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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out new to ottawa events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the new to ottawa events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Eglinton Flats and Mount Dennis: Jamaican-Nigerian flavours (5.8 km)
Jane and Eglinton is surrounded by recreational flat lands on all four quadrants. They were created after the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel as a flood control measure. The most scenic quadrant is the southeast one with a pond, but we'll go through all of them anyway. Except Scarlett Woods Golf Course which is accessible for hiking in winter only.
Above the floodplains sits Mount Dennis. It's not a mountain and barely a hill. There is a strong Jamaican and Nigerian presence which is precisely the type of food we'll encounter along the way. Unfortunately, pickings are slim and there are only a handful of notable restaurants. We'll end at the best of the lot, a modern restaurant specializing in Nigerian suya (spiced BBQ meats).
**Highlights**
1. York Recreation Centre (depart 6:30pm)
2. Kodak building
3. Mount Dennis mural
4. Douro Bakery
5. Gladhurst Park
6. Eglinton Flats Tennis Centre (depart 7:15pm)
7. Optical illusion artbox
8. Humber River
9. Suya City Express (arrive 8:05pm)
**Neighbourhoods**
Mount Dennis > Eglinton Flats
**Map**
[https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Q4F5JunRqI-2JV4mwrkr3Vrdh56ChSU&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Q4F5JunRqI-2JV4mwrkr3Vrdh56ChSU&usp=sharing)
Start point is easily accessible by Eglinton LRT, UP Express, and GO trains.
**How it works**
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.
We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. See the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
See our [About section](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/) for more info.
Free Weekly ESL Conversation Meetup
Practice and improve your English through conversation at St. Andrew Centre (73 Simcoe St, downtown Toronto), while making new friends!
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How to Get to the Event:
By TTC, exit at St. Andrew Station.
Walk west on King St. West to Simcoe St.
Do not enter through the church building; the large church front doors will be closed.
At the corner of Simcoe St. and King St. West, turn south and walk on Simcoe St.
Enter through St. Andrew Centre, which will be behind the church building.
The Art of Spirituality—A New Perspective on Spiritual Living
**A New Perspective on Spiritual Living - Spiritual Discussion Series**
(based on ECKANKAR the Art of Spirituality by Harold Klemp)
In this discussions series you will gain deeper insight into
* **A true Spiritual path,**
* **Your spirituality from a new perspective,**
* **The purpose of life,**
* **HU, an ancient mantra for a modern world**
* **Spiritual Masters and their mission,**
The simple truth is that we are SOUL, a divine, conscious spark of God made manifest in this life to experience and learn here on earth.
“*M*y definition of a true spiritual path is one that does good in the world.
It tries to find ways to help people be themselves. It does not try to shape people to be what we think they should be, then break spiritual or man-made laws to accomplish that."
—Harold Klemp, *[ECKANKAR the Art of Spirituality](https://www.eckbooks.org/items/ECKANKAR_The_Art_of_Spirituality-2474-0.html)*, page 1
Looking to explore new frontiers of spiritual experience, come join us and share your stories and insight about your perspective on spiritual living.
We will also practice a simple spiritual exercise that can help to connect with the ECK (Life Force or Spirit) which is called HU.
HU is the Sound behind all sounds, woven into the language of life.
It is the wind in the leaves, falling rain, thunder of jets, singing of birds and the awful rumble of a tornado. Its sound is heard in laughter, weeping, the din of city traffic, ocean waves, and the quiet rippling of a mountain stream.
HU offers balance, wisdom and wonder—it brings alignment with your true purpose and highest good.
All are welcome — family and friends — so come share your experiences or just listen as we explore together. Register here on Meetup by clicking the ATTEND button or just drop in.
**This event is free.**
Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario.
Illustration Courtesy of Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom
**More information is available at**
* **[[eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](http://eckankarcanada.ca/ontario)]([https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html))**
* **[[eckankar.org/](http://eckankar.org/)]([https://www.eckankar.org/](https://www.eckankar.org/))**
Free ESL Practice and Support
The Church of St. Timothy is excited to offer support to newcomers in Canada. Our goal is to provide conversational language practice through informal instruction and feedback in a welcoming and diverse community. All levels welcome!
We invite all new-comers, English language students, visitors to Canada, parents of children temporarily attending schools in Toronto, international university students, and anyone looking to enhance their language skills.
We aim to build community where friendships can flourish, in order to help participants establish meaningful connections, learn about life in Toronto, and access practical resources as you settle in to this new city and country.
We begin every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. with time to socialize. Our formal program begins at 10:30 a.m.
Each week we will have different activities and topics, including practicing English conversation, reading short articles, learning about common pronunciation and grammar mistakes, etc.
Our volunteers would love to get to know you and offer gentle and constructive feedback to help you improve your English!
Are you Smarter than a Scottish Guy Trivia - One Eyed Jack's Richmond Street
We are following our favourite trivia host, Simon from Are You Smarter than a Scottish Guy, to one of his other weekly locations: One-Eyed Jack's at 287 Richmond Road (between Spadina and Peter Streets). The beer selection is starting to improve, with several KLB selections; their food menu is very good - [https://www.oneeyedjackpub.com/torontomenu](https://www.oneeyedjackpub.com/torontomenu). They have a set of Trivia Night specials, including wings with lots of flavours.
The trivia starts at 7:00pm with first question at 7:15 pm. We have a set of pair of tables reserved under Steve. Serious RSVPs only as no-shows prevent us from fielding a complete team.
Top prizes is a gift certificate for the next visit. Other prizes are a free round for the table and nachos. There is also a small prize for best team name, so put on your creative hat; the host seems to like puns and prefers short team names.
Let's have some fun, eat some wings, and hopefully win!
New to Ottawa Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Fast Friending - New Connections! (25-45/Ice Breakers)
Fast-friending socials are designed to make meeting new people in the city easy, relaxed, and enjoyable!
In a world where building connections can feel challenging, this social creates a friendly space to break the ice and spark real conversations!
Whether you're new in town or just looking to expand your circle, this is the perfect place to meet like-minded ladies & gents!
**Book tickets now & save money -**
[https://toro6thjune.eventbrite.co.uk](https://toro6thjune.eventbrite.co.uk)
\*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account.
EVENT COST:
Early Bird - CAD$ 10 per person
Regular Ticket - CAD$ 15 per person
Cash at meetup - If you have not purchased your ticket in advance then you can pay CAD$ 20 cash when you meet Kruttika at the venue.
**Our venue for the evening** \- We have a reserved area where our members can meet each other in a supportive environment\.
**Here’s how your evening will flow:**
**7:00 PM – Welcome & Ice Breakers!**
Arrive at 7:00 PM and be welcomed by your host, Kruttika, who will guide the evening and help with introductions. Feeling shy? Come a little early and she’ll ease you into small-group conversations. You’re also welcome to bring a lady friend along for free.
**7:30 – 8:30 PM \| Fast Friending**
Chat with a new attendee every 3 minutes, ensuring you meet a variety of like-minded ladies and gentlemen.
**After 8:30 PM \| Open Mingling**
Reconnect with those you enjoyed speaking to and continue meaningful conversations at your own pace
\- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\!
\- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\.
\- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 25 to 45 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\.
\- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\.
**Why do we have tickets?**
1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication.
2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved.
3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity.
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ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)-
We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk).
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You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas.
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**Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.**
Secrets for socialising at our meetups - [https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx](https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx)
Making new friends -[ https://bit.ly/455TsWY](https://bit.ly/455TsWY)
How to make people like you instantly - [https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT](https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT)
Members review - [https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d](https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d)
Spring is Finally Here! (Leisure Nature and Neighbourhood Walk) (Dinner Party)
Hello everyone,
**\*\*Kindly Read Carefully\*\***
Please join me and my other groups for a relaxing and fun Saturday afternoon leisure nature walk through different trails, parks and cool neighbourhoods; followed by an enjoyable dinner at a local pub near our meeting location.
**Meeting Location with free Parking:**
We will meet conveniently out front the **Tim Horton's directly across the street from the Davisville Subway (Yonge Line)**
This will give us an opportunity to introduce ourselves as everyone arrives; then make our way on our small adventure through quieter and more natural parts of the city we don't usually get to see.
More details below:
Sincerely,
Steve Flemming
(Organizer/Host)
**Event Details:**
**Spring is Finally Here! (Leisure Nature and Neighbourhood Walk) (with Dinner and Karaoke Party after)**
-A great day planned as we explore parts of the city we don't see every day (great nature trails and old beautiful neighbourhoods)
-Play a couple ice breaker games near the beginning of the walk as well to help us get to know one another
-During the walk we will stop and rest at different spots, bathroom breaks, take some lovely scenic photos, group photos and share some laughs together
-Followed by food and beverages at a nearby Irish Pub
\*This event is a great way to naturally make connections, get some fresh air and (re) connect with some wonderful people
**Bonus after our Leisure Nature Walk: (Optional)**
\*Stick around after the walk for a fun Saturday social gathering at a local Irish Pub for dinner and beverages right after the walk
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**Event Fee:**
10 dollars (cash only) when you arrive (HST is included)
or e transfer in advance to Steveflemming11@gmail.com
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**Time and Location: Where to meet us?**
We will meet at out front of the **Tim Horton (1910 Yonge Street)**
\*Arrive early if you like (however we will meet out front at
4:00 p.m. (we will wait for everyone to arrive until roughly 4:30 p.m.)
**Drivers & Free Parking:**
Plenty of parking on Yonge and residential too :)
Free parking on Duplex, one street west of Yonge :)
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***Thanks for reading everyone, remember to RSVP and see you real soon!*** :)
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Dinner Club: Make New Friends
⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:**
[https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/)
**Join the Toronto Dinner Club and make new friends!**
Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over dinner. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit.
**To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:**
[https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/)
We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan.
**Why this works:**
\* Smaller groups make real conversations easier.
\* Discover new restaurants in your city, together.
\* Curated dinner venues with good food and vibe.
\* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards.
**Note:**
RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder.
This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.
Make Friends at a Cafe - Good Chats App BETA
**GoodChats.**
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**Newest Way to Make Friends in Toronto!**
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Ever walked into a coffee shop and wished you knew the people around you?
That’s exactly what GoodChats is for.
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Our Coffee Chat events are designed to make meeting new people feel natural — no awkward intros, no swiping, no pressure. Just real conversations with people who already share your interests.
**How it works:**
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**1) Sign up on iOS or Android**
Download the GoodChats app to get started.
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Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today!
[https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp)
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**2) Start a chat about what you like**
Talk about anything you’re into — hobbies, ideas, random thoughts. The app builds your profile based on what you actually care about.
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**3) Join a Coffee Chat**
We match you with a small group of people who share similar interests and invite you to a local coffee shop meetup.
That’s it — just show up, grab a drink, and talk.
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**What to expect:**
* Small groups (so it’s actually easy to connect)
* Weekly events at local coffee shops
* A relaxed, low-pressure environment
* People you’re genuinely likely to vibe with
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**Good to know:**
* Events are **completely free**
* All event details and invites are inside the GoodChats app
* We’re currently in **beta**, with new Coffee Chats happening every week
Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today!
[https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp)
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If you’ve ever wanted meeting new people to feel easier (and more real)…
this is for you.
Improv Class for New Friends
Don't be disappointed if you don't see a bunch of people attending. I advertise this on multiple platforms and the class usually sells out.
\*\*If you don't use Paypal, email me at ralph@socap.ca and we'll figure it out. You can pay be etransfer or with a credit card/cash at the venue.\*\*
Improv comedy uses several techniques to create laughter. These include, creating an atmosphere free of judgement, saying 'yes', active listening, being positive, putting your focus on others, and the importance of play and laughter.
Not coincidentally, these are the same things that happen to us naturally when we are bonding with another person.
In this class, we'll explore these techniques not with the goal of being funny, but with the goal of being people that other people want to be around.
The teacher, Ralph MacLeod, is a co-founder of two independent improv clubs in Toronto - Bad Dog Theatre and Social Capital Theatre. He's been teaching improv for over 30 years. He also teaches these same techniques to several organizations including UofT, Google, Kraft, Shopify and many, many more.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have!
FAQs and Good To Know....
After every event, a group from this class sit down and have a drink together so be prepared to stay if you want! Of course, you don't HAVE to.
You also don't have to be single or bring a friend. The vibe of this class is much more 'making new friends' than a 'singles' mixer'.
We usually run to 8:15 so pay for extra parking!
TOPHATs Sugo and Birra, Some MOCA art and Little Portugal Fest
Join Lawrence, your top hatted host, for an evening of Culture and Modern Art.
At 6 pm, we will meet-up at SUGO for a light meal and an Italian inspired beer.
I will be enjoying a Spaghetti Pesto Cream with Sugo
Pesto Cream, Sugo, Olive Oil, Parm, Pepper.
1281 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N7https://sugotoronto.com/
At 7 pmish, we will head south to MOCA, for their FREE Friday visit.
Please acquire your ticket online at
[https://moca.ca/free-friday-nights/](https://moca.ca/free-friday-nights/)
I have added ten (10) tickets to my Google Wallet.
Kimsooja
Dimensions of a Needle
[https://moca.ca/exhibitions/kimsooja/](https://moca.ca/exhibitions/kimsooja/)
Sara Cwynar
Baby Blue Benzo Beta
[https://moca.ca/exhibitions/sara-cwynar/](https://moca.ca/exhibitions/sara-cwynar/)
At 8pmish, we will head to Little Portugal to enjoy their street festival, Do West Fest. As it will be crowded, our group may become separated. Just look for my top hat to navigate your way!
https://dowestfest.com/
At 9:30 pm, I will be heading home.
The Toronto Comedy Showcase - Singles Night
**NOTE:** This is a ticketed event.
**Tickets here:** [https://comedybar.ca/shows/the-toronto-comedy-showcase-singles-night](https://comedybar.ca/shows/the-toronto-comedy-showcase-singles-night)
We’re bringing together some of the city’s funniest comedians to share their most hilarious, cringe-worthy, and relatable stories about love, relationships, and the wild world of dating in Toronto.
Whether you’re happily single, tragically single, or just looking for a great night out with friends, this is the show for you.
Expect a night packed with sharp observations, wild dating app disasters, and plenty of crowd work. Who knows? You might even meet someone—or at least leave feeling a lot better about your own love life.
7pm: Mix and mingle
8pm: Show
Grab your tickets, grab a drink, and get ready to laugh until it hurts. Because if we can’t find love, we can at least find the punchline!
New to Ottawa Events Near You
Connect with your local New to Ottawa community
Stop Guessing: A Product Person's Guide to AI Adoption
## 🤝 Host Information
A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus
💡 About the Workshop
AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge.
This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow.
Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required.
🛠️ What to Bring
Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go.
AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!)
🍕 Logistics & Perks
Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided!
Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site.
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Columbus Art Festival
Let's stroll the artists' booths and enjoy some of the festival's opening day!
The Columbus Art Festival features a wide and vibrant range of visual art from local and national exhibitors, plus, live music, and all kinds of food and refreshments, along the waterfront downtown.
(The featured painting is by Columbus Arts Festival exhibitor, Joe Engel - joe-engelart.com)
How to Be a Better Communicator - Free Seminar
Communication is everything in life
You are only as successful as your ability to communicate.
\- What if you could confidently talk to anyone?
\- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation?
\- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence?
You can!
The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate.
Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio
1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating.
Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator.
Per what this group is about:
"Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."
HOW TO BE A BETTER COMMUNICATOR - A FREE SEMINAR
Communication is everything in life
You are only as successful as your ability to communicate.
\- What if you could confidently talk to anyone?
\- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation?
\- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence?
You can!
The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate.
Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio
1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024
Pop-up Book Club 4: Going to Meet The Man, stories by James Baldwin
Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.





















