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STATISTICS OTTAWA

NUMBER

• 41

• The number of months that have passed since the Ottawa Police Services Board has had a meeting held in person. Critics say holding meetings over Zoom is a way of limiting criticism from the public, the Board says that staffing issues make it hard to hold meetings in public. The first in-person meeting in 41 months will be held at City Hall June 22.

• – Nathan Fung at CBC

OTTAWANS OF THE DAY

• Jean-Sébastien Côté and Julien Morissette

• The duo have been selected for the next Diefenbunker’s Artist-in-Residence Program.

• (While they both live in Gatineau, the Diefenbunker is in Ottawa so we’re going with Ottawans of the Day rather than Gatinoises of the Day)

• Côté and Morissette intend to use the Diefenbunker’s CBC studio – intended for use when the bomb drops – to create a site-specific audio installation.

• – Diefenbunker

QUOTE

• The result [of the two-tier system] is, for example, that a Canadian of Chinese descent would have two chances to win a spot in the Fringe, where a Canadian of Ukrainian descent would have only one chance

– Playwright and former Ottawa Fringe Festival board member Kate Jaimet on a new policy by the Festival that is riling members. Fringe festivals across the world are known for selecting their performances by lottery.

This year, 25 per cent of the Festival’s lottery slots are reserved for those who self-identify as Indigenous, Black or People of Colour. Those not chosen in the 25 per cent round are put back into the hopper for the lottery of the remaining 75 per cent of the slots. 

– Olivia Belovich in the Ottawa Citizen

QUOTE

🏒 PWHL Ottawa Charge 1 – Boston Fleet 2, yesterday

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WHAT’S GOING ON AT CITY HALL

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

THE DAILY POLL

Do you shop in department stores?

🔘 Yes, I like the convenience

🔘 No, I find them too big and unwieldy

🔘 The remaining department stores only cater to those thinner and wealthier than me

🔘 I prefer to say that I support local, independent shops whether I do or not

🔘 Department stores are such a good idea, it's like Amazon.ca but in the real world

• 
  Previously in OTTAWAN polls:

• 
  We asked, ‘Do you use artificial intelligence in your job?’

  • 17% Yes, it’s astounding how much rote work it takes off my hands

  • 12% I use it but it’s more trouble than it’s worth

  • 3% No, but only because of the price

  • 55% No, because I’m not going to create the world of The Matrix on my watch

  • 13% I wish, then there would be at least some intelligence in my work place
    
    Commentary

▪️ “I use it because I am literally told to. I have used it to good effect, making my life easier because it's crunching a large amount of data for me. But asking it to review my emails before I send? Waste of time.”

▪️ “I absolutely refuse to use AI in my work or personal life. I have intelligence of my own why would I need a computer to do my thinking for me?”

▪️ “AI’s getting pushed as a way to boost efficiency within the public service. AI has also recommended glue as a way to keep cheese sticking to pizza. Make of that what you will.”

▪️ “For those of us using for work, it has efficiency advantages for processing/polishing communications and or administrative tasks. For personal research and inquiries, its amazing.”

▪️ “I’m a novelist (among other things). AI is killing the creative fields. Why would I sign my own career death warrant while simultaneously harming the environment?”

▪️ “I use it begrudgingly on occasion, but try to avoid generative AI tools because of the massive environmental and social impact.”

▪️ “No need for AI in my job and I won’t train the robot to replace me. Seriously. Has no one ever read a comic book even once?!?!!!??”

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THE ROLLING THREE DAY CALENDAR

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✳️ Means change from previous edition

FRIDAY

• Boutique Cornerstone is the annual two-day fundraising pop-up market of gently used high end and fashion forward items. Located upstairs at Thyme & Again (1255 Wellington St.) the event donates 100% of its profits to the Emergency Fund at Cornerstone Housing for Women. Expect an excellent shopping trip: items are priced to sell.

• Today at Ottawa International Writers Festival Spring edition: Author Yasuko Thanh talks about Pizza Before We Die, the collection of Reddit posts by Gaza citizen Hassan Kanafani. Later, Poetry Cabaret with Tareyn Johnson, Kaie Kellough and Jordan Abel. (Downtown) 

• Chamberfest presents a program of Italian and German baroque music performed by Lagrime and Le Consort laurentien. (New Edinburgh) 

• Helping with Furniture’s biggest fundraiser of the year is also its glitziest. Dancing Under the Stars is a night of celebration that makes a difference for families. It’s a night of cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and of course dancing. (Confederation Heights)

• CBC’s Matt Gower hosts Friday Night Folk Night at Art House. (Centretown)

• If you’re all wound up, try the Flower Moon Flow & Kirtan: A Full Moon Experience, for music and movement under the May Flower Moon. (Orléans)

• It’s opera in a bar. Operatic Revelry returns to Rainbow Bistro to explore Moral Crossroads: the dilemmas faced by the genre’s biggest characters.  

• Learn to Swing dance with Ottawa Swing Dance Society, then put your newfound skills to the test with an evening of social dancing. 

Continuing

• Day 2 of the Axé Worldfest conference and showcase: Yoga by Yanira Heredia, Career Development Session with Natalie Bernardin, Artist Pitching Brunch, Meet the Axé Team, Breaking Into South America: Brazil & Colombia, Building Inclusive Music Ecosystems: Programming, Power & Representation (Europe, Canada & USA), performances. Arts Club and National Arts Centre (Downtown)  

• The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare (downtown)  

• The Mutchmor Book Sale raises funds for the school. Cash and credit cards are accepted. (The Glebe)

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: Amrum, Calle Málaga, Erupcja

• Mayfair Theatre: Kontinental 25, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Nirvanna the Band, the Show, the Movie  

Gigs

• 80s Dance Party. 27 Club

• The Ed Lister Group with Alex Moxon, Tribute to Woody Shaw. Night Oat

• 80s Dance Party. House of TARG

• Leith Ross: I Can See The Future Tour. Bronson Centre

SATURDAY

• ✳️ The Navan Boot Scootin’ Line Dancing flash mob joins the international event that happens every May 1st. The Navan team are adding on a barn dance for once the flash mob business is done.  

• ✳️ Take the adorable Quyon Ferry to Québec, then explore the Luskville Spring Farm Hop. You'll visit four farms and a vineyard, see animals, and shop directly from farmers and artisans.(Luskville)   

• ✳️ Orchid lovers, you’ll be dazzled by the 1000s of plants on display at Orchidophilia 2026. (Nepean)

• ✳️ The 5th annual Marché fête des mères brings more than 27 vendors to Association récréative Templeton. (Gatineau) 

• ✳️ The adorable Crafty Cafe and Market is a place to shop if you just drop in, and if you buy a ticket to the cafe, it's also a place to sip hot drip coffee and craft something cute at the charm bar. (Little Italy)  

• It’s Day 2 of Boutique Cornerstone

• You’ll dine on brunch charcuterie boxes as you create your own bouquet at Brunch and Bouquet Vibes from Nonna’s Famous Pizza. (Little Italy)

• The Canterbury Trebles Women's Ensemble performs Happy Together: Barbershop Choruses and Quartets. (The Glebe) 

• Crafters and sewists: the Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market is back with everything you need for your project, at great prices. 

• Councillor Laura Dudas will host a tree planting session in 1754 St. Joseph Blvd from 9:00 am. (Orléans)

• At Day 3 of Axé Worldfest conference and showcase at Arts Court and National Arts Centre:  Songwriter Kellylee Evans, Meet the Funders and Grant Writing Round Table: Insights from Public Funding,  Changing A Culture: Building a Future with Fair Wages and Paid Performances for Artists in Canada, Global Network for Women and Non-Binary Music Producers, Networking guided tour to the Canadian Museum of History, and evening performances emceed by Sarah Onyango 

Road Trips

• Find something perfect for your mother figure at the Cheerfully Made Spring Market in Almonte.    

• The town of Arnprior really knows how to throw a clean up party. Gather at the Arnprior & District Museum to pick up your trash bag, do some trash hunting, meet up for a BBQ, and enter the raffle for prizes. 

• The Great Downtown Renfrew Garage Sale has live music by Copper Moon, Aerik Watson, The Exes, and Memories. 

• Find something perfect for your mother figure at the Cheerfully Made Spring Market in Almonte.    

• See the work of dozens of area artists - from painters to glass artists to potters and jewellers at Arts Carleton Place’s Fine Art Exhibition.

Garage Sales

• Trend Arlington (9:00am to 1:00pm) 

• Blackburn Hamlet (8:00 am to 2:00) 

Book Sales

• Knox Presbyterian Church’s Book Sale aims to raise funds for a new roof. (Golden Triangle) 

• Mutchmor Book Sale (The Glebe)

• Adrienne Clarkson Elementary School (Barrhaven) 

• Meet 85 local famers and vendors at the Cumberland Farmers Market Spring Market. While you're there, visit the Seedling Sale. (Cumberland) 

• Road Trip: Take a short trip to North Grenville for Art on County Road 44, an indoor-outdoor exhibition and sale by 20 local artists and complimentary wine tastings all at Green Gables Vines Winery. 

• Parkdale United Church Orchestra presents a programme about the theme of Water. Listen to pieces by Christine Donkin, Dvořák, and Debussy. (Parkdale) 

• Get down to all your faves, from MGM musicals to 60s through 80s hits, in the National Capital Concert Band’s Top of the Pops concert. Admission is by donation.  (Westboro) 

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: Amrum, The Zone: Stalker, Calle Málaga, Oldboy 

• Mayfair Theatre: Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Rushmore 

Gigs

• Tilda and The Ethics. Irene’s Pub

• Lowest of the Low. Bronson Centre

• The Windup. Hard Rock Ottawa

• Robert Robert. Minotaure

• Steve Poltz. Red Bird

SUNDAY

• The massive event that is All Hands on Deck has something for everyone. First: you can see all the artist-designed skateboard decks in person and then bid to win them. Also happening: free kids’ skateboard painting with artist Daniel Martelock, face painting, beginner skateboard lessons, DJs, and food and beer. (Centretown West)

• Tickets are just $5 per child (and free for the accompanying adult) at OHS’s Petals and Paws family event.  

• Singles will be mingling at Singles Mingle Fest. (Heron Gate) 

• Alta Vista gets in the Capital Cleanup groove with a session in Grasshopper Hill Park. 

• The National Arts Centre orchestra heads for the stars in Why Sci-Fi, an afternoon of science fiction music.(Downtown)  

• Deacon Brodie’s latest sipping event the Spring Whisky Tasting: Orchard to Ocean is an adventure with five whiskies, chocolate, and a small snack plate. (Centretown)

• Celebrate Mexican heritage and history at Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. (ByWard Market) 

• Twenty vendors will be selling an amazing selection of vintage clothing creations at the Real Fly Market. (Little Italy) 

• 🆓 Check out more than 40 vendors at the Hello Spring Makers Market is back at Broadhead Brewery. (Orléans) 

• It’s opening day of Greely Good Market. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm  

• Last night’s first show of Stretch Orchestra’s two-night residency at the Robo Lounge sold out. There’s a hand full of tickets for tonight’s show. This Juno-award winning band has worked with Tom Waits, Sheryl Crow, and k.d. lang.   (The Glebe)

Continuing

• Road Trip: Arts Carleton Place has free admission and free parking.

Cinema

•  ByTowne Cinema: Golden Age: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Long Walk: Q&A with Joshua Odjick and Claudia Hurt, The Zone: Stalker 

• Mayfair Theatre: 10 Short Films Festival Day 1: Action, Thriller, Horror, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Forbidden Fruits

Gigs

• Rod’s Blues Jam. Atomic Rooster

• Bone Cat. Atomic Rooster

• Ball and Chain and the Wreckers. Irene’s Pub

• Kings of Thrash feat Dave Ellefson and Jeff Young of Megadeth. Rainbow Bistro

• Rob & Dee. Orléans Brewing Co.  

MONDAY

• The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition invites all community members to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People at the annual Red Dress Day Gathering. Visit the educational and art displays. Lunch will be provided. City Hall  (Golden Triangle) 

• Carleton’s Mars Aspen and Liam S. Russel lead the Campus to Stage Spring Indie Folk Fest at the Robo Lounge.

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: Calle Málaga, May the 4th: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: A New Hope  

• Mayfair Theatre: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi  

Gigs

• Lowertown with special guests. 27 Club

• Shaun Kir. Rainbow Bistro

• Karaoke Mondays. Atomic Rooster

JUST ANNOUNCED / NOW BOOKING

• As its current season winds down, GCTC is now offering subscriptions to its 26-27 season: Rogers v. Rogers is a stage adaptation of the book by Alexandra Posadzki. Watch what happens to a dysfunctional family in Liars at a Funeral (Sophia Fabiilli). Hurricane Diane (Madeleine George) follows the mayhem that ensues when the Greek god Dionysus comes back on Earth. Age is a Feeling (Haley McGee) examines the seminal moments of adult life. The fifth show, Waiting for Godot performed in Inuktitut with English subtitles, is available only as part of a 5-show subscription. (Hintonburg) 

• Learn new skills in the Urban Elements cooking classes at Corner Peach. June 7: North African Meze. June 21: Satays, Sauces, and Salads (Southeast Asian street food) 

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MADE IN CANADA DEALS OF THE DAY

Everything is 30% off at Advika, the sustainable womenswear brand that's Made in Canada.

Any time you order a party platter from Meatings in the month of May, use the code ANNIVERSARY to save 14% (on account of the BBQ guys' 14th anniversary).

BUT, ONE MORE THING ...

You know where you have not vistited lately? The pinball arcade.

But get ready, Lynn Saxberg has profiled the Ottawa Pinball Arcade and its owner Mike Loftus, in the Ottawa Citizen.

The Arcade is transforming the former Brass Monkey space in Nepean into a ‘family-friendly entertainment bunker’, which will also be the largest pinball arcade in Canada.

The new name: Experience Social.

RAPID RESPONSE QUALITY CONTROL

Comment of the Week: ‘Love that you publish every additional feedback / comment. People have humour’

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.