❤️ The heart-stopping giveaway

This is the most successful giveaway we have ever had. If you didn’t win, take some comfort in the fact that the competition was fierce.

Recall that the prize, worth more than $200, is this selection of Ottawa-beauties:

• Three bags of Bridgehead’s delicious, Ottawa-roasted coffee
   
• A $25 gift card and gorgeous heart-shaped Ottawa magnet from Maker House 
   
• A gift basket from Bottega Nicastro, full of tantalizing Italian treats and pantry items
   
• Two 200ml bottles of yummy Balsamic Vinegar and Stubbe chocolates from Aurelius Fine Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars
   
• A Personal Valentine's Day greeting from Martha and Darren

Martha’s mom drew from her choosin’ hat and the winning name is: Kita S.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and as far as we’re concerned, you are all our Valentine.

Family Day

Monday is Family Day, so we’re off and we will see you Tuesday.

In Today’s Edition

→ Four local media outlets take home Canadian Online Publishing Awards

→ Weekend ideas all through to Family Day 

→ Made in Canada Deals of the Day: Saunders Farm, Cheekbone Beauty, and Venus Envy

→ ☀️ High -5° Low -13° and sunny. More snow tomorrow and Sunday.

– Martha and Darren

STATISTICS OTTAWA

OTTAWANS OF THE DAY

• Apartment 613, Ottawa Sports Pages, Press Progress, and Legion Magazine
• All four took home gongs from the Canadian Online Publishing Awards* on Wednesday. Apartment 613 won gold in Best News/Sports website, Ottawa Sports Pages took silver in Best Continuing Coverage of a story, Press Progress took gold in Best Photo Journalism, and Legion Magazine in Best Column. 
• Winners and Finalists 2024
  
  * THE OTTAWAN continues to display our 2023 Silver award for Best Newsletter design at the bottom of this page for rizz but we didn’t enter this year because haven’t made any changes to our design. 

QUOTE

• “

• Since it’s my first language but I lost it, I would love to relearn it again

• – Sam Aipellee, one of eight students enrolled in a new Inuktitut language class offered at the Ottawa Technical School as of February 3, the first time it has been offered by the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.
• Nehaa Bimal in Nunatsiaq News

SPORTS

• 🏒 PWHL Ottawa Charge 8 – Minnesota Frost 3 last night.
• With eight goals, the Charge set a new league record.

WHAT’S GOING ON AT CITY HALL

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

🚐 Commuting

•  There is a new private shuttle bus running Daily from Arnprior to downtown Ottawa. The shuttle leaves Arnprior at 6:00 am, dropping off passengers in Kanata, Tunney’s Pasture, Bayview Station, and finally Bank and Slater at 7:30 am. The trip the other way starts at 2:45 pm. Details and tickets are here.
  
  In a just world, OC Transpo would run this service but in an even juster world, it would run a train down the almost-completely-unused track from downtown, through Carp, to Arnprior.
  
  West Carlton Online (paywalled but worth it)

⛸️ City Hall

•  The Mayor’s annual City Hall skate is Monday. Skating is free and skates can be rented on site. The rink is open 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.. 
  
  City of Ottawa

🗳️ Ontario Election

• Ottawa Centre candidates have been invited to debate next Thursday. Expected are Simon Beckett, Scott Healey, Catherine McKenney, and Thomas Simpson. The event will be moderated by author and reporter with The Logic, David Reevely. Thursday, Feb 20. 7:00 Glebe Community Centre 175 Third Ave.

🛻 Convoy News

• Convoy protestor sentenced to one day of probation plans to appeal his sentence to the Supreme Court.  David Romlewski, who was not affiliated with the higher profile Convoy protestors, was arrested on the final day the Convoy siege. He was later convicted of obstructing police, which he appealed. In the appeal court’s decision yesterday, Romlewski was sentenced to a token one day of probation, then suspended the sentence. Romlewski says the Supreme Court is next.
  
  Aeden Helmer in the Ottawa Citizen

HISTORIC OTTAWA LOGO T-SHIRTS

THE ROLLING THREE DAY CALENDAR

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TODAY

• Road Trip: Ottawa Jazz Fest’s Jazz in the Valley Series brings Rebecca Noelle and a band of stellar musicians to Almonte Old Town Hall.
   
• Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation event that brings together Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are. The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (Caring Society for short) produced a short document explaining the background of Have a Heart Day, the origins of its official ambassador the Spirit Bear, and Ideas for how to mark the day - including making your own Snow Bear outside.
   

• This could be the wettest Winterlude activity ever. Take the Centretown Plunge this weekend and help support Centre 507 and the Centretown Community Health Centre. Choose a time slot (tonight’s time slots are between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

• The National Arts Centre and OrKidstra join forces for Notes of Love, a side-by-side concert on Valentine’s Day (February 14). General admission tickets are $30, or you can make a proper night of it and become a Community Builder for $120. You’ll enjoy a VIP reception beforehand with food, drinks, and the chance to chat with some of the stars of the evening.

• Get down - seriously, get down! - to Rainbow Bistro for the Valentine’s Party: a Disco/Soul event with The Electric Company disco band. 70s outfits are de rigueur, mon cheri.

• If you awoke with a start at 3:00 am because you’ve realized you didn’t buy flowers for someone, don’t despair. Visit Morning Owl Parkdale, where you’ll find Côté Fleurs’ handy Valentine’s Day Pop-up Shop at Morning Owl Parkdale 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

• Road Trip: If you’ve exhausted all that Winterlude has to offer, Almonte’s Winter Fest will keep you occupied.  Many shops and businesses will be offering specials, but be sure to stop by Hummingbird Chocolate’s hot chocolate bar, or Cheerfully Made where they’ll be giving away a branded tee or hoodie with every purchase (while supplies last). 

• It’s the deadline to vote in the Capital Music Awards.

• 🆓 Sparks Street’s Winterlude activities include a photo exhibit detailing the history of the Canadian flag.

• 🆓 In Confederation Park, the Lumen Eira will dazzle you with the light and sound show.

• Whether or not you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a swing lesson would be fun, right? You don’t need any previous experience when the Ottawa Swing Dance Society is in charge. $25 per person.

• If a recent heartbreak has you thinking “Down with love” a trip to Yuk Yuk’s might be the fastest way to recovery. On Friday night (February 14) catch the return of Tinder Tales, a delightful merging of storytelling and comedy, as real-life dating stories take centre stage.

• Art Battle returns to Overflow Brewing.

• The Canadian Museum of History is holding a webinar for teachers who want to learn more about incorporating the history and contributions of the Black Canadian community into lesson plans.

• Get $50 off matching tattoos at Ottawa Ink Inc.

• Undercurrents festival continues at Arts Court 

• ByTowne Cinema: Flow, Vermiglio, Valentine’s Day: Amélie, 2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Animated

• Mayfair Theatre: Nickel Boys, Casablanca, Wild at Heart
  
  Gigs

• The Flying Hibachis. Moose McGuire’s Huntclub

• Valentine’s Day Love Boat with DJ Remi Royale. House of TARG

• The Brothership, The Extensions. Irene’s Pub

• Undergang, Mephitic Corpse, Gland, HPV. Dominon Tavern

TOMORROW

• Self-described as ‘the hardest-working, harmony-belting, saxophone-growling, cowboy-chord-strumming, tambourine throwing small-town rock n’ roll band your friends have probably never heard of’, Kingston’s The Wilderness play Rainbow Bistro. Save $5 when you book online.
   
• ByWard Market will be busy all day with the Winter Stewed Cook Off, Live Jazz, Winter Aerialists, Stilt walkers, and Horse drawn carriage rides.
   
• Take the Centretown Plunge this weekend and help support Centre 507 and the Centretown Community Health Centre. Choose a time slot (today’s are between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm).
   

• Bring your own mug for the free hot chocolate at the Westboro Beach Winter Carnival, and you’ll need $5 (cash or debit) for a veggie chili. 

• Road Trip: Gananoque’s The Valentine’s Market takes place in Chrysler House Inn, a 200 year old building. How romantic is that!

• Comedians Melanie Paige and Jake Daly are joined by musician Jordy Jeppsen for The Heartbroken Variety Night at Anina’s Café.

• Check out one of five plays, the official closing party and the art exhibition at undercurrents festival’s final day of programming.

• Bring your squad to Ottawa’s Ultimate Sing-Along Galentine’s Brunch at Back to Brooklyn restaurant.

• Phat Fest 4 rolls up to Whiprsnapr Brewing Co, with group rides for all levels through the Greenbelt.

• Road Trip: Soupfest 2025 in Downtown Pembroke sees local restaurants vying for your love. The Sample Passport costs $10.

• National Arts Centre’s Big Bang Festival is fun for the whole family. For ages 5 and up, Montréal’s El Bacón bring their Latin rhythms to the festival for the first time on Saturday ($15). Also on Saturday, Maputo-Mozambique combines drumming, dance, sound, and even plastic bags for a performance that will bring everyone to their feet. $15. Curious kids of all ages should check out the full festival line-up.

• Vendors will be bringing all sorts of vintage goodies in XL+ sizes to The Vintage Plus Pop-Up. Next Door Market & Event Space.

• Road Trip: It’s all going on at Perth’s Frost & Fire Festival.

• The Sparks Street Traditional Tea & Bannock Sampling continues, alongside art in ice carvings by Jessica Somers.

• How about a live, irreverent talk-show that smashes taboos, hosted by Lauren Cauchy and Amanda Logan? Laura & Amanda Do It starts at 8:00 pm at LIVE on Elgin

• ByTowne Cinema: Klassic Kidz: Cinderella: 4K Restoration, I’m Still Here, 2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Animated, Flashdance with Frisque Femme Burlesque

• Mayfair Theatre: Babygirl, The Room

  Gigs

• Lives Like Skyscrapers, Saint Clare, Catbird. Irene’s Pub

• Soul Motion. Overflow Brewing

• Dance Mix 90s. House of TARG

• Basement Brass. National Arts Centre

• Bloco Party. Queen St Fare

• Pink Pony Punk (early show). The 27 Club

• Emo Night Ottawa. The 27 Club
   

  Saturday Deal

• Save 15% on Perth Brewery’s hopped pale ale Many Hands Harvest, to benefit Perth & District Community Foundation.

   

SUNDAY

• The Bring it Black – Black Future Market supports Black micro-businesses with shopping, food and drink, and live entertainment.
   
• Freedom Dog Rescue will have lovely adoptables at the Pet Valu Greenbank
   

• Take the Centretown Plunge and help support Centre 507 and the Centretown Community Health Centre.

• The free and ticketed events continue at National Arts Centre’s Big Bang Festival.

• Bank of Canada Museum has family activities all weekend.

• 🆓 Come in from the snow and the cold at Ottawa Art Gallery’s Winterlude activities, from 10:00 am.

• Costumes are encouraged at Orléans Comic Book & Novelty Show.

• Bring your gently loved clothing, jewellery, footwear, and accessories to the Adorit or Swap it! - Winter Clothing Swap & Sustainable Fashion. Your donations will be exchanged for tickets to swap for new treasures. Gallery 55 (55 ByWard Market Square).

• 🆓 Experience food, drink, and products from diverse maker communities at Ottawa Multicultural Bazaar.

• Road Trip: Dive into the kicksleds, scavenger hunt, family Bingo, public skate at Frewfest Family Day Winter Carnival in Renfrew, Ontario.

• Road Trip: Meet Red (full name 50 Shades of Red), the newest Newfoundland Pony at Willow Creek Stables (Perth, Ontario). Entry by donation.

• Road Trip: Take part in the 15th Annual Snow Angel Making Party in Lanark Highlands

• Catch the 8th Annual Harbour Harvest fishing derby. Nepean Sailing Club.

• ByTowne Cinema: 2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Live Action, Vermiglio, The Brutalist, Detour: Ganja & Hess

• Mayfair Theatre: The Wizard of Oz, Wild at Heart

  Gigs

• El Balcón. Art House Café

• Open Mic. Moose McGuire’s Orléans

• DB Cohen and the Revelers. Atomic Rooster

• Free play Sunday. House of TARG

• Messemupbeats. City at Night
  
  
  Sunday Deals

• Caesar specials and half price wings are on the menu at Southside Tap & Grill "Hair of the Dog Day".

• Blueberry Blonde is discounted at Broadhead Brewery all day starting at 1:00 pm.
   

MONDAY

• Road Trip Bring the fam to Almonte Winter Fest screening of The Wild Robot at 10:00 am, then get your skates on at the John Levi Community Centre
   
• Little Ray’s reptiles visits Robert Plante Nurseries, and you can still get tickets for the 2:00 pm show.
   
• Naked Boys Reading takes and anti-Valentine’s stance with readings exclusively by and about the feminist tradition of Riot Grrrlz.
   
• All aboard for the Underground Comedy Rail Road all-Black comedy tour, which pulls into Laugh Lounge tonight.
   
• Road Trip: Start Day Two of Frewfest Family Day Winter Carnival with a pancake breakfast, then move on to the horse-drawn wagon rides and guided snowshoe walk.
   
• A non-perishable food item will get you into the 2025 Carleton Place Comic Con.
   
• Enjoy brunch and board games at Hintonburg Public House.
   

• 🆓 Experience food, drink, and products from diverse maker communities at Ottawa Multicultural Bazaar. 

• Bank of Canada Museum has family activities all weekend.

• ByTowne Cinema: Flow, 2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Animated, Vermiglio, The Brutalist

• Mayfair Theatre: The Wizard of Oz, Flow, Casablanca, Reservoir Dogs
  
  Gigs

• Acoustic Open Mic. Southside Tap & Grill

• Daisy Train Karaoke. The 27 Club

• Karaoke Mondaze. Atomic Rooster

DEALS OF THE DAY

BUT, ONE MORE THING ...

RAPID RESPONSE QUALITY CONTROL

THE END