Rallies for Palestine Fail to Win Hearts and Minds

 In December, I attended the rally for the Jewish People on Parliament Hill and wrote about it here. At that point, Israel’s retaliatory attack on Hamas in the Gaza Strip had been underway for about two months. I readily admit that I am pro-Israel, and while the current suffering of

Exploring Ottawa: A Guide to the Capital’s Top Attractions and Activities

 Ottawa, the picturesque capital city of Canada, is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its stunning architecture to its captivating museums and lush parks, Ottawa offers a myriad of attractions that cater to visitors of all interests. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or

Melissa Lantsman – A Woman of Consequence

 Melissa Lantsman has taken the House of Commons by storm. One of Parliament’s quickest-rising Conservative voices, she was elected MP for the Thornhill constituency in 2021 and appointed deputy opposition leader by Pierre Poilievre in 2022. Lantsman’s story is typical of someone who grew up interested in politics, but her

Struggling to make sense of how our city lost control

 When typing this article, the occupation of truck drivers is still happening. Despite Ottawa and Ontario being under a state of emergency, nothing has changed. Outside of issuing tickets and a few arrests, The Ottawa Police continue to do nothing besides watching others take over our city. Our mayor continues

Life in Ottawa: 4 ways to spend your weekend in the capital

 If you are a native of Ottawa, Canada, or you are visiting this great city for the first time, there are many ways you can make your weekends. You can opt for a live streaming game room at home or go for a hike in the woods. There is a

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

Head outside and visit Ottawa’s great gardens

 Now that the Gatineau bridge checkpoints have been lifted, and the NCC parks are loosening their visiting rules, a visit to the Ottawa region’s gardens seems like a great idea to get out of the house, and maybe go for a socially-distant walk with a friend. Last August, I visited

What to do when in Ottawa

 Ottawa is Canada’s capital city, and as in any capital city there is plenty to see and do while visiting there. No matter what time of year, you will always find something to do and see while on vacation here. But if you are looking for something special to check

Ottawa’s top New Year’s destinations

 Sun turned to slow early this year, and you only have to look out of the window to know that the holiday season will soon be upon us. Preparations for Christmas are already underway across Ottawa, Canada and the world. But there’s something equally important to think about just a

You Know it’s Summer in Ottawa When…

 Feature photo credit: Anna Jonas A heat wave is about to hit the National Capital Region this weekend cementing that summer is officially here! Besides the heat, here are a few other classic, tell-tale signs that the hot season has graced the city. You just know it’s summer in Ottawa

Unplug to Connect with Boys and Girls Clubs

 Photos Courtesy of Boys and Girls Clubs Canada What if unplugging from our devices actually enabled us to feel more closely connected to those around us? Real People. Real Connections. This is precisely the type of forward thinking with which the Boys and Girls Clubs’ most recent initiative, Unplug to

Did Ottawa Really Need Another Skating Rink?

 Photo by Emily Kathen 2017 in Ottawa was a year full of excitement. From the Red Bull Crashed Ice championship, to the fire-breathing La Machine, to the 150th Grey Cup Festival, Ottawa was the place to be to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation, and unsurprisingly held the number one

100 Youth Join MPs on Parliament Hill to Witness Democracy in Action

 By Jared Morrow / Images by Ben Welland—byfield-pitman photography “Youth In Office made me realize the importance of sharing my voice and knowing that I have the right to make decisions in this world,” said Boys and Girls Club staff member Tamika Malcolm, in a recent interview. “Now I have

How to Eh Your Way on Canada Day

 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 and events! Like a good sunscreen,

Winter Hot Spots in Ottawa

 Though we are all dreading the short days and cold nights that come along with the winter, the National Capital Region is host to many fun spots ideal for hitting up during the colder months. Whether you want to engage in some winter sports, take in some entertainment or enjoy

The Undead Are Coming!

 All photos by Andre Gagne. With broken, battered bodies they walk the streets. Their hungry moans can be heard for blocks. Many are calling out for “brains” but most would probably settle for a pumpkin spice latte. They are the undead –or at least a reasonable facsimile of the undead–

A Capital-to-Capital Wine and Cheese Pairing

 All photos by Ali Matthews. When you think of Israel, wine is not typically the first thing that comes to mind. However, the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) and Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) are using Israeli wines to not only educate decision-makers, but also strengthen Canada-Israel relations.

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

Watershed Moment

 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been actively putting forward a different approach to governance: one that champions transparency, freshness, action, something that says this time it’s different. One of his ministers in particular, seems to be the embodiment of that sentiment. There’s a positive vibe when entering Environment Minister Catherine

Society Salon Celebrates Grand Opening

 The newest blow dry bar and salon to come to downtown Ottawa celebrated their grand opening in front of city officials, longstanding clientele and friends on Tuesday. Standing outside the Sparks Street location, Society Salon owner Stefania Capovilla unveiled the new blow dry bar featuring two blow dry chairs and

Your Guide to Doors Open Ottawa

 This weekend, the doors swing open on more than 130 of the city’s historically, culturally and functionally significant buildings. Heritage houses and government offices alike will be unlocked for Ottawan's public viewing pleasure. We have selected a few of the many buildings that we think are essential stops on your journey

Budget Day 2016

 Ever wish you were a journalist working on Parliament Hill? In the slideshow below, celebrated photographer Jean-Marc Carisse captures the excitement of Budget Day 2016. [wzslider height="600" transition="'slide'"]

The Early Days of Ottawa: Not a Handsome City

 Painting showing the Sapper's Bridge and Lowertown around 1845. The big street going off to the left is Rideau Street. Painted by Thomas Burrowes, he added himself into the scene, painting away on what would be Parliament Hill today - Archives on Ontario C-1-0-0-0-11 McCord Museum MP-0000.25.887 Ottawa has undergone

Before Bytown – Part 1

 Sketch of the Ottawa River and Rideau Falls in 1826. At this point, they’re still untouched, and looked pretty much the same as they did when Champlain passed them. (Archives of Ontario, I0002118)  Ottawa’s story starts with the river that gave it its name. Of course, it wasn’t always called the

5 Great places to have Christmas Dinner in Ottawa

 In households across Ottawa, the holiday season will be marked with tree decorating, present wrapping, and of course, plenty of good eating. For those of you who love a good Christmas dinner, but aren’t in the mood to cook, we’ve compiled a list of some great restaurants serving up festive