Ottawa

Trip To The Rideau Canal and a Classic Canadian Treat
Whether you’re visiting the city or have been born and raised in Ottawa, the Rideau Canal Skateway is a must visit during the Winter season (weather dependant, of course)! Discover Ottawa on skates (or by foot) anywhere from Rideau to the Hartwell locks with your friends and loved ones, and then stop for a Beavertail! Beavertails are a Canadian classic treat, and with so many delicious mouth-watering flavours they can be a little messy, but well worth it.
 

Hit The Tobogganing Hills
No matter how old you are, tobogganing is an activity that will never go out of style. From the east end to the west end, Ottawa has a wide variety of tobogganing hills to choose from! Grab your sleds, crazy carpets, and saucers, and go for a ride down the hill of your choice for a super fun time and a lot of laughs. After burning off all that energy from climbing back up the steep hill, stop at a nearby local coffee shop for a pick-me-up treat. Hot chocolate and fresh pastries are the perfect after-tobogganing snack!

By @ottawa_homes on Instagram

Cross Country Skiing
If you’re looking for a fun challenge, grab the skis (or snowshoes) and go for a cross country adventure on one of Ottawa’s fantastic urban trails! Osgoode Properties is a proud sponsor of the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail and the Rideau Winter Trail, both amazing for cross country skiing with the whole family. Just minutes away from our residents living at Kingsview Apartments, Riverside Tower and Faircrest Apartments, the Rideau Winter Trail is a prime destination for outdoor activities in the heart of Ottawa. The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is another great option for our residents to enjoy the outdoors, located just minutes away from Parkway Tower, Lincoln Park, The Juliana and Lakeview Apartment!

By @osgoodeapts on Instagram

Calgary

Meet The Penguins at The Calgary Zoo
Spend your Family Day waddling with the penguins at the Calgary Zoo’s 10th Annual Penguin Walk! Until March 25th, the colony of king penguins go for a daily “enrichment walk” around the Zoo grounds to maintain the health of their brains and bodies. Visitors are welcome to join them and get a close-up look at this incredible species as they explore and exercise their way through the Zoo!

By @curiocitycalgary on Instagram

Visit the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
For the entire month of February, Meals on Wheels hosts this BREW-tiful festival – a tasty way to support local this year and help bring together Calgary’s communities and small businesses! Throughout the month, participating cafés and restaurants will feature signature hot chocolate beverages created for a friendly competition between themselves. Online votes from customers will determine which vendor will win the title of Calgary’s “Best Hot Chocolate”!

By @sweets_of_paradise_yyc on Instagram

Edmonton

Unwind With Friendly Critters and Beautiful Scenery
Spend your Family Day weekend at Dreamcatcher’s “Time on the Land” event in Ardrossan, Alberta! Feed friendly critters like the farm’s horses and donkeys, while being entertained by goats playing on a teeter totter. Explore the beautiful 40-acre property on a walk through its Magical Forest, where you and your family can catch a glimpse of mystical fairies and gnomes!

By @partiprocanada on Instagram

University of Alberta Botanic Garden
If you’re in search of some more laid-back family fun this winter, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is hosting their “All-Canadian Winter” event until March 13th. Enjoy a scenic stroll through a beautiful winter garden, and try out some fun winter activities including Kicksledding, Snowball Toss, and more! When you’re all tired out from a day of sport, pull up a chair to their firepit and take some much-deserved time to relax.
 

By @omar.jaber95 on Instagram

Kingston

Explore Downtown Kingston at Night
Sing your hearts out under the city’s Singing Tree and Canopy Lights, an interactive lighting display on Brock Street that reacts to sounds of all kinds. After this experience, head over to Springer Market Square where you can enjoy “Impulse”, another interactive and publicly activated installation of lights! This project uses the idea of repetition of subtle light and sound to create a very entertaining and constantly changing experience.
 

By @downtownkingston on Instagram

Skate in The Square
In the heart of Downtown Kingston, lace-up your skates and grab a mask (and helmet, of course) for a skate in The Springer Market Square. This free rink is open to the public with a beautiful view of Kingston’s historic architecture from all angles until 10:00pm. Visit during the day for a fun glide across the glistening ice and see the hustle and bustle of the city or visit at nighttime and experience how Kingston lights up to create a unique atmosphere. Either way, don’t forget to treat yourself to a Beavertail afterwards.

By @momentcapturedphotography on Instagram

Whether you are located on the west coast of Canada and are looking forward to waddling with penguins or on the east coast exploring Kingston’s nighttime light installations, we’re lucky to have such a variety of Family Day winter activities throughout Canada.

From our family to yours, we hope you have a very fun Family Day filled with great memories alongside all your favourite people!

The post Celebrate Family Day With These Canadian Activities appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

There’s no shortage of fun fall activities here in the National Capital Region, so here’s a round-up of some of our favs!

An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Nothing says fall quite like a day at an apple orchard. Although this was a difficult growing season, with frost in the spring and drought in the summer, our local apple farmers were still able to deliver some delicious crops. We encourage you to get out there and score some fresh apples before they are all gone! You may not be able to pick your own, but many orchards are selling pre-picked apples which are just as tasty as the ones your pick yourself. We smell apple pie!

Here are some local orchards you can visit:

• Mountain Orchards
• Pinewood Orchard
• Cannamore Orchard
• Ferme L’Artisan Farm

*We recommend checking hours and apple availability before visiting.

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

Apple season may have had a harder year, but pumpkin season is here and thriving! Set the stage for a picturesque fall photoshoot with the family at one of the region’s countless pumpkin patches. Plus, you can pick out the perfect pumpkins for carving come Halloween.

Here are some local pumpkin patches you can visit:

• Fallowfield Tree Farm
• Millers Farm and Market
• Abby Hill Farms
• Log Cabin Orchard

Market Madness

Everyone knows you get the freshest produce and most unique finds at the local farmer’s market, and in Ottawa, we have an abundance of markets to choose from. Plus, when you visit you have the pleasure of supporting local businesses in your community.

Here are some local farmer's markets you can visit:

• Ottawa Farmer’s Market
• Kanata Farmer’s Market
• Byward & Parkdale Markets
• Carp Farmer’s Market

Take A Hike

Hikes are a great way to enjoy nature and stay in shape, and best of all, you can experience the fall foliage firsthand before the leaves hit the ground. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Here are some local trails and parks you can visit:

• Gatineau Park
• Jack Pine Trail
• Rock Dunder
• Ripon Black Mountain Park

Parc Omega

Experience Canadian wildlife like never before! From the comfort of your vehicle, cruise along a 12km safari and enjoy watching and interacting with animals in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy walking trails, animal presentations, picnic areas, farm animals, and more. Don’t forget to bring carrots!

Learn more: https://www.parcomega.ca/en/

Saunder’s Farm

No fall is complete without a trip to Saunder’s Farm during the haunting season. Visit during the day and enjoy tons of outdoor attractions including pumpkin picking, hedge mazes, jumbo jumpers, play structure, puppet shows, a parade and more. When the night falls, Saunder’s Farm transforms into the spooktacular ‘Frightfest’. With multiple haunted attractions, street theatre, fresh food, and homemade confections; it is sure to thrill!

Learn more: https://saundersfarm.com/

* All visits to Saunders Farm MUST be pre-booked until pandemic restrictions are lifted.

No excuses! It’s time to get off the couch and experience autumn before the snow falls. Get out there, have some fun, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos at @osgoodeapts!

The post Hey Ottawa & Gatineau! Your Fall Bucket List Is Ready appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

Here are our Homegrown Hero Winners:

Orchid B. – COVID Screener Ottawa Hospital

“Orchid is a Screener who provides Covid Relief to one of our Ottawa Hospitals. When Covid hit, while everyone was starting to transition to a work from home setting, Orchid took it upon herself to apply for a job where she would directly assist her community. She screens everyone from staff to visitors and has also assisted in the outbreak units while wearing full PPE.”

Sharon R. – Cleaner Retirement Home

“My husband is in a retirement home and I have come to highly respect one woman who comes to work every day despite the risks. More than a third of the residents in this home tested positive for Covid and over a dozen residents past away.

Sharon works exceedingly hard from early morning to late in the day, cleaning rooms, changing linens and lugging heavy bags of garbage to the disposal area. She is always cheerful and helpful. Although she may appear to many as 'invisible' as she quietly goes about her essential work, I know she is really bolstered by the too rare 'thank you's' she receives because she always expresses her gratitude. She is definitely an unsung hero in my books.”

Christine B. – Food Service Long Term Care

“Christine’s specialty is making people happy. She is a straight talking, hard working specialist in food service. After working for years as the ‘lunch lady’ at the local high school managing the kitchen, she transferred to a food service position at a school closer to her home. When the pandemic hit, the schools closed. Rather than let that situation get her down, she chose to go where the need was the greatest and quickly found employment in long term care. Long term care was a sector that was struggling, but that didn’t deter Christine. With her experience and passion, she fit right into the close knit team in her new position in dietary service in long term care, quickly learning the new routines on site. Christine returned to school, taking sector appropriate courses, skill updates, and practicing necessary infection prevention protocols. She often works more than the scheduled hours, picking up extra hours to ensure that every resident in long term care gets their hot meal and snacks. Many residents speak of her easygoing personality and her smile that brighten their day. Her colleagues often seek her out for her expertise. Christine is part of a hardworking team that delivers a consistently high quality product to residents in long term care.”

Janet E. – Nurse

“Janet is a nurse specializing in nursing management, specifically in long term care. When the COVID 2^nd wave started, Janet started working at the Ottawa Hospital at the Brewer Covid-19 Assessment Center. Her role consists of assessment of symptomatic patients, swabbing all patients, and processing swabs for testing.  Her work is so appreciated!”

Rory C. and Sharon M. – Doctors

“Rory and Sharon are a pair of amazing doctors that have chosen to share their talents with Ottawa!

Rory is an emergency physician known for his cool under pressure attitude and patient-centered approach to care. At the beginning of the pandemic, patients with COVID were often showing up at the emergency room before our city put different protocols in place. Rory assisted in caring for them and many other patients whose ailments still needed care despite the pandemic.

Sharon is an oncologist and researcher at the Ottawa Hospital. Sharon had to quickly change the treatment plan for many of her patients as surgeries were cancelled and she was no longer able to see her patients as frequently. Both physicians have worked incredibly hard during COVID and could use a bit of joy in being celebrated for their work!

The couple welcomed their first child in December 2020, and it would delight me to no end if they got to be selected as the winners so they could enjoy a fancy night in at the Gala…because we all know new parents don’t get out much! ”

Danielle S. – Director of Quality and Patient Safety, Royal Ottawa Hospital

“I am nominating Danielle as a Homegrown Hero for her unrelenting commitment to keeping the patients and staff at The Royal Ottawa Hospital safe during this pandemic. Some though certainly not all of her achievements over the past year include:

• Implementing an electronic screening platform for daily staff use
• Leading the infection prevention and control team through the pandemic with no road map
• Managing and responding to daily and ongoing crisis
• Helping to develop education for staff related to PPE and infection control practices

Her daily efforts have helped keep countless people safe over the past year and have enabled the critical mental health programs run at The Royal to keep running.”

We also have the pleasure of sending two of our own Homegrown Heroes.  Our Superintendents have kept our buildings safe for our residents and staff.

Dave from Rockcliffe Arms

Here’s what Danielle (Property Manager of Rockcliffe) had to say about Dave:

The tenants turned to Dave for reassurance and seeing him in the building every day without fail always with a smile on his face made them feel confident that Osgoode Properties and The Rockcliffe Arms were doing their best to keep them safe.  

Cedric from The Oaks

Here’s what Kim (Property Manager of The Oaks) had to say about Cedric:

Cedric has continued to show a positive presence during the pandemic and is always willing to help everyone.  He is someone we can rely on!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank ALL our Homegrown Heroes for the work you do every day!

The post Osgoode Properties and CHEO – Homegrown Hero Contest Winners appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

• Snow Tubing – The worst part of snow tubing is the walk back up the hill, but these great options have a tow to take you back up! For a day of fun you have to try:
  • Le Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien – https://domaineangegardien.com/en/snow-tubing
  • Edelweiss – https://www.sommets.com/fr/glissades-tube/edelweiss/

• Skiing – Several ski hills are within a quick drive:
  • Camp Fortune – https://campfortune.com/en/ – Night skiing available
  • Vorlage – https://skivorlage.com/
  • Mont Cascades – https://montcascades.ca/ski/
  • Edelweiss – https://www.sommets.com/en/ski-mountains/sommet-edelweiss/

• Cross Country Skiing – Our top choice is Gatineau Park
  • Considered some of the best x-country skiing in North America.
  • Tickets are required – https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park-winter-passes#
  • Accessing the Gatineaus for the first time might be intimidating – here are some tips for first time users:
    • P3 – rolling hills to the base of Pink Lake is a terrific ski or really challenge yourself and ski up to the top
    • P8-P9 – start at parking lot 8 and ski through the woods to parking lot 9 for a beautiful and less intense trail
    • These are just the beginning of exploring this incredible region on skis
  • Trail condition report
  • Going at night? Don’t forget your headlamp.

• Winter Camping – Did you know that you can book a cabin for an overnight winter adventure?
  • https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/news/winter-overnight-stays-in-gatineau-park-reservations-start-november-23

No excuse Gatineau! Get out there and have some fun. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos at @osgoodeapts!

Want to live close to all Gatineau Park has to offer? Make your best move, and give us a call (613-688-2222) or email ([email protected]) today. We can help find you a home with these great trails in your own backyard!

The post Gatineau – Winter Memories & Fun! appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

This year Osgoode Properties is proud to partner with CHEO to celebrate essential service workers in Eastern Ontario and Quebec.  We want your help to pick four essential service workers to send to CHEO’s virtual For The Kids Gala! 

Here is what you need to do:

• Nominate any essential service worker, including but not limited to nurses, long term care employees, first responders, grocery store employees, delivery drivers, etc. 
• Send an email to Jessica Greenberg ([email protected]) Vice President of Asset Management for Osgoode Properties
• Subject Line – Homegrown Hero Contest
• In 250 words or less tell us why you are nominating your Homegrown Hero.  Please note, your nomination may be shared on social media or through our blog.
• Last day to submit nominations – March 30^th
• Winners will be picked – March 31^st

Prize:

• 4 winners will be picked at random – the nominators and the winners will receive:

• CHEO Gala in a Box – this includes goodies like Between the Lines Winery wine, A Little Bit of Sugar paint your own sugar cookies, Aux Delices Bakery hot chocolate bomb, etc.

• Osgoode Loves Local Box – this includes goodies like Equator Coffee, Hummingbird Chocolate, Bathorium products, YOW popcorn, etc.
• Opportunity to attend CHEO’s virtual For the Kids Gala on April 8^th

We would like to take this opportunity to thank ALL our Homegrown Heroes for the work you do every day! 

The post Osgoode Properties and CHEO Present – The Homegrown Hero Contest appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

1. Break out the Toboggan – Ottawa has some excellent toboggan hills. Our top picks would be:
   1. Westboro Beach – Great location with easy parking.
   2. Arboritum – Beautiful for a winter walk after your day of play.
   3. Bruce Pitt – You can even bring the fur kids.
   4. Carlington – This one is steep; in fact, some use it as a ski hill. Fun Fact – the President of Osgoode Properties learned how to ski on Carlington!

2. Skating at Mud Lake – A 3.5 km walk in Britannia Village, great for snowshoes or a nice winter walk, brings you to Mud Lake. Tie on your skates and hop on the lake for a beautiful winter day. Do not forget to bring your own shovel if it has just snowed. This gem is a short distance to our communities at Lincoln Park Tower, Lakeview Apartments and Parkway Towers. But it is so pretty it is worth the trip from anywhere in the city!

3. City or Park Skating Rinks – Find a rink close to you by going to – https://www.ottawarinks.ca/en/rinklist

Enjoy creating winter memories and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @osgoodeapts!

The post Fun & Free Winter Activities in Ottawa! appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

SJAM Winter Tail – http://www.wintertrail.ca/

• Offers 16km along the Sir John A. Macdonald river parkway
• Entrances close to our communities at The Juliana, Riverton Park, Parkway Towers and only a few minutes away from Lincoln Park Tower and Lakeview Apartments

Britannia Winter Trail – https://www.facebook.com/BritanniaWinterTrail/

• Offers 8km of trails close to Britannia Beach
• Did you know that the Britannia Winter Trail is an official training trail for the Canadian Ski Marathon?
• Entrances close to our communities at Lakeview, Lincoln Park Tower, and Parkway Towers

Rideau River Trail – https://www.rideauwintertrail.ca/

• Offers 9 km of trails between the Ottawa Hospital Campus and downtown
• Entrances close to our communities at The Faircrest, Riverside Tower, Kingsview Apartments and only a short drive from Eastwood Apartments

The post Ottawa – The City of Winter Trails appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.

Love Bugs

These delightful little love bugs are super fun and easy to make!

Supplies

• A piece of cardboard approximately 5 cm by 10 cm
• Small paper Dixie cups
• Yarn in your choice of colours
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Googly eyes, pipe cleaners, scrapbook paper, beads, and any decorations you like!

Find all the instructions here –  https://www.delightful.life/valentines-day-love-bugs/

Heart-Shaped Crayons

Turn your broken crayons into a colourful sweetheart!

Supplies

• Silicon heart mold
• Your broken crayons

Find all the instructions here – https://princesspinkygirl.com/valentines-day-heart-crayons/
 

Mail-a-Hug

Here’s a hug from worlds away! Mail a warm hug to those you love.

Supplies

• One sheet of felt
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Find all the instructions here – https://wunder-mom.com
 

The post Fun Valentine’s Day Crafts for the Whole Family appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.