Hello Ottawa

STATISTICS OTTAWA

NUMBER

• 27

• The number of visits to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Emergency Department caused by e-scooters and hoverboards in 2024-2025. This is up from 18 in 2023-2024.

• – Katie Griffin at CTV 

OTTAWAN OF THE DAY

• Jessica Gaudreault

• After representing Canada at the Summer Olympics, three Pan American Games, six world championships and six FINA world league super finals, Gaudreault is retiring from the senior women’s water polo team.

• Gaudreault’s next step is with the Ottawa Police Service, where she has signed up as a police communicator.

– Martin Cleary at Ottawa Sports Pages

QUOTE

“

• Look, Ottawa, it's been a tough week. Maybe you've deleted some old (Tkachuk) photos. Probably been asking yourself, what do I even do with this jersey now?

– A post by the Ottawa Titans announcing that anyone who brings in their #7 Brady Tkachuk Sens jersey to the July 7 game can trade it shirt-for-shirt with a #7 AJ Wright Titans jersey.

– Steve Warne in the Hockey News

PLEASE SUPPORT THE OTTAWAN

WHAT’S GOING ON AT CITY HALL

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

THE DAILY POLL

Are the speed limits in Ottawa too low?

🔘 Yes, I feel like traffic in the City is crawling

🔘 No, it’s already unsafe at the speeds we have

🔘 There is a movement to make 20 km/h the limit in cities across the world. I agree with that.

🔘 There is a movement across the world to remove speed limits completely resulting in drivers driving more cautiously. I agree with that.

🔘 I’d say transit always runs at the right speed ... but this is Ottawa

• 
  Previously in OTTAWAN polls:

• What announcement do you hope the Prime Minister makes about 24 Sussex Drive tomorrow?

  • 47% 24 Sussex is kept as is, but has a full modern refurbishment

  • 8% 24 Sussex is razed to the ground and the land used as a park or something. Prime Ministers can find their own home, or keep living at Rideau Cottage

  • 27% 24 Sussex is razed and rebuilt as a modern showcase of Canadian architecture and environmental excellence

  • 8% 24 Sussex is left as a relic to decay naturally

  • 10% Let the grounds be used as a trailer park for Members of Parliament to live in while in Ottawa

  • 
    Commentary

▪️ “Retrofit into small one bedroom apartments that MPs can use :)”

▪️ “Why not keep part of it as is, and add an extension which would be a modern showcase of Canadian architecture? Best of both worlds!”

▪️ “I don’t really care what happens to it, but it’s unsafe to just let it decay and collapse.”

▪️ “It should be a place where a PM greets world leaders and dignitaries. It’s where historical mandates and agreements should get signed. We can’t be so self righteous and not have our head of state have a proper home to do PM related work. Let's be real.”

▪️ “It’s ok, build a new one. It's not as if people will say I like the old one better, you can’t see it.”

▪️ “Somewhat joking here but why not get some of the costs covered by getting one of those TV renovation shows to take on the project as a competition between these celebrity renovators. Otherwise turn the place into a Halloween destination haunted house!”

▪️ “I’m not sure the PMO’ s official residence needs to be maintained at the same size. Maintain the historical heritage but reduce the size and bring it in line with other official residences of other world leaders. Bite the bullet and fix it!”

▪️ “If it’s worth saving because it’s historic, then it’s worth refurbishing it properly. Otherwise, just build something somewhere else, or just tear it down.”

▪️ “A stylish new build!”

▪️ “The idea that 24 Sussex is a heritage property and thus should be restored is ludicrous.”

▪️ “Keep the beautiful building and remodel perhaps adding an addition that matches.”

▪️ “Trailer park! Tiny home community for the parliamentarians.”

▪️ “Let’s find a way to showcase Canada's future while respecting the past. A blend of old and new architecture can look amazing if done well. Don't cheap out Canada!”

▪️ “The home of our leader should represent our country well to visiting dignitaries and others invited to his/her home. It should be a place Canadians can be proud of. Environmently friendly, energy efficient and mot outrageously costly.”

▪️ “Trailer Park Boys, but they’re all parliamentarians? Sounds like QP to me ...”

▪️ “Out with the old, and in with the new. Build something unique which reflects a futuristic interpretation of the Prime Minister's residence.”

▪️ “I think get a contest with HGTV all those people could do rooms each and compete till it’s all done, live on tv for Canadians to see ...”

▪️ “Let’s show that we can architect and build a new world-class residence for our Prime Minister that will be the envy of other Political Leaders around the world!”

▪️ “Three of the 5 options are a decaying relic, a ‘park or something’, and a trailer park. Come on, guys, don’t we have some pride in Canada? Our Prime Minister should be able to host his peers and others in a world-class home designed and built by Canadians.”

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THE ROLLING THREE DAY CALENDAR

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✳️ Means change from previous edition

FRIDAY

• ✳️ The Piggy Market is on site at Ottawa Fringe Festival today, serving up yummy charcuterie boards, Jamaican patties, and carrot cake. Drop by for a snack when you need replenishment from the action on stage.  

• ✳️ Escapade Festival brings its relentless EDM beats back to Ottawa’s RA Centre grounds, today through Sunday. Get ready to dance. 

• Vegans Who Snack will fulfill all of your animal-loving snack dreams from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Parkdale Market. (Hintonburg) 

• Konpa & Kizomba night at Pure Havana is beginner friendly. (Downtown)  

• We think that starting the weekend with a free Ottawa Jazz Festival Friday noon gig called ‘Funk-A-Tron 5000’ is a fantastic idea. There are more free gigs throughout the afternoon. Paid events roll out with daltonists (the experimental trio who are inspired by colour blindness); Cree and Salish singer-songwriter Fawn Wood, Bobby Previte’s Pocket Orchestra, Toronto-based, Ethiopian/Eritrean singer-songwriter Witch Prophet, Grammy nominated musician and actress Willow, hard-to-define Tomoki Sanders, Seattle Rhythm and Blues band The Dip, and of course, late night jamming with John Geggie, Roddy Ellias, and José Monchito Garcia. 

• The Reverend Horton Heat plays Overflow Brewing but if you want to get down to their ‘psychobilly’ swagger, act fast. Tickets are selling briskly. (Heron Gate)  

• Miguel de Armas plays Cuban jazz at The Robo Lounge. (The Glebe)  

• Talk about the city’s problems and potential solutions at the Strong Towns Ottawa chapter monthly social gathering at Braumeister Bierhalle. (Hintonburg)  

• Learn about local butterfly populations at the Pinhey Sand Dunes Sanctuary for Butterflies and Pollinators, today through Sunday. (Merivale Industrial Park) 

• Doggos are welcome at the Ottawa Titans Bark in the Park event. On the field, the New Jersey Jackals will be paying the Titans a visit. 

• Dance like it’s the carefree 90s again at Friday I’m in Love. (ByWard Market) 

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: The Sheep Detectives, Tuner, Linda Linda Linda, Drunken Cinema: Predator  

• Mayfair Theatre: The Richest Woman in the World, Project Hail Mary, The Rocky Horror Picture Show 

Gigs

• Perry & The Wobbly Pops, Motherland. Irene's Pub

• Symply Skynyrd. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

• 80s Dance Party with DJ Remi Royale and The Start. House of TARG

• Elise Boulanger Music and special guest Sophie Grenier. Art House

• Sussex. Rainbow Bistro

SATURDAY

• ✳️ We can only imagine the treasures and deals that you’ll unearth at the Multi-Vendor Indoor Garage Sale at Next Door. It’s so big it needs two mornings: today and tomorrow from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. (Wellington West)  

• ✳️ Escapade Festival continues at RA Centre  

• 🆓 Every Saturday OMIC puts on City Sounds Live, in various places in Ottawa, but for The Glebe (this is the second year running we think?) this Saturday June 27 it’s Amanda Keeley and Quiet Sky. They are folk artists – because of Ottawa Grassroots Festival (last week was in conjunction with Chamberfest) 

• 🆓  Road Trip: Spend an idyllic afternoon at the Back 40 Artisan Cheese farm and creamery for the annual Cooks and Curds Festival. You'll experience locally crafted cheese, meat, and other artisan food and drink from chefs, bakers and brewers, all on the scenic farm ands. Add in live music and you've got yourself an amazing afternoon with family and friends. Rain or shine from noon to 6:00 pm in Mississippi Station. Please bring cash. 

• 🆓 As usual there are no pesky tickets to worry about when you head to Beyond the Pale Brewing Co for Sing a Sea Shanty. Just warm up your vocal cords and prepare for a good time. (Centretown West) 

• Today’s free programming at Ottawa Jazz Festival launches with the Artichoke Hearts at noon, The Prime Rib Big Band at 2:00 pm, then two shows by the Cuppa Joe vocal jazz quartet, and the Kelleylee Story & Song Series of artist talks. Paid programming gets underway at 6:30 pm wth a gig by Flore Laurentienne, then Myra Melford's Fire & Water Quintet, The Robert Lee Group, St. Vincent & The NAC Orchestra, The Ostara Project, and Salin. 

• Get nosy and check out Rideau Hall today and tomorrow. Guides will be available to answer questions as you peer into the State rooms and gardens.(Rockcliffe Park) 

• Mad About Patchwork and the Ottawa Markets Collective present the Makers Path Market, with more than 50 local vendors. (Stittsville)  

• Meet vendors, healers, and readers at the Compassionate Wings Sacred Circle event at Hyatt Place Ottawa West (300 Moodie Drive). 

• The Manotick Brass Ensemble plays an outdoor gig at 1:00 pm on the Dickinson House lawn (Manotick). Bring a chair or blanket. 

• The Ras Lee Reggae Band returns to the Point Dining Lounge in Constance Bay. (Woodlawn) 

• If your fur friend needs a refresh bring them along to the Photo Fundraiser and Dog Wash at Pet Valu Beechwood. (Vanier) 

• Check out the new release by Ottawa Emo band Awesome 360 at Ottawa’s newest HiFi lounge FONO (Centretown) 

• Time is running out to settle back in the dark and be treated to something new and raw at Ottawa Fringe Festival. The show must go on but only until Sunday June 28. (Downtown) 

• It’s Week 2 of Metcalfe Plaza's summer programming, and Amashi and Playhouse Radio are bringing the beats. 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm at 151 Metcalfe St. (Downtown) 

• Kids 10 and under get in free to the Ottawa Valley Roller Derby’s  ‘One Last Jam: A Roller Derby Double Header’ at St. Laurent Complex, 525 Coté St (Vanier). 

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: The Parent Trap, Japanese Film Week: Exit 8, Tuner, Sleepaway Camp 

• Mayfair Theatre: The Richest Woman in the World, Project Hail Mary, Goodfellas, Saturday Night Sinema 

Gigs

• Chicago. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

• The Sunburns. Irene’s Pub

• Bad Moon Revival. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

• Bob Wiseman. The Robo Lounge

SUNDAY

• 🆓 The fifth annual Indigenous Outdoor Market will bring 16 artists, performers, and makers to the parking lot at Little Mac's, next door to Maker House, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.(Hintonburg)  

• Prepare for the emergency scenarios and give your fur baby a chance with the Ottawa Humane Society Pet First Aid course. (Hunt Club)  

• The monthly drag brunch at the Vanitea Room includes a mimosa (or mocktail) and brunch-y eats with the performances, and if you’re feeling saucy you can order bottomless mimosas for an additional fee. (Centretown)  

• The end is in sight for the Ottawa Fringe Festival, but for six shows that means encore performances in Best of the Fest today. Also today: the results of the 24-Hour Theatre Project. The four plays that didn't exist yesterday will be performed by casts and creative teams that have worked hard to get the shows up and running in a record amount of time. Finally, the Awards Ceremony will unfold as the festival says goodbye for another year. 

• Ottawa Jazz Festival wraps up today with 16 – yes, 16 – gigs in multiple venues.  

• The Original Navan Market is, frankly, massive. More than 220 local makers will be selling everything from baked goods to cool things they've built. Add on the food, the entertainment, and the Family Fun Zone, and you've got a terrific day out in Navan. 

• It’s the third and final day of Escapade Festival at the RA Centre grounds.  

• Cuteness overload alert: the Ottawa Corgies group will be letting the dogs swim in the McNabb Park wading pool at 5:00 pm (no humans will be swimming at the same time).  

• Get dressed up for the Sunday Swing party with the Stan Clark Orchestra. (Ottawa South)  
   

Where to watch Canada v. South Africa 

• Jonny Canuck’s Bar & Grill (Findlay Creek) 

• Heart & Crown (ByWard Market) 

• Hometown Sports Grill (Alta Vista) 

• The Senate Tavern (ByWard Market, The Glebe, Wellington West) 

• Braumeister Bierhalle (Hintonburg/Mechanicsville) 

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: Mel Brooks 100: Young Frankenstein, Japanese Film Week: Blue Giant, Restoration: Boogie Nights  

• Mayfair Theatre: I Confess, The Richest Woman in the World, Trainspotting 

Gigs

• Sunday Night Revue. Irene’s Pub

• Open Mic. Brew Revolution

• Constrain, Jenafaur, Real Friend, Ultra Love. Avant-Garde Bar

• Boreal. The Cameron at Ottawa Tennis Club

• Rod’s Blues Jam. Atomic Rooster

   

MONDAY

• Start the week with stretching and mindful moves at the lunchtime yoga session in Britannia Park.  

• Ottawa Humane Society’s Patio Pubs Group Dog Training Workshop will is designed to develop your pup’s manners for those social occasions at busy outdoor spaces. (West Hunt Club)  

• The Strawberry Moon will rise in tonight’s sky. Take advantage of the occasion with Full Moon Yoga at Lansdowne Park. 

Cinema

• ByTowne Cinema: Calle Málaga, Japanese Film Week; Summer Wars, Tuner   

• Mayfair Theatre: The Richest Woman in the World, I Confess, Strange Shadows In An Empty Room 

Gigs

• Mei Simone’s. Club SAW

• Dream Nails. Dominion Tavern

• Karaoke Mondays. Atomic Rooster

JUST ANNOUNCED / NOW BOOKING

• You’ll get in free to all operating Ontario Parks on Friday July 17, when you book a complimentary day-pass. 

DEAL OF THE DAY

Save an additional 25% on sale items in the Beddome Canada Day sale.   Save 40% on select made-in-Montréal leather bags from M0851.   Early Bird pricing for this year's Ottawa Humane Society Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run on September 26 ends on July 1. The runs and walks happen in a new location this year: Hog's Back Park.

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BUT, ONE MORE THING ...

THE OTTAWAN takes umbrage with this Canadian Press headline from this morning: ‘Michael J Fox and father of Nickelodeon slime among Order of Canada appointments’.

Not over Michael J Fox, although his was a promotion within the Order rather than an appointment if one was to be pedantic.

No, it’s the disrespect shown to what may be Ottawa’s most important media creation, You Can’t Do That on Television.

The 84 year-old Roger Damon Price was inducted into the Order by Govenor General Louise Arbour in recognition of his work as a children’s television producer.

Price created, produced, and mostly wrote You Can’t Do That on Television, a sketch comedy show comprised of Ottawa kids – plus local personality Les Lye as the sole grown-up in the cast  – one of whom was fated to be covered with a bucket of green slime each episode.

The theme music was a fractured version of the William Tell Overture recorded by the National Press Club and Allied Workers Jazz band, whose membership was made up of journalists, Federal employees, and local musicians.

But Father of Nickelodeon slime? Please. You Can’t Do That on Television filmed at Ottawa's CJOH studio and broadcast across the country each Saturday morning on CTV. While Nickelodeon did broadcast the show, the American cable channel wasn’t available in Canada. 

No, Roger Damon Price is the Father of Ottawa slime. And he should wear his Order of Canada proudly for it.

RAPID RESPONSE QUALITY CONTROL

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.