Manotick Messenger May 5, 2023

The Carleton riding loses a great journalist and community icon

During my Member’s Statement at Queen’s Park recently, I had the opportunity to reflect on the life of John Brummell, a long-time community activist and photojournalist, who passed away peacefully in his home on March 18, 2023.

John Brummell was very devoted to his wife, Rosemary, his daughter, Deborah, and his son-in-law, AJ, as well as to his family, friends and his community.

As an active volunteer in the community, John was a member of the Goulbourn historical society and the Goulbourn horticultural society, and a director with the Richmond Agricultural Society, just to name a few. His lifelong contribution as a volunteer was his commitment to making our communities a wonderful place to live.

John received a city of Ot-

tawa City Builder Award in 2017 because of his incredible success at bringing the community together through his involvement and love of photography.

The 80-year-old Stittsville resident was a familiar face around town, with many of his friends, family, and members of the community fondly recalling his ready grin and joyful laugh. Wherever news was breaking or the community was holding an event, no matter how humble the occasion, we all looked forward to a visit from John Brummell or his colleague John Curry, who passed away last year, on February 5, 2022.

With John’s passing, it’s truly the end of an era for the community.

I would like to pass along my deepest condolences to John’s wife, Rosemary, his daughter, Deborah, his sonin-law, AJ, his family and friends, as well as to everyone in the community.

May he rest in peace, and may he always serve as a reminder to the rest of us about the importance of community journalism.

Ontario Combating Violence and Improving Safety in Schools

The Ontario government is investing $24 million to help reduce the risk of violence in schools and promote the safety of students and educators. This is in response to recent incidents of violence in schools that have increased concern and fear amongst stu-

dents, families and the broader community.

This funding will provide additional support to school boards and community organizations, including:

- More than $2.8 million to expand Focus on Youth, increasing the province’s investment in this program by 37 per cent to $10.45 million for 2022-23. This investment will provide high-quality program opportunities for thousands of children and youth in 24 school boards across Ontario by creating employment experiences for high school students. Further, the funding will help increase access to free/low-cost camps for children and youth (kindergarten to Grade 12) in high-needs areas where such opportunities may be limited.

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- $500,000 (2022-23, 2023-24) to the Pinball Clemons Foundation to partner with the One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization. This partnership will provide mentorship, inspiration and ongoing opportunities for connection through inschool and after-school programming.

- $600,000 to partner with Respect Group Inc to deliver and implement the Respect in School Workshop, a 90-minute evidence-based online training program available in French and English designed for school leaders on the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

- $1.5 million (2023-24) in anti-hate initiatives that include development of classroom resources to promote diversity and that better reflect the population of Canada, and to partner with community organizations to provide curriculumlinked educational resour-

ces on digital literacy to increase student awareness of online misinformation, critical thinking skills and awareness of online hate and threats.

- $1 million in 2023-24 to partner with community organizations to combat racism and dismantle systemic barriers faced by underserved and racialized students through youth hotlines, counselling services, youth support networks, lesson plans and classroom materials.

To support student wellbeing, Ontario is providing $16 million in new funding in 2023-24 through the Safe and Clean Schools Supplement within the Grants for Student Needs that includes the following:

- $12 million to support the salaries and benefits costs for staff such as psychologists, social workers and child/youth workers to enhance additional direct services for students

- $4 million to support the salaries and bene-

fits costs for educational assistants to work with students who may require additional support.

Ontario’s investments reflect the urgency of supporting communities to combat school violence through programs that engage youth, address the root causes of violence, support students to overcome personal and academic challenges hindering learning achievement, and help them create meaningful connections to — and a sense of belonging within — their schools and communities.

Quick Facts

- In summer 2022, nearly 2,000 students were hired through Focus on Youth placements, while more than 28,000 students have benefited from free or low-cost programming.

- Ontario’s Urban and Priority High Schools program provides $10 million annually to 46 schools in 12 English and French

school boards in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, London, Ottawa, Waterloo, and Windsor. The program supports participants to become engaged in and attend school regularly, improve their literacy and numeracy skills, participate in school activities, connect to their community, learn valuable leadership skills and plan for their future.

- For the 2023-24 school year, Ontario is providing a projected $43.5 million through the Safe and Accepting Schools Allocation within the Grants for Student Needs to hire child and youth workers, social workers, psychologists, education assistants and attendance counsellors to work with students who are at-risk of suspension or expulsion. The province will also provide programming supports to students who have been expelled or are on long-term suspension, including help meeting curriculum expectations while not in school, developing

positive behaviours and attitudes, anger management, substance abuse counselling, self-regulation, conflict management or life skills coaching.

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

Pap-apalooza Pap test clinic scheduled for May 5 in Barrhaven

For some women, getting a pap test can be intimidating. Thanks to an event coming up in Barrhaven, getting a pap test can be part of something that brings the community together.

Three Ottawa doctors are organizing a daylong Pap Test Clinic for women who do not have a family doctor and are due for cervical screening tests.

The pop-up clinic will be at the Rideau Valley Health Centre on 1221 Greenbank Rd. in Barrhaven from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fri., May 5.

Pap-apalooza events and promotions have been very popular over the past five years in the Thunder Bay/ northwest Ontario region, as well as in British Columbia. With the shortage of family doctors being a national problem stretching across Canada, Ottawa finds itself in a crisis with a shortage of family doctors that is hitting the suburban and rural areas of the city particularly hard.

One of the event organizers, Dr. Lesley Spencer, said a lot of people who are overdue for Pap tests as it was not an urgent essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I heard about the event in Vancouver on an online doctors’ forum, and I thought it would be a great idea to do something like that here,” Spencer said. “I reached out to them and we are more or less following their template and plan for the event.”

Spencer said there are five doctors willing to work at the event and there is a team of volunteers and students who will be on hand to help out. There will be refreshments, snacks and loot bags available while they last.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm about the event, from the doctors, nurses and volunteers,” she said. “Getting the test done can be very intimidating and a lot of women feel vulnerable. This event will take some of those feelings away and make them feel more comfortable.”

To screen for cervical cancer, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends having a Pap test every three years if you have a cervix, are age 25 to 69, and are or have ever been sexually active. Sexual activity includes intercourse (sex) and digital (using the fingers) or oral (using the

mouth) sexual activity involving the genitals with a partner of any sex.

Dr. Spencer and Dr. Kaitlyn Orton-Shmitt both rent clinic space at the Rideau Valley Health Centre and are among the doctors looking to grow the Pap-apalooza program to other areas of the city such as Kanata, Orleans and downtown Ottawa. The clinic will also provide an opportunity for medical students to get handson experience by working at the clinic.

If the program is successful and there is a demand, clinics could be added outside the City of Ottawa boundaries in communities like Kemptville and Arnprior. Many Barrhaven and area residents already use the Kemptville District Hospital, which is less than a half hour drive from the community.

OHIP is covering the cost of testing supplies and the doctors are paying for staffing at the clinic.

To be eligible for Pap tests at the Pap-apalooza event, patients must have valid OHIP

PAP-APALOOZA

Needapap?Don'thaveadoctor?CometoPAP-a-palooza!

May5,20238am-4pm

RideauValleyFamilyHealthServices

1221GreenbankAve

Barrhaven,ON

Tobook, call:343-644-9877x4 (Janis)

Online: https://rvhc.ca/ Walk-insalsoavailable

Criteria:

●dueforapap(25-70yearsold,nopapin3+years)

●validOHIPcard

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Wewillhavesnacksandcoffeeandmusic!Comeenjoythepap-party!

cards and not have family doctors. Doctors will contact patients with abnormal results.

To book a Pap test at the event, call 613-258-8710 extension 4. Walk-ins will also be available at the clinic.

Celebration of Life in memory of Terry Middaugh

Our loving husband, father and grandfather left us on March 27th of this year at age 80. Please join us as we raise a glass to a life well lived. At home - 1222 Beaverwood Road Manotick on Saturday June 10th. This will be a casual drop in anytime during the hours of 1 to 4.

McNeil -Bruce

Bruce McNeil, a devoted father, loving grandfather, and cherished brother, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 22, 2023 in his 69th year, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bruce is survived by his three sons, Rob (Adrienne Bieber), Ben (Melanie Oleskiw), and Grant (Sophie Collins) and their mother Suzanne Boivin. He is also survived by his five adoring grandchildren, Luella, Hank, Nova, Silas, and Hugo. He was also a beloved brother to Ian and Jeffrey. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Faye McNeil, and his brother, Robert (Bobby). He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

Bruce spent his entire life in Manotick and had a deep love for the community. Through his role in the family car dealership and his involvement in the Manotick United Church, Bruce had the opportunity to get to know everyone in the area. Even as his memory began to fade, he would light up when he recognized someone while out on a walk –which was just about every time he left the house.

The visitation and service for Bruce was held at the Kars Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes.

Bruce will be remembered for his kind nature and his devotion to his family. Those who wish to make a donation in his honor may do so to the Bruyere Brain and Memory Program at 75 Bruyère St, Suite 329Y, Ottawa, ON K1N 5C6 or online at https://www.bruyere.org/en/memory-program. Tributes, donations or condolences may be made at www. tubmanfuneralhomes.com.

Manotick Messenger’s From the Other Side named top column in province

The Manotick Messenger has had another big year at the 2022 Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s annual Better Newspaper Competition.

The annual competition is judged by some of the top journalists and professors in the country. The best submissions from among the more than 200 community newspapers in the province are judged each year. The top three finalists in each category were named in February, with the winners announced last Friday.

The judging window for the 2022 awards was for material published between Sept. 2021 and Sept. 2022.

Jeff Morris was named the OCNA Columnist of the Year for his ‘From the Other Side’ column, which runs on page 6 in the Manotick Messenger. It marks the second time he has been named the top

columnist in the province. He is also a two-time Ontario humour columnist of the year award, and a twotime winner of the Stephen Shaw Award as Ontario’s Reporter of the Year. He has been among the three finalists for either the Column of the Year or Humour Column of the Year awards in 13 of the last 16 years.

Chris Foulds, editor of Kamloops This Week and a former Columnist of the Year in BC, called Morris’s From the Other Side columns “well written columns that flow extremely well. And the topics are compelling.”

Jim Poling of the Minden Times was second in the category, while Laurie Weir of the Perth Courier was third.

A feature story written by Morris was a finalist in two categories.

In November, 2021, the Manotick Messenger ran a

feature story on the connection in Manotick and surrounding area to notorious gangster Al Capone. The feature story was brought to the Messenger’s attention after the demolition of the Manotick Tea Room by the building’s former owner, Chris Napior. The story was centered around the Tea Room, a distillery in the woods near the Prescott railroad in Manotick Station, the connection of J. Edgar Hoover to the Village of Osgoode, and how moonshine was taken by boat across the St. Lawrence River from Prescott to Ogdensburg.

The story also detailed the discover of musical instruments and equipment found in the Manotick Tea Room. The equipment belonged to world famous drummer Gene Krupa, who was a relative of former Manotick Tea Room owners Peter and Tess

Krupa.

The feature placed second in the province for Best Heritage Story.

Chris Clegg, editor of the South Peace News in High Prairie, Alberta, judged the category. Clegg said he “could not pull himself away from this story. A terrific read, well done!”

Ashley Kulp of the Carleton Place/Almonte Canadian Gazette placed first in the category, while Cory Bilyea of the Wingham Advance Times was third.

The Al Capone feature placed third in the Best Feature Story category.

“The many stories which centered around the Manotick Tea Room were given a full airing in this very interesting feature,” said category judge Frank Bucholtz, a retired editor from Black Media and the Langley Times in BC. “Figures such as Al

Capone, J. Edgar Hoover and Gene Krupa make this story a fascinating read.”

Since 2006, the Manotick Messenger and Morris have won more than 70 provincial newspaper awards, more than any other journalist and news-

paper in Ontario. Last year, Jeff Morris was inducted into the Ontario Community Newspaper Association Hall of Fame along with his father, John, his uncle, Robin and his grandfather, Jack, who were inducted posthumously.

Op Ed: CTF says strike proves privileged PSAC is out of touch

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the federal government to reject the unaffordable and unsustainable demands from the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

“Canadians don’t feel sorry for the privileged bureaucrats on strike who took pay raises during the pandemic and never worry about losing their job,” said Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the CTF. “These bureaucrats are living a privileged life and now they want to take billions more from taxpayers who are worried about making their mortgage payments and struggling to afford gas and groceries.”

PSAC demanded up to 47 per cent compensation

increases over three years, according to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. That would cost taxpayers $9.3 billion.

A total of 312,825 federal employees received at least one pay raise during the pandemic. That means more than 90 per cent of federal employees received a raise during the pandemic. The federal government also paid out $559 million in bonuses since 2020.

Compensation for each full-time federal employee is $125,300 on average when pay, pension and other benefits are added up, according the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

“[Federal] personnel spending over the past two years increased by 30.9 per cent,” according

to the PBO. “The public service expanded by 31,227 full-time equivalents.”

“Taxpayers paid for hundreds of thousands of pay raises, hundreds of millions in bonuses and tens of thousands of new employees over the last few years and now bureaucrats are demanding billions more,” Terrazzano said. “Enough is enough. The government must reject PSAC’s unaffordable, unsustainable and out of touch demands.”

The non-wage benefits PSAC has demanded include:

- A special shift premium whenever members work past 4 p.m.;

- Taxpayer-funded contributions to the PSAC’s

Social Justice Fund, which engages in “advocacy for progressive public policy,” according to the union’s website;

- An education fund for laid-off members of up to $17,000;

- Increased paid leave for family related responsibilities from 37.5 hours to 75 hours annually; and,

- Accrual of four weeks of automatic vacation leave after four years of service, rather than after seven years of service.

PSAC President Chris Aylward speaks to the crowd during the federal workers strike. Twi

Age: 17

Grade: 12

School: Osgoode Township

High

Grade: 12

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche

FOCUS ON YOUTH

by Phill Potter

Parents: Heather and Dennis Wyche

These past weeks our community has once again been challenged with ongoing power outages, property damage, disruption to cell and internet service, loss of use of water and sump pumps. This fractured impact of the April 5 ice storm left some residents expressing concerns as to what MVCA’s role is at the time of a community emergency.

In the event of a disaster or major emergency, the City of Ottawa has an Emergency Management Plan outlining the roles and responsibilities of all involved - the Mayor, City Councillors, and City departments, community agenciesto ensure essential services are provided during an emergency and identify locations of Emergency Reception Centres. To review this plan go to https:// app06.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/cpsc/2011/0324/03%20-%20Document%20

2%20Emergency%20

Plan-%20Schedule%20B.htm

In 2019 the MVCA Board worked on a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan specifically for Manotick and our community residents. The Emergency Preparedness Guidelines include what to do during an emergency, making an emergency plan and kit, contact numbers for services and resources – everything you need to know that is expected of residents in an emergency. Go to https://www.manotickvca. org/emergency-preparadnessplan

Your association not only serves you but lives in your community and is equally impacted by community emergencies. Each resident should become familiar with these guidelines in preparation for the next occurrence. Emergency help and rescue can take days in some situations. If you have questions about emergency preparedness in our community, please contact us at info@ manotickvca.org.

Pedestrian Safety

For years, the MVCA has been advocating on the importance of safety on our roads. In 2018 we conducted a Walkability Audit outlining recommendations, many of which the City has implemented. The remaining items were submit-

VILLAGE VOICE

by Irene Staron, President,

Manotick Village and Community Association (MVCA)

ted as budget requests to the City for 2023. https://www. manotickvca.org/village-walkability-audit

The recent tragedy in our community has hit us all and we share in the outpouring of support to the families impacted. We are determined to make our streets safe. Doing so will require support from the City, the Province, and everyone in the community. Together, we need to do everything we can to prevent future tragedies, and MVCA is preparing a comprehensive plan with that aim. We will be sharing more in the weeks to come.

2023 MVCA – Annual General Meeting (AGM) –Thursday, May 25 – 7pm

The Board of the MVCA is holding our 2023 Annual General Meeting on Thursday May 25 at 7pm in the large meeting room upstairs at the Manotick Arena. All members and nonmembers are invited. Election of Board members will be held. We currently have an opening for Secretary. If you are interested, please contact us by May 9 at info@manotickvca.org. Agenda will be posted on our website May 10.

April storm recoveryTree branches and debris

Clean up from the April storm continues. As of April 24th Roads and Forestry crews began collecting debris from residential curbs. Notifications of scheduled arrivals in our area will be issued to our Councillors and through social media. Information available on the City’s website.

Free Wood Chips

Some debris collected by Roads and Forestry has been converted into wood chips and are available for free. Interested? Locations are: City Yards at 2145 Roger Stevens Drive and 4244 Rideau Valley Drive / Osgoode Arena, 5660 Osgoode Main Street / Larry Robinson

by Phill Potter

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

Arena – 2785 8th Line Road, Metcalfe.

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

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.”

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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.”

City of Ottawa Tick Talk

Pets: Two dogs, Ewok and Pixie, and a cat.

Pets: Two dogs, Ewok and Pixie, and a cat.

Part-time Work: “Cheerleading and tumbling coach at Kemptville Infinity in Kemptville.)

Favourite Subjects: “Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-

Get your well water tested: Important reminder for residents dependent on wells to have their water tested now. Ottawa Public Health offers free well water testing. Check their website for bottle pick up and water sample dropoff locations.https://www. ottawapublichealth.ca/en/ public-health-services/free-

Part-time Work: “Cheerleading and tumbling coach at Kemptville Infinity in Kemptville.)

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.”

Favourite Subjects: “Math and Chemistry. I enjoy doing labs and prob-

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.”

spective 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.”

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.”

What is MVCA’s role in an emergency like April 5 ice storm?

Around the Village Veteran Memorial Banners

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.”

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.”

Why did you get involved in what you do?

“I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make

Important reminder for residents that tick season is here. Learn how to avoid tick bites and possibility of Lyme Disease. Visit the City’s website for helpful tips and preventative measures. https://www. ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/lyme-disease. aspx

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.”

• 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

As part of Jane’s Walk Ottawa, Manotick Culture, Parks and Recreation Association (MCPRA) has once again coordinated a ‘Jane’s Walk’ in Manotick. This is MCPRA’s fourth year hosting this pedestrian-focused event offering insights into local history, planning, design, and civic engagement through the simple act of walking and observing. The Manotick Walk is limited to 35 participants. For details and to register go to https://www.janeswalkottawa.ca/

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

This year, the Manotick / South Carlton 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. Program details will be released to the public in the coming weeks, and We will Remember them!

Why did you get involved in what you do?

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

“I got involved in Student Council because I saw it as an opportunity to make

• 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.

Youth of Manotick Association (YOMA) –Celebrating 10 years

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.”

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/

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

NEEDED!!! Children’s books. Proceeds are used for operations of the Store, Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House. https://watsonsmill. com/bookstore/

May 11, 25: The Great Yarn Club of Manotick regular schedule every 2ndThursday 11:00-12:30 The Great Yarn Club of Manotick| Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

May 5-7, 12-14 – ITR Presents “The One Act Play That Goes Wrong”. Tickets are on sale through their website https://www. itrtheatre.com/shows

Dickinson Days 2023 (June 2,3,4)

• 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

One of Manotick’s most beloved annual events returns! Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Manotick. If you plan to participate in the parade on the Friday evening, please contact Neil Usher at neil@neilusher.com The Crafter’s Market on Saturday is a destination for everyone on Dickinson Days weekend. Registration is now open for booths that day https://forms.gle/1YjJ3226qbs8GN767

Early bird ends September 21st

Interested in becoming a sponsor or partner for the event? Please contact the organizers manotick@ca.inter.net

Paul’s Pharmacy

• 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.

990 River Road (across from Tim Hortons)

613-692-0015

Village Spring Clean Up – April 29 – 9:30 am – Miller’s Oven – coordinated by The Kiwanis Club of Manotick. Grab your friends to come out for some good, clean fun. Want to learn more about Kiwanis? Go to https://www.manotick-kiwanis.org/

Transferring a prescription is easy to do

These cards accepted Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm

Watson’s Mill Used Book Store – Now open for the season!

Thanks

Paul’s Pharmacy 990 River Road (across from Tim Hortons)

613-692-0015

Transferring

These cards accepted Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm

• 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.

May 5: Aging Well Together - Community Services Open House - Manotick Library:, drop-in https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/ community-services-open-house

• 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.

May 6 – Manotick Musicale supporting Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS). There are two shows this year 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. This year’s theme is Fabulous Fifties. For tickets contact ROSSS https://rosss.ca/

Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors who make these events possible www.pharmasave.com

• Friday the fourth play, Greely 613-822-1451

May 8: After School Craft Lab: collage Ages 5-12, registration required After school craft lab: collage | Ottawa Public Library (biblioottawalibrary.ca)

• 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

May 10: Afternoon Book Club, drop-in : https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/manotick-afternoon-book-club-0

SHADES

SHUTTERS

Friday afternoon Euchre at Manotick United Church - free dropin. No experience necessary.

• Tuesday the 1st pm. listen Mitch 826-6128.

613-706-1250

Free Puzzle Swap at Manotick United Church every Friday from 10 – noon.

stevenscreekshutterco.ca

Announcement SHADES SHUTTERS DR

Community Events

May 6 – 10am – Watson’s Mill - 2023 Jane’s Walk ‘Building Bridges’

Hydro CEOs need to be better prepared for next storm we face

The ice storm from this April caused tremendous damage and disruption to our community. Though some of that damage and disruption is always a consequence of mother nature unleashing her worst on us, it is my firm belief that our City and hydro distributors can learn important lessons from the storm and its attendant power outages.

To that end, I wrote a letter to the CEO’s of Hydro Ottawa, Hydro One, and to the Mayor highlighting a number of challenges facing our community as a result of the storm and power outages, urging all parties to use the time between now and the next storm to be better prepared.

The letter was based on the feedback that I have heard from the community. Residents expressed frustration around communication efforts from energy distributors, unsure when they might have power restored and how to plan accordingly. Others noted with concern that residents who rely upon wells and

Rideau-Jock Report

David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21

sump pumps were among the last in Ottawa to be restored to service. Communities like Manotick are served by both Hydro One and Hydro Ottawa, meaning that it is deprioritized by both energy distributors when compared to other communities of similar size.

These issues are so persistent because they are difficult to solve. Even so, as Councillor, I believe it is my duty to pressure the parties involved to find solutions.

To address these issues, I wrote in my letter that all parties must find ways to develop skills and experience outside of storm events through more emergency exercises, improve systems for managing communication with residents, reassess how the triage formula works to in-

clude the needs of customers and not just the size of the service area impacted, conduct more preemptive maintenance of trees, and work together to coordinate relief in areas that border Hydro One and Hydro Ottawa.

None of these changes will solve all the problems that arise from power outages. But they do represent a step in the right direction toward improving service standards for people across Ottawa generally and in rural Ottawa specifically.

By making these changes now, we stand a far greater chance of avoiding many of the challenges that impacted residents during the latest storm. Some of these efforts will require investments, but it is my belief that these are the kinds of investments

that ratepayers and taxpayers can support as they will lead to clear improvements in how storm and power outage events are managed.

The linemen, forestry crews, and staff who worked through the Easter Holiday should be commended for their commitment to getting all residents back online as quickly as possible and supporting those who needed assistance. We are lucky to have such talented and hard-working people to rely upon. It is my hope that some policy changes will better enable these workers to apply their many skills to restore power more quickly and fairly to residents.

I would also like to extend my praise and gratitude to MPP Gol-

die Ghamari, who worked tirelessly during the storm to support residents and is a relentless advocate at Queen’s Park for our community. She plays an indispensable role in working with Hydro One to improve how these kinds of emergency situations are

managed.

To anyone in the community who has further ideas about what can be done to strengthen the response of the City and power distributors to storm events, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at ward21@ottawa.ca.

Have fun this summer working outside! Get a job at SHouldiCe Berry FArM

We’re looking for bright, energetic people who enjoy the outdoors for employment at our berry farms and kiosks in Nepean, Barrhaven, Manotick, Kanata, Stittsville, Kemptville, Almonte and Carleton Place.

Jane’s Walk in Manotick takes place Sat., May 6

For the fourth consecutive year, Manotick Culture, Parks and Recreation Association (MCPRA) has coordinated a Jane’s Walk in Manotick.

Jane’s Walk is a festival of free neighbourhood walking tours that began in Ottawa in 2008 in memory of Jane Jacobs, (1916-2006), “urbanist and activist whose writings championed a fresh, community-based approach to understanding, organizing, designing, and building cities.”

Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, communityled neighbourhood walking tours and conversations that began in Ottawa in 2008.

The walks are inspired by the late urbanist, activist, and journalist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world on the first weekend of May. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.

The recent passing of Caroline Andrew has made us take stock of her life’s work, exploring and promoting inclusivity, community life, urban politics, and the role of neighbourhoods. Prof. An-

drew’s close ties with Jane’s Walk over the years suggests a theme for the walks this year: building bridges across divides. You’ll see this theme is present across many of the walks being offered this year.

Jane’s Walk 2023 theme is ‘Building Bridges’ and the walks are being held on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 across the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

It’s the fourth year MCPRA has put together a Village walk. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. and will include the following route and guest speakers. [The times are ap-

proximate.]

10:00 - Manotick Public Library, Anne Robinson

10:10 - A. Y. Jackson Park, Irene Staron

10:20 - Millview Passive House, Fanjoy

10:35 - Remembrance Park, Grace Thrasher

10:45 - Dickinson Square, Elaine Eagan

11:00 - Back to the library via the ‘secret’ path

Jane’s Walk is a pedestrianfocused event that improves urban literacy by offering insights into local history, planning, design, and civic engagement through the simple act of walking and observing.

Also, the first-ever Jane’s Walk Festival Preview event will kick off the 2023 festival. Participants will learn about some of this year’s most exciting walks, meet other community members who are participating in the festival, ask organizers all of your questions — and bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy under

an iconic bridge in Ottawa. There will be music, discussion, games, and fun activities for all ages. Children are welcome. Bring yourself, a blanket, and a picnic dinner. Get out in the fresh spring air, learn more about Jane’s Walk, and get ready for the weekend’s festival!

Volunteers are an important part of making Jane’s Walk happen. Sign up to support a walking tour leader as a marshal.

Pre-registration is required for walks during the 2023 festival and capacity will be capped. Visit janeswalkottawa.ca for the 2022 festival schedule and to sign up as a participant for specific walking tours.

To get updates on the festival, sign up for our NEW email newsletter and follow Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JanesWalkOttawa).

Chapman Mills trail reopens with new, more accessible bridge

The trail at Chapman Mills Conservation Area has fully reopened just in time for spring – and it’s more accessible than ever.

A new pedestrian span was installed overnight on Sunday, March 19, replacing the old wooden bridge that had reached the end of its lifecycle. The new bridge is wider with more accessible slopes and railings. The ramps on either end are also longer and safer.

“We are thrilled to reopen with even more accessibility and safety features at one of our busiest properties,” said Chelsey Ellis, RVCA’s conservation lands manager. “We thank the community for their patience while we completed this critical project.”

The 23-acre conservation area on the shores of the Rideau River is in walking distance from two seniors’ resi-

dences and surrounded by family-friendly neighbourhoods.

While the trail still includes some steep slopes, the new pedestrian bridge will allow people of all ages and abilities to more fully enjoy the site’s 1.5 kilometre boardwalk trail, which connects to multiuse pathways south of Vimy Memorial Bridge.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) secured funding to complete the project, including $150,000 from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Local donations and community support were also key to bringing the project to life.

RVCA staff have been working with renowned accessibility consultant Marnie Peters to create a matrix of the world’s best outdoor accessibil-

ity solutions and apply them to all infrastructure projects going forward. Another accessible bridge project is also underway at Baxter Conservation Area south of Manotick.

About Chapman Mills Conservation Area: Chapman Mills Conservation Area is located on the west bank of the Rideau River on Prince of Wales Drive between Winding Way and Lodge Road. It consists mainly of natural river shoreline, wetlands and flood plain areas that are unique in the City of Ottawa.

Visitors can enjoy a covered picnic shelter, scenic lookouts, walkways and boardwalks that lead pedestrians on a 1.5 km stroll through some sensitive and beautiful habitats. Interpretive signs along the way tell the site’s environmental story. At the trail’s north end visitors can also enjoy an accessible dock for

launching canoes, kayaks and other paddlecrafts, as well as a viewing platform. The south end has a shoreline entrance for paddlecrafts. Parking is located off Winding Way.

The land for Chapman Mills Conservation Areas was a gift to the people of the Rideau Valley from the South Nepean Development Corporation, along with additional land

ceded from Parks Canada. Minto Development Inc. provided the development funds necessary to carry out the improvements for public use of Chapman Mills Conservation Area.

Community Association President responds to letter criticizing MVCA

The Editor, In response to Lillian D’s letter in April 21st issue of the Messenger, the MVCA has received various comments from the community, in particular one from Dr. Ron St. John, a person with extensive emergency measures experience who wrote me and I quote:

“I am writing in response to the letter to the editor titled “Community association leaves Manotick residents out to dry in the ice storm”. The letter is misinformed since

it suggests that the Manotick Village Community Association (MVCA) should have mobilized to provide emergency services to Manotick residents during and after the ice storm. A community association is not a first responder. The MVCA is an association of about 425 members of a community of about 5,000 people who are not coordinated or trained as “first responders.”

“Trained firemen respond to fires; police respond to emergency sites

to maintain order; hydro personnel respond to loss of power. These people are ‘first responders’. They are called to take action in an officially declared emergency and are specially trained to limit the destruction of property and the loss of life.

“The City is responsible for organizing first response, and the first priority is to provide shelter, food and water for those who are deprived of these basic needs. It is my understanding that the City did open recreational

facilities for shelter and showers.

“Neighbours can certainly take the initiative to organize those on their street or in their area to help each other. But it is difficult to imagine an association of untrained members acting in a first response capacity to help with food, flooded basements, clearing yards, etc., especially when the association members live in the same area may be experiencing the same problems.”

I believe Dr. St. John

succinctly articulates MVCA’s roles and responsibilities related to incidents and emergency situations in our community and sets out realistic expectations. Concerning the recent ice storm and outages, the MVCA immediately contacted our Councillor David Brown to ensure that Ottawa City emergency services and hydro services were brought to bear on the problem. Since this emergency did not cause displacement from peoples’ homes, there was no need

to conduct triage which is the City’s responsibility. Residents are urged to become familiar with the Emergency Preparedness Guidelines on our website https://www.manotickvca.org/emergencypreparadness-plan

We invite ALL members of our community to attend our May 25th AGM to become more informed about the MVCA, who we are and what we do for our community.

Irene Staron, President, MVCA

Criticism of MVCA response to ice storm was unwarranted

The Editor, We were shocked by Lilian D’s unwarranted criticism of the Manotick Village Community Association’s executive regarding their response to the recent ice storm and

power outages (letters, April 21).

Does Lilian D (who apparently wants to hide behind anonymity) not realize that these people are volunteers and presumably they — like the rest of us

— had families and damaged houses to care for and downed trees to deal with? We are longtime MVCA members but not on the executive. MVCA is not an emergency measures organization. We have

always been impressed by the stand the MVCA has taken on local controversial issues and the lengths they have gone to keep us informed. For example, they have spent much time and effort — and remem-

ber they are unpaid volunteers — trying to stop truck traffic on Bridge Street and throughout the village.

The MVCA is having its annual meeting in May. We presume we shall see

Lilian D volunteering for one of the positions, given that she is so critical of the present executive.

Maureen and Geoff Johnson Manotick

Wind energy is essential to our transition off of fossil fuels

The Editor, I see that Jane Wilson and her advocacy group, “Wind Concerns Ontario” are continuing their battle against the alternative energy sources essential to Canada’s transition away from fossil fuels. It’s interesting to note that the prevailing narrative seems to have morphed somewhat over time. In the early days, it was all about protecting people from the supposedly dev-

astating health risks associated with having wind turbines anywhere in sight, but now that those concerns have been pretty much debunked in study after study, our friends have a new focus. Now, it’s all about protecting the environment! Interviewed by the Messenger for comment on the release of Ottawa’s recent discussion paper on rural issues, Wilson, “says several issues of concern

are missing, particularly about environment and renewable energy.” Wilson goes on to mention “the loss of woodlands and farmland” and “the danger to groundwater sources.” This, in a province that is in the process of paving over the greenbelt to build high-end homes so that Canada’s rentier class can continue to expand their real estate portfolios! The hypocrisy is stupefying.

And that’s not where the hypocrisy ends. Wind energy is essential to our transition off of fossil fuels, which have environmental impacts that are nothing short of mind-boggling. The tailings ponds of toxic sludge in Alberta’s Oil Sands are now so vast that they’re visible from space and cover an area twice the size of the city of Vancouver. Worse than that, the Alberta Energy Regulator

estimates that once all of the multinational oil companies have packed up their carpetbags and vanished, taxpayers will be on the hook for $130 billion in cleanup costs. And that’s just the oilsands. The results of years of indiscriminate fracking are still largely unknown, but the problem of the induced earthquakes that are now proliferating in rural Alberta is being studied extensively.

So yes, there are minor environmental impacts associated with wind turbines, but they pale in comparison with the devastation of the environment associated with fossil fuels production. We would all benefit from following the advice of the late Richard Carlson, who once uttered those words to live by, “don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Andy Braid

PSAC worker presents reasons that workers are on strike

The Editor, Like many others in our region, I am a public servant and a member of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Approximately 155,000 employees including me, are on strike. We would prefer to be working - strikes are times of great uncertainty and a concerning to those involved. We are on strike because our contract expired in June 2021, and, while negotiations with our employer have been ongoing for two years, they were not progressing. There is hope that

the strike will encourage the parties to continue their negotiations and will result in a fast resolution. However, as I write this, we are one week in and negotiations are stalled.

There are currently two issues on which the union and government have been unable to reach an agreement.

Wage increases: The union is seeking an increase that is consistent with the costs associated with inflation; we have all felt the pinch of higher gas and grocery costs and our current rates of pay are not keeping up. The union

has requested 4.5% for the three years covered by the agreement (2021-2023). The Treasury Board has stated that this wage ask is too high, and yet, it seems that Members of Parliament are not insulated from the effects of inflation as they opted to give themselves a raise on April 1, 2023: https://www.taxpayer. com/newsroom/four-out-offive-canadians-oppose-mppay-hike .

Telework/Work from Home: We are also seeking that language related to telework be added to our

contracts. The union’s proposed wording can be found at the following weblink: https://psacunion.ca/sites/ psac/files/commonissues_ en_combined_02-03-2022.

pdf#page=59 As you can see, the language in no way obligates the employer to allow Work from Home. It provides clear language and a right of recourse for those who believe that they have been treated unfairly.

This is a very contentious issue, while contract negotiations were ongoing, the President of the Treas-

ury Board issued a Directive requiring that all employees (with a few exceptions) return to the office at a minimum of two to three days a week. Originally, the decision on how much work needed to be done was left to Management but this Directive supersedes management’s authority on telework.

Why should you care?

In addition to the possibility that you have been or will be inconvenienced by the strike, any gains made in this negotiation are likely set the tone for other sectors in

contract negotiations. So, for example, if our union is successful in having Work from Home wording added to our contracts, it may be easier for other work sectors and their unions to request and achieve this - kind of like setting a precedent. Also, this strike is affecting many employees in our community...we have currently been on strike pay for five days and there is no end in sight, so we ask for your understanding at this time.

Thank you, Nicole Brown

Last issue was like Sunday morning at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park

The Editor, Having read the two letters to you that were published this week I fear the Messenger has become a print version of a Sunday morning at Speaker’s Corner in London’s Hyde Park, a mecca for the deranged,

bitter and misinformed. One letter belittled the efforts made by the unpaid volunteers who make up the MVCA expecting a Red Cross-like response in the recent climatic maelstrom; the other bemoaned local’s legal concerns while simul-

taneously jumping on the anti-woke/transphobic bandwagon that they report is the “silent majority” of the Messenger readership; what utter twaddle.

The reality is the majority of us are considerate and accepting and, in true

Canadian spirit (and I mean TRUE, not the flag wearing, abuse shouting, highway blocking luddites) happy to live alongside and respect our fellow Canadians without prejudice. Please be more representative of the informed and progressive

community of Manotick that we all know and love.

Bobby Strawbridge

Editor’s Note – We do not pick and choose the topics of the letters that come into our inbox. Also, please understand that some of

these issues are polarizing. You may see the letter writers as misinformed, and they may see you as misinformed. Frankly, we are just happy to give a platform to people beyond Andy Braid. So Bobby, please keep the letters coming

Mother’s Day is the latest victim of wokism gone mad

By Maurice Tougas

Oh, I’m sorry. Have I offended you? Please accept my apology, especially if you’re a student at the University of Manchester in England.

I came across a story on the internet a while back with the click-bait headline “Manchester University bans the word ‘mother’ ahead of Mother’s Day.”

I checked it out, fully expecting a parody from some smart-aleck website like The Onion. But no, the story came from The Irish Post, a 50-year-old media outlet that rather modestly calls itself “The Voice of the Irish.”

Faith and begorrah, sure enough the story is true, although claiming the word mother has been banned is a tad hyperbolic. While the headline is overwrought, the University of Manchester in England has told its staff not to use the word mother in an attempt to promote inclusivity and diversity.

The suggestion comes

from the university’s “equality, diversity and inclusion” team, which is every bit as wildly woke as the name implies. The team has put together a guide that “outlines how to use inclusive language to avoid biases, slang or expressions that exclude certain groups based on age, race, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexual orientation.”

The guide includes all the usual stuff (spokesperson, not spokesman; humankind, not mankind) and a few I hadn’t thought of (cover or staff, rather than man; workforce, not manpower). But when it comes to the everevolving and baffling world of sex and gender identity, the University of Manchester goes all in.

The guide states that it prefers “you or they/their/ them, not he/she or him/ her,” “partner rather than husband or wife,” and “everyone/colleagues, rather than ladies and gentleman.”

The university sent out

this message to its staff, who were apparently looking for guidance on how to handle the thorny, explosive issue of Mother’s Day.

“A reminder,” the college’s woke patrol wrote, “that it’s Parent or Guardian’s Day this Sunday, so don’t forget to send your Parent or Guardian some flowers, and be sure to give her – oh, I’m sorry – ‘them’ a call.”

This story caused a minor uproar in England, with one MP calling it “wokery gone mad.”

I’m confused. Who would feel discriminated against, offended or excluded by using the word mother? We all have, or had, a mother. You either are or are not a mother. It’s not really that complicated.

What I find most disturbing about this ridiculous story is the fact that someone actually gets paid to come up with this stuff. There’s an entire industry of companies or institutions that will train

you in diversity and/or inclusion; dozens of them pop up in even a cursory Google search. (If diversity training was a career option when I was young, I would have considered it, just because it’s a guaranteed job. But no-o-o-o, I had to go into journalism. What a dope.)

I get the whole idea of diversity and inclusion. Diversity is what Canada is all about, after all. But who exactly feels excluded by using terms like mother or father? Trans men who want to be mothers? Trans women who want to be fathers? Wait, is that even pos-

sible?

I noticed a subtle change in the language in a recent news story from CBC in British Columbia. The story stated that “pregnant people” can safely get a COVID-19 shot. Pregnant people? Is this word usage so we don’t exclude, what, pregnant men?

Suffice to say, I don’t think we’re under any immediate threat of losing the terms Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. A backlash against wokism is taking shape and I suspect idiocy like Parents’ Day will get laughed out of existence.

Mind you, if Hallmark starts producing Happy Parents’ Day cards, we’re doomed.

Maurice Tougas’s wry sense of humour has been amusing readers for years. He was twice named best columnist in Canada by the Canadian Community Newspaper Association and was a finalist for the Golden Quill award from the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. He served one term as a Liberal MLA in the Alberta legislature.

© Troy Media

The Ontario government is expanding the advance day-use reservation service, available at select provincial parks. This year, 20 additional parks will adopt the service, bringing the total to 57 parks across the province. This expansion will help reduce overcrowding and provide visitors with greater certainty when planning park visits on busy days like weekends and holidays.

Among the parks adding the service is Rideau River Provincial Park, located south of North Gower along the shore of the Rideau River.

“Ontario’s provincial parks are some of the most beautiful and well-loved places in our province, which is why we are always looking for ways to improve and modernize the Ontario Parks experience,” said David Piccini, Min-

ister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

“By expanding the advance daily vehicle permit service, we are responding to feedback from visitors who want a fast and convenient way to visit our parks so they can focus on what really matters – enjoying their visit to the fullest.”

Visitors can book a daily vehicle permit online up to five days in advance, reducing time spent regis-

tering when they arrive so they can spend more time enjoying the park.

Starting this spring, the advance daily vehicle permit service is expanding to the following provincial parks:

- Wasaga Beach, Awenda, Rondeau, MacGregor Point, Sauble Falls, Frontenac and Inverhuron –now available

- Bronte Creek, Fitzroy, Murphys Point, Oastler Lake, Petroglyphs, Port Burwell, Rideau River and Rock Point – as of May 12, 2023

- Chutes, Esker Lakes, Ivanhoe Lake, Neys and White Lake – as of May 19, 2023

“Building on the success of the last two years, we are pleased to announce the expansion of the advance day-use registration service to even more parks,” said John Yakabuski, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “To help meet growing customer demand, this easy-to-use online service gives visitors peace of mind by allowing them to reserve their spot in advance to ensure they

can access the park they want to visit.”

Ontario Parks encourages visitors to secure an advanced daily vehicle permit where available, especially during busy periods like weekends and holidays, to help guarantee access to participating provincial parks. Visitors can purchase their advance daily vehicle permit online at reservations.ontarioparks.com. Walk-up permits will continue to be sold, subject to availability.

Continuing to improve and modernize the Ontario Parks system is another way the government is working for you to build

stronger and healthier communities. By expanding services like advance daily vehicle permits, the government is ensuring access to recreational opportunities for Ontario families to enjoy, while boosting local tourism and strengthening the protection and health of local wildlife and the environment.

Visitation to Ontario’s provincial parks has grown steadily in the last decade, reaching over 12 million visits in 2022. Spending time in nature can lower the risk of heart attack by 50 per cent, reduce the risk of mental health challenges and help to combat chronic disease.

Mark Read, the Assistant Superintendent, Ontario Parks, gave Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks David Piccini, left, and Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari, right, a tour of Rideau River Provincial Park last summer.

New bill intended to make school boards put education first

The Ontario government wants school boards to make education their top priority.

Last week, the Ontario government introduced The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, which would, if passed, ensure the province’s public education system focuses on what matters most: important life-long skills, like reading, writing and math. The act would also ensure accountability and transparency for parents and families.

“We are taking action to refocus Ontario’s education system on what really matters: strengthening reading, writing and math skills,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “Our proposed legislation would centre the education system on preparing students to succeed in life and work, putting more highly qualified educators in the classroom while ensuring parents have the information they need at their fingertips to support their kids. These reforms would ensure students graduate with a competitive advantage while learning modern lessons in modern schools, preparing them for the jobs of the future.”

If passed, The Better Schools and Student

Outcomes Act would help students and families by:

- Improving accountability and transparency by allowing the Minister of Education to set priorities in important areas on student achievement, like reading and math, and requiring school boards to update parents on progress

- Requiring school boards to publicly post a multi-year Board Improvement Plan that reflects the minister’s priorities for student achievement, creating authority to deploy personnel to support school boards when needed, along with greater oversight over provincially funded tax dollars

- Ensuring new teachers and educators have the skills they need to teach students effectively in math, reading and literacy

- Directing school boards to increase engagement and reporting to parents on student achievement and ensuring parents have easy access to the information they need to meaningfully engage with their children’s education and success

- Building schools faster and implementing measures to utilize current school spaces, ensuring Ontario is getting

Mad Hatter tea Party Fundraiser

Saturday, May 27

St. James Anglican Church, 1138 Bridge Street, Manotick.

Two seatings: 1:00-2:30 and 3:00-4:30.

To get your tickets contact the Church office 613-692-2082. The cost is $25 per person and is an adult event only.

more classrooms into communities who need them

- Strengthening the requirement for school boards to have a code of conduct for boards of trustees, creating a neutral dispute resolution process and authority to standardize and mandate training requirements for school board leadership

- Building on our progress to establish a leading system of student safety and educator oversight, furthering measures to expedite disciplinary decisions for educators convicted of a criminal offense

- Expanding eligibility for therapy counselling for student victims of sexual abuse through the Ontario College of Teachers

- Providing for more consistent approaches to student learning and well-being, including on student mental health

- Improving processes at the Ontario College of Teachers and College of Early Childhood Educators to enable them to operate more efficiently, including more consist-

ent disciplinary processes. Currently, school boards set their own education priorities, resulting in differences across the education system. For example, there are some schools consistently underperforming in EQAO data, including declining reading, writing and math scores. Moreover, it takes on average five to 10 years to build a standard school in Ontario and it can take more than 100 days to certify internationally educated teachers.

The province will work with the Ontario College of Teachers and Ontario’s faculties of education to modernize teacher training and certification processes to meet the needs of students in the classrooms, including decreasing times to process applications to certify teachers.

Nearly 2,000 frontline educators will be hired, supported by overall education funding at the highest levels in Ontario history. This includes $693 million

more in base Grants for Student Needs (GSN) funding compared to the year prior, or a 2.7 per cent increase. With a focus on supporting students across the province, and building off the approximately 8,000 additional staff hired since 2018, the government will fund:

- Nearly 1,000 specialized math and literacy educators to boost skills

- Over 940 educators to support students from grades 7 to 10 with a seamless transition into high school and in de-streamed courses.

In addition, Ontario’s students are supported with the highest level of per-student base funding in provincial history at $13,125. This recordsetting investment will support school boards and educators as they prepare Ontario’s students with the skills they need to succeed in life. To prepare and support students in the destreaming of Grade 9, Ontario is investing in nearly 1,000 educators.

“Our mission is simple: drive continuous

improvement to Ontario’s education system so that we graduate the brightest, most ambitious, skilled and entrepreneurial students in the country,” said Minister Lecce. “We are sending a signal across the province: we must –and we will – do better to ensure your children get a quality education that leads them to a good-paying job, home ownership and a life of opportunity.”

Recently, Ontario introduced a $180-million reading and math strategy to help students build the skills they need to succeed. For the 202324 school year, the province is providing school boards with $1.4 billion in funding to revitalize and renew aged building systems and components.

Ontario is launching a new student transportation funding formula in 2023-24, with an additional investment of $111 million. The new formula is designed to be more transparent and help school boards provide more effective student transportation.

Kerry Crosby, chief culinary architect at the Miller’s Oven recently celebrated her 20th. anniversary. In recognition of this milestone the kitchen will henceforth be designated as “Kerry’s Kitchen”. Pictured L to R: Jerry Mask,Jim Stewart, Kerry Crosby,Lynda Jenkins,Pam Richardson, Barb Usher, Mary Newman,Anne Middaugh, Colin Crosbie and Lynne Poirier not present.

The Miller’s Oven presented to “Anne Middaugh” March 2023, In recognition of “25” years of dedicated, loyal service as a volunteer at The Miller’s Oven.

Manotick Art Association fills the community with Inspirations

After a long, gray and snowy winter, there is nothing like a blast of colour to usher in the spring.

The Manotick Art Association hosted its annual spring Inspirations Art Show at the Manotick Curling Club April 2123. It was the first spring Inspirations show with no restrictions or parameters from COVID-19 since 2019.

Attendance was strong throughout the weekend, and a new layout on the curling club floor provided more spacious aisles and better opportunities for art lovers to view the works.

“The show was well attended and steady throughout the weekend,” said Giedre Abromaitis of the Manotick Art Association.

The exhibitors were all

members of the Manotick Art Association. Though 63 artists applied for the show, it was limited to 40. There were artists that worked with acrylic, watercolour and oil, as well as mixed media artists, sculptures, wood artisans and photographers.

A portion of the proceeds from the show were donated to the Ottawa Mission.

A steady crowd enjoyed the revamped, spacious layout of the show.

Velvet Touch provided the entertainment Sunday, April 23.

Catherine Schissel was set up with her oil and acrylic works.

Barb Sohn displays her acrylic work.

Giedre Abromaitis showcased her acrylic paintings.

Hospital foundation fundraising campaign surpasses the halfway point

One year after the public launch of the historic $500-million Campaign to Create Tomorrow, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation announced it has surpassed the halfway point of its fundraising goal. With $268 million raised to date, the campaign has taken a significant step forward to support the state-of-the-art new hospital on Carling Avenue and to enhance the hospital’s leading-edge research.

With 53.6% of the campaign’s goal achieved, Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, said residents of our city, region, and beyond understand how vital this new hospital campus will be for generations to come. “In the past year, we’ve seen so many families, individuals, and organizations make their largest philanthropic gifts ever — full stop. It’s

a powerful example of how our city is ready to bring to life this vision to transform healthcare. While our campaign goal is ambitious, and there’s still plenty of work to do, we know achieving our goal is possible. There is room for everyone in this campaign and our success to date shows the city is ready to make it happen.”

From improving trauma care to enhancing neuroscience excellence to taking research to new heights, this campaign will strengthen the hospital’s ability to transform patient care here at home and around the globe.

With the first phase of construction now underway, Roger Greenberg, Chair of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow, explained that it’s generated a new level of excitement about the future of healthcare. “This is a critical moment I’d been waiting

for — the reality of seeing work underway. It’s an exciting moment in time for this campaign, and I know it will energize our community’s engagement with what the future holds for healthcare.”

To join the Campaign to Create Tomorrow in support of The Ottawa

Hospital, visit CreatingTomorrow.ca.

About The Ottawa Hospital:

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s top learning and research hospitals where we are guided by our vision to provide the world-class and compassionate care, we would all

want for our loved ones. Our multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, is home to the Regional Trauma Centre and Cancer Centre, and to discoveries that are adopted globally.

Backed by generous support from the community, we are focused

on reshaping the future of healthcare to improve the health of our diverse population of patients from eastern Ontario, western Quebec, and Nunavut.

For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit OHFoundation. ca.

Deermeadow Drive - FOR SALE

Spring brings back wonderful memories from times gone by

Growing up in a small town in Eastern Ontario was a time when we as kids explored the big field at the end of the street. In Spring, we watched the tall grass turn green, the wildflowers bloom, such as the forget-me-nots growing beside the creek, and the cocoons turning into butterflies. We would

THis week, THIS MONTH

by Larry Ellis

touch the furry white blossoms of the pussy willow tree. We tried catching tadpoles in a jar of water, and then put them back into the

creek so that they could grow legs to become frogs or toads. The baby bunnies were born and hopped around the field trying to keep up with mother rabbit. We kids were busy with skipping ropes, bouncing balls, kites, fishing rods. Easter egg hunts, bees, new clothes. There were the smiling faces of

people walking dogs or pushing strollers.

Spring is the time when we listen to the birds greet one another with their cheerful songs. I am sure they are telling stories of their adventures over the past few months. Have you ever noticed how excited we get when we see the first robin of the season, as

we watch it dig for a juicy worm? How do we react when we see and hear the first colourful cardinal sitting on a tree branch calling out to a mate? This is a sure sign of Spring around here.

There are signs around the house that it is Springtime. People cleaning the windows, opening the

doors. The farmers prepare the land to plant their crops.

Life’s path, much like the path of Spring, encounters mixed emotions; we need both the rain and the sunshine. Live life with a sparkle, look forward to each hour, live life with a sparkle and show it in your face!

The bad news? Era of dirt-cheap food is over

By Sylvain CharleBoiS

We learned last week that Canada’s food inflation rate in March dropped for a second month in a row to 8.9 per cent. However, prices at food stores rose 9.7 per cent yearto-year. While prices increased by 0.3 per cent in one month, the lowest percentage so far in 2023, the gap between food inflation and the general inflation rate reached 4.6 per cent, the highest it has been since 2009.

Even though Canada still has the third-lowest food inflation rate within the G7, after Japan and the United States, a stubbornly high food inflation rate compared to that in other economic sectors will continue to cause sticker shock at the grocery store.

Many are asking when food prices will return to pre-2022 levels. The truth is, they won’t. With higher wages and increasing packaging and energy costs, food prices just won’t drop. Some food companies will raise salaries by more than 10 per cent over the next three years just to increase employee retention. It’s challenging to recruit for many remotely located agri-food companies, and the work, in some cases, can be physically demanding.

Consumers are feeling the impact of these financial adjustments on the food supply chain. Grocers are paying more for goods, as shown in their

financial statements for several months now.

Our best hope is to see the food inflation rate drop. With a lower food inflation rate comes more predictability for the industry. Many households are dedicating a larger percentage of their total budget to food purchases.

Or are they?

The retail sales numbers released by Statistics Canada over the past few years tell us an interesting story.

In January 2017, Canadians were spending 48 per cent on food, among all other goods bought at retail. This went down to 46 per cent just before the pandemic started. In March 2020, this rate shot up to 74 per cent for obvious reasons – nothing was open for business. Today, 41 per cent of the money spent on retail goods is for food, excluding alcohol and cannabis. These numbers exclude major components of our economy like services and housing.

The data seems counterintuitive but may, in fact, suggest a few things. For one, while this certainly means inflation is impacting all aspects of our lives, the data is telling us that Canadians are still spending.

Most important, however, total retail sales for grocery and specialty food stores appear to have almost plateaued. In February 2023, the monthly food expenditures per

capita were about $583. In February 2020, three years earlier, the monthly food expenditures per capita were roughly $618.

Since we get less for our dollar now, these numbers are astonishing. If we are to believe these numbers, Canadians are likely buying less food in volume and are also spending less in food retail. And, as major grocers’ revenues, including Loblaw, Empire/ Sobeys and Metro, have increased in recent years, this may also indicate that independent grocers are simply selling less food.

Again, these numbers don’t provide a complete retail picture since they exclude services, but numbers suggest that while the size of our retail market is still increasing, food retail in Canada is stagnating. In fact, from January 2022 to January 2023, retail food sales have dropped in Canada by more than five per cent. By mid-2022, when food inflation was really putting more pressure on everyone, food retail sales started to drop despite more people coming to Canada.

Unsurprisingly, many, many households are just spending less and being more frugal about food purchases in times of financial stress. They may also be wasting less food as well and are more careful with food inventories they have at home. Or is it more gardening or more visits to farmers’ markets?

This causes concern

about the numerous health and nutritional compromises consumers are making due to higher food prices. We can see how trading down at the grocery store can have long-term effects on the health of individuals and families, especially children.

It certainly has been confusing for Canadian shoppers over the last 12 months. Grocery shopping takes more thought and

analysis on the part of the consumer. We can’t just drop by the grocery store and pick up what we’ll need for the next few days.

The bad news is that Canadians are coming out of an era during which food was dirt cheap. In fact, the world is experiencing the same challenges, not just Canada. The good news is that things are slowly calming down for the food industry, giv-

ing them much-needed breathing room, and allowing food retail to offer consumers more frequent and better discounts.

So, yes, with food inflation, patience will pay off.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

© Troy Media

Knighthawks attracting new players as field hockey continues to grow

Local youth got a chance to try out a sport they may have never played before.

On Monday, April 17, the Nepean Knighthawks hosted a special Try-it Night at the Nepean Sportsplex Minto Field. Youth were required to preregister, but the evening was free. They had to bring only running shoes, shin pads and water bottles.

The program was intended to introduce the sport of field hockey to boys and girls aged 8-14 in the community. The club provided sticks, and players were taught the basic skills of field hockey by experienced players and coaches.

The Knighthawks are running youth programs for boys and girls from U10 through U18:

U10, U12 Co-ed: The program will run for 12 weeks from April until the end of June. Sessions will be Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. This program includes the Nepean Junior Fest Tournament. Any additional tournaments will require an extra fee.

U14, U16, U18 Girls, and

Junior Boys: The program will run for 12 weeks from April until the end of June. Sessions Sunday afternoons and Tuesday or Thursday evenings. This program includes the Nepean Youth Fest Tournament. Any additional tournaments will require an extra fee.

The club also has a Stick Together Program, which includes free programming for both Indigenous and newcom-

er youth. Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in the above listed programs barrier free.

Training Group 1 (TG1) is a competitive training program for Junior Nighthawk athletes to excel in competition. This program is supplementary to regular club training and will include hockey training, fitness, and sport-psychology preparation. For the 2023 sea-

LadiesNight

son TG1 will be for U16 and U18 Girls.

For adults, the Knighthawks offer a 17+ Pick Up coed adult program from April to August. This program is not recommended for beginners. Sessions will be once a week on Monday nights and will be in pick-up format.

The Nighthawks also have men’s and women’s adult teams that train and travel for

competition.

Last fall, plans for a $4 million field hockey complex on Colonnade Road were unveiled.

“The power of team sport can unite people in all walks of life, keeping them active and healthy both physically and mentally,” said Sandeep Chopra in a release sent to the Independent. “Everyone, in any stage of their life, deserves

to have access to a space where they can develop their skills and feel welcome in their community.”

With 220 million players worldwide, field hockey is the world’s second largest sport, behind only soccer. Field hockey in Ottawa has seen an explosion of growth in the last 15 years. Seventy per cent of all players in Ottawa are female.

The Nepean Knighthawks held a Try-It Night for new players April 17.

It has been a tradition on the Jock River since 1972.

Over the last half century, the course has changed from time to time, and the paddlers have come and gone, but the Jock River Race remains the sign that spring is finally here in South Carleton.

This year’s Jock River Race drew a record 180 boats on a crisp day with a light breeze.

Warren hastins, who won the race last year, was first across the finish line again. He was the only paddler to finish the 14 km race in under an hour with a time of 58:26. The average time was 1:33:42.

Hastings was the overall and kayak winner. The tandem canoe winners were Michelle Laprade and Ryan Stepka in 1:01:30. Max Finkelstein won the SUP category in 1:26:38. The family winners were Trystan GlynnMorris, Vanessa Reshit-

nyk and Benjamin, Milo in 1:27:38.

Race organizers wanted to give special recognition to the Recreation Association Canoe Camping Club (RACCC) who has helped out the Jock River Race for 21 years by providing safety boats for the river. They have taken various first aid and rescue training classes and are all very capable paddlers.

The RACCC is a diverse and inclusive ca-

noe club for adults and families. They have over 270 member of all ages and skill levels, over 250 events each year offered through flatwater, whitewater and family programs as well as numerous training opportunities. You can find out more on their website http://raccc.

ca

Organiers also wanted to thank the many volunteers who come out to help and make the race possible.

If

PHARMACY

Q: What treatments can be used for a cough?

A: A cough can be due to several causes and the recommended treatment for a cough will depend on the underlying cause. A cough can be due postnasal drip, acid reflux, or medical conditions such as asthma or COPD. Hydration, use of humidifiers, and avoidance of irritants may be beneficial for a cough. There are many overthe-counter cough medications that are available; however, they lack evidence for effectiveness. Intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and inhalers may also be used to treat a cough. Appropriate therapy can be determined by speaking to your pharmacist or doctor.

Pharmacist

Paul’s Pharmacy