Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is a global movement that encourages generosity and community support. It’s a day that reminds us to pause, reflect, and contribute to the causes we care about. This year, I am thrilled to announce that my focus will be on Heritage Ottawa, an organization deeply rooted in preserving the cultural and architectural treasures of our city.

Why Heritage Ottawa?

Ottawa is a city rich in history, where heritage buildings and landmarks tell stories of our past while shaping our community’s identity. Heritage Ottawa plays a vital role in protecting these stories. From advocating for heritage designations to organizing educational programs, this organization ensures that our historic neighborhoods remain a vibrant part of our cityscape.

As a realtor specializing in Ottawa condos, I’ve seen firsthand how heritage enriches the character of neighborhoods. It’s more than preserving old buildings; it’s about maintaining a sense of place that connects us to those who came before us and leaves a legacy for future generations. Supporting Heritage Ottawa is my way of honoring these spaces and the community efforts that sustain them.

How You Can Get Involved

This Giving Tuesday, I invite you to explore the work of Heritage Ottawa and consider supporting their mission. Here are a few ways you can contribute:

• Donate: Even a small financial gift can make a big difference in their advocacy and education efforts.
• Volunteer: Share your time and expertise to help promote heritage awareness in Ottawa.
• Spread the Word: Use your social media channels to highlight Heritage Ottawa’s work and inspire others to support them.

A Shared Commitment

Giving Tuesday is about collective impact. Whether you choose to support Heritage Ottawa, another local cause, or an international charity, your generosity makes the world a better place. I’m proud to align myself with an organization that champions the history and beauty of Ottawa, and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating and preserving what makes our city unique.

Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a meaningful one—together.

For more information about Heritage Ottawa, visit their website at heritageottawa.org.

This Giving Tuesday, let’s focus on the past to shape a brighter future.

Carling Avenue in Ottawa has become a hub for “the biggest and the best.” Over the past few years, two massive projects have transformed this area into a landmark destination. First, it welcomed the largest Canadian Tire in the country, and now, the same avenue boasts Altea Active, Canada’s largest premium fitness and wellness club.

The Canadian Tire Legacy

In 2022, the iconic Canadian Tire store opened its flagship location at 2165 Carling Avenue, spanning an impressive 135,000 square feet. Dubbed the largest in the country, this store brought a new level of convenience and innovation to Ottawa shoppers. With two sprawling floors, a six-car customer pick-up zone for online orders, and a four-season garden centre, this wasn’t just a store—it was an experience.

Altea Active: The New Neighbour

Fast forward to 2024, and down the street to this retail giant, fitness enthusiasts now find themselves drawn to another record-breaking venue: Altea Active Ottawa. Located in the former Canadian Tire building, Altea is much more than a gym; it’s a lifestyle destination.

Coined as “the best in boutique studio fitness, wellness, and community – all in one place,” Altea Active spans an astounding 129,000 square feet, making it Canada’s largest fitness and wellness club.

The club’s offerings are unmatched:

• Nine Boutique Studios: From yoga and spin to boxing and pilates, there’s a class for everyone.
• State-of-the-Art Amenities: Think luxury change rooms, saunas, steam cabins, and a soon-to-be-open 25-meter lap pool with a hot tub.
• A Community Hub: Featuring lounges, coworking spaces, and even an indoor pickleball club, Altea bridges the gap between fitness and social connection.

A Unique Transformation

What makes this story remarkable is the transformation of the former Canadian Tire location into a wellness sanctuary. Once a retail space filled with tools and tires, it’s now a vibrant hub for fitness, relaxation, and community building.

Looking Back: April 2023

I first blogged about this exciting transformation back in April 2023, when the plans for Altea Active were taking shape. Even then, it was clear that this development would become a game-changer for Ottawa. Watching it all come to life in 2024 has been incredible, solidifying Carling Avenue’s reputation as a destination for innovation and growth.

Carling Avenue: A Destination for the Biggest and Best

Carling Avenue is now home to two record-breaking landmarks that couldn’t be more different, yet equally impressive. Whether you’re looking to deck out your home with Canadian Tire’s extensive inventory or improve your personal wellness at Altea Active, this stretch of Ottawa has you covered.

As these giants continue to draw crowds, Carling Avenue has cemented its place as a destination for those who appreciate size, quality, and innovation.

The City of Ottawa has implemented a three-item limit for curbside garbage collection to encourage waste reduction and extend the lifespan of the Trail Road Waste Facility Landfill. To accommodate households that occasionally exceed this limit, the city offers a Residential Yellow Bag Program.

What are Yellow Bags?

Yellow bags are official City of Ottawa garbage bags that residents can purchase to dispose of additional waste beyond the three-item limit. Each yellow bag allows for the disposal of one extra garbage item without penalty.

Where to Purchase Yellow Bags

Yellow bags are sold in packages of four for $17.60. They are available at various locations across the city, including:

• Client Service Centres
• Select recreation and community centres
• Home Hardware stores
• Richmond BMR

There is no limit to the number of yellow bags that can be purchased and set out on garbage day.

Usage Guidelines

• Each yellow bag counts as one additional garbage item.
• Ensure that the yellow bag is properly sealed and placed at the curb on your scheduled garbage collection day.
• There is no limit to the number of yellow bags you can set out for collection.

By utilizing the Yellow Bag Program, residents can manage occasional excess waste responsibly while adhering to the city’s waste management policies.

Michael Crockatt CEO of Ottawa Tourism states that after slow years 2024 will be a year of grown for tourism in Ottawa.

What makes Ottawa a great city for tourism?

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions that make it an excellent destination for tourists. Here are some key factors that contribute to Ottawa’s appeal as a tourism city:

1. Cultural and Historical Significance: Ottawa is home to many of Canada’s national museums, including the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum, and the National Gallery of Canada. These institutions offer insights into the country’s past, art, and culture. The city’s role as the capital also means that visitors can explore iconic sites such as Parliament Hill, with its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.


2. Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Ottawa hosts a variety of festivals and events that attract tourists from all over the world. The Canadian Tulip Festival in spring showcases over a million tulips across the city, creating a vibrant display of color. Winterlude, held in February, is one of the biggest winter festivals in Canada, featuring ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, and the famous Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.


3. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities: Ottawa is surrounded by natural beauty and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The Rideau Canal, besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers boating in the summer and becomes the world’s largest skating rink in the winter. Gatineau Park, just a short drive from the city, provides extensive trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, along with beautiful foliage in the autumn.


4. Gastronomy and Culinary Scene: The city’s culinary scene is a reflection of its multicultural population, offering a wide range of dining options from food trucks and markets (like ByWard Market, one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets) to high-end restaurants. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditional Canadian dishes to international cuisine.


5. Accessibility and Safety: Ottawa is known for being clean, safe, and easy to navigate. It has a reliable public transportation system, and many of its major attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially around the downtown area. This makes it convenient for tourists to explore the city.


6. Bilingual Character: Reflecting Canada’s bilingual heritage, Ottawa is a city where both English and French are widely spoken. This bilingual character adds to the city’s unique Canadian charm and is evident in its signage, services, and cultural offerings.

These elements, combined with the city’s welcoming atmosphere, make Ottawa an attractive destination for tourists seeking a blend of cultural richness, historical depth, outdoor activities, and culinary delights.

This headline in the Penticton Herald suggests that a repeat of last year is possible. True December has not been a typical December. Could the Rideau Canal Skateway be a victim of global warming.

Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is marking its 25th anniversary of contributing to helplines for women experience domestic abuse.

The phone number for Assaulted Women’s Helpline in Ontario is 1.800.863.0511. Click here for the phone numbers in other provinces.