theglebe

Michael Scrivens has been participating in Glebe Spree for 11 years now, since the 2011 inception. That dedication paid off for him big time this January, when his ballot was picked from tens of thousands to make him the big winner this season. 

We asked Scrivens to name some of his favourite Glebe spots and he eagerly came up quite a list including: McKeen Metro, Il Negozio Nicastro’s, The Unrefined Olive, Cantina Gia, Home Hardware Store, The Rowan, Feleena’s Mexican Cantina, Irene’s Pub, Wild Oat, Avenue Lock, Glebe Central Pub, Knifewear, Bloomfields, Kunstadt Sports, The Papery, Von’s Bistro, Eddy’s Diner, Glebe Trotters, Mane Collective, and Glebe Meat Market. 

“Glebe Spree is such a community-driven event,” says Patrick Burke, the Glebe BIA Executive Director. “It’s fun to meet people in the neighborhood talking about the local businesses they love, and where they’ve entered their ballots. There is a shared excitement that is unique to the Glebe and it’s a pleasure to be a part of”. 

Where was Scrivens shopping and what did he buy when dropping off his winning ballot you ask? A quesadilla from Feleena’s Mexican Cantina! When asked if he has any tricks for winning, he said, “get involved. Collect your ballots and support your community.” 

“On behalf of Feleena’s we are delighted to congratulate Mike on this year’s win. We always look forward to participating in the Glebe Spree each year. It’s a wonderful way to bring the local community together!” said Ann McGarry, owner of Feleena’s Cantina   

Glebe Spree is a popular holiday contest brought to you by the Glebe BIA. It encourages participants to support the fantastic local businesses in our neighbourhood. For every $150 spent in the Glebe, participants can submit one ballot. In 2022, there were 30 Any Day Prizes of $100 gift cards to Glebe businesses given out, with a $2,500 Early Bird Prize and of course, our $10,000 Grand Prize. 

“Glebe Spree is a wonderful event that encourages people to shop local each holiday season,” said Rebecca McKeen, owner of Glebe Spree’s Title Sponsor, McKeen Metro Glebe. “It’s very much in line with our commitment to the Glebe community and we were happy to help support it this year.” McKeen Metro is thrilled to congratulate Mike on his win. 

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, RBC Royal Bank, Mediaplus, and every single member of the Glebe and beyond who play along every season and make Glebe Spree a continued success year after year. 

Ready, set, skate (soon anyway)!

Let’s all send some ice cold wishes to the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is still currently closed. As we eagerly await its opening, we thought it might be fun to look at the history of the world’s longest skating rink. New to Ottawa? An Ottawa native? I bet there will something here you didn’t know!

Let’s take it back to the beginning –

The Rideau Canal was constructed on a ravine that had served as an important traveling and trading route for the Indigenous peoples. The Algonquin peoples have lived in the Ottawa Valley for many generations, thousands of years before the Europeans arrived in North America.

It was later expanded after the War of 1812, as a secure war-time supply route for British troops and supplies. The route ran from Montreal to the settlements of Upper Canada and the naval dockyard in Kingston. The Rideau Canal opened in the spring 1832 after six years of hard labour from 4,000 or more workers.

The total number of wars between the United States and Canada since the canal opened is a whopping… zero wars. Which means that over the years, the canal has become a historic site for boating, fishing and skating. People havs been skating on the canal for many years, but the skateway’s official debut took some time.

In January 1971, a team of NCC employees with brooms and shovels cleared a small section of ice between the Mackenzie King and Laurier bridges. It was then extended as a six-metre-wide skating track to Dows Lake, a distance of about 5 km. Now, each winter, the historic Rideau Canal, becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s longest skating rink (take that Winnipeg!). Today, the Rideau Canal Skateway spans over 7.8 km through the heart of the Capital and is a key site for Winterlude celebrations each year. The average skating season is 50 days, but the record is 95 days (1971-1972 season).

The canal (and, when it’s opened, the skateway) wraps beautifully around the Glebe neighbourhood meaning you can enjoy the site and then hunker down for a meal or a show in our hood! Or if you’ve got some pep in your step, you can visit some of our local shops. Paths beside the canal are maintained all winter, so you can take a canal-side stroll anytime you like. National Capital Commission staff can sometimes be spotted working their winter magic on the canal to help it become safe for all of us to use. The ice must be 30 cm in thickness for the Rideau Canal Skateway to open. This means there needs to be about 10-14 straight days of -10 to -20 degree Celsius days for the quality of the ice to meet the standards of safe skating! That’s a bit more chill than Hottawa’s been so far this winter.

Here are some historical dates for you:

1971: The very first season of the Rideau Canal Skateway!
1979: Winterlude launches.
1980: The Skateway hosts the first edition of the international Outdoor Curling Challenge at Dows Lake. This event becomes an annual tradition.
1981: BeaverTails become a part of the Skateway experience. Prior to 1981, the popular pastry was called “The Elephant Ear,” but the name was later changed to make it more Canadian.

2004: The Skateway hosts Hockey Day in the Capital, where more than 100 simultaneous shinny hockey games take place along the ice.
2005: The Skateway is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world.
2007: The Rideau Canal becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, that same year, the NCC fine-tunes its ice-building process by flooding the surface of the ice.
2011: “The Froster,” a new ice re-surfacer, revolutionizes maintenance of the Skateway.
2017: The Skateway hosts 150 hockey games to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. It is also selected as the best ice-skating rink in North America by the readers of USA Today.
2018: Lonely Planet names the Skateway one of North America’s most spectacular winter destinations.
2018–2019: The Skateway welcomes 1,493,524 visits — a new record!
2022: For the first time in over 20 years, skaters were able to enjoy the full 7.8 kilometres of the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway on opening day.

Winterlude begins on February 3, 2023, and runs all the way to Family Day, Monday, February 20, 2023. Come enjoy a skate on the canal and don’t forget to pop into the Glebe for a hot chocolate, or two!

Living in The Glebe you won’t be a stranger to cold winters. At this time of the year, it’s harder to get out of bed or run to the gym, so it’s challenging to remain consistent with your fitness goals. But you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. After all, cold weather can put a strain on your body as your system fights to activate its defense mechanisms for protection against the lower temperatures.

With the cold weather lasting months into the new year, it’s equally important to focus on your health. Building good habits in the winter can help you build momentum so you can spend the rest of the year staying fit. If you’re wondering how to pursue your fitness goals during winter in The Glebe, here are some tips that can help you.

Prioritize consistency in exercise
While you may be used to running around The Glebe during the warmer months, you don’t need to brave that cold to stay fit in the winter. If you have a gym membership, it may be easier for you to exercise indoors. Popular gyms in The Glebe are Free-Form Fitness on Bank Street and Where I Thrive on Glebe Ave. However, with the roads being less accessible, you can exercise without leaving your home. Prioritize consistency over intensity during the winter. For example, you can set a minimum daily or weekly quota. It can be as simple as stretching or doing a 10-minute yoga routine. You can even take virtual fitness classes if you prefer more intense workouts.

Getting started with your workout is often the hardest part. But when you avoid overwhelming goals, you reduce the temptation to skip your workout and leave it for another day.

Get a support system
A support system can help you better enjoy your fitness journey, especially in the winter. A study on social support and exercise shows that having people around can make physical activity more fun and rewarding. It can also foster opportunities for relationships and genuine connections. So by recruiting friends and family to join you in on your activities, fitness can become easier to sustain.

If you love the cold, this can also help you enjoy the winter months. After all, winter is one of the most exciting seasons in The Glebe, with many fun activities you wouldn’t even realize count as exercise. Visit the Lansdowne Skating Rink with your friends for some healthy and fun exercise. You can also go skiing or snowboarding in nearby resorts, such as Edelweiss Valley, which is only 30 mins from Ottawa. Enjoying these winter activities with a group can help you stay fit and build a support system that can last long after the winter passes.

Have a balanced diet
With exercise becoming more inaccessible in cold weather, your diet is one of the best avenues to boost your health. And with the holidays over now is the perfect time to change your diet towards health and weight loss. If you have struggled with your diet in the past, the best way to make a meaningful change is to follow a plan. Effective weight loss plans prioritize having a balanced diet over focusing on the number of calories consumed. Simply restricting your calorie intake or avoiding certain foods make it difficult to maintain your diet, resulting in frustration when you gain back the weight you lost.

The good news is that there are plenty of healthy places you can visit in The Glebe that will fit with your new diet plan. For those looking for a healthy meal there is Chickpeas, Ottawa’s first falafel and hummus eatery that only uses 100% organic chickpeas. Healthy and comforting food for the cold weather. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t worry you don’t need to give up your favorite treats. Cinnaholic offers cinnamon rolls that are 100% plant-based, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free, and cholesterol-free. By approaching your diet more comprehensively than calorie counts, you can avoid less healthy calories and ensure your body gets the proper nutrients.

Winter in The Glebe can be challenging to navigate when it comes to fitness. But by following these three tips, you can build momentum to sustain your health for the rest of the year.

-Jemimah Burkin

A huge congratulations goes out to Michel Laurendeau, a big fan and loyal customer of the Glebe.

This is Michel’s first time participating in the Glebe Spree contest, and he is this year’s Glebe Spree $2,500 Early Bird Prize winner. Talk about beginner’s luck!

When asked where he will spend his $2,500 prize, he had a great idea, “LCBO on Bank Street to buy some good wine to celebrate with the family visiting us during the Holiday Season.”

“Working part-time as a consultant, I see this prize as helping me enjoy some good times meeting with my colleagues at pubs and coffee shops along Bank Street. I also expect my wife will occasionally want to come along and do some shopping in the Glebe,” he added.

Laurendeau is a great supporter of the pubs and cafes along Bank Street, as well as Cineplex at Lansdowne. But he says, “As a stamp collector, the main attraction for me is the Chris Green Stamps boutique where I regularly buy philatelic articles.”

His ballot was dropped off at Chris Green Stamps. When asked what he purchased for that final winning ballot? “Some philatelic articles on September 11. David (Giles) helped me fill and submit the ballots, after which I totally forgot about it. Your email was a very pleasant surprise.”

What are philatelic articles you ask? They are usually postage stamps or other items related to postal history and Chris Green has lots of them.

Many thanks as always to our title sponsor, McKeen Metro Glebe.

Glebe Spree runs from November 15 – December 31, 2022. Participants get one sticker for every $15 they spend, and 10 stickers complete a ballot. Stickers can be collected, and ballots can be dropped off at any participating merchant in the Glebe. Shop local this Holiday season and you could win the $10,000 Grand Prize of a Glebe shopping spree. Good luck to all!

As you hike out in the snow, full of determination and bravery,
Don’t forget your Christmas cards from the one and only Papery.

Wear your warmest gloves and your finest tunic,
While searching the endless aisles of Compact Music.

Looking for a feast that’ll keep your family happy and budget on target?
Shop the wonders and choices of the Glebe Meat Market.

Not sure where stylish mens apparel can be found?
Why of course at our very own Stomping Ground.

This holiday step up your skincare routine before each siesta,
And grab some nighttime skin care from Oresta.

Sing Christmas carols and belt out fa la la,
On your way to a gorgeous new ‘fit from viens avec moi.

A gift for our families and special some ones?
Jewelry-a-plenty from gorgeous Davidsons.

For your outdoorsy friend, maybe new snowpants or a hat.
You’ll find everything you need from the Glebe’s Kunstadt.

The sugarplum fairies danced and swirled,
Probably because they have a fresh pair of kicks from Top of the World.

Sick of candy canes and ice cream cones?
Grab the finest salted caramels from Penelope Jones.

Looking for a shop to give mom all the excitement and feels?
Get her what she really wants, a trip to Bloomfields!

A gift to help us get back to our pre-holiday bodies?
A personalized class from our own Glebe Pilates.

And don’t forget to swing by JD Adam,
For a home furnishing for any sir or madam.

Happy Holidays from all of us in the Glebe,
And remember to shop local, for your Christmas good deed!

The holiday banners and lights have been hung and Santa has rolled through town. This means the holiday season has officially commenced and the Glebe has every opportunity for you to celebrate with your loved ones. Come deck the halls, find some mistletoe, or check out the festive window displays. We’ve got your holiday event round-up right here.

Christmas Tree Lighting

On Friday, November 25, 2022, at 6 p.m. sharp, the Lansdowne Christmas tree will be lit signaling the beginning of the Ottawa Christmas Market in Aberdeen Plaza.

The Ottawa Christmas Market is an annual outdoor craft and artisan market that runs Friday to Sunday from November 25 to December 23. For a full list of vendors and attractions visit their website here.

Ottawa Christmas Market Hours:
Nov 25-27, Dec 2-4, Dec 9-11, Dec 16-18
Fri 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Dec 20-23
Tue & Wed 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thu & Fri 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

If you’re looking to shop local this holiday season there are a number of markets in the Glebe that are holiday themed and perfect for finding a gift for everyone on your list. Also, some outdoor activities to get you out and enjoying the snow!

The Ottawa Farmer’s Market Christmas Market

Lansdowne’s year-round farmers market gets a festive upgrade during the holiday season. The same vibrant market inside Aberdeen Pavilion but this time with Santa visits, live music, a charity gift wrapping station, and some festive contests! More info here.

And for the first time ever, you can earn Glebe Spree stickers for all purchases made at the market!

Aberdeen Pavilion
Every Saturday & Sunday
November 26 – December 18
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Carivibe on Ice

Carivibe has been celebrating Carribean culture in Ottawa for over 20 years. This year, they’ve taken it to the ice! Come skate on the outdoor Lansdowne rink while a DJ pumps some beats on this tropical inspired day. More info here.

Lansdowne Ottawa Skating Rink
450 Queen Elizabeth Drive
Saturday, December 3, 2022
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Channel the Flannel by Baby Mama Hustle

Get all your holiday shopping done in one place with this market in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne. They’re bringing together over 45 vendors of small business owners. There will be food, entertainment, crafts and more. Bring the kiddos and make a day of it in the Glebe! Click here to buy your tickets.

Horticulture Building – 1525 Princess Patricia Way
Sunday, December 4, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Sale

If pottery is more your style or you’re in the market for that perfect mug, the Ottawa Guild of Potters Holiday Sale is here to make your season cheery and bright. With more than 30 potters, you’ll find decorative pieces to fill your home or give as the perfect gift. Free admission!

Horticulture Building – 1525 Princess Patricia Way
Fri, Dec 9 – 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat, Dec 10 – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun, Dec 11 – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ottawa Santa Shuffle

For the athletes in our lives, there’s a 5km fun run and 1km elf walk! Open to all ages and skill levels, this event is in partnership with The Running Room. Make sure to wear your funkiest holiday gear and grab your tickets here.

TD Place
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Opens: 8:30 a.m.
1km – 10 a.m.
5km – 10:30 a.m.

Silent Disco

Come visit the Ottawa Christmas Market and dance under the lights at the stage in Aberdeen Plaza. Your night will be filled with fun tunes and sweet beats. No Registration is required. The event has limited spots available, the first 200 people at the event will receive a headset. More info here.

Aberdeen Plaza
1000 Exhibition Way
Saturday, December 10, 2022
10:00 p.m. – midnight

Breakfast With Santa

For all the tiny humans in your life, there’s a breakfast with Santa to look forward to being presented by OSEG (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group). Join Santa and his friends at the Ottawa Christmas Market to take photos and share your wishes. All proceeds and donations from Breakfast with Santa will provide opportunities for children and youth to play, learn, and develop through sports. Grab tickets here.

Horticulture Building – 1525 Princess Patricia Way
Saturday, December 17, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ottawa 67’s vs. Kingston Frontenacs

Looking for a holiday activity to take your favourite sports fan? The Ottawa 67’s are hosting a “Home for the Holidays” themed game with Home Alone references and Christmas Vacation quotes. Grab tickets here.

Home for the Holidays
TD Place Arena
Friday, December 30 – 2 p.m.

Masquerade 2022 Roller Party

If you’re looking to groove under the lights of the Horticulture Building, then strap on your best roller skates and show us your moves. The Ottawa Quad Session is holding their last roller party of the year with a Masquerade theme. Get tickets here.

Horticulture Building – 1525 Princess Patricia Way
December 30, 2022
8:30 p.m. – 11: p.m.

Hogman-eh!

Looking for New Years Eve plans? Come celebrate Scottish-style with one of the largest Hogmanay celebrations outside of Scotland. The word “Hogmanay” is the Scots word for the last day of the year. Add some cheer to the last day of your year! More info here.

Lansdowne Park
December 31, 2022
6 p.m. – midnight

And last but certainly not least, Glebe Spree. Don’t forget to keep collecting your ballots this holiday season and you could win big! With a $2,500 Early Bird Prize and a $10,000 Grand Prize, someone on the nice list has some good luck coming their way. And don’t forget the 30 Any Day Prizes to be won!

Happy Holidays from your friends in the Glebe!