Manotick Messenger June 30, 2023

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

But you can certainly teach a 78-year-old woman from Manotick about classic literature.

Jennifer Murphy, who has lived in Manotick for 23 years, joined her young classmates on Fri., June 16 as she graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Humanities Degree.

“It’s very exciting,” she said of her graduation. “My education and career was in science, so to come back to school and do this is something I am quite proud of.”

Murphy grew up in Manchester, England. She said she had no interest at all in humanities or liberal arts courses.

“I failed English Lit-

erature in high school,” she said. “I just wasn’t interested in it at all. I was interested in science, and that’s what my career was in.”

Murphy went to university in London and earned a degree in Physics. She went back to Manchester to complete her Masters in Radioastronomy in 1966.

She moved to Canada in 1976 and worked for the Department of Natural Resources, specializing in Earth observation using satellite data. Although she had no interest in politics in her younger days, she would end up becoming a policy advisor for the Minister of Natural Resources in the 1990s.

She retired 16 years ago, and spent eight years

making trips to Nepal to teach English to young women who were train-

ing to be trekking guides. Although she was successful in everything she

University Fri., June

said.

Mon. - Fri: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 613-692-0015 Manotick’s only locally owned Pharmacy PAUL’S PHARMACY VOL. 39 • No. 13 MANOTICK, ONTARIO www.manotickmessenger.ca F R I dAy Ju N e 30, 2023 See Pages 16 - 18 For our Shop and Dine Local Section THE MEWS OF MANOTICK 613-692-3591 Open: Monday - Saturday 8-6 Sunday 9-5 Manotick “Thank you for supporting your community-minded, locally-owned hardware store. It is your support that allows us to give back to the community.” 78-year-old Manotick woman earns degree from Carleton University

16.

Carleton celebrates Canada Day with a full slate of events

Happy Canada Day!

The busiest and most exciting weekend of celebrations is once again upon us in the riding of Carleton. For the first time in four years, there will be a full slate of Canada Day celebrations and events in the riding.

Carleton is a large riding geographically, and we have Canada Day festivities at every corner of the riding and many places in between! Canada Day celebrations will take place in Riverside South, Vernon, Greely, Osgoode, North Gower, Stittsville and the Rideau Carleton Casino.

I hope to see you on Canada Day at one of the many events that I will be attending in the riding!

Free Fishing Week July 1-9

Over the next week and

two weekends (July 1-9), Canadian residents can fish in Ontario for free. This means you do not need to buy a fishing licence if you want to fish during this time.

Follow fishing rules

Free fishing periods remind us of the value of Ontario’s recreational fishery, and the importance of keeping it healthy for future generations. While fishing you must:

- follow conservation licence catch limits

- obey size limits and sanctuaries

- follow the fishing regulations

- carry a permit or identification card issued by the provincial or federal government, showing your name and date of birth

- Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary

- Use Fish ON-Line

Free loans for rods and reels

TackleShare loans out rods and reels for free. Initiated by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and proudly sponsored by Ontario Power Generation, the TackleShare Program gives new and intermediate anglers the opportunity to go fishing by removing the barriers that prevent them from getting involved, such as access to fishing equipment, and knowledge about recreational angling. Participating anglers simply sign

out a rod and reel, as well as an assortment of tackle in the same way that they would borrow library material from a TackleShare Loaner Site or learn about fishing from educational fishing videos on the tackleShare YouTube

channel.

New anglers can gear up at locations across the province including:

- Ontario provincial parks

- conservation authorities

- libraries

TackleShare is an Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters program supported by Ontario Power Generation.

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Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton, was the judge of last year’s Osgoode Village Canada Day Bike Decorating Contest.

goldie continues from page 2

Learn To Fish

Fishing is a fun and relaxing way to spend time outdoors, but for some people just getting started into the sport, it can be intimidating. There’s a lot to learn when it comes to fishing, like which fishing rod and tackle to choose, how to follow the fishing regulations, and how to identify fish species. These are only a few challenges beginner anglers face when taking up fishing for the first time.

The Ontario Learn To Fish guide is suitable for people of all ages and is designed for online reading or printing. If you would like a more interactive experience with videos and quizzes, check out our Learn to Fish Online program at https:// www.ontario.ca/page/ learn-fish-digital.

Ontario Invests in Electricians

I was honoured to be part of an exciting announcement last week, as Premier Doug Ford visited rural Ottawa with Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

The Ontario government is investing $2.7

million to support an innovative project to help 65 electrical workers upgrade their skills and meet the demand for qualified electricians in eastern Ontario. Led by KE Electrical, the free program will provide participants with the training needed to progress from labourer to apprentice, apprentice to journeyman, and journeyman to foreman. This will help electrical workers earn more take-home pay for themselves and their families, while tackling the critical shortage of skilled trades workers the province faces. Across the province, we’re facing historic labour shortages with thousands of jobs going unfilled in skilled trades each and every day. Programs like these are helping to ensure we have the skilled workforce to build the homes, schools,

new and existing KE

Electrical workers with the chance to participate in 8,500 hours of handson training focused on learning technical skills and abilities, health and safety, professional development and other critical industry skills.

In addition to helping 65 men and women take the next step in their careers in an in-demand industry, the program will help the province find the electricians needed to help build its historic infrastructure plans. Training will be delivered at sites throughout eastern Ontario and will be free to all employees, while mileage and other travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The project is funded through the government’s Skills Development Fund, an over $700 million initiative, which supports innovative pro-

our government will continue to invest in ground breaking training programs that help people gain the skills they need to advance their careers and build Ontario.

Those words resonated with me as my father is an electrical engineer. He began working in the trades in Ontario almost immediately after arriving in Canada in the mid1980s, and he still works as an electrician today.

Perhaps you could say that my job of being a Member of Provincial Parliament is an important job in Ontario as we represent people and create policies. But the jobs

that thousands upon thousands of workers in the trades like my father have done in Ontario is just as important. After all, they built Ontario from the ground up, and they continue to do so at a record pace.

Quick Facts

- Through its first three funding rounds, the Skills Development Fund has supported 596 projects, to help almost 522,000 people around the province take the next step in their careers.

- In March 2023, there were roughly 300,000 jobs vacant in Ontario.

- Ontario’s Skills De-

velopment Fund is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

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

Two protests on gender ideology in less than a week at OCDSB schools

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board had to contend with two separate protests and counter protests in less than a week over the board’s policy of integrating 2SLGBTQ+ content into course materials.

On Tuesday, June 12, a protest was organized by Muslim students from Sir Robert Borden High School, which is adjacent to the OCDSB headquarters on Greenbank Road. The protest centered around the board’s policy on issues like gender ideology policies and the use of washrooms, and how they are in conflict with the religious beliefs of many students. The organizing students also cited having biological males being able to enter women’s washrooms while female students had their hijabs off. They said the protest was also a chance to speak out against discriminatory remarks made by OCDSB employees about Islam.

Hundreds of Muslim students and families, as well as supporting Catholic, Christian and Jewish families joined together in the protest against the board. Counter protestors in support of 2SLGBTQ+ rights also showed up. Many students and families from Barrhaven were at the protest.

The protest, which was the second large protest against the board in less than a week, was triggered by a memo that went out to all ODCSB staff and students May 31. While it was mostly peaceful, there was tension between protestors and counter protestors.

Video showed up on social media of a student stomping on a Pride flag.

The memo that triggered the protest was sent out May 31 to all staff from Mary Jane Farrish, Superintendent of Instruction, Equity; Shannon Smith, Super Intendent of Instruction, Indigenous Education; and Brent Smith, Acting Superintended of Programing and Learning.

The title of the memo was Supporting Inclusivity: Actions for Pride Month and Beyond. The memo provided a list of actions that can be taken during Pride Month and beyond to promote inclusivity and belonging.

The paragraph in the memo triggering much of the controversy is about pronouns and names.

“Educators can foster inclusivity in the classroom by openly sharing their pronouns. They can also consider adding their pronouns to their email signature. As well, educators can begin the school year using they/ them pronouns for all, until students share their preferred pronoun. Using students’ preferred names and pronouns it an important part of our duty as educators to acknowledge and affirm 2SLGBTQ+ identities.”

The following day, there were protests in front of schools which pitted extremist groups from the left and right clashing. The protests were planned before the memo was released.

“The OCDSB has not put in place a mandatory requirement on the use of any

particular pronouns for students,” stated Darcy Knoll, OCDSB Communications Advisor, in an email to the Barrhaven Independent. “However, we ask that staff members respect and use a student’s pronouns and suggest the use of they/them if unsure.”

Former OCDSB teacher and ODCSB trustee candidate Chanel Pfahl posted the memo on Twitter June 5. The post went viral and had more than a half million views after one week. Reaction in the long thread of replies was overwhelmingly critical of the memo. Many said the memo was a further step toward indoctrination. Comparisons were made to the Bolsheviks of 1922 and to George Orwell’s 1984. Pfahl, who is a lesbian, has been vocal on social media against what she calls gender ideology.

Many of the commentors to Pfahl’s post pointed out that if the policy is part of human rights, then why do people not have the human right to opt out for religious reasons?

“Learning in our schools does reflect diversity and is inclusive and welcoming for all students,” the memo reads. “Throughout the year we celebrate, honour, reflect and include learning about multiple traditions, beliefs, customs and cultures and identities… 2SLGBTQ+ learnings should be offered to the school community without the option to opt out. It is essential to understand that human rights are not open to debate or select-

ive participation.”

The memo goes on to read that “Families may choose to keep their child home during Pride Month learning activities, but schools should not offer the option to approve requests to opt out while in school.”

While the result of the memo was polarizing on social media, the intent was to provide an environment in schools where all were welcome and that differences were tolerated.

“As a learning organization, we work to teach and promote kindness and combat hate and discrimination,” Knoll said in an email sent to Epoch Times. “When providing learning experiences, we do not offer proactive exemptions or excuse students from the learning on the basis that we may be highlighting a particular group of people defined by their race, religion/creed,

ability, sexual orientation or gender identity. This would result in sending a message that a group of people in our community is not valued and do not belong.”

Protests at Schools

Five people were arrested Friday, June 9 at a protest organized by “Billboard Chris” Elston. The rally was called “Education over Indoctrination.” Elston organized the protest against the use of puberty blockers for children who identify as transgender. Elston says gender ideology does not belong in the public school system.

“We have all these kids being taught far-left politicial ideology in schools and that there’s such a thing as being born in the wrong body,” Elston said in an interview with CTV Ottawa. “There’s no such thing as being born wrong.”

While the OCDSB asked people to stay away from schools during the protests, NDP MPP Joel Harden called for people on social media to come out and peacefully counter protest. Harden became a sidebar to the spectacle. He posted a picture of his face with a cut, and then tweeted “I’ll take a punch for queer and transgender rights any day.”

A video was later posted of Harden being cut by his own megaphone as it hit his face when he was bumped. The counter protestors accused the protestors of hate.

“It’s important for the community to send a clear message that hate has no place in our community here in Ottawa,” Toby Whitfield, Capital Pride executive director, told CTV. “This transphobic, homophobic message that folks are trying to show today, they have absolutely no place.”

A protest organized by Muslim students at Sir Robert Borden drew a crowd of several hundred people Tues., June 12. Christian, Catholic and Jewish families also showed up to protest the board. (Twi T T e R phoTo )

OCDSB issues statement regarding gender identity rights protests

Last Friday and Tuesday afternoon, protests were held outside of OCDSB schools and the Administration Building. In both cases, the protesters were expressing concern about how the school district is recognizing and protecting gender identity and gender expression rights in schools.

We respect and support the role of parents and caregivers to instruct on the beliefs connected to a creed or religion. We will not engage in instructing or directing actions or practices connected to specific beliefs, identities or perspectives. Our teaching is focused on understanding, respecting and accepting each other so that we can promote kindness and inclusion and combat hate and discrimination in all

forms. We will continue to work closely with students, parents, community members, and faith leaders to discuss these issues and find peaceful paths forward.

Our first response when dealing with protests is to ensure the safety and security of the students and staff. We put active safety plans in place, add resources to help monitor and manage the situation, and work with the Ottawa Police Service to address safety concerns as required.

While we respect the right to peacefully protest, we are concerned about the increasing trend to target schools as places of protest. This not only creates safety concerns, it also takes the time and focus away from student learning.

The OCDSB, like other Ontario school districts, is responsible for

implementing the Ministry of Education Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. This strategy establishes curriculum requirements for schools to teach about human rights based on the Ontario Human Rights Code. A key goal of this work is to help students understand human rights and to teach about respecting and valuing the dignity, worth and inclusion of all students - “ all students, parents, caregivers, and other members of the school community – regardless of ancestry, culture, ethnicity, sex, physical or intellectual ability, race, religion, creed, gender identity, gender expression, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other factors – are welcomed, included, treated fairly, and respected.”

Discussions about human rights are complex. Gender Identity, gender

expression, and sexual orientation are among the grounds protected from discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The OCDSB procedure that explains how we manage these rights and work to build inclusive schools can be found at this link. In response to questions we have received, the OCDSB has not put in place a mandatory requirement on the use of any particular pronouns for students. We ask

that staff members use students’ identified pronouns and, where they are unsure, to consider adopting a practice of using “they/ them”.

The protests have been stressful and some individuals may be more impacted than others, in particular members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Additional community resources to support members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are available here.

Our commitment is to promote inclusivity, and to combat racism, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and all forms of discrimination or hate.

It’s clear there is more work to be done to promote human rights and to share information about the way these issues are managed in schools. We remain committed to working with the community and to engaging in dialogue on these issues.

We elected the councillor, not the city staff

The Editor, Could someone please approach David Brown and gently inform him of what, exactly, his job description is? The reason I say that is because judging from what he wrote in his last two columns for the Messenger, he doesn’t appear to know. Manotick. The fact that Bridge Street remains a truck route when there are better alternatives available has long infuriated local residents and Brown is actually the third Ward 21 councillor to be asked to deal with this issue. Former councillor Glenn

Brooks first brought forward a motion in 2008 to prohibit heavy trucks on Bridge Street and was informed in the subsequent staff report that since there was no way trucks could cross the river between Hunt Club and Kars, the excess emissions that would be generated by forcing trucks that far out of their way made it prohibitive. If you read the staff report from 2008, it concludes that while Bridge Street would have to remain a truck route for the time being, “this matter could be reviewed again, once a new bridge

is constructed.” Of course, the “new bridge” the report refers to was not a new bridge to Quebec, (which is what Brown apparently thinks) but rather the Strandherd-Armstrong bridge--since renamed the Vimy bridge. That bridge opened in 2014 and yet here we are, nine years later and Bridge Street is still a truck route, for no apparent reason. What’s deeply troubling is Brown’s description of his conversation with staff. At first he says that, “City staff have been unwilling to consider any serious changes to the City’s

truck route network.” Then, he’s nothing short of elated to announce that, “staff have indicated some willingness to move from this point.”

I would remind councillor Brown that we didn’t elect the City staff, we elected him and his job is actually to tell staff what to do, not beg for their permission. If they’re “unwilling” to do what an elected councillor asks of them, then maybe they should be told to seek alternative employment elsewhere.

Brown’s next column was even more over-

the-top. This one was all about traffic issues, with Brown explaining that these concerns are really nothing to do with him, because, as he states, “most traffic measures are managed directly by City staff.” He then goes even further, telling his constituents to avoid pestering him with these kinds of concerns because he believes he’s powerless to address them, but rather to “contact 3-1-1 to submit a request to the City online,” if the concern is about road maintenance or stop signs, or to “file a non-emergency police

report with the OPS” if the concern is with speeding or traffic violations. He’d clearly prefer to be left out of the loop, probably because he finds it so distracting when his cellphone rings just as he’s trying to tee off.

Clearly, Brown sees himself as some kind of a middleman between his constituents and the staff who actually run the City of Ottawa, and one we’re best to avoid, according to him. Of course, that begs the question, why are we paying him a six-figure salary?

Andy Braid

OCDSB’s forced agenda and celebrations ruining Pride Month

The Editor, It has been very frustrating as a parent this month.

While, as a family, we fully support Pride Month, what has happened in our schools has turned something positive

into something negative. We believe in acceptance, and that the LGBTQ community should be accepted. But when a group like the OttawaCarleton District School Board turns a celebration into indoctrination, it has

gone too far. Students and teachers are forced to “celebrate” all of the Pride Month activities. If they do not want to, they are accused of hate and transphobia.

On Tuesday (June 12), the Ottawa Police came

to the protest at Sir Robert Borden High School and the OCDSB headquarters. There have been at least three or four occasions now when the Ottawa Police Service have had to step in, calm down both sides of these pro-

tests, and restore order in situations caused by the actions of our current board.

And how does the board thank the police? They ban them from schools and won’t even allow the OCDSB to have

discussions with them. I don’t want to take my kids away from their friends, which is the only reason they will not be home schooled next year.

(Name withheld by request for safety of students

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As experienced by all present, the speeding cars and trucks passing this section of road clearly create a safety hazard for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Anyone coming off either path (Coast Circle or Percival Crescent) is forced onto a section of rough unmarked pavement that merges with the driver’s lane. There are no markings to guide drivers and it was observed that each vehicle passing the group was forced to swerve towards the center lane to avoid contact.

The collective discussions produced 5 unanimously agreed upon recommendations all supported by the Councillor. These include the installation of a 3-season cycling lane delineator, the installation of a 60 kph sign coming off Manotick Main St. going west on Century Rd., the installation of a ‘yellow diamond’ pedestrian sign and the extension of the 60 kph speed zone to the end of Phase III Mahogany. The MVCA has forwarded these requests in writing to the Councillor to present to the City for approval. We were advised that the City’s current timelines for actioning even immediate requirements could be two months or more. We will continue to press the City and provide further updates when available.

Manotick Truck Traffic Update

To commit City staff

to provide a plan to get trucks out of the Village, Councillor David Brown will be advancing an inquiry at the Transportation Committee later in June asking staff specifically what would need to be done to remove Manotick Main Street and Bridge Street from the City’s truck route network. Once the inquiry is returned with an answer from the City, a clear target to work towards removal of trucks will be identified, a policy to do so will be designed and put forward to secure funding. Further updates will be shared when available.

Albion and Mitch Owens Intersection Improvements – of interest to those using Mitch Owens Rd.

To improve traffic flow along Mitch Owens Rd. the City will be constructing a median island for a left turn signal pole (light) when travelling eastbound on Mitch Owens Rd. at the intersection of Albion Rd. The signal pole will allow for protected left turn movements and prevent southbound drivers from travelling in the westbound throughlane. The design is underway with construction planned for Fall 2023. For more information contact the office of Councillor George Darouze 613.580.2490.

Centennial Park Pathway Network Upgrades

On June 6 Manotick Parks, Culture and Recreation Association (MCPRA) held it’s community consultation on upgrades to the Centennial Park pathway network to increase walkability and improve community accessibility. For more information and to participate in their online survey please contact Alexa Ives, Director, MCPRA at aaives@rogers.com

Changes to Ottawa’s Curbside Collection

Approved by Council

On June 14 City Council passed a compromise solution abandoning the idea of bag tags, moving instead to a 3-item firm limit (as opposed to bag limit). Under the new

policy, residents will be able to dispose of up to 420 litres of garbage weighing up to 99lbs every 2 weeks. To date, 85% of residents already comply within this limit. This policy will also expand the yellow bag program for small businesses in Ottawa. Of importance to our rural community is the exceptions provided to farmers for unavoidable farm waste. For more information on the City’s new waste management policies go to https:// engage.ottawa.ca/solidwaste-master-plan

Around the Village Veteran

Memorial Banners

This year, the Manotick / South Carleton Branch of the Royal

Canadian Legion is coordinating a program to erect banners in honour of those Veterans who fought and sacrificed for our freedom. The MVCA is pleased to be an active sponsor in this program. Program details will be released to the public in the coming weeks, and We will Remember them!

ROSSS on the Move

– July 1

Congratulations to ROSSS who is moving from their home of 12 years on Mill Street to their new location on Bridge Street. The new office will provide more office space for their team, a separate area for the foot care clinic and parking for their vehicles, for staff

and clients. Just a note that the Mill Street location is closed to the public now, except for foot care clinics. The new space will open on July 1. They would like to remind residents that they are available by phone and email during this time. www.rosss.ca

Youth

of

Manotick

Association (YOMA) – Celebrating 10 years YOMA offers social programs and activities for youth in the area in Grades 4-12. We also have volunteer opportunities, special events and outings. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, visit the website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. https://www.yoma.ca/

City staff asked to present a plan to remove heavy trucks from Manotick

By Rideau-Jock councilloR david BRown

Residents will know by now that getting the trucks out of Manotick is my top priority as your Councillor. In previous articles in the Manotick Messenger, I outlined my progress to date and hinted that more progress was coming in June.

On June 22nd at the Transportation Committee, I presented staff with an inquiry. The inquiry discusses the issues with trucks in the City’s rural south, particularly in Manotick, and how policy to date does not provide an adequate solution. The inquiry asks staff to do three things: to present a plan to remove trucks from Manotick, to present considerations for conducting a truck route review Citywide, and to compare that with considerations for a similar review in the South end of the City with a focus on reviewing

Rideau-Jock Report

David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21

areas with bridges. We expect to hear back from staff in the following weeks.

What does this mean?

First, and most importantly, staff will present an actual plan – a list of measures that must be funded and accomplished – to satisfy the condition of removing trucks from Manotick. This will provide a clear target so that I can work with my colleagues on funding an actual plan. It moves the goal of getting trucks out of Manotick from a theoretical idea to a tangible policy objective. Moreover, it will start the debate on truck routes more broadly so that, if the first option fails to move fast enough, I have other options to pursue to remove

the heavy trucks.

With all that in mind, I wanted to use the rest of this column to outline what that inquiry is. The following is the full text of that inquiry:

Many of the fastest growing communities in Ottawa are in villages in the rural areas of the City. Moreover, many large warehouses and other businesses have begun operating in the south end of the City. This growth has led to increased commercial vehicle activity, particularly in the form of large transport trucks. Despite the significant degree of change in use patterns, these trucks navigate on designated routes which have not been comprehensively reviewed in many years.

Indeed, the last time in which comprehensive work was done to assess the City’s truck route network was in 2005. However, even this pro-

cess was not a full truck route review; instead, it was a process of harmonization following amalgamation. This means that the amalgamated City of Ottawa has, in effect, never had a comprehensive truck route review.

This has led to serious challenges for many communities. Truck traffic has been routinely identified by residents as a major impediment to community wellbeing in Ottawa’s rural villages; this is perhaps especially true in Manotick. When excessive numbers of large vehicles transit local streets, there are major impacts related to business development, climate change, health, equity, and other concerns of high importance to the City that merit regular study. Moreover, truck traffic in rural villages was identified many times as part of ‘As We Heard It’ reports that staff produced in support of the updated Transportation

Master Plan.

The major and acute issue in the City’s south end is a limited number of bridge crossings over the Rideau River. This has led to a significant and disproportionate increase in truck traffic pressures on very specific roads at and around bridges.

Policy 10 of the TMP Master Plan discusses the City’s approach to conducting a truck route network review. The direction which Council has approved is that the City’s truck route network will be updated following “the implementation of solutions to address interprovincial truck traffic in the downtown.” However, this does not account for the increase in truck traffic in the south end of the City, nor does it account for the increased traffic’s impacts on residents in those communities.

With that information in mind, can staff provide their

advice as to the following questions:

1. What measures would be necessary to remove Manotick Main Street between Bankfield and Century and Bridge Street between Manotick Main Street and River Road from the City’s Truck Route Network?

2. What would be the costs, staffing requirements, timelines, benefits, and drawbacks associated with conducting a comprehensive review of the City’s Truck Route Network prior to the implementation of solutions to address interprovincial truck traffic?

3. By way of comparison, what would be the costs, staffing requirements, timelines, benefits and drawbacks associated with conducting a limited review of truck routes in the City’s south end with a focus on where the truck routes interact with bridges across the Rideau River?

The beaver, maple tree and maple leaf are symbols of Canada

In the late 1600s and early 1700s explorers, realizing that Canada was not the spice rich Orient, saw the fur trade as an opportunity to acquire revenue and both English and French fur traders soon were selling beaver pelts at a great profit. The beaver really achieved national significance when it was first featured on the first Canadian

THis week, THIS MONTH

by Larry Ellis

postage stamp – the “Three Penny Beaver” in 1851. The beaver obtained official status as an emblem of Canada when it gained

recognition as a symbol of Canada in 1975. In the mid19th century, the beaver was near extinction but due conservation the largest rodent in Canada is alive and well. The beaver is prominent of the Canadian five cent piece.

Trees have played a meaningful roll in history and the development of Canada as they continue to be of

commercial, environmental, and aesthetic importance to all Canadians. Maple wood products, maple sugar industry, beautifying the landscape are all attributes of the tree known for its hardness, toughness, and other properties. The maple tree was officially proclaimed national arboreal emblem of Canada on April 25, 1996.

“The Maple Leaf For-

ever” was written by James Muir as Canada’s confederation song in 1867. The coats of arms for Quebec and Ontario were created the following year and both included the maple leaf. Between 1876 and 1901 the maple leaf was on all Canadian coins and appeared on the Canadian one cent piece. During the First World War the maple leaf

was displayed as badges on uniforms and at the time of World War 11 troops used the maple leaf as a distinctive sign of Canadian forces. On February 15, 1965, the Red Maple Leaf Flag was inaugurated as the National Flag of Canada. This weekend celebrate Canada Day with pride of accomplishments of our great country!

Organizations working together helps make our community stronger

By Ralph Tweedie, ManoTick kiwanis cluB

In Kiwanis we focus on youth and the community that nourishes them. When you give a child the chance to learn, experience, dream, grow, succeed, and thrive, great things can happen.

To do this we cooperate with and support many other service-oriented organizations. We do this because together we can achieve much more. In Manotick we have provided major funding for community projects such as Watson’s Mill,

The Manotick Library, the Royal Canadian legion, the Manotick Arena Expansion and the adjacent skate park and the Mahogany Harbour Dock.

We provide ongoing support for seniors through our financial support of Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) and by host-

ing events such as bingos at senior’s residences. For families we produce Dickinson Days and the Christmas “Parade of Lights” with participation from many in the village.

We work with YOMA and the MVCA on projects such as the Manotick Soap Box Derby and Shiverfest. We financially support the Boy Scouts and the 2958 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. Both are inclusive organizations that do a wonderful job of teaching our youth important life skills and values no mat-

ter what their background, race, or religion.

We are most proud of our direct involvement with local youth through our Service Leadership Programs. These include our four local high school Key Clubs and our Key Leader Camps. In Key Clubs we provide leadership opportunities while students learn the value of team work and earn volunteer hours through service to their community. Key Leader Camps are

weekends devoted to developing team and leadership skills.

At a regional level we cooperate with other Kiwanis Clubs in the Ottawa area on projects region wide. These include the Kiwanis Music Festival, The Kiwanis Computers for Kids project, the annual Canada Day event on Petri Island, and the Special Needs Kids Day at the Capital Fair.

At an international Level we have partnered with

UNICEF to combat Iodine Deficiency and to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, a devastating disease in lesser developed countries.

As Kiwanis members, we all get something very personal out of giving to our community and, just as important, out of what it gives us in return. While we give our youth the chance to realize their potential, we make new friends and enrich our lives as well.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Excited movements

8. Soap opera actress Patsy

13. Unknowing

14. Dangerous mosquitos

15. Exaggerated and sensationalized

19. Military policeman 20. Touch softly

21. Wrap

22. A story of one’s life

23. Midway between east and southeast 24. Toward the mouth or oral region

25. A list of dishes available at a restaurant

26. Changes the meaning of 30. Semitic Sun god 31. Sneaker parts

32. Capital of Zimbabwe

33. Breezed through 34. Partner to pedi

35. Becomes less intense 38. Bottoms

39. Tested

40. Vistas

44. Take care of

45. Traditional rhythmic pattern

46. S. African political party

47. Cologne

48. Men

49. The Science Guy

50. Gospel author (abbr.)

51. Act of signing up

55. Human feet

57. A very short time

58. Streetcars

59. Cuplike cavities

CLUES DOWN

si1. A type of pool

2. Malaise

3. Seasoned

4. A pair

5. Young male

6. Make a mistake

7. Experienced

8. It often accompanies injury

9. Old world, new

10. Commercial

11. Course of lectures

12. Promote

16. Female horses

17. Greek mythological figure

18. Small amount

22. Orthodox church altar

25. Actress Tomei

27. Excited

28. Looked directly at

29. Popular cold desserts

30. More reasonable

32. Disk above the head of a saint

34. Devoted to the extreme

35. Make an effort

36. It’s in the surf

37. Member of aboriginal people of Japan

38. Discounts

40. Cliff in Hawaii

41. Extremely wild person

42. All persons

43. Aromas

45. Popular kids’ game

48. A difficult situation

51. Popular

OCDSB shoots down motion, uniformed police still not welcome at schools

Police officers in uniform remain banned from Ottawa’s English-speaking public schools except for the case of an emergency.

A motion to open communications between the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Police Service was shot down by the board’s Vice-Chair Justine Bell and did not even make it to vote.

OCDSB Trustee Donna Blackburn introduced the motion at the board’s Committee of the Whole meeting Tues., June 13. Blackburn had said before the meeting that she wanted to reopen communication lines with the police beyond 911 calls, citing concerns about increasing violence in OCDSB schools and the benefits of having a positive relationship with the police.

Blackburn tried to introduce a similar motion last summer. Trustee Christine Boothby moved to defer Blackburn’s motion indefinitely, saying the motion would cause hurt to the community. Trustee Lyra Evans, who is now the

board chair and who has been an active anti-police advocate and provincial NDP candidate over the years, commented at the meeting that she was “of the opinion we punt this into space and never look back.”

Evans and other trustees lobbied for the cancellation

of the Ottawa Police Service Student Resource Officer (SRO) program. Their reasoning was that having a uniformed police officer with access to the schools caused fear and anxiety to racialized (non-white) students and members of the LGTBQ+ community.

Blackburn updated the motion that was presented to the Committee of the Whole June 13. It read:

“WHEREAS the health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority without which student achievement and well-being cannot be realized; and

“WHEREAS school safety can be enhanced by a partnership with the police service which supports the safety and security of school communities and proactively assists students who may benefit from positive police involvement;

“THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: THAT the Director of Education engage in discussions with the Ottawa Police Service to establish standards of practice that allow for police support to schools respecting the safety and security of students and staff.”

College/KnoxdaleMerivale Trustee Amanda Presley called the motion harmful.

“I fear this motion will cause harm to our community partners and our community at large, as well as the perception and integrity of the board,” Presley said. “The voices who have trusted us to advocate for them should be centered in determining the expecta-

tions of the Ottawa Police Service community partner standards service and what they will look like inside of our institutions prior to any actions on the part of the board. I believe it will cause harm based on those things, and I believe that the communities we represent should be offered the opportunity to provide further consultation and consideration prior to moving forward.”

Bell, who was chairing the meeting, declared that Blackburn’s motion was out of order.

“On my determination, I think you have clearly outlined the harm – reputational harm and harm to the community – so that will be my ruling that this is upheld and will not be considered.”

Blackburn spoke next on a point of order, but was almost immediately cut off by Bell. Blackburn challenged Bell’s decision.

“On a point of order, I would respectfully submit that it’s inappropriate to suggest that a trustee has put forward a motion that is going to cause harm,” Blackburn replied. “I’m actually trying to stop harm,” she said before being cut off by Bell a second time.

Bell’s decision to call Blackburn’s motion out of

order and went to a vote. The trustees voted 8-4 in favour of Bell. The only trustees who supported Blackburn were West Carleton-March/StittsvilleRideau Jock Trustee Lynn Scott, Osgoode/Riverside South-Findlay Creek Trustee Jennifer Jennekens, and Orleans Trustee Donna Dickson.

Blackburn was clear leading up to the meeting that her motion had nothing to do with revisiting the SRO program. It was about opening communications with the Ottawa Police Service to help build a relationship with the schools, as the police are frequently called to the schools in cases of emergencies, including violence and potential threats. She believed that the motion was not our of order, as it was carefully reviewed by staff and the Director of Education before it was presented.

“I was very disappointed the Board chose not to discuss a very important topic, one that effects the safety of our staff and students,” Blackburn said. “At the end of the day, police will be in our schools and I thank the Ottawa Police Service for working with us.”

Barrhaven OCDSB Trustee Donna Blackburn introduced a motion to the board’s Committee of the Whole meeting last Tuesday that was thrown out before it was voted on.

The Ottawa Police Service was in full force at Pierre-Savard High School last Monday. The local French Catholic board school hosted the OPS basketball team, which is part of the OPS community outreach program. (T W i T T e r P HOTOS/Sg T. Maria Keen)

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There were four speakers registered to speak at the meeting, all of whom asked that the matter of police in schools not be re-opened. Among the speakers was Mae Mason from the Asilu Collective, a group that worked with Evans and Bell to lobby for the elimination of the Ottawa Police Student Resource Officer program in 2021.

The day before the meeting, uniformed Ottawa Police Service officers were welcomed with open arms at Pierre-Savard High School in Barrhaven. That school is in the city’s French Catholic School Board. The police basketball team played a game against students from Pierre-Savard, drawing a large crowd in the gym. The reaction from the staff and students was overwhelmingly positive on social media. Former Barrhaven Community Police officer Sgt. Maria Keen posted photos on Twitter. She also tweeted about a police visit to a Grade 10 class.

“Today WE were INVTED to speak to a Grade 10 class about policing and racism,” wrote Keen, the first Filipino police officer in Ottawa. “Tough questions. We were honest and transparent.

Clearly they didn’t have an issue of us coming to the school. These boys came up to US and engaged in a convo. In the end, they wanted a pic with us!”

The decision came just

days after a report released from a survey done by the ODCSB.

The 2023 Educator School Climate Survey by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board concluded that 77 per

cent of teachers received reports of bullying at schools during a fourweek window in April. It also showed that nearly one third of students (32 per cent) reported sexual harassment, and 35 per cent of students reported discrimination.

The board’s unwillingness to even discuss the matter of opening a dialogue with the police did not sit well with everyone. One parent told the Barrhaven Independent that was he saw at the meeting was an ideological way of thinking.

“They were not even open to engage with people who do not have the same viewpoints as they do,” said Wesner Estime, a parent with children at John McCrae Secondary School and Barrhaven Public School.

“We are bound to our beliefs and values, but we must be open to what others have to say,” he said. “That meeting did not follow those basic principles. We did not get to hear what the other

trustees had to say.”

Estime said that the review released by the board was a cause of concern in the community.

“There is a problem,” he said. “Two years ago there was a vote to stop the SRO program, and that is fine. But after two years, there is clearly concern. But the board is not open to see what can be done. It’s unfortunate the board did not try to be responsible. The board is telling us there is a problem, but then they have to come up with a solution.

“No decision ill make everyone happy, but the board has to find a solution. The only way that can happen is if we have to meet each other halfway. The board is not willing to do that.”

Blackburn will continue to push for repairing the board’s fractured relationship with the police.

“I am confident our staff will address the issues that have resulted in the elimination of the School Resource Officer Program,” she said.

Trustee Donna Blackburn, middle, is pictured at an OCDSB event with her daughter and her cousin, who is a police officer.

Stephanie Madden (center) is the recipient of the Kiwanis Club Of Manotick Award at the South Carleton High School Community Awards, which took place at the school in Richmond June 13. Stephanie is pictured with her parents, Paul madden and Marlene Elliott.

G A Ry CO u lO MBE P H OTO

Students engaged in conversations with the Ottawa Police after a visit to a Grade 10 class about policing and racism.

G A Ry CO u lO MBE P H OTO

Carleton Golf and Yacht Club celebrating 60th Anniversary

Carleton was established in 1963 through the vision of Mort Kalin who designed a golf course within a community. The concept of creating a community around a golf course was unique in North America and Carleton Golf was one of the first of its kind.

Originally called Rideau Carleton Golf and Yacht Club, the owners assembled two farms to create the course and adjacent housing.

A total of 240 acres was purchased and a nine-hole course, created by golf professional Bob Paluzzi and Mort Kalin, was opened in 1963. Additional land was purchased to create the second nine holes which opened in 1965. A year later, Carleton became a memberowned private club.

The original Clubhouse was a bungalow which still stands adjacent to the current putting green. The house was the pro shop and sales office and then became the home for course manager in the early years.

The first clubhouse was built in 1964 but was un-

fortunately destroyed by fire in 1989. The current clubhouse, built on the same foundations, opened in September 1990. In the meantime, a tent became the dining room and a trailer became the food truck.

The Club was purchased by the Carleton Golf and Yacht Club Association in 1967and became a member-

owned private course.

The Club included a swimming pool which opened in 1964 and 20 boat slips for yachts. There was also a marina building for the boat slips. The marina building was moved to the first tee in 1975 and became the pro shop. It is now the starter pavilion.

A few highlights:

Perry Como played the course at the invitation of Mort Kalin in August of 1966 and rated the greens “the finest I have ever seen”.

The Club has hosted several championships over the years including the CPGA Ottawa Zone Spring Open, the Canadian PGA Senior Championship in 1998, 2022 and 2019, and the Can-

adian Junior Juvenlie Men’s Championship in 1991.

The first national tournament it hosted was the Canadian Women’s Junior Champion in 1977. Unfortunately, there was an air traffic controllers’ strike set to start the day the competitors were slated to arrive. The teams did manage to arrive – they drove from N.S., flew

through the US and took a bus across the border or drove a Winnebago across country to make the tournament. The Newfoundland team flew on a Forces Jet loaned by an MP which got them to Montreal where they boarded a train for Ottawa.

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The clubhouse became a hub of the community.

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The club has held several fundraising golf events for various local charities. Of particular note was the Par Tee Fore the Cure which raised several hundred thousand dollars for the Ottawa Regional Foundation. It included a golf marathon where 4 golfers played over 100 holes. In 2011, five golfers completed 599 holes in that year’s marathon.

In 1967, the initiation fee was $300 and a family of four could enjoy golf and pool privileges for just $225 a year. By October, membership sat

at 367 members. Today initiation is $3000 and a gold membership is valued at $3700 with over 700 members at the Club.

In 1972, Dutch Elm Disease took many trees down and some of them were left on the fourteenth fairway to create a berm, affectionately known as Carleton mountain.

Social activities were a big part of the Club history with amateur nights, fashion shows, steak or prime rib dinners, bridge evenings and gala evenings. In the early years, members organized the

events and provided the local talent for dinners and amateur night.

The Club has made a few changes to the course over the years and most recently has added a patio, named Mort’s Patio, at the rear of the Clubhouse facing the Rideau River. As part of the Club’s 60th anniversary celebrations, members are creating a stone walkway to the patio using stones etched with the names of club members.

An aerial view of the Carleton Golf and Yacht Club in the 1960s.

The Carleton Golf and Yacht Club became a popular spot for boaters on the Rideau River.

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The club has a few members who have been at the Carleton Golf and Yacht Club for longer than 50 years. Doreen Keir was one of the first members and is still active in the club. She and her husband Sandy also lived in the Carleton Golf community.

She describes the early years as follows: “When we moved here, there were a few houses built here but we were the only family living

here in the winter. By 1964, the Club was established and this was where we spent out time. Most of the other houses were used as cottages.” She said the friendliness of the Club members was an important feature. She was active in organizing social events and activities, including line dancing. She is still active - at the age of 89, she led a group of members in line dancing just recently.

Ruth Sykes, 95, joined the Club with her husband over 50 years ago. She is still playing golf at the Club a couple of times a week. When asked about what she remembers most: “Needless to say, Carleton has played a very special role in my life, especially in my retirement years. It is where I learned to play golf and where I made so many wonderful friends and where I have always felt at home.”

Legendary singer Perry Como played the Carleton Golf and Yacht Club course, and raved about the course’s greens.

A view of the clubhouse and course from the water.

Bubbles filled the air throughout the day at the Richmond Fun Day.

The cold did not stop Richmond Fun Day goers on June 18

For the second straight year, an unusual cold snap ripped through the area and made the annual Richmond Fun Day feel more like a winter carnival.

The annual event, hosted by the Richmond Village Association at the Richmond Fairgrounds, took place Sun., June 18. A bouncy castle, a

petting zoo, a barbecue, face painting, and numerous activities were held throughout the day. There were even appearances by Super Heroes and Princesses.

The Richmond Firefighters also held their annual fundraising chicken barbecue. The local firemen grilled chicken throughout the day,

and those who purchased tickets could pick up their chicken dinners in person or by drive-thru.

MPP Goldie Ghamari was on hand to help out, and she had a kiosk set up at the fun day where people could get information on provincial services, such as renewing their license plates.

When it was lunch time, even Princess was checking out the Richmond Village Association BBQ.

The Richmond Legacy Community Association is pleased to announce another partner in its fundraising for the construction of a multi functional community pavilion for both public and private events in the Village of Richmond.

Jason Manion, Store Manager #8542, 1652 Woodward Dr. is pleased to partner with other local businesses to see this exciting project completed.

Dulux is a global leading brand of premium quality paints and the guiding principles for any Dulux product are to ensure they consist-

ently live up to the Dulux reputation for verifiable, total product performance that is both recognized and expected by our customers.

visit us at Dulux.ca. For more information on the Richmond Community Pavilion and on how you may contribute please visit richmondlegacy.ca.

Richmond firefighters served up dinner for many in the village with their annual chicken dinner.

Pony rides were once again a popular part of Richmond Fun Day.

Dulux becomes partner of Richmond Legacy Community Association

Despite the cold weather, a good crowd turned out for the annual Richmond Village Association Fun Day.

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“I attended several lectures and workshops through the Lifelong Learning Program at Carleton University, one of them on writing one’s life-story, and wrote my memoirs (“Our Family Had Big Dreams” – available from Friesen Press).” She said. “Another course was on Plato’s Republic. Professor Dr. MacIsaac invited anyone who was interested to join the Bachelor of Humanities program. Seemed like a really good idea! Fill in all those missing topics that didn’t inspire me as a teenager. What an adventure! Studying with people in their 20’s and knowing that I fit in with them in my

desire to study.”

Murphy said the class studied the full spectrum of literature, from the earliest days through to the 20th century. Although classic literature to her classmates might be something written by J.K. Rowling, Murphy fell in love with ancient literature and the works of Plato.

“We covered topics such as: Greek, Roman, Mesopotamian early literature; early philosophy such as Plato and Aristotle; world religions such as Bible, Quran, Bhagavad-Gita, Upanishads, Tao Te Ching; moving on to early literature such as Beowulf, Boethius, Augustine;

European literature including Boccaccio, Michel de Montaigne, Don Quixote, Milton, Diderot; History of Western Music; History of Western Art; History such as Wollstonecraft, Burke leading to introduction to Canadian intellectual history and politics; some twentieth century literature e.g. Salman Rushdie, Ghandi. Take your pick,” she said. “I also studied French e.g. Molière, Chrétien de Troyes, and Renaissance authors, and ended up with a Bachelor of Humanities, High Distinction, Minor in French.”

While Murphy spent most of her life with no interest in literature, she now can’t wait to get her hands on books.

The more I read and the more we studied, the more I fell in love with it,” she said. “And it has left me with a desire to read even more. I gave many of my texts to the College for future students, but since then, I have purchased two books, one on early philosophy – Lucretius: the Nature of Things; and Stephen Hawking’s follow-up book on The Origin of Time).

Fitting in was one of the intimidating things about going back to school.

“I remember on the first

day, going to class and wondering, ‘What are these 20-year-olds going to think of having a grey-haired old lady in their class?’ But they were all wonderful. Right from day one, we had wonderful discussions and dialogue in our class.”

Like many students, Murphy saw the social aspects of the university disappear when the COVID-19

pandemic started and classes moved to a virtual format.

“That was an unfortunate thing for all of the students,” she said. “Especially in a program like ours, that group dialogue and interaction is a big part of the learning experience. You don’t get that with Zoom or a virtual class.”

Murphy is hoping that her experience and success

can inspire other seniors to go back to school.

“The relationship between me and the younger generation was excellent; and I want to promote the idea of seniors continuing their studies, either in a program such as this, or the Carleton University Lifelong Learning Program, which selects just a few topics.”

North Gower author’s essay in latest issue of Reader’s Digest

Being Canadian is complex!

Local author, Molly O’Connor, gives a thoughtful account in an essay published in Our Canada magazine (published by Readers Digest) July 2023 issue. She is one proud Canadian and happily tells her thoughts in a well written piece that reminds other Canadians of the country and lifestyle we share.

In this article, she talks about our diversified geography and takes the reader from coast to coast to coast. Appetites are whetted with offerings mentioned from near and far, not

forgetting our thirst for beer. Canadians are entertained by outstanding talent in sports, on screen and on stage and Molly reminds us that some of the greats are Canadian. She takes the reader to lakes and mountains where stoic traditionalists fight off black flies and mosquitoes. Yet these strong people are polite and caring, quick to respond when the need arises.

There is no doubt she is a proud citizen, happy to tell her innermost thoughts and never hesitates to lustily sing the Canadian anthem. Visit her website at www.mollyoconnor.ca

Jennifer Murphy was a high school student-athlete who was interested in science, but not literature.

Jennifer Murphy shares a smile with one of her classmates during their Carleton University graduation ceremony.

The Ottawa Fo Guang Shan Temple and BLIA launched the 2023 VegRun with registration and activities on Sun., June 11.

The VegRun will take place Sun., July 9 at the temple on Franktown Road in Richmond. The event will feature a tree planting, as well as Buddha’s Light Vegetarian Food Fair. There will be approximately 100 different food offerings at the food fair this year. It beings at 11:30 a.m. on July 9.

All activities will be conducted on-site at the Ottawa Fo Guang Shan Temple located at 6688, Franktown Road.

Swans drop men’s, women’s games at Manotick Polo Grounds

The Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club had a challenging weekend as both the men’s

and women’s teams faced formidable opponents at the Manotick Polo Grounds. The men’s team competed against the Toronto Dingos, while the

women’s team took on the Etobicoke Kangaroos. Despite their best efforts, both teams fell short in their Ontario Australian Football League matches.

In the men’s game, the Swans encountered a tough battle against the Dingos. Coach Jordan Harcombe expressed disappointment but acknowledged the skill and dominance of their opponents. “It started off closely, but as the game progressed, the Dingos pulled ahead, and we couldn’t catch up,” said Harcombe.

The Swans faced injuries, with half the team carrying knocks, and two key veterans getting in-

jured during the match. However, Harcombe emphasized that the loss couldn’t be solely attributed to injuries, recognizing the exceptional performance of the Dingos. He highlighted the need for the Swans to improve their commitment and cited the loss of experienced players in recent years as a challenge they must overcome.

Despite the setbacks, the Swans’ young players showed promise, impress-

ing with their determination and competitiveness.

Harcombe praised their improvement and commitment to the game, emphasizing their contribution to the team’s overall progress. The coach also identified areas for improvement, particularly in forward entry, urging the team to be more strategic and avoid aimless kicks that allowed opponents to counterattack.

Evaline Harmsen (left) and Kyla Borden (centre) play defence for the Swans St

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Looking ahead, Harcombe expressed confidence in his team’s resilience and their ability to compete against the defending premiers in their upcoming match. He emphasized the Swans’ commitment to giving their all on the field and their belief in their talent to compete at the highest level. In the women’s match,

the Swans faced a formidable challenge against the Etobicoke Kangaroos.

Coach Yaser Abou Elenein acknowledged the Roos’ strong start, which ultimately determined the outcome of the game. He attributed the difference in experience between the two teams as a contributing factor but highlighted the Swans’ improved

performance as the match progressed.

Adjusting their midfield setup and defensive structures helped the Swans contain the Roos’ scoring and limit their opportunities. The coach stressed the need for more team practice, emphasizing that increased game time and strategic training would enhance their experi-

ence and game-day performance.

The Swans’ defensive structures and their ability to effectively kick into the forward line were areas identified for improvement. Yaser noted missed opportunities to capitalize on scoring chances, highlighting the need for the team to work on converting these opportunities into goals.

It’s also important to note that the Kangaroos did not field their usual roster. Due to many of their players being absent, the Kangaroos had five of their own players, while the rest of the players were from other teams in the league. Players from High Park Demons, Toronto Central Blues, and Hamilton Wildcats were used to represent the Kangaroos.

Despite the loss, there were positive aspects to take away from the game. The return of Vivian Nguyen after years away from the sport was a notable highlight, as the team’s resilience shone through the 14 players on the field. To recognize their

performance, the Swans’ women’s team selected Kyla Borden as Players’ Player and the men’s team selected Dominic Dumond and Yaser Abou Elenein.

Both the men’s and women’s teams remain determined to bounce back from their recent defeats.

The Ottawa Swans are eager to overcome their injuries and lack of experience,

confident in their ability to compete in the league. As the season progresses, the Swans aim to demonstrate their talent and make significant strides towards achieving their goals. The road ahead may be challenging, but the Ottawa Swans are ready to face any obstacles head-on and showcase their unwavering dedication to their team.

Geoff Daniel of the Swans stretches out for a loose ball.

James Clock of the Swans shields the ball.

Stephen J t h orne photo S

Ottawa duo wins Manotick-Round-the-Islands Paddle race

The 2nd annual Manotick-Round-the-Islands Paddle was held on Saturday, June 17.

This event saw paddlers completely circumnavigate both Long and Nicolls Islands, portaging around the Mill and the Long Is-

land Locks. Competitors were thus tested in portaging steep terrain, flat water strength and technique, and the art of reading the rapids. The back channel is enjoyed for its many quiet and scenic stretches; and the low water levels of summer add the

puzzle of finding a passage through the occasional novice level rapids.

The medal winning duo of Christine Balderson and Ben Reese from Ottawa completed the course in one hour, fifty-six minutes, 59.53 seconds.