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HELLO OTTAWA

The Ottawa Police Service’s community equity council is seeking members of the public to sit on its use-of-force review panel. The community equity council describes itself as working within ‘an intersectional framework and is made up of community members, Indigenous elders, and senior members of the Ottawa Police Service’. 

A report commissioned by the Service found that in 2022, police officers disportionately used force against Black and Middle Eastern people.

The new panel will study cases and suggest ways to improve training and procedures but the Service will not make those suggestions binding.

Those who fit the criteria for membership can apply here.

– Martha and Darren

STATS

Honorary Ottawan of the Day

• Lilian Wilson
• – The Kingston resident was recognized at the one millionth person to enter the Diefenbunker, just days after the Cold War museum’s 30th birthday. With 350 rooms, 75 feet below the surface, we hope that she was also the one millionth to leave. (Jackie Perez at CTV) 

Quote

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• What it said in the letter is not to use 911 paramedics to provide that service. Sometimes it’s what is said versus what is not said

• – Chief of the Ottawa Paramedic Service, Pierre Poirier, over the Province disallowing a plan to use taxis instead of ambulances for non-emergency patients. Poirier, who is disappointed by the cancellation, says there can be other options like community paramedics. (Blair Crawford in the Ottawa Citizen)

Sports

• 🏀 CEBL Ottawa BlackJacks 84 – Edmonton Stingers 92 last night
• ⚽ CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP  Atlético Ottawa 1 - Pacific FC 2 last night
• ⚾ FRONTIER Ottawa Titans 10 – Tri City ValleyCats 3 yesterday

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CITY HALL AGENDA

What’s going on at City Hall

Joint Transit Commission and Light Rail Sub-Committee
Friday, May 31 at 9:30 am

• Presentation - OC Transpo Update - Rail, Bus, and Para Transpo
• Cartridge Bearing Assembly Review
• Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project

📋 Agenda
 

Ottawa Investment Board
Friday, May 31 at 11:30 am

• Adoption of the Ottawa Investment Board Procedure By-law and Mandatory Policies for Boards
• Authorization to Hire a Consultant to Assist the Ottawa Investment Board Manage the Request for Proposal for an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer

📋 Agenda

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

💸 Parking Tickets

•  The City says that it cannot implement a system where parking fines are linked to a person’s income.  Capital ward councillor Shawn Menard (Not Mendez! Not Mendez!) asked staff to look into a sliding scale for fines, arguing that for a wealthy person, a low fine is merely a parking fee. Kim Ayotte, the general manager of emergency and protective services says the law does not allow fines to be based on income or a vehicle’s vallue but it would permit the City to lower the fine if it were to be a hardship on the violator. (Josh Pringle at CTV)

🚑 Used Cars 

•  A man who bought a used ambulance was charged for using the emergency lights on Hazeldean. The man, who bought the ambulance at a government auction in the Toronto area last month, said that he didn’t know that the lights were flashing. Additionally, he was charged by Ottawa Police with not having proper registration or licence plates. (William Eltherington at CTV)

🏫 Ottawa Carleton District School Board

•  Parents and students told the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board that it is not doing enough to protect Jewish students. Director of education Pino Buffone said that defining antisemitism was a ‘learning journey’ for the Board and ‘It is a work in progress for us’. (Rachelle Elsiufi at CBC)
  
  ➕ Related The Ottawa Catholic School Board has joined the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and nine other school districts in a lawsuit againt the parent companies of Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. The now $7.1 billion lawsuit claims ‘social media products, intentionally designed for compulsive use, have rewired the way children think, behave, and learn and educators within these boards/schools have been left to manage the fallout’.

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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

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Please use our easy event submission form

Today

•  🆓 Urban Art Collective’s Hintonburg Night Market is back for another summer season of Thursday night shopping and entertainment. The organizers are serious about curating a new experience each week, with musicians, entertainers, handmade things, food, and drink to start your weekend with a bang. The action’s at 1088 Somerset St. W, K1Y 3C7

•  🆓 Enriched Bread Artists present Atmosphere: Environment, Emotion, Exchange a new exhibition showcasing Canadian and South Korean artists. Visit tonight’s opening night event from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Trinity Gallery, Shenkman Arts Centre, or catch the show until August 6. 245 Centrum Blvd, Orléans K1E 0A1

•  Time is running out to bid on your favourite artist-transformed skateboard at the All Hands on Deck auction at Beyond the Pale Brewing. The auction ends at 8:00 pm Sunday and while you can see small versions online when you bid, it’s best to view all the boards in person now at the brewery.

•  Sparks Street gets sticky with Ottawa Ribfest, today through Sunday.

•  The hunt is on for Ottawa’s Next Drag Superstar. It’s Week 6 of the competition, with the remaining 12 contestants competing in the theme of The Art of Animation. It’s like Drag Race but better, because as the competition heats up you’ll be there in person, sweating, screaming, and supporting your favourite diva. From 8:00 pm at The Lookout Bar & Nightclub, 41 York St. (2nd Floor) K1S 7N5

•  Some people are great with business events and adore the networking. If you are not one of those people, listen up. GenNext Mix & Mingle: Own your Career will help you find your voice when pitching your business, job hunting, or simply expanding your network. Plus, there will be snacks by Foodworks and drinks from Top Shelf Distillers and Dominion City Brewing Co. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Impact Hub, 6th Floor, 123 Slater St. K1P 5H2. $15 per person.

•  Kino is a screening, a networking event, a discussion panel and a space to meet new people and find inspiration. $10 at the door. LIVE on Elgin, 220 Elgin St. K2P 1L7

•  ByTowne Cinema: Wicked Little Letters, Kanaval, Civil War

•  Mayfair Theatre: Wicked Little Letters, The Promised Land, Love Lies Bleeding

  Gigs

•  Run Coyote, Touch Grass, Jude Zappala. House of TARG

•  Salem Trials, Extinction AD, Black Dog,TruthTeller. Dominion Tavern

•  Dead Root Revival, Graven. Rainbow Bistro

•  Woods of Light. Art House Cafe

  Green Eyes, Witch Hands, 20 Eyes. LIVE on Elgin

  Amanda Keeley and Joe Robert. Overflow Brewing

Tomorrow

•  The Ottawa Chinatown Night Market is a celebration of Chinese food, culture, and community (May 31 - June 2). The food is the star, but you’ll also find artisans and performers as you wander the route (Chinatown between Bronson and Bell St. N).

•  Dogs are welcome at Bark in the Park: an Ottawa Titans game where your fur friend won't be turned away at the gate. Sponsored by Stray Dog Brewing Company.

•  🆓 Celebrate Summer Fair’s list of free activities is long: karaoke, live music, hot dog lunch. You’ll only pay for access to the paid ride zone ($25 for those aged three and up). Today and tomorrow at 2020 Ogilvie Road, K1J 7N8.

•  🆓 Launched in 1971, the Blackburn FunFair (today through Sunday June 2) always draws fun lovers from the area and beyond with its with field races, magic show, movie night, pancake breakfast, and other wholesome activities. But it’s the words ‘toilet bowl toss’ (Saturday at 11:00 am) that intrigue the ottawan the most. This sounds like a FunFair that will attract even those who think they don’t like fun fairs. 190 Glen Park Dr K1B 5A3

•  🆓 Manotick Village celebrates its history this weekend with Dickinson Days, a series of events marking the birth of village founder Moss Kent Dickinson. Come for the pancake breakfast and parade, and stay for the fireworks. Until Sunday.

•  Find yoga and fitness events inside Aberdeen Pavilion and eight other sites across Lansdowne Park at City of OM. Today and and Saturday June 1.

•  ByTowne Cinema: La passion de Dodin Bouffant (The Taste of Things), La chimera, The Great Escaper, Drunken Cinema: The Mummy.

•  Mayfair Theatre: Anselm Civil War, The Rocky Horror Picture Show

  Gigs

•  Nate Silva album release. Overflow Brewing

•  Hops & Heels drag night. Beyond the Pale

•  Beats n’ Keys. Montgomery Scotch Lounge

•  Fever Pitch Hot Jazz. Art House Café

•  Bassett and the Hound. Southside Tap & Grill

Saturday

•  🆓 Doors Open Ottawa weekend turns 22 this year and the heritage and architecture event is as popular as ever. Wandering the city’s finest and most intriguing buildings never gets old, nor does getting to meet the organisations housed inside. Whether the buildings are contemporary, were built in the 19th century, or an era sometime in between, these structures have stories to tell. Visits are available in person or online, and you'll need to register in advance for a few. 

•  🆓 Hey Babyface, if wrestling is your life, you need to go to Dr. Bob’s Wrestling Flea Market at Beyond the Pale. The memorabilia and merch is available starting at 2:00 pm. 250 City Centre Ave, Unit 108. K1R 6K7

•  🆓 Ottawa Music Industry Coalition unveiled City Sounds Live 2024, the fourth edition of the family-friendly music performances happening across Ottawa this June through September. Today’s launch event at Art Court’s Club SAW will coincide with Doors Open Ottawa, and as you explore the building and meet the arts organisations that call Arts Court home, enjoy the City Sounds live bands and DJs from noon to 4:00 pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase but the concert is entirely free.

•  🆓 It’s the Annual Spring Market edition of Cumberland Farmers’ Market. Today’s lineup includes vendors selling plants and seedlings for your garden, but you’ll also find fresh seasonal produce, decor and crafts. 1115 Chemin Dunning, Ottawa, ON K4C 1P6

•  If you think quilting is an old fashioned past time, you haven’t met Ottawa Modern Quilt Guild members. They’re holding a Show to celebrate their 10 years of existence on Sunday June 2 at which you can view some pretty cool quilts, ask questions and become truly inspired. To get early access to the show, buy tickets to tonight’s Opening Gala.

•  🆓 Red Trillium Studio Tour is a chance to meet artists where they are: in their own studios. You’ll also visit some lovely countryside as most of the studios are located in rural locations around West Ottawa.

•  Will Ottawa win ParticipAction’s Community Challenge for the title of Canada’s Most Active Community? Get involved from June 1 to 30 and our city could win $100K for local sport and physical activity programs. Sign up your company or yourself and get moving.

•  🆓 We’re late to this party but Ottawa Free Fitness lists activities that you can enjoy for free or at low cost. They cover everything from yoga to runs and hiking to cycling, and their list is constantly updated.

•  🆓 C'est Bon Ottawa is opening its doors for baking demos. 200 Dalhousie St. K1N 7C8

•  🆓 The Ottawa Chinatown Night Market continues. (Chinatown between Bronson and Bell St. N).

•  🆓 Dickinson Days continues in the village of Manotick.

•  Find yoga and fitness events inside Aberdeen Pavilion and eight other sites across Lansdowne Park at City of OM. 

•  Video Game Mansion’s new location in Chesterville officially opens at 9:00 am. 31 Main St N, North Dundas, ON K0C, Canada

•  ByTowne Cinema: The Movie Man with Director Q&A, Return to Reason: Four Films by Man Ray, The Great Escaper, Spirited Away (subtitled)

•  Mayfair Theatre: Civil War, Late Night with the Devil
  
  Gigs

•  School House, Hannah Vig. SAW Centre

•  Boston Levi, Bleeker. Overflow Brewing

•  Live Music Saturday: Cargo Cult. Broadhead Brewery

•  Good2go. Atomic Rooster

•  Good Kid. Bronson Centre

•  Atomic Love Bomb. Irene’s Pub Restaurant

Gird your treasure-hunting loins for battle, because it’s another big weekend for Community Garage Sales:

• More than 60 homes and businesses will be taking part in the Greely Community Sale.

• Manor Park Garage Sale isn’t just limited to the neighbourhood East of Rockcliffe Park. Surrounding areas are also getting involved in the community event, with food and drink available for purchase at the Manor Park Community Centre. 8:00 am to noon, rain or shine.

• The Kitchissippi Community Yard sale (8:00 am to 1:00 pm or later) encompasses Champlain Park, the Civic Hospital area, Hampton-Iona, Hintonburg, Island Park, McKellar Park, Mechanicsville, Wellington Village, and Westboro Beach. When you get tired of the perusing the treasures, there are myriad eating and drinking locations to build you back up. Rain date: tomorrow (Sunday June 2).

• Check out the list of more than 200 participating homes and businesses in the Riverside South Community Garage Sale.
   

Just Announced / Now Booking

• It’s an all Vivaldi program at Thirteen Strings’ final concert of the season, featuring guest Cellist Daniel Hamin Go. Sunday June 9 at allsaints event space. 330 Laurier Ave. E, K1N 6P9

•  Find out how some of the city’s most successful companies do it at the Ottawa Business Journal’s 2024 Fastest Growing Companies: Awards Cocktail. $55.66 per person. 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday June 11. Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Road K1Y 2C5.

• James Kennedy, William Prince, and Down with Webster have been added to the Blues Fest lineup.

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DEALS OF THE DAY

BUT, ONE MORE THING ...

Neil Saravanamuttoo in The 613 thinks that the Downtown Revitalization Task Force report, Envisioning a Great Downtown and the Ottawa Board of Trade’s action agenda, A Living Capital correctly assess what’s wrong with downtown Ottawa but don’t accurately offer solutions.

What really needs to happen, says Saravanamuttoo, is:

1. Work pro-actively with the NCC to transform Wellington Street and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway into world-class attractions.

2. Copy Calgary in funding a $50-100 million office-to-residential incentive programme. Ottawa could pay for that fund by cancelling the unnecessary $68 million widening of 3.5 km of the Airport Parkway between Brookfield Ave and Hunt Club Road.

3. Create a municipal incentive program to help landlords lease out underused space to creative types, as Denver did in the 1990s. Make working downtown cool again.

4. To pay for downtown revitalization, take a long hard look at the 14 largely-unnecessary road widening projects on which we will spend close to $1 billion in total.

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