Happy Holidays, Kitchissippi!

It has been a remarkable 2017 in Ottawa! It's a joy to think back on so many exciting moments like La Machine and the Juno awards, as well as the many smaller events here in the ward to which so many contributed. Even as we continued to grapple with the growth in the ward, Kitchissippi's volunteers and community leaders worked hard to build our capacity and a more equitable, inclusive, just and prosperous Ottawa. As the lights go up around our neighbourhoods, and we look forward to the holidays, my hope is that everyone finds time to rest and recharge, to spend time with family and to reflect as we are in the office on our blessings.

Team Kitchissippi will be taking some time, too, over the next days to pause and relax. Starting December 21 through January 2, we'll largely be out of the office. The best way to reach us will be via email, which we'll take turns monitoring through the holidays for anything urgent. For anything requiring the creation of a service request (snow issues, other City-related issues), please call 3-1-1 directly. We look forward to returning your voicemails when we return to the office. Our social media will be largely unmonitored; send us an email, please, for anything requiring attention.

On behalf of Fiona, Tom, Lisa, Emma and myself, we hope everyone enjoys a peaceful and love-filled holiday, and wish you the very best in 2018.

[Pictured is my holiday card, this year created by Angela Cachero, a grade 5 student in Mme. Clermont's class at St. George school. It's delightful; thanks, Angela.]