How Does Government Support in Ottawa Make it a Winning Region for Start-ups?

 Ottawa's tech scene is one of the most aspirational in the world, and the city previously ranked as the number-one city in North America for tech talent concentration. This makes it beneficial for businesses in the region, as they have access to the best people for key roles. Numerous other factors make

Lakes and summer are synonymous in the National Capital Region

 ABOVE: O'Brien Beach is one of two beaches at Meech Lake in Gatineau. (PHOTO: MCKENZIE DONOVAN)  Just past Chelsea in the Gatineau Park sits Meech Lake, probably the best place to go for a relaxing, inexpensive staycation . . . you’re missing out if you haven’t yet been to either of its beaches.

What to do on a Snow Day

 The National Capital Region, and pretty much all of the Eastern side of the country, has been buried in snow the past few days! Here are some activities you can do to stay occupied during a snow day. Perfect to do by yourself or with some family or friends. Themed

Style Yourself 4 Ways for Sweater Weather!

 November is here and, for those of us in the National Capital Region, it finally truly feels like sweater weather after a relatively mild and sunny October. We all have a favourite chunky sweater or two in our wardrobe and they’re truly a fall and winter staple because they are

Celebrate the Fall Season in Ottawa

 Despite what the warm weather will tell you, summer has officially come to an end. You might think Festival Season is over but there are a lot of fun activities and events lined up for the fall in the National Capital Region worth checking out. Local Fairs (End of September to

Winter Hot Spots in Ottawa

 Though we are all dreading the short days and cold nights that come along with the winter, the National Capital Region is host to many fun spots ideal for hitting up during the colder months. Whether you want to engage in some winter sports, take in some entertainment or enjoy

Pre-Apprenticeship Home Renovation Program Creates New Definition for Success

 John Gordon is no stranger to us here at Ottawa Life. Whether he is giving tips to our readers on the Dos and Don’ts of renovating your home or growing his award-winning home renovation business, Your Reno Guy, it is clear that Gordon knows his stuff. Now, in partnership with

Fury Switch Nothing to Get Hung Up About

 Photos courtesy of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. Okay. Everyone get a grip. Breathe deeply. Relax. The soccer community in the National Capital Region might be in hand-wringing mode concerning the move of their Ottawa Fury from Division 2 football to Division 3, but in reality, there's not much to

Angie’s Models and Talent International Opens New Flagship Centre

 Photos by by Ali Matthews. For over two decades, Angie Sakla-Seymour has owned and operated the top modelling agency in the Capital. Angie’s Models and Talent International (AMTI) has been successful at bringing local talent to the global stage through countless magazine covers, advertising campaigns and film. “When we first launched

Making Tracks

 There's a Moose on the Loose and It’s Making Commercial Rail a Reality in the Capital. There’s been quite a buzz around the Prince of Wales Bridge lately. The City of Ottawa bought the bridge that cuts across the Ottawa River in 2005. It has been sitting unused ever since,

Ottawa Legal The Big Picture: Ottawa Law Firms are Amongst the Best in the World

 It is the trade of lawyers to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour. — THOMAS JEFFERSON From international media coverage of gripping court cases to the dramatic portrayals of lawyers on television and film screens, we love to watch the law. As a city that is home to some

Algonquin College is making waves and winning awards

 Cheryl Jensen is making an impact. Jensen became Algonquin College’s eighth President just over one year ago in August, 2014. She brought 31 years of experience as a professor, dean and vice president and a reputation for  creating strategies that responded to both industry trends and to the needs of students, employees,

Adrenaline Junkies Rejoice: Cliffhanger is Back

 All photos by John Enaje Are you looking for an adventure? A challenge? A thrill? Well, look no further, you can get all three right here in downtown Ottawa on August 20. The YMCA-YWCA is bringing back their Cliffhanger event for a second year. Put your helmet on, strap in and get read

Latin Expo 2015: Visit Latin America Without Leaving Ottawa

 Culture, community and commerce are coming together for one high-powered event that’s sure to spice up your Sunday. The third annual Latin Expo will take place at Ottawa City Hall on Sunday, May 17, 2015. “It’s like going to Latin America without getting out of Ottawa,” says Red MELOG public

Publisher’s Message: Poilievre Deserves A Shot

 Pierre Poilievre was first elected to Parliament in 2004 for the riding of Nepean-Carleton at the young age of 25, upsetting then Liberal Defence Minister David Pratt. As a parliamentarian, he has demonstrated an unwavering loyalty to Prime Minister Harper, Conservative values and a centre-right ideology. He has been very

Meme Girls: Ottawa’s Comedy Extravaganza

 Get ready to laugh, Ottawa! On March 7, 2015, Toronto Comedy All-Stars arrives at Ottawa’s Arts Court Theatre with MEME GIRLS, featuring the hilarious Aparna Nancherla. After a series of sold-out shows in the nation?s capital, Toronto Comedy All-Stars are back with some of Canada?s most loved comedians. Toronto Comedy

C’est Up to You

 Photo courtesy of Claude Brazeau It’s that voice. Forget her magnetic stage personality, her glamorous good looks and the fact that you can groove to her tunes in both official languages. Those are all gravy. It’s her voice that’ll get you. If Dominique Forest sings a happy song, you’ll be

Goodbye Laundry, Hello Dry Cleaning Delivery

 The last day of summer has flown by and cold sleepy days are ahead of us. You don't need to be convinced that soon it will be too cold to leave the house and that piles of clothes won't be disappearing. But there is a new dry cleaning delivery service

Publisher’s Message

 Illustration: Claudia Salguero This is Ottawa Life Magazine’s 14th Annual Top People in the Capital list. This year our theme was “under the radar.” We wanted to select people who make great contributions to our city but who often go unnoticed or unrecognized. Take, for example, our number one pick

Ottawa Symphony Orchestra: 50 Years Young

 The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is gearing up to start its 50th season on a high note. The OSO announced its milestone anniversary line-up at the final concert of its 2013-2014 season. The upcoming five concert series will showcase talents ranging from local composers to Juno award winners--sure to be music

The O-Train: Getting It Right the First Time

 The City of Ottawa's plan for an expanded 0-Train is being tackled in rather a piecemeal fashion. Eventually, trains will replace much of the bus service that clogs downtown streets at rush hour. Futuristic trains (aka Light Rail Transit — or LRT — vehicles) will glide from Bayview Station to

The master plan for the growth — A Plan for the Capital

 By Katharine Fletcher Capital cities are fortunate entities. Their unique role is to symbolize a people's concept of nationhood. As such, they present particular challenges to planners. Ottawa is no exception. Does Ottawa and the National Capital Region (NCR) embody a sense of Canadian-ness? Marcel Beaudry, chairman of the National