Barrhaven June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN

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FRIDAY • June 12 • 2020

Neighbours come together to march against racism

By Charlie Senack It’s a movement which has spread across the globe.

On Friday, June 5, over 1,200 people paraded in Riverside South in an antiracism march to show support to the black community.

The march started at the Riverview Park and Ride before heading towards Limebank and Earl Armstrong Drive. It started at 3:00 pm — the same time a solidarity march took place downtown, which saw more than 7,000 people attend.

The peaceful protests come less than two weeks after the forceful killing of George Floyd, who’s life was lost at the hands of Minneapolis police. The officers involved have all been charged, but the marches are continuing — including here at home — with many saying we need to do more to stop racism here in Can-

ada and around the world.

Riverside South resident Courtney Arsenault spearheaded Friday’s march in the community, saying she wanted to find a way to become part of the movement.

Her hope was to bring her children downtown for the larger rally, but due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, thought it would be safer to stay local.

That was a message many in the crowd shared, saying it was a great way to bring neighbours together.

“It was a great way to bring our community together — have them come out and bring their children and have an open dialogue of racism in our home and how it’s not acceptable,” she said. “Also how we really need to work together to combat racism and work together to create a more unified future.”

march

continues on page 3

Local residents took part in a peaceful anti-racism march in Riverside South Friday.

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Page 2 FRIDAY, June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

As soon as the rules change, let’s support our community

2020 has definitely been one for the books and we are not even halfway through the year. Many residents have told me that they have loved re-connecting in more oldfashioned ways with their immediate families. Let’s face it. You have to make lemonade out of the lemons we have been dealt. Many are doing just that. As we move into the summer season I am sure everyone is hoping more options are available for our enjoyment and that we do get everyone back to work. It has been incredibly difficult for so many shop owners and employees. As soon as the rules change, let’s all get out and enjoy and support this great community. I can’t wait!

Message from Ottawa Public Health As the City continues the gradual re-opening of businesses, services and public spaces, Ottawa Public Health would like to remind the public that the vast majority of the population remains sus-

LET’S TALK

BARRHAVEN

by Jan Harder

ceptible to the COVID-19 virus.

Ottawa Public Health has developed an infographic (provided below) to provide additional guidance to the public. This infographic illustrates the level of risk associated with various activities.

The level of risk associated with each activity is based on the following COVID-19 public health recommendations: - Physical distancing remains very important. We must do our best to stay two metres (six feet) away from others outside of our household. The safest activities include those that are done alone or with members of your household only.

- Staying active and engaging in hobbies (while safely maintaining the twometre distance) can help im-

prove physical and mental health.

- We should use caution when engaged in certain activities (e.g. while out in public - shopping or taking a walk etc.)

- Activities that are considered the least safe include gathering in groups outside of the household unit where physical distancing can be difficult (e.g. having guests over, team sports and other examples).

- Cloth masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when physical distancing cannot be maintained. It is strongly recommended to wear a cloth mask in indoor or outdoor settings where maintaining two metres from others is difficult.

- Everyone has a role to play to help reduce the risks that may result from lifting COVID restrictions in our City. (continued on next page) - City officials and Ottawa Public Health strongly encourage Ottawa residents to do your part to minimize the

risks by: - Staying informed and following public health advice. For the most recent information, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ Coronavirus - Continuing to practice good hygiene (hand hygiene, avoid touching face, respiratory etiquette, disinfect frequently touched surfaces) - Maintaining physical distancing as much as possible when outside of the home - Staying at home and away from others if symptomatic or feeling ill - Wearing a cloth mask in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained Message from City of Ottawa Update on summer camp programs The City will cancel its originally planned summer camp programs, scheduled to run from June 29 to August 28, to be replaced by a

new summer camp program that is reformatted around COVID-19 public health measures. Details on registration, dates, location and the camps’ operations will be announced in the future and will be conditional on the Provincial government permitting such programming.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the new summer camp program will follow physical distancing guidelines and emergency orders under the direction of the Province of Ontario. As a result, enhanced and strict safety measures will be in place when the City camps begin, which will include: - Smaller camp groups - Additional staff to assist with maintaining physical distancing requirements and sanitization - Screening protocols for campers and staff For parents or guardians who currently have a child registered for a camp, the program will be automatically cancelled, and a credit

will be placed on their account. Once the account is credited, they can use it to register for a future program, including the newly formatted camp; save the credit for future use; or they can login to ottawa.ca and request a full refund. For those who paid by post-dated cheques, the cheques will be returned and any unprocessed credit card payments will be cancelled.

What can residents do?

You can help the City of Ottawa meet its goal to divert 75% of household waste from the landfill.

Residents are encouraged to report litter hot spots for action by PWESD staff by calling 3-1-1 or reporting online at ServiceOttawa. Put your garbage and recycling out on collection day. Check the garbage and recycling collection calendar for your collection day and be sure to properly package your materials for collection

Harder continues on page 3

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

FRIDAY, June 12, 2020 Page 3

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT march continues from page 1 Dalila Boukhaloua shares that sentiment. The mother of three said immediately after reading Arsenault’s post advertising the march on the Riverside South Community Association Facebook group , she knew this was the perfect way to show solidarity and teach her children how to be part of the movement.

“We live in a very diverse community, and I mean it’s 2020,” she said. “I want my kids to be the first and I want them to be part of that conversation and change the world for the better.”

The march comes at a time Canada is still in a global health pandemic due to COVID-19.

Restrictions are still in place in Ontario which don’t allow gatherings of over five people.

Ottawa Police and Bylaw said, however, that would not be enforced during the march.

Arsenault says the march was geared to be a familyoriented event, and asked everyone to remain peaceful.

Three police officers were on hand to ensure everything went smoothly, but reported no problems. They were given a heads up about the march days before it began, and showed their support for the cause.

It was a diverse group who took part in the march, ranging from young toddlers to people in their 70’s. Even with temperatures reaching a high of 37 degrees with the humidex, Boukhaloua says a few pregnant women also took part.

“I myself had my three kids, we had people in their 70’s and

80’s — who did not feel safe going downtown and lived in a Riverside South,” she said.

“They just wanted to show solidarity in a way that felt safe for them and I think that’s really important.”

Multiple businesses in the community also found ways to support, with Riverside South Broadways donating snacks to the marchers. They also received water bottles from an anonymous donor, and masks from a dental office in the community. ‘Hand San’ which also started operating just a few months ago donated bottles of hand sanitizer to the march in Riverside South and the protest downtown.

Racism is still alive in Canada, says Arsenault, but hopes things will now change with

people having a wake up call to what’s really going on in the world.

“We have all been home for a couple of months now, we have all been in tune with what’s going on around the world because of COVID-19, and this has changed the coverage a little bit and people are now being shown how big of an issue racism is,” she says. “I think it spoke to a lot of people and encouraged them to go out and do something about it.”

Her hope is children will see what’s going on in the world today, and fight to make sure it’s not like that in the future.

“We are trying to impress upon our children that there is no place for racism in our homes and our community,” states Arsenault. “We need to

Develop your art skills, help raise awareness in the community on safety and diversity and win great prizes donated by Urbandale.

The winning poster will be shared across Ottawa via social media! We are accepting submissions until June 21st Sunday.

How to submit: 1) Your original (handdrawn) work must be completed on 8.5 X 11 paper (letter-size) and will address one of two themes. Consult the poster to see which theme you should address.

2) Your artwork can include a written component or description of up to 50 words.

3) You need to register before you submit your work.

If you have a gmail account, you can register by scanning the QR code on the poster and filling out the form from your phone. If you do not have a gmail account, please send an email to parkwoodhillscc@gmail.com and we will provide you with the registration form.

4) If you have a gmail account, you can submit a photo of your artwork through the registration form.

If you do not have a gmail account, you can send a picture of your final work with your information (Name, grade, email/phone #) to parkwoodhillscc@gmail.com by June 21st.

5) If you are not able to send a picture of your art-

work by email, call or text Susan at 613-295-3721 6) The winner will be announced June 30th.

If you have any questions, get in touch with us by sending an email to parkwoodhillscc@gmail.com.

contact: wbcgarden@gmail. com

do more than just teach our children not to be racist. We need to teach them how to fight against racism.”

Protests and marches in Ottawa have stopped for now but are still continuing in the

United States and other parts of Canada where crowds continue to grow.

Another march is being planned for Barrhaven by separate organizers, however no exact date has been given.

property located at 3376 Woodroffe Avenue to their neighbours and created the Chapman Mills Community Garden. They have also set aside several communal plots cared for by the member gardeners in aid of the local Food Bank.

They are currently accepting registrations for plots. Neighbours can request an information package by contacting the Chapman Mills Community Garden: cmcg@bell.net .

harder continues from page 2 Find out which items go in your blue bin, black bin, and green bin. Not sure where an item goes? Visit the Waste Explorer to find out.

Check the Take it Back! directory, for a list of participating local retailers that accept items not picked up by the City’s curbside collection including automotive parts and supplies, electronics, garden supplies, health-related products and supplies, and household products.

Properly dispose of household hazardous waste.

The City of Ottawa operates several one-day household hazardous waste depots for residents to safely dispose of hazardous waste.

Leaf and yard waste is collected every other week between April and November on your regular collection day. When available, compost produced at the Trail Road Landfill Site can be purchased by residents.

Call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-5802401) to confirm availability and cost.

Organize a cleanup project as part of the City’s spring and fall GLAD Cleaning the Capital campaigns. Participate in the Adopt-a-Park/ Adopt-a-Roadway initiative which is a citywide program that encourages community involvement in the care and maintenance of Ottawa’s parks and roadways.

Nepean children and youth COVID-19 poster contest.

Barrhaven Community Garden - Barrhaven Fellowship A few years ago Barrhaven Fellowship looked around our community to see where we could better serve. One of the outcomes was the birth of the Barrhaven Community Garden.

Barrhaven Fellowship is blessed with 4 acres of land in the heart of Barrhaven - a small suburb of Ottawa.

Most of the surrounding homes do not have space for a garden. We were able to partner our excess land with the green thumbs in the community to launch the community garden.

If you are a gardening enthusiast, we invite you to sign up and reserve your plot. For more information contact the garden group at wbcgarden@gmail.com and we will be happy to connect you with the West Barrhaven Community Garden.

We also have a Communal Garden section where we grow and distribute vegetables to supplement the Barrhaven Food Cupboard.

It’s a big job that runs the whole season and if you are interested in helping please

Chapman Mills Community Garden In its desire to serve their community Longfields Community Church has opened a section of their

Happy Gardening!

Page 4 FRIDAY, June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

ARAC approves Caivan manufacturing facility in Barrhaven The City of Ottawa Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee has approved the rezoning to allow for a manufacturing plant on the southern edge of Barrhaven.

Last Thursday, the committee approved a proposal by Caivan Communities to build a 137,000-squarefoot manufacturing plant at 3713 Borrisokane Drive. The property falls within the former Drummond/Costello gravel pit, outside the city’s current urban boundary.

The development is proposing to include offices, a home building design centre, and a manu-

facturing and assembly facility. This land use would employ over 250 full-time jobs and provide a noteworthy contribution towards the home-building industry in Ottawa through the robotic manufacturing of home-building components, such as roof trusses and wall panels. Caivan’s plans also include a two-storey office building that would feature a showroom and design centre, as well as a daycare for employees’ children.

According to city staff, a facility of this nature, with over 250 employees associated with both of-

fice and manufacturing, would benefit greatly from municipal services, which are available at the abutting urban properties. The City’s Official Plan permits extension of urban services in unique economic circumstances, and the Provincial Policy Statement supports this where it can be demonstrated the extension into rural lands is for economic purposes; is feasible as demonstrated through a comprehensive servicing study; is financially viable; and can optimize existing infrastructure.

One of the details that needs to be worked out

is the servicing for the building. According to the city report on the project, a facility of this nature, with over 250 employees associated with both office and manufacturing, would benefit greatly from municipal services, which are available at the abutting urban properties. The city’s Official Plan permits extension of urban services in unique economic circumstances, and the Provincial Policy Statement supports this where it can be demonstrated the extension into rural lands is for economic purposes; is feasible as demonstrated through a

comprehensive servicing study; is financially viable; and can optimize existing infrastructure.

The project has the green light to proceed if Caivan drills a well and installs a septic system.

However, Caivan wants the plant and a future office building connected to the city’s sewer and water system. In their favour is the fact that the city just voted to extend its urban boundary, which would likely include the site of the Caivan manufacturing facility and offices.

Also of concern to the councillors was the proximity to the Trail Road

Landfill Facility, located across Hwy 416 immediately west of the site. The location has raised concerns that development disrupting the groundwater regime could alter the landfills leachate plume flow, pose risks to the City’s compliance with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and pose operational risks. The landfill is designated ‘Solid Waste Disposal Site’ within the Official Plan, and policies require that adjacent development demonstrate no adverse impact on these types of facilities or on the proposed development.

MacLeod says tourism sector hit hardest by pandemic

By Charlie Senack

The province of Ontario has had COVID-19 restrictions in place for three months now and it’s having a devastating impact on the province’s tourism sector.

On June 4, Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, presented startling new numbers during the standing committee on finance and economic affairs.

“We were hit first, we were hit the hardest, and it’s going to take us the longest for our sectors to recover,” she said.

MacLeod says the novel coronavirus has hit the province in three ways: A health crisis which started on January 22 when the first case

was reported in Ontario, an economic crisis which began on March 12, and a social crisis which will continue for a long time to come.

Physical distancing measures and limits on crowd sizes have meant all concerts, festivals, and sports activities in the province have had to be cancelled. Amusement parks, museums and libraries also remain closed, and travel in and out of the province is restricted.

Outdoor patios remain closed, however restaurants are gearing up for them to re-open in a reduced capacity in a few weeks. Drive-in movie theatres also opened last week, selling out in a matter of hours.

“The pandemic has struck on the cusp of

a busy summer season which accounts for 40 per cent of visitor spending in the province of Ontario, said MacLeod. “The depth and length of this crisis far exceeds any downturns and current estimates suggest it may be 2024 before tourism spending will recover to 2019 levels.”

MacLeod made reference to a study produced

by Music Canada which stated 43 per cent of Canadians they surveyed said it would take more than six months to feel safe attending a concert of a large festival. Another quarter said they may never feel comfortable going to an event like that again.

It comes after 400,000 jobs were lost in the province of Ontario in March — the government estimates 350,000 of those were in the tourism and

hospitality sectors and cultural industries.

MacLeod also said in April, hotels in Ontario were running at 13.8 per cent occupancy — down from 62.5 per cent at this time last year.

Restaurant Canada estimates 300,000 jobs in that sector of Ontario have been lost so far since the pandemic started, and the Conference Board of Canada reports airlines lost 11 million seats in April and May of 2020.

“With COVID-19 we are tracking 20 billion dollars at least of economic losses in these sectors,” the Nepean MPP and cabinet minister said.

MacLeod says her ministry began focusing on the impacts COVID-19 could have on the province in January and started by reviewing Ontario’s

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recovery model from the SARS outbreak in 2003.

That was followed by reviewing real-time data for what they thought would be a SARS-like crisis.

On March 17, the province declared a state of emergency which has now been extended until At least June 19. As of

June 6, Ontario had over 30,000 cases of the novel coronavirus — almost a third of Canada’s total cases.

MacLeod says the best way Ontarians can support their province right now is by supporting local, and considering having a “staycation” in Ontario this summer.

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FRIDAY, June 12, 2020 Page 5

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven will grow with Ottawa’s Urban Boundary Expansion

If the world needs a little bit more Barrhaven, they are going to get it though the growth of Ottawa’s Urban Boundary.

On Wed., May 27, Ottawa City Council passed the “balanced growth” recommendation made jointly by the city’s Planning Committee and Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee which will see the urban boundary grow by 1,281 hectares.

The vote came after the committees passed a plan that 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. The committees voted 10 to 1 in favour of a staff recommendation to expand the urban boundary by between 1,350 and 1,650 hectares. Councillor Jeff Leiper voted against the proposal.

The vote came after 28 hours of discussion, debate and hearing from the public on the proposal to expand the urban boundary and increasing 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.

“Council made an important decision to increase our intensification rate to one of the highest rates in the country,” Moffatt said. “At the same time, we ensured the protection of our best agricultural lands.”

Residents of both Manotick and Richmond had expressed concerned over the sprawling suburb of Barrhaven and the impact of how its dense housing could affect the character of the Rideau-Goulbourn villages. Moffatt said that main-

taining the rural village character of both Manotick and Richmond were a major concern in the plan.

“A buffer around our villages was included allowing them to preserve their rural identities,” Moffatt said.

“While Manotick and Richmond are slated to see growth within their boundaries, those boundaries will remain as is for years to come.”

Mayor Jim Watson commented last week that some of the councillors who opposed the urban boundary expansion also voted against growth within their own wards. Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder chairs the city’s Planning Committee. She understood the importance of separation between suburban and rural Ottawa.

“The increase in the urban boundary is needed to accommodate the growth the city will have, but it was important that we protected our prime agricultural lands,” Harder said.

There is already a problem with Harder’s Barrhaven Ward and Moffatt’s RideauGoulbourn Ward growing into each other. Expansion to the south of the Half Moon Bay

and Stonebridge neighbourhoods have resulted in homes which are in Barrhaven being built in Rideau-Goulbourn.

Land on the eastern edge of the Stonebridge Golf Course which is going to be developed for more housing by Mattamy also falls within the RideauGoulbourn Ward.

“The boundary will be adjusted by the next election, but it is an example of why it was important to address the urban boundary issue,” Harder said. “Barrhaven is poised for growth. There are two large recreation centres and there is a lot of work being built on infrastructure this year. Barrhaven could be neatly bordered by the river to the east, to Fallowfield Road to the north, to the 416 to the west, and to Barnsdale Road to the south.”

The city’s plans call for the expansion of Ottawa’s urban area by 1,281 hectares of new residential lands and to have 60 per cent of new dwellings be built in already developed areas by 2046. A decision on adding between 69 and 369 hectares of employment lands has been deferred until staff complete the required studies.

This balanced growth scen-

ario will provide greater housing diversity within built-up areas, particularly near existing or planned transit hubs, along with sufficient housing supply outside the Greenbelt.

This complements the City’s goal to expand the number of 15-minute neighbourhoods in Ottawa – communities where people can live without a car because daily needs are all within a 15-minute walk of home.

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 approved 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 neigh-

bourhoods. Intensification is expected to be a mix of highrise 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 and Richmond’s Fox Run. According to Ottawa City staff, a slight majority of the growth will be achieved through intensification. By 2045, 51 per cent of the new households will be built in existing urban areas, with the intensification target rising to 60 per cent by 2046. The remaining 49 per cent of the growth will be accommodated within the expanded boundary.

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. The strategy will inform the new Official Plan, which will guide development and growth in Ottawa until 2046.

By Charlie Senack

“I am looking forward to it because I like the fact I like the fact that lectures are online, but I’m approaching it with a bit of uncertainty because I have no idea how it’s going to go,” Shakir said. “I’m excited to get the process going because it’s four years before I can get a coop placement which is a long way from now.”

Despite having some doubts regarding how the education would be provided, Shakir says he never considered waiting another year before pursuing post-secondary education. He chose Ottawa University in the end due to their frequent pandemic updates.

“Since March, Ottawa University has been providing updates and dedicated a page on their webpage which they are updating constantly,” he says, adding the two other universities he applied to haven’t been as frequent with updates.

“The communication Ottawa U is doing is really helpful because it shows you what they are doing and allows you to plan ahead for the future,”

he adds. “Without communication, it makes it tricky to visualize what might happen in the fall.”

The Longfields Davidson Heights Student says the final point which helped with his decision was Ottawa University plans to still have in-class labs.

“One of the biggest things I was looking for is what would be happening with the labs,” states Shakir. I wanted to know if they would be in person or online. Because if they were online it would be pretty brutal.”

Barrhaven resident Jill Reeves teaches in the Police Foundations Program at Algonquin College. She said it’s not just students who are having to adapt to this new normal.

She says staff at the college are taking lots of professional development to prepare for remote delivery of courses and adapt to all students’ unique needs.

“We have had to modify our material in a different way,” she says. “What I worry

about is new students coming into the program and feeling a sense of connection to their classmates and campus. I’m looking to come up with ideas for icebreakers for interactive group work that helps us build those connections.”

How courses are given is still being worked out, but Reeves said she plans to teach through Zoom lessons, breakout sessions and assignments.

She also plans to record her lessons for students to view whenever.

But things like collaborative assignments might become a thing of the past — at least temporarily — due to difficulties surrounding students not being together in a classroom. Reeves says some of her lessons will have to be changed or altered to meet the current circumstances.

“For example, saying we were in class, we would have a group video project they would work on together — a Rick Mercer style rant on a political issue, states Reeves.

“That probably won’t be as do-

able, and I can imagine a student being worried about how they would bring that together remotely.

“One thing I don’t want to do is add any more stress to students’ lives than what already exists in this unique circumstance we are in,” she adds.

All colleges and universities in Ottawa have now said they will hold their classes online for at least the fall term.

Last week Premier Doug Ford announced the Ontario

government is reducing financial barriers for full-time students attending postsecondary education. Now, those who need financial help can apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for the 2020-21 school year.

The government is providing a six-month temporary deferral of OSAP loan payments and interest accrual on OSAP loans from March 30-September 30, 2020 to support OSAP borrowers in good standing, they said in a press release.

Virus presents post-secondary challenges to high school grads

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we go about our daily lives, and it’s changing how education is being provided.

It’s expected all post-secondary courses will go online for the fall term, which is creating mixed feelings for Barrhaven students and educators who are planning for the future.

Grade 12 Longfields Davidson Heights High School student Ammar Shakir says he’s always looked forward to starting university, and was disappointed when he heard everything would be moving online.

The 17-year-old was accepted to the three universities — Ottawa U, Carleton U and Ontario Tech University— and looked to see how they would deal with this new normal before making his final decision.

In the end he accepted Ottawa University’s offer for their mechanical engineering program.

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Page 6 FRIDAY, June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

The IndependentEDITORIAL INDEPENDENT Editorial

George Floyd has made the world a better place All of us were horrified as we processed the footage of George Floyd’s life being cut off at the neck thanks to the knee of a violent and careless rogue cop in Minneapolis last week.

It made all of us think. We reflected on everything from the suddenly incredibly poignant actions of Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem to the ugly scenario around the Rodney King beating to reflections on the lives and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It took us a long time to get to where we are now regarding racism. We are not even close to where we need to be, but we have finally reached the point of international outrage over incidents like this.

Racism is one of the most sensitive issues we can deal with. And as we have heard repetitively in the past week, it is not enough to not be racist. We must be anti-racist.

During the past week, it has been interesting to see the reactions that people have had. They are all predictable. This is where you can define who you are through social media posts.

One of the first posts I saw was about how George Floyd was a bad dude who had a long rap sheet and had served prison time.

But that should not matter. George Floyd may have done a bad thing, but that does not mean he is not a good person. And it certainly does not mean that his life is disposable. Some of the very best people in our community are people who have turned their lives around.

Others, meanwhile, are playing the All Lives Matter card. It is not the time for that. Obviously, all lives matter, and there is racism in our community against African-Canadians, Indigenous Canadians, Chinese, Arabs, Indians, and if we add religion, we have seen disturbing anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim incidents. But this specific problem is about the unjust treatment of black people, and saying that all lives matter cheapens the need for a Black Lives Matter rally.

All of us – white, black and everything in between – can be a part of the solution. We have all been guilty of saying something racist, intentional or not, in our pasts. Now, we try to filter what we say, but are we solving the problem? Can we program ourselves to not be suspicious of others based on stereotypes? We have to.

George Floyd will be remembered as a hero. He should be. He has made the world a better place.

BARRHAVEN

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

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A post-pandemic pint with pals I had this dream. thinking the same thing. I saw my neighbour It was 20 minutes into the future. in the store.

The virus was defeated. The pandemic was “Why is everyone after green spray paint?” over. Everyone was officially cured and vac- he asked. “Is green spray paint like the new cinated. toilet paper or something?”

So what was I going to do?

“No,” I replied. “We’re all just trying to I was somehow aware that it was a dream erase the white circles we had to paint on our but decided to just go lawns so that people who with it rather than jolt came over would know awake. I have been where to stand.” trying to stop jolting He said something back, FROM THE OTHER myself awake ever but I didn’t quite catch since the Melatonin what it was. nightmare. That was “I’m sorry, could you rethe one where the talkpeat that?” I asked. “I am Jeffrey Morris ing goat was trying to not used to having people eat my hand while I talk to me in live time. was fighting to unlock the door.

I guess I’m used to communicating with I haven’t taken Melatonin since. I would people on Zoom or on Facetime and it’s kind rather be awake all night. of choppy and there is always seems to be a I guess the dream was sparked by the fact one or two second delay.” that Friday was supposed to be the first RedWe both got what we needed, stood in line Blacks preseason game of the year. But in- again, and paid for our purchases using cash stead of being at the game with G-Clock and and not having to talk to the cashier through a COUNCIL Spark and the rest of the boys, I was at home, plexiglass barrier.

CORNER“Hey, I’ve got an idea,” I said to him as falling asleep watching reruns of CSI Miami and irritating the Diva by trying toMayor talkSuzanne like Dodge we were leaving the store. “Do you want to David Caruso as Horatio Caine. go for a beer?”

I fell asleep again. And by this point, it He looked at me, puzzled but excited. was only 19 minutes into the future.

“Do you mean,” he started, “you want to, In my dream, the pandemic had ended. I like, actually go into the pub and sit down at turned off CSI Miami reruns and emerged the bar or at a table, and talk to actual people, from my basement. and have a beer?”

THE NOT SO“Totally,” I said. “We can watch sports and Whatever am I going to do?

The first thing I did was walk by theNEW bath- GUY share some wings and nachos. We can watch room in the hallway without washing my the game and high five each other when our Tim Ruhnke hands. It was great. My hands felt rejuvenat- team scores. Maybe we might even meet ed and alive rather than wrinkled and rubbed some new people and, get this, shake hands raw by the vigorous use of soap and hand with them.” sanitizer.

When we got to the pub, I went to the bathThe second thing I did was walk over to the room. I spun the toilet paper dispenser like I fridge to look at the calendar. I had this urge was a contestant in the Price is Right Showto know what day it was. I had been drifting case Showdown. Toilet paper was flying in and out of any awareness of the clock or through my stall like I had just been named WALKER HOUSE calendar for what seemed like an eternity. the Super Bowl MVP. “It’s Monday,” I told myself. “But is I got back to our table, which had a numit Monday the first? Or is it Monday Susan the Vallom ber of baskets of chips and salsa and a few eighth?” pitchers of beer. Suddenly, I jolted awake in a I went to the door to get my shoes. cold sweat, gasping in a panic.

“Where are you going?” the Diva inquired “Babes,” the Diva said. “You’re having a from upstairs. bad dream. What happened?”

“I’m walking to the hardware store,” I re“The pandemic was over,” I told her, shakplied. ing. “I went out for a beer with the boys.”

I hadn’t been to the hardware store in BLAKE’S“What’s so bad about that?” she asked. months. I put on my shoes, ignored my med“They were double dipping their chips TAKES ical mask and disregarded the latex gloves, into the salsa,” I said. “Double dipping was Blake McKim and headed out the door. never acceptable before the pandemic, and it When I got there, there was a line-up to get certainly won’t be an accepted practice afterinto the store. I stood in it. I loved being in ward.” line. The person in front of me was only about She rolled her eyes. two feet away. I supressed a bit of a cough “Go back to sleep,” she said. and sneezed into my elbow. No one though “I can’t,” I said. “The talking goat might twice about it. No one pointed me to a testing be waiting for me.” lab. No one gave me the “You sneezed so I’m She rolled over. calling 9-1-1 and my lawyer” death stare.

“You’re weird.”

When I got into the store, I made a bee “I’m putting classic baseball on.” line for the green spray paint. Everyone was “Of course you are. Good night.”

SIDE

NEWS

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

FRIDAY, June 12, 2020 Page 7

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

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Page 8 FRIDAY, June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Making a difference takes time, so let’s start now

Discussing racism in Canada is uncomfortable, especially for someone like me, a middle-aged white woman who has never experienced discrimination or witnessed a racist attack on another human being. I am privileged. That does not mean I don’t acknowledge racism exists in Canada.

In elementary school, I was taught one of the significant differences between Canada and the United States is that we are a “melting pot,” where all races and religions are welcome.

No one said it, but it was inferred our Canadian system was superior to the US, which was in the midst of race riots.

It was comforting, but it was never accurate.

Today we are confronting the harsh reality of racism in Canada, forced by the explosive events south of the bor-

GLOUCESTERSOUTH NEPEAN

WARD REPORT

by Carol Anne Meehan

der where a black man, George Floyd, was killed by a white police officer.

His death is the breaking point for blacks that demand changes to the way we police.

That must happen. Many feel the best way to effect change is to slash police budgets.

I couldn’t disagree more.

As a member of the Ottawa Police Services Board, I know we have a problem with racism in the Service, but the OPS is taking steps to correct it.

Ottawa’s first black Chief of Police Peter Sloly has made it his mandate to change biases in the Service. It’s one of the reasons the OPSB hired him.

He wants policing to

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be different and proactive, not merely reactive to crime. He was quick to re-instate neighbourhood resource teams into the most problem-plagued areas in the capital. Police work with social agencies to establish relationships with residents. They identify problems and tackle them before they lead to crime. Initial reports are promising. More neighbourhood resource teams

will be formed.

If forced to choose between gas for police vehicles and Neighbourhood Resource Teams, Sloly says his officers will walk.

The chief is also pressing forward to hire the most ethnically diverse recruits, and more women, a new breed of officer with higher education and social consciousness.

The Service is also

working more co-operatively with Ottawa’s marginalized communities, listening and acting on concerns.

These are just some initiatives currently underway.

Is it enough? No. Will change come tomorrow?

No, but we must start somewhere.

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FRIDAY, June 12, 2020 Page 9

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

MHI breaks Tulipathon fundraising record in midst of pandemic

BARRHAVEN – Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI)’s Virtual Tulipathon 2020 has raised a record $53,700 for affordable housing.

The Virtual Walk – which took place on Sun., May 31 – saw supporters complete 3K solo strolls and household hikes in their home neighbourhoods while following physical distancing regulations.

This is the first year MHI has hosted Tulipathon virtually.

Typically, MHI supporters gather at Commissioners Park near Dow’s Lake to walk among the tulips. However, due to COVID-19, MHI supporters were unable to congregate in person, and MHI staff opted instead to transform its annual fundraiser into a virtual event.

Despite limitations imposed by the pandemic, MHI saw its most successful Tulipathon to date.

As of press time, supporters had collected $53,776.

The tally surpassed the previous 2019 Tulipathon record of $37.5K. The success of the 2020 Tulipathon came as a pleasant surprise to organizers. MHI had set a stretch goal of $50,000, and staff were pleasantly surprised to see the online fundraising thermometer sail past the $50,000 mark around 11:30 p.m. on May 31. “It is one thing to be able to say that we went ahead with our Tulipathon in 2020 despite the pandemic,” said Executive Director Suzanne Le. “It is another thing entirely to say we broke every record we held.”

Le noted that the tally

is still expected to climb in coming weeks, as the Tulipathon collection period will continue until the end of June. “On behalf of everyone who works for MHI, a huge shoutout to all of you who made Tulipathon 2020 a raging success,” said Le. To maintain the spirit of Tulipathon, MHI requested that participants take pictures (or videos if they prefer) of their walks on May 31 and email them to communications@multifaithhousing. ca for the charity’s digital photo album. Walkers with social media accounts were also encouraged to upload their pictures using the hashtag #keepcalmandtulipathon.

MHI is in the process of compiling the album and will publish it soon on their website, www.multifaithhousing.ca.

“Walkers continue to submit their pictures, and we’ll be publishing the album shortly,” said Le. “We are so humbled and grateful for this city’s support.”

Every year, 100 per cent of Tulipathon proceeds go directly to subsidizing affordable housing units. MHI, a charity started in 2002, has a mission to provide and promote affordable housing in Ottawa. The organization’s membership consists of 80-plus congregations from the National Capital Region, including Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim faith groups. However, MHI’s base of supporters and volunteers come not only from religious backgrounds, but secular society as well.

MHI has four afford-

Barrhaven resident and MHI tenant Leïla Sieg and her son, Younes Aashour, were among the Virtual Tulipathon 2020 participants.

able housing residences in Ottawa. MHI’s largest and newest residence – the Haven – is located

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in Barrhaven. Its fifth project, Veterans’ House, is scheduled to open in 2021.

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Page 10 FRIDAY, June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Lawn signs salute high school graduates of 2020

By Charlie Senack It’s a small action with a big impact for students who are left without a traditional graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Francis Xavier High School in Riverside South is just one of many schools across Ottawa which surprised their graduating grade 12 students with a sign on their lawn reading: “home of a St. Francis Xavier H.S. graduate.”

Principal Sean Kelly said the school decided to get in on the trend because students have had a difficult year due to the teacher strike and now a health pandemic.

“We had seen collectively some articles out of the United States in terms of high schools doing that kind of thing, and sacred heart high school I think was the first in our board to this type of thing as well,” said Kelly. “As much as realized this has been done before, we were really over-

whelmed at the very joyous response from our students and our parents.”

A letter went out to parents a week before the signs went up on students’ lawns and were asked to keep it a secret from their children.

A team of 50 staff and volunteers helped distribute the signs, with all of them being delivered in less than a day.

“Certainly the homes where I visited the students were quite surprised — that’s saying they were awake because it was quite early in the morning,” Kelly joked.

Gloucester South-Nepean Councillor Carol Anne Meehan also volunteered her time, saying: “Its been a tough year for so many students...

Signs don’t replace ceremonies or the prom but tell we’re proud of them.”

Grade 12 STFX student Heba Aweiwi plans to attend the University of Ottawa in the fall, and is disappointed her family won’t get to cheer her on as she walks across the

stage.

She says waking up to a sign on her lawn was a highlight of the past few months, saying the gesture went a long way.

“Celebrating with a grad sign was the highlight of this whole pandemic,” she said.

“This little gesture was so beautiful and made me feel that we have not been forgotten.”

“I think I can speak for most graduates by saying that these signs made us all feel appreciated,” echoed fellow classmate Victoria Ayoub. “It is incredible having a school staff that feels for us and understands the emotions we have felt throughout this pandemic.”

And that’s a sentiment many students shared. Trisha Desroches said the effects of the pandemic have been hard to swallow.

“I’m the type of person to always be thinking about the next step I take, and it was hard to think that I wouldn’t be

Grads and proms have been replaced with lawn signs for the local high school classes of 2020.

ending this chapter of my life the way I hoped I would,” Desroches states. “It’s been hard letting it sink in, and I’m not sure I’ve fully accepted it yet.”

“The grad signs were such a nice gesture (because) I feel like no one has really understood what we have been dealing with during this pandemic,” she added. “The signs

to me were just an extra gratification of our hard work and recognition that we are all in this together.”

Kelly says the Ottawa Catholic School Board has made it clear they would like to hold a traditional graduation ceremony in October if it’s safe to do so. Until then, the school plans to continue cele-

brating their grads until the end of June.

“We are looking at some video messaging for them and are anxious to share those kinds of things as well.” he said. “We are not done with the celebration of our grads just yet, but we are getting close to the end for them and I’m sure they are excited.”

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FRIDAY, June 12, 2020 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Four-year-old songwriter wins MYC Festival music award

By Charlie Senack A Barrhaven Music teacher is still ecstatic after one of her students had a big win at the Music for Young Children’s International Composition Festival, also known as the MYC. Dianne Smith has been teaching music in the community for 21 years. She’s becoming a household name after teaching hundreds of local kids over the span of two decades.

Smith operates out of her home, teaching onehour lessons to each student once a week. Even during the COVID-19 health pandemic, she’s still teaching through video lessons over Facebook Messenger.

But in March, one week before restrictions were implemented in Ottawa, Smith sent one of her student’s compositions into the MYC festival. It was just one of 5,500 entries they received.

“I have always put the kids in the composition festival from time to time, and they have received honourable men-

tions and that type of thing, but this is my big first win,” Smith said.

Her student, fouryear-old Cathy Yao, won third place in Eastern Canada in the Sunshine 1 division for her song, Princess.

Smith said Yao is “contentious and takes her learning seriously”, adding she spent weeks coming up with the ending to her composition.

“Some (students) just finished it in class, but Cathy took it home and really thought about it,” she said. “I’m really proud of her because she and her dad took it all very seriously, and she’s just the sweetest little girl.”

According to a press release sent out by the Music for Young Children’s International Composition Festival, a panel of eleven reviewers — all MYC teachers — played each and every composition and decided whose song would either place in each category, or receive an honourable mention.

MYC students range in age from 3 to 9 years old and begin their musical

journey at the following entry points: Sunshine 1- age 3 & 4, Sunbeams 1- age 5 & 6, and Moonbeams 1- ages 7-9.

Within these levels/ categories, compositions are judged from four different regions: Western Canada, Eastern Canada, the United States and Asia.

After the top four from each region and level have been selected, they move on to compete in the International Round where the top four will be chosen to place internationally within their level/category.

Four-year-old Yao said she liked “beautiful things” and thought her music was beautiful.

“It is fun to play on the piano,” she said.

In their 40th year, Music for Young Children is taught to 24,000 students every year across Canada, the United States, Singapore and Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea.

Four-year-old Cathy Yao, won third place in Eastern Canada in the Sunshine 1 division for her song, Princess.

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Page 12 FRIDAY, June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven Independent 30 years, 30 people: Eric Leighton 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 Eric Leighton.

He became a household name in our community after an explosion at Mother Teresa High School would claim his life. But as the community learned more about Eric Leighton, they learned that he was so much more than just a victim. Eric Leighton was a leader, a friend, an athlete, and someone whose infectious personality inspired those around him. Very few people have the ability to make the world a better place when they leave it.

Eric Leighton did exactly that. He touched the hearts of everyone in Barrhaven. He was named the 2011 Barrhaven Independent Glen Dicks Person of the Year.

By Jeff Morris Barrhaven has seen far too much tragedy in the last decade and a half for one community to absorb.

There is a long list of young people who have died in the community – from car accidents to cancer to murder and even a horrific bus-train collision.

Nine years ago, Eric Leighton died in one of those tragedies. It was a sad and horrific day in Barrhaven, and it is one that no one who was in the community at that time will ever forget. And for his many friends, Eric Leighton was a person who no one will ever forget.

Leighton was killed May 26, 2011 at St Mother Teresa High School.

He passed away from in-

juries suffered in an explosion, as he was cutting through a barrel to make a barbecue in class. Leighton loved hockey and lacrosse, and he had played minor hockey in the Nepean Raiders and Ottawa Senators Triple-A programs before moving on to the Junior B Almonte Thunder. He was excited about becoming the captain of the Almonte Thunder of the Eastern Ontario Junior B Hockey League the next season.

The Gloucester Rangers Junior A draft pick joined the Thunder after a successful minor hockey career that culminated at the provincial Minor Midget AAA championships in the spring of 2010. Leighton began the season with the Ottawa West Golden Knights and was traded to Almonte, where he had 20 points and 25 games and became the team’s rookie of the year.

Following Eric’s death, Pat and Sheri Leighton chose the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program as the charity of choice for their son.

Jumpstart gives kids from families in financial need the same chance to participate as their neighbours, their classmates and their friends.

The vision of Jumpstart is simple: Canada, where all kids have a chance to fulfill their dreams.

Jumpstart is a national charity with a commitment to local communities. Organized sports connect kids to their communities. Canadian Tire Corporation recognized this and makes sure that money raised stays where

it is donated. Canadian Tire Corporation is Jumpstart’s biggest supporter as it funds all the general administrative expenses of Jumpstart, which means 100% of customer donations go directly to help kids in need.

“Eric loved sports, and he was all about helping kids and encouraging everyone to play,” said Sheri Leighton.

The I Love to Play Hockey Program in Memory of Eric Leighton now operates in 10 communities across Ottawa, including the area where Sherri grew up.

“It’s all about getting kids equipped with skates and gloves and sticks – enough that they can go and play at an outdoor rink,” said Sheri. “The kids in the program all get a jersey with Eric’s number (25) on the back.

They all learn about Eric’s story and they get to know the kind of person he is.”

Sheri said that she and her husband, Pat, see Eric’s passion for hockey in the eyes of the kids helped through the program.

“The kids always skate up to us and say thank you,” she said.

“Eric loved hockey and he loved helping kids, so this is a perfect program to have his name attached to.”

Eric Leighton used his passion for sports to connect with people, help people and make friends.

Leighton was fatally injured when an oil drum containing peppermint oil residue exploded in the school’s shop class. The class was making barbecues out of the drums when an explosion occurred. Leighton, seven other students, and a 33-year-old teacher suffered injuries. According to classmates, Leighton lay on the floor, covered in oil and residue, and was bleeding from the mouth. In all, six people, including Leighton, were

taken to hospital.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, Leighton had no vital signs.

Paramedics worked aggressively on Leighton en route to the hospital, and they were able to regain a pulse.

Mother Teresa students were evacuated from the school, and they assembled in the gymnasium at Longfields Davidson Heights Secondary School next door. Police allowed 10 parents into the gym at a time to release the students in a process that took nearly three hours.

The teen’s family and friends were at his side throughout the day, and at 8 p.m. that night, he passed away from the injuries suffered in the explosion. St. Mother Teresa Principal Mary Ellen Agnel informed the students of his passing via e-mail.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that a Grade 12 student, Eric Leighton, passed away in the hospital evening around 8 p.m.,” she wrote. “Please keep Eric’s family, the staff and students, and our large Mother Teresa community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

After word of Leighton’s passing reached the student population, hundreds of students gathered in front of the school Thursday evening at a makeshift memorial for the young man. Friends described Leighton as a popular student who was a leader at every level. He excelled on the Mother Teresa lacrosse team. The St. Mark High School Lions of Manotick, who won the city championship, wore purple arm bands at the Ontario championships to honour Leighton, as many of the St. Mark players were Nepean Knights teammates of Leighton.

In 2014, five jurors

will come back with their safety recommendations after hearing evidence related to the shop class explosion that killed Leighton. The recommendations were supported

by Leighton’s parents.

The suggested recommendations include but are not limited to: ■ Ontario school boards should maintain a list of approved student projects for high school technology classes.

■ School boards should establish safety guidelines for high school technology classes.

■ Safety passports for tools and equipment should be obtained by a student before they’re allowed access to it.

■ Consideration should be given to not allowing any hot work on closed containers in high school technical shops.

Eric’s father Patrick Leighton said implementing the rules should be a “no-brainer.”

“Put these rules in place and there’s no risk,” said Leighton.

The inquest jury may choose to recommend some or all of the suggested recommendations,

or come up with its own recommendations.

Patrick Leighton said he was happy to have the inquest come to an end, but said he had hoped for more of an apology from shop class teacher Scott Day. Day had assigned Eric Leighton the barbecuemaking project, had obtained the old oil barrel and had instructed classmate Adam Soliman to clean the drum with what turned out to be a flammable solvent.

But he told the inquest he hadn’t given Leighton any approval to start cutting the barrel when the explosion happened.

“Eric meant a lot to him, in his words, and he meant a lot to Eric, we know that for a fact, he really enjoyed his class and I kind of wish he would have showed Eric a bit more respect in that aspect,” said Patrick Leighton.

The inquest ruled Leighton’s death an accident.

Patrick and Sherri Leighton said the ruling gave them closure, and said Eric would have been proud of them for how they represented him and spoke about him during the inquest.

FRIDAY, June 12, 2020 Page 13

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Ottawa Senators cut ties with Sens Foundation as charitable arm Organizers of Barrhaven-based Maddy’s Gala hopeful that event will continue

By Barrhaven Independent staff The Ottawa Senators hockey team is cutting ties with the Ottawa Senators Foundation, and the ripple effects will be felt in Barrhaven.

The Senators announced last Thursday that the team and the foundation will be parting ways when their contract expires July 31. The Sens Foundation was registered as a charity in 1998 as the charitable arm of the organization.

Their agreement enables the charity to use the Ottawa Senators name and logo.

In a statement to CTV Ottawa, the Senators said they “informed the current foundation leadership months ago that the club intends to open a fair and transparent request for proposals process to ensure its charitable arm remains a vital part of the community. The foundation leadership protested and informed the Ottawa Senators they would not comply with the RFP process.”

The team said it will begin a request for proposals to explore alternative options to further its philanthropic endeavours. They also stated they will continue to support child and youth empowerment, mental health and paediatric and palliative care.

The Senators also want to raise more funds and educational awareness for organ transplants. Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk survived a liver transplant in 2015 and has been a champion of organ donation locally and nationally.

One of the marquee events for the Sens Foundation each year is Maddy’s Gala, in support of Roger Neilson House.

In 2007, five-year-old Maddy Otto of Barrhaven passed away at Roger Neilson House from an inoperable brain stem tumour. Friends of the family helped the Otto family organize the first gala with a goal of raising $10,000. The gala has continued to grow, and has raised close to one million dollars for Roger Neilson House through the Sens Foundation.

“I was saddened to hear the news, as I think a lot of people were,” said Jeanine

Otto.

Jeanine, her husband Dean, and daughter Hannah have worked tirelessly on the gala and being ambassadors for Roger Neilson House through the years. At last year’s gala, Hannah spoke publicly for the first time about losing her little sister, and the impact Maddy had on her life.

Ottawa Senators players and alumni members have become involved with the gala and are regulars at the event.

Chris Neil and Chris Phillips have been visible supporters of the event, and in the past, Mike Fisher and Zack Smith have been involved in the event.

“We had already made the decision that we were not going to be able to have the gala this winter,” Jeanine Otto said. “With everything going on with COVID-19, we just couldn’t imagine putting 500 people together in a ballroom at the Brookstreet Hotel. We also rely on our corporate partners as sponsors for the event, and given the difficulties businesses are having this year with the pandemic, I just can’t see going to ask them for money for the event this year.”

Otto said she hopes the gala can pick up and continue in the winter of 2022.

“There is a lot of uncertainty right now over what will happen, but I am really hopeful the gala can continue.”

Maddy’s Gala is not the only event for the foundation with Barrhaven ties. The Barrhaven Run for Roger’s House was started in 2008 by local businessmen John Baizana, Patrick Creppin and Rob Raistrick. It later merged with the Ottawa Senators Walk, Roll and Run for Roger’s House. That event was held in Barrhaven until moving to Manotick to combine efforts with the Manotick Miler event three years ago.

This year’s event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both the club and the foundation took the diplomatic high road in statements issued last week.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished together, from the construction of

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

Jeanine Otto speaks to the crowd at the 2020 Maddy’s Gala with Dean and Hannah Otto on stage with her. Maddy’s Gala will not be held in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Otto family is hopeful the event can continue despite last week’s parting way of the Ottawa Senators and its charitable foundation.

Roger Neilson House and the 15 Sens RINKs, to our long standing partnership with CHEO and its foundation, to providing thousands of nocost opportunities for kids to play sports, attend summer camp, pursue an education, or access physical and mental health services via programs we have funded with incredible charities,” stated the Sens Foundation.

The Ottawa Senators issued a statement saying, “The Ottawa Senators organization extends its gratitude and appreciation to the current board of the foundation for serving the charitable organization with distinction.

We are proud of the contributions made by the foundation to improve the lives of the people in our community.”

The Sens Foundation has raised more than $31 million in the last five fiscal years of operation in partnership with the Ottawa Senators.

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Page 14 FRIDAY, June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Isolation bitter-sweet for LDHSS Student Co-President Name: Karishma Kanagarajah

Age: 18 School: Longfields Davidsons Heights Secondary Grade: 12 Parents: Suvi Kanagarajah (Mom), Sri Kanagarajah (Dad) Brother: Roshan Kanagarajah (15), grade 9, Longfields Davidsons Heights Secondary Part-time Work: “In the summer, I worked as a Camp Counsellor at Rideauview Community Centre. I was in charge of organizing games and activities for the kids. I enjoyed being a mentor and role model to the kids at camp and being able to interact, as well as connect with them throughout the summer. Since working as a Camp Counsellor, I have gained experience in the labour force, and learned what it means to be managed in a job with lots of responsibility.”

Favourite Subjects: “Math & Leadership. Calculus and Vectors is my favourite subject, because I am naturally a very curious person. I’m always intrigued by problem solving, and figuring out how things work mathematically.Leadership is also my favourite subject, because I enjoy the participation aspect of the class, as well as the self-reflective aspect. I like being able to participate in the team-building games we organize, as well as learn who I am as a leader and how I can improve by using various leadership styles. In this class, myself and a group of other classmates are in charge of organizing a blood drive event at our school. I am very passionate about this event, because it provides us with the opportunity to

give back to our community and accomplish something charitable. Together with my group, I enjoy being given the responsibility to organize every aspect of this event, because it has helped me learn how to delegate, and how to be a better leader by distributing tasks based on ability.”

What do you enjoy reading for pleasure? “I enjoy reading books, especially the genres of mystery and thrillers, because of the intriguing storyline and unexpected plot twists.”

What is Your Greatest Accomplishment? “Becoming the Co-President of Student Council. This was challenging, because I had to reach out to grades 7-12 to ensure that I had everyone’s vote in order to win this position. I had to campaign, make speeches, and interact with every student. I’ve been on Student Council since the 9th grade – holding various positions, including a volunteer, Head of Communications, Head of Social and therefore, Co-president. I have the experience and am strongly committed to making a difference at my school. I planed on doing this by increasing grade 9 involvement in all school events, and ensuring they felt included and welcomed, as well as by improving overall school spirit.”

Activities/Interests: “My activities and interests such as extracurriculars include dance, playing soccer, and cheerleading. I’ve been dancing since I was 4 years old at Greta Leeming Studio of Dance. I used to do ballet, however now I do Tap and Jazz twice a week.

Since the age of 6, I’ve been playing soccer. During the summer I play for Ottawa South United and for my school team. I also joined the Cheerleading Team at my school this year.”

Why did you get involved in what you do?

“My parents are the real reason that I’m involved in all my activities. They have taught me how to balance the workload of school, along with the enjoyment of my extracurriculars and activities.

I’m forever grateful that they raised me in an environment where I have experienced many varieties of activities in which I have learned so much from each commitment that I have dedicated myself to.”

They are the reason behind my success and have shaped me into the outgoing, persistent and ambitious person I am today.

I am passionate about dancing because it allows me to breathe and have a mental break from the stress and overwhelming environment of school.

When I’m dancing, I’m able to concentrate on dance and dismiss my other worries. It has taught me motivation so I can push myself further, and I am also able to apply this skill towards my academics.

I got involved in soccer when I was six because my parents thought that it would be good for me to learn how to work in a team. Since then, I’ve developed skills such as collaboration, team-building and persistence to continue to challenge myself physically and mentally. I have learned the importance of communication, and working together with people on your team to achieve the same goals.

I decided to join the Cheerleading Team so that I would have the ability to bring my school spirit and culture to the sports events at our school. I wanted to

increase the energy from the audience so we can cheer on and encourage the sports players to work hard to win games. I’m already used to working in teams and dancing. Cheerleading provided the perfect balance for a school activity.

I decided to get involved in Student Council to improve events at our school so that they are more enjoyable and appealing to students. Ever since grade 9, I’ve had the vision to improve our school’s spirit and make every student’s voice heard.

Since becoming CoPresident, I believe that I have been able to accomplish this with the events we organized throughout the year. These included an Oscars Awards ceremony and dance, fundraisers, Mental Health Week, Battle of the Grades and more.

Overall, my activities have taught me resilience and the importance of time management. This has allowed me to successfully delegate the enjoyable nature of my interests, as well as my education, to strive for excellence and achievement.”

Career Goals: “Within the next year, I am hoping to attend university in a commerce and management program.

Hopefully, I will be accepted into a 6 year law program combined with a business undergraduate at one of these universities: Queen’s, Western, Toronto, or Ottawa. Since I was 4 years old, my goal is to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer.

I have been in French Immersion since preschool, and hope to continue this in the future. I believe that my persistence, determination and leadership skills will provide me with the abilities to achieve my academic and career-driven goals.”

What I hope to accomplish this year: (My plan before the Coronavirus)

Longfields Davidson Heights Secondary School CoPresident Karishma Kanagarajah is a team builder and leader among her peers.

Phill Potter photo

“I am hoping to accomplish my academic goals previously listed, as well as make a difference in educating people on the importance and urgency of preventing climate change.

I am an environmentalist, and after being educated in school as well as educating myself on the serious and destructive impacts that society and industries have on the environment, I‘ve been driven to make a difference in helping spread awareness on this massive issue.

I strongly believe that a change needs to be made in this world starting with our country. I plan on working with other OCDSB co-presidents to organize events that will bring attention to this on-going problem.

On January 31, 2020, myself and a group of students from other Ottawa schools organized a Climate

Strike at Parliament Hill for all students and staff at schools in Ottawa to participate in.”

How I’m keeping myself busy during the pandemic: “Being in self-isolation has been bitter-sweet. Although, I miss being in school with my friends, it has been nice to have the opportunity to relax for once. I’ve spent my time in quarantine doing things that I have always wanted to do if I had more time. This includes reading more, biking long distances, spending time outdoors, playing sports, spending time with family, learning to cook, etc. Even though, my senior year was cut short and I’m going to miss out on events like graduation and prom, I have tried my best to make the most of self-isolation.”

FRIDAY, June 12, 2020 Page 15

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

City waves fee to help restaurants re-open their patios

Local restaurants caught a break at the May 27 Ottawa City Council meeting as they prepare to inch toward re-opening.

Council approved changes to the Right of Way Patio By-law to make it easier for restaurants and cafés to open patios in the City’s right of way this year. The City will waive the daily rate for patios and tourist kiosks, along with the annual permit fee for café seating permits.

The City will also allow an unlimited number of café

seating permits where there is space available.

“We have been preparing our patio and getting ready to welcome back our customers,” said Barrhaven Boston Pizza coowner Russ Arthurs. “We have re-configured our setup to allow for social distancing, and our primary concern is to make sure everyone is safe.”

Arthurs said he does not know when the province will give the green light to allow for the opening of restaurant patios, but said

The staff and management at Boston Pizza in Barrhaven is preparing its patio for a safe dining experience. The next phase of business re-openings is expected to include restaurant patios. arrhaven Independent photo B

Boston Pizza will be ready.

“Because we will have fewer tables on the patio than we had in the past, we are going to be able to expand the area for the patio, which will allow us to serve more customers,” he said.

For the past two months, restaurants in Barrhaven have been surviving the pandemic by offering takeout and curbside pick up.

Restaurants in both villages have become destinations over the years, attracting not only local customers, but also bringing visitors from neighbouring communities and throughout Ottawa to their respective communities to shop and spend money.

While the timeline of patio openings is still uncertain, the one thing that is definite is that there will be changes in how patios operate after they re-open.

Patios are expected to have restrictions placed on them when business resumes outdoors for local restaurants. Capacity will be reduced as patios will need to be reconfigured to allow for proper social distancing.

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2020-05-04 5:12 PM

Page 16 FRIDAY, June 12, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

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