Thursday, September 02, 2010 • 12:51 pm
Site Map | OttawaStart Blog | Suggest A Site
Advertising Info | About Us | Contact Us
Community News | Twitter Feed

Local weather forecast...

Local topics

Community News Archive - November 2003

As a community service, OttawaStart is pleased to offer free Press Release and Community Event Listings. This free, self-serve tool is available to all local organizations, businesses, and individuals.

 

Search our news archive

 

More news

• All the latest headlines can be found on our OttawaStart Community News page.
• Older headlines can be found in our
  Community News Archive...

Subscribe to OttawaStart Community News

Subscribe to our Community News feed to get updates whenever a new headline is published.

Subscribe via RSS

Subscribe via Twitter

Subscribe via email

Add your community news

• As a community service, OttawaStart is pleased to offer free Press Release and Community Event Listings. This free, self-serve tool is available to all local organizations, businesses, and individuals.
• It's free to set up an account and start posting your news and event listings. Click here to sign up!

---

Posted Wednesday, December 31, 2003 by admin
Mensator, Battochio return to Ottawa 67's
Mensator Returning to 67’s

The Ottawa 67’s announced today that starting goaltender Lukas Mensator will be rejoining the team on Wednesday, December 31st, 2003 and will be in the lineup for Ottawa’s game in Belleville on Thursday, January 1st, 2004.

Mensator was informed of Ottawa’s goaltending situation and requested that he be returned from the Czech Republic’s national team at the World Junior Championships in Finland to Ottawa as soon as possible.

“We are looking forward to getting Mensator back in our lineup.” Said Ottawa 67’s Head Coach and General Manager, Brian Kilrea. “He is giving up a chance to play for his country to come back and help us and our situation.”

Mensator has accumulated a 7-12-2-0 record so far this season and has a goals against average of 3.73.

Battochio Cleared to Play

Other good news received by the Ottawa 67’s is the fact that rookie goaltender Danny Battochio has been cleared to play with the team after undergoing an MRI on Monday in Sudbury.

Battochio will rejoin the team in time for practice tomorrow and will accompany the team to Belleville on New Year’s Day.

Before falling ill over Christmas, Battochio had compiled a 3-1-1 record and currently leads all OHL goaltenders in save percentage with a .929 and is tied for third place with a 2.34 goals against average.

For further information, please contact Brian Kilrea at 232-6767 ext. 223

---

Posted Wednesday, December 31, 2003 by admin
FRIENDLY GAMES SERVE AS PRE-CURSOR TO BELL CANADA CUP
With the opening of the fifth annual Bell Canada Cup and Ottawa
> International Hockey Festival only two days away, several of the
> tournament's international teams will participate in friendly games today
> and tomorrow at the Corel Centre and Minto Arena to warm up for the event.
>
> Teams from Alaska, Texas, Florida, Finland and the Czech Republic
> highlight the friendly games taking place today and tomorrow. Also, in
> addition to the exhibition play, the Corel Centre will host a sledge
> hockey game on Wednesday from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., which will be open to the
> public. A complete schedule of the friendly games is included below.
>
> The fifth annual Bell Canada Cup is the world's premier pee-wee/atom minor
> hockey tournament. This year, almost 400 teams from around the world,
> including approximately 90 teams from the United States and Europe are
> confirmed with close to 18,000 players and family members descending on
> Ottawa.
>
> The 15 divisions, including a girl's division for the first time, will
> play more than 700 games on 27 ice surfaces. The highlight will be each
> division's championship game to be played at the Corel Centre on Saturday,
> January 3 or Sunday, January 4.
>
> The goal of the OIHF is to provide young athletes with an opportunity to
> develop their skills both on and off the ice, while making a contribution
> to the community. Money raised will, once again, be given to minor hockey
> and local charities.
>
> Last year, almost $150,000 was raised by the tournament for a total of
> close to $400,000 over the first four years of the tournament.
>
> For more information on the tournament, visit www.OIHF.net.
>
> Game Schedule for "Friendlies"
> Team Name Level Team Name Level Start Finish
>
> Tuesday, December 30, 2003
> International Ice - Minto Arena
>
> Alaska All-Stars MP-AAA Kanata Blazers MP-AAA 2:00 2:40
> Cumberland Barons MP-AAA HC Vitkovice MP-AAA 2:40 3:20
> Cumberland Barons MP-AAA Alaska All-Stars MP-AAA 3:30 4:10
>
> Kanata Blazers MP-AAA HC Vitkovice MP-AAA 4:10 4:50
> Gloucester Rangers MP-Elite Minuteman Flames MP-Elite
> 5:00 6:00
>
> North American Ice - Minto Arena
> Florida Jr. Panthers A-AAA Cumberland Barons A-AAA 3:30 4:20
>
> Florida Jr. Panthers A-AAA Kanata Blazers A-AA 4:30 5:20
>
> Wednesday, December 31, 2003
> International Ice - Minto Arena
>
> Vantaa MP-A Cumberland MP-A 11:00 11:50
> NJ Colonials MP-AA Jockerit White MP-AA 12:00 12:40
> RSL Kings MP-AA Jockerit Blue MP-AA 12:40 1:20
> NJ Colonials MP-AA Jockerit Blue MP-AA 1:30 2:10
> RSL Kings MP-AA Jockerit White MP-AA 2:10 2:50
> Assabet Valley MA-AAA Philadelphia Jr. Flyers MA-AAA 3:00 3:40
>
> Philadelphia Jr. Flyers MA-AAA Bay State Sharks MA-AAA 3:40
> 4:20
> St. Catherines Sabres MA-AAA Assabet Valley MA-AAA 4:30 5:10
> Cleveland Barons MA-AA Bay State Sharks MA-AAA 5:10 5:50
>
>
> North American Ice - Minto Arena
>
> Ottawa Valley A-AA California Wave A-AAA 12:30 1:10
> Cleveland Barons A-AAA Ottawa Valley A-AA 1:10 1:50
> Lowell Jr. Lockmonsters A-AA California Wave A-AAA 2:00 2:40
>
> Lowell Jr. Lockmonsters A-AA Cleveland Barons A-AAA 2:40
> 3:20
> Worcester Crusaders MP-AAA Pittsburgh Hornets MP-AAA 3:30 4:05
>
> Pittsburgh Hornets MP-AAA Dallas Icejets MP-AAA 4:05 4:40
> Worcester Crusaders MP-AAA Dallas Icejets MP-AAA 4:40 5:20
>
> Corel Centre
> Florida Jr. Panthers MP-AAA Boston Jr. Terriers MP-AAA 1:00 1:40
>
> Florida Jr. Panthers MP-AAA California Wave MP-Elite 1:40 2:20
>
> Ottawa Valley Titans MP-Elite California Wave MP-Elite 2:30
> 3:10
> Kanata Blazers MP-AAA Washington Lil Caps MP-AAA 3:10 3:50
>
> Sledge Hockey Game 4:00 5:20
> HC Vitkovice MP-AAA Washington Lil Caps MP-AAA 5:30 6:10
> HC Vitkovice MP-AAA Minuteman Flames MP-Elite 6:10 6:50

---

Posted Tuesday, December 30, 2003 by admin
Local playwright has comedies on two Ottawa stages
An award-winning satirical comedy about modern art and a new translation of a French spoof of the medical profession by Stewart Boston are to be presented on two Ottawa stages.

Gallery opens at Ottawa Little Theatre on January 5, 2004, in tandem with Talking Carrots at the End of Act One by Matt Kelly. Both plays were winners in the 2000 Ottawa Little Theatre national playwriting competition.

This is the first time that winners of the 64-year-old competition, run by Canada’s oldest community theatre, have been included in OLT’s regular subscription season.

“This is the beginning of another stage in the theatre’s history,” says OLT’s current president Dr. Robin Riddihough. “Taking an author’s words and ideas, and bringing them to life on the stage for the first time, is always magical. Plays are written to be performed and we are very pleased to be able to re-introduce the staging of two recent winners in our subscription series.”

Two months later, Stewart Boston’s translation of the classic French comedy, Knock by Jules Romains, directed by David William, will be presented at the National Arts Centre as part of the NAC English Theatre’s International Reading Series.

OLT’s evening of one-act plays runs from January 5 to 24. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Tickets, at $12, are available at the theatre box office at 400 King Edward Ave. The telephone number is 233-8948.

The International Reading Series, presented in the NAC's informal Fourth Stage, offer a chance to encounter work that is seldom performed in the Ottawa region.

Stewart Boston’s translation of Knock by Jules Romains will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on March 15, 2004. Tickets are $10 ($5 for students) and available at the NAC box office.

Stewart Boston has won a number of awards for his plays. As well as being a winner in the Ottawa Little Theatre National Playwriting Competition in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, he has won seven provincial (Alberta) playwriting awards, a Saskatchewan Arts Board Award and was the Canadian nominee for the prestigious Prix Italia. His plays have been published by Simon and Pierre and the University of British Columbia in Canada and by Dramatic and Performance Publishing in the United States. His Counsellor Extraordinary was the first full-length Canadian play commissioned and produced by Edmonton's Citadel Theatre. His adaptation/translation of Leonid Zorin’s Warsaw Melody was produced by Saskatoon’s Persephone Theatre. His translation of Racine’s Phèdre (directed by Marti Maraden) was part of the National Arts Centre’s 1999 On the Verge series and a full production (directed by Tibor Feheregyhazi) was part of Persephone Theatre’s 2001 season. He has also had plays produced in other parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

His verse translation of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde was published by the Folio Society of Great Britain in 1990. He has also had 18 plays and several short stories broadcast by CBC. In addition, a number of his essays, short stories and poems have been published and broadcast nationally and internationally.

He has pursued a dual career as a writer and an educator. His last educational assignment was as a volunteer for CESO in Bolivia in 2000. He is now a full-time playwright.

Stewart Boston, who now lives in Almonte, was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1933 and educated at the Universities of Manchester, Calgary and Alberta.

---

Posted Tuesday, December 30, 2003 by admin
SENATORS TRADE BROOKBANK TO FLORIDA PANTHERS
The Ottawa Senators announced today defenceman Wade Brookbank was traded to the Florida Panthers for future considerations.

Brookbank, 26, has been on a two-week conditioning stint since being claimed on waivers from the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, Dec. 19. He has dressed for four games with the AHL Senators, accumulating 31 penalty minutes.

The Lanigan, Sask. native was traded to Vancouver from Nashville Predators for future considerations on Dec. 17 and then placed on waivers. The Predators had acquired Brookbank from the Senators during the NHL's waiver draft (Oct. 3).

Brookbank played nine games with Nashville this season, recording 38 penalty minutes and also appeared in six games with their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee, recording six penalty minutes.

Brookbank was first signed by the Senators as a free agent in July 2001, playing with Ottawa's AHL affiliates in Grand Rapids (2001-02) and Binghamton (2002-03). He played in eight games with Binghamton last season, recording 28 penalty minutes, before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

---

Posted Tuesday, December 30, 2003 by admin
National Arts Centre Orchestra / News Release -- -January 7, 8, 2004
Music Director Pinchas Zukerman leads the National Arts
Centre Orchestra in a performance of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 14, a dark
and powerful song-cycle featuring British soprano Elizabeth Byrne and
Canadian bass Gary Relyea, which the NAC Orchestra hasn't performed in over
20 years. These Audi Signature concerts on Wednesday, January 7 and
Thursday, January 8 at 20:00 in NAC's Southam Hall also feature the NAC
Orchestra debut of award-winning Polish pianist Piotr Anderszewski (Pyo-ter
Ander-zeff-ski) performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor,
remarkable for its emotional range and expressive depth.

There will be free Pre-Concert Talks both evenings at 19:00 in the Fountain
Room given in French by Music Critic Jean-Jacques van Vlasselaer. The Talks
are titled "Le courage de Chostakovitch".

These concerts mark Pinchas Zukerman's first return to the NAC stage since
leading the Orchestra on the immensely successful United States and Mexico
Tour. Since the Tour Maestro Zukerman has performed at a number of gala
events including a Carnegie Hall concert in honour of World Bank President
and philanthropist James Wolfensohn; the Carnegie Hall "Fiddlefest"
fundraiser for the Opus 118 Harlem Center for Strings together with Joshua
Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, Natalie MacMaster, and others; a "Peace Concert at
Washington's Library of Congress, along with U2's Bono attended by former
president Bill Clinton, and Jordan's King Abdullah; the Kennedy Center
Honors to pay tribute to his friend and colleague Itzhak Perlman; and a Gala
concert with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra led by Zubin Mehta.

Piotr Anderszewski, since launching his international career at London's
Wigmore Hall in 1991, has captured the attention of critics and audiences
worldwide with his distinctive interpretations and commanding technique. In
2002, he received the 2002 Gilmore Artist Award, presented to an exceptional
pianist who, regardless of age or nationality desires and can sustain a
career as a major international concert artist. He was also awarded the
Royal Philharmonic Society's "Best Instrumentalist" Award in 2001 for his
concerto and chamber music performances throughout the UK. Anderszewski's
worldwide orchestral engagements have included performances with the Munich
Philharmonic, London Symphony, Orchestre National in Paris, Vienna Radio
Symphony, the London Philharmonia, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra,
among others. His first disc - featuring works by Bach, Beethoven and
Webern - won the Polish Critics' Prize. In 2000, Mr. Anderszewski became an
exclusive Virgin Classics artist. His most recent release for Virgin is a
solo Bach disc of the first, third and sixth Partitas.

Tickets for these Audi Signature Series concerts on January 7 and 8, are on
sale now at $27.00, $45.00, $56.00 and $58.00, with box seats at $73.00 (GST
and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from
10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111.
Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC's web-site at
www.nac-cna.ca. Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall
are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid
student ID card.

---

Posted Monday, December 29, 2003 by admin
Ottawa Blues This Week -- 24 December 2003
This is a completely informal update of blues or blues-related events in Ottawa. The mailing list has been compiled from various sources and includes folks who are interested in blues. Please contact me at lizbluesottawa@aol.com to add or delete email addresses from the list and to pass along any comments.
************************************************************
HOLIDAY WISHES
******************
... to everyone who receives this (usually) weekly email. I hope it helps to make you aware of and promote the Ottawa Blues scene, which I think is the most vibrant and exciting in the country.

Rather than send individual cards (or even individual e-cards ... couldn't figure out how!) ... here's my holiday message to you:

You've received a Yahoo! Greeting from "Liz"!
To view this greeting card, click on the following Web address at anytime within the next 30 days.

http://ca.view.greetings.yahoo.com/greet/view?W2P59NVTG7CBV

If that doesn't work, go to http://ca.view.greetings.yahoo.com/pickup and copy and paste this code:
W2P59NVTG7CBV

************************************************************
SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
*****************************
Southside Steve's Birthday Bash
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday, December 26

Boxing Day, the madhouse sale day that follows Santa's appearance, is special for another reason ... it's Southside Steve's birthday party! This year Steve is celebrating that once-in-a-lifetime event ... reaching ‘the age of majority'! Now he can avail himself of all the wonderful rights and responsibilities that come with being 19 in Ontario! Come out to the Rainbow Friday night and celebrate with Steve. Now that he's ‘legal', you can even buy him a drink!
****************************
Raoul & the Big Time
CD Release for "Cold Outside"
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, December 27

After winning numerous awards on a national level at the Maple Blues and Real Blues Awards, Raoul and the Big Time bring their energetic mix of "Toronto/ Chicago/Hollywood" Blues to Ottawa with their much anticipated second recording "Cold Outside". Recorded live off the floor in Toronto (between July 2002 & April 2003), it features appearances by modern blues legends and Big Time mentors Junior Watson, Mark Hummel and Big Joe Maher. Comprising 12 songs (10 originals & 2 not-so-familiar covers) this refreshingly diverse record also features performances by Graham Guest and Kevin Quain on piano, John Showman on violin and the legendary Terry Wilkins (who co-produced with Raoul) on bass. The band has recently completed the first video for "Cold Outside" and made a province-wide live appearance on Open House Ontario (CBC Radio One), performing in the Glen Gould Theatre.

Raoul and the Big Time was formed in July 1998 by Ottawa raised actor/musician Raoul Bhaneja, currently known to audiences for his role as Pete in the Global TV cult hit Train 48. His numerous film and television credits include Atom Egoyan's Ararat, Extraordinary Visitor, The Eleventh Hour, The Newsroom and That Touch of Pink which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2004. Most recently the Canterbury High School graduate appeared in the Domino Heart at the Tarragon Theatre and performed last summer at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, UK, a recipient of the Christopher Plummer Artistic Fellowship Award.

The Big Time features Darren Gallen on guitar, Cheong Liu on upright bass and Tom Bona on drums. They have performed as part of many major festivals and have opened for Bobby ‘Blue' Bland, The Downchild Blues Band, Junior Watson, Big Dave Mclean and many more. They have also performed on CTV, TVO, City TV and Rogers, made several radio appearances and have been featured in print articles in The Toronto Star, The London Free Press, The Ottawa Citizen, The Globe and Mail and Now Magazine.
http://www.raoulandthebigtime.com
(Thanks to Raoul)
************************************************************
NEW YEAR'S EVE BLUES
************************
Here's the info ... as much as I've found ... on New Year's Eve in Ottawa. Please contact venues directly for more info, tickets.

JW-Jones Blues Band NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!
With Special Guest Mr. Frankie Scanga (on harmonica & baritone sax)
Royal Oak, 1217 Wellington Street (613) 728-6661

Trevor Finlay Band
Tucson's, 2440 Bank Street (613) 738-7596
Doors for food - 7 pm; show only - 9 pm
Tickets: with/ buffet $130/couple (or $65 each); $25 for show only
Both tickets come with champagne at midnight and party favors.
The buffet will include prime rib, pork roast, stuffed salmon, several different kinds of salads and extras, and incredible desserts.
The food alone is worth the price of admission!!!!
http://www.tucsonsblues.com

Tony D Band
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street (613) 241-5123
http://www.devant.com/rainbow/

New Years Eve Party with The Bayou Project
Bayou Blues & Jazz Club, 1077 Bank Street (613) 738-1709
Tickets at Bar - $20 ... Includes food & Champagne
http://www.thebayou.ca

Johnnie Russell Band with Roxanne Potvin
Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Avenue (613) 829-6462

And, in Arnprior:
Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo
The Elgin Pub, 70 Madawaska Boulevard, Arnprior
Have A Mumbo Jumbo New Year's Eve in The 'Prior, at the Elgin Pub, in the Quality Inn, 70 Madawaska Boulevard, Arnprior (between the Beer Store and the bridge).
Dancing allowed ... Smokers take note, you don't have to go outside... Drinkers can stay the night at the hotel.
Band Starts 9:30, $20 advance, $25 per person.
For tickets, call 623-6060.
Dinner and Dance, Buffet - call Janet or Laurie 623-5167
Caribana - Prime Rib – 2 seatings: 5:30 pm $35 +tax; 7:30 pm $45 +tax
For Hotel package, call Shane 623-5167.
************************************************************
HEADS UP FOR NEXT WEEKEND
*******************************
Tucson's Customer Appreciation Weekend
Tucson's Roadhouse, 2440 Bank Street
Friday & Saturday, January 2-3

A GIANT ALL STAR LINE-UP
Jamming The Night Away

Featuring: Trevor Finlay, Tony D, Southside Steve, Paul Deslauriers, Steve Rowe, Dean Dupuis, Steve Lund, Frank Lindo, The Russels, Sue Moffat ... and many, many more.
************************************************************
WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN
****************************************
ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.

On PBS – Ottawa Cable Channel 64

Thursday, December 25 @ 10 pm
Christmas in Belmont
When it's Yuletide in Nashville, concert-goers look forward to Christmas at Belmont and the annual holiday concert on famed Music Row at Belmont University. This holiday special is hosted by country and rock ‘n' roll legend Brenda Lee, whose classic ‘Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' is a perennial favorite. The program features holiday performances ranging from full orchestra and choir to jazz, bluegrass and the Nashville Children's Chorus. Lee also takes viewers on brief visits to the antebellum Belmont Mansion and the university's recording studios, housed in a converted antebellum church.

Saturday, December 27 @ 2 pm
Burt Wolf's Taste of Freedom: Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa runs from December 26th to January 1st. It is not a religious holiday, but a holiday of reflection – an opportunity for African Americans to celebrate their African roots. Join Burt Wolf as he uncovers the epicenter of African American culture in the United States and takes viewers on a tour of Harlem. We'll also stop in to the Apollo Theater on Amateur night, explore what faith means at Abyssinian Church and pickup some down-home recipes.

On BRAVO – Ottawa Cable Channel 40

Tuesday, December 30 @ 9 pm
In Dreams -The Roy Orbison Story (1999)
A chronicle of the somewhat tragic life of the talented singer/songwriter. Interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Jimmy Page, kd lang, The Bee Gees, Chris Isaak and more.

Tuesday, December 30 @ 1 am
Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story (1999)
The true story of DJ Alan Freed, who fought to have ‘black' music played on radio, leading to the birth of rock 'n roll.
Stars Judd Nelson, Paula Abdul and Leon.

Wednesday, December 31 @ 9 am
Long John Baldry: Rockin' the Blues (1985)
The legendary rock 'n' roll/blues star performs.
Includes vintage concert scenes with The Beatles.

http://www.bravo.ca/programlistings
************************************************************
ON THE RADIO
***************
CBC Radio Two
weekly on Fridays @ 10 pm (final episode #14 this week)

CBC Radio celebrates 100 years of the blues with THE BLUES, a landmark 14-episode series covering everything from the geographic and stylistic origins of the blues to its most contemporary sounds and styles.

A comprehensive chronicle of North America's most enduring music form, the series boasts two spectacular hosts, Grammy Award-winning Keb' Mo' and legendary Canadian Jackie Richardson. Each hour-long episode uses new and archival interviews, recordings and remotes from where blues history occurred, as well as where the music thrives today. The 14th episode offers an in-depth look at the blues in Canada and the influential artists who made the music.

An incredible showcase of blues artistry, the series includes interviews with musical giants such as B.B. King, Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bonnie Raitt, as well as performances by Cephas and Wiggins, Taj Mahal, Shemekia Copeland, the North Mississippi Allstars, Rory Block and many others.

For more information, contact Tal Hebdon, CBC Radio Communications, tal_Hebdon@cbc.ca
************************************************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
********************
Tony D's Juke Joint (Delta blues)
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Sundays in December

From Tony D:
Tony D's The Jook Joint will be doing a month of Sunday matinees at the Rainbow in the lovely Byward Market of our Nation's Capital, starting on Dec 7th, in the year of our lord 2003. We start the shows at 3:30 pm and finish around 7 pm. So if you want to chase your Christmas blues away and avoid shopping come on down to hear us. We promise to turn your holidays ho...ho...ho's into oh...oH....OH'S!!!
************************************************************
REGULAR EVENTS THIS MONTH
********************************
Mondays: Maria Hawkins @ the Rainbow
Tuesdays: Ken & Don @ the Rainbow ... early show 5-7 pm
Tuesdays: L'il Al's Combo - Rainbow Open Jam @ 9:30 pm
Wednesday-Saturday: Dr. Dave @ Casino Lac Leamy
Wednesdays: Shakedown Blues @ the Bayou
Thursdays: Dinner & acoustic blues @ Tucson's
Thursdays: Blues Jam with Johnny Russell & Mike Ktenas @ Irene's
Fridays: Amaryllis @ the Rainbow ... early show 5-7 pm
Saturday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow
Sunday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow
Sunday afternoons: Guy del Villano & guests @ Royal Oak, Bank St.
Sunday evenings: Mellotone Organ Sextet @ the Rainbow
*******************************************************
LOCALS THIS WEEK
*******************
Friday, December 26
Southside Steve's birthday party @ the Rainbow

Friday, December 26
The JW-Jones Blues Band @ Tucson's

Saturday, December 27
The Crowd @ Tucson's

Sunday, December 28
Tony D's Juke Joint @ the Rainbow 3:30-7 pm

---

Posted Monday, December 29, 2003 by admin
WENDEL CLARK CONFIRMED TO PLAY IN ESSO 3 on 3 HOCKEY CLASSIC
Ottawa Senators Alumni president Brad Marsh is pleased to confirm
> the participation of Wendel Clark in the ESSO 3 on 3 Hockey Classic,
> taking place at the Corel Centre on Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 2 p.m.
>
> Clark, a 15-year NHL veteran, will skate with the Toronto Maple Leaf
> Alumni in the eight-team tournament. The Kelvington, Saskatchewan native
> played in a total of 793 NHL games, registering 330 goals, 234 assists,
> 564 points and 1,690 penalty minutes between Toronto, Quebec, NY
> Islanders, Tampa Bay, Detroit and Chicago.
>
> The ESSO 3 on 3 Hockey Classic will raise money for Alumni charities,
> which include the Ottawa Senators Alumni Sports Rehabilitation Clinic at
> CHEO, Candlelighters and the Senators Alumni arena fund.
>
> The event will consist of a continuous 3 on 3 hockey tournament being
> played throughout the day on the Corel Centre ice, featuring alumni
> members of the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs,
> Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and
> Winnipeg Jets.
>
> In addition to Clark's participation, Kirk Muller will make his Alumni
> debut in suiting up for the Montreal Canadians team. Other players already
> confirmed also include Steve Larmer, Gilles Gilbert, Tim Higgins and Garry
> Galley. All games will be played under a 20-minute, running-time format.
>
> Tickets for the event are $10 and are on sale now at the Corel Centre box
> office, www.capitaltickets.ca, or by calling 599-FANS or 1-877-788-FANS.
> Ticket prices will include admission for the entire day's events, which
> will also include autograph sessions and photo opportunities.
>
> For further information, please contact:
> Steve Keogh, Corel Centre, (613) 599-0326
> Brad Marsh, Senators Alumni, (613) 599-3814

---

Posted Monday, December 29, 2003 by admin
SEAT-DEPOSITS REACH 8,062 FOR OTTAWA'S 2006 WORLD JUNIOR BID
The city of Ottawa's bid to welcome the best junior players from
> 10 countries for the 2006 World Junior Championship received a another
> boost over as the $25 seat-deposit program has now reached 8,062 - an
> increase of more than 1,000 commitments since the last update of 7,008 on
> Friday (Dec. 19).
>
> The bid committee, made up of the Ottawa District Hockey Association, City
> of Ottawa, Ottawa 67's and Ottawa Senators announced on Dec. 4 an
> objective of 10,000 seat-deposits by Jan. 5 as a measure of the region's
> interest in receiving the world's best under-20 year-old hockey players.
>
> "The past week we've seen tremendous response from hockey fans and local
> companies. Many companies have purchased blocks of seat deposits because
> they recognize the value of the World Junior Championship to their
> clients, their employees and our city," said Ottawa 67's owner Jeff Hunt.
> "With a full 13 days until our bid is submitted, we are within reach of
> our goal to have 10,000 seat deposits. This will provide Hockey Canada
> with evidence that fans of our city are behind our bid to bring the World
> Junior Championship to Hockey Country."
>
> Hockey Canada's bid process timelines, before their board of directors
> announces the winning city on Jan. 30, requires that the groups submit
> their bid presentations by Jan. 5, from which five will be placed on a
> short list by Jan. 18.
>
> Hockey fans are encouraged to continue to lend their support to the bid by
> purchasing the $25 per-seat refundable deposits. The deposits will provide
> fans with the opportunity to purchase a ticket package should Ottawa's bid
> be successful. Ticket packages will vary in size and will start at $295
> for 12 games, including the gold medal game. Deposits can be made on-line
> at Capitaltickets.ca, by calling 599-FANS, 1-877-788-FANS and visiting the
> Corel Centre box office. Should the bid not be successful all deposits
> will be refunded in full.
>
> For more information, please contact:
> Jules Lavictoire - ODHA, (613) 229-8411
> Jeff Hunt - Ottawa 67's, (613) 232-6767 ext. 222

---

Posted Monday, December 29, 2003 by admin
NACO MUSICIANS' FANFAIR CAMPAIGN RAISES $50,170 FOR THE SNOWSUIT FUND AND THE FOOD BANK
The musicians of the National Arts Centre Orchestra are pleased to announce
that the 2003 NACO musicians' Christmas FanFair fundraising campaign raised
a total of $50,170 for the Snowsuit Fund and the Food Bank. This amount will
be divided evenly between the two charities.

The Snowsuit fund distributes over 14,000 snowsuits every year, and the Food
Bank gives food assistance to 32,000 people every month - nearly half of
them children.

The musicians of the NAC Orchestra wish most sincerely to thank the National
Arts Centre staff and management, members of the International Alliance of
Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 471, the National Arts Centre
Orchestra Association (NACOA), the Ottawa Citizen and Bell Canada for their
generous support.

---

Posted Monday, December 29, 2003 by admin
Yield to bus law comes into effect January 2nd
In an effort to keep people moving in our cities
and make transit more attractive to riders, Transportation Minister Harinder
Takhar today announced that a new law requiring drivers to yield to buses
leaving bus bays will come into effect on January 2, 2004.
Takhar was joined by President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Canadian Urban Transit Association Michael Roschlau at Oriole Parkway and
Frobisher Avenue this morning to raise awareness of the new yield to bus law
that will improve transit across Ontario.
"The yield to bus law will help improve transit service reliability and
transit flow," Takhar said. "This will reduce travel times for transit users,
and make transit more efficient, reliable, and help get more people out of
their cars and into public transit."
"Our government is committed to putting quality of life first by tackling
gridlock and creating a balanced transportation system that includes public
transit buses that move efficiently, " said Municipal Affairs Minister John
Gerretsen. "This new law will help Ontario's municipal governments deliver the
transit services their communities need."
"The yield to bus law will encourage more people to use public transit,
because buses will be able to move into traffic quickly and efficiently, so
everyone gets to where they are going on time," said Michael Roschlau,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Urban Transit Association.
New yield to bus decals will be applied to the rear of public transit
buses throughout Ontario.
Backgrounder: http://files.newswire.ca/6/backgroundere.pdf
Disponible en français
www.mto.gov.on.ca

---

Posted Monday, December 29, 2003 by admin
“OTTAWA RURAL VOICE” THUNDERS THROUGH THE OTTAWA VALLEY
Second Class Rural Citizens of the amalgamated City of
Ottawa, fed up by their treatment by City Council, have formed the “Ottawa Rural Voice” to act as
a single voice to the deaf ears of City Council.
Like the classic story of the City of Jericho, where the walls that kept the enemy safe were broken
down by a “great shout” from the assembled people, the voices of rural Ottawa will make a
“great shout” with the organized army of the “Ottawa Rural Voice” to take down their “Walls of
Ottawa.”
The Thunder in the Ottawa Valley is us and we will be heard!
Terry Kilrea and Adele Muldoon, strong proponents for the rural community have joined the
Ottawa Rural Voice fight. They are aware of the rural divide in the City of Ottawa. Adele stated
that “the City doesn’t understand the rural issues.” Terry states that “Mayor Bob Chiarelli isn’t
listening to the rural people.”
The following furious groups are amalgamating to ensure that they get a fair voice with the City
of Ottawa:
• Fitzroy Harbour, Willola Beach and Vydon Acres residents who are fighting the Chat’s
Falls Boat Bypass have had no help from their Ward Councillor and Mayor, despite over
90% of the households objecting to routing the bypass through quiet residential streets
and Environmentally sensitive areas of Willola Beach and Morris Island Conservation
Area.
• The Richmond Sewergate group have also had little help from their City Ward
Councillors to correct the sewer problems.
• The “Ottawans for Language Justice” are fighting the unfair “Official Bilingualism”
bylaws of the City of Ottawa which will force additional expense and taxes to Businesses
and Individuals in the City of Ottawa, where it is inappropriate.
With the $120 Million shortfall by the City of Ottawa, the $5.6 Billion Deficit by the Province of
Ontario, and the Ontario Power Generation requiring a $1 Billion loan to stay afloat, why aren’t
projects, unwanted by the residents, not stopped by the politicians that are supposed to represent
them! Killing unwanted projects will save each and every tax payer money!
The group has signed up legal services to support their effort. Other plans include protests at
Ottawa City Hall (111 Lisgar St.) in the new year, large fund raisers to increase public awareness,
and possible de-amalgamation from the City of Ottawa.
Other rural groups interested in joining our effort are advised to contact either Michael Campbell
at 613-623-0272 (mjcampbel l@sympa t ico. ca) or Terry Kilrea at 613-226-4059
(terry@kilreaforcouncil.ca).
###

---

Posted Monday, December 29, 2003 by admin
Ottawa’s Battochio to miss time due to illness
The Ottawa 67’s announced today that rookie goaltender Danny Battochio will miss an unspecified amount of time with the club due to illness.

Battochio fell ill with a severe illness on Christmas Eve that has yet to be identified and will have a full range of tests done on Monday in Sudbury. Results of the tests will not be known until Tuesday, December 30th at the earliest.

“These are tough times for Danny, no question,” said Ottawa 67’s Head Coach and General Manager, Brian Kilrea. “We’re all hoping for the best for him and his family.”

Battochio, who turned 18 one week ago today, has been stellar in goal for the 67’s in the absence of starting goaltender Lukas Mensator, who has been with the Czech Republic’s National team at the World Junior Championships in Finland.

Over the course of five games, Battochio has compiled a record of 3-1-1 with a 1.57 goals against average, a .950 save percentage and one shutout. He has also been named as one of the game’s stars in each contest.

For further information, please contact Brian Kilrea at 232-6767 ext. 223

---

Posted Wednesday, December 24, 2003 by admin
Ottawa Blues This Week -- 24 December 2003
SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
*****************************
Southside Steve's Birthday Bash
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday, December 26

Boxing Day, the madhouse sale day that follows Santa's appearance, is
special for another reason ... it's Southside Steve's birthday party! This
year Steve is celebrating that once-in-a-lifetime event ... reaching ‘the
age of majority'! Now he can avail himself of all the wonderful rights and
responsibilities that come with being 19 in Ontario! Come out to the
Rainbow Friday night and celebrate with Steve. Now that he's ‘legal', you
can even buy him a drink!
****************************
Raoul & the Big Time
CD Release for "Cold Outside"
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, December 27

After winning numerous awards on a national level at the Maple Blues and
Real Blues Awards, Raoul and the Big Time bring their energetic mix of
"Toronto/ Chicago/Hollywood" Blues to Ottawa with their much anticipated
second recording "Cold Outside". Recorded live off the floor in Toronto
(between July 2002 & April 2003), it features appearances by modern blues
legends and Big Time mentors Junior Watson, Mark Hummel and Big Joe Maher.
Comprising 12 songs (10 originals & 2 not-so-familiar covers) this
refreshingly diverse record also features performances by Graham Guest and
Kevin Quain on piano, John Showman on violin and the legendary Terry Wilkins
(who co-produced with Raoul) on bass. The band has recently completed the
first video for "Cold Outside" and made a province-wide live appearance on
Open House Ontario (CBC Radio One), performing in the Glen Gould Theatre.

Raoul and the Big Time was formed in July 1998 by Ottawa raised
actor/musician Raoul Bhaneja, currently known to audiences for his role as
Pete in the Global TV cult hit Train 48. His numerous film and television
credits include Atom Egoyan's Ararat, Extraordinary Visitor, The Eleventh
Hour, The Newsroom and That Touch of Pink which premieres at the Sundance
Film Festival in January 2004. Most recently the Canterbury High School
graduate appeared in the Domino Heart at the Tarragon Theatre and performed
last summer at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, UK, a recipient of the
Christopher Plummer Artistic Fellowship Award.

The Big Time features Darren Gallen on guitar, Cheong Liu on upright bass
and Tom Bona on drums. They have performed as part of many major festivals
and have opened for Bobby ‘Blue' Bland, The Downchild Blues Band, Junior
Watson, Big Dave Mclean and many more. They have also performed on CTV,
TVO, City TV and Rogers, made several radio appearances and have been
featured in print articles in The Toronto Star, The London Free Press, The
Ottawa Citizen, The Globe and Mail and Now Magazine.
http://www.raoulandthebigtime.com
(Thanks to Raoul)
************************************************************
NEW YEAR'S EVE BLUES
************************
Here's the info ... as much as I've found ... on New Year's Eve in Ottawa.
Please contact venues directly for more info, tickets.

JW-Jones Blues Band NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!
With Special Guest Mr. Frankie Scanga (on harmonica & baritone sax)
Royal Oak, 1217 Wellington Street (613) 728-6661

Trevor Finlay Band
Tucson's, 2440 Bank Street (613) 738-7596
Doors for food - 7 pm; show only - 9 pm
Tickets: with/ buffet $130/couple (or $65 each); $25 for show only
Both tickets come with champagne at midnight and party favors.
The buffet will include prime rib, pork roast, stuffed salmon, several
different kinds of salads and extras, and incredible desserts.
The food alone is worth the price of admission!!!!
http://www.tucsonsblues.com

Tony D Band
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street (613) 241-5123
http://www.devant.com/rainbow/

New Years Eve Party with The Bayou Project
Bayou Blues & Jazz Club, 1077 Bank Street (613) 738-1709
Tickets at Bar - $20 ... Includes food & Champagne
http://www.thebayou.ca

Johnnie Russell Band with Roxanne Potvin
Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Avenue (613) 829-6462

And, in Arnprior:
Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo
The Elgin Pub, 70 Madawaska Boulevard, Arnprior
Have A Mumbo Jumbo New Year's Eve in The 'Prior, at the Elgin Pub, in the
Quality Inn, 70 Madawaska Boulevard, Arnprior (between the Beer Store and
the bridge).
Dancing allowed ... Smokers take note, you don't have to go outside...
Drinkers can stay the night at the hotel.
Band Starts 9:30, $20 advance, $25 per person.
For tickets, call 623-6060.
Dinner and Dance, Buffet - call Janet or Laurie 623-5167
Caribana - Prime Rib – 2 seatings: 5:30 pm $35 +tax; 7:30 pm $45 +tax
For Hotel package, call Shane 623-5167.
************************************************************
HEADS UP FOR NEXT WEEKEND
*******************************
Tucson's Customer Appreciation Weekend
Tucson's Roadhouse, 2440 Bank Street
Friday & Saturday, January 2-3

A GIANT ALL STAR LINE-UP
Jamming The Night Away

Featuring: Trevor Finlay, Tony D, Southside Steve, Paul Deslauriers, Steve
Rowe, Dean Dupuis, Steve Lund, Frank Lindo, The Russels, Sue Moffat ... and
many, many more.
************************************************************
WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN
****************************************
ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.

On PBS – Ottawa Cable Channel 64

Thursday, December 25 @ 10 pm
Christmas in Belmont
When it's Yuletide in Nashville, concert-goers look forward to Christmas at
Belmont and the annual holiday concert on famed Music Row at Belmont
University. This holiday special is hosted by country and rock ‘n' roll
legend Brenda Lee, whose classic ‘Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' is a
perennial favorite. The program features holiday performances ranging from
full orchestra and choir to jazz, bluegrass and the Nashville Children's
Chorus. Lee also takes viewers on brief visits to the antebellum Belmont
Mansion and the university's recording studios, housed in a converted
antebellum church.

Saturday, December 27 @ 2 pm
Burt Wolf's Taste of Freedom: Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa runs from December 26th to January 1st. It is not a religious
holiday, but a holiday of reflection – an opportunity for African Americans
to celebrate their African roots. Join Burt Wolf as he uncovers the
epicenter of African American culture in the United States and takes viewers
on a tour of Harlem. We'll also stop in to the Apollo Theater on Amateur
night, explore what faith means at Abyssinian Church and pickup some
down-home recipes.

On BRAVO – Ottawa Cable Channel 40

Tuesday, December 30 @ 9 pm
In Dreams -The Roy Orbison Story (1999)
A chronicle of the somewhat tragic life of the talented singer/songwriter.
Interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Jimmy Page, kd lang, The Bee Gees,
Chris Isaak and more.

Tuesday, December 30 @ 1 am
Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story (1999)
The true story of DJ Alan Freed, who fought to have ‘black' music played on
radio, leading to the birth of rock 'n roll.
Stars Judd Nelson, Paula Abdul and Leon.

Wednesday, December 31 @ 9 am
Long John Baldry: Rockin' the Blues (1985)
The legendary rock 'n' roll/blues star performs.
Includes vintage concert scenes with The Beatles.

http://www.bravo.ca/programlistings
************************************************************
ON THE RADIO
***************
CBC Radio Two
weekly on Fridays @ 10 pm (final episode #14 this week)

CBC Radio celebrates 100 years of the blues with THE BLUES, a landmark
14-episode series covering everything from the geographic and stylistic
origins of the blues to its most contemporary sounds and styles.

A comprehensive chronicle of North America's most enduring music form, the
series boasts two spectacular hosts, Grammy Award-winning Keb' Mo' and
legendary Canadian Jackie Richardson. Each hour-long episode uses new and
archival interviews, recordings and remotes from where blues history
occurred, as well as where the music thrives today. The 14th episode offers
an in-depth look at the blues in Canada and the influential artists who made
the music.

An incredible showcase of blues artistry, the series includes interviews
with musical giants such as B.B. King, Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan
and Bonnie Raitt, as well as performances by Cephas and Wiggins, Taj Mahal,
Shemekia Copeland, the North Mississippi Allstars, Rory Block and many
others.

For more information, contact Tal Hebdon, CBC Radio Communications,
tal_Hebdon@cbc.ca
************************************************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
********************
Tony D's Juke Joint (Delta blues)
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Sundays in December

From Tony D:
Tony D's The Jook Joint will be doing a month of Sunday matinees at the
Rainbow in the lovely Byward Market of our Nation's Capital, starting on Dec
7th, in the year of our lord 2003. We start the shows at 3:30 pm and finish
around 7 pm. So if you want to chase your Christmas blues away and avoid
shopping come on down to hear us. We promise to turn your holidays
ho...ho...ho's into oh...oH....OH'S!!!
************************************************************
REGULAR EVENTS THIS MONTH
********************************
Mondays: Maria Hawkins @ the Rainbow
Tuesdays: Ken & Don @ the Rainbow ... early show 5-7 pm
Tuesdays: L'il Al's Combo - Rainbow Open Jam @ 9:30 pm
Wednesday-Saturday: Dr. Dave @ Casino Lac Leamy
Wednesdays: Shakedown Blues @ the Bayou
Thursdays: Dinner & acoustic blues @ Tucson's
Thursdays: Blues Jam with Johnny Russell & Mike Ktenas @ Irene's
Fridays: Amaryllis @ the Rainbow ... early show 5-7 pm
Saturday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow
Sunday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow
Sunday afternoons: Guy del Villano & guests @ Royal Oak, Bank St.
Sunday evenings: Mellotone Organ Sextet @ the Rainbow
*******************************************************
LOCALS THIS WEEK
*******************
Friday, December 26
Southside Steve's birthday party @ the Rainbow

Friday, December 26
The JW-Jones Blues Band @ Tucson's

Saturday, December 27
The Crowd @ Tucson's

Sunday, December 28
Tony D's Juke Joint @ the Rainbow 3:30-7 pm

*********************************************************

---

Posted Sunday, December 21, 2003 by admin
STABILO (STABILO BOSS) returns to Zaphod Beeblebrox
From Vancouver/ EMI Music Canada Recording Artists
STABILO
(formerly STABILO BOSS)



Wednesday, January 21 (Doors 8pm)



ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX, 27 York Street, Ottawa, Canada.
Age 19+/ General Admission
Tickets: $8 advance at Zaphod's & Ticketmaster.



Combine great modern rock songs with incredible live performances and you've got
Stabilo, a band that has recently exploded onto the Canadian music scene.

Together for three years, Stabilo has already made a name for themselves in
their home town of Vancouver, BC and has started tearing up the charts
throughout the rest of Canada.

Best known for their instant hit "Everybody," which spent nearly a month as the
most-requested song at Vancouver's 104.9 XFM, and then at numerous other radio
stations across Canada, Stabilo has earned instant popularity from their fans
and critics alike.

"From the very first couple of feature spins we gave this band, we had huge
reaction on the phones. There's something about 'Everybody' that has made our
listeners take notice." - Connie Bernardi, Music Director, 101.1 Xfm Ottawa

"The more I hear this song the more I love it and it sounds just great on our
radio station. The listener reaction to this song is surprising as well because
in my experience there are only a few songs that generate listener calls or
emails and this is one of those songs." - Al Ford, Program Director, 91.3 The
Zone Victoria

While their recorded work has received wide acclaim, much of the band's
popularity has been built on the strength of its live performances. Front men
Jesse Dryfhout and Chris Moerman trade off on composing, lead vocals and guitar,
bringing energy, passion and variety to the stage. Joining on bass is the solid,
captivating pulse of Karl Williaume and on drums, the dynamic and powerful
rhythms of Nathan Wylie. In addition to headlining shows on the club circuit in
Greater Vancouver, Stabilo has opened for Default, Wide Mouth Mason, The
Proclaimers, Mason Jennings and other popular bands.

In January, 2001 Stabilo Boss independently released its first full-length,
self-titled album. Stabilo has also released two limited edition EP's available
only at concerts. A beautiful madness was recorded live in White Rock, BC, in
March, 2001 and the Stabilo Boss kitchen sessions, their earliest release was
recorded in May, 1999.

---

Posted Sunday, December 21, 2003 by admin
Upcoming Children's Festival performance
Ottawa, December 19, 2003 – The Ottawa Children’s Festival is pleased to
present Montreal’s Carbone 14 with the exquisite production of Tsuru at
the theatre of the Canadian Museum of Civilization on Saturday, January
3, at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Tsuru studies the matters of birth, illness and death through the
account of a young boy named Nao. This production draws its symbolism
from Japanese mythology, which is brilliantly personified through the
relationship of Nao and a baby crane. The audience experiences the
triumphs and tragedies that face both characters, which the Tsuru cast
executes beautifully in this stunning production.

The creative and ingenious set is reminiscent of a children’s pop-up
book. Through the use of secret compartments, pop-up décor and shadow
imagery, the scene transitions in Tsuru are gracefully and flawlessly
executed. Tsuru delivers a delicate show that will leave a striking
impression on both the young and the young at heart. This award-winning
show is a must see!

This performance is presented in partnership with the Canadian
Children's Museum.


Please visit http://www.festival415.com/> www.festival415.com for more
information on Festival 4-15.


Call the festival box office at 241-0999 to purchase tickets. Tickets
are $10.00 plus GST ($10.70 total), or purchase a season subscription
for either a 4-show pass ($40.70 GST Incl.) or a 5-show pass ($48.15 GST
Incl.). Tickets include access to the Children’s Museum of the Canadian
Museum of Civilization. Also, join the fun at the “Making Workshop,” an
arts and crafts hands-on experience that takes place half-an-hour before
each show. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Advance tickets cannot be purchased at the Museum of Civilization;
however tickets will be sold in front of the theatre doors starting at
noon on performance days.

Tickets are now on sale at the Children’s Festival office located at 61A
York St.
For ticket and media information, please call 241-0999 or email
media@festival415.com.

---

Posted Sunday, December 21, 2003 by admin
NAC, Jan. 1: Conductor Christoph Campestrini leads the "Viennese New Year's Celebration"
Conductor Christoph Campestrini leads the "Viennese New Year's Celebration"
on January 1 featuring soprano Irena Welhasch Baerg and baritone Theodore
Baerg

Ottawa, Canada - The National Arts Centre will kick off 2004 with a
"Viennese New Year's Celebration" of lively and glorious music as sparkling
as a glass of champagne. The concert on Thursday, January 1 at 14:30 in
NAC's Southam Hall, features Austrian conductor Christoph Campestrini
leading a 55-piece orchestra in waltzes and other orchestral delights, while
husband-and-wife opera singers Irena Welhasch Baerg (soprano) and Theodore
Baerg (baritone) sing selections from Viennese operetta.

Please note the wording above: This concert is NOT performed by the National
Arts Centre Orchestra.

19th century Vienna conjures images of dazzling ballrooms, glittering
chandeliers, infectious gaiety and ebullient romanticism, and when one
thinks of the music of this era the name Johann Strauss immediately comes to
mind. Strauss Jr. will be represented by such danceable delights as the
"Ballo in Maschera" Quadrille, Roses from the South Waltz, the Overture to
Die Fledermaus, the Annen-Polka, the Egyptian March, and of course On the
Beautiful Blue Danube.

Theodore Baerg will sing Sieczynski's "Vienna, City of My Dreams" (Wien du
Stadt meine Träume) and Irena Welhasch will sing Lehár's lip-kissing delight
"Meine Lippen Sie Küssen so Heiss" from Giuditta. The two will join together
for "Silvio! a quest'ora" from Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, "Gehen Wir in's
Chambre Séparée", the best-known number from Heuberger's Der Opernball (The
Opera Ball), as well as "Love Unspoken" (Lippen Schweigen) from Lehár's The
Merry Widow.

Born in Linz, Austria, Christoph Campestrini is one of the foremost young
conducting talents of nineteenth and twentieth century repertoire, and has
appeared with many of the world's finest orchestras. He made his debut with
the London Symphony Orchestra in 1998 at the Barbican Center in a program
broadcast by the BBC. He has led tours of the chamber orchestra of the
Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Cairo Symphony, and made the first of many
engagements with the Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg in January 1996. His
opera engagements include performances with the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in
Dusseldorf/Duisburg and the Croatian National Opera in Zagreb.

Internationally renowned for her vivid operatic portrayals, Winnipeg-born
soprano Irena Welhasch Baerg is one of Canada's most esteemed artists.
Whether in the title role of Dvorák's Rusalka or as Mimi in La Bohème, the
power and poetry of her performances are undeniable. She has performed the
title role of Lehár's operetta The Merry Widow at the National Arts Centre,
for the Canadian Opera Company National Tour, and in Calgary. She has been
heard in Gershwin and Viennese evenings for Brott Summer Music in Hamilton,
Ontario and with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Her way with a waltz was
also heard in concerts with the Mississauga Symphony and with the Edmonton
Symphony. Her world premiere performance of Canadian composer Victor Davies'
oratorio Revelation for the Winnipeg Symphony was reprised at the National
Arts Centre for Festival Canada.

Baritone Theodore Baerg has laid claim to a career of major proportions,
with the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Opera and Glyndebourne
Festival just three of his international destinations. He is also a
favourite with Ottawa audiences having performed with the NAC Orchestra and
Opera Lyra Ottawa. New York City Opera audiences have hailed Mr. Baerg as
the Haji in Kismet, Fontaine in The Desert Song and Danilo in The Merry
Widow. The dashing baritone is a popular star for orchestra evenings devoted
to the works of Strauss, Lehár, and "The Best of Broadway".

To add to the celebratory atmosphere of the Viennese New Year's Celebration,
NAC Executive Chef Kurt Waldele has created a festive New Year's luncheon
menu, which patrons may purchase separately. Smoked Atlantic Salmon served
with horseradish cream, caper and
lemon on butter lettuce may be followed either by Roasted Sirloin of Beef
with woodland mushroom sauce, Seafood Stuffed Sole served with bell pepper
sauce. Baba au rhum with preserved fruits, and coffee or tea, complete the
luncheon, which is priced at $37.70 (including taxes and gratuities).

Tickets for the concert are $43.00, $56.00, $69.00 or $72.00 with box seats
at $86.50 (GST and facility included).

Tickets for both the concert and/or the luncheon can be purchased at the NAC
Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through
Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111. Ticketmaster may also be
accessed through the NAC's web-site at www.nac-cna.ca.

---

Posted Sunday, December 21, 2003 by admin
UPCOMING COREL CENTRE EVENTS
UPCOMING COREL CENTRE EVENTS

Event Date Time Ticket Prices

Sens Superskills Competition Sat, Dec. 27 11:00 a.m. $5*
Tickets on sale now

Corel Centre Holiday Skate Mon, Dec. 29 $8*
Tues, Dec. 30 Tickets on sale now
Visit www.corelcentre.com for a detailed breakdown of skating times and
discounted pricing

ESSO 3-on-3 Hockey Classic Sat, Jan. 10 2:00 p.m. $10*
Tickets on sale now

Sarah Brightman Tues, Feb. 3 8:00 p.m. $89, $69^
Tickets on sale now

Nickelback Fri, Feb. 13 7:00 p.m. $42.50, $29.50^
with Staind & Three Days Grace Tickets on sale now

Binghamton Senators (AHL game) Sun, Feb. 15 2:00 p.m. $25,
$23^
vs Toronto Roadrunners Tickets on sale now

Tom Jones Mon, Mar. 15 8:00 p.m. $85, $75, $49.50*
Tickets on sale now

Sting Tues, Mar. 23 8:00 p.m. $90.50, $70.50, $50.50*
Tickets on sale now

Stars on Ice Sat, Apr. 17 7:30 p.m. $65, $50, $40, $35^
Tickets on sale now

Tickets can be purchased at the Corel Centre Box office, by phone
(613-599-FANS or toll-free at 877-788-FANS) and at www.CapitalTickets.ca.
For group ticket information, please call (613-599-0116).
* Prices inclusive of all taxes and CRF fee, but excluding convenience
charges.
^ Prices inclusive of all taxes, but excluding CRF fee and convenience
charges.
# Prices exclusive of all taxes, CRF fee and convenience charges.

For further information, please contact the communications department:
Tim Pattyson, (613) 599-0239

---

Posted Sunday, December 21, 2003 by admin
AMBULANCE (LTD) resuscitates at Zaphod Beeblebrox
ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX & CARLSBERG RED
PRESENT...

"New York's next most important band" - NME
Currently on UK tour with SUEDE


From New York City/ TVT Recording Artists
AMBULANCE (LTD)


+ From Toronto
THE LUDES
Wednesday, January 14 (Doors 8pm)



ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX, 27 York Street, Ottawa, Canada.
Age 19+/ General Admission
Tickets: $6 only at the door




"Offering more substance in five songs than most bands do in a whole album" -
CMJ

"Dirtier than The Beatles and cleaner than My Bloody Valentine" - Big Takeover

"forcing you to hit repeat" - Rolling Stone


Ambulance (LTD) is currently recording with acclaimed producer Jim Abbiss (The
Music, DJ Shadow, Bjork, Sneaker Pimps, South, etc). Their debut EP was released
June 17 on TVT Records, following a highly successful debut tour in support of
Placebo in America, and forthcoming UK tour sponsored by NME magazine. Stay
tuned for the upcoming full-length March 4th, 2004.

New York's Ambulance (LTD) is a five-piece rock band, plain and simple. Their
music is anything but. Somehow they've thoughtfully extracted the best parts of
their record collection and patched them together into something all their own:
from subtle strains of 60s blues and psychedelia, to the 70s penchant for
cultivated classic rock (minus the shirtless self-indulgence and "riffing"), to
the shoegazing of the early 90s (without the monotony and "noodling"), to a pop
sensibility spanning all decades and genres. Yes, there's a lot going on here.
But things never get convoluted. In fact, it's more like a lesson in rock
history - a fun one... minus the tests and boring stuff.

All the disparate influences kinda make sense when you look at the backstory. So
here's where they're coming from: Singer/guitarist Marcus Congleton left Oregon
for New York in 1999, drummer Darren Beckett hails from Belfast, Ireland,
keyboardist Andrew Haskell grew up in D.C., guitarist Benji Lysaght in L.A., and
bassist Matt Dublin is a full-blooded New Yorker. They'd all played in a few
other bands before meeting in NYC about 4 years ago, and they've been playing
together ever since, recording tracks wherever they can - friend's studios,
various basements, et al. Eventually when it came time to release a record they
culled together the five best recordings.

The band's self-titled EP is a fine way to get yourself acquainted with the
band's multiform charm. "Stay Where You Are" starts things off with sweeping
vocals, smoky guitar and a melody like Manchester circa 1991. "Primitive (The
Way I Treat You)" sounds not unlike indie-rock's founding fathers slanting and
enchanting with the Motown greats, and "Helmsman" is dream pop at is finest.
"Heavy Lifting" starts out throbbing, keeps you begging, and smacks head-on into
well-placed piano droplets with oohs-and-ahhhs so sweet your teeth will hurt.
And finally, the stripped-down "Young Urban" makes you feel like, well, driving
with the windows down, and/or sneaking a smoke in the summertime: light and airy
like the bubbles in a cocktail. Put simply, the disc is a flawless package of
cordial rock at all speeds that you'll be humming in the shower. Promise.

Hey, just because you're from New York--and you play instruments--doesn't mean
you're part of the garage rock explosion all the kids are talking about. In
fact, sometimes you're nothing like it at all. And that's a good thing.

This is Ambulance -- the Ltd is for the lawyers...

---

Posted Sunday, December 21, 2003 by admin
New volunteer opportunity for natural history enthusiasts
Are you passionate about natural history? Do you enjoy
working with children? Are you available at least one Friday a month and can
you speak French?



The Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) is looking for volunteers to deliver
natural history workshops to school children visiting the Écomusée des
sciences naturelles de Gatineau. Training will be provided by CMN educators.



An information session will be held on Friday, February 13, 2004, from 10:00
a.m. to noon at the Écomusée at 170 Montcalm Street in Gatineau.



This programme is part of a new partnership between the Écomusée and the
CMN. For more information, please call (613) 566-4261.

---

Posted Sunday, December 21, 2003 by admin
Bingo Jet International returns to Barrymore's Music Hall
Barrymore's Music Hall is proud to present

The Bingo Jet International Reunion Show



WHO: Bingo Jet International with many special guests

Followed by Retro '80s at midnight with DJ Ellen

WHEN: Boxing Day, Friday December 26, 2003 starting at 9:30pm

WHERE: Barrymore's Music Hall 323 Bank St. 233-0307

ADMISSION: $6.00 advance - $8.00 door - free after 11:30pm



Bingo Jet International returns to Barrymore's Music Hall this coming Boxing Day
for a reunion show that's sure to bring the house down! Most of the BJI alumni
will be there including Johnny Vegas, Janie Rocks, Remi Royale, The Jolt
Brothers, father Guy Orion, Vic Hansom and Diamond Dex Arizona to name a few.

Bingo Jet International started in Ottawa about 10 years when a group of
musicians and barflys got together to put on a Bingo game unlike anything anyone
had ever seen before. The Bingo callers looked like lounge lizards complete with
drinks, smokes and humorous banter. During the game, The Jolt Brothers provided
a soundtrack comprised of cool retro tunes and oddities. On stage there was a
full wet bar staffed by a priest. Game winners were presented with an assortment
of bizarre prizes and sometimes allowed to smash them into pieces. Audiences
were mesmerized. Bingo Jet International quickly developed a large cult
following performing at several local clubs and events.

It's been three years since the last game was played and the group was itching
to get back in the saddle. Most of the crew still resides in Ottawa but some
members are coming in from as far away as Vancouver to participate. There will
be many special guests joining in and plenty of surprises. This will surely be
the most memorable Bingo Jet International game ever. This is performance art in
its purest form - NO HOLDS BARRED. Don't miss it!



For any further info or details, please contact Johnny Vegas at:

237-1319 or email jvegas22@rogers.com

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
MAJOR COVERAGE OF MINOR HOCKEY - December 27 - January 4
‘Tis the season to play hockey and Rogers Television is celebrating with Hometown Hockey. From December 27 through to January 4, hockey fans across Ontario will be treated to an array of in-depth coverage of local minor hockey games, extensive Ontario Hockey League (OHL) coverage, and hockey-related documentaries.



Here are just some of the programs included in Rogers Television Hometown Hockey line-up:



On Saturday, December 27 at 4:00 p.m., the Nepean Raiders Minor Pee Wee A team takes on the Capital Crusaders; and on Thursday, January 1 at 12:00 p.m, catch Minor Atom A action as the Goulbourn Rams play host to the Nepean Black.



Hometown Hockey will also feature live coverage of OHL games, including the Kingston Frontenacs at the Ottawa 67’s on Tuesday, December 30 at 7:00 p.m., and the Ottawa 67’s at the Oshawa Generals on Sunday, January 4 at 6:30 p.m.



On Sunday, January 4, starting at 1:00 p.m., Rogers Television will provide extensive coverage, from the Corel Centre, of the Ottawa International Hockey Festival championship games. The best atom and pee wee teams from Canada, United States and Europe will compete for the Cup.



Also in the Rogers Television Hometown Hockey line-up are numerous documentaries focusing on teams and legends of Canada’s favourite game:



Brian Kilrea: The Life, The Legend: Celebrate Brian Kilrea’s illustrious career, from his childhood years to this unprecedented coaching career, on Saturday December 27 at 12:00 p.m. and Sunday December 28 at 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.



The Junior Experience: Follow 18 year-old Oshawa Generals’ star Nathan Horton at home, on the road, at the rink and finally, to the NHL draft in Nashville, where he is selected third overall by the Florida Panthers. The Junior Experience airs on Saturday December 27 at 9:00 a.m. and Friday January 2 at 11:30 a.m.



Season of Destiny: Don’t miss this thrilling, feel-good story of the dedication, determination and sheer talent behind the Kitchener Rangers’ unforgettable 2003 Memorial Cup triumph on Tuesday December 30 at 5:30 p.m. and Friday January 2 at 10:00 p.m.





Rogers Television is thrilled to team up with the National Library of Canada to help promote its newest website “Backcheck” – www.nlc-bnc.ca/hockey. Backcheck is a nostalgic tribute to the early days of hockey with a focus on how the game developed in Canada. It features rare artifacts and stories about the sport, on-line contests and will be a great resource for anyone wanting information on hockey. The site also includes a special area for young visitors called: Backcheck for Kids.



Rogers Television’s Hometown Hockey coverage is presented in partnership with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and the Association’s magazine, “Hometown Hockey”. The OMHA is the world’s largest minor hockey association. The Association develops and promotes minor hockey programs for kids of all ages.



The Rogers Television Hometown Hockey schedule is extensive, please see attached schedule for exact dates and times.



Rogers Television provides timely and relevant programs about local matters. Every year, our stations produce over 19,000 hours of informative local programming; reinforcing Rogers Cable’s commitment to the communities we serve. Rogers Television is a service available exclusively to cable customers as part of the basic service of Rogers Cable Inc., Canada’s largest cable company, delivering high quality entertainment, information and communication services to 2.2 million customers in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. For more information, visit: www.rogerstelevision.com



-30-



For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Vuong

Publicity Officer

Phone: (613) 759-8632

Email: jennifer.vuong@rci.rogers.com

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
City Leverages Funds for Affordable Housing
Today the City of Ottawa announced it is providing up to $3.8
million dollars, in partnership with a $7.5 million federal government
contribution, to build more affordable housing. Under the Action Ottawa
program, the City will also make land available and provide other incentives
to encourage the development of up to 300 new affordable housing units.

"This is another example of the City working in partnership to address the
serious issue of affordable housing affecting Ottawa residents," said
Housing Director Russell Mawby.

Details were contained in a Request For Proposals (RFP) developed by the
Housing Branch, People Services to stimulate local development of affordable
housing. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of the RFP should call the
City of Ottawa at 580-2424, ext. 43083.

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
SEAT-DEPOSITS REACH 7,008 FOR OTTAWA'S 2006 WORLD JUNIOR BID
Two weeks ago today, the Ottawa District Hockey Association, City of Ottawa, Ottawa 67's and Ottawa Senators launched their bid to hold the 2006 World Junior Championship and introduced the $25 seat-deposit program. As of this morning, the group has received 7,008 seat-deposits, with the past 24 hours seeing the single most number of sales than any other day.

At the organizing committee's news conference on Wednesday at the Corel Centre, Ottawa 67's owner Jeff Hunt announced the group had just exceeded the 6,000-seat deposit mark.

"The interest in this event displayed over the past 24 hours again proves why Ottawa is HOCKEY COUNTRY," said Mr. Hunt of the 1,000 seat-deposits sold since yesterday. "We believe we are now positioned to meet our pre-Christmas goal of 8,000 seat-deposits and to reach our objective of 10,000-seat deposits by January 5."

On Jan. 30, 2004, Hockey Canada's board of directors is scheduled to announce the location of the 2006 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

"GOOD LUCK CANADA!" BANNER

Hockey fans are reminded to take a moment to sign a "Good luck Canada!" banner, which will be delivered to this year's Canadian junior team competing at the 2004 World Junior Championship in Finland starting Dec. 26. The banner will be available at tonight's Senators-Blackhawks game at the Corel Centre, Friday at the Civic Centre for the 67's-Sarnia Sting match-up, as well as the Senators game against the Rangers on Saturday and Florida Panthers on Monday.

Hockey fans are encouraged to continue to lend their support to the bid by purchasing the $25 per-seat refundable deposits. The deposits will provide fans with the opportunity to purchase a ticket package should Ottawa's bid be successful. Ticket packages will vary in size and will start at $295 for 12 games, including the gold medal game. Deposits can be made on-line at Capitaltickets.ca, by calling 599-FANS, 1-877-788-FANS and visiting the Corel Centre box office. Should the bid not be successful all deposits will be refunded in full.

For more information, please contact:
Jules Lavictoire - ODHA, (613) 229-8411
Jeff Hunt - Ottawa 67's, (613) 232-6767 ext. 222

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
City Council Update
City Council Meeting Highlights

Council appoints representatives to Standing Committees, Advisory
Committees, external boards and commissions

After endorsing the Governance Review Report on December 3, City Council
today approved the appointment of members to the City's restructured
standing committees and Council liaisons to advisory committees for the
2003-2006 term. As well, Council identified members who will sit on a number
of external boards, authorities and committees.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee
Councillor Rob Jellett (Chair)
Councillor Doug Thompson (Vice-Chair)
Councillor Glenn Brooks
Councillor Shawn Little
Councillor Eli El-Chantiry
Councillor Peggy Feltmate

Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee
Mayor Bob Chiarelli (Chair)
Councillor Maria McRae (Vice-Chair)
Councillor Peter Hume
Councillor Michel Bellemare
Councillor Rick Chiarelli
Councillor Rob Jellett
Councillor Rainer Bloess
Councillor Herb Kreling
Councillor Janet Stavinga

Emergency and Protective Services Committee
Councillor Diane Deans (Chair)
Councillor Jan Harder (Vice-Chair)
Councillor Shawn Little
Councillor Rick Chiarelli
Councillor Gord Hunter
Councillor Jacques Legendre
Councillor Maria McRae
Councillor Doug Thompson
Councillor Rob Jellett

Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee
Councillor Diane Holmes (Chair)
Councillor Alex Cullen (Vice-Chair)
Councillor Peggy Feltmate
Councillor Georges Bédard
Councillor Rick Chiarelli
Councillor Clive Doucet
Councillor Diane Deans
Councillor Janet Stavinga
Councillor Glenn Brooks

Planning and Environment Committee
Councillor Peter Hume (Chair)
Councillor Peggy Feltmate (Vice-Chair)
Councillor Georges Bédard
Councillor Alex Cullen
Councillor Gord Hunter
Councillor Michel Bellemare
Councillor Diane Holmes
Councillor Herb Kreling
Councillor Jan Harder

Public Works, Transit and Infrastructure Services Committee
Councillor Janet Stavinga (Chair)
Councillor Clive Doucet (Vice-Chair)
Councillor Jacques Legendre
Councillor Georges Bédard
Councillor Rainer Bloess
Councillor Eli El-Chantiry
Councillor Alex Cullen
Councillor Maria McRae
Councillor Doug Thompson

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Accessibility Advisory Committee
Councillor Herb Kreling

Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee
Councillor Glenn Brooks

Environmental Advisory Committee
Councillor Rob Jellett

Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee
Mayor Bob Chiarelli
Councillor Peggy Feltmate

French Language Services Advisory Committee
Councillor Jacques Legendre
Councillor Georges Bédard

Health and Social Services Advisory Committee
Councillor Eli El-Chantiry
Councillor Alex Cullen

Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee
Councillor Georges Bédard

Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee
Councillor Diane Holmes
Councillor Maria McRae

Ottawa Youth Cabinet
Councillor Rainer Bloess
Councillor Jan Harder
Councillor Shawn Little

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Councillor Rob Jellett

Pedestrian and Public Transit Advisory Committee
Councillor Clive Doucet

Poverty Issues Advisory Committee
Councillor Alex Cullen

Roads and Cycling Advisory Committee
Councillor Clive Doucet

Seniors' Advisory Committee
Councillor Alex Cullen

Taxi Advisory Committee
Councillor Diane Deans
Councillor Eli El-Chantiry

EXTERNAL BOARDS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS

Almonte Hospital Board
Councillor Jan Harder (effective May 31, 2005)

Bank Street Business Improvement Area (BIA)
Councillor Diane Holmes

Byward Market BIA
Councillor Georges Bédard

Carp Village BIA
Councillor Eli El-Chantiry

Central Canada Exhibition Association (CCEA)
Mayor Bob Chiarelli
Councillor Clive Doucet (until the City receives written confirmation from
the CCEA of a change in location of the 2005 Exhibition and of their request
for a change in ward councillor, at which time Councillor Deans will replace
Councillor Doucet)
Councillor Peter Hume
Councillor Doug Thompson

Champlain District Health Council
Councillor Alex Cullen
Councillor Peggy Feltmate

City Living/Ottawa Community Housing Corporation
Mayor Bob Chiarelli
Councillor Alex Cullen
Councillor Georges Bédard

City of Ottawa Superannuation Fund
Mayor Bob Chiarelli (ex-officio)
Councillor Gord Hunter
Councillor Peter Hume
Councillor Rick Chiarelli

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Councillor Janet Stavinga
Councillor Maria McRae

Cumberland Museum Board
Councillor Rob Jellett

Downtown Rideau Improvement Area BIA
Councillor Georges Bédard

Manotick BIA
Councillor Glenn Brooks

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Councillor Eli El-Chantiry

South Nation Conservation Authority
Councillor Rob Jellett
Councillor Doug Thompson

National Arts Centre
Mayor Bob Chiarelli

Nepean Museum
Councillor Jan Harder

Osgoode Care Centre
Councillor Doug Thompson

Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation
Mayor Bob Chiarelli

Ottawa-Gatineau Film and Television Development Corporation
Councillor Clive Doucet

Ottawa Life Sciences Council
Councillor Herb Kreling

Ottawa Municipal Campground Authority
Councillor Alex Cullen

Ottawa Police Services Board
Councillor Eli El-Chantiry
Councillor Herb Kreling
Councillor Michel Bellemare

Ottawa Public Library Board
Councillor Rick Chiarelli
Councillor Diane Deans
Councillor Peggy Feltmate
Councillor Rob Jellett
Councillor Maria McRae
Councillor Shawn Little

Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority
Councillor Georges Bédard
Councillor Jan Harder

Pineview Municipal Golf Course Board of Management
Councillor Rob Jellett
Councillor Michel Bellemare
Councillor Rainer Bloess
Councillor Jan Harder
Councillor Gord Hunter
Councillor Doug Thompson

Preston Street BIA
Councillor Diane Holmes

Somerset Heights BIA
Councillor Diane Holmes

Somerset Village BIA
Councillor Diane Holmes

Sparks Street Mall Authority/Sparks Street Mall BIA
Councillor Diane Holmes

The Ottawa Partnership (TOP)
Mayor Bob Chiarelli
Councillor Janet Stavinga

Vanier BIA
Councillor Georges Bédard

Westboro BIA
Councillor Shawn Little


For more information:
Communications & Marketing
(613) 580-2450

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
PRESENTATION OF NACO CHRISTMAS FANFAIR PROCEEDS
On Monday, Dec. 22 at 1:00 p.m. at the Michael Street warehouse of the
Ottawa Food Bank, representatives of the Ottawa Food Bank, the Snowsuit
Fund, the Ottawa Citizen, Bell Canada and the musicians of the National Arts
Centre Orchestra will announce the total donations raised in this year's
Christmas FanFair campaign. Cheques will be presented to the charities by
the NACO musicians and by the Ottawa Citizen and Bell Canada.

A street map showing the location of the Food Bank warehouse can be found
at:

http://www.theottawafoodbank.ca/map2.htm

The 1:00 p.m. presentation will include a group of NACO musicians performing
before the presentation and photo opportunities with representatives of the
two charities, the Ottawa Citizen, Bell Canada and musicians of the NAC
Orchestra.

The musicians of the NAC Orchestra especially wish to thank the National
Arts Centre staff and management, members of International Alliance of
Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 471, the National Arts Centre
Orchestra Association, the Ottawa Citizen and Bell Canada for their generous
support for this fundraising campaign.

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
SoulCandy Productions makes National Début!
"Something Old Is Being Born"
"**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SoulCandy Productions makes National Début!

Soulcandy Productions, an Ottawa-based Musical Recording/Dance Theatre Company(owned by Jon-e-shakka), introduces "The Shakka Project", a new era of music and dance styles, dedicated tothe development of emerging artists, who extend the boundaries of rap, dance and music ... with the Christmas release of four African-inspired CD's!
Owner, (Kwame Boateng)Jon-E-Shakka, has been performing and producing for the past twenty years and is well-known by NHL Hockey fans for his riveting third period performances at Ottawa Senators' home games
African influenced Eclectic Driven Rhythms in Dance
*Music *Rap*Drama
*Vocalization & Imagination
Kwame Boateng (Jon-e-Shakka) with his many years of electrifying audiences has now put together the Group, Shakka*Project, with his sons Jacob (50/50) Noah (N.P.) and Issac. Imagination, sound, color, movement. Shakka Project brings to the stage a generation of rhythms, through their original interpretations and expressions of dance, music and rap/lyrics .Jacob (50/50) was born in Montreal on August 2/ 86. Born in the year of the Tiger, Jacob is a Leo(Lion). The name 50/50 stands for Father-African / Mom-Caucasion. N.P. was born on October 5/89, and he and his 2 brothers, (50/50 & Issac) recorded and wrote "176-b", and won the Black Arts Creative Awards in that year. The boys are now ready to bust a move on ya, and 50/50's unique style will leave you wanting more. Jon-E has just released two of his own CD's:
"U-Reap-What-U-Sow" and "Life With A Four-Track Is A B...
http://www.mp3.com.au/KwameBoateng(jon-e-shakka)/
"! He is also joined by the release of his sons CD's: "Uncut
"Uncut Freestyle Take 1", featuring 50/50 featuring 50/50 (age 17 years) http://www.mp3.com.au/50/50/ and "This Is How We Get Down", featuring N.P. (age 14 years), http://www.mp3.com.au/N.P/ , both produced by ,Jon-E-Shakka! All four Cd's are currently available for retail sale at CdWarehouse, Legend Records (in Ottawa) and a chain of independents. Other Artists featured, include: Issac, Eugene Poku, Joseph Poku, Steve Johnston,Kim Warnock,and John James.
!These four CD's , and the Ultimate message to Stamp Out Child Abuse(SOCA),
is an intoduction to what SoulCandy Productions has to offer. in These Tough days.
For interviews,Cd's, videos, performances, etc. please contact
SoulCandy Productions c/o
"The Shakka Project":
Phone/Fax:1-613-820-5715
E-Mail: soulcandypro@hotmail.com / jshakka@mailcity.com

THE "ELECTRIFYING" kwame Boateng ( JON-E-SHAKKA)
(DANCE*MUSIC*CHOREOGRAPHY*MUSIC)
JON-E-SHAKKA, had his dancing debut in 1974, when he joined "THE ELECTRIFYING SHAKKA DANCERS" (A Family Act), winning many Dance Awards & appearing regularly on a variety of TV Shows, including the role as "Lead Dancer" on "FEEL LIKE DANCIN'" (CFCF-12, Montreal). Jon-E continued dancing with his brother, Eugene & formed the well-known act: "THE SHAKKA BROTHERS", who performed at a multitude of venues in Montreal. Jon-E has performed dance solos alongside many famous Artists, including:

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
Juno-winning performer plays at Zaphod's on Saturday, December 27th
Mike Trebilcock, The former singer/songwriter of Warner Music Canada recording artists, The Killjoys, will play at Zaphod Beeblebrox in Ottawa over the holidays.

With the Killjoys, Trebilcock has written 8 top 40 hits including, Rave and Drool, Soaked, and Today I Hate Everyone. They released four CD’s.

This will be his last Eastern Canada show before a Western tour in the new year.

He has recently been touring in support of his independent solo CD entitled "Shield Millions", a collection of songs that has been describes as "keen basement pop-smithery shot through with roots music".

A CD of brand new material, tentatively titled "Half in the Mirror, Half in the Bag", is also currently in the works.



Where: Zaphod’s (27 York St.)

When: Saturday, December 27th

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
MEDIA ADVISORY - The Ottawa Hospital; Honeywell
WHAT: Official launch of The Ottawa Hospital's partnership with
Honeywell for an Energy Conservation Program - Honeywell's
largest energy performance contract ever in Canada
WHEN: Friday, December 19, 2003
1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Paterson Amphitheatre (near Main Entrance)
The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus
1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa
WHO: Dr. Jack Kitts, President and CEO, The Ottawa Hospital
Bill Higgins, Vice President of Honeywell Building Solutions-
Americas
DETAILS:
In an era of increasing utility costs and where hospitals are looking at
ways to maximize their investments in patient care, The Ottawa Hospital and
Honeywell have partnered to develop an innovative energy conservation program
that will help the hospital to:
- modernize its facilities
- significantly reduce utility costs
- reinvest utility cost savings in patient care, and
- help protect the environment
Brief speeches will be followed immediately by a technical presentation
with details of the partnership.

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
City of Ottawa - Holiday Season schedule changes
The City of Ottawa would like to remind its residents of the
following schedule changes for the Holiday Season.

* Ottawa City Hall, all six Client Service Centres and the City's
Provincial Offences Court, will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and
New Year's Day. As well, these locations will close at 2 p.m. on December 24
and December 31, and will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 29,
December 30, and January 2.
*
* General City of Ottawa information is available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week via the City's Call Centre at (613) 580-2400 (TTY: 613-580-2401)
or on the City's Web site at ottawa.ca.
*
* There will be no garbage and recycling collection on Thursday,
December 25 or Thursday, January 1. The collection will be delayed by one
day for the remainder of those weeks (Friday, December 26 until Saturday,
December 27, and Friday, January 2 until Saturday, January 3).

* Christmas trees will be collected on your regular garbage collection
day the week of January 12. Please remove all tinsel and decorations.
*
* OC Transpo buses will operate on a reduced weekday schedule on
December 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31, as well as on January 2. On Christmas
Day and New Year's Day, buses will operate on a reduced Sunday schedule. On
Boxing Day, buses will operate on a reduced Saturday schedule. The O-Train
will not be operating on Christmas Day. Saturday service (15 minutes) will
be available on Boxing Day and Sunday service (30 minutes) on New Year's
Day. Regular fares will apply on New Year's Eve on buses and the O-Train.
Call (613) 560-1000 plus your four-digit stop number for automated schedule
information, phone (613) 741-4390, or visit octranspo.com.
*
* OC Transpo Sales and Information Centres will be closed on Christmas
and New Year's Day. The Rideau Centre office will be open from 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. on Boxing Day.
*
* All branches of the Ottawa Public Library will be closed on
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Holiday hours for all other
days between December 24 and January 1 vary from branch to branch. Call the
InfoService number at (613) 236-0303,
or visit the Ottawa Public Library Web site at www.library.ottawa.on.ca
(click on General Info, then Locations & Hours) to find holiday schedules
for each branch.
*
* Recreation facilities are closed on Christmas Day, except for the
St-Laurent Complex, 525 Côté Street, which will be offering free public
swimming from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and free public skating from 1 p.m. to 3:50
p.m. Recreation facilities will be operating on a modified schedule during
the holiday break. For hours of operation, please contact the facility
directly or visit the City's Web site at ottawa.ca.

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
National Arts Centre presents Kinderconcerts for 3- to 6-year-olds
The National Arts Centre Orchestra and Jeunesses Musicales
of Canada have teamed together to present a four-part Sunday afternoon
"Kinderconcerts" series (February 22, March 21, May 16 and June 20) designed
to introduce 3- to 6-year-olds to the magic of music and rhythm in a variety
of forms. Each one-hour programme is presented at 13:30 in English and at
15:30 in French in the intimate setting of the NAC Salon. Bring cushions for
the kids!

Dance along!
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Isabelle Fortier, harp
Philip Hornsey, percussion
Through exotic percussive rhythms and imaginative harp playing, two
musicians will soon have the children dancing to Cuban rumba and Balinese
traditional dance, as well as introduce them to the classical masters
Tchaikovsky and Debussy.

Music from the Native Americans
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Nathalie Picard
Evoking birdsong, rain sounds and animal cries, Nathalie Picard's
fascinating musical compositions and native tales transport her listeners to
a realm of mystery, dream and poetry.

Annabelle Canto
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Lysianne Tremblay, mezzo-soprano
Olivier Godin, piano
Created by: François Racine
What happens when a young opera singer loses both her voice and her memory
the morning of an important concert? Annabelle Canto and her pianist Henry
set out on a quest for her magical voice discovering astonishing and
majestic opera characters along the way.

The Little Red Hairy Man
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Philippe Gélinas, Medieval instruments
Lise Dyke, puppeteer
In a far-off Medieval land, three brothers set out to travel the world
seeking their fortune. What will they discover as their adventures lead them
through obstacles and unbelievable challenges?


Subscription for all 4 Kinderconcerts:
Adult subscription $32
Child subscription $16
Family Pass subscription (valid for any combination of four adults and
children) $80

Individual ticket prices:
Adults $10
Children $5
Family Pass (valid for any combination of four adults and children) $25

To subscribe call (613) 947-7000, ext. 620, or visit the NAC Subscription
Office, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00.

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
Ottawa Blues This Week -- 16 December 2003
Roxanne Potvin
CD Release - "Careless Loving"
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday, December 19

Fine Fat Daddy guitarist/singer Roxanne Potvin celebrates the release of her first solo CD at the Rainbow on Friday night. This is the 2nd release party ... the first was November 1 ... and everyone who bought the CD then is raving about it. It's a fine debut and is already charting at #10 on digital radio. You don't want to miss this event ... when Roxie hits big (and she will!), you can say you knew her when she was just starting out!
************************************************************
WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN
*****************************************
ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.

On the NewRO – Ottawa Cable Channel 6
Tuesday, December 23, 6-9 am
JW-Jones Blues Band – Breakfast at the NewRO


On BRAVO – Ottawa Cable Channel 40
Monday, December 22 @ 8 pm
The Swinging Nutcracker (2001)
An update of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet "The Nutcracker" using the exciting rhythms of 1930s and 40s big band swing music.
Stars the renowned musical star Jeff Hyslop.

Tuesday, December 23 or* Wednesday, December 24 @ 1 am
(sorry folks, the listing is completely unclear to me!)
Messiah XXI (1999)
A reworking of Handel's Messiah, blending classical, pop, gospel and rock music.
Features Gladys Knight, Roger Daltrey, Chaka Khan and Aidan Quinn.

http://www.bravo.ca/programlistings
************************************************************
ON THE RADIO
***************
CBC Radio One
weekly on Mondays @ 8 pm (next Monday final episode)
CBC Radio Two
weekly on Fridays @ 10 pm (this week episode #13)

CBC Radio celebrates 100 years of the blues with THE BLUES, a landmark 14-episode series covering everything from the geographic and stylistic origins of the blues to its most contemporary sounds and styles.

A comprehensive chronicle of North America's most enduring music form, the series boasts two spectacular hosts, Grammy Award-winning Keb' Mo' and legendary Canadian Jackie Richardson. Each hour-long episode uses new and archival interviews, recordings and remotes from where blues history occurred, as well as where the music thrives today. The 14th episode offers an in-depth look at the blues in Canada and the influential artists who made the music.

An incredible showcase of blues artistry, the series includes interviews with musical giants such as B.B. King, Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bonnie Raitt, as well as performances by Cephas and Wiggins, Taj Mahal, Shemekia Copeland, the North Mississippi Allstars, Rory Block and many others.

For more information, contact Tal Hebdon, CBC Radio Communications, tal_Hebdon@cbc.ca
************************************************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
********************
Voodoo Walters & the Rhythm Method
Bayou Blues & Jazz Club, 1077 Bank Street
Saturday, December 20

From Voodoo:
"we have a show at the Bayou Blues & Jazz club (1077 Bank St.) on saturday december 20th at 9:30 pm and it will be held with the Ottawa Food Bank. as many of you know I am from Toronto and at this time of year we (other bands and musicians) would put on food bank shows for reasons that I know everyone understands. it was a great tradition and one I want to
continue here in Ottawa. bring a non-perishable food item to the show and get in at a reduced rate. let's help everyone have a merry Christmas.

I want you to come out and have a great time at the show with us. please pass along this invitation to anyone ... every little bit really does help."
(http://www.voodoowalters.com)
*******************************
Tony D's Juke Joint (Delta blues)
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Sundays in December

From Tony D:
Tony D's The Jook Joint will be doing a month of Sunday matinees at the Rainbow in the lovely Byward Market of our Nation's Capital, starting on December 7th, in the year of our lord 2003. We start the shows at 3:30 pm and finish around 7 pm. So if you want to chase your Christmas blues away and avoid shopping come on down to hear us. We promise to turn your holidays ho...ho...ho's into oh...oH....OH'S!!!
************************************************************
REGULAR EVENTS THIS MONTH
********************************
Mondays: Maria Hawkins @ the Rainbow
Tuesdays: Ken & Don @ the Rainbow ... early show 5-7 pm
Tuesdays: L'il Al's Combo - Rainbow Open Jam @ 9:30 pm
Wednesday-Saturday: Dr. Dave @ Casino Lac Leamy
Wednesdays: Shakedown Blues @ the Bayou
Thursdays: Dinner & acoustic blues @ Tucson's
Thursdays: Blues Jam with Johnny Russell & Mike Ktenas @ Irene's
Fridays: Amaryllis @ the Rainbow ... early show 5-7 pm
Saturday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow
Sunday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow
Sunday afternoons: Guy del Villano & guests @ Royal Oak, Bank St.
Sunday evenings: Mellotone Organ Sextet @ the Rainbow
*******************************************************
LOCALS THIS WEEK
********************

Friday, December 19
Roxanne Potvin CD Release @ the Rainbow

Friday, December 19
The Crowd @ the Bayou

Friday, December 19
Kathy Kennedy Band @ Sonny's, 1119 Baxter Road

Friday & Saturday, December 19-20
Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo @ Greenfields (900 Greenbank),
10 pm, no cover ... the last gig for bands at this venue.

Saturday, December 20
The Mud Boys Christmas Party with special guests @
the Duke of Somerset, 352 Somerset Street West

Saturday, December 20
JW-Jones Blues Band @ the Rainbow

Saturday, December 20
Voodoo Walters & the Rhythm Method @ the Bayou

Saturday, December 20
Kathy Kennedy Band @ Coco Jarry's, 314 Raglan Street, Renfrew

Sunday, December 21
Tony D's Juke Joint @ the Rainbow 3-7 pm

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
OIHF News Release: The Stanley Cup is coming to the Hockey Country Show!
Expocorp and the Ottawa International Hockey Festival (OIHF) announced today the Stanley Cup will be part of a Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit at the Hockey Country Show on January 2-3, 2004. The Stanley Cup will be available for public viewing on January 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Hall of Fame will have a major exhibit at the Show, featuring an NHL trophy display including: the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Vezina Trophy and the Norris Trophy. It will also feature the Calder Trophy, Jack Adams Award and Presidents' Trophy (three trophies won by the Ottawa Senators). The show will also include an exhibit on the famous Team Canada/Russia 1972 series, a pictorial history of the Original Six era of the NHL and interactive games for kids of all ages. The exhibit is presented by the Government of Canada.

"This is a great opportunity", said Expocorp President Kevin d'Entremont. "Too see so many major trophies in one place at one time, and have access to the Stanley Cup on top of it all, is the kind of opportunity no hockey fan should want to pass up."

The Hockey Country Show will also have more than 60 major displays from manufacturers such as Bauer Nike, Easton and CCM and Ottawa retailers with product for sale. The GM Sens Street Tour will also be on hand along with many other exhibits by hockey companies.

The Hockey Country Show has been developed as a first-time consumer trade show alongside the Ottawa International Hockey Festival (OIHF). The OIHF is the world's largest minor hockey tournament featuring over 400 teams from Canada, the United States and Europe. Over 18,000 people will attend the tournament.

"The Ottawa International Hockey Festival is a world class tournament and we look forward to creating world class activities for those playing in the tournament," said Cyril Leeder, OIHF co-chair. "The Hockey Country Show allows us to give tournament participants and visitors to Ottawa a unique hockey experience."

Show hours are: from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on January 2, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on January 3. Admission is $7 for adults, and free to kids 12 and under.



Information: Kevin d'Entremont, EXPOCORP, (613) 786-2619, ext 222
Tim Pattyson, Ottawa International Hockey Festival, (613) 599-0239

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
Canadian Embassy in Berlin is seeking short films
Call for entries
“Canada. The Innovation Nation”

About the Project
In June 2004, Canada will officially open a new Embassy in Berlin. The new Canadian Embassy will be situated in the heart of the city at one of the re-created historical city gates. The area will bridge the former no man's land from revitalized East Berlin to the new modern commercial and transportation hub of Potsdamer Platz. Public access will be granted to the ground floor of the Embassy and people will be using a passage way through the Embassy building, called the “Northwest Passage”. Part of the passage will be a set of three plasma screens which will be used to promote an innovative and inspiring image of Canada.

Canada. The Innovation Nation
“Over the last decade, Canada has undergone a transformation of incredible proportions. Taking heed of the warnings of economic downfall, the country, both public and private sectors, turned the boat around. Through a combination of recognising our natural assets and changing the major obstacles in the way of growth, Canada put the country at the forefront of the technology revolution.” Anthony B. Perkins “Innovation Nation, 2002”

The films that will be selected for screening at the new Canadian Embassy in Berlin should incorporate this vision as Canada being an innovative nation. The filmmakers are free to adopt their vision of this statement.

Entry deadline
All entries must be postmarked by March 30, 2004. Awards The Canadian Embassy gives cash prizes to the selected filmmakers in form of a contract. The first prize will be $CAN 3,000, the second prize $CAN 2,000, the third prize $CAN 1,000.

Eligibility
he Canadian Embassy invites film entries in fiction, experimental, documentary and animation categories. The maximal length of the film should be 10 minutes. To be eligible for the project �� the film must comply with the theme “Canada. The Innovation Nation” �� the film must have been completed after January 2000 �� the film can be submitted in English, French or German and may include sound �� the film must be available on DVD or MiniDV (preferably PAL-version).

More info: http://canada.de/
thilo.lenz@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

---

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2003 by admin
Odawa's 13th Annual Traditional Winter Pow Wow
Sat. Dec. 27 & Sun., Dec.28, 2003
Odawa Native Friendship Centre
12 Stirling Ave. (at Scott St.)

Everyone Welcome! Volunteers Needed.

Doors Open: 11:00 am.

Admission: Donation $5.00; Charitable receipts of $25 or more as requested.

Grand Entries: Sat. 12 pm & 7pm; Sun.12 pm

Vendors must be pre-registered. Volunteers and donations towards feast is appreciated (please phone in advance).

NO DRUGS OR NO ALCOHOL

For more information please contact the Centre.

Tel:(613)722-3811
Fax:(613)722-4667

http://www.odawa.on.ca

The Odawa Native Friendship Centre is not responsible for loss or injury.

---

Posted Wednesday, December 17, 2003 by admin
Santa Claus is coming to the 67's
The Ottawa 67’s have announced that as of 2:00 p.m. today there are 3,000 tickets left for this Friday, December 19th, 2003 when the 67’s play host to the Sarnia Sting at 7:30 p.m. in their final home game before the Christmas break.

Friday night is also Coaches Appreciation Night at the Civic Centre.
Minor hockey coaches are asked to sign up at www.ottawa67s.com to receive a free pair of tickets, admission to an on-ice session as well as a question and answer period in the Aberdeen Pavilion with Ron Davidson, a member of the Canadian National Team at the 1980 Olympics. Also on hand for the Q & A period will be Ottawa 67’s Assistant Coach, Bert O’Brien and Goaltender Coach, Tom Dempsey.

Friday night will mark another special guest appearance in Ottawa as well as Santa Claus will be on the concourse to spread Holiday Greetings to all of the young fans in attendance. A canned/non-perishable food drive will also take place as the Gloucester Center Minor Hockey Association (GCMHA) and the Ottawa 67’s collect food and clothing to be donated to the Shepherds of Good Hope at the end of the first period.

The Ottawa 67’s are in third place in a very close East Division race and seventh place overall in the Eastern Conference. Ottawa is coming off of a successful weekend as they won 2 out of 3 games against tough opponents. Sarnia has played well on the road this season, going 6-4-1-1 in 12 games, but Ottawa is equally as good at home with a 7-5-1-0 record in 13 games at the Civic Centre so far this season. Sarnia boasts the League’s 3rd highest scorer in Daniel Sisca, who has 47 points in 31 games, which is only three more than Ottawa’s Corey Locke, who sits in sixth place in the scoring race.

Ottawa 67’s ticket prices are one of the lowest in the OHL. Children 12 years old and under can enjoy affordable hockey action for only $10.00 per game, adults can take in a game for only $13.00 and students and seniors can watch for only $12.00. To purchase tickets, fans may visit the Ottawa 67’s Store on Bank St. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays; or call 755-1166 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca on the Internet.

For further information, contact Jason O’Connor at 232-6767 ext. 230

---

Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2003 by julie
Pop Culture Phenom Returns. CTV Announces Canadian Idol 2
The search is on for Canada's next Ryan
Malcolm. As revealed last night on etalk DAILY, CTV has signed an agreement
with FremantleMedia / 19TV that will see pop culture phenomenon Canadian Idol,
television's record breaking success story, return for a second season. The
story was confirmed today by CTV President of Programming Susanne Boyce from
London, England where Malcolm and the Canadian contingent are making final
preparations for the upcoming international special World Idol. Last night's
announcement also coincides with last week's release of Malcolm's highly
anticipated debut album Home.
CTV also confirms today that judges Farley Flex, Jake Gold, Sass Jordan
and Zack Werner will all be back as will series host Ben Mulroney. CTV has
once again partnered with Insight Productions to produce the series. Canadian
Idol 2 will debut in Summer, 2004.
CTV is putting the finishing touches on plans for a nine-city, cross-
country audition tour scheduled for early 2004. Cities and dates will be
revealed on CTV during the broadcast of World Idol on Thursday, Dec. 25 from 8-
10 p.m. ET.
"Canadian Idol is one of those magical experiences that transcends a mere
television show," said Boyce. "It captured the imagination of a country
yearning to celebrate our rich musical tradition. Canadian Idol is a property
that allows us as Canadians to cheer for ourselves. We can't wait to once
again, showcase Canada's enormous musical talent."
The full announcement can be viewed at http://www.idol.ctv.ca

---

Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2003 by julie
Peace Building Workshop - Jan. 3-4
Building Peace: Tools to Empower Individuals and Communities for Social
Change
A two day workshop organized by TRANSCEND, Peace by Piece (Canada) and the
Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania (PATRIR)

Saturday and Sunday Jan 3rd & Jan 4th 2004
Ottawa, Canada

With Kai Frithjof Brand-Jacobsen
Co-Director TRANSCEND, Director of PATRIR,

Brief Description * The Training Programme * The Training Schedule* The
Trainer and Facilitator * Costs & Applying * The Organisers

Brief Description
Building Peace: Tools to Empower Individuals and Communities for Social
Change is a special TRANSCEND programme designed for people working in their
communities and internationally to overcome violence – direct, structural
and cultural – and to promote the positive and effective transformation of
conflicts.
It is a highly interactive and participatory programme, building upon the
experiences and background of practitioners and interested individuals from
the community and internationally. Building Peace will explore the root
causes and dynamics of conflict, skills and tools for conflict mapping, and
methods for transforming conflicts through empathy, non-violence and
creativity. Highly practical, Building Peace draws upon experiences working
in peacebuilding, conflict transformation and post-war rehabilitation,
rebuilding and reconciliation in Afghanistan, former Yugoslavia, the Middle
East, Colombia, Nepal, Somalia, Indonesia and elsewhere.
This programme will help in further strengthening participants knowledge and
understanding of both the complexities of conflicts and effective and
constructive approaches to their transformation. Its focus will be on both
conflict and violence, including the need to heal from the impacts and
effects of violence. It has been designed to build upon the best aspects of
TRANSCEND’s advanced training programmes for practitioners, together with a
working needs-based approach to respond to the particular situations and
needs of the participants involved and the dynamics of the conflicts in
their communities.
Bridging the fields of theory and practice, Building Peace will help
participants to be able to:
Ø prevent the outbreak of violent conflict in their countries/communities;
Ø prevent and address violent conflicts, structural violence and conflicts
at the inter-personal and community levels;
Ø mobilise and empower communities for broad-based, comprehensive and
inclusive approaches to conflict transformation and peacebuilding;
Ø improve participants’ abilities to map conflicts effectively and develop
appropriate strategies and responses for integration into their work,
organisations and programmes;
Ø develop effective methods, tools and approaches for conflict
transformation and peacebuilding at the community-level and internationally;
Ø develop/improve and implement programmes within their
organisations/communities either directly addressing or affected by
conflicts and war;
The Training Progamme
The Training Programme will take place Saturday and Sunday, January 3 – 4,
2004 from 10:00 – 18:00, with two tea/coffee breaks and a one hour break for
lunch each day. The programme will be highly interactive and participatory,
drawing upon participants’ own concrete experiences and working to develop
practical tools and methods for addressing the challenges they face. It is
intended for those who wish to see how they can work to transform conflicts
effectively and constructively through peaceful means, and to build tools
and resources for peacebuilding, peace education, peace journalism, and
reconciliation in their communities and the world. Kai Frithjof
Brand-Jacobsen, the Trainer and Facilitator, has carried out more than 200
training programmes for over 4500 participants in 29 countries world-wide.
Location: Library room, Arts Court, 2 Daly Av (at Nicholas, right behind the
Rideau Centre)

For More Information or to Register contact: Amy Dillon
Email: Amy.Dillon@sympatico.ca Phone: (613) 789-1773
The Training Schedule
Saturday, January 3rd
Morning Session: The TRANSCEND Method – Conflict Transformation by Peaceful
Means
Afternoon Session: Building Skills and Tools for Conflict Transformation and
Peacebuilding
Sunday, January 4th
Morning Session: Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation in Practice:
Developing Strategies and Approaches/Methods for Transforming Conflicts and
Dealing with the Visible and Invisible Effects of Violence and War
Afternoon Session: Building a Culture and Practice of Peace and
Reconciliation: Peace Journalism, Peace Education and Peace Praxis
The Trainer and Facilitator
Kai Frithjof Brand-Jacobsen is founder and Director of the Peace Action,
Training and Research Institute of Romania (PATRIR) and Co-Director of
TRANSCEND, and is on the Executive Board of the TRANSCEND Peace University
(TPU) where he is Course Director for the courses Peacebuilding and
Empowerment and War to Peace Transitions. He has worked in Afghanistan,
India, Pakistan, Nepal, Russia, South Eastern Europe, North America,
Colombia, and the Middle East at the invitation of governments,
inter-governmental organisations, UN agencies, and local organisations and
communities promoting local development, community empowerment, and
peacebuilding. He has written and published widely, and is author of The
Struggle Continues: The Political Economy of Globalisation and People's
Struggles for Peace (Pluto, forthcoming), co-author, together with Johan
Galtung and Carl Jacobsen, of Searching for Peace: The Road to TRANSCEND
(Pluto, 2000 & 2002) and Editor of the TRANSCEND book series published
together with Pluto Press, Critical Peace Studies: Peace by Peaceful Means.
He is currently working on preparing a comprehensive handbook for
Peacebuilding, Conflict Transformation and Post-War Reconstruction,
Rehabilitation and Reconciliation in Nepal. He is also a member of the
Executive Board of the Journal of Peace and Development and the Executive
Board of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and an Associate of
the Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research, as well as an
advisor to several governments, foreign ministries, the Commonwealth
Secretariat and the Council of Europe. In 1999 he was founder and Director
of the Coalition for Global Solidarity and Social Development, and in 2000,
together with Johan Galtung, he was founder of the Nordic Institute for
Peace Research (NIFF). Since 1996 he has provided more than 200 training
programmes in peacebuilding, development, and constructive conflict
transformation to more than 3500 participants in 29 countries.
Costs and Applying
Costs for participation are CAD 50 per person. For more information, or to
register for the programme please contact Amy Dillon:

Email: Amy.Dillon@sympatico.ca Phone: (613) 789-1773

The Organisers
TRANSCEND - A Peace and Development Network for Conflict Transformation by
Peaceful Means
TRANSCEND is a network of nearly 300 of the world’s leading practitioners
and scholars in peacebuilding and development from more than 80 countries
around the world. Committed to the promotion of peace by peaceful means,
TRANSCEND has 20 active programmes, and conducts its work through action,
education/training, dissemination and research. With centres in Barcelona
(Spain), Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Geneva (Switzerland), Hagen (Germany),
Honolulu (USA), Kyoto (Japan), Moscow (Russia), Sandnes (Norway), Taplow
Court (Great Britain), Torino (Italy), Vienna (Austria), and Washington, DC
(USA) – with several others now being formed in Europe, Latin America,
Africa and Asia – TRANSCEND has provided more than 500 training programmes
for over 10000 participants in 50 countries around the world. Participants
in TRANSCEND training programmes have included politicians, diplomats, aid
and development workers, teachers, psychologists, social workers,
journalists, civil service employees, UN staff, professors, students, and
others. In 2000, TRANSCEND developed the United Nations’ first ever manual
on “Conflict Transformation by Peaceful Means: The TRANSCEND Approach.” In
February, 2003, TRANSCEND launched the world’s first ever truly global Peace
University on-line: the TRANSCEND Peace University (www.transcend.org/tpu).
TRANSCEND is involved in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and
post-war reconciliation and healing in several conflict areas world-wide, at
the invitation of local groups, organisations, universities, governments,
and parties to the conflict. TRANSCEND only works in conflict/war affected
areas when it has been invited. Currently, TRANSCEND is doing research on:
Peacebuilding and Empowerment; Non-Territorial Federalism and Functional
Independence; Self-Determination and the Nation/State Dialectic;
Peacebuilding and Globalisation; Conflict Transformation and Psychological
Assumptions; Comparing Methods of Conflict Transformation from Micro, Meso
and Macro-Levels; the Dialogue Process; Local and Subsistence Economics;
Models for Global Economic Crises; Understanding Genocide. TRANSCEND has
recently launched the new TRANSCEND Media Service, and is in the process of
developing the Conflict Transformation Index (CTI) and TRANSCEND Early
Warning Index (EWI). TRANSCEND perspectives are freely available on the
Internet (www.transcend.org), and a TRANSCEND monthly Bulletin is being
prepared for distribution in 12 languages.
PATRIR – The Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania
Founded on March 1st, 2001, the PATRIR, is an institute, organisation,
training centre and network, linking together scholars, grassroots
activists, and peace researchers throughout Romania, South-Eastern Europe
and internationally. Its aim is to address the core challenges facing
Romania and the countries of South and Eastern Europe, to strengthen and
empower grassroots organisations and citizens’ action, to mobilise people
for active peace work and peaceful conflict transformation, and to address
the structural causes of poverty, human rights violations and economic and
social injustice. PATRIR is an institute and an organisation for research,
training and active peace work. PATRIR organises training programmes in
peacebuilding and peaceful conflict transformation; peace journalism;
democracy and human rights; multi-culturalism; empowering civil society;
gender and peace; people-centred, sustainable development; post-war
reconstruction, rehabilitation, reconciliation and healing; and, environment
and ecology. Participants to PATRIR training programmes frequently include
senior politicians and diplomats, experienced aid and development workers,
UN and NGO staff, civil society activists, professors, teachers, students,
journalists, artists, and psychologists from Romania and more than 30
countries internationally. PATRIR cooperates with TRANSCEND as the
TRANSCEND Centre for South-Eastern Europe. Since 2001, PATRIR has been one
of TRANSCEND’s leading international training sites.

If you would like to receive further information, to register, or to make a
gift registration for a friend or colleague, please contact: Amy
DillonEmail: Amy.Dillon@sympatico.ca Phone: (613) 789-1773

---

Posted Monday, December 15, 2003 by admin
SENATORS TO ACCEPT DONATIONS FOR WILLIAMS TRUST FUND
The Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and Ottawa Senators Foundation will be accepting donations in support of the "Williams Trust Fund" before Thursday's game against Chicago (December 18).

The fund has been established for the three Williams' children who lost their father last Friday as a result of a tragic fire.

The Goodwill Ambassadors will be collecting the donations prior to the start of Thursday's game when fans enter the building. Donations should be in the form of cash or cheques made payable to the "Williams Trust Fund" and will be used to support the children in their time of need as they deal with this tragedy.

The children's mother Joanne is in hospital since she suffered permanent brain damage in a car accident two years ago.

For more information, please contact:
Dave Ready, Ottawa Senators Foundation, (613) 599-0163

---

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2003 by julie
Jan 9/10 8pm: The Ballad of Phil Ochs
The Ottawa Folk Festival, CUPE and the National Arts Centre present The Ballad
of Phil Ochs, featuring Zachary Stevenson, for two performances on Friday,
January 9 and on Saturday, January 10, at the NAC's Fourth Stage, starting at 8
p.m., (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)

The Ottawa Folk Festival is pleased to present Zachary Stevenson, who portrays
1960's protest singer Phil Ochs in a one-man show called The Ballad of Phil
Ochs, on Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10, at the NAC's Fourth Stage.
The Ballad of Phil Ochs is an intimate time-trip through Ochs' life, against
the backdrop of the political and social unrest of the turbulent sixties.

This moving one-man musical, written by Victoria-based playwright Ross Desprez,
includes 12 of Ochs' best songs, including "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore" and "When
I'm Gone". British Columbia's Zachary Stevenson delivers a remarkable
portrayal of Ochs' internal struggles and complex character, and brilliantly
succeeds in evoking Ochs' musical voice. This is another chance for Ottawa
audiences to see this powerful production, which played to full houses at
Rasputin's Folk Café last October and generated rave reviews.

Phil Ochs is regarded today as one of the most sincere and humane songwriters
of his day. Like Bob Dylan in the early years of his career, Phil made his
reputation singing topical protest songs. He was a prolific writer of songs
that addressed a wide range of anti-war, civil rights, labour and social
justice issues. Ochs gave the anti-war movement two rallying songs: "I Ain't
Marching Any More" and "Draft Dodger Rag", and the civil rights movement the
song "Here's to the State of Mississippi." He also penned "Changes," his most
famous love song.

Tickets are $15, and are available in person at the NAC box office, (53 Elgin
St.), Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (no surcharge). Tickets are
also available through TicketMaster by phone at 755-1111, on-line, and in
person at all TicketMaster outlets.

Theatre/Dinner Package - show your ticket at Carmello's Restaurant (131 Cooper -
a short walk to the NAC) the night of the show and receive 15% off the cost of
your meal.

For more information, call the Festival office at 230-8234 or visit our website
http://www.ottawafolk.org/

---

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2003 by julie
Zen Mindfulness Retreat - Jan. 31
Zen Mindfulness Retreat

January 31, 2004

9:00 am until 9:00 pm

$125 (a tax receipt will be provided)



A day of authentic Zen mindfulness training for the public. The retreat will
be led by Ven. Shikai Zuiko osho-ajari, a Dharma-successor of Anzan Hoshin
roshi in Dogen's Lineage of Zen. The retreat will be held in the Undo or
Cloud Hall, of the Zen Centre of Ottawa (http://www.wwzc.org
) and will include 2 meals of shojin-ryori (Zen
vegetarian) cuisine. Everyone is welcome. There is no requirement of
previous practice experience. Pre-registration is required.

For more information and to register call (613) 562-1586 or email
info@wwzc.org.

---

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2003 by julie
Calabogie Peaks Now a True 4 Season Resort with the Opening of Dickson Manor Country Inn
Calabogie Peaks Resort has just experienced 2 record breaking winter seasons
in a row! In addition to Mother Nature, credit for the increased visitors
can be directed to the $5M Phase I Expansion of the resort over the past 3
winters which installed 2 new quad chairs and expanded snowmaking capacity.



With heavy construction during this past spring and summer the resort has
now fully transitioned itself into a true 4-season resort. The $10M Phase 2
Expansion was completed in August. Dickson Manor, a 25 room fine country
inn opened its’ doors to rave reviews. Located at the base of the ski hill
(Dickson Mountain), Dickson Manor offers an indoor swimming pool, outdoor
hot tub, fitness room, arcade and a mini movie theatre complete with digital
surround sound. The inn also features Canthooks restaurant, where fine
dining and a great après ski ambience will be something not to be missed.
The inn’s newly opened Les Saisons spa offers a wide range of spa services
and features the France Laure line of retail products.



“There is a variety of Stay & Play packages for all amenities and services.
It’s very exciting now to be able to offer our guests these kinds of
mid-mountain destination resort options. It truly opens opportunities to
attract a whole new mix of guests and experiences”, says Chief Operating
Officer Jim Morash.



The owners of the resort have realized that the expansion, past and future,
has put Calabogie Peaks into a new and exciting league that goes beyond the
traditional experiences of running a community ski hill. Lorne Borgal, with
20 years of senior management experience at both Whistler/Blackcomb and
Horseshoe Valley, has been brought in as President and Chief Executive
Officer. “A person with his experience and achievements at such successful
resorts will bring tremendous potential to our resort”, says Paul Murphy,
Chairman of the Board of Directors.



There are also a number of new and exciting changes for the upcoming snow
season. Due to the increased winter season numbers the rental and retail
departments have both undergone major renovations. The floor space of the
rental shop has increased 100% which will allow for a much smoother and
efficient customer traffic flow. A 30% and 50% increase in ski fleet and
snowboard fleet respectively will reduce the number of disappointed skiers
and riders. Cross-country rentals will now be available at the resort to
augment and increased focus on x-c skiing.



Salamander’s retail store has been relocated from the basement to a new
building that will also house the seasonal lockers. The retail space of
Salamanders has tripled the size of the old location. Brand new this year
is the Epic Experience, a first-of-its-kind joint venture between Tommy &
Lefebvre and Calabogie Peaks. “This high performance Demo Centre will
feature a wide variety of high end skis and snowboards for Peak’s guest to
experience”, says Kevin Pidgeon, President of Tommy & Lefebvre.



The popularity of the resort’s Snow School programs is growing rapidly.
There are a number of new programs that have been developed to address
customer demands”, says Betty Oattes, Snow School Director. “These
includes; Ski Weeks, Chicks on Sticks, Boys on Boards and Ski Wees.”, she
adds. Her team of Snow Pros are well experienced and are lead by 10
instructors that are certified as Level 3’s and 4’s.



Answering the demand for gift ideas the resort will be selling very
attractive Peaks Gift Cards. Used just like a debit card, they can be used
at any point of sale outlet throughout the resort including lift tickets,
rental equipment, accommodation, Canthooks and Les Saisons.



With the Phase 1 and Phase 2 expansion complete and a concentrated focus on
customer service excellence, The Peaks is anticipating another snow season
for the record books. If you haven’t been out lately, head out to Calabogie
Peaks Resort and “Enjoy their Good Nature!”



For more information visit the resort’s website at www.calabogie.com

---

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2003 by julie
UPCOMING COREL CENTRE EVENTS
UPCOMING COREL CENTRE EVENTS

Event Date Time Ticket Prices

Sens Superskills Competition Sat, Dec. 27 11:00 a.m. $5*
Tickets on sale now

Corel Centre Holiday Skate Mon, Dec. 29 $8*
Tues, Dec. 30 Tickets on sale now
Visit www.corelcentre.com for a detailed breakdown of skating times and
discounted pricing

ESSO 3-on-3 Hockey Classic Sat, Jan. 10 2:00 p.m. $10*
Tickets on sale now

Sarah Brightman Tues, Feb. 3 8:00 p.m. $89, $69^
Tickets on sale now

Nickelback Fri, Feb. 13 7:00 p.m. $42.50, $29.50^
with Staind & Three Days Grace Tickets on sale now

Binghamton Senators (AHL game) Sun, Feb. 15 2:00 p.m. $25,
$23^
vs Toronto Roadrunners Tickets on sale Dec. 15 - 10
a.m.

Tom Jones Mon, Mar. 15 8:00 p.m. $85, $75, $49.50*
Tickets on sale now

Sting Tues, Mar. 23 8:00 p.m. $90.50, $70.50, $50.50*
Tickets on sale now

Stars on Ice Sat, Apr. 17 7:30 p.m. $65, $50, $40, $35^
Tickets on sale now

Tickets can be purchased at the Corel Centre Box office, by phone
(613-599-FANS or toll-free at 877-788-FANS) and at www.CapitalTickets.ca.
For group ticket information, please call (613-599-0116).
* Prices inclusive of all taxes and CRF fee, but excluding convenience
charges.
^ Prices inclusive of all taxes, but excluding CRF fee and convenience
charges.
# Prices exclusive of all taxes, CRF fee and convenience charges.

---

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2003 by julie
Mayor and Santa invite residents to a holiday celebration at City Hall
Mayor and Santa invite residents to a holiday celebration at City Hall

Ottawa - On Monday, Mayor Bob Chiarelli and Santa Claus will invite the
public to come celebrate the holiday season at Ottawa City Hall on Friday,
December 19, during the Mayor's Third Annual Christmas Celebration. Mayor
Chiarelli and Santa will outline the sponsored activities that will be
offered to the young and young at heart, as well as announce special guests
at Santa's Village who will help make this a memorable event for the entire
family. Representatives from The Shepherds of Good Hope and The Mission will
also be on hand to promote a raffle in support of their programs. The draw
will be held during the Mayor's celebration.

Date: Monday, December 12
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
(Laurier Avenue entrance)

Members of the media will be invited to tour Santa's Village and be given
the schedule of events for the celebration. The Mayor's Third Annual
Christmas Celebration will be held on Friday, December 19, from 6 to 9 p.m.

---

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2003 by julie
Meetings at Ottawa City Hall next week
The following Council and standing committee meetings are scheduled
during the week of December 15, 2003, at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier
Avenue West. Agenda items that may be of special interest to citizens and
the media have been highlighted.

Police Services Board - Monday, December 15, 5 p.m., Champlain Room

Special Meeting of City Council - Wednesday, December 17, 1:30 p.m., Andrew
S. Haydon Hall

The agenda for these meetings and related reports will be posted on the
City's Web site at ottawa.ca and will be available at the respective
meetings.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
Sponsored holiday festivities and treats at the Mayor's Third Annual Christmas Celebration
For the third consecutive year, Ottawa residents are invited to
join in some holiday cheer when Santa's Village comes to City Hall on
December 19 for the Mayor's Third Annual Christmas Celebration. Activities
and entertainment for the young and the young at heart will be offered
throughout the evening, including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts
and crafts for kids, performances by local choirs, a magic act, horse-drawn
sleigh rides, a petting zoo, and much, much more. Free Beavertails, hot
chocolate, apple cider, popcorn, cookies and taffy on ice will also be
served in festive little painted huts in Festival Plaza in front of City
Hall and coffee will be served inside at Mrs. Claus' Café.

Date: Friday, December 19, 2003, 6
to 9 p.m.
Location: City Hall, 110 Laurier
Avenue
Admission: Free

Santa and the Mayor encourage you to bring a non-perishable food donation
for The Mission and the Shepherds of Good Hope. Raffles will also be held at
the event, with all proceeds going to The Mission and The Shepherds of Good
Hope programs.

From 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., OC Transpo will offer a free bus ride on all routes
leading to and from Santa's Village to children 12 years and under when
accompanied by an adult. OC Transpo buses will also pick up any residents
wishing to make their way to the celebration at arenas in Richmond,
Manotick, Navan and Cumberland at 5:30 p.m. (arrival at MacKenzie King
Bridge at 6:30 p.m.) and will leave MacKenzie King Bridge for the same
destinations at 9:20 p.m. Visit ottawa.ca for addresses of the respective
arenas.

This community Christmas celebration is entirely sponsored by over 100
Ottawa area organizations. They have generously offered prizes, services,
and other special treats to make this year's event the most festive yet for
all residents.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
OCBTV lineups until the end of the year
Below is Ottawa Citizen Business TV guest line up for the rest of the
2003 season. Ottawa Citizen Business TV returns on Monday, January 5,
2004.


> Friday December 11
> Monique Warrack from Christmas in the Capital will discuss how
> Christmas is a year round business. Also on the show, Marc Grandbois
> from Chantecler Windows will talk about the success of the window &
> door company.
>
> Monday December 15
We have a panel discussion about the relationship between business and
politics over the past year. Joining Janet Eastman on the panel will be
Garth Whyte from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Gail
Logan from the Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, and Gerry LePage from
the Bank St. Business Improvement Association.

> Tuesday December 16
We have a panel discussion about how the Ottawa housing market fared
over the past year and what to expect in 2004. Joining Janet Eastman on
the panel will be Ray Otten from the RE/MAX Renaud-Otten Team, Robert
Greenberg from Minto Developments, and Christian Douchant from CMHC.

> Wednesday December 17
We have a panel discussion about the state of Ottawa's economy. We'll
find out how it fared in 2003 and what to expect in 2004. Joining Janet
Eastman on the panel will be bankruptcy lawyer Stanley Kershman, Barry
Nabatian from Market Research Corp., and Gerry LePage from the Bank St.
Business Improvement Association.

> Thursday December 18
We have a panel discussion about the future skills shortage. Joining
Janet Eastman on the panel will be Cheryl Gorman from OCRI's
TalentWorks, David Perry from Perry Martel International, and Tom Coates
from Calian

> Friday December 19
We have a panel discussion about mergers and acquisitions involving
Ottawa companies. Joining Janet Eastman on the panel will be Jim
Bagnall from the Ottawa Citizen, Frank D'Addario from Environmental
Management Solutions, and Ed Ogonek formerly from Akara.

> Monday December 22
We repeat a panel discussion about how the Ottawa housing market fared
over the past year and what to expect in 2004. Joining Janet Eastman on
the panel will be Ray Otten from the RE/MAX Renaud-Otten Team, Robert
Greenberg from Minto Developments, and Christian Douchant from CMHC.

> Tuesday December 23
We repeat a a panel discussion about the relationship between business
and politics over the past year. Joining Janet Eastman on the panel
will be Garth Whyte from the Canadian Federation of Independent
Business, Gail Logan from the Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, and
Gerry LePage from the Bank St. Business Improvement Association.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
City Council Update
City Council Meeting Highlights

Council directs staff to prepare 2004 draft estimates based on scenario with
no property tax increase, $109 million in solutions

Today, Council took the first steps toward addressing Ottawa's budget
challenges by directing staff to begin preparing the City's 2004 draft
estimates based on a scenario that would result in no property tax increase.
Staff will prepare estimates that achieve $109 million in budget solutions
through a combination of expenditure reductions, service-delivery
improvements, administrative efficiencies, program and service eliminations
and deferrals, and revenue generation. The draft capital and operating
budget estimates will be presented to Council on February 11, 2004.

Council's decision followed the tabling of three key documents at today's
meeting: the Universal Program Review (UPR) Final Report, an inventory of
every program and service the City provides, which identified how a 5, 10,
15 and 20 per cent reduction would impact Ottawa residents; the UPR
Opportunity Log, a collection of ideas that, if implemented, could result in
improvements to program and service areas or increased revenues and
efficiencies; and the Budget Guidelines Report, which outlined budget
pressures, and provided scenarios Council could use to address the City's
budget challenges.

City Council directed staff to achieve its budget solutions by identifying:
$5 million in savings through administrative efficiencies identified in the
UPR, which would have the least impact on residents; $10 million in
service-delivery improvement through organizational restructuring,
competitive service delivery, and revenue-generation opportunities
identified in the UPR Opportunity Log; $10 million in savings by deferring
or eliminating a number of initiatives, such as pedestrian/cycling road
enhancements and new library programs; $3 million in new revenue, by putting
inflationary increases on City user fees in keeping with the revenue
principles in the Long-Range Financial Plan; and, $81 million in expenditure
reductions from the City's operating budget.

Public consultation on the City's 2004 budget will begin in January 2004,
when residents will be asked to provide Councillors and staff with their
budget priorities. Citizens' feedback will be incorporated into the staff
report presented to City Council with the draft operating and capital budget
recommendations on February 11. Citizens will have another opportunity to
provide input when their Councillors conduct public consultations on the
draft recommendations in late February, and as the City's standing
committees meet to hear public delegations and to review the budget
recommendations during the first two weeks of March.


Other items of interest

* City supports bid for the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championships
City Council agreed to formally support the bid by the Ottawa
District Hockey Association (ODHA) and its partners to host the 2006 World
Junior Hockey Championships. The City will now negotiate an agreement with
the ODHA and its partners to provide up to $210,000 in support for costs
related to the use of Lansdowne Park (should the Ottawa bid be successful).
The World Junior Hockey Championships are expected to inject more than $20
million into the local economy and will attract the best under-20 hockey
players in the world. Eleven Canadian cities are expected to vie to host the
event, and Hockey Canada is expected to announce the winning bid by January
30, 2004.

* Helping hand extended to Parkdale Food Bank
Council voted today to provide a grant to the Parkdale Food Bank to
offset $44,000 in outstanding taxes, plus penalties and interest, owed to
the City. The Food Bank has operated at 424 Parkdale Avenue for 16 years,
and a change in the building's tax status in 1999 meant that the Food Bank
had to absorb the unexpected cost of property taxes. This grant will permit
the Food Bank to settle accounts at its existing building and move to a new
location. City staff will be bringing a report forward to Council in 2004
that will address the issue of property taxes on food bank locations.

* Council reinstates Taxi Advisory Committee
The Taxi Advisory Committee (TAC) was reinstated by City Council
today, following reconsideration of its December 3 decision to dissolve the
committee. The TAC will meet eight times a year and its members will now be
chosen by a selection committee composed of the existing TAC chairperson,
the Chief License Inspector, two members of Council, and a TAC member at
large.

* City calls on Province to put moratorium on construction and
expansion of mega-hog farms
City Council approved a motion asking the Province to put a
moratorium on the construction and expansion of mega-hog farms. This
moratorium would remain in effect until the Province determines whether
these intensive livestock operations have a negative impact on the health of
residents and the safety of local communities in their vicinity. The
Province of Quebec has extended its moratorium on mega-hog farms until the
end of 2004.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
Ottawa Food Not Bombs Servings
Food Not Bombs continues to cook and serve free vegetarian food every
Sunday in Ottawa at the Bethel Field House.

The field house is located in St. Luke's Park at the corner of Elgin St.
and Frank St. The park is right behind the second cup on Elgin St.

We can be contacted via email at: fnb-ottawa@lists.mutualaid.org.

We start cooking at 11AM and servce food at 1PM. We are done by 3PM.

If you are looking for something to do over the holidays please come out
and help us.

If you know someone who needs free food and a warm place to spend four
hours send them to us because we will be there every Sunday.

We can always use plastic containers. Please feel free to drop off your
containers any Sunday.

If you want to donate or share food or your favorite winter recipe, well
you know where and when to bring it.

We will also be making some food for the Jack Purcell Community Center's
Holiday Dinner if you would like to help or contribute to that on December
19.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
Jan 24 0900-1500: Workshop on Native Plants in Gardening and Landscaping
Workshop on Native Plants in Gardening and Landscaping

All gardeners, naturalists, botanists, horticulturists, community and
environmental groups, university and college students, municipalities,
conservation agencies and gardening centres are invited to attend a one-
day workshop on Native Plants in Gardening and Landscaping

Saturday, January 24, 2004 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod Street at Metcalfe, Ottawa
Salon, 3rd floor

Free admission - Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

This workshop will feature three guest speakers who will present their
perspectives on ecological, ethical and practical considerations related
to the use of native plants in gardening and landscaping. This will be
followed by an opportunity for participants to share their own
perspectives and experiences.

This workshop is part of the Museum's initiative Best Stewardship
Practices at the Community Level: Enhancing Native Plant Biodiversity.
Through this initiative we hope to expand and support the environmental
stewardship community in the region and share our experiences across
Canada.

This workshop is organised by the Canadian Museum of Nature in
collaboration with Investing in Nature - A Partnership for Plants in
Canada. Project funding from the Salamander Foundation is gratefully
acknowledged.

Please register with
Catherine Dumouchel at (613) 566-4708 or
cdumouchel@mus-nature.ca

Agenda will be sent early in January 2004.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
Canadians Still Say No to Star Wars - picket Dec 12 @ 9 am
Canadians Still Say No to Star Wars

Despite the Canadian government's assurances that it has not decided to
participate in the Ballistic Missile Defence initiative, it is already
negotiating with the US. As Martin and his new cabinet arrive for their
swearing in, NOWAR-PAIX (Network to Oppose War and Racism - Pacte contre
l'Agression, l'Intolérance et la Xénophobie) and supporters will be there to
send a message: CANADIANS STILL OPPOSE STAR WARS. We will gather at 9:00 am
Friday, December 12 beside the traffic circle on Sussex Drive near the
entrance to Rideau Hall.

While some Canadians will watch optimistically a new Prime Minister being
sworn in Friday morning, others are deeply concerned that our new Prime
Minister will take steps that will draw Canada into supporting a proposal
that will increase instability in the world. Many Canadians note that
Martin, as early as May of this year, supported Canada's involvement in a
Ballistic Missile Defence program, promoted and developed by the Bush
administration in the US. Jean Chrétien's Defence Minister, John McCallum,
and his Foreign Affairs Minister, Bill Graham, have also supported the
program.

"Every dollar spent on this system, either here or in the US, means less
funding for the programs Canadians really want and need," says Jessica
Squires, a NOWAR-PAIX member. "We call on Paul Martin and his new cabinet to
properly represent the desires of Canadians for peace and justice."

NOWAR-PAIX opposes the plan and Canada's participation as it is a step
towards the deployment of weapons in space and a new arms race. The
Ballistic Missile Defence plan violates the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile
(ABM) Treaty, and runs counter to Canada's commitment to the
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to promote complete nuclear disarmament.

Further, NOWAR-PAIX shares the view of many Canadians and others around the
world that the continuing massive overinvestment in "Star Wars" type missile
defence technology is not only a terrible waste of resources but will not
even achieve the security its proponents claim. As with the cruise missile
(tested over Canadian territory), every single "defensive" weapon ever
developed has subsequently been applied in offensive military adventures -
as we saw most recently in the devastation of Afghanistan and Iraq.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
City Council Approves Legal Action In Crichton School Issue
City Council Approves Legal Action In Crichton School Issue

At an in camera session this afternoon, City Council directed the City
Solicitor to begin legal action against the School of Dance. The litigation
is designed to protect the City's interest in a three-way deal signed in
2001.

Under the terms of the original May 2001 agreement, the School of Dance
would purchase the Crichton School and the City would provide $250,000 in
exchange for guarantees that the community, represented by Crichton Cultural
Community Centre (4Cs), would "have an ongoing ability and right to lease
space to artists and cultural groups in its share of the building." The
agreement designates the 4Cs share of the building as "no less than the
whole of the second floor" of Crichton School.

The School of Dance and 4Cs were given 60 days to sign a management
agreement dealing with each party's role and responsibilities in the ongoing
operation of the building. Unfortunately, the two parties were never able
to reach agreement.

The City made every effort to find a solution, including paying for a very
long mediation process in the hope that a management agreement could be
struck and the ongoing conflict could be resolved. This process was not
successful.

On November 21, 2003, the School of Dance sent a letter putting the City on
notice that it would no longer be bound by terms of the original 2001
agreement. Furthermore, the School of Dance served the Community Centre and
other tenants at 200 Crichton Street with Notices of Eviction, effective
December 31, 2003.

With today's decision by Council, the City Solicitor will begin legal
proceedings against the School of Dance to protect the City's interests.
Councillor Jacques Legendre whose ward includes the Crichton School, said it
is disappointing that it had to come to this because this agreement could be
a model of the kind of creative three-party arrangement that ensures the
life of a community is preserved even if a local school is closed.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
Council directs staff to prepare 2004 draft estimates with no property tax increase - must find $109 million in solutions, look to community for input
Today Council took the first steps toward addressing Ottawa's
budget challenges by directing staff to begin preparing the City's 2004
draft estimates based on a scenario that would result in no property tax
increase. Staff will prepare estimates that achieve $109 million in budget
solutions through a combination of expenditure reductions, service-delivery
improvements, administrative efficiencies, program and service eliminations
and deferrals, and revenue generation. The draft capital and operating
budget estimates will be presented to Council on February 11, 2004.

"This is the biggest budget challenge we've faced to date, but it is neither
unique nor unexpected. It was first identified in the City's October 2002
Long-Range Financial Plan," stated Mayor Bob Chiarelli. "Cities need a new
deal. We are the economic engines of the 21st century and we provide all the
municipal infrastructure necessary for the success of local and national
economies. Even so, we receive less than 10 per cent of the tax revenues we
generate. Everyone agrees the situation is not fair, but more than that, it
is not sustainable."

Mayor Chiarelli added, "The new Premier and the next Prime Minister both
agree something has to be done, but they have also told us it's going to
take time to happen. So, it's up to the City and its residents to deal with
the challenges in this year's budget - and that challenge is clear. Since we
simply cannot continue to provide existing services and service levels with
our current level of funding, we need to decide what services we are going
to continue to provide. We are going to need to set priorities."

Council's decision followed the tabling of three key documents at today's
meeting: the Universal Program Review (UPR) Final Report, an inventory of
every program and service the City provides, which identified how a 5, 10,
15 and 20 per cent reduction would impact Ottawa residents; the UPR
Opportunity Log, a collection of ideas which, if implemented, could result
in improvements to program and service areas or increased revenues and
efficiencies; and the Budget Guidelines Report, which outlined budget
pressures, and provided scenarios Council could use to address the City's
budget challenges.

City Council directed staff to achieve its budget solutions by identifying:
$5 million in savings through administrative efficiencies identified in the
UPR which would have the least impact on residents; $10 million in
service-delivery improvement through organizational restructuring,
competitive service delivery, and revenue-generation opportunities
identified in the UPR Opportunity Log; $10 million in savings by deferring
or eliminating a number of initiatives, such as pedestrian/cycling road
enhancements and new library programs; $3 million in new revenue, by putting
inflationary increases on City user fees in keeping with the revenue
principles in the Long-Range Financial Plan; and, $81 million in expenditure
reductions from the City's operating budget.

"While most major cities across Canada have raised property taxes, the City
of Ottawa has held the line on taxes and achieved more than $75 million in
amalgamation savings over the past three years," stated Mayor Chiarelli.
"We've stretched taxpayers' dollars farther and far longer than any other
municipality. But, now we have some very tough choices to make. So I
encourage Ottawa residents to begin thinking about how they would build the
City budget. What are your budget priorities? What are the City services and
programs important to you and your family? These are the questions everyone
will have to ask themselves in the coming weeks as we begin our community
consultation."

Public consultation on the City's 2004 budget will begin in January 2004,
when residents will be asked to provide Councillors and staff with their
budget priorities. Citizens' feedback will be incorporated into the staff
report presented to City Council with the draft operating and capital budget
recommendations on February 11. Citizens will have another opportunity to
provide input when their Councillors conduct public consultations on the
draft recommendations in late February, and as the City's standing
committees meet to hear public delegations and to review the budget
recommendations during the first two weeks of March.

For more information on the 2004 City budget, citizens may visit our Web
site at ottawa.ca or contact the City's budget office by phone at (613)
580-2628 (TTY: 580-2401) or by e-mail at budget@ottawa.ca.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
Anti bullying program at Briargreen Public School
Student-led bullying prevention workshops
will be held at Briargreen Public School on Friday, December 12 . At the
end of each session, the grade 6 presenters will be asking other students
to place their thumb print on an anti-bullying pledge.

Following is the schedule of presentations:
9:40-10:20 Grade 4
10:35-11:15 Grade 5
11:15-11:55 Grade 2
12:55-1:35 Grade 1
1:35-2:15 Grade 3
2:30-3:10: Grade 6

The anti-bullying pledge is:
T tolerate differences
H help others
U undo the damage
M make a difference
B bullying at Briargreen can be stopped.

Earlier this fall Briargreen Public School hosted the launch of an
anti-bullying comic book entitled The MISadventures of Bully-Boy and
Rumour Girl. Since that time, several students have been spending lunch
hours discussing the issue of bullying and developing their own strategies
to share with the rest of the school.

Briargreen PS is located at 19 Parkfield Crescent.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
December concerts at Terry Fox ES
Monday, December 15, 6:30 p.m.
- Senior Choir will be going carolling in the neighbourhood

Tuesday, December 16, 10:30 a.m.
- Senior Choir and Grade Seven Band performs in an intergenerational
concert at the Bess and Moe Greenberg Hillel Lodge
- This concert involves the Terry Fox students performing for the Hillel
Lodge residents, the residents performing for the students, and the two
groups performing several pieces together
- The intergenerational nature of the concert will make this an exciting
event
- The P.R. person at Hillel Lodge is Meg Friedman (728-3900)

Wednesday, December 17, 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- All students in Grades 1 - 6 will perform in a holiday play, based on
the children's story "The Polar Express"
- Accompaniment is provided by students in Grades 7 and 8, playing Orff
percussion instruments
- "Polar Express" features an exceptional blend of ages, voices and
instruments.

Thursday, December 18, 10:00 a.m.
- Junior Band, Senior Band and Concert Band Performance

Friday, December 19, 10:00 a.m.
- school sing-along

Terry Fox ES is located at 6400 Jeanne D'Arc Blvd.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
Bike Theft up 23% in 2003
Ottawa- Citizens for Safe Cycling (CfSC) is encouraging cyclists to
always lock their bicycles. After an recent rash of thefts in Ottawa,
the cycling organization asked Ottawa police for statistics on bike
theft and discovered that reported thefts increased by 23 percent over
2002 reports. There were 1,940 reported thefts this year versus 1,561 in
2002. CfSC also cautions that these numbers may be lower than the
actual, as many cyclists don't bother reporting a stolen bike.

The estimated value of the stolen bicycles in 2003 is $650,000. Melanie
Ransom, President of Citizens for Safe Cycling, says the 23% increase in
reported bike theft over last year is "stunning" and "should be a
wake-up call for bike owners". Citizens for Safe Cycling has several
suggestions for keeping bikes secure:

1. Always lock your bicycle. An unlocked bicycle makes it very easy for
a thief to simply ride away.

2. If you are not using your bicycle frequently, store it indoors where
it will be secure and protected from moisture. If you do store it
outdoors (in a garage, for example), make sure it's locked, even if your
shed or garage is locked.

3. Use the best quality lock you can afford. U-locks are best. Foil
potential thieves by using two locks, such as a U-lock and a cable -
this means they have to carry around 2 sets of tools to get your bike.
Lock your bike to something solid, such as a bike rack or parking meter.
Avoid things that can be easily cut such as wooden porch railings or
chain link fences.

3. Record the make, model and serial number of your bike, and keep this
in a safe place. Contact your local community police centre about
getting your bicycle engraved. Both these actions increase your chances
of recovering your bike if it is stolen.

4. Contact the police if your bike is stolen. Many thefts are
unreported, making it difficult for the police to understand the depth
of the bike theft problem.

5. Contact CfSC for more information on how to prevent bike theft, and
see http://www.cfsc.ottawa.on.ca/BetterBicycling/2003Summer/theft.php

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
BEAR tops with rock listeners
The BEAR Continues To Rock Ottawa

Today the Bureau of Broadcast Measurement (BBM) released the FALL 2003
ratings for radio stations and 106.9fm The BEAR (CKQB-FM) maintained it's
position as Ottawa's top rock station in total listeners.

Each week over 252,404 listeners tune in Ottawa's Best Rock Mix. That's
nearly a 20% increase from Spring 2003. Next was BOB-FM at 250,131
listeners, CHEZ at 188,827 and Xfm at 154,960.

Other highlights:

· The BEAR is in a virtual tie for #1 Adults 18-34*

· The BEAR is #1 with Females 18-34

· The BEAR is #2 with Adults 25-34 and Men 25-34.

· Over half of the BEAR's tuning comes from Adults 25-44.

---

Posted Friday, December 12, 2003 by julie
City adds more flu clinics
The City of Ottawa has added more flu clinics to keep up with an
increased demand for Influenza immunization this year. The number of people
getting flu shots at City clinics is up by over 35% compared to this time
last year.

To date, 7 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A have been reported in
Ottawa this season with a further 10 awaiting confirmation. The City of
Ottawa's Associate Medical Officer of Health is reminding all those who have
not yet done so to visit their family physician or a City clinic for a flu
shot. Dr. Geoff Dunkley advises that frequent hand washing and an annual flu
shot is the best way to prevent the flu. He also recommends staying at home
if you have flu-like symptoms, so you don't spread infection at work or
school.

Here is a list of free flu shot clinics offered by the City from December 10
to January 8.


Wednesday, December 10
Jim Durrell Recreation Centre
1265 Walkley Road, Ottawa
2:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 11
Loblaws
100 McArthur, Road, Vanier
2:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Monday, December 15 NEW!
All Saints High School
5115 Kanata Avenue, Kanata
3:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 16
Orléans Recreation Complex, Hall A
1490 Youville Drive, Orléans
2:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 17
Nepean Sportsplex, Hall A
1701 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean
2:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 18 NEW!
Notre Dame High School
710 Broadview Avenue, Ottawa
3:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 8
Notre Dame High School
710 Broadview Avenue, Ottawa
3:30 - 8:30 p.m.

As of today, the Public Health and Long-Term Care Branch has distributed
over 466,360 doses of influenza vaccine to physicians' offices, health and
residential care facilities, and through public flu shot clinics. In
addition, many large workplaces offered flu shot clinics with privately
purchased vaccine.
For information about the flu and flu vaccine, visit ottawa.ca/health or
call the Public Health Info Line at 724-4179.

---

Posted Thursday, December 11, 2003 by admin
Ottawa Bike Theft Increase "Stunning"
Citizens for Safe Cycling is encouraging
cyclists today to lock their bicycles. After an recent rash of thefts in
Ottawa, the cycling organization asked Ottawa police for statistics on
bike theft and discovered that bike theft has increased by a surprising
23 percent. There were 1,940 reported thefts in 2003 and 1,561 in 2002.
The estimated value of the stolen bicycles in 2003 is $650,000. Melanie
Ransom, President of Citizens for Safe Cycling, said the 23% increase in
reported bike theft over last year is "stunning" and "should be a
wake-up call for bike owners". Citizens for Safe Cycling has several
suggestions for bicycle owners:


1. Make sure your bicycle is locked. An unlocked bicycle makes it
too tempting for petty thieves.

2. If you are not using your bicycle frequently, try to store it
indoors where it will be safer and protected from moisture.

3. Record the make and serial number in keep in a safe place and
contact the police about getting your bike engraved. Both these
actions increase your chances of recovering a stolen bicycle.

4. Make sure you contact the police if your bike is stolen. Many
thefts are un-reported, making it difficult for the police to
understand the depth of the bike theft problem.

5. Contact CfSC for more information on how to prevent bike theft.
(http://www.cfsc.ottawa.on.ca/BetterBicycling/2003Summer/theft.php)

-30-

Contact: Citizens for Safe Cycling

Jennifer Allen, Safety and Promotion Program Manager

Tel. 562-1288

Suite 504 - 251 Bank St. Ottawa, ON K1P 1X3

---

Posted Thursday, December 11, 2003 by admin
67's welcome Sens players on Sunday
The Ottawa 67’s announced today that three members of the Ottawa Senators will be on hand for Ottawa Senators Day at the Civic Centre on Sunday, December 14th, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. as the 67’s take on the Kitchener Rangers.

Jason Spezza, Mike Fisher and Chris Neil, all former Ontario Hockey League players, will be available for a one-hour autograph session from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on the concourse of the Civic Centre before they perform the ceremonial face-off.

Ottawa Senators National Anthem singer Lyndon Slewidge will also be on hand to perform the Anthem.

Fans will have a chance to win Ottawa Senators tickets by filling out a ballot during the first two periods of the game on Sunday. The winners will be announced at the beginning of the third period.

For more information, please contact Jason O’Connor at 232-6767 x230.

---

Posted Tuesday, December 9, 2003 by julie
Voluntary recall of select Fibre Optic standing Santa, Snowman, tabletop Santa/Snowman head and tabletop Hallowe'en head decorations
Canadian Tire is voluntarily recalling
3 different product numbers of Fibre Optic standing Santa/Snowman and tabletop
Santa/Snowman head Christmas decorations (4 styles) and 1 product number of
Fibre Optic tabletop Hallowe'en head decorations (3 styles) under the Gemmy
Holiday brand due to a potential safety issue. It has been determined that
when in use, the product could overheat.
Product details are as follows:
Christmas decorations (sold starting October 1, 2003 - November 28, 2003)
51-4529 -28" Fibre Optic Standing Snowman
51-4540 -32" Fibre Optic Standing Santa
51-4545 -12" Fibre Optic Santa Head
51-4545 -12" Fibre Optic Snowman Head
Halloween decorations (sold starting September 1, 2003 - November 28,
2003)
51-1927 -12" Fibre Optic Jack-o-Lantern with stem
51-1927 -12" Fibre Optic Scarecrow Farmer
51-1927 -12" Fibre Optic Hallowe'en Witch
Canadian Tire has not been notified of any safety incidents relating to
this product, however the potential exists for the product to overheat. As a
precautionary measure, it is requested that customers who purchased any of
these products at Canadian Tire stores immediately discontinue their use and
return them to their nearest Canadian Tire store for a full refund.

---

Posted Tuesday, December 9, 2003 by julie
Terry Kilrea: Offical Bilingualism for Ottawa Symbolic? NO! Unjust YES!
To all members of the Ontario Legislature
December 9, 2003

Re: Official Bilingualism coming soon to a City Hall near you?


Esteemed Member of the Ontario Legislature,

As you may already know, Ottawa's mayor, Bob Chiarelli, twice asked the previous
Ontario government to entrench Official Bilingualism for his City into
provincial law. Each time his request was denied because French language rights
are already covered under The French Language Services Act and The Municipal
Languages Act. Equally, his request was denied because of the exorbitant cost of
implementation as well as recurring costs of such a program.

Mr. Chiarelli sought entrenchment into Ontario law for this new policy - By-law
2001-170 - in an effort to prevent future City Councils from rescinding it.
However, with a new administration at Queen's Park and Mr. McGuinty, a fellow
Ottawan and long-time friend of Mr. Chiarelli, as Premier, Mr. Chiarelli will
once again ask for the entrenchment of Official Bilingualism at City Hall.

You should know that the current "workable" bilingualism By-law for the City
provides bilingual services where warranted even though bilingualism is already
the main qualification for advancement to many levels of management within City
Hall. The new By-law however, will go much further and eliminate all qualified
people from consideration of employment with the City except those who can
converse in both languages. This is not fair as there is no mention made of any
"merit principle" in the hiring process and because Ottawa is overwhelmingly
English-speaking.

The new law will also reach deep into the private sector by forcing businesses
to hire bilingual employees if they want to do business with the City.

We urge you to see this proposed By-law for what it is: another affirmative
action program designed to disproportionately favour one group at the expense of
another. In addition, there has been no indication regarding the costs
associated with this new program. The City of Ottawa has a current budget
deficit of $120-150 million and has undertaken a "Universal Program Review" to
determine what programs can be cut or reduced to get us out of the red. If this
new By-law becomes Ontario law there is no money to implement it unless the City
raises taxes substantially and receives large subsidies from the province. Even
with several million dollars pledged by the federal government to the City for
Official Bilingualism, it has been estimated that full implementation and
recurring costs will be greater than the entire City budget, which is now over
$2 billion/year.

We are writing you today to let you know that Ottawa stands as the test case for
the implementation of Official Bilingualism at the municipal level in Ontario.
If this new law is passed, a dangerous new precedent will be set with Draconian
consequences. The new law will become a new tyranny with its blatant
discrimination and unbearable costs. Will you, as elected representative, do
everything you can to stop it?

Sincerely,


Terry Kilrea
President
Ottawans For Language Justice (OLJ)


"Constitutions are written not to enshrine those in power but to prevent that
from happening." - Lord Acton

For more information contact Terry Kilrea at 613-226-4059, email:
terry@kilreaforcouncil.ca To read By-Law 2001-170 go to www.kilreaformayor.ca
(under Official Bilingualism)

---

Posted Tuesday, December 9, 2003 by julie
,000 SEAT DEPOSITS COLLECTED FOR OTTAWA'S 2006 WORLD JUNIORS BID
Following their bid announcement late last week for the 2006
World Junior Championship (WJC), Ottawa's bid committee announced today
they have received more than 3,000 seat deposits towards priority ticket
packages.

"We are thrilled thus far with the response from hockey fans," said Ottawa
67's owner and WJC bid committee co-chair Jeff Hunt. "I am very optimistic
that our numbers will continue to increase. I have personally talked to
many people that haven't yet made their deposits but are planning to."

Hockey fans can lend their support to the bid by purchasing $25 per-seat
refundable deposits. The deposits will provide fans with the opportunity
to purchase a ticket package should Ottawa's bid be successful. Ticket
packages will vary in size and will start at less than $300, with each one
including the gold medal game. Deposits can be made on-line at
Capitaltickets.ca, by calling 599-FANS, 1-877-788-FANS and visiting the
Corel Centre box office. Should the bid not be successful all deposits
will be refunded in full.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) 2006 World Junior
Championship begins Monday, Dec. 26, 2005 until Jan. 5, 2006. Thirty-one
(31) games will be played by 10 countries, including 20 round-robin
match-ups and bronze and gold medal games.

Hockey Canada's bid process timelines are: The 'letter of intent' for a
bid submission was provided by Dec. 2, 2003; Bid presentations must be
submitted by Jan. 5, 2004; Bids are presented in-person on Jan. 18; and,
on Jan. 30, 2004, Hockey Canada's board of directors announces the
location of the 2006 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. The selected
Canadian host city/site is expected to receive final approval at the IIHF
Congress in May 2004.

Ottawa's bid committee comprises of representatives from the Ottawa
District Hockey Association (ODHA), the Ottawa 67's and the Ottawa
Senators.

---

Posted Tuesday, December 9, 2003 by julie
FIRST VIDEOCONFERENCE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
Students in the Developmentally
Disabled Unit from J.S. Woodsworth Secondary School will meet students in
the Special Needs Unit of Holy Heart of Mary High School in St.John’s,
Newfoundland via videoconference on Thursday December 11, at 11:00 am at
the Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC) located at 3701 Carling
Ave.

Students will be collaborating on a building project and providing advice
to each other. All guests are asked to present themselves at the CRC
guardhouse for sign-in and escort to the VirtualClassroom laboratory by
10:45 am.

This initiative examines the use of high performance network technologies
to enhance the learning experience of disabled students. The Avalon East
District School Board and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board have a
long history of collaborating on innovative technological endeavours
including the LearnCanada project, and more recently the MusicGrid
project.

©1998-2010 OttawaStart Internet Services

Privacy Policy | Suggest A Site | Subscribe (free!) | Contact Us