The Ottawa Women's Canadian Club

presents current issues
and celebrates Canadian history and culture.

Years in Existence

OWCC President’s Message - January 2024
Happy 114th Birthday!

What would it have been like to be present at the first Ottawa Women’s Canadian Club meeting on January 17th, 1910 when thirty women gathered together to form this organization (with a membership fee of one dollar)?

Beginnings, now, are much like it was then as women were working mostly at home, not in industry, commerce or as professionals. Today, after Covid, all organizations are having challenges getting up to speed again…some are closing or merging with other branches of the same organization and looking for new members and board members. Women now seem to socialize at work rather than within a “club setting”. They are busy with work and their lives as well as caretakers and partners. Clubs can still become links/sources for them to broaden their work and social horizons. New faces are still turning up but we have to get the word out….We’re survivors!

With that said, we encourage all members to invite and encourage their friends, families, and acquaintances to experience and join the OWCC. Enjoy a great luncheon once a month at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, socialize, network, make new friends, help young women with their education and future, guide the direction of the club and hear interesting speakers…some of whom you may agree or disagree with. Does anyone ever see eye to eye with everyone else? We all come from different backgrounds and have our own thoughts and ideas which make us the individual we are and should be! Become a member, join the Board of Directors and bring this amazing organization into new beginnings after Covid!

Happy Birthday OWCC and many more.

Carol MacKay

Your President

What's New

Garth Hampson

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Dress For Success – Clothing Swap

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Kind words from our members.

I could write a book on Canadian Club regarding the importance it has been in my life which in just two months‘ time will reach 100 years. [ … ]

I have felt my life benefitted from my lengthy association with Canadian Club and friendships that began back in the fifties are still continuing and greatly treasured.

Val Willis - Loyal Member for 70+ years (1920 - 2021)

I was invited by a good friend to join OWCC a few years ago. […] I am impressed that the club each year provides scholarships in three Eastern Ontario Universities enabling young women to further their studies with a little extra cash […] Young women from local high schools are invited to attend the monthly luncheons giving them a taste of what might be ahead for career choices […] I am inspired by what the speakers have accomplished or what they aspire to. Each month I am educated and my horizons broaden just a little bit more […] about something I knew very little about. […] It is a place to meet up with good friends and make new acquaintances and of course shop at the Rideau Center afterwards.

Nancy B

Upon my retirement, I was invited to join the OWCC by a group of ladies who had been members for many years. I have been attending the OWCC now for over twenty years. Our group has evolved over the years and it's always a joy to see each other each month. The speakers that are chosen are perfect for expanding my knowledge on a wide variety of topics – although my favourite is always the Christmas Luncheon. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the venue - the Château Laurier is elegant and we are served interesting meals including delicious desserts.

Pat V

How could one not enjoy being a member of the OWCC! As a relatively new member, I love getting a bit dressed up for a change, trekking down to the beautiful, historic Château Laurier once a month with the west end gang via taxi, limo, or bus & settling in for a scrumptious lunch. Then we are treated to a wide variety of fabulous speakers. I am very supportive of the scholarships presented annually by the OWCC to deserving young women entering very diverse courses of study & careers. An added bonus is being able to meet interesting & talented women of all ages from across our region. I look forward to our lunches beginning again once the pandemic allows us to gather in large groups.

Beth M.

I joined the Club quite a few years ago; it was drawn to my attention by Marjory Tyler, my friend & neighbour in Manotick. Marjory was an enthusiastic member, & at one point we had quite a large Manotick contingent because of her influence in including people, & inviting them to join. Sadly, Marjory passed a way in March, just a few weeks after her 100th birthday March 12. She played bridge with us every week until then, although she wasn’t able to make it to the Canadian Club this past year.

Jane A.

I like long-standing traditions, and I was excited to join the OWCC that has such a rich history, dating back to 1912. The University scholarships and bursaries that are granted, help to further the education of young women and future leaders. Having an occasion to dress up for delicious luncheons served so elegantly in a beautiful ballroom, added some glamour to the day. I looked forward to listening to some very prominent and engaging speakers on current and important topics of the day, while enjoying a scrumptious three-course meal. I met new people with such interesting lives and stories. It was so enjoyable to have their company at lunch, and to exchange views.

Lida M.

Capturing Special Moments with the OWCC

Step back in time and relive a year of cherished moments with the Ottawa Women’s Canadian Club. Our photo collage encapsulates a year of inspiring events and shared experiences.