THE 15TH ANNIVERSAY ISSUE
It has been an era of quick-paced change for a capital that has, since amalgamation, rapidly morphed from big small city to small big city. As Ottawa Magazine commemorates 15 years of covering the capital, we’ve put together an enlightening retrospective of our favourite moments — features and photos that immortalize our city in transition
Letter from the Editor
The timing of Ottawa Magazine’s 1998 launch could not have been more fortuitous. The very next year, the province passed the City of Ottawa Act providing for the 2001 amalgamation that saw six former cities (Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, Vanier, and Cumberland) join with four former townships (West Carleton, Goulburn, Rideau, and Osgoode) and one former village (come on down, Rockcliffe Park) to form the Ottawa we know today. Those first few post-amalgamation years were contentious ones, creating ample fodder for a city magazine. But, more importantly, the formation of the new Ottawa marked the beginning of an era of unusual change in the capital, not only transforming the way our city operates but, more importantly, redefining how we, as residents, view our hometown.
When we talk amongst ourselves, we still self-identify by geography (east enders, west enders, south enders, for example) and neighbourhood, but when’s the last time you answered Nepean or Vanier when asked what city you hail from? Ottawa Magazine has been privileged to be part of the ongoing conversation around what Ottawa is and where we’re headed. As the magazine celebrates its 15-year anniversary — and that 15-year discussion — we take the opportunity to look both backward and forward.
On the light side, the 15th-anniversary feature highlights some favourite covers and how they came to be, and pokes fun at politicians past and present with a spotlight on 15 years of political cartoons. We also remember 15 features — some weighty, some light — that continue to resonate. Looking forward, 15 notable residents tell us about their Ottawa — how they came here and where they see the city in 15 years’ time. Enjoy the ride.
COMING UP: Steady. Historically it’s a word used as a dig by Ottawa detractors. But as the real estate market in other major cities cools, the capital owns its moniker with pride. No worries here of bubbles and downward spirals. Steadiness is a good thing as locals head into the spring/summer buying season in a positive frame of mind. This year our annual May real estate edition is themed around neighbourhood enclaves as we explore some hidden and not-so-hidden gems, searching out communities with that all-important “it” factor.
Sarah Brown, EDITOR
feedbackottawa@stjosephmedia.com
FEATURES
Celebrating 15 Years of Everything Ottawa
It has been an era of quick-paced change for a capital that has, since amalgamation, rapidly morphed from big small city to small big city. As Ottawa Magazine commemorates 15 years of covering the capital, we’ve put together an enlightening retrospective of our favourite moments — features and photos that immortalize our city in transition
Official Ottawa
What you see is what you get. Or is it? The political machinations meet the daily mundane when photographer TONY FOUHSE turns his lens on the structures and subtext of our capital
COLUMNS
Idle No More
With the launch of his second novel, former Ontario lieutenant governor James Bartleman aims to be part of a literary revolution that shatters false stereotypes about native Canadians By Paul Gessell
Wild in the City
Ottawa may be the second largest metropolitan area in Ontario, but our geography and wildlife are more typical of a northern Ontario town than a southern Ontario city. And conflict between people and animals is on the rise as the city expands. Why, then, does the city have no wildlife strategy?
THIS CITY
JOANNE THURLBECK’s transformation from BMX spectator to elite racer • Competing to build a better Ottawa • Partying where the wild things are (a.k.a. the CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE) • Telling tales of births and marriages • A fashion moment with AMANDA NIMMO
CITY SELECT
My Look
Slow goods practitioner Dominic Coballe opts for the tailored look
Super Shopper
Greet the return of sunny days and above-zero temperatures with colour and whimsy
Culture
The lecture circuit is the new gathering place for the young and curious — where plenty is discussed but nothing much is said B
Food
A crash course in food politics in Ontario schools leaves the food editor feeling distinctly queasy
Tasting Notes
Heralding the long overdue resurrection of Merlot
Restaurants
Weekend tamale-making comes to Vanier * Rabbit on the rebound * Plus our star-rated reviews
April Events
Hitting the home stretch with the OTTAWA SENATORS • Five top picks for the NORTHERN SCENE festival • Focusing on Women and war at the CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM • 150 years of Canadian wedding fashion at the MISSISSIPPI VALLEY TEXTILE MUSEUM • Plus our arts and entertainment listings