Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has a ritual. Before the city fully awakens, during early morning runs or commutes, he captures Ottawa’s essence with his camera. Each day, a new image is shared, a simple “Good morning Ottawa. Bonjour Ottawa” greeting accompanying the visual.
For months, these posts garnered polite acknowledgement – a few dozen likes, a quiet start to many Ottawans’ days. Then came the photograph of Fisher Park. It wasn’t a postcard scene. Melting snow revealed a desolate field, a flooded rink, and discarded Christmas trees under a heavy, grey sky.
Sutcliffe saw something hopeful in the scene – a tangible sign of the thaw, a promise of spring. He shared it, expecting the usual gentle response. Instead, the image detonated online, exploding with over 900,000 views and a torrent of reactions.
The comments were…brutal. “What is that hellscape?” one person wrote. Another declared Ottawa a “Barren Wasteland.” The photo, a snapshot of a transitional moment, had become a lightning rod for city perceptions.
Sutcliffe’s usual subjects are Ottawa’s highlights: the vibrant Tulip Festival, the serene Dow’s Lake, breathtaking sunrises. He explains his daily posts aren’t curated perfection, but honest reflections of the city’s current state. Sometimes, that state is simply grey and melting.
Surprisingly, the backlash didn’t discourage him. He found the conversation engaging, even humorous. “Some of the comments were pretty funny,” he admitted, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of online discourse. He wasn’t offended; he was observing a phenomenon.
Generally, the response to his “Good morning Ottawa” series has been overwhelmingly positive. He regularly receives messages from residents who genuinely appreciate the daily glimpse into their city. It’s a connection he values, a direct line to the people he serves.
Every photograph is his own, captured within a week of being posted. The pursuit of the perfect morning shot often leads to minor adventures – a quick step into a snowbank, an awkward crouch for the right angle, or a frantic chase after a fleeting sunrise.
He’s been known to race against the rising sun, hoping to capture its vibrant colors, only to arrive just as the spectacle fades. Despite the occasional missed shot, the joy of the process remains. It’s a personal passion, a way to inject a little positivity into the digital world.
The viral Fisher Park photo has prompted no change in his approach. He’ll continue sharing his daily observations, driven by a simple desire to connect with his city and spread a little light. “I’m doing it because it’s fun and I like taking pictures,” he said. “I think there’s room for a little positive energy in the world right now.”
