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Monday, February 7, 2022

The Ottawan

 

HELLO OTTAWA  

Two quotes lead us off – which one is the more nonsensical?

“I think that we’ll like to know when there will be an end to COVID. What was the detailed plan to end COVID? That was an unprecedented pandemic” – Ottawa Police Services chief at the emergency Police Services Board meeting Saturday on being asked by councillor Carol Anne Meehan what this plan is to stop the honking in residential areas.

or

“An honest broker on both sides to find common ground, if that's possible“ – Mayor Jim Watson, on CFRA radio this morning asking the Federal Government to appoint a mediator as he feels there are two sides to the occupation, and some common ground to be found.

This did not lend itself to a third quote, but, the solictor general of Ontario said that other day that 1,500 Ontario Provincial Police officers had been sent to Ottawa. Today, asked by media, he clarified that it was not 1,500 officers but 1,500 person-hours. In reality, it meant 125 - 350 officer per day for the past week

On Friday, it was revealed that during the first weekend of the Trucker convoy, Ottawa Police hired Navigator, an elite crisis management firm, to ‘"assist the Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Police Services Board with communication/community engagement support on the first weekend of the demonstrations." 

On Saturday, the City declared a State of Emergency, which does not give the City many powers but does allow some loosening of the rules that City officials must obey. (Fun fact: the Premier can cancel a state of emergency called by any mayor.)

One of the biggest embarrassments to the City and to the Police was the occupation of Confederation Park, where the Truckers had set up a wooden commisary.

So there was a grand show of force on Saturday night, when many Ottawa Police officers, some with machine guns, came and cleared out the park. Chief Sloly told CFRA radio this morning that the clear out was in fact negoitated.

Which was no surprise, as people shared this video on Saturday night of the Ottawa Police giving an escort to the wooden structure to its new location on at the City-owned baseball field, where the truckers now have their logistical base.

Sunday night was also a show of the Ottawa Police collecting jerry cans of fuel from people bringing it into downtown. However, as of today, that enforcement seems to have stopped.

So where are we today, Monday? Largely where we were on Friday, but a couple of set pieces over the weekend giving the impression that Ottawa's leadership is doing something at all.

We'll see you tomorrow – Martha and Darren


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

VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day, if you weren’t aware, is one week today. If you don’t feel prepared, worry not. There are still a few days to order a thoughtful and romantic gift or meal to enjoy with your honey, or to reserve a table at one of Ottawa or Gatineau’s wonderful restaurants. 

▪️Zolas' Valentine’s Day heat and eat romantic 4 Course Dinner For Two ($89.69) features Seafood Stew, Salad, Chicken Parmigiana or Blackened or Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and Chocolate Mousse or Tiramisu. Available for pickup or delivery February 12th, 13th, and 14th. If you prefer to dine in, the Zola’s Valentine’s Dinner features Penne Chicken Cacciatore or Grilled 12 oz Veal Chop, started, and dessert, for $69 per person. 

▪️The Ottawa Artisans A Little Bit of Love Virtual Market finishes tonight at 9:00pm, offering the work of over 170 artisans and gifts for every budget. We spotted a satin lavender-scented eye pillow for $15, a stunning air plant terrarium for $145, and lots of other locally sourced gifts in all price ranges.

▪️Head to the V Hotel in Gatineau for a romantic staycation in a Trendy or Executive room, and enjoy a souvenir gift, two glasses of sparkling wine, chocolates, breakfast, and a three course table d’hôte dinner from on site restaurant Bistro Rumeur, all delivered to your room. From $350. Call 1-888-785-4117 to reserve the package. 

▪️If you and your person are more whisky-oriented than hearts and flowers, a table at the Deacon Brodies A Sweet Valentine from the Highlands might be more your style. Book your spots in advance and then head to the pub on Sunday February 13th, where the malt whisky tasting will kick off at 4:00pm. It costs $59 per person and you can book by emailing info@deaconbrodies.ca.

▪️The table d’hôte menu at La Squadra (114 Rue Montcalm Gatineau) will possibly require a loosening of the belt: it's a traditional Italian meal including Sweet Potato Soup, Tuna Carpaccio, Spaghetti with Prawns starter, Braised Lamb Shank, and Lemon Sorbet. And you don’t even have to wait until Valentine’s Day, as it’s available on February 11th, 12th, and 14th. La Squadra is also offering takeaway boxes that include a sommelier-recommended bottle of wine. Book a table or takeaway box at 819-525-4505. 

▪️Order by Wednesday (February 9th) to enjoy the Meatings Valentine’s Day menufor two, which features Smoked Beef Short Ribs, Fondant Potatoes, glazed carrots, a Caesar salad, and four assorted macarons from Petits Macarons. $85. 


Things To Do

▪️Nita Beer Co announced that the brewery and its customers have raised $950 for Shepherds of Good Hope. The brewery has a trio of new beers heading down the pipeline: Berliner Weisse, Pineapple Sour, and Raspberry Sour will be appearing soon. If you love Tears of a Sasquatch Coconut Espresso Stout and Gut Schmecken Summer Session IPA, better hurry down, as these are running out fast. 

▪️Registration for April sewing classes at the Green Needle has now opened. Choose from Sewing Basics, Clothing Alteration, Beginner Sewing for Kids, and Intermediate Sewing for Kids. The eight week Sewing Basics on Monday Evenings for example, costs $375 and covers everything from learning how to operate a sewing machine to hand sewing techniques and reading patterns. 


February Sales

▪️According to the company’s website, 90% of m0851’s cashmere and leather coats, bags, and accessories are manufactured in Montreal, and until February 9th you’ll find an additional 10% off sale items. 

▪️Save 25% on selected styles at Message Factory. We spotted a green short-sleeved dress (spring is coming!) for $39.99, down from $95, and a great range of other spring and summer items for under $50. If you can’t decide what to buy, the Mystery Box includes two Made-in-Quebec items in your size, selected by staff, for $49.99. 

 

STATS

Weather: ☀️ Sunny. 30% chance of flurries overnight. High of -2°, low of -9°. 

Number: 14%. The per centage of all homes sold for over $1 million in Ottawa in January. [CTV]

Ottawan of the Day:  Anne McAllister. McAllister, who has a rare and devasting cardiac condition, inspired doctors at the Ottawa Heart Institute to publish the first international guidelines for diagnosing the condition. The Insititute's Cardiac Sarcoidosis Clinic now refers 100 patients per year. [CTV

Quote: ‘On behalf of all Americans, Canada, let me just say, sorry’ – Late Show host Stephen Colbert, on the Confederate flag being brandished at the Trucker protest and Americans donating to the protests’ GoFundMe. [CBC]

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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Information is as of this morning. Changes are relative to yesterday.
 

ONTARIO

hospitalizationschangein icuchange
2,155? -75486? 0
caseschangedeaths
1,056,149?2,08811,836 ? 11
  
? Eligible people vaccinated with one dose (5+)88.6% 
? Eligible people vaccinated with two doses (5+)83.8%


Ontario COVID Page    Ontario Vaccine Rates 

QUEBEC

hospitalizationschangein icuchange
2,425?14178?1
caseschangedeaths
883,192?2,24013,495 ? 20
? Eligible people vaccinated with one dose (5+)90.9%
? Eligible people vaccinated with two doses (5+)85%


Quebec COVID Page     Quebec Vaccine Rates



OTTAWA

hospitalizationschangein icuchange
58? -711? 2
cases changedeaths
59,579?166

715 ? 7

? Eligible people vaccinated with one dose (5+)

910,335 (92%)
? Eligible people vaccinated with two doses (5+)859,864 (87%)
? Eligible people vaccinated with three doses (18+)527,257 (62%)


Ottawa Public Health     Ottawa Vaccination Rates.    Ottawa Wastewater 
 

OUTAOUAIS 

hospitalizationschangein icuchange
54? -39?1
caseschangedeaths
33,608?122271 ? 2
  


As of February 1, 2022 Updated Weekly

? Eligible people vaccinated with one dose (12+) 89%
? Eligible people vaccinated with two doses (12+)86.4%


Outaouais Public Health    Quebec Vaccination Rates
 

EASTERN ONTARIO HEALTH UNIT

The Health Unit is changing the way they report. In the meantime, they are reporting only selected information. 

hospitalizationschangein icuchange
35? -49? 0
active caseschangedeaths
-? -?172


Eastern Ontario Health Unit.   Daily Stats  

 

COVID-19 NEWS

⭕ The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says people who have two doses of COVID-19 but test positive can get a booster shot three months later.  [Global]

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WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

▪️Petrie Island in Orléans has the largest ice-fishing village in Eastern Ontario. One hundred and twenty ice-huts can reliably be found on the Ottawa River here. Fish caught are pike, perch, and walleye. [CTV

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