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The research I do relies on the bound volumes of the bylaws and minutes of the City of Ottawa, dating back over a century. I’ve spent hours in the Main Branch Ottawa Room with these books (pictured). Sadly, this resource was recently “discarded” by the library. It’s a loss for local history.

These homes on Sherwood Drive look normal, sure. But did you know they’re the site of the only residential zoning appeal in Ottawa to reach the Supreme Court of Canada? It’s a wild story of secret council meetings, expropriations, fake highways—and a side of mustard. 🧵Thread…

If you’ve been to Minto Park, you’ve seen the bronze bust of 19th century Argentinian General Jose de San Martín. I often watch people walk up to the bust and give it a close look, hoping to find out what he’s doing there. Does San Martín have some sort of Centretown connection? Thread 🧵...

Ottawa Library Main Branch looking sad these days. Heavy weeding leaving shelves half empty. Ottawa Room being cleared of its archival documents.

I’ve been trying to find out why the bell tower at Ottawa City Hall isn’t used anymore. The City has told me that no records exist related to the carillon, and access to info requests have been unsuccessful. Yet at some point around ten years ago, they stopped ringing. Anyone know anything?

I had a similar issue. After filing an info request, I was falsely told no info on the subject existed. When I said I had some info already, they told me I should've told them that. They then gave me a few internal emails that discussed how little information they could "get away with" telling me.

City manager’s emails scarce on details on how 5-day return to office mandate came to be | CBC NewsAs the City of Ottawa’s 'new standard' for five days in-office begins in the new year, internal documents from the city manager’s office show how Wendy Stephanson planned to defend her controversial d...www.cbc.ca