The convoy: How quickly we became prisoners in our homes

 As I’m typing this, it’s early afternoon on a Sunday. I can hear cars and trucks honking in the distance. This has been the soundtrack to my weekend. On YouTube, people have been live-streaming what’s happening on Parliament Hill, as well as on the streets nearby. On social media, people

Lowertown be damned — we’re reducing harm!

 WARNING: This article contains language and scenes that some readers may find disturbing and offensive. (PHOTO: OLM STAFF) My cover story in the OLM summer issue was written in support of a fundraiser for the Shepherds of Good Hope that featured Kathleen Edwards. It began with an origin story set

Barrow Gang Buskers are singing a tune for Maison Libère-Elles

 Photo by Sean Sisk Local Rockabilly hipsters and heroes, the Barrow Gang Buskers who graced the Fall 2020 cover of Ottawa Life Magazine (on newsstands now) are up to their nefarious good deeds again. After a summer of busking and giving away their tip jars to multiple charities around the

Best of Ottawa 2020: Activists and changemakers

 ?After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss

Ottawa’s biggest and most colourful Capital Pride Parade to date

 Photos by Aaron Hemens The streets of Centretown were flooded with a wide variety of colourful scenes and individuals on Sunday, Aug. 26, as thousands of people from all walks of life came together to celebrate the 2018 Capital Pride parade, the finale to the weeklong festival of Pride celebrations.

Government Slow to Take Action on Opioid Crisis

 The official numbers aren’t out yet, but the number of opioid-related deaths in Canada in 2017 is expected to have surpassed 4,000, reports the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). This is yet another significant increase in opioid-related deaths, up from a record 2,861 deaths in 2016. Supervised injection sites

Challenging Social Stigmas Through Art

 Photo by Amedeo De Pretto Pop culture has familiarized us with the image of the young, starving artist, furiously labouring away at the next potential magnum opus inside a grim studio devoid of all but art supplies and unfinished pieces. Yet, isn’t the art world all about connections, social status,

Hope Volleyball Summerfest: Serving Up a Win for Charity

 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,

Giving Charitable Brands a Helping Hand

 For a charity, sometimes having your heart in the right place isn’t enough. No matter how much good work you do, not having the right look can hold back potential volunteers and donations. That’s why local creative agency McMillan is offering to help one Ottawa charity develop a new, re-energized