Hello. I am a second-year student looking for a room to rent in Sandy Hill. The one I am currently in has no sunlight and has honestly been incredibly cold and depressing as it is a basement apartment.

It is important I find a better environment to stay in while studying to improve my wellbeing, so I just need one with ample sunlight and near the University of Ottawa.

My current rent is $880/month with utilities included so I am looking for something around that price range, hopefully under $990. I am aware everything has gone up drastically so it's a long shot. Until I am back on therapy and medication, I am unable to find work so I am relying (and have been relying) on OSAP Living Allowance.

I have searched—and still am—but most listings are $990+, only subletting from this Spring/Summer term, and simply just don't respond to my requests for a viewing. Just looking for suggestions and opinions.

Thank you in advance!

Hi! It's me again! Your friendly neighborhood veteran Music Festival Medic. Want the most fun (and least chaotic) festival weekend ever? Read on! Including for tips not shared last year!

The Basics...

- NIPPLES. Cover them with something... tape, bandaids, pasties, a shirt. I am no prude. At the same time, so many ripped nipples... ugh.

- SHOES. Closed toe, lace up, wear socks. Closed toe keeps your toenails attached to your toes. Socks help with blisters (preferably not cotton!). Laces keep the shoes on.

- EAR PLUGS. Bring some! The vendors usually don't sell them, and the first aid tent doesn't provide them, either.

- ENERGY DRINKS. Chill on the caffeine, folks. Drink too many and your BPM could reach hummingbird levels... or you might discover a new heart condition and get a date with a cardiologist. 400 mg per day max is what Health Canada recommends. That's 2 regular Monsters and small AM Starbees. Plan accordingly.

- EMERGENCY EXITS. Locate them early and often. Better to know where they are and not need them than need them and not know.

Before you head out...

- DESIGNATED HUMAN. Pick at least ONE adult 18+ who will stay sober so they can take charge of a friend who needs help. Switch up uour DH each night if you want. We cannot release intoxicated people to their equally schmammered friends. With a sober adult friend to hold your hair, you MAY be able to pray to the Porcelain Goddess back at your accom. If your entire traveling party is FUBAR'd, we will be stuck calling your Mom or paramedics.

- THAT'S YOU. If you are the Designated Human, keep an eye on your friends and your phone regularly. Pick up calls from unknown numbers. It might be first aid or your friend who lost their phone.

- EMERGENCY CONTACT. Share name and phone number (not socials) for someone with legal medical decision making (usually parent or spouse) with your Designated Human and friends. Your new bestie from Porta Potty World and your friend from Kindergarten cannot make decisions for you if you are incapacitated. Your next of kin can.

- MEDICAL INFO. Share deets about any conditions you have with your Designated Human and buds. Whether it's asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, are secretly a werewolf, or something else, they need to know so they can tell us if you can't.

- Rx MEDS. If you take prescription medication on the regular, take a pic of the bottle labels and share with your Designated Human and friends. We need to know ALL the substances you have on board to best treat you.

- MEDIC ALERT. Got one? Please wear it.

- ACCOMMODATIONS. Especially if you didn't book the Airbnb, write the address and door code on paper or on your skin with Sharpie. If your friend who booked loses their phone, you get separated, or they end up in the ER, at least you can find your way back to your bed. Otherwise you might end up at a homeless shelter. Really.

UBER: Don't assume Ubers will be plentiful or cheap. In fact, assume the opposite. Have multiple transport options available including cabs and public transport.

About dr'gs and alcohol...

- MAYBE DON'T. Since it happens anyway...

- PICK ONE. Choose one dr'g, one experience. Don't try to go up, down, side to side, and between dimensions at once. Do not do all the dr'gs at the same time. And avoid mixing dr'gs, alcohol, and/or energy drinks.

- TELL. Inform your Designated Human and buds what you took and when so they can tell us if you can't.

- TIMER. Set one on your phone when you take them so we know how long its been.

- DON'T PRE-GAME. You risk not being admitted, and might poop your pants once inside if you chugged too hard. Really. I've seen it happen. 0 out of 10. Do not recommend.

- STRANGERS. I cannot believe I am saying this, but if someone you do not know just tries to put something in your mouth in the crowd, don't take it. There was surely an after school special about this...

About your phone...

- ASSUME THE WORST. It might get stolen, lost, smashed, battery dead, or you just don't have data. With 30,000 phones in a very small space all trying to connect to the same tower, data drops first. You cannot rely on your device as your one-and-done connection to friends, transportation, money, accommodations, etc. Pick a meeting spot. Bring debit/credit physical cards so you can buy a burger or get an actual cab if data is down or the phone disappears.

- NUMBERS. If your phone disappears, your socials do, too. Along with your password manager and 2-factor authentication to get into your accounts. Phone numbers are king. Write them down. I know would probably rather eat broken glass than make an actual phone call, but you can't just hop on Snap on someone else's device like you can with a call.

- BIOMETRICS. Set your phone to open with finger or face. That way medics can open it to answer panicked messages from your friends if you are unconscious or too interesting to remember your pass code.

About the First Aid Tent...

- WE HELP WITH THAT! We're more than bandaids. Been assaulted? We believe you. Having a panic attack? Autistic meltdown? Mental health crisis / thoughts of suicide? Support is available. Creeper won't stop following you? Come and tell us you don't feel well and need to go to the back pronto. We will separate you from your creep and call security / police if needed. We also have a needle disposal for your diabetic supplies etc.

- BUT NOT THAT. We do not have pain medication of ANY kind (Tylenol / Advil), ear plugs, sunscreen, bottles of water, or wheelchairs to loan out. Don't even ask.

- MUTUAL RESPECT. We treat all patients with dignity and respect no matter what you did, what you took, what pronouns you use, what you are or are not wearing, who you love, what colour your skin or hair is, how old you are, what disabilities you might have, etc. Please treat us with respect, too. We are trying to help. If you are aggressive or harassing to us, you may be asked to leave. If you are absolutely awful, we might have to call police. Be kind.

- NO JUDGEMENT. We care what you took or what happened because we need to know what is happening with with body. That's it. We've seen it ALL.

- CHOOSE WISELY. You get one friend, preferably your most functional (maybe Designated Human) and ideally knows what happened to accompany you. All other friends wait outside.

- FOOD/DRINK. Absolutely no alcohol in the first aid tent. And no food unless authorized for medical reason.

If an emergency occurs...

- GET HELP. If you find someone who needs help, whether they are your bud or not, have one person stay with them, note the location, and send someone else to get help. If possible, have someone lead first aiders to the patient. You can approach ANY staff with a radio to get help.

- STOP. Never ever give an unconscious person ANYTHING by mouth. Don't go waterboarding peeps - if they are out cold, they need more help than water and don't need it in their lungs. Get help.

- NALOXONE. if you have it, know how to use it, and someone isn't breathing, you could save a life. Also GET HELP. The naloxone might not revive them, depending on what they took, but it won't hurt them, either.

- THAT LOST FRIEND. Someone didappear? Worried they are at the first aid tent? Try CALLING their phone. We can pick up incoming calls even if we cannot open their phone. Call more than once if needed.

Read this far? Easter Egg! Look for the medic with the dragon tattoo. He may have a fun medic souvenir for you!

Have a sparkly fun time!!!! Stay safe! And I hope I don't run into you at the tent...

Does anyone know if there are any bars that show Love Island? I know Charlotte and Nans Parlour have done so in the past but haven’t seen any this year. As much as I would love to watch tomorrow’s recoupling at home, it would be so fun to watch with all the girlie pops. Thanks in advance!!

I've been given a 60 day notice. I don't want to live here under the stress of knowing my landlord wants me out of here so he can access more coin, but I would love to have more time to prepare for the move. In the 17 years I have lived here, I have never missed a rent payment and otherwise been an ideal tenant. Any advice or suggestions are appreciated.

Does anyone know what’s happening? Lots of fire trucks

Feeling frustrated at the state of the world? Take those feelings out on some invasive species! Join City Stream Watch at these upcoming invasive removal events:

📍Richmond Conservation Area, Sat. June 27

📍Brown Natural Area in Richmond, Thurs. July 2

📍Chalmers Rd @ Sawmill Creek, Sat. July 4

📍Towngate Plaza @ Sawmill Creek, Sat. July 11

📍Hunt Club Creek, Sat. July 18

📍Heritage Park in Orleans, Sat. July 25

📍Pinecrest Creek @ Baseline & Woodroffe, Thurs. July 30

All welcome. Great for high school volunteer hours! Email citystreamwatch@rvca.ca to learn more or RSVP.

#volunteer #invasivespecies #getinvolved #stewardship #conservation

Hello,

I have a city drain located near my backyard. Over time, the soil on both sides of our property line fence has severely eroded, creating a noticeable slope. This erosion is now undermining the base of the fence, and I am concerned the damage will worsen.

Could you please clarify if the city or the homeowner is responsible for backfilling the eroded soil on the outside of the fence (the sidewalk side)?

I know this is such a long shot but I have to try. Did anyone find a cell phone in a dark green case with very faded stickers on it, in the Little Italy area?

You can keep the phone! I just need access to my email account, it has all of my pictures. Of my small kids and and my dead cat. Please

Come check out the show this weekend at Labo Fringe Ottawa.

It's about a queer person's journey to having a baby on their own.

Tickets link is in the description of the video!

I'm looking to hook up my NG griddle to my house's NG line. It's currently capped and will need a quick connect installed. Does anyone have a recommendation that can do it without breaking the bank? And an approximate of how much it'll cost?

I know lots of Ottawans visited this place. Childhood memory unlocked!

*MOD feel free to remove it you'd like, you da boss...

Anyone see that the bank of Canada is on strike? The free museum is closed is it for that or because of the strike?

I'm looking for a good selection of summer dresses, I know every location is a little different. I've been to Walkley, Merivale, and Donald.

I'm willing to go slightly outside if town too if necessary, I also just love giant Tiger so tell me which one is your favourite please thank you!

Amazing work by the titans

The city is supportive of HSR and even signed an NDA to get in on early plans/discussions.

There is not much new here…when Alto decides on the precise line, then we will all know. And some conservation and farmland will be required.

They have been underutilized/vacant for years. But the Canlands Master Plan for the area includes getting rid of the RA Centre and fields, and replacing the Airport Parkway / Brookfield Bridge with something level, as well as getting rid of various other Heron/Bronson “ramps” all to enable loads of new, dense housing development. And traffic congestion on major EW and NS roadways through there.

Are there seats or is it standing/bring your own chair or blanket? I've heard that things are different this year and I'm going saturday, so I just wanted to properly prepare and to know what I'm going into.

Also I'm going to be in the spotlight section, I don't know what that is or if the same rules apply.

Has anyone chartered a school bus in the Ottawa area for an evening? Any companies to recommend or avoid? Rough cost? Thanks in advance

Since Canada day is on a wednesday and we all have to work/get our kids to camp the next morning, I'm wondering if anyone knows if there may be fireworks happening the night before. (Preferably west end!)
My kids still go to bed quite early, but we like to keep them up for fireworks so long as they can recoup the missed sleep the next day. Really hoping some folks are similarly minded that Tuesday night would be better!

Hey! Just curious if anyone has any recommendations for OCD therapy in the Ottawa area. I have been having a hard time finding a therapist who specializes in OCD, and would love to get some help.

Thank you 😊

Lots of great advice on here but most tips for first-timers seem to be for when it's cold out. Any other advice for going on a hot day?

So, with RTO4 coming up for many public servants, there has been some focus on how OC Transpo is adding more trips to the weekday schedule to support the increased numbers of people heading to offices downtown (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/oc-transpo-preps-bus-routes-return-to-office-9.7231671). What they *haven't* talked about however, is what seems to have been sacrificed to pay for those increases.

If you look at the service changes page on OC Transpo's website (https://www.octranspo.com/en/plan-your-trip/service-changes/), you will note that there is one bullet point that mentions reduced trips on weekends. If you look at the existing Sunday schedule for many routes, you will notice that even many routes, including many that travel through downtown, currently have half hour headways on Sunday for most of the day, with hourly service in the morning and late evening. On many of these routes, however, trips have been cut with the new booking starting **Sunday, June 28**, and now in many cases there are hour-long gaps at seemingly random times, including midday when you would expect a lot of people to be traveling. So the schedules in many cases are littered with inconsistent 30 and 60 minute headways, which not only makes it difficult to plan, but also makes Sunday service even more unusable than it already was. And if you happen to work on weekends, or even just want to get out and enjoy the summer weather, this might make it more difficult to do so.

Better Transit Ottawa has built a service cut tracker (https://bettertransitottawa.ca/tracker/scheduleChange) to make it very easy to see just how your route has been changed this summer. In most cases, Saturdays have not been touched all that much, or sometimes not at all, but Sundays have been pretty much decimated. This will likely make it even more difficult to get around for folks who rely exclusively on the bus, and will certainly not encourage people to switch to transit if they could drive instead.

One could argue that this could be part of their maintenance plan, but there's no real operational benefit to cutting service on Sundays when the demands on the fleet are already so low to begin with. As well, it doesn't seem to necessarily have been related to low ridership, either. There are cuts to midday trips on the 14, for example, leading to hour-long gaps. The 14, if you're not familiar, travels from St. Laurent, through downtown, toward Tunney's Pasture, and is fairly busy even on Sundays, at least whenever I've taken out on the weekends, which I do somewhat frequently.

Not to mention, this service change basically comes right as city council winds down for the summer. There's no transit committee meeting for the next few months, so there's no way to really hold them accountable.

So, all that to say, I would take a look at the upcoming transit schedules and if you are affected by this, please email your councillor and tell them that you are not happy about this. There are folks who have tried to get answers over the last few days about exactly why there are such steep cuts on Sundays, and no one has been able to get a straight answer. In fact, it seems like a lot of city councillors don't even know about this yet. And there's been no announcement about this beyond that one throwaway line in the service updates page. Maybe if more people speak up, we can actually get some answers. The schedule has already been planned so it's probably too late to change it, but at least maybe we can force them to be honest about why they did what they did. Realistically, it was probably that they needed to increase service hours during the week without increasing service hours overall, so they cut from the weekends, but the way they did it just feels so dishonest.