COVID-19 Community Hero

Cathy Priestman, CP Business Solutions

When COVID-19 hit, CP Business Solutions re-focused time, energy and resources to helping other businesses survive, despite losing 50% of their own clients in just 2 weeks. Other businesses and potential future clients could no longer afford some marketing services, so CP Business Solutions put together a plan to help and provide the services at no cost to other companies. In addition, CP Business Solutions provided their assistance during the 2020 Legion Poppy Campaign, resulting in the Legion breaking their fundraising record, almost doubling their original fundraising target.

Congratulations again to Cathy on being recognized as the COVID-19 hero. Thank you for the fantastic impact you have made on our community.

Best Restaurant

Pho Truc Lien

Pho Truc Lien has been serving the east end since 2006. Patrons are always made to feel right at home when dining in, with owners Vi-Phat and Ahn making sure everyone feels well looked after, not to mention the exceptionally tasty food! Truly a favourite place for many to dine in Orléans.

Thank you for your many years of exceptional service, and congratulations on being recognized with the Gem for Best Restaurant.

Best Professional Service Business

Lisa Cruickshank

In addition to sitting on numerous charity boards, sponsoring local community events, and generally contributing to the well-being of the area, Lisa Cruickshank also took on a new role during these uncertain times. When COVID-19 hit, she worked with her head office to nominate many Orléans businesses for grant money to be awarded by Desjardin Insurance, resulting in $80,000 in grants being awarded to 8 Orleans businesses. These funds helped businesses stay afloat, serve their clients, and contribute to our community.

Congratulations Lisa! Your consistent leadership underscores why you are this year’s Best Professional Service Business.

Best Retail Business – Merchandise

Critter Jungle

A huge congratulations to Critter Jungle, on their winning the Gem of Innes for Best Retail Business – Merchandise. As a local family-owned and operated business; Critter Jungle has been a mainstay in Ottawa for over 29 years. At their local East end location, Critter Jungle has become a neighbourhood fixture, hosting community events, and being the go-to for many of our community’s pet owners. Open and working throughout the pandemic lockdowns, Critter Jungle and its amazing, dedicated staff ensured that food, treats, and pet supplies were always available for families.

Congratulations again to Emily and the entire team at Critter Jungle on the Gem award and for the fantastic atmosphere you have created which earned it.

Best Retail Business – Food

Délice Royal

Congratulations to Délice Royal on being named Innes Ward’s Best Retail Business – Food. The bakery is a favourite spot for so many residents in our end of the City.  The authentic, family-owned, French bakery lead by the talented executive pastry chef, Kieng Gov, has been making fine baked goods for over 25 years. From the baguettes to the chocolates made right on the premises by the Délice Royal team.

Délice Royal has earned a reputation for being consistently top-notch with the bakery knowns as favourite place to shop for both special occasions and for a quick treat. Although the food may be traditional French pastry, Délice Royale is unique to Orléans.

Best New Business

Lokma

Lokma is a gem in the community unlike any other. The owners of this community-favourite are proud to share that their idea for the restaurant came after a trip to Turkey where they discovered the traditional Turkish pastry called Lokma. After what we know must have been much delicious experimenting, everyone who has tasted one of their amazing desserts will agree, they have lived up to their promise of delivering “tiny bites of heaven”.

In what was a very competitive category, Lokma managed to win the Gem, as their desserts shine like few others. Congratulations to entire team at Lokma and thank you for bringing this delicious treat to the community.

Best Community Support Organization

Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO)

Congratulations to Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) on taking home the Gem for Best Community Support Organization.

For over 40 years, MIFO has been offering a variety of programs and services in French for the East End, ensuring that the Francophone and Francophile communities will always have place to call home. Whether it be presenting French performances at The Shenkman Arts Centre, daycare services across the community, or any of the countless events hosted directly in the Centre, MIFO has always been an unwavering defender and promoter of the community’s French language and culture.

During the pandemic, MIFO pivoted to alter their programming and offerings, to ensure that they were supporting the community and continue offering a plethora of educational, artistic and community activities and services. I know I speak for many when I thank them for the entire team’s dedication and service to the community.

Best Personal Service Business

Cumbrae School of Dancing

Studio director, Amber Harvie, and staff went above and beyond to keep their dancers safe and dancing throughout the pandemic. When COVID-19 forced everyone to stay at home, Cumbrae seamlessly transitioned to an online format to keep dancers moving and doing what they love. Many dancers recognized the studio’s outstanding job balancing health and safety and motivating the students, all while maintaining a fun a positive atmosphere that kept the kid’s spirits up during some very trying times. Despite the challenges, Cumbrae still managed to get students through some very tough vocational exams, with two of their students even qualifying to virtually take part in a very prestigious international dance competition.

Congratulations on a successful year, and for receiving the Best Personal Service Gems award.

Favourite Frontline Business

Garlic King

It goes without saying that the Garlic King is a well-known Gem of the east, not only for their reputation for fun and flair, but also for stepping in and supporting those in need at every opportunity.
When COVID-19 hit, knowing the challenges faced by many frontline healthcare workers, they opened their doors and offered free meals to any first responder. Not stopping there, they stepped up to support families in need, by providing 100 family meals to the local foodbank.

Thank you to the whole team at Garlic King for being our Favourite Frontline Business and offering up some incredibly tasty hot meals. Truly a well-deserved Gem!

Favourite Frontline Worker

Dr. Annie Séguin, The Hamlet Veterinary Hospital

Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Séguin working with her team at The Hamlet Veterinary Hospital, remained open and working to support Innes Ward and Orléans residents, and their 4-legged family members. I am honoured to recognize Dr. Séguin as our Favourite Frontline Worker, as the services she provides are instrumental to the health and well-being of our community and our families.

Thank you to Dr. Annie Séguin, and the whole Hamlet Veterinary Hospital team for all your incredible work.