The Ottawan Newsletter

Hello Ottawa

In Today’s Edition

→ Ottawa Police Board violated freedom of expression, says Small Claims court

→ Four days of events and markets

→ Deals of the Day on soaps from Maskwiomin and womenswear from Eve Lavoie

Best of Ottawa Awards 2026

After hundreds of nominations and many ridiculously late hours at THE OTTAWAN HQ, voting is now open for the Best of Ottawa Awards 2026!

Categories this year are: Dining, Drinking, Shops & Services, Culture, Media, and People & Places

VOTE HERE

– Martha and Darren

STATISTICS OTTAWA

NUMBER

14
Local mom-and-pop business Shopify lies on the list of Forbes magazine’s World’s Best Employers.
World’s Best Employers

OTTAWAN OF THE DAY

Fitch Jean
The director’s debut film, It Comes in Waves, won oustanding feature, actor, writing, producer, and cinematography at the Reelword Film Festival in Toronto last month.
It Comes in Waves was shown at the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival last night.
Aajah Sauter at CBC

QUOTE

“
It doesn’t look like we’re going to have an opportunity to continue on with our plans anymore, so it is going to be a big challenge, let’s not sugarcoat it
– Beacon Hill-Cyrville ward councillor Tim Tierney on his disappointment with Premier Doug Ford, who is attempting to fast track the ‘Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act’. While largely concerned with housing, it also bans new bike lanes on streets across the province.
By fast tracking the bill, the government limits debate, allowing it to pass as written.
Natasha Baldin in the Ottawa Citizen

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WHAT’S GOING ON AT CITY HALL

No meetings Monday

Meetings and Agendas

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

⚖️ Ottawa Police Board violated freedom of expression, says Small Claims court. Critics took the Board to court after it changed the rules for public meetings, requiring delegations to register 24 hours in advance. The court found that the board was flexible to delegates who were supportive of the police but missed the deadline, yet strict with critics. Another claimant delegation was not allowed to switch the designated speaker when the original one became unavailable. The court awarded the claimants $2,500.

The Ottawa Police Service Board has not said if it will change its rules. – Arthur White-Crummey at CBC

↪ ‘Cram the cruiser’ is an uncharacteritically great name coined by the Ottawa Police Service for their food drive. Officers will be at Sobeys, 5150 Innes Road, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm tomorrow, helping shopping fill up their police cruiser with items for the food bank. Items should be non-perishable, not just for the food bank, but because the constables do need to drive the cruiser later.

🎓 A consortium of French universities has partnered with the University of Ottawa to develop a France-Canada campus. France Universités signed a letter of intent with the university to strengthen ‘academic and scientific cooperation in teaching, research and innovation between institutions of higher learning in France and Canada’. When such a campus might open is unknown. – Kim Martin in the Pie News

🎧 Hear about Carleton U’s rock ’n roll past on a new podcast from the university’s student newspaper. Before it was turned into a lecture theatre, Porter Hall – complete with gorgeous skylight – showcased bands like Fugazi, Circle Jerks, The Ramones, Soundgarden, TOOL, and many more in the 80s.– The Charlatan Live

🚄 Italian high speed rail expert is skeptical about the proposed ALTO project. Marco Chitti is in favour – but asks for a ‘a reality check and a plea for transparency’. – Italian (urban) Letters

💸 Lansdowne 2.0

Today City Council will be voting on whether or not the Lansdowne 2.0 project proceeds. Arthur White-Crummey at the CBC puts the councillor’s views as follows:

In Favour

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor
Laura Dudas, Orléans West-Innes
David Hill, Barrhaven West
Cathy Curry, Kanata North
Clarke Kelly, West Carleton-March
Glen Gower, Stittsville
Stephanie Plante, Rideau-Vanier
Catherine Kitts, Orléans South-Navan

Against

Theresa Kavanagh, Bay
Sean Devine, Knoxdale-Merivale
Jessica Bradley, Gloucester-Southgate
Rawlson King, Rideau-Rockcliffe
Ariel Troster, Somerset
Jeff Leiper, Kitchissippi
Shawn Menard, Capital
Wilson Lo, Barrhaven East

Not Known

Matt Luloff, Orléans East-Cumberland
Tim Tierney, Beacon Hill-Cyrville
Riley Brockington, River ward
Marty Carr, Alta Vista
Isabelle Skalski, Osgoode
David Brown, Rideau-Jock
Steve Desroches, Riverside South-Findlay Creek
Allan Hubley, Kanata South

THE DAILY POLL

How do you feel about bike lanes?

🔘 They are an important part of transportation and we need more

🔘 Bike lanes hinder cars and public transit, we don’t need more

🔘 Bike lanes on streets are dangerous, we should only have dedicated, separate routes

🔘 I love how having one in front of my house increases my property value

🔘 They are terrific and useful when I travel to other cities but terrible and annoying here

Previously in ottawan polls:
We asked, ‘How will the you celebrate the 200th birthday of Ottawa?’
Commentary

▪️ “Looking forward to it. Glad they are planning events to celebrate it.”

▪️ “It has been a long time coming!”

▪️ “Taking a nice edible ... and THEN attending the events. Vive le Canada!”

▪️ “So Ottawa to put up an expensive plan to get taxpayers to rebuild ‘my house’ with a smaller one, but actually I do love this City.

▪️ “Looking forward to it!”

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Ogilvy’s Department Store T-Shirt

Charles Ogilvy Limited began as dry goods shop on Rideau Street in 1897, and ended its reign as Ottawa's greatest department store in 1992.

Help support the ottawan by buying one of our historic logo t-shirts.

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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

✳️ In recognition of International Inuit Day, Susan Aglukark will perform live at the Rideau Hub tonight at 7:00 pm. Tickets $100; discount price available for members of the Inuit community.
View screenings by filmmakers from Toronto, Hamilton, Renfrew, Quebec City, and Montréal at Day 2 of the 9th annual OCAN Film Festival. 7:00 pm at the ByTowne Cinema.
The new ChromaQueer Film & Art Festival opens at Arts Court for three nights and two days of programming designed to forge connections and showcase Ottawa-based stories, movements, and traditions. Go for the film screenings, performances, curated lectures, Q&As, and stay for the poetry karaoke.
🆓 Urban Art Collective closes a busy season of public experiences with the Centretown Disrupted Art Show at Wallack's Art Supplies on Bank Street. Expect live painting, creative workshops, and street photography.
Indulge in ethical and sustainable shopping as Cobourg’s Ten Thousand Villages brings its Fair Trade Holiday Sale to the Ottawa Mennonite Church today and tomorrow.
Dig deep into the collection of gently used reading and listening material at the Rockcliffe Park Book Fair. Today through Sunday at Rockcliffe Park Public School's Queen Juliana Hall (aka the school gym).
The creator of #dropchallenge herself, comedian Atsuko Okatsuk performs two shows at Algonquin Commons Theatre. Warning: the 9:30 pm show is already sold out (insert beat drop here).
🆓 The cool people at Debaser bring you A Sonic Bridge: Florence Delphine-Roux (live) and Paul Jasen (talk) for a rad evening of radio art and performance.
Do some night shopping in the magical Holiday Open House at Robert Plante Greenhouses.
One World Bazaar turns its gaze to Germany for a weekend of Polka bands, great food and an epic quantity of shopping opportunities.
Capital Professionals Open Mic brings together members of the Ottawa business community for a fundraising event in support of The Parents' Lifeline of Eastern Ontario.
Forêt Capitale Forest presents ‘Comedy Night for the Trees’ at Yuk Yuk’s.
Whether you’re a beginner or you have the moves down pat, Navan Boot Scootin’ Line Dancing will banish your work-week blues.
Bliss out to the Nostalgia Nights trance event at City at Night.
Broadway Across Canada’s Mrs. Doubtfire continues at the National Arts Centre.
ByTowne Cinema: It Was Just An Accident, Nuremberg, OCAN25 - Day 2, Die My Love
Mayfair Theatre: Train Dreams, Weapons, One Battle After Another

Gigs
The Yodas. Barley Mow (Merivale)
Kingfisher, Mendozaz, Bill McNeal, Tucana. House of TARG
Umberlune. Night Oat

SATURDAY

✳️ Be part of something original at Ottawa New Music Creators’ New Music Festival (Alma Duncan Salon at Ottawa Art Gallery). On the program: the immersive Quigital Corporate Retreat featuring music, improvisation, and digital interaction.
9th Hour Theatre Co’s production of Babette’s Feast continues at the Gladstone Theatre. Choose from the matinée at 2:30 pm or the evening performance at 7:30 pm.
Canadian icon Bruce Cockbourn sits down with curator Judith Klassen for a conversation about his music and his journey, at the Canadian Museum of History. 7:00 pm in the Grand Hall.
In the final day of OCAN Film Festival, catch shorts, animation, documentaries, and dramas by Canadian filmmakers. 9:00 pm at the ByTowne Cinema.
🆓 CKCU FM 93.1 is 50 years old and celebrating with a live broadcast from The Laff this morning (10:00 am to 1:00 pm). Catch live performances by Ottawa musicians and enjoy food and drinks from The Laff, which will be opening both the bar and the kitchen early.
This year’s FAM Network Moonlight Masquerade Ball is, as you might expect, "masquerade," but formal or black tie will work as well. The event raises funds for the charity, which fosters pets of those having to flee domestic/interpersonal/family violence or sex trafficking into the safety of local Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters or into a Transitional Housing Support Program; as well as for those who are seeking in-patient treatment for mental health and/or substance abuse and for select circumstances for short-term hospitalization.
613Flea is always a fun way to spend your Saturday but in the run up to Christmas it makes the perfect stop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Find it inside Aberdeen Pavilion from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
One way to combat the colder air blowing down on us: Vpop’s Sweater Weather - Vintage Pop-Up at Next Door. Today and tomorrow at 955A Gladstone Ave.
Road Trip: In Chelsea, La Fab Gallery is busy with a double Vernissage for Reid McLachlan: Hymns of Longing and Jae Shaw: At Home In Nature. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Choose from afternoon and evening sessions at Orléans Cork and Fork Festival.
Become a Woodland Warrior and help the Kanata North Regeneration Stewards remove invasive species from the South March Highlands Conservation Forest. No experience necessary.
Watch as 10 improv comedians compete for survival in Maestro: Competitive Improv Comedy. Plus, as an audience member, you'll decide who wins and who gets eliminated. Think of the power!
The Saturday Day Pass for ChromaQueer Film & Arts Festival will set you back just $40.
🎁 Road Trip: Take a scenic drive west to Almonte for the Cheerfully Made Holiday Market (Almonte Old Town Hall 10:)0 - 4:00). Continues tomorrow
🎄 Road Trip: Drive south to the Metcalfe Christmas Farmers Market (9:00 am to 2:00 pm) at Parkway Church and at the Greely Community Centre.
In the east end, Blackburn Community Association Christmas Market brings 25 vendors to the Community Hall and the Lois Kemp Arena.
ChromaQueer Music and Arts Festival continues at Arts Court.
Broadway Across Canada’s Mrs. Doubtfire continues at the National Arts Centre.
Source quality 18th to 21st Century furniture, art, design elements at the National Capital Antqiues, Art & Design Fair. $10 at the door.
It's the final day of the Fair Trade Holiday Sale at the Ottawa Mennonite Church.
Rockcliffe Park Book Fair continues (10:00 am to 6:00 pm).
Climax Conference is for curious adults.
ByTowne Cinema: It Was Just An Accident, Nuremburg, Die My Love, OCAN - Day 3
Mayfair Theatre: Train Dreams, One Battle after Another, Lesbian Space Princess, Saturday Night Sinema

Gigs
Josh Dolgin and Friends in Concert. La Fab sur Mill (Chelsea)
Polka Brats Band. One World Bazaar
Georgia Harmer. National Arts Centre
Kathleen Edwards. The Bronson Centre
Emo Night Karaoke. The Brass Monkey

SUNDAY

Atlético Ottawa hosts the 2025 Canadian Premier League today at 5:00 pm at TD Place. Help them use home-field advantage to take down Cavalry FC.
Ottawa School of Art downtown campus presents DIY Paints and Pigments, Intro. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm today.
🦊 Road Trip: There’s fun brewing for kids aged 5 to 12 at La Fab Sur Mill in Chelsea. POPP Jr Trio lead the littles through an afternoon of games, an art activity, and a screening of Fantastic Mr Fox (in English with French subtitles).
Shop for gifts, crafts, and delicious bakes at the Original Navan Market’s All Things Holiday 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.
🆓 Take the Remembrance Day Tour along Elgin Street, where you'll find a number of memorials to people who have fought in wars on behalf of Canada.
Workshops and performances pack the program of the inaugural ChromaQueer Film & Arts Festival’s final day.
The West End Studio Tour turned 30 this year, and tonight is your final chance to view the art that's adorned the walls of GCTC since September.
Dungeons and Dragons fans have a new venue: Brew Revolution in Stittsville will hold regular sessions on Sundays.
Spend a cozy afternoon at Gladstone Theatre for Babette’s Feast by 9th Hour Theatre Co.
🎄 Road Trip: The Cheerfully Made Holiday Market continues in Almonte.
One World Bazaar’s German culture weekend finishes up today.
Get in the spirit at the Holiday Market Stittsville at the Barn.
ByTowne Cinema: Wrong Husband (Uiksaringitara), It Was Just An Accident, Nuremberg, Die My Love
Mayfair Theatre: The Blue Trail

Gigs
Passenger Princess. Rainbow Bistro
Some Exercise. Avant-Garde Bar
Kate Weekes. Red Bird

MONDAY

🆓 The weekly SoulRhythyms sessions at the National Arts Centre are an energizing 45 minute workout to Afro-Caribbean beats.
It’s comedy on the fly as Damn Fine Improv Show takes over LIVE on Elgin. Watch as teams create live comedy before your very eyes.
ByTowne Cinema: Die My Love, Nuremberg
Mayfair Theatre: The Cruel Sea

Gigs
Open Mic. Art House
The 5-Star Monday Band. The Laff
Karaoke Mondays. Atomic Rooster
Insider Trading. Beyond the Pale (City Centre)

JUST ANNOUNCED / NOW BOOKING

At Octopus Books, authors Ken Wilson and Sadiqa de Meijer launch their new works about the places we inhabit. November 12.
Also on November 12, across town at Library and Archives Canada: Challenging Exile: Japanese Canadians and the Wartime Constitution by Eric M. Adams and Jordan Stanger-Ross.
The busy elves at Saunders Farm have put away the Halloween decorations and begun the transformation to Country Christmas with winter wonderland walks, an Elf Academy Show, decorating sessions, and loads more seasonal fun. It all happens December 6 through 30th and tickets are available now. Grab the Family Fun Bundle for Four and save.
Ottawa Irish Arts is celebrating its 50th birthday with its ‘largest céilí in years’ on Sunday November 16 at St. Brigid’s Well. You can't use a late night as an excuse not to go, either, because this shindig happens in the afternoon. Expect Irish dancing, Irish stew for sale (plus other food for free), and door prizes.