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At least 125 homes in Barrhaven are damaged after a tornado ripped through the community at around 1:00 p.m. July 13.
Residents received tornado warnings on their phones about 10 minutes after the storm hit. Funnel clouds were seen forming over Fallowfield near Greenbank at the same time.
After the funnel clouds made landfall, the warning was upgraded to a watch which meant danger was imminent. Videos posted to social media show the clouds spinning in circles as pieces of roofing and other housing material was thrown through the air.
The damage was widespread with around a dozen homes on Exeter Dr between Wessex Rd and Jockvale Rd being impacted. A carport collapsed, fallen trees blocked sidewalks, and pieces
of siding and roofing materials were seen dangling from houses. A car nearby had its front smashed in after debris fell on it.
In Half Moon Bay, houses on Umbra Place near Cambrian had parts of their roofs blown off by the power of the wind. On nearby Waterclours Way, windows were smashed in, a screen door was completely ripped off of its frame, and curtains were seen hanging out of exposed homes.
Michael Lapot, who lives on Bellatrix Walk, said he ignored the first tornado alert when it went off on his phone.
“I was in my office and I started seeing clouds slowly moving in circles,” he said. “Then it picked up, there was styrofoam flying around and that’s when we headed for the basement, but it was over in 20 seconds.”
Lapot returned upstairs to find his backyard fence down and debris on top of his car. His neighbors’ attached home
had a gaping hole in its roof. Insurance will cover most of Lapot’s damages, but he will need to pay a $1,000 deductible — $500 each for his
home and vehicle.
“My first thought was this can’t be real,” the Half Moon Bay resident said about two hours after the storm passed
through. “Everyone is in shock of how much damage happened and how many shingles and nails are everywhere. It’s pretty bad what
happened in such a short timeframe.”
We are temporarily reducing our opening hours during the pandemic to reduce the strain on our staff & so we can continue to provide an essential service in helping you stay healthy.
Canada Day has come and gone, but it was a great day. I was happy to see so many people at the various events around the Carleton riding, particularly in the Barrhaven Independent’s readership area at the Riverside South and Honey Gables events.
The weather was unusual and unpredictable. But for the most part, the bad weather steered clear, and we had an enjoyable day celebrating everything Canada!
As part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and its plan to hire more health care workers, the Ontario government is helping more students who want to become a paramedic in Ontario by adding more than 300 spaces in paramedic programs at provincial colleges across Ontario this year.
More student spaces in pri-
mary care paramedic programs at colleges across Ontario will make it easier for future paramedics to access education and training closer to home. Expanding the pipeline of talent for the future will also help bolster the paramedic workforce and make sure emergency services are available to respond to emergencies when and where Ontarians need them.
The province is making it easier for people and their families to connect to the care they need, when they need it, closer to home by helping those who want to train and work in Ontario and hiring more health care workers to help communities build up their own health workforces.
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- Colleges offered expanded enrolment in 2023-24 are Algonquin College, Cambrian College, Centennial College, Collège Boréal, Collège La Cité, Conestoga College, Confederation College, Durham College, Fanshawe College, Georgian College, Lambton College, Northern College, St. Clair College and St. Lawrence College.
- The newly expanded Ontario Learn and Stay Grant will provide students studying in the first year of a paramedic program in 2023-2024 at select postsecondary institutions with funding for free tuition, books, compulsory fees and other direct educational costs. After graduating, students will need to work in the same region they studied for a minimum of six months for every full year of study funded by the grant.
- As announced in the 2023 Ontario Budget, Dedicated Offload Nurses Program (DONP) funding is increasing by $51 million over the next three years to support
municipalities in reducing ambulance offload delays, providing funding for dedicated nurses to offload patients in hospital emergency rooms. As of January 2022, funding eligibility has been expanded to paramedics, respiratory therapists, and physician assistants in addition to nurses.
- The province is also giving paramedics the flexibility to treat additional 9-1-1 patients – including those with diabetes and epilepsy – at home, on scene, or in appropriate community-based settings instead of in emergency departments. This innovative model of care is already in place for palliative as well as mental health and addictions patients.
- Ontario is expanding its community paramedicine program, which enables paramedics to use their training and expertise beyond their traditional emergency response role. Through this program, which works alongside home care, primary care, and home and community
care, 55 communities are already benefiting from 24/7 non-emergency support. This is also helping people with chronic health conditions live independently at home, where they want to be.
The Ontario government is prohibiting floating accommodations from docking overnight on provincial waterways. The regulatory change went into effect July 1, 2023, and will protect Ontario’s lakes and rivers by preserving access to public lands and ensuring fairness for recreational users. The regulation will not impact anyone exercising their right to navigate, including reasonable mooring, or anyone exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights.
Floating accommodations, such as rafts and barges, contain buildings or structures equipped for overnight accommodation, but unlike watercraft, they are not primarily designed for naviga-
tion.
The regulatory changes follow consultations with the public, boaters, cottagers, municipalities and Indigenous communities which expressed concerns that floating accommodations have a risk of damaging the environment. Concerns were expressed that floating accommodations could disturb local fish and wildlife by disrupting the natural environment and increase the risk of pollution from garbage, greywater disposal and spills.
These changes, which clarify the difference between floating accommodations and watercraft, only apply to public lands in Ontario managed under the Public Lands Act and will not address floating accommodations located on private water lots or on waterways under jurisdiction of other governments and ministries (e.g., portions of Trent Severn Waterway).
The Ontario government is making it easier and more convenient to buy and sell vehicles. The province is expanding the online Digital Dealership Registration (DDR) system to include used cars. Now, new and used vehicle sales can be registered online by dealerships participating in DDR.
March 2022, DDR was first made available for new car registrations, then for trade-ins and now, DDR enables registrations for used cars. Participating dealerships complete online registration of passenger vehicles with ServiceOntario and issue permits and licence plates immediately to the purchaser. The system provides more accurate and error-free registrations with reduced paperwork and protects the security and safety of data. No visit to a ServiceOntario centre is required, but in-person registration is
- Since the launch of the
online Digital Dealership Registration system, more than 4,200 transactions have been completed through DDR and more than 380 dealerships are registered currently, with more onboarding daily.
- More than 7,000 Ontario dealerships selling new and used passenger vehicles now have access to DDR.
- Dealership transactions account for 4.7 million of ServiceOntario’s total 58 million annual interactions.
- To participate in DDR, dealerships must be registered with Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) and meet regulatory and other criteria.
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
School is out and your child’s summer fun begins! Time to squeeze in the favourite summer camps, have giggles around a campfire, eat yummy bbq foods, swim, and spend time with friends, cousins, and grandparents. Come August though, the attention slowly shifts back to school as all get ready to return to classrooms and classmates. In preparation, parents stampede the stores for backpacks, pencils, and clothes. One of the most important tools for learning in school however is often overlooked or forgotten … the child’s hearing ability.
Much like proper vision, adequate hearing is essential to a child’s learning and to their positive school experience. Most children undergo an infant hearing screening shortly after birth, but few undertake the recommended rechecks every five years. This is unfortunate because it is expected that 2-in-3 children will suffer at least one episode of ear problems, and 1-in-6 will have 6 or more episodes. Due to the illusiveness of hearing loss,
many go unnoticed. The loss, even if mild or onesided, makes it difficult for a child to navigate their little world. And even when temporary, the difficulties can have long term impacts because they can lead to frustrations and eventual disengagement, needlessly impacting a child’s ability to thrive. In addition to academic struggles, children with hearing loss can also experience trouble socially because communication, which requires both verbal and auditory skills, is vital to social interactions and peer relationships.
Consequently, much like your child has a dentist, they should also have an audiologist. The Audiologist, the only healthcare professional qualified to assess children’s hearing abilities, can confirm your child’s hearing levels every five years as well as whenever there is a shift in attention or behaviour. The good news is that your audiologist is also able to assist your child in overcoming hearing loss if need be. Should your child have permanent hearing loss or a temporary episode of hearing loss,
Camps, campfires, bbqs and a session with Hearing Freedom!
there is no need to suffer in the silence. Technology continually evolves. The hearing aids and cochlear implants for those with permanent hearing loss are better than ever, and now, even those with temporary hearing loss can get help. No longer do these children have to suffer through weeks of dampened hearing. They can now overcome the temporary hearing loss with the use of an effective, non-invasive product. And, with nothing in the
ear canal, this product will not interfere with the treatment plan. It is simply a fantastic way for anyone suffering from either an outer or middle ear infection to regain proper hearing levels as they wait for the medications and/or time to clear the congestion.
So, what is your child doing this summer? …. Camps, campfires, bbqs and a session with Hearing Freedom, where their Audiologists will be happy to assess your little one’s hearing abilities!
For a comprehensive hearing evaluation, or to learn more about all the exciting new products, make sure to reach out to Hearing Freedom. It will be worth it!
Parking is free.
Home visits & Remote Care is available. Location is wheelchair friendly. For more information visit www.HearingFreedom.com
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Down the road on Umbra Place, Quincy Choi also did not pay much attention to the alerts that were coming in. He started to worry after seeing the sky turn a dark shade he’d never experienced before.
“It looked like night. Within 10 minutes we didn’t recognize the sky,” he said. “It happened before my eyes. I saw all the debris flowing down the street. I could have never imagined this would happen. It was big, heavy construc-
tion material which was flying over.”
Choi said two windows in his bedroom were smashed in alongside the window of his garage. His car also received damage from falling debris.
“Someone in my house tried to open the door and couldn’t because of the pressure. It could have caused more damage,” he said.
His neighbors were not as lucky. With another tornado warning issued shortly after,
construction crews worked hard to board up the holes for fear of further water damage.
Neighbours came together to help each other clean up the mess, creating piles of fencing, siding, installation, and other materials that were thrown by the wind all over. Fire crews were out doing door-to-door visits to ensure everyone was safe and that there were no gas leaks. E Bridge said gas to about 100 homes was shut off as a safety precaution.
“Over 50 police officers responded to the scene and continue to assist Ottawa Fire Services who is going door-todoor to check on members of the public and to assess damage,” said Steve Bell from the Ottawa Police said that afternoon.
At the Minto Recreation Complex, a family reunification center was opened for Barrhaven residents who were impacted by the damage. At least five families used the services offered, according to
Kim Ayotte general manager of emergency and protective services for the City of Ottawa.
The storm, which had a “large footprint” resulted in only one minor injury, said Ottawa Paramedics, and power was out for about 1,600 residents due to a fallen pole on Cambrian. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he felt many
residents were breathing a sigh of relief. “It could have been much worse,” he added.
No cost estimate is known at this time. Ayotte said it was not as widespread and severe as previous storms such as the Derecho in 2022 or the previous tornadoes in 2018.
“City staff will continue to be on-site to provide property assessments and support
those residents whose homes sustained damage,” Ayotte said. “I would also like to add that emergency social services will be available in the coming days at the support centre for all residents who require assistance.”
Environment Canada said exact details of the tornado were not immediately known. Wind speed and the tornadoes
The Barrhaven Food Cupboard is in urgent need of help from the community.
The food cupboard, located on the lower level of the Walter Baker Centre, has put up an appeal on its website, looking for donations.
“Without additional resources, the food cupboard will run out of money by the end of the year. We served double the number of families in May, food costs have skyrocketed, and our savings are running out. Can you help?”
According to the food cupboard, they need to raise $180,000 or risk scaling back or even closing. This comes at a time when the demand for their services in the community is at an all-time high. They issued their fundraising campaign June 30.
“We may have to consider, ‘Is this sustainable, and could
we have to close? And that’s really hard to say, because there’s such a need here that we want to remain open,” said Matthew Triemstra, Director of Communications, in an interview with CTV Ottawa.
“We’ve seen a tremendous increase. We are serving on average 50 per cent more clients now than we were a year ago, and that’s made our operations almost unsustainable.
“Last month, we served over 1,500 people, which is about 400 families.”
The Barrhaven Food Cupboard has expanded and grown with the community for the past two decades. From its humble beginnings in the basement of the Barrhaven United Church, the food bank grew thanks to the leadership of original Barrhaven BIA Chair and Your Independent Grocer owner and founder
Ken Ross. Councillor Jan Harder also played a significant role in the growth and expansion of the food cupboard over the years. It was Harder who successfully lobbied for the organization to move into its new location, which is located next to where Harder’s constituency office was.
Since moving into its new location, the population of Barrhaven has doubled, as it now over 100,000 people. The demand for the food cupboard’s services has grown with the population. Compounding the problem for the food cupboard is that food prices have skyrocketed. While the Barrhaven Food Cupboard once spent $10,000 in a month, they now require $40,000 per month to meet the demands they now have.
“Barrhaven has always been generous,” Treimstra told
CTV Ottawa. “We’ve needed food, food has come in and we’ve given food back out, but we are 100 per cent independent, we are 100 per cent volunteer-run, and we’re 100 per
cent reliant on donations. So, this moment in time, in which demand has sky-rocketed and the cost of everything has gone up, has meant that we have had to re-evaluate our sources
of revenue, and for the first time we’ve kind of launched a fundraising appeal.”
To donate to the Barrhaven Food Cupboard, visit www. barrhavenfoodcupboard.ca.
The Bank of Canada has once again increased its benchmark interest rate, this time by .25 basis points to five percent, amid growing apprehension from a number of financial experts regarding its potential impact on consumers. And their concerns are not unfounded.
Undoubtedly, food and housing constitute the fundamental necessities of life. Pertinent data reveals that the cost of housing exerts a considerable influence on our grocery expenditures. Notably, despite prevailing inflation, the latest quarterly results from Empire/Sobeys/IGA indicate a $16 million decline in food sales compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Conversely, housing presents significantly disparate and less accessible options.
The past year has proven challenging for almost everyone due to escalating interest rates. Particularly, rental costs in Canada have surged in recent months. For instance, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is presently $1,828, according to Rentals.ca, a 13.03 percent increase over a single year, amounting to an additional $238 per month. Consequently, tenants of one-bedroom apartments must now bear a rent that exceeds the preceding year’s by nearly $3,000.
The same scenario also applies to two-bedroom apartments. The average monthly rent in Canada stands at $2,243, reflecting a 10.7 percent surge over a year, with approximately one-third of Canadians renting their residences.
Homeowners and mortgage borrowers face an even more alarming situation. For those who acquired a $500,000 house last year, with a 25-year mortgage with a 20 percent down payment, the monthly payments hovered around $1,700, subject to the prevailing interest rate. These payments have now surpassed $2,800 per month, or $1,100 more per month and nearly $13,000 more annually. Maintaining the same standard of living under such circumstances necessitates a considerable financial commitment. Moreover, over time, many households find themselves compelled to renegotiate their mortgages at significantly higher interest rates.
In contrast to the relative accessibility of substituting grocery items, effecting changes concerning rent or mortgage payments proves more arduous. Such adjustments entail either selling and relocating or seeking a roommate to share the burden of housing costs. Regardless of the chosen course of action, associated expenses inevitably accompany a change of address.
Given the foreseeable persistence of rising rents and mortgage rates, the prevailing macroeconomic context compels us all to embrace a more frugal mindset reminiscent of the trends experienced in the early 1980s. During that era, promotional products not only experienced temporary surges in popularity but became the norm for many households.
Although the prospect of abundance and indulgence will eventually resurface, it will require some time to materialize.
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
How many times did you hear that expression just after the Canada Day weekend?
Of course, we couldn’t breathe for a while because of the smoke, and it seems like the extreme heat melted the smoke away. I’m not a rocket surgeon, but I am pretty sure something like that went down.
On the holiday Monday, I wasn’t sure if the smoke and heat were from the atmosphere, or from the food truck I went to for lunch.
The heat was extreme. In fact, it was so hot – this is not a Johnny Carson thing – that our TV, internet and phone were knocked out because the cable in the box down the street melted. And, of course, it happened five minutes before the Blue Jays game.
So I was ready to go Newman-from-Seinfeld on this big, juicy, food truck cheeseburger and this sweaty guy comes up to me and says, “Hot enough for ya?” It was the fifth time someone had asked me that over the weekend.
C’mon everyone, can we not come up with a better conversation starter?
The question is annoying, but the extreme heat last week made me a bit homesick for Texas. In 1998, we had 90 days in a row of what we went through here last week, and you do kind of get used to it. I’ll take it over 30-below any day.
One of the big differences between Texans and Canadians is that Canadians will come and ask if it’s hot enough for ya. Texans won’t ask, but they’ll come up with some kind of entertaining metaphor. I loved the food, the people, the weather, and everything else about Texas, but most of all I loved frolicking within their- limitless boundaries of language, syntax and metaphor – the same freedoms responsible for some of the silly and seemingly inappropriate expressions that George W. Bush used to let out from time to time.
When I lived in Texas, I coached football with this big ol’ fella named Coach Carl. He had an expression for everything, and it seemed that every day he would give his own Coach Carl-style weather forecast.
“It’s so hot they’re stampin’ ‘half an hour ago’ as the best before date on Popsicles.”
“It’s like bein’ in the inside of a fat plummer’s pants.”
“It’s so hot the chickens are layin’ their eggs sunnyside up.”
“It’s hotter than the tin gutter on the Devil’s shed in Hades.”
“It’s so hot Orville Redenbacher’s head is fixin’ to pop.”
“It’s so hot you could spit steam.”
“It’s so hot I done saw a dawg chasin’ a cat and they was both walkin’.”
“It’s worse than Texas hot. It’s Africa hot.”
“It’s hotter than Satan’s underpants at high noon.”
“It’s so hot my braces are blisterin’ my teeth.”
“It’s so hot my eyeballs are fixin’ to shrivel up like raisins.”
“It’s hotter than my dog’s breath.”
“It’s hotter than a buzzard’s butt at high noon in El Paso.”
“It’s so hot that Janet Reno is cooling off down at the Branch Dividian complex fire.”
“It’s so hot the watermelons are evaporating.”
“It’s so hot my nipples have crawled back inside my body and are looking for shade under my spleen.”
“It’s hotter than two polar bears fightin’ in a forest fire.”
“It’s hotter than fresh asphalt on the Hades Interstate.”
“It’s so hot the M&Ms will melt in your hand, not your mouth.”
“It’s so hot you can cook spaghetti in the pond.”
“It’s one of them aluminum foil sweater days.”
“It’s so hot I want to take off my skin and just wear my bones.”
“It’s hot enough to sunburn a horned toad.”
“It’s hotter than Lucifer’s woodstove.”
“It’s so hot I saw two trees fighting over a dog.”
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Staff/Contributors: Gary Coulombe, Larry Ellis, Skyler Fraser, Goldie Ghamari, David Hill, Wilson Lo, Jeffrey Morris, Greg Newton, Irene Staron.
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.
Coach Carl wouldn’t ask “is it hot enough for ya?” He would challenge himself to come up with something a bit more colourful. Last week, I started thinking of some that I heard him use. I figured I would make a list and share it with you.
Please note that the Coach Carlisms are more entertaining if you read them with a Texan accent.
“It’s hotter than a campfire in hell.” (Note – hell is a two-syllable word in Texas, pronounced hay-ell.)
“It’s so hot the birds are using oven mitts to pull worms out of the ground.”
“It’s so hot I can hear the fat on your arse sizzlin’.”
“The air conditioning guy is busier than a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin’ chairs.”
“It’s so hot that Home Depot is asking for a cover charge to go into their fan section.”
“It’s so hot Mexico is fixin’ to build a wall to keep the U.S. out.”
“It’s so hot Baskin Robbins is selling jalapeno ice cream.”
“It’s so hot my thermometer was reading ‘you’ve got to be freakin’ kidding me.’”
“On days this hot, my momma used to wash and dry the clothes at the same time.”
“It’s so hot I just branded my nephew with the seat belt buckle.”
“It’s so hot you can drink the pavement with two creams and one sugar.”
Well, that’s just a sampling of them. I hope there is still enough time left in the summer to make use of these when you’re at the line up in the post office or the bank or somewhere like that.
By the way, is it humid enough for ya?
Over the next few months, there’s so much to do in Barrhaven. So, grab your swimsuit, your fruit basket, and your lawn chair, because we’re looking at the top things you should get out to – and most are free.
One thing that’s sure to help beat the heat (or at least make it a little better) is a good splash pad. You can find a complete list of them on the City of Ottawa website, key words: “splash pads.”
We’re lucky to have so many in our own backyard –we’ve got seven in Barrhaven East alone – including: Chapman Mills Park, Greenbank Park, Ken Ross Park, Mancini Park, Stonecrest Park, Tierney Park, and Water Dragon Park. Rubber duckies not included.
Farmer’s Market
Hosted every Sunday
from 10AM – 2PM until the end of October, you’ll find the tastiest fresh produce, baked goods, pantry staples, hot meals, and more. There is regularly 10+ producers on-site highlighting the Ottawa region. Even better, special guests pop in from week-to-week, including expert gardeners for us not-so-green-thumbs.
Sometimes, heading to the market helps my brain think about the recipes that I could make (but usually don’t). So, grab your basket and head to the OC Transpo Nepean Woods Park & Ride on Sunday.
I’m willing to taste-test your baking, for science…
Grab your library card (or sign up for one) and take advantage of the extensive programming at Ruth E. Dickinson Library. Whether you’re 4 or 100 years old,
we’re sure you’ll find something to pique your interest. If commitment is not your thing, there are drop-in programs, too.
If you’ve got an avid reader under the age of twelve in your home, check out the Summer Reading Club. It rewards reading and learning through in-person and virtual events – they can even get a prize for taking part. Have them head to the library to sign up or get more details on the Reading Club website.
“To be or not to be... that is the question!” Or is it? Head to Stonecrest Park at 7PM on August 15 to experience Shakespeare in the Park as they perform Hamlet. The
Company of Fools makes plays accessible and puts a creative spin on classics in a way that you’ll enjoy, even if you’re not an English major.
There are promises of puppets and sword fights, and even maybe a scary ghost! It’s a pay what you can event and appropriate for the whole family. We’re sure the ghost isn’t that scary.
If music is your thing, you’ll have to add this event to your list of “must dos.” Taking place at Clarke Fields Park on August 12-13, you’ll be able to feel the hiphop rhythms in your bones. I can’t promise I’ll be up there dancing – trust me, it’s for the best – but the music and festivities will make you want to move.
Bring the kids along to enjoy the Children’s Island while you savour authentic Caribbean cuisine. Bonus: Kids under twelve get in for free.
Bonus: Volunteer
Let’s get real, there are a ton of organizations in Barrhaven (and beyond) that could use an extra hand, including the Barrhaven Food Cupboard. Most organizations rely on the support and help from community members like you.
Students, go beyond the 40-hours you need to graduate. Never underestimate the benefits of volunteering. You get a chance to gain work experience for your resume, expand your network for the future, and feel good about what you’re doing.
Turning solid waste into energy remains a possibility and could prevent the need for an expansion at the Trail Road facility off Moodie Drive near Barrhaven.
Rideau-Jock Councillor David Brown and Kanata South Councillor Allan Hubley have met with several companies that are interested in turning Ottawa’s waste into energy, including Landaira, an Ottawa-based thermal energy conversion company with a research and development facility in Dunlap, Tennessee.
In July 2021, Landaira made a presentation to council at Ottawa City Hall. Former local councillors Scott Moffatt and Carol Anne Meehan were cautiously open minded about the presentation. However, nothing public was done in the time that followed, and a year later, there was a municipal election with high turnover at council and in the mayor’s chair.
Landaira claimed it can extend the life of the Trail Road Landfill by 150 years.
Landaira, which is dedicated to global environmental improvements that foster a sustainable future, is trying to reduce dependence municipal landfills are facing. By eliminating the solid waste footprint, Landaira mission statement is to make a greener tomorrow.
Their goal is to reduce greenhouse gases and create full-time employment in Ottawa and other parts of the world.
“We can create clean power to reduce environmental emissions,” said Manotick resident Johannes Ziebarth, President and CEO of Landaira, after the presentation. “Our model requires no up front capital from the city.”
The group has developed a Thermal Conversion technology that transforms solid waste into carbon, char, and a
clean-burning synthetic gas, which can be used to produce heat or electricity.
The technology has been in the testing stage since 2009, with work being done at Landaira’s R&D facility in Dunlap, Tennessee. They are now trying to get the City of Ottawa on board to eliminate the need for an expansion to the Trail Road landfill.
Ziebarth explained how Landaira’s thermal conversion system works. The molecular structure of hydrocarbons in carbon-based waste is continuously broken down by combining low temperature heating in pressurized containers with controlled, low-volume air circulation to create a completely controlled decomposition process. He outlined a five-step process for this process.
1. Waste destined for the landfill is collected and packaged into manageable bales — without sorting, drying, or shredding. Bailing removes the issues of smell and leeching.
2. The bales are placed in the patented Landaira thermal conversion processing containers, which are then lowered into an autoclave.
3. The thermal conversion is initiated to bring the waste in the autoclave up to 600° C to 800° C at a low pressure of up to 150 PSI to start the decomposition process.
4. A very low volume of air is circulated in the autoclave chamber to enable the thermal conversion until the waste is reduced to carbon and ash residue, and any remaining recyclables.
5. Waste is reduced to carbon/ash residue, any recyclables, and a synthetic gas used to generate clean energy.
In addition to the reduced amount of waste by up to 95 per cent, Landaira also claimed it could help the city achieve its carbon reduction goals at the
“We have extremely
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The Trail Road facility is expected to run out of space in less than 15 years, and all Ottawa area landfills could reach total capacity by 2036. With time running out, the local company is trying to develop a viable solution that reduces the need for landfill expansion projects and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Our company could help the City of Ottawa reduce the amount of garbage entering the Trail Road landfill by 600 tonnes per day at zero capital cost to taxpayers,” said Johannes Ziebarth, CEO and President of Landaira, after making their presentation to the city last year.
“Our patented Thermal Conversion technology will reduce greenhouse gases by up to 99 per cent while eliminating the need for a landfill expansion and reducing the volume of municipal solid waste going into any existing landfill site by up to 95 per
cent,” he added.
Ziebarth and other representatives from Landaira have met with members of Ottawa’s Standing Committee on Environmental Protection to propose the solutions.
“We’re excited in hopes of building a partnership with the City of Ottawa to help combat the landfill issues,” said Spencer Warren, Vice President of Operations at Landria, and also a former Ottawa Catholic School Board Trustee.
“These are real issues, and Landaira has real solutions,” he added. “We have designed a self-sustaining cost-effective operational facility to help the environment and generate new full-time jobs.”
As Ottawa tried to tackle new climate action goals, concern over landfills includes the release of methane gas.
“As organic mass in landfills decomposes, methane gas is released, and
data indicates that it does that for over 20 years,” said Warren. “Methane is much more effective at absorbing the sun’s heat than carbon dioxide, making it one of the most potent greenhouse gases and a massive contributor to climate change.”
The situation at Trail Road became a political hot potato again last month during a debate over a bag and tag trash system aimed at incentivising residents to reduce to the amount of garbage they can leave at the curb.
“Councillor Hubley and I want to look at a number of options, including Landaira,” Brown said. “I understand if there is some hesitancy to look at a solution like this based on what happened with Plasco, but that was an entirely different process and completely different technology. Some people may not want to revisit converting garbage into energy. But with the situation we potentially
have at Trail Road, now is the time to explore as many options as possible, including the Landaira technology.”
Plasco used a plasmagasification process for turning garbage at the Trail Road facility into natural gas. In February, 2015, Plasco laid off 80 employees and filed for protection from its creditors. Construction of their Trail Road facility began in 2007, but by 2015, the company was out of time and money.
During Landaira’s 2021 presentation, Hubley addressed the elephant in the room and asked Landaira how and why they were different than Plasco.
“Plasco was my client, so I got to know them quite well,” Ziebarth said. “Where we differ is that Plasco was an open, continuous flow gasification using a very high energy output and very high temperatures to eradicate the
waste. The big difference for us is that we aren’t attempting the continuous flow. We have a very scientifically controlled environment that we thermally convert the garbage in inside of the autoclave. We’ve certainly kept it to moderate temperatures to do the thermal conversion – just the right temperature to molecularly decompose the components in the garbage. And we keep it at an
almost zero oxygen level inside of the autoclave.
“Those two things combined are sort of the secret sauce of why we have such low emissions and why we are so environmentally friendly.”
Ziebarth added that his company’s technology can take garbage straight from the truck with no shredding or drying.
It was a successful 41st Canada Day in Barrhaven as thousands descended to Clarke Fields for the annual celebrations.
New this year, the festivities began with a Country Fest on the main stage June 30. Canada Day started with a seniors breakfast followed by cultural performances, a kids zone, and musical performances.
“It was a very successful Canada Day and we were so happy to see so many people come out for a good time,” said Darrell Bartraw, president of Canada Day in Barrhaven. “Despite the weather we saw large crowds who enjoyed
the midway, music acts and fireworks.”
A series of weather alerts were issued throughout the afternoon, and there were concerns it would rain the festivities out. The park shut down after thunder and lightning was spotted, but reopened about an hour later.
The event was attended by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, and councillors Wilson Lo and David Hill.
In his speech, Poilievre, who is Carleton’s MP and the former federal representative for Nepean, compared the dark skies to the state of the country.
“This is the greatest country in the world founded by freedom, supported by generations who have passed it down from one to the next. It’s a country where it doesn’t matter if your name is Martin or Mohamed, Chang or Charles, Singh or Smith, or whether you worship Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or not at all,” he said. “As long as you’re prepared to work hard and serve others you can get ahead. That’s the country we know and love.”
During the afternoon show, an hour was dedicated towards Indigenous culture. Dance performances, singing, and drumming were part of the acts.
“It’s important to recognize that we are on the unceded territory of the First Nations people,” said Bartraw. “We need to embrace their culture and education.”
New this year, a vendor village was set up with over 30 local small businesses selling their products.
Monkey Rock Music, a “unique and exciting activity for kids”, was first to take over the stage followed by Starfire and headliner Star 80. The night concluded with a 15-minute firework
display which was launched from the baseball diamond this year to give spectators a better view. The next day, a classic car show was held at the park.
While Canada Day has been celebrated in Barrhaven for over four decades, there is concern the event won’t continue for future generations without funding. It costs around $130,000 to run, and is covered partly through grants and private sponsors.
“I am totally embarrassed that so many people in Barrhaven came to this year’s 41st Anniversary of Mattamy Homes Canada Day in Barrhaven taking in all the free activities and couldn’t even make a $5.00 donation,” said Bartraw, who added only 50 people donated to their GoFundMe campaign.
“We will be holding a post-mortem soon on the event to decide if we can continue to have this event
for years to come,” he added.
While the future of the event is in limbo, other activities will be held in Barrhaven this summer. A family fun fair will return to Clarke Fields from Aug 3-7. A rhythm culture fest will be held at the same location on Aug 12 and 13, and another classic car show will be held there Aug. 20.
canada continues on page 11
canada continues from page 10
In September, the West Barrhaven Community Association will hold a sausage and corn boil at Larkin Park. That will be followed by Remembrance Day celebrations outside John McCrae High School on Nov. 11, and the annual Barrhaven Santa Claus Parade Nov. 19.
“While we might be a community of 100,000 residents, we still have a community feel in Bar-
rhaven,” said Bartraw, who is also the lead organizer for many of the events. “With community support we can ensure a full calendar of events can continue for families to enjoy.”
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe delivers remarks to the crowd while East Barrhaven Councillor Wilson Lo looks on.
Char L i E S E n aC k P h OtO S
CLUES ACROSS
1. Database management system
5. Medical procedures
11. __ Clapton, musician
12. Defender
16. Exert oneself
17. Indicates position
18. Prevents river overflow
19. Atrocities
24. Mister 25. Ends
26. Slope or tilt
27. Taxi 28. The very ends
29. Actor Sean 30. Japanese persimmon
31. Sours
33. Beneficiary
34. Baseball official 38. Muddy, boggy ground
39. Not worldly
40. Actress Lathan
43. Soil
44. __-Cola 45. Asleep
49. __ Angeles
50. Give birth to a child
51. Beach shelter
53. Commercial
54. Taste property
56. Local jurisdictions
58. It cools your home
59. Dismounted from a horse
60. Charge with a crime
63. Close in
64. Spoke
65. Famed garden
CLUES DOWN
1. Draw a scene
2. Its sultan is famous
3. Unlucky accident
4. A way to ski
5. Abba __, Israeli politician
6. Saw
7. “Westworld”
actor Harris
8. Belonging to me
9. Shoelace tube
10. Takes to court
13. Early multimedia
14. In a way, produces
15. Bowlers
20. Of I
21. Equally
22. Gets some sun
23. A place to stay
27. Town in Galilee
29. Aronofsky film
30. Klingon character, “Star Trek”
31. Equal to 100 square meters
32. Atomic #58
33. Arrived extinct
34. Loosen grip
35. A distinctive odor that is unpleasant
36. Membranes
37. Some is poisonous
38. Partner to Pa
40. Small brown gray rail
41. A salt or ester of acetic acid
42. Sodium
44. Military official (abbr.)
45. Lighted
46. Took off
47. All
48. Ohio city
50. More abject
51. A radio band
52. Controversial tech product (abbr.)
54. Monetary unit
55. Passed with flying colors
57. A way to win a boxing match
61. The Golden State
62. Home of the Longhorns
Residents who live off Antler Avenue in Old Barrhaven are praising city officials for how quick they were to respond after Thursday’s tornado.
The street and surrounding areas received extensive damage when the storm rolled through at around 1:00 p.m. on July 13.
Alison Kinahan, who lives nearby, said she was doing electrical work with her Dad when the tornado alert was first issued. She looked out her kitchen window to see clouds swirling in the sky.
“The rain started heavy, and the winds were howling,” she said. “We heard this loud riad — it was a loud, loud noise. I got my mom and daughter who were making pies in the kitchen and we went off to the basement.”
When Kinahan went back upstairs, her street was unrecognizable. Roofs were blown off of nearby homes, trees were split into two, and large sections of fencing were down.
“It was wild. You didn’t want to turn around and look at your own house
because you saw what was across the street,” she said, noting that besides a few branches and other pieces of debris in the backyard, her house was untouched.
“Seeing people come out of their houses was a relief, knowing they were ok.”
Nearby, Barrhaven West city councillor David Hill said a 13-year-old girl was in her bedroom when a hole formed in the home’s roof and blew off. The young teen is safe after quickly running down the stairs, he noted, leaving with a good story to tell.
Sandy Redford, who has lived on Antler Ave since 1986, said she was coming out of the shower when signs of a storm started to show.
“You didn’t hear the roaring train noise people say they usually hear. I started running downstairs and before I got there it was already over. It was very quick,” she said.
“When I came back up my deck box that used to be at the front of my deck was by my house and I looked out front and went ‘oh my lord my tree is down.’
That tree was planted by Redford’s husband. He passed away about five
years ago.
“It was very emotional,” she said. “But we are very lucky compared to some of our neighbours.”
Some shingles also blew off of Redford’s house. They were repaired by a roofing company a couple hours later. She and her neighbours are now applauding the city who was quick to respond in the storm’s aftermath.
Hydro outages, which impacted around 16,00 customers, were restored in less than five hours. The fallen trees were also chopped up and hauled away by Thursday evening.
“The City of Ottawa came right away and went up and down the street checking all the hydro. They must have arrived about 15 minutes after the storm finished,” said Dawn Marie Bourgeois, who has lived on Antler Ave since 1995. “The trees were cut down very quickly and construction crews were here almost immediately to cover the damage. We are just so very grateful for their help. In all my years living here we have never gone through anything like this before.”
After helping their neighbours clean up, the streets residents ended the night with a block party in one person’s backyard, sipping wine and sharing stories of where they were when the storm first hit.
Councillor Hill said building code services will be expediting building permits for those who need to quickly fix damages to their homes. Nepean MP
Chandra Arya said the Insurance Bureau of Canada reached out and assured their members they are there to support those affected by the Barrhaven tornado.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also stopped by the community Thursday evening to visit with impacted residents.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all the city
employees, emergency workers, and volunteers who responded so quickly and effectively to the crisis in Barrhaven,” he wrote on Twitter. “I spoke to dozens and dozens of residents who were effusive in their praise and extremely grateful for the quick response. We are lucky to have such dedicated employees and generous volunteers in our city.”
I was very interested to read Ottawa’s Fatal Collision Review Committee’s (FCRC) 2020 Annual Report, marking the first one since the committee was formed in 2017. The report examined 84 fatal collisions between 2017 and 2020 on Ottawa’s roads, not including the 416 and Queensway highway.
To begin 52% of the fatal collisions involved only motor vehicle occupants, with the remaining 48% affecting vulnerable road users. Within the latter, 26% of the collisions involved pedestrians and 13% involved motorcyclists, 5% involved cyclists, and 4% involved ebike riders. 24% of all fatal collisions took place in the
outer urban suburbs (including Barrhaven).
The top three months with the highest recorded number of fatal collisions include July and September (both 14%) and June following at 10%.
What were the factors involved in the fatal collisions?
Age
Looking into the deaths involving motor vehicle operators, there is an over-
representation in the 16–24 year age range and the 55+ year age range. Additionally, the 55+ age ranges makes up approximately 50% of all road user deaths.
Of the drivers involved in collisions reviewed by the report, 45% were engaged in speeding. Of the 49 speeding drivers, 31 were travelling at 20 km/h or more over the speed limit with five of the drivers travelling at 80 km/h or more over the speed limit. The highest driver speed was 135 km/h over the speed limit of the roadway. I am speaking with likeminded councillors on deterring and curbing this –through automated enforce-
ment, and potentially legislative modernizations.
Among drivers involved in fatal collisions for whom records were available, the average number of previous convictions was 5.3 and 19% of drivers had 10 or more previous convictions. This implies to me that subsequent infractions need to be stricter.
A third of the fatal collisions reviewed had one or more road users impaired by drugs or alcohol and often were impaired by multiples substances. Cannabis was considered a factor in 19%
of fatal collisions, cocaine in 20% and alcohol in 19% of cases.
One of the main recommendations to the City is to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce speeds on Ottawa roads, including promotion of automated speed enforcement. This technology is a more effective and cost-efficient tool to support traditional enforcement strategies for which I will be expanding the community safety zones and enforcement in the coming years.
So where does this leave Barrhaven?
As part of the City’s automated speed enforce-
ment campaign, BarrhavenWest will be receiving three automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones in 2023. The locations include St. Cecilia Elementary School, St. Joseph’s High School, and Cedarview Middle School. The aim of these installments is to reduce speeding and do so in strategic locations where there is a high volume of road users (students, cars, and buses).
The full report can be found here: https://bit. ly/44HfL3y And if you are interested in regular updates on this subject, send me an email at david.hill@ottawa. ca to join our newsletter list or to set up an in-person appointment.
Barrhaven will be receiving 40 per cent of the Ontario government’s $10 million investment to create 53 housing units in Ottawa to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Ontario is investing $4 million to create 13 out of 32 units at 505 and 515 Branch Street (previously known as 3380 Jockvale Road). Managed by Ottawa Community Housing, this project will provide affordable housing for families exiting the city’s shelter system. The building is designed and built to accommodate future solar energy and includes 21 parking spots and communal bike racks. Public transit is available within 600 meters.
The units are located near Jockvale and Longfields, close to St. Joseph High School.
“Our government’s $10 million investment in affordable and supportive housing in Ottawa – including $4 million in Nepean –will make a life-changing difference for residents,” said Lisa MacLeod, MPP for Nepean. “I want to thank Ottawa Community Housing and the John Howard Society for their continued work in our community, and reiterate our government’s continuing support and efforts to ensure all Ontarians can find a home that meets their needs and budget.”
Ontario is also investing $6 million to create 40 housing units for the chronically homeless in a mixed-use modular building. Located at 399 and 401 Bell Street South, the building includes bachelor units, six of which are accessible. The build-
ing also includes 29 parking spaces and offices on the ground and second floor. Supportive programs and services are being provided by the John Howard Society. Supports for residents also include employment, training and counselling, educational programing, and medication management.
“Both of these projects exemplify our government’s major commitment to homelessness relief in 2023, with a $10 million commitment that will create 53 homes for families and individuals,” said Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton. “The Bell Street South project will provide 40 units enhanced by programs and services provided by the John Howard Society. The Branch Street project is only a few hundred metres from the Carleton riding that I represent as MPP. Although Carleton is considered a rural riding, homelessness does not discriminate between urban and rural residents who are struggling. These projects are important for everyone in the City of Ottawa.”
The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs – the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program – bringing the province’s total annual investment to close to $700 million. This funding is in addition to the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which provided over $1.2 billion of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create
longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
“Our government is working hard to ensure Ottawa’s housing needs are met, with historic levels of funding in housing and homelessness prevention that recognizes the city’s unique needs,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Supportive and affordable housing are critical components of our commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, which will help all Ontarians, especially our most vulnerable, find a home that meets their needs and budget.”
The City of Ottawa was allocated over $100.4 million through all phases of the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) to deliver critical services such as shelters, food banks and emergency services. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe thanked the provincial and federal governments for their support.
“This investment helps to lay the foundation for positive change in our communities,” Sutcliffe said. “With 40 compassionate supportive housing units at 399 and 401 Bell Street South and an additional 32 affordable housing units soon to be established at 505 and 515 Branch Street, we are actively fortifying our commitment to our vulnerable fam-
ilies and residents. Together, we are taking strides towards eradicating homelessness in Ottawa. This is the kind of progress that we hope will help revitalize these communities.”
Through the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), service managers have the flexibility to allocate provincial funding to programs and services that address and prevent homelessness in their communities, such as rent supplements, homeless shelters, and supportive housing including capital projects. The HPP was launched in April 2022, combining three programs: Community Homelessness Prevention Initia-
tive, Home for Good, and the Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program.
“Our Branch Street development in Barrhaven is another great example of how OCH works innovatively and collaborates with all orders of government to address the need for affordable housing,” said Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing Corporation. “The provincial Social Services Relief Funding (SSRF) is a significant contribution towards the 32 affordable homes for individuals and families who need them. We look forward to welcoming tenants to this modern, sustainable, and vibrant community.”
East Nepean Little League has been chosen to host the 2023 Senior Canadian League Championships for 15-16 yearolds July 17-24.
Teams representing British Columbia, Alberta, The Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic will travel this month to compete for the opportunity to represent Canada at the Senior League World Series in Easly, South Carolina.
Games will take place at Hamilton Yards at the Nepean Sportsplex on Woodroffe Ave.
The Eagles will also be in the tournament as the host team. Last week, the Eagles won the District 2 champion with a 5-2 win over Ottawa West.
East Nepean Little League President Bruce Campbell knows the significance of hosting a Canadian National event.
“The Senior National tournament is special.
It’s special for the athletes, their family’s and for the city of Ottawa,” said East Nepean Eagles President Bruce Campbell. “This tournament is the opportunity for 15 and 16-year-old players to get one step closer to living out the dream of representing Canada at the Senior World Series. Every at-bat, ground
ball, pitch and fly ball are important steps towards winning” Campbell says. “We are honoured to host the players who train for this and for their families who commit to supporting them along the way.”
There will be 3 games a day (primarily around 10am, 1:30pm and 5pm, with some adjustments on a few days dye to other
events. The local host team East Nepean Eagles plays at 5 pm each day from July 17-21, except for July 18 when they play the Alberta champions at 3 pm. The other games take place at 10 am and 1 pm.
The format will be round robin style tournament play, semi final day
will be Sunday July 23rd and the Championship day will be July 24th.
There are six teams in the tournament. The Eagles received an automatic berth as the host team. They joined by the championship teams from Alberta, Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Ontario
and Quebec. Hosting this event shines a spotlight on both the community and organization but also reflects the passion and commitment of the volunteers, a hallmark of East Nepean Little League’s success throughout the last 60 plus years in Ottawa.
Hockey Canada has announced that Ottawa 67’s defencemen Henry Mews and Frankie Marrelli will represent their home nation at the 2023 HlinkaGretzky Cup in Trencin, Slovakia, and Breclav, Czechia.
Mews, a 17-year-old Barrhaven native, was drafted seventh overall by the Barber Poles in 2022. He went on to appear in 55 games during his rookie season, scoring 12 goals and 19 assists, with 31 points placing him fourth among Ontario Hockey League rookie defencemen. Mews also skated in all 11 postseason games, potting a goal and three assists.
Mews captained Team Canada White at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, recording two goals and six assists, for eight points in six games, en route to earning tournament AllStar honours.
“It’s been a dream of
mine,” Mews told TSN 1200 about being named to Team Canada. “You grow up watching this tournament with all the draft eligibles., and it means the world to represent your country.”
The tournament is an important showcase for players who are eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft. It is also an important stepping stone for players to eventually play for Canada at the World Junior Tournament.
“It will be a big tournament and a chance to get your name out there,” Mews told TSN 1200. “I’ll just be playing my game, jump in the rush here and there, play consistent, good defence. I’m not going to focus too much on who’s watching.”
Mews grew up playing in the Nepean Minor Hockey Association and often drew comparisons to another NMHA grad, Brandt Clarke of the Los
Angeles Kings. Clarke is an offensive defenceman who won gold for Canada at the 2022-23 World Junior Championships and then put up Bobby Orrlike numbers in the last two months of the OHL season playing out his junior career with the Barrie Colts. Mews, meanwhile, scored 12 goals for the 67s as a 16-year-old defenceman. The only other two 16-year-old defencemen in 67s history to score 10 or more goals were Nick Boynton and Denis Potvin.
“It’s incredible to join those guys and there is such a great history in this organization,” Mews told TSN 1200. “But I couldn’t have done that without great coaches and great teammates. We have a great team here and a great power play, and some of (the goals) were on the power play.”
Mews gave a lot of credit for his success to 67s coach Dave Cameron.
The former Ottawa Senators coach built the 67s into one of the best junior hockey teams in the country last year and was named the top coach in the CHL.
“There’s no better person in your first year in the league to show you how things are done,” Mews said. “The best thing I got this year was that I learned how to paly the pro game. He teaches you how to play the pro game at the pro level. Everything we do in Ottawa is the pro way.”
Marrelli, 17, was Ottawa’s 21st overall pick a year ago, and dressed in 50 games during the 2022-23 campaign. The Markham, Ontario native scored four goals and 12 assists, for 16 points, also recording three goals and four assists, for seven points in 11 playoff games.
Mews and Marrelli will be joined by 67’s Athletic Therapist M.P. Neron, who takes on athletic therapy
