The Anniversary of the ‘Roaring Lion’ Portrait

 It’s easy for pedestrians on Wellington Street to journey from the Château Laurier past the Parliament Buildings blissfully unaware of the direct connection between the two edifices and the most iconic photograph of the 20th century. On December 30, 1941 Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh captured the wartime spirit of Sir

The other Karsh picture.

 ABOVE: Norman Levine’s portrait, taken at night by Karsh's "touch-up" assistant. (RIGHT) The famous Winston Churchill portrait by Yousuf Karsh.  By John Delacourt The Chateau Laurier’s manager Genevieve Dumas called it “a brazen act.” Somebody managed to walk in, unobserved, into the reading lounge of this historic hotel in downtown Ottawa, extract

Ottawa’s Neighbourhoods: Downtown Ottawa

 From the Parliament buildings south to the 417, we are looking at downtown Ottawa. This is the part of the city that makes Ottawa really feel like a major capital, from the centres of industry tucked into skyscrapers, to the most iconic historic halls of politics in the city, especially Parliament

Editorial: Changing votes on the planning commitee don’t get my vote

 Photo via flickr Did Stephen Maher start it, with his condescending piece in Macleans when he blamed people like me living in suburban Ottawa for the fiasco that allowed the Chateau reno to proceed as is? Maybe. Four days later, Capital Ward Coun. Shawn Menard launched the idea that Ottawa’s

Look out Château Laurier addition…here comes Tom Green

 We’re all ready to go at Yuk Yuk's this past Wednesday night, the third week of the Mike MacDonald Summer Comedy Competition. The mic has been checked and the room is set for a sold out show. The audience starts filing in at 7:30pm for the 8:30pm show. Tonight is

LeBreton Flats part deux, the Château Laurier and a ‘let them eat cake’ attitude by public servants

 Photo: RendezVous proposal for LeBreton (supplied by RendezVous LeBreton Group) After managing and overseeing the LeBreton Flats debacle, The National Capital Commission (NCC) sent out a notice in June in what appears to be LeBreton Part Deux. Apparently, it will “be open to a flexible real estate strategy to increase

Stupid is As Stupid Does for Chateau Laurier Extension and Ottawa Citizen Editorial Board

 The Citizen Editorial Board is supposed to represent the citizens’ perspective in Ottawa. They have completely lost their way. It’s pretty obvious to see the failings of Postmedia in Canada, which owns the Citizen and coordinates the majority of its news from offices in downtown Toronto. How else can one explain

Inuit Art: Traditional Yet Contemporary

 At the 2017 Venice Biennale, an exhibition which shows the best contemporary art from around the world, Inuit artist Kananginak Pootoogook’s work was displayed. It was a first for the Inuit art community. Inuit art has been popular internationally for decades, but this was the first time it was included

Centretown Profile

 Photo credit: Creative Commons Centretown is what some might consider to be the ByWard Market’s older sibling. Not because it is physically or geographically older than the other, but rather, because of the crowd it attracts. To put this into perspective, if the Market’s nightlife draws 19-24 years olds, then

Life Animated! Top Picks for OIAF 2017

 Ottawa Life’s Festival City Series is back! We'll provide a unique look at some of your favourite events. We’ll go beyond the music with artist interviews, volunteer profiles, concert reviews and spotlights on the tastes, sights and sounds of the festival season.  Your city! Your festivals! Like a good sunscreen, Ottawa Life

Enjoy Brunch Elevated at Copper Spirits and Sights

 Photos by Ali Matthews Brunch is a sacred space. Anyone can share a meal, but brunching is uniquely indulgent. The food is rich and comforting and the conversation is thoughtful and relaxed. While Ottawa has an established brunch scene from the casual Art-Is-In Bakery, the familiar Stone Face Dolly’s, to

A Month in Ottawa with Justina McCaffrey: October – November, 2016

 Feature Image: Derek Reidle, Justina McCaffrey, Senator Rick Santorum, Scotty Greenwood and Michael Barrett at the Canadian American Business Council Event. PhotoCredit: Giovanni Join Ottawa Life's Justina McCaffrey as she showcases events around the city each month. Highlighted with pictures of some of the city elite, you'll feel like you

Trump vs Clinton: Where to Watch the Election Throw-down in O-town!

 No matter what side you stand on, Republican or Democrat, Trump or Clinton, the bulk of us Canucks can at least stand in solidarity with the U.S. on one thing when it comes to tomorrow's election: we're happy it will be over. The Nasty Woman/Bad Hombre pairing was a popular Halloween

Controversial Contemporary Expansion Proposed for Iconic Château Laurier

 All photos supplied by Larco Investments Ltd. Anyone walking into the Fairmont Château Laurier Ballroom is wowed by the splendour of the renaissance-styled room. High ceilings and elaborate chandeliers take one back into a time of opulence. Peep through the tall arched windows and see… a parking lot? Larco Investments

ACE/Clear Defense Inc is proving a smashing point

 Peter Fabian likes to beat on a plate of glass now wand then with a baseball bat to see if he can shatter it. Sometimes, He'll even fire a bullet into it. The glass may crack, but it holds firm. Fabian is out to prove a smashing point.  Fabian is