Centretown BUZZ

06/12/2024

The BUZZ is on the streets! The June issue of the Centretown BUZZ will be distributed by volunteers around Centretown this weekend.

Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online right now at https://centretownbuzz.ca/2024/06/read-the-june-2024-centretown-buzz/

Important: The date for the meeting to discuss the revised 1010 Somerset plan was released the day after we went to press. Check the online article for how to register.

In this issue: The Ottawa Board of Trade wants to increase the population of downtown by 45 percent
The revised plan for the 1010 Somerset project gets a thumbs up from parents at Louise Arbour School, but leaves community groups with further concerns.
We have good news for cyclists and pedestrians about a new bridge and a new signalizing path crossing of Gladstone.
We tell you how the World Exchange Plaza is starting to reopen.
You have a chance to propose ideas on how to animate the Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
There are two big anniversary parties this summer in Centretown.
We have the deets on those huge structures that have been growing on Preston Street.
We attended the first consultation on possible changes to elementary education at the OCDSB and tell you what we heard.
And lots, lots more about issues and activities in the 'hood.

05/20/2024

The BUZZ is on the streets! The May issue of the Centretown BUZZ is being distributed by volunteers around Centretown this weekend.

Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online right now at https://centretownbuzz.ca/2024/05/read-the-may-2024-centretown-buzz/?cxn=fb&cxk=may2024

In this issue: was a passenger abandoned on a lonely sidewalk by an intercity bus?
- how the sculptures of Parliament are being rejuvenated
- the public school board is rethinking its elementary school programs, including French immersion and special ed
- the history and appeal of the “yard sale with no yard” in Minto Park – this year on June 8
- the unexpectedly interesting history of the Doctors’ Building on O’Connor Street, as it faces demolition.
- the Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be car-free 24/7 this summer – but there’s a catch.
- sadly, the community pantry and fridge on MacLaren was set on fire May 1 – but residents are still leaving food
- we offer you a list of independent grocery options: non-chain food stores in Centretown and elsewhere in Ottawa. Feel free to suggest others in the comments.
- Tone Cluster, “quite a q***r choir,” is 30 years old this year and we tell you about its history & future plans
- we toured the just-opened Cornerstone supportive housing for women building at 44 Eccles and tell you all about it
- Stephen Thirlwall attended the opening for the new exhibit at the Ottawa Art Gallery and praises the innovative pieces that resulted from a collaboration between the gallery and the University of Ottawa.
- the bee and butterfly garden on Frank Street near Bank recently won a no-strings $1000 award from Awesome Ottawa. We tell you what they plan to do with it.
- The Centretown Community Health Centre points out how important its registered nurses are to maintaining health, and asks why they’re not being paid the same as nurses in other settings.
- the city is considering changes to water/stormwater rates that may result in paved surfaces being charged more
- your last chance to see “When the Rubber Meets the Road.”
- the city has rejected objections to 290 City Centre being designated as a heritage property
- many suggestions in the What’s On column for films, plays, and music to enjoy, mostly in Centretown venues.

And we have news from Councillor Troster, your MP and MPP, and the Dalhousie and Centretown Community Associations.

Let us know your reactions to these stories and ideas for future stories at [email protected].

03/14/2024

The BUZZ is on the streets! The March issue of the Centretown BUZZ will be distributed by volunteers around Centretown from now until the weekend.

Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online right now at https://centretownbuzz.ca/2024/03/read-the-march-2024-centretown-buzz/

In this issue: we profile a master ice-maker; we review Curbing Traffic, a book that suggests our cities can be much quieter; we tell you about the 17 tons of steel QuickCranks had to remove to open its new bike store; ACORN Canada counts the number of N12s and N13s deployed by Ottawa landlords; learn how Trees613 is working to increase the tree canopy in Centretown; see the tale of how SAW Gallery got its name and how a new exhibit by Arthur II commemorates the frightening event; Toon Dreessen presents a proposal for turning the derelict OBE building at 330 Gilmour into housing while preserving heritage; read how the City of Ottawa has contradictory definitions for affordable housing; Jack Hanna reviews the extraordinary Nick Sikkuark exhibit at the National Gallery; Dinah Robinson explains how you can help the monarch butterfly population recover; we tried to get an opening date for the Chief William Commanda and the Rideau River ped/cycling bridges from the city; and much more.

02/14/2024

The BUZZ is on the streets! The February issue of the Centretown BUZZ will be distributed by volunteers around Centretown from now until the weekend.

Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online right now at https://centretownbuzz.com/2024/02/read-the-february-2024-centretown-buzz/

In this issue: a mysterious desk, a Centretown student tells the Transit Commission why she can't get to school on time, lots of updates on the Freedom Convoy class action, not-so-minor planning adjustments, setting limits on vehicle idling, sponge parks, the disappearing francophone community in Rochesterville, remembering Ed Broadbent, and much, much more...

01/22/2024

The BUZZ is on the streets! The January issue of the Centretown BUZZ was distributed by volunteers around Centretown last weekend.

Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online at https://centretownbuzz.com/2024/01/read-the-january-2024-centretown-buzz/

In this issue, we hear from parents at École Louise Arbour about why they feel they need a new school now.

This spring, OC Transpo's bus route review comes into effect, changing routes and reducing service. We let you know the latest plans for routes running through downtown.

"Be bold. Transform downtown. Go green!" Those are some of the messages from the final report of the Downtown Revitalization Task Force. We tell you which groups will be following up these recommendations.

The City of Ottawa is proposing a new model for recreation fees which could affect fees at Plant Recreation Centre and Jack Purcell Community Centre. We give you the details we have, and how to comment.

This month, the new Common at Zibi building, at Booth Street near the Ottawa River, opens for tenants. It offers a unique combination of regular rentals, Ottawa Community Housing affordable apartments, and co-living suites. We toured one of the co-living suites and give you our impressions.

And lots more...

12/20/2023

The BUZZ is on the streets! The December issue of the Centretown BUZZ was distributed by volunteers around Centretown last weekend.

Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online at https://centretownbuzz.com/2023/12/read-the-december-2023-centretown-buzz/

In this issue, we have good news about Plouffe Park, stairs on the Corktown Bridge, affordable housing in the city budget, free practical sustainability seminars, a new photo walk, and the Frank Street Garden - and much more.

11/26/2023

The BUZZ is on the streets! The November issue of the Centretown BUZZ was distributed by volunteers around Centretown recently.

Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online at https://centretownbuzz.com/2023/11/read-the-november-2023-centretown-buzz/

In this issue we have good news - city staff are rethinking where to put the new location of Louise Arbour School so it's not in Plouffe Park. And Carleton researchers are developing bots to strengthen the ice on the Rideau Canal skateway😃

10/23/2023

The BUZZ is on the streets! The October issue of the Centretown BUZZ was distributed by volunteers around Centretown recently.
Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online at https://centretownbuzz.com/2023/10/read-the-october-2023-centretown-buzz/?cxn=fb&cxk=oct23

09/16/2023

The BUZZ is on the streets! The September issue of the Centretown BUZZ is being distributed by volunteers around Centretown as you read this post. You may have even already received it Thursday or Friday.

Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online at https://centretownbuzz.com/2023/09/read-the-september-2023-centretown-buzz/

08/15/2023

The BUZZ is on the streets! The August issue of the Centretown BUZZ was distributed by volunteers around Centretown last weekend. Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online at https://centretownbuzz.com/2023/08/read-the-august-2023-centretown-buzz/

06/23/2023

Yesterday, Transportation Committee passed the changes to the "User & Care of Roads" bylaw affecting front-yard gardens and LFLs with only minor amendments.

17 people spoke against some of the rules at committee. The biggest concern was the prohibition against growing food in the city right-of-way in this era of food insecurity.

A gardener in Centretown whose garden was 30 years old and had won 2 awards for it recently was worried that these rules might make his landlord order the garden dug up.

Coun. Gower noted that many LFLs in his ward (and obviously other wards) were on collector roads and would be prohibited under these rules. When asked why, staff replied that the LFLs might affect parking. Gower noted that almost everyone accesses an LFL while walking. He might move an amendment on this issue at Council.

The issue goes to City Council on June 28 for a final decision. You can still contact your city councillor.

Background: https://centretownbuzz.com/2023/06/new-city-rules-threaten-front-yard-gardens-little-free-libraries/

06/18/2023

Do you plant flowers or bushes in your front yard near the sidewalk? Do you have a Little Free Library in your front yard? New city rules could make your garden or LFL illegal or force you to remove part of it. To be discussed at the city's Transportation Committee on Thursday, June 22. Learn more: https://centretownbuzz.com/2023/06/new-city-rules-threaten-front-yard-gardens-little-free-libraries/?cxn=fb&cxk=jun23-f-2

06/18/2023

The BUZZ is on the streets! The June issue of the Centretown BUZZ is being distributed by volunteers around Centretown this weekend. Outside our delivery area? You can read the PDF online at https://centretownbuzz.com/2023/06/read-the-june-2023-centretown-buzz/?cxn=fb&cxk=jun23-f-1

05/17/2023

So we screwed up: the (printed) Centretown BUZZ story on the citizen-led hospital privatization referendum implied you could vote in person now. Wrong: in-person voting is only on May 26&27. You can vote online now. Read the story (with correction):

May 2023, News Referendum set on hospital privatization May 11, 2023 Lawn signs for the Ontario Health Coalition’s campaign against hospital privitization (May 2023). (Ed Cashman) Alayne McGregor Update and clarification: The in-person voting in this referendum will only occur on Friday, May 26, a...

05/16/2023

The May edition of The Centretown BUZZ is on the streets! If you haven't received a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

In this edition, we talk about the future of Wellington Street, how bus cancellations are disproportionately affecting Centretown (and current surveys by OC Transpo and Occasional Transport), a citizen referendum on hospital privatization, new proposals on how to build more affordable housing, and how we can safeguard and expand Centretown's tree canopy.

We pay tribute to the late BUZZ volunteer Don Smith, whose contributions to the community were far more than we realized.

Robert Smythe analyzes the effect of another tall "background" building downtown. Toon Dreessen explains why (initial) price shouldn't be the prime decision point for public works.

We have some great photos by Raymond Bertrand from Earth Day in Dundonald Park.

And we have columns from your community associations, MP, MPP, and city councillor.

04/23/2023

The April edition of the Centretown BUZZ has been on the streets for the last week! If you haven't received a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

In this edition, we tell you about the annual fish o**y in the Rideau Canal, and how you can see it. We give you the results of a detailed study of a local pollinator garden that counted which flowers were most popular with bees and butterflies. And you can learn about ways to volunteer to garden and count trees in Centretown.

Who donated to local candidates for city council and school boards? We went through the results for Somerset Ward and gave you the results.

The Ottawa People's Commission released a hard-hitting report on the convoy occupation, calling it a gross violation of human rights. We outline the OPC's findings and its many recommendations to ensure this never happens again. And we outline the latest developments in the convoy class action.

Robert Smythe shows how easy it is to trip on local sidewalks because they're so badly maintained. Toon Dreessen explains why a higher commitment to good design is so important for Ottawa.

And we have news from community associations, ideas for shows to see and hear this month, and columns from local politicians.

03/21/2023

The March edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

In this edition, we highlight a new program where local churches are opening their kitchens to those who need a place to cook; examine why two major investigations were not impressed with the Ottawa Police Board's actions during the convoy occupation; and see why it's important (but not inexpensive) to add emergency powder for elevators & water to high rises.

Robert Smythe looks at two projects replacing (partially for one, fully for the other) heritage buildings. We let you know what sidewalks and bike lanes are planned in Somerset Ward.

Charles Akben-Marchand recounts the joys of delivering The BUZZ, and Cathy Woodgold explains how to most fully use your fruits and veggies (with geometry).

We have a new crossword (and we've heard it's fun and tricky to do).

And we have many ideas on what to see & do in Ottawa, plus columns from community associations and politicians and more...

02/21/2023

The February edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

In this edition, we pay tribute to the smiling panhandler who brightened people's days on Bank Street for so many years. We also highlight a fascinating new art exhibit at The Manx.

We take a deep dive into the City of Ottawa's transportation budget to point out choices made in that budget that you might want to speak to your councillor or the city's Transportation Committee about.

The convoy occupation had its anniversary this month, and we have several stories exploring what happened to Centretown then, and the continued presence of convoy groups (and those who successfully counteract them).

Robert Smythe explores the snows of yesteryear, and Stephen Thirlwall nature in our backyards.

We have many ideas of shows and films to see/hear. And we have reports from our MP, MPP, and local community associations.

01/23/2023

The January edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

In this issue, we talk a lot about the relationship between the federal government and the city, in an op-ed and in a story about the Wellington Street closure.

Need to walk in the winter? The 2022 Snow Moles report shows that it's not easy because of poor snow-clearing.

We also talk about LRT reliability, trade-offs between heritage buildings and new housing, how the Rideau Winter Trail is maintained, cheaper meal alternatives, and the current exhibit of new art at Ottawa City Hall.

A Centretowner who spoke up for people stuck in long-term care recently died - Joel Harden remembers her.

And we have news from community associations, what's on in local music and theatre, and much more.

12/15/2022

The December BUZZ has landed in Centretown! If you live here, our volunteer delivery team will try to beat the storm by delivering by tonight (though some deliveries may have to wait until later in the weekend).

In this issue we cover the heavy stories (Bill 23/39, the investigations into the convoy occupation, the final report of the Ottawa LRT inquiry) -- but also interview a rising star who started in Centretown, give you suggestions on what to see & hear in the next few weeks, and explain how to make your home more climate-resilient.

And we have our very first Centretown themed crossword puzzle for you to fill out over the holidays!

You can also read The BUZZ online at: https://centretownbuzz.com/2022/12/read-the-december-2022-centretown-buzz/?cxn=fb&cxk=dec22-1

11/20/2022

The November edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.
We explain the most important implications of the new Bill 23 on heritage, affordable housing, citizens’ power to affect your community, and the appearance of your neighbourhood – and how it will reduce city revenue for amenities like libraries, sewers, and parks. And we have comments from the local community associations.
The Ford government also finally approved Ottawa’s Official Plan, after sitting on it for a year. But it made some substantial changes. We talk to community representatives about what this will mean.
Robert Smythe commemorates John Leaning and how he helped transform Centretown.
We have an update on how St. Luke’s Church, and all the programs for the vulnerable which it supports, are recovering after the devastating fire last month.
We interview newly-elected Somerset Ward Councillor Ariel Troster about what she saw during the election campaign and her priorities for the next few months.
Does a new fitness structure belong in a tiny greenspace in St. Luke’s Park? We talk to both sides in the dispute.
Stephen Thirlwall reviews three thought-provoking science authors who recently appeared at WritersFest.
And lots more…

10/22/2022

Not sure who to vote for in Somerset Ward?

The Centretown BUZZ interviewed all three candidates in this ward in depth. And from June onward we asked all three one question each month to allow you to compare their answers on important issues.

You can see all of this on our website. Go to https://centretownbuzz.com/ottvote2022/ to get links to all these stories.

10/18/2022

The October edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

The city election is next Monday, and we have coverage of the mayoral candidates and the candidates in Somerset Ward - and tell you where to vote. But we also cover
- the opening session of the People's Commission on the convoy occupation
- the Fall Fair in Dundonald Park (with lots of photos!)
- Orange Shirt Day in Plouffe Park
- efforts to give the former school board admin building heritage status
- how the city is slow in getting community benefits for LeBreton Flats
- updates on what's new with the Ottawa Public Library, the Strong Mayor's Bill and the Chief William Commanda Bridge
- Dinah Robinson's argument for not raking your leaves (it's for the bees!)
- lots of ideas on what to do here in film, theatre, ballet, and music, and previews of upcoming concerts and an opera,
- and a book review, columns, and more...

09/19/2022

The September edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

In this issue we cover everything from
- Mayoral candidates' ideas on how to fix OC Transpo
- the fight over money seized from the convoy, and what's happening with the federal commission starting Oct. 13
- the first People's Commission hearings happening this week
- Ecology Ottawa's tree giveaways
- how to feed monarch butterflies as they prepare to head south
- why the "right to parking" won over "right to housing" at City Council
- Stephen Thirlwall's photos from the Capital Pride parade
- Robert Smythe tells secrets of Dundonald Park
- Ryan Lythall shows how construction can block PWDs
- what's on to see and hear this month
and much more...

We also asked Somerset Ward candidates questions about current issues and printed their responses.

08/22/2022

The August edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

In this issue we cover everything from
- the People's Commission on the convoy occupation
- a task force to revitalize Ottawa's downtown
- the Bytown museum reopening
- important proposed large buildings
- the reason why library hours are down 25 percent
- an interview with Centretown artist Don Kwan (of the Shanghai) - plant thefts in a local park
- what's on
and much more...

We also asked both Somerset Ward candidates and candidates for Mayor questions about current issues and got their responses.

08/22/2022

Kitchens in Centretown are about to get a little bit bigger as Carleton University architecture students put the finishing touches on a community pantry they're calling Public Food.

06/24/2022

The June edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.
In this issue cover everything from privacy-invading consultations, to the history behind a local park, to how the city will pick roads for widening, to how a heritage school is being redeveloped, to upcoming walking tours, to what's on in music & film. to what people want to see from the LRT inquiry, to pollinator gardening.

05/20/2022

The May edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.
In this issue we have 16 pages packed with everything from elections to street design to garbage to gardening.

04/24/2022

The April edition of the Centretown BUZZ is now on the streets! If you can't get a paper copy, you can also read it online as a PDF (an exact copy of the paper edition) or as individual stories at https://centretownbuzz.com.

In this issue:
- learn how your community is developing,
- the resonances of the convoy occupation,
- issues to consider in the upcoming provincial election,
- what to do and hear locally, and more!

09/09/2021

August 2021, News New hospital site creates serious concerns for west Centretown August 19, 2021 The New hospital concept plan. Note how the Trillium pathway is split, and the distance from the Dow’s Lake LRT station.(City of Ottawa) This is an expanded version of the story which appeared in the p...