Jim Durrell is Ottawa, through and through.
That’s because Durrell has touched nearly every aspect of the city, from politics to sports to entertainment and more. Notably, Durrell served as Ottawa mayor from 1985-1991, as the first president of the Ottawa Senators in the 1990s, and has sat on numerous boards and committees throughout the city.
In short, Durrell has had many years to appreciate all the wonderful things in the nation’s capital.
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In this instalment of My Ottawa, Durrell tells us about two Ottawa legends he was proud to call friends, his ideal day in Ottawa, and his go-to barber shop.
What area of the city/region do you live in?
South Ottawa on the Rideau River.
What type of home do you have (condo, house, etc.)?
Bungalow.
What type of pet do you have?
The world’s greatest miniature schnauzer Abigail Grace Durrell …. Abby.
What type of car do you drive?
Chrysler Pacifica.
What’s your favourite part of town?
Elgin Street has always been close to my heart … vibrant, safe, great food and life and leads to the Parliamentary precinct …. history and fun.
What is your favourite place to eat in Ottawa?
I have to say that I cannot pick one. The older we get, the closer we stay to home when we go out. I enjoy the Vittoria Trattoria and also Babbos Cucina in Manotick.
What is your favourite activity in Ottawa?
Redblacks football games; I love sports outdoors. As the first president of the Ottawa Senators, they are also clearly very important to me.
What’s your favourite hobby?
Meeting with friends.
What’s your favourite local charity or cause?
Too many to include them all as giving back has been a foundation of my life. The Ottawa Hospital being built is fundamental to the growth and health of our city and is my current focus.
What’s your favourite festival?
None in particular, as each provides a certain vibrancy for that time of year. In my younger years, I loved Winterlude.
If you were to play tour guide for a first-time visitor to Ottawa for a day, where would you take them?
A trip down the Rideau Canal, starting at Hog’s Back Falls along Colonel By Drive. It’s simply majestic, ending up in the heart of downtown, with the best-looking convention centre in Canada, Parliament Hill, and then a ride down Sussex, past 24 Sussex (a national disgrace that must be repaired), and the governor general’s and countless embassies. Then, after a little tour of the ByWard Market, I would take them out the western parkway (Kichi Zibi Mikan) past the rapids and over to Quebec, with a trip back past the Museum of Civilization and then again over the bridge into Ontario. Some fabulous views of our capital.
What’s your favourite retailer in Ottawa?
Hands down, E. R. Fisher.
What’s your favourite live music or entertainment venue?
No one in particular … I’m usually in bed by showtime!
What type of music do you listen to?
I enjoy soft rock and country, depending on my mood.
Where do you get your hair cut?
Supreme Hair — 52 years in the same location at Billings Bridge. Nik is a great barber and Gus, the owner, is one of the best.
What’s your favourite weekend outing to do with family or friends?
Sitting in our backyard, looking at the Rideau, taking our boat out for a ride and coming back for a barbecue.
What Ottawa personality, past or present, do you admire?
There are so many outstanding, odd ones that I have had the privilege of working with and meeting. I would have to say that Andy Haydon and Max Keeping were two individuals who left a great legacy in our city, and I had the privilege of being their friend.
If you took a staycation in Ottawa, what would you do?
Go out to a few restaurants, a boat ride and root around in my gardens.
What’s your favourite business event or conference in Ottawa?
The BOBs (Best Ottawa Business Awards) would come to mind as it brings together so many different, successful people, from lifetime achievement winners to young entrepreneurs … very upbeat and positive
What’s your favourite thing to do in Ottawa to pamper or treat yourself?
Sit in my garage, listen to country music and drink very cold beer!
What local business or attraction do you think is one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets?
Chaudière Falls; simply spectacular and such a part of our history.
What’s your favourite season to spend in Ottawa?
No surprise, summer for sure. Warm weather, beautiful foliage, birds galore, gardens growing, outdoor activities everywhere, and friends and family able to visit.
What’s your favourite thing about Ottawa?
The fact that, in a very short time, you’re out of the city into the country. Even though the country is still a part officially of our city, it’s like living in a small big city without endless sprawl.
