Read the latest issue of The Echo! (17-2, May 2026)
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Arts + culture corner
Cultural happenings for you to enjoy / Des événements culturels pour votre plaisir Entries by Robin Etherington GALLERIES – GALERIES Barbara Ann Scott Gallery 110 Laurier Avenue WestCultivating Community: Agriculture Rooted in Ottawa’s History, until November 5, 2028City Hall Art Gallery 110 Laurier Avenue WestCity of Ottawa Art Collection – 2025 Additions until March 29Judy Nakagawa…
A controversial addition to the Andaz Hotel
By Allen Brown Two years ago, the Lowertown Community Association (LCA) expressed concern that the addition to the Andaz Hotel proposed at that time did not respect the designation of the site as part of the ByWard Market Heritage Conservation District (HCD). In mid-December 2025, the LCA again expressed concerns that a new plan for…
El Taco De Oro and La Latina – authentic Mexican fare right here in Lowertown
By Dave Bowen It may seem like a given, one of those things that’s always been around, but there remains an ongoing debate about the origins of Taco Tuesdays. Luckily for us, we needn’t worry about the history and can just take advantage of the offerings at El Taco De Oro, our local taqueria. According…
Shepherds of Good Hope’s Diversion Pilot Project proves successful
By Bernie Forestell, Senior Manager Communications, Shepherds of Good Hope In late 2024, Shepherds of Good Hope (SGH) partnered with the Alliance to End Homeless Ottawa and the City of Ottawa on the Diversion Pilot Project, a groundbreaking initiative toward transforming Ottawa’s shelter system to better meet the needs of the community. During the pilot…
A simple and urgent call to action – restore the speed camera on King Edward
By Stéphanie Plante, Councillor for Ward 12 (Rideau-Vanier) On January 13, more than 100 people packed into the Sandy Hill Community Centre to talk about the future of neighbourhood policing in Ottawa for the Community Safety and Well-Being consultations. The meetings, held with the Ottawa Police Service and community partners, focused on upstream prevention, risk…
Lowertown Community Association – what we’re working on this quarter
Your Lowertown Community Association’s (LCA) diligent volunteers continue to focus on safety, compassion, and livability. We work with residents, city staff, and partners to ensure Lowertown remains a welcoming, connected, and resilient community. Here is a snapshot of what we’re working on this quarter. Community safety and well-being Meaningful community consultation Heritage Equity across…
Beyond the plaque: Ottawa’s First Children’s Hospital at 197 Wurtemburg Street
By Nancy Miller Chenier The plaque on this building, now the Turkish Embassy, features the Children’s Hospital, one of the significant early occupants. In June 1889, local reporters heralded the opening of the Children’s Hospital with headlines like “For the Little Ones” and “A Pretty Little Nest.” Early descriptions indicated a ground floor apartment for…
Interview with Pierre Antoine Lafon Simard, Artistic Director, La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins
By Robin Etherington Pierre Antoine Lafon Simard is an artistic and general director, and digital artist, who has had works presented nationally and internationally. He directs Théâtre du Trillium, weaving together contemporary theatre and digital arts, with a focus on emerging francophone artists and hybrid live performance. He collaborates with partners in Ottawa’s arts ecosystem…
Setting up success: new youth volleyball program in Lowertown
By Nada Ziane, for the Lowertown Community Resource Centre The Lowertown Community Resource Centre (LCRC) is pleased to announce the relaunch of a volleyball program starting in February for children aged 9 to 15. This program aims to provide young people with an opportunity to discover and play volleyball in a safe, inclusive, and fun…