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Ottawa shows its winter feet
By Laurène Jardin
Jack Frost nipped at Ottawa’s toes on Tuesday.
Car owners scurried to change their summer tires, cyclists changed gears on bikes, and bulldozers cleared the streets in the early hours of the morning. The one thing that united Ottawa residents was the recognition that it was time to change to winter footwear.
The Gridlock took to the streets to find out what Ottawans were wearing to keep their toes warm during the coldest day of, what is technically, fall.
THE SPECIALIST
Paul Shields has owned the Glebe Trotters shoe store since 1993. He is a boot guru, and on days like Tuesday, he is a major asset for the store.
Shields imagined that he would have a busy day set out for him after Monday night’s snowfall. Still, the biggest day was last week.
“We’ve had some pretty big days already,” he said.
“A lot of people buy boots based on the year before, especially if it’s a hard long winter,” he said.
“So we don’t even have to get snow to get the ball rolling.”
In the following clip Shields shares tips for those on hunt to buy the best boots.
THE VOLUNTEER
On Tuesday morning, Susie Peters purchased a pair of winter gloves for a homeless man.
Winter equipment like gloves and boots are important to Peters.
Peters is a volunteer at The Well in Ottawa, a day shelter that hosts women. It is organized by the Church of St. John the Evangelist.
Peters’ attitude was so positive that it was very difficult to tell that she had a disability. Winter is not the biggest issue for Peters.
“I’m on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program), and when my friends whine about how little money we have, I have to remind them how lucky we are to live in a country that supports the disabled,” said Peters.
Peters is passionate about her volunteering position. She understands how difficult it can be to find winter equipment. Boots and winter wear in general are not easy to come by for many in Ottawa.
HAPPY FEET
As Ottawans bundled up in scarves, coats and mitts, Shawn McLaughlin sat in front of the Quickie on Bank and Gilmour Street. He was sporting a thin jacket, faded jeans and running shoes.
McLaughlin said that cold weather didn’t really bother him. To him, covering up was not as important as feeling free.
“I need to move,” laughed McLaughlin, as he performed a little dance.
McLaughlin explained that he sits in front of the convenience store almost every morning.
Even on a chilly Tuesday morning, McLaughlin, a die-hard hockey fan, managed to smile. He shared his energy with those who walked by shouting, “Have a great day sir!” or “Keep smiling!”
McLaughlin says he doesn’t need boots to get through the winter. He likes to keep light on his feet to make travelling, among other daily activities, easier.
THE CROSSING GUARD
Charles Glennie has been a crossing guard for the last eight years.
“It’s a great way to start the day,” said Glennie, as he rushed off to cross a child who waved at him across the street.
On Tuesday, Glennie braved the cold in what he described to be “amazing boots.”
Glennie said that a pair of good boots was important to him because of his line of work. He said that he could stand outside for several hours at a time.
Glennie vividly remembered buying his last pair of boots: a purchase that he was quite pleased with.
THE KING OF RECESS
Grade 1 student, Louis Jacques, takes pride in his winter boots. He loves that they are warm and allow him to play happily at recess.
“I get to run really fast in the schoolyard,” he said.
Snow is no issue for Jacques. He enjoys winter very much.
Jacques moved to Ottawa from Vancouver a year ago. According to Jacques, snow in Vancouver does not stand up to its Ottawa competition.
“It’s only this high,” said Jacques, holding his gloved hand an inch away from the ground.