Ariel Troster

Some of us tried to warn them 🤷‍♀️

Fun fact: I wore my mom’s legal robes and dressed as Bertha Wilson one Halloween (and nobody except my mom knew who I was)

I left out the word “Jewish” and then reissued, it was a cut and paste error

My response was unequivocal, they labeled it “mixed.” I am not going to lie, having more people downtown is good, but I have never advocated for mandatory RTO.

Ariel in the crowd with all of the other women attendees at the event

It was also incredible to see so many women leaders I admire at this event and to have the honour of providing opening remarks.

Happy (early) International Women’s Day!

Ariel and Justice Abella

Justice Rosalie Abella was the first Jewish woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court, and was also the first-ever pregnant woman to be appointed a judge in Canada. Not only is Rosie brilliant, she is so warm and hilarious. It was an absolute pleasure to hear her reflect on her remarkable career.

Ariel (wearing a pink blazer), with Rosie Abella, Mark and Ginny Sutcliffe

I got to meet one of my idols this morning, at City Hall’s International Women’s Day breakfast, which I co-hosted with @mayormarksutcliffe.bsky.social.

Amazing to hear from Caitlin Morrison from Matthew Perry House, discussing her brother’s struggle with substance use, as well as her own. Everyone deserves support, especially mothers, who shouldn’t have to choose between getting treatment and taking care of their kids.

Ariel with Marty Carr, Jessica Bradley, Theresa Kavanagh and Caitlin Morrison

What an inspiring morning Councillor Jessica Bradley’s International Women’s Day breakfast, a tradition started by the late, great Diane Deans.

Rendering of a 17-lane sunken expressway called “The Downtown Distributor.”

OMG, did you know there was a 1965 plan for a 17 lane (!!!) expressway that would have run between Laurier and Gloucester? Insane.

Cover of a report by John Leaning called, A Neighbourhood Plans: Creating the Community’s Vision for Ottawa’s Centretown

Fun fact: Isabel Teramura is the Ward 14 Planning and Housing assistant and also the granddaughter of John Leaning, who wrote the Centretown Plan in 1975.

Very cool to get to flip through one of the only remaining printed copies! A fascinating piece of Centretown history!

It warms my heart to see how our community association is pushing for compassionate solutions to homelessness. Everyone deserves a home.

Ariel with Mary Huang and Marty Carr in Council chambers

Thanks to Mary Huang from the Centretown Community Association for coming to Finance Committee today, to voice support for the city’s acquisition of the hotel at O’Connor and Gladstone for family transitional housing.

Almost like shutting down safe consumption sites and funneling money away from harm reduction and into abstinence grifting makes things less safe and increases harms. This is consistent with decades of data and was completely predictable.

I'm disappointed and saddened tonight by the Algonquin College Board of Governors' decision to cut 30 critically important programs. Programs that led to employment, that built our community, that made our economy stronger. This goes way beyond Mr. Ford's "basket weaving" quip.

Woman taken to hospital after being trapped under OC Transpo bus Ottawa paramedics say a woman has been taken to hospital after her legs were trapped under an OC Transpo bus.

I hope this woman is okay and recovers quickly. How scary. www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...

Right now, a lack of deeply affordable housing means many women stay in dangerous situations, worried about becoming homeless with their children. We need all levels of government to do better, so women can survive and thrive.

View of the room at the fundraising breakfast, with the panel at the front

We heard stories from survivors who got the help they needed at Harmony House, as well as important perspectives from Women’s Shelters Canada and the @ottawaalliance.bsky.social.

Ariel, Catherine McKenney and Stephane Giguere from Ottawa Community Housing, serving eggs at the fundraising breakfast

What a great way to start the day, at the fundraising breakfast for Harmony House— a second stage shelter for women and children fleeing intimate partner violence.

What a POS

This video has gone viral on Insta, with more than 200,000 views in two days. I guess people really like drain clearing?!?

Great lounge vibes, capacity of about 100, excellent acoustics, early show times. Pretty ideal.

Catherine, Ariel, Jeff and the student moderator, standing in front of a projection that says, Progressive Leadership Summit

Thanks to the University of Ottawa NDP for having me, @jleiper.bsky.social and Catherine Craig-St-Louis on a panel to talk about the power of municipal politics to make change in our communities. Always impressed with how smart and strategic student activists are.

Ben Caplan plying guitar on a stage in a small venue

Not only did I get to see Ben Caplan (one of my favourite performers) at the lovely Robo Lounge tonight, the show went from 7-9 pm. THE DREAM.

(Seriously, go see shows in this new venue, the sound is incredible.)

It would have turned into an ice rink by this morning if neighbours hadn’t pitched in! And I am not sure about traffic calming, when it would have led to massive road splashes for anyone walking.

Screen capture of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee members, including the Bike Ottawa representative.

On February 26, 2026, Bike Ottawa delegated at the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the topic or right turns on red (link to video in post).

We encourage you to watch all the other delegations who had compelling arguments, data, and personal stories.

bikeottawa.ca/2026/02/27/r...

Snow clearing and cold weather resources 311: call to report issues with snow clearing and access to the Salvation Army Outreach Van if you see people sleeping rough 211: information about community services, health services, government social serv and ANCHOR 911: call for life threatening emergencies, including hypothermia and frostbite

Here is a quick City of Ottawa cheat sheet to help you get the help you need in this frigid weather.

Look at these Centretown Drain Heroes! Help avoid flooding and chip away at the snow and ice blocking your sewer grates. It’s weirdly fun and satisfying when you do it with neighbours.

❤️

Ariel with Nina Gorka, the executive director of YSB, both wearing matching blue and yellow toques

Thanks to everyone who walked to support the Coldest Night of the Year tonight, all over our city. Ending homelessness takes all of us