{"id":125,"date":"2026-02-08T16:40:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T16:40:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/?page_id=125"},"modified":"2026-02-27T00:58:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T00:58:17","slug":"ottawa-pop-ups","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/ottawa-pop-ups\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Pop-Ups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Skating Around<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Ottawa Below Zero<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Winter Fits<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Cozy Eats<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
A Day with Camp Fortune’s Ski Patrol<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Articles Written by: Lara Simard<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Ottawans flood the street for Barbegazi\u2019s first launch in the Byward Market <\/h2>\n\n\n
\"\"
Chris Coosemans performs one of his first jumps of the night, stunning thousands of Barbegazi fans in the crowd; a trail of snow pelting off his snowmobile. Feb. 7, 2026. Photo: Lara Simard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gliding through the air across a 40-foot drop and pelting snow, Chris Coosemans could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. There is no better feeling than being so high above the ground, with thousands of supportive fans gathered around for one action-packed weekend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbegazi<\/a> took place in the ByWard Market from Feb. 6 to 8, featuring some of the most impressive aerodynamic snowmobile freestylers in the world. Chris Coosemans, Rasmus Johansson and Daniel Shaffer have been staging freestyle snowmobile wonders for over a decade each. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coosemans, who assembled the team this year, said he was first inspired to follow this career from watching movies as a kid. After 14 years of hard work and dedication, he is proud to say his dream is a reality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve put my life into this sport from a very young age,\u201d Coosemans posted on Instagram<\/a> after successfully partnering with X Games<\/a>; which he competed in before the Ottawa show. \u201cTime to lock in and make my younger self proud.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coosemans does most of his shows and competitions in the northern communities of the United States, some performances even in the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally, he is from Cold-Lake Alberta, coming closer to his current home in Brighten Ontario for the Ottawa show.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s super cool being here in Ottawa, the capital of the country, and some of these people may have never even seen a snowmobile before,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Rasmus Johansson showing off his years of acrobatic experience on the snowmobile in front of thousands of people in the Byward market for the first time this year. Feb. 7, 2026. Photo: Lara Simard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Barbegazi made a soft launch in 2013, welcoming more than 4,000 participants and featuring snowboarders and lumberjacks performing multiple winter sports in Quebec. The event is the first Ottawa edition run by Tribu Experiential coordinators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Micah Desforges, the executive producer, says he was inspired to start the snowmobile show in 2017 to bring people together for a unique experience. The event does just that. With its high-energy music and attraction to adrenaline junkies, the free festival brings life to the downtown core in the difficult winter months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the goal. We want people to be surprised and delighted about something they would never expect in a downtown setting,\u201d Desforges said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the event featured three different athletes, a bustling crowd and many breathtaking tricks performed by the riders. The athletes would do 360-degree flips, handlebar handstands and lengthy leg-free leaps. Most of the action took place at the 7 p.m. shows, but both had impressive turnouts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Crowds gather around the arena as the athletes determine whether the conditions are safe enough to soar in. Feb. 6, 2026. Photo: Lara Simard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first night was cancelled due to the weather, losing traction in the snow. Even with a weather warning<\/a> issued by the City of Ottawa, people gathered from all around the street to the top of a four-storey parking garage <\/a>to see what the hype was around the dynamic event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLast night people showed up in a big way \u2013 unfortunately we had to play it safe,\u201d said Desforges after the first show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTonight, we have three riders and it’s going to be bigger, better and the wind is supposed to die down, so you’ll have the best shows; more flips, more actions, more adrenaline and we’re expecting a pack house night.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rasmus Johansson, an athlete who has been riding since he was 17 years old, was also reluctant to cancel the Friday show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, after X Games, I went back home to Sweden and then I flew back after five days and set his (Coosemans) second snowmobile up in his shop and got it ready for this,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnfortunately, the turf is frozen with snow on it. So, we don’t have any traction.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many things the athletes must take into consideration, and safety is of utmost importance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Chris Shaffer laps around Barbegazi arena to see if he can find traction for his snowmobile. Feb. 6, 2026. Photo: Lara Simard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe integrated experiences we create generate thrills and chills in a way that people never forget,\u201d reads the Tribu website. \u201cWe will never stop to produce experiences that spark thrills and beaming smiles that make our generation\u2019s heartbeat.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbegazi launched in Ottawa as part of Winterlude for the first time this year, reviving York Street into a packed tourist attraction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n
Skating Around<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Ottawa Below Zero<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Winter Fits<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Cozy Eats<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
A Day with Camp Fortune’s Ski Patrol<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Planted in Ottawa: A Winter-Green Paradise
<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Robert and Line Plante\u2019s greenhouse is the perfect place for the community to experience serenity in the harsh winter months.<\/h6>\n\n\n
\"Sebastien
Sebastien Plante (left), Line Plante (middle) and Colin Matassa (right) stand in the greenhouse together on Jan. 29, 2026
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each year for the past three years, the Robert Plante Greenhouse Market has hosted a winter market for two days per month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., between October and January. The market has expanded greatly since its inception \u2014 the owner\u2019s vision carefully executed. Products range from jewellery to honey, fruit and drinks, with each vendor offering a unique story to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s really no other market like it in the city of Ottawa because there\u2019s no other green space like this during the winter,\u201d said Colin Matassa, general manager of the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Owners Line and Robert Plante founded the greenhouse when they were about 16 or 17 years old, allowing it to nurture their love for one another and for the community \u2014 eventually turning the business into a year-round botanical solstice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to their daughter-in-law, Crystal Plante, 90 per cent of their products are made inside the greenhouse. Line has always wanted to host markets to bring the community together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not only a market, but also a destination,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a place where families can come and walk around and just enjoy the serenity of being in the greenhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven if it gets quite busy, it\u2019s still relaxing. In the middle of winter, you\u2019re surrounded by tropical plants \u2014 it has a good feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year has been one of the most successful yet. The company has gained traction over the past few years, especially as vendors began populating their social media with success stories. The Robert Plante Winter Market is advertised on the Ottawa Tourism website<\/a>, featuring the market\u2019s lush landscape and strong community ties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a great way to bring the local community together. It draws people from all over the city. We have people who drive from the west end, from out in the country,\u201d said Matassa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the vendors, Amanda Mwaniki \u2014 who has been featured on CTV Ottawa Morning Live <\/a>\u2014 had a stand at the market. She is the proud owner of Tribal Secrets<\/a>, selling completely natural body butters, which she began in January 2025. Mwaniki has been making the butter since she was a teenager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my grandma\u2019s recipe,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m East African; my grandma believes everything should come from the earth \u2014 beauty, medicine, food. So, I just kind of took her recipe and started making it my own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Amanda Mwaniki poses for a photo behind her booth at the third annual Robert Plante Winter Market on Saturday, Jan. 24.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mwaniki says one of her favourite things about the market is being able to share her culture and connect with others through skincare. In Kenya, where she is originally from, sharing beauty secrets is a sign of love and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese are the best body butters,\u201d said a customer passing by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mwaniki puts special thought into naming the body butters \u2014 each one named after a place in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike Nairobi rich chocolate \u2014 Nairobi is the capital. In Machakos, it\u2019s like the trees are falling over with mangoes. Limuru, lots of lavender fields. Nanyuki is my ancestral home. Lots of vanilla there,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She makes her own vanilla scent by crushing vanilla beans and soaking them in rich almond and jojoba oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All products are made with shea butter, vitamin E oil and jojoba oil. Scents include vanilla, chocolate, coffee, baby balm (unscented), lavender and strawberry. Although every scent holds a special place in customers\u2019 hearts, Baby Balm has been the most popular this year, selling out for its soothing effect on eczema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared to the Lansdowne Christmas Market, Matassa says the Robert Plante market is larger in terms of attendance, and vendors say it\u2019s better organized logistically. There is also free parking for customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest hits of the season has been the new coffee truck near the exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Line says it\u2019s a popular destination for people to gather with friends, walk their dogs and bring their young children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a huge venue \u2014 hundreds of vendors, incredible products. Local crafts, local art, local farm goods and a wide selection. They\u2019re very organized and the expectations are clear,\u201d said Billy Morrison, owner of Faceoff Games and creator of Hockey Hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think a lot of people have fun at these marketplaces. They get to see a lot of different products. All you have to do is look around the halls and see how busy it is to realize how successful they are at organizing these events.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Billy
Billy (left) and Katherine Morrison (right) proudly display the hockey hardware game behind their booth at the market on Sunday, Jan. 25.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Morrison, who stood behind his booth with his wife Katherine, said what started as a late-night revelation turned into a successful business idea. Hockey Hardware was designed, assembled and created in Canada \u2014 aimed at hockey fans, game enthusiasts, collector hobbyists and those drawn to the game\u2019s competitive nature. He says the markets have been perfect for generating interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hockey Hardware can be purchased on faceoffgames.ca<\/a> and amazon.ca<\/a> and has been featured on platforms such as TSN 1200 Ottawa, NOTL Local and The Niagara Independent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morrison said his biggest support through the production of the game has been his wife. Alongside the couple have been more than 270 supporters from across the country. In the newest edition of the game, sponsored pages in the rulebook recognize every province and city that supported the project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got representation pretty much from coast to coast, so we\u2019re really pleased about that,\u201d said Morrison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What began as a vegetable and flower farm has grown into a beautiful story of two high school sweethearts \u2014 making events like these possible for anyone seeking a festive, tropical flair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the winter market, a magic show is scheduled for Family Day, along with a couple of upcoming seminars. These include an information session on how to grow seeds indoors and care for houseplants during the winter. Other events include a paint night and a February book fair featuring 50 authors from across the province.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Articles Written by: Lara Simard Ottawans flood the street for Barbegazi\u2019s first launch in the Byward Market  Gliding through the air across a 40-foot drop and pelting snow, Chris Coosemans could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. There is no better feeling than being so high above the ground, with thousands of supportive fans gathered around for one action-packed weekend.  Barbegazi took […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-125","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=125"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/125\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":260,"href":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/125\/revisions\/260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.j-proj.com\/ottawabelowzero\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}