I must say I am impressed with a Québec Judge’s decision to rule that a house built too close to the street must be torn down.

The home has a 7 metre setback, when it should have a 15.67 metre setback. The permission granted is cited as a human error by someone at the city of Gatineau. Subsequently, the city allowed a minor variance. In a 51 page decision, a judge has overturned that minor variance.

Living in a city built on exceptions, I admire the fact that their city bylaws are being taken seriously. Here in Ottawa, we spend oh so much time developing an official plan and then secondary plans, then exemptions are given on a very regular basis.

The CLV Group Developments is proposing a three-tower complex in Hintonburg. The complex would include condos and rental units and incorporate the Standard Bread Building, a heritage-designated site, now occupied by the Enriched Bread Artists collective.

As proposed the complex would incorporate approximately 850 residential suites, 177,000 square feet of office space, and 17,000 square feet of retail space. This is the third proposed for the site. Details here.

Now that you can go out after such a long period of time of not being able to, you may be scratching your head wondering where can I go. Fear not! Restauranteurs and foodies at Culture trip, Narcity, and Eater Montreal have you covered. Each group has put together a list of best restaurants in Ottawa & Gatineau. Which list to go by? Who knows? Best explore it all and make your own list. Let us know what you come up with! We can then make our own list.

There is some, but very little, overlap. You might want to start with those as there seems be a consensus on those establishments. Of course, Art Is In made the list, so brilliant is that bakery that they’ve put West Centre Town on the map and prevented the demolition of CityCentre. Well perhaps not saved it from demolition (thought that has been a threat over the years) but what they did do was make the most reviled building in town the most in spot. And it only took 50 years!



Culture trip proposes: A Foodie’s Guide to Ottawa: 10 Best Restaurants in the Capital



Narcity proposed: 14 Bucket List Restaurants in Ottawa You Need to try at Least Once



And finally Easter Montreal proposes – Where to East in and Around Ottawa Right Now

A two-post day! Apologies for that! But I felt it was important that I share this CTV interview with Kent Browne with regards an online sports memorabilia auction that ends May 10. Proceeds to go to the Shelter Foundation. Click here to watch the interview.