What is a Gem?

 

The Gems Awards are an opportunity to recognize and show our appreciation for the outstanding businesses and community organizations that are unique to Ottawa’s east end, and make our community a more vibrant place to live, work and play.

 

The Gems help celebrate and highlight the businesses and community organizations that serve Orléans – West Innes Ward and the east end and truly make our community sparkle!

 

I cannot thank enough all those that came forward and nominated their favourite local business as a Gem. Below you will find the first round of those who have been named one of the Fourth Annual Gem Award recipients.

 

Stay tuned, I will be announcing the complete list of recipients soon!

Best Restaurant/Café
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Best Professional Service Business (medical, legal, real estate, etc.)
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Best Retail Business – Merchandise
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Best Retail Business – Food (including take-out)
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Best Arts or Cultural Organization
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Best New Business
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Best Community Service Organization
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Best Community Social Organization
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Best Personal Service Business (gym, salon, etc.)

Best Retail Business – Merchandise

blanc&turquoise

This little gem of a boutique is a haven of beauty. As you walk through the door, you can’t help but smile at the softness and elegance of the premises, but above all at the warm, caring welcome of the owner, Céline. Everything you find here serves to enhance your beauty, both inside (high-quality wellness and gourmet products) and out (decorative accessories, plants, original jewelry). A visit to blanc&turquoise is a moment of pure happiness.

Best Retail Business – Food (including take-out)

Rangoli

Well-known for their incredible menu of authentic North Indian Cuisine and extensive offering of Indian sweets, this restaurant truly sparkles. Above and beyond providing excellent food and service, owners Charanjit Singh and Gurvinder Kaur are always stepping up with their family to volunteer and support the community.

Best Arts or Cultural Organization

Arteast Ottawa

Arteast Ottawa works hand in hand with local artists to beautify community spaces and support the local art scene. Volunteer run for over 30 years, Arteast Ottawa is an incredible, inclusive cultural organization in the east end. A true gem in the community!

Best New Business

Ace ARTE Studio

This gem of a business celebrated its first anniversary this spring. An inclusive company that enables children and adults to learn and express themselves through art. Ace ARTE Studio and its owner, Steffi, are sure to be involved in the community, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and finds their “place”.

Best Personal Service Business

Studio Jade

It is no coincidence that Studio Jade is a Gem! This studio has been a go-to spot for hairstyling in the community for years! Joanna and the team are well-known for excellent service, providing a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone looking for esthetic services. Outside of of the studio, Joanna is known for her efforts to help rescue cats in need of a home.

Best Community Service Organization

Kiwanis Eastern Ottawa

From O Canada Orléans at Petrie Island, sKreamers, fellowship programs, food drives, and countless free community barbeques; Kiwanis Eastern Ottawa always goes above and beyond. Their work goes beyond Orléans and the east end, drawing crowds from across Ottawa, uniting communities and consistently setting the standard for great community events in this City. Kiwanis Eastern Ottawa is entirely run by a core group of dedicated volunteers.

Best Professional Service Business

MAP Physiotherapy

An amazing team that has dedicated their lives ensuring others feel great, and are able to live life to the fullest.
MAP Physiotherapy, led by dedicated owner Marie Shinmoto, takes a patient-focused approach, listening to their clients before developing holistic treatment plans that treat your whole body.

 Best Community Social Organization

Société franco-ontarienne du patrimoine et de l’histoire d’Orléans (SFOPHO

Walk through Orléans and SFOPHO’s impact is instantly recognizable. They have worked hard over the years to preserve, celebrate and shine a spotlight on our community’s Franco-Ontarian history.