The Other Hill starts to take shape in Sandy Hill on the day Parliament resumes

Leanne Moussa

There is a new vision for Laurier Avenue East, called The Other Hill—L’autre colline in obvious reference to Parliament Hill, a mere 20-minute walk away. This project promises to bring a new vibrancy and dynamism to our neighbourhood.

The Other Hill is the remaking of Prime Ministers’ Row, a grassroots effort to preserve the built-heritage and share the political history of Sandy Hill. The new project is a much larger and broader initiative. One that aims to bring the stately homes and important historic buildings to life, by making them into spaces where people gather to consider not just our past, but our present and our future.

Led by a non-profit board and supported by a coalition of volunteers and community leaders, The Other Hill imagines bringing Canada’s leading authors, artists, musicians, historians and activists to inspire the conversations we need to have as a country.

On September 16 and 17, they started this important task.

The first day, about 60 key partners came together to discuss the project and work towards shaping a partnership. Together, they explored the following questions:

·         Ottawa would be a better Capital if …

·         My responsibility to future generations has me wishing …

·         A difficult conversation we need to have is …

On day two, The Other Hill officially launched with Jesse Wente, author of Unreconciled: Family, Truth and Indigenous Resistance and chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, and Joanne Chianello, award-winning journalist and former CBC City Hall reporter. They sat in allsaints event space and discussed the importance of place and gathering as we work to build our capital city.

The group plans to provide programing in multiple venues and outdoor spaces scattered along the Rideau River and Laurier Avenue East. The committee will be welcoming ideas from the community. As always, they are looking for volunteers and funds. To get involved visit the website at: https://theotherhill-lautrecolline.ca/