Page 135 – Algonquin Times

Jim Watson presents Key to the City to the Ottawa Citizen in one of his last events as mayor

After 177 years of delivering the daily news, the Ottawa Citizen was presented with the Key to the City by outgoing mayor Jim Watson, in a ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, June 16. Editor-in-chief Nicole MacAdam received the key on behalf of the paper. Many Citizen staff members were at the event, celebrating the […]

Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Photos: Tony Caldwell/Postmedia.

June 21, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Tony Caldwell/Postmedia.

Mayor Jim Watson presenting the Ottawa Citizen's Key to the City to Nicole MadAdam, Editor-in-Chief.

After 177 years of delivering the daily news, the Ottawa Citizen was presented with the Key to the City by outgoing mayor Jim Watson, in a ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, June 16.

Editor-in-chief Nicole MacAdam received the key on behalf of the paper. Many Citizen staff members were at the event, celebrating the award they should have received two years ago for their 175^th anniversary, which fell during the pandemic.

“This is a such a wonderful honour, and so well deserved,” said Algonquin College President Claude Brulé, who attended the ceremony on behalf of the college. “I’m delighted that the Ottawa Citizen was awarded this for their ongoing integrity in journalism.”

Algonquin College received a Key to the City five years ago to mark its 50^th anniversary. The key is on display at the entrance to C building on ground level.

The college is responsible for more than 200,000 graduates since its inception in the year 1967.

“Even if just half of the graduates remained in Ottawa, which would be 100,000 students, that would still be a tenth of the city’s population who graduated from Algonquin College who contribute to society,” said Brulé.

According to Heather Theoret, Ottawa City Hall’s protocol advisor, the mayor is trying to accomplish as much as possible before he exits office. With the pandemic absorbing much of the last two years of council work, he is playing catch up with several Key to the City and other events that will be held before the “mayoral lull” in July and August.

The last scheduled event is the Mayor’s Annual Canada Day for Seniors at Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park. July 2 marks the 30th anniversary of saving and restoring the Aberdeen Pavilion, which is celebrated by the Aberdeen Heritage Festival. During his tenure as mayor, Watson and two other councillors were responsible for seeing the restoration of the historic landmark through to completion.

Regarding Watson’s exit from city hall, Brulé stated, “the community-college relationship will always be there. We produce talent that supports the community.”

Featured Story | News | Off Campus | People

Claude Brule | Jim Watson | Ottawa citizen

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How students survived the big storm

Tyler Beauchesne

Photos: Tyler Beauchesne

June 16, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Tyler Beauchesne

Ryan Yasawy (right) and Juho Lee (left).

On May 21, 2022, Algonquin College found itself in one of the worst hit areas of the historic storm described by weather analysts as a “derecho.” Power lines were struck down, and trees were partially wrecked or pulled out of the ground, even if they were rooted under concrete and brick. Homes were ruined after being hit by debris or falling trees, and thousands were left without power for several days. The power outage had a major impact on students living in residence and in the neighbourhoods surrounding the Ottawa campus.

“Our classes were pushed back by a whole week due to the storm,” said Sadia Ahmed, a residence advisor studying Interactive Media Design. “So, we did not have that added stress of dealing with assignments alongside having no power. However, those assignments were due the same week as other work that was assigned, so the academic stress doubled the next week.”

Ahmed thought the school was very quick to respond. “Algonquin was ahead of the curve during this outage,” she said. “The residence building got their power back in three days, which is amazing because some areas of the city did not even get theirs back until last Friday.”

“During the outage, the library in E building still had power and students were able to access it when they needed to,” said Ryan Yasawy, a computer programming student. “I give the school a 10 out of 10 for handling the situation.”

“I was not in the city on the weekend when the storm hit,” said Juho Lee, another computer programming student. “But I came back on Tuesday when I found out everything was working on campus again. The Wi-Fi, the lights, everything I needed to carry on with my program was able to be used again.” With cafeteria service unavailable, many students appreciated receiving $50 vouchers from Loblaws, although some were unsure if the online offer was real (it was). “It took a bit of a stress off of us, budget-wise,” said Lee. He and others were aware that staff at the college were doing their best to handle the unprecedented situation. “We understand that several workers were trying their best to get the power back to everyone as quick as possible, so we appreciate that we got it back as quick as we did.”

Despite how much academic stress was caused by delaying classes and assignments by a week, it was seen as the right decision by many students because they were unable to finish their work during the three days without power.

Featured Story | News

Power outage | Student life

Tyler Beauchesne

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Woodroffe campus chef instructor headlining Ottawa food festival

Tanya Skeates, a chef instructor at Algonquin College, will be the featured chef for the National Arts Centre’s Chef’s Table series from Sept. 1 to 4. The event is part of the Ontario Festival of Small Halls which will run the entirety of the Chef’s Table series between Aug. 18 and Sept. 11. Skeates was […]

Samson Renaud

Photos: Samson Renaud

June 16, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Samson Renaud

Tanya Skeates, Algonquin College chef instructor, and featured chef for Chef’s Table at the National Arts Centre.

Skeates was offered this position at the festival because the event organizers were looking for a chef to represent Algonquin College, and her prestigious background made her an obvious choice. Skeates has an extensive background as a chef working in popular local restaurants such as The Manx on Elgin St. and her own Soupçon in Wakefield, Que. Her experience also includes working for a club that catered to the British Royal Family in London, England. and cooking for members of Parliament at Rideau Hall, before joining Algonquin College as an instructor in 2018.

All those in attendance at the Chef’s Table event will be treated to a tailored menu boasting various delicacies such as temari-seared Black Angus beef tenderloin and burnt honey and yogurt cheesecake, all showcasing delicious ingredients from local farms. The event will also showcase the skills of culinary students from Algonquin College as volunteers aiding with meal preparations, giving them an opportunity to meet their instructor’s connections in the industry and help open doors for them outside the classroom.

Tickets starting at $130 can be purchased through the Ontario Festival of Small Halls in bundles of two or more. Local musicians will play during the feasts, with local staples Dueling Pianos being the entertainment for Skeates section of the festival. Chef Kenton Leier, a former instructor for Algonquin College who has worked at the National Arts Centre since 2017, will be present throughout the festival helping the featured guest chefs each week.

Skeates is excited to participate. “I am super humbled for this position, especially with having worked at the National Arts Centre early in my career.”

Careers | Featured Story | People | Social Events

Culinary program | Food | Ottawa events

Samson Renaud

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Mood Check: Did you vote in the recent provincial election?

Are the students and staff at Algonquin college voting? According to data published by Elections Ontario, the 2022 provincial election had the lowest voter turnout ever recorded. Everyone has their reasoning for why they do or don’t vote. Here are some thoughts from our students and staff: Name: Adam Doey Program: Broadcasting – Radio “No, […]

Alex Campbell

Photos: Ali Albaawadh, Video Game Development – Arts and Design; Bhupesh Qulati, Culinary Management – Hospitality; Komal Joshi, Office Administration – Health Services. Bottom left

June 13, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Ali Albaawadh, Video Game Development – Arts and Design; Bhupesh Qulati, Culinary Management – Hospitality; Komal Joshi, Office Administration – Health Services. Bottom left

Top left to right

Adam Doey, Broadcasting – Radio Photo credit: Alex Campbell

Name: Adam Doey

Program: Broadcasting – Radio

“No, I did not. I was in the process of moving during the voting period, so I did not have enough time. The process of moving was three days so by the time I wanted to, the voting was closed and I didn’t have enough time to cast my ballot. Hopefully when the next few years come around, I’ll be able to.”

Renay Dixon, Student Success Specialist — School of Advanced Technology Photo credit: Alex Campbell

Name: Renay Dixon

Title: Student Success Specialist — School of Advanced Technology

“I did, yeah. It’s important for a bunch of reasons. Not a lot of women in other countries get a chance to vote, so it’s kind of cool we get a chance to, so I like to go for that reason. But it’s also important to make sure our democracy is working effectively and make sure everyone’s opinion gets heard. In my family, if you don’t vote, you can’t complain about politics, so I wanted a chance to complain at the dinner table.”

Bhupesh Qulati, Culinary Management – Hospitality Photo credit: Alex Campbell

Name: Bhupesh Qulati

Program: Culinary Management – Hospitality

“I’m from India. I haven’t voted because I’m an international student, so I don’t have a right over here to vote. Maybe in the future, if I become a Canadian, I will vote. Right now, I don’t have much interest in politics. I’m more interested in my own country, because I don’t know about the interests over here, I don’t know the people here.

Komal Joshi, Office Administration – Health Services Photo credit: Alex Campbell

Name: Komal Joshi

Program: Office Administration – Health Services

“I’m an international student, I don’t know about much stuff here. I’m gaining the knowledge so I can in the future. It’s unfair because we are living here, but on the other side we are just students, so we’re not aware about our next steps. I just want to vote. I haven’t voted a single time.”

Ali Albaawadh, Video Game Development – Arts and Design Photo credit: Alex Campbell

Name: Ali Albaawadh

Program: Video Game Development – Arts and Design

“No, I did not. I’m going to be honest, I’m drowning in school right now. I also don’t really see the point, and I know that sounds taboo. A lot of people say, ‘Your vote matters.’ I’m a little more realistic and I have bigger priorities going on in my life right now. I don’t really have time to go to the booths. I’m not really a big fan of politics in general. I don’t really think that any politicians are on our side, they’re just out here for themselves.”

Featured Story | Opinions | People

Election | International | Mood check | Vote

Alex Campbell

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New Lansdowne Stadium set to move forward

Local News CBC: Ottawa city council has voted to move forward with the $332-million-plan for a new stadium and apartment complex at Lansdowne Park. The weathered north-side stadium stands will be torn down and 1,200 apartment units will be added to the area, but Mayor Jim Watson stated that this is not the final decision. […]

Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Photos:

June 9, 2022
Revised: June 13, 2022 10:09am

Local News

CBC: Ottawa city council has voted to move forward with the $332-million-plan for a new stadium and apartment complex at Lansdowne Park. The weathered north-side stadium stands will be torn down and 1,200 apartment units will be added to the area, but Mayor Jim Watson stated that this is not the final decision. The current plan is to move ahead with stage design and to have public consultations. The vote allows staff to spend up to $8 million for the next stage, which includes finding developers interested in purchasing the rights to build the apartments.

National News

The Globe and Mail: A coroner’s report has found that the BC heat dome in June 2021 is responsible for 619 deaths and says that extreme heat conditions are the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Canada. Most deaths caused by the heat dome last June were people with pre-existing health conditions, were elderly, and living alone with no air conditioning. Jatinder Baidwan, Chief Medical Officer for the BC coroner’s office, says that the province needs to be better prepared for the next inevitable extreme weather event that is likely to occur this summer. The concern is that vulnerable British Columbians are not prepared to handle the extreme heat and might not understand the dangers of heatstroke.

International News

National Post: A German-Armenian man, 29, plowed into pedestrians at a Berlin shopping district, killing one and injuring about 30 people, seven of whom are in critical condition at the hospital. The driver’s car veered onto the sidewalk and wound up crashing into a shop window the next block over. The driver was then surrounded by witnesses, and one witness said the driver showed remorse immediately after committing the act. The man was arrested by an officer that was near the scene. Upon further investigation, medication was discovered in the driver’s home that was associated with paranoid schizophrenia, leading police to believe this was not an act of terrorism.

News

Lansdowne Park

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Mood Check: What do students think about the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial?

The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial was very controversial - or was it?

Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Photos: Ajithyugan Jeyakumar, Computer Engineering Technology; Camila Vasquez, Pre-health sciences; Clara "Symphony Page," Fictional Writing Online; Maya Laurito, Pre-health sciences; Keito Yokota, Interactive Media Design; Shifa Kasiri, Interactive Media Design. Photo credit

June 9, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Ajithyugan Jeyakumar, Computer Engineering Technology; Camila Vasquez, Pre-health sciences; Clara "Symphony Page," Fictional Writing Online; Maya Laurito, Pre-health sciences; Keito Yokota, Interactive Media Design; Shifa Kasiri, Interactive Media Design. Photo credit

From top left to top right, bottom left to bottom right

The dramatic and highly publicized Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial ended Wednesday, June 1, after two days of jury deliberations. Depp won his defamation case against Heard and was awarded $15 million in damages and compensations. Heard was awarded $2 million in damages in her countersuit. With billions of views of the trial on social media, there are many opinions about both Depp and Heard and the verdict.

Here are some Depp-Heard trial reflections from students at Algonquin College:

Shifa Kasiri, Interactive Media Design Photo credit: Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Name: Shifa Kasiri

Program: Interactive Media Design

“I don’t know how to feel. Johnny Depp was right in his way and Amber Heard clearly lied, but social media has been very cruel to her.”

Keito Yokota, Interactive Media Design Photo credit: Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Name: Keito Yokota

Program: Interactive Media Design

“I don’t know much besides what I’ve seen on social media. Although, my friend was abused by his ex-girlfriend. On one occasion, she kicked him in the head. He was in love, so he did nothing about it. I hope this trial helps men come forward.”

Maya Laurito, Pre-health sciences Photo credit: Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Name: Maya Laurito

Program: Pre-health sciences

“The trial was very interesting. Amber Heard was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder; she wasn’t well, she lied, and clearly was not a reliable or viable to be under oath. Why was she allowed to testify in court? It’s not fair what she did to Johnny Depp, but how she was presented in court and how she was destroyed by social media was also not fair.”

Camila Vasquez, Pre-health sciences Photo credit: Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Name: Camila Vasquez

Program: Pre-health sciences

“The trial made me scared for women in domestic violence cases, especially in the situation where the man is rich and powerful.”

Ajithyugan Jeyakumar, Computer Engineering Technology Photo credit: Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Name: Ajithyugan Jeyakumar

Program: Computer Engineering Technology

“At the beginning, I thought Amber Heard was right, but not anymore. She destroyed her name. Men typically don’t share when things like this happen, they just move on. They didn’t worry about it. Maybe now they will share, but everyone is different. It was a very interesting case.”

Clara ‘Symphony Page’, Fictional Writing Online — Clara "Symphony Page", Fictional Writing Online Photo credit: Madi Ivan-Feldcamp

Name: Clara “Symphony Page”

Program: Fictional Writing Online

“I think it’s finally time men spoke up. It is completely immoral that Amber Heard lied. The fact that she published a lie and tried to backtrack was so wrong. I’m worried that female victims of abuse will be afraid to come forward because of what happened with Amber Heard.”

Arts & Entertainment | Featured Story | People

Mood check

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Mood Check – How do you rate your quality of (student) life?

Student life means going to classes, doing homework, commuting to and from school and hanging out with friends. We polled students attending Algonquin College this summer and asked them how they are enjoying these various aspects of life as a student. Mostly, it turns out, it’s a positive experience. Name: Vidhi Ahir Program: Dental Hygiene […]

Sophia Adams

Photos: Neil Landry, CST Networking (Computer Service Technician); Anitta Joseph, Regulatory Affairs; David Guerette, CST Networking (Computer Service Technician). Bottom left

June 9, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Neil Landry, CST Networking (Computer Service Technician); Anitta Joseph, Regulatory Affairs; David Guerette, CST Networking (Computer Service Technician). Bottom left

From top left to top right

Vidhi Ahir, Dental Hygiene Photo credit: Sophia Adams

Name: Vidhi Ahir

Program: Dental Hygiene

“I live 15 minutes walking distance from the college. I am staying with a couple of friends who are students too that I met when I moved to Canada. Fortunately, they are good housemates and now we are good friends. I am liking my studies and I feel l like I am learning a lot. I feel very fortunate.”

Name: Anitta Joseph

Program: Regulatory Affairs

“I have been living here for two weeks. It is my first year here. I am from India, Kerala, and there are no Kerala people in my class. I am the only one. My first semester is fully online, but I wish this would change. Online is very difficult because we are sitting in a room and not seeing our classmates. We need to socialize and grow our communication skills. I live 10 minutes away by bus and the commute is perfect for me when we become in person.”

Neil Landry, CST Networking (Computer Service Technician) Photo credit: Sophia Adams

Name: Neil Landry

Program: CST Networking (Computer Service Technician)

“My program is currently all in person, but last semester was remote. I live in Barrhaven so my commute on the bus is half an hour at most. I do not mind the commute… If I were to drive it would take 10 to 15 minutes, but I do bus more than I drive. The first seven weeks of the program were taught by one professor and then it would be taken over by another professor for the last half of the class. So, the one thing I would change is consistency. Next class we are going to learn how to build computers, so I am very excited about that.”

David Guerette, CST Networking (Computer Service Technician) Photo credit: Sophia Adams

Name: David Guerette

Program: CST Networking (Computer Service Technician)

“Computers are everywhere so, it is nice to know that. Assuming that in the end we still enjoy them, there are lots of jobs available for us to have. There is no short supply, especially in Ottawa, of computer technicians. I drive to school and if I follow the speed limit, my commute would take about 10-15 minutes. However, as my cohort (Neil Landry) said earlier, it is nice sitting in your room and waking up five minutes before class and turning on your laptop. That being said, I learn better in person, so I am glad we are back.”

Kayley Hazelton, Early Childhood Education Photo credit: Sophia Adams

Name: Kayley Hazelton

Program: Early Childhood Education

“I have been at Algonquin College for one year studying Early Childhood Education. Up until recently, I have lived in residence on campus. My program has been entirely remote, however, the courses are taught well and the teachers make a learning environment where all students are able to excel, especially in remote classes. My favourite part of my program was the co-op experience that was provided by Algonquin and how I was able to work in a new environment and learn from others in my field.”

Featured Story | People

Mood check | Student life

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SLiDESHOW Episode 3: Biblioterre

Patrick Smith

Photos:

May 3, 2022
Revised: May 3, 2022 11:18am

Hey! Welcome to SLiDESHOW! We’re your hosts, Alfred Carreon and David Green, two students from the Algonquin College Journalism program running you through the ins-outs and behind the scenes of the SLiDE [Service Learning in Design and Engineering] lab. In this episode, we’re talking about Biblioterre, a land-based non-profit co-operative in Quebec that protects 700 acres of land and tries to teach people to be kinder to the world we live in.

Hope you enjoy this episode and continue to listen to this podcast to learn more about the SLiDE lab in Algonquin College and all the work the students and teachers do to help socially-minded small businesses reach their goals! If you would like to hear more about the SLiDESHOW, please follow the Algonquin Times and CKDJ, our home radio station, for more.

https://soundcloud.com/user-289492961/ep-3-biblioterre

Algonquin Times Audio

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SLiDESHOW Episode 2: African Bronze Honey

Patrick Smith

Photos:

May 3, 2022
Revised: May 3, 2022 11:17am

Hey! Welcome to SLiDESHOW! We’re your hosts, Alfred Carreon and David Green, two students from the Algonquin College Journalism program running you through the ins-outs and behind the scenes of the SLiDE [Service Learning in Design and Engineering] lab. In this episode, we’re talking about African Bronze Honey, a project that was made to help the beekeepers in Africa keep their jobs and make healthier honey for Canadian consumers.

Hope you enjoy this episode and continue to listen to this podcast to learn more about the SLiDE lab in Algonquin College and all the work the students and teachers do to help socially-minded businesses reach their goals! If you would like to hear more about the SLiDESHOW, please follow the Algonquin Times and CKDJ, our home radio station, for more.

Algonquin Times Audio

Patrick Smith

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SLiDESHOW Episode 1: PoPTikR

Hey! Welcome to SLiDESHOW! Your hosts Alfred Carreon and David Green are two students from the Algonquin College Journalism program running you through the ins-outs and behind the scenes of the SLiDE [Service Learning in Design and Engineering] lab. In this episode, we’re talking about PoPTikR, a growing app that helps bring more local Canadian […]

Patrick Smith

Photos:

May 3, 2022
Revised: May 3, 2022 11:16am

In this episode, we’re talking about PoPTikR, a growing app that helps bring more local Canadian businesses into the spotlight. You also get a sneak peek into the SLiDE Lab where all the magic happens!

Hope you enjoy this episode and continue to listen to the SLiDESHOW podcast and all the good the students and teachers are doing for small businesses. If you would like to hear more about the SLiDESHOW, please follow the Algonquin Times and CKDJ, our home radio station, for more