Hello ORLÉANS!

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Orléans Connect!

Growing some more…

Welcome new subscribers! Only in our third week and we’ve already grown to nearly 500 subscribers 🥳 

Thank you once again to everyone who has shared the newsletter so far, keep spreading the word and help us grow.

🔗 If you’re not yet following us on social media, here we are: Instagram | Facebook - give us a follow, we promise not to be boring.

🏪 Submit Your Orléans-based business…

Some of you have been asking, and we’re always on the lookout for new Orléans-based businesses to feature in our business spotlight. Now you can submit your business for consideration using this form. ✍️ We’ll be adding it to the website shortly as well.

Happy Spring! 🌺🌱

Now that we’ve passed the first day of Spring… (conveniently ignoring that snow forecast), it’s time to get inspired and venture outdoors. Local photographer Greg Scriver took these incredible sunset photos at Petrie Island on March 21st.

Let’s have a look at what’s happening in Orléans this week ⬇️⬇️

Here’s what’s happening in Orléans this week and beyond..

🎶 Friday, March 28th - 8 pm - Down East Kitchen Party - Get ready for a true Maritime-style kitchen party at the Orléans Legion! Join in for a night of music, dancing, laughter and good old-fashioned East Coast fun!

🎤 Friday March 28th - 8 pm - SDBC Taproom Concerts Presents: Kristine St-Pierre. Kristine St-Pierre is a Canadian singer-songwriter who weaves together a rich blend of folk, roots, and pop music, captivating listeners with both English and French lyrics.

🕗 8 p.m. | $15 tickets online, $20 at the door | 📍Stray Dog Brewing Company: 501 Lacolle Way, Unit 4

🌽 Saturday, March 29th - NaturalFood Pantry is celebrating their 44th Anniversary! Get ready for amazing prizes, exciting demos and so much more! 

🕤 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 📍 1777 Tenth Line.

🌏 Sunday, March 30th - Join for Eco-Learning & Climate Action in Orleans! / Rejoignez-nous pour une journée d’éco-apprentissage et d’action climatique à Orléans! This event is designed to bring together East-end residents who are passionate about sustainability, climate change, and the future of our environment. Whether you're interested in electric vehicles (EVs), networking with like-minded individuals, or diving deep into climate action through the Climate Fresk game, there's something for everyone! Get your tickets now. $15/person

🕥 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 📍École secondaire publique Gisèle-Lalonde (500 Millennium Blvd, Ottawa)

🎸 Sunday, March 30th - SDBC Taproom Concerts Presents: Ryan King and Dan Kelly, The Unlikely Places Tour. Catch two of Ottawa's up and coming artists in one intimate spot! Ryan King (Ghost of a King, Holly Acres, Nature Pleads Revenge) is a musician with a passion for acoustic alternative guitar and purposeful lyrics, and Dan Kelly is a talented Indie Folk singer songwriter who has crafted an evocative musical style. 

🕕 6 p.m. - $15 tickets online 📍Stray Dog Brewing Company: 501 Lacolle Way, Unit 4

Every Sunday night - Touted to be the best Open Mic Night at Moose McGuires 📍4025 Innes Rd.

🛍️ Saturday, April 5th - Want to discover your new favourite local business? Check out a broad range of local makers, crafters and businesses at GCCS Fallingbrook Spring Market, with funds raised going to CHEO! 

🕙 10AM-3PM 📍679 Deancourt Cres at Fallingbrook Community Elementary School

👨‍🦳 Wednesday, April 23rd - Join the Council on Aging of Ottawa for their annual Spring Luncheon. Keynote Speaker Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson, 26th Governor General of Canada, a leading figure in Canada’s cultural and public life, Adrienne Clarkson has seen life from many perspectives. Madame Clarkson brings her rich background, wisdom, perspective, and lived experience as she shares her thoughts on aging. Ticket includes a 3-course lunch

📍Infinity Conference Centre, 2901 Gibford Drive | Early-Bird Tickets $100 (before March 31st), $125 (after March 31)

🌲 Saturday April 26th Writing Wild is a six-week program that will help you deepen your connection to nature and keep the creativity flowing. A guided forest bathing experience to immerse your senses and spark creativity with certified guides. Join this nature-inspired poetry workshop, where you will enjoy time to write in nature unencumbered and a cozy campfire sharing circle. A light lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Register online

$150 | 📍 Macskimming Outdoor Education Centre, Ottawa Regional Road #174

🗳️ The federal election has been called: we head to the polls on Monday, April 28th. This campaign will last 36-days - the shortest allowed under the law. The Orléans footprint is changing a little bit this year, with some voters switching to Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester, and some switching to Prescott-Russeull-Cumberland. (CBC News). Check with Elections Canada to confirm your riding. Advance polls will be open April 18-21. 

🚌 The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)’s proposed changes are resulting protests from parents and students. (The Ottawa Lookout)

🎓 Orléans Legion Branch 632 has Bursaries Available for Graduating Students! Students graduating from high school may qualify to receive a bursary toward their post-secondary education. Eligibility for the bursaries: 

• Canadian and Commonwealth War veterans and their children and grandchildren 

• Ordinary members (veterans) of the Royal Canadian Legion and their children and grandchildren 

• Students must reside within the Orléans Poppy Boundary. 

Learn more here. Deadline is March 31st.

📣 Orléans Parents: Easter is quickly approaching! It Takes a Village Dog Rescue is hosting an ‘Egg My Yard’ fundraiser 🐇🌷🥚- They will come to your home and hide eggs pre-filled with peanut-free chocolate and a note from the Easter Bunny! 🐰🍫 Book your spot today as space is limited! 

🌳 The City of Ottawa’s new Plant Your Place program goes live on March 31st. The program will offer up to 1,250 trees for residents to plant on their property. Find out how you can plant a tree, free of charge, on your property here.

🏐 🥎 Looking to get active playing beach volleyball, pickleball or softball? Registration is now open for citywide spring sports leagues for ages 18 and up. Registration for most leagues closes May 23rd. Sign up today.

🎏 Orléans Festivals is looking for volunteers to help create a vibrant atmosphere and ensure smooth operations. If you think you can be an ambassador of fun while providing essential support for their staff, vendors and attendees, fill out this form to participate in one or ALL of their 2025 events.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 🔦

This week’s Orléans business spotlight is…. 🥁 …. Dr. Cycle Service

As we all get ready to dust off our bikes for the warmer season, now may be a good time to give your bike a tune-up.

🚴‍♀️Dr. Cycle Service offers a variety of bike tune-up services and will even pick up and drop your bike back off. Make sure to give them a look if your bicycle is need of some TLC before you hit the road this Spring.

ACTIVITY IDEA OF THE WEEK

🍀 This week, we’re giving you a smorgasbord of ideas to kick off your Spring, some you can do yourself and some you can do with your kids. 🌼

THIS WEEK’S POLL