STATISTICS OTTAWA

NUMBER

• 8%

• – The per centage of absences by students in Ottawa schools because of flu, according to Ottawa Public Health. That’s double the peak of last season.

• Ottawa Public Health arrives at the figure by monitoring absentee data from two local school boards, however it does not disclose which boards.

• Campbell MacDiarmid at CBC

•  

OTTAWAN OF THE DAY

• Rob ‘The Shoeman’ Krantzberg

• After 44 years running The Kiddie Kobbler, Krantzeberg is retiring and closing up shop. As a teenager, he started out as a part-time worker and – still a teen – managed to buy the business in 1981.

• The Kiddie Kobbler is expected to close in March.

• Tyler Fleming at CTV
   

QUOTE

• “

• ... I completely lost it when I found out they’re celebrating their opening with a donation to a local raccoon rescue. We truly live in the BEST city.

• – Rideau Vanier ward councillor Stéphanie Plante upon learning that the new McDonald’s restaurant on Rideau Street will mark its opening with a donation to Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue.

• The new McDonald’s is a few doors down from a previous location, which was known for its unruly patrons and, infamously, a video capturing a late night brawl by a number of customers that included a bystander pulling out a raccoon to show it what was going on. 

• The new restaurant also includes a small raccoon decal on its front window.

• Laura Arenas in the Ottawa Citizen
   

SPORTS

• 🏒 NHL Ottawa Senators 4 – Pittsburgh Penguins 1, yesterday

• 🏒 CHL Les Olympiques de Gatineau 3 – Les Voltigeurs de Drummondville 0, yesterday

• 

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  WHAT’S GOING ON AT CITY HALL

  No more meetings this year

  Meetings and agendas

  

  WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

  🚆 Up to 72 trains per day could travel through Ottawa when Alto is built, says internal documents. Alto, the high speed rail currently in development between Québec City and Toronto via Ottawa, says 72 trains daily is a ‘reasonable estimate’. The first phase, Ottawa – Montréal, is planned to begin construction in 2029. – Maura Forrest in the Canadian Press 

   

  🏦 Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says that it is ‘frustrating’ that Premier Doug Ford is advocating for a new international defence bank to be located in Toronto over Ottawa. NATO and allies are establishing the Defence Security and Resilience Bank to help nation finance defence and weapons systems. Canada is in the running for its headquarters, but while the City is advocating that it be located in the Capital region, the Province is officially lobbying for Toronto. – Marco Vigliotti at Compass News 

  
  🚨 Court Circular

  ▪️ The daughter of well-known retired Carleton University professor Katherine Graham has been charged with her murder. The discovery was made by  Ontario Provincial Police in a wellness check.  – CBC 

  

  THE DAILY POLL

  What is your opinion on eggnog?

  🔘 Love it

  🔘 Hate it

  🔘 Fine if rum is involved

  🔘 I don’t like drinking something that I have little idea what it is made from

  🔘 It should be available year round

  • 
    Previously in ottawan polls:

  • We asked, ‘What will you be doing next week?’

    • 8% Call me Bob Cratchit; I’ll be working right through to Christmas Eve

    • 10% Technically on the job but no work will be done

    • 26% I’m off the entire week

    • 23% It’s just another week to me. No change.

    • 33%  I’m not working now, happy to have others join me

  • 
    Commentary

  ▪️ “Bah! Humbug.”
  
  ▪️ “Right through until Christmas Eve, then between Christmas and New Year’s. And they say public servants are lazy!”
  
  ▪️ “I’m a church minister, so work Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter too, all part of the job.”
  
  ▪️ “I am waiting for my layoff letter so there’s no work to be done. Merry Christmas Mr. Scrooge.”
  
  ▪️ “Three weeks in Bali with family ought to do it.”
  
  ▪️ “But after Christmas Eve I won't be working again until Jan 5th :-)”​​​

  

  HISTORIC OTTAWA LOGO T-SHIRTS

  If you are thinking of one of our t-shirts as a Christmas gift, it’s too late for delivery.

  Nortel T-Shirt Northern Electric was founded in Montréal in 1895, growing into one of the world’s largest and most important telecom companies. Nortel hung up the phone in 2013. It's campus on Carling Avenue became the new home of the Department of National Defence. Help support the ottawan by buying one of our historic logo t-shirts. Shop for t-shirts

  

  THE ROLLING THREE DAY CALENDAR

  Is there an event we should know about?
  Please use our easy event submission form

  ✳️ Means change from previous edition

  FRIDAY

  It’s the final Friday before Christmas, and Ottawa is buzzing with things to do, places to shop, and seasonal sights to see.

  • Shop inside the warmth of Gloucester Centre for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and treats of the Gloucester Night Market.  (Gloucester) 

  • Take a beginner lesson with Ottawa Vintage Swing. (Centretown) 

  • The Stan Clark Orchestra plays jazz-flavoured Christmas tunes with guest Johnny Vegas (Carlingwood). 

  • Art House’s monthly Fever Pitch jazz night is back, bringing a 1920s speakeasy vibe to your Friday night (Centretown). 

  • You don’t need experience or a partner to participate in the Rahim Salsa workshop from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Centretown).

  • Enjoy one last shopping experience with 613Flea’s Holiday Night Market (Lansdowne). 

  • Miller’s Farm transforms into a festive winter wonderland with vendors, treats, an open fire, and hot drinks for sipping this weekend. (Manotick) 

  • Cumberland Heritage Village Museum brings the holiday season of the 1920s and 30s to life. Look at the displays and try your hand at gingerbread cookie decorating (Cumberland) 

  • Unsurprisingly, the advance tickets for Sea Shanties, Carols, and Empty Beer Barrels v 4: Fundraiser for Dalhousie Food Cupboard  are sold out. There will be space for a few walk-ins, however, if you don’t dilly-dally (Lowertown)

  Cinema

  • ByTowne Cinema: It Was Just An Accident, The Secret Agent, Yi Yi - 25th Anniversary Restoration, Black Christmas (1974) 

  • Mayfair Theatre: The Tale of Silvan, Die Hard, The Rocky Horror Picture Show 

  Gigs

  • 4DAYWKND. Rainbow Bistro

  • Jana Salameh in a Christmas Soiree. Asrieli Studio, National Arts Centre

  • Lauryn Hill. National Arts Centre

  • “Cowboy Cake” album release party. Irene’s Pub

  • Dead Root Revival. LIVE on Elgin

  • Big Jim’s Plumbing & Electrical, Go Long. House of TARG

  • The Spectrasonic Holiday Banger. Bronson Centre

  • Santa’s Naughty List: Wyntr, Threefold Ruin, Acid Moth, Sunnyside Avenue, Sun Temple. Dominion Tavern

  SATURDAY

  Last Minute Christmas Markets

  • Celebrate the longest night of the year at the Yule Market, presented by Ottawa Mystic Market. Today and tomorrow at Next Door Ottawa (Hintonburg) 

  • Shop from 25 local artisans and makers at All My Favourite Things Market by Minerva Ottawa (ByWard Market) 

  • Tick some gifts off your list at the final Nepean Day Market Christmas Edition, and enjoy complimentary coffee, carols, and fun (Nepean). 

  • There’s no cover, but you’ll be greeted with a smile if you wear your ugliest Christmas sweater to Broadhead Brewery’s Live Music Saturday: A Rusty XMAS Party (Orléans)

  • Create your own ceramic tree luminary at Hintonburg Pottery (Hintonburg). 

  • Keep it casual at the I’m Dreaming of a White ... Rabbit! “Come As You Are” holiday party. Dance to house and techno in your sweats, all night all long (Downtown).

  • Dress code: ugly sweaters at Moose McGuire’s Neighbourhood Christmas Party (Hunt Club).

  • 27 Club’s Emo Night doesn’t stop for Christmas (ByWard Market). 

  • Why are some Haunted Walk tour guides too scared to give tours of the ByTown Museum, even at Christmas time? Find out at Nightmare Before Christmas / After X-mas (Downtown)

  • The Prescott’s Stomp & Sip Country Night will have you tee-hawing into the wee hours. Also: Mechanical bull! (Little Italy)

  • Experience a winter wonderland blending sparkling lights with vibrant Indigenous traditions at Mādahòkì Farm. You’ll find family-friendly festivities such as the Trail of Lights & Traditions, an Indigenous Craft Market, interactive beaded earring and ornament workshops, and cozy Indigenous Christmas feasts all waiting for you. Thursdays through Sundays until December 28. (Nepean)

  • Miller’s Farm transforms into a festive winter wonderland with vendors, treats, an open fire, and hot drinks for sipping this weekend. (Manotick)

  Cinema

  • ByTowne Cinema: Free for Members: The Apartment (1960), Trifole, The Secret Agent, Aliens (Theatrical Cut)

  • Mayfair Theatre: Sense and Sensibility, It’s A Wonderful Life, Die Hard 

  Gigs

  • TARG Dance Mix 90s: Mega Bass Mixmas Bangers Edition. House of TARG

  • Amos the Transparent: A Christmas Show 3. Club SAW

  SUNDAY

  • Celebrate the longest night of the year at the Yule Market, presented by Ottawa Mystic Market. (Hintonburg)

  • Calm down with the indoor Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk. (Bells Corners)

  • Bring a fabulous platter from Pelican Seafood Market & Grill to a holiday party and be forever remembered as the world’s best guest. Orders for December 23 and 24 must be in by midnight on Sunday December 21 (Riverside South). 

  • Several Ottawa area theatre companies present Songs for a Winter's Night: A Solstice Fundraiser for the Gladstone Theatre (Centretown West) 

  • It’s not too late to score a one-of-a kind art, stationery, or men’s grooming product gift for someone special. Head to the Pop-Up Art Show at Kings Own Barbershop (Centretown) 

  • 🆓 Come in from the cold for warm tunes courtesy of Ottawa Pocket Jazz Band at Lavender Grill (ByWard Market). 

  • Sip a stylish cocktail, shop with more than 20 cool vendors, and enjoy the final Sunday before Christmas at Parlour’s not Another Market (Wellington West).  

  • Enjoy crowd pleasers and lesser known seasonal music in the fundraising concert Christmas with Music and Beyond (Centretown) 

  • The Fishing Pigeon will be holding family ice fishing lessons in Cumberland today (and Kanata next Sunday).(Cumberland) 

  • Humanists, atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, and non-believers ring in the Winter Solstice over brunch (Overbook) 

  Cinema

  • ByTowne Cinema: Home Alone (with Cheese Pizza), It Was Just An Accident, The Secret Agent, Detour: Eyes Wide Shut 

  • Mayfair Theatre: Miracle on Bank Street 7  

  Gigs

  • Legendary Sunday Afternoon Blues Jam. Rainbow Bistro

  • OttaWassail. Red Bird

  • Paradise Sprites and Robin Kenney Live. Avant-Garde Bar

  • Sunday Night Revue. Irene’s Pub

  • Rock Around the Burningtree with Class of 91, Floralizer. Rainbow Bistro

  • Femininomenon. The Laff

  MONDAY

  • Sing the classic carols while helping Camp Kalalla raise money for a new deck. (New Edinburgh) 

  • Let the kids burn off some of that Christmas excitement at Stanley’s Christmas Village (Edwards, Ontario) 

  Cinema

  • ByTowne Cinema: The Secret Agent, It Was Just An Accident, Trifole, Black Christmas (1974)  

  • Mayfair Theatre: The Tale of Silyan, Ghostkeeper

  Gigs

  • Ottawassail. Red Bird

  • The 5-Star Monday Band. The Laff

  JUST ANNOUNCED / NOW BOOKING

  • Flora Hall Brewing’s New Year's Eve party will feature a feast of fresh offerings from the kitchen, the introduction of Dragon Fruit Smoothie and Espresso Milk Stout, a glass of bubbly at midnight, and tunes from DJ G-Bro. Tickets are $20 and available at the brewery shop..(Centretown)   

  • 🆓 The Animal Tracking on Snowshoes sessions in Gatineau  Park start on January 10.  They always sell out, so book now. (Gatineau Park)   

  • On Tuesday January 6, experience the Celebration of the Feast of Theophany: Divine Liturgy in St. Onuphrius Church located in the Canadian History Hall of the Canadian Museum of History, starting at 5 pm. Then, head outside to the Waterfall Court for the traditional Water Blessing Ceremony (a Ukrainian Catholic rite), beginning at 7 pm. A reception with hot apple cider will follow in the Douglas Cardinal Salon. RSVP by January 3. (Hull, QC) rsvp@historymuseum.ca 

  

  MADE IN CANADA DEALS OF THE DAY

  The Parks Canada Vintage 2026 Wall Calendar is reduced to $24.99 at Maker House. Get it locally delivered if you order by 9:00 am on December 24 it will be delivered same day in Ottawa-Gatineau.

   

  Use the code CUTOFF20 to save 20% at Melanie Auld Jewelry.

  

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  BUT, ONE MORE THING ...

  We’ve mentioned Carleton professor Tonya Davidson’s book Ottawolgy before – her publisher describes it as taking readers ‘on a wide-ranging journey through a city populated not only by power brokers, but also workers, students, seniors, trees, eels, turtles, skaters and rabble rousers’.

  The National Public Radio station across the border in Canton has a long interview with Davidson. The station says the American locals have a unique relationship with Ottawa, their nearest big city. ‘We’re not tourists, exactly, but we’re not natives either.’

  

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  THE END

  the ottawan is written and edited every working weekday by Martha and Darren. Is there something that Ottawa should know about? Email to us at hello@theottawan.com. We read every single comment.

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