BARRHAVEN
Fares and reliability of
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Nepean MP Chandra
Arya says he was threatened by fellow Liberal caucus member
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Barrhaven East Councillor Wilson Lo says LRT lines 2 and 4 ready to roll January 6
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Barrhaven businesses feel impact of federal government back-tothe-office mandate
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The festive Christmas season is also a season of giving
By Goldie Ghamari mPP for Carleton
Christmas is the most festive time of year in the Carleton riding.
There are parades, community events, breakfasts with Santa, craft shows, concerts and much more.
It is also a season of giving.
Never in our lifetime have we seen more need for giving at Christmas as we do this year.
It was heartbreaking to see the recent report from Feed Ontario that said more than one million Ontario residents accessed food banks from 2003-2024. Feed Ontario is a network of more than 1,200 food banks and hunger relief programs in the province. They monitor provincial food bank data.
Among the data they collected was that two in five visitors had never been to a food bank before.
The news is troubling,
especially this time of year. Food banks are stretched. Many are even having to cut back on what they can provide to families and individuals in need. The cost of living is rising, but incomes aren’t keeping up with it.
In the Carleton riding, there are various food banks and programs. If you need help this time of year here are some options in Carleton.
If you live in Osgoode, the Osgoode Village Community Association has partnered with the Greely Lions Club to help those in need this year. The Greely Loins will be organizing and delivering Christmas Hampers through the Osgoode Emergency Food Cupboard.
To register this year, or to lend a helping hand please contact the Greely Lions via
email admin@greelylions.
ca. Other resources available include:
- Riverside South Community Table Food Bank 613-416-3993
- Manotick Outreach Emergency Food Cupboard, 613-692-6333
- Osgoode Emergency Food Cupboard, 613-8211481
- Stittsville Food Bank, 613-831-0451
- Richmond Food Bank, 613-292-7033
- North Gower and District Food Bank, 613-4893633
- Caring and Sharing Exchange and Kiwanis Club of Ottawa – The Christmas Exchange Program 613-2266434
- Toy Mountain - registration opens October 21. Eligible families can contact 211, the Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario. Representatives from 211’s Information Centre will ask parents a few basic questions
such as name of child (children), Date of birth, Gender, Family income and Family contact information.
- Salvation Army Food Banks : Kemptville 613258-3583, Barrhaven 613440-7555, Ottawa (Walkley Road) 613-731-0165
- Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre Food Support, 613596-5626
- Ottawa Food Bank, 613745-7001
While we always think of these resources at this time of year, it is important to keep in mind that families need food bank help and other resources throughout the calendar year. Volunteers and help for these organizations are also needed yearround.
Funding Available to Enhance Agri-Food Sector
The governments of Canada and Ontario are still accepting applications for three initiatives designed
to enhance the province’s $50.7 billion agri-food sector through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The following three initiatives support greater workforce diversity and supply and on-farm sustainability improvements:
- Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative
- Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative
- Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program.
More information on initiative details, delivery partners, and application requirements is available on the Sustainable CAP webpage and can be obtained by contacting the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300, or ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca.
Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and
resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Ontario’s agri-food sector employs over 871,000 people, which represents one in nine of all jobs in the province. It contributed almost $51 billion to the province’s economy in 2023, and generated exports of $26.2 billion, up 65 per cent since 2018.
The Grow Ontario Strategy is a plan to enhance Ontario’s food supply chain and address vulnerabilities, with research and adoption of innovative new technologies and practices that enhance competitiveness.
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Applications Now Open for Next Round of Skills Development Fund
The Ontario government has launched the second round of its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, with available funding to build, expand and retrofit training facilities for workers in the trades, including construction, manufacturing, technology and health care. Since the province launched the Skills Development Fund in 2021, Ontario is building training facilities and providing training programs that are projected to support over one million workers across the province.
After the SDF Capital Stream was announced in 2023, the government opened a second round on, November 29, 2024, with an enhanced, streamlined application process that includes a new SEED pathway to help with the upfront costs of developing construction pro-
posals, such as design drawings and technical plans. This addresses the needs of businesses and training providers who may lack the in-house capacity to develop complex construction plans. As a further improvement, the Capital Stream will now also accept funding proposals all year round, which enables faster application reviews.
Quick Facts
- SDF comprises of two streams: the Training Stream supports hiring, training and upskilling programs for jobseekers, apprentices and workers; and the Capital Stream supports upgrades or construction of training centres for the skilled trades. The total investment for both streams is to up to $1.4 billion.
- SDF Capital Stream Round 2 opened November 29, and will allow a continuous intake of applications. This improved application
process allows interested organizations to apply yearround through Transfer Payment Ontario. Inquiries can be sent to: SDFCapitalProgram@ontario.ca.
- The new SEED pathway of the Capital Stream will help fund the development of capital plans for training facilities and will complement the already established GROW pathway that will continue to support projects to build, upgrade and expand new training infrastructure.
- Organizations that are interested in submitting a proposal for either the SEED or GROW pathways will be able to review the SDF Capital Stream application guidelines at https://forms. mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/ on00540.
- Since its launch in 2023, Ontario’s SDF Capital Stream has been supporting renovation and construction projects that aim to help al-
most 250,000 workers train for in-demand sectors.
Role of Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses Expanding
Upcoming regulation changes will expand the scope of practice for Ontario’s nurse practitioners and registered nurses to order more tests and provide additional services in a variety of settings including hospitals, interprofessional primary care teams and long-term care homes.
Scope of practice changes improve access to care, especially for Indigenous communities and those living in rural, northern and remote areas of the province. Starting July 1, 2025, nurse practitioners will be able to:
- Order and apply a defibrillator to provide faster care to someone in cardiac arrest.
- Order and apply a cardiac pacemaker to make it
faster for people to receive care if their heart isn’t beating regularly.
- Order and perform electrocoagulation, a process to treat skin conditions and lesions, such as skin tags, helping people get them removed sooner.
- Certify a death in more circumstances, improving the end-of-life experience for families after the death of a loved one.
Additionally, these scope of practice changes will allow registered nurses to certify a death when the death is expected, helping ensure death registration is completed in a more timely manner while preserving dignity of the deceased for their family.
Expanding scope of practice for nurse practitioners and registered nurses builds on the government’s over $500 million investment to bring more nurses into the healthcare system by educating new nurses, increas-
ing opportunities for current nurses to access specialized training to upskill while on the job and reducing barriers for internationally educated nurses, allowing them to register to work in Ontario faster and start caring for Ontarians sooner.
Inspiration for the week
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Warren Buffett
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
Bus fares and reliability dominate 2025 city budget debate
Property taxes will increase 3.9 per cent as Ottawa City Council passed its 2025 budget at its Wed., Dec. 11 meeting after revisiting OC Transpo fare hikes for seniors.
The budget passed by a vote of 22-3. Councillors Sean Devine, Laine Johnson and Jeff Leiper voted against the budget.
The city was aiming to keep the increase to 3.9 per cent, as it appeared in the draft budget released in the fall. The rising cost of services accounts for 2.9 per cent of the hike, while the other one per cent will go toward OC Transpo, which has a $120 million operating deficit.
Seniors bus passes will remain at $49 per month through January. On Feb. 1, the price will increase to $58.25, which is the same price as the UPass for college and university students.
Single adult fares on OC Transpo will rise to $4 when paying by card. This reflects a five per cent increase.
While funding the transit system has been the focus of the debate, the biggest problem facing Barrhaven commuters over the past year has been the reliability of the service. Barrhaven commuters have been voicing concerns over buses that run late. For
The original budget draft called for the cost of a senior’s monthly pass to increase by 120 per cent. After strong pushback from residents, the city went back to work to come up with a new plan.
some routes, sometimes buses do not run at all when scheduled.
Ottawa Councillor Riley Brockington stirred things up at the meeting when he asked city manager Wendy Stephanson about her role in overseeing the performance of OC Transpo General Manager Renee Amilcar.
Brockington, who was one of seven councillors to vote against the transit budget, said he did not see solutions in the budget that adequately addressed the number of buses that run late on a daily basis.
Amilcar told reporters after the meeting that Brockington’s comments were “a personal attack.” She said she is going to remain focused on working with her team to do
what she loves to do and deliver a good service.
Brockington did not think his comments were a personal attack. He appeared on CFRA Live on Newstalk 580 Saturday.
“I support Madame Amilcar in her role as general manager. I want her to perform well,” he told CFRA Live., according to their Bell Media partner, CTV Ottawa. “But I need to give her the resources that she needs for the transit system to run as effectively as it can be and for bus reliability to be better and I’ve raised that consistently.”
Brockington said in the interview that late and inconsistent buses are resulting in reduced ridership numbers.
cost and
points
“This is not the first time I’ve raised bus reliability. I am a transit commissioner.
I consistently raise my concerns with the metrics we’re getting every month,” Brockington said in the interview, as reported by CTV Ottawa. “There are many factors that contribute to bus reliability, I acknowledge, but I need to see progress.
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The
reliability of OC Transpo bus service were focal
of the seven-hour City of Ottawa budget debate last week. Charlie SenaC k ph OTO
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“My questioning is solely focused on improving bus reliability in this city for our riders. It’s time for this system to work and work well and the only way that we’ll rebuild confidence and trust in the system is to deliver consistently reliable service.”
The transit budget takes approach was based on recommendations from the Transit Long Range Financial Plan working group. The city is investing heavily in transit and the 2025 operating budget is $856 million, the largest investment in OC Transpo’s operating budget ever. O-Train Lines 2 and 4 will open in phases beginning on January 6, and the East extension of O-Train Line 1 to Trim Station is planned to open in 2025.
The expectation is that service reliability will be improved by replacing more than 100 aging buses with zero-emission buses and by implementing the New Ways
to Bus route network. Para Transpo service will also increase to reflect higher levels of ridership demand.
The city found transit system savings of $33.6 million in the 2025 budget. Despite these savings, there remains a significant funding gap for 2025. This has resulted in increases to transit fares and the transit levy that ensure there is no reduction in transit service.
In addition to the adult fare increase of five per cent to $4 and an increase that will make the monthly pass $135, OC Transpo will also be introducing a $2 fare for children ages 11 and 12. Children 10 and under will continue to ride for free
The existing EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass fares will be maintained. Also approved was a five per cent increase to the Youth monthly pass, from $99.25 to $104 per month, effective January 1, 2025
The plan to replace the
Ottawa Student Transportation Authority-provided youth monthly pass with an adult-fare pass was delayed until September 1, 2025
Council directed staff to undertake a full review of all transit fares, including looking at fares in other Ontario municipalities and sustainable models from other cities around the world, and to report back in 2025, in parallel with the Long-Range Financial Plan for Transit and the Transportation Master Plan review.
With the approved 2025 investments in public transit, the city will continue to seek funding from the federal and provincial governments in line with what is being provided to other Ontario cities to sustain reliable transit services. Council approved formally calling on the federal and provincial governments to establish a working group with the city on transit funding and other issues, with the goal of finding a fair and
equitable solution.
Savings in Budget
While OC Transpo was the focal point of the sevenhour budget debate, the city did find efficiencies in many areas.
The budget includes $54.2 million in savings in more than 100 services through service reviews and continuous improvement initiatives, bringing the total to $207.7 million in savings since 2023.
While the budget increased funding and investments in transit, it also increased investments in housing, safety and security, and roads.
Budget 2025 will help increase Ottawa’s housing supply, with more affordable options below market rates. Key investments include:
- $48.5 million through Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Homelessness Prevention Program to support the shelter system,
housing loss prevention programs, supportive housing and general housing assistance programs
- $22.9 million in base funding for the Housing Long-Range Financial Plan
- $16.9 million through Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada’s Reaching Home program to fund supportive housing providers and the City’s Housing First programs
Budget 2025 also enhances public safety. Key investments include:
- Capital investments totaling $17.9 million for Emergency and Protective Services to address population growth, intensification, and a growing number of high-priority calls
- The addition of 23 paramedics, 22 firefighters, 10 by-law staff, new vehicles and improved technology to support their work
- $16 million through the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement to address downtown safety,
alternative mental health supports and transit security
The City is also investing in Ottawa’s transportation networks to help you get around more easily and keep everyone safe. Investments include:
- $184.6 million for integrated road, water and sewer projects to keep road infrastructure in good working order
- $69.5 million for road resurfacing
- $34.8 million for transportation bridges and structures
- $18 million for safety initiatives that align with the City’s Strategic Road Safety Action Plan
- $14.2 million for sidewalks and pathways
- $13.6 million for pavement preservation
- $7.7 million for new traffic control devices, such as signals and roundabouts
- $1.5 million for citywide permanent traffic-calming measures
INDEPENDENT EDITorIal
GST holiday: Santa for some; Grinch for others
Retail politics are coming on strong as Ontarians approach the holiday season: first, Premier Doug Ford’s $200 gift to every resident; second, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “GST holiday” on certain items.
Some of these items are essential, such as children’s clothing and diapers.
But the rest of the list – beer, wine, chips, candies, cake, Christmas trees – are nice to have, not essentials. And that misses the point. Tax breaks and transfers in the name of affordability, which is the new retail politics in Canada, should be targeted to low-income people struggling to get by.
They’re not.
They’re also a drop in the bucket. The GST holiday, for instance, would only amount to a five per cent tax break on those select holiday items. That won’t pay the rent.
What’s more, nothing is stopping big stores from jacking up prices or nixing holiday sales. After all, the federal government just took the wind out of GST-free marketing incentives.
That’s part of the folly of retail politics. They drain government coffers and subsidize big businesses.
But wait, there’s more. In the new year, the federal government will also send a $250 cheque to all workers who make under $150,000. Guess what: 95 per cent of working Canadians make under $150,000.
Retail politics might offer broad appeal, but they do nothing to alleviate the struggles of Canada’s poorest. The cheques and GST holiday are not going to help low-income households that are increasingly using food banks and facing homelessness this holiday season.
The Premier and Prime Minister’s announcements come on the heels of the new report card on child and family poverty from the anti-poverty watchdog coalition, Campaign 2000.
The report found record increases in child poverty in Canada for two straight years in a row. By 2022, nearly one in five children, or 1.4 million, were below the poverty line.
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has modelled a supplement to the Canada Child Benefit that targets families in deep poverty and provides them with a maximum of $8,500 per year for a family making $19,000 or less.
That’s a cheaper bill for the federal government than the GST holiday. And low-income families would benefit from $8,500 more a year in support. Canada would immediately cut child poverty rates in half with one single measure.
Talk about getting bang for your buck.
It’s one of Campaign 2000’s priority recommendations to work toward eliminating child poverty.
The most meaningful thing the federal and provincial governments could do to reduce poverty is to target supports to the lowest-income households in Canada.
Failing to do that is about as Grinchy as it gets.
Leila Sarangi is the national director of Campaign 2000. David Macdonald is a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
© Troy Media
BARRHAVEN
5567 Manotick Main St., P.O. Box 567, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A5
News and Editorial: manotickmessenger@gmail.com
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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.
Maybe it’s time to break
tradition
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.
It’s hard to believe that it was almost 25 years ago.
I was on a business roadie that started in Nashville and took me through Chatanooga and Atlanta and continued onto Savannah.
It was a couple of weeks before Christmas. I was surprised at how Christmassy the drive through the mountains was. A dusting of snow on the ground and the smell of burning would created an artistic backdrop as I would pass a country homestead.
Atlanta wasn’t so Christmassy, though I know that Santa spends a lot of time there since he is the Coca-Cola spokesman.
And then, just off Route 16 a couple hours or so east of Macon and 100 miles past Honey Boo Boo’s hometown of McIntyre, is Claxton, Georgia.
I didn’t realize as I pulled into Claxton that I was walking into the vortex of one of the Christmas traditions I was never on board with. Claxton is not exactly the North Pole. It’s a small town of a couple thousand people that sits quaintly at the cultural crossroads of toddler pageants, fourth generation high school football players and deer hunting. I walked into Mrs. Rogers’ Restaurant (Feeding Hungry Folks Since 1947) and had one of those How-on-Earth-did-I-eat-all-that experiences. I looked around at the people in Mrs. Rogers. Everyone knew everyone. Everyone had warm smiles. The Mandrell sisters were filling the air with Christmas music. No, it wasn’t the North Pole. It was the Deep South Pole.
Claxton, you see, is home of the world famous Claxton Bakery. Okay, maybe it’s not world famous, but ever since that day I always noticed Claxton Christmas Fruit Cake in stores in the United States. The fruitcakes are made by the Claxton Bakery. The fruitcakes are trumpeted with glowing pride on the town’s water tower.
I’ve never liked fruitcake. I have written about past experiences of trying to gag down fruitcake in the past, and trying to like it. Some of you get it, others were offended by it. Some see Christmas fruitcake as a delicious and sweet Christmas tradition. Others see it as a pile of ground up twigs and pine cones held together with molasses and gluten and stuffed with things that may have at one time been pieces of fruit but now resemble and taste like something out of the Crayola factory.
Needless to say, I didn’t have a piece of Claxton Christmas Fruit Cake on my hourlong adventure there.
Every now and then, however, I think of that little town and how it has captured a Christmas tradition and embraced it and built its foundation upon it.
I think of some of the other Christmas traditions and wonder if there is a town that claims ownership of them.
The first Christmas tradition we think of is the ugly sweater. I am not sure how or why the tradition of the ugly sweater started, but I love the turn it has taken lately. For generations, ugly sweaters were worn by people who did not realize how ridiculous they looked. Today, the sweaters are worn by those wanting to out-ugly each other. This year, Donald Trump has inspired many ugly Christmas sweaters. There is the Donald Trump “Make Xmas Great Again” sweater, which is even better than Donald Trump at the Christmas tree lot saying “Fake Trees.” My favourite is “Jingle Bros”, with Jesus and Santa with their arms around each other having some milk and egg nog.
Here’s another tradition that probably needs to go away. Do you ever get one of those tacky bragfests known as the Christmas newsletter from any friends of relatives? It seems every family has a set of uncles, aunts and cousins, or close longtime family friends, who blast one of these out every year. We spend the year tolerating stories about your golf game and who your picks are for that weekend’s fantasy football match up. But when it comes to the annual family newsletter, my give-a-crap-metre isn’t even flickering. You have an entire year to whip us with the family brag shots on Facebook. Don’t send us a newsletter, too.
Let’s get back to food for a minute. This one isn’t as nasty as fruitcake but it’s something that you can only tolerate one spoonful each year. There is always someone who insists on bringing something to the Christmas dinner, and that something always seems to be green bean casserole. I’m not really sure what it’s made of, but I’m guessing it’s a can of soup with a can of green beans and a can of fried onions and a can of evaporated milk. How do they evaporate milk, anyway? Is there some sort of lab with milk clouds?
And how many e-cards and e-greetings do you now get every year? How many people tweet Merry Xmas to you instead of sending you a legit Christmas card. I can’t remember the last time I received a personal Christmas card. Sadly, and I am ashamed of this, I can’t remember the last time I sent one out. I miss the whole Christmas card thing. I’m sure Hallmark’s shareholders do, too.
Thanks to the postal workers’ strike, no one will be getting Christmas cards. So that’s my rant for this year. I’m going to have breakfast now. Hey, where did I put that stamp thing that imprints the image of Jesus onto my toast?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
All Canadians, not just new ones, need to know why we wear poppies
The Editor, I would like to thank you for your column in the last issue, saying that ‘Maybe Don Cherry Was Right.”
We all knew the day was coming when the CBC would finally dismiss Cherry
and his appeals to the silent yet increasingly vocal majority for his support of the Canadian heroes that have served our country over the past few generations.
His opinions are clearly not aligned with the social
engineering invisible mandate of the CBC.
Since he was fired, I have always paid attention to who is wearing poppies and who is not. It’s not intentional, it’s just that Don Cherry planted that seed.
Blame can’t be placed on immigrants. They are unaware of Canada’s history when they are lured here with promises of a better life. They don’t know the significance of the poppy. What is more troubling is
the number of white EuroCanadians whose families have been here for hundreds of years who also don’t wear poppies. It was their forefathers that fought for Canada.
It’s hard to imagine what the world would be like if they had not won World War II. I can only imagine how Canada, especially Quebec, would have reacted to having to speak German and living under a violent dictator. Tim Carter
Reader wants a retraction, says PM is globally respected and highly successful
The Editor, I am deeply offended by the very annoying and inappropriate remarks of your Michael Taube who clearly does NOT know the difference between reporting and editorializing. His remarks about our globally respected
and highly successful Prime Minister are just an insult to Canada and Canadians (para 3 “struggling” in “Liberals
keep...”)
I demand a retraction and recommend his removal.
David Jones
Editor’s Note –
Page 6 is our Editorial Page. This was an editorial. His editorial is opinion, just as your statement that our PM is globally respected and highly successful is your opinion.
New Canadian agrees with column, not all immigrants are aware of Canada’s history
The Editor, I once had a marketing professor who told me that from now on you cannot express an opinion- you must first do a survey of 1,000 people with a control group before you declare something. For example, you should not say that a sunset is beautiful unless you have surveyed 1,000 people and the majority have said it is
beautiful. Remember that this is a science although not an exact one. So, if you are an important public figure you cannot just “express” your opinion. With that said I will admit that most of my peers who are from Asia are not completely aware of Canada’s history, especially the difficult parts of it. In fact, I know only one person in
my community who came to Canada as an adult who has actually served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Most Asians who come here as an adult carry a huge burden of their own mythical and real history, much of which is extremely traumatic such as the partition of India in 1947 and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.
The creation of Canada under difficult circumstances- General Montcalm and General Wolf, the battle of 1812 to define our Southern border, the present borders of European countries such as France, Belgium and Italy with Canada’s contribution, the communal horrors of Germany are all difficult subjects that most immigrants prefer not to
dwell on.
In the back of their minds, immigrants such as people from Vietnam, are escapees from horrific circumstances and are happy to just breathe. It is a credit to Canada that people from Afghanistan, Syria, Vietnam and Haiti are able to exhale occasionally.
But I agree that we should all find out about
Canada’s history to understand that “it was not always like this” - especially why the White House in Washington is “White”. I always tell my family (when they are listening) - “ I am glad all the roads were already built when I came to Canada ‘cause I don’t know how to cut down trees.”
Peter Biswajit Aikat
Arya says fellow Liberal MP threatened that he would
Barrhaven Independent Staff
Nepean MP Chandra Arya says he was threatened by a fellow Liberal MP in the House of Commons Fri., Dec. 6.
On that day, Surrey-Newton Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal rose and made a statement looking for Canada to recognize the crimes against Sikhs in India in 1984 as genocide.
Dhaliwal claimed he had unanimous support for the motion, but he was interrupted by Arya, who loudly said, “No.”
Arya was not the only MP to say no and verbally oppose the introduction of the motion. He was, however, the only member of the Liberal caucus to do so.
Dhaliwal’s motion was referencing the 1984 anti-
ened that I would be effed up.
Another member also aggressively accosted me in the lobby. I feel that as a member of Parliament, I should be able to express my opinion and my views freely in the House and I should not be threatened by any words or actions of my fellow members.”
Arya also urged HinduCanadians to push their MPs to oppose future “divisive” motions.
“There have been several attempts, both within the parliament and outside, to stop me from freely and publicly voicing the concerns of Hindu-Canadians,” Arya stated in a post on the X platform later that day.
“While I am proud in having stopped this divisive agenda from succeeding today, we cannot afford to be complacent. Next time, we may not be as fortunate.
Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. We must not let these divisive elements succeed in their efforts to destabilize harmony.
“The only way to prevent Canada’s Parliament from declaring the 1984 riots as genocide is by ensuring that every MP—or at least a significant number of MPs— stand up and say NO when unanimous consent is sought.
“Once again, I call upon Hindu-Canadians to reach out to your MPs and firmly request their opposition to this Khalistani-driven narrative. Let us stand united against this anti-Hindu agenda and safeguard our communities.”
The tension between India and the Trudeau Government escalated in June, 2023 when Hardeep Singh Nijjar was gunned down while sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of a Sikh Temple in Sur-
The Indian government between Indian government volvement in Nijjar’s killing. Arya, who immigrated to Canada from India in 2006, participated in a Hindu event in Edmonton earlier in November. He needed protection from the RCMP because of the Khalistani protestors demonstrating against him at
Nepean MP Chandra Arya was the only member of the Liberal caucus to stand up against a motion that wanted Canada to acknowledge the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India as genocidal.
By Wilson lo, Barrhaven east CounCillor
Following the recommendations of the LRT public inquiry report, the Trillium Line (O-Train lines 2 and 4) will open for passenger service in phases.
Starting January 6, 2025, trains will operate full day schedules on the entire line between Bayview and Limebank plus the airport spur, but on weekdays only initially. That will last a minimum of two weeks, and staff will use the weekends to correct any deficiencies that may be identified in the first weeks of service.
Provided each phase of opening is successful, Saturday service will be introduced as early as January 20, 2025, followed by Sunday/holiday service as early as February 3, 2025. Dates may shift back if there are major deficiencies identified.
Route 74 will be extended to/from Limebank Station by January 6, 2025, while route 99 will connect to Line 2 at Leitrim Station. The 800-space park and ride at Bowesville Station will also open on January 6, 2025.
A kiss-and-ride is also available at Limebank Station—travel east on Earl Armstrong, turn right at Limebank, then turn right at the first entrance to the station. Follow the roadway back to Earl Armstrong and turn left back towards Barrhaven.
Earlier in the month, I joined about 500 volunteer “passengers” for a dress rehearsal of the Trillium Line.
The volunteer passengers were essentially uncontrolled variables, navigating the system without a preset itinerary. They were inter-
spersed with additional “actors,” who played out different scenarios and drills to test staff responsiveness and system resiliency.
Scenarios ranged from something as simple as a train door being held open to a more complex scenario like a reported lost child.
The more complex scenarios led to minor delays in service—the most I observed was about 15 minutes.
End-to-end trips were reliably 34 minutes, otherwise!
The coolest parts of the line for me were heading into Carleton Station over the Rideau River (I missed that view) and seeing the apron from inside the train at Airport Station.
The new Stadler trains, to be used on Line 2, are comfortable and sturdy.
They have informative passenger information display screens at each doorway that shows the next station and (in an OC Transpo first) estimated travel time to the following station and the terminus.
The older Alstom trains that ran the old Trillium Line before it was closed for expansion will mostly serve the airport spur. However, those trains may be dispatched to Line 2 where required.
The stations are simple to navigate. Most import-
antly, at Limebank Station, the main connection point for buses to/from Barrhaven East, the bus platform isn’t a kilometre away—it’s built around the train station!
From what I observed at the dress rehearsal, there were still a few deficiencies in the system, affecting mostly the passenger displays at platforms and on trains, while a few elevators have yet to enter service. However, none appear to affect the physical operation of the trains.
Casual, Comfortable & Affordable
I should note, however, erroneous passenger displays at single-track stations may become problematic, especially if people are not paying attention to the direction from which the train enters the station or if announcements are not sufficient or audible. That’s something that must be fixed before passenger service.
For me, I’m just excited to ditch the awful bus ride between Baseline and Tunney’s Pasture. Hope to see you on the train!
Barrhaven businesses see decline in business since
While federal government workers are heading back downtown, many Barrhaven businesses are feeling a pinch.
The push to bring workers back into their government offices to help rejuvenate downtown Ottawa does not necessarily work for suburban Ottawa. Many local business owners have spoken out against the push, saying that Ottawa is focusing on helping downtown businesses but it is at the expense of businesses in Barrhaven and other outlying suburbs and communities.
The Barrrhaven BIA is currently conducting a survey among Barrhaven businesses on the impact of the federal government’s mandate to have its employees go back to work three days per week in a work home office/ home hybrid model.
In the two months since the mandate, 86.7 per cent of Barrhaven businesses have noticed a decrease in business.
In addition to the loss of business, local business owners and managers are dealing with a shift in the times in which they are busy.
With many government workers out of the community from early in the morning until dinner time, 80 per cent of Barrhaven businesses responded to the BIA survey by saying their busy times have changed. That shift has caused businesses to restore their staffing schedules to account for the quieter-thannormal daytimes.
“The comments highlight a decrease in daytime traffic and appointments, clients/
customers noting that long commute times leave little time for shopping and services, and challenges with staff scheduling as there is no consistency in busy times,” commented the Barrhaven BIA.
The Barrhaven Independent, which has been a strong proponent of the Barrhaven BIA since the time when it was in its steering committee phase and infancy, has strongly encouraged local residents to shop locally for the past 35 years.
One of the first challenges of the Barrhaven BIA was to prevent leakage, which refers
to local residents living in Barrhaven but spending their dollars downtown while at work or in other communities on their way to or from work.
We encourage Barrhaven residents to support local businesses whenever possible. Your local businesses provide services to your community which improve your property value, they offer convenience for local consumers, they provide jobs in the community, and they sponsor and support local community organizations, youth sports and arts groups, and community events.
The Barrhaven BIA holiday lights will be up at Greenbank Road and Strandherd Drive through mid-January.
Stay safe this winter season: Ice, trail, and winter activity safety tips
With winter in full swing, the Ottawa Police Service reminds residents to exercise caution during seasonal activities and follow essential precautions to stay safe.
Ice Safety
Ottawa’s waterways are beautiful but unpredictable, especially during the winter months. Despite freezing temperatures, ice thickness can vary greatly, presenting serious hidden dangers.
Everyone, even strong swimmers, are at risk in icy water due to its frigid temperatures, which can lead to hypothermia and make selfrescue nearly impossible.
Avoid venturing onto icy waterways: Ice is inherently dangerous and unpredictable,
particularly at this time of year. Always stay away from rivers, ponds, creeks, and ditches, even if they appear frozen.
Supervise children and pets: Children are naturally curious and may wander toward icy areas, which can be life-threatening. A child can drown in less than two inches of water. Keep pets leashed near waterways, as rescuing a pet can place you in danger.
Do not attempt a rescue: If someone or a pet ventures onto thin ice and falls through, do not follow them. Call 9-1-1 immediately for professional help.
Skaters should, consult the City of Ottawa’s Skating Safety & Regulations page or the National Capital Com-
mission (NCC) Rideau Canal Skateway page for public skating locations. Always check conditions and respect any barriers or closure signs.
Trail Safety
Winter trails offer great opportunities for recreation, but they come with their own set of risks. During the winter, you will find the Ottawa Police Marine Dive and Trail (MDT) officers on many trails in our area doing education and enforcement with drivers of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles.
To stay safe:
Stay on designated trails and avoid waterways, even if they appear frozen. Adjust your driving to the
changing conditions. Trail conditions will change over the course of a day due to weather, traffic, and other conditions.
Motorized Snow Vehicles (Snowmobiles):
- Always wear proper safety equipment.
- Carry proof of valid insurance, ID, and a trail pass.
- Stay on designated trails and avoid trespassing or venturing onto ice or water.
- Drive sober and obey posted speed limits.
- Operate snowmobiles during daylight hours when visibility is better.
- Check the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) website for
trail openings, updates, training and more.
Sledding and Tobogganing Safety
For families enjoying sledding or tobogganing, follow these safety tips:
- Only sled on hills that are free of obstacles like trees, rocks, and fences. Respect any city signs or barriers.
- Avoid icy hills or those near roads, railways, or bodies of water.
- Always wear a helmet. Hockey or ski helmets are recommended for their impact resistance and coldweather design.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Avoid sledding after
dark.
General Winter Safety
Whatever activity you choose, always recognize the risks and stay aware of your surroundings.
Tell someone your plan: Inform someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Ensure your cell phone is fully charged but recognize that reception may vary depending on your location.
Help us find you in an emergency. Download the What3Words app.
Whether you’re skating, sledding, or enjoying the trails, planning and taking precautions will help ensure a safe and memorable winter season.
10 years ago: Heartbreak grips Barrhaven as 8-year-old girl killed in BC Girl’s mother had attempted suicide, charged with second degree murder
From the Barrhaven Independent Dec. 18, 2014
The killing of an eightyear-old girl in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey, BC has sent shockwaves through Barrhaven.
Gabe Batstone of Barrhaven had just visited with his daughter, Teagan, the previous weekend. On Monday morning, he took her to a dentist appointment, and then dropped her off at her school before getting on a plane to head home. Two days later, he got the shattering news that his little girl was found dead in the trunk of her car. The girl’s mother, Lisa Batstone, has been charged with second degree murder.
Since the couple’s separation six years ago, Gabe Batstone has been dividing his time between Ottawa and Vancouver. Teagan would fly to Ottawa four times a year, to stay with her father, stepmother, eightyear-old stepbrother and two-year-old half-brother in Barrhaven.
Gabe Batstone asked for privacy when news of Teagan’s death began to spread. He did, however, grant interviews to CTV and CBC.
“We ordered room service,” he said. “We ate macaroni and cheese and held hands and went to the pool. Who thinks the last time they’ll see their eight-year-old is getting inserts preparing for braces?
Three days before Teagan’s death, Lisa Batstone had posted a picture on Facebook in which she was ziplining with her daughter. Teagan was her only child. She appeared in court in Surrey Thursday, Dec. 11. According to a CBC report, a representative of Lisa Batstone’s lawyer asked for her to be seen by a psychiatrist. He also said that she was on a variety of medications.
“You can’t prepare for that. There’s no training.”
Gabe Batstone said that he wanted the focus to be on the shortfalls of Canadian family law, not on how his daughter died. He told CBC of his ex-wife’s suicide attempt, and how the custody of his daughter to her mother should have been questioned.
“A month after [the suicide attempt] we were forced to return her,” said Gabe Batstone. “Lisa was the primary caregiver as decided in court, and apparently attempting to abandon your child through suicide did not meet the threshold.”
The police were contacted by Lisa Batstone’s church, White Rock Baptist Church, after receiving what they called an alarming e-mail.
“It’s not about [me being] better, or judgment,”
Gabe Batstone told CBC. “There were two home environments that were available to Teagan, and we collectively didn’t, unfortunately, choose the safest one. And terribly, it played out in a way that ended her life so many years too soon. Something’s broken. Something needs to change. That can’t happen to someone else. It just can’t. It’s the worst thing you could ever imagine.”
He wrote on Twitter that the Do It For Darren campaign has given his family inspiration, saying the “Richardson family set a high bar for dealing with an unimaginable loss.”
Gabe Batstone expressed his thoughts on Twitter.
“Time to make decisions no parents of an 8 year old should – how to bury your baby girl. She will never be gone but I must say goodbye.”
Sunday, he posted, “Teagan flies to Ottawa soon. She loved @ AirCanada. If only this world could have loved her the way she loved us.”
Teagan Batstone, pictured with her father Gabe, loved to fly on Air Canada.
Teagan Batstone was eight years old when she was killed in Surrey, BC 10 years ago this week.
Alison Timlin wins PGA of Canada Ottawa Valley Coaching Award
Carleton Ravens golf program head coach and Barrhaven native Alison Timlin has been named PGA of Canada Ottawa Valley Zone coach of the year. Awarded in October, at The Westin Ottawa, Timlin was recognized for her commitment to golfer development and teaching in Eastern Ontario.
The award recognizes her contributions throughout her professional teaching career
emphasizing achievements in the past golf season.
A full-time instructor at the Kevin Haime Golf Centre in Kanata, Ont., Timlin became the Ravens’ head coach ahead of the 2024 season following the retirement of David McBain. Now in her fifth year of coaching, the former NCAA golfer from Fresno State University has significantly impacted the Ravens since arriving.
This season, Timlin led one of the largest men’s teams in recent history to a blustery OUA Championship where the team finished sixth.
Recognized for outstanding coach among the ranks of the PGA of Canada membership, Timlim will also be
nominated for the PGA of Canada Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award.
Timlin grew up in Barrhaven and attended St. Joseph’s High School, where she won the NCSSAA Individual Championship.
Following a very suc-
cessful junior competitive career, she earned a full athletic scholarship to Fresno State University in California where, once again, she excelled as a player and teammate. She graduated with a Cum Laude degree in Business Administration
then moved on to a professional playing career before returning to her roots here in Ottawa.
In the Spring of 2019, Timlin became a member of the PGA of Canada to further her knowledge of the golf industry.
Alison Timlin has been named PGA of Canada Ottawa Valley Zone coach of the year.
Stacey Kay named OSTA consortium’s third GM in less than a year
Stacey Kay has been named the new General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer of the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority.
Kay, who began her new job Mon., Dec. 16, was previously with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. She served as the General Manager of Learning Support Services since 2014.
“With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has developed a thorough understanding of how to navigate large, complex, publicly funded organiz-
ations that serve students and their families,” said an OSTA announcement.
“She has a proven track record for effectively leading transformative change initiatives and developing high performing teams.”
Kay will be the third OSTA GM in less than a year.
Former GM Vicki Kryiaco left the position in December 2023 after a leave of absence.
Kyriaco filed a lawsuit against OSTA for constructive dismissal and aggravated damages.
Kyriaco said the ac-
tions of OSTA’s board of directors damaged her health, career and reputation.
“I trust my Statement of Claim sends a clear message to all that public and political pressure for a certain course of action to be taken,” said Kyriaco in a statement to the media.
Cindy Owens, a former Ottawa Catholic School Board Principal and Superintendent of Human Resources, stepped into the role on an interim basis when Kyriaco was on her leave of absence.
When the 2023-24 school year began there were 9,000 students in the OCSB and OCDSB without school bus service. Before she took over, OSTA had only been able to reach deals with nine of their 10 school bus providers. Many families in southwest Ottawa went an entire year with no school bus service.
Joel Lemieux a former OC Transpo transit operations control centre manager, was hired in the spring of 2024. However, he left the position after less than four months. No
explanation was given to the media regarding his departure.
Owens once again assumed the role of OSTA GM. This school year, contracts with all 10 of the OSTA school bus transportation providers were secured.
Kay has a Master’s of Health Science from the University of Toronto and has completed advanced credentials in educational leadership and corporate functions with a Diploma in School Board Administration from the University of Guelph, along with the
Business Supervisory Officer’s Qualification Program through the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network. OSTA provides school transportation to 124,000 students in the OCDSB and OCSB. “I trust my Statement of Claim sends a clear message to all that public and political pressure for a certain course of action to be taken. While expeditious and psychologically satisfying for some, it does not mean the truth has been taken into consideration,” Kyriaco said in the statement.
OC Transpo fare increases could cost OSTA $4.6
OC Transpo fare increases in the 2025 City of Ottawa budget will cost the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority an extra $4.6 million over the rest of the school year.
In a memo sent from Cindy Owens, the interim GM of the school transportation consortium
serving students in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board would add 58.6 per cent to its annual budget for student passes. In addition costing OSTA $4.6 million this school year, it would also cost OSTA $8.4 million over
the full 2025-26 scho ol year.
There are 20,000 students from the two boards who ride OC Transpo buses to school. Many Barrhaven students who are 12 years of age or older use OC Transpo bus service to get to and from school.
Owens said that the fare increases would also lead to significant cuts to the number of students who are granted compassionate passes through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
“I have sent a letter to the Transit Commis-
sion and City Councillors proposing that no changes be applied to our school board passes until we can come to an agreement with the city about an alternative to the current fare proposals,” Owens wrote in a memo to the board of directors of both school boards. “I
million
have also contacted the Ministry of Education to bring this fare increase to their attention and ask about the possibility of in-year funding to address our budget shortfall.”
She added that the response she received was “non-committal.”
The final phase of the three-item garbage limit underway
The final phase of the graduated approach to the three-item garbage limit began Monday, December 2. This means, any garbage above the three-item garbage limit must be placed in a City of Ottawa yellow bag. Items above the limit that
are not in a yellow bag will be left behind with a courtesy tag indicating the limit.
Garbage container requirements
Page 18 FRIDAY, DecembeR 2, 2022
Garbage container requirements are in place to keep our collection oper-
ators safe and prevent injuries. Each operator lifts seven to 10 tonnes of waste and walks almost half a marathon every single day!
If you have a bin larger than 140 litres, you can continue to use it until May 2, 2025. How-
ever, your total garbage cannot exceed the total three-item garbage limit of 420 litres. The contents of the bin must not be too heavy for operators to lift safely into the truck. During this time, operators will leave a courtesy tag to indicate
that the bin is oversized.
Garbage containers must meet the following requirements:
- Up to a maximum of 140 litres capacity
- At least one handle
- Weighs no more than 15 kilograms / 33 pounds
when full. The weight includes the container and the contents
The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year.
The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention, with a
be given to the dining table - which can benefit from a festive centerpiece.
Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition. Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table.
1. Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crisp
little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.
2. Holiday thanks: Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of
curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table. Later in the evening, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.
3. Magical forest: Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti.
4. Freshly cut: Select at-
- Removeable watertight lid. Containers must not have hinged lids as these can swing back, possibly hitting and injuring our operators when being emptied.
meSSeNGeR
5. Glass baubles: Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.
6. Birch wood: The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood
than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears, or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby’s breath.
8.
The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery, or even painted gourds or
Cornucopia:
CLUES ACROSS
1. Droops
5. Subatomic particle
10. Not in danger
14. Nursemaid
15. Black band worn in mourning
16. Long song in opera 17. Edible seed of a Philippine tree
18. Chicago political family
19. Pursues pleasure from one place to another 20. Appetizer
22. Hill (Celtic)
23. Simple shoe 24. Songs to one you love 27. Secret activities 30. Upset 31. Popular hot drink 32. Body art (slang)
Fired
Blood relation
Identical
Porticos 40. Partner to cheese 41. Type of sword
42. Enough (archaic)
43. Surface layer of ground 44. Cotton fabric woven like satin
45. Choose for a post 46. Father 47. Tell on 48. Indian title of respect 49. Fonts
52. Fencing sword
55. Mock
56. Vaccine developer
60. Atmosphere surrounding a person or place
61. Marten with a short tail
63. Chinese temple
64. Invests in little enterprises
65. Popular cut of meat
66. Charity
67. Iron-containing compound
68. River in Northern Europe
69. One point east of southeast
CLUES DOWN
1. Exhausts
2. Genus of fish related to gars
3. Impudent behavior
4. Adherents to Islam
5. They come after A 6. Spoke
7. Room to receive guests
8. About opera
9. End-blown flute
10. Heroic tales
11. Member of a Semitic people
12. Dog’s name
13. Opposite of west
21. Political divisions in ancient Greece
23. Ocean
25. Cool!
26. Young woman about to enter society
27. One from central Caucasus
28. Indian city
29. A way to serve ice cream
32. Emaciation
33. Escort aircraft carrier
34. Italian city
36. Mythical settler of Kansas
37. Unhappy
38. High schoolers’ test
40. Measured in pace
41. Satisfies
43. Gullible person
44. Enclosed space
46. Substance used to color something
47. Shirt type
49. Discover by investigation
50. __-Castell, makers of pens
51. Semitic Sun god
52. Grads wear one
53. French river
54. Part of a cap
57. Digestive fluid
58. Metrical foot
59. Body part
61. Very fast airplane
62. Supplement with difficulty
Monthly
