The Orleans Star Aug. 5, 2021

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star

It’s been more than a year since sports fields in Orléans fell silent thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic which forced the cancellation of organized sports across the board.

Kids of every age spent the winter hoping that the number of active COVID cases would drop, allowing them to return to the sports they love. Those hopes were initially dashed as the third wave which started in early March continued through April and into May.

As the number of active cases began to decline in May, Premier Doug Ford unveiled the province’s reopening plan which allowed for practices of up to 10 kids at a time in Stage 1 which came into effect on June 14. Just over two weeks later, Stage 2 allowed for the resumption of all non-contact minor sports with no specified limit on the number of people or teams participating.

Game on! Minor sports resume across Orléans

Knowing that the province would move into Stage 3 by July 14 at the latest, the Cumberland Panthers Football Club began planning their first-ever flag football tournament for July 24 and July 25.

Under the Stage 3 regulations, outdoor sports events could be held with up to 1,000 participants and 5,000 spectators. The flag football tournament fell well within both parameters, with just over 750 participants from six different clubs participating in the two-day event.

“We had to go from zero to hundred miles an hour at the snap of an hour,” says Panthers club president Mike Schmidt, who gave most of the credit for organizing the tournament in such

A member of the Cumberland Panthers U15 girls flag football team tries to avoid a Nepean Eagles defender during the Panthers flag football tournament on July 16. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Rachelle Lecours are joined by Sebastien Robert from S&R Plumbing and Dominic Manzo from Distinctive Bathrooms and Kitchens in cutting the ribbon to officially open the new pickle ball courts in Vista Park on Vistapark Drive on July 25 .

FRED SHERWIN PHOTO

Pickle Ball courts come to Vista Park in Avalon

ORLÉANS – Pickle Ball is one of the fastest growing spots in Canada. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it can be played at any age almost anywhere. In it’s most basic form, it takes just two pickle ball bats and a whiffle ball to play pickle ball. You may have seen people batting a ball around on your favourite beach. Pickle ball is elevated from a game to a sport when you play it on a court with a net running down the middle. Pickle ball courts are about the same size as a badminton court. The net, however, is much lower at about 34 inches. The Greater Avalon Community Association recently approached Distinctive Bathrooms and Kitchens and S&R Plumbing about purchasing four pickle ball nets and a storage locker for their budding pickle ball club which grew from 130 members last year to 165 members this year. Anyone from Orléans can join the club which plays it’s games on an outdoor hockey rink in Vista Park in Avalon. You must first join the club before you can reserve one of the courts. Members are also given a code to the metal locker which stores all the equipment.

Local resource centres in need of school supplies

ORLÉANS – With the new school year fast approaching, many parents in the east end facing financial hardship will soon have enough financial pressure on their hands – how to purchase much-needed school supplies for their children. Both the Orléans Cumberland Community Resource Centre (OCCRC) and the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC) have school supply programs to address this issue. Anyone wishing to donate to the programs is being asked to make a financial contribution in lieu of actual school materials. To make a donation, simply visit the visiting the resource centres’ respective websites. The OCCRC website is www.crcoc.ca and the EORC website is at www.eorc-creo.ca. Residents in need of school supplies can register on one or the other websites depending on their home address.

Once empty fields filled with laughter and joy

Continued from page 1

was almost an instant buy-in from all the teams.”

Where just last year there was nothing but silence, there was nothing but laughter, cheers and howls of joy during the flag football tournament.

When asked what they liked best about being able to play flag football again, a group of young boys replied almost in unison – “Getting to play with our friends.”

“This is huge,” said Schmidt, referring to holding the tournament so soon after the province entered Stage 3. “You can tell from how many families are here that they are dying to get outside and the kids want to play flag football and be able to run around and enjoy the sport.”

Elsewhere, play has resumed on baseball diamonds and soccer fields across Orléans and the entire city. Orléans Little League Baseball, the Gloucester Hornets and Ottawa TFC have all resumed play under the Stage 3 guidelines.

Men’s and women’s softball leagues have also resumed play as has Ultimate and the Mavericks beach volleyball program.

With Ontario’s vaccination rate expected to reach 80 per cent for fully vaccinated individuals by Labour Day, it’s beginning to look more and more like indoor sports including hockey, lacrosse and indoor soccer will be able to resume this fall, further proof that things are finally getting back to normal.

Celebrating front line health care workers

Gwenne Beck-Pottier (centre) presents a quilt she made to Orléans nurse Elena O’Connell as her husband Nick and daughter Ella look on with Orléans Ward Coun. Nick Luloff (left). BeckPottier, who is also a member of the Fallingbrook Community Association, made the quilt in tribute to Ottawa’s front line haelth care workes. FRED

Cumberland Ward Coun. Catherine Kitts and Greater Avalon Community Association president

SHERWIN PHOTO

Local opposition candidates ready for possible fall vote

By Fred Sherwin

The Orléans Star

With rumours swirling around Parliament Hill about a possible fall election, the three main opposition parties have all selected their candidates to challenge local Liberal incumbent Marie-France Lalonde whenever the writ is dropped.

Local Conservatives have pinned their hopes on Mary-Elsie Wolfe, a former national director of the Free Methodist Church in Canada and author of the Christian faithbased book Becoming His Story: Inspiring Women to Leadership, which applies the values of Jesus to the model for leadership today.

Various biographies describe Wolfe as a “communicator, faith builder and passionate leader”. She holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California and a Master of Divinity from the Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. She is currently employed as a parliamentary assistant to Winnipeg-area MP Ted Falk.

When the election is called, Wolfe will need to build on the support former Conservative candidate David Bertschi received in the 2019 General Election if she wants to have any chance of beating Lalonde.

Bertschi received 28 per cent of the vote in 2019, far less than the Liberal incumbent who received 54 per cent of the vote.

NDP candidate Jacquie Wiens finished a distant third with 11.5 per cent of the vote.

This time around, political science major Jessica Joanis, will be carrying the NDP’s colours in Orléans.

Very little is none about the University of Ottawa student who is a proponent of

the NDP’s plan to cancel up to $20,000 in federal student debt per student and offer new graduates a five-year repayment break.

The Green Party has yet to pick a candidate in Orléans. Michelle Petersen, who carried the party’s colours in the last election, is now the riding association president.

Rumours have been swirling on Parliament Hill regarding a federal election call possibly as soon as late September or early October.

Under the fixed election rules, the next vote must be held by the fall of 2023.

The Liberals have been in power for less than two years, albeit as a minority government with 157 seats in the 338-seat parliament. Their goal in calling an early election would be to gain a majority.

The most recent polls indicate that a majority is still in reach, however, Liberal support has been contracting.

Marie-Elsie Wolfe

Jessica Joanis

Marie-France Lalonde

Let the show go on

As Ottawa approaches the 75 per cent mark for fully vaccinated individuals over the age of 12, it’s time for the city to consider reopening its arts facilities for large events including the Shenkman Arts Centre which has been closed for almost 18 months now.

Very few industries, aside from the travel industry, have been affected by the pandemic as much as the performing arts community has. Singers, musicians, actors and actresses, have all been silenced by the pandemic for far too long. A handful of musicians have been able to stay connected to their audiences by offering on-line performances, but that’s obviously not the same as being able to perform live and in person. Meanwhile, actors and actresses haven’t had any outlet in which they could perform for an audience.

How wonderful would it be if the City organized a large event to celebrate the reopening of the Shenkman Arts Centre that would include as many local performers as possible in front of a large audience of fully vaccinated people. MIFO could do the same for the city’s francophone performers.

Under Stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan, event spaces such as the Shenkman Arts Centre, can reopen at 50 per cent capacity or about 500 seats, but Stage 3 kicked in when 60 per cent of the adult population were fully vaccinated. We’re well beyond that point now and by Sept. 1, we should be past the 75 per cent milestone.

The province’s newly appointed chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore has suggested the province shouldn’t fully reopen until 90 per cent of the people over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated. The Premier should reject such a proposal on the grounds that 90 per cent is an impossible target to reach unless the province was to impose a mandatory vaccination policy which not even Doug Ford is dumb enough to institute.

Vaccine passports are being used across Europe for entry to restaurants, bars, movie theatres and concert venues. The same could easily be done here and should be done here to expedite the reopening process for performing arts centres. At the very least, live performances should be allowed to take place even at 50 per cent capacity.

Performers have been starved of their livelihood and residents have been starved of the arts for far too long.

The Shenkman Arts Centre is a public facility, paid for by Ottawa taxpayers. To keep it closed despite the Stage 3 reopening guidelines that allow for it to reopen, even to 50 per cent capacity, is just wrong. Too many local artists and musicians depend on the Arts Centre to make a living. It needs to be reopened. It’s time to raise the curtain and let the show go on.

Fred Sherwin, editor

Fredrick C. Sherwin, Editor & Publisher fsherwin@orleansstar.ca

The Orléans Star is a bi-weekly publication distributed to 44,000 residences in Blackburn Hamlet, Orléans and Navan. The newspaper is locally owned and operated by Sherwin Publishing Inc., 745 Farmbrook Cres., Orléans, ON. Inquiries and delivery issues should be sent to info@orleansstar.ca.

Ford gov’t needs to keep children, teachers safe before reopening schools

I hope that throughout the past month, residents of Orléans have had time to enjoy the beautiful summer weather, stay active outdoors, and relish the re-opening of local businesses.

On Monday, the Premier of Ontario announced that students will be returning to in-person learning this September, yet the government has failed to provide a reopening plan to keep us safe.

With there being just over one month until children go back to school, I understand how difficult it is for parents not to worry about the upcoming school year.

If the Ontario government had spent the summer consulting with school boards, teachers, and health care workers to come up with a plan to keep classrooms safe, we would not be in this position.

Collectively, we have sacrificed so much during this pandemic, and now we need a plan to prevent a fourth wave and keep Ontario open.

This is about protecting our most vulnerable, keeping schools open, and keeping our economy open. That is why Ontario Liberals are calling for mandatory vaccination for any frontline healthcare or education workers, while ensuring the mandate adheres to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Mandating vaccines for healthcare and education workers will allow our children to return to in-person learning, knowing that outbreaks can be

prevented.

Although many residents in Orléans are fully vaccinated, it is important that we continue educational efforts, working with workers, employers and unions to help communities overcome vaccine hesitancy, and not simply give up on protecting them from COVID-19.

I do not believe employees should lose their jobs. We need to show leadership and focus on overcoming vaccine hesitancy, which punitive firings would do nothing to support.

We also need a secure and accessible tool to provide proof of vaccination. This would help local Orléans businesses and organizations develop fair policies should they require clients to be vaccinated, making us all safer as we continue to enjoy the re-opening.

Last week, the Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table released their recommendation on implementing a proof of vaccination system, stating that having a proof of vaccine would limit the spread of COVID-19 in high-risk areas such as gyms and schools.

To prevent a fourth wave, the Ontario government must be proactive and mandate all healthcare and education workers to be vaccinated and implement a proof of vaccination system.

Stephen Blais

Queen’s Park Corner

Skydiving a leap of faith into the wild blue yonder

After writing about turning 60 this year and creating my own personal bucket list, I received a few suggestions from readers on things to do and places to see that I should consider adding to my list.

A number of people also wanted to know more about my experience tandem-skydiving for the first time and I can truly say that it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I’ve gone bungee jumping twice and while it was an adrenaline rush to drop 200 feet before bouncing back up in the air, it was nowhere near the leap of faith it takes to jump out of a perfectly good plane 13,000 feet above the ground.

I first decided to try skydiving after a friend of mine did a tandem jump to celebrate his 50th birthday a couple of years ago. My 50th had already passed – as did my 55th – so why not jump out of plane to celebrate my 60th?

I was originally going to jump with GO Skydive in Gatineau until a tragic accident occurred in which two people were killed. After doing some research, I learned that tandem skydiving deaths are an extremely rare occurrence. In the United States, there is one fatality for every 500,000 jumps. The odds of being struck by lightning in an

80-year lifespan are 1:15,300. But fatalities do occur.

The best way to improve the odds of jumping and landing without suffering so much as a twisted ankle is to pick a professional outfit. Parachute Ottawa is just such an outfit.

Based in Arnprior, Parachute Ottawa has been around for nearly 30 years. Their team of instructors has more than 185,000 jumps under their belts. Many are either current or former military. Most of them possess the highest level of certification in Canada

All of them are extremely professional with the knowledge of highly specialized instructors, trainers, riggers and packers.

I must admit that the idea of jumping out of plane at 13,000 feet was a little terrifying. One of the ways I used to try and get over my

fear was to watch YouTube videos of other tandem jumps. My favourites are a 90-yearold English woman making her first tandem jump; a seven-year-old girl who jumped with her dad; and late night talk show host James Corden who was talked into jumping by Tom Cruise. I figured if they can do it, why can’t I?

On the day of the jump I was more nervous than scared. If it makes any sense, I was nervous over the possibility of being scared. It wasn’t until I met my instructor Scottie, and learned of the depth of his experience and that of the other instructors that the nervousness I had felt disappeared completely.

Once we got on the plane and it began climbing, some of the butterflies returned. Once we reached 13,000 feet, we were out of the plane in a blur. The door was raised. Scottie and I proceeded to the edge. And before my brain had a chance to process what was going on, we were already tumbling through the air.

Before we jumped, I made a conscious decision to stare straight ahead at the horizon rather than look down. It definitely helped.

Once in mid-air we began our free fall, which actually felt more like we were floating than falling. The sensation is caused

by the air pushing up on your body and is similar to the sensation people feel when they’re in a wind chamber. It feels nothing like bungee jumping.

The free fall lasted about a minute before Scottie deployed the parachute and then all of a sudden we began to slowly float back to the ground. The view was spectacular to say the least. After making a few turns to take in the surroundings, we made the softest landing you could imagine. It felt like we landed on a pillow.

The whole experience from leaving the plane to landing on the ground lasted about six minutes. It went by way too fast.

Fortunately, I paid extra for a video of my jump. Unfortunately, I spent more time looking at the person doing the video during the free fall portion of the jump than my surroundings, which is why I plan to make a second jump later this summer, only this time I plan to have a few friends with me.

I’ve always wondered what skydiving would be like and too be honest it scared the daylight out of me. Having finally done it with a professional outfit like Parachute Ottawa, I can honestly say that my fear has been replaced by anticipation. Anticipation of making my next jump.

Fred Sherwin

Summer fails to slow down good work being done in east end wards

Hey neighbour! I’ve got a bit of a hodgepodge of updates for you this week to keep you up to date.

I have been out knocking doors and connecting in Fallingbrook, Queenswood Heights, Cardinal Creek, the Villages and in Convent Glan and Orléans Wood the past two weeks.

It feels great to be getting back into what is beginning to feel like normal. I have really enjoyed the conversations and have been able to sort out some issues for you that have arisen during the pandemic.

Line Road, I will be doing my very best to plant trees and mitigate the noise as best as I can.

I have worked to reduce the clutter and confusion on the 174 and the stretch from Trim to SGEC Parkway bridge is now a regulatory 80km zone. Slow down and protect our workers, please.

Sound attenuation wall construction continues along the 174, and I was able to secure over a kilometre and a half more coverage for our residents in Convent Glen, Orléans Wood and the Villages!

This is great news for residents that have seen the highway expand over the years and will hopefully offer a little more peace and quiet for you.

While the space does not allow for walls in a couple of the newer areas east of Tenth

The St. Georges Street resurfacing project has begun this week and will likely be disruptive until it is completed, so be extra careful on your bikes and while walking in the area. This is a sorely needed revitalization for Queenswood Heights and will be well worth it in the end!

We are down to very few cases of COVID-19 in the city and our five community clinics are now accepting walkins. There are days when the YMCA on Centrum finishes the day with hundreds of doses left, so please, head down and get your jab. Lots of good work is being done in the ward and we’re so pleased to see it all coming together!

Cumberland Ward has much to offer for those wanting to take a staycation

Summer has arrived, Ontario has moved into Step 2 of its Roadmap to Reopen and last week, the City of Ottawa topped the one million mark for the total number of vaccine doses administered.

As we all look for fun and safe activities to enjoy over the holidays, it’s easy to forget how much we have to offer right in our backyard! For some creative ideas close to home, I wanted to turn a spotlight on what Cumberland Ward’s rural area has to offer this summer.

Support our local producers and artisans at one of Cumberland Ward’s farmer’s markets. The Cumberland Farmer’s Market, located at the R.J. Kennedy Community Centre, is held every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine. The rapidly growing Original Navan Market, located at the Navan Fairgrounds, features a wide variety of handmade, homegrown goods to purchase once a month. Join the next edition on Sunday, July 25.

If picking your own fruit is more your jam (pun intended), the Proulx Farm’s (1865

O’Toole Rd.) strawberry season is winding to a close, but raspberries and blueberries are ripe for the picking!

Grapes also grow in Cumberland Ward.

Visit the Vignoble Clos du Vully or head to the Domaine Perrault Winery in Navan, to enjoy a locally made glass on their patio. On Thursdays, Domaine Perrault hosts yoga in the vineyard. What better way to enjoy the nice weather than by exploring our network of multi-use pathways and trails? The Mer Bleu bog is one of our most beloved east end attractions, but don’t forget about the Wilsondale Trails bordering the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum.

Another educational family favourite is Little Ray’s Nature Centre in Sarsfield. The largest animal rescue in Canada has reopened for private tours.

I may be a bit biased, but I believe we live in the most beautiful part of the city. Take advantage of everything summer has to offer and remember to support local as much as possible!

Cumberland Ward 19

Catherine Kitts

STAR STAFF – Orléans has a rich history when it comes to minor sports. In fact, a number of local teams have won provincial and national championships in virtually every discipline. Most recently, the Ottawa TFC U17 Girls Academy team won the 2019 National Championship.

There are two main soccer clubs in the east end – the Ottawa Gloucester Hornets which play their games at the Hornet’s Nest in Blackburn Hamlet and Ottawa TFC which plays their games at Millennium Park on Trim Road. Both clubs have recreational and competitive programs for players of all ages.

You can find their websites at ogschornets.ca and ottawatfc.com respectively.

While soccer may be the most popular summer sport in Orléans, there is no doubt that hockey is the most popular winter sport.

There are several minor hockey organizations in the east end. Most are part of the Gloucester Hockey Association which includes both Blackburn Hamlet and Orléans west of Tenth Line Road. Everything east of Tenth Line Road is part of the Cumberland Minor Hockey Association.

A number of local hockey players have gone on to have successful NHL careers including Claude Giroux, Eric Gudbranson and Cody Ceci.

The Gloucester Hockey Association website has links to all the minor hockey associations in the east end. You can find their website at gloucesterhockey.ottawa.on.ca.

The Cumberland Minor Hockey Association website can be found at cumberlandminorhockey.ca

The east end is also home to two minor football organizations – the Orléans Minor Football Association, also known as the Orleans Bengals, which plays its games at Garneau high school and the Cumberland Panthers Football Club which plays its games at Millennium Park.

Besides tackle football, the Panthers also has a popular flag football program for both boys and girls starting at U10 for boys and U12 for the girls. You can find their website at cumberlandpanthers.com. The Orléans Minor Football Association website can be found at orleansminorfootball.ca.

Whether you are interested in basketball, ringette, synchronized swimming, speed-skating,

Ultimate Frisbee or lacrosse you can pursue virtually every type of sport in Orléans.

The area is home to two gymnastic clubs, a half dozen martial arts clubs and several reputable fitness centres.

Local golfers have several courses on which to play including the Pineview Golf Course on Blair Road, the Bearbrook Golf Course on

Road, the

in Carlsbad Springs, the Outaouais Golf Club in Rockland, the Camelot Golf and Country Club in Cumberland and the Hammond Golf Club in Hammond.

So, as more and more people get vaccinated and the province continues to reopen, pick a sport and go out and play.

Rockdale

GreyHawk Golf Club

File photo

STAR STAFF — The east end encompasses the federal district of Orléans as well as four municipal wards – Orléans Ward 1, Innes Ward 2, Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward 11 and Cumberland Ward 19.

The current federal member of parliament is Marie-France Lalonde, while the member of provincial parliament (MPP) is Stephen Blais.

Lalonde won her seat in the House of Commons in the 2019 federal election after serving five years at Queen’s Park as MPP. Blais won his seat in a by-election held in February, 2019 to determine Lalonde’s replacement.

Lalonde’s constituency office is located in the Peter D. Clark Building at 255 Centrum Blvd. while Blais’ constituency office can be found at 4473 Innes Rd., just east of Tenth Line Road.

At the municipal level, the east end is divided into four wards: Beacon HillCyrville Ward includes the neighbourhoods of Beacon Hill, Cyrville and Pineview; Innes Ward is made up of Blackburn Hamlet, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill North and Chateauneuf; Orléans Ward consists of Queenswood Heights, Fallingbrook, Convent Glen, Orléans Wood, Chatelaine Village and Springridge; and Cumberland Ward is made up of South Fallingbrook, Avalon and the rural portion of the former municipality of Cumberland including Cumberland Village, Navan, Sarsfield and Vars.

Tim Tierney has represented Beacon HillCyrville Ward on City Council since 2010. He was relected in 2014 and again in 2018. Among his many duties on council, Tim is chair of the city’s Transportation Committee and a member of the Information Technology Sub-Committee, the Transit Commission, the Ottawa Public Library Board and the

Planning Committee. He has also occupied the role of Caucus Chair on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for Ontario for the past 10 years.

Laura Dudas (Innes Ward) and Matt Luloff (Orléans Ward) were both elected to city council in 2018.

Before she was elected, Coun. Dudas was the long-time chair of the Blackburn Community Association. Besides her duties on city council, she serves as vice-chair of the Finance and Economic Development Committee and is a member of the Planning; Transportation, and Community and Protective Services committees.

Coun. Luloff is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. In winning a seat on city council, he managed to beat out 16 other contenders.

Besides his duties on city council, Coun. Luloff is also chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee and he is a member of the Transportation and Finance and Economic Development committees. He also serves as the council liaison on the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Coun. Kitts was elected in a byelection to replace Stephen Blais in November, 2021. At 33, she is the youngest member of city council. (Matt Luloff is the next oldest at 37.) Besides city council, Kitts is also vice-chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee and she is a member of the Transportation, Planning, and Community and Protective Services committees.

All four east end councillors make a concerted effort to be as approachable and helpful to their constituents as possible. They also have a dedicated staff whose job it is to make sure that issues raised by their constituents are addressed in a timely manner.

Tim Tierney

Catherine Kitts

Laura Dudas

Matt Luloff

Serving motorcycle enthusiasts for nearly 50 years

STAR STAFF – When it comes to motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, the folks at Wheelsport on Youville Drive have been meeting the needs of east end residents for nearly five decades.

Founded by Fred Kolman in 1972, the very first Wheelsport was located at Montreal and Blair Road.

When Fred’s son Jim took over the business in 2000, they moved to their current location on Youville Drive and haven’t looked back since.

Over 80 per cent of the company’s business comes from repeat customers.

“We have customers who are on their fourth or fifth bike,” says Jim Kolman, “and now their kids are buying bikes from us.”

The progression from one generation to the next is even reflected in the Kolman family. Jim’s son Benjamin started working at the dealership five years ago and is

now heavily involved in the store’s marketing.

Wheelsport specializes in the KTM line of bikes and CF Moto ATVs and side-by-sides. They also sell Suzuki and Yamaha.

The Kolman family are huge offroad enthusiasts, which explains the vast selection of off-road bikes they have in their showroom.

Wheelsport also buys and sells pre-owned bikes and they have an extensive selection of accessories, helmets and outerwear.

Asked how the east end motorcycle community has evolved over the years, Kolman is quick to point to the increasing number of women who have taken up the past-time.

“The number of women who have gotten into motorcycling has really grown, especially in Orléans,” says Kolman. “And they’re different than men. They’re a lot more detailoriented, so we have all the different colours and models and we

make sure our inventory meets their tastes and preferences.”

The folks at Wheelsport have also seen an increase in more mature riders who are getting into motorcycling in their mid- to late 50s.

Besides sales, Wheelsport is the place to go for service and repairs on virtually every type and model. They have the equipment and experience to get your motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile in prime shape, whether you’re riding for pleasure, racing around the track, or tearing it up on the trail. They can do oil changes, tire changes and safety checks, while you wait, and they have a pick-up and delivery service for those larger jobs.

Finally, even though winter is the furthest thing from most people’s minds this time of year, it’s good to know that Wheelsport carries the complete line of Ariens snowblowers. In fact, they were the very first Ariens dealer in Ottawa, dating

Since first opening their doors in 1972, Wheelsport has become an institution among the hundreds of motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts living in the east end. FILE

back to the store’s earliest days, and they service everything they sell.

Last but by no means least, as the current pandemic restrictions continue to ease up, you will soon be able to check out the minimotorcycle museum located on

Wheelsports’ second floor.

To learn more about Wheelsport and everything they have to offer check out their website at www. wheelsport.ca, or better yet, visit their showroom located at 1390 Youville Dr.

STAR STAFF — Like many other bedroom communities in Canada, Orléans has its share of residents who, for various reasons, need help in times of crisis.

Whether they are experiencing financial hardship, new arrivals to Canada or victims of domestic abuse, residents in need have not one, but two agencies they can turn to in times of need.

The Orléans Cumberland Community Resource Centre (OCCRC), located on Centrum Boulevard in Orléans Town Centre, serves residents living in the former municipality of Cumberland which includes Queenswood Heights, Fallingbrook, Cardinal Creek, Orleans Wood, Chatelaine Village and Avalon, while the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre (EORC), located in the Gloucester Centre on Blair Road, serves residents living in the former

Providing a helping hand in times of crisis

municipality of Gloucester, which includes the communities of Beacon Hill, Blackburn Hamlet, Chateauneuf, Chapel Hill and Convent Glen.

Both Resource Centres provide services and programs for youth, teenagers and families and both agencies operate an Early Years drop-in centre.

In addition, the EORC provides services and programs for seniors and adults with physical disabilities in both jurisdictions including Meals on Wheels.

The OCCRC also operates a food bank which provides emergency food supplies for individuals and families.

The EORC refers those in need of emergency food supplies to the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard located at 2040 Arrowsmith Dr. which operates under the same rules.

Both resources centres are able to provide services to residents in need thanks in large part to the generosity and dedication of dozens of donors, and community groups which hold fundraising events throughout the year.

The OCCRC has several programs in which local businesses and individuals can contribute directly to the agency, the biggest being the Community Caring Connection program in which donors can either make a lump some donation, or a monthly contribution through a direct payment plan.

Like the OCCRC, the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre is largely dependent on third party fundraising efforts. They also organize their own fundraising events, the biggest of which is their charity auction and dinner held every spring.

You can learn more about the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre and the programs the agency provides at www.eorc-creo.ca.

The Orléans Cumberland Community Resource Centre’s website can be found at www.crcoc.ca.

The Orléans Cumberland Community Resource Centre is located at 240 Centrum Blvd. across from the Shenkman Arts Centre.

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Conseil des écoles catholique de Centre-Est www.ecolecatholique.ca

613-742-8960

École secondaire Béatrice Desloges, 1999 av. Provence 613-820-3391

École secondaire Garneau, 6588 rue Carrière 613-820-1750

Collège catholique Mer Bleue, 6401 ch Renaud 613-744-4022

École catholique Alain-Fortin, 676 prom Lakeridge 613-744-2555

École catholique Arc-en-ciel, 1830 boul. Portobello 614-744-0486

École catholique de la Découverte, 866 av Scala 613-744-5894

École catholique Notre-Place, 665 prom des Aubépines 613-744-5894

École catholique des Pionniers, 720 prom Merkley 613-744-2448

École catholique des Voyageurs, 6030 prom Voyageur 613-744-8345

École catholique L’Etoile de l’Est, 6220 prom Beausejour 613-744-5713

École catholique Reine-des-Bois, 1450 rue Duford 613-744-8647

École catholique Sainte-Marie, 2599 ch. Innes 613-745-2722

École catholique Saint-Joseph d’Orléans, 6664 rue Carrière 613-745-7958

Écoles publique

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École élémentaire Jeanne-Sauvé, 1917 ch Gardenway 613-824-9217

École élémentaire L’Odyssée Site, 1770 prom Grey Nuns 613-834-2097

École élémentaire Des Sentiers, 2159 rue Nantes 613-834-4453

École élémentaire Le Prélude, 6025 prom Longleaf 613-834-8411

Collège d’arts appliqués et de technologie

La Cité collégiale, 801 Aviation Pkwy www.collegelacite.ca 613-742-2483

Arts et culture

Les Chansonniers d’Ottawa www.leschansonniersottawa.ca

Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) www.mifo.ca 613-830-6436

Club d’affaires

Business Club d’Orléans www.businesscluborleans.com

Centres de ressource communautaire

Centre des ressources de l’Est d’Ottawa, 1980 ch Ogilvie

www.eorc-creo.ca

613-741-6025

Centre de ressources communautaires Orléans Cumberland, 240 boul Centrum

613-830-4357

www.crcoc.ca

Patrimoine et l’histoire

Société franco-ontarienne de patrimoine et de l’histoire d’Orléans www.sfopho.com

Club des aînés

Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa, 3349 chemin Navan 613-834-6808

https://rafo.ca/

Centre Séraphin-Marion d’Orléans 613-830-6436

mifo.ca/activites-recreatives/csmo-50-ans-et/

Au service des francophones d’Orléans

STAR STAFF – Depuis ses débuts, Orléans a toujours été fière de ses racines francophones.

Lors du recensement de 2016, plus de 30 pour cent des résidents d’Orléans ont indiqué le français comme langue maternelle et beaucoup plus s’identifiaient comme francophiles, ou possédant la capacité de parler et de comprendre le français.

La communauté francophone d’Orléans a travaillé fort pour établir et maintenir des institutions clés comme le Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) et le Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa (RAFO).

Fondé en 1979, le MIFO est la source culturelle de la population francophone locale d’Orléans. L’organisme offre une multitude de programmes et de services communautaires, notamment des programmes pour les personnes âgées; camps d’été; et un service de garde.

Le centre culturel MIFO de la rue Carrière abrite le Centre Séraphin-Marion d’Orléans qui offre des activités aux aînés francophones.

Le MIFO est également chargé d’amener des artistes, des comédiens et des représentations théâtrales de langue française

au Centre des Arts Shenkman, bien que la pandémie de COVID-19 les ait contraints à une interruption indéfinie.

Il en va de même pour le Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa (RAFO) qui offre normalement une grande variété d’activités pour les aînés francophones de la région. Le RAFO est le plus grand club francophone d’aînés à Orléans. Il est situé au 3499, chemin Navan.

Un autre organisme francophone important à Orléans est la Société francoontarienne du patrimoine et de l’histoire d’Orléans (SFOPHO). Le groupe est chargé de convaincre la ville de nommer plusieurs des rues et des parcs locaux en l’honneur de personnalités francophones importantes qui ont joué un rôle clé dans la communauté.

Alors que le MIFO est la source de la culture francophone à Orléans et que la SFOPHO est la gardienne de son patrimoine, l’église St-Joseph d’Orléans en est le cœur et l’âme. L’église située au 2757, boulevard StJoseph a été achevée en 1922 pour remplacer le bâtiment d’origine qui se trouvait sur le site de 1885 à 1920, date à laquelle il a dû être démoli pour des raisons structurelles. Le bâtiment a récemment subi d’importantes rénovations.

Le Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans possède un centre culturel situé au 6600, rue Carrière. (À droite) L’église de la Paroisse St-Joseph d’Orléans est située au 2757, boul. St-Joseph. PHOTOS ARCHIVES

La maternelle et le jardin d'enfants à la maison... comme en nature !

Your community contacts

Police, Fire, Ambulance

To report a fire, health emergency or a crime in progress 9-1-1

To report other emergencies or suspicious activities 613-230-6211

All other police inquiries www.ottawapolice.ca 613-236-1222

Orléans-Cumberland Community Police Centre, 343 St. Joseph Blvd. 613-236-1222 ext. 3571

The Childfen’s Aid Society www.casott.on.ca

Local politicians

613-747-7800

Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde (federal) 613-834-1800 www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/marie-france-lalonde(92209) Orléans MPP Stephen Blais (provincial) 613-834-8679 www.ola.org/en/members/all/stephen-blais

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson 613-580-2496 www.jimwatsonottawa.ca

Orléans Ward City Councillor Matt Luloff 613-580-2471 www.matthewluloff.ca

Innes Ward City Councillor Laura Dudas 613-580-2472 www.lauradudas.ca

Cumberland Ward City Councillor Catherine Kitts 613-580-2489 www.timtierneyottawa.ca

Beacon Hill-Cyrville City Councillor Tim TIerney 613-580-2481 www.timtierneyottawa.ca

Municipal Services

City of Ottawa information line 3-1-1 http://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/your-city-government/contact-city-ottawa

Ottawa Library Cumberland Branch (Ray Friel Centre) 613-580-2940

Ottawa Library Orléans Branch, 1705 Orléans Blvd. 613-580-2940 OC Transpo www.octranspo.com; Schedule information 613-741-4390

Community Associations

Beacon Hill www.bhca.ca

Blackburn Hamlet www.blackburnhamlet.ca

Bradley Estates www.bradleyestates.ca

Cardinal Creek www.cardinalcreek.org

Carlsbad Springs www.carlsbadsprings.ca

Chapel Hill South www.chapelhillsouth.ca

Chapel Hill North http://chapelhillnorth.blogspot.com/ Convent Glen-Orleans Wood www.conventglenorleanswood.com

Cumberland Village www.cumberlandvillage.ca

Fallingbrook www.fallingbrook.com

Greater Avalon www.gaca-acga.com

Navan www.navan.on.ca

Queenswood Heights www.queenswoodheights.com

Sarsfield https://www.facebook.com/Sarsfieldacs

Vars http://vars.ca

Community Centres

Aquaview Community Centre, 318 Aquaview Dr. 613-580-2424

Beacon Hill North Community Centre, 2130 Radford Crt. 613-748-1771

Bearbrook Community Centre, 8720 Russell Rd. 613-835-7540

Blackburn Community Centre,190 Glen Park Dr. 613-837-4819

Carlsbad Springs Community Centre, 6020 Piperville Rd. 613-822-1435

François Dupuis Recreation Centre, 2263 Portobello Blvd. 613-580-8080

Navan Memorial Arena, 1295 Colonial Rd. 613-835-2066

Notre-Dame-des-Champs C.C., 3659 Navan Rd. 613-580-2424 ext 29316

Pierre Rocque Community Centre, 1257 Joseph Drouin St. 613-580-2424

Roy G. Hobbs Community Centre, 109 Larch Cres. 613-841-8664

Queenswood Heights Community Centre, 1485 Duford Dr. 613-824-7458

Sarsfield Community Centre, 3385 Sarsfield Rd. 613-580-2424

South Fallingbrook Community Centre, 998 Valin St. 613-824-0633

Your community contacts

Arts Community

Arteast Ottawa arteastottawa.com

Bytown Beat Chorus bytownbeat.groupanizer.com

Coro Vivo Ottawa corovivoottawa.ca

Cross Town Youth Chorus ctyc.ca

Cumberland Community Singers cumberlandcommunitysingers.ca

Common Thread Quilt Guild commonthreadquiltguild.ca

Gloucester Pottery School gloucesterpotteryschool.com

Les Chansonniers d’Ottawa leschansonniersottawa.com

Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) mifo.ca

Ottawa School of Art – Orléans Campus

artottawa.ca/orleans-campus

Ottawa School of Theatre https://ost-eto.ca

Ottawa Artisans’ Guild nationalcapitalartisans.ca

Community Resource Centres

Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, 1980 Ogilvie Rd. www.eorc-creo.ca

Orléans Cumberland Community Resource Centre, 240 Centrum Blvd. www.crcoc.ca

History and Heritage

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Rd. www.facebook.com/cumberlandmuseum/

Cumberland Township Historical Society www.cths.ca

Gloucester Historical Society www.gloucesterhistory.com

613-580-2787

613-830-6436

613-580-2787

613-580-2764

613-741-6025

613-830-4357

613-833-3059

Société franco-ontarienne de patrimoine et de l’histoire d’Orléans www.sfopho.com

Service clubs

Cumberland Lions Club www.cumberlandlions.ca

Gloucester North Lions Club www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/gloucesternorth/ Kiwanis Club of Orléans www.orleanskiwanis.ca

Navan Lions Club www.navanlions.ca

Navan Women’s Institue www.navannwi.com

Orléans Lions Club www.orleanslionsclub.org

Rotary Club of Orléans https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4921

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 632, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. www.rcl632.com

Seniors clubs

Gloucester 50+ Centre, 4355 Halmont Dr.

Website: Gloucester50pluscenter.ca

Hobbs Seniors Club, 109 Larch Cres.

Website: hobbsseniorsclub.weebly.com

Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa, 3349

Website: rafo.ca/

Swimming pools

613-824-7371

Wine so fine your friends won’t be able to tell the difference

In the world of winemaking, Wine Kitz has earned a reputation for variety, quality and value. Making your own wine at Wine Kitz costs a fraction of what you would pay for the same quality of commercial wine. Best of all, it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Step 1 is choosing which wine to make with the help of the staff at the Orléans Wine Kitz location in the Orléans Town Centre on Centrum Blvd. and starting the wine-making process.

Step 2 is bottling your wine in as little as four weeks after the initial process.

The third and final step is you enjoying your wine with family and friends.

Owner Shawn Larkin has been helping Orléans residents make their own wine since 2001. He recently stepped in to help over 100 customers of The Wine Bottega on Tenth Line Road recover their wine after the store unceremoniously closed its doors just days before Christmas.

Wine Kitz is associated with Andrew Peller Ltd. which owns and operates several award-winning wineries in Canada including Pellar Estates and Trius Winery. That relationship ensures that Wine Kitz uses only the finest ingredients in their wines which they stand behind with a 100% NO HASSLE Satisfaction Guarantee.

Besides their Ultra Premium and Premium wines, Wine Kitz also has the limited released Global Passport Series. Available for a short time from December to March, these exclusive wines celebrate the various wine making regions of the world.

Presently we have a NEW LIMITED release – Torreno – which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.

To learn more visit winekitzorleans.ca or drop by the store at 3095 St. Joseph Blvd. in the Orléans Town Centre

Health Care Services

Orléans Urgent Care Clinic, 100-1220 Place d’Orléans Dr. www.esfestottawa.ca 613-590-0533

Family First Health Centre. 4270 Innes Rd. inside the Great Canadian Superstore www.ffhc.ca 613-841-7009

School Boards

Ottawa District School Board www.ocdsb.ca 613-721-1820

Ottawa Catholic School Board www.ocsb.ca 613-224-2222

Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario www.cepeo.on.ca 613-742-8960

Conseil des écoles catholique de Centre-Est www.ecolecatholique.ca 613-742-8960

Minor Sports Associations

Basketball

Gloucester-Cumberland Basketball www.gcba.ca

Baseball / Softball

Orléans Amateur Fastball Association www.orleanssoftball.ca

Orléans Little League www.orleanslittleleague.ca

Curling

Navan Curling Club, 1305 Fair Green Ave. https://navancurling.ca 613-835-2736

Football

Orléans Bengals Football Club www.orleansbengals.ca

Cumberland Panthers Football Club www.cumberlandpanthers.com

Gymnastics

Tumblers Gymnastics Centre www.tumblers.on.ca

Club de gymnastique Les Sittelles www.sittelles.ca

TRYumph Gymnastics Academy www.tryumphgymnastics.ca

Hockey

Blackburn Minor Hockey Association www.blackburnstingers.com

Cumberland Minor Hockey Association www.cumberlandminorhockey.ca

Gloucester Cumberland Girls Hockey www.gcgha.goalline.ca

Orléans Minor Hockey Association www.orleansminorhockey.ca

Soccer

Ottawa Gloucester Hornets www.ogschornets.ca

Cumberland United Soccer Club www.cumberlandsoccer.com

Speed Skating

Gloucester Concordes Speed Skating Club www.gloucesterconcordes.ca

Orléans Wine Kitz owner Shawn Larkin

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A thriving arts and culture community

STAR STAFF — If you appreciate the arts, either as a patron or a practitioner, Orléans has much to offer for residents of all ages.

With more and more Ontarians getting vaccinated every day, it’s only a matter of time before the province enters the fourth and final stage of its reopening plan, allowing for performing artists to return to the stage.

The Ottawa School of Theatre (formerly the Orléans Young Players) has been limited to virtual programming for much of the past year. But with things slowly opening back up, they are planning to return to in-person lessons by the end of the year. For now they will have a mix of virtual and in-person classes in both French and English starting on Sept. 3.

For more information about the OST and their program line-up for 2021-2022, visit their website at ost-eto.ca.

If singing is your thing, there are several talented choruses that hold regular auditions in search of new voices.

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Coro Vivo Ottawa and Les Chansonniers d’Ottawa both have their roots in the east end and enjoy a well-earned reputation. Additional information about Coro Vivo

Government of Canada | Gouvernement canadien

We can assist you with: | Nous pouvons vous aider avec :

The Canada Pension Plan | Old Age Security Régime de pensions du Canada | Sécurité de la vieillesse

Guaranteed Income Supplement

Supplément de revenu garanti

Immigration Matters

Renseignements sur la citoyenneté

Citizenship Inquiries

Questions de citoyenneté

Canadian Passport | Consular Affairs

Passeport canadien | Affaires consulaires

Congratulatory messages

Messages de reconnaissance

Student Loans | Taxation Issues

Prêts aux étudiants | Questions sur l’impôt

House of Commons Page Program Programme des pages de Chambre des communes

General inquiries on federal programs

Demandes de renseignements généraux sur les programmes fédéraux

Ottawa can be found at corovivoottawa.ca, while information about Les Chansonniers can be found at leschansonniersottawa. com.

If you appreciate barbershop harmony you should consider joining the Bytown Beat chorus Auditions are held on a regular basis and can be scheduled by e-mailing info@bytownbeat.com.

Orléans is also home to a thriving amateur theatre scene. Prior to the pandemic, Vintage Stock Theatre staged a murder mystery dinner production every August on the grounds of the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. There is every expectation the production will return in 2022. The theatre troupe also stages an annual Christmas production during the holiday season. Each production is inspired by periods or actual events that have taken place in Cumberland’s rich history.

The OST has a class for adults affectionately called the Orléans Older Players. As of the writing of this article, a decision on when the OOPs classes will resume has yet to be determined.

The Shenkman Arts Centre is the hub of the local arts community. It’s also home to dozens of theatre productions and live musical and comedy performances in both French and English throughout the year and it’s home to three art galleries and the Gloucester Pottery School.

For more information about the Shenkman Arts Centre, including scheduling and ticket information visit shenkmanarts.ca.

Government of Ontario | Gouvernement ontarien

We can assist you with: | Nous pouvons vous aider avec :

Ontario birth, death and marriage certificates

Certificats ontariens de naissance, de décès ou de mariage

OHIP cards

Cartes santé

Driver’s Licences

Permis de conduire

Congratulatory messages

Messages de reconnaissance

Ontario photo cards

Cartes photo de l’Ontario

Landlord or tenant concerns

Préoccupations de propriétaire ou de locataire

Family Responsibility Office

Bureau des obligations familiales

Ontario’s Legislative Page Program Programme des pages de l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario

General inquiries on provincial programs Demandes de renseignements généraux sur les programmes provinciaux

on Vantage Drive has been providing honest professional service for an honest price for the past 26 years.

With 10 bays, four licensed technicians and two apprentice technicians, Precision is the largest independently owned service centre in the Ottawa region. They also have the expertise to service any make and model of vehicle.

It’s a common myth that if you have your new or leased vehicle serviced at a place other than the dealer, the warranty will be voided or the lease somehow impacted, even if it’s for an oil change.

The fact is that you have the right to get your vehicle serviced wherever you wish. At Precision Automotive, they keep a thorough record of your service history to comply with your warranty.

Technicians at Precision will check all your fluid conditions and levels, tire condition and pressures as well as all your drive belts, hoses and air conditioning system using the latest diagnostic computer equipment.

There is nothing more annoying than having an unforeseen breakdown. Not

only is it inconvenient, but it can cost you valuable time, not to mention a potentially expensive towing bill.

Providing peace of mind for you and your family is what Precision Automotive is all about. Owner Rob Brouwer and his staff have a well-earned reputation for doing things right the first time, everytime and they back up their work with an industry leading 2 year/40,000km warranty on most new installed parts and labour.

Why not take advantage of their expertise and have your vehicle checked out today to avoid the chance of a potential headache tomorrow? As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The license technicians at Precision can take of any type of repair from your brake and exhaust systems to your car’s heating and cooling system and anything else under the hood.

Precision also specializes in tires. They carry all the main brands including Toyo, Michelin, Goodyear and Pirelli.

Deciding on a set of tires isn’t difficult, but it pays to invest some time in the process. At Precision Automotive,

With 10 bays, four licensed technicians and two apprentice technicians Precision Automotive in Orléans is one of the largest independent service centres in Ottawa. STAFF PHOTO

they strive to provide their customers with the tire that best suits their vehicle, driving habits and budget. Their goal is to provide their clients with a tire that provides the best value for their dollar. The professionals at Precision will gladly take the time to discuss your tire options.

Precision Automotive is located at 385 Vantage Dr, behind the McDonald’s restaurant at Innes and Tenth Line Road. You can also check out their web site for their latests special offers at www.theautopros.ca, or call them at 613841-5550. Happy Motoring!

STAR STAFF – Precision Automotive

Ottawa MediSPA Orléans: Helping their clients ‘love their every age’

Special to the Orléans Star

Taking care of your skin is more than a luxury – it’s an investment. At Ottawa MediSPA Orléans, they’ve been helping women and men invest in their skin by providing high-quality esthetic services, laser treatments and medical injectables since 2016.

Ottawa MediSPA Orléans is located at 2211 St. Joseph Blvd., which will be celebrating its fifth anniversary in September serving Orléans, Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Owner, Spa Director & Medical Esthetician Christina Mazzarotti, Medical Director Dr. Vanessa Abdelhalim and Spa Facilitator Julie Parent lead a team of dynamic and highly trained Medical Estheticians, Laser Technicians and Cosmetic Medical Injectors who each possess a tremendous amount of skill, talent and passion!

After being temporarily closed during the pandemic, they are welcoming six new technologies and treatments from PDO Thread Lifts and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Skin Rejuvenation to ultimate Flexsure®

Skin Tightening and gorgeous Brow Lamination.

At Ottawa MediSPA Orléans they have something for everyone and every budget to feel pampered and look their very best!

Among the traditional services they provide are Coolsculpting®; IPL Photo Facials; Laser Hair Removal; ICON™ Laser Skin Resurfacing; Chronic Migraine Therapy; Botox® & Juvéderm® Medical Injections, Spider Vein Sclerotherapy; Hyperhidrosis for excessive sweating; as well as a full line of traditional spa treatments including; advanced Facial Treatments; Manicure and Pedicure nail treatments; facial and body Waxing; Eyelash and Brow treatments such as Henna and Nano Brows; and Microblading.

The Ottawa MediSPA Orléans team strives to stay current in the market’s leading technologies by attending some of the largest trade shows and private training seminars on a regular basis. They believe in the importance of providing excellent hands-on training for new

Estheticians and are always looking to help shape the way for women new to the industry.

At Ottawa MediSPA Orléans they believe that every individual is unique! Therefore, treatments should be specifically designed to meet that individual’s needs and expectations. Care, concern, and follow-up are second to none when providing services to their clients.

Ottawa MediSPA Orléans is always happy to provide their Full Circle Skin Consultation which helps clients find the products, services and treatment plans that are right for them.

To schedule a Full Circle Skin Consultation, visit ottawamedispa.ca/ orleans and scroll to the link near the bottom of the page, email at orleans@ ottawamedispa.ca or simply contact the Spa at 613-834-0333.

Besides treatments, Ottawa MediSPA Orléans also specializes in skincare products that assist in the “prejuvenation” of your skin.

Their PRFX™ Perfect Fix Skincare is their very own skincare line which

Where “Clinical meets Luxury”

A tranquil spa experience with the technical and medical savvy our discerning clients expect.

MEDICAL

Medical services include Botox®, Juvéderm®, Belkyra™, Hyperhidrosis, Sclerotherapy and Chronic Migraine Therapy.

TECHNICAL

Technical services such as CoolSculpting™ to help reduce stubborn fat, Laser Hair Removal for silky smooth skin, ICON Laser Skin Resurfacing, and IPL Photofacials to reduce skin damage obtained over time.

SPA SERVICES

Whether it’s facials, eyelash extensions, manicures and pedicures, relaxation massage, or advanced facial treatments, you’ll find we provide all of the spa services you’ll ever need to feel beautiful, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Visit us for your complimentary one-on-one Full Circle Consult to see what we offer that’s right for you – we have something for everyone and every budget!

Contact us today or drop in and visit us.

meets each client’s skin concerns and budget. The skincare line is a pleasure to use and offers consistent results for a great investment in your skin’s future.

During the month of August, Ottawa MediSPA Orléans will be launching a newly designed website that among other things will provide

their clients with an easy on-line shopping experience and great skincare and anti-aging information.

Rest assured you are safe when visiting the Spa as all the best pre-cautions for Covid are practiced daily.

The first step to a healthier more beautiful you, is just a visit away.

Christina Mazzarotti is the Spa Director and Owner of Ottawa MediSPA Orléans. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Car and auto service with a personal touch

STAR STAFF – At Extreme Auto Care on Youville Drive, they specialize in making your vehicle looks its very best.

From careful detailing, both inside and outside, to window tinting and rust proofing Extreme can do it all – and without the hassle and waiting you will face when dealing with the big car dealerships.

Their retail products are second to none and they back up every service they provide and product they sell.

Their window tinting service comes with a lifetime warranty and their rust-proofing comes with a 3-year, 60,000 km warranty at a minimum and they will match whatever warranty is being offered by the dealerships.

Besides auto detailing and window tinting, Extreme Auto Care also does rust-proofing, entertainment system installation, remote starter installation, back-up camera and rear sensor installation and a number of mechanical services including oil changes, tire rotation, brake servicing and safety checks.

They are also a licensed WeatherTech® dealer and offer the complete line of WeatherTech products.

Among the specialty services they can provide their customers are trailer hitch installation and wiring, and heated seat systems.

Owner Will Doughty Doughty started his first business fresh out of high school in 1999. He had just returned from a twomonth stint in the Arctic and bought a mobile pressure washing unit.

“It was called Will’s Washing Service and my motto was ‘Will’s willing to wash’,” Doughty remembers fondly.

The business was successful enough for Doughty to lease some space on Youville Drive to store the pressure washer. But after a year of working day and night and most weekends, he decided to focus on cars and so Extreme Auto Care was born.

“I just went at it full-blown everyday, work, work, work, and built it from there,” Doughty recalls of those early days.

Over the years, Doughty has built up a successful business with a loyal clientele that spans two generations.

“We’ve tried to make it so that it’s a onestop shop. So the customer drops their car

off in the morning. They want it cleaned, they want the oil changed, they want a brake job and get their winter tires changed. Then they come back at five o’clock and it’s all done. So instead of going to multiple places to get multiple things done, they just come

to us and we take care of everything for them,” says Doughty.

To learn more about how Extreme Auto Care can take care of your vehicle, visit their website at extremeautocare.ca, or drop by their showroom at 1439 Youville Dr.

A great place for an active lifestyle

STAR STAFF – Whether you bike, run, swim or play tennis, Orléans is a great place to pursue an active lifestyle and stay in shape especially during the difficult times we now find ourselves in.

It’s no secret that Orléans is home to dozens of neighbourhood parks, but what is less commonly known is that they are connected by more than 50 kms of pathways that are shared by pedestrians and cyclists alike.

One of the more popular pathways runs along the Ottawa River from Petrie Island to Parliament Hill and further west all the way to Kanata.

During the pandemic, the NCC has closed the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway from St. Joseph Blvd. to the Aviation Parkway on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Tuesday, Sept. 8. This also includes Labour Day.

The Green’s Creek area in Blackburn Hamlet is a great place to go for a run in the summer or sledding in the winter. The hill at Green’s Creek is one of the tallest tobogganing hills in the National Capital Region. The nearby Hornet’s Nest soccer facility is home to the Ottawa-Gloucester Hornets.

Further east, Millennium Park is home

to the Cumberland United Soccer Club and Ottawa TFC as well as the Cumberland Panthers Football Club.

The Park is also home to the Kiwanis Playground and the largest splash pad in the east end both of which are now open to the general public during Stage 2 of the provincial reopening.

Sticking to the great outdoors, Petrie Island – located on the Ottawa River –has become a recreation jewel with its two supervised beaches, nature trails and ecological reserve. The island, which can be accessed by a causeway at the northern end of Trim Road, is home to the Orléans Canada Day Celebration and the Carivibe festival held every June. It’s also a popular destination for kayakers and canoeists who can paddle around the island and explore its many coves and inlets.

If you don’t own your own kayak or canoe, you can rent one at the Oziles Marina and Tackle Shop which is located on the causeway as you approach the island. Oziles rents paddle boards, jet skis and paddle boats.

Orléans is also blessed with not one, not two, but three municipal recreation centres.

Although it is currently closed due to the pandemic, the Bob MacQuarrie

Two great ways to spend a sunny Sunday in the east end is to take advantage of the NOKIA Bikedays on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, or soak up some rays on Petrie Island (inset). FILE PHOTOS

Recreation Complex, located on Youville Drive, has two indoor rinks, a fully equipped gym and a 25-metre pool that is shared by the Gloucester Synchro Club and the Ottawa Titans Water Polo Club. The Ray Friel Recreation Complex, which is also temporarily closed during the pandemic, has three indoor rinks, a wave

pool and a fully equipped gym.

Orléans’ newest pool opened last year at the corner of Portobello and Brian Coburn Boulevards in Avalon.

Annual and monthly memberships are available at all three recreation centres. For scheduling information visit ottawa.ca/ en/residents/recreation-and-parks.

Blue Spruce Antiques a hidden gem on Dunning Road

By Fred Sherwin

The Orléans Star

Full disclosure – I have to admit that I am a bit of an antique junkie and have been for several years. Which is why it is so bizarre that I only just discovered Blue Spruce Antiques on Dunning Road a little over a year ago.

I’ve driven down that section of Dunning Road between Innes and French Hill Road at least 30-40 times a year if not more, and never knew there was an antique store that has been there for more than 20 years.

It wasn’t until I did a search for antique dealers near Orléans that I finally discovered the business. When I drove back down Dunning Road, with my eyes peeled, I at long last saw their big sign. In my defence, when I met the owner, Lorraine Seguin, she explained to me that the sign had been obscured for a number of years by several trees which they only just cut down last year.

Seguin bought the business, which included a farm house and 49 acres of land, from the former owner in 2006. She had been a regular at flea markets across the region in Stittsville, Antrim, Masson and Lachute for years and had already built up a sizaeable collection of her own. In fact, it took her a year to move everything from her old house

in Orléans to the new property on Dunning.

Since then, she has only added to the collection. In the early days, she was selling almost as much as she was purchasing. More lately, the tables have tipped in favour of new acquisitions, which Seguin admits is the best part of being an antique dealer.

Seguin keeps most of her antiques in a large two-storey barn. A nearby yurt contains the remainder of the vintage items which include everything from a 1947 washing machine to antique dolls, fine china, silverware, antique scales, over 100 antique dining chairs, gas lamps and artwork of all kinds.

The business and Seguin herself have suffered their share of ups and downs in recent years. In 2017, a tornado destroyed a second yurt that contained a number of antiques most of which were recovered, however the yurt was completely destroyed.

The COVID pandemic has also resulted in a significant drop off in business. Like other non-essential retail businesses in Ontario, the antique store has been closed more often than not over the past 18 months.

On top of it all, Seguin was diagnosed with cancer last December. The illness was discovered when doctors had to perform an emergency appendectomy to remove a ruptured appendix. Fortunately, the cancer

was discovered in its early stages and the prognosis for a full recovery is extremely positive

Although she is still undergoing treatment, Seguin is looking forward to seeing business pick up now that the province has moved into

Stage 3 of its reopening plan.

Blue Spruce Antiques is open every weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. They are located at 2870 Dunning Road between French Hill Road and Colonial Road.

Too much, too little: How water levels impact Petrie Island

By Sherry Nigro

Friends of Petrie Island

Do you remember the spring floods of 2017 and 2019? Did you paddle your kayak along the walking trails?

As volunteers with the Friends of Petrie Island, we sure do. The Island was entirely under water, except in the immediate vicinity of the beach pavilion; in fact the Island was inaccessible until June and the road required major repairs.

Unfortunately, our Nature Centre was irreparably damaged, some of our picnic tables and benches actually floated away downstream; equipment and displays were ruined. But not surprisingly, in a tribute to nature’s resilience, the flora and fauna of the island bounced back.

Even the local beaver population, which was nearly wiped out with the flooding of their bank lodges, have made a comeback.

In many ways, the spring flooding, which is a combination of snowmelt and rainfall from the entire Ottawa River watershed, is a major factor in creating a unique ecosystem at Petrie Island. Only species that can escape the island, or withstand prolonged submersion, can survive.

Human activity has also greatly influenced

the wetland environment at Petrie Island.

The construction of Hydro Québec’s Carillon Dam in the early 1960s raised the water levels by over a metre.

The six- to eight-metre wide natural sand beach on the river side of the island was reduced to a just a few metres.

Extensive areas of abandoned pasture between the islands and the mainland were also converted into wetland habitat. The resulting area has a high level of floral diversity and hosts about 30 plant species that are regionally and provincially rare. It is also ideal habitat for three species of turtles, mammals like otter, deer and chipmunks, and over 130 types of birds that live, nest or stop at Petrie Island during migration.

However, this year the freshet (spring flooding) was unusually short, and it was followed by warm dry weather conditions.

We are seeing very low water levels across the region. This last happened in 2005, 2010 and 2012, but low water levels may also occur when the Ottawa River Regulation and Planning Board and dam operators require it. We saw this last fall when school children rescued many fresh water clams that were stranded when water levels suddenly dropped.

Low water can be detrimental to Petrie Island in other ways. It exposes more land along the shore, which encourages more foot traffic that leads to erosion and damage to shoreline plants. As water temperatures increase, oxygen levels decrease, which results in less oxygen being available to plant and animal species that live in the water. This is known to contribute to fish mortality.

Shallower warmer water also supports photosynthesis which may lead to more algae

blooms and growth in invasive species such as Eurasian milfoil.

Water sports can also be affected as paddlers and boaters need to navigate sunken logs, shallow water and heavy aquatic plants.

On the positive side, the Friends of Petrie Island, in consultation with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority are taking advantage of the low water to protect certain shore areas from further erosion and for the continued enjoyment of nature lovers in the east end.

Blue Spruce Antiques owner Lorraine Seguin stands in the main building on her Dunning Road property housing thousands of antiques and vintage items. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO

Feds to intall EV charger at Bob MacQurrie

STAR STAFF – Electric car owners will soon be able to charge their cars at the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Centre on Youville Drive.

The federal initiative was announced by Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde last Thursday as part of #EVWeekinCanada.

Funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, the EV charger will be available for public use by this winter.

The initiative represents a $50,000 investment.

The federal government already provides

incentives of up to $5,000 to help Canadians buy electric vehicles and full tax write-offs for businesses purchasing them as part of it’s mission to achieve 100-percent zeroemission light-duty vehicle sales by 2035.

“Electric vehicles are an important part of our work to meet Canada’s climate targets, and I am thrilled that investments like these are being made in Orléans,” Lalonde said in making the announcement.

“By installing charging stations, we’re building the infrastructure necessary to give our residents a green choice and take advantage of Canada’s growing green industries.”

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