Ottawa’s Potent Presence in the Rio Olympics

 More than 314 Canadians are competing in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Here is a breakdown of some of the competing athletes that have come through Ottawa. The Ottawa Rowing Club was founded in 1867, which makes it the oldest rowing club in Canada. The club is known for

Ottawa Welcomes the Colourful Alt Hotel to the Nation’s Capital

 You would never guess that the Alt Hotel in Ottawa was having their grand opening Tuesday; dozens of guests were already staying at the hotel and enjoying some of the amenities offered in the café and lounge. In fact, the Alt Hotel Ottawa has been accepting guest for the past

Letter to the Editor: Paul Champagne on the Attawapiskat Crisis

 This letter to the editor from Baynes Lake resident Paul Champagne outlines a strategy for improving conditions in Attawapiskat, a Northern Ontario First Nation suffering under a recent suicide crisis that has put it in the national media spotlight. You can read the full letter, sent on April 23, below:

Some of History’s Greatest Thinkers Were a Little Bit Insane

 Edgar Allan Poe, photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.    It has been said that there is a fine line between genius and insanity. The link between the two is not absolute, but some scientific studies suggest the two are interconnected. Mental health research claims that individuals experiencing various states of

The Safe Water Project: Clean Water for the Community

 Above: The Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence All photos courtesy of Keewaytinook Okimakanak The issue of drinking water and boiling water advisories in First Nations communities has been a prominent concern for many years. A report released by the Council of Canadians indicated that as of January 2015 there were 169 drinking water advisories in 126

Could This Be Your Shot?

 Round five of Slaight Music’s annual talent search kicks off August 1, and this year’s “It’s Your Shot” is offering up a huge opportunity for Canadian musicians. The prize, which includes promotion from Maple Music Recordings, a professional photo session, an artist website and the chance to perform at a

Meet Country Super Star Myria Webber

 All photos by Paul Couvrette. Myria Webber, a 20-year-old crooning Canadian country singer-songwriter, is all about the Nashville sound while keeping her French- Canadian influence. Born and raised in Quebec, Webber has been singing and performing live since the age of seven. With a history in the music business— both

Reflections

 I have often paddled my imaginary canoe Along turbulent streams of life And during solitary travels My peace was shattered by a vexed view Of man's greed, jealousy and strife Struggling against adversity I was transported back in time To an ancient voyage Taken by a forgotten traveller Whose birth

The Natural Way: Native Artist Peter Bighetty

 For native artist Peter Bighetty, art begins with a memory. Hailing from Nelson House, Manitoba, Bighetty’s family is originally from Pukatawagan Cree Nation. “Growing up, I was always fishing, trapping, and hunting, out and about in the wilderness. That’s where I get the ideas for most of my paintings,” Bighetty

The Strumbellas on music, tour life and making it big

 Photo credit: Heather Pollock “I know I’m supposed to say my favourite part of being on tour is meeting the fans,” says the Strumbellas frontman Simon Ward. “But really it’s trying all the different food from everywhere we travel.” If I wasn’t a fan of the Strumbellas before, you can bet

Five Things Most People Get Wrong About Canada’s Health-Care System

 By Kathleen O’Grady and Noralou Roos A recent court challenge before the British Columbia Supreme Court threatened to change the rules of the game for the Canadian health-care system—should the challenge have made its way to the Supreme Court of Canada and found success there. Dr. Brian Day of the

In Honour of Jim Flaherty

 (December 30, 1949 – April 10, 2014) Ottawa Life Magazine extends our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of the Honourable Jim Flaherty. He was a great Public Servant and a great Canadian.  SUCCESS He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much: who has

How to Overcome Excuses

 Great people throughout history often fail, quite miserably, before finally reaching their goals, says international business strategist Dan Waldschmidt. “Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime; Winston Churchill lost every public election until becoming prime minister at age 62; Henry Ford went bankrupt five times; Albert Einstein was