Barrhaven Independent June 10, 2022

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Page 2 FRIDAY, June 10, 2022

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Clean-up ongoing after one of the worst storms in Barrhaven history

By Charlie Senack Barrhaven is still busy cleaning up after a storm ripped through the community over the May long weekend, causing severe damages.

It was around 3:20 p.m. on May 21 when a severe thunderstorm warning was issued to people’s phones. It was the first time a warning of its kind has been issued by Environment Canada. Last June, new rules were applied that only allowed the alerts to be issued when winds reach 130 km/h, or if a storm includes hail measuring more than seven centimetres.

While the alert was meant for people to prepare, many people ignored it, thinking it would be a typical storm. It was not.

Wind gusts of up to 190 kilometres were reported, causing a path of destruction through parts of Nepean and the South part of

Ottawa.

Environment Canada has confirmed the storms were not caused by tornadoes but instead downbursts, also known as a Derecho, a fast-moving and long-lived thunderstorm that causes widespread wind damage.

The storm travelled from Toronto to Ottawa in about three hours. A Derecho hasn’t been reported in Canada since 1999, but could become more common due to climate change.

It’s believed current seasons and weather made the destruction worse, with many trees just finishing their spring bloom and root systems damp.

“It’s the extremely high winds that we’ve had and most of the impacted areas are basically more of mature communities, where we have larger tree canopy, larger trees,” said Alain Gonthier, general manager of the city’s pub-

lic works department.

The trees as a result became top heavy, making it easier for them to tumble.

“Had this storm hit a month or a month and a half ago when we had fewer leaves on the trees, the impacts may have been less,” stated Gonthier. “But a lot of trees were really starting to get their foliage. That creates a lot more pressure.”

Damage in Barrhaven

In Barrhaven hundreds of trees and down along with thousands of shingles off the roofs of homes. Barrhaven Crossing received damage to its roof and signs were ripped out of the ground at Longfields Plaza and at a strip mall on Fallowfield road.

On various roads including Fable, Sandringham, Sandhead, and Kennvale, 40-50 year old trees were completely uprooted from the ground, leaving a gaping hole be-

hind. Luckily most trees fell onto the road away from homes, but some did receive damage to their windows, siding, and eavestroughs.

On Merivale Road between Fallowfield and Amberwood, two cars were left in the ditch after dodging fallen hydro poles. It’s believed neither driver was injured.

Down the road in the Pine Glen neighborhood, St. Monica School received severe damage after a portion of its roof was blown off and multiple trees fell on the property. The Ottawa Catholic School Board says the school’s gym received the brunt of the damage, and two classrooms will stay closed.

Just a street over on Capital Drive, roofs of industrial buildings were blown off in sheets, some still having heavy air conditioning units attached.

Homes in the Pineg-

len, Country Place, Grenfell Glen, and Merivale Gardens neighborhoods received the most damage. There thousands of trees are down; the communities will never look the same. Because many of the trees fell onto hydro wires, many residents were left in the dark without power for 10 days.

A number of local Barrhaven community groups rallied together to help those who were struggling. Islamic Relief Canada sponsored a barbecue meal for those without power at the Haven affordable housing complex off Longfields, and local council candidate Jay Chadha served a few hundred meals to the community.

“We received a few requests from Barrhaven residents for some assistance with food,” he said.

“We quickly got a group together and were able to cook meals for 250 people

at the local Sikh temple.

Meals were delivered to Stonebridge area homes and at the Larkin House community centre.”

The South Nepean Mosque on Woodroffe Drive also opened up their facilities after power came back on. They hosted barbecues, gave people access to power to charge devices, and access to air conditioning on hot days.

The Walter Baker Centre was open for anyone needing a hot shower or to get access to the internet. They also had large garbage bins available to dispose of rotting food.

In the first few days of the storm, long lines ups were reported at many gas stations across Barrhaven with drivers looking to fuel up. Many were closed because they didn’t have power, others ran out of fuel.

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT STORm continues from page 2 At Marketplace, people waited in line for over an hour at various eateries including Wendy’s and Tim Hortons, as people looked

to grab a hot meal. At least one Starbucks in Barrhaven ran out of coffee and a nearby Subway ran out of bread.

Some Barrhaven schools

were forced to stay closed for a few days because of having no power, but even after they reopened, many school bus routes were can-

celled because of the traffic disruptions. The City of Ottawa urged residents to stay off the roads to give crews space to repair damage and

cleanup the mess left behind.

Even though power has returned to all of Barrhaven, the city says the

The clean-up from the Storm of ’22 is expected to be ongoing for months as downed trees and hydro lines caused extensive damage in Barrhaven.

cleanup will take weeks, many months. The province has committed to picking up the tab for any stormrelated costs.

Charlie Senack photos

Page 4 FRIDAY, June 10, 2022

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

MacLeod wins Nepean riding for sixth straight time for PC Party

By Charlie Senack Lisa MacLeod will be heading to Queen’s Park for a sixth term as Nepean’s representative.

MacLeod, who has been the riding’s Progressive Conservative representative since 2006, held a private celebration party at her campaign office on Cedarview Road.

Like every election, the Barrhaven Independent, among other news agencies, were hoping to cover MacLeod’s campaign party, but were not allowed inside upon arrival. The doors were locked and campaign staffers stood guard at the door.

MacLeod discreetly entered through a back door, gave her speech, and quietly left. Media was initially told she would decide upon arrival if she would take questions or not, but that opportunity never came.

Her remarks were not streamed on social media, and her only public statement was three words posted to Twitter: “Thank you Nepean.”

It’s been an election unlike any other, held in the midst of a global pandemic. The Ford government gained seats, whereas the NDP lost. They did however win over the neighbouring riding of OttawaWest Nepean, where NDP candidate Chandra Pasma beat PC incumbent Jeremy Roberts. In 2018 the two candidates also battled it out together, with

Roberts winning by fewer than 200 votes.

The Liberals were hoping to again gain official party status, but only managed to pick up one more seat in the province.

The loss for the Liberals and NDP resulted in their respective leaders, Steven Del Duca and Andrea Horwath, resigning.

The changes will drastically alter the political landscape in Ontario.

The New Democrats will have someone new at their helm for the first time since 2009, and the Liberals will continue to try and rebuild after their dramatic 2018 loss.

In Nepean, MacLeod won with 39 per cent of the vote, a slightly weaker sign of support from voters. In 2018 MacLeod won with 46 per cent of the vote.

Liberal candidate Tyler Watt came in second place with around 33 per cent of the vote, and NDP candidate Brian Double came in third place at about 20 per cent.

While the Liberals failed to win over Nepean, they did considerably better than in 2018 when they came in third place with a little over 19 per cent of the vote.

Watt said he’s proud of the work his campaign did, and while not a win, is pleased with the increased support they picked up.

“I’m feeling inspired and I’m ready for the hard work ahead. The fact that so many voters in Nepean

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Progressive Conservative MPP and Minister Lisa MacLeod did not speak publicly after winning the local riding for the sixth straight time.

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and across the province voted for change motivates me to keep going,” he told the Barrhaven Independent. “My current plan is to continue holding the Ford government accountable, the same way I have been over the last four years.”

Watt says while the Liberals were not successful this election, it’s an opportunity for the party to rebuild.

macleod

continues on page 5

PC incumbent Lisa MacLeod was under attack throughout the campaign. While the Ontario Autism Coalition placed signs near many of her election signs, another sign blitz criticizing her for receiving $44,000 from the Nepean riding association for a Toronto housing allowance took place on election week.

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FRIDAY, June 10, 2022 Page 5

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT macleod continues from page 4 “There’s a lot of work for the party to do, and that work starts right away. It was great to see the vote share go up, but for that to translate into change, we need to doubledown,” he said. “Listening to Ontarians, their hopes, concerns, and dreams, and re-engaging them in the political process. It was very disappointing to see such a low turnout across the province. People have lost hope in politics and they need to believe in change again, and

that change can happen.”

For NDP candidate Double, he entered the race just as the official campaign was starting. Despite being short on time, he says it was a rewarding experience to meet people from across the riding.

“I just want to thank all of the volunteers and all of the people who supported us through this campaign,” said Double. “I think it was a very successful campaign.

It showed that in Nepean

there are people who want to be progressive and are interested in politics that benefit people. They want to fix what has been broken by the government of the day.

With another Ford majority government it’s expected MacLeod will again receive a provincial cabinet position. She served as the minister in charge of community and social services for the first year in government, and then switched to the tourism, culture, and

Nepean Liberal candidate Tyler Watt, surrounded by his campaign team, came in second place on June 2.

Charlie Senack photo

sport ministry after facing controversy.

It was a messy election for MacLeod who continued to face backlash throughout the campaign. Early on, the NDP revealed that she received a $44,000 MPP’s allowance over three years, mostly to be used for housing accommodation in Toronto. While not technically illegal, they called the move “unethical.”

Even Ontario Premier

Doug Ford wasn’t happy when he read the news, and is now looking to change the rules.

“When I found out about anything like that, I was frustrated, to be frank with you, but it was all by the law, it was all audited, it went to Elections Ontario,” Ford said to reporters on top of the Ottawa Citizen building during a campaign stop. “I think all three parties or four parties need to get together

and have a chat about it after this election. I want to put an end to it.”

Because of the controversy, MacLeod did not give a single media interview during the election, and didn’t host any political events other than her campaign launch in early May. Voter turnout was incredibly low in Ontario this election, with only 44 per cent of eligible voters casting a ballot.

NDP candidate Brian Double, right, talks with supporters during the Nepean NDP election party June 2.

Charlie Senack photo

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

INDEPENDENT Editorial

Via Rail should be shut down or sold by the federal government

Investment managers and investors should often ask: If I didn’t already own this stock, would I buy it today?

By any criteria, Via Rail, a federal Crown corporation, is not a good investment – even under unrealistically favourable assumptions. The federal government should rigorously examine this charitably-designated ‘enterprise,’ then aim it toward one of two fates: sale or liquidation.

Via Rail’s chronic cash-burning condition offers no economic value to any potential buyer, though there are always contrarians with the confidence, and perhaps the capability, to turn a seemingly hopeless asset into something valuable. For example, a number of ailing airlines have been bought and sold. But Via Rail, as structured and priced, has little allure to potential free-enterprise buyers.

Operating and capital funding from the federal government for Via has been massive: $548 million in 2019 (before the impact of COVID-19) and $597 million in 2021, as examples. Sadly, we should expect that massive financial support to continue.

The government should hire management consulting and investment banking firms to review and value Via Rail. By employing a variety of scenarios, including modelling fundamental changes in Via’s orientation, routes and staff levels, an engaged outside consultant should seek out opportunities for Via to move toward future positive cash flow.

Any genuinely independent review by experts would likely conclude that Via Rail requires additional investment and radical modernization – if it is not merely to survive but thrive.

The subsidy per passenger for Via’s Corridor (Quebec to Windsor) route was $180 in 2021.

Higher ridership alone wouldn’t eliminate the subsidies.

In the absence of imaginative, radical and, perhaps, ruthless restructuring and reorientation, it’s unlikely that conventional investor valuation metrics (such as enterprise value to revenue; enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, price to earnings, price to operating cash flow, price to free cash flow, and or even price to net asset value) would generate a visible potential value for even the most optimistic of potential buyers.

Yet stranger things have happened, with seemingly unappealing assets snapped up by a strategic industry-savvy acquirer.

Taxpayers will never know unless the federal government puts Via Rail up for sale (either in its current state, imperfections and all or after a credible restructuring plan is produced).

The federal government should embark on setting Via Rail, a truly underperforming asset, on either a sale or liquidation track. Using the cost of federal debt, the present value of Via Rail is about negative $16 billion.

There must be a better use of taxpayers’ money than keeping Via Rail, a chronically bad investment.

Ian Madsen is a senior policy analyst at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and author of the forthcoming Sell Them or Shut Them Down: 111 Reasons Governments Should Divest State-Owned Enterprises. © Troy Media

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Falling apart in the power outage

Has everybody out there gone nuts? that we could have power. They couldn’t If the recent windstorm taught us any- take a half hour break without someone thing, it taught us about each other. bitching at them to get back out there. fromWhat is it about these power outages I think we were all falling apart. Some of us fell apart more quickly than the others.other that makes people behave like this?

I think we all thought we were keeping We think the answer is fear. our composure and watching We are afraid of not haveveryone else around us fall ing power. We are more apart. That, in itself, is likely afraid of not being cona sign of falling apart. nected.

Think back to a couple The one obvious thing we Saturday afternoons ago. saw with young people is Our phones all buzzed with a that millennials and Gen Z’s warning. Did any of us think and whatever other labelled it was a big deal? We get these things all demographic groups have absolutely no the time. Most of us thought it was just a way to handle or deal with boredom. thunderstorm rolling through. And within Think back to when you were a kid or a about 10 or 15 minutes, that black wall of young adult. Imagine having to deal with a cloud with a swirling cloud of brown dust five-minute stretch with nothing to do and in front of it approached. Then, the winds with nothing to entertain you? It would be hit. This thing was big, it was coming fast, laughable if it wasn’t sad. and it was violent.

Another thing we fear is social chaos.

Within a couple minutes, the lights How long does that take to happen? flickered and the TV went off and on. And Twenty-four hours? then, the power went out.

After a day, most of us had no power, We all questioned our faith. no TV, no internet, and if your service How could God allow a storm like this provider is Rogers, you went several days to happen when we are watching the hock- without cell phone service. Some people ey playoffs? couldn’t go anywhere, as they did not have It wasn’t until that night that I went to enough gas in their tank to go anywhere. one of the only gas stations in Ottawa that The few gas stations that were open were was open. For some reason, there was a running out of gas. three-block stretch on Baseline Road that The first morning without power, people did not lose power. The quest to get gas could not have coffee. They had no power, involved trying not to be cut off by other and Tim Hortons was closed. People could motorists, dealing with people yelling and not get cash because the banks were closed swearing at you and at each other, and the and the ATM’s were not working. They gas station running out of regular and then couldn’t use debit cards because, well, mid-grade, leaving premium as the only nothing was open anyway. option. Did we ever think we would fight As the power came back on, we could over the right to pay $2.79 a liter? feel the anxiety being released from our Leaving the parking lot was really ugly. bodies while a wave of calm tranquility Isn’t it funny how people are complete flowed into our bodies. pricks and will not let you change lanes in Unfortunately, after being without front of them or get by you to leave a gas power for nearly a week, there were other station. They sit in their cars and pretend stresses. The house smelled like rotting they don’t see you. Saying sorry and being garbage. Maybe the food in our fridge polite is supposed to be a Canadian thing. and freezer would have been okay if the The selfish and mean behaviour goes far power came on within 24 hours. But when beyond not letting people change lanes, or it’s been there for six days, suddenly your breezing through traffic lights that are not nose tells you it’s time to get rid of some working without treating them as a four- things. way stop.

“Can you smell that?” the Diva said as How about the way people behave to- she walked down the stairs on Day 6 and ward each other over generators. Some being hit by the smell of food going bad. very kind people with generators wanted “Are you kidding?” I replied. “Stevie to help their neighbours and lend them Wonder could smell that.” some power. Some who didn’t have power She looked at me, puzzled. became resentful of those with the loud, “Stevie Wonder is blind,” she said. “I noisy generators. think he can smell.”

The tipping point of how bad things “I know,” I said annoyingly. “But Stevie got happened when we saw the report that Wonder lives in Detroit. He can smell the people were calling City of Ottawa by- rotting food all the way from Michigan.” law officers to file noise complaints about The Diva just stood there, looking at people using generators. me, wishing the power would go back on.

The worst, however, was hearing about She was falling apart. people chastising hydro workers who sat It could be worse, I thought wondering down for a coffee and lunch at Tim Hor- if we would ever have electricity again. At tons. These guys worked 16-hour days so least we don’t drive a Tesla.

side

FRIDAY, June 10, 2022 Page 7

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Derecho showed us plans are needed to stormproof our city There was a time when the prospect of a good storm would excite me. I loved the show, the lightning, the symphony of thunder and pouring rain, followed by cooler temperatures and calm. Those days are gone.

Now, like most people, I fear storms; the powerful winds that trees and buildings are no match for. Remember the 2011 storm that destroyed the Bluesfest tent? I’ll never forget it – It sent a red pine through the roof of my car while I was driving. The 2018 Tornado tore a swath of destruction through Ottawa. Now this Derecho, a line of intense and fastmoving windstorms that left some without power for twelve days.

A few days without power is an inconvenience, two weeks is in-

comprehensible. Yet, that’s what thousands endured.

If it wasn’t clear before, it should be now. These extreme weather events should not be viewed as unexpected. Hydro Ottawa estimates the cost at 25-30 million dollars. The question is, what are we doing to mitigate the damage and costs?

Which brings me to Ottawa’s new Infrastructure Master Plan released May 20th.

One of the weighty documents stated goals is to develop strategies to adapt to climate

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change. Good, but what I hope we will see are concrete plans that will “storm proof” our city.

Three areas should be considered: flooding, stormwater management, and power transmission lines.

Let’s start with hydro infrastructure. Twice in four years Hydro’s aging above ground system was knocked offline. Hundreds of hydro poles were snapped and downed, cutting power for prolonged periods of time.

Hydro Ottawa must come up with a plan to prevent that from occurring again. Residents have been demanding hydro lines be buried. We’ve been told the cost is prohibitive. However, identifying areas where the investment would prevent widespread failures could certainly be justified.

Will we continue to accept that flooded streets, like in Findlay Creek, are normal. That the pools of water will eventually recede into inadequate storm drains. That sewage overflow into the Ottawa River is part of life. As we intensify our city, how will we increase capacity in our stormwater management?

In 2019 Ottawa declared a climate emergency, which committed us to doing what we can to mitigate any city operations that contribute to rising temperatures. It’s an admirable goal, but what we need to do right now is to prevent the catastrophic consequences of storms.

These storms that scientists assure us will only get worse.

I plan to digest the Infrastructure Master Plan in the coming weeks, and

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The damage from the Storm of ’22 is expected to be in the tens of millions of dollars. Damage kept Greenbank, Merivale and Woodroffe closed north of Fallowfield for more than a week.

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Page 8 FRIDAY, June 10, 2022

Barrhaven thanks all Hydro workers

In 2018, the tornado taught us how vulnerable we are without power, and how badly we need each other in a time of crisis.

We would like to say a big thank you for those who worked 16-hour days for more than a week to get our community back up on its feet!

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

FRIDAY, June 10, 2022 Page 9

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Staff from Hulse, Playfair & McGarry funeral services joined the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation to dedicate a white oak tree at the funeral provider’s Kemptville Chapel on Wednesday, May 18. The tree commemorates HPM’s long-time commitment to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation’s memorial tree program, having planted 30,000 trees on behalf of every client family served since 2001. From left: HPM’s communications co-ordinator Claira Calderone, Kemptville chapel manager Mark Dayneka, HPM owner Sharon McGarry, Kemptville chapel administrator Pam Heney, RVCF board chair Andrew Harkness, RVCA forestry technician Amber Blewitt, RVCF executive director Diane Downey and RVCA forestry manager Ian Cochrane.

RVCA celebrates 30,000 trees planted by Hulse, Playfair & McGarry A thriving local forest serves as a living legacy for the many Rideau Valley families served by Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Funeral Homes over the past 20 years.

Since 2001, the longstanding family business has worked with the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation

to plant local, native seedlings in honour of each of the families they’ve served.

The funeral home has topped a total of 30,000 trees planted, reforesting an estimated 37.5 acres of local land to create new habitat, clean the air and water, capture carbon and contribute to vibrant, healthy commun-

ities.

President Sharon McGarry said that in addition to environmental and community benefits, the memorial trees bring comfort to the families they have been honoured to serve.

“Memorialization is very important in the work we do,” McGarry said. “We felt

it would be comforting for families to know that a seedling was being planted on their behalf representing new life where there was loss”.

The Foundation’s executive director Diane Downey said this partnership has been a mainstay of the memorial trees program over the past 20 years and continues to

support a thriving watershed for all who live here.

“We are grateful for their support and the example they set as community builders and leaders,” Downey said.

Memorial trees have the unique ability to provide long-lasting peace for family and friends.

“At times of loss, the stability of living trees gives peace to the family,” Downey said. “These trees will give back to the community and the planet for 80 years or more.”

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Page 10 FRIDAY, June 10, 2022

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Hydro Ottawa says Storm of ’22 ‘totally crushed’ hydro grid

By Charlie Senack

Hydro Ottawa says the Victoria Day long weekend storm “totally crushed” their hydro grid, leaving tens of thousands of Barrhaven residents in the dark for days.

The storm, categorized as worse than the ice storm of 1998 and “four to five times worse” than the tornadoes of 2018, was a weather event Ottawa has never seen before.

“The 98 ice storm, while we all have nightmares and memories, it was largely in rural and eastern Ontario,” said Hydro Ottawa President and CEO Bryce Conrad. “The city itself was not spared, but it was relatively untouched. There is not a single square inch of our service territory which has not been impacted adversely by this event.”

While there was no way to avoid the damage, some are questioning what more can be done to prepare for future storms.

Woodroofe had to be closed from Fallowfield to Hunt Club for days because of a few dozen hydro poles which toppled over. Some cars got trapped in the tangled mess of wires and debris.

It was a similar situation on Greenbank which also

had to be closed between that stretch for over a week because of fallen and damaged poles. Merivale had sporadic closures during that same period, as hydro crews worked to repair the line.

The multiple road closures caused traffic delays for commuters, who could only use Prince of Wales and Cedarview to get in and out of Barrhaven.

Hydro Ottawa said at its peak close to 200,000 customers were without power, making up about half their base. More than 351,000 Hydro one customers were also without electricity across the province.

At last count over 400 hydro poles had to be replaced, many in the Nepean and Barrhaven areas.

Councillor Jan Harder said at first count 38 poles had to be replaced on Woodroffe alone, with another 21 on Greenbank and 12 on Woodroffe. But that turned out to be an undercount.

To put into perspective how damaging the storm was, Hydro Ottawa typically replaces anywhere from 325-350 poles a year for normal construction activities. They had to rebuild and reconnect half of its distribution centre in days, a task which would normally take months or even

The combination of damaged trees in and around damaged wires made the clean-up particularly difficult for workers.

a year.

While the Merivale substation was destroyed during the 2018 tornadoes, they were able to take supply from other grids. This time Conrad said the damage is four to five times worse.

“There was pole damage down Merivale and Woodroffe, and at the time Barrhaven was completely black, but as soon as we had power returned to the provincial grid, we knew the community would light right back up,” Conrad noted. “In this instance we have supply from the provincial grid, it’s just just our own distribution which has been crushed. This is as bad as it gets.”

Crews from the Greater Toronto Area, Kingston, New Brunswick, and the United States were in the Barrhaven area to help restore power.

While some of the community saw it back in about 24 hours, which Councillor Harder called a miracle, other sections had to wait days. For the lucky few in the east side of the community, they never lost power at all.

Hydro Ottawa says once cleanup efforts are fully complete, they can then begin to assess their response and if anything could have been done differently. For those who were left in the dark, they were frustrated with the lack of communication and no clear answers as to when their lights would come back on.

Because of the significant number of outages, Hydro Ottawa took their outage map down. Conrad said the last thing he wanted to do was give anyone a false sense of hope.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson also says he’d like to see generators made mandatory for any new gas stations and grocery stores being built in the community, along with rental units.

Multiple Minto-run apartments in the Parkwood Hills neighborhood were

Hydro workers from as far away as New Brunswick joined local workers to restore power as quickly as possible.

without electricity and running water for days. Fire crews had to come and pump water into the units with hoses.

Hydro Ottawa says the price tag for the storm is currently somewhere between $25 to $30 million.

At least 2,500 people have applied to the City of Ottawa for financial assistance after the storm. That could include for food they had to throw out, medicine, or water-damaged beds.

Barrhaven residents got a firsthand glimpse of how dangerous the job is for hydro workers after a storm.

Workers were on site for more nearly two weeks to clean up the mess from downed trees and hydro poles on Richmond Road in Fallowfield Village, just west of Barrhaven.

Barrhaven Independent photos

FRIDAY, June 10, 2022 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

‘P.K.s’ (Preacher’s Kids) have always been given an unfair bad rap Webster’s Dictionary defines - manse- as a minister’s home. It is a term or identifier in the same manner as parsonage - a house provided by a church for its minister or - rectory - the residence of a rector -so you see they all mean the same - almost. For many years many churches owned and provided a house for the minister and family or priest.

The minister’s children have been referred to as - “P Ks” - Preachers Kids! For reasons beyond

THis week,

THIS MONTH

by Larry Ellis

me preacher’s kids were thought to be the wildest, the hardest to control and so on. Generally speaking, I think we have been given a bad rap.

Although I lived in five manses only three are in my memory because the first two were when I was very young. The third

was near Hamilton, Ontario where my father served two churches.

I started public school in September from manse number three and I was there long enough to get into trouble. My older brother who was already in high school came to my school shortly after I started and told me to - “throw a cup of water on that girl”, being an obedient boy, I carried out his instructions! That act netted me the strap; on the bare behind. For the record it was the only time I ever

received the strap! Now that little girl was Catherine, and we had a lot of fun after that!

It was in manse number four that I remember running away with the little girl next door, Dorothy. At the rear of our homes was a small brushy bush that led to the railway tracks. We were 10 and decided we would go and watch the trains go by on the trailway line that went from Ottawa to Montreal. Well, a search was on later that day for us! There we were sitting on the side of the tracks, waiting but

girl that later became a nun.

Ivy and I had a lot of fun at work, she was a P K ! There were many adventures connected to the Lighthouse near Osgoode, like counting the stars with Luella.

Really though, the manse, parsonage or rectory wasn’t such a bad place in which to grow up and “P Ks” didn’t / don’t deserve all the “bad” publicity! Ask any P K! Think of “P K s” in the same way as “Bikers” – definitely not all bad! Happy and full of fun!!!

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Manse number five was in the small town of Manotick. By then I was in high school. School days were trying times for P Ks, everyone expected us to get into trouble, it was hard not to! I just didn’t get into the trouble that was expected of me, I was a good boy! Well, between 15 and 19 I had many fun times like babysitting the babysitter, hanging out with Norma, and meeting with Hildegarde - a quiet

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Page 12 FRIDAY, June 10, 2022

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven Ribfest a success despite brief shutdown from storm

By Charlie Senack Weather didn’t dampen one of Barrhaven’s first events since the COVID-19 pandemic put a hiatus on all activities.

From May 20-23, thousands flocked to Clarke Fields for the first ever rib rest in the neighbourhood.

It was a small event to break into Barrhaven, but organizers said it was a success.

“The festival went very well. We liked the location, we liked the proximity to the community, and for a first year event I was very pleased,” said Ribfest festival director Leslie Gagné.

“We went with a smaller

footprint given the fact we were not sure how it was going to do being post COVID, but it was well received by not only the vendors but the people of Barrhaven.”

The event included three different rib vendors and a handful of other food trucks.

It also had a beer tent and stage with live music.

Despite a rare Derecho storm rolling through the capital, the rib fest was able to go ahead over the weekend thanks to generators.

They briefly had to shut down when the clouds rolled in, but reopened only hours later.

Gagné says the event was so successful, they want to

make an even bigger presence in Barrhaven. He has big events for the rib fest, and wants to bring other activities to the community.

“We want to make it an annual event because May is barbeque month,” said Gagné. “We are talking about expanding it, maybe bringing in a midway and fireworks

to celebrate the Victoria Day long weekend. We want to bring in more vendors too.

Barrhaven demonstrated they want us to be there.”

This fall Gagné plans to bring another new event to Clarke Fields: From October 16 to 19, a world-wide Poutine Fest will take over the park.

Despite a brief shutdown due to the wind storm on May 21, the Barrhaven Ribfest was a success with great food and entertainment. Organizers are planning a Poutine Fest for Barrhaven in October.

Charlie Senack photos

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FRIDAY, June 10, 2022 Page 13

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

City of Ottawa offers advice on how to dispose of storm-related debris As the post-storm cleanup continues, the City is working hard to collect storm-related debris. The City picks up both organic debris, such as branches downed in the storm, as well as non-organic waste, such as broken shingles and other building materials. There are a few simple tips to ensure safe and efficient debris collection.

Organic storm debris

Please bundle up or stack larger tree and brush debris and leave it by the curb anytime. Ensure it is not blocking any sidewalks, paths, roadways or fire hydrants.

Smaller yard waste can be put in yard waste bags, as usual. Dedicated clean-up crews will pick up this debris as they move through the city; this may not be according to your regular collection schedule. The crews

CI N DY DROZDA

may need extra time to collect all the items, so please be patient and leave these items at the roadside, separate from non-organic debris.

Large, non-organic debris Storm damaged materials, such as shingles and broken lawn furniture, should also be bundled or stacked and placed at the curb. Note that broken glass and any other sharp items

that may be a risk for handlers should be wrapped up for safety and labeled as such.

As with the large organic waste, it may take more time to collect all the non-organics but they can remain at the curb as long as they are not blocking paths of travel or fire hydrants.

The City’s landfill site at the Trail Waste Facility, 4475 Trail Road, is open

SALES REPRESENTATI V E

Monday to Friday from 7 am to 6 pm and this Saturday, June 4 from 8 am to 4 pm and will waive tipping fees for residents with storm-related materials.

Hazardous waste Hazardous waste, such as batteries, un-emptied aerosol containers, propane cylinders, gasoline and some paints, cannot be collected at curbside. Visit the City’s Waste Explorer to

learn how to properly dispose of your hazardous materials.

Not sure what garbage goes where?

Visit the City’s Waste Explorer to learn how to dispose of any debris, stormrelated or not.

For updates on the City’s storm response, follow the City on Twitter and visit the City’s Storm Recovery webpage.

Ottawa Fire Services knocking on doors to check on smoke alarms The City of Ottawa’s Transportation Committee has approved realigning the planned route of Barrhaven Stage 3 LRT to avoid displacing tenants of Manor Village and Cheryl Gardens.

Previously, the section of track between the Nepean Sportsplex and Knoxdale Road would have required the City to acquire a 20-metre strip of land, eliminating 100 residential rental units on two properties. The new alignment shifts the LRT to a raised track along the centre of Woodroffe Avenue to avoid impacting tenants. The raised track would extend 1.3 kilometres, be-

tween Knoxdale and Hunt Club roads.

In November 2020, Council directed staff to assist the tenants of Manor Village and Cheryl Gardens, who were facing permanent relocation due to the impacts of the approved alignment for the Barrhaven LRT. As part of the review of assistance options, the study team revisited a previous alignment which is in the median of Woodroffe Avenue (between Knoxdale Road and Hunt Club Road, approximately 1.3 km). This median option would avoid impact to Manor Village and Cheryl Gardens, but it was not rec-

ommended at that time due to operational and transportation issues, as well as the presence of major utilities in the median.

Given the combined issues of a housing shortage, some of the affected properties are currently low-cost rental units, real estate costs have significantly increased since 2020 and will likely continue for some time, and the timing of LRT implementation is unknown since funding has not been secured, there is concern with the risk of significant project cost increase over time for an alignment that requires property acquisition, which

is at risk of getting more expensive if the adjacent properties are renovated or redeveloped.

The study team reviewed and revised the earlier median alignment to mitigate some of the key constraints and while there are still trade-offs (mostly technical rather than social), they can be managed with careful design and appropriate construction procedures.

There are still other tasks to complete such as consultation with the public on the new alignment, refinement of project cost, documentation, and re-submitting a report to the Province that

includes this change, as part of the Transit Project Assessment Process.

Financial Implications The study cost to complete this scope change is in the order of $450 thousand, which can be funded through capital account 910184 2021 Rapid Transit EA Studies.

While the refinement of costs to implement the project will be undertaken, early assessment is that it could cost approximately $35 million to $50 million more to implement than the originally approved alignment.

The new total project cost estimate for the Barrhaven LRT project is $3.52 billion,

in 2022 dollars.

The City had considered this alignment during initial planning for Stage 3 but discounted it due to operational constraints and because major utilities are located in the median. Staff have since revised this alignment, recommending adjustments to mitigate those issues. Next steps would involve finalizing the design, consulting with the public, refining cost estimates and informing Committee of the consultation outcome.

Reports from this meeting requiring Council approval will rise to Council on Wednesday, June 8.

Firefighters from Ottawa Fire Services will visit homes across the city from Monday, June 6 until Monday, June 13, checking to ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are present and working.

Ontario’s Fire Code requires that homes have a working smoke alarm

on each floor and outside each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required outside sleeping areas if the home has an attached garage, a wood stove or a fuel-fired appliance.

Firefighters will ask to inspect your alarms and provide information on fire safety and home escape

planning.

Homeowners who do not have working smoke alarms may have one installed for them or be provided with new batteries.

Visits will take place between 6 and 8 pm on weekdays, and between 2 and 4

pm on weekends. Firefighters will be in uniform and residents are not obligated to provide them access to their home. This is a courtesy call only.

Firefighters will only visit select areas and will leave fire safety informa-

tion in the mailbox if no one is home.

This will be the first door-to-door Wake Up campaign since September 2019. Firefighters have been visiting homes every spring and fall since the

Wake Up program began in 2005, but suspended the campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit ottawa.ca/fire for more information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

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Page 14 FRIDAY, June 10, 2022

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

After a week of cancelled games due to the May 21 storm that forced several school closures, the high school baseball season resumed. The John McCrae Bulldogs were in action against South Carleton May 30 at Lytle Park in Barrhaven. South Carleton hung on for a 6-4 win over McCrae. The Bulldogs bounced back Thursday with a 21-6 win over All Saints.

Barrhaven Independent Photo

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FRIDAY, June 10, 2022 Page 15

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

LDHSS student looking forward to studying architecture in university Name: Kelsey Nguyen Age: 18 School: Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary Grade: 12 Parents: Dad: Vu Nguyen, Mom: Thuy Tuong Brother: Jason Nguyen (21), college student Pet Peeves: “Egotistical person; disrespect to people older than you; people who poke nose into someone’s business; people that always blame the situations, instead of looking back at themselves.”

Favourite Subjects: “I love subjects that revolve around arts, creativity, and the world around me. My top subject is Technological Design. I’ve always been fascinated about designing living spaces, and architectures. I also enjoy doing art courses, which earn me time to sit down and discover more about the connection between myself with the world around me.”

What do you enjoy reading for pleasure? “Romance fictional stories. I know lots of people think love stories are untrue, and naive. But for me, each story is a life in which I have the opportunity to learn more about different lives. I see reading love stories as a symbol of the romance inside myself.”

fOCUS ON

YOUTH

by Phill Potter

Favourite Author: “I don’t have a specific author that I love. I’m more interested in the context of the stories.”

Greatest Accomplishment: “I am most proud of being an international student. I came to Canada at the age of 14, experiencing life without family protection for 4 years. In the past 4 years, I’ve learned a lot of lessons for myself. As an introverted and shy child, I often relied on my parents when it came to communication related tasks. When I came to Canada, I had to do everything alone, and because of that, I learned to be braver and to take the initiative in situations. I understand better the hardships of my parents and their expectations for me.

My family’s expectations are a burden, but that pressure makes me work harder.

I never thought of becoming a top student in my subjects, known for my good grades, talent in the field of art, and scholarships from universities. But all of those things came to me, proving to me

that effort will bring success.

Only a few more months until I will be able to return to my family. I will do my best to complete this study abroad, and bring back a lot of pride to my family.”

School Activities: “I play for the school badminton team. In grade 9 I ranked second in the East Final for Junior Girls’ Single, and was selected for Badminton MVP. This year I play Girls’ Doubles and my goal is to go into the City Final. I also have a chance to display my artworks for my school gallery. Fine art gives me the opportunity to be exposed to different unique forms to produce a work. Currently, I’m trying my hand at sculpting – a subject I’ve always wanted to try. At the same time, I’m also working with batik, an Indonesian tradition of dyeing fabrics with wax. My wish is to use the techniques I’ve learned, to create works that are representative of my tradition and my culture.”

Other Activities/Interests: “I played competitive badminton at multiple clubs in Ottawa, where I have all the chance to challenge myself with other senior players who have over 10 years of playing. In my free time, I also enjoy doing arts (sculpture, drawing, paint-

ing, modeling, etc). One of my hobbies is to build 2 to 3 architecture models each year. Each of them really shows the process of my improvement. Unlike my passive personality, in badminton and when I’m working with art, I’m like a kid who’s not afraid of anything – always ready to challenge myself with something new.”

Career Goals: I have my plan to study Architecture in university. But I will take a gap year after my graduation to settle down, continue to expand my knowledge in the fields of fine arts such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, etc. I also see myself learning a third or fourth language, and applying to famous universities in the

Kelsey Nguyen is an international student who has been in Canada for four years. She says that effort has led to her success in the classroom.

Submitted photo

US to see how high my ability is. I look forward to returning to my hometown after 4 years away

and spending time with my family, then continuing my personal development journey.

Page 16 FRIDAY, June 10, 2022

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

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