Meet Your Neighbour: Roz Ross

Who are you?

I am Roz Ross, I’ve lived in Manor Park for 18 years.

Where were you born?

I was born in southern Ontario and moved to Rockcliffe Park when I was 10.

Why did you choose your occupation? Did you ever consider another occupation?

I am a person who has had a “serial career.” I am naturally curious and always eager to learn new things — or perhaps I am just easily bored. After graduating from Ottawa U, there were very few jobs available in Ottawa, so I moved south and taught scuba diving in Florida and the Bahamas. When I returned to Ottawa, I worked at the House of Commons and also as a court reporter.

In the late 90s I was deciding between going to law school or going into Information Technology. I chose the latter. My IT career in the private and public sectors led to my eventual appointment as an executive in the Federal Public Service. 

I’m now preparing for my life as a retiree and have trained to be a certified executive coach and yoga instructor.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

My health. Having a major health scare really puts life in perspective. It has been a difficult year, but I’m so happy to live in such a great community and close to friends and family.

Why do you live in Manor Park?

I spent a lot of time on realtor.ca and when my little house showed up I fell in love with it. The neighbourhood is so close to the places I love — the dog park, the river, the stables. Manor Park is like living in the country in the middle of the city.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you go and why?

I would love to live in Scotland. The beauty of the landscape is a huge draw.

What do you do to stay healthy?

I walk my dog, take Pilates, do yoga, kayak and swim. I also believe in life-long learning so I am always trying new things. 

What was the last book that you read?

I just finished the Astral Library by Kate Quinn. It was a departure from her traditional historical novels and was more in the genre of speculative fiction. In a nutshell, if you could choose to live inside of a book which one would you pick? 

What has been one of your biggest challenges?

The 2020s have been challenging so far, first we had the pandemic and now with the  current state of the world, I find myself perplexed.

If you could have dinner with any 3 people alive or dead, who would you choose? What would you serve?

David Bowie, Jacques Cousteau and the Dalai Lama. I would serve some vegetarian food.

If I won the lottery, I would spend my winnings on …?

Well, there is a house for sale at the bottom of Mariposa with a dock on MacKay Lake …

What is your favourite childhood memory?

Running around at the Doon School of Fine Arts outside of Kitchener-Waterloo. It was such a creative and interesting place full of people making art.

My favourite thing about Ottawa is …?

I love that Ottawa is a city that feels like a small town. It is a beautiful city and we are so lucky to have museums, galleries and outdoor spaces. Best of all, I can be in the wilderness in minutes.

My least favourite thing about Ottawa is …?

At this time of year it would have to be the potholes and construction.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Perhaps right here … or maybe a kilometre to the west …

What do you wish to teach others about the world?

I think everyone is different and it is our differences which make us special. I would want people to learn to trust their instincts, follow their ideas and learn what creates a spark for them.