For 28-year-old Lois-Amiel Mignacca, the move from the Philippines to Canada is a true love story. After meeting her husband Francesco in 2020 and marrying him in 2022, the couple moved to his native Montreal. In 2023, they found their true “middle ground” in the National Capital Region. 

Two years later, the couple traded their car-dependent lifestyle for a serene, walkable life on the water at Zibi’s Aalto II. 

Living on the third floor, Lois-Amiel enjoys the ultimate convenience: a fitness center right outside her front door and a stunning sunset view over the Ottawa River. A “summer baby” who thrives on staying active, she hits the gym almost every day. While the convenience is unbeatable, it’s the connection to the water that makes their apartment feel like home. 

Join us for a day in the life of Lois-Amiel at Zibi. 

Coffee with a View 

As the owner of LMignacca Cleaning Services, Lois-Amiel’s workday is a balancing act. She starts every morning with a coffee, overlooking the Ottawa River. It’s a grounding ritual for someone who grew up surrounded by water. 

Work-Life Balance, Redefined 

Lois-Amiel’s busy life is made easier with the use of Aalto II’s co-working area. It’s a pleasant sanctuary that allows her to focus on growing her business and host small meetings as necessary. 

For Francesco, Zibi’s location is a logistical dream. As an employee with OC Transpo working on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, his commute is entirely pedestrian. He can walk to Pimisi Station in minutes to begin his shifts at Bayview Station, making their car-free goal a seamless reality. 

A Built-in Social Life 

Socializing comes naturally at Zibi. Through the community WhatsApp group, the couple has quickly bonded with their neighbours – and their pets. It isn’t uncommon to see Lois-Amiel out for a stroll with her cat, joining other neighbours and their dogs for a walk along the paths. 

Having moved in during the fall, she is eagerly anticipating her first full summer on the water. “I can’t wait to use the gorgeous waterfront terrace to host a grill with friends,” she adds. 

Alignment with Sustainability 

While the couple chose Zibi for its central location, they were pleasantly surprised by the community’s “One Planet Living” commitment. As someone who makes a living making spaces clean and sustainable for others, she found a perfect personal alignment. 

“The indoor garbage chutes, separated by type, make the sustainable choice the easy choice,” she notes, as she continues to learn more about the community’s various green initiatives. 

Sunsets and City Lights 

Proximity to the water was a non-negotiable for Lois-Amiel – a piece of her heritage in a new climate. As evening approaches, the couple often enjoys the sunset over the river. It’s a view they never tire of. 

And for a little night life action, they like to head out to Vieux Hull to enjoy its many restaurants and pubs. 

“We have taken to watching football and hockey at the Boston Pizza on Promenade du Portage,” she says. 

For variety, Lois-Amiel and her husband hop on the LRT in Ottawa to connect to any of the National Capital’s amazing tourist attractions, shopping malls, and entertainment venues. 

From its unbeatable location and sustainable commitment to the welcoming community and stunning waterfront views, Zibi has provided Lois-Amiel and Francesco with the vibrant, balanced life they were searching for. Their car-free, waterfront lifestyle is the perfect example of how Zibi offers the best of the National Capital Region right at their doorstep. 

Learn more about living at Zibi and our residential rental offerings.