The Ottawan : Newsletters : Four days of events at home and on the road

Friday, August 22 August 2025

MEMBERSHIP STATUS: Not yet a member

☀️ High 32° Low 16° and sunny ☀️6:12 am 🌛 7:58 pm

Hello Ottawa

In Today’s Edition

→ Mayor proposes police budget rise of 6.5 per cent

→ Four days of events at home and on the road

→ Deals of the Day on vintage goodies at Tribe, adult toys at Venus Envy, earrings at Lofttan, and womenswear at Tangente and Mas Montréal.

– Martha and Darren

STATISTICS OTTAWA

NUMBER

$30,000
The amount of extra money that the City needed to spend to improve the ‘ride quality’ on one block of the nine-month old bike path in the Glebe.
Josh Pringle at CTV

OTTAWANS OF THE DAY

Patrick (current) and Jacqueline (honorary)
From 400 applications, Ottawa resident Patrick and Torontonian Jacqueline have been selected by the Canadian National Exhibition to exchange their wedding vows in front of the SuperWheel tomorrow.
As the ‘Marriage on the Midway’ selectees, the couple will enjoy a wedding photographer and wedding cake and will receive unlimited rides for the day (alongside their 20 invited guests). The wedding party will also receive $500 in food vouchers and 98 Degrees will serenade the two with their hit wedding ballad, ‘I Do (Cherish You)’ at the bandshell.
Now in their 60s, Patrick and Jacqueline have been long-distance dating for 25 years.
Lucas Casaletto at CityNews

QUOTE

“
Ottawa was like a hotbed of music for a long time. And it’s because of people like Harvey who would promote and help musicians and push the music
– Musician Tony D recognizing the effect that Harvey Glatt had on the Ottawa music scene. Glatt died Wedneday at age 91.
In 1957, Glatt and his wife Louise opened Ottawa’s first stand-alone record store, The Treble Clef and later, folk institution Le Hibou Coffee House. As a music promoter, Glatt brought in the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive to the capital and helped launch CHEZ 106.
– Josiane N'tchoreret-Mbiamany at CBC
Here is a 2017 Ottawa Citizen interview of Glatt by Lynn Saxberg.
SPORTS
⚾ FRONTIER Ottawa Titans 6– Aigles de Trois-Rivières 5, yesterday

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WHAT’S GOING ON AT CITY HALL

No meetings Monday

Meetings and agendas

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

💰 Mayor Mark Sutcliffe proposes a police budget rise of 6.5 per cent, to create an overall property tax increase of 3.75 per cent. All the other departments would be limited to a 2.9 per cent increase. City council will start the annual budget process next month. – Arthur White-Crummey at CBC

🏜️ The City is now advising residents who use a well to conserve water, including letting the lawn go brown. Unlike residents who use the municipal water system, the City has no authority over what people do with their private wells. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has advised that a Level Three low-water condition is in effect, which means there is not enough water to meet demand.

The City notes that residents who use the municipal system receive their water from the Ottawa River, and there are no restrictions at this time. – City of Ottawa

🚌 OC Transpo’s autumn service begins Sunday. That means some new routes, school service is back, and frequency adjustments. – Stittsville Central

🫎 Cedar, the blind moose who was preparing to move to the Toronto zoo, has died. The baby moose was discovered on the side of the road and brought to Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue in Dunrobin in July. The cause of death is unknown. The Province had waived the rule that prevented moose from being homed in zoos as Cedar would have little chance of survival in the wild. – Josh Pringle at CTV

🥈 Elections Canada workers who staffed polling stations around Wakefield say they are still waiting to get paid. Despite assurances from Elections Canada that there are no outstanding wages, several workers here – and elsewhere in Canada – say they are still waiting. – Le Droit (In French)

🛒 Every week @stromanker reads all the local grocery flyers and posts the deals on Ottawa Reddit. This week, he highlights eggs for $2.99/12 (Super C) and $4.88/18 (Food Basics) and French roast beef for 5.97/lb (Metro Cité des Jeunes) and bottom blade roast for $5.88/lb (IGA). – /Ottawa

THE DAILY POLL

Do you, like Martha, believe that this weekend is the true end of summer?

Yes, I have a bad feeling about the rest of August

No, summer ends September 21. It’s the law.

No, that’s self defeating. We can collectively will a few more weeks of nice weather into existence

I have already pulled my winter coat out of storage

Previously in ottawan polls:
We asked, ‘What do you think of eliminating elected school boards?’
- 22% It makes no sense having 31 school boards duplicating the same things
- 13% Local trustees mean local values are used in the district
- 56% If Pandora’s box is going to be opened, how about eliminating public funding of religious school boards instead?
- 9% If anything, schools should be even more decentralized to local control
Commentary

▪️ “AND publicly funded religious boards.”

▪️ “Public funding for religious schools should be banned.”

▪️ “The time has come to eliminate the religious school boards. In Ottawa we would be down to 2 boards from 4! This could be discussed with other provinces so the change could be made without amending the Constitution.”

▪️ “We need elected trustees. If you're going to eliminate them, then why not eliminate elections for city council and major too?”

▪️ “The school ‘system’, much like every other ‘system’ (health care, financial, government, policing, etc) in Canada, is broken. Time to start somewhere. Might as well start with schools.”

▪️ “I am Catholic, but as a taxpayer, I have never understood the separation of the two systems. Religious education can be offered in a public system, with parents and students opting for optional religion classes.”

▪️ “This rationalizatuon has been a long time coming so glad the Province will act soon.”

▪️ “I don’t agree with the funding for a religious school board that already should have enough funds-but of course they have had so many law suits-see the movie Spotlight and you will understand!”

HISTORIC OTTAWA LOGO T-SHIRTS

Talisman Motor Inn T-Shirt

The Beachcomber Room tiki bar at the Talisman Motor Inn was where Ottawa swingers could be found in the early 60s

Help support the ottawan by buying one of our historic logo t-shirts.

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THE ROLLING THREE DAY CALENDAR

Is there an event we should know about?
Please use our easy event submission form

✳️ Means change from previous edition

FRIDAY

✳️ 🚗 Road Trip: Take a scenic drive to Long Sault for Lost and Sound Festival 2025. One of the area's newest craft beer producers, Lost Villages Brewery, will celebrate the last of summer's lazy days with live music, craft beer. It's all getting underway at 2:00 pm today and continues tomorrow (Saturday August 23).
🪵 Get in your final summer visit with the animals, the sensory table, and all the other activities at the Log Farm today through Sunday.
🆓 ⚗️ Road trip: Ontario Moonshine Festival is back in Perth for a fourth year. Choose from Friday, Saturday, or Sunday visit times. Limited free tickets are available.
🆓 Vendors at last year's Navatara’s Indian Food Festival sold out, so don't miss your chance to sample regional favourites and catch the live cultural performances. It's all happening in Clarke Fields Park today (2:00 pm to 10:00 pm) through Sunday.
Singing Pebble books has much to celebrate as it turns 37 years young. Get in on the celebration with a visit to the shop during the the anniversary sale (today through Sunday August 24). You'll save 20% on all items, and anyone who spends more than $37 will be entered into a draw to win a private guided shopping experience and a discount on rare and used books.
There are cash prizes up for grabs in the one-on-one dance battles at ByWard Market (George St) tonight from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
🪗 Road Trip: Ottawa Valley Buskerfest kicks off with a BBQ in Pembroke's Waterfront Park, followed by an evening of entertainment.
🆓 Ottawa Greek Festival programming begins at 5:00 pm.
ByTowne Cinema: Hola Frida, Eddington, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse, Drunken Cinema: Speed
Mayfair Theatre: Souleyman’s Story, F1, The Room
Gigs
Every Rose (tribute to Poison). Brass Monkey
Super K, Dead Gong. LIVE on Elgin
Double Impact Robert Clarot and Alex. Hard Rock Ottawa Council Oak Stage
Niel Young Experience. Hard Rock Cafe
Whiskey River Fever. Irene’s Pub
80s Dance Party, The Underground. House of TARG
Motherland. Dominion Tavern.

🏳️‍🌈 Today at Capital Pride:

Montréal’s Queen & Queer headline the TD Main Stage; Cuffed: Leather, Lace & Chains is a lesbian-sapphic QTBIPOC-centered party at Avant-Garde Bar; Crowned in Colour: A Night of Kings is at Nostalgica Pub & Beer Garden; City at Night hosts the house and techno Pride Festival After Party with NV: Solstice.

SATURDAY

✳️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Road Trip The North Lanark Highland Games’ 40th session brings the Sheaf Toss and Hammer Throw, bands, Highland Games for kids, Highland Dancing, and vendors (including Scottish concessions) to Almonte Fairgrounds Saturday. General admission $20 per person, with kids 11 and under getting in for free.
✳️ 🚗 Road Trip: Lost and Sound Festival continues at Lost Villages Brewery in Long Sault.
🆓 The Queenswood Heights Community Association presents the third annual Music Festival and Family Fun Day. With activities and a bouncy castle for the kids, live music, and a Beer Garden presented by Orléans Brewing Co. It's free with a donation to the Orléans Food Bank. Thank you to our friends at Orléans Connect Newsletter for the heads-up about this event.
Get ready for a giant-sized day of fun at the Monster Trucks All Out Carp event.
You don’t need to stray further than Westboro Village for Tomato Fest, with vendors, sampling, food trucks, and LIVE 88.5 will be broadcasting live.
Have lunch at Stittsville’s Sweet Corn Festival.
Blues is on the bill at the 4th Annual Capital Fair Blues Revue.
Sip, snack, and laugh at Comedy Night in the Country at Jabulani Winery.
Lavendermay will bring the House music to Metcalfe Plaza from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
The food and music of Ottawa Greek Fest continue from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm today.
🌙 Road Trip: Experience a live music, street performers, and food vendors at Arnprior Cultural Night Market The after party will bring DJ Kine Wone to Mallard’s Milk Bar.
🪗 Road Trip: Ottawa Valley Buskerfest continues, however the venue has changed to the town of Pembroke.
Navatara’s Indian Food Festival runs 11:00 am to 10:00 pm today.
Bring someone a surprise bouquet that you picked yourself, with a visit to GreenCorners.
ByTowne Cinema: 2025 Cat Video Fest, Restoration: Ikiru, Sorry, Baby, Detour: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Mayfair Theatre: Souleymane’s Story, F1, There Will Be Blood
Gigs
Browman Electryc Trio. Night Oat
Motorists. LIVE on Elgin
Walk Off the Earth. Hard Rock Ottawa
Girth Control (Ska Fest). Dominion Tavern
The New Hires. Rainbow Bistro

🏳️‍🌈 Today at Capital Pride:

Bank Street welcomes the Capital Pride Street Festival. Lilyisthatyou reigns over the TD Main Stage before the Drag Extravaganza at 9:00 pm
City at Night hosts the Official Pride Festival After Party

SUNDAY

Enjoy the final day of Navatara’s Indian Food Festival.
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Road Trip: The North Lanark Highland Games continue in Almonte.
Capital Fair closes with the uber-competitive Arm Wrestling Competition. If you want to take part, you'll pay $40 per arm.
Fetch Local Markets joins forces with Greely Good Market for Dog Days of Summer. It’ll be a dog-friendly pawty in the south end of the city.
There are more canine good times to be had at Beyond the Pale’s City Centre location, where the patio will be offering treats for pups and their humans.
🆓 Latin Festival & Fair will be serving up the flavours of México, Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Perù, and you can also expect cultural performances. It's all happening at the Horticulture Building and East Side Court at Lansdowne Park.
Shop for soup, pie, local craft beer and cider, self-care and beauty items, baking, decor, and so much more at the August edition of the Original Navan Market. 1279 Colonial Road.
Ottawa Farmers Market at Lansdowne shines the spotlight on tomatoes for today's Tomoto Fest. Highlight: check out the tomato-themed cooking demos by Chef Jesse Bell from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
10% of the proceeds of the Rebecca Sheik show at Rainbow Bistro will benefit CHEO.
ByTowne Cinema: Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse, Hola Frida! Restoration; Ikiru, Detour: Heat
Mayfair Theatre: The Last Class, F1
Gigs
Thomas Polychuck, Sunset Missino, Raphaël Weinroth-Browne (early show). LIVE on Elgin
Bonecat. Atomic Rooster
Souls of Mischief. Club SAW
Emma Goldman, Jetsam, Thishellwithyou. LIVE on Elgin
Souls of Mischief, Hug Mosh, John Deck. Club SAW
Ellen Braun. Red Bird

🏳️‍🌈 Today at Capital Pride:

More than 200 groups will march in the Pride Parade on Elgin and Laurier streets. Over on Bank Street between Gladstone and Slater streets, the Capital Pride Street Festival is a full 14 blocks of community groups, artisans, and businesses. The action on the TD Main Stage starts at 4;00 pm with Post-Parade Drag-A-Palooza, followed by T-Dance at 6:00 pm and the Final Dance at 8:00 pm. Plus: Dominion City Brewing will be popping up at Fauna for a special Pride event with snacks, slushies, and very good beer.

🇬🇷 Today at GreekFest

The final day of Ottawa GreekFest gets underway at noon with live music followed by performances by local groups. Once the food court closes down at the end of the night, head to the After Hours Party #2 at Broadway Bar & Grill (1093 Borden Side Road).

MONDAY

Start the week right with some culinary self-care: book your three course, prix fixe menu lunch or dinner at Soca Kitchen for $42 per person.
Sharpen your funny bone at the Barley Mow (Merivale) Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic.
ByTowne Cinema: Sorry, Baby, Detour: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Eddington
Mayfair Theatre: Souleymane’s Story, Some Like it Hot, Manhunter
Gigs
Karaoke Mondays. Atomic Rooster

JUST ANNOUNCED / NOW BOOKING

Latin Sparks Festival — Canada’s largest Latin dance celebration — returns for one unforgettable night on September 6 (3–11 pm.) This isn’t just a festival — it’s a full-on Latin street-style party. Think: Live bands, artists and DJs bringing the hottest beats from across Latin America, explosive dance battles and free salsa and bachata lessons for all skill levels. Experience more than 15 food vendors serving authentic Latin street eats, from tacos to churros. Latin Sparks has grown into one of Ottawa’s most vibrant cultural events, celebrating diversity through rhythm, cuisine, and connection.
Ogilvy Square hosts Cranium Festival 2025 performances from September 18 to 21. Dance Battles, after parties, and the pop up marketplace will be located in other venues around town. Organizers are searching for volunteers for the Festival.