Barrhaven Independent May 1, 2020

BARRHAVEN

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FRIDAY • May 1 • 2020

Initiative at St. Patrick School shows ‘our community cares’

By Charlie Senack

A grab and go display in front of St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School has been well received and utilized in the community.

Charlie Senack photo

One thing that has not been in short supply during the COVID-19 outbreak is kindness. All over town people are finding ways to give back to those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.

At St. Patrick Elementary School on Larkin Drive, one family has set up a grab and go display to support the community. It includes food items, books and games, with a sign at the front door reading “our community cares.”

It also encourages people to take one if they are in need and to leave one if able.

“A teacher actually emailed me and said I should check out what was in front of the school,” said Principal Greg Rusch. “I went on social media and saw that someone made this arrangement of non-perishable food items, games, hockey sticks and books.”

“I was pleasantly surprised about it and I was so

excited that someone from our school community organized this initiative,” he added. “The interesting part of it is we have been trying to figure out who began this initiative.”

At this point the family which started it in the first place has remained anonymous, but it’s been well used.

“I have been in school with regards to organizing our distribution of devices for our students in need and while I was there I saw people walking by, taking a game or a book and putting a new one into the display,” said Rusch.

The school’s principal says they are aware of families in the school community who are struggling during this time with over one million Canadians out of work due to COVID-19. He also said they have been reaching out to the school community to check in on how they are doing and to connect them with resources if needed.

cares

continues on page 4

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FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 Page 3

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Library doors are closed, but they are open online

Stay safe everyone, I hope you are well. Check out my website: www.janharder.ca for all the latest news. Sign up for my eblast if you have not already: Jan.harder@ottawa.ca.

Rising to the Occasion - A Fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank

A small group of people within Barrhaven and Ottawa have joined together to raise funds to provide fresh bread to the Ottawa Food Bank. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for the Ottawa Food Bank has increased significantly and supporting those in our community in need of safe and healthy food has become even more critical.

The Ottawa Food Bank provides food for over 39,000 people every month of which 37% of those are children, and they distribute food through over 112 local agencies including all major shelters in Ottawa. Just imagine the benefit (and happiness) that freshly baked bread will provide to those in most need in Ottawa during this time, specifically children, isolated elderly and those homeless in our community who can only be safe in public housing shelters.

The initial group of three(3)

LET’S TALK

BARRHAVEN

by Jan Harder

have committed to $1000/ month each for the next three (3) months for a total initial fund commitment of $9,000 and we have partnered with Nat’s Bread Co., a small local business, who will provide the bread at their direct cost without any profit. For every $1,000 we can provide approximately 250/loaves of bread, so already we will be providing the Ottawa Food Bank upwards of 2200 loaves of fresh bread and simultaneously helping support a small local business stay open and their staff employed.

This group is asking you if you have the means to do so, to please “Rise to the Occasion” for our Ottawa community by either matching our groups’ monthly commitment of $1000 or by providing any level of support possible for this cause. We also ask that you share this initiative with your friends, family and network.

Donations can be made directly to the Ottawa Food Bank per the enclosed link.

https://ottawafoodbank. akaraisin.com/ui/rise/donations/start

Ruth E. Dickinson Branch, Ottawa Public Library

Unsafe at Home Ottawa

Our doors may be temporarily closed, but the library is open online! Whether staying home alone or in a full house, we have a variety of entertainment, education, and virtual connection experiences to keep you comfortable. Check out our Isolation links at www. biblioottawalibrary.ca Don’t have a library card?

We can sign you up over the phone. We’re here to make it a little easier to stay at home.

Here are the instructions you need: ‘You can sign up for a temporary OPL card – or renew your card – by calling OPL InfoService. They can set you up in one step. Or, if you prefer the two-step, you can sign up for a temporary card at BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca then call or email InfoService to gain access to OPL’s eContent.

You can reach OPL by email InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca or phone (613) 580-2940, Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Are you or is someone you know living with violence or abuse? Physical distancing during COVID-19 can make things worse. Unsafe at Home Ottawa is a secure, bilingual text and chat line. It’s available 7 days a week, from 8:30 am to midnight. You are not alone.

Reach out!

Text (613) 704-5535 Chat online: unsafeathomeottawa.ca

211 Ontario

If you are an Ontario resident & you need help finding food banks, mental health resources or financial relief programs, dial 211 and they will point you in the right direction.

You are not alone 211 is a 24-hour helpline available in 150 languages which helps connect Ontarians with the community and social services in their area, and we would be immensely grateful if you would help spread awareness of 211 through your social media accounts.

Property Maintenance Services Update

In accordance with the Provincial regulations invoked as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, “main-

tenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings” are permitted.

To date, some businesses providing property maintenance, such as landscapers, have been permitted to operate on a limited, emergency basis only.

However, with the warmer weather approaching and potential health, safety and sanitation issues associated with the growing season becoming more prevalent, property maintenance/landscaping activities will be deemed essential and therefore permitted, effective May 1, 2020.

Landscaping and lawn care businesses that are providing services strictly for safety, security or sanitation purposes will be allowed. These services include lawn cutting, dethatching, rolling, clearing the yard and garden debris, and aeration. This is to ensure that properties remain safe and property standards are met.

In accordance with the Provincial regulations, all other activities, such as landscaping projects that are intended

to beautify or for aesthetics only, or that involve interlock, fences, decks, etc. will not be permitted until further notice from the Province.

Landscaping businesses and individual operations should ensure that they and their staff continue to follow the health precautions recommended by Ottawa Public Health including: • Practice physical distancing – stay six feet away from one another • No more than 5 workers should attend the work site • Stay home if sick • Wash hands with soap and water frequently (for at least 20 seconds) • Clean and disinfect hightouch surfaces frequently • Encourage workers to wear non-medical masks • Workers who have travelled outside of Canada, or have symptoms, must self-isolate in accordance with public health requirements This information is subject to change based on further COVID-19 developments. For information about impacts of COVID-19 on City programs and services, please continue to visit https://ottawa.ca/en/ health-and-public-safety/ covid-19-ottawa

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Page 4 FRIDAY, May 1, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

No injuries reported in Cresthaven Drive fire

No one is injured after a fire broke out on Cresthaven Drive in the early evening hours on Sun., April 26.

Fire crews responded to a call at 135 Cresthaven Drive near Farley Mowat Public School after receiving multiple calls of fire on the roof of a home.

“Crews confirmed there weren’t any occupants in the house and were able to knock the fire down,” said Ottawa Fire in a press release. “Firefighters remain on scene for overhaul operations. The fire was declared under control at 19:12.”

There are no reported injuries at this time and an Ottawa Fire Investigator has been dispatched to the scene to determine the cause of

the blaze. The cost of damage has also not been determined.

Fire crews are reminding everyone to Call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so.

They encourage everyone to remain calm, answer the Dispatcher’s questions and to stay on the line until advised to hang up.

When fire crews are operating in your area, they are reminding everyone to remain off the roads and to stay a safe distance away from the fire scene or in your own home.

If pets are trapped inside the building, you are urged to tell firefighters right away and to not attempt entering the building to retrieve them.

Firefighters controlled a blaze on Cresthaven Drive last weekend.

care continues from page 1 Rusch said they are working with the Catholic Education Foundation to provide funding to families who need help paying their

bills, rent or for food. He also said they have mental health resources for those who are finding it difficult to cope during the pandem-

ic.

“I think it just symbolizes that we are a school of faith, a school where our gospel values are integral to

everything we do,” he said.

“I have seen how giving and caring our school community is from our teachers, faculty, students and

family.”

Anyone who is in need of a few cans for their meal or even just a good book to read is encouraged to visit

the display located at 68 Larkin Drive. Rusch also encourages anyone to contribute to the display if they are able.

BARRHAVEN PROUD Ward Office

Walter Baker Centre, 100 Malvern Drive Nepean, ON K2J 2G5

613-580-2473

www.janharder.ca

jan.harder@ottawa.ca Find us on: https://twitter.com/BarrhavenJan https://www.facebook.com/BarrhavenJanHarder

Proud of all of you have accomplished for Barrhaven Jan Harder Longtime member of Branch 641

FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 Page 5

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Stay informed with COVID-19 Ottawa Public Health is here to help Do I need to WEAR A MASK?

Do I need to SELF-ISOLATE? Yes, if you are 70+ years of age Yes, if you are immunocompromised

Wear a homemade cloth mask or face covering when maintaining physical distancing is difficult.

More info:

More info:

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Self-Isolate

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Masks

COVID-19 got you down?

Are you AGED 55+?

Check out our new Facebook community:

You’re not alone.

Please reach out for help.

Aging Well in Ottawa Facebook.com/AgingWellinOttawa Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay healthy.

More info:

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVIDMentalHealth

In a CRISIS?

Got questions about PHYSICAL DISTANCING? Learn more:

Call the Mental Health Crisis Line 24 hours a day / 7 days a week English and French at 613-722-6914.

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ PhysicalDistancing

Are you a PARENT? Check out our Parenting in Ottawa page.

Ask questions to health experts.

Connect with other parents.

Be part of a community.

parenting in

Ottawa Where parents go to get in the know

Covid-19 resources are available in MULTIPLE LANGUAGES More info:

Do I need to be TESTED for COVID-19?

More info:

ParentingInOttawa.ca

What if I need care for my respiratory symptoms?

Learn more about COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Care Clinics.

More info:

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/CovidCentre

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ COVIDMultilingual

OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus | Follow us on social media: OPH Twitter/Facebook/Instagram

Page 6 FRIDAY, May 1, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

The IndependentEDITORIAL INDEPENDENT Editorial

COVID-19 will change how we buy food, forever Convenience now has a different meaning. It’s less about saving time and more about survival and safety.

Most grocers have reduced shopping hours to give employees a rest and allow stores to be thoroughly cleaned, from counters to carts, cashiers’ machines to self-checkout counters. Plexiglass barriers at checkouts are being installed. Grocery stores are now expected to be as clean as hospital operating rooms. That comes at a cost.

Grocers are also limiting the number of people in stores at any time and getting customers to shop within a limited time. This is shopping under pressure for the betterment of society.

And grocers need to pay employees more to work under these conditions.

While 500,000 Canadians got laid off last week, Loblaws and Metro announced pay increases for employees.

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, nine per cent of Canadians are shopping for food online for the first time, according to the same Dalhousie survey. That may not seem like many people but keep in mind that 1.5 per cent of all food sales were conducted online before the crisis.

That percentage had already begun to grow higher but COVID-19 will likely accelerate the pace.

COVID-19 has the potential to be as disruptive to the food retail and service industries as the Green Revolution was to agriculture.

The Green Revolution made agriculture more adaptable to modern food consumption trends. Since its beginning in the 1950s, the globe has five billion more occupants and the percentage of people who are food insecure has dropped significantly.

Food distribution through different technologies won’t be perfect either but it will make food distribution more compliant to our modern reality.

When brick-and-mortar location becomes secondary, a business’s path to success in food distribution changes dramatically.

With COVID-19, we may see the rise of dark or ghost kitchens in food service, allowing anyone to start a company, virtual or not. The establishment of more micro-fulfilment centres or dark warehouses to support grocers and other food retailers will redesign the entire sector.

This doesn’t mean Canadians will stop visiting grocery stores, farmers’ markets or restaurants anytime soon. But in five years or sooner, we could see 20 per cent of all food sold online or through apps, restaurants and retail combined. That’s potentially more than $50 billion worth of food. According to estimates, that market represents $7 to $9 billion now.

What was often seen as a far-fetched concept just a few years ago appears to be likely now because of COVID-19.

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

BARRHAVEN

P.O. Box 567 Manotick, Ontario Tel: 613-692-6000 www.barrhavenindependent.on.ca

The Barrhaven Independent is published by Manotick Messenger Inc. biweekly at P.O. Box 567 in Manotick, Ontario. The Barrhaven Independent is not responsible for the loss of unsolicited manuscripts, photos, or other material used for publication purposes. Letters will be edited for length, clarity and libellous statements. Display, National and Classified rates are available on request.

Publisher: Jeff Morris Managing Editor: Jeff Morris Advertising and Marketing: Gary Coulombe Photographer: Greg Newton

Phone: 613-692-6000 email: Advertising: advert@bellnet.ca Editor: newsfile@bellnet.ca News/sports: newsfile@bellnet.ca

DEADLINE FOR ALL ADVERTISING IS FRIDAY AT 4PM All layouts and composition of advertisements produced by employees of Manotick Messenger Inc. are protected by copyright invested in the publishers of the Barrhaven Independent.

I don’t know how much more I can take I didn’t think it would hit me this hard. the rim for what seemed like minutes beBut it is. fore it dropped. They don’t give you Henry I miss sports. I miss coaching. I miss Burris completing that pass to Greg Ellrefereeing football. I miss going to Ottawa ingson for a last-minute touchdown. They Senators games. I miss burying myself in don’t give you Joe Carter touching’em all baseball. I am cringing at the thought of the after his World Series-winning home run.

Redblacks not opening training camp. I am They don’t give you a flawless routine from missing watching the Raptors as they would Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. go on another playoff run. I will miss the And by the way, why are none of these Olympics this year. moments on TV? Why not replay the CanSure, I miss concerts ada-Soviet Summit Serand live music, too. I ies, or the 1975 New will miss watching the Year’s Eve Red Army fireworks with everyone FROM THE OTHER at Montreal Canadiens on Canada Day. game? Why not replay But sports is differevery great Expos game ent. Without it, my soul and Blue Jays game from Jeffrey Morris is as empty as the toilet back in the day? Why not paper aisle in Your Input a program together dependent Grocer. And, showing every great play right now, when I think of the return of Bobby Orr ever made, or every goal Wayne sports, I have even less hope than Shoppers Gretzky or Mario Lemieux ever scored.

Drug Mart has hand sanitizer.

I get why sports was shut down. And I Passing time has become more of a chal- know we are doing the right thing. Until lenge each and every day. During the first this coronavirus is under control, we have week of quarantine, everyone seemed to be to maintain social distancing and avoid soCOUNCILcial contact. So, if you miss sports as much talking about Tiger King and the abnormal world of Joe Exotic. We watched anCORNER episode as I do, I guess you just pretend you’re a but just couldn’t get into it. We Mayor scoured Leafs defenceman.

Suzanne Dodge Netflix and Crave, we watched about 100 Over the weekend, I was walking our episodes of Law and Order SVU, and we dog, Raven, on the pathway that runs beside have watched countless movies. our neighbourhood. At the end of the pathWe have watched a lot of reality TV, but way, at the last house, there was a teenage no TV compares to sports. To me, sports is kid out on his driveway. He was throwing a reality TV. baseball into a net. I stood and watched for It’s not that reality TV can’t be good.THE WeNOT a SO minute. My inner-coach was wanting to have been watching Survivor, wondering if tell the kid to drop his hips and to lean forNEW GUY we are going as stir crazy as Tony seems ward onto his toes as he made contact with Tim Ruhnke to be on the remote island in Fiji. We have the ball to get into a throwing position more been watching a lot of 90-Day Fiance. It’s quickly. But then he looked over at me and kind of like sports. For example, watching he had that why-is-this-old-guy-watchingBig Ed, the socially awkward 54-year-old me? look. So before he assumed I had an 4’10” fat photographer from San Diego who unmarked white van with Skittles and red washes his long greasy hair in mayonnaise licorice dispensers and with free wifi and interact with his pretty 23-year-old Filipino called 9-1-1, I turned around and kept walkgirlfriend is like watching Paul Kariya skate ing Raven. with his head down across the middleWALKER with HOUSE I don’t know what sports will be like Scott Stevens lurking in the neutral zone. when it returns, other than the seemingly Watching David travel to the Ukraine for post-apocalyptic eeriness of Tom Brady Susan Vallom the fourth time to try and meet his seemand Gronk wearing Tampa Bay Buccaneers ingly mythical girlfriend Lana was kind uniforms. Will they taking our temperatures of like watching the Senators’ power play. as we walk into TD Place Stadium to see You want to believe they exist, but they just Redblacks games? don’t.

And what about local sports? I think And they aren’t even making new TV back to when I was a kid, sitting in the shows to take our minds off sports anymore. bleachers at the ball diamond in Cardinal Like, how the hell are we supposed to knowBLAKE’S watching Ted Hoy of the Pats locked in a TAKES what Sally Spectra’s mysterious life-threatpitching duel with Roger Hodgkinson of ening illness is? And is Ridge totally done the Brockville Commercial Stars or with Blake McKim with Brooke?

Joe Belisle of the Ottawa Turpin Pontiacs. I But scripted TV shows and reality TV couldn’t have imagined us all in masks and shows don’t give you what sports gives you. latex gloves, with Max the Travelling Man They don’t give you Paul Henderson scor- selling bottles of Purrell along with his 50ing the winning goal against the Soviets in 50 draw tickets.

1972 or Sidney Crosby scoring the GoldI don’t know what sports will look like en Goal in 2010 against the Americans. on the other side of COVID-19.

They don’t give you Kawai Leonard’s last I just can’t wait to fall in love with them second shot from the corner that hangs on again.

SIDE

NEWS

Letters to the Editor welcome – email to newsfile@bellnet.ca

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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To stop the spread, we need you to continue to:

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We need your continued determination and cooperation to stop the spread.

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Stay home. Stay strong. Save lives.

Learn more at ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Page 8 FRIDAY, May 1, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

COVID-19 creates spike in calls for Barrhaven Food Cupboard

By Charlie Senack With roughly one million Canadians out of work due to COVID-19, community care providers have been seeing an increase in calls for assistance.

At the Barrhaven Food Cupboard, calls have been up 11 and a half per cent since the beginning of March when the pandemic started, with more people requesting assistance in recent weeks.

“We haven’t quite seen the spike like other organizations have, but we are starting to see more of a spike now,” said Kevin Miller, President of the Barrhaven Food Cupboard. “And in all honesty we anticipate that need will continue to grow as well — we just don’t know at what rate.”

With residents encouraged to practice physical distancing and eliminate all unnecessary travel, the way the food cupboard operates has also had to

change. They are operating at a reduced number of volunteers — Miller saying many of their regulars are seniors who fall in the most vulnerable category.

When they opened their new facility located in the Walter Baker Centre last summer, they were excited to provide a traditional shopping experience for their clients. But that too has changed, now operating with their old model.

“We have gone back to our old way of business where we have the ordeals already prepared and it’s just a matter of our clients setting up an appointment and coming to pick it up while practicing physical distancing,” Miller states.

“Hopefully in the not so distant future we will be back to having our clients pick their own groceries, but who knows.”

Easter is typically a time when the centre sees an increase in donations, and they did again

this year with places like Loblaws having a food collection campaign.

They typically receive a supply of Easter chocolates two weeks after the holiday is over, but with non-essential businesses closed this April, businesses like Winners, Home Sense and Marshall’s donated their food supply.

“They were quite generous with the load we got,” Miller says. “The best thing about that was we were able to put that into our orders prior to Easter so it was a nice little treat for the kids.”

Food donations have also been on the rise, with those able doing what they can to give back.

Many stores have closed their donation bins, however are still accepting online donations for the food cupboard Miller says the best way to donate is through the PayPal tab which can be found on their website at barrhavenfoodcup-

board.ca. He also says people can mail a cheque to their facility at 100 Malvern Drive.

Thanks to cash donations, the food cupboard is able to buy more in bulk when they go to their local grocery stores. It also allows them to purchase items they may be in short supply of.

They are also doing what they can to give back to other organizations, participating in a program that delivers meal kits to students in the community.

“We are assisting Ontario Network for Education in delivering 300 meal kits for students,” he said. “These are generally given out to the elementary schools but with the schools being closed the need is still there, so we’ve joined along with other Food Cupboards/ Banks on assisting with the disbursement of these kits to our clients with young school aged children.”

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FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 Page 9

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

No events means no business for local company

By Charlie Senack

COVID-19 has hit the events industry the hardest with all public gatherings cancelled as Canadians practice physical distancing, staying at least six feet apart from others.

For Michael Wood, a Barrhaven resident who coowns Ottawa Special events, it means business has decreased by at least 97 per cent. As a result he had to lay off 16 of his 21 employees with no end in sight as to when gatherings will be allowed again.

“We laid off virtually our entire staff at Ottawa Special Events because we have literally dropped 94 per cent overall between March to May of last year versus now,” he said. “That number could be as high at 99 per cent in the coming weeks as more events are cancelled as restrictions are extended.”

Wood says it was during the start of March he realized

they may have a problem as events started getting cancelled well into the summer months.

Ottawa Special Events is known for being a part of many of the city’s most popular events including Glow Fair, Westboro Fuse and Pride Week — all of which have had to cancel or change operations due to the pandemic. They also play a role in Canada Day in Barrhaven festivities which were cancelled two weeks ago after crowd restrictions were extended until the end of June.

But his staff are not alone.

In March of this year, over one million Canadians were laid off due to COVID-19, the largest downfall this country has ever seen.

Out of nearly 11,000 entrepreneurs recently surveyed by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, six per cent said they won’t survive until the end of May.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a number of benefits to help small businesses weather the impacts of this pandemic.

That includes things such as a 75 per cent wage subsidy and $40,000 loans, and a rent relief program is expected soon. This week they also increased the maximum eligible annual payroll under the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan program from $1 million to $1.5 million — meaning more businesses will qualify.

“It is clear we have to do more – much more – so we are bringing that percentage up to 75 per cent for qualifying businesses,” Trudeau said at one of his news conferences outside of Rideau Cottage. “This means that people will continue to be paid even though their employer has had to slow down or stop its operations because of COVID-19.”

But Wood said those supports aren’t providing any

Barrhaven’s Michael Wood has had to lay off 16 of his 21 employees during the pandemic. Charlie Senack photo

cut all costs that we can and the plan is to keep the business running so when we all recover from this there is still an Ottawa Special Events,” Wood added. “We also need to ensure there are other businesses which are struggling right now that they are still able to employ people once we all recover from this.”

Wood says he under-

stands people’s health and safety comes first and recognizes why these restrictions are in place. Currently all events and gatherings have been cancelled in Ottawa until at least June 30. Canada Day celebrations on the hill have also been cancelled for this year — instead people will have the opportunity to celebrate virtually.

E

NS AS O † LE AL TI E E- CI VA FRE PR PE SER TH S RE ON 50 M T 11 RS T FI GE

OPENING FALL 2020

relief to the entertainment, hospitality, concert and tourism industries — something he says places like Europe are already ahead of the game on.

“Other countries are doing relief instead of credits and loans and we are seeing it’s mainly credits and loans here in Canada,” states Wood. “It’s not going to help the situation and we need real relief — small businesses need real relief.”

For weeks now he has been holding conference calls with Canadian MP’s and local MPP’s to address his frustrations. On March 22, Wood held a meeting with Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s office, a conversation 70 small businesses were a part of.

They are hoping to see a broader spectrum of supports offered to a wider variety of industries, but until then said it’s all about cutting costs wherever possible.

“Our plan right now is to

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Page 10 FRIDAY, May 1, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

We can’t rush things back to normal

Seven weeks into this pandemic, and we’re ready for life to go back to normal.

We want shops to re-open, the kids back in class and, even to get dressed up and head back to the office.

While there are signs that could be coming, we can’t be in a hurry.

Rush it, and we’ll be right back into this nightmare.

Even when “normal” returns, most of us are well aware that the recovery will be long and hard on many fronts, especially financially. Every level of government has had to spend vast amounts to keep Canadians afloat and businesses alive, and it’s not like the feds and the province were in great financial shape before COVID-19. I’m not sure

GLOUCESTERSOUTH NEPEAN

WARD REPORT

by Carol Anne Meehan

how many billions more have been added to the debt, but I think we can bet our children’s children will be paying it off.

At Ottawa City Hall, the picture is not quite as bad; still, it’s far from good. We are bleeding $30 million dollars each month. Debt and expenses are all up; cash reserves and revenues are down.

With little chance of a financial bailout, we’re facing some tough choices.

There is just one tax-

payer in Canada, and no one wants governments to increase taxes to pay down the bulging deficits.

As a City Councillor, I can only address what happens locally.

Services provided by the City, like policing, garbage collection, roads, community and social services, are arguably the most important, and no one wants to see them cut.

All options are on the table, knowing that it isn’t only the 2020 budget that will be affected. Seasonal staff were already laid off, and we were told during this week’s virtual council meeting that spending on some capital projects and infrastructure could also be cut.

I am all for saving money,

but after fighting and getting $57 million more for our chronically underfunded roads, I will fight against any infrastructure funding cut.

I suggest this is the time to take a serious look at city spending. I have long advocated for all city programs to be reviewed to see if they are still beneficial or even needed. Wages and Benefits are the most significant budget expenditures for the City, totalling roughly $1.7 billion in 2020. $50 million

higher than in 2019.

Consider that everyone who works for the government in Ottawa collected paychecks throughout the crisis, including me. Our hardworking city staff know full well how lucky we are, compared to those in the private sector who lost their jobs or had hours scaled back. That’s why I think there’s a realization that we must share the burden currently weighing on our neighbours and friends.

On my evening walk,

a fellow dog walker told me that his salary was cut by two percent this week, fallout from COVID-19 hit his private company.

Some tough conversations are going to be had as we try to navigate these turbulent times. I am hoping the Mayor and my fellow councillors have the guts to make the right choices, even if it hurts.

Remember, we are all in this together, and that includes being prepared to make sacrifices.

Brian Lynch entertained the residents at the Revera Barrhaven Manor retirement residence at Barrigan and Longfields Drives last Friday. Lynch performed in front of the home before moving into the courtyard for the second half of the performance, so that all of the residents could enjoy the show regardless of which side of the building they lived on.

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FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven Independent 30 years, 30 people: June Flynn-Turner As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, the Barrhaven Independent will be featuring 30 people who have played a prominent role in building and shaping our community from the time we were a sleepy little suburb in 1990 to the thriving city of more than 100,000 we are now.

In this issue, we are featuring June FlynnTurner. The former local trustee for the Carleton Roman Catholic School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board was the driving force behind Barrhaven getting its first high school.

June served two terms as a trustee for Nepean for the Carleton Roman Catholic School Board until 1997; three years as Chairperson and two years as Vice-Chairperson. She served three terms as a trustee for Barrhaven at the Ottawa Catholic School Board until 2006; four years as Chairperson and two years as Vice-Chairperson.

“June’s dedication to Catholic education was exemplary. She was committed to her

community, the schools within her zone and the overall school board.

Her strong leadership was recognized by her peers in their choosing June as the Board’s Chairperson repeatedly. Our thoughts and prayers are with June’s family,” said Ted Hurley, Chairperson of the Ottawa Catholic School Board, after June’s passing in 2014.

June received the Benemerenti Medal from the Vatican for her long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church.

A passionate advocate for her constituents, June directed her unique energy into creating a Board culture of success for all students and staff.

Her collaborative nature helped build the political and administrative consensus necessary for

transformational change and organizational excellence.

“June’s breadth of service to the school board is incalculable. June’s leadership helped shepherd the Board through challenging times. She will be sorely missed,” said Director of Education Julian Hanlon.

Giving freely and unselfishly to the Catholic communities that supported students and parents, June was President of the Carleton Child Care Corporation and on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa.

She is gratefully remembered for her devotion to Catholic education and missed by her many friends and colleagues at the Board.

Long time Catholic School Board Trustee and Chair June Flynn-Turner worked relentlessly to give Barrhaven its first high school.

Shortly after Mother Teresa Catholic High School opened, Flynn-Turner was back it at it, lobbying for the building of St. Joseph Catholic High School.

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Page 12 FRIDAY, May 1, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

NHL defenceman back in Barrhaven waiting out pandemic

If you are going to be in quarantine, you may as well be at home.

That was the logic that brought Florida Panthers defenceman MacKenzie Weegar back home to Barrhaven when the NHL shut down its 2019-20 season in March.

“I have a lot of family back home here and they get a little bit worried about me,” Weegar told FloridaPanthers.com’s Jameson Olive for his series on what Panthers players are doing during the lockout. “They were scared about the borders closing and whatnot. And my girlfriend is back here.

We just made the decision to come back home. There are also more people here. I would have been quarantining alone back in Florida. It probably would have been pretty boring, and I probably would have went pretty crazy [laughs].”

The 26-year-old Barrhaven native is in his third full season with the Panthers. After growing up in the Nepean Minor Hockey Association, Weegar played Junior B hockey for the Winchester Hawks for a season before joining the Nepean Raiders of the CCHL for the 2011-12 season. He was the CCHL Rookie of the Year and the CCHL Top Prospect Award winner, while also earning second team all-star recognition.

From there, Weegar headed east to play for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

In addition to his team winning the Memorial Cup, Weear also made the

league’s All-Rookie Team in 2012-13 and also led the league with a plusminus rating of 55. The Florida Panthers selected Weegar in the seventh round of the NHL Draft.

Despite being the sixth last player selected in the draft, 206th overall, only 38 players from that draft have played in more NHL games than Weegar has.

Weegar turned pro after his second year in Halifax. He made stops in San Antonio, Cincinnati, Portland and Springfield before getting a threegame stint in the NHL during the 2016-17 season. He made the Panthers’ roster in the fall of 2017, and has never looked back. The 201920 season was his best to date. Through 45 games before the season was shut down, he had seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points while earning a plus-minus rating of six.

With no ice available and with no access to a gym, Weegar is working out at home to stay as ready as he can for hockey to return. He is in quarantine at home with his girlfriend and two buddies, staying safe and staying in shape.

“It’s a full house,” Weegar told FloridaPanthers.com’s Jameson Olive. “We’re all under quarantine together. Usually I wake up and get a good breakfast in me.

Everybody takes their turn making breakfast in the morning. Then I head to my home gym downstairs. It’s nothing too big or too crazy. I’ve got one of those Peloton bikes, so I try to get a little bit of a workout in. After that, the

day is kind of mine and I can do whatever I want.

I ordered some rollerblades, so I’m waiting for those to come in. I’ve got some road bikes, so I try to get some fresh air when I can. Then maybe I’ll catch a little nap since the days are long. I try to limit the video games, but we usually hop on there for a couple hours. Then it’s usually dinner time followed by a movie or Netflix at night. We’re like a family, all under this little roof. We’re making the most of it together.”

Weegar joked that he is the provider of the meals, but said he is a terrible cook so preparing the meals is left to his quarantine-mates.

“I’m really not too good at cooking. They make great meals. We keep as healthy as we can, but sometimes we’ll bug out and have a couple Cadbury Mini Eggs. Easter just passed, so we had some chocolate in the house and had some fun with it.”

Weegar spends his days working out in his basement. He does spin classes virtually on his bike, and his personal trainer set him up with a complete set of weights and gym equipment which he uses daily. He also gets out and rides his bike to get fresh air. With a pair of rollerblades on the way, Weegar will be able to work out muscles that will help with his skating.

Staying in a routine has important for Weegar during this time.

“During the season you have practice, or a game day, and you can kind of make your routine

MacKenzie Weegar of the Florida Panthers is waiting out the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine back home in Barrhaven.

Photo by Eliot J Schechter/Florida Panthers

around that. Now we’re all stuck here,” Weegar told FloridaPanthers.com.

“Especially with me, I don’t have kids. I don’t have anything to keep me busy throughout the day.

I think that’s been the toughest part, not getting too sidetracked. You’ve got to stay focused, stay in shape, eat healthy and be prepared for whenever we do come back.

“The toughest thing for me has always been the mental side of things.

That’s sort of why I came back home, too. I knew that a couple buddies that rent from me would be here too and would keep me a little more busy.

We’re on the same routine and can do things together. We hold each other accountable. I think that it’s a really good spot for me to be during this time.”

After his workouts, Weegar and his friends

have been grinding TV shows and playing video games, just like many other people have during the past six weeks.

He shared a funny story with FloridaPanthers. com about playing the EA Sports NHL 20 hockey video game against a kid online while he was still back in south Florida.

“I reached out to EA Sports and they gave me my hockey card, so I have 99 everything,” he said.

“But I’m still awful at it.

These kids that I play with online are still beating me and chirping me over my headset. I just usually turn it off and move on to the next thing.

“When I first got the game, one of the first games that I played online, there was this kid that told me where he was from. I told him that I was also from Ottawa and asked him where he was

from. He was like, ‘Barrhaven.’ I was like, ‘No way! I live in Barrhaven.’

This was so weird. So then we got to talking about our favorite teams and things like that. Then I told him that I played in the NHL and he was like, ‘No way!’ He started quizzing me on all of these stats from when I first got drafted, who my coaches were and things like that.

I answered them all correctly and then he finally believed me. I told him that if he was ever around Barrhaven I’d give him a signed stick. Sure enough, I ended up sending him a stick a little after that.

It was pretty funny. It’s weird how playing online can connect you in those ways. I forgot to mention that he ended up pumping me like 7-2 in the game that we played… but at least the conversation was fun!”

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FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 Page 13

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven says good-bye to Tahir Alam Shahzada

By Kira Kiteley and Tanwir Shahzada Special to the Independent

We lost our beloved son, Tahir Alam Shahzada at the age of 25, on April 5th, 2020.

He passed peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. He bravely battled with cancer for the last two years.

Never once did we hear him complain of the pain or give up his resolve. He was the source of strength for all of us throughout this period. We called him Alam at home and his friends called him Tahir.

His zest for life was infectiously amazing and everyone he touched fell in love with him.

Tahir was born in Islamabad, Pakistan on January 15th, 1995. Before moving to Canada in 2009, he lived and went to school in Pakistan, Croatia, Uganda and Switzerland. Tahir’s friends and family from all over the world are grieving the brilliant young man who was taken from us far too soon. During this difficult time, we would like to pay tribute to Tahir’s presence in the Barrhaven and Ottawa community, as well as the immense impact that he had on so many lives during his short time here on earth.

In 2009 Tahir’s family

moved from Switzerland to Canada and settled in Barrhaven where he was part of the first graduating class from the Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School. In high school, Tahir focused on business studies, and cooking lessons while making many lasting friendships. As his friends and family know, Tahir was extremely passionate about food and had a special place in his heart for pizza. He took cooking as an elective for three years and went on many community trips with his teacher Chef Van Dyke and the cooking class. Earlier this year Tahir attended a dinner with his old high school cooking class, where he enjoyed catching up with all of his old friends.

In 2013 Tahir was accepted to both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University for Business Studies. Tahir decided to study at the University of Ottawa, where he quickly involved himself in the campus community by pursuing many extra-curricular volunteering initiatives.

Tahir was part of the Enactus Club of uOttawa for three years. There, he participated in projects that would help the community prosper such as conferences, community projects, and other volunteer-

ing initiatives. Tahir spearheaded a special project that aimed to help homeless men find work refereeing soccer tournaments. In 2015, Tahir organized a very successful business dinner with Enactus, hosting Deloitte and helping students gain exclusive connections in the consulting field in Ottawa. Tahir travelled to Beijing, China and Johannesburg, South Africa with a Enactus teams to take part in the international Enactus competitions. Tahir also played an instrumental role organizing a case competition with Enactus called Strat 24 in 2016, where he united the Business and Engineering Faculties in a weekend-long case study competition, held at the Sheraton hotel in Ottawa. He was also part of the Enactus team that won the Canada wide regional competition for the most successful community service project.

In 2017 Tahir was elected the president of Ottawa University Telfer Business School’s Student Council and along with a group of friends spent the next year organizing events for faculty students and supporting all of the business student clubs. Tahir’s neverending spirit and brilliance is profoundly linked to the success that they had that year.

Tahir knew how to make people feel important and accepted, and all his friends and colleagues remember his impact on the community. Tahir made considerable contributions in executing several events during the 2017-2018 school year, such as Frosh Week, Grad Ball, Clubs Gala, and numerous student parties that spanned throughout the academic year. The friendly and open atmosphere he helped to create at the Telfer School of Management during that year will be fondly remembered.

Tahir graduated in October 2019 with an Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree. His strength and resolve were infinite during these hard times.

While completing the last few courses of his degree he was also undergoing chemotherapy. Tahir was a beacon of strength for all those around him, and he fought cancer bravely, always with a smile on his face. During this time, Tahir also took up playing the guitar again as music was one of his greatest life passions.

Tahir also took the time to do enormous amounts of research related to his rare form of cancer and interacted with people from all over the world who are suffering from the same stubborn disease. Tahir fought

On April 11, 1980 the Lions roared into the Barrhaven community in the former Nepean and began their commitment to SERVE. Sponsored by the Ottawa East Lions Club, now the OttawaVanier Lions, forty-one founding members received the Lions charter from Lions Clubs International and began their

humanitarian service locally and internationally. The membership grew steadily for many years as community members worked together to make life better for those less fortunate.

Over the forty years, the Barrhaven Lions established a $12,500 endowment fund to the Algonquin College Foun-

dation; gave $103,000 to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation for Cancer Care; continue to give annual bursaries to five local area schools; and made financial donations and equipment to individuals; to countless causes, such as telethons for children assisted by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Memory

Boxes to CHEO, the Special Olympics and those affected and displaced in the 2018 Tornado.

They also conduct Vision Screening in the schools.

Fundraising efforts have included their annual Pancake Breakfast with funds going to the Children’s Wish Foundation, and QuickStart Autism.

Their regular Bingo

Barrhaven’s Tahir Alam Shahzada, 25, lost his battle with cancer in April.

bravely and inspired everyone around him. In his time of need, he continued to share his strength with strangers who needed it, his friends, and of course his loving family. Tahir was an amazing man, for many reasons. Everyone who knew him knows how selfless he was, and how he lit up any room that he walked into.

His sense of humor, his drive, his passion, and his beauti-

ful smile are remembered so fondly by all who love him.

Tahir, you will always be remembered lovingly. We miss you so much. Your spirit burns bright within the hearts of all who knew you, and we will carry on your love and legacy always. Our love for you is infinite, akin to your love for us. Rest in peace in paradise, oh Prince of the World, until we meet again.

has enabled the Lions to support the Ottawa Hospital Foundation - Eye Institute, the Lions Recycle for Sight Program, the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides that assists individuals with disabilities through specialized Dog Guide programs, such as Canine Vision Dog Guides for people who are blind

or visually impaired, Hearing Dog Guides for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Service Dog Guides for people who have a physical disability, Autism Assistance Dog Guides for children who have autism spectrum disorder.

Barrhaven Lions Club celebrates 40th Birthday

lions

continues on page 15

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Page 14 FRIDAY, May 1, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

St. Joseph student grateful to be a world ringette champion Name: Emma Kelly Age: 17 School: St. Joseph High Grade: 12

Parents: Shawna and Charlie Kelly Brothers: Jake (19), first year at Carleton University; Brady (15), grade 9, St. Joseph High Pet: Winnie (dog), 11-month-old Mini GoldenDoodle Pet Peeve: “People who try to one up every situation or come off as extremely arrogant.”

Favourite Subjects: “My all-time favourite course is history class! I absolutely love learning about the past, and how the world has changed so much since the beginning. My second favourite course would have to be Phys. Ed. I love working out to get rid of my stress from school.”

What do you enjoy reading for pleasure? “I love reading magazines about the latest news and crazy stories. I’m a geek for scary stories, so any youtube videos or short stories, I will definitely take the time to read or watch them.”

Who are your favourite authors?

“I don’t have any favourite authors, because I will read or watch anything that attracts my interest. I am open to all sorts of different writing.”

What is Your Greatest Accomplishment?

“My greatest accomplishment would be making the U21 Team Canada for ringette. In the past two years I have had some of my favourite memories and accomplishments take place.

In 2017 my team went to Orillia for Ontario Winter Games, where we went in as underdogs and came out on top with an overtime win in the finals! It was my first ever major tournament championship, besides prov-

FOCUS ON

YOUTH

by Phill Potter

incials.

Then in 2018 I had the opportunity to represent my province at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta. This season made some memories that will last a lifetime. My experience at Canada Games was something that I will never be able to experience as a player again. The people, the venues, and the atmosphere, was phenomenal. Being surrounded by people who have the same goals and mentality as you, is so inspiring. We finished second in the tournament and lost in overtime, but there was no reason to complain, because the experience gained was something to forever be thankful.

Being on Team Ontario has brought me the opportunity to be scouted for Team Canada. I have been so grateful to be a part of all of these teams and the opportunities it has brought me.

This past November we became the world champions! We won against Finland to claim the title and it was an experience like no other. The crowd was loud and so intense it was truly so amazing to see! Before the championships we had three training camps in Ottawa, Sherwood Park and Burnaby. These were filled with hard work and exciting team bonding. Being a world champion has allowed me to focus on giving back to my association. I wanted to help the younger girls develop new skills and see the ice differently. I attended multiple ice times ranging from u10 - u16 and ran drills that would help practice their shots and ring movement. I love going to these ice sessions as it reminds me of myself when I was their age and it is easy for me to give them feedback as I remember the type of feedback I was looking for at their age.”

Activities/Interests: “Outside of ringette, I love playing school sports such as: cross country, hockey,

ringette and touch football.

I’ve been active in school sports since the fourth grade, and I love competing against other schools. Besides sports, I am the Vice President for the Athletic Council, and I organize all of the jag wear for the school. I ask the students what kind of clothing they are looking for this year, and what colours and designs they like.”

ning show, and always had a desire to be one of the faces on TV.”

Quarantine Life: Throughout the past month I have been occupying myself by catching up on assignments and working at Metro. This virus was an unfortunate end to my senior year as it cancelled our prom and graduation. It has been a very diffcult time as it was Why did you get in- an unexpected goodbye to teachers, friends and school volved in what you do?

“I started playing ring- sports for the last time. I ette, because my best friend, have been staying positive Ellie O’Sullivan was play- by keeping contact with ing, and she told me to join. friends and teachers from Originally, my parents had school and having hope that put me in Bunnies, (the everything will resume back No Farmers Market copy 2_Faded 3/27/20 7:03 PM to normal soon.

‘Timbits’ program of ringette), to focus on my skating technique, and later transfer St. Joseph Catholic High School student Emma Kelly me over to hockey.

Once I stepped onto the grew up playing ringette ice, there was no turning and now plays for Team back. I was in love! My Canada.

Phill Potter photo parents noticed how much I enjoyed the game, and how many friends I had made in such a short period of time.

So, they allowed me to stay.

During my years playing for Nepean, Ellie and I had played on the same team until u14 AA. Although we do not play on the same team anymore, we will be attending the World Championships, as she is representing Team USA and I will be representing Team Canada. This was the best outcome, because we played since the age of 6 together, and now will be playing at the highest level tournament the sport has to other. As a child, my dream was to one day wear the maple leaf. It used to be a dream that was supposed to stay a dream, but I am so happy that it has turned into a reality. My hard work and dedication over the years have finally paid off.”

Career Goals: “My career plan at the moment is to attend Carleton University for the Bachelor of Journalism program. I absolutely love writing, and I would like to combine my love for writing and sports, and make it into my job. My ultimate goal is to work for TSN, and be either a reporter or a journalist. Every day before school I watch the mor-

Page 1

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FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 Page 15

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT lions continues from page 13 One of the projects that the Barrhaven Lions Club members are really proud of is the annual Santa Claus parade which they started, with the former Nepean Lions, in 1997. The main thrust of the Parade has always been to provide an exciting and fun-filled event for the children of our community and food and cash donations are collected for the needy.

One thing that hasn’t changed in the forty years

is the sense of community and belonging that being a Lion affords.

Being a Lion provides opportunities for personal growth and leadership skills development that are amazing. This is where you develop lifelong friendships. The spirit of belonging is found in committees and clubs-within-the-club.

Being a Lion means you have many opportunities to take part in a full schedule of events and

activities and truly make a difference in the lives of those in need, not only in this community but in the Global Village as well. Undoubtedly you can find an area that excites your passion for service and focus your energy in that direction.

To know more about or to get involved with the Barrhaven Lions Club, please contact James Doyle at jamesddoyle@ rogers.com or at 613825-2373.

The Barrhaven Lions Club unveiled a Legacy Bench in 2018.

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Page 16 FRIDAY, May 1, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

IN THIS TOGETHER! Dear Barrhaven, My hope for you is that you are healthy and safe at home during this difficult time. I am so fortunate and blessed to be with my family.

It was a very, very difficult decision to temporarily close our office on March 13th at 1073 Greenbank road and suspend our trading of real estate. It was not done lightly – all members of my team made this decision together from the administrators to the marketing and sales members. I am proud of my team for deciding to put their passion and our livelihood on hold until we all get through this and by fully supporting physical distancing rules and only essential travel. I felt it was in the best interest of my amazing clients, my team, my suppliers, my service providers and of course you the general public. One of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, but one that I feel was important to do our part to support public health efforts.

As a community volunteer I am very fortunate to be the Chair of the Barrhaven BIA. I can assure you our incredible board of directors and our Executive

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director are focusing extreme efforts to support the over 500+ businesses in Barrhaven during this brutal time for our small and medium sized businesses. The stories and phone calls I have had with other business leaders, owners, operators, tenants and landlords have been sobering and sad to say the least. Businesses do not operate with 6 months of extra budgeting for situations like this.

So, I beg of you, do all you can to support any and all local businesses that are still allowed to operate here in Barrhaven – or tragically they might not be here when this is over.

I also have great hope that when we all come out of this that you will focus your support and dollars on buying and using services from our Barrhaven businesses – because we will need all the help we can get and can’t be afraid to ask! It is us, your local businesses that sponsor your hockey, ringette, soccer teams, Canada Day celebrations, Barrhaven Santa Parade, 4on4 hockey tourney, Barrhaven Food Cupboard, Barrhaven legion and I could go on. We will need you, our community, to support us as we rebuild our businesses and hope

to continue to offer you great service, increase the great diversity of service offerings and grow more businesses here in our beloved Barrhaven.

It is incredible to see all the good that this community is doing for each other. From making masks, delivering food, buying takeout at local restaurants and the inspiring and supportive sidewalk art, to name just a few. It reminds me why I am so grateful to be raising my family and lucky enough to own my business here in Barrhaven.

I thank you very much for your time and your continued support.

From my family to yours, stay safe, stay healthy and stay home.

Love you Barrhaven – Jason MacDonald, Sales Representative

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