LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
This year, our annual real estate issue delves even deeper into the “location, location, location” debate by looking across the river at the housing market in Gatineau. Talk about timing! Back in the fall when we first approached writer Laura Byrne Paquet, our go-to gal for real estate commentary, and photographer Dwayne Brown, who has become an expert at capturing the feel of an area, the Quebec Charter of Values was just beginning to make headlines. Little did we know that the outcome of a critical Quebec provincial election would be decided by the time the issue hit newsstands. As writer Paul Gessell says about his personal experience of moving to Chelsea, “referendums are great times to buy houses in the Outaouais.” That may be true, but I won’t wade into those waters here. Vehicle registration and daycare costs we can handle with sidebars; sovereignty — and what it means for the National Capital Region — I’ll leave to the political panel.
But I should add that on a personal level, this subject is very fascinating. Last year, after months of searching for our first home — a hunt that involved many visits to Aylmer — my family and I bought a bungalow on the Ontario side. Yes, it was partly due to the provincial border, but I still dream of that farmhouse near the beach. Matt Harrison, our newest editor and a resident of Wakefield who spent years living in Centretown, brought another view to the table. Our feature doesn’t mention the current Macdonald-Cartier Bridge construction, but that has definitely come up in the office as we weigh the pros and cons of living in Quebec while working in Ottawa.
Plus: If you love exploring the city (and/or are searching for a ’hood to call home), look for our first ever Neighbourhoods guide. Similar to our popular Eating & Drinking guide, this fun and informative book, which hit newsstands in April, aims to help readers discover hidden gems, meet some of the people who embody an area, and learn about the
best places to eat, shop, and play.
Coming up: Despite what’s going on outside my window as I write this, summer is around the corner. This year, we’re visiting beaches and backyards, food trucks and festivals to help you enjoy a fun (and tasty) summer.
Dayanti Karunaratne, Editor
feedbackottawa@stjosephmedia.com
THIS CITY
Combo cure for cancer • Glowing mushrooms at the Canadian Museum of Nature • The Juice with Michael Prentice • Purple people pedallers in Neighbourhood Watch • Westfest block party • Opera meets Hollywood with the Capital Opera Company
COLUMNS
City: Obstructing real debate on oil by Jason Unrau 23
Culture: Thespians seek an audience by Janet Uren 27
FEATURES
Lost in transition
For young people like Sarah Mercer, whose chronic health conditions have kept her on a firstname basis with many staff at CHEO, moving to the adult health care system is fraught with challenges
BY ROGER COLLIER
MDMA: Pills, Thrills & chills
Known as ecstacy and Molly, among other colourful monikers, the amphetamine MDMA is on the rise in the club scene. DAVID MEFFE examines its relationship with electronic music — and its role in the tragic death of a friend
Hang time over Highway 416
Gliding at the Rideau Valley Soaring Club
BY JAMIESON FINDLAY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID TRATTLES
COVER
Crossing over: The quebec real estate market.
In our annual real estate roundup, we explore four top Gatineau neighbourhoods, compare them with similar enclaves in Ottawa, and discuss the issues involved with moving to Quebec
BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET
with files from Paul Gessell and Matt Harrison
GREAT TASTE
Most Wanted A clean, green cruising machine from Scooteretti
Our Look Mother’s Day mavens from Max’s Footwear, Manhattan Marque, and Lida Boutique celebrate in style at the Fairmont Château Laurier
Great Space Two designers merge three condos into one customized creation
Food & Drink
Eating Life: Confessions of a cook-not with Shawna Wagman
Quest: Best BBQ with Cindy Deachman
City Bites: notable restaurant and food happenings around town
Capital Pink: 10 new brews at the LCBO
GOING OUT
DesBrisay Dines: Spotlight on Le Baccara, plus starred reviews of Social, Table 40, Taylor’s Genuine Kitchen & Wine, ZenKitchen, and more
Calendar featuring Dance Theatre of Harlem at the NAC and The Souljazz Orchestra at The Black Sheep Inn
plus See, Hear, Read with Paul Gessell