The community has been getting together since June and sharing a coffee and some conversation as part of the weekly CGOW CA Community Cafe that was started this year at Voyageur Park. We have a great neighbourhood with amazing parks and access to trails, but we haven’t had access to cozy Third Spaces within easy …
Category: Column
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/connecting-our-community-one-coffee-at-a-time-community-cafe-mid-summer-report
Jul 03
Our Neighbourhood’s Next Chapter: Why a Little Change is a Good Thing
The Nebula | Home-based Business Rentals | Evospace | 845 Champlain A new multi-unit apartment building is currently being built in our neighbourhood, and it’s a frequent topic of conversation among locals. It’s not the first infill development, and it won’t be the last, but this one is right at the intersection of two …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/our-neighbourhoods-next-chapter-why-a-little-change-is-a-good-thing
Jun 28
Orleans’ Untapped Potential – St. Joseph vs Centretown
How a city organizes its space—its land use and population density—has a profound impact on its financial health and the daily lives of its residents. Denser, more compact urban areas are better able to generate tax revenue to pay for amenities and services because they accommodate more homes and businesses on less land. A single …
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/28/orleans-untapped-potential-st-joseph-vs-centretown/#new_tab
Jun 27
My Delegation and Comments on the Transportation Master Plan – Rob Attrell – June 26, 2025
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to speak to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC; formerly the Transportation Committee) about the final draft of Ottawa’s Transportation Master Plan. When you do this (which I had never done before), you get 5 minutes to speak on the item, and councillors can then ask you questions …
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/27/my-delegation-and-comments-on-the-transportation-master-plan-june-26-2025/#new_tab
Jun 17
The Vacation Paradox: What Our Getaways Reveal About the Places We Build
As summer approaches, the annual ritual of vacation planning begins. For many, this means dreaming of destinations that offer a distinct break from the everyday. But as you map out your getaway to a bustling resort, a vibrant theme park, or a luxurious cruise ship, consider a curious paradox: for many who cherish the quiet, …
Permanent link to this article: https://lesscar.ca/2025/06/17/the-vacation-paradox-what-our-getaways-reveal-about-the-places-we-build/#new_tab
Jun 16
A Community for Small Businesses
We had our first two Community Cafés on Sunday, June 8 and 15, and the event has been a great success. Arnold’s coffee trike is working quite well, and I look forward to seeing how it will evolve to serve more people as this event grows. The event provided me with an opportunity to …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/a-community-for-small-businesses
May 29
Reflections as a Road Victim
Matthieu Gagnon was injured in a serious collision between his bicycle and a pick-up truck on a busy roadway in April. Photo by JEAN LEVAC /POSTMEDIA The Crash On April 7, while riding on Beechwood to get to work, I suddenly ended up in an ambulance with no recollection of how I got there. According to the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/reflections-as-a-road-victim
May 29
Who I Am and Why I’m Here – Matthieu
Who I Am I grew up the hill in Chateauneuf. My family has been in Orléans for generations. According to SFOPHO, my maternal grandmother’s family arrived in 1864. I grew up hearing stories about Orléans before the developers arrived. I have experienced being a child, a teenager, and an adult in this community. Growing …
Permanent link to this article: https://cgow.ca/who-i-am-and-why-im-here-matthieu