Lowertown’s Community Newspaper / Journal communautaire de la Basse-Ville
A non-profit newspaper sharing news and highlighting the voices of Ottawa’s Lowertown & Byward Market communities.
Un journal à but non lucratif qui partage des nouvelles et met en valeur les voix des communautés de la Basse-Ville et du marché By d’Ottawa.
Feature
- Read the latest issue of The Echo! (16-3, August 2025)
Download the full PDF version here. - Having the courage to change
By Josiah Frith, Lowertown Community Association There was a time when horses ruled Ottawa’s streets, pulling carts, carriages, and wagons…
In the Latest Issue
Stroll or roll your way to better health
By Christine Kilfoil, Lowertown Community Association Wellness Committee In the 1980s, the popular exercise mantra was “No pain, no gain.” The workouts were intense, the music was loud, and impact on knees and shins was high. We danced along to the Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons, and the “:20 Minute Workout” in our legwarmers and neon…
The McManus family at 168 Murray Street in their 1840s log house
By Nancy Miller Chenier In May 2025, the Heritage Impact Assessment and Conservation Plan for the proposed development at 168-174 Murray Street stated that it would include “the conservation and rehabilitation of both the two-storey brick clad frame building located at 174 Murray and the one and one half-storey log/frame building at 168 Murray.” The…
A new artist studio opens in Lowertown
By Daniel Marlow Hulya Guler Art Studio is now open at 206 Saint Patrick Street. The studio and gallery sit inside a charming heritage building, just steps from the National Gallery of Canada and the ByWard Market. Hulya’s path to becoming a professional artist has been far from conventional. Born in Turkey, she immigrated to…
I am hearing LOTS about this AI thing – will it help me, or should I be worried?
By Malcolm and John Harding of Compu-Home We can answer these questions in two words: “yes and probably.” For a bit more detail read on, in this and in our November column. To begin, we have a bit of a quarrel with the name, “artificial intelligence,” as we think that “accumulated intelligence” is a better…
Beyond the plaque: Champagne Bath
By Nancy Miller Chenier In 1987, the Champagne Bath at 321 King Edward Avenue was designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The heritage plaque on this building heralds the fact that the Champagne Bath is “a serious work of architecture, a significant social document, and a distinctive element in the King Edward…
A message from our Member of Parliament, the Honourable Mona Fortier
As summer unfolds, I want to take a moment to share some positive news and highlight a few important programs that are supporting our community here in Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester. While the House of Commons is on summer recess, the work continues on the ground – to support families, create opportunities for youth, and make our cultural…
Residents of Lowertown can soon opt for reusable containers for takeaway meals
By Circular Innovation Council The Circular Innovation Council, a national environmental not-for-profit organization, is excited to announce the launch of Reuse Ottawa. It’s an innovative opportunity for Ottawans to help reduce single-use plastic waste by choosing reusable containers for their takeaway food at participating grocery stores and restaurants. Participating in Reuse is easy! Reuse Ottawa’s…
Letting Lowertown grow: a future rooted in strength
By Josiah Frith I grew up understanding that the best things in life take time. My father, a municipal politician on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast in the 1980s, worked to preserve old-growth forests. He taught me that these forests were not just collections of trees, but thriving, self-sustaining ecosystems. Their strength came from their history,…
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