February, February 4, 2022

HELLO OTTAWA  

Reader Monique asked us on Monday if we were just ignoring the Convoy protest, and we wrote back to her saying we considered it a traffic issue, and that was hard to gin up any smart commentary about that. We did not think we'd still be writing about it only five days later, nor would it show such cracks in the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Police Services leadership.  

With the abandonment of downtown by City officials, residents have taken to organizing their own responses.

▪️Councillors Shawn Menard, Catherine McKenney, and Jeff Leiper are inviting citizens on Community Safety walks throughout the weekend, to support local businesses that are experiencing extra challenges at this time. It starts daily at 11 am in Centretown

▪️Ottawa Centre MPP Joel Harden is hosting a virtual town hall at 7 pm to hear about all the community resources and organizing being done to support one another and how people can get involved and support. 

▪️The major Counter Protest is being organized for tomorrow at 2 pm at City Hall. 

▪️An Ontario insurance expert made some important points on Twitter. Commercial vehicles are violating the terms of their liability insurance when they take part in a protest, which in the event of an accident or incident would make the City liable for damages.

The Ministry of Transportation can sieze any commercial vehicle who does not have valid insurance. This also applies to any farm vehicle, such as those that are alleged to be travelling up from Alexandria to Ottawa.

The expert says, ‘It’s like being arrested by your accountant.’

The only flaw is that it requires a government official to act.

▪️At today's press conference, Police Chief Peter Sloly once again reiterated that people must make complaints through official channels, social media doesn't count. Residents can report hate crimes to 613 236 1222 ext. 5015. Other crimes can be reported to 613-236-1222 ext. 7300.

▪️The press conference also confirmed that the RCMP has been asked to help, which has been granted. Ottawa Police said they plan a ‘surge and contain’ plan but didn't have specifics. Chief Sloly denied that Ottawa Police officers had been facilitating fuel and food deliveries but would not take follow-up questions about video evidence.

▪️The City also confirmed that it has been supplying portapotties for the protestors. 

▪️Since yesterday, the Convoy protestors built a wooden structure that is intended as a food kitchen in Confederation Park. Mayor Jim Watson called it ‘stupid’ and ‘dangerous’, however nothing was done to prevent it. It's still there.

▪️Ottawa ByLaw officers have issued over 2,164 parking tickets since January 28, but only 115 in the so-called Red Zone. These have been tickets served on residents not protestors.

We'll see you Monday – Martha and Darren

? Is there something that Ottawa should know about? Email to us at [email protected]. We read every single comment.

SOMETHING ELSE FOR THE WEEKEND

▪️The Mayfair Theatre wants to know if any of Ottawa’s many film lovers have ever tried the Mayfair-Skate-The-Canal-Bytowne Double-Bill Challenge. It’s pretty much what it says on the tin: enjoy a movie at the Mayfair (1074 Bank Street) then head to the Canal and get your skates on, finally arrive at the ByTowne Cinema (325 Rideau Street) some time later to enjoy another film. If you’ve done it, or you plan to, we salute you.

▪️Wood furniture maker Foris has sadly closed permanently, however, there are some pieces remaining for sale on their website. This is a rare chance to find a one-of-a-kind coffee table at a reduced price. 

▪️Vegan bakery Little Jo Berry’s Valentine’s Day menu includes the perfect sweet for the indecisive: the Valentine’s By The Slice Cake includes one slice each of Death by Chocolate, Salted Caramel Cinnamon Ripple, Strawberry Vanilla, and Oreo Cookies and Milk, for $50. If you like a surprise, the Valentine’s Box ($30) is a staff pick of six delectable treats that might include donuts, pop tarts, or cookies, and you can get it in a gluten free version too. 

▪️Thyme and Again’s Valentine Day menu is available for one or more loveable people, and can be ordered until February 7th. Couples and parties of a few more might like one of the V Day Platters: Choose from the V Day Vegetables, Pita Chips & Dips ($60-$90), the V Day Local Charcuterie & Artisan Cheese ($125), and the V Day Local Artisan Cheese ($100). Or choose a gift box for yourself or someone special; each is packed with edible treats, a Heart Month card, and something special. ($36-80). Thyme and Again is also taking donations of non-perishable food for Cornerstone and High Jinx. Drop off at either location. 

▪️Sunday lunch/dinner alert: Are you hankering for a proper sit down meal to end the weekend on a happy note? Eldon’s Pantry in Carp has a lovely takeout meal featuring Bone-In Pork Roast, with roasted potatoes, veggies, mustard sauce, and bread for dipping. It's $30 per portion ($15 for a kid’s portion) and it’s available this Sunday. Bread pudding with clotted cream and maple syrup is available for an extra $6 per slice. You must order by tomorrow (Saturday February 5th) at 12:00pm. Pick up is Sunday between 12:00pm and 4:00pm. They’ll be presenting a new classic Sunday roast each week. Call 613-839-6568 or email [email protected] to order.

STATS

Weather: ❄️ 40% chance of flurries. High of -9°, low of -21°. 

Number: 3. Ottawa's place on a list of Sexiest Cities in Canada. Calgary is number one, Toronto is number nine. Our down-the-road neighbour Pembroke is the second Sexiest Town. (Colwood, BC, is number one). [To Do Canada]

Ottawans of the Day:  Ellen Odai Alie, Director of Medical Imaging; Dr. Janine Malcolm, Endocrinologist;. Dr. Alfredo E Walker, Forensic Pathologist; and Dr. Meshach Asare-Werehene, Immuno-Oncology Researcher and Part-Time Professor. In a recognition of Black History Month, the Ottawa Hospital is celebrating these four medical professionals from the hospital who have made history in their fields.   [Ottawa Hospital] 

Quote: ‘My jaw just kind of hit the floor’ – Dave Murphy, upon being reunited with former Ottawa paramedic Joanne Overton McGregor. Murphy was stabbed 13 times outside of Bayshore Shopping Centre in the 90s and put out a call last April to find out who saved him. [CTV]

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

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

ONTARIO

Ontario COVID Page    Ontario Vaccine Rates 

QUEBEC

Quebec COVID Page     Quebec Vaccine Rates

OTTAWA

Ottawa Public Health     Ottawa Vaccination Rates.    Ottawa Wastewater 
 

OUTAOUAIS 

As of February 1, 2022 Updated Weekly

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. 

Eastern Ontario Health Unit.   Daily Stats  

COVID-19 NEWS

⭕ Ten Ottawa Police Service officers have refused to become vaccinated and have been put on unpaid leave. Officers who have only had one dose of COVID-19 vaccine are still on duty, despite a requirement to be fully vaccinated by January 31.  [CBC]

⭕ Starting next Monday, residents of long-term care can have four people designated as caregivers, up from two people. However, they will still be limited to two caregivers visiting at one time. [CBC]

⭕ Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore says that the vaccine passport should include booster shots to be considered fully vaccinated. Moore says that two doses are suitable for reducing symptoms but do not prevent transmission of COVID-19, whereas the booster shot does. Premier Doug Ford has said that he does not want to add booster shots to the passpot. [CTV]
 

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

▪️The Canadian Premier League and the Canadian Elite Basketball League have announced their 2022 schedules. Atlético Ottawa returns April 9 with a home match at TD Place against Cavalry, from Calgary. The BlackJacks start their year May 25 at TD Arena against Fraser Valley Bandits. Ottawa will also host the Canadian Elite Basketball League championship weekend August 10 - 14. [Ottawa Sun] 

▪️The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee has voted to allow light-industrial, logistics and distribution-warehouse near the Boundary Road interchange of Highway 417. Developers will be required to explain how the drinking water – which is near capacity in the area – will not be affected. The full council will need to approve the zoning change next Wednesday. [City of Ottawa]

▪️An activist shareholder wants a new board at cannabis company Hexo. The Gatineau-based firm has seen its share price drop 90 per cent in the past 12 months. The two per cent owner wants five new directors, including himself, on the eight person board. [Ottawa Business Journal]


            

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