group of older buildings, Barber said creating a big Network continues to match City Councillor for Somerset Ward streets, and/or landscaped new commercial parking ga- volunteers to people who open spaces that combine to rage goes against the city’s need assistance during the create a special sense of time policies on reducing cars in COVID-19 crisis. and place. Once a district has the core and fighting climate Volunteers deliver gro- been designated under the change. As well, he said, the ceries and help with all sorts Ontario Heritage Act, City commercial parking garage of questions, from where to Stay the course! Council regulates changes would generate additional get food to how to get advice and development in the dis- traffic through what already on tenants’ rights. You've maintained social distancing and flattened the trict, in order to ensure that is a dangerous intersection The all-volunteer CSN is curve so far. Let's keep up the good work for a while development is sympathetic at O’Connor and Nepean a service of the Centretown to and enhances a district’s Streets. Community Association. longer and keep ourselves, our families, and our historic character. Barber urged the devel- To contact the CSN, communities safe. In particular, property oper to create more bicycle phone 613-518-3908 owners must get permis- parking for tenants, as well or email: support@ sion to alter the exterior of a as spaces for a shared-car centretowncitizens.ca building, demolish a build- service such as Commun- ing, or construct a new build- auto. Keep in touch! For the latest news on Somerset Ward, sign up for my newsletter on my website and follow me on social media:

catherinemckenney.ca mckenneycatherine cmckenney cmckenney14

Questions? We can help! 613-580-2484 | [email protected] 8 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JUNE 19, 2020 Planet of the Scapes: an hour for a sandwich

Pearl Pirie Grill until the garlic 1/2 tsp mustard smells sweet. Remove back pinch of tarragon ow are you hold- to a jar and add enough olive ing up? Staying oil to be liquid again. Pearl Pirie’s fourth poetry H safe and isolated It keeps for a few days. It collection, footlights, is as much as you can? We is good to add to sandwiches coming out in the fall of have time. Why not make or soup. 2020 with Radiant Press. The Most Amazing Sand- Not Quite Dawn, from édi- wich? Topping 3: You’ve got tions des petits nuages is I aimed to recreate the (special) mayo available for $12 including character of a sandwich we shipping. See all her books had in 2013 at The Goods 1 Tbsp mayonnaise (or veg- and sign up for her newslet- Shed in Canterbury, Eng- annaise if you can source it) ter at www.pearlpirie.com land, except their bread was 1 tsp nutritional yeast dense and seedy. They had a pear chutney on it as well. Still, this came close. We ate this with a side of Pearl Pirie/The BUZZ our garden’s asparagus and dients to the food processor ing ingredients to my palate guacamole. I added some Topping 1: Radish Pesto and pulse until chopped. Add (I don’t like cilantro) and guacamole to half my sand- the rest and pulse until it is a speeding up the method. wich as well. 1 bunch or 2 to 3 cups radish smooth texture. leaves Good to add to hummus 3 tsp chopped chili peppers Main Dish: Extravagant 2 garlic cloves or potato salad as well. Add pinch dried chili pepper flakes Sweet Potato Sandwich 2 Tbsp virgin olive oil a vinaigrette and it makes a 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp lemon juice good salad dressing. 1 Tbsp cumin 1 sweet potato, roasted by 1 tsp sugar 1/4 tsp cardamom oven or microwave 3 Tbsp Parmesan, grated Topping 2: Schug Sauce 1/4 tsp coriander whole wheat pita or your 1/4 cup almonds, toasted pinch black pepper choice of good bread pinch of salt and pepper This is a derivation of pinch salt lettuce Caroline Ishii’s recipe in Mix all into a paste, add- all the toppings Add the first three ingre- Accidental Chef, with chang- ing olive oil to mix. Pearl Pirie/The BUZZ What’s on(line) this summer – and where to go in real life African Film Festival On- Port Elmsley Drive-In The- 76th Anniversary of the D BC got into the act, pro- Tony Wohlfarth line (AFFO) atre Re-Opens Day Landing hibiting non-residents from The CFI just added a list Remember drive-in mov- The 76th Anniversary camping in provincial parks. t’s the third month of of 10 films to watch about the ie theatres? It’s where many of the D Day Landing at In my view, Quebec may the lockdown and the background to the growing of us saw our first feature Normandy, France can be be a better option. Person- I online film and enter- anti-black racism movement: films! Ontario has given the experienced virtually at : ally, I have had wonderful tainment options are more www.cfi-icf.ca/affo2020. green light to re-open one of https://www.junobeach.org/ vacations to the Gaspe, Cote- diverse than ever. the only remaining drive-ins events/76e-anniversaire-du- Nord and the Magdalen Is- Indspire Awards in our region in Port Elmsley, jour-j-et-de-la-bataille-de- lands. These are places few cbc.ca/music The annual celebration of at 333 Port Elmsley Road normandie/. Anglos visit and are incred- The CBC has an online aboriginal music, originally between Perth and Smiths ibly scenic. directory of live music to scheduled for March 6, has Falls. Traveling? Staycations? stream, including festivals been rescheduled to Sunday, The drive-in re- Summer travel will also Tony Wohlfarth is an which feature multiple artists June 21 at 8 p.m. on CBC, opened on June 5 and the be disrupted due to the pan- Ottawa-based freelance film and a more diverse range of CBC Gem, and CBC Radio. lineup is accessible at demic. Interprovincial travel and entertainment writer. music. Check it out at www. Further details at: indspire. portelmsleydrivein.com/ . could be restricted this sum- His plans for the summer cbc.ca/music. ca/events/indspire-awards/ Remember to bring along the mer as New Brunswick, PEI have all been cancelled due snacks as the concessions are and Newfoundland and Lab- to the pandemic. Hot Docs Film Festival We Are One Global Film not allowed to operate. rador are prohibiting most Goes Virtual Festival visitors from outside of the Hot Docs is an annual When major film fests Canada’s Museums Lynn Miles province. film fest in Toronto, featuring like Tribeca, Cannes and The Canadian Museum of the best of docs from around Karlo Vary cancelled due to Nature is closed but the public Folk music fans can listen the world. When their fes- the pandemic, they worked is invited to take a behind the to the title track and read the tival was cancelled in May, together to bring their films scenes virtual tour (25 min- lyrics at: www.youtube.com/ 35 of the best films began online: utes): youtube.com/watch? watch?v=OtLPddmdq2s streaming via www.hotdocs. weareoneglobalfestival.com v=AEiaqk2Okus&t=1502s ca. Each Thursday, you can Admission is free! Canada Day 2020 also watch two of the best Mayfair Cinema Goes On- Canada Day will be cel- docs on CBC. The films are line All of the exhibits of the ebrated on Wednesday, July also available for streaming Prefer to stay home? You War Museum are on-line at 1. All activities this year will via CBC Gem. can watch current releases www.warmuseum.ca/exhibitions/ be virtual. Check out www. streaming via your computer online-exhibitions/ canada.ca/en/canadian-heri- European Film Festival while supporting the Mayfair tage/campaigns/canada-day. (EUFF) Theatre. Check out the line- Lynn Miles releases album html for updates. The Canadian Film In- up at: mayfairtheatre.ca. from lockdown Heritage Canada is also stitute (CFI) is screening on- Currently, the Mayfair is Ottawa’s own Lynn Miles exploring ways to make the line a series of films – both offering virtual screenings used the lockdown to finish annual Parliament Hill light feature length and short – for of a range of recent films, her 15th CD, We’ll Look for and sound show virtual. free. The films are available including Corpus Christi, the Stars. Readers can check here for through June 18. A list of a compelling drama about The release date is July updates: www.canada.ca/ the films can be accessed at a non-ordained priest. Cor- 3 and further details will be en/canadian-heritage/cam- www.cfi-icf.ca/eu-summer or pus Christi was Poland’s posted on lynnmilesmusic.ca paigns/sound-light-show/his- via the CFI Facebook page. nominee for best foreign lan- where you can preorder the tory.html guage Oscar at the Academy album. Awards. JUNE 19, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 9 How do you teach a child doing cartwheels? extremely good for keeping generation is advancing most importantly, to seniors. our minds active and pro- well beyond the one before, If you are a senior without ductive, which also helps to with technologies and meth- children, you can still be a keep our bodies in reason- ods we never had when we surrogate grandparent for able shape. were in elementary and high children whose grandpar- What we add from our school, and even university. ents have passed away or own experiences and learn- Engaging in distance who are unable to help. As I ing is invaluable. For exam- teaching has reminded us was growing up my aunt and ple, we know that you have that people of all ages can uncle were effectively my to make an effort to learn learn a great deal and must grandparents. but it eventually opens many continue learning. It is also In the past few years, we doors for you. We can share evident that extended fami- were with our grandchildren life skills, knowing that life lies play a large role in the for only about one or two has many ups and downs learning process. This is weeks per year. Our current but that you can get through why grandparents need to be situation has provided us somehow and move forward. involved to a greater degree with a huge opportunity to We also know that life works with their grandchildren. It see and enjoy them regular- sometimes as much on prob- is through a combination of ly, to learn, to contribute, to abilities as on facts. continued learning and as- build family and community, Stephen Thirlwall’s granddaughter doing practice writing for her online classes, with the We now have a new re- sisting, or serving our fami- and to strengthen ourselves. assistance of her grandfather and grandmother. Stephen Thirlwall/The BUZZ spect for the work done by lies and communities, that We are very thankful, though both teachers and students. now gives meaning, identity exhausted, that we were able Stephen Thirlwall our own curriculum, de- ping lists and budgets, sing- We can see how each new and value to everyone but, to take this on. veloping a wide reading ing silly songs, having an ut of necessity, my vocabulary in English and exercise break or stopping wife and I have French, as well as teaching to talk about unicorns and O started home- simple mathematics. Then mermaids, as well as reading schooling our granddaugh- the public school teacher interesting and sometimes ter online because both her started sending class materi- crazy stories. My grandson parents were still working als daily that were numerous is reading the second Harry full time at home during and challenging to keep up Potter book to me, which is this pandemic. We have with. In Grade 1 today, chil- incredibly funny and inter- learned much and share dren are learning things that esting. In turn, I am reading some of our experiences. our generation only learned a Doctor Who paperback to When seniors first retire, by grades 3 to 5 or beyond. him. many ask themselves, Do I The first school lesson I had A major challenge is that have any meaning, identity to give in mathematics was kids at home are surrounded or value anymore? Sudden- not addition or subtraction by all their stuff, creating ly, our social status changes but probabilities. Other math many diversions. They know and social connections with included counting to 100 in we are their grandparents those we’ve worked or stud- English and French, learn- and not their formal teacher, ied with typically end. Many ing fractions, and counting so they think they can get elders are also somewhat money. away with more. The grandparents’ view in online teaching. Stephen Thirlwall/The BUZZ disconnected from their chil- The hardest task is get- We also have to develop dren who have young fami- ting writing assignments our psychological skills to lies and live away. done. Every week, the teach- deal with tantrums, children Somerset Ward: a modern and thoughtful city In Western society, fami- er asks for a presentation to just wanting to play or talk modern and thoughtful city. from. For Ottawa that would lies are more separated than be prepared on a theme such constantly and not keeping Catherine McKenney A modern city that would mean Indigenous people, in other parts of the world, as my favourite wild animal still for even short periods ensure that we are actually low-income residents, peo- with seniors shunted aside or farm animal. The chil- of time. How do you teach ttawa City Coun- building sustainable, walk- ple with disabilities, and and considered out to pas- dren have to write several a child doing cartwheels? At cil recently made able neighbourhoods for those living in homeless- ture. However, many can complex sentences and learn times, my wife and I have O a decision that we the future. A city that would ness or who are precariously still be of great value to how to present them. We had to do tag-team teaching will live with for the next ask itself: Where can I live housed. And it would make a society, if all seniors were start preparing on Monday because it is difficult for both 100 years–to expand our so that I can walk or cycle decision like how we should viewed as Elders, who have and, on Thursday morning, of us to be there full time. Or urban boundary. Our chil- to work or take affordable grow and develop using a certain knowledge and wis- our granddaughter presents we have to play good cop, dren will deal with the transit? How will that transit gender lens so that we are dom to be shared and who online to the teacher and her bad cop to get a certain les- consequences of that vote. serve my needs to get to the not leaving anyone behind. assist in maintaining or knit- classmates. And this is only son done. Infinite patience is It was a decision that will library, pick up the kids from A thoughtful city would ting families together. one of the writing exercises. required to get through the impact the future of food se- school, do groceries, visit ensure that we are using the Distance learning online One of the special things classes. All of this contrib- curity, access to greenspace friends? land responsibly. It would was promised 30 years ago children are now learning utes to increasing our own and recreation, the cost of A modern city would enact a moratorium on urban when I worked with a high- is self-sufficiency and self- stamina as seniors. transit and other city servic- ensure that we can hold an sprawl and it would give se- tech company. Now it has respect, based on both pride Because our grandchil- es, and the supply of hous- entire generation in our ex- rious thought to appropriate- become a necessity and is in their own accomplish- dren are in French immer- ing that everyone can afford. isting neighbourhoods. That ly scaled low-rise develop- important for grandparents ments and an outward sense sion (even though they live It will greatly impact how we encourage corner stores, ment that uses our existing when their sons and daugh- of responsibility toward near Toronto), we have had many cars drive into our build local parks, and en- infrastructure. And it would ters are too busy with work others–to treat them with to rebuild our skills so that neighbourhoods everyday sure a healthy tree canopy. use publicly owned land to or occupied with finding respect, care, equality, love we can now do some teach- and how clean the air will be It would have a fully electric build affordable housing im- other options to keep their and act toward them with ing entirely in French. There across the city. fleet of buses and housing mediately that is near afford- families afloat. good behaviour and manners is a translation dictionary I strongly opposed the that suits all of our needs, able transit. For us, home schooling regardless of who they are. and a French grammar refer- expansion of the urban and would do so in a way Ottawa in 2020 is faced has meant teaching three One series of study books ence for conjugating verbs boundary. The recommen- that caters to an aging popu- with a climate emergency, a hours a day, five days a is very intercultural, includ- always at hand. We have had dation put in front of us was lation and to people with dis- housing emergency, and an week. By June 4, we passed ing the full scope of people to master some of the quirks not for a minor rounding off abilities. opioid crisis. It is getting less the 11-week mark with our from diverse backgrounds of being online: how to con- of edges. It added over 1300 Expanding the urban affordable for everyone. Go- granddaughter and have and situations living together vey information and keep hectares for development, boundary will not contribute ing forward we must ensure now added another 40 min- in harmony. It even touches our student engaged without which is an immense amount to building a modern city. that we are thoughtful in utes every few days for extra on homeless street children. being physically with them of land that will take us clos- A thoughtful city would how we build new commu- reading with our grandson, We are currently discuss- and how to coordinate what er to outlying municipalities, celebrate its history, its ar- nities and support existing who is able to do most of his ing with our granddaughter is seen and heard at each making it even easier for chitecture, and its heritage, ones, and that everyone is school work on his own. It what good deeds she might end, especially when there residents to move outside but it would also learn from involved in those decisions. is now clear we will be dis- do each day without being are special audio and visual of our city and continue to it. The challenges of a tance camp counsellors for asked by us or her parents. materials to use in studies. commute each day. It would begin by listen- growing city are not easy and the summer. There is also the fun It is not easy but, as seniors, Through this entire de- ing to all of its residents, es- difficult decisions will need During the first one and side: playing mathematical we acquired new learning bate what we did hear from pecially those who it hasn’t to be made. I look forward to a half weeks, we made up games, making up shop- and relearned a lot. This is residents is that they want a historically sought guidance making them together. 10 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JUNE 19, 2020 The world in miniature which is a garden with patterns. The pat- terns on an iris blossom are thought to guide pollinators into the target zone, wherein the pollinator finds the nectar and pollen. Various shapes of flowers attract pollinators specifically adapted to that flower. There are short-tongued and long-tongued bees. There are pollinators with specific techniques such as “buzz pollination.” Native bees use this technique to pollinate blueberries, a na- tive North American plant, because blueberries hold their pollen and nectar some- what recessed. Squash bees and squash--also native to North America--are adapted to each other. A bee with bulging pollen baskets on its legs, perched on a hosta Gail McGuire/The BUZZ Helping native pollinators blossom. Bees use the baskets to transport pollen for their brood. Understanding that na- Syrphid fly tive pollinators are adapted garden. This is the Cabbage neous with hands to face, a compound eyes which re- Gail McGuire/The BUZZ to native plants has led me to White Butterfly. It was intro- head duck, and a cautious fract light in a different way include many native plants duced here and has rapidly peek seconds later, I discov- and so appear grayer when Gail McGuire Nor am I a master gardener. in my garden such as echi- spread in range and popula- ered that it had disappeared. compared to the shiny black But, of late, I am continuous- nacea, obedient plant, and tion. The adults are seeking I am sorry that I caused it eyes of the latter group. ithin a small ly fascinated by the world in wild ginger, a small green nectar but, in the larval stage, to leave the garden. I would In yet another trick of frontyard space miniature, which is a garden. plant. Wild ginger produces can destroy cabbage, broc- have enjoyed observing it a nature, as an expert on syr- W here in Cen- A small table and chair pro- a brown flower beneath the coli and nasturtiums. So I am little longer. A group called phid flies pointed out, there tretown, I have been de- vide me with a quiet vantage leaves at ground level and happy to see insect hunters in Wild Pollinator Partners are bees which appear to be veloping a perennial gar- point and a smartphone cam- is pollinated by a ground the garden to keep it in bal- identified the insect from my syrphid flies! I can under- den. The lawn has been era is at the ready. Gardening beetle. ance. photo: its scientific name is stand that a fly with no sting- removed and plants have has made me curious about I have also mixed in some Megarhyssa macrurus. It is a er might receive protection been selected that have the diverse visitors to it, their herbs for my dining pleasure, A muffled scream! parasitic wasp and the stick- from predators by appear- curb appeal. From early habits, and their needs. as well as for the pollinators. Once, last summer, while like protrusion at the back ing to be a creature capable spring to late fall, some- Recently, while attending to resting at my table, my at- end is the ovipositor and of stinging, but the reverse thing is always in bloom. Inadvertent pollination chives, which currently are Last fall, I planted al- I have learned that most full of their tasty blossoms, lium bulbs and their large plants need a way to transfer I saw a honey bee land on purple flowers, like bubbles pollen in order to reproduce. the plant and a bumble bee of joy, are attracting com- Some plants are pollinated join it. These pollinators will ments from folks who pass by the wind, and some by forage happily on the same by. They are also drawing mammals and birds such as plant because neither is car- many pollinating visitors hummingbirds. However, nivorous. Rather rapidly, to the garden. Alliums are a the vast majority of plants however, another bumble composite flower. Atop each are pollinated by insects. bee dove toward the first as if spike, which together form Among the insects, bees are on attack. I was startled and the sphere-shaped flower the best but other insect spe- backed away. Days later, I head, is a tiny flower seek- cies also contribute majorly came across a description of ing a pollinator. European to pollination. These include a male bee rapidly approach- honey bees especially have wasps, butterflies and moths, ing a female and realized been frequenting them and flies and beetles. Some pol- that this was what I had wit- some bumble bees. But other linators such as bees seek nessed. One of the reasons mysterious diners have come pollen specifically for their pollinators gather in a garden by as well. (If I am fortunate brood. But, mostly, pollina- is to find mates. A male bee enough to get a good photo tors are seeking nectar and, may use perfumed oils from of some of these insects, I while doing so, pollen is blossoms to scent himself to may be able to get help in sticking to their bodies. They attract a mate. identifying them.) are inadvertently transferring Other pollinators might Aside from the European pollen to other blossoms dur- gather in a garden to dine The Megarhyssa macrurus, a large parasitic wasp. Gail McGuire/The BUZZ honey bee, which was intro- ing the course of their forag- on nectar and also to hunt. duced 300 years ago here in ing. Social wasps will hunt for tention was captured by a stinger. Parasitic wasps para- form of mockery is quite a Ontario, we have more than Plants and pollinators in insects to bring to the nest stick-like protrusion flicking lyze their prey and deposit curiosity. 400 native bees. They range the natural environment are to feed the larva, which are above a plant. I realized there their eggs on it. The prey, Sometimes, while care- in size and coloration, and adapted to each other and carnivorous. The adult, how- was some interesting activity while paralyzed, remains fully balancing my steps some are furry, some not. dependent on one another. ever, cannot consume the on the far side of a plant, so I alive and is fresh meat so to on small stones that I have The Common Eastern Plants have various ways of prey. It has a narrow waist, slowly made my way around speak. When eggs hatch into placed throughout my rather Bumble Bee, a largish furry attracting pollinators. Pri- called the petiole, and it is it. What I found was a largish larva, they consume the prey. densely planted garden, and yellow and black species, marily, they produce nectar. unable to digest anything but insect, which had a very long Syrphid flies are an in- bending here, balancing looks similar to the Rusty The only known reason for liquid. So it must drink nec- protrusion at the back end. I teresting group among the there, with camera poised, I Patched Bumble Bee, which plants to produce this sweet tar from the blossom. Yet it took some photos and, then fly pollinators. Most of them draw curious looks from the has a rusty patch on its ab- liquid is to attract pollina- will bring home insect prey made a closer approach, hop- look like bees or wasps neighbours. I explain that I domen. While the former is tors. Once the plant has been for the larva. Fascinatingly, ing for a good close-up shot. (what’s called Batesian mim- am on safari. indeed common, the latter, pollinated, it stops producing the larva, when prompted by That was when I dis- icry). On closer inspection, Truly, a garden full of once common 30 years ago, nectar. the adult, will emit a sugary turbed the insect, which flew their short antenna and two pollinators is a garden full of has not been seen in Ontario To attract pollinators, liquid which the adult con- around and behind me, cir- wings only help tell the dif- activity! Savagery, variety, since 2009 and, in 2010, was plant blossoms can produce sumes. cled back, and hovered eye ference. Bees, wasps or hor- trickery, life cycles and na- classified as endangered. a fragrance, have a certain I often see a small white to eye in front of my face. nets have longer antenna and ture’s master plans can all be I am not an entomologist. coloration, or are marked butterfly flitting about the A muffled scream, simulta- four wings. Also, flies have witnessed there. JUNE 19, 2020 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA 11 Need a reusable mask? Here’s how to get one

uncomfortably into the bridge of your nose. Elastic loops that fit over your ears can be better for those with longer hair or who wear hijabs, while cloth ties, or a long loop adjusted with a bead, offer more ability to tweak your fit for greater se- curity and comfort. A light, pleated mask with soft ear-loops, perfect for a warm bus ride, may slide off during a day of er- rands or a brisk walk. More FabLab/The BUZZ layers and heavier fabrics The FabLab crew in masks. mean more protection but can do custom orders with a Mask: $30-$35 for a two- built-in and replaceable filter also trap more heat. minimum order of 50, with pack options Tessables fitted fabric mask Tessables/The BUZZ further discounts as the order adult, petite adult, child wire Appearance size increases. pleated and shaped options polyester, cotton Marna Nightingale Masks become much less As you will want at least FabLab ONAKI’s Celine ear-loop, no wire effective when damp; on a two masks, so that you can Auclair says they are able to built-in filter Cofuse Ottawa on-medical masks sweaty or rainy day, you may always have a clean, dry one offer masks in custom sizes cotton, bamboo, polyester ottawaartisans.com/pages/ are now a com- want to carry a spare. handy, why not get ones that in your choice of colours. zero-waste seller-profile/cofuseottawa N mon sight on the The most effective mask you enjoy wearing? They can add your com- streets and in the stores of is the mask you reliably Covering half of our fac- pany logo and can arrange a WalyAccess Made from quilting fabric in Ottawa. On Ottawa’s buses wear. Take the time to find es in public is a big adjust- choice of closures. etsy.com/shop/walyaccess a variety of prints and solids. and trains they are now one that fits well, feels good ment. Having a mask we like She also says that, while Available for delivery and mandatory. and isn’t too hard to breathe the look of helps and, right their current visor design Made from offcuts from their for pick-up near the Cana- With supplies of medical through or uncomfortably now, almost anything that is comfortable and func- Afro-fashion line in a variety dian Museum of Nature. masks still critical, a legion hot. makes this easier is worth- tional, they are working to of bright prints. of small businesses and in- Fabric masks should be while. incorporate a stiffer plastic Masks: $18.50 dividual sewers everywhere washed regularly, gently and Having given up on lip- head-strap, with a smaller Masks: $10 one size have stepped up to fill the by hand, typically after each stick for the duration (it ends elastic section, to reduce any one size shaped gap, keeping friends, fam- day’s wear, even if you have up smeared all over the lining pressure on the wearer even pleated cloth ties ily and customers supplied a removable-filter type. Not of your mask and nobody’s more. ear-loop built-in filter with reusable, non-medical only will regular washing going to see it anyway), I am While they have had no no wire wire options. eliminate traces of the vi- in danger of ending up with trouble sourcing fabric for pocket for disposable filter 100% cotton Wonderful as this infor- rus, it will smell better and a whole wardrobe of masks: their retail masks, they are polycotton and cotton mal network of manufactur- your skin will thank you. If different colours, different also working to turn out and zero-waste The Light-Footed Fox ers is, it can present chal- you’ve only worn it for an fits, different weights, fun distribute masks to the Indig- the-light-footed-fox. lenges for those not fortunate hour or so, you can hang it in cartoon prints, fancy abstract enous community, and are Pacha Indigenous Art Col- myshopify.com enough to “know someone” a well-ventilated area to dry patterns ... always looking to purchase lection or at least to know someone instead. fabrics with indigenous and pachaarts.com Made with quilting cotton in who knows someone. Local sources for masks nature themes. They’re hap- a variety of prints and solids. The BUZZ asked Cen- Fit FabLab ONAKI, an ini- py to buy from individuals, Made with offcuts from their tretowners where they were Some makers offer masks tiative of the First Peoples as well as from companies, fashion line in a variety of Masks: $13-$15 getting their masks and how in different sizes, while oth- Innovation Centre (FPIC), so if you’ve been looking for prints and solids. child, adult they were choosing them. ers aim for a one-size ap- has been making masks and an excuse to thin your fabric shaped This is what we learned: proach. plastic visors since the be- stash, contact them! Masks: $14-$22 cloth ties Mask patterns fall rough- ginning of the pandemic. [email protected] one size pocket for filter Proper use and safety ly into two categories: pleat- FPIC creates social initia- shaped no wire A non-medical fabric ed masks, where one piece of tives in which Indigenous FabLab ONAKI: drawstring closure with bead cotton mask offers you some pro- fabric is folded at the sides and non-Indigenous people Masks: $10 built-in filter tection from droplets re- to fit against your face; and collaborate to promote and medium and large no wire Tessables Stitchery leased by others. But where shaped masks, cut and darted realize the full potential of shaped or pleated cotton/poly facebook.com/tessables. they really shine is in pro- to sit further away from your First Peoples, in a context of adjustable ear-loop zero-waste stitchery tecting others from you. Al- nose and mouth. authentic and continuing rec- no wire ways use them as a back-up Preferences and facial onciliation. built-in filter Finawear Made from quilting cotton in to, not a substitute for, physi- shapes both vary so widely Ellie Campeau says, “The cotton finawear.ca a variety of prints and solids. cal distancing and other pre- that we recommend, if pos- FabLab has been an opportu- cautions. sible, buying two or more nity and future for myself I Visors: $10 Two styles designed by Gitx- Masks: $10 Very young children, and different styles of mask and never thought I would have. one size san Artist Shar Wilson, one adult, child anyone else who cannot re- seeing which you prefer. The nature and environment elastic headband of which covers the entire pleated move a mask by themselves, Some styles work better focuses on new technologies, choice of elastic colour lower face, in a variety of cotton quilting fabric should not wear one, unless for wearers of glasses, and which helps me as a person designs. fabric tie or ear elastic for a parent or personal care some for those with broader who is disabled find a place Thawrih adults, elastic only for child. worker is present and paying cheekbones and heavier that helps instead of hinders thawrih.com Masks: $16.50-$20.50 pocket for filter close attention to ensure that jaws. Some have a built-in my learning disabilities. I’ve Made from offcuts from their XS-XL wire their breathing remains un- filter layer; others have a seen this program help stabi- sportswear line in a variety two shaped styles impeded and that they don’t pocket you can slip a fresh lize our community’s youth of comfortable, technical ear-loops become dangerously warm. cone-shaped coffee filter into by allowing us to focus on fabrics in solid colours. For the same reasons, never each day. our cultural identities.” put a mask on a pet. Many styles come with a Although FabLab always A clear plastic visor, wire to help shape the mask has masks available and Don’t miss an issue! which covers the face but over the bridge of your nose, ready to mail for individual allows free circulation of air while others rely on a snug sale, their main focus is on Subscribe to The BUZZ underneath, may be the best overall fit. larger orders. For a business notification list, and we’ll let you solution for those who can’t Shapeable wires make it or organization looking to know as soon as the next issue is wear a mask safely or with- easier to keep your glasses provide their staff or clients published. Email out serious discomfort. from fogging but can press with masks or visors, FabLab [email protected] 12 AT THE HEART OF OTTAWA JUNE 19, 2020 MPP Report: Long-term care residents deserve answers and action

Joel Harden made aware of after his sis- Manor has seen a massive ter Christine contacted our outbreak of COVID-19. The What we are seeing in office. He moved to - Car facility has 303 beds; 169 Ontario’s long-term care lingview Manor (a for-profit residents have tested posi- (LTC) system is heart-break- LTC home run by Revera) on tive, along with 90 staff. 58 ing. COVID-19 has exploited April 1, 2020, after spending residents have died, and weaknesses that were estab- two months at the Civic Hos- Christine is terrified for her lished decades ago. pital. brother’s safety. (Figures Since the Mike Harris Peter is 68 and lives with provided by Ottawa Public government came to power dementia. Soon after he Health) in 1995, governments in On- moved to Carlingview Man- This is well beyond un- tario have given for-profit or, his sister Christine was acceptable, it is catastrophic, operators a larger and larger alarmed by several things. It and it continues elsewhere. role in LTC. Today, they rep- was impossible to reach staff According to an analysis resent 58 percent of facilities caring for her brother. She done by the Toronto Star, for- in Ontario’s LTC sector. had given him a cell phone profit long-term care homes The consequences of that and was stunned by his daily have four times as many CO- shift are clear; to maximize updates. VID-19 deaths as city-run profit, most owners run facili- Residents were using homes and twice as many as ties with part-time staff, often common areas without any non-profit facilities. Ottawa Public Library offers kids stories, at minimum wage. They con- social distancing. A non-ver- If for-profit care homes tract out cleaning and food bal resident would wander are unable to protect staff and preparation to companies into Peter’s room constant- residents, they must be im- crafts, science projects, D&D this summer who do the same. ly looking to steal things. mediately taken over by the Care staff are given im- Christine was told there was province and run by public staff will be hosting active ers and illustrators. The pro- possible workloads, leaving nothing staff could do given health officials. These of- Lise Dumas games and projects via You- gram helps to connect fami- them unable to give residents workload issues, and that she ficials must ensure that resi- Ottawa Public Library Tube. lies with books and to build the hands-on care they need. “shouldn’t worry.” dents and staff are protected, • We know you love your confidence in reading. Residents languish in soiled But, on April 22, a resi- and that staff are fairly com- re your kids dis- books! Connect with OPL As of June 15, kids diapers or go without show- dent who tested positive for pensated for their work. appointed they children’s staff and other can register online at ers for days on end. Staff are COVID-19 was taken to hos- The issues that are be- A can’t attend sum- kids via Zoom meetings to tdsummerreadingclub.ca to burned out from the trauma pital. The next day, residents ing so tragically exposed by mer camp this year? The discuss your favourite char- access free eBooks, read a of watching people suffer, were told to stay in their COVID-19 are not new; they Ottawa Public Library has acters and series. web comic, and share book and are frequently injured rooms (an order that was im- have festered for years de- you covered! • Create a story with our recommendations, jokes, themselves. Many leave the possible to enforce without spite the pleas of advocates The Ottawa Public Li- OPL staff Dungeon Master! silly stories and more with profession. appropriate levels of staff). for governments to act. We brary’s 2020 Summer Read- Experienced and novice children across the country. Essential care workers On April 26, 2020, Pe- can never return to normal, ing Club is going online at D&D fans welcome. New Participants can also vote become disposable people. ter tested positive for COV- where normal meant under- biblioottawalibrary.ca/en. Join D&D programs every week. for their favourite summer Seniors and people with dis- ID-19. Christine was told the staffing, poor pay and inad- us in Summerland and meet Every summer, we host read as two books go head- abilities are hurt, often de- next day and she urged staff equate inspections. us in our virtual branch for amazing special guest pro- to-head each week as part of spite the best efforts of staff. to ensure he takes his puffer Let’s have a public in- fun online camp programs grammers from Ottawa the new Battle of the Books These are the conditions CO- medication every six hours. quiry, end for-profit care, and and activities! and beyond. These special feature. New this year: the VID-19 has exploited. From what she can tell that ensure that meeting human Here’s a sneak peak of guests will be running vir- Club will offer 28 author/il- Take the story of Peter isn’t happening. needs is always the first pri- what we will be offering: tual programs this year. This lustrator online readings and Collins, whose story I was Meanwhile, Carlingview ority. • Read a book with OPL year’s line-up will include workshops. The line-up will staff in our virtual story- Little Ray’s Reptiles,​ Luv 2 be announced in the coming times. Groove​, Company of Fools, weeks. Mayor: Stories of kindness during the pandemic • Love to make? Join us musician Joel Jacques, au- At the Ottawa Public Li- for YouTube videos by OPL thor Timm Holm and more. brary, we are hoping to see Jim Watson behind groups like Nepean spirits of his friends. Dave staff that will guide you Also available at the all Ottawa-area kids par- Neighbours, who are match- raised $13,000 in less than through some fabulous Arts OPL: the TD Summer Read- ticipate in the TD Summer The residents of Ot- ing volunteers with residents an hour during a virtual ben- and Crafts projects. ing Club, Canada’s biggest Reading Club and our own tawa have experienced some in isolation, who need help efit concert in support of the • More of a science summer reading program for virtual summer camp. These drastic changes over the last running errands like picking Ottawa Food Bank. The list type? OPL children’s staff kids of all ages. activities will support litera- couple of months. We’ve had up groceries and medication, goes on and on. will show you some cool The free club is an in- cy and keep children aged 2 to make major adjustments to dog walking, and any other Once again, my sincere Science, Technology, Engi- clusive program, in English to 12 learning all summer. our lifestyles, adapt to new need they may have. thanks to the residents of neering and Math (STEM) and in French, that strives Have a great summer work environments, and plan It’s local chefs like Ottawa, who continue to experiments. to engage all children in the and happy reading! our days in an entirely new • Joe Thottungal of Thali and do their part in planking the • Get yourself going this joy of reading, while also manner. As a person who Coconut Lagoon, curve–staying home and fol- summer! OPL children’s championing Canadian writ- loves to get out in the com- • Adam Vettorel of North & lowing Ottawa Public Health munity and spend time in all Navy, guidelines. We can change four corners of the city, these • Tim Stock of Thyme & the impact that this pandemic changes haven’t been partic- Again, and has on our city when we all ularly easy for me either. • Patrick Garland of Absinthe, work together. We can’t for- Although much of the who are providing meals get that COVID-19 affects news we’re reading and hear- to homeless residents and everyone, regardless of age ing about can take its toll on low-income families. and current health status. It us, I find it truly heartwarm- It’s medicine students like is important for all of us to ing to see so many residents Pamela Bejjani, Jamie Ghos- continue to practice physical and businesses in our com- sein, and Daniel Milad, who distancing. munity coming forward to have created a GoFundMe Let’s remember there are assist others in this time of campaign called Frontline brighter days ahead. We will great need. Feeds Ottawa/Gatineau–with come out of this as a commu- A few weeks ago, I asked the goal of raising money to nity stronger than ever. residents to share stories of deliver food from local res- It is important to rec- kindness and ingenuity, and taurants to front-line workers ognize that the COVID-19 the following examples make on the job every single day. situation is evolving very me so proud to say I’m the It’s musicians like Dave quickly. Please refer to mayor of this great and com- Kalil, who plays live shows OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ passionate city. on Facebook every Wednes- Coronavirus to stay up to date It’s residents mobilizing day and Saturday to lift the on the latest information.