Stroll or roll your way to better health
|

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…

Lowertown Community Resource Centre’s Good Neighbours Community House reinvents itself – and gorgeous green gardens are growing!
|

Lowertown Community Resource Centre’s Good Neighbours Community House reinvents itself – and gorgeous green gardens are growing!

By Catherine Mageau, Special Projects Coordinator, LCRC Big things are happening at the LCRC’s Community House at 145 Beausoleil Drive. Now that our food bank that used to operate on that site has moved to our 40 Cobourg Street location, our Community House is entering an exciting new chapter – with fresh energy, new projects,…

Brigid’s Well – Lowertown’s own neighbourhood Irish pub
|

Brigid’s Well – Lowertown’s own neighbourhood Irish pub

By Dave Bowen There’s no neon sign out front telling you you’ve arrived, no menu on the door with a list of offerings, nor even any big windows to peep in and see what’s inside. The only sign you’re at your destination is the small blue light over the door, lit when they’re open. But…

New heritage plaque: Union of Canada
|

New heritage plaque: Union of Canada

By Allen Brown On March 24, city councillor Stéphanie Plante, municipal heritage planner Taylor Quibell and Lowertown Community Association president Sylvie Bigras unveiled a new plaque commemorating the Union of Canada and its demolished building, located at the corner of York and Dalhousie streets, the current site of the Andaz Hotel. Ms. Quibell recalled that…

A new space created by and for youth in Lowertown
|

A new space created by and for youth in Lowertown

By Amine Mohammed Harmach A space made by and for youth in Ottawa’s Lowertown came back into being this May at the Youth Centre, located at 201 Friel Street.  After school from Monday to Thursday, the Transitions and Drop-in programs offer a series of activities for roughly twenty participants. Initiated by the Lowertown Community Resource…

Just Voices: Ottawa’s social justice choir
|

Just Voices: Ottawa’s social justice choir

By Nadia Stuewer and Ann Waters The familiar strains of Meghan Trainor’s “All About that Bass” fill the room as the basses start singing doom-do-doom. But suddenly the choir is singing, “all about… the bus?  Yes, welcome to Just Voices, Ottawa’s activist choir whose songs promotes peace, social justice, and environmental responsibility.  “All About the…

Is Domaines du Marché back with another project? Perhaps
|

Is Domaines du Marché back with another project? Perhaps

Le français suit By François Latreille (ByWard Market residential developer) For those familiar with the residential part of the ByWard Market, the “Domaines du Marché” brand has become synonymous with thoughtfully designed condos that blend seamlessly into the community. Over the past 27 years, I’ve had the privilege of calling this neighborhood home, and as both a…

Malika Oumou Moumouni Sondé: a commitment to solidarity
|

Malika Oumou Moumouni Sondé: a commitment to solidarity

Le français suit By Mohammed Amine Harmach “Happy birthday!” With these words, Malika Oumou Moumouni Sondé, coordinator at the Lowertown Food Bank, surprised an emotional customer by handing her a birthday cake. A gesture that perfectly illustrates the spirit of solidarity and benevolence that drives Malika on a daily basis. “What motivates me in my work is…

Lowertown loss: James Brian dies at 74
|

Lowertown loss: James Brian dies at 74

Le français suit By Lina Dib No wonder his middle name was Merryman, James Brian had the most joyful laugh. And it will be missed by the many friends and neighbours he charmed and helped in our community. Born in Montreal, educated in Germany, he brought his enthusiasm and his knowledge to Ottawa, cofounded here the bilingual…