Barrhaven Independent May, 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN

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FRIDAY • May 29 • 2020

#StuStrong2

Barrhaven’s thoughts and prayers are with local resident and radio personality “Stuntman Stu” Schwartz this week as he undergoes his second bone marrow transplant. Schwartz, the popular Majic 100 radio host and former public address announcer for the Ottawa Senator, is fighting leukemia for the second time. For the full story, see page 4.

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Page 2 FRIDAY, May 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

We’re Making a Difference to Keep Each Other Safe from COVID-19 As businesses begin to reopen, we all need to continue our efforts to protect each other.

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Practice physical distancing.

Stay two metres away from others

Wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge

Wash hands thoroughly and often

Inside or out, stay safe. Save lives.

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FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 Page 3

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven businesses happy to be open again

By Jeff Morris

Barrhaven is once again open for business.

While each business is taking its own precautionary measures regarding physical distancing, some customers are also taking precautionary measures.

“From what I saw in the first week, 40 per cent of people are done with the quarantine and want to move on, but 60 per cent more concerned,” said Barrhaven BIA President Jason MacDonald. “But having businesses open up again, even if it is on a more limited level, is positive for Barrhaven.”

MacDonald said that in the coming weeks, it will become more the norm to see shoppers wearing masks and using more sanitizing procedures. At his own business, MacDonald Property Group on Greenbank Road, MacDonald has spent about $5,000 on protective equipment and putting measures in place.

One of the problems, he said, is that not all people are as respectful to other shoppers as they should be.

“In the grocery stores, some people are doing a great job respecting social distancing measures, but then there are others who won’t think twice about reaching over someone for a loaf of bread. There are a lot of conspiracy theorists out there. Some people still think the virus is a hoax.”

Regardless of the challenges of the new parameters around local commerce, MacDonald said there are some positives that are emerging from the situation. One of them may be that many companies and government offices are going to have employees working from home more often. Last week, Shopify announced a model where 5,000 of their employees would work from home. Many other companies and government departments, happy with the production of their at-home employees over the past two months, are expected to follow suit. One of the challenges the Barrhaven BIA has been facing since its inception more than a decade ago has been the lack of career-level em-

ployees in the community during the day. Having more working people in Barrhaven during the day will give new potential customers to restaurants that serve lunch. Many of those workers are also more likely to spend their earned dollars in Barrhaven rather than shop in downtown Ottawa on their breaks or after work.

“Potentially, that could be really good for Barrhaven, but we just don’t know yet,” MacDonald said.

Another positive that is a direct result of the quarantine is the awareness of what is available locally.

“Local residents are more aware of what businesses are here,” MacDonald said. “During the lockdown, they have had to take a closer look at what is available in their immediate community.

They have found businesses they may not have known about or had ever visited before.”

The City of Ottawa, meanwhile, has provided a toolkit for businesses reopening after the COVID-19 shut down.

Barrhaven has third highest COVID-19 rate in city

By Charlie Senack Ottawa Public Health has released a map showing where COVID-19 cases in the city are and Barrhaven is proving to be a hotspot for the virus.

The map, which is organized by all 23 wards in the city, has Barrhaven coming in third place.

According to the data from May 19, Barrhaven ward has a rate of 122 confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. RideauRockcliffe ward comes in first place at 139 with Alta Vista ward coming in second at 130.

West Carleton March has the lowest number of cases per 100,000 people at 51,

with Knoxdale-Merivale only sitting at 55.

Gloucester South-Nepean is tied with Stitsville sitting at 82 per 100,000 people.

Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, says COVID-19 is everywhere in our city, and stresses the map cannot be used to address hot spots in the city. It’s organized by where people live and not where they contracted the virus.

“It just isn’t that great data because it is only based on the tests that have been done — only based on where people live,” she said. “It doesn’t tell us about where they were exposed.”

Etches says the map was released because people wanted to know where the cases in the city were.

The data is divided by wards and is filtered to exclude long-term care homes and retirement residences where outbreaks of COVID might inflate infection rates, said Ottawa Public Health.

In Barrhaven ward, 14 cases are reported in longterm care or retirement homes, and only 12 cases at care homes in neighbouring Gloucester South-Nepean.

Barrhaven Manor which had an outbreak of the virus was deemed over as of May 4.

The map will continue to be updated every two weeks, says Etches.

Home Depot was one of many stores which had a long line-up as retail stores in Barrhaven opened to the public again.

Jeff Morris photo

The Barrhaven BIA was instrumental in helping local businesses with this transition.

“Businesses are the backbone of our community and it is critical that we have the supports in place to help them succeed,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Together with Councillors Laura Dudas and Eli El-Chantiry and our Economic Partners Task Force, the City is pleased to help recovery efforts by providing this roadmap for you to re-

open in a way that is good for business while ensuring the safety of employees, clients and customers.”

With businesses open again, the city is also reminded consumers to continue practising social distances and safe measures during the pandemic.

Keeping shoppers and store employees safe remains the top priority.

“Thank you to Ottawa businesses for all your efforts to date,” said Dr. Vera Etches, Med-

ical Officer of Health.

“Getting people back to work safely is a priority.

You are making a difference in our community.

We all need to keep introducing physical distancing into our work processes, so that we can do our best to avoid a resurgence of infection as we move forward with relaxing current restrictions.

Stay updated on the latest guidance to help keep yourselves, your employees, and our community healthy and safe.”

Page 4 FRIDAY, May 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven’s thoughts and prayers are with Stu

By Barrhaven Independent Staff

There are a lot of thoughts and prayers flowing from Barrhaven to local celebrity and Ottawa radio personality “Stuntman Stu” Schwartz, who is back in the hospital, preparing for his second bone marrow transplant.

Schwartz had a very public fight with leukemia in 2016 and had his first bone marrow transplant. Two years later, Schwartz got the opportunity to meet and thank 50-year-old tour company operator David Levi from Israel, who was the bone marrow donor.

Schwartz was matched with the Ezer Mizion, a non-profit organization that manages the largest international bone marrow registry.

Schwartz relapsed a few months ago, and went through a second round of treatments that finished in March.

“I will be pumped with a lot of chemo to remove the DNA from my previous donor,” Schwartz said on CTV Morning Ottawa last week.

The treatment put Schwartz’s immune system “down to nothing.”

He was required to stay in the hospital to avoid being exposed to any outside infections, including the COVID-19 virus.

“There are a multitude of challenges and things that could go wrong,” Schwartz said. “My headspace is that things will

go right. The second bone marrow transplant is riskier, but this is what I need to do to stay alive. When you’re seeing this diagnosis and this solution, you don’t argue with it.

You say, ‘Okay, I trust the team of doctors and the transplant team.’”

Schwartz added that it is important to focus on the positives during the treatment and procedure.

“It’s a roller coaster of emotions,” he said.

“I’ve given a lot of advice to people in the last four years who have been diagnosed and now I’m giving me back my own advice, which is kind of crazy.”

There is a new donor for this transplant, as a recipient is not able to receive a transplant from the same bone marrow donor more than once.

Levi, who was Schwartz’s first donor, had almost forgotten the day, nearly a decade earlier, when his older sister had convinced him to go along when she registered to be a bone marrow donor. They had both given DNA samples that were kept in the “bank,” one of which was matched to Schwartz.

“After a few weeks, she told me I am a perfect match and asked if I would be a donor,” said Levi. He answered immediately that he would.

“I didn’t even ask my wife before I said ‘yes,’ because I felt that it is my body and my decision,” he said.

The process of donat-

It was an emotional moment when Barrhaven’s Stu Schwartz met his bone marrow donor, David Levi, at the Ottawa International Airport in 2018.

File photo courtesy of Ottawa Jewish News

ing was, according to Levi, very easy and painless. First, he had daily injections for four days “to grow the white blood cells.” On the fifth day, he went to the hospital and was hooked up to a machine for about 6½ hours to extract his bone marrow. Two days later, the transplant took place.

“I asked them not to tell me about the patient.

The only thing I wanted to know was whether it was successful,” said Levi.

It was successful.

Schwartz’s life was saved and he wanted to meet the donor, so he asked Ezer Mizion to arrange a meeting. Urged by his wife to agree to the get together because it might encourage other people to become donors, Levi gave his consent and allowed Ezer Mizion to facilitate the reunion.

At the Ottawa airport on March 19, 2018, the emotional encounter took place between Schwartz and Levi, two men who

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under any other circumstance would probably never have met, but are now connected by their shared DNA. They embraced and each one called the other a hero.

The following evening, Schwartz took Levi and his family (his wife and two children accompanied him on the trip) to an Ottawa Senators game. “The game was overwhelming,” said Schwartz. “They gave a standing ovation for both of us at the game.”

Schwartz will not know the identity of the new donor for two years, but added hopefully he could meet them as he met Levi.

“The person that is saving my life for a second time – I can’t wait to meet them,” Schwartz said. “When I meet that person I will be just as excited as meeting David, because there is someone out there in the world who has saved my life, and you can’t put a price on that.”

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FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 Page 5

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Ottawa Torah Centre ZOOMs into the new normal

By Diane Koven For several years, Rabbi Menachem Blum has been building the Ottawa Torah Centre in Barrhaven as a meeting place for the community. It became more than a place of worship. It became a place where events brought Barrhaven together.

Like any other business or institution, the Ottawa Torah Centre has had to redefine itself during the COVID-19 pandemic. Making things particularly difficult for Rabbi Blum and his staff were the new physical distancing regulations.

“When our synagogue closed in March, it meant the end of our weekly and holiday services, adult education classes and children’s Sunday School classes,” Rabbi Blum said. “We also had to close our daycare. We had to pivot and use other platforms to stay connected with our community and provide services during the pandemic. There are a variety of ways we have been successfully using ZOOM to do this.”

ZOOM, the online video conferencing and webinar application, has become a mainstream tool of necessity over the last two months. The Ottawa Torah Centre immediately took advantage of the technology. The daycare started a baby circle time. The teachers began to run a daily storytime program to keep in touch with the families.

The Sunday morning Hebrew school has been holding classes for the various grades.

This has required innovation in the programming and delivery by the teachers.

“The synagogue is nor-

mally a meeting place and we have tried to maintain the feeling of connectedness and community in a variety of ways,” Rabbi Blum said.

“In place of our weekly Sabbath services, we now have a weekly pre-Sabbath Friday afternoon get-together over ZOOM to share experiences and to ‘see’ one another.”

While local businesses and restaurants have had to rely on curbside pickup, the Ottawa Torah Centre has also been on board with the concept.

“Our services are always followed by a social get-together and sharing of refreshments,” Rabbi Blum said. “In our current situation, we decided that in order for people to still enjoy some of the delicious dishes we would be serving every week, we have made the same dishes available for pick-up for those who choose to order. This has become a nice family project as our children are all at home with us (they all study in New York) as we work together on the food preparation. It has also enabled us to provide prepared foods to people who need them.”

Rabbi Blum said the technology has allowed the community to not only stay connected, but to also form new connections with members of other congregations.

“Within the broader Jewish community many organizations and congregations are forming partnerships and making connections,” Rabbi Blum said. “That is actually a silver lining to the pandemic cloud for us. Although we are physically separated, there has been a lot of connecting going on. People are at home and are seeking connections.

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Rabbi Menachem Blum of the Ottawa Torah Centre in Barrhaven has been using ZOOM to help his congregation stay connected.

BI file photo by Mike Carroccetto

Within our congregation and our school ‘family’ there are people who have connected with us who would not have otherwise done so.

“Also, through cooperation and the use of technology, we have recently partnered with a number of other local synagogues to present a ZOOM celebration of our holiday of Lag B’Omer and members of all of the congregations “attended”. We had musical entertainment, inspirational talks by several rabbis, and general camaraderie among people who would otherwise have been separated geographically.”

At the beginning of the lockdown, the Ottawa Torah Centre was faced with having to cancel their Passover services and the traditional Passover seders (festive meals), both the community event in their synagogue and also the seders which people celebrate in their homes with family and friends.

“We provided assistance to people to enable them to conduct a seder on their own, helped with the Passover food and supplies and generally provided support to all who needed it,” Rabbi Blum said.

Like any non-profit organization, the COVID-19

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pandemic has been difficult to navigate through for the OTC. “A huge challenge for us is that as a non-profit organization, with no programs to bring in revenue, it is difficult to maintain our building and other fixed expenses” Rabbi Blum said. “It is not a good time to be doing fundraising as many people are having financial difficulties right now – people are losing their jobs, there is increased anxiety and stress. We can only hope that this situation will not last.”

As for the end of the pandemic and a return to what people are describing as the

new normal, the only thing certain is the uncertainty that lies ahead. There is no time table on when public gatherings and religious services will take place again.

Everyone wants to move past COVID-19. Rabbi Blum is hoping that the historic pandemic will make the new normal a better one.

“I hope that the world will be a better place when this is over,” Rabbi Blum said. “I hope that we will recognize that everything we do has a global impact and hopefully this will bring about a more caring, loving and thoughtful world.”

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Page 6 FRIDAY, May 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

The IndependentEDITORIAL INDEPENDENT Editorial

Urban boundary expansion was needed Ottawa’s Planning Committee, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee made a generational decision last week to expand Ottawa’s urban boundary.

While the decision affects 21st Century planning and growth throughout the city, no ward is more affected than Barrhaven in this process.

The combined committees voted 10-1 in favour of what city staff called the “balanced” approach to expanding the urban boundary. The decision will see 1,350-1,650 hectares of housing and employment lands added to Ottawa’s urban lands. According to city staff, the extra land is needed to accommodate the approximately 400,000 new residents Ottawa is projected to add by 2046. Staff is expecting that 40 per cent of population growth will be absorbed by new builds on Ottawa’s existing and expanded development land while 60 per cent will need to be fulfilled through intensification.

Rideau-Goulbourn Coun. Scott Moffatt argued that while Ottawa does need to intensify, the urban boundary must be pushed in the near-term to give the city time to ramp up its intensification rates, which are currently targeted at 51 per cent. Moffatt also said that surrounding communities – Manotick and Richmond are both in his ward – will need time to prepare for the change that is coming. The changes, he said, will not come overnight.

Another factor in the expansion is ensuring the protection of prime agricultural land.

The Growth Management Strategy is a key part of the City’s Official Plan and will address housing needs in the future. The City has determined the population will grow by 402,000 people by 2046 and this growth will require the provision of an additional 195,000 residential units. City staff have recommended a Balanced Scenario that would include an increase in intensification, some growth in the urban boundary and continued growth in rural villages that have the necessary infrastructure.

The focus will be on development close to existing transportation nodes, limiting the need for new infrastructure and creating walkable neighbourhoods. Intensification is expected to be a mix of high-rise close to transit and smaller 3-4 unit buildings integrated into existing neighbourhoods. Most of the growth in rural villages is already accounted for in existing development plans such as Manotick’s Mahogany Development.

The future expansion of the urban boundary would be based on several criteria, some of which could change following the recent hearing. The criteria include how close the parcels are to existing development, how close they are to transit, what infrastructure already exists in the area, and more. Full details of the draft Strategy are located at https://engage.ottawa.ca/the-new-official-plan.

The bottom line is that the southern and southwestern boundaries of Barrhaven will grow. And doesn’t the world need a little more Barrhaven?

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

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Is God’s voice as soothing as Vin Scully’s?

The Diva came downstairs to my manFinally, he offered insight. cave the other day and found me choked “In a year that has been so improbable, up, fighting back the tears welling up in my the impossible has happened.” eyes.

Goosebumps.

“What’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

It was why we felt so good as kids watchI looked at her, peeking out from a blan- ing baseball, and we continued to feel so ket of embarrassment. good as adults. He had that Walter Cronkite She looked at the big screen I was watch- and Mr. Rogers demeanour to him. You ing in the mancave. I was grinding the wanted to turn on the TV and invite him into Baseball Network, watching a black and your home. He made you feel like he was white rerun of the 1965 in your living room with World Series with Sandy you, gracious and humble Koufax pitching for the FROM THE OTHER and thankful to be deDodgers and Vin Scully scribing the game to you. doing the play by play.

Last week, I watched She knew I wasn’t the replay of a Yankeeswatching a game. I was Dodgers game in the 1956 Jeffrey Morris connecting to my childWorld Series. Scully dehood. And Vin Scully? scribed Yankee Stadium He seemed to be the narrator of everything as “shivering in its concrete foundation” as that was a backdrop in my entire life.

Don Larsen was working on the first and “What a marvelous moment for baseball, only perfect game in World Series history. what a marvelous moment for Atlanta and “Well, all right, let’s all take a deep the state of Georgia, what a marvelous mo- breath as we go to the most dramatic ninth ment for the country and the world. A black inning in the history of baseball,” Scully man is getting a standing ovation inCOUNCIL the said calmly.

Deep South for breaking a record of an allI think back to Mookie Wilson hitting the CORNER time baseball idol. And it is a great moment ball that went through Bill Buckner’s legs Mayor Suzanne Dodge for all of us, and particularly for Henry in the 1986 World Series. Like Larsen’s no Aaron.” hitter or like Gibson’s home run, it was an Vin Scully was one of the reasons I got iconic World Series moment that entered the Sirius XM radio in my car. When he wound lexicon of mainstream pop culture. down his broadcast career at the end of the “Little roller up along first. Behind the 2016 season, it was the end of an era. To put bag. It gets through Buckner! Here comes things into perspective, 2017 was the first Knight, and the Mets win it.”

THE NOT SO year since 1885 that neither Connie Mack And then silence. There was no screamor Vin Scully was involved in Major League ing, no shouting, and no forced metaphors.

NEW GUY Baseball.

His voice was smooth and soft like caramel Tim Ruhnke Working solo without a broadcast partner, covering a juicy apple at a country fair in Scully delivered with a gentle, self deprecat- the fall, staying quiet and letting the flaing style. One game, I listened to him talk vours shine through. about the philosopher Socrates – that was I thought back to the last game I saw Vin during a Dodgers-Diamondbacks game fea- Scully do live. The Dodgers won the game turing rookie Socrates Brito. When Charlie in dramatic fashion. There was a dramatic Blackmon of the Rockies, noted for his big home run in the ninth to tie the score, and beard, came up, Scully took us on a journey a walk off home run in the 10th. One last WALKER HOUSE of the history of beards which included ref- time, Scully sat back and let the emotions of erences to Deuteronomy and Abe Lincoln. the players and fans carry the moment.

He was always calm, stepping back and beWhat choked me up thinking of that moSusan Vallom ing quiet during sports’ greatest moments ment was that for many of us, he was the and letting the moment define itself. He was voice of our childhood. Hearing him brings never a loud screamer trying to be remem- us back to a time and place where we were bered for the perfect cliché. Scully knew wrapped in innocence and hope and happithat perfect moments didn’t need that. It was ness. always about the moment, never about him.

The retirement of Vin Scully almost felt Do you remember when Kirk GibsonBLAKE’S like the last piece of my childhood was limped off the bench and hit that dramatic finally over. I miss his soothing, comforting TAKES World Series home run in 1988? I was at voice and the world he would let us escape Blake McKim a party watching it, and the crowded room into night after night. It is a world that saw went silent. People just watched the tele- 67 years of men from Jackie Robinson to vision on the wall in a trance.

Sandy Koufax to Clayton Kershaw capture “High fly ball into right field… She is our imaginations. gone!”

A tear trickles down my face as I wonThen, Scully did what makes him great. der if God has as nice a voice as Vin Scully He delivered silence for more than a minute does. and let one of the most dramatic moments in Hey,” the Diva says to me. “There’s no sports history breathe. crying in baseball.”

SIDE

NEWS

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

FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 Page 7

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven has done a great job in COVID-19 testing

Summer has arrived!

With the announcement that physical schools won’t open at least until September let’s hope we continue to make progress against the COVID-19 battle and have more and more opportunities open for family activities of all kinds. Last week Ottawa Public Health released some stats on who has COVID-19 and where do they live and yikes!!

Barrhaven was a strong leader in confirmed cases so just like you want to know so did I and I spoke with our Chief Medical Officer of Health Vera Etches.

Vera tells me that Barrhaven has been super good at testing for symptoms once they have them.

I think that our proximity to the former DA Moodie School testing site is part of the reason. She did say that perhaps we have more than the average number of health care workers who would automatically be tested. Many of you have told me, “how can it be Jan? I don’t know one person who has it.” The number doesn’t reflect the severity or whether a large number were hospitalized.

Dr. Etches just said that Barrhaven IS doing a good job. So keep it up everyone. Do wear a mask when you go out, follow the directions. Stay safe!

City implements stage-one access to some outdoor park

LET’S TALK

BARRHAVEN

by Jan Harder

facilities

In response to last week’s provincial announcement, outdoor sports facilities and multiuse fields, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, frisbee golf locations, tennis, platform tennis, table tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, BMX parks and skate parks, are now open. In addition, off-leash dog areas, benches, picnic areas and shelters are also open. In all cases, physical distancing of at least two metres is required.

City crews will begin installing tennis nets and unlocking off-leash dog areas immediately, and the work will be completed over the next few weeks.

Sports fields are available for casual use only, respecting physical distancing measures and groups of no more than five people. The rental of fields for competitive sports will not resume until Provincial Orders allow for competitive play.

Provincial Orders remain in effect prohibiting the use of play structures, swings, slides, splash and spray pads, wading pools and exercise equipment.

During the first stage of reopenings, Emergency

Provincial Orders remain in place prohibiting gatherings of more than five people outside of your current household. This applies to all public use of opened outdoor park facilities. To allow for physical distancing and to limit the spread of COVID-19 when using outdoor sport amenities, maintain a two-metre distance from others, and avoid picking up someone else’s sports equipment.

Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

The City is seeking: - Masks made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric that is breathable, like cotton sheets, quilters cotton and flannel - Masks with pockets or slots for replaceable filters - Masks used to cover other masks or respirators to prolong their use To donate, please email donations@ottawa.ca to set up an appointment for drop-off. You must follow physical distancing when dropping off donations.

on-site, in-person counselling in our office, but our service is accessible by telephone at all our 10 sites. We also provide video-counselling walk-in sessions at Jewish Family Services of Ottawa on Wednesdays and Sundays and at Nepean, Rideau, Osgoode Community Resource Centre on Thursdays.

For more details please visit our website www. walkincounselling.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Enclosed off-leash dog parks

The Walk-in Counselling Clinic

Canadian Blood Services

Enclosed off-leash dog areas in City parks have now reopened. Please remember that the gates at off-leash dog parks are high-touch surfaces that are not cleaned. Please wash your hands before entering and after exiting a dog park and avoid touching your face. You can also walk your dog in a park’s greenspace, as long as you follow the park’s designation. Residents can check a map on ottawa.ca to see the dog walking designation in their neighbourhood park.

City seeking donations of nonmedical masks for vulnerable residents

The City’s Human Needs Task Force is seeking donations of non-medical masks to give vulnerable residents.

The Walk-in Counselling Clinic has a single telephone number which can you to all of our 10 sites in Ottawa and Champlain Region. You can call us at 613-755-2277 and their call will be directed to the site of your choice available at that specific time.

The single telephone number is an additional option to accessing to our service more easily and conveniently for many people. The option for calling the specific walk-in counselling clinic site remains valid and available.

As we have already informed you, The Walk-in Counselling Clinic has been available to the general public by telephone from the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. We are still not in a position to provide

Please book in advance; no walk-in appointments available currently.

This measure will enable us to minimize the number of people inside our facilities.

It is SAFE to donate blood during COVID19 – only healthy people are eligible to donate blood.

It is important to arrive at your appointment time, not earlier, as we will not be able to take you at an earlier time.

Only those donors with appointments will be accepted into the site. No additional persons/nondonors will be permitted.

Thank you for your tremendous support of Canada’s lifeline!

Canadian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) Application

The Canada Emergency

Student Benefit (CESB) application began on May 15th. We are providing $1,250 per month to eligible students, or $2,000 per month to students with disabilities, or those with children or other dependents.

This is in continuation with our support to all Canadians. So far over 7.3 million Canadians have applied for $2,000 per month CERB. 96,000 employers have applied for the 75% wage subsidy to cover 1.7 million workers.

518,000 businesses have applied for an interestfree $40,000 federal government-backed loans.

The CESB is for postsecondary students, new graduates as well as high school graduates who will be starting a post-secondary program in the coming months.

It will also be available to Canadian students studying abroad and there are no age restrictions and is for those who are unable to work or seeking work but are unable to find it or working but unable to make more than $1,000.

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Page 8 FRIDAY, May 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Being engaged is far better than being bored

In my previous life, before I was elected to City Council, I was often asked to give commencement speeches.

An honour for sure, but truth be told, I never quite felt qualified to dish advice to whole classes of young people looking to the future.

I struggled, I think because the blueprint for a successful life didn’t seem all that complicated. A good education, hard work and a bit of luck and the world would unfold as it should. At least that’s the way it was for my generation.

GLOUCESTERSOUTH NEPEAN

WARD REPORT

by Carol Anne Meehan

The message is not that simple for the Graduating Class of 2020, the year the COVID-19 Pandemic upended our world.

This week I helped deliver congratulation lawn signs to the grade 12 grads at St. FX High School, a lawn sign, in lieu of a ceremony and a prom. To their

credit, each one of the kids I met was thrilled with the effort their school had made to recognize this milestone in their lives—no mention of the disappointment of not being able to celebrate properly with friends and family.

It was only in conversations with their parents that I heard of sadness and doubts they have about their future, especially now that our upside world extends into the fall. University classes will be held online, no moving into residence or frosh week antics. Add to that the worry that their career choice may

no longer make any sense.

My son just got his commercial pilot’s licence. Before the pandemic struck, he was literally about to fly off to begin his career in aviation. That dream is now grounded.

So what do we say to these kids who are looking to us for guidance and support? What would be the theme of a graduation address?

I think the most important message to young people is to be patient. That’s not going to be easy for a generation who has grown up

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in an instantaneous world.

They have never really learned to wait for anything.

Now they’re forced to.

Instead of filling their days with Netflix, I’d encourage them to do something different with their time to learn something new, take an online course, read a classic book or develop a new skill.

Look for opportunities and take any job that comes along. Being engaged is far better than being bored.

I’d reinforce the importance of looking after their mental health; that it’s normal to have overwhelming

feelings, and talking about it is not something to be ashamed of. I’d also say that no matter how they’re feeling, Mother Nature has presented a rare chance to reach out and reengage with their parents and others in our wonderful community.

Above all else we would tell today’s grads that it’s going to be ok, that we’re experiencing a wrinkle in time that may prove to be more valuable than any of us can ever know.

Carol Anne Meehan Councillor Ward 22 carolannemeehan.com

BARRHAVEN

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FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 Page 9

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven families adjusting to closure of schools until Sept.

By Charlie Senack

School is out — at least in the traditional sense — for the summer.

On Tuesday, May 19, Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced students won’t be returning to the classroom before September.

“After careful consideration and after consulting with health experts, it is clear that we cannot open schools at this time,” Ford said. “I am just not going to risk it.”

“This was not an easy decision to make but it was the right decision,” the Premier added. “We made the decision to put our kids safety first, and at the same time, we have a plan to ensure that our children’s education can continue outside of the classroom.”

The government is working to enhance their learn at home program, an online education tool which teachers and students can use to keep education going.

613-738-0330

Lecce says a sense of community is important for the students, and that’s continuing through teachers organizing class calls over zoom, and through video lessons posted online.

All exams have been cancelled for this school year, and report cards will still be distributed to all students, said Lecce.

He also says a new summer learning program will be coming into effect, to ensure students have the opportunity to earn more credits if they choose to do so.

“Although schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, Lecce states, more students than ever before will enjoy greater opportunities to learn and earn valuable credits through our new, robust Ontario summer learning plan.”

The government has identified seven key areas of focus, and learning will be provided in class and online through a voluntary basis.

For most Barrhaven parents, they are pleased to see schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year.

“The risk for a couple of weeks is not really worth it,” said Leigh Perreault “The online process is set up now and changing up all the routines for a short time might be too stressful for all. There are many other skills and things the kids can be learning from this experience overall outside of the classroom.”

“I think it was the best decision and safest for all,” echoed Lesa Pomerleau. “I am grateful for this decision.

My kids would not have been going back had they opened up this year.”

It’s a decision teachers also support. Barrhaven educator Jessica Packer-Quinell said while it was the right call, she’s worried about students losing engagement and motivation in their online assignments.

“I think many of our students have online learning

Barrhaven parents and their children are coping and adjusting the fact that schools will not reopen until September.

Charlie Senack photo

fatigue and pushing for more synchronous learning at this stage in the game is not going to make our kids more successful in the long run,” she said. “Educators need more direction about how the end of year marks will be determined and reporting requirements and then we need to be able to make preparations for the new school year.”

Packer-Quinell would like to see the learning por-

tion of the semester end early so that staff can be trained and plans put in place for the fall.

“We all just want the best and safest learning environments for our students and rushing to train staff in the fall is not going to provide that,” she said.

During his press conference the Premier also announced overnight camps will be cancelled for the sum-

mer, however day camps can continue with restrictions in place, saying trends continue in a positive direction.

Lecce said he realizes parents want to know what their children’s classrooms will look like come September. The government plans to release their full plan by the end of June, to give parents, students and educators a sense of predictability going into the summer.

Page 10 FRIDAY, May 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Jock River waterfront property the latest donation to RVCF

Another ecologically sensitive parcel of land is now under public protection thanks to a donation to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation. The new conservation area is a 50-acre parcel located just between Richmond and Barrhaven. It boasts 650 meters of sensitive shoreline area along the Jock River and portions of the provincially significant Richmond Fen. “We are delighted to add this unique and environmentally valuable property to the Conservation Foundation’s land holdings,” said RVCF Chair Jason Kelly. “The McKay waterfront is now one of the Foundation’s 26 unique parcels made possible thanks to community-minded families that include the Alexanders, Bouchers, DePencies, Kaczkowskis and Meisels.

These properties are to be kept in a natural state in perpetuity and are located across the entire Rideau watershed.”

The Conservation Foundation raises funds for local conservation work and is also a land trust that accepts gifts of land from families who wish their beloved rural property to remain in a natural state forever. On average, the RVCF accepts one or two properties each year to add to the stock of future conservation lands in the Rideau Valley.

More and more fam-

ilies and individuals are considering giving their land to the Conservation Foundation. Some donors want to keep it undeveloped and in a natural state forever — others welcome the tax benefits of their donations. Regardless of the motivation, the RVCF reviews and evaluates the environmental benefits of the property prior to acceptance. The RVCF is interested in land that is ecologically sensitive or has unique water-related features such as wetlands, shorelines and aquifer recharge areas.

The McKay property fit the Foundation’s review process. It’s natural shorelines and wetland areas are valuable areas that help maintain clean water, prevent soil erosion, reduce the impacts of flooding and provide wildlife with food and habitat. They are incredibly productive ecosystems — comparable to rainforests and coral reefs.

Although donated, gifted lands are not free. Each land donation could have a cost of up to $10,000 in terms of legal, surveying and appraisal fees plus the ongoing taxes and maintenance costs in addition to the land itself. Some trust and conservation groups may only accept new lands if such fees are forthcoming. The RVCF does its best to raise these funds so to benefit the watershed.

The local community can help RVCF continue to

A 50-acre parcel of land along the Jock River was donated to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation.

accept important land donations by donating to the Steve Simmering Endowment Fund. This fund supports the perpetual costs of maintenance and ownership.

Thank you to the McKay family for their community-minded gift and the Nichols Foundation for their donation to support the costs associated with transferring the land into public ownership (surveys, appraisals, legal fees, etc.).

If you are interested in learning more about the RVCF land donation program or how to protect these lands through a donation to the Simmering Land Endowment Fund, visit www.rvcf.ca.

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FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Sports offers leadership opportunities for local student Name: Victoria Ayoub

Age: 17 School: St. Xavier High

Francis

Grade: 12 Parents: Al and Anita Ayoub Brother: Nic Ayoub (21), Student at Carleton University and one of the Captains on the Carleton Men’s Field Lacrosse Team Pet Peeve: “It might be unusual, but my biggest pet peeve is when people sing along to a song, but don’t know the lyrics.”

Part-time Work: Canteen at Leitrim Arena Favourite Subjects: Law and English What do you enjoy reading for pleasure?

“I wish I spent more time reading, but I do enjoy reading fictional novels when I have the chance.”

Who is your favourite author? “I don’t have a favourite author, but I have recently enjoyed

reading novels written by Tamara Ireland Stone and John Green.”

What is your greatest accomplishment?

“Sports are a big part of my life, so I would say winning Silver with my Ringette Team at Provincials. Getting to Provincials is a goal every team aims towards, so coming second in the province was a huge accomplishment for me and the rest of my team. It showed that hard work really pays off.”

School Activities: “Firstly, I’m a part of Student Council. I’m the Minister of Sports and Recreation – meaning I help organize different sports events and activities, along with other big events happening in the school community. It’s my first year on Student Council, but it has been a great way for me to help make an actual impact on the students and community at St. FX. I was also a Core Leader at this year’s St. FX Leadership Camp. I was chosen to help organize Leadership Camp, and organize different activities that would take

place there. I also got to meet new people and share my leadership skills with them. I love making the school community better for everyone and bringing more leadership and spirit to the school.

I also play many sports. The main sports I’ve played throughout high school, are hockey, ringette, softball, and football.”

Other Activities/Interests: “As I previously mentioned, sports are a big part of my life. I play competitive U19A Ringette for the Gloucester Cumberland Ringette Association (GCRA).

Ringette has been a sport I’ve been involved with since I was very young, and I can’t see myself not playing this amazing sport!

I’ve had many leadership opportunities from Ringette. I have been lucky enough to attend the Ontario Ringette Leadership Camp, and was a Counselor in Training this past year. I hope to be a Counselor at camp this year.

At the GCRA Camp I’ve also been a Camp Counselor for the past couple of years. I hope

to continue sharing my skills with the younger players and help them become the best players they can be, on and off the ice.

In addition, I play lacrosse in the summer for the Gloucester Griffins.

This has also brought me many leadership opportunities, like helping new players how to play the sport. Besides sports, I enjoy listening to music, reading, and being around my friends.”

Career Goals: “My plan for the future is still tentative as I have yet to apply to university, but my plan and goals are to apply to the Conflict Studies and Human Rights program at the University of Ottawa, along with applying to the Criminology program at Carleton and Ottawa University.

Potentially, I would like to go to law school after my undergrad. I had an amazing law teacher in Grade 11, Ms. Galveias.

That really got me interested in Law, and it has now become something I would like to pursue in the future.”

Comment:

“I

have

Victoria Ayoub is involved in several sports. She won a silver medal at the Ontario Ringette Championships.

Phill Potter photo

truly enjoyed my time at St. FX and very glad I still have some time left to continue making an impact. I would like

to thank all my family, friends and teachers who have helped me succeed.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds!”

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Page 12 FRIDAY, May 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven Independent 30 years, 30 people: Ken Ross

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 Ken Ross. For years, Ken was a driving force in the community as a business leader and philanthropist. He was responsible for the formation the Barrhaven BIA and fought constantly for the strength and growth of the Barrhaven business community. He was a tireless leader for Barrhaven’s non-profit organizations, including the Barrhaven Food Cupboard. Sadly, Ken passed away in 2015, but the fingerprints he left on this community will last forever.

By Jeff Morris Time has a funny way of moving on and seemingly changing speeds.

Last week, Ken Ross would have turned 60.

Those who knew him miss him, and it is hard to believe five years have gone by since his passing.

For thousands of people who are new to Barrhaven, Ken Ross may be simply a name on the sign at the big sports and park complex on Longfields Drive. But he was so much more than that. Ken Ross was selfless leader in the community.

He was Mr. Barrhaven.

But as much as he was Mr. Barrhaven, few in the community knew of his humble beginnings. Maybe it’s because Ken Ross was always asking about other people, and not ever talking about himself.

Ken was born in 1960 and grew up in North Bay. His parents, Richard and Sheila, had three boys.

Ken was the oldest. When he was 16, he began working in the grocery business. He worked for Brian Dollar at the Dominion Store in North Bay. It was a part-time job in high school, and Ken would say

that he didn’t realize that the job was shaping his future. He kept working for Dominion while studying Business at Sault College and then Laurentian University, and he was becoming engrained with knowledge of the grocery business.

His young career took him to Elliot Lake and Barrie, then Timmins, and onto Sudbury and then Ottawa. He grew as a business leader and worked his way up – he would like this pun – the grocery food chain. He knew that he wanted his own store.

He became a manager for Loeb in Ottawa at a few different locations, all the while developing a passion for reaching out to the community. He had already done tremendous work with the food bank in Sudbury, but the ice storm in 1998 really showed Ken what his true calling in our world would be.

Life threw Ken a curve ball in 2000 when he was first diagnosed with cancer. As a 40-year-old, he met it head on. He had surgery, six months of treatment, and got right back on his horse – or in his case, his motorcycle. That was his other passion that not many knew about him.

He was the ultimate Easy Rider.

Then, his life took a turn for the better.

“There was a friend who asked me to have a coffee with him to discuss a franchise opportunity with the Independent Grocer Franchise (National Grocers),” Ken said at his 50th birthday. “Steve Ashe and I met several times.

The deal was struck and I was headed for what ‘so many reasons’ was the best thing that ever has and ever will happen to me. I

Ken and Kelly Ross turned Ross’s Your Independent Grocer into an integral hub of the community in Barrhaven.

became the Franchisee of Ross’ Independent Grocer in Barrhaven, as we all know the very best place in the world to work, live and play.”

But the Barrhaven store wasn’t the best thing in his life. The woman he would share it with was.

Ken loved to tell the story of how he and Kelly met. It was through work.

Kelly’s maiden name is Ross. “I looked at this beautiful woman and I said, ‘Hey, nice name.’ We were already Ken and Kelly Ross, so I guess it was meant to be,” he would say.

They loved growing their business and their lives together in Barrhaven. For Ken, it was all about building relationships.

“Kelly and I were eager to work, live and play in the very community we love,” he once said. “There would be very few activities in Barrhaven that we wouldn’t have our hand in, in one form or another, hosting or helping to fund or facilitate. There were amazing relationships de-

veloped with the Lions Club, the Legion and Rotary Club and what would develop.”

Councillor Jan Harder was one of the first people to meet and greet Ken to Barrhaven.

“I thought boy, if you can meet half of your goals and dreams, Barrhaven is going to be lucky,” Harder said of meeting Ken. “Very early, he kept rolling out so many initiatives, whether they benefitted individuals, CHEO, schools, or businesses.

Remember, Barrhaven had the great good fortune of having grocers like Dana Conley, and before him, Dave Crotty. They both set a high bar but for Ken, it was like jumping the hurdles. He was always a glass full kind of guy. He had amazing ideas and read the needs of the community so well.”

Jan probably knew Ken better than anyone in the community did. They had an incredible working relationship at many levels.

Their friendship was pure and their respect was mutual. Jan relied on Ken’s

energy and leadership to help grow the community.

And behind every project and initiative Ken took on, Kelly was working hard behind the scenes to make sure both the store, and the community initiatives, were all successful.

“Ken was our go-toguy,” Jan said. “He made events better, he led business development, he championed Barrhaven and he made it better. He saw a need for those needing support of food. He is a founder of the Barrhaven Food Cupboard and in fact because it mattered so very much to Ken, Kelly and family to know he would appreciate anyone contributing to the building of the Barrhaven Food Cupboard.”

As a business leader, Ken had a vision for Barrhaven, and for his where his business would fit into it. He was the driving force behind establishing the Barrhaven BIA. Sitting on the BIA Steering Committee with him was when I really got to know him. I picked up on his goals and visions very quickly, but

more importantly, I was exposed to what drove him and what motivated him.

He was a genuine person with a rare level of passion.

Ken’s passion spilled out of him and touched everyone and everything around him. It was easy to see how much love he had for his business. He loved meeting customers and, as he would often tell me, creating a special experience for them every time they came in the store. He loved his employees like they were family. His level of compassion for his staff was among the greatest I have ever seen. He had a wonderful passion for Kelly, and he would often say that she was the key to building all of the relationships in the community.

He loved Kelly dearly, but what was truly beautiful about seeing them work the store together as a family business was how much he trusted and respected her.

ken ross

continues on page 13

FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 Page 13

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT ken ross continues from page 12 One of the first stories I wrote on Ken was when he and Kelly received recognition for having raised a half million dollars for causes in the community. He also received the Good Neighbour Award from the Greater Nepean Chamber of Commerce. He downplayed the accolades, wanting to drive the attention on the causes and how much help they needed rather than what he and Kelly had done.

There were so many causes that Ken attached himself to.

And Ken Ross didn’t just attach his name to causes or projects. He attached his passion and his tremendous level of focus and commitment.

He was there to lead the way when the South Nepean Autism Centre was formed. He was a tireless champion for the Barrhaven Food Cupboard.

My last chat with Ken happened, like most did, in his store. We talked about the Sens and the NFL playoffs and how Christmas was. He filled me in on what was going on with the food bank. Predictably, he was dripping with enthusiasm.

It was routine. The same type of conversation with the same type of smile and handshake and warmth that he had for me every time I had seen him over the past decade.

And then, we got the news that Ken was ill and in hospital.

Kelly suggested to me that perhaps we should do a story on Ken, on all of the great things he had done for the community. Knowing that Ken was in ICU and that his health was failing, I started to realize that I was pulling files together for a tribute to Ken. She talked about how, even on his way into the hospital, Ken worried that there were a few things that needed to be done for the food bank, and he wanted to be able to work from the hospital. I procrastinated a bit in putting the files together, not wanting to believe that I would never see my friend – our friend – again. But, deep down, Kelly knew the day was coming, and so did we.

The moment I got the text from Kelly that Ken had passed away, I was at an Ottawa Senators game. She had texted earlier in the day to give me a heads up that it may be his last day. Personally, that moment will be etched in my mind forever.

I don’t think there is a per-

son who knew him who didn’t cry at least once after his passing. My moment came on the way home from work the next day. I drove past the store, as I always did, and I started to think about the automated announcements on the P.A. system excitedly telling me about what Grandma Ross had ready for me at the take out counter.

I used to tease Ken when I was chatting with him and the announcements would come on.

I would look around, up in the air, look at him, and ask, “How do you bloody do that?”

As predictable as it was, he would always laugh and smile, then carry on.

But, one night, as I drove past the store, I pulled over.

I thought of his voice, and of the heartbreak of the people of the store, and of our wonderful friend Kelly. I broke down and cried – a from-the-toes-up crying session that was the first of many to come over the next few days.

I asked Jan Harder about what she thought Ken’s legacy would be.

“Ken Ross’s legacy will be his love for Kelly, his love of his family and community, the impact he has had on Barrhaven, for Barrhaven, and the leadership he has shown time and again,” she said. “He was a leader of business, he craved good competition. He was a very good and decent man who I loved as a dear friend

No Farmers Market copy 2_Faded 3/27/20 7:03 PM Page 1

Ken Ross championed many causes in Barrhaven. The Barrhaven Food Cupboard was one cause that was close to his heart.

who could not win the ravaging battles within his body, and who left us far too soon, but definitely not without leaving a tremendous impact on all of us. Ken Ross was special and, yes, we will celebrate and commemorate him. It will take a while to find a special way to do so.”

Ken loved us all. He had a way about him that made us love ourselves. And every time any of us spent time with him, we all left thinking the exact same thing. I have thought

it every time I have reminisced about my old friend – our old

friend – since his passing five years ago.

I wish I could be more like Ken Ross.

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Page 14 FRIDAY, May 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Tulipathon Walk to End Homelessness goes virtual in 2020 BARRHAVEN – Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI)’s Tulipathon Walk to End Homelessness has always gone ahead, rain or shine – and now organizers can say the annual fundraiser will proceed even during a pandemic.

Tulipathon – an annual 3K walkathon that normally takes place at Commissioners Park near Dow’s Lake – has been converted into a virtual event this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

On Sun., May 31 at 3 p.m., walkathon organizers are asking participants to complete a three-kilometre “solo stroll” or “household hike” in their own neighbourhoods while practicing physical distancing.

“We won’t be together in person, but we will be together in spirit on May 31,” said MHI Executive Director Suzanne Le. She added that walkers’ solo stroll/household hike doesn’t have to be exactly 3 km or start exactly at 3 pm: “As long as you get some exercise, get outside, and get some fresh air, and walk for MHI, we are delighted that you participated.”

To maintain the spirit of Tulipathon, MHI is requesting that participants take a picture or video of their walk on May 31 and email it to communications@multifaithhousing. ca for the charity’s digital photo album. Walkers with Twitter or Facebook accounts are encouraged to upload their pictures and videos using the hashtag #keepcalmandtulipathon.

(MHI’s handle is @ MHIOttawa both on Twitter and Facebook.)

MHI, a charity started in 2002, has a mission to provide and promote affordable housing in Ottawa.

The organization is unusual in the sense that its voting members are faith groups, rather than individuals.

MHI typically has more than 80 congregations from the National Capital Region – including Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim faith groups – take out a membership in any given year. However,

MHI’s base of supporters and volunteers come not only from religious backgrounds, but secular society as well.

MHI has four affordable housing residences in Ottawa. MHI’s largest and newest residence – the Haven – is located in Barrhaven.

“Tulipathon is very important for MHI because 100 per cent of the money we raise goes toward providing subsidies for our tenants who are on low income,” said MHI Manager of Community Engagement and Barrhaven resident Sahada Alolo.

Last year, Tulipathon raised more than $37,000.

This year, MHI is hoping to meet or exceed that record, despite COVID-19. Organizers note that their goal is projected to increase in 2021 after MHI opens its next project – Veterans’ House, a 40-unit supportive housing facility in Rockcliffe built exclusively for veterans. (Tulipathon proceeds won’t support Vet-

erans’ House this year, as Tulipathon only supports subsidies for tenants who already live with MHI – and nobody has moved into Veterans’ House yet, as it’s still under construction.)

Alolo noted that Tulipathon fundraising doesn’t end the day of Tulipathon.

“Regardless of whether you’re able to walk, you can still fundraise until the end of June,” she said.

MHI is striving to help Ottawa address its affordable housing crisis. Roughly 12,000 households are on the Social Housing Registry of Ottawa’s waitlist for affordable housing.

In January 2020, Ottawa City Council unanimously voted to declare a housing and homelessness state of emergency.

MHI volunteer and Haven tenant Roxanne Poulin will be doing a solo stroll at the Haven grounds on Sunday. She noted that the Haven has transformed many lives, including her own.

“Everybody should have a

chance,” said Poulin. “Not everybody has a lot of money, and this gives a lot of good people a chance to live normally in nice housing.”

Imam Zijad Delić of the South Nepean Muslim Community in Barrhaven is a patron of MHI. He’s been involved with Tulipathon since the start of the walkathon. “All people are honoured in the sight of God,” said Delić. “And every person is my brother, my sister. It doesn’t matter where they come from, what kind of ethnicity they are, what kind of religious background they have. They are my brothers and sisters in humanity. And as such, I have to care about them – specifically in the moments of calamity, of distress, like the Coronavirus. It’s is the policy of the believer to be kind, to be generous, to be caring, and sharing at the same time.”

To learn more about Tulipathon, visit www. multifaithhousing.ca/ tulipathon.

Imam Zijad Delić of the South Nepean Muslim Community (SNMC) has supported Tulipathon since the beginning. He’s pictured here outside his congregation’s worship space in Barrhaven with SNMC’s submission for the Tulipathon Mini Banner Competition.

All about Virtual Tulipathon 2020 This year, MHI is asking that individuals do a solo stroll or household hike of three kilometres (or thereabouts) on Sun., May 31. Anyone and everyone is welcome to participate!

Giving mainly online:

This year, MHI is encouraging online donation as the preferred method to support Tulipathon. However, cheque, cash and phone donations are still accepted.

More information is available at www.multifaithhousing.ca.tulipathon.

Take a picture (sign optional!):

MHI is creating a digital photo album and would love for participants to send in their photos (or videos) to communications@multifaithhousing.ca. Many walkers will be holding the official “Proudly Supporting Tulipathon 2020” poster card in their pictures – they’ve either requested an official card in the mail, or opted to print the poster off the event website at www.multifaithhousing. ca/tulipathon using a home printer. However, the sign is optional – many walkers will simply be snapping a selfie mid-walk on May 31 and emailing it in to MHI. Those with Twitter and Facebook plan to upload their photos to social media using the hashtag #keepcalmandtulipathon.

Mini Banner Contest for teams:

MHI tenant and Barrhaven resident Roxanne Poulin will be completing her own independent solo stroll on Sun., May 31 in support of the Tulipathon Walk to End Homelessness.

Every year, MHI hosts an annual banner contest at Tulipathon, where all participating teams create a banner. Judges typically select the top three teams. This year, MHI is continuing the contest despite COVID-19.

They’re asking teams to create a mini banner, take a picture, and email it to communications@multifaithhousing.ca/tulipathon. Judges will peruse an online photo album of the submitted banners and pick the winners.

FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 Page 15

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven parks, roadsides treated in Wild Parsnip Program

The City of Ottawa 2020 Wild Parsnip Program is underway. Similar to years past, the goal is to reduce the growth of wild parsnip in areas that are highly infested while ensuring that environmentally sensitive areas and public safety are not adversely impacted. In total, Council has approved $198,000 for this year’s strategy. The 2020 Strategy consists of the following: • Continue and expand Clearview herbicide application to highly infested areas, • Continue with mowing, adjusting frequency and timing to best coincide with herbicide applications, • Re-map infestation levels • Continue the communication and awareness campaign in collaboration with partners in Ottawa Public Health (OPH), Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

(MECP), National Capital Commission (NCC), etc., • Staff will prepare weekly updates for Councillors on roadside and parkland spraying locations within each ward, • Communication materials (a postcard and an information sheet) are available for distribution to Councillors for their constituents.

Approximately 1,200 lane km of roadsides/pathways and over 150 locations of parkland will be treated this year. Roadside cutting is currently underway and additional herbicide application may be considered again for the fall season.

In order to notify the public of the herbicide application, staff has received from the MECP the approval for alternative notification where spraying is being conducted.

Rather than placing signs every 100 m along roadside spraying locations,

an MECP-approved “Notice of Herbicide Use” advertisement will appear in local newspapers on May 16th, 2020. However, given the large number of public access points for parks, signs will continue to be posted every 100 m.

Similar to last year, rural residents who do not wish to have the roadside adjacent to their property sprayed have been given the option to opt-out of the Wild Parsnip program.

Should a resident opt out of the program, it will become their responsibility to manage any Wild Parsnip infestation adjacent to their property, as required by the Weed Control Act, 1990. Information has been shared on how to opt-out as part of the communications to residents on our website and in print materials. For additional information on wild parsnip, please consult the City of Ottawa’s website.

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2020-05-04 5:12 PM

Page 16 FRIDAY, May 29, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

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