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HELLO OTTAWA

• Thank you to readers Peter, Heather, Mark, and Brett for solving the mystery of the photo below.

• Yesterday, we mentioned that we came across a thread by Twitter member @tradingMaxiSL of ‘Most Facinating abandoned places’, which included the photo and said it was in Ottawa. We were perplexed: What? Where? But mostly, why?

• It’s a photo of the Safety Village, built by the Ottawa Safety Council and the Kinsmen in 1977, and located in Britannia Park. The village was larger than just the four way stop, and was used by the Council to teach kids how to cross the street properly and, on bikes, the rules of the road.

• And no, as eager as we were to get up early this morning and take an updated picture, you can’t see it any longer. It was all dismanted in 2006.

• – Martha and Darren

STATS

Ottawan of the Day

• Isaac
• – The yellow lab therapy dog celebrates 10 years of visits to CHEO and and Ronald McDonald House. (Tyler Fleming at CTV) 

Quote

• “

• How could the NCC not know about the business practices of Live Nation? It either went into the deal knowingly or did appalling due diligence. Neither option is good.

• – Ken Gray in Ottawa Bulldog questioning the wisdom of the National Capital Commission entering into a deal with Live Nation to operate a concert venue in the Commission-owned former Chapters store on Rideau. The United States Department of Justice last week launched an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, claiming ‘Live Nation threatened venues working with rival companies with losing the promoter’s concerts’.

Sports

• 🏈 CFL Ottawa Redblacks 23 – Winnipeg Blue Bombers 19 last night
• 🏀 CEBL Ottawa BlackJacks 91 – Scarborough Shooting Stars 105 last night
• ⚾ FRONTIER Ottawa Titans 1 – New York Boulders 9 last night

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CITY HALL AGENDA

What’s going on at City Hall

Joint Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Environment and Climate Change Committee
Monday, June 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM

• 3.1 Wildlife Strategy Review

📋 Agenda

Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee
Monday, June 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM

• 4.1 Ottawa Fire Services 2023 Annual Report
• 4.2 Ottawa Paramedic Service 2023 Annual Report

📋 Agenda

Board of Health
Monday, June 17, 2024 at 5:00 PM

• 8.1 Chair of the Board of Health Verbal Report
• 8.2 Medical Officer of Health Verbal Report
• 8.3 Ottawa Public Health 2023 Annual Report
• 8.4 Ottawa Public Health’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 – Update on the Strategic Action Plan
• 8.5 Ottawa Public Health Approach to Infectious Disease Case and Contact Management
• 8.6 2024 Operating and Capital Budget Q1 – Board of Health for the City of Ottawa Health Unit Status Report
  
  In Camera Items
   
• 9.1 Cyber Security at Ottawa Public Health

📋 Agenda

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

🚊 OC Transpo

There have been some OC Transpo developments since yesterday:

• The O Train link to Orléans will not be open in May 2025. The link, which was originally scheduled for 2022, may now be expected to open in late summer 2025. This news was not released by OC Transpo but only came out when OC Transpo head Renée Amilcar was asked by Beacon Hill-Cyrville ward councillor Tim Tierney if the May date was still accurate. (Arthur White-Crummey at CBC)
• The Confederation Line between Tunney's Pasture and Rideau stations will be shut down between July 15 and 28 for maintenance. Some of the work will involve water issues in the downtown tunnel, Lyon Station, and Parliament station. (Ted Raymond at CTV)
• The on-demand minibus service test in Blackburn Hamlet has been deemed a success – and will end in two weeks. The test replaced the Route 28 bus with on-demand minibuses on Sundays and holidays. OC Transpo said it was used 191 times between Feb 11 and June 9, with 76 per cent of the trips travelling to or from Blair Station. The Route 28 bus will return on June 20. Ten new minibuses have been ordered for future on-demand use. (Ted Raymond at CTV)

📱 Federal Public Employees

• Unlike regular Federal public employees, the new Chief Technology Officer of Canada doesn’t have to come in three days per week and will work remotely from Montréal. A spokesperson says Luc Gagnon will come to Ottawa ‘as needed’. Gagnon takes over the job from Minh Doan July 8. Doan is currently on leave after he was linked to the ArriveCan app scandal. 
  
  We love reporter Catherine Morrison: in her story, she included this Q & A from Shared Service Canada’s website where Gagnon’s answer to the question ‘What is your spirit animal’ is ‘I don’t really have a spirit animal, but if I had to choose, I’d like to be the immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis). It’s the only animal that only ever dies by accident’. (Catherine Morrison in the Ottawa Citizen)

🏒 LeBreton Flats

• Sens president Cyril Leeder says he’d like an arena in LeBreton Flats as it would be more convenient for Gatineau fans. Speaking in front of 1,500 season ticket holders, Leeder says he’s ‘optimistic’ a deal can be done, it would take up to three years to move, and the deadline to make a deal with the National Capital Commission in September could be extended but they’ve agreed not to. (Bruce Garrioch in the Ottawa Citizen)

🚨 Ottawa Police Service

• An Ottawa Police Service constable who pleaded guilty to assaulting a handcuffed 13-year-old boy at CHEO has been given a conditional discharge. Constable Muhammad Omair Khan will have one year of probation and 100 hours of community service. Khan will continue with the Ottawa Police Service however, he may be called to a professional standards review and a disciplinary hearing. (Aedan Helmer in the Ottawa Citizen)

⚖️ Appeal Court

• Ian Bush, who was convicted of murdering three people and attempted murder of a fourth, has lost his appeal to overturn four life sentences. In 2007, Bush murdered retired judge Alban Garon, his wife Raymonde Garon, and their friend and neighbour Marie-Claire Beniskos. However, that case went unsolved until Bush attacked 101-year-old Second World War hero Ernest Côté in 2014. Police realized the method and weapons used were the same as the 2007 case. Bush’s next chance of parole is in 2035. (David Fraser at CBC)

🛒 Grocery Flyer Review

• Every week, Donovan Burey reads all the grocery flyers and posts the deals on Ottawa Reddit. How about lobster with cheap cherries for Father’s Day? (/Ottawa)

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MORE FROM THE OTTAWAN

• 🍺 Our Ottawa-Gatineau Craft Brewery Map

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• 🏆 The Best Of Ottawa Awards 2023

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• 🎧 Best Podcasts from Ottawa

EVENTS

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

Today

• It doesn’t look a day over 100: Ottawa Art School celebrates its 145th birthday with an after-hours style bash. The evening is all about art, music, dance, and friendly competition (pottery throwdown, anyone?). Be at 35 George St K1N 8W5 from 7:00 pm to 10:00pm. Tickets $20 + tax.
   
• Actor Pierre Broult brings his touring show Dief the Chief: October ’62 to the Diefenbunker today and tomorrow (the show also plays dates in July and August). We’re moderately confident that you’ve never seen a play from 75 feet underground, so why not grab your chance. 3929 Carp Road, Carp Ontario K0A 1L0.
   
• Dominion City’s Picnic Blanket Saison is back for a limited run, bringing its rhubarb and raspberry notes to the taproom from today at 4:00 pm. Try a pint of the new brew with fresh food from the brewery as well as baked treats from Almanac. If you prefer an alcohol free drink, try Picnic Basket zero sugar seltzer, made with the same great flavours. This launch event runs through tomorrow (Saturday June 15) at 15-5510 Canotek Road, K1J 9J4.
   

• If you’re visiting Bicycle Craft Brewery taproom this weekend, be sure to give the Annual Father’s Day Beer, Astara IPA, a try. Or pick up a beer mug for Dad. 12-850 Industrial Ave. K1G 4K2

• One of the highlights of Italian Week Ottawa, the 17th Annual FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival is the place to be if you want to ogle more than 50 Ferraris and other rare and exotic sports cars. They’re all on display at Dow’s Lake this evening, and there’s a parade on Saturday afternoon.

• Belgian/Québecois singer songwriter Lara Fabian takes to the Southam Hall stage at National Arts Centre.
   

• Catch the Mexian Ballet of Montréal and Mexican rock band Banda Azul in Guelaguetza, tradition mexicaine, a celebration of the traditional dance and music of the state of Oaxaca. Shenkman Arts Centre, 250 Centrum Blvd K1E 0A1.

• Road Trip: Go East to Casselman for Spyder Rock and Blues Fest where you’ll hear great music and have the opportunity to test drive 3-wheeler 2024 model Spyder and Ryder motorcycles. Tonight and tomorrow at La Ferme Drouin.

• It’s Soirée Vibrations Hip-Hop et Rap night at Festival Franco-Ontarien 2024 at Major’s Hill Park. Single evening tickets from $20. Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G8

• Tonight’s Ottawa Fringe Festival picks: Murder, She Read (1908-set murder mystery), A Little bit Ado About Nothing (an abbreviated take on Shakespeare’s comedy), Robert Will Show You the Door (Tales of Being Fired). See the full schedule.

• Party like it’s 1977 at Sala San Marco Event and Conference Centre with Disco Inferno. You’ll dance to live renditions of the era’s biggest dance floor fillers. Will you do the Hustle?

• Road Trip: Readers of a certain age will remember singing along to High School Confidential back in the day. Now’s your chance to sing the tune with Carole Pope herself, who’s performing at StoneCropAcres Winery + Vineyard in Morrisburg (5242 Smiths Rd, Morrisburg, Ontario).  Bring your own lawn chair. Pre-concert dinners can be purchased directly from the winery.
   

• ByTowne Cinema: Festin Boréal (Wild Feast), Banel and Adama, Kidnapped (The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara), Don’t Go Into the…Series: Tremors.

• Mayfair Theatre: Evil Does Not Exist, The Great Escaper, Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.

  Gigs

• Comedy Night. Pour Boy

• Jon VW. Heart & Crown Barrhaven

• Mookydook. Art House Café

• The Best of Lightfoot and More! Meow! That’s Hot

• The Ethics Album Release with Groove Machina. Irene’s Pub Restaurant

• Landon, A.R. Coleman and band. Bar Robo

• Noche Cubana Ottawa. Latinos Resto Bar

• 80s Dance Party with DJ Remi Royale and The Start (80s UK hits). House of TARG

• Indie Rock Night: Guestroom Status, Out By Lucy, Victor Complex, Growing Fires. Rainbow Bistro

Tomorrow

• Performers from Mādahòkì Farm will be drumming and dancing in the Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of History this weekend. Watch it for free as part of your admission to the museum.11:30 am to 12:30 pm today at 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau K1A 0M8
   

• There’s a rare opportunity to meet three Canadian fashion designers and skincare creators at Victoire Boutique. The teams behind Supayana, Ash & Posy, and Ursa Minor will all be in-store to meet you and show off their Spring/Summer collections. Visit 1282 Wellington St., Unit B from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

• The Taylor Swift Dance Party at Manor Park’s The Studio isn’t just about shaking it off, you can also visit the friendship bracelet station, Photo Booth, and watch the look-a-like competition. Or you can just shake it off. The all-ages event starts at 6:00 pm. Tickets from $30. 1805 Gaspé Ave, K1K 0A4

• 🆓 Cranium is taking over the Ottawa Fringe Festival late night programming with Fire at the Fringe. Dance to Afro beats, hip hop, indie rock, and a dj from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am at Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St. Register for your free ticket.

• Make it a memorable Saturday and check out the Truck and Tractor Pull at the Carp Fairgrounds. Enormous farm and street vehicles will start pulling at 11:00 am.

• The Hintonburg Community Association’s ArtsPark is back from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with 30 artists and artisans, a pottery wheel demo, games, storytelling and activities for the whole family. Strictly for grownups: visit the Tooth and Nail Beer Garden from noon to 5:00 pm. Saturday in Parkdale Park (366 Parkdale Ave).

• 🆓 Explore work by Métis, Inuit, and First Nations artists at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Art Market. Today from 11:00 am at the Atrium O’Brien, National Arts Centre.

• Buy a bouquet for someone special or take it up a level by creating one yourself at the Ottawa flower Market Collective's Build Your Own Bouquet Bar. Find the bar from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Ave.

• Ottawa Driveshaft & Steering is holding its first Open House and Car Show to raise funds for Helping with Furniture. Kids under 12 will enjoy the free ice cream, someone will win a gift certificate for $600, and classic cars will be parked outside for ogling and photo ops. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 1455 Michael St. Unit 2 K1B 3R3.

• Atletico Ottawa takes on York United at the Stadium at TD Place (1015 Bank St). Tickets from $20.

• It’s 613Flea day at Aberdeen Square, Lansdowne Park.

• Road Trip: Go East to Casselman for Spyder Rock and Blues Fest where you’ll hear great music and have the opportunity to test drive 3-wheeler 2024 model Spyder and Ryder motorcycles. Today at La Ferme Drouin.

• Ottawa Fringe Festival picks: A One Woman Titanic Parody in 59 Minutes or Less (by an actual Titanic historian), The Williams Family Reunion (a musical), The Sketchbook Comedy Show, Part Deux (written by teens from the Cornwall region and Ottawa; inspired by You Can’t Do That On Television and Monty Python). See the full schedule.

• Wind down your Saturday with a reading from two short fiction writers. Plan 99 Reading Series: Sara Power and Deepa Rajagopalan read from their debut works at the Manx pub, 370 Elgin St. K2P 1N1. From 5:00 pm.

• Damien Robitaille headlines Soirée Pop électique at Festival Franco-Ontarien 2024. Single tickets from $20. Major’s Hill Park: Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa K1N 1G8
   

• Italian Week’s Ferrari Festival continues with a parade and demo zone.

• ByTowne Cinema: Porco Rosso (English Dubbed), Bagel and Adama, Kidnapped (The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara), I Used to Be Funny

• Mayfair Theatre: Evil Does Not Exist, The Great Escaper, The Room, Saturday Night Sinema.
  
  Gigs

• Slow Tom and the Handsome Devils. Dominion Tavern

• All Disco - All 80s - All Night at Queen Street Fair.

• The Lucky Ron Show (3:00 pm). The Laff

• Disco Night with DJ Retro. Queen St Fare

• Emo Night Karaoke with live band. The Brass Monkey

• Shane Murphy. Irene’s Pub Restaurant

• The Rambles ‘First Waltz’ EP release show. Rainbow Bistro

• Kate Weekes. Art House Café

• Ottawa Jazz Quintet. Montgomery Scotch Lounge

• WRF with Guests. Avant-Garde Bar

• Frown Line. LIVE on Elgin

• Icon Behaviour Pride: Drag Show & Dance Party - 80s Edition. House of TARG

• Bonecat Summer’s Comin’ Party. Atomic Rooster

Sunday

• 🆓 After the free pancake breakfast (while supplies last), your kids can take their injured stuffed animals to be cared for at the CHEO Teddy Bear Picnic’s Hospital Tent. Check out the other activities for kids, as well as discounted access to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. 11 Aviation Parkway, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
   
• Elgin Street Market launches today for the 2024 season. Running until October 13, each Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm you’ll find vendors, fresh coffee, and live music at Boushey Square (Elgin and Waverley).
   

• Performers from Mādahòkì Farm will be drumming and dancing in the Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of History this weekend. Watch it for free as part of your admission to the museum. 11:00 am to 12:00 pm today at 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau K1A 0M8

• 🆓 Take a house dance lesson with Joelle Ciccarelli and DJ Seiiizi at the NAC this afternoon. There are two dance sessions at which you can learn the moves or just enjoy the music. From 1:30 pm at the Glass Thorsteinson Staircase, National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St. K1P 5W1

• Ottawa Fringe Festival shows begin at 2:00 pm today. Highlights: Boys’ Club uses tap dance and music by women in jazz to explore femininity and the male gaze; 666! (Queer drag horror theatre); and Escape from Ottawa (a dystopian Ottawa of 1997. With puppets). Get the full scheudule.
   

• There’s a hyper-local street festival on McCormick Street in Hintonburg today. From 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Shanks at McCranks Street Park & Music Festival will have live bands (on two stages, no less), pizza, drinks and a playground for kids to do an energy burn. Proceeds from drinks sales will benefit Parkdale Food Centre.

• 🆓 Take a free Salsa class (no partner required, there are lots of dancers and instructors from the U of O Salsa Club on site), then use your newfound skills in a social dance. From 3:00 pm at the ByWard Market (George Street Plaza).

• 🆓 Watch competitive and recreational tournaments or learn to play the game, and release the littles into the Kids Zone  at the Orléans Pickleball Festival. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa. It’s free to attend, but you must register and pay for a spot if you wish to play in one of the tournaments. Orléans Tennis & Pickleball Club, 1257 Joseph Drouin Ave, Orléans K1C 7B2

• Take Dad to Broadhead Brewery in Orléans for beer, Meatings BBQ brisket, and live music. 1680 Vimont Court, Orléans.

• ByTowne Cinema: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition), Festin Boréal (Wild Feast), Kidnapped (The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara), Porco Rosso (subtitles)

• Mayfair Theatre: The Great Escaper, Evil Does Not Exist, Targets

  Gigs

• Roddy Ellias with Richard Page and Chris Pond. Red Bird

• Ashes of the Void. Cafe Dekcuf

• Maria Hawkins Blues Band. Rainbow Bistro

• River City Junction. Atomic Rooster

• The Sunday Night Revue. Irene’s Pub Restaurant

Monday

• Tonight’s Ottawa Fringe Festival highlights: Trainwreck (five friends celebrate graduation and commit to annual reunions. Life intervenes); Joshua’s Witnesses (a one-man show about the Jehovah’s Witness religion); and On the Verge (three men named Dave wait for a friend). Full schedule.
   

• The Russell & District Horticultural Society welcomes guest speaker Judith Cox, who will talk about gardening for continuous joy. Marionville Community Centre, 4629 Gregoire Rd, Russell, ON K4R 1E5

• Workers History Museum invites those who (think they) know it all to take part in its Trivia Night tonight. Colonnade Pizza (Corner of Metcalfe and Gilmour Streets, K2P 1R7). Tickets are $15 per person. Reserve your table of four to six people by calling Barb at 613-837-8743 or email treasurer@workershistorymuseum.ca

• ByTowne Cinema: Banel and Adama, Kidnapped (The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara), I Used to Be Funny

• Mayfair Theatre: The Great Escaper, Evil Does not Exist, Targets
  
  Gigs

• Laughing, Heaven For Real, Obliterator. Rainbow Bistro

• Open Stage with the House Band. Red Bird

• Open Mic. Art House Café

• Nick Lowe and Ron Sexsmith. Bronson Centre
   

Just Announced / Now Booking

• There are still a few places in the Summer Day Camps for kids aged 4 to 10 at Manor Park, but they’re going fast.
   
• Jane Siberry plays the National Arts Centre’s Azrieli Studio on November 28.

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DEALS OF THE DAY

BUT, ONE MORE THING ...

A Rockcliffe park resident is attempting to shame the diplomatic community into fixing up neglected ambassadors’ residences. David Henderson has created an Instagram feed of their excellency’s lifestyles of the abandoned and derelict.  

RAPID RESPONSE QUALITY CONTROL

Comment of the week: Great content!

THE END

the ottawan is written and edited every working weekday by Martha and Darren.

Is there something that Ottawa should know about? Email to us at hello@theottawan.com. We read every single comment. 

We’ll see you Monday.

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