There are a lot of negatives about Twitter but I have also been very lucky to make some amazing friends, find community, and learn a lot here. I don’t want to lose all these things get worse on Twitter so I’m trying out Spoutible. You can find me here: spoutible.com/siobhanwanders

Me to most people: Ottawa is way better than you think, you just gotta dive in a little bit! Ottawa mayor: look upon this apocalyptic wasteland, and witness the field of sadness and decay over which I rule.

This story infuriates me in a number of ways. First, that the city's planning staff could be MORE THAN $1M OFF-BASE in what it wanted to charge applicants. But mostly, I am angered that this Council -- which seems to be in love with discussing stuff in secret -- went in camera to hear about this settlement, which was NEVER REPORTED PUBLICLY. If it wasn't for the (consistently excellent) reporting of @kateportercbc we would never know that the city had to return MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in application fees. This on-going secrecy is not acceptable. cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/la… #ottnews

The city closed off a few streets in the Byward Market to traffic for Canada Day. Obviously, the place was a ghost town because people couldn't drive their cars right through the middle of it.

Trains are packed today in Ottawa as transit is free for the weekend. It’s amazing to think about the transformative effect free transit could have on the city. #Ottawa #Ottnews #Ottcity

NIMBYs on vacation:

But what if this was an elevated freeway and strip malls?

"Vancouver swamped by unsold condos as supply outpaces demand" What did we tell you? The problem is not supply, it's 1. toxic investor demand 2. the high price of market "supply." Market supply is not real "supply" - most people will never afford it. #vanpoli #bcpoli

Good morning and Happy Wednesday! The dogs and I enjoyed the beautiful snowy sunrise this morning. A lovely way to start the day. Have a great day! #Ottawa #OttawaWanders

Good morning and Happy snowy Monday Ottawa! My northern dogs had a great time dragging me through the snow banks this morning and it was nice to enjoy the quiet of our beautiful city transformed after the snowstorm. Have a great start to the week! #Ottawa #OttawaWanders

Ottawa folks I highly recommend skating or walking/running along the @NCC_Skateway to work this morning it’s in way better shape snow wise than the impassable sidewalks. #Ottawa #OttawaWanders

With a 4-day snowfall of 63.8cm, Feb 13th➞Feb 16th were #Ottawa's snowiest 4 days in almost 17 years, since Mar 8th, 2008. #YowWx #OttWeather #YOW #OttNews #ONWx

Today is the 8th snowiest February day on record in #Ottawa: 33cm. #YowWx #OttWeather

A year ago today @siobhanwanders received a wonderful rescue dog- Ocean. It's been a crazy year (we didn't know Ocean was pregnant-she had 11 puppies a month after she arrived) but Ocean & 1 of the pups are a much-loved part of our family now (other pups happy & adopted)

Sidewalks who needs them when they can just be snow storage for roads. I know there was a lot of snow but yesterday the sidewalks were passable and now they’re massive snowbanks while the roads are clear. #Autowa as usual showing that it prioritizes cars and not people. #Ottawa

Very snowy Sunday in Ottawa. My Northern dogs have been enjoying the snowy weather lately and having lots of fun playing and sniffing in the snow. #OttawaWanders #Ottawa

Happy Gotcha day to the best girl! I can’t believe it was a year ago that Ocean arrived from Nunavut. It’s been a wild year and I could never have imagined all the ups and downs of our journey together and unexpected puppies but it’s been the best adventure with my sweet girl.

Monday mood!

It’s always a good morning when you get to see the @NCC_Skateway juggler. #OttawaWanders #Ottawa