CaitlinMcKinlay

In the heart of the Glebe, there’s a tradition that has been capturing the imagination of residents and bringing joy to the community for several years now. During the coldest time of year, a towering figure emerges, constructed entirely from the neighborhood’s snow. This iconic figure, known as Janus, has become a symbol of hope, joy, and community spirit during the winter months.

For Kent Woodall, the mastermind behind Janus and this year’s Snowphy Trophy winner, the journey began in January 2021, amidst the COVID-19 lockdown. “The pandemic was in its tenth month when the city received a significant amount of fluffy snow,” recalls Woodall. “Searching for any excuse to get some exercise, fresh air, and to socialize at a distance, the decision was clear – make a snowman!”

What started as a simple snowman quickly evolved into something extraordinary. Named Janus after the Roman god of abstract dualities, this snowman stands tall with two faces – one wearing a mask, symbolizing the challenges of the pandemic, and the other smiling, representing hope for the future.

Woodall’s dedication to Janus didn’t stop with its creation. For the past 5 years, he has carefully preserved a part of the snowman, his “heart,” to be used in the construction of the next year’s Janus. This tradition not only keeps Janus alive but also symbolizes the continuity of community spirit and resilience.

Janus quickly became a local celebrity, attracting visitors from far and wide. With its hat adorned with solar lights, Janus has been featured in news stories, including a notable appearance in the online edition of the New York Times.

Woodall’s commitment to Janus has not gone unnoticed. Nominated for the prestigious Snowphy Trophy by his neighbors Bob and Susan, Woodall was surprised and humbled by the recognition. “The nomination and award came as a complete surprise, and the recognition is humbling,” he says.

But for Woodall, the true reward lies in the joy and happiness that Janus brings to the community. “Most rewarding personally are all the interesting people who stop to talk and share a story about what Janus means to them personally – and the joy they get from seeing him,” he adds. “I had no idea something as simple as a snowman would have such a positive impact on so many individuals and the community.”

As the 2024 Snowphy Trophy winner, Kent Woodall’s dedication to building Janus embodies the spirit of the Glebe. His commitment to spreading joy, fostering community connections, and symbolizing hope during challenging times is truly commendable. And as Janus continues to stand tall year after year, he serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Glebe community.

In addition to the Snowphy Trophy, Kent Woodall was awarded 4 tickets to watch the PWHL Ottawa and a $100 gift card to a Glebe business of his choice. He chose Capital Home Hardware to purchase supplies to help him build next year’s snowman.

In the words of Woodall himself, “Janus has become an icon in the Glebe, bringing joy to all who encounter him. And for me, personally, the experience of building such an iconic snowman year after year is truly rewarding.”

In a community like the Glebe, where local businesses thrive and residents cherish their neighborhood, being part of events like Glebe Spree isn’t just about winning prizes—it’s about celebrating community spirit and supporting local commerce. Lisa Weinberger has emerged as the early-bird winner of Glebe Spree 2023. With a rich history as a Glebe resident, Lisa’s win serves as a testament to the enduring bond between residents and local businesses in this vibrant neighborhood.

A resident of the Glebe for 38 years until 2023, Lisa Weinberger has been deeply ingrained in the fabric of this vibrant neighborhood. When asked about her feelings upon learning of her early-bird win, Lisa expressed both joy and sentimentality. Moving out of the neighborhood last year after residing there for nearly four decades, winning the Glebe Spree felt like a heartfelt parting gift—a fitting farewell to a place she called home for so long.

Lisa’s winning ballot was drawn at Free Form Fitness, where she has trained with her personal trainer, Patrick, for several years. Daniel Moses, the manager at Free Form Fitness, shared insights into the essence of the Glebe and the significance of supporting local businesses. “The vibe in the Glebe is like no other community” he states, “It’s a small town in a large city. Everyone knows each other, says hi and is genuinely happy living/working there. They either walk or ride their bikes into our studio ready to conquer their workout and take on the rest of their lives. It’s been a joy to witness the growth in the community and being a staple here.”

For Lisa, ‘supporting local’ means “supporting businesses that support the community.” She understands the symbiotic relationship between residents and businesses, recognizing that supporting local enterprises ultimately strengthens the community as a whole.

As for her plans with the $2,500 shopping spree prize, Lisa remains open-minded. With her frequent visits to the neighbourhood, she knows she’ll have ample opportunities to explore and invest in local businesses, ensuring that her winnings benefit the community she holds dear.

Reflecting on Lisa’s win, it’s evident that her story encapsulates the essence of Glebe Spree—a celebration of community, support for local businesses, and the joy of belonging to a neighborhood that feels like home.

Many thanks again to our title sponsor of Glebe Spree, McKeen Metro Glebe. We’d also like to thank all our participating merchants, our Any Day Prize participants, and every single member of the Glebe and beyond who play along every season and make Glebe Spree a continued success year after year.

After much anticipation, The Glebe BIA is thrilled to introduce the 2023 Glebe Spree Winners! Long-time Glebe residents Andrew Balfour and Barbara Steele are set to embark on a spectacular $10,000 shopping spree in the heart of The Glebe. As dedicated supporters of local businesses, the couple is very excited and grateful for this unexpected win, “It’s a great community initiative and a wonderful surprise to win. Thank you to all the merchants and the BIA” says Andrew.

Glebe Spree has become a holiday staple in the community, encouraging Ottawans to support local businesses during the month of December. For every $150 spent in the Glebe, participants can submit one ballot. In 2022, Glebe Spree saw 23,000 ballot entries, an equivalent of $3.4 million spent at Glebe businesses! Although the official ballot count for 2023 is not yet available, The Glebe BIA Programs and Events Manager, Chloe Park, expects the numbers to be even bigger this year. “We love seeing such high participation levels in Glebe Spree through the ballot entries, as it shows an engagement of not only Ottawa residents but also of our beloved local businesses,” says Park. “It really creates a sense of community within the Glebe.”

This year’s winning ballot was drawn at The Glebe Meat Market, a business Andrew and Barbara have been patronizing for decades. Andrew expressed his admiration for the personal service and high-quality, locally sourced meat provided by Steph and the staff. “When we host family or friends for dinner, the meat is always a highlight,” he added.

The Glebe, often described as a small town within a big city, holds a special place in the couple’s hearts. They know many of their neighbours just as well as the merchants in the area. From Dan at Metro Music to Tori at The Rowan, Caren at Von’s Bistro to Nabil at PC Perfect, Andrew and Barbara have established connections with the local businesses that make The Glebe a true community. “There are so many great shops and services in The Glebe” Andrew remarks, “really, everything we need and want is pretty much here.”

For Andrew, the winnings mean more opportunities to enjoy barbecues with quality meat from Glebe Meat Market, and perhaps some extra shopping at Glebe Trotters, Top of the World, or Stomping Ground. Barbara, on the other hand, has her eye on new glasses from Eyes in The Glebe and, of course, groceries to accompany the anticipated barbecues.

Darrell Cox, the Glebe BIA Executive Director, highlighted the significant impact of Glebe Spree on the local business community. “Since its inception in 2011, the Glebe Spree has generated over $43M in total spending, providing a huge economic boost to our retailers and restaurants,” he stated. The local couple’s win exemplifies the contest’s success in fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses. As Andrew and Barbara embark on their $10,000 shopping spree adventure, The Glebe community eagerly anticipates the positive impact their winnings will bring to local businesses. Glebe Spree continues to shine as a beacon of community spirit, encouraging residents to support and celebrate the unique charm of The Glebe.

Many thanks again to our title sponsor of Glebe Spree, McKeen Metro Glebe. We’d also like to thank all our participating merchants, our Any Day Prize participants, and every single member of the Glebe and beyond who play along every season and make Glebe Spree a continued success year after year.