THE 15TH ANNIVERSAY ISSUE
It has been an era of quick-paced change for a capital that has, since amalgamation, rapidly morphed from big small city to small big city. As Ottawa Magazine commemorates 15 years of covering the capital, we’ve put together an enlightening retrospective of our favourite moments — features and photos that immortalize our city in transition
Letter from the Editor
The timing of Ottawa Magazine’s 1998 launch could not have been more fortuitous. The very next year, the province passed the City of Ottawa Act providing for the 2001 amalgamation that saw six former cities (Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, Vanier, and Cumberland) join with four former townships (West Carleton, Goulburn, Rideau, and Osgoode) and one former village (come on down, Rockcliffe Park) to form the Ottawa we know today. Those first few post-amalgamation years were contentious ones, creating ample fodder for a city magazine. But, more importantly, the formation of the new Ottawa marked the beginning of an era of unusual change in the capital, not only transforming the way our city operates but, more importantly, redefining how we, as residents, view our hometown.
When we talk amongst ourselves, we still self-identify by geography (east enders, west enders, south enders, for example) and neighbourhood, but when’s the last time you answered Nepean or Vanier when asked what city you hail from? Ottawa Magazine has been privileged to be part of the ongoing conversation around what Ottawa is and where we’re headed. As the magazine celebrates its 15-year anniversary — and that 15-year discussion — we take the opportunity to look both backward and forward.
On the light side, the 15th-anniversary feature highlights some favourite covers and how they came to be, and pokes fun at politicians past and present with a spotlight on 15 years of political cartoons. We also remember 15 features — some weighty, some light — that continue to resonate. Looking forward, 15 notable residents tell us about their Ottawa — how they came here and where they see the city in 15 years’ time. Enjoy the ride.
COMING UP: Steady. Historically it’s a word used as a dig by Ottawa detractors. But as the real estate market in other major cities cools, the capital owns its moniker with pride. No worries here of bubbles and downward spirals. Steadiness is a good thing as locals head into the spring/summer buying season in a positive frame of mind. This year our annual May real estate edition is themed around neighbourhood enclaves as we explore some hidden and not-so-hidden gems, searching out communities with that all-important “it” factor.
Sarah Brown, EDITOR

This week, the City of Ottawa is finally doing something that environmentalists have been pushing it to do for awhile: it’s taking the first step toward addressing its out of date policy on climate change. The city’s Air Quality and Climate Change Management Plan (AQCCMP), which expired at the end of 2012, will finally get the attention of politicians at a
Urban Hippie by Jen Lahey is published every second Tuesday atOttawaMagazine.com. Follow Jen on Twitter
But Charles I was a man of his times, and of our times, too: trashing the press, proroguing parliament, getting very heavy with protesters.
Capital Pint by Travis Persaud is generally published every second Thursday at OttawaMagazine.com. Follow Travis on Twitter @tpersaud.
Odd is in.

