A new clinic for veterans

Sponsored by

Good morning!

It has been less than a week since Lansdowne 2.0 was passed, and now City Hall is onto its next big hurdle: the 2026 budget. It is no doubt expected to cause division around the council table and in the community. While you will be paying more next year, the increases are not as high as they could have been. 

As we get back into community news, today we are in Kanata, where a new clinic for veterans and RCMP officers has opened. Despite the great work they are doing, some could be harder to access after Veterans Canada begins limiting its coverage for some treatments. 

And one last bit of exciting news. Many of you have mentioned our website could use a refresh. We agree! And we’ve done just that. Our new website is now live. Our hope is that it’ll help you discover even more of our hyper-local neighbourhood journalism. Check it out here.

Let's get to it!

— Charlie Senack, Ottawa Lookout managing editor, [email protected] X: @Charlie_Senack

If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the Lookout? Sign up for free.

WEATHER

Friday: 4 🌡️ -3 | 🌧️🌨️

Saturday: 1 🌡️ -3 | 🌧️🌨️

Sunday: 1  🌡️ -3 | 🌤️🌨️

Monday: 1 🌡️ -3 | ☁️

Story by Charlie Senack.

For many veterans who live with post-traumatic stress disorder, the day-to-day struggle is only part of a battle — actually getting a diagnosis, and finding effective help – is another beast entirely.  Navigating mental-health services and physical-rehab appointments across the City can make treatment feel like a second full-time job, and it’s something Scott Atkinson knows far too well. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 21 years, but said it was years after his service ended that the toll of it all became apparent.

“It took over my life,” Atkinson told the Ottawa Lookout. 

Part of the struggle, said Atkinson, was the fact specialists and doctors were located at different places, spread out without cohesive planning or organization. When struggling with PTSD, even the smallest acts can take the most effort, he said. 

Now, a new clinic for veterans and RCMP members has opened in Kanata that claims to address some of those concerns. The clinic, Echelon Wellness, at 555 Legget Dr. Tower B Suite 830, is the company's sixth location, and it has already helped more than 4,000 people since opening its first office. 

Igor Gimelshtein, CEO of Echelon Wellness, had been working in veterans health for over a decade when he decided to find a way to address the serious gaps in veteran health that he was seeing. About two years ago, he met with veterans from across the country to hear what they thought was lacking for them in the medical landscape. 

That is how Echelon was born.

The clinics offer a variety of services to treat PTSD and other lasting effects of military service, including shockwave therapy for chronic pain, chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy and orthotics. 

Clients can also access mental health support through both individual and group counselling delivered by psychologists, social workers and psychotherapists. The clinic also offers erectile dysfunction treatment.

A few years ago, a report from Veterans Affairs Canada found that 85 per cent of male combat veterans with PTSD also suffer from erectile dysfunction. Now, Gimelshtein says one of the clinic’s main goals is to treat the downstream effects of the illness. 

Veterans who are receiving shock therapy could soon see their benefits run out; Veterans Affairs Canada is limiting how much is covered and what kinds of conditions would qualify. 

In a statement, Veterans Affairs stated that while new health and medical evidence becomes available, it will “make a recommendation on whether or not to include this benefit as part of healthcare coverage for Veterans.” 

The veterans agency had been paying the bill for shockwave therapy since 2017, but said it will stop the practice at the end of November, and Gimelshtein said such a move would create a further gap in access to care. 

Veterans Affairs Canada has shared that more than 560 veterans have been reimbursed for shockwave therapy since 2022, with the treatment being used particularly used to treat pain in shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and feet.

Atkinson, who has also overcome opioid addiction, said the shock treatment has helped him tremendously with his pain.

“It keeps the opioid use down when you are taking so much for pain,” he said. “But it is not just for myself. There are vets out there who have lost limbs. It is just very unfortunate.” 

Echelon has plans to expand, but uncertainty over coverage cuts is hindering the goals for future growth; the clinic hopes to have nine locations by the end of 2025, and 15 by this time next year. 

“We have worked historically very well with both Veterans Affairs and with Blue Cross. But sometimes they make mistakes and they don't quite grasp the implications of those decisions and the impact that can have on veteran lives,” said Echelon. “These outcomes are not measured in dollars; they're measured, sadly, in family health, in divorces, in dignity, and ultimately in funerals. We really hope that they come to understand the gravity of what they've taken away.”

On Tuesday, December 2, The Ottawa Mission’s social enterprise, Chef Ric’s is serving a special green meal for $7.99 to celebrate Giving Tuesday. Why Green? It symbolizes hope, health, and new beginnings.

Visit us from 11am–6pm at 384 Rideau Street or 11am–5pm at our YMCA location (180 Argyle Avenue).

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that inspires generosity and community impact. When you give to The Ottawa Mission on December 1 & 2, your gift will be matched by our partner DYMON, doubling your impact.

The Ottawa Mission provides more than shelter—it offers hot meals, safe beds, mental health care, addiction recovery, job training, and more to help people rebuild their lives.

All proceeds from the green meal at Chef Ric’s support The Ottawa Mission’s transformational programs. Plus, make an additional donation in-restaurant and enjoy a free green cupcake as our thank-you. Every bite makes a difference!

$8 million

That is how much it is costing to expand the Alexander Community Centre in Carlington. The city thinks it will annually attract 100,000 people. Read more. [Kitchissippi Times]

What happened: Standing outside Bruyère Hospital, Ontario Liberal MPPs renewed their call for an urgent $1 billion investment to stabilize Ontario’s hospitals, following  the Fall Economic Statement from the Ontario government.

The Financial Accountability Office has confirmed the healthcare system is underfunded by $3.4 billion this year, and hospitals alone are facing a projected $1 billion shortfall next year.

Get ready to pay more: The 2026 Budget, which was tabled at City Hall this week, contains a 3.75 per cent property tax increase for city services next year, along with higher user fees for transit, recreation, parking and water and garbage services, including a 2.5 per cent OC Transpo fare increase. 

New leadership: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Supervisor Robert Plamondon said Stacey Kay has been appointed as director of education. The former general manager of the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) takes over from Pino Buffone, who it appears was let go from the role. 

Affordable housing: The federal government is now accepting applications to convert public land near Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighbourhood into housing. The site at 1495 Heron Road, currently a federal property, has been added to its Public Land Bank and could support a significant number of new homes. Read more.

🏠 Some Ottawa renters will be eligible for an automatic reduction in their rent next year due to changes in municipal tax rates for some multi-residential properties. Read more. [CTV]

📚 The Ontario Ministry of Education has ordered schools to launch “student and family support” offices to address issues raised by parents. Read more. [CBC]

🚘 Following the removal of automated speed cameras across Ottawa this week due to new provincial restrictions, the Ontario government has announced it will be spending $210 million on non-speed camera road safety measures in municipalities. Read more. [City News]                    

🚸 A longtime EarlyON playgroup in Orléans will be closing its doors at the end of the month, sparking concern among local families about dwindling community resources. Read more. [CTV]

🍎 Agencies that address food insecurity in Ottawa are hoping the City’s new strategy to boost social assistance, including food banks and food pantries, will ease demand on services. Read more. [Capital Current]

🗑️ The City of Ottawa has shared that it is in talks to buy an east end landfill from current owner Taggart Miller. Read more. [CBC]

🏅Nearly a year after rescuing her son from a house fire, an Ottawa mother has been recognized for bravery by Ottawa Fire Services. Read more. [CBC]

🚨The Ottawa Police Service is warning the public that a high-risk offender, Christopher Watts, 64, is now living in the Rideau-Vanier area. Read more. [CTV]

Now that it looks like a winter wonderland outside, here’s a way to get ready for the holidays. Join Savvy Company and Flowers Talk Tivoli for a fun evening that blends festive creativity with Canadian wine.

On Thursday November 20, roll-up your sleeves to craft a gorgeous outdoor wreath guided by Elizabeth Young, owner of Flowers Talk Tivoli — with fresh evergreens, ribbons and decorations provided. No experience required.

While you work on your wreath, Savvy Company’s Sommelier, Debbie Trenholm, will lead a tasting of Ontario wines perfect for holiday entertaining and gifting.

Relaxed and social, this Wreath & Wine Workshop is the ultimate way to ease into the season.

Reserve your spot now>>

IDEA: Call us on 613-SAVVYCO to book a private workshop too!

Wreath & Wine Workshop | 303 Richmond Road, Westboro | Nov 20 6:30pm | Craft, sip, and create a festive holiday wreath with Flowers Talk Tivoli and Savvy Company’s Sommelier | Reserve your spot >> [Sponsored]

Kanata Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony | 745 Kanata Ave | Nov 29, 5-7 pm | Free to attend! Join Kanata Central BIA and PenEquity at this festive community event with photos with Santa, music, hot chocolate, and more fun together | Learn more [Sponsored]

Homes for the Holidays Pop-Up Shop | 1818 Farm & Cidery, 1811 Richardson Side Rd. | Nov. 14–16, various times | Holiday pop-up with artisans, treats, cider and community fundraising for Hospice | Free

Homes for the Holidays Pop-Up Social | 1818 Farm & Cidery, 1811 Richardson Side Rd. | Nov. 14, 5–8 pm | Festive evening social with complimentary food, drinks and holiday shopping | Free

Glebe Craft & Artisan Fair | Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave. | Nov. 15–16, various times | Long-running fair featuring top local artisans and handmade holiday gifts | Free

Robert Plante Holiday Market | Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Rd., Navan | Nov. 15–16, 9 am–4 pm | Festive market featuring 200+ vendors, handmade gifts, holiday décor, and seasonal treats | Free

Ottawa Outdoor Film Festival | ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St. | Nov. 15, 7 pm | One-night festival of Canadian short films celebrating adventure, nature, and conservation | Tickets $25

The Spitfire Grill | Ron Maslin Playhouse, 1 Ron Maslin Way | Now until Nov. 15, various times | Musical about redemption, small-town secrets and finding hope through community bonds

Audiophile Short Film Premiere | 1074 Bank Street | Nov. 16, 3:30 pm | Watch four local Ottawa short films plus a live panel discussion | Tickets $10

Ottawa Christmas Market | Aberdeen Plaza at Lansdowne, Marché Way | Nov. 21–23, various times | European-style market with festive lights, local vendors, warm drinks, and live performances | Free

A Season of Light and Love | Bells Corners United Church, 3955 Old Richmond Road | Nov. 28 and 29 | West Ottawa Ladies Chorus Christmas concerts | Tickets $25

West Carleton Arts Society Artistic Creations Sale | Mess Hall, 2240 Craig Side Rd., Carp | Nov. 28–29, various times | Holiday art show featuring 20+ local artists with fine art and crafts under $200 | Free

By Ralf Joneikies.

3 Sisters Bakeshop opened their original bakeshop on Kilborn Ave in 2011. Rosemary Brazeau and her sisters, Carol and Joan, recognizing the need for a larger space, moved to 2211 Arch St. almost a decade ago.

This café sits in a strip mall across from Canterbury High School in Elmvale Acres. It provides more than just pastries however, as it’s an oasis for people who want a reprieve from the clacking sounds of laptop keyboards. You won’t find WiFi and televisions here, just people who are interested in old-fashioned conversation. How refreshing.

Read more

Want to discover new places to eat, from a trusted source that will share honest reviews of Ottawa’s best restaurants, without clickbait content? Subscribe to our food newsletter Capital Eats instantly to get the reviews sent right to your inbox.

The northern lights as seen from Orleans.

There’s still plenty of time to enter the #TapCanadian2Win contest, with one draw every week for your chance to win up to $10,000! Simply spend $15 or more at any business within Kanata Central BIA over the next four weeks and upload your qualifying receipts to the contest website. The contest runs until December 14, with weekly draws every Monday. Keep supporting local and submitting those entries! Good luck! Full rules at TapCanadian2Win.com.

Think you can guess today’s Ottawa Wordle? Play it here.