Views from the core Donna Holtom
This small business owner knows that downtown comes alive through unique cafés, vibrant parks, and exciting events
Why do you live downtown?
Donna: My husband and I both have businesses based downtown and we have worked downtown for many years. When the children were young they attended Elgin Street School, Hopewell, and Lisgar; all were great schools.
What do you enjoy about the location? I love the area because it is a diverse, walkable community in the heart of the city. The area is recognized as a heritage neighbourhood with many turn-of-thecentury homes and buildings.
Also, it’s close to many small businesses with owners on site who are very committed and engaged with their community. There are wonderful cafés, bakeries, restaurants, yoga studios, as well as unique retail stores. Art House Café, owned and run by Genevieve Betournay, is a great community hub, always abuzz with young artists and patrons. It hosts many live performances by local artists and its walls are filled with creative art. In the spring and summer months, the cafe hosts Music in Dundonald Park on Friday nights. Le Poisson Bleu Restaurant on Somerset is a great destination for seafood lovers. Dessert First, a new boutique bakery by Julia Gindra on Bay at Somerset, has become a neighbourhood favourite.
What would you like to see improved? Parks in the area need to be upgraded and maintained. This area has very few green spaces. As the city continues to intensify there is a greater demand than ever for spaces where people can be outdoors, get active, and benefit from nature. With many young families moving to the area, there is a need for more investment in the infrastructure that would support healthy, sustainable lifestyles. This also means a reinvestment in community centres, schools, and parks to ensure young families have the amenities they need.
Also, many residential units are being converted to studio apartments, student accommodations, or small one- or twobedroom apartments. Larger homes and living environments are required to sustain a vibrant mixed community.
What project(s) or issues are you paying attention to these days?
Community building and engagement. Whether through a group of volunteer gardeners at Dundonald Park or artistic groups such as Music and Beyond, Odyssey Showcase, or the Ottawa Library, bringing art to the outdoors is a perfect fit for this welcoming community.