“NASHA OTTAWA”: THE VOICE OF THE CITY, BRINGING COMMUNITIES AND GENERATIONS TOGETHER
Interview with the publisher
Anna: Today our guest is Yuri Natchetoi, publisher of Nasha Ottawa — the glossy magazine you are holding in your hands right now. Who is behind this project? Why was it created, and what sets it apart from others? We’ll talk about all of this right now. Yuri, please tell us: how did the idea of publishing this magazine come about?
Yuri Natchetoi: The story goes back to 2015, when the newspaper Meridian began publishing in Ottawa. In 2023, we launched the newspaper Nasha Ottawa. And today we have taken the next step: we have turned both publications into a full-format glossy magazine that reflects the needs of today’s reader. It isn’t just a new publication — it is part of a media platform that includes print, a web portal, online radio and TV, and a presence on social media.
A.P.: Who is your target audience?
Y.N.: Residents of Ottawa, Gatineau and the surrounding towns — especially those for whom it matters to get information in their native language: Russian, Ukrainian, French or English. We reach not only people from the countries of the former USSR, but everyone who wants to keep up with what’s happening in our city, learn about events, find local businesses and so on.
A.P.: How did you get into publishing?
Y.N.: My path into media began in Toronto, where I worked from 2016 to 2020. I was involved in publishing the Russian-language magazine Be Healthy, as well as in a multicultural online radio and TV project. We produced online programs in more than 20 languages. I hosted shows and at the same time handled the technical side: streaming, video broadcasting, web development. The project even received a prestigious award from Canada’s National Committee on Press and Media. Unfortunately, the pandemic put our online project on hold, and I returned to Ottawa with a dream of one day building a similar media platform here. Today it exists — Nasha Ottawa.
A.P.: Besides the magazine, what else is part of the platform?
Y.N.: In addition to the print edition, we have a website, online radio, a YouTube channel and studio programs. We have built a real media infrastructure with journalists, hosts and editors. For example, we regularly air “News of the Week” with you, Anna; “Faces of Our City” with Anna Pisareva and Kamila Dekkhanbaeva; “Gourmet TV” with Anna Stein; “Housing Navigator” with Alvina Asher; and many others.
A.P.: How do you plan to develop the project further?
Y.N.: We are open to collaboration. Anyone who has an idea, a topic or interesting content can become part of our team. We provide technical support: a studio, video production, editing and promotion. Most importantly, we have an audience that is looking for high-quality, useful, locally focused content.
Nasha Ottawa is a media platform for everyone who loves our city and wants to be part of its vibrant life.
A.P.: What can readers expect from each issue of the magazine?
Y.N.: Every issue brings current topics, interviews, announcements of city events, practical tips, columns on health, real estate and immigration, conversations with interesting people, and a guide to local businesses and services. We don’t limit ourselves to one subject — the magazine reflects the full diversity of life in Ottawa and Gatineau. We prepare articles on health, education, culture, entrepreneurship, travel and much more.
A.P.: Where can people find the magazine?
Y.N.: You can pick it up for free at the Lakomka, Duke and Stolichny stores, or subscribe to home delivery. The subscription costs a nominal amount that only covers postage.
A.P.: What would you like to say to our viewers?
Y.N.: Join us! Subscribe, read, watch, listen — and create content with us. Nasha Ottawa is a media platform for everyone who loves our city and wants to be part of its vibrant life.
A.P.: Thank you. Nasha Ottawa is truly something more than just a publication. It is a reflection of the city’s life and the voice of its residents. Best of luck to the whole team!
Anna Prikhodko