🍻 The former Royal Canadian Air Force mess hall on Gloucester Street has received heritage status over the Department of National Defence’s objection. The hall was built in 1919 by well-known architect Robert Holmes for the Orange Order, and later bought by the Air Force for use as an officer’s mess hall. The Department’s objection over heritage status was both because, as a Federal building, it should not be subject to municipal rules and because the Department had let it deteriorate to such an extent that it was no longer usable.   – Josefine Lukaszek at Capital Current 

 

🆘 A new agency to oversee homeless and addictions services is being discussed by a City committee today. City staff have recommended to the City’s community services committee that Ottawa’s community and social services department be combined with the Ottawa Police Service’s community outreach initiatives. Somerset ward councillor Ariel Troster says that under the current system, ‘the same person might be helped by five different agencies’ in the same day.  – Cameron Mahler at CBC 

🎭⁠ If you’re looking for a volunteer job with no strings attached, these positions are not for you. The biennial Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival is seeking a vice chair of the board and a communication lead for the popular event in Almonte August 8 and 9. Details are here.  – Facebook

🗳️ City Hall Election 2026 

• Assumed mayoral candidate Neil Saravanamuttoo has a message on how he would create a ‘City Hall that puts residents first’.

• Joanne Chianello discusses why she wants to be Kitchissippi’s next city councillor.

• Stittsville ward councillor Glen Gower posted on Saturday, ‘[w]hen I first ran eight years ago ... I said I would only serve two terms’. He’s keeping his word and won’t run again this year, after his second term ends.

THE OTTAWAN treats all candidates equally, regardless of political outlook. If you see an interview or statement by someone running for office that we have missed, please let us know at ‘hello@theottawan.com’.

MONDAY

• Hear community radio direct from one of Ottawa’s coolest local businesses this morning as CKCU broadcasts from Art House from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. (In person in Centretown West or online)  

• You love D&D but you don’t have time for a weekly campaign; the King’s Gambit one-session D&D game at Level One Game Pub is for you. 

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: The Love that Remains, Kokohu 

• Mayfair Theatre: My Father’s Shadow, A Mighty Wind, Scum of the Earth  

Gigs

• Karaoke. Atomic Rooster

TUESDAY

• The all-volunteer run Play Hard Productions presents Sherlock Holmes and the Locked Room at the Gladstone Theatre until February 28. 

• 🆓 Enjoy networking, a panel discussion, and fine food by Chef Ric's at Legacy in Motion: Black History Month Community Showcase. The event will connect Ottawa’s diverse African/Caribbean/Black youth with local Black-owned business leaders and graduates from the Ottawa Mission’s Food Services and Maintenance Services Training Programs. It's free, but you must book your ticket. Montgomery Legion Hall, 330 Kent St (Downtown)

• No partner?  That's no problem at Red Maple Blues’ Blues and Brews night in Beyond the Pale's upstairs room at its 21 George St taproom. Come early and grab dinner at the brewery, then head upstairs at 7:00 pm for a beginner blues dancing lesson, followed by a social dance.  (ByWard Market) 

Cinema

• Bytowne Cinema: Kokuho, Twin Peaks Day: Season 1 - Pilot & Episode 2 

• Mayfair Theatre: My Father’s Shadow, Hamnet, City On Fire 

Gigs

• Julianna Riolino, Kassi Valazza. The 27 Club

• Trivia Tuesday. Moose McGuire’s (Hunt Club)

• Tuesday Arcade - Unlimited Games. House of TARG

• Daniel Caesar. Canadian Tire Centre

WEDNESDAY

• Doors Open for Music at Southminster presents Hopewell Showcase VIII, in which students of Hopewell Elementary School, directed by Marya Woyiwada, share their considerable musical talents. (Old Ottawa South)  

• 🆓 It’s ever more challenging to hold a civil discussion between friends, family, and acquaintances . Library and Archives Canada offers a solution in the panel discussion Thinking Out Loud Together: Why Civil Discourse Matters More than Ever with Randy Boyagoda. Free to atten,d however you'll need a ticket to get in.(Wellington/Parliament)

• The all-volunteer run Play Hard Productions presents Sherlock Holmes and the Locked Room, at the Gladstone Theatre until February 28. (Little Italy) 

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: Kokuho, The Love That Remains, Drawn In: Fantastic Planet (La Planete sauvage) 

• Mayfair Theatre: Hamnet, My Father’s Shadow, Scum of the Earth 

Gigs

• Happy Hour Jazz with Nic Code. The Robo Lounge

• Trivia Night. Beyond the Pale (ByWard)

JUST ANNOUNCED / NOW BOOKING

• The Ottawa Riverkeeper Gala is an excellent eventing of casual fun to support the health of the Ottawa River, its lakes, and tributaries. This year's event returns to Lemieux Island for the first time in 10 years, for live music and dancing, great food provided by Thyme & Again, beverages, an auction, and networking. Wednesday May 27 (Hintonburg/Mechanicsville) 

• Montréal’s Early Music Ensemble Les Boréades, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, plays a program entitled The Passion of Reason / La Passion de la raison using period instruments. The concert is part of the Music & Beyond 15th season festival. Tuesday July 14 (Centretown)  

• Looking for an unforgettable and meaningful summer experience for your child? Register kids aged four to 12 for the  Mādahòkì Farm’s Summer Camp, for a week of fun, learning, and connection to land and culture. Sessions available July 27 - 31 and August 10 - 14.(Nepean)