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FRIDAY • March 4 • 2022
VIA passenger train strikes and kills person in wheelchair at Jockvale crossing By Charlie Senack
A local resident in a wheelchair has died after being hit by a VIA Rail Train in Barrhaven. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Sat., Feb.12 at the tracks on Jockvale Road near Barrhaven United Church. The person, who has not been identified publicly, was declared deceased on the scene, according to Ottawa Police. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating, and while many details are still not known at this time, a passenger aboard the train told the Barrhaven Independent they were arriving back in Ottawa from Toronto when the train slammed hard on its brakes. “I didn’t really feel an impact but we did come to a relatively abrupt stop,” said
one passenger. “I did notice we were slowing down before the intersection and they were blowing on the horn.” The train passenger said they noticed several people exiting their vehicles and screaming as the train crossed Jockvale. According to eyewitnesses, the male involved in the collision was in a wheelchair and had a dog with him. The dog, a female golden retriever, was able to be saved and is with the March of Dimes. One passerby, who was driving down Jockvale moments before the incident occurred, got out of his truck and tried to save the man who reportedly had his wheelchair stuck in the tracks. Jockvale between Weybridge to Tartan Drive was closed for almost a day as
the investigation continued. The VIA train, with its passengers still on board, we’re delayed for about five hours before being able to leave the scene.
Longtime Safety Concerns
For well over two decades there have been renewed calls to make Jockvale Road safer for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly around the train tracks. Community groups have long called for an underpass to be built at the bike path, across the street from where the fatal incident occurred. In May 2019, a community meeting was held at the Walter Baker Centre to discuss the issue. The price tag for the project then was $6 million, which many said was too expensive. They
A person in a wheelchair was struck and killed by a VIA passenger train at the Jockvale Road crossing by Barrhaven United Church on the afternoon of Sat., Feb. 12. Charlie Senack photo
would have rather seen the funds be invested in other community projects, such as the Greenbank Road re-
alignment. City Council approved the design for the underpass, but did not hand over
any money for it to be built. It went no further.
train
continues on page 4
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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
train continues from page 1 Others would have liked to see the project built on the north side of the tracks on Jockvale, to provide easier access to Barrhaven United Church and the community housing. The Barrhaven Independent has also obtained a copy of an email sent to Mayor Jim Watson’s office in April 2021, stressing the need for safety improvements at the site. They again noted the importance of safety for Steepleview Crossing residents, many of whom have mobility issues and other impairments. “The Steepleview community is on the east side of Jockvale Road but the multi-use pathway and southbound bus stop are on the west side of the road,” part of the letter read. “There is no pathway along Jockvale on the east side. Residents want a safe
crossing to the pathway and bus stop on the west side of Jockvale that allows them to get to local services and activities. The high traffic volume (we understand City figures indicated 10,000 vehicles/8 hours at one point in 2018) and average speeds well over the posted 60 km/hr make this crossing very dangerous. This crossing location, with its north and southbound bus stops, is also used by others in the neighbouring communities – including high school and middle school students, seniors, and families.” Darrell Bartraw, president of the Barrhaven West Community Association, said they would like to see multiple safety improvements made, not only at the train tracks, but for those crossing the street. “We are looking for a multi-use pathway to be on
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both sides of the road, going all the way from one traffic circle to the next traffic circle,” he said. “And we also want to see the bicycle path finally be continued along the tracks where there is lots of room for it, so people can take that pathway whether it’s by walking or cycling.” While these safety improvements most likely would not have played a difference in the outcome of this incident, there is hope it could prevent future tragedies. There is currently no path on the Barrhaven United Church side of Jockvale, which is frequently used by residents in the area. It’s now plowed in the winter and even during the summer is close to oncoming traffic. A nearby bike path which runs along the train track stretches from Greenbank
Jockvale Road at the railway tracks was closed for nearly a full day after the Feb. 12 accident which saw a VIA train strike and kill a pedestrian in a wheelchair. Charlie Senack photo
Road to near Dolan Drive and Antler Avenue. There is space for it to be continued towards Jockvale. The group would also like to see an island built in the middle of Jockvale
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FRIDAY, March 4, 2022 Page 5
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
84 Barrhaven residents were GiveSendGo donors for Freedom Truck Convoy By Charlie Senack At least 84 Barrhaven residents donated in support of the Freedom Truck Convoy, leaked data shows. The individuals donated through GiveSendGo, which identifies itself as the number one Christian crowdfunding site. Contributions ranged from $15 to over $500, and 84 Barrhaven addresses were listed out of 93,000 total. The leaked data included the names, home addresses, email addresses, donated amount, and comments of the individuals who financially supported the convoy’s efforts. Many commented “hold the line” while others wrote they “support freedom.” “I’m triple vaccinated but the government has gone too far and taken our freedoms away,” commented one Barrhaven donor. “It has to stop.
Thank you to all the truckers who are standing up for our freedoms. Trudeau is the fringe minority — not us.” “For our children, we must fight this tyranny on our own soil today and in the words of the great PM Winston Churchill, “NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE IN” to despots in Canada,” wrote another. Others took the opportunity to quote bible verses and said they chose “freedom over fear” and “faith over fear.” “God bless them all for kickstarting this worldwide Freedom Movement,” said one donor who contributed $100. The Barrhaven Independent reached out to over half the names listed on the donors list. Some emails were returned undelivered, but most went unanswered. One Barrhaven resident who didn’t want his name
published in this story for fear of having his finances frozen, said he feels the government overstepped its powers. “I support the elimination of vaccination mandates that unfairly penalize people who in good conscience think the risks of being vaccinated exceed the benefits,” he said. “This is a fundamental principle of public health, in my view. No person should be forced to accept a medication or other foreign substance into their body that he or she fears will do them harm; this is a matter of personal freedom and privacy.” The Barrhaven resident also said he feels vaccines are proven to not be as effective as initially hoped, and “were rushed into distribution.” Health officials have said repeatedly that while three doses may not prevent transmission of the
virus, it offers substantial protection from becoming severely sick, potentially resulting in hospitalization. “The penalties imposed on the unvaccinated have been excessive to the point of cruelty,” he said. “People have been fired from their jobs with no opportunity for appeal, no severance and loss of pension benefits. In addition, the federal government has cruelly deprived them of unemployment insurance benefits. The people who in other circumstances have defended the rights of labour have abandoned them for ideological reasons.” The Barrhaven contributor also said he felt the truckers were peaceful in their demonstrations. Not all would agree with that statement, though. Many nearby residents also reported being harassed, the national war monument was disrespected, and downtown was in chaos for
weeks. The data of who donated in support of the convoy was never supposed to be seen publicly. In a statement released Feb. 15, GiveSendGo said it was attacked “by malicious actors attempting to eliminate the ability of its users to raise funds.” The site added that no credit card information was leaked. No money was stolen. The GiveSendGo platform raised a total of
roughly $8.7 million at the time of the leak. About 60 per cent of donors were from Canada, the remaining 40 per cent mostly coming from the United States. The platform became widely accepted by the convoy after GoFundMe shut down their fundraising efforts. A number of individuals who initially donated to GoFundMe wrote in their comments that they doubled their donation on the GiveSendGo platform.
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Page 6 FRIDAY, March 4, 2022
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT Editorial
Invoking the Emergencies Act will help Canada’s reputation
In recent days, many Canadians have watched in disbelief as protesters easily blocked many access points between the United States and Canada. For six painful days, the blockades included the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont., a key trade conduit between the two countries, forcing trucks to be rerouted towards Sarnia. Other border crossings were disrupted in Manitoba, Alberta and now British Columbia. Many shipments were delayed and some cargo had to be scrapped, including blueberries and greens. That’s more waste and more costs to the industry and consumers. And now, the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is invoking the Emergencies Act. Given how far things have gone, the federal government had to consider all options. The impact of the blockades was immediate. Manufacturing plants were closing, and it barely took a few hours before the White House called Trudeau to share its concerns. Our food supply chain is messy these days and the last thing it needed was more human-induced logistical predicaments created by the very disruptive truckers’ convoy. It has taken decades to foster a spirit of interdependence between the two countries, especially for the agri-food sector. In the last year, Canada was the second-largest export market for U.S. agricultural exports, totalling more than $26 billion and accounting for 15 per cent of all U.S. agricultural exports. At the same time, the United States imported more than $30 billion worth of agricultural products from Canada. As the smaller and less economically influential of the two trading partners, Canada has a lot more to lose because America has more logistical options. Blocking a border will have potentially long-term consequences in Canada. This may persuade the U.S. to reconsider strategic alternatives or change its stance on certain more sensitive trade issues, like softwood lumber and dairy. Canada may just have made a stronger case for “America First” advocates. But consumers will be hurt the most. It’s much too soon to know how Canada’s food affordability will be impacted by the unlawful blockades. But with many shipments being destroyed or delayed, plus the increasing pressures due to increasing fuel costs, some food prices could rise beyond what was predicted just a few months ago. In the end, blockades happen for a reason. But for our trading partner in the south, it doesn’t matter what the reason is. Damage was done. For our food supply chain’s sake, there’s nothing more disruptive than civil unrest – nothing. It’s even worse than climate change. Reputation and trust are damaged, permanently in some cases. No matter how we look at what’s happening, the federal government has some serious diplomatic issues to address. So invoking the Emergencies Act is also about protecting Canada’s reputation abroad. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. © Troy Media
BARRHAVEN
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in Manotick, Ontario.
5567 Manotick Main St., P.O. Box 567, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A5
News and Editorial: manotickmessenger@gmail.com Advertising and Marketing: garyhcoulombe@gmail.com Website: www.manotickmessenger.ca Staff/Contributors: Ryan Birtch, Gary Coulombe, Larry Ellis, Skyler Fraser, Goldie Ghamari, Carol Anne Meehan, Scott Moffatt, Jeffrey Morris, Greg Newton, Phill Potter, Charlie Senack, Grace Thrasher.
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We’re just glad the whole thing is over It’s over. and disconnected with the City of Ottawa Finally. that the rest of the country is, take a look The trucks are gone, the air is breathable,from at the words of the Premier of Nova Scotia. and most importantly, we can all get on with He discounted the effects of the mayhem the other our lives. Businesses teetering on bankruptcaused by the truckers and protestors, and cy even before the protest are getting back made a remark that people in Ottawa all to work. People who were unable make six figures and work to work are slowly getting back to 20-hour weeks. their jobs. The real victims were the Sadly, the world watched news working poor. They were the reports that painted a very different 20-somethings who work for picture of what was actually hapbetween $15-20 per hour, pening in the city. renting apartments in Centretown. Their How many of you got phone calls from streets were blocked off. Some of their family or friends living in the US ask- workplaces were closed. Some of them ing what was going on? Fox News told a could not buy groceries. The torture of the story of the “freedom heroes” being abused constant blaring of truck horns kept them by militant police and a Putin-like dicta- awake for nights. tor calling the shots. The lowlight of their One resident who lives just blocks from coverage came when a woman decided to the protest described the three-week stretch walk in front of the horses after repeated as the worst in his life. He said that as time warnings to back away. She was knocked went on, the protestors were increasingly down. She got up, fine, but only after a Fox chippy and aggressive. He complained that News reporter on the scene tweeted that a the smell of diesel fumes and raw sewage woman was trampled and may be dead. was unbearable. He couldn’t go to work. The tweet was later recalled. Not only were the truck horns unbearable, CNN, meanwhile, made the streets of but then there were fireworks and even a DJ Ottawa look like we were two army tanks at night. He was unable to work for three weeks. short of a Putin invasion. To them, this was His biggest concern, he told us, was how he our January 6 moment. The question many of us were asked was going to pay his March rent. He was not alone. There are thousands of when we were called by American friends and family who reached out to see “what people that were just like him. To the freedom protestors, the lives of was really going on” was very simple and these people were nothing more than collatblack-and-white. “Which side are you on, the freedom eral damage. That, alone, made many people who were supporting them at first check out. convoy? Or Trudeau?” Politically, we have probably never seen The question was not that simple. While sides may have been chosen in anything more divisive in our lifetime in the the first weekend, most people found them- city. When the protest started, Justin Truselves against both sides as things went on. Do you remember when, what seems like deau was conveniently exposed to COVID a long, long time ago, the protest was about and went into isolation. Erin O’Toole was unvaccinated truckers crossing the border? the Conservative leader when the protest With where we are right now, that was a started. His mishandling of the situation led legitimate and easily supportable cause. to his removal as the party leader. Pierre We need the border open to truckers for our Poilievre, meanwhile, aligned himself with food supply. And as far as Omicron, we are the protest and even handed out coffee to at the point in the virus where the vaccina- truckers on the first weekend. Poilievre supported the original intent tion is not preventing spread. It is only preventing the severity of the virus once people of the protest and the truckers’ right to protest. But as time went on, it looked like a get it. Regardless of what we saw on the news bad move. Poilievre’s actions have already and the clips on social media, many of the come back to haunt him politically. Another casualty of the protest was the protestors were peaceful and followed the career of Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly. rules. Unfortunately, the protest evolved into a His inaction led to his dismissal, and it blew Duck Dynasty convention. And what no one up the Police Services Board. So now that it is all over, what did the seems to be talking about, at least outside of Ottawa, is the innocent people whose lives protest accomplish? It was divisive, illegal and offensive. It took a legitimate right and were affected. And we can’t forget the attempt at mass a legitimate concern and turned it into a circasualty made when two men set a fire in an cus of ugly. It left us with images of yahoos wavapartment building and tried to seal all the ing Nazi and Confederate flags and ruining residents inside. That never made Fox News, and the Jor- lives of innocent people. As for freedom? dan Petersons of the world failed to mention It gave us that freedom to understand that Canada has an angry underbelly of hatred, that event. If you want to know how out of touch racism and intolerance.
side
FRIDAY, March 4, 2022 Page 7
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Barrhaven Independent a finalist for Ontario Community Newspaper Association awards Special to the Independent
In the Best Rural Story category, a story by Jeff Morris on the support given by area farmers and Barrhaven residents to protests against legislation in India is among the three finalists. Members of the area’s Indian community held protests on street corners in Barrhaven and in front of the Indian Embassy throughout last winter to protest legislation that would have been financially devastating to farmers in that country. More than 50 per cent of people in India are farmers, and most local IndoCanadians in Barrhaven have family connections to farmers in their home country. In the Best Arts and Entertainment Story category, a story that ran in the Independent and the Manotick Messenger is nominated for a feature story by Jeff Morris on longtime Manotick resident Jennifer
The Barrhaven Independent and its sister publication, the Manotick Messenger, are top-three finalists for three Ontario Community Newspaper Association Awards. The OCNA announced the finalists for its 2021 General Excellence and Premier Awards Monday. The Independent and Messenger are the only community newspapers in Ottawa to be finalists in the annual awards competition. In the Best Feature/ News Series category, the Barrhaven Independent was a finalist for the award for its series of profiles called 30 Years, 30 People. To celebrate the Barrhaven Independent’s 30th anniversary, the publication profiled 30 different people in 30 different issues who had made a significant impact on the community.
Hostens, who in 1970 became the first Black woman to win the Miss World Pageant. Hostens, who represented her home country of Grenada at the pageant, spoke about the experience and the controversy surrounding the pageant. The story was written in conjunction with the release of Misbehaviour, a movie about the pageant starring Kiera Knightly and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who portrays Hostens. The story was also an honourable mention in the Diversity Coverage category. Over the past 16 years, the Barrhaven Independent has now been a top three finalist for the OCNA awards 64 times, more than any other community newspaper in Ottawa or Eastern Ontario. The winners will be announced at the OCNA’s virtual awards gala April 29.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
With MPs back to work, it’s time for Canada to pass the Just Transition Act The Editor, Now that the House of Commons has resumed and our Members of Parliament are back at work, it’s time for Canada to pass the Just Transition Act. The simple fact is that if Canada is going to meet our climate commitments, we need to start phasing out fossil fuels. And, if we’re going to phase out fossil fuels, we need to make sure that communities,
families and workers aren’t left behind. The best way to do that is by passing a Just Transition Act that guarantees good, green, union jobs, that follows climate science and that puts people first. Even Justin Trudeau agrees with this. He did, after all, promise that Canada would be among the first countries on the planet to pass a Just Transition Act. That was two elections ago.
In that time, the climate crisis has only gotten worse, devastating communitIt’s time for Canada ies from coast to coast to coast. We need action on the climate emergency now. Canada needs a Just Transition Act and it’s up to this House of Commons to get it tabled, debated and passed. Paul Markle, Barrhaven
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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Colour for all Seasons with the Barrhaven Garden Club Rob Stuart will be presenting “Colour for all Seasons”, Wed. March 9, 2022 (virtual meeting) 7:30 p.m., Zoom room opens 7:15 p.m. Guests $5.00. For information on how to join the meeting, go to barrhavengardenclub.ca. The presentation will focus on perennials that will introduce colour in your garden throughout the year. Beginning with spring, through summer, fall and winter Rob will identify perennials hardy to the Ottawa area which you can count on to be robust and colourful whether your garden is in full sun, full shade or somewhere in between. Rob will look at bulbs, grasses, vines, evergreen and herbaceous perennials be they native or cultivated that you should be able to acquire from plant nurseries and garden centres in the Ottawa area. For those willing to look afar you may be able to purchase similar but unique varieties in other
LET’S TALK
BARRHAVEN by Jan Harder
centres.
Snow Moles 2022
Snow Moles are volunteers who report on what it is like to walk outside on a winter day. You are invited to ensure healthy, accessible, and safe winter walking conditions in Ottawa, by becoming a Snow Mole and completing a Winter Walkability and Pedestrian Safety Audit. Your answers will be part of a 2022 Winter Walking in Ottawa: Snow Mole Report shared with the City of Ottawa for a better understanding of the safety of winter walking in Ottawa. Instructions for AgeFriendly Ottawa SNOW MOLES: When you go out for an
errand or a walk, please use the Snow Mole Questionnaire to note features and conditions that are “safe” (e.g., a bench cleared of snow) as well as “unsafe” (e.g., snow piled up in intersections). We encourage you to take and submit photos of both safe and unsafe features and conditions. Send photos to snowmoles@ coaottawa.ca
News from Ruth E. Dickinson: your local library branch
Current Services: Enhanced In-Person Services • Given the uncertainty of the pandemic and current staffing pressures, the Ottawa Public Library has adjusted its hours of operation • As of February 7, 2022, open library branches are offering enhanced in-person services • To view our adjusted hours of operation please click here • The Bookmobile is now operating on a modi-
fied schedule • Given limited seating and capacity, we ask customers to limit their stay to ensure others can enjoy a brief visit to the Library • Masks and two-meter physical distancing remain mandatory when visiting the library
Virtual March Break Programs at OPL!
Getting a head start on planning for March Break? Registration for OPL’s virtual March Break programs (March 14-18) opens on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 10:00 am. Programs are available in English and in French for children ages 4-12 and for Teens ages 13-18. Registration is required for most programs. Don’t have a library card? Get one here or visit us in the branch!
Dogs in parks
Parks can provide a
pleasant and safe environment in which to exercise dogs. Safety for other park users is also a consideration however. The Animal Care and Control By-law provides for a variety of park usages or “designations” for dogs and there is a Dogs-in-Parks Designation Policy (DIPDP) that applies. Enclosed off-leash dog areas in City parks are open. Please remember that the gates at offleash dog parks are high touch-points that are not cleaned. Please wash your hands before entering and after exiting a dog park, and avoid touching your face. • Dogs Allowed: Dogs may be off leash • Dogs on Leash: Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times • No Dogs: Dogs are not permitted Some parks may be subject to a mixed desig-
nation meaning that one part of the park may designate differently than another. There are however standard rules that apply to all parks regardless of geographic location within the City of Ottawa. Dogs must always be under the control of their handler, even if a leash is not required. Signs are posted to inform the public of whether dogs are prohibited or if they must be leashed. Dogs are prohibited from being within five (5) meters of all children’s play areas and pools.
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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Council unanimously approves transferring land to Ottawa Community Housing By Charlie Senack Ottawa Community Housing is one step closer to building in Barrhaven after city council unanimously approved a transfer of land to the organization. During city council on Wed. Feb 23, the transfer of land from the City of Ottawa to Ottawa Community Housing was approved for only $2.00. The land at 3380 Jockvale Rd, near the corner of Longfields Drive, will soon see 32 familysized units built during phase one. It will feature two and three bedroom apartments, and will go to families who are experiencing homelessness or families who are at risk of living on the streets. The goal is to build townhouses with seven ac-
cessible apartments on the ground floor, says Ottawa Community Housing. Plans are already in the works for phase two of the project, which would add another 26 units to the site. Public consultation When the city’s finance and economic development committee approved the transfer of land in early February, it was expected to go to council for approval without any problems. But Barrhaven councillor Jan Harder asked for more time saying the community needed to be consulted. She said “a significant number of community concerns have been raised.” “Most of these people, in fact all of the people who have written in, found out about the program that allowed the money
to be funding this program through the CTV six o’clock news and they have a lot of questions,” she said. On Feb. 16, a public information session was held where nearby residents could share their concerns and feedback over zoom. Over 130 people attended the meeting and most comments were supportive. Any worries that came up were from nearby Stonebridge residents, who were concerned over the proposed location. The Barrhaven West Community Association, which includes where the land in question is situated, said they have received zero complaints about the proposal, and said they were in full support of having additional affordable housing in the community. Most meeting attendees
The Ottawa Community Housing site will be located on Jockvale Road near Longfields.
Charlie Senack photo
agreed, and were more concerned about ensuring future residents in the affordable housing complex would have adequate services available to them. Many referenced The
Haven, a separate affordable housing complex off Jockvale Road. It includes a community garden, play area for kids, and a meeting room for events and gatherings.
Saide Sayah, acting director of housing services at the City of Ottawa, said for this new affordable housing project, those details are still being worked out.
land continues on page 15
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FRIDAY, March 4, 2022 Page 11
New Half Moon Bay Catholic elementary school could open in 2023 By Charlie Senack
port the growth in that community.” The building of new elementary schools in this side of town is long overdue. Almost all schools in Barrhaven are operating at over 100 per cent capacity, a situation that is also playing out on the other side of the river. Findlay Creek is currently served by only one public elementary school which is bursting at the seams. The Ot-
tawa Carleton District School Board is now reviewing tough decisions, which could possibly move some students from Vimy Ridge Public School to Steve MacLean Public School — located roughly 10 kilometers away in Riverside South. The addition of new Catholic elementary schools in this area is expected to also make a positive difference for the public board.
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A new Catholic elementary school is coming to the growing community of Half Moon Bay. The school, which will serve students from Kindergarten to grade six, will be located on Flagstaff Drive. It’s expected to open no earlier than September 2023. It will include 507 student spaces and 40 licensed childcare spaces. The site features multiple outdoor seating areas, a play structure, sports field, and a garden. There is also room for multiple portable classrooms to be placed in the future. “I’m very excited about our growing community of Barrhaven and welcome the addition of the new Barrhaven South Catholic Elementary School to help support that growth,” said Barrhaven Ottawa Catholic School Board Trustee Spencer Warren. “This new school will alleviate some of the pressures at both St Cecilia and St Benedict, where they are both well over 100 per cent capacity.” Warren also says a new Catholic elementary school will be built in the growing communities of Findlay Creek and Riverside South. “Since being elected as Trustee with the Ottawa Catholic School Board representing Barrhaven, Gloucester, and South Nepean, I have been advocating for a new school in Findlay Creek, which finally has been approved,” he said. “Further, Riverside South will also be getting a new Catholic Elementary School to help sup-
Page 12 FRIDAY, March 4, 2022
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Mural gives St. Joseph artist a chance to leave her mark for the future Name: Isabella Adames Age: 17 School: St. Joseph High Grade: 12 Parents: Emilia Dicesare Sister: Milena (21), Vancouver Institute of Media Arts Pet: Lola, 3 year old lopeared bunny Pet Peeve: “When people divert my attention while I’m doing something. My memory is terrible, so it really doesn’t take much for me to get distracted!” Favourite Subjects: “I’ve chosen to take English, Peer Mentorship, Art, Sociology, Cooking and Animation. Art will always be my favourite subject because of the amount of creative freedom the class allows its students to display in their individual artworks. Getting the opportunity to see the process of your fellow student’s art, is always inspiring. “Peer mentorship was also an experience I enjoyed, as students were allowed to make presentations on important topics that have affected us. Such as the mental toll of online school, or changes we think needed to be imple-
fOCUS ON
YOUTH by Phill Potter
mented into the education system.” What do you enjoy reading for pleasure? “I enjoy reading comics or manga the most, but I also have always been interested in fantasy novels. Any heavy books pertaining to the real world, are uninteresting to me: I’d much rather explore the way different authors craft intricate worlds, made purely in their minds into words.” Favourite Author: “Leigh Bardugo, author of Six of Crows. No book has, or will, get me so emotionally attached to the characters like she was able to.” Greatest Accomplishment: “Strangers come up to talk to me about my hair literally wherever I go. It’s really just because my bright pink hair stands out a lot, but it’s really funny to see my friend’s reactions when random people come and make conversation with me out of nowhere whenever we go out. It’s not anything huge, but I really do
like knowing that even people you’ve never met before can be nice enough to stop and compliment you. It’s something very human that encourages me to pass on the favour and compliment people I’ve never met before, something that has had a hand in eventually making me into a more outgoing person.” School Activities: “I’ve always been an active member and executive (along with Fay Rushway and Daniela Rosa) of the Arts Council. The most exciting event that I look forward to every year is the annual Coffee House. Different students showcase their talents on the stage, while different beverages are served, and at the end, there’s an open mic where anybody can do an improvised performance. Anybody is allowed to attend, giving an opportunity for students to perform in front of an audience other than their schoolmates and allowing everyone to see the talent of our community. “Because of COVID, we have not been able to run this event in person, but this year the members of the Arts Council are going to do everything in our power to create a COVID-safe environment in which we can once again enjoy the event.” Other Activities/Interests:
“The art class was able to create unique murals in independent groups around the school this year. My partner, Kevin Dinh, and I painted a large mural representing pride that we plan to add to throughout the year. We wanted to promote inclusivity more within St. Joe’s. We’re glad we were given the opportunity to leave a mark on the school for years to come, even after we’ve graduated and moved on to greater heights.” Career Goals: “I plan to become an animator who can bring the fantastical stories I enjoy reading about so much to life, inspiring the next generation of artists. Animated films and shows always inspire and bring joy to me. I want to leave my mark on the world by
contributing to the animation industry with many others, creating labours of love that everybody can appreciate.” Comment: “The pandemic has made a lot of things difficult for me: I have the type of brain that can’t focus anywhere, except for certain places. I had to pull a fair share of all-nighters in order to get even my easiest work done. Because of this online school experience, I realized the very real possibility of having ADHD, and how hard it is to get assessed through schools due to the extremely long waiting list. Though I have plans to be an animator, I also want to one day, help make some changes to the education system in order to make it more accom-
St. Joseph student Isabella Adames is a budding artist who hopes to have a career in animation. Submitted photo
modating to those who are unknowingly struggling with learning disabilities.”
FRIDAY, March 4, 2022 Page 13
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Ottawa appreciates job done by police in moving out protestors February 2022 is a month few of us in Ottawa will forget. The trauma of being held hostage for three weeks is not something we will shake off quickly. I still can’t believe what happened in our downtown core. As a former member of the Ottawa Police Services Board, I still struggle to accept the rationale given by the occupiers. Police Services Boards are oversight bodies. They cannot direct Police Chiefs on operational matters. In fact, it is illegal to do so. Board members are permitted to ask for information and seek answers but cannot compel the Chief or anyone to answer. The previous Board, chaired by Councillor Diane Deans, pressed former Chief Sloly and his command team dozens of times for a plan to end the occupation. We never got a straight an-
swer. In fact, we only found out a massive police operation involving hundreds of officers from across Canada was underway when we saw it on the news, along with the rest of the city; and that’s alright. My point isn’t to say that we should have known well in advance, but I use this example, so the reader understands that we often were kept in the dark for security purposes. In the weeks ahead, I plan to write about how The Police Services Act neuters civilian Police Boards and why municipalities should pressure the Ontario Government to enact changes to the Act.
Details about the bungling of the Truck Convoy and three weeks of mayhem it unleashed on our fellow residents will emerge in several inquiries, mainly to learn where we let residents down, and how we can prevent anything like it from ever happening again. Events like we just endured always lead to change. City Councillors and staff are already asking serious questions about the future of Wellington Street. Should it be closed off to vehicular traffic, should there be a Parliamentary District? How do we better coordinate the emergency services of the City, Feds and Province? Yes, Ottawa, our beautiful city, will change; it is being forced to. I know from experience many of you will object to my characterization of the protestors, and that is alright.
Ottawa Police effectively moved protestors out of downtown after the city was effectively held hostage for three weeks. Twitter photo/Ottawa Police
We live in a democracy. I want to leave you with how much respect and appreciation I have for the very professional job done by Ottawa Police and so many
others from across Canada. We witnessed how police were tested and taunted for more than two days. Police patiently and methodically moved occupi-
ers out, arresting almost two hundred, with few injuries. No matter how the mission is characterized worldwide, Ottawa appreciates their service.
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Page 14 FRIDAY, March 4, 2022
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Drama at Police Services Board as Meehan resigns after surviving vote By Charlie Senack
After resigning in solidarity from the Ottawa Police Services Board, councillor Carol Anne Meehan says she’s appalled at how the city is being run. The Gloucester-South Nepean councillor was expected to be ousted from the board, after Rideau-Goulbourn councillor Scott Moffatt brought forward a motion to remove Meehan and Diane Deans, the boards chair. Deans’ position would go to West-Carleton March councillor Eli El-Chantiry, and Meehan’s was to go to Barrhaven councillor Jan Harder. Deans was voted out 15 to nine, but Meehan won the confidence vote with four additional councillors voting to keep her on. Despite this, Meehan decided to resign in solidarity. Barrhaven councillor Jan Harder was expected to take over Meehan’s seat, saying she lost the confidence vote. “What I bring to the table today is a lot of experience, and a lot of experience on the Ottawa Police Services Board,” said Harder. “No matter what Chair Deans says, the stupidity of the board has destabilized this place more than Sloly resigning. It was ab-
solutely irresponsible to hire some random guy who hasn’t policed in eight years without any consultation.” Harder said she felt acting Chief Steve Bell was best suited to lead the city until a formal application process for a new chief of police could get underway. “I can’t even begin to imagine what he’s thinking right now as to what’s happened to him in the space of 24 hours,” Harder stated. “It’s absolutely ludicrous and such a bad decision.” After her remarks, Capital Ward councillor Shawn Menard openly opposed Harder taking over the role, saying previous comments she made wouldn’t help strengthen race relations in this city.
A surprising vote
In an interview with the Barrhaven Independent in the morning after the seven hourlong board meeting, Meehan said she didn’t expect the vote to work in her favour. “I was surprised but I was also gratified that I had the majority of council support me and wanted to allow me to continue to serve on the Ottawa Police Services Board,” she said. ‘I thank them for that; I think that sends a clear message to Jim Watson, Scott
Moffatt, and to Jan Harder that not everyone agrees with their tactics.” Meehan said she decided to step down because of the dirty politics at play. “I could not go forward and serve with an appointed board that Jim Watson had orchestrated,” she said. “I fully believe that our Ottawa Police Services Board did everything in its power to end this demonstration and to support the police as well as we can. I could not in good faith continue on the board.” Meehan said it was a targeted attack against her from the Mayor’s office. Watson and Meehan have often butted heads with different viewpoints. “It definitely was an orchestrated attack coming from the Mayor’s office, and what we witnessed on the evening of the 16th was an absolute disgrace,” Meehan told the Barrhaven Independent. “I want to apologize to the people of this city who should expect more from their elected representatives. None of us, especially me, wanted to be embroiled in a situation like this when the people of this city need leadership.” “We need a united front in an unprecedented crisis,” the ward 22 councillor added.
“Instead we were killing seven hours debating something that was politically motivated and was nothing more than petty politics and Jim Watsons attempt to discredit the people who were working the hardest to resolve this crisis.”
Hope Turns to Frustration
Meehan was part of the board that hired Sloly in the first place. It was a historymaking moment for Ottawa with the city’s first Black police chief. Sloly was brought in to help repair race relations, and fix a divide which existed in the force. “Chief Sloly was a change agent and we needed that. Our police service was in total disarray,” Meehan noted. “We had a list of allegations of sexual harrasement and assult within the police service; We had numerous officers off on leave; we had a service that did not reflect the divercity of our community.” The way policing is done has also changed in this city, notes Meehan, which is long overdue. “Policing in Canada and around the world is changing because of what happened with George Floyd. We need to change the way we police and we have been addressing
that,” she said. “One of my council colleagues called me up and said ‘What are you guys doing? Why are you listening to the Bipoc community?’ Do you think that not listening to the community is going to be a solution? We are divided, we are trying to listen and police in different ways for changing times in the city.” Meehan said not being on the board is going to free up much of her time which can now be dedicated to her Ward 22 constituents. She also plans to help with cleanup efforts downtown when the demonstrators go home. Ottawa Police say they have a plan to end the weeks long siege and it’s being orchestrated. Meehan says that plan will be implemented slowly to ensure the situation doesn’t turn to chaos.
Plans Get Backtracked
On Feb. 17, Mayor Watson announced that former Waterloo Police Chief Matthew Torigian would terminate his contract to become this city’s chief, and Interim Chief Steve Bell would remain in the position for now. Torigian was expected to start the position in only a few days. In a memo sent out Fri-
day afternoon from Eli ElChantiry and Mayor Jim Watson, it read: “We thank Mr. Torigian for his gracious offer and decision to withdraw his offer of services and to seek no compensation for doing so. “On behalf of Ottawa City Council, the OPS Board and all residents, we thank Mr. Torigian for his extremely gracious handling of this difficult situation.” Meehan said Torigian was only to come to Ottawa on an interim basis to deal with the situation now. She said the Solicitor General’s Office gave a recommendation and supported the hiring “in order to get through this crisis.” “We can make decisions and we made a decision which was in the best interest for this city and senior command,” the Gloucester-South Nepean councillor noted. “He was going to be a short term interim chief to help the senior command. We would have told council about this in due course, except the Mayor’s office leaked it to make it a wedge issue. The fact that city councillors ignored the truth is really frustrating. I’m really sad to think they have all subscribed to the Mayor’s remedy. I am sad that many of them choose to ignore the rules that we operated under.”
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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT LAND continues from page 10 “We haven’t determined yet what the best supporting model would look like for the families, I think some of that will be up to the families as well and when they move in,” he said. “We are working to ensure there will be adequate space for children, and in the second phase we will probably see something more defined in there for members of that community to meet and take part in activities.” Resident Jerry Corush, who said he’s a landscape architect and urban designer who’s worked on various projects including the Stonebridge master plan, said while he’s in full support of bringing community housing to the neighborhood, he’s concerned with its proximity to the rest of Barrhaven. “I have no problem with the ideals you’re after and the
exclusiveness of what this project should be for Barrhaven,” Corush said during the public meeting. ”What I’m worried about is that this particular site is somewhat isolated from the Barrhaven Town Centre. Jockvale has no sidewalks, so the real walk to (Marketplace) is over a kilometre. It’s not really connected until the whole master plan is built out , and so this is a concern. A lot of the people who are going to be renting here aren’t going to have cars and you’re somewhat stuck away.” Corush also had concerns with the modern design of the building, worried it wouldn’t blend in with the residential neighbourhood, saying it “could stand out and be a stigma” for its future residents. Mary Dickinson, a planner with the City of Ottawa, said
while the development would have a disconnect from the rest of Barrhaven for a few years, that would change as the area builds up. “It’s not built out in this area, but I think it’s important that community housing is part of the grassroots growth of the community,” she said. “So yes there is going to be some growing pains, and it’s going to be a bit harder to get to the town centre now than in the next couple of years, but there is a plan. The folks that are going to be living there are going to have to make due with what’s there until it builds out and becomes easier.” Dickinson also said that when the selection process begins for residents, Ottawa Community Housing will choose people who are a good fit for the complex.
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