As anyone who has spent time making magazines can attest, there is so much more to every page than the  words and pictures that made the final cut. Here, we asked people who spent years — even decades — at Ottawa Magazine to recall a favourite project, experience, or moment that had a lasting impact on them as a person. These connections, memories, and achievements have made a lasting impression not only on those directly involved, but on the city itself.   The 10th Anniversary Issue is very memorable for me. Working on that issue was a chance to look back over past issues and see h ..read more

This Gloucester home recently underwent a massive renovation. We focus on the work done by West of Main to the walk-in closet attached to the master bedroom. KEY CONSIDERATIONS After purchasing the home, this young family approached West of Main for some custom touches. They sought out a warm, welcoming, Hamptons-inspired abode, perfect for both entertaining and their work-from-home lifestyle. For this project, the West of Main team modified an empty bedroom to connect it to the primary suite — and transform it into a truly dreamy space. LIFE MADE BETTER Renovating, furnishing, and styling th ..read more

A luxurious his-and-hers bathroom offers space and serenity. We look at how the local design team at Gemstone Construction created contrasting yet complementary spaces. KEY CONSIDERATIONS The homeowners wanted individual ensuites with a sense of connection in their master bedroom. The previous ensuite and walk-in closet lacked functional space and adequate storage. The new layout offers plenty of cabinets while maintaining a serene environment. The attention to detail resulted in an at-home spa experience like no other: one bathroom for him, one for her. The oversized shower acts as a passagew ..read more

The way people move and work in the core is changing. In our Spring/Summer 2023 issue, we explore the possibilities by talking to industry leaders and engaged residents about how to build a great downtown. In this series, four residents living in our area of interest — north of the Queensway, east of Bronson, south of the Ottawa River, and west of the Rideau Canal — talk about why they love their neighbourhood and what changes they want to see in the short- and long-term future. Donna Holtom Donna Holtom inside Art House Cafe. Photo by David Kawai Why do you live downtown? My husband and I bot ..read more

The way people move and work in the core is changing. In our Spring/Summer 2023 issue, we explore the possibilities by talking to industry leaders and engaged residents about how to build a great downtown. In this article, we look at the return of tourism following the pandemic. Expert opinion, statistics, and casual observations suggests the time is ripe for a hotel scene that embraces the city’s unique charms. For the past eight years, Steve Ball has been the president of the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association . Before that, he was on the board of Ottawa Tourism for over a decade — and if we ..read more

The way people move and work in the core is changing. In our Spring/Summer 2023 issue, we explore the possibilities by talking to industry leaders and engaged residents about how to build a great downtown. When trying to reimagine Ottawa, it’s helpful to look at other capitals, specifically those that share some common features. Here’s a look at how Ottawa stacks up against Canberra, the capital of Australia. Like Ottawa, which was created in the 1800s for security purposes and is situated between two of Canada’s largest cities, Canberra was chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne ..read more

The way people move and work in the core is changing. In our Spring/Summer 2023 issue, we explore the possibilities by talking to industry leaders and engaged residents about how to build a great downtown. As more people work from home, all eyes are on the high vacancy rate of commercial units in the core. This essay explores the question: Could empty cubicles be the answer to enlivening downtown? The post-Covid reality has only exacerbated the downtown problem. Shopify, which formerly had 850 employees at its Elgin Street headquarters, went digital by default. Government employees have refuse ..read more

A year after a large wind storm tore through the region, the city continues to clean up the mess it left behind. Meteorologists dubbed it a derecho, the Spanish word for “straight.” More common to the U.S. Midwest, a derecho is a group of fast-moving thunderstorms that spans a great distance. Unlike tornadoes with their twisting winds, derechoes move in straight lines. The storm struck southeastern Ontario and southwestern Quebec on May 21. Gusts of up to 190km/h battered everything in its path, turning forests into trash heaps, taking down power lines, ripping roofs off homes, and injuring ma ..read more

At street level, beneath the sprawling expanse that is Harmon’s Steakhouse on Elgin, you’ll find a moody and intimate wine bar. Abby’s, the latest addition to the Whalesbone Group family, serves up something a little different. With an extensive list at a variety of price points available in three-ounce, five-ounce, or full bottle portions, the wine offerings are an exciting way to start. Expert service helps guests navigate uncharted terroir. If you’re not in the mood for wine, Abby’s can slake your thirst with one of several classic cocktails on tap or shake up something else à la minute. Th ..read more

“I just consider myself very lucky.” Jackie, a 60-year-old mother of two, is describing her experience at a new community mental health clinic opened by the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. About 40 years ago, Jackie started hearing, seeing, feeling, and even smelling things that didn’t exist. The delusions, combined with her depression and mood swings, were diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder. With medication and support, she now leads a normal life, but in January her previous symptoms were in danger of flaring up. “I was very close to being admitted,” she recalls, describing how moving hou ..read more