The NCC’s Yumi Webster shares her secret (and how you can warm up at Winterlude)

Born and bred in Ottawa, Yumi Webster is passionate about Canada’s Capital Region, museums, photography and peanut M&Ms. Sometimes, she tweets. She works at the National Capital Commission as Coordinator of School Programs and Youth Engagement. All opinions here are her own.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret about me. But before I do, there is something you need to understand about where I work.

I work for the National Capital Commission, and we are champions of winter.

During that cold snap we had in mid-January when everyone else was suddenly Googling “last minute sun holiday cheap,” people at my workplace were high-fiving each other in the elevator and saying, “This is great canal weather!”

So, here’s my secret: I really, really dislike the cold. Oh, I get out on the Rideau Canal Skateway every year, and I’ve been snow shoeing in Gatineau Park. I enjoy the Winterlude ice sculptures and I’ll definitely be bringing my toddler to Snowflake Kingdom for the snow slides. But the truth is, after about 30 minutes outside in the cold, the novelty of having rosy cheeks wears off and I just want to go inside and drink hot cocoa.

She might work for the NCC, but Yumi secretly hates the cold…

“I think one of the events should take place indoors,” I told my boss, earnestly, hoping she couldn’t smell desperation. “Somewhere warm. Cozy, even. Maybe with hot cocoa.”

And that is how “Chill Out and Warm Up,” a showcase of heart-warming short films created by youth, came to be.

The evening, which is geared toward young adults, ages 16 to 24, is taking place at HUB Ottawa on Saturday, February 16, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. We’ll be screening nine short films, some of which have won fantastic awards and all of which are awesome and uplifting. Admission is free.

Not only did youth create the films, but we also had a group of youth help us select them. They did a fantastic job. Sarah and the Sock Puppet is goofy and quirky, and delivers a message about being true to yourself without getting hokey. I was both moved and impressed by a fantastic hip-hop video created by four girls in a youth detention centre in British Columbia. And I fell a little bit in love with Jérémie, a 12-year-old boy from Quebec who has a lot to teach us about turtles and a positive attitude.

 Oh, and there will be hot cocoa. And popcorn. And maybe even cookies.

(For the record, there are plenty of great outdoor youth events during Winterblast, if you’re one of those people. Check out the Winterlude website to plan your Winterblast Weekend. Or follow the NCC on Facebook or Twitter.)

Thanks Yumi! What’s your favourite part of Winterlude? 

Ottawa seen 365 ways in 365 days: Christophe Ledent shares his story

Christophe Ledent (Blog/Facebook/Twitter) is an amateur photographer who moved to Ottawa nearly three years ago to work for the Government of Canada.

A little over five months ago I set out to discover Ottawa through photography. Some would even say I am a tourist in my own city, a tourist looking to discover everything Ottawa has to offer. 

In a way, this is true.

But the real truth is I’m just a guy trying to make a new place home by setting out and discovering new things about a city I barely know while learning the art of photography, a passion I only just rediscovered after more than 10 years of not owning a camera.

My Ottawa 365 Photo Challenge: Everyday for 365 days, I upload a picture of Ottawa shot from a new and hopefully exciting location.

While I could go into a long story about why I only just recently decided to set out on this challenge, I would much rather share what I have learned so far about Ottawa because, like many people I know who have moved here, it’s the combination of the people I have met and the unique-to-Ottawa places I have discovered that now allow me to call Ottawa home.

Here we go.

The most obvious realization is that as Canada’s capital, Ottawa is host to some of the most memorable celebrations, commemorative ceremonies and festivals I have ever experienced, including the Canada Day party and Remembrance Day.

127 – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Ottawa also plays host to a number of amazing events, almost on a daily basis. From Zombie Walks, to the Plaid Parade, to Haunted Houses, to the latest festival or fair, there is always something going on in some part of the city.

119 – Ottawa’s first Plaid Parade

Love it or hate it, OC Transpo is part of your daily life if you live in Ottawa! One thing is for sure, we have some of the most beautiful bus stations I have ever seen, and this is even before the arrival of the LRT!

109 – Transitway at Lincoln Fields

Ottawa is much more than just a city centre; it spreads far beyond the Greenbelt and includes many unique places and towns, including Osgoode, Orleans—heck, we even have our own cranberry farm.

105 – Upper Canada Cranberry Farm

Galleries, museums, memorials and public art are everywhere. In every corner of the city, you are bound to come across a unique piece of art. From the reflective mirror ball in front of the National Research Council offices on Montreal Road, to the unique fire hydrants in Hintonburg.

Everywhere you turn, there is art, art, art!

45 – The Peacekeeping Monument

Greenspace! Ottawa is filled with parks, fields and forests just begging to be discovered, but the ultimate view is only a few minutes away in Gatineau Park.

96 – Fall colours as seen in Gatineau Park

I have quickly learned that balancing work, photography, blogging and social commitments is hard and that sometimes I just don’t have time to get out and look for a place to discover. Sometimes you just need to sit back, relax, improvise and see what your surroundings have to offer!

135 – Bytowne Cinema

Winter means shorter days and early darkness, but for a photographer it means a new motivation to get out of bed early! What they say is true, there is no better time to get out and shoot than at sunrise!

138 – Parliament at sunrise

Winter darkness has also forced me to learn how to shoot at night and to take advantage of some of Ottawa’s amazing buildings and light sources to produce some unusual photos (even though sometimes they really don’t turn out!)

126 – The Convention Centre

And finally the number one thing I have learned is that I still have so much to learn.

After nearly five months of challenging myself to try new things and seek out new places, there are just so many places and events left to discover. As proof, this map of Ottawa shows how much I have yet to cover. I hope you come along for the ride and that my photography skills improve, so that my photos are not a poor sight for your eyes.

 

I’m almost halfway there, but I feel like this project will never really end because as this city evolves there will always be something for me to capture and share!

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us Christophe! …and you’re too humble, those photos are AMAZING!

Hiking the Gatineau Hills: Ruvini checks out a sunrise, the changing leaves and a former PM’s estate

The view when hiking in the Gatineau Hills

Ruvini Godakandae is a long-time Ottawa resident with a background in broadcast journalism and e-publishing. She loves to find ways to express herself and stay active, primarily through dance, photography and alternative fitness. You’ll often find her out and about discovering Ottawa’s many hidden gems and meeting some interesting and talented folks along the way. Some of her other passions include food, fashion and community involvement.

Ruvini's 4 am wake-up didn't dampen her spirits!

Although the end of summer can seem like a turn for the worst with the end of T-shirts, shorts and good weather, the fall can bring some wonderful sights with the changing of leaf colours. One of the best places to spot this is while hiking in Gatineau Park.

I was recently asked to try something a little different and check out a sunrise at Lusk Falls in Gatineau.  Initially, I jumped at the chance to go hiking but realizing that I would have to be up at 4 am to trek up the hill in the darkness made me a little hesitant. Despite this, the hike was definitely worth it.

So out I went with my flashlight in hand and bell strapped onto my hiking partner. The thought of having a bell strapped as though we were reindeers seemed a bit silly, but they apparently help bears know that you’re coming so you don’t end up creeping up on them.  However, it wasn’t something that made me more confident to hike in the dark.

Since we were venturing out as early as we did, the temperature was a little cool but the hike upward caused us to warm up quickly and even work up a sweat. The trail we followed was 2.5 kilometres one way to the highest point– the Fire Tower lookout. If you’re not a regular hiker, you might find that some points can become a little challenging with the various shaped rocks, steep step-like formations and lack of light if you go as early as I did.

Heading into the Hills

Unfortunately, we were surprised to find out the view wasn’t the greatest to check out a sunrise due to the heights of the trees around us, but the sounds of the birds and stillness around us made for a cool experience.

Word to the wise, if you ever do make the trek up, it’s always good to pack flashlights and some snacks to munch on at the top. Some hot chocolate also helps in the cooler weather. And you can’t forget, some sturdy hiking shoes or runners. It’s also best to stick to the track ‘cause if you’re like me and don’t fare well with directions, you might find yourself scaling a rock (which I did unintentionally). This makes it even more important to have a good pair shoes with proper traction.

If you’re not into a moderate hike at Lusk Falls, you’ll probably enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Mackenzie King Estate, the summer house to William Lyon Mackenze, Canada’s 10^th prime minister. The house is surrounding by a lovely garden with a few ruins. The Estate includes a trail called the Lauriault – Waterfall Trail Loop which was a favourite trail for William Lyon Mackenzie while he was prime minister. It was actually King’s government that established Gatineau Park and upon his death it was left as a “gift” to be used as a public park for fellow Canadians. The Bridal Veil Waterfall at the end of the trail is said to be quite nice but we unfortunately visited during a time which hadn’t had much rainfall prior so there really wasn’t much of a waterfall. Now, with all the rain we’ve been having, there’s sure to be a steady flow.

The Mackenzie King Estate

Ruvini at the ruins near the Mackenzie King Estate

There really is no shortage of outdoor activities to take in during the fall season. I’d encourage anyone wanting to take in some beautiful colours and nature to strap on some shoes and go on an adventure.  And when the snow hits, you can continue by going snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Wow, Ruvini! Stunning photos! Do you have a favourite hiking spot in the Ottawa area? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

An ode to Ottawa cycling: Gordon Smith reflects on the city’s two-wheeled culture

Gordon Smith is a 23-year-old man with little rest; boyfriend (wink), web designer, runner and bike racer. He is the founder of the Human Powered Movement, an organization dedicated to improving persons and community through non-commercialized fitness avenues. He is also running 23 marathons in 2011.

Cycling is, as the philosopher Wittgenstein (a bicycle owner himself) might have said, another way of ‘being in the world.’ The cyclist’s personality combines the rationalist and the rebel; a public spirit and a free spirit of being.

Gord in France

I like to think my cycling personality is just that. I cycle because it is the cheapest, quickest, most hassle-free and ecologically defensible means of getting around Ottawa, but also because it accords the freedom to breathe in nature and all her splendour.

Futurists once predicted that two-wheeled human-powered pedalling machines would quickly evolve to the extent that we could harness the kinetic energy required to hurdle down highways at 50 miles an hour. A provocative notion, but the automobile arrived before any significant genetic mutations occurred. And ironically, many persons have been experiencing a physiological regress since.

No matter what you do, cycling is tethered as the ideal vehicle of travel in a bike friendly city like Ottawa, a city itself that is kaleidoscopic and in the process of continual change and transformation.

A view of the Laurier Avenue bike lanes

And change is certainly upon us!

Cycling-savvy Ottawa mayor Jim Watson recently unveiled the Laurier Avenue West segregated bicycle lanes, part of the city’s ambitious cycling infrastructure project. The lanes, located on either side of Laurier Avenue, are separated from motorized transport via concrete curbs, plastic poles, parked cars and planter boxes. Since its conception, more than 12,000 two-wheeled enthusiasts have sped along the route (I trust under the enforced 20 km/h speed limit) making Laurier the most highly congested bicycle pathway in Canada within its first week.

A few highlights of Ottawa’s cycling culture:

• The city of Ottawa boasts a silver designation (3rd tier rating before gold and platinum) from the Bicycle Friendly Communities organization, an award presented during the recent Ontario Bikes Summit held in June.

• Canada’s capital claims the highest percentage of bike commuters in the country, if not the continent. Its 170 km worth of paths make it easy to get from point A to B, though two-wheeled traffic declines between December and March.

• Ottawa is home to numerous Canadian National Cycling Team members, and also nurtures new talent through countless cycling clubs, locally sanctioned races and an ample supply of inexhaustible volunteers.

• The Capital Bixi bike-sharing program, run by Montreal’s Public Bike System Company, launched in May, with 10 stations all within close proximity to Parliament Hill. A total of 100 bicycles serve downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.

The Capital Bixi station by Ottawa's NAC

Over the next few weeks, I want to tell you more about Ottawa’s identifiable cycling centre.  I wish to illustrate nature’s grace vis a vis spectacular cycling routes, tell you about upcoming events and highlight commercial establishments of interest to the cycling inclined.

So I have a challenge for you, the reader: get the cobwebs off your two-wheeled contraption wedged in the hall closet. Inflate the cracked old tires enough to carry your frame and go ripping out the door. Pull up any place you damn well please – the new Laurier bike lane, Ottawa River Parkway, Gatineau Park… Gorge back a fine espresso while considering shaving your legs, learning how to play the guitar and speak Italian (cue 1979 cycling flick Breaking Away). Look at your bicycle as the facilitator of all – you’ve always had it, you always knew how and it’s about time you revisited this staple from times past.

Get on your bikes, Ottawa.

Thanks for highlighting some of the reasons why Ottawa is such a cycling-friendly city, Gordon. It’s certainly nice to see we’re on the right track! We hope to read more about your two-wheeled adventures in the upcoming weeks.

Do you have any cycling topics you think Gordon should write about? What is your favourite part about biking in Ottawa?

From British Columbia to Ottawa: Kelly-Anne Maddox becomes a Local Tourist

Kelly-Anne Maddox relocated to Ottawa from British Columbia in 2010 and is busy being a mom to her one-year old daughter.

Kelly-Anne Maddox

I’m not the sort of person who adapts well to change.

Major upheavals in my life have brought with them fear, trepidation, and a not-so-healthy dose of introspection. So when my husband announced to me last year that he had been transferred from British Columbia to Ottawa, it was with much kicking and screaming that I tagged along. I lamented the loss of my dear friends, my job, my house, my beloved mountains, and the bounty of Okanagan produce.

I had been to Ottawa as a tourist many times in the past, visited Parliament, strolled along the Canal, and wandered through the museums, and was well aware that I was moving to a beautiful city. But nonetheless, I was plagued by doubt as to how I would live my everyday life here: Would I get to know people? Would there be interesting hikes? Would I like the neighbourhood I had yet to see? And were the people of Ottawa interested in 100-mile food?

We arrived in Ottawa on September 1st, after a meandering ten day road trip. For the first couple weeks I sat at home, brooding, with a six month old and a dog for company. As I started to put a finger on my initial loneliness, I realized that I was in mourning for lost connections and companionship. With two choices in front of me – get out of the house or go mad – I decided I had to start building my own community in Ottawa.

As luck would have it, I found out about the Boomerang Kids Strollercise program around that same time, and before I knew it Baby and I were whiling away three mornings a week walking the Canal with other moms and chatting over coffee in the Glebe. We added Mom and Baby Fit classes at the Glebe Community Centre to our routine, and signed up for Hush-a-Bye Babies, a locally owned song and rhyme class. My family and I discovered our Quartier Vanier Farmers’ Market and, at the last market of the season, I won their gift basket – a delicious welcome to the neighbourhood! We expanded our radius of exploration and spent Sundays at the Lansdowne Farmers’ market, and weekend afternoons hiking in Gatineau Park. We found sustainable beef and heritage pork, and a nearby organic store where the shop owner now exchanges pleasant banter with us.

My original questions were all eventually answered with a resounding yes. I’ve made friends though the various programs I became involved in, gratefully embraced the heartpounding ascents of the Wolf trail, planted roots in our delightfully colourful neighbourhood, and unearthed a locavore presence that’s very much alive in my new city.

Thanks for the post Kelly-Anne! We hope to see more of you soon!

Do you want to tell us how you ended up in Ottawa? Send us a note or leave a comment below!

Q&A with the President of the Ottawa Flying Club

Marc Desjardins, President of the Ottawa Flying Club

Marc Desjardins is an employee of the City of Ottawa/City Council, who has lived in Ottawa for 43 years. As the President of the Ottawa Flying Club, he leads a volunteer Board of an organization with 83 years of Ottawa aviation history.

So tell me a bit about yourself; how did you get into flying?

My father was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and as a child I remember going to Air Force Days at Rockliffe and Trenton.  For years I wanted to get into flying, but always had trouble finding either the time or the money. Finally in 2002 things all came together and I began my flight training at the Ottawa Flying Club.

I attained my private pilot license in 2004.

For anyone who has not been up in a small plane, how would you describe the experience?

The sensation of flying in a small two-seater or four-seater aircraft is very different than a passenger jet.  At first you may be a little anxious, but quickly that changes to exhilaration… and the world below you becomes a wonder and beauty.

I’m not sure a lot of people know about the Ottawa Flying Club, can you tell me a little bit about its history?

The Ottawa International MacDonald-Cartier Airport was originally known as The Hunt Club Field. It was used intermittently by aircraft, including Department of National Defence planes. Charles Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis at the Hunt Club field on July 2, 1927 on a flight from New York, and the public’s interest in aviation in this region followed.

In 1935, the facilities of the airport were operated by the Ottawa Flying Club and included a club house, an office, one hangar (35 by 40 by 14 feet), two private hangars for light aircraft, refuelling services by Imperial Oil, and a wind-sock. The Club’s first home was an old, two-storey, white clapboard house located on the east side of what is now PAPA taxiway. At the time, club members and students were flying Avro Avians, powered by the Genet engines, purchased from the Ottawa Car Company, which made street cars for the City of Ottawa.

Now, 83 years later, the Ottawa Flying Club has graduated thousands of pilots and has even trained a few of the Canadian Astronauts. Many graduates of the Ottawa Flying Club have established themselves as professional pilots in various Canadian, US and International Airlines as well as within other aviation related jobs such as Air Traffic Control.

Photo Credit: The Ottawa Flying Club

Paint me a picture of the OFC today: what services do you offer?

The commitment of the Ottawa Flying Club is to produce safe and competent pilots through comprehensive and high quality training. Membership has its benefits and Ottawa Flying Club members have access to our fleet of aircraft for rent and to the frequent seminars, movie nights and social events.

More importantly, members get to participate in our challenging cross-country trips. Club members have organized trips of with four or five aircraft to California, Bahamas, Florida, both coasts and many other destinations. These trips provide are both an adventure and an excellent way to build experience and confidence that you won’t find at other clubs.

As a social center, the Ottawa Flying Club Café & Lounge provides a comfortable place to spend the day with free WiFi. The Café (open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) provides all day breakfasts and an excellent selection of Asian cuisine.

Who are your members?

We have about 250 members from the Ottawa area and beyond, who range in age from 17 to 84.  Many of our student pilots have gone on to become pilots with Porter, Jazz, Air Canada and airlines around the world.

I read that you offer flying tours of the city, what does that involve?

Aerial view of Ottawa's Parliament Hill

Ottawa Scenic Flights are offered seven days a week. Our staff of instructors can take up to three passengers in our Cessna 172 aircraft.  Departing from the Ottawa International Airport flights can be customized to go where you want.  Typical views include, Gatineau Park, the Ottawa River, Parliament and downtown Ottawa.

People can book by calling the Club at 613-523-2142 or visiting us at 20 Lindbergh Pvt and getting a tour of our aircraft.

What are people’s reactions, the first time they get up in the air?

I think some people are very apprehensive when getting into a small plane but after five minutes of flying and seeing what’s around them or even taking the controls, that feeling quickly becomes… “how do I learn how to fly?”

Can you tell me a bit about Fly Day with the Ottawa Rotary Home?

Fly Day is an annual charity event organized by the Ottawa Flying Club as a way of giving back to the community.  It has been doing so for 53 years now.  In past years it has helped such organizations as the March of Dimes and partners with the Rotary Club to raise funds for the Rotary Home which is respite care facility for children with disabilities.

Describe for me your perfect day in Ottawa.

I’ve lived in Ottawa for 43 of my 56 years, and my perfect day in Ottawa is a beautiful late June morning with barely a whisper of wind, getting into a Cessna 172 and flying 3,000 feet over a luscious green city, the sun glistening over the waters of  the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau River, with only me and a few birds soaring below me and sky and land for as far as the eye can see!!

Thanks Marc! Now…who wants to go flying?

What are you doing this weekend?

As per usual, we are relying on Ottawa Magazine’s wonderful Weekender feature to give us something great to do in the city this weekend.

So what’s happening?

• The Charlie Chaplin Film Festival at the Mayfair Theatre

• Jon Cohen at Avant-Garde Bar

• Stories Alive – a free Ottawa storytelling event (great for kids!)

• Animal tracking on snowshoes. That’s right, the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre will lead you through the trails

• Vintage Hockey Day in Navan

Want all the details? Check out the full feature from Ottawa Magazine here. Want to tell us what you’re doing this weekend?Leave a comment!