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In Today’s Edition
🎂 Birthday Shoutouts
Say happy birthday to OTTAWAN members Leslie S and Elizabeth M today and ‘Anonyous’ on Sunday!
– Martha and Darren
NUMBER
The reduction of call outs for OC Transpo special constables in 2024 over 2023, according to a report to be presented to the police board on Monday.
OTTAWAN OF THE DAY
Eighteen years after promising to help finance it, the president of local mom and pop business Shopify opened the Finkelstein Chabad Jewish Centre, serving students and the wider Jewish community at the University of Ottawa this week.
The 6,000 sqaure foot building features ‘a shul, dining hall, guest suites, and a commercial kitchen, with a mikvah soon to be added’. Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the opening.
QUOTE
– River Ward councillor Riley Brockington expressing his scepticism that the City has actually reduced the amount of waste it produces. A report this week showed that waste sent to the landfill was reduced 24 per cent in the January - August 2025 period vs the same time in 2022.
‘It’s either being disposed of in other places or people are hoarding it until they decide what they’re going to do with it,’ he said.
OTTAWAN OF THE DAY
🏒 NHL Ottawa Senators 2 – Philadelphia Flyers 1, yesterday
🏒 OHL Ottawa 67s 0 – Windsor Spitfires 2, yesterday
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Ottawa Police Service Board
Monday, October 27 at 4:00 pm
📼 After 40 years, movie rental store Glebe Video International is closing. The purveyor of classic, foreign, and highbrow films had long been located above the Glebe Central Pub but moved to the basement of the Fourth Avenue Baptist Church during the pandemic.
Ottawa’s lone remaining video rental store is Movies N’ Stuff in Alta Vista. — Nicholas Kohler in the Ottawa Citizen
🚊 Deficiencies have been found on the O Train Line 1 east extension, delaying approval. Interim general manager of Transit Services Troy Charter informed City Council of the deficiencies, but did not say what they were or how long they would take to fix. Until the City approves the next step, the Line cannot begin test runs. – Ted Raymond at CTV
🗳️ The Union of National Employees may be put under ‘administration’ after complaints about its president. The 27,000 member union is a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, whose board will decide today whether to take over operations of the Union. The Alliance says that it has received numerous complaints about the National Union’s president and executive. – Matteo Cimellaro in the Ottawa Citizen
💸 Scotiabank is closing yet another bank branch. Using the euphemism ‘relocation’, the Carp branch will close in one year’s time with customers' information moved to a branch in Kanata, 13 km away. The second largest bank robbery in Canada – up to that time – occured at the branch in 1947, with the robbers getting away with $229,752. – Josh Pringle at CTV
✈️ Air Canada will be launching new Ottawa – Toronto flights. Starting in the spring, Air Canada Express will add two flights daily between Ottawa International and Billy Bishop Airport in downtown Toronto. – Jes Mason at CBC
How are you finding the new garbage limits?
Previously in ottawan polls:
We asked, ‘How appealing are new nightlife lounges to you?’
12% Looking forward to hearing something new
23% I love the idea of going out and new places. But y’know, gotta be up early
Commentary
▪️ “What can I say, I’m old.”
▪️ “The Talisman Motor Inn Tiki Bar! I feel seen – I loved that bizarre place! Also looking forward to putting on my leisure suit and dancing shoes and hitting up a new lounge. ”
▪️ “Going out LOL.”
▪️ “I think nightclubs don't appeal as much after mid thirties early forties ...”
▪️ “Loved the Beachcomer in the late ’70s. Lots of fun, great music. I must be getting old because today’s clubs just don't have the same feeling!”
▪️ “I get it; if it’s loud people talk less and drink more, but must it be so brazen?”
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✳️ Means change from previous edition
✳️ A Company of Fools is deep into its campaign to raise funds for a permanent office and rehearsal space. You can help by attending the cutthroat ShakesBEER Trivia event at Beyond the Pale’s City Centre location tonight. The categories are ShakesBEER (IPAs and Ales), Who Said It - Taylor Swift or Shakespeare?, Famous Shakespearean Couples, Elizabethan Pot Pourri, Theatre (local, national, global), Shakespeare's Animals, and What to Wear (Funky Fashions).
Signatures Handmade Market continues.
The Opportunity Shop’s annual sale of used warm coats for adults and kids is today and tomorrow at the Arnprior and District Museum.
At Ottawa International Writers Festival, tonight’s first program asks Who Am I? Attempting to answer are authors Marc Bendavid (The Sapling), Susie Taylor (Vigil: Stories), and Shani Mootoo (Starry Starry Night). Then, Playlist combines the hilarious and heartbreaking stories of author, filmmaker, and performer Ivan Coyote with animations by Clyde Petersen.
Strong Towns Ottawa Chapter’s casual meetup at Braumeister Bierhalle will explore ways to make the city more financially resilient, safe, affordable and livable.
🆓 Do some Christmas shopping or take a workshop at the Out of the Box Fibre Artists’ Fall Fibre Fling (Kitchissippi United Church, 630 Island Park Drive). Donations appreciated. Continues Saturday.
The Horticulture Building gets a Halloween makeover for the Hallowheel Roller Party 2025 - Adult Session. Vibe: spooky lights, costumes, and music.
🆓 You can contribute to artist Catherine Heard’s The Emperor of Atlantis in a half day workshop at Ottawa School of Art (Orléans campus).
It’s Ballroom Dancing, but in costumes: DQ Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio presents HELLoween:Party with performances by students and teachers followed by a social dance.
Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel continues at National Arts Centre.
Ron Sexsmith unveils his 20th album in an intimate show at National Arts Centre.
Buy direct from miners, artists, and rock specialists at Day 2 of the Ottawa Rock 'N' Gem Show, through Sunday at EY Centre.
Thailand Cultural Weekend begins at One World Bazaar. Enjoy the flavours and cultures of Thailand through Sunday.
ByTowne Cinema: If I had Legs I’d Kick You, Blue Moon
Mayfair Theatre: Ballad of a Small Player, The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Gigs
Rembros. Carleton Tavern
Hotel Mira. Club SAW
TARG Dance Mix '94 Halloween Rager: Dance Pop, Eurodance, Club Classics with DJ Fuzz & DJ Miami. House of TARG
Gavin Adcock. Bronson Centre
An Evening with the Vice Parade. Dominion Tavern
The Shania Twain Show. Heart & Crown Barrhaven
Kids in costume can Trick or Treat at every vendor booth at the Carp Farmers’ Market Halloween Spook-tacular. Today is also the final market in the regular season, so stock up on fresh local produce and goodies.
Ottawa International Writers Festival starts the day’s programming with a a guided Jane's Walk of Hintonburg and Wellington West, to visit locations referenced in works of poetry and fiction. The day's first conversation with Alex Hutchinson (The Explorer's Gene) considers how "exploration, uncertainty, and risk shape our behaviour and help us find meaning." (11:30 am). At 1:00 pm Paul Myers discusses his new biography John Candy A Life in Comedy. Next, science broadcaster and journalist Jay Ingram explores The Science of Pets (2:30 pm). Then, novelists Kendra Coulter, Thomas Wharton and Sibylle Grimbert examine the interconnection between humans and animals (More Than Human, 4:00 pm). Novelists Zeina Sleiman, Aaron Kreuter and Brian Thomas Isaac discuss "dignity and agency in the wake of colonial displacement and inter-generational trauma" in Displaced (6:00 pm). Cory Doctorow closes the day's programming with his new work on the state of the digital world in Enshittification.
Stop by the Elgin Street Halloween Party between Somerset and Lisgar streets for Trick or Treating, a balloon artist, face painting, and lots of other fun activities for costumed kids.
Over at Wickely Westboro, Trick or Treating kids can have their faces painted, make some crafts, listen to spooky stories and decorate donuts.
This is weekend one of the Loft Open Studios event inside the 100-year-old Standard Bread Building. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at 951 Gladstone.
The Antiquarian Book Fair has the rare books, maps, and ephemera that you're looking for. Continues tomorrow.
🆓 The dog-friendly Halloween Party at Stray Dog Brewing encourages costumes - even on your pup.
🆓 Sing your heart out at Bytown Sea Shanty Collective’s free show at Beyond the Pale (City Centre location) .
Adult-only book shopping by candlelight? Sign us up to the Spaniel’s Tale Spooky Halloween Shopping Night.
The Espionage Orchestra plays James Bond film music at the National Arts Centre.
🆓 Do some Christmas shopping or take a workshop at the Out of the Box artists’ Fall Fibre Fling (Kitchissippi United Church, 630 Island Park Drive). Donations appreciated.
🆓 More than 60 vendors are expected at the next Vegans Who Snack Food and Art Festival. It’s outdoor, fully vegan, family-and-dog-friendly, and has accessible washrooms and parking. It's all at Parkdale Market.
Vain in Versailles Bistro’s monthly Gluten Free Boulangerie Pop Up will offer croissants, brioche, eclairs, profiteroles, and other gorgeous baked treats, all completely gluten free.
Ottawa Mystic Market’s Samhain event requires your cutest costume. Expect vendors selling homemade items, decor, candles, spells, clothing, and of course taxidermy. Continues tomorrow.
Signatures Handmade Market continues.
Ottawa Rock N’ Gem Show continues at EY Centre.
ByTowne Cinema: Blue Moon, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Mayfair Theatre: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Gigs
Halloween Thriller with Brownman Ali. Night Oat
Reverb Syndicate VI. House of TARG
Surf Hat. Rainbow Bistro
Electric Co. Irene’s Pub
Estrella. Club SAW
AnjChito. Brews and Blues
Halloween Emocore (Emo Night Ottawa). The 27 Club
Drop in anytime between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm – but be sure to buy your ticket now – at the Ottawa Humane Society’s Howl-O-Ween Family Event. Don’t forget your costume.
At Ottawa International Writers Festival, Linden MacIntyre presents An Accidental Villain; his biography of Sir Hugh Tudor, who lead the police in the Irish War of Independence (11:30 am). Authors Ziyad Saadi (Three Parties) and Tracey Lindberg (The Cree Word for Love: Sâkihitowin) discuss ‘the shape of love in the context of family, tradition, and history’ (1:00 pm). At 2:30 pm catch the conversation with Giller Prize and O.Henry Award winner Souvankham Thammavongsa (Pick a Colour). Two of Ireland’s most acclaimed novelists, the Booker-nominated Elaine Feeney (How to Build a Boat) and Eimear McBride (The City Changes its Face) chat with Ottawa’s Poet Laureate David O’Meara in ‘Now and Then’ (4:00 pm). Saeed Teebi writes from the perspective of the Palestinian diaspora in You Will Not Kill Our Imagination (6:00 pm). To close the festival's autumn edition, Adrian Harewood speaks with Alex Neve, former secretary-general of Amnesty International Canada about Human Rights in a Fractured World.
🐴 Road Trip: Head to Kars for a Pop-Up Fall Vendor Market with horse tack, baked goodies, and crafts.
Signatures Handmade Market continues.
🆓 Take a beginner Swing Dance lesson in the great outdoors. Vintage Vibe will be teaching at the stage in Strathcona Park at 3:00 pm, then put your new skills to use in the social dance until 7:00 pm.
Enter the Pumpkin Carving Contest at Moose McGuire's Hunt Club and you could win free pizza ... for a year.
It’s your final chance to shop at Ottawa Mystic Market’s Samhain event.
The Ottawa Rock ‘N’ Gem Show closes at 5:00 pm.
ByTowne Cinema: The Innocents, Blue Moon, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Inland Empire
Mayfair Theatre: Ballad of a Small Player, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Gigs
Noah Derkson. Red Bird
Wry & Ginger. Art House
Counterparts, thrown, 156 Silence, Split Chain. Bronson Centre Music Theatre
Sir Kingfish. Avant-Garde Bar
Parliament of Owls. LIVE on Elgin
Sorry Snowman. Rainbow Bistro
Ottawa Urbanism Book Club will be reading You'll Pay for This: How we can afford a great city for everyone, forever by Michael Durand-Wood. OPL Sunnyside, 6:15 pm.
Don’t cry because it’s Monday; go play Questionable Behaviour Trivia at the Heart & Crown in Barrhaven.
Carve a pumpkin at Stray Dog Brewing Co in Orléans, where they'll be serving up prizes, surprises, and family-friendly fun.
ByTowne Cinema: Blue Moon, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Mayfair Theatre: Köln 75, Ballad of a Small Player, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Gigs
Karaoke Mondays. Atomic Rooster
5-Star Monday Band. The Laff
The National Capital Concert Band’s first performance of the 2025-26 season features music about carrying on despite adversity. Pay What You Can at the door. Saturday November 1 at Riverside United Church.
An elegant evening of dining, entertainment, and community spirit is on the way November 8, 2025, at the Rogers Centre Ottawa, at the 14th Annual Ottawa Police Gala. The event supports the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, Capital Prosperity Foundation, and the Ottawa Police Service Memorial Cemetery.
Five Ottawa tech businesses made Deloitte’s list of Technology Fast 50 programme winners.
In the Fastest Growing category, TryCycle Data Systems, which uses tech to ‘try’ to break the ‘cycle’ – geddit? – of additions, depression, loneliness and other mental health challenges.
In the Enterprise – Industry Leaders category, Fullscript, a health care platform, made the cut.
In Companies to Watch, FundMore, which provides tech for banks, H2 Analytics, which unsurprisingly provides analytics, and Zerotek, which provides identity authorization services were all recognized.
What did you think of today’s ottawan? |
Comment of the Week: ‘Loved it ... I am new to THE OTTAWAN ... and I really prefer it ... the style ... the way it is set up and the fact that you can scroll to the end of the page without being directed to another page to see the rest ... please don’t change that.’
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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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