Ottawa’s Winterlude festival just keeps getting better. I e-mailed my colleague at the National Capital Commission on Monday to tell him just how impressed I was with just everything… the ice carvings across Elgin in Confederaton Park are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen and the ice was in the best condition I have ever experienced, even with the thousands of people skating and walking the length of it. Congrats for pulling off an amazing event!! You cannot beat the experience of skating the canal on a sunny day. Makes you feel so alive. We had the ideal combo of Winterlude, Valentines and Family Day - three great excuses to be out and about.
One of the best parts of working in a hotel that is so front and center, is that you feel the energy, the buzz and excitement of festivals such as this. The guests are in and out with their skates and dropping by for a hot chocolate or coffee at Starbucks. We have 3 TV’s in our lobby with Olympic coverage going on as well. It’s like having your house full of guests. It feels so alive and vibrant - just as a hotel should be.
We are gearing up for our final weekend of Winterlude and reservations are coming in fast. If you haven’t been, don’t miss it!!

As I have mentioned before, our owner, who recently passed away, was very involved in this community and his roots not just go far back in Ottawa, but in our national history.

Recently I was honored to attend a ceremony where our owner’s family (Gillin) donated a Ship’s Bell that came from one of Canada’s first warships. It just so happened that Lord and Lady Elgin were visiting at the time and could take part. The connection I speak of is outlined in this letter from our owner to the Navy, written in August 2007. It makes one realize that Canada is such a young country and some of our very early history goes back only a few generations.

August 20, 2007

Ms. Marilyn Gurney
Director & Chief Historian
Maritime Command Museum
2725 Gottingen Street
Po Box 99000, Station Forces
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 5X5

Dear Ms. Gurney

I have recently read an article in The Ottawa Citizen regarding the discovery of TR-4, a Canadian minesweeper in the First World War, and the ship’s bell which is now in the possession of your museum.

I have inherited a ship’s bell “HMS Patrician”, which I believe was given to my grandfather George J. Desbarats in the 1920’s (photo enclosed).

The following is an excerpt from “Naval Services of Canada”.

The “Patrician” was originally commissioned on July 27, 1916 for service in the destroyer flotillas of the Grand Fleet. By the end of the war, she had not seen action, but had been employed on patrol and anti – submarine duties in the North Sea.

On May 26, 1919, the destroyers Patrician & Patriot were selected for Canada and were gratefully accepted by the Canadian Government as the first destroyers in the Canadian Navy.

The H.M.C.S. Patrician was commissioned on November 1, 1920 at Devonport, England, and then sailed to Halifax. She was stationed at Esquimalt from 1922-28. By 1927, the Patrician and the Patriot were worn out and the Government decided to build two destroyers to replace them. The “Patrician” was “paid off” in 1928.

H.M.(C).S. Patrician – of the first oil burning (instead of coal) destroyers built by Britain. Displacement 1004 tons, h.p 27,500 speed 35k; size 271’ x 27 ½ x 11’. Complement of 80. Guns – 3 – 4”, 6 smaller; 4 -21 torpedo tubes.

The Deputy Minister at that time was George J. Desbarats my grandfather, born in Quebec, P.Q. in 1861, he became a Civil Engineer. He obtained a wide experience in engineering work connected with canals & railways. In 1901 Desbarats became director of the government shipyard at Sorel, and in 1908 he was appointed Deputy Minister of Marines & Fisheries. He was D.M. & Comptroller of the Naval Service from May 5, 1910 until the consolidation of 1922, and in 1924 he became Deputy Minister of National Defence. He retired in 1932 and died in 1944. Desbarats’ authority & influence considerably exceeded those of most Deputy – Ministers, as he had no Minister for the first two decades of its existence, he probably had more to do with the moulding of the service than any other man.

As I am now 82 years old, I would like to know if the Maritime Command Museum or other Museum’s might be interested in a gift of this bell upon my death.

I would appreciate hearing from you in this regard.

Yours truly,

M. Patrick Gillin

For those who live in Ottawa, many know that this beautiful historic hotel is locally owned. In 1987, the Lord Elgin was purchased by Patrick Gillin and he has since been the proud owner of this historic landmark of Ottawa. (that is his vintage truck in the photo).

Mr. Gillin sadly passed away last month (July 18th) at the age of 84. He had never retired, but continued to work and attend to business right to the end. He was tireless in his efforts in business and in his desire to make Ottawa a better place to live. The Lord Elgin was a better place because of him.

This hotel, which I have worked in on and off for over 34 years, has always operated as a very tight ship, yet with such a personal touch. There has always been a family feel to it that you don’t get at other places. It has only had two General Manager’s over this time and both have a real passion for this business - both so very good to their employees and of course, to our guests. You cannot fake that kind of dedication.  It requires enormous time and committment - and a sincere desire to make people happy!

As well, where else would you be able to communicate with your namesake. We have the great honor of being in touch with Lord Elgin who resides in Scotland and does visit us from time to time (He will be visiting us in September). He has provided us with copies of correspondence between his father and MacKenzie King in 1941 as the hotel was opening. What a great story!

It’s been a long Spring.. in a town that typically goes from Winter straight into summer. So today enroute to our Starbuck’s I had to step outside to feel the heat and enjoy the sunshine… feels sooo good! Makes me want to play hookie!
Signs of summer… they are gearing up across the street for the big opening of the Jazz Festival. This week and next they have an amazing line up - Al Green, Pat Metheny and on Tuesday, Chris Botti. Check it out at http://www.ottawajazzfestival.com