Barrhaven Independent April 26, 2024

Barnsdale Interchange at Highway 416 will have a major local impact

B y G oldie G hamari, m PP for C arleton

Although it was announced last month in the 2024 Ontario Budget, it was nice to have the funding for the Barnsdale interchange at Highway 416 officially announced last Friday in a ceremony at the Minto Recreation Centre in the community of Barrhaven. The interchange will serve the growing area of the southern end of Barrhaven, and it will also serve Manotick, Richmond and Riverside South in the Carleton riding.

The interchange will give local distribution and farm produce trucks easier access to Ontario’s 400 series of highways, as the interchange will be about 40 minutes north of Highway 401.

Ontario Investing in Local Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Ontario government is investing $5 million in communities across the province to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant to help communities and organizations purchase critical supplies, equipment and deliver training and services.

The funding is supporting 113 recipients across Ontario including

municipalities, local services boards, First Nation communities, Tribal Councils, Indigenous service organizations and non-governmental organizations with mandates in emergency preparedness.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is part of the $110 million the government earmarked over the next three years to strengthen emergency preparedness in Ontario. The province will continue to make substantial investments and expand training programs to support Ontario’s whole-ofgovernment approach to emergency management and response.

Eligible applicants had to be located in Ontario and include:

- Non-governmental organizations that have a mandate in emergency

preparedness

- Local services boards

- First Nation communities; Indigenous organizations, including Tribal Councils; and other Indigenous service organizations that support emergency management programming in First Nation communities.

Recipients were selected through a rigorous and competitive review process.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is one of the ways the government is ensuring that communities are as safe and prepared as possible. Earlier this month, Ontario released its first annual report on the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, reporting on progress made in 2023 to move emergency management forward.

On May 7-9, 2024, the province will host Exercise Heatwave, a simulated heat-related emergency taking place with participating municipalities that will practise response procedures working in partnership with others.

Ontario Building

More Inclusive Communities

The Ontario government is investing $750,000 this year to help communities across the province become more age-friendly and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Applications for the 2024-25 cycle of Inclusive Community Grants opened today. These grants provide municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and Indigenous communities with up to $60,000 for lo-

cal projects that will help older adults and people with disabilities participate in community life.

Since the Inclusive Community Grants Program was created in 2020, the Ontario government has provided up to $4.5 million to support 87 projects in communities across Ontario.

This year, Ontario is prioritizing projects focused on increasing access to outdoor spaces and promoting and increasing accessible housing and transportation. Applications for Inclusive Community Grants are available at Ontario. ca/GetFunding. Eligible organizations have until May 22, 2024, to submit their applications.

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Quick Facts

- Inclusive and AgeFriendly communities work to promote accessibility, safety, and active living for people of all ages and abilities.

- Eligible organizations must apply for an Inclusive Community Grant through Transfer Payment Ontario.

Ontario Preparing Communities for Emergencies

The Government of Ontario has released its first annual report on the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, highlighting key actions the province is taking to ensure communities across Ontario are safe, practiced and prepared before, during and after emergencies such as floods, wildland fires and cyber attacks.

The province collaborated with municipal and Indigenous partners to highlight the progress we have made since releasing the plan in 2023. Those accomplishments include:

- Leading and participating in 85 emergency exercises and drills with both government and non-government partners to strengthen emergency practice and preparedness.

- Delivering 336 emergency management courses to over 13,800 participants.

- Launching the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant to help communities and organizations purchase critical emergency equipment and supplies.

- Making emergency management training more culturally appropriate and relevant for Indigenous partners by developing courses that support their needs and the types of situations they face.

- Providing municipalities and provincial partners with resources to help them plan, set up and coordinate emergency exercises on their own.

- Launching the Provincial Exercise Program, a multi-year plan to exercise, test and strengthen multisector emergency plans and whole-of-government emergency response.

The report also highlights priorities for the future of emergency management in Ontario. This includes continuing to use data and digital tools to help communities prepare for potential emergencies, including extreme weather events.

Ontario Launches Grid Innovation Fund

The Ontario government is building the grid of the future by launching a new round of the Grid Innovation Fund which will invest $9.5 million to support projects that will make the province’s electricity system more efficient. This year’s funding will be focused on transportation and heating and cooling, two sectors that are driving significant electricity demand increases.

As electric vehicles (EVs) and electric heating increase demand on Ontario’s electricity system, successful projects would enable these new technologies to contribute to grid flexibility, reliability, and affordability by focusing on two streams:

- Electric Vehicle projects would demonstrate how EVs could support electricity supply by injecting electricity back into the grid at times of high demand and how EV owners could benefit from aligning charging with periods when demand is low on the grid.

- Space and water heating and cooling projects would demonstrate how thermal storage and new technologies can help manage demand from heating and cooling on the grid and lower emissions.

The Grid Innovation Fund is just one part of Powering Ontario’s Growth, the government’s pragmatic plan which outlines the actions the province is taking to meet electricity demand and power the province’s growing economy, including:

- Nuclear Energy – Advancing reliable, affordable, and clean nuclear power through pre-development work at Bruce Power, four small modular reactors at Darlington, and the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.

OPEN HOUSE Spring

- Competitive Procurements – Acquiring 4,000 megawatts of storage and natural gas generation and launching more competitive procurements for nonemitting electricity resources including wind, solar, hydroelectric, batteries and biogas.

- New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmissions lines in Southwestern and Northeastern Ontario that will power job creators including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.

- Keeping Costs Down –Reducing demand through the expansion of Ontario’s energy efficiency programs.

The Grid Innovation Fund will be administered by the IESO, which is opening applications for funding in May 2024.

Quick Facts

- In 2023, Emergency Management Ontario reported 28 local emergency declarations and 280 significant emergency incidents across the province.

- There were 86 deployments in 2023 by Emergency Management Ontario staff to communities to assist with emergencies.

- Ontario strengthened collaboration during coordinated responses to emergencies across the province. This included the safe evacuation of 3,519 community members in 2023.

- This year, the province is hosting Exercise Heatwave, a simulated heat-related emergency taking place with participating municipalities from May 7-9, 2024, that will practise response procedures working in partnership with others.

Office Notice:

My office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. If you require assistance on any matter, please contact me at any time. My staff and I will be happy to assist. Even if it’s not a provincial issue, I’ll make sure to connect you with the proper office.

Goldie

Your voice at Queen’s Park

New Hwy 416 Interchange to save commuters time in south Barrhaven

The Ontario government is fighting gridlock in south Ottawa by investing $5 million in a new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road. The interchange will save commuters time in the rapidly growing community of Barrhaven and connect more people to housing and jobs across the region.

The announcement was made Friday, April 12 at the Minto Recreation Centre in Half Moon Bay.

“As Ontario’s population grows, it’s critical we ensure our province’s transportation network keeps pace,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road will help local residents and other drivers get where they need to go faster and more conveniently. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government will continue to invest in the roads and bridges that we need to keep Ontario moving.”

The Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road interchange is part of a new deal between the Ontario government and Ottawa that recognizes the unique needs of Canada’s national capital region. The deal includes up to $181 million for critical transportation projects, including rehabilitation and maintenance of Ottawa Road 174 and funding for the Kanata North Transitway.

Mayor of the City of Ottawa.

“Advancing the design and construction of a new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road will improve infrastructure and connectivity within our communities. It’s a game changer and will transform the way we move around our great city.”

The province will work with the City of Ottawa to plan and design the Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road interchange, which will also serve the communities of Manotick and Richmond.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested approximately $425 million in highway and bridge improvements in the Ottawa region.

“Barnsdale Road is the perfect location for a much needed interchange with Highway 416,” said Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari. “Not only will it serve Barrhaven and the nearby growing communities of Manotick and Richmond, it will also benefit commuters heading north into Ottawa and provide local farms and businesses with easier access to Highway 401 south of the city.”

The interchange will have a major impact in Barrhaven, especially the growing southern area of the suburb in the Half Moon Bay community. Currently, the only access Barrhaven has to Highway 416 is at Fallowfield Road.

“The completion of the Barnsdale interchange is a commitment our government made to the people of Ontario in 2018,” Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod said. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the next step as we push the interchange over the finish line as part of our 2024 budget and build a bet-

The official announcement of the Hwy 416/Barnsdale Road interchange funding was made Friday. From left to right are Councillor David Brown, Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari, Ontario Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, and Councillors David Hill and Wilson Lo.

ter Ontario for everyone.”

Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, said the new interchange will benefit the local business community.

collaboration with Queen’s Park to build up Ottawa and Ontario as the best place to live, work, play, visit, learn, and invest.”

The new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road is among the more than 50 actions identified in the government’s Connecting the East: A draft transportation plan for eastern Ontario.

“The Ottawa Board of Trade welcomes the Ontario government’s investment in a new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road,” Ching said. As the nation’s capital and the second largest city in the province, increasing connectivity for Ottawa businesses, residents, and visitors is critical to driving Ontario’s economic growth agenda. Innovative infrastructure inspires confidence and future investments. We look forward to continued

Last year, the province completed an Environmental Assessment and proposed a preliminary design of the interchange which would provide commuters with access to Highway 416 at Barnsdale Road.

The government is investing more than $3.8 bil-

lion in 2024-25 to deliver the Ontario Highways Program, which features 650 expansion and rehabilitation projects and will support roughly 15,000 direct and indirect jobs. Since 2022, the Ontario government has replaced nine bridges at four locations on Highway 417 in Ottawa, including at Bronson and Percy, to improve safety and keep roads and bridges in a state of good repair.

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Water We Talking About? Residents say rates unfair

Among the more frequent concerns residents have shared with me is how the current structure of water rates is unfair.

Presently, the recovery of 80 per cent of the costs to deliver a clean and safe supply of drinking water to serviced residential properties (those on city water) occurs through usage fees, while the remaining 20 per cent come from fixed charges in the water bill.

Those usage fees, structured in tiers, are based on the amount of water used, with each tier charging a higher rate than the previous tier. (Fun

East Barrhaven Ward Report

Wilson Lo, Councillor

useless fact, “tier” comes from the French word “tirer,” as in what’s pulled next in the draw sequence.)

That means households with more residents automatically progress quicker in the tiers by virtue of gross usage, even if net usage per resident was no different than households with fewer people. It’s inherently unfair and punishes

families and multi-generational households.

The city and its oversight board (Council) are legally responsible for the safety of the drinking water supply. After Walkerton, the provincial government passed strict legislation, making drinking water the only municipal service Councillors are personally liable for in the event of a failure.

That means there is no room for cost cutting when it comes to our drinking water supply, from the equipment used to the qualified staff who monitor and test the system every day.

Like most city services,

providing safe drinking water is a revenue neutral service.

Collected revenues are for system maintenance to ensure its functional upkeep and capital investments towards future improvements and legislative requirements.

The general success of conservation efforts means the portion of cost recovery based on usage may become inadequate while the costs of delivering the service remain the same.

Staff are also considering using aerial imagery to determine what percentage of non-residential properties have

materials, like asphalt, which generate more runoff into the stormwater system, the basis upon which stormwater rates can be determined for individual properties.

For example, a strip mall with a large parking lot may be subject to more stormwater charges than a light industrial building with a green roof and no surface parking. This is not under consideration for residential properties.

Through the review, staff will also consider options to ensure stormwater billing remains equitable for residents in communities serviced by

rural stormwater infrastructure, such as the ditches and culverts in Hearts Desire and Rideau Glen.

As the review is something with wide ranging impacts on residents across the city, staff have also set up a survey to collect resident feedback the help guide the review. The survey includes a set of multiplechoice questions, and others are open ended for longer answers. The survey is available online at engage.ottawa.ca/ rates until 31 July 2024.

Additionally, residents may also share their feedback with me at Wilson.Lo@ottawa.ca.

Riverside South opens new food bank inside Brierly’s YIG

Riverside South is finally getting its own food bank.

The Community Food Table will be open beginning Monday, May 6 inside Brierley’s Your Independent Grocer. To begin, the food bank will operate twice a month, by appointment.

“The Community Table is a

food bank located in Riverside South, run 100% by volunteers,” said a statement from the organization. “Our goal is to serve families in Riverside South with a hope to grow to include our neighbouring communities.”

The idea for the food bank came from a group of local

residents from the Gathering, a Christian church in Riverside South. The church was looking for a charitable cause to serve its neighbours, when it learned that other nearby food banks were seeing a growing number of clients coming from Riverside South.

The Community Table organizers say that according to Stats Canada, there are over 600 households in Riverside South living below the poverty line.

“With the rising cost of living, our hope is to provide some relief in a family’s struggle to make ends meet and strive to

support them with compassion, dignity, and respect,” said the Community table statement.

“Even in our seemingly affluent neighbourhood, people are going hungry.”

Jeff Brierley, Owner of Brierley’s Your Independent Grocer, has provided a space

inside his store for us to launch this project, and to help them collect food donations. The space, however, is temporary. The Community Table is currently looking for a permanent location to continue to serve Riverside South residents in need.

EDITorIal

The use of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic is surging

The rise of GLP-1 drugs, as exemplified by the widespread usage of medications like Ozempic, is revolutionizing societal attitudes toward health and dietary habits. A new study conducted by Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab and Caddle reveals that between 900,000 and 1.4 million Canadians have incorporated these medications into their daily routine.

The primary reasons for usage are managing type 2 diabetes (57.2 percent) and seeking weight loss (27.2 percent), which reflects a complex interplay between health needs and body image goals. The impact on dietary choices is particularly notable, with 45.5 percent of users reporting reduced food intake, especially high-calorie items. The most significant declines are seen in sweet bakery goods, candies, and carbonated soft drinkss.

The impact of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic goes beyond personal health, indicating a transformation in consumer dietary behaviours. This shift is reshaping the food landscape. The survey outlines a 30.6 percent decrease in sweet bakery goods consumption, a 30.4 percent decline in candy consumption, and a 29.7 percent drop in packaged cookie consumption among GLP-1 users. Even the consumption of carbonated soft drinks has decreased by 28.8 percent, underscoring a shift towards healthier beverage choices.

However, the impact of GLP-1 drugs extends beyond food consumption to include significant changes in alcohol intake and dining habits. The survey reveals that 19.2 percent of GLP-1 users have reduced their consumption of alcoholic beverages, suggesting a broader trend towards healthier lifestyle choices encompassing both food and drink.

For the restaurant industry, the ramifications are considerable. The data indicates that 21.6 percent of GLP-1 drug users are dining out less frequently, while 16.4 percent are purchasing fewer groceries. This decline in patronage poses challenges for restaurants, particularly those that rely on high-margin items like snacks and fast foods. To adapt, restaurants may need to innovate their menus to include healthier, lower-calorie options that cater to the dietary preferences of GLP-1 users, such as diabetes-friendly or weightmanagement dishes.

The long-term effects on food producers and retailers are profound. The decline in demand for sugary snacks and drinks suggests a trend toward healthier products that cater to the dietary needs of GLP-1 drug users. This presents an opportunity for the food and beverage industry to reassess its offerings, align with evolving consumer demand for healthier options, and innovate and foster growth by developing new product lines that appeal to health-conscious consumers.

The GLP-1 drug trend is reshaping the food industry, driving a cultural shift in consumer preferences toward healthier eating habits. This evolution challenges traditional food sectors and opens new avenues for innovation and adaptation in response to changing dietary trends.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

© Troy Media

BARRHAVEN

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Website: www.manotickmessenger.ca

Staff/Contributors: Gary Coulombe, Larry Ellis, Skyler Fraser, Goldie Ghamari, David Hill, Wilson Lo, Jeffrey Morris, Greg Newton.

Pain from Columbine still lingers 25 years later

At times, it feels like yesterday.

The morning of April 20, 1999 felt like any other morning.

from the other side

I was working in Denver, but spending most of my time at the Red Lion Hotel near the airport. My family had not moved to Colorado yet, but that, at the time, was the plan.

I didn’t go to my office that morning. Instead, a real estate agent was picking me up and we were going to look at neighbourhoods to get a feel for what the Denver housing market was like.

We went to Cherry Creek, which was really nice but too expensive. We went to Littleton, and then went to Parker. I liked Parker, but we weren’t done yet.

The next stop was Columbine.

We drove around in her car, talking about different things to do with finding the right home in the right area. The radio was off. We didn’t consider ourselves cut off and oblivious to what was going on around us, until we were.

People were outside. Some were crying, hugging, embracing. Others were just standing around. Above, there were helicopters flying around. I made the comment that this looked like how I imagined the scene in the first chapter of the first Harry Potter book, when everyone in the wizard world went out to the streets after learning that Voldemort had been defeated.

Something was going on. Something had happened. We had no idea of the magnitude of what we were in the middle of.

We went back to our office in Edgewood in the early afternoon. Where I worked, there was a staff of between 15 and 20. When we walked in, it was eerie. There was no chatter. There was no bustle. The only noise was coming from a radio in our mailing room. Occasionally, you could hear some sniffles and sobs.

I didn’t have to ask what the hell was going on. The look on my face asked it.

I started listening and realize what had happened, and the aftermath of the nationchanging event we had driven by.

Columbine High School.

The Barrhaven Independent is published every other FRIDAY in Manotick, Ontario. Letters will be edited for length, clarity and libellous statements. Display rates are available on request. The Barrhaven Independent is not responsible for the loss of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other material used for publication purposes.

Tears streamed down Betty’s face. She lost a nephew. Paula, the youngest employee at our office, had lost a cousin. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, two nobodies hours earlier who were quickly becoming household names, had shot and killed 12 students and two teachers at the school.

Klebold and Harris then turned the guns on themselves. It was hard for people to count them in with the victims. Innocent lives were lost at the hands of two students who planned and executed the most violent and evil act in Colorado history.

An hour later, we learned that one of our regular vendors lost a family member. When a tragedy happens, even in a city the size of Denver, you realize how small and connected a city or a town can be. Every -

one was connected to someone who was connected to someone in the tragedy. The pain came from the toes up and the emotions were raw.

In addition to those killed, 21 others were injured by gunshots. Three were injured trying to escape. Sadly, the shooting spree was Plan B. The pair had planted homemade bombs in the school cafeteria and were going to be detonated when the cafeteria was at its busiest time of the day. The plan was not to kill 13 people. The plan was take out 500 or more.

Fortunately, the remote detonation attempt failed. Klebold and Harris switched to Plan B, which was to shoot up the school.

We learned a lot that day.

We learned that April 20 was selected as the date for the killings because it was Adolf Hitler’s birthday. The massacre was revealed as a “tribute” to Hitler.

We learned about the darkness on the still new internet.

Eric Harris had created a private website on America Online and had also started a blog. His writings detailed the vandalism and mischief he and Klebold got into. He also wrote about how he wanted to kill “as many of you as I can.” He named one student he wanted to kill by name. When that boy’s parents went to the police, an investigator drafted a request for a search warrant of the Harris household. He never submitted it to a judge.

Harris wrote about a range of topics on his blog and in his journal. One of his writings detailed how he wanted to hijack a plane at Stapleton International Airport and then crash it into New York City.

A couple of months before the attacks, Harris and Kelbold had been arrested after breaking into a van and stealing tools and computer equipment. They attended anger management classes, but were excused because of their positive actions.

Harris also wrote a school paper on school shootings, and later for a school assignment wrote a poem from the perspective of a bullet.

While there were indicators everywhere foreshadowing what the two Grade 12 students were up to, there was no action. Their parents were unaware that homemade bombs and weapons were in their basements.

Over the years, the significance of Columbine has faded slightly. Sandy Hook overshadowed and took over from Columbine as the tragedy that all others would be compared to.

But we learned. We learned of the dark web, and we learned of social subcultures.

But most of all, we learned to pay attention to all of the warning signs that were missed or ignored.

The sounds of silence can be fertile and eloquent

Listen to the silence of the night, it is something to behold. Stand still and listen, far from the noises of the town. It is a fertile and eloquent silence. Silence alone is worthy to be heard; it is of various depths and fertility, like the soil. Perhaps compare to the silence where people perish and hunger and thirst for something anything. The silence

THis week, THIS MONTH

by Larry Ellis

rings and the music make you happy, you hear the unspeakable - the silence is audible!

Make time for yourself

every day to connect in some way with nature. Walk barefoot on the grass, go for a swim, watch the sunset, stroke an animal, feed the birds, or even weed the garden. Submerging yourself in nature, and you will experience silent, unconditional, utter bliss and peace.

Every time I’m in nature, I find that time literally stops and thoughts quiet.

All that’s left is the beautiful sounds of birds chirping, water trickling, winds howling, and all the gaps of nature’s silence in-between.

Reading spiritual books or articles, listening to enlightened masters, practicing yoga or listening to music that you resonate with, dancing and moving your body will feed and nourish your silent core within.

Meditation is the ultimate channel and food for inner silence. However, unlike nature, which is effortless silence, meditation may be slightly more challenging. Sitting or lying there unmoving and in quietude, the brain may seem anything but silent or still.

The more I listen and follow, the stronger it be-

comes. It has about it an air of strength, love, wisdom, and joy. It works magic, it leads me to meet people I am meant to meet, go to places I am meant to go, and do things I am meant to do.

With devotion and commitment, the work of maintaining and sustaining your silence will naturally become a joyful routine and not a chore.

OCDSB joins Toronto school boards in lawsuit against social media giants

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has joined the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic School Board, and Peel District School Board to commence legal action against tech giants Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook and Instagram), Snap Inc. (SnapChat), and ByteDance Ltd. (TikTok) for disrupting student learning and the education system.

According to the lawsuit, social media products, negligently designed for compulsive use, have rewired the way children think, behave, and learn, leaving educators and schools to manage the fallout. These addictive properties have compromised students’ ability to learn, disrupted classrooms, and resulted in increasing mental health harms.

According to recent re-

search:

- Approximately 91 % of Ontario students in grades 7 – 12 use social media daily*

- 45 % of these students use social media for five hours or more a day*

- 1 in 10 Ontario students report feelings of pervasive nervousness when not using their electronic devices, and that this discomfort is relieved by “use.”*

- We are facing a youth mental health crisis with many reporting poor or fair mental health (38%), and feeling as though they are in serious psychological distress (26%).*

- Almost one-third (30%) of students report being cyberbullied at least once in the past year.*

- 21.8% of Instagram users aged 13-15 stated they were the target of bullying over the product within the

previous seven days.**

- One in five report harming themselves and/or have seriously contemplated suicide.*

(*Source: CAMH’s 2021 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS); **Source: 2021 Internal Instagram BEEF Survey Results)

“As the largest school board in Eastern Ontario, we are committed to the wellbeing of our students,” said Pino Buffone, Director of Education, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. “The crisis caused by social media giants is putting children and youths at risk. Our students, society’s next generation of leaders, deserve better.”

According to the OCDSB, students are experiencing an attention, learning, and mental health crisis because of prolific

and compulsive use of social media products. The fall out of compulsive use of social media amongst students is causing massive strains on the four school boards’ finite resources, including additional needs for in-school mental health programming and personnel, increased IT costs, and additional administrative resources.

The boards are advancing claims in excess of one billion dollars. This action calls on social media giants to remediate these enormous costs to the education system and to redesign their products to keep students safe.

Neinstein LLP, a Toronto-based litigation firm, has been retained by the school boards to represent them in their fight for social media change. The goal of the litigation is to provide school

boards with the resources needed to support student programming and services, and to respond to the schoolbased problems social media giants have caused.

“The impact of social media on our school system is irrefutable,” said Duncan Embury, Partner, Head of Litigation, Neinstein. “The most advanced tech developers in the world have knowingly and negligently designed their products to maximize the amount of time young people spend on their platforms at the expense of their wellbeing and education. Social media companies should be held accountable for their negligence and the harm they have caused to our schools, and our community at large.”

School boards will not be responsible for any costs related to the lawsuit un-

less a successful outcome is reached.

The litigation is not focused on taking away access and use of social media. We understand that social media is a part of life, and a communication tool that is used by many in our community. That said, social media companies know about the negative impact of their products on children but continue to ignore and dismiss their own findings. The lawsuit calls on social media giants to make their products and/ or services safer for youths and to compensate district school boards for disrupting their educational mandate.

To learn more about the lawsuit and to follow developments, please visit the Schools for Social Media Change Alliance at https://schoolsforsocia lmediachange.ca/

Joel Lemieux hired as new OSTA General Manager and CAO

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority has a new General Manager and CAO.

Joel Lemieux has been hired for the position, effective Monday, April 15.

“Mr. Lemieux brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to enhancing transportation services in our community’” OSTA said in a statement.

Lemieux has 24 years of extensive transit operations experience within the City of Ottawa, A lifelong Ottawa resident, his transit career began as a bus operator, providing him invaluable

frontline experience. “Throughout his tenure with the City of Ottawa, Mr. Lemieux has demonstrated a proven track record of effective leadership and operational management, making him a valuable addition to the OSTA team,” the OSTA statement said. “Mr. Lemieux successfully coordinated 64 million annual passenger trips across various transit services in his previous role as the multimodal Transit Operations Control Center Manager. His experience managing complex operations and fostering collaborative working

relationships will be instrumental in driving positive change and improvements within OSTA.”

Locally, the school bus situation, particularly for Ottawa Carleton District School Board schools, has created difficulties for many local families, particularly at the start of the school year. Before the start of the school year, OSTA failed to reach an agreement with one of its 10 operators. OSTA also had a number of school bus drivers quit their jobs for various reasons. The situation left a strain on many families.

By late fall, more than 80 per cent of the school route cancellations were from the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. They are the two boards OSTA is responsible for regarding student transportation.

Throughout the fall and spring, OSTA has been bringing the public updates on the status of their longterm cancelled runs and bus driver shortage.

“We are happy to report that since March 8th, we have had no long-term cancellations on any of our

routes,” OSTA said, referencing the cancellations of routes that already had drivers in place. “The bus driver shortage is still causing some day-to-day cancellations; however, we are working with our operators to minimize these. We have also begun to meet with our operators to establish plans for ongoing communication throughout the summer to keep the public updated on the status of our transportation services for the fall.”

Every year, OSTA holds two virtual Public Governance Board Meetings. Their next Public Board Meet-

ing takes place on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.

The OSTA Board of Directors welcomes constructive public input into its deliberations from delegates. To register as an observer or a delegate, please visit them at ottawaschoolbus.ca. The deadline for registration is 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The 2023-24 school year will be remembered locally for the strained relationship between OSTA and school bus operators that left many parents scrambling to find transportation for their children to and from school.

The wheels on the bus reach new growth sites

By DaviD Hill, BarrHaven West CounCillor

The OC Transpo Bus Route Review is going to come into effect within the next few months – what does that mean to you? Well, it depends on where you live and how you use the transit service. The purpose behind the route change was to consolidate the service to the new post COVID demand reality (it does not make sense to have six people taking an 88 passenger express bus to Tunney’s Pasture), and to improve access to new developments where growth had outpaced service. Broadly speaking, this change will accomplish the goal. However, there are some important realities that you will need to be aware of and prepared for.

First off, if you commute downtown, you will likely need to take a local bus to either Marketplace or Fallowfield then transfer. The current 270 / 272 / 273 express models will be changed to local Barrhaven service that will focus on transit access in

Barrhaven West - Report

David Hill, Councillor , Ward 3

the residential areas and movement to those principal transfer hubs. That’s a bummer. However, the local service will be provided more regularly and throughout the day, so you will have more flexibility and choice in your commute. That is an improvement. IE – for me presently, my options for the 270 are to take the 5:56, 6:56, 7:26 or 8:26. That’s four bussing options over 2.5 hours and if I miss one, no doubt it will have an impact. Where as, with the new system, the busses are planned to run on a 30 minute or more frequent schedule (the exact timings are yet to be published) which would give several additional options. So, my honest answer to downtown commuters is that ‘it’s a wash’ – yes the additional transfer is a pain, but you will get some additional flexibility. It

should not drastically affect travel duration.

Now if your commute is to Carleton University, you will be the main winner! The new Strandherd to Limebank systems will provide access to the ‘backdoor’ line two LRT that will take you downtown via the East side of the Rideau River. You will likely see your travel time halved or better! Similarly, the route improvements into Kanata will also provide additional options for folks that work at the Tech park.

Local Barrhaven service will be more regular in order to get residential transit riders to the Strandherd commercial and Fallowfield station. One major improvement is that the 275 system will be introduced that will service the Appolune/ Perseus areas, and the 75 will extend to Cappamore. Those areas previously had over a 1.5km walk to their first transit stop so this is definitely a net positive. Furthermore, the density of passengers on the 75 should be offset by the overlap of the 275

on Cambrian so it should not be a ‘feast/famine’ situation. Once Elevation opens up beyond construction traffic this will see a rerouting to allow access into the Ridge area – another big win for folks without proximate transit access.

Now there is a pocket of residents in the Marivista-Weybridge area that will see their transit stop move further away. This is a result of the Bus shift from Marivista to Helene-Campbell in order to provide access to the new developments in the Cobblehill area. Unfortunately for about 300 homes this means that their previously 50-100m walk to transit will become a 300-600m walk. This also means that in order to provide access in this area, the bus will need to route down Laming which is a narrow road with a hill, curve, t-junction and dense townhomes. I know that both of these issues (the reduced access and the new Laming route) are not favourable and I have represented these issues to OC Transpo. I can assure

you that my fingers will be on the pulse of this aspect of the implementation and OC Transpo are well aware of my concerns here.

Finally, another key aspect of this change is the addition of a non-regular looping bus route (99) that will be able to pick up and drop off residents at the Barrhaven United Church stop on Jockvale on the East side of the road for both directions! This will greatly improve the safety of riders as they will not have to cross Jockvale to catch the bus. Even though this is not a regular bus route, there will also be access for folks in this area at Dolan should a more regular service be required. This does not eliminate the need for a safe pedestrian crossing on Jockvale, but it does mitigate the principal safety issue at this site. I will continue to work for a pedestrian crossing to connect the walking paths by the train tracks – but this is a subject for its own article down the road!

Change is always tough, and these changes are necessary and generally will

come with improved access and efficiency. The areas that I am concerned with are known and I will closely monitor through the implementation phase. Should you wish to speak further on these changes I am happy to set up an appointment. As soon as I hear about the detailed scheduling and implementation timeframe, I will be sure to update in my newsletter. If you are interested in regular updates on community issues, new developments, safety planning, and local events, please send me an email at david.hill@ottawa.ca and ask to join my newsletter.

When the actual changes come into effect, I will be operating my office from Fallowfield station so you will be able to come see me at the beginning / end of your day to give me your real-time feedback which will be highly appreciated and will help me to best represent the evolutionary and ongoing improvements that we will want to continue making in order to best enhance our transit system! Thanks for listening!

Pool

City of Ottawa offers tips for those planting gardens

If you love gardening then you probably love deciding which plants and flowers to buy and where to place them? When making your choices for the upcoming season, we have a few suggestions for you.

If you’re an experienced gardener, then you may already know that certain plants are better-suited to help pollinators or to control rain water. If you’re a considerate gardener, you know which plants are a nuisance to neighbours or can cause harm.

If you are inexperienced or simply looking for new ideas, then read on.

Don’t tidy up too soon. Many pollinators and other wildlife overwinter in dead plant stems or leaf litter. Delay your spring cleaning until temperatures have risen above 10oC consistently. Leave some areas of bare soil for

ground-nesting bees. Southfacing sites with well-drained sandy soils are preferred. Go beyond “no mow May” by converting parts of your lawn to a native wildflower garden or meadow instead, to provide habitat all year long. Traditional mowed lawns need lots of maintenance and don’t provide benefits to native pollinators or other wildlife. By reducing your lawn area, you can reduce your yard’s water consumption and your time spent mowing permanently, instead of for just one month.

To encourage pollinators in your garden, plant native wildflowers, including early and late flowering species, to provide nectar sources and other food for pollinators. If you’re looking for an example, we have a pollinator garden at City Hall. It includes species such as common milkweed,

If you have gone online or talked to friends in the quest to find THE best hearing aid, you were likely left confused by all the conflicting reports. This is normal because, truth is, there is no one device that will be perfect for everyone. Why? Well, because there is no one type of hearing loss profile, no one type of hearing need, no one type of person. Your “Best Hearing Aid” is the one that will address your hearing levels, your hearing capabilities, and all your unique wants and needs, and so, it may be much different than your friend’s device.

The good news is that across the many Manufacturers, there are some great products to choose from. Some have a great wind manager for outdoor enthusiasts, others are geared to the musicians, others excel in connectivity, and so on and so forth. So, finding

New England aster, wild bergamot, prairie smoke and a variety of goldenrods. Many native trees and shrubs also have flowers that support pollinators – did you know that maple flowers are appreciated by many of our early spring pollinators?

The City Hall garden also features a bee hotel. Bee hotels are different from beehives –they are smaller and provide places for native solitary bees to lay their eggs. Many commercially produced bee houses are now being sold online and in stores, but not all of them are well-suited for our native species. For more information on bee hotels, check out our web page: Pollinators | City of Ottawa

Soak up the rain

Rain gardens are shallow depressed areas that promote

the infiltration of rainwater into the ground. They are planted with attractive hardy plants – ideally native perennials – and have loose soils that help rainwater seep down into the ground.

Plants are not just decorative in rain gardens, their roots loosen soils and maintain high infiltration rates. You should choose hardy wet-tolerant plants that can also experience periods of drought.

Some varieties to consider:

- Purple coneflower,

- Joe-Pye Weed

- Bowman’s Root

- Mosquito Grass

- Butterfly Milkweed

- Garlic Chives

- Pot o’ Gold

- Little Bluestem

- Woodland Phlox

Gardens near a road or sidewalk

The Right-of-way (ROW) is a City-owned portion of land that extends from the edge of the road and onto every property. Typically, it extends to the water shut off. You can learn more on ottawa.ca or use the geoOttawa(link is external) program to help measure the City’s ROW on your property.

No permit is required for residential gardening in the ROW. Here are some things to remember if you want to install a garden the right way:

There is a list of plants that are not permitted in the ROW - Only soft landscaping and hand-digging gardens are allowed.

- The garden must not interfere with the sidewalk.

- The maximum plant height is 1.0 metres and 0.75 metres for corner lots.

Today’s Best Hearing Aid

your best device is possible.... the key to finding it is to have ALL the Manufacturer products considered with your unique set of needs and wants in mind, something only possible if the dispenser carries all product lines. If the business has a pre-determined product portfolio, it is not in your best interest.

Offering just that is Hearing Freedom, a locally owned and operated clinic. This practice of customizing the solution to the individual is rare in today’s market, where clinics are often Manufacturer-owned or have limited their product offerings to a few preferred Manufacturers. Hearing Freedom is therefore a gem worth seeking out.

The unique and refreshing approach that sets Hearing Freedom apart from other providers was established over 20 years ago by

Rosanne McNamee, Doctor of Audiology. After interviewing for employment at many local clinics, she was disheartened to discover Manufacturer limitations and a focus on sales tactics and sales targets. “One-size-fits-all solutions just don’t cut it.” says McNamee, “To properly treat hearing loss and to maximize a person’s quality of life, everything available in the market must be considered for that individual. Furthermore, I must do so with their particular needs and wants in mind, not my employer’s profit margins.” And so, she decided to set up her own business, doing it her way and putting people first.

At Hearing Freedom, there are no predetermined products or plans. Each and every intervention plan is as unique as the person seeking help. The experience begins with a thorough hear-

ing evaluation which is followed by a detailed needs assessment. Throughout, the person’s input is held paramount. “We offer pre-purchase demos as well as a 90-day trial period on purchased hearing aids. These options give you the confidence that you have chosen the right solution for you, your lifestyle and your hearing needs.” Thereafter, invaluable rehabilitation and continued support is provided under the clinic service plan. This assures essential hearing check-ups and hearing aid care.

In addition, there are no HISs at Hearing Freedom. Rather, you will be seen by experienced, bilingual, Registered Audiologists. With Masters or Doctorate degrees, Audiologists are the most qualified in their field. They service both children and adults, whether they are private pay or

- Hard landscaping materials such as pavers, riverstone, gravel and planter boxes are not allowed.

- Consumables including vegetables, fruit, herbs, nuts and seeds are not allowed.

- You cannot garden within a ditch.

Invasive species

and noxious weeds

Gardeners are asked to avoid planting invasive species in their gardens, particularly near natural areas.

Noxious weeds are invasive species which are quick to reproduce and spread and can often out-compete other species. Wild Parsnip, Poison Ivy, and Giant Hogweed are commonly found in areas of uncultivated land, roadside ditches, nature trails, woodlots, and in some cases, on rural and residential property.

third party supported (WCB, VAC, etc).

“Not only is hearing complex, so are today’s hearing aid options,” McNamee explains. “Dealing with the most qualified health care professional, in the most independent setting, is crucial to success.” At Hearing Freedom you can be certain that you have chosen the best place to trust with your hearing needs.

So, if you believe in your right to the best, fullest and most customized service available, go to Hearing Freedom. They are the right choice because they give you choice. You won’t regret your short drive to Manotick.

Parking is free. Home visits and Remote care is available. Wheelchair friendly. For more information visit www.HearingFreedom.com

The long wait is over as Salvation Army Church opens

All good things are worth waiting for.

That cliché could not be more relevant for the Barrhaven Salvation Army Church, which held its opening celebrations Sat., April 13.

Commissioner Lee Graves, who with his wife Debbie

serves as the territorial leader of the Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda, recalled how the church left its old location in the city on Woodroffe Avenue in 2007 with the plans of eventually moving to a new church in Barrhaven.

“I wonder if you would have had the courage to step out, as you did then, if you knew the timeline,” Graves said, drawing laughter from those in attendance.

One of the original delays of getting the building on the edge of the South Nepean Park at 102 Bill Leathem Drive built was the recommendation from Ottawa city staff to reject the plans for the church and community centre.

Staff had recommended not allowing the building of the church and a community centre as it falls within the Airport Operating Influence Zone.

Council voted 9-1 to give the green light to the church and community centre. Ottawa International Airport Authority said that there is too much noise for the facility. The church and community centre would be two-and-a-half kilometres from the airport’s busi-

est runway.

The Airport Operating Influence Zone restricts noisesensitive development, but the zoning rule excludes schools, places of worship, daycares and retirement residences.

“I think for me, the words ‘Are we there yet?’ come to mind,” said Graves to smileds and more laughter of the gathering. “And we watched. And we watched. And we watched. And we waited. And we waited. And we waited. In fact, we went out of the country for five years, and we came home to be surprised that we were still waiting… But this does truly represent a significant milestone.”

Barrhaven East Councillor Wilson Lo brought greetings from the City of Ottawa.

“The community spaces that are here now, and what’s to come in the future, are going to be really valuable as a hub and a gathering space for residents both in Barrhaven and across the City of Ottawa,” Lo said.

“I just hope there are no residents in Barrhaven actually named Sally Ann,” Lo said, drawing more laughs, “but I really want to congratulate the

Andrew R.C. Wilson, B.A., LL.B., M.B.A.

Michelle R. Perry, B.A., LL.B.

Matt Frye, B.A., J.D.

Sydney Bowles, B.A., J.D.

Richmond C.E. Wilson, Q.C. (Ret.)

Corporate Law

• Real Estate

• Wills and Estates 5542 Manotick Main St. 613-692-3547

Salvation Army Barrhaven Church for getting to where you are today. I am proud to welcome you as a new neighbour and friend to the community.”

Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod also played on the delays in getting the church built.

“I just marked my 18th anniversary as the MPP and it seems I’m the only person older than the designs of this building,” MacLeod said.

MacLeod praised the work of former Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder for her work on the Salvation Church project and helping to make it become a reality.

MacLeod also praised the Salvation Army in Barrhaven for their assistance in helping feed residents after the Sept.

2018 tornado ripped through Barrhaven and left the community without power for three days.

“The community did that,” she said. “Jan (Harder), Darrell (Bartraw) and myself together did that. But we couldn’t have done it without the support of the community and a big part of that was this local congregation. So I want to say thank you to the many who participated. When we think of the Salvation Army, that’s what we think of.”

MacLeod also followed suit to draw some laughs about the church’s timeline, saying that she is glad to be here for the opening of Phase 1 of the church and she can’t wait for Phase 2 “in about 20… I’m not even going to say it because

I will probably still be your MPP.”

Nepean MP Chandra Arya brought greetings from the federal government.

“This is what happens when you stand firm and do the right thing,” Arya said, praising the church’s leaders for persevering through the delays. “We have the best country in the world because of our society. And our society is good because of organizations like the Salvation Army.”

The Salvation Army will be hosting a free concert Sat., May 4 at 7 p.m. featuring the Canadian Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army for an evening of music and worship.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

What would a celebration be without cake?

Commissioner Lee Graves. Lee and Debbie Graves are territorial leaders of the Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

setting up the championship game against London.

piling on their goaltender, who had been so good all weekend.

From the Barrhaven Independent, aprIl 17, 2014

The Nepean Wildcats Bantam A girls hockey club is celebrating triple gold this season.

After pulling off the ODWHA city regular season and playoff titles, the Wildcats won the OWHA provincial title April 13th in Brampton. The Wildcats gave up just one goal in the entire tournament, en route to a perfect 6-0 record.

The OWHA Bantam A Championship was a 24-team event, featuring si9x groups with four teams in each. The Wildcats earned a bye to the quarterfinals, storming through round robin play with wins over Chatham (2-1), TorontoLeaside (4-0) and Clearview (4-0). Nepean outscored the opposition 10-1 in the process. In the elimination rounds, the ‘Cats advanced to the final with shutout wins over Stoney Creek (1-0) and Oakville (2-0),

Nepean head coach Ron Graham reported for the title game dressed for success, wearing a tuxedo. He had donned a tux at a practice in March, comparing the upcoming city final to prom night - a chance to celebrate all the hard work that’s been done. After winning the city title, he vowed to actually wear a tux behind the bench if his club reached the provincial final.

The move seemed to be a hit with the girls, who came out hard with no sign of nerves. They buried a quick goal on London in the first minute of the game. The best dressed coach in hockey then watched his club control the majority of the contest. The Wildcats celebrated a 2-0 gold medal win by

The provincial Bantam A champs are Hunter Gibbons, Jenni Karam, Isabella Fizzard,

Tessa O’ Connor, Lindsay

Warne, Nicole Lamers, Enid

McLean, Lindsey Gill, Amy Graham, Sierra Banks, Julia Aurora, Brooke Tam, Rhys

Brown, Sydney Lahey, Laura Cook and Stephanie Richardson. It was a tremendous season with gold medal friendships –neither likely to be forgotten.

The Nepean Wildcats won the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association Bantam A Championship in Brampton in 2014.

CLUES DOWN

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Bulgarian capital

Japanese title

Capital of Zimbabwe

to the Highway” bluesman

fluid below the earth’s surface

to trick

National Hockey Card Day a big hit at Barrhaven’s Wizard’s Tower

While Wizard’s Tower in Barrhaven is usually packed with gamers involved in Magic: The Gathering tournaments or other such card games, there was a large number of local residents coming into the store for free Upper Deck hockey cards.

Sports card shops across Canada, plus many stores in the United States and internationally are participated in this year’s promotion. For many collectors and hockey fans, it was a chance to get a free card of Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard.

In past years, the cards have been popular but serious collectors have shown little interest in them because of mass production. Where the promotion has been successful, however, is in attracting fathers and their children into the stores. Many fathers who may have collected during the trading card boom of the early-to-mid 1990s often take the opportunity to bring their sons and/or daughters into local hobby shops for a free pack of cards to introduce them to collecting.

“We had a lot of people who visited the store for the first time today,” said Dave Tellier, who has owned Wizard’s Tower in Bar-

The annual promotion provides an opportunity for hockey fans to go into their hobby shop to pick up a free pack of cards courtesy of Upper Deck. This year’s National Hockey Day set includes NHL stars, NHL legends, NHL rookies, as well as mascots.

rhaven, Ontario since 2005.

On any given weekday evening and throughout the day on the weekends, Tellier’s store is packed with close to 100 people playing in gaming tournaments. His store has a couple dozen employees. Last year, his store got back into carrying hockey cards.

“Through the years, we had decided to specialize on the thing that made our store popular,” Tellier said. “We have a huge customer base for Magic, and we eventually got out of comic books and sports cards because we just didn’t have the space. Last year, we got back into hockey and carried Upper Deck products. We have some singles in our case, but we focus on packs and boxes. We don’t carry any other sports, just

hockey.”

Tellier said that Bedard has elevated his store’s hockey business.

“This is the first year we have participated in National Hockey Card Day,” Tellier said. “We really didn’t know what to expect. I was surprised how many people specifically came into the store for the promotion.”

Tellier, along with several hundred other store owners in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, were all hoping for the same thing. The promotion was an opportunity for people to become introduced or re-introduced to hockey card collecting.

Dave Pelletier said a lot of people came to his Barrhaven store for the first time on National Hockey Card Day.

wizard’s continues on page 15

wizard’s continues from page 14

This year, with the excitement of Chicago Blackhawks superstar rookie Connor Bedard in the hobby and his inclusion in the National Hockey Card Day set, there was more interest than ever in Upper Deck’s giveaway.

Some collectors have already complained on social media that their local hobby shops are only giving packs away to collectors who have made a purchase in their store. Upper Deck reiterated that these packs were provided to hobby stores to be giveaways, and that every person coming into their store should have been given a free packs of cards while supplies lasted.

Bedard cards were up on ebay for buy-it-now sales. Most were selling in the $7$10 range. It will likely be at least a month before graded Bedard cards appear for sale via auction. With the Toronto Spring Sport Card and Mem-

orabilia Expo taking place in late April and with the show expected to be dominated by live grading and grading submissions, the Bedard National Hockey Card Day cards and other Bedard rookie cards and inserts are expected to bring dramatic spikes to population reports and trigger the number of live auctions.

“Most of the people who came in for the promotion were excited about the chance to get a Bedard card,” Tellier said. “He has really driven all of our hockey boxes this year. We have received our allotment of Upper Deck’s hockey products this year, and Bedard’s rookie cards and inserts are driving demand.”

Most Canadian hockey dealers have said that the last time a rookie had this much hype in the hobby was when Eric Lindros was a rookie more than 30 years ago.

In addition to luring people into hobby shops, Up-

per Deck’s retail partners also participated in the event.

Select locations of GameStop, Toys R Us, Hockey Life, Hockey Experts, L’Entrepot du Hockey, Sports Rousseau and the Hockey Hall of Fame gave away special nine-card sheets from Upper Deck. There are three different sheets featuring 27 card images.

Upper Deck has a Facebook page dedicated to National Hockey Card Day.

The chance for a free Connor Bedard lured many people into hobby shops across North America.

Ottawa South United defeated Vaughn SC 7-2 in the final of the Gatorade 5V5 Soccer Tournament in Pickering. The tournament was sanctioned by Ontario Soccer and featured 1416 year olds from the top clubs in the province. With the win, the OSU girls will travel to England to represent Canada in the Global Gatorade Tournament at Wembley Stadium.

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY APRIL 27 From 1pm - 4pm