By Ricarda McFalls
Ottawa Little Theatre’s downtown location has long been an asset to our city’s cultural vibrancy, attracting thousands of patrons to the city’s core over the course of each production. People living in neighbouring high-rise condominiums are drawn to the abundance of urban amenities and the convenience of a walkable lifestyle in the heart of the Nation’s capital. In the past few years, the theatre and its neighbourhood have encountered difficulties as the area’s streetscape has changed, largely because of increased numbers of unhoused persons, and public substance abuse after the pandemic. While most people opt to skirt the problems, OLT (in this case Albert Lightstone) discovered incredibly special neighbors, Judy and Tim Kiriak – who jumped in brooms first to take back our shared streets and put the shine back on OLT’s marquee. I reached out to Tim and Judy to learn more about these secret angels in red T-shirts who were tidying up our streets. Here are excerpts from my interview with the couple:
Tell me about yourselves, and how long you have been in Ottawa:
Happily married for 36 years, we recently relocated to Ottawa after retiring from Windsor, Ontario. Tim worked at Ford Motor Company for four decades and Judy was a nurse in Windsor and Detroit.
What brought you to Ottawa specifically?
About eight years ago, while planning for retirement, we googled best places to retire. Ottawa was one of the highest rated choices along with Burlington, Kingston, Niagara-on-the-Lake and British Columbia. Sometimes accompanied by our two sons, Gavin and Nolan, we visited the locations suggested. We absolutely loved the big city with small town atmosphere that Ottawa offered with the bike trails, walkability, multi-culture, and wide array of restaurants in the downtown, ByWard Market area. Having made our decision, we were fortunate to be able to purchase a condominium in 2018 near the Ottawa Little Theatre. We rented out the unit and stayed in Windsor until 2024 by which time we both retired and our house sold.
It did not take you long to get involved in the Ottawa community: What motivated you to start up your own volunteer cleaning venture?
There were many changes to the area since we originally purchased our condo in 2018.
What was once an exceptionally clean area, with only a small presence of individuals experiencing homelessness, became increasingly affected by litter and the visible struggles of many unhoused people. Our daily walks revealed troubling signs: needles and other drug paraphernalia scattered throughout the streets and sidewalks, as well as broken glass posing risks to pedestrians and four-legged residents alike. (We worried about the pets getting glass in their paws).
The changing environment highlighted the need for community action to restore the cleanliness and safety that had previously defined our neighbourhood. We purchased a utility cart, brooms and tools to clean up the city block areas.
We wanted it to be fun, had T-shirts printed with a catchy retirement pun and of course, a picture of our pug. Once we started out on our adventure, we enjoyed socializing and meeting the local community, engaging with the unhoused population, and hearing their stories. Many of whom expressed gratitude and continued to keep up with cleaning their area.
Was it through your sidewalk cleaning that you got to know Ottawa Little Theatre?
Yes, partially. The OLT is in our backyard and is one of the businesses whose outside premises we clean. However, we were always curious about Ottawa Little Theatre, and it was during the Doors Open Ottawa event in June 2025 that we had the opportunity to learn about the functions of live theatre.
Later, we had the privilege to meet Albert Lightstone, president of the Ottawa Little Theatre, and other members of the theatre who thanked us for our services and offered to sponsor us. We felt honoured to be invited to the GALA for the OLT on September 13th and enjoyed celebrating with individuals who offered a sense of family atmosphere. We also met so many nice people in our neighbourhood that we may not have otherwise met had we not taken on this adventure. We also enjoy the aesthetics of the clean streets and sidewalks, and the positive feedback from many passersby.
After this strong start, any idea about what is next on your agenda?
Our next adventure is to hopefully help find solutions for homelessness and addiction in our community. Everyone should have the security and dignity of a place to call home.
Ottawa is lucky that you chose to make our city your home! Your initiative is truly inspiring and reminds us that each one of us can help make our community and our city a better place!