There was nothing hateful or transphobic about Manotick parent’s concerns

The Editor, The exercise of authority in shutting down a parent’s delegation at the March 7th meeting of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board was shocking, but it can serve as a wake-up call to the parents of children in the board’s schools. In fact, it should concern us all, since all ratepayers provide school funding, and the recent display of such authority at St. Joseph’s High School in Renfrew shows it afflicts Catholic schools as well.

Nick Morabito had good reason and every right to raise the issue of trans-identifying biological males using girls’ washrooms and change rooms. As he noted, the schools have ungendered, private washrooms that can be used without causing anyone discomfort, regardless of their gender orientation. That’s supportive and in no way discriminates against an individual. To be denied the right to respectfully raise an issue for discussion is inexcusable. To be told that merely at- tempting a discussion is transphobic, is creating an unsafe environment and can’t be allowed is a senseless insult and a shameful exercise of authority that deserves condemnation. The school board’s statement following the meeting showed that they not only feel no shame but fail to understand the meaning of their “commitment to cultivating safe working and learning spaces”. Safe for whom, OCDSB? concern continues on page 9

Many of you are expressing interest in the residential developments planned for the Village, in particular the proposed apartment projects. While we’ve received no new information about the planned developments at 1185 Beaverwood, 4386 Rideau Valley Drive, 5497 Manotick Main since our March 21 update, we can share the City’s answer to one resident’s inquiry as to how the City notifies residents. As dictated by the City’s Planning Act, all properties within 120 metres of a proposed development will receive a notification in the mail regarding the applications submitted, signs are posted on the property to notify members of the community not located within the notification area, and information is posted on the City’s DevApps website https://devapps.ottawa.ca/ en and circulated to Community Groups which have registered to receive notification. The MVCA is one such community group. If you’ve missed an update or wish to learn more we invite you to visit our Planning and development page on the Manotickvca.org website and view the summaries and links to the applications and plans on the City’s site. https://www. manotickvca.org/planningdevelopment

Transportation Master Plan

We are in the process of

Village Voice

by Irene Staron, President, Manotick Village and Community Association (MVCA)

updating the MVCA website with the Manotick projects on the City’s Active Transportation List and will keep you posted with additional information as it becomes available. Visit https://www.manotickvca. org/transportation-masterplan

Guiderail Replacement on Bankfield Road

Residents using Bankfield Road may have noticed roadworks recently. The City’ Asset Management Group identified several locations where existing guiderails needed to be repaired and installed. The work was carried out at night to provide a safer operation to motorists and other road users.

Spring Alert – High water level reminder

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority advisoryresidents on the flood plain to prepare for possible flooding over the next few weeks due to mild weather, precipitation levels and above-normal water levels in upper watershed lakes. Caution is advised near the river to keep children and pets safe. For preparedness recommendations go

Grade: 12

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche

Name: Melita Wyche

Age: 17

School: Osgoode Township

High

Grade: 12

by Phill Potter

to RVCA website https:// tinyurl.com/vb6fv95a

Sisters: April (20), OTHS, UNB Fredericton. Violet (20), Canterbury (vocals), Carleton University. Ivy (22), St. Mark, Algonquin College.

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche