Meet Your Neighbour: Sarah Pye

Who are you?

Sarah Pye

Where were you born?

Pembroke, Ontario

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

My occupation chose me. After completing my M.A. in International Development, a friend of mine called offering a casual contract with the National Secretariat on Homelessness, which I jumped at and very much enjoyed and then went to Global Affairs Canada. I never imagined I’d be working as a public servant, and certainly not in trade. I once thought I’d do something related to health. But here I am. 

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

My two boys, Rhys (13) and Sam (16), my husband and my cat, followed closely by my physical and mental health.  I am working to develop a mindfulness practice. 

Why do you live in Manor Park?  

I grew up in Ottawa, further East, but also near the Ottawa River and I love this part of Ottawa. I’m for sure a North-East Ottawa girl. The city is so green in this neighbourhood. Finally, Manor Park is less than five kilometres from work, and I knew that I did not want to be commuting if I could avoid it. 

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

This is a hard one. I have lived in Geneva, Switzerland for 4 years (my youngest was born there) and I also did 10 months in Durban, South Africa while studying for my M.A. To be honest, there is no place like home. But I would like to retire somewhere warmer (winters are getting harder and harder the older I get), with great food and easy access to everything (including flights for my family to come visit). France, Spain or Italy sound about right. Or maybe Costa Rica.

What do you do to stay healthy? 

I played competitive soccer until about two years ago. On top of that, I like to be active four to five times a week.  Weights, running, or biking. I recently bought a Peloton bike and I love it as an alternative to running outside. I am also working to build a mindfulness practice, and I take time to nurture my friendships and try to eat fresh and healthy. 

What was the last book that you read? 

I just finished HUM by Helen Phillips which I highly recommend as a quick read. It is similar to Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. I have just cracked Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel. I’m really into these future dystopia type books. 

What has been one of your biggest challenges? 

I feel I have had a lot of privilege in my life, so my challenges have mostly been personal. 

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

It would all be family who have passed away: my dad, my grandparents. I have so many questions about their lives and our history. 

Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? 

Probably Selma Blair because she is the actress that people have most often said I resemble. Plus she is rocking the style and the cane right now. 

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

My house – pay my mortgage and do renos. My kids – help pay for their schooling and get them set up in life. Travel with family to make memories. Something to charity.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

A family trip to Calgary to see my cousins. This one was special because I loved my cousins but also my parents were both on the trip despite them having been divorced. It was the only family vacation with all of us. So many memories from that trip, driving through the Rockies in a stinky yellow van. 

My favourite thing about Ottawa is…?

The green space and the arts and culture. It is a big little town, punching above its weight in terms of arts and culture and beautiful spaces, thanks to it being the capital. Not everything is beautiful, though. 

My least favourite thing about Ottawa is…?

The constant push for densification and city council’s continuous deferring to developers, as well as the poor public transportation. 

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

No change likely in the next five years. 

What do you wish to teach your children about the world?

That they belong in this world, no matter what anyone says, and that they have something to contribute and have a responsibility to do so. 

When all is said and done…….?

Life is pretty fantastic!

Meet Your Neighbour is a regular feature of the Manor Park Chronicle.