The holiday season is one of celebration, but all too often it turns into a season of tragedy and mourning.
There are a number of things that can put a blanket of sorrow on our community even in the most festive of times.
The first I would like to address is the obvious one, which is impaired driving.
It’s a message that you have heard over and over again, but I can never say it enough or stress the importance of it. If you are celebrating with friends or family, whether it is at someone’s home or in a public place, please arrange a safe and sober ride home.
MADD Canada CEO Andrew Murie reminded us last week that no one wants to start the New Year off with an impaired driving charge, or worse, a crash
that kills or injuries someone. Transportation options are available – there is never an excuse for driving impaired.
If your evening includes alcohol, cannabis, or any other drugs, please make sure that someone sober is driving you home.
According to MADD Canada, hundreds of people are killed and tens of thousands are injured in crashes involving alcohol, cannabis and other drugs. Despite the laws, the education and awareness, impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of death in Canada.
They also say that there
are options for sober transportation. They include:
- Book an Uber.
- Take a cab.
- Take public transportation.
- Arrange a designated driver.
- Plan to spend the night.
As a party host, you have some responsibility for the safety of your guests. There are some simple precautions you can take to make sure your guests don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or cannabis:
- Have lots of food and non-alcohol/low alcohol beverages available.
- Serve drinks yourself so you can monitor how much your guests are consuming. Don’t serve alcohol to guests who are already intoxicated. Stop serving alcohol long before you expect the party to wind up.
- If guests are consuming cannabis, try to be aware of their consumption / impairment levels.
- Know how your guests are getting home and who is driving.
- If you have Uber in your area, download the app.
- Have taxi numbers available.
- Be prepared to have intoxicated guests spend the night at your house.
MADD Canada has a partnership with Uber, which is MADD Canada’s official designated driving app. For more information, visit https://www.uber. com/partner/en-ca/maddcanada/.
Ontario Corps
Ontario now has a group of skilled professionals and volunteers that can be deployed to help communities respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, while promoting civic engagement and community participation.
MADD Canada is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. To learn more, visit www.madd.ca.
Although we may think that these situations happen in other or more remote parts of Ontario, these situations effect the entire province. Shortly after I was elected in 2018, our area was hit by a tornado. And none of us will ever forget the derecho of 2022 and the damage it caused to rural properties and communities in our riding.
Inspired by successful models like AmeriCorps, Ontario Corps will work with non-governmental organizations and First Nations partners to help coordinate specialized personnel and volunteers to respond to emergencies. Ontario Corps can mobilize to provide on-theground assistance such as emergency shelter, debris management, food services and flood protection. Ontario Corps partner organizations include groups such as Feed Ontario, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, Salvation Army, GlobalMedic and Team Rubicon Canada.
goldie continues on page 3
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To support Ontario Corps emergency response efforts, the province has procured flood mitigation barriers, drones, water pumps, chain saws, air purifiers and other supplies to support communities impacted by emergencies. All equipment and volunteers can be deployed anywhere across Ontario within 24 to 72 hours to help support community response efforts. Partner organizations could also help prepare the province by training volunteers and educating the public on how they can plan for and respond to emergencies.
People of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are encouraged to volunteer for Ontario Corps to help their communities during emergencies. Volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels are
welcome to apply. They will be provided with initial training and matched with partner organizations based on their skill levels, interests and availability.
Earlier this month, after a significant amount of snow accumulated over a short period of time, the province piloted Ontario Corps in Gravenhurst. Ontario Corps partners the Salvation Army, GlobalMedic, Feed Ontario and the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association were deployed to help Gravenhurst conduct wellness checks on residents, provide food hampers and serve meals to the community, and support a municipal warming centre for community members who lost power or were stranded on motorways. In April, Team Rubicon Canada, an Ontario
Corps partner, was deployed to French River after they requested support for flood mitigation, assisting locals with sandbagging efforts to avoid a flood of the area.
As a part of the plan to modernize emergency management across Ontario, the province is also establishing an Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will support a quicker and more coordinated response. Located on surplus government property on Disco Road in Etobicoke near Toronto Pearson International Airport, this state-of-the-art complex would be a multifaceted centre for coordinated and enhanced responses to emergencies. A secure facility with dedicated training rooms, storage, warehousing and aviation infrastruc-
ture, the new headquarters would be built to withstand all types of disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes and floods, capable of serving Ontario 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The government is also partnering with Northern College on a regional emergency hub in Timmins to bolster local on-the-ground response and enhance emergency readiness in northern Ontario. The hub, located at the college, could be set up to serve as an emergency operations centre, a meeting point for emergency partners to coordinate responses or a training centre for partners and volunteers in the north. Four additional emergency hubs will be established at strategic locations in northeast, northwest, southwest
and southeast Ontario. These new hubs will store equipment to help support local efforts, providing timelier support to areas affected by emergencies.
Quick Facts
- Communities in need of provincial assistance during an emergency are encouraged to contact Emergency Management Ontario by way of the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. Staff will assess the situation and determine the best support to provide to the community—Ontario Corps partners, equipment, regional field services staff and/or more.
- Ontario Corps is a key accomplishment of the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, which highlights actions the province is taking to
ensure that every community in Ontario is safe, practiced and prepared before, during and after emergencies.
Inspiration for the week
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
Winston Churchill
Office Notice:
My office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. If you require assistance on any matter, please contact me at any time. My staff and I will be happy to assist. Even if it’s not a provincial issue, I’ll make sure to connect you with the proper office.
Goldie Your voice at Queen’s Park
Transit fares and reliability dominate 2025 city budget debate
Property taxes will increase 3.9 per cent as Ottawa City Council passed its 2025 budget at its Wed., Dec. 11 meeting after revisiting OC Transpo fare hikes for seniors.
The budget passed by a vote of 22-3. Councillors Sean Devine, Laine Johnson and Jeff Leiper voted against the budget.
The city was aiming to keep the increase to 3.9 per cent, as it appeared in the draft budget released in the fall. The rising cost of services accounts for 2.9 per cent of the hike, while the other one per cent will go toward OC Transpo, which has a $120 million operating deficit.
The original budget draft called for the cost of a senior’s monthly pass to increase by 120 per cent. After strong pushback from residents, the city went back to work to come up with a new plan.
Seniors bus passes will remain at $49 per month through January. On Feb. 1, the price will increase to $58.25, which is the same price as the UPass for college and university students.
Single adult fares on OC Transpo will rise to $4 when paying by card. This reflects a five per cent increase.
While funding the transit system has been the focus of the debate, the biggest problem facing commuters over the past year has been the reliability of the service. Many have been voicing concerns over buses that run late. For some routes, sometimes buses do not run at all when scheduled.
Ottawa Councillor Riley Brockington stirred things up at the meeting when he asked city manager Wendy Stephanson about her role in overseeing the performance of OC Transpo General Manager Renee Amilcar.
Brockington, who was one of seven councillors to vote against the transit budget, said he did not see solutions in the budget that adequately addressed the number of buses that run late on a daily basis.
Amilcar told reporters after the meeting that Brockington’s comments were “a personal attack.” She said she is going to remain focused on working with her team to do what she loves to do and deliver a good service.
Brockington did not think his comments were a personal attack. He appeared on CFRA Live on Newstalk 580 Saturday.
“I support Madame Amilcar in her role as general manager. I want her to perform well,” he told CFRA Live., according to their Bell Media partner, CTV Ottawa. “But I need to give her the resources that she needs for the transit system to run as effectively as
it can be and for bus reliability to be better and I’ve raised that consistently.”
Brockington said in the interview that late and inconsistent buses are resulting in reduced ridership numbers.
“This is not the first time I’ve raised bus reliability. I am a transit commissioner.
I consistently raise my concerns with the metrics we’re getting every month,” Brockington said in the interview, as reported by CTV Ottawa. “There are many factors that contribute to bus reliability, I acknowledge, but I need to see progress.
“My questioning is solely
focused on improving bus reliability in this city for our riders. It’s time for this system to work and work well and the only way that we’ll rebuild confidence and trust in the system is to deliver consistently reliable service.”
budget continues on page 5
The opening of LRT lines 2 and 4 will create options for local commuters via the Limebank Station in Riverside South. Cha R L i e SenaC k phoTo
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The transit budget takes approach was based on recommendations from the Transit Long Range Financial Plan working group. The city is investing heavily in transit and the 2025 operating budget is $856 million, the largest investment in OC Transpo’s operating budget ever. OTrain Lines 2 and 4 will open in phases beginning on January 6, and the East extension of O-Train Line 1 to Trim Station is planned to open in 2025.
The expectation is that service reliability will be improved by replacing more than 100 aging buses with zero-emission buses and by implementing the New Ways to Bus route network. Para Transpo service will also increase to reflect higher levels of ridership demand.
The city found transit system savings of $33.6 million in the 2025 budget. Despite these savings, there remains a significant funding gap for 2025. This has resulted in increases to transit fares and the transit levy that ensure there
is no reduction in transit service.
In addition to the adult fare increase of five per cent to $4 and an increase that will make the monthly pass $135, OC Transpo will also be introducing a $2 fare for children ages 11 and 12. Children 10 and under will continue to ride for free
The existing EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass fares will be maintained. Also approved was a five per cent increase to the Youth monthly pass, from $99.25 to $104 per month, effective January 1, 2025
The plan to replace the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority-provided youth monthly pass with an adultfare pass was delayed until September 1, 2025
Council directed staff to undertake a full review of all transit fares, including looking at fares in other Ontario municipalities and sustainable models from other cities around the world, and to report back in 2025, in parallel with the Long-Range Finan-
cial Plan for Transit and the Transportation Master Plan review.
With the approved 2025 investments in public transit, the city will continue to seek funding from the federal and provincial governments in line with what is being provided to other Ontario cities to sustain reliable transit services. Council approved formally calling on the federal and provincial governments to establish a working group with the city on transit funding and other issues, with the goal of finding a fair and equitable solution.
Savings in Budget
While OC Transpo was the focal point of the sevenhour budget debate, the city did find efficiencies in many areas.
The budget includes $54.2 million in savings in more than 100 services through service reviews and continuous improvement initiatives, bringing the total to $207.7 million in savings since 2023.
While the budget increased funding and investments in transit, it also increased investments in housing, safety and security, and roads.
Budget 2025 will help increase Ottawa’s housing supply, with more affordable options below market rates. Key investments include:
- $48.5 million through Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Homelessness Prevention Program to support the shelter system, housing loss prevention programs, supportive housing and general housing assistance programs
- $22.9 million in base funding for the Housing Long-Range Financial Plan
- $16.9 million through Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada’s Reaching Home program to fund supportive housing providers and the City’s Housing First programs
Budget 2025 also enhances public safety. Key investments include:
- Capital investments totaling $17.9 million for Emer-
gency and Protective Services to address population growth, intensification, and a growing number of high-priority calls
- The addition of 23 paramedics, 22 firefighters, 10 bylaw staff, new vehicles and improved technology to support their work
- $16 million through the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement to address downtown safety, alternative mental health supports and transit security
The City is also investing in Ottawa’s transportation networks to help you get around more easily and keep everyone safe. Investments include:
- $184.6 million for integrated road, water and sewer
projects to keep road infrastructure in good working order
- $69.5 million for road resurfacing
- $34.8 million for transportation bridges and structures
- $18 million for safety initiatives that align with the City’s Strategic Road Safety Action Plan
- $14.2 million for sidewalks and pathways
- $13.6 million for pavement preservation
- $7.7 million for new traffic control devices, such as signals and roundabouts
- $1.5 million for citywide permanent traffic-calming measures
Sheena Constant, CPA
Chartered Professional Accountant
613-863-8281
sconstantcpa@outlook.com
Financial statements, SRED claims
Corporate and Personal tax returns, T4s, T5s Day to day bookkeeping, Payroll, HST filing
MESSENGER EditoRial
How Trudeau’s GST/HST tax break turned into a holiday turkey
T’was the week before Christmas, and all through the malls, many creatures were stirring ...
Consumers and retailers are scrambling to understand the GST/HST holiday chaos. With Bill C-78 granting Canadians a temporary tax reprieve receiving royal assent mere days before its implementation on Dec. 14, businesses were faced with an almost impossible task: recoding systems during the busiest shopping season of the year. While some major food retailers had anticipated the bill’s passage and prepared in advance, others were caught off guard or distanced themselves entirely from the initiative.
Messenger Editorial
It’s that time of the year.
We are all going to be taking a selfinventory of ourselves and decide that it is time to improve our lives through the fruitless ritual of the New Year’s Resolution.
How many of you will sit and think about how to set yourself up for failure over the next week?
What was supposed to bring holiday cheer has instead become a tax policy nightmare.
Are you more Canadian than a fifth grader?
With Canada Day approaching next week, it is a good time for us all to reflect on what it means to be Canadian.
Do we take being Canadian for granted?
The confusion started early. On Dec. 10, PepsiCo announced it would not participate, informing its partners – Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro – that it would continue charging taxes due to the complexity of its systems. PepsiCo wasn’t alone; other manufacturers reportedly followed suit. By the eve of Dec. 14, Ottawa confirmed that participation in the GST/HST holiday would be voluntary, with no enforcement mechanism or penalties for non-compliance. What could have been a straightforward consumer benefit instead created an uneven playing field, leaving businesses and shoppers frustrated.
Better yet, how do new Canadians feel about being Canadian? Some of us look upon immigrants and refugees as opportunists, not wanting to give but very willing to take. Perhaps, for some people, that is true, but when you attend a celebration for new Canadians, such as the one hosted by NepeanCarleton MP Pierre Poilievre at Mother Teresa High School in Barrhaven last month, you can see the excitement and the thankfulness in the eyes of every new Canadian.
They understand, perhaps better than all of us, what it means to be Canadian.
So how can the rest of us have that feeling?
The Conservative government has a solid idea.
Ottawa billed the tax holiday as a festive measure to provide relief to Canadians, but anyone familiar with fiscal policy knows better. The rushed, temporary, and optional initiative has introduced unnecessary complexity into Canada’s food retail system at a time when simplicity and certainty are desperately needed. In the weeks ahead, consumers will likely question receipts, demand refunds, and flood government hotlines for answers.
Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and Andrew Cohen, President of the Historica-Dominion Institute, are challenging middle and high school students to take the citizenship test.
The Canadian Citizenship Challenge, funded in part by CIC and run by the Historica-Dominion Institute, will see students study Discover Canada: the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship and then take a mock citizenship test.
“This will be a fun way for students to learn about Canada and feel proud of our shared history and accomplishments,” said Minister Kenney. “As we learn about our past and the people and events that made Canada what it is today, we become more proud to be Canadian. We are inspired to see how we can defend our rights and live up to our responsibilities and we feel much more strongly how valuable it is to be a citizen of Canada.”
“Our schools need to be training our young people to become the citizens of tomorrow. Citizenship is not only about new Canadians, it’s about all Canadians, young and old,” said Andrew Cohen. “The Canadian Citizenship Challenge will encourage students to learn more about what it means to be Canadian and then put that knowledge to the test.”
I know I do. I do it over, and over, and over. New Year’s Eve may as well be Groundhog Day. Okay, so maybe one of this year’s resolutions should be fewer movie references, especially ones that confirm I am stuck in the 1980s.
This week, I was thinking about writing something funny about New Year’s Resolutions. I looked up some of the more bizarre ones. Okay, so maybe my second resolution should be to be less predictable. And, honestly, as way out there as some of you tell me I can be in this column sometimes, the weird resolutions were way too out there. Even for me.
At the school’s 50th Anniversary Party, Manotick Co-operative Nursery School honoured its longest-serving teacher/volunteer with a memorial garden bench, which will be installed with a plaque in the school’s playground. Left to right, MCNS Director Sandy Erler and June Hodge celebrate June’s 29 years as a supply teacher, teacher and volunteer.
Maybe it would be fun to talk about all of the resolutions that we all make, and how I have failed miserably at each and every one of them.
Sometimes it’s best just to say nil
Meanwhile, retailers face rising operational costs, eroded confidence, and the risk of losing already scarce customers. For businesses weighing their options, this fiasco only reinforces Canada’s reputation as a challenging place to do business.
What began as a political gimmick has instead revealed the pitfalls of poor policymaking. Rather than launching a temporary and voluntary tax break during the busiest retail period, Ottawa could have focused on meaningful, permanent reforms to stabilize retail prices and protect Canadians from market volatility. By introducing such a disruptive initiative in the middle of the holiday season, the government has highlighted its mismanagement rather than its generosity.
Starting this summer, the Historica-Dominion Institute will be encouraging more than 5,000 middle and high school teachers to register their classrooms for the Challenge. Each classroom will receive a set of the new citizenship guide, along with specially designed learning activities. The teacher will also receive copies of a mock citizenship exam. Students will take the citizenship exam as a class and the teachers will return the completed exams to the Dominion Institute for grading.
Results will be announced by the Dominion Institute on Flag Day (February 15) each year for the next three years. For more information about the Challenge please visit the Historica-Dominion Institute website at www.historica-dominion.ca.
I’m finding myself at one of those bizarre crossroads where everything I love about sports is about to collide with a large swatch of the population working diligently to grate my nerves. It’s this whole World Cup thing. Don’t you find that people are just a little too into it?
I found myself in line in front of two nouveau soccer fan moms at Your Independent Grocer the other day.
Our COmmunity FROM THE OTHER SIDE
Ultimately, this tax holiday is shaping up to be a lump of coal in Canada’s economic stocking. Consumers are confused, retailers are frustrated, and the policy’s temporary nature ensures its benefits will be short-lived at best. As Canadians muddle through the holiday season, one thing is certain: the GST/HST holiday is a case study of how not to deliver fiscal relief.
CIC’s multiculturalism grants and contributions program will be investing $525,171 in this 32 month project which promotes civic memory, civic pride and integration.
The tradition of the New Year’s Resolution dates way back. Our good friend Wikipedia tells us that the Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. When I first read this, I thought the Babylonians borrowed stuff from the Gods, but they actually borrowed things from each other. And what would you borrow from a God, anyway? Brown sugar? A drill? Jumper cables?
The Romans would begin each new year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named.
How cool would it be to have a month named after you?
In medieval times, knights would take a “peacock vow” each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.
And during Judaism’s New Year, one spends the time from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur reflecting on one’s wrongdoings and will both seek and offer forgiveness.
Lose weight? Sure. As soon as we finish off all the Lindor chocolate from Christmas.
wonder about things like how come “underneath” is a word but no one ever says “overneath” when the discussion pulled me back into soccer.
Get fit? Right now, it’s either Body by Lindor or Body by Chin Hon Chinese Restaurant in Richmond.
I was kind of in my own little mental world in the checkout line, scanning the tabloid and magazine covers and wondering what Justin Bieber’s first major scandal would be. I was just about to reenter the world after some quality time on Planet Jeff and launch into my weekly way-to-reward-your-customers-bycharging-us-five-cents-per-bag-and-claiming-it’sto-save-the-environment rant when I unexpectedly locked in on the conversation behind me.
“Chelsea is learning so much by watching the World Cup,” said the mom wearing Crocs. “We are studying each country before the game. She has really become a fan of Arr-hayne-TEE-na, and she even wants us to go there on our vacation next year. Perhaps we can even go to Brrra-seeel.” That caught my attention. Arr-hayne-TEE-na?
Are you kidding me?
The other mom – the one with the Birkenstocks – piped in.
Dress better? I guess I could, but everything I own has an Ottawa Redblacks, Ottawa Senators or Montreal Expos logo on it. Well, that’s not true. I have some Carleton Ravens, Denver Broncos and New York Yankees stuff too. Besides, dress shirts make me feel and look like 20 pounds of doorknob stuffed in a 10-pound pillow case.
“I wish some of the stores would carry the vuvuzela horns so that we could bring them to Chelsea’s games,” said the mom who was wearing Crocs.
“Oh, I know,” said the one wearing Birkenstocks. “Zachary has a tournament next weekend and it would have been so in the spirit of the World Cup to have all of us blowing our vuvuzela horns. They lost two-nil and then three-nil. They need all of the support they can get.” Nil? Who says nil? Really.
“Oh, I know,” said the mom wearing Crocs. “The horns are such a beautiful part of the South African culture.”
I wanted to jump in and say something, but I refrained. I couldn’t do it.
“They are a wonderful football nation,” she said. “My husband, of course, wears the azure and cheers for Italia, but Zachary’s favourite team has been MAY-heee-co. They did a school project on MAY-heee-co last year and he has even insisted that we go to out to eat and watch the games when they are playing.”
Eat healthier? It takes me a couple of years to get myself psyched up for this, but I am ready. The only problem is that every time I seem really primed for this, McDonald’s brings back the McRib, Wendy’s adds another version of the Baconator, and don’t get me started about what Tim Hortons might have planned. At least last month when it was hockey cards, they were calorie free.
I bit my tongue.
In an effort to keep my blood pressure down, I looked out the big window at the big parking lot and scoped it out, looking for a puppy or a bird or anything that would pry my mind out of the shackles that these two soccer moms had put me in with their conversation.
A busload of seniors from a nearby retirement home had pulled up and passengers were getting off. I was trying to, in my head, name all of their walkers as an escape.
Unfortunately, they pulled me back in.
“My cousin lives in Australia, and he was devastated when Germany beat them 4-nil,” said the mom wearing Crocs.
Give up aspartame? You can’t make it a resolution if your doctor told you to do it. So long to my old friend, Diet Coke. And by the way, what happened to Coke Life with stevia?
While New Year’s Resolutions are made around the world, they are most common in North America. Now, more people than ever make them, with research showing about 50 per cent of us taking part. Among those who make resolutions, about 25 per cent won’t make it through the first day, and another 25 per cent won’t make it through the first week. The odd time, they stick and become lifestyle changes.
As we look at New Year’s Resolutions and their themes and patterns, we can’t help but notice how they are all pointed inward.
What if we took a pay-it-forward approach and pointed resolutions toward family, friends or the community?
We could volunteer at a number of places. Volunteering can mean everything from collecting funds for the Cancer Society to coaching a kids’ team to delivering meals to shut-in seniors.
News and Editorial: manotickmessenger@gmail.com
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Website: www.manotickmessenger.ca
Staff/Contributors: Kelly Belair, David Brown, Gary Coulombe, Larry Ellis, Skyler Fraser, Goldie Ghamari, Melissa MacIsaac, Jeffrey Morris, Greg Newton, C.J. Rooney, Ralph Tweedie, Leeanne Van der Burgt.
If you are unfamiliar with the vuvuzela horn, then you have not tuned into CBC over the past two weeks. If you stumble across a World Cup soccer game on CBC, you will hear what sounds like 50,000 bees swarming the field. They are not bees. They are people blowing on cheap, plastic, gimmicky horns. The funny thing about these horns is that they have become what has defined the 2010 World Cup. People who have been following the World Cup and people who have only seen 20 minutes of it in passing have commented on these annoying yet relentless horns. Ironically, while the world has learned to adapt these horns as the one thing they now know about South African culture, the horns aren’t really a part of their everyday lives. South African sports enthusiasts have commented that they had never seen nor heard a vuvuzela horn at a sporting event, and that the South African people find the noise just as annoying as the rest of the world does. Apparently, some now wealthy marketing genius came up with the idea to mass produce and market these horns as a World Cup novelty. The plan worked, and now the rest of the world must endure the shrilling sounds of his quick buck. I was just about to drift back into ADD world and
At this point, I couldn’t take it anymore. Mount Patience erupted and out came sarcasm lava.
“I saw that match,” I said. “I can’t believe AusTRY-lier looked so insipid against Deutschland.”
The mom with the crocs was not impressed.
The mom with Birkenstock’s wasn’t either, but she did acknowledge me with a response.
“Who is your team?” she quipped, condescendingly.
Quit drinking? I rarely drink. In fact, people tell me I should drink more.
I did the only thing I could do, shouting as loud as I could.
What if we were to all volunteer to read to or even visit and chat with seniors who live in retirement homes? That’s not an easy thing to do. A few years ago, the Diva and I visited a woman named Myrtle, who was in the Queensway-Carleton Hospital and had just celebrated her 97th birthday. Other than the neighbour who lived in the apartment across the hall from her, we were her only visitors over a three-week period.
“USA! USA! USA!” They turned their heads in disgust. The next 45 seconds were incredibly silent and awkward.
Quit smoking? Never started, so at least I have that one conquered.
At that point, it was my turn. The cashier scanned my Diet Coke and V-8 Fusion, and I was all set.
“Would you like plastic bags?”
“Yes please,” I replied.
I had never been so happy to pay five cents for a plastic bag just to get the hell out there.
As you work your way down the list of common resolutions, you wonder how it all started. Who was the one who first declared that he or she was going to get finances in order, spend more time with family, volunteer more, or spend less time on social media?
Jeffrey Morris was the 2008 OCNA Columnist of the Year. His book, From the Other Skide, is available at Manotick Office Pro, Barrhaven UPS Store, and Pages in Prescott.
That afternoon gave us one of the most challenging, rewarding and powerful experiences we have ever had.
At Christmas, we always say it’s better to give than to receive.
Let’s challenge ourselves to do it for a year.
Those would be resolutions we can strive to keep.
As soon as we eat the last Lindor chocolate.
Page 6, Manotick Messenger, Wednesday,
Bev McRae photo
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Privatized SportsNet, not CBC, to blame for Don Cherry firing
The Editor, I realize that Pierre Poilievre has managed to make CBC-bashing disturbingly popular, but shouldn’t we restrict those criticisms to things the national broadcaster has actually done?
Last week’s letter from Tim Carter is a case in point. [All Canadians, not just new ones, need to know why we wear poppies] The first half of Carter’s letter was a rant blaming the CBC for the decision to “dis-
miss” Don Cherry from Hockey Night in Canada, which he attributed to the notion that, “[Cherry’s] opinions are clearly not aligned with the social engineering invisible mandate of the CBC.”
It’s a fascinating theory, but completely bogus given that Cherry was employed by Rogers Sportsnet, which took over HNIC in 2014. The troubling reality is that Don Cherry enjoyed carte blanche to bash
foreigners and “French guys” as long as the CBC was in charge. His dismissal was a decision made by an executive in the private sector whose only concern was corporate profit—nothing to do with any kind
Prime Minister Trudeau is globally respected and highly
The Editor, I am trying to fully understand what is in the water David Jones is drinking, and why you would even print a letter like the one that appeared in the last issue.
Mr. Jones talks about the Prime Minister being globally respected and highly successful. What?
The Prime Minister I have seen in action has plunged us into insurmountable debt that it will take at least a century to get out of. He has destroyed our country with irresponsible and reckless immigration policies that have led to national doctor shortages and housing shortages. We are the most sparsely populated city in the most sparsely populated country in the world, yet we are at the point where we need to build sprung structure ten asylum camps to house all of the people our federal government is luring to Canada.
As far as the Prime Minister being globally respected, what globe is he talking about.
He is far from respected in the United States. He is loathed in India. He has embarrassed our country on the international stage numerous times.
The Chinese government is still a fan of Trudeau. It won’t be long, though, that they stop using WeChat to convince Chinese-Canadians to vote for him.
There was a time when
Justin Trudeau was the right choice. I was living in Barrhaven when he was voted in as Prime Minister, and I voted for Nepean Liberal Chandra Arya twice.
Since the letter from Mr. Jones ran in the last issue, we have seen Crys-
tia Freeland resign, and more and more Liberal MPs calling for his resignation. The Prime Minister is desperately clinging to power instead of doing the right thing.
If the Prime Minister choses narcissism over doing the right thing and
runs as the Liberal leader in the next election, it will destroy the Liberal party. Pierre Poilievre’s margin of victory will be historic. If he steps down with dignity and Freeland becomes the leader of the party, Poilievre will still probably win, but at least
the party has a shot at being the official opposition.
So good luck to the Prime Minister and to his hard-core fans who see him like my daughters see Taylor Swift.
of government-inspired “social engineering”. The fact is that if the CBC had remained in charge of Hockey Night in Canada, we’d probably still be watching Coach’s Corner.
At least Taylor Swift will no when her time is up and it’s time to fade away.
Please do a better job choosing which letters you run. I often disagree with Andy Braid, but I look forward to what he has to say and the perspective he brings in every issue.
Cindy Ferguson
Casual, Comfortable & Affordable
Experience boutique retirement living where compassionate care & support meets a vibrant sense of belonging. Locally owned and operated, we provide a warm, family-like environment designed to create meaningful moments every day. Schedule your tour today and see why Brookside feels like home!
Reserve before December 31st and we will help cover some of your moving expenses.... * some conditions apply.
Andy Braid
Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche
Sisters: April (20), OTHS, UNB Fredericton. Violet (20), Canterbury (vocals), Carleton University. Ivy (22), St. Mark, Algonquin College.
cepts are not broad, and there isn’t much interpretation to be done, it’s more just problem solving, which is what makes me enjoy those classes the most.”
Pets: Two dogs, Ewok and Pixie, and a cat.
continue in the sport, even though I can no longer participate in it.”
The MessengerFOCUS ON YOUTH
The Village Voice from manoTick Village & communiTy associaTion
Details about the apartment building at 1185 Beaverwood Road
Everyone has noticed the progress on the new apartment building on Beaverwood Road. Residents have reached to us asking for information on the project. We now have some details about the 27-unit building from the from the builder. There is a mix of one and two bedroom units and they have confirmed that these are rentals. We have a document from the builder on our website about the property and have indicated more details will be coming in the new year. manotickvca.org
The builder is welcoming residents to contact them now for more information. You can contact Anthony Nicolini with NiVO De-
Clubs to expand the ATV trail network in Wards 4, 5, 20 and 21. There are no changes proposed for the snowmobile network in this project. If this topic is of interest, there is more information about the proposal and an online survey available through Engage Ottawa.
Shiverfest 2025 – Save the Dates
Mark your new calendars now with the dates for Shiverfest which will be taking place on February 6, 7 and 8. The popular activities will be back including the Chili Cook Off and Trivia Night. The charity portion this year will be in support of Manotick and Area Centre for Arts & Wellness (MACAW). There will be some new additions to the schedule this year. Check our website in early January for de-
Thank you from MVCA
The MVCA Board would like to thank the community for all of your support in 2024. It has been a busy year and our new Board members are ex-
Name: Melita Wyche
Age: 17
Part-time Work: “Cheerleading and tumbling coach at Kemptville Infinity in Kemptville.)
School: Osgoode Township High
Favourite Subjects: “Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-
Grade: 12
Parents:
nis Wyche
What is your Greatest Accomplishment? “Earning the title of Student Council President at my school. The process was not easy, but I persevered and made it through, even though there were setbacks along the way. It has also been a very rewarding accomplishment, as I’ve gained so many opportunities, and gotten to network with other youth like myself.”
locations and cultures. I’ve travelled to many places and I find it very interesting how every culture has unique traditions and subcultures. My favourite place is Norway, because there is such beautiful places all over the country and amazing hiking. The next location I wish to travel to is Iceland, because it’s a very open country, with very kind citizens, and lots to see.”
Chili Cook Off and Trivia Night return for 2025 Shiverfest
Being OTHS Student Council President a rewarding
cited about 2025. We will be hosting and participating in familiar community events and activities, continuing our advocacy work and we have some new projects we are working on as well. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you in the new year.
Career Goals: “After high school I hope to go to university somewhere near the east coast; hopefully in kinesiology. My top choice schools are University of New Brunswick in St. John, and Dalhousie in Halifax. After that, I hope to pursue a career in either athletic therapy, or education.”
Activities/Interests:
More information about local events and updates on issues in the community are available to MVCA Members through our newsletter. Details about Membership are available on our website at manotickvca.org
FOCUS ON YOUTH
by Phill Potter
Why did you get involved in what you do? “I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make
After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.
PHILL POTTER PHOTO
Sisters: April (20), OTHS, UNB Fredericton. Violet (20), Canterbury (vocals), Carleton University. Ivy (22), St. Mark, Algonquin College.
Dec. 31 – New Years Eve Fun!
lem solving. Since the concepts are not broad, and there isn’t much interpretation to be done, it’s more just problem solving, which is what makes me enjoy those classes the most.”
• Ottawa Futsal Club entering their 29th season indoor soccer. Youth boys & girls, women, men & coed. Players / teams wanted. All skill levels. League starts October ends April 2020. Please go online at www.futsalottawa.com. Early bird ends September 21st
Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m., Richmond Branch of the Ottawa Public Library, 6240 Perth Street, Richmond. Join Richmond branch to celebrate the New Year!
Pets: Two dogs, Ewok and Pixie, and a cat.
Jan. 2 - Help Decorate the Library
• Ottawa Newcomers Club - For women who have recently moved to this area; (and those who have experienced a significant life change), and would like to meet new people of similar interests by joining our many group activities. More information at: ottawanewcomersclub.ca or by contacting newcomersclubottawa@gmail.com.
• Old Time Fiddle Music & Dance - East Osgoode Greely Assoc, First Friday of each month, invites & welcome all Musicians, Dancers & Listeners. Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely. For additional info call 613 489-2697.
Thursday, January 2, 2025, 1-4 p.m., North Gower Branch of the Ottawa Public Library
Part-time Work: “Cheerleading and tumbling coach at Kemptville Infinity in Kemptville.)
6579 Fourth Line Road, North Gower. Drop in and draw a picture of a favourite moment from 2024 and/or something you’re looking forward to in 2025. Drawings will be on display for the month of January.
Favourite Subjects: “Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-
Jan. 5 – Junior B Hockey
What is your Greatest Accomplishment? “Earning the title of Student Council President at my school. The process was not easy, but I persevered and made it through, even though there were setbacks along the way. It has also been a very rewarding accomplishment, as I’ve gained so many opportunities, and gotten to network with other youth like myself.”
“Both inside and outside of school, I enjoy participating in several different sports. These include soccer, futsal, volleyball, coed volleyball, and touch football. I also enjoy traveling and learning about different locations and cultures. I’ve travelled to many places and I find it very interesting how every culture has unique traditions and subcultures. My favourite place is Norway, because there is such beautiful places all over the country and amazing hiking. The next location I wish to travel to is Iceland, because it’s a very open country, with very kind citizens, and lots to see.”
Feb. 6-8 – Manotick Shiverfest
• Thursday Fun Night for adults and children. An optional supper at 5:45 pm. Indoor soccer/games, crafts, or nursery for ages 0-11. Parenting course, Alpha course, or Growing in Faith/Hearing God course for adults, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. To try it out contact, discipleship@trinitybiblechurch.ca
We welcome all residents to contact us any time with questions, comments or suggestions. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, most community events have been postposed or cancelled. For updates in the community, please visit the Manotick Messenger Facebook page and the RichmondHub.ca website.
Sun., Jan. 5, 1:20 p.m., Carleton Place Canadians at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.
Jan. 12 – Junior B Hockey
Sun., Jan. 12, 1:20 p.m., Perth Blue Wings at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.
Transferring a prescription is easy to do
These cards accepted Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm Paul’s Pharmacy 990 River Road (across from Tim Hortons) 613-692-0015
Jan. 19 – Junior B Hockey
www.pharmasave.com
Sun., Jan. 19, 1:20 p.m., Smiths Falls Bears at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.
Jan. 22 – Junior B Hockey
Wed., Jan. 22, 8:20 p.m., Athens Aeros at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.
• Ottawa Futsal Club entering their 29th season indoor soccer. Youth boys & girls, women, men & coed. Players / teams wanted. All skill levels. League starts October ends April 2020. Please go online at www.futsalottawa.com. Early bird ends September 21st
Jan. 25 – Senior A Hockey
Sat., Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., North Dundas Rockets at Manotick Mariners at the Manotick Community Centre Mike O’Neil Arena.
Jan. 26 – Junior B Hockey
Sun., Jan. 26, 1:20 p.m., Arnprior Packers at Richmond Royals at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre.
Feb. 1 – Senior A Hockey
• Ottawa Newcomers Club - For women who have recently moved to this area; (and those who have experienced a significant life change), and would like to meet new people of similar interests by joining our many group activities. More information at: ottawanewcomersclub.ca or by contacting newcomersclubottawa@gmail.com.
Sat., Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Pontiac Senior Comets at Manotick Mariners at the Manotick Community Centre Mike O’Neil Arena.
Pharmacy 990 River Road (across from Tim Hortons) 613-692-0015
Transferring a prescription is easy to do
These cards accepted Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm
www.pharmasave.com
YOMA
Why did you get involved in what you do?
Career Goals: “After high school I hope to go to university somewhere near the east coast; hopefully in kinesiology. My top choice schools are University of New Brunswick in St. John, and Dalhousie in Halifax. After that, I hope to pursue a career in either athletic therapy, or education.”
• Friday Night Country Music & Dance Club The Greely Legion the fourth Friday of each month. Bring along an instrument to play, or come in to sing, listen and dance. Admission is FREE. Greely Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road, ON. Information: 613-822-1451 or 613-826-6128.
Manotick’s annual winter festival gets underway Thurs., Feb. 6 and runs through Sat., Feb. 8. Highlights include an outdoor bonfire at the arena, sleigh rides, a rideau Skating Club exhibition, kids magic show, pancake breakfast, curling, snow shoe races, the popular Manotick Chili Cook-off, and more! More details to follow in upcoming weeks.
• Tuesday Dance Party The Greely Legion hosts live music on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Bring along an instrument to play, or come in to sing, listen and dance. Admission is FREE. Greely Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road, ON. Information: 613-822-1451 or 613826-6128.
Youth of Manotick Association is a registered not-forprofit organization offering safe, social, inclusive programs and activities for youth in our community. Friday nights PreTeen Program for youth in Grades 4-6 6:30 - 8:00 pm / Youth Drop-In for youth age 12-17 7:30 - 9:00 pm. See the website for more information https://www.yoma.ca
After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.
MACAW
PHILL POTTER PHOTO
“I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make a difference in my school, and to get a different perspective on all aspects of the school. I was a cheerleader for 10 years, but I could no longer continue due to concussions, so I turned to coaching. It has given me an opportunity to continue in the sport, even though I can no longer participate in it.”
STEVENS CREEK SHUTTER CO
STEVENS CREEK SHUTTER CO
The Manotick and Area Centre for Arts & Wellness (MACAW) focuses on intergenerational connections for seniors through arts and wellness. This includes a multitude of activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, art, music, and dance classes as well as community dances. Their popular concert series focuses on our local singers and musicians. For more info go to https://www.manotickmacaw.com
DR & A mo P r E e RY
SHADES SHUTTERS
613-706-1250 stevenscreekshutterco.ca
SHADES SHUTTERS DRAPERY & more Free shop-at-home service
We have temporarily suspended operations due to COVID19
Community Calendar
OPL
613-706-1250
STAY SAFE & SHOP LOCAL MANOTICK
stevenscreekshutterco.ca
Ottawa Public Library - The Manotick Library has many activities for children and adults, including an Adult French Conversation Group and story and craft programs. To discover all the events happening at the Manotick branch go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/
• Old Time Fiddle Music & Dance - East Osgoode Greely Assoc, First Friday of each month, invites & welcome all Musicians, Dancers & Listeners. Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely. For additional info call 613 489-2697.
• Friday the fourth play, or Greely 613-822-1451
• Tuesday the 1st pm. Bring listen Mitch 826-6128.
SHADES
City’s 2025 Budget delivers meaningful progress for rural communities
By DaviD Brown riDeau-Jock councillor
On December 11th, City Council approved the 2025 Budget with a 22-3 vote. While I had concerns about tax increases, I ultimately supported the budget because it invests in key priorities for our communities while balancing fiscal responsibility.
Investments in Our Communities
The 2025 Budget includes $20 million in capital investments specifically for ward priorities. These funds will address areas that matter most:
• Enhanced policing to support community safety.
• Significant funding for roads, sidewalks, and ditching infrastructure.
• Investments in road safety and traffic management, including two new traffic cameras and a truck route review.
• Support for rural summit outcomes to advance rural Ottawa priorities.
These investments will result in safer communities, smoother roads, and faster delivery of necessary projects. I believe the Mayor has focused on the right priorities, aligning with many issues identified during our budget consultations.
However, gaps remain. More funding is needed for traffic lights and other traffic control measures where they’re urgently required, especially in rural areas. I directed staff to develop a better funding plan for this infrastructure in the 2026 Budget. Additionally, at the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, staff confirmed rural Councillors will have greater oversight on future rural investments.
While not perfect, this budget delivers meaningful progress for our communities and is, on balance, a net positive.
Impact on Taxes
The budget includes a 2.9% property tax increase and an increase to the transit
Rideau-Jock Report
David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21
levy, resulting in a total 3.9% tax hike for most urban residents. Rural residents will see smaller increases:
• 3.2% in Rural Transit Area A
• 3% in Rural Transit Area B
For an average rural household, this means paying $100 to $115 more in 2025 compared to last year.
While I remain concerned about these increases, the City must ensure every dollar is spent responsibly before asking residents for more. That commitment to fiscal discipline is a priority for me.
Living Within Our Means
Over the past three years, the City has achieved $208 million in savings—equivalent to a 10% property tax increase. This includes $54.2 million in efficiencies in 2025 alone. These savings have kept Ottawa’s tax increases among the lowest in Canada.
To put this in context:
• Large Canadian municipalities have averaged 11.11% tax increases over 2024 and 2025.
• Small regional municipalities averaged 9.81% over the same period.
• Ottawa’s total increase is just 6.4% (2.5% in 2024 and 3.9% in 2025).
Had Ottawa followed these higher rates, the average property owner would be paying $150 to $200 more annually. While Ottawa has performed well compared to its peers, there’s still room to improve.
The Mayor has committed to ongoing cost-saving measures and service improvements. I will continue working with City staff to identify new efficiencies beyond the $400 per home Council has saved taxpayers since 2022.
Transit: The Elephant in the Room
Transit remains a significant challenge. Ottawa’s funding shortfall, coupled with limited provincial and federal support, has strained the system. For example, Hamilton recently received $3.4 billion in funding for light rail—fully covered by other levels of government. Ottawa does not receive comparable support.
That said, the City shares responsibility. Transit ridership is low because the system is not fast or reliable. This impacts fare revenues and worsens traffic congestion. Fixing transit will require structural changes beyond the scope of this budget.
In 2025, I will work with colleagues to explore innovative solutions, including private-sector involvement in rural transit to improve service without
raising levies. I will also advocate for the return of rural and suburban express bus routes.
Looking ahead, I believe a fairer transit funding model is needed—one that reflects the benefits provided. This could include adjusting fares based on trip length and modifying levies based on proximity to major transit hubs. These ideas will inform the 2026 Budget.
Conclusion
The 2025 Budget is an imperfect compromise that balances necessary investments with fiscal restraint. While I am not satisfied with the tax increases, Ottawa continues to outperform most other municipalities by finding significant savings and keeping tax hikes below inflation.
Rejecting this budget would have risked an alternative scenario with higher
taxes to fund urban priorities, costing residents hundreds of dollars more per year. Supporting this budget ensures our communities receive critical investments while maintaining a focus on fiscal responsibility.
I remain committed to advocating for efficient spending, meaningful investments, and long-term solutions that improve quality of life in our communities while respecting every tax dollar collected.
Church Directory
*All churches wheelchair accessible*
5567 Manotick Main Street, Manotick, Ontario, K4M 1A5
We welcome all, who with God’s help, work to build a better world. Rev. Paul Whynacht
In with the old and out with the new in Rideau’s Rearview
By CJ Rooney
People often make resolutions for the upcoming year. They want to lose weight, declutter, relax more, read their Bible more, eat healthier, destress, the list goes on and on.
There’s nothing wrong with any of those things, but so often they only last for
Rideau’s Rearview
CJ Rooney
a fleeting moment, before being dropped, and the old habits picked up again all too soon.
Resolutions such as those must be accompan-
ied by a change in perspective, a driving force to get you motivated to continue. That won’t be found in the fast-paced, digital scrolling world of today.Look back to a simpler time, a time without all the bells and whistles and distractions of today, vying for our every waking moment.
I’d like to present you
with a New Year’s challenge of my own: Take time to connect with the past, with the way things used to be. A slower, simpler way of life. Instead of wasting your time scrolling mindlessly on your computer, invest your time in a forgotten skill. Learn to do something new, take time to connect with the way things used to be, and intro-
duce it into your current lifestyle. You may just find that the slower pace you undertake clears your mind and allows you to work at the other resolutions like we mentioned earlier.
Follow in the footsteps of those gone before. Without the distractions of fastpaced ‘modernity’ you have time to focus on what really
Stacey Kay named OSTA consortium’s third GM in
Stacey Kay has been named the new General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer of the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority.
Kay, who began her new job Mon., Dec. 16, was previously with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. She served as the General Manager of Learning Support Services since 2014.
“With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has developed a thorough understanding of how to navigate large, complex, publicly funded organiza-
tions that serve students and their families,” said an OSTA announcement. “She has a proven track record for effectively leading transformative change initiatives and developing high performing teams.”
Kay will be the third OSTA GM in less than a year.
Former GM Vicki Kryiaco left the position in December 2023 after a leave of absence. Kyriaco filed a lawsuit against OSTA for constructive dismissal and aggravated damages. Kyriaco said the actions of OSTA’s board of directors damaged
her health, career and reputation.
“I trust my Statement of Claim sends a clear message to all that public and political pressure for a certain course of action to be taken,” said Kyriaco in a statement to the media.
Cindy Owens, a former Ottawa Catholic School Board Principal and Superintendent of Human Resources, stepped into the role on an interim basis when Kyriaco was on her leave of absence.
When the 2023-24 school year began there were 9,000
students in the OCSB and OCDSB without school bus service. Before Owens took over, OSTA had only been able to reach deals with nine of their 10 school bus providers. Many families in southwest Ottawa went an entire year with no school bus service, specifically in the Richmond, North Gower, Kars and Manotick villages and the surrounding rural areas.
Joel Lemieux a former OC Transpo transit operations control centre manager, was hired in the spring of 2024. However, he left the
matters....yourself. At least, that’s what you’d see if you took a glance in Rideau’s Rearview. Happy New Year everyone! Blessings to you and yours in 2025!
UPCOMING EVENTS: -Jan 15th 7PM-RTHS ‘Bring & Brag’/AGM @ Township Hall (Client Centre – North Gower)
less than a year
position after less than four months. No explanation was given to the media regarding his departure.
Owens once again assumed the role of OSTA GM. This school year, contracts with all 10 of the OSTA school bus transportation providers were secured.
Kay has a Master’s of Health Science from the University of Toronto and has completed advanced credentials in educational leadership and corporate functions with a Diploma in School Board Administration from the University
of Guelph, along with the Business Supervisory Officer’s Qualification Program through the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network. OSTA provides school transportation to 124,000 students in the OCDSB and OCSB. “I trust my Statement of Claim sends a clear message to all that public and political pressure for a certain course of action to be taken. While expeditious and psychologically satisfying for some, it does not mean the truth has been taken into consideration,” Kyriaco said in the statement.
Tarion offers tips to homeowners to prepare for winter conditions
We all know we need to clear the driveway and sidewalk when it snows, but as a homeowner what else should you do? Now that the winter weather is here, it’s time to ensure your home is ready for the colder temperatures and snowfalls to come.
Proper maintenance is key to preventing weatherrelated damage, so Tarion is sharing six tips to help protect your home from winter weather. The following tips can be found on Tarion’s website at Tarion.com.
Do
a
visual inspection of the exterior
A roof and exterior drainage system in good working order keeps melt-
ing snow and water moving away from your home – not leaking into it. Before the snow builds up on your roof, take time to look for any shingles or flashing that may be damaged or missing, inspect eavestroughs for debris that may cause blockages, and make sure your downspout is directing water away from your foundation. If you are not able to make these observations from a safe ground level, consider hiring a professional to assist with your inspection.
Protect
your roof
Snow-covered roofs may look nice in the movies, but in real life they can lead to damage, water leaks, and
even mould. As the temperatures fluctuate and snow melts during the day before freezing again at night, an “ice dam” could be forming on your roof. Throwing salt or de-icing chemicals on roof ice can damage the roof itself and going up on the roof yourself to clear snow or ice can put you at risk. If you have a build-up of snow or ice and want it removed, consider hiring an experienced professional to do it for you.
Clear snow from other key areas
When it comes to Ontario winters, you can always count on having snow, and it’s not just your driveway that needs to be
cleared. Avoid piling snow next to your house and be sure to clear any around the foundation, as water from melting snow could end up seeping into your home and result in damage to your belongings. Clearing other key parts around your home like furnace exhaust pipes, dryer vents and window wells can also help ensure that snow and water aren’t getting into your house.
Check your furnace (and change the filter!)
Have your furnace serviced by a professional to confirm it is working efficiently and help extend its lifespan. It’s a good idea to replace the furnace filter at the beginning of the heat-
Saunders Farm Scaring is Caring Fundraiser raises $10K
The Saunders Farm family is excited to announce that this year’s Scaring is Caring FUNdraiser and subsequent fundraising campaign, successfully raised $10,000 in support of the Youth Servi-
ces Bureau (YSB) and its mental health services for youth.
This event also helped raise critical awareness about the importance of youth mental health and the programs that YSB
provides to strengthen our community.
In memory of Jamie Hubley, a cherished member of the Saunders Farm team, Scaring is Caring has been a key annual event since 2011. Jamie worked
for two Haunting seasons, delighting guests as he portrayed various characters on the Haunted Hayride.
Youth Services Bureau has been a pillar of support for more than 50 years, helping youth and families
ing season, and every three months afterwards. You should also inspect the external exhaust to ensure it’s not clogged with debris or snow – a blocked furnace exhaust can lead to poorer performance and dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
While they are a critical part of home safety all year round, your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are even more important during winter when windows are shut, and the heating is on since there’s less ventilation. Take a few minutes to test them and, if necessary, replace their batteries.
Turn off the water supply to exterior taps
If you have exterior hose connections in your backyard, at the side of your house or even in the garage, it’s important to turn off the water supply to avoid frozen or burst pipes. If you can’t find where to shut off the water and you have a newly built home, ask your builder.
For more helpful tips and a monthly home maintenance checklist, visit Tarion.com.
Tarion is an independent, not-for-profit, consumer protection organization designated by the provincial government to administer the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.
for Youth Services Bureau
access the vital services and programs they need to lead healthy, successful lives.
YSB offers services in youth mental health, youth justice, youth engagement, and youth employment, and continues to serve as
an important community resource.
Since its inception, Saunders Farm has donated more than $79,000 for YSB, providing essential funding to support mental health initiatives for local youth
Successful rebranding a highlight of 2024 for Manotick BIA
B y K elly B elair
e xecutive D irector, M anotic K B ia
As 2024 draws to a close, our community has much to celebrate and reflect upon. This year has been marked by growth, renewal, and a collective spirit of progress that has brought us closer together.
Manotick BIA News
Kelly Belair
One of the standout achievements of 2024 has been the successful rebranding of the BIA. With a fresh logo and a cohesive marketing campaign, we have showcased the very best of what our community has to offer. This rebranding effort has not only fostered local pride but also attracted visitors and businesses eager to invest in our vibrant town.
Complementing this new identity were the installation of beautiful banners throughout the main streets. Featuring striking designs that highlight our heritage and aspirations, these banners have transformed our public spaces into visually inspiring environments. Residents and visitors alike have commented on how these sim-
ple yet impactful additions have elevated the aesthetic of our town.
2024 was also a year filled with memorable events that brought people together. From the bustling Spring Fling that drew record-breaking crowds to Taste of Manotick that celebrated the diversity of our community, these moments underscored the importance of connection and shared experiences. Dickinson Days and Christmas in the Village were some other highlights, showcasing local fare and community spirit to the heart of our
village.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our residents, local businesses, and community leaders. Their commitment to making 2024 a success is a testament to the strength and resilience of our village.
of this remarkable year. Together, we can build on the foundation laid in 2024 and continue to make our Manotick a place we are all proud to call home. Join us on the morning of January 10th at the Legion for the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Manotick Business Improvement Area as we recap 2024 and highlight the goals and objectives for 2025.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, let us carry forward the momentum
Visit our website for more information, manotickvillage.com
SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
ROSSS mugs program combating social isolation among older men
By Kelly Dumas RuRal Ottawa sOuth suppORt seRvices
Men who are seniors are more likely to be socially isolated than their female counterparts.
Older men often have smaller and less diverse social networks, relying heavily on their spouse for emotional and social support. When they lose a spouse, men are less likely to rebuild social connections compared to women.
Social norms and traditional gender roles can further discourage men from seeking support or participating in activities
ROSSS News
Kelly Dumas
that foster social engagement. This can lead to greater isolation, particularly after retirement or significant life changes.
Social isolation and loneliness have significant negative impacts on seniors’ physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. While attending social programs and community events can greatly reduce isolation, older men are
often less likely to participate. Many programs have historically catered to female interests, and mixed-gender activities can sometimes feel less appealing or even intimidating to men.
To address these barriers, organizations providing senior programming are recognizing the importance of offering male-specific programs that respect and cater to men’s unique needs. These programs create environments where older men feel comfortable connecting with others, fostering meaningful relationships with peers who
share similar interests and experiences. For many older men, these spaces help bridge the gap created by smaller social networks or hesitancy to seek out new friendships.
With this in mind, ROSSS recently introduced a new program designed specifically for men: Men’s Mugs. Held monthly at O-YA in Osgoode on the third Wednesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the program provides a welcoming space where older men in rural Ottawa South can come together, share experiences, and engage in activities that are
meaningful and enjoyable to them.
By creating opportunities for connection, programs like Men’s Mugs allow older men to break the cycle of isolation, improve their well-being, and form meaningful friendships. With initiatives like this, ROSSS
continues to play a vital role in supporting seniors in rural Ottawa South, helping them stay socially connected and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
For more importation on Men’s Mugs or ROSSS’ social programs, please contact Lyn Rorke at 613 692-4694 ext 224.
Kiwanis Club has been busy with projects supporting the community
By Ralph Tweedie ManoTick kiwanis cluB
At this time of year, we often look back at what we have accomplished. The Kiwanis year starts on October 1st so I thought I would review what we’ve been up to since then.
On Saturday, Oct 5th we held the Annual Key Club Fall Rally. It was attended by 130 very enthusiastic students from 12 clubs in the Ottawa Region. Attendance was free but a donation to the food banks was suggested. More than 200 items were donated.
All Key Clubs work independently but often cooperate on inter club projects as well. The first Key Club interclub project in early October was a Food Bank Drive for local food cupboards.
Brierley’s YIG in Riverside South and the Barrhaven Metro provided the locations and food for the drive. Key Clubbers earned approximately 300 volunteer hours while packing and selling Food Bank grocery bags and collecting cash donations. In total, over $10,000 in groceries and cash were donated to local community food cupboards thanks to their enthusiastic efforts. Manotick Kiwanis donated an additional $3,000 to the Ottawa Food Bank and $2,000 to the Barrhaven Food Cupboard.
At the October 15th board meeting we approved another $10,000 donation to the Kempt-
ville District Hospital Foundation for the new CT scanner. Construction of the facility to house the scanner is in progress. An opening date of early 2025 is anticipated.
On Saturday October 19th we held our annual Fall Clean up of Manotick Streets.
This fall we charted a fifth Key Club at St. Francis Xavier in Riverside South. They held their first very successful meeting on October 21st.
November was a very busy month. On November 1st the Christmas cakes, shortbread cookies and chocolate Truffles were delivered. Sales started officially on November 12th.
The second Key Club Interclub project was the second annual Blanket drive. All 5 clubs took part. They received support from the Manotick Legion, ROSSS, St. James Anglican Church and the Kiwanis Club of Manotick. The program ran from Nov 1st until Dec 8th. The beneficiaries are the homeless and destitute clients of the Salvation Army, The Shepherds of Good Hope and the Ottawa Mission.
1,927 items were donated, approximately 5 times that of last year. Fantastic support from
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the public made this possible. Manotick Kiwanis once again donated $3,000 to each organization to help over the holidays.
On November 8th the Granny Squares for Warmth group donated a beautifully crocheted poppy blanket to a deserving veteran at the Manotick Legion. This was in appreciation for our donation of $1,000 to supply materials for their great work.
We were represented at the Cenotaph ceremony on November 11th by our co-presidents Debbie Mulvihill and Gary Coulombe.
We celebrated 64 years of service to Manotick on Saturday November 16th. The dinner was held at the Legion followed by dancing to the Retrosonics, a local group of musicians. They appeared to enjoy us as much as we enjoyed them.
The Christmas trees arrived on November 20th and sales began on Saturday November 23rd. Once again, the Royal Lepage Wright Team gave one of our deluxe Christmas Cakes in a tin to the first 40 clients at the tree lot that morning.
We sponsored the Santa Claus Parade of Lights in cooperation with the Manotick BIA on November 29th. The turnout for the parade was outstanding. Santa was well received by the
crowd.
December saw the culmination of several ongoing projects. Christmas Trees were sold out by December 14th, very early this year. Our Cakes sales campaign also sold out that week. Our thanks to the communities of Manotick and the surrounding region for their awesome support.
During the November – December time frame, our partnership with the Staples “Back to School” program resulted in a donation of $3,500 dollars from Staples. We added
$3,100 to the pot. This enabled us to procure 20 Chromebooks for needy students. Four Chromebooks were donated to each of the five schools that support our Key Clubs, 1 in Manotick, 1 in Riverside South and 3 in Barrhaven. These will make a huge difference to some very deserving students!
We also volunteer at the Bingoland South Gaming Centre every week for 2 hours. This is our major fundraiser that enables much of our work in the community.
Through out the fall
we continued our support for the AKtion Club. This is a Kiwanis Club for adults with disabilities. We also sponsor monthly Bingos at two local senior’s residences. We are a very active club and are very thankful for the support that the village has given us for our first 64 years. Your continued support will enable us to continue for the next 64 years. The Kiwanis Club of Manotick wishes all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.
The Kiwanis Key Club Interclub Blanket Drive ran from Nov 1st until Dec 8th. The beneficiaries are the homeless and destitute clients of the Salvation Army, The Shepherds of Good Hope and the Ottawa Mission.
YOMA monthly parent support group moving to new location
RuRal Youth Spotlight
BY Youth of Manotick aSSociation (YoMa)
Thank you from YOMA
From all of us at YOMA we would like to thank the businesses, residents, families and youth for your support of YOMA this year. For more than a decade YOMA has offered safe, inclusive social activities and outings for local youth and directed those in need to resources when necessary. We are proud of what we do and are humbled by the outpouring of generosity and collaboration in 2024 to help us continue and grow and improve. We are excited about 2025 and the adventures it will bring. We hope you all have a safe and peaceful holiday season. See you in January!!
Parent Support Group Moving to New Location
Our Support Group
is moving to Lume Club on Tighe Street. Being a parent can sometimes be stressful. It can be even more so if your child or a young person in your family is experiencing stress or anxiety, depression or struggling with addiction. That is why YOMA and PLEO have partnered to offer this support group on the third Thursday of each month. You do not need to register. Just come to Lume Club at 6:30 on the third Thursday. Someone will
greet you and show you where to go. Feel free to contact us at YOMA or contact PLEO if you have any questions. yoma.ca and pleo.on.ca
YOMA Programs
Resume in January
YOMA programs have concluded for 2024. The staff have already started working on new themes and activities and outing ideas for the new year. Check our website for the January schedule or sign up for our e-newsletter
to get all of the details in your inbox each week. Our first program night in 2025 will be Friday, January 10.
The holiday season is not a happy one for everyone
While we all hope for peace and magic this time of year, we know that not everyone finds the season
to be a happy one. It is important to take care of ourselves and acknowledge when we need support. If there are times when family and friends just are not enough, remember there are many services and organizations available to help. A list of them is available on the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective’s
Please contact us any time at youth. of.manotick@gmail.com For more information about YOMA, see our website yoma.ca , sign up for our e-newsletter or follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Dr. Philip Mwimanzi 613-692-6500
Dr.Harold Bobier 613-692-4432
Dr.Harold Bobier (613(692-4432
Dr. Jolieann Joseph 613-692-4432
Dr. Jolieann Joseph (613)692-4432
Dr.Donald Young 613-692-4432
Dr.Donald Young (613)692-4432
Dr.Thomas Proulx 613-692-4432
Dr.Thomas Proulx (613)692-4432
Slump drops Richmond Royals down to second place in division
The Richmond Royals will be starting the new year looking to break from a slump that has seen the local Junior B team fall out of first place in the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Richardson Division.
The Athens Aeros and Renfrew Timberwolves both handed the Royals a loss in the final week before the holiday break. As a result, the Aeros jumped into first place
in the EOJHL Richardson Division with 30 points. The Timberwolves moved into a tie for second place with the Royals with 28 points.
The Royals, who went into a tailspinning 1-5-1
slump in the month of January, have a chance to get back into first, however, as they have two games in hand on both teams.
On Wed., Dec. 18 in Renfrew, the Royals gave up a goal to Nolan Cuddy with 1:11 left in the third period and then gave up an empty net shorthanded goal as the Timberwolves won 6-5.
Connor Platt, Avery Schoenhofen, Jacob Warnes, Mathew Thompson and Jackson Taylor scored for Richmond.
On Sat., Dec. 21 in Athens, EOJHL goalscoring leader Dylan Rorwick scored for the Royals 9:13 into the third period to tie the game at 1-1.
The game went into overtime, and the Royals killed off a penalty in the extra frame to set up a shootout. Athens goalie Dustin Riff stopped
four shots while Alex McGlade solved Royals goalie Cole King in the fourth round to give the Aeros a victory.
The Royals hosted the Smiths Falls Bears Sun., Dec. 22 and closed out 2024 with a 4-1 loss.
Dylan Rorwick opened the scoring in the first period with his 29th goal of the season, but the Bears tied the score 11 seconds later on a goal by Aiden Conroy.
After that, the Bears got goals from Jordan Perrier, Rhys Bonvie and Caleb Bourne for the 4-1 win.
The Royals are in action again Fri., Jan. 3 when they visit Arnprior. They are back on home ice Sun., Jan. 5 as they host Carleton Place. Face off is at 1:20 p.m. For scheduled Royals’ home games, see our community calendar on page 8.
