Faustina Konkal, owner of Fabrications Ottawa and Gareth Davies, owner of Maker House, both located in Ottawa Centre, have felt the impacts of the pandemic as so many small businesses have. Despite this, they found success through pivoting their business online. In this episode, they share what their business means to them, how they got started as entrepreneurs, their aim to give back to the community and so much more. Tune in to hear from these amazing business owners as they touch on topics such as inclusivity, mental health, the importance of community and getting through this pandemic toge ..read more

Dave Adams, otherwise known as ‘Dave the Groomer’ is famous for his work and dedication to the Sir John A Macdonald Winter Trail where Ottawans can enjoy many types of winter sports. A former cross-country ski racer, Dave had been giving back to his community for years by grooming the Nakkertok trails. With a dedicated team of groomers, he pours his passion into creating and promoting active living, providing access to the Ottawa River shoreline, and welcoming a diversity of users, whether they are walking, on skis, snowshoes or a snow bike ..read more

Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa's first female Medical Officer of Health (MOH), has been leading Ottawa through the global COVID-19 pandemic with a firm, yet gentle approach. From rural beginnings in northern British Columbia, to working in public health in Malawi, Dr. Etches's passion for public health beams. Dr. Etches has become a household name not only in Ottawa, but across Canada for her preparedness, honesty, and understanding tone throughout the pandemic. While being a mother of two boys, and being a strong supporter of "work-life balance," it wouldn't be a stretch to say she is one of the bus ..read more

Leslie Weir is the first woman to be appointed lead Library and Archives Canada. Leslie is leading the federal government’s partnership - with the Ottawa Public Library - to deliver the new world-class library and archives facility. While serving as President of Canadiana.org, Leslie oversaw the introduction of the Heritage Project to digitize and make openly accessible some 60 million Heritage archival images! So, if you’re a fan of public libraries, community spaces, information sharing, history, culture, technology and innovation - stay tuned ..read more

If you are a resident of Ottawa Centre, you have most likely ‘Wine and Dined’ at one of the award winning restaurants owned by Stephen Beckta. He started in the industry at age 13 working odd jobs at restaurants - bussing tables, cooking, washing dishes.He has gone on to win multiple awards such as: Ottawa’s Top 40 under 40, Ottawa Life Magazine’s Top 50 people (twice), Independent Restaurateur in Ontario, as well as glowing reviews in The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, The National Post. He’s board chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. The non-profit organization played an importan ..read more

Charlotte is an Ottawa-based youth activist. She is dedicated student doing her Master of Sociology at Carleton University, a youth engagement coordinator with A Way Home Ottawa, and the co-founder of the Making the Shift (MtS) Scholars With Lived Experience Network. Over the last few years, in collaboration with University and community partners, Charlotte has worked on several participatory research projects with homeless youth in Ontario ..read more

In October 2019, Peter Sloly assumed his new job as Ottawa's Chief of Police. In his first 100 days, Chief Sloly introduced a new model to combat street violence called “crime disorder management”. He presented an ambitious 100-officer hiring plan to the police board and introduced a new hate crimes unit. I wanted the opportunity to have a more in-depth conversation with our new Police Chief and to share it with you. My questions for Chief Sloly were informed by the issues that constituents raise with me and that are in our local news. Take a listen ..read more

Heading into a second term, I’ve given a lot of thought as to how best I can connect and communicate with folks in my riding - including in new ways. One thing I know for sure is that I want to share more of the incredible conversations I’m fortunate to have with amazing people working hard to build a better community right here in Ottawa Centre. With neighbours stepping-up to tackle community issues. With people making our city greener. With members of the arts community creating a more vibrant city. With volunteers whose innovative ideas are making our city more awesome. With small business ..read more