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1. Native Wildflower Seed Preparation
 A native wildflower workshop was held on March 15 at 140 Mann Avenue to encourage and make available more native plants for Sandy Hill gardens. Native wildflower seeds which have had their needed cold treatment were transferred to trays to germinate under lights or sunny windowsills.
More native wildflower preparation and potting workshops are planned for March 29, April 12 and 26 from 1 to 3 pm at the Conservation Co-op to get ready for spring and summer planting. The Co-op requires prior registration for all workshops. If you have available spaces under lights for germination; and/or for more information, please contact marilynwonash@gmail.com.
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2. The “Replacing the Grass” Project
Launched by the Environment Committee of Action Sandy Hill (ASH), people are encouraged to replace their lawns, partially or completely, with a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, fruit and vegetables, including native plants.
Reducing lawn monocultures with a variety of plants can create ecosystems for plant and animal life, help with climate resiliency, offer fresh food, and provide beautiful and interesting spaces. Native plants are especially important since they are adapted to our climate, and offer food and shelter to wildlife populations which are dependent on them.
Native plants will be added to the depaving and other community gardens in Sandy Hill. A plant sale will be held on Thursday May 29, in conjunction with the ASH Annual General Meeting at the Sandy Hill Community Centre.
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3. IMAGE
IMAGE wants to hear from you! Whether or not you read our community newspaper, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. (IMAGE regrets that its limited human and financial resources make it impossible to publish the survey in both languages, despite its best efforts. IMAGE hopes that this will not prevent you from completing the survey).
Need an extra incentive to complete the survey? You can enter to win a $50 gift certificate to the Working Title Café & Restaurant! Early birds who complete the survey by April 7 will get a chance at 2 draws! The second draw will be announced in the IMAGE Specials newsletter in May. If you do not yet receive the quarterly message, ask to subscribe by emailing: editor@imagesandyhill.org.
Did you know? You can also read IMAGE online!
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4. Release of Draft 2 of the new Zoning By-law
The City of Ottawa new Zoning By-law project team has announced that there will be a Joint Committee meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee and the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee on March 31, 2025 at which Draft 2 will be considered. This meeting represents a significant step in developing our new zoning by-law, which aims to shape our city’s future growth and development.
The staff report and the second draft of the proposed new zoning by-law was made available to the public on March 20, 2025. All residents, stakeholders, and interested parties are encouraged to review these documents in preparation for the upcoming discussions.
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5. New Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart and the University of Ottawa have entered into a multi-year  partnership which includes the opening of a new Pharmacy Care Clinic integrated within the University’s Student Health and Wellness Centre. The new Shoppers Pharmacy Care Clinic—the first on a university campus in Canada—complements existing services available through the Centre’s multidisciplinary team of health professionals, establishing a convenient, one-stop access that caters to a student’s health and wellness needs.
The Pharmacy Care Clinic is located at N209-801 King Edward Avenue, at the Minto Sports Complex, The full range of pharmacy care services provided will include the assessment and treatment of common minor ailments such as urinary tract infections and pink eye.
The Pharmacy Care Clinic is open and welcomes students as well as residents of Sandy Hill.
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6. New Bakery and Coffee Shop
Chelia Bakery, Pastry and Coffee Shop has opened in the strip mall on Mann Avenue between Chapel Street and Blackburn Avenue. Chelia is located on the northeast corner of Mann Avenue and Chapel Street, former home of the Sandy Hill Laundromat. Currently on offer are pastries and other baked goods. Once Ramadan is over, the coffee shop part of the business will open.
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7. Vanier Sugar Shack
The Vanier Sugar Shack is the only operating sugar shack in an urban setting in Canada. It is located in a 17.5-acre sugar bush in the heart of the nation’s capital. The Vanier Museopark keeps the tradition of maple syrup production alive, traditions established in Vanier by the White Fathers circa 1940.
Quality food from local producers is offered in an enchanting setting where old-time charm blends with modernity. This is what you will experience at the new Vanier Sugar Shack!
The Sugar Shack will be open until April 16. For more details including hours of operation and menus, click here.
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This is a week of celebrations, traditions, and delicious treats at the only urban sugarshack in Canada. A unique experience showcasing traditional maple syrup production and the rich heritage of the Vanier neighbourhood. The Sugar Festival is a free, family-friendly, and community-focused event. During the week, there will be a culinary soup competition, country dinner and show and family and community days. 
