By Maureen McEwan
Dear readers,
I hope that this letter finds you all very well.
It is scarf and sweater season and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Happy autumn!
COVID-19 restrictions and precautions will almost certainly still be in place when the different holidays arrive this month, but I hope you and your loved ones still find moments of joy and can celebrate safely.
We’re at that time of year when Ottawa weather turns, temperatures drop, and days grow darker. As we get further into the autumnal season, please continue to look out for one another — whether through something like volunteering time, donating to a cause, or something as simple as sharing a laugh or asking someone how they are doing.
This is our second pandemic fall, and the last 18 months have been an incredibly tough road for some. But, the compassion and generosity of this community continues to amaze me. So let’s stay the course and take care of our neighbours.
And now, to the October edition:
Our cover story centres on Yasir Naqvi’s win on Sept. 20: the former MPP is returning to the Ottawa Centre riding but this time, he’ll represent it federally as an MP. We caught up with Naqvi just days after he was elected.
After being postponed in May 2020, TOGETHER: Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario Showcase finally took place on Sept. 24 at Parkdale Park. We caught up with event organizer and emcee Alejandro Salgado Cendales, event organizer Alex Maltby and artist Donia Al-Issa about the celebration of arts and cultural pluralism.
Steve Wilson, co-owner of Escape Manor, chatted with us about the company’s pandemic journey and how they’ve managed to evolve over their seven years in business.
Cornerstone Housing for Women is running its third Purple Tie Gala in October. The annual event raises much-needed funds to support vulnerable women across the city who are homeless or facing the possibility of homelessness. For 2021, they’ve set a fundraising goal of $100,000 and we spoke with Cornerstone’s Executive Director Sarah Davis to learn more.
Early Days looks at the history of Champlain Park in the early 20th century and the man who had a plan for the neighbourhood: Robert H. Cowley.
For our Humans of Kitchissippi feature, resident Mina Trandafilovski spoke with us about the Facebook group she started — a space where Spanish-speaking citizens in Ottawa can come together, build connections and help each other out — and what she loves about living in the Civic Hospital area.
And we’ve got our school columns back in the paper once again! I’d encourage you to read the latest from our Notre Dame and Nepean High School columnists. This month, they share what it is like to be back at school in-person, full time.
The October edition of Kitchissippi Homes includes tips for fall maintenance, an update on the Ottawa Real Estate Board’s latest market numbers and a feature on an Ottawa reno tour.
Finally, we’ve got a fall photo spread — enjoy this colourful season.
And that’s all the news that’s fit to print.
All the best, Kitchissippi, and stay safe.