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Off The Cuff

Welcome to Miss Vicky's Offhand Remarks! On this page you'll find Miss Vicky's latest ramblings, but feel free to browse the various sections. You'll hear a lot about Kitchissippi, Miss Vicky's westish Ottawa community, but you never know what you might find. And feel free to jump in - this may be Miss Vicky's virtual soapbox, but she loves a good discussion!

Shinny in the 'burg

Miss Vicky Fri Jan 20, 2012

Even if you haven't registered for Hintonburg's first (hopefully) annual Street Hockey Tournament, there will be plenty of fun and action tomorrow on Hamilton and Spencer by Parkdale Park. The fun starts at 11:30 and continues all day - stop by and cheer for your friends and neighbours!
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What the heck's a CDP? Forum Thursday.

Miss Vicky Fri Jan 13, 2012

The fine folks of the Wellington Village Community Association will be holding a public form on the Wellington West Community Design Plan (or CDP for short) this coming Thursday, January 19.

The forum takes place at St George's Church on Picadilly Ave, between 7 and 9pm. The Forum will explain what the recently-passed plan might mean as the neighbourhood grows and develops. The plan, which involved a couple of years of study and consultation, is supposed to guide development decisions on things like height, density, public space, zoning and more for the next twenty years. But what does that actually mean in practice? Is it enforcable? What role does the community play?

It should be an interesting discussion - and an important one given the various developments we anticipate over the next several years. Katherine Hobbs will be speaking, as will our MPP, who has been working on provincial legislation to make the Ontario Municipal Board more friendly to communities.

The CDP includes the Wellington West Mainstreet through Hintonburg and Wellington Village, as well as the Parkdale Market District. Anyone who lives, works or hangs in the area might benefit from this discussion.

See you there?
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Breezehill Development?

Miss Vicky Fri Jan 6, 2012

Miss Vicky received the following question from reader Nancy today:

I love your blog site. Do you have any idea what is moving into the building at the corner of Breezehill and Somerset. I noticed framing on the Breezehill side of the building where there are windows - maybe putting in doors??

Aw, shucks.

I don't have any confirmation about what is happening to the former site of the 168 Market, but I do know the following:

Claridge Homes bought the property several months ago, and even held an exploratory meeting with the Zoning Committee, presumably to feel out how the community might react to a substantial development on the site. Miss Vicky attended the meeting. They were pretty cagey about what we wanted to do but there were plenty of subtext and code words employed. It was pretty clear that their intention is to go high, and they were fishing around to figure out how high the community would allow without too much of a fuss.

This was, of course, obvious to everyone in the room. So the obvious points were made: the community isn't opposed to height, per se (within reason, of course - 35 stories is a non-starter). But there are tradeoffs. The story of how the GCTC came to be part of the development at Holland and Wellington was recounted. Section 37 was referenced as a possible way for the community to be open to a proposal for increased height.

(Section 37 is a mechanism that would allow the city to accept development proposals that do not conform to the Official Plan, in exchange for benefits to the community. I'm not sure the guidelines have passed yet, and they have been under development for some time, but they would mean that the kind of deal that brought the GCTC to Hintonburg - a theatre space in exchange for increased height - would happen more frequently).

There was some hypothetical discussion about what kinds of things the HCA would consider to be a community benefit for more height at that site - things like a grocery store on the main level, parking for Devonshire Teachers, space for the Devonshire daycare program which may be threatened when Full-day Kindergarten comes to that school. There was also some discussion about traffic flow and other possible concerns that might arise if the company planned to go really high.

Claridge was supposed to come back to the zoning committee with a more comprehensive proposal. They had just bought the property and it was early days. Several months have passed, however, and nothing.

Nothing except a lot of activity at the site - they took down the signage before the holidays and now they seem to be putting up walls inside and perhaps putting in doors. Me, I'm thinking showroom for whatever development they're planning to build there. I guess we'll find out sooner or later just what they think a "gateway" building (their favourite code word at the meeting) means.


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Hintonburg Hub Update

Miss Vicky Thu Jan 5, 2012

As reported over in openfile, there may indeed be a new location for the Hintonburg Hub.

It was clear that the negotiations with the Salvation Army were going nowhere, and without political help (and cash) from the city, the partners weren't able to bring the kind of leverage to the table to push things forward in any kind of meaningful way. In the meantime, another property became available: the Pantuso Garage site at the corner of Bayview and Wellington West. You know the place - art deco-ish lines, big huge clock? Anyway, it's not as ideal as the Bethany Hope property, but it was more affordable, didn't have a bizarre easement running through it and no threat of heritage designation hanging over its head. So the CCOC put in an offer and before Christmas it was conditionally accepted.

I haven't heard an update since then but I assume that inspections and other things will take place and other conditions need to be met. But it gives the partners a starting point for future discussions with the city and province about funding for social housing, and the LIHN about funding for the health care component.

In the meantime, the Hub partners need to meet to discuss who's in for providing services at this location, what kind of space will be required, and so on. It's not really a big enough space to be what many of us envisioned for the Bethany Hope site. But at the very least I'm pretty confident we'll see new social housing built (yay), and front-line health care (double yay). At least, I'll be pushing for that when it comes to the Somerset West CHC board, hopefully later this month. And I'll keep everyone posted as best I can.

How can you help? Well, if this is going to fly we are going to need to raise some money - even if various levels of government contribute. I am reasonably confident, since I know the community has wanted better access to health care for some time. But it won't be easy in this economic climate, especially with the threats of public service cuts and layoffs hanging over the heads of many who live here. We'll need a good, creative team and an innovative campaign to encourage community support for the initiative.

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Sens fun with Wee G and Local Tourist Ottawa

Miss Vicky Thu Jan 5, 2012

Happy New Year, Faithful Legion!

It's been a busy holiday season here at the Finishing School. I think the kids are still vibrating from all of the excitement.

For a sample of what we've been up to, check out Local Tourist Ottawa.
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Comings and goings: reader query

Miss Vicky Mon Dec 5, 2011

A reader writes:

Hey Vicky -

You've always got your ear to the ground... any idea what's going into the former Mostly Danish Furniture?

Indeed! I confirmed this weekend that Fab Baby Gear is moving into the that space - I guess they need the room for strollers and furniture.

While I'm at it, I am overdue for a Comings and Goings post, so here goes.

Hintonburger is busily renovating and readying for a January move to the old KFC location. If you haven't had a chance to pick up some gift certificates, they make great stocking stuffers! It also appears they have found someone to sublet their current shack - to Suzy Q Doughnuts. They sell what look like pretty amazing doughnuts at the Lansdowne Market and they plan on opening a shop in the 'burg. I guess that doughnuts are the new cupcakes?

Speaking of cake, The Cake Shop is moving from their suburban location to 1200 Wellington, in the former PC Cyber location. Right next to the Emerald Bakery, which is unfortunate. But they do offer a different product and they are 100% nut free. It is an awful lot of cake for our neighbourhood, though! Miss Vicky is going to have to step up her workouts at Marshall's! Their facebook page promises coffee, seating and a cheesecake bar (an intriguing possibility).

On the other end of the strip, a new sandwich place has opened up across from Cafe Mio - according to a tweet by local artist Andrew King, they serve DiRienzo's sandwiches, but I haven't had a chance to check it out.

I have had the chance to check out the Red Sea Cafe, the new Ethiopian place on Holland. It is small and basic, but they do takeout at lunch and the food was mighty tasty. No license though, so if you like a beer to wash down your injera, you can always hit a pub afterwards.

The place I am looking forward to checking out is the Hintonburg Public House - they open their doors on Wednesday, right next to the soon-to-be Bridgehead at Fairmont and Wellington.

The former Videoflicks is going to be a phone and computer servicing place - which I guess we needed when we lost PC Cyber (the staff there had told me they were moving to that location, actually, but it seems they were in error).

I imagine I am missing a few spots, but that should do for now. Still trying to figure out what's going in to the former Dogz Spa and I have no idea what's up with Chrome Boyz. Post your intel here!

Now, can we please get some groceries on the eastern end of the strip? Pretty please?





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Post-Debate Musings

Miss Vicky Sun Dec 4, 2011

I haven't really written about the NDP leadership debate. I guess it's about time, eh?

So far, Miss Vicky is remaining unaffiliated with any campaign. It's tough when you have friendships and professional relationships with multiple candidates (which I do). Normally I'd be inclined to sign on with someone I know, like and trust. But that's the case for more than one candidate in this race. So I'm biding my time, checking out the different candidates. I want to see how they perform, how they organize, who they bring into the party, what kind of potential they have. I want to hear their ideas. I'd love to be inspired, but I'll also settle for a little hope and optimism.

I remember back to my decision to support Jack when he ran. I had utter confidence in his progressive values, his feminism and his activism. I saw how he engaged and connected with people. He built a great team, inspired loyalty and hard work, valued our contributions and our ideas. He was a great organizer without being a micromanager. Most of all, I saw him attract new faces and new voices to the NDP. That was exciting, that sense of the possible.

It's early days, so there is a lot of time for the 9 candidates to show their stuff. But here are my musings, after this first debate.

I enjoyed the tone of the debate. Respectful, and generally positive. There was that early moment when Brian Topp went after Paul Dewar. I'm not sure what he was trying to accomplish there. If it was to throw Paul off, it seemed to have the opposite effect, breaking the tension and allowing Paul to relax a little.

I suppose there are folks out there who found the debate a little underwhelming. No "knockout punch", no fireworks. But that's not how we roll, is it? The candidates need to woo the membership. There is little to be gained from being overly aggressive, especially at this early stage. Attacking Paul was a risky move by Brian; I'm not sure what he stands to gain, especially when he needs to show people that he can transition from the backrooms to the doorstep.

I thought most of the candidates tonight gave solid performances. Paul put his ideas out there and did fairly well with the French (particularly with the rapid fire portion, I thought). I'd like to see him relax a bit more, maybe have a little fun. I know he does that when he meets people one-on-one, so he needs to bring that warmth to the more formal events.

Peggy performed well in English and French, and I think brought a clear and balanced policy approach forward. But like Paul I think she needs to have a bit more fun with the process. Members are looking for ideas, looking for solid progressive values, but they're also looking for charm and maybe even a little humour. Nathan Cullen certainly brought a bit of that; he seemed to be having the most fun of the bunch.

Romeo Saganash is a very interesting candidate. He has some very appealing qualities - his leadership and international experience, in particular. Although he had a slow start he really picked up in the French portion of the evening. I found out later (while surfing some of the after parties) that he has been suffering from bronchitis for two weeks.

Thomas Mulcair gave good, measured answers and came across as knowledgeable and statesmanlike. His major obstacle is that he needs to win the trust of the membership outside of Quebec. He needs to spend more time connecting with the grassroots, listening and building a broader base to his campaign. So far I haven't seen much indication that he is doing this, which is unfortunate. I'd say the same for Topp, who has similar challenges in winning the trust of the broader membership. He needs to lay aside the high profile endorsements for a while and focus more on the members.

From what I can tell, Dewar, Nash and Saganash seem to be running fairly solid, grassroots-oriented campaign. I have no idea how they are doing in terms of membership sign-ups, but there is certainly some energy behind them. And some very enthusiastic supporters on my twitter and facebook feeds!

As for the other candidates... I used to really like Robert Chisholm, back when he led the NSNDP. But he was underwhelming tonight. And I don't mean his lack of French. Niki Ashton gave a polished performance, which should help her campaign. I just can't get past her position on the gun registry, though, particularly as she is putting gender equality front and centre in the campaign.

Martin Singh lost me with his answer to Peggy Nash's very direct question on expanding the CPP.

On the policy side, I think I may have to watch it again to get some of the nuances. I couldn't take notes or live tweet as I was directly behind the candidates, in camera-sight (incidentally, it is disconcerting watching a debate from the background. I would have rather seen their faces, watched the dynamic between them). I was disappointed that none of the questions addressed the issue of public services, a vital sector of the economy. A few candidates touched on specific programs, but at a time when the public sector is under serious threat by the Harper government, you'd think that the candidates would devote a little time sharing their vision for protecting public services. I would have happily traded the "who's your second choice" question for a public sector topic - particularly since half the candidates weaseled out of answering that one directly!

I am kind of curious what the themes will be for the remaining debates. I'd love to see a debate on women's issues and I think an argument could be made for one. But not in this post, which is already more than long enough!

Did you watch? What are your thoughts and observations? For those non-members, are you considering joining so you can have your say in choosing the next Leader of the Official Opposition?
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SoHoHo — The Small Office/Home Office Holiday Party

The Webgeek Wed Nov 30, 2011

Get a ticket
Hey All, it's the Webgeek here.
I just wanted to tell you about a little shindig a few of us Work-from-home types are putting together.

When: Wednesday, December 14th, 4- 7 p.m.
Where: Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street West
Who: You - if you work at home or a very small business / office / store.
What's happening: Finger food. Door prizes. Live Caroloke. Special appearances by local superstars we haven't asked yet (we're working on it).

We are also looking for sponsors, door prizes, and help spreading the word, so feel free to drop me a line (either here or on Twitter) if you'd like to help out.
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Shop locally

Miss Vicky Thu Nov 24, 2011

The holidays are coming.... and with them, the craft shows.

The local craft show, however, has evolved somewhat since Miss Vicky moved to the neighbourhood. While you still find the traditional hand-knit slippers and crocheted toilet roll covers, there are some pretty amazing artists and artisans in the area, offering plenty of options for holiday shoppers. Lots of jewelry - from funky to classy. Unique screenprinted t-shirts, bags and other wearables. Felted hats, brooches, scarves and more. Locally-roasted coffee. printed cards and other paper. Chocolate, baked goods and soap. There's always something different, which is great if you're a frequent craft show visitor like me.

This weekend is the HCA's annual Hintonburg Artisan Craft Fair. It takes place on Saturday, November 26 at the Community Centre. Doors open at 10am and the event runs to 5pm. Don't forget to check out the bake sale!

Demand for crafty goodness is so high (as is the number of local artisans) that there is now a monthly craft show at the GCTC, on the first Saturday of every month. Next one is Dec 3, which is also the day of Fisher Park's community craft fair.

If craft shows aren't your cup of tea but you still want to shop local, there are plenty of options - from Peekaboo Toys to Heavens to Betsy to Ravensara to Collected Works to Flock to Red Chair Kids and plenty, plenty more. I'll do a separate post about shopping the Wellington Shuffle in a couple of days.

What are your favourite places to shop the neighbourhood?
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Help Hintonburger's Move

Miss Vicky Tue Nov 15, 2011

So folks are pretty excited about Hintonburger's expansion to KFC, right? Are you excited enough to help make sure the move is a success?

Come celebrate the move and find out more about their plans for the space (and maybe the bucket???) this Saturday at the Elmdale Tavern, between 4 and 7pm. There'll be music, food, and a chance to chat with the owners.

There will also be a opportunity to lend a hand as they take on the challenge of renovating the old KFC. They'll be selling gift certificates - you get the food later on; they get the cash they need now to pay for the renos. Other local restaurants have pioneered this community-supported restaurant model, with great success. A while ago, we suggested that Hintonburger's owners have a chat with Caroline and Dave to find out more about their beginnings.

And of course we assured them that we were convinced the community would answer the call if they needed to raise money to make the move happen.

I'm glad to see they have decided to give it a shot. It seems like a great way to support a growing local business. Hintonburger has added a lot to our neighbourhood - and I don't just mean to our waistlines.

So what do you say, Hintonburg? Are you up for the challenge?

See you at the Elmdale on Saturday!
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