Keep it up, Orléans!
We’re almost back to normal.
Dr. Sally Ing
Dr. Kat Muzar
chapelhilldental.ca 3400 Innes Rd., Orléans (at Pagé) 613.424.4241
December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 13
Next edition December 16
L’édition de cette semaine à l’intérieur...
Community’s generosity is truly heartwarming
The Vintage Village of Lights is on display at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum over the next two weekends. See story on page 3. FRED SHERWIN / PHOTO
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star We often take for granted how generous our community is, both in terms of money and in terms of time. Every day, ordinary residents in Orléans are either volunteering their time for a good cause, or donating funds, or both. It is especially evident at this time of year when the spirit of giving is at its strongest and when many social agencies and community organizations are still suffering from the effects of the pandemic. Local firefighters and volunteers with the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre were out in full force last Saturday to collect food at area grocery stores for the Orléans-Cumberland food bank. According to food bank co-ordinator Nicole Perras, the annual event is crucial to filling the
food bank’s shelves during the holiday season and into the New Year. The Resource Centre is also still accepting donations for its Christmas program which provides gift cards to area families in financial crisis during the holiday season. The gift cards are then used to purchase presents the children will enjoy. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.crcoc.ca. This Saturday, a group of long-time friends and associates of the late Jim Morrison will be holding the 10th annual Christmas Angels fundraising event at Taproom260. Morrison was the owner of Taproom260’s predecessor D’Arcy McGee’s before his unfortunate passing in October 2019. Morrison supported a number of good causes, but the one that was nearest and dearest to his CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Da Artisti Gallery taking part in Trees of Hope fundraiser for CHEO
ORLÉANS – This year’s Trees of Hope fundraising event at the Fairmont Château Laurier will feature an entry from the Da Artisti Studio and Gallery in Cumberland Village. Owner Wendy Canci and a small army of volunteers have been making ceramic and fused-glass decorations for the past several weeks to put on their tree which is on display with more than 30 others in the Château Laurier’s main ballroom. Members of the public can vote for their favourite tree with a donation of $25 or more by either visiting the display in person, or by taking a virtual tour at treesofhope.ca where an online auction is also being held until Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. You can also submit a photo of your own tree or holiday lights with a $25 donation and be entered in a draw for a $250 gift certificate.
Navan Fair to hold drivethru Holiday Lights parade and toy drive on Dec. 11 NAVAN – The Navan Fair will be holding a drive-thru Holiday Lights Parade on the Navan Fairgrounds on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This will be a drive-thru parade for vehicles only. Due to COVID restrictions, everyone must remain in their cars at all times. As each vehicle passes through the fairgrounds, there will be a variety of floats illuminated with Christmas lights on display and Santa will be there too. Entrance to the grounds will be through the Delson Drive entrance on the east side of the fairgrounds. Admission is free, but cash donations for the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre food bank will be accepted by Navan Fair Board volunteers as well as new unwrapped toys.
Christmas Angels fundraising event returns to Taproom260
ORLÉANS – Every December for eight of the past nine years, a group of regulars at Taproom260 (formally D’Arcy McGee’s) have organized a night of live music to raise money for families with children undergoing cancer treatment. After having to go virtual last year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is back live this year with a full evening of live entertainment, silent auction and raffle. Raffle tickets can be purchased online at taproom260.com/christmas or in person at the restaurant which is located in the Orléans Town Centre on Centrum Blvd. The tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. The draw for the 30+ prizes will be held on the night of the event. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to purchase gift cards for the families which will be chosen in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. “Hopefully we can help out a few families and shed some happiness during this terrible time,” says co-organizer Pat Lowell.
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The spirit of giving Continued from page 1 heart is the Children’s Wish Foundation headed by his friend, retired Ottawa Police Service sergeant Patrick Lowell. After Jim’s passing in 2019, Lowell and a group of their friends who were all regulars at D’Arcy McGee’s, committed to continuing the Christmas Angels program which provides a minimum of $1,000 to families with a child or children suffering from a life-threatening disease such as cancer and are also struggling to make ends meet. To date, Christmas Angels has helped over 60 local families who can’t otherwise afford things like presents for their kids, a Christmas tree or even a holiday dinner. Last year, 12 families benefited from the program after more than $12,000 was raised. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. on Saturday with live music. A raffle will also be held for over 30 prizes, all of which have been donated by local businesses along with a number of items up for grabs in the silent auction. For more information visit taproom260.com.
Elsewhere, Megan and Nathan Albertini have turned their Elderberry Terrace home into a Christmas display destination to help raise money for CHEO. Visitors to the brightly lit home can either drop off a donation in the donation box along with a letter to Santa, or you can donate online at https://t.co/k77IcbZS2o. The display is on nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Finally, volunteers with the Navan Fair Board have organized a drive-thru Christmas lights display at the Navan Fairgrounds this Saturday to raise money and collect new and unwrapped presents for the OrléansCumberland Community Resource Centre’s Christmas program. Visitors must enter the grounds by car through the Delson Drive entrance. Once on the grounds, you will be able to drive past a number of brightly lit floats and displays. No doubt there are dozens of other selfless contributions being made in our community to help those less fortunate at this time and we should all be grateful and at the same time proud of those efforts which make this community such a great place to live.
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Magical light display returns to Cumberland museum By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star The COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc with a number of holiday traditions in Orléans including Santa’s Parade of Lights, the Lions Magical Village and the Christmas Choirfest – all of which have been postponed for the second year in a row. Fortunately, one holiday tradition is making a return this year despite the ongoing pandemic. After a one-year absence, the Vintage Village of Lights is back at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. For the next three weekends, the museum grounds will be turned into a magical light display with thousands of lights festooning the buildings and trees. Visitors will be able to step back in time to the 1920s and 30s and stroll through the postcardperfect scenery while taking in the 30,000plus lights illuminating the various heritage buildings. Colourful vignettes can be enjoyed, highlighting traditions of days gone by. Visitors can also see a portable printing press in action and travel back in time
with a festive soundtrack from the 20s and 30s. Children will be able to take home a ginger bread decorating kit, create a holiday craft and enjoy a physically distanced visit and photo opportunity with Santa. The program has been adapted to be “Social Wise” with the health and comfort of visitors, staff and volunteers in mind. As such, visitors must follow a strict protocol beginning with the purchase of their tickets which must be done in advance by visiting https://apps102.ottawa.ca/Start/Start.asp. Once on the site, click on Activity Search in the menu at the top of the page. Under Advanced Search in the left-hand menu, type “Cumberland” into the Containing Keyword field. Click “Show Courses” to browse the scheduled time slots. View “Details” and then click “Add: to proceed to registration for your desired date and time. Tickets are $8.25 for adults and $6 for students, youth six and over, and seniors. Child five and under are free. A family pass for two adults and accompanying children under 18 can also be purchased for $21. Visitors are asked to show up 15 minutes
The Vintage Village of Lights takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum from Dec. 3 through Dec. 19. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO before their scheduled time. Once on site, you must follow the indicated one-way route and maintain two metres distance from other visitors and staff. The route (including displays, demonstrations and activities) will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Although face masks are not required when walking through the museum grounds, they are required when going inside the buildings and while visiting with Santa. As the event takes place primarily outdoors, proof of vaccination is not required.
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December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15 • 3
Orléans first doctor to take his place with fellow pioneers By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star (The following is the fourth installment of a four-part series on the east end’s medical pioneers.) In 1925, Orléans was still it’s infancy. It had been designated as a “Police Village” just three years previous with a three-member volunteer council elected to “preserve peace, health, and public safety”. The community itself consisted of several homes located between present day Notre Dame Street and St. Joseph Blvd., as well as on the north side of St. Joseph near St. Joseph church. Prior to 1925, residents needing medical attention had to either wait for a doctor to come out from nearby Ottawa, or make the journey into town themselves. That changed when Dr. Émile Major decided to establish a practice in Orléans in 1925 at the age of 26, 67 years after his ancestor Luc Major registered the first subdivision in the area. A graduate of McGill University, Dr. Major chose to hang his shingle at 2788 St. Joseph Blvd., directly across from the church. Over the course of the next 37 years,
Dr. Major treated countless patients and is credited with delivering over one thousand babies until his retirement in 1962. In those early days, he treated everything from broken bones and sprains to tonsillitis and tooth extractions often without any anesthesia. He made house calls day and night in any kind of weather. His son, JeanMarc Major, recalls the family Dr. Émile Major home, which also served as the local pharmacy, saw a constant flow of traffic. “(Our house) was where people would go if there had been an accident, for deliveries, for the pharmacy… it was where they would call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year,” says the fifth-generation Major. As a medical practitioner, Dr. Major would eventually be appointed as the medical officer of health for the townships of Cumberland (1942) and Gloucester (1946),
4 • December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15
coroner of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and Carleton County from 1951 to 1969. He also served as secretary for the village of Orléans from 1931 to 1935 and was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1941. And it doesn’t stop there. Dr. Major was also a church warden, school trustee, president of the History and Genealogy Society of Ottawa-Hull from 1963 to 1971 and physician at the Montfort Hospital from 1953 to 1972, including two years as president of the medical office. In 1963, the Orléans Chamber of Commerce named him “Citizen of the Year”. It’s little wonder that Dr. Émile Major is joining fellow medical pioneers Dr. David Irwin from Navan; Dr. James Ferguson, Eva Kennedy R.N. and Dr. I.F. “Bus” Kennedy, all from Cumberland Village in having the waiting area in the new Orléans Health Hub dedicated to them. Dr. Major is being further honoured by having the park adjacent to the Health Hub named in his honour. The sixth medical pioneer to be honoured with a special plaque at the Health Hub is Dr. Annie Powers who was one of the first francophone women in Ontario to become a
physician. Annie Powers had been teaching high school in Hawkesbury for 11 years when she decided to follow in the footsteps of her father and two brothers by taking up medical studies at the age of 34. She graduated from the UniverDr. Annie sity of Laval in 1945 and served Powers as a physician in the Canadian Army for two years before returning to Rockland where she took over her father’s medical practice in 1947. Nicknamed the “Doctor of the Poor”, Dr. Powers became known for her qualities of empathy, benevolence and generosity. She made a number of contributions to the Montfort Hospital with which she maintained close ties over the years and in 1978 they named the hospital library after her. Dr. Powers passed away on Dec. 3, 1989 at the age of 82.
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Omicron Pick one of the following: Omicron is either a character in the Transformer franchise or the latest COVID-19 variant to hit the 24-hour news cycle. If you picked the latter then you are correct. Omnicron is the latest COVID-19 variant that originated in South Africa and has already showed up in nearly a dozen cases here in Canada. According to social media experts and a number of mainstream media outlets, the variant is more transmissible than smallpox and more deadly than the Bubonic plague. But any prediction of the severity of the Omicron should be taken with a pound of salt. Remember the Delta variant which first surfaced last June? It was supposed to lead to wide spread infections and a spike in both hospitalizations and deaths. Of course it hasn’t, at least not in this country, and the reason why is vaccinations. In countries where there is a low vaccination rate the Delta variant did indeed result in a fourth wave of infections and hospitalizations, but in countries with a high vaccination rate like Canada they didn’t. Between March 1, 2019 and July 1, 2021 there were total of 1,415,888 confirmed COVID cases in Canada for an average of 88,483 per month. In the five months since July 1, there were an additional 382,984 cases for an average of 76,596 cases a month during a period when restrictions have largely been lifted. So what does that show? It shows that the vaccines have been working. Say what you want about the possible long-term side effects and microchip implants, the fact of the matter is that the vaccines have worked in limiting infections, hospitalizations and deaths. They worked against the Delta variant and they will work against Omicron. And here’s why. The vaccine restricts the viral load so that it becomes less transmissible and you are less likely to end up in the hospital. That is especially true for normally healthy people. However, if you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes, a heart condition, an autoimmune disease or are moderately to severely overweight, there’s a good chance you may end up in the hospital even if you are vaccinated. If you fall in the latter category, you should still take the adequate precautions even if you are vaccinated. It’s called common sense. If you fall into the former, you should feel comfortable about going out and about and living your life. But there are still thousands of fully vaccinated, entirely healthy people who are terrified to go out for fear of catching the latest variant. A friend of mine recently canceled their trip down south this winter for fear of contracting the new variant despite the fact they are fully vaccinated. I thought the whole point of getting vaccinated was to be able to start to live our lives normally, or as normally as possible. I can understand the fear people with underlying health conditions have about the Omicron variant and they should take the proper precautions to limit their potential exposure to the virus even if they are fully vaccinated. As for my fully vaccinated, relatively healthy self, I’ve already booked a trip to Cuba in February and I plan to return to the Netherlands in July safe in the knowledge that the odds of getting seriously ill and infinitesimal. – 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.
6 • December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15
Holiday season a great time to take stock of the past year and look ahead to 2022 As you may know, the House of Commons reconvened on November 22. The 2021 Speech from the Throne was delivered the following day, outlining the government’s priorities for the 44th Canadian parliament. This includes tackling climate change, growing a more resilient economy, moving faster on the path to reconciliation, fighting for a secure, just, and equitable world, and building a healthier today and tomorrow. I want to congratulate again Michael Allen, president and CEO of United Way East Ontario, and Ian Faris, senior vice-president, Chamber Network Relations & Advocacy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, for being among the recipients of the 2021 Order of Ottawa Award. Congratulations to Jocelyne Legault, executive director at Les Sittelles Gymnastic Club, for receiving the Entrepreneure Award at the 2021 Prix Saphir. Shout-out for your never-ending leadership and community spirit! It’s always important to recognize outstanding residents, making sure their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Celebrating volunteerism is also key, and that’s why I remind you that I need your help nominating amazing women and girls from our community for the annual Orléans Leading Women and Girls Recognition Awards. You have until Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, to submit your nomination form, that you can get by emailing Marie-France.Lalonde@parl.gc.ca. On Nov. 25, I was pleased to attend the Heart of
Orléans BIA Annual General Meeting to reaffirm the government’s continued support towards our small businesses. Moreover, we’ve seen 20 new businesses open their doors in our community over the past year and I was privileged to welcome some of them. More recently, I visited Sephora, Sound & Sight, the new location of Shawarma Palace and the Pharmasave Avalon Compounding Pharmacy & Medical Clinic, just to name a few. We have plenty of great businesses here in Orléans. Don’t forget to make the most of the holiday season by encouraging them and by shopping local. Let’s all remember how our generosity goes a long way for our local food banks. Thank you! Speaking of holidays, it was a magical experience to attend the first lighting of the beautiful tree on Centrum Plaza, along with my elected colleagues, Councillors Matt Luloff, Laura Dudas, Catherine Kitts and MPP Stephen Blais. If you haven’t already, stop by and let yourself be surrounded by these beautiful trees, filled with twinkling lights. This is my last column before the New Year. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. Take advantage of the holidays to spend quality time with your friends and family. For those celebrating, I hope you had a great Hannukah, which was marked from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6 this year. Happy New Year 2022!
2022 will be the year of a double dose of elections Where did the year go? I am not sure about you, but it seems like the period since Labour Day until that first good dusting of white stuff this past weekend flew by at light speed. We went from a federal election to Thanksgiving, Halloween, Remembrance Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday and now Omicron December in what seems like a week, or two at best. Speaking of COVID-19, with the new Omicron variant, I have a bit of déjà vu of December 2019, maybe you do too? Although with the kids now getting vaccinated, we will get through this although it looks like we have another year of the pandemic in front of us in 2022. You know, 2022, the year of not one but two elections. First up is the provincial election on June 2 and like the federal election, the ballot question will partly revolve around which party has the best economic plan to steer the province forward. But unlike the federal ballot this past September, it will be a tough slog for the incumbent Ford government. The lack of coherency in the lockdown rules between big and small businesses and a whole bunch of other miscues are still raw with many small business owners and their employees. This anger will surely be a factor on voting day… how much of a factor is
Walter Robinson Guest Column unknown. Moreover, the Ford government will have a tough time taking much, if any, credit for the provincial vaccine rollout as the bulk of this work was done by the feds on the procurement side of the ledger and local public health units in terms of mass vaccination efforts. However, Premier Ford’s provincial Tories do have two key advantages: the incumbency of office and the luxury of a pre-election budget to deliver some 10 to eight weeks before election day and the gift of ineffectual (so far) and low-profile opposition leaders. Both NDP Leader Andrea Horvath (who will be running in her fourth provincial election as leader) and Liberal leader Steven Del Duca (who lost his provincial seat in 2018) are not well-known to voters and in Ottawa, getting profile is difficult as provincial politics falls
to third place, after the feds and City Hall, in the local news triage. After the provincial ballot, we will go to the polls again 144 days later to elect a Mayor, Council, and a host of school board trustees. As of the time of filing this column, Jim Watson had not announced whether he intends to seek another term as Mayor, but my bet is that he will. Nonetheless, he will face challenges from one or two sitting coun-cilors and a few outside candidates, and three letters will dominate the race: L, R and T. Doors that will not close, software system issues, stinky stations, water issues in tunnels, warped wheels, trains that stop in the winter, track problems, derailments, months without service … yes, the LRT has had a few issues. Add in the provincial judicial inquiry, mounting questions about the budget and timing of Phase 2 construction, and OC Transpo’s fairy tale revenue projections for next year and yowzah, it’s a mess. Other municipal issues also spell trouble for most folks around the council table seeking re-election: the Lansdowne Park deal that is not panning out, an Official Plan that could lead to hyper-intensification in many neighbourhoods (not just the downtown), the new central library running overbudget,
a lack of confidence in some communities in the Ottawa Police service, local main streets that are barely hanging on, and the spectre of federal budget cuts in 2023, 2024, and/or 2025… it is not a pretty picture. If I was advising candidates seeking to unseat incumbents that are seeking their third term or more, one simple question can be enormously powerful at the doors and in debates: Councillor X, what are going to do in the next four years that you haven’t been able to accomplish during your last eight (or 12 or 16) years at City Hall? Indeed, 2022 will be the year of the continuing pandemic and a double shot of elections. But as we finish 2021, my wish to you dear readers is that you get your COVID booster shots when it is your turn, gather safely with your family and friends over the holidays and continue to support local businesses as you do your Christmas and holiday shopping. And of course, please spare a few dollars for our local community organizations that serve the less fortunate and those who have fallen on tough times in 2021. As crazy as this time of year can be, we are still, and always, #InThisTogether. Portez-vous bien mes amis.
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WillowbendRetirement.com December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15 • 7
Letter to the Editor
Reader takes issue with Convent Glen reforestation plan To the editor: A recent article in the Orléans Star by P. Leblanc presented a very slanted view of events that have been taking place over the past two years in a meadow in Convent Glen North bordering on the Ottawa River. First, no one is going to deny that global warming is a reality. We see evidence on a daily basis. Also, trees do act as a carbon sink, although the ability to do this is enhanced by managed and thoughtful planning of where and how reforestation takes place. The article’s author proposes that all open spaces be targeted for “reforestation” regardless of what that “open space” contributes to biodiversity and local efforts to conserve long-established bird and butterfly sites and homes for small animals. Response to global warming requires a range of responses. Simply planting trees
in a meadow is a leap in logic that doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. Why is his article disingenuous? The area he is so focused on reforesting is one of few meadows that exist in Convent Glen. This is an area that is valued by the community, particularly those whose homes border on the meadow. In response to recent unauthorized planting of trees in this meadow, Coun. Matt Luloff, organized a VIRTUAL community meeting to ensure that people were aware of what was going on and to allow the community to provide their input. There was strong push back to what P. Leblanc and three others were proposing. Many at that meeting were unaware that our previous city councilor, Bob Monette, had brokered an agreement with the community to protect the meadow as a conservation site and were willing to continue to support this.
8 • December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15
As a result of the meeting, Mr. Luloff committed to bring back to the community a proposal for management of the meadow. No further planting was to take place. Unfortunately, that did not stop the unauthorized clandestine continued tree planting in the meadow. Finally, if one looks at a map, it is immediately evident that the meadow borders immediately on the NCC Greenbelt which the NCC has, over the past two years, undertaken massive replanting and management of a wide variety of trees on the other side of the fence from the meadow. In addition, the city has been very active planting replacement and additional trees throughout the community in parks and along walking trails. The trees are being planted there in a planned, thoughtful way, not surreptitiously without permission. I also encourage people to complete the
survey, but to do so with the understanding that the need to combat global warming will not be achieved by planting trees where doing so will destroy the meadow, a unique ecosystem that makes its own contribution to conserving habitat, wildlife and green space. People need the unbiased facts before completing this survey. The context is also very relevant. Houses built along Radisson Way, the street adjacent to the meadow, have seen many trees cut down to clear their land. Trees should first be re-planted on these lots. Furthermore, it is a misnomer to refer to re-forestation of the meadow; before Convent Glen North was built the land was grassland for cattle. With respect, Alexa Brewer
’Tis the season to donate a new There is lots to see in and around unwrapped toy to Firehouse Subs Orléans this holiday season These last few weeks, with Council, protect Ontario’s progress in the fight against Planning Committee, and a hybrid version COVID-19 and keep the province’s schools of FCM all taking place, it has been quite safe and open for in-person learning as more a busy period. I’m looking forward to a bit people move indoors and attend family of peace as we lead up gatherings during the to the holiday season. colder months this winter. Speaking of which, don’t The future of OC Tim forget... with the chilly Transpo is renewable Tierney energy! Residents will weather, that means one thing... SANTA CLAUS soon see a new type of IS COMING TO TOWN! bus rolling down the Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward 11 You can download a free streets of Ottawa. Four “Letters to Santa” writing kit at canadapost- new 40-foot battery-electric buses will be postescanada.ca. ready to enter service in early 2022. And as a reminder to all residents, OC Last but not least, I invite you to help a Transpo is offering unlimited no-charge local family this holiday season by donating service on all forms of transit (buses, O-Train a new unwrapped toy which can be dropped and Para Transpo) to customers from Dec. 1 off at any Firehouse Sun location between to Dec. 31, in recognition of the considerable Nov. 29 and Dec. 24. disruption faced by transit users following When you donate a toy to Firehouse the suspension of O-Train Line 1 service. Sub outlets in Beacon Hiill, Barrhaven, Following Health Canada’s approval of the and Orléans you will get $2 off your next pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, booking combo! I can’t say it enough... I am so continues for children age five-to-11. Up to proud of our community and our businesses 10,000 appointments for children ages five as we continue giving back and looking to 11 will be available each week through out for each other! Give a hand to a terrific 73 school vaccination clinics. This helps community business owner, Phil Patel!
This year, it has been wonderful to get to 2 p.m. out and do Christmas activities, visit locally For those looking to enjoy some holiday owned shops and holiday markets, making it traditions, such as a going to a parade or all feel a bit closer to “normal”. taking a gander at the local light displays, the For those who haven’t Navan Fair is hosting a quite finished their holifloat and lights display on day shopping list yet, there the Navan Fair Grounds Laura are still many ways to buy on Saturday, Dec. 11 from Dudas local, and support the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event businesses owned by our is free, but cash donations, friends and neighbours. as well as donations of Innes Ward 2 Whether it be a local new, unwrapped toys will chocolatier, cozy garments or locally made be welcome at the entrance. wine, you can still be sure to impress whomThe Ottawa Voyageurs Walking Club ever it is you are buying for. is hosting an evening walk on Saturday, There are also still a few Christmas markets Dec. 11. For $2, participants can choose scheduled in our neck of the woods, so you from 5 km or 10 km routes, taking place don’t need to venture out too far to enjoy! For throughout Orléans, including Taffy Lane example, the Community Christmas Market which is renowned for the Christmas light at the Blackburn Hamlet Community Hall at displays on the street. 190 Glen Park Dr., is taking place on Sunday, Last but by no means least, the Cumberland Dec.12, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Heritage Village Museum has once again A local Xmas Vendor Market is also been transformed into Vintage Village of planned for the Pineview Golf Course on Lights with treats, crafts and even a special Dec. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and visitor dressed in red (yes, it’s Santa!). You the Local Flavours Holiday Market is slated can register in advance at https://bit.ly/ to happen on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. VintageVillageOfLights.
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December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15 • 9
NEIGHBOURHOOD
U P D A T E Hello Friends, With the holiday season upon us and the New Year right around the corner, I want to take a moment to thank you, and to express what a privilege it is to serve our community and represent your priorities at City Hall. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank all of you for putting your faith in me to advocate for our needs and the issues that matter to the East End. It is such an honour for me to be your City Councillor, and I am here for you. Whether you need help with City services, or there is feedback you wish to provide on a particular subject, or if you just want to talk about what matters most to you. I am here to listen, share information, and work to find solutions. The holiday season is always a special time for my family, filled with traditional outings that help us refocus on what is truly important: giving back to the community while spending time together. As a member of my extended “community family”, I wish you all a joy-filled, relaxing, and festive holiday and if you need me at any point, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am here to help. Happy Holidays,
Winter Weather
Last year, following some intense winter seasons with multiple freeze-thaw cycles, Ottawa began looking at how they improve the winter maintenance of roads, sidewalks, and pathways. The Winter Maintenance Quality Standards project continues this year and builds on some of the important changes that were rolled out last year. One major change from last year, is how the city undertakes Winter Weather Parking Bans. The City is shifting away from solely relying on overnight parking bans, which, after a winter storm, required City staff to limit clean up to the overnight hours. Oftentimes, the work had to be left until after the snow and ice had solidified on roads, resulting in the dreaded ruts and “ice potholes” on streets. The new approach allows for work to begin as soon as possible, day or night, reducing turnaround, and improving efficiency. Unlike last year, however, where bans were called throughout the day as required, this year, a parking ban will be called at set times to allow residents to prepare: • A call by 9 a.m. for an overnight parking ban; overnight parking bans are from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. • A call by 3:30 p.m. for a daytime parking ban; daytime parking bans are from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Laura
As always, residents may sign up for notifications of a Winter Weather Parking Ban and other important alerts at Ottawa.ca.
Orléans Corridor Study
Over the next 25 years, Ottawa is expected to grow to approximately 1.4 million residents, an increase of approximately 402,000 people. Growth in the City will need to accommodate a diverse population with varying needs, with much of this new growth being focused around the new Light Rail O-Train system. The Orléans Corridor Secondary Plan Study is being developed and will shape the future growth in Orléans. This Plan will look at how to create a mixed use, pedestrian-oriented and liveable community. More specifically, it is looking to evaluate existing and planned policies and zoning, to improve opportunities for proper intensification, infill development, housing affordability, and employment. It is important that both existing and new community members can rely on the four new O-Train stations, access to greenspaces, existing and future local amenities, while still being able to appreciate the historic core of Orléans. The City is currently soliciting feedback, with an open house scheduled for January. Visit https://engage.ottawa.ca/future-of-the-Orleans-corridor for more information.
SNOW CLEARING TIMES Under normal snowfall conditions, snow clearing and/or treatment on major roads, arterial roads, and major collector roads begins at the start of accumulation. After the last snowflake falls, major roads, arterial roads, and major collectors are plowed within four hours; minor collector roads within six hours and residential roads and lanes within 10 hours; and sidewalks are plowed within six to 16 hours. ENHANCEMENTS FOR 2021-2022 New this year, residents can expect to see City staff using grit (a fine stone product) instead of sand on roads, sidewalks and the winter cycling network. In addition to providing greater traction on icy surfaces, it is also more easily cleaned up during spring operations. As well, many plows and loaders will be refitted with rubber blades instead of steel ones to provide quieter service and better clearing quality. CONCLUSION Thank you to everyone who has provided their thoughts on snow removal operations, or any other subject for that matter, in the past. Your feedback matters and provides me with the information I need to better represent you, and our community, on the issues that arise at City Hall. My focus is on you and making sure that our community’s priorities are being met. It’s important that we have a strong voice at City Hall, different community voices are being heard, and that we are continuing to work together to build a better, stronger, more vibrant East End. If you ever need to reach out, or just want to say hello, I am always just a phone call or email away.
Councillor, Ward 2 Innes 613-580-2472 // Laura.Dudas@Ottawa.ca // www.LauraDudas.ca 10 • December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15
Christmas in Orléans
Let Critter Jungle help fill your family pet’s stocking STAR STAFF – If your pet is part of your family, then they no doubt have an important place on your Christmas gift list. Fortunately, pet owners in Orléans have a place to go where they can buy their furry loved ones that special gift and fill their stockings with everything from gourmet treats to squeaky toys and all-weather booties. Critter Jungle, located in the Orléans Garden Shopping Centre at the corner of Jeanne d’Arc Blvd. South and Orléans Blvd., has the latest in dog and cat toys, dog beds, cat trees, scratch posts, doggie apparel and a wide variety of all-natural gourmet pet food and treats that will make them jump for joy. The family run business recently received a Gem of Orléans Award for their commitment to the community and outstanding customer service. Dog lovers will appreciate Critter Jungle’s selection of canine apparel, from Pretty Paw dog boots and Chilly Dogs fleece-lined coats and parkas to the complete line of RC Pets products. Apex Boots are RC Pets newest addition. Made with a specialized molded outer sole that provides maximum comfort and exceptional traction in slippery conditions, the boots are fitted with an easy to adjust front strap that ensures a perfect fit that will stay on your dog no matter where your
adventures take you. RC Pets and Pretty Paw are both Canadian companies as is Chilly Dogs which makes a wide variety of outerwear for dogs of every size and shape. Chilly Dogs is an Ottawa company that makes some of the best dog coats in the business for Chihuahuas to Great Danes. The coats are made with polar fleece necks and lining, the back end is tapered and the Goretex straps are fully adjustable to provide maximum comfort. For cat lovers, Critter Jungle sells the complete line of Catit interactive toys made by Hagen and the latest in Petkit products including the Breezy Cat Carrier, which is the Cadillac of pet carriers, and the Cozy Gen 2 Pet Cave. Other items include scratch posts, cat trees, beds and pet carriers. When it comes to food and especially treats, Critter Jungle has a number of natural products to choose from including grainfree Taiga and Pulsar dog food and Fromm’s Crunch-Os dog treats with flavours like Pot Roast Punchers, Banana Kablammas, Smokin’ CheesePlosions, Blueberry Blasts and Pumpkin Kran POW. Last but by no means least, Critter Jungle carries several lines of gourmet cat food, including Tiki Cat which has such exotic
Among the items you will find at Critter Jungle include RC Pets Apex Boots (top left); cat trees of all shapes and sizes (right) and products from Petkit including the Cozy Gen 2 Pet Cave (bottom left). FILE PHOTOS flavours as Wild Salmon, Ahi Tuna and Mackarel and Seabass. They also carry Fromm artesian cat food which makes such interesting recipes as Hasen Duckenpfeffer
and Salmon Tunachovy – all of which make great stocking stuffers when combined with a couple of squeaky chew toys. To learn more, visit www.critterjungle.com.
The place to go holiday shopping for your good, very good and trying-hard-to-be-good pets. “HO-HO-WHO?”
“I’M GOOD. I’M GOOD-GOOD-GOOD.”
2021 Gems of Innes winner “I LOOK RIDICULOUS.”
1605 Orléans Blvd., Orléans Garden Mall (at Jeanne d’Arc)
“CAN I HAVE A COOKIE?”
“I‘M CUTE.”
“I’M STILL PERFECT.”
613-824-7354 www.critterjungle.com December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15 • 11
ottawa.ca/artscentres 12 • December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15
Shenkman Arts Centre unveils 2021-2022 lineup STAR STAFF – It’s been two long years since Shenkman Arts Centre Presents last unveiled a full program. The 2019/2020 season was cut short in mid-March 2020 by the COVID pandemic. Over a year and a half later, the theatre is finally able to welcome back both entertainers – and more importantly – an audience, albeit with a capacity limit in place, at least for the first show on the calender. Ottawa’s own Kellylee Evans will grace the Harold Shenkman Hall stage on Sunday, Dec. 18 where she will present a mix of holiday classics and original songs with an R&B and Latin jazz feel to them. With six albums to her name, including her tribute Kellylee Evans to the legendary Nina Simone which won her a JUNO Award, and her latest “Come
On” which combines a Motown feel with traces of psychedelia, Evans’ music only gets better when it’s experienced live and in person. The room is limited to 50 per cent capacity, so it’s wise to purchase your tickets early so as not to miss out on the performance. Strict COVID-19 protocols will be followed for each performance. Audience members must had received at least two doses of the COVID vaccine and they must wear a face mask at all times, even when seated during the performance. This is especially important during the other shows on the calendar when seating capacity will be
increased to the full 500 seat maximum. The Shenkman Arts Centre Presents’ annual New Year’s Eve comedy gala makes a return to the venue this year after a one year absence. The hilarious lineup includes the up-and-coming Jackie Pirico, whose oddball material and disarming style has been highlighted on numerous Just For Laughs tapings; Chris Locke who has appeared at the Just For Laughs festival, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the JFL42 festival in Toronto; and headliner Andrew Chapman whose album “Oh Yeah, This” won a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Comedy Album.
On Thursday Jan. 27, Canadian country artists The Washboard Union will make an appearance at the Shenkman Arts Centre. This award-winning band has been certified gold twice in Canada, has had seven Top 10 hits and numerous top 20 hits, and was the first country band to win the JUNO Award in the multi-genre category of Breakthrough Group of the Year. Two days later, Québec dancer Bouge de là will perform “Through My Eyes” which takes the audience on a journey as viewed through a child’s eyes by combining dance with an constantly shifting stage production. On Feb. 9, former Bob Marley lead guitarist Al Anderson will turn the Harold Shenkman Hall stage into a reggae celebration with a performance that will include such classics as “Baby Don’t Worry” and “No Woman, No Cry”. The Fête Frissons winter celebration will return to the Shenkman Arts Centre on Saturday Feb. 12 with activities and live entertainment for the whole family. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15 • 13
Da Artisti gallery showcases work by local artists By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star It may sound like an oxymoron, but one of the biggest challenges any visual artist has is visibility. Being able to have your art seen by potential buyers is never easy, especially during a pandemic. There is, however, a place in the east end where local artists and artisans have a venue to not only display their creations, but offer them up for sale to an appreciative public. The Da Artisti Studio and Gallery in Cumberland Village is owned and operated by Wendy Canci, who is a gifted artist in her own right, specializing in fused glass. Wendy opened the gallery in the fall of 2017 as a warm and inviting place to celebrate artistic expression in a judgementfree environment. The studio’s motto says it all: “Where creativity is embraced and experiments are celebrated”. The gallery is currently showcasing a wide variety of local artists and artisans. Drop in at any time and you will see stained glass by Diana Atkinson, torched glass jewelry by Janet Evans and Barbara Ham, bead work by Nathalie Brunelle, mixed media art by Pamela Stewart, lazer cut wood designs by
Stan Morrow and beautiful handmade quilts by Dorene Hartling. They also have watercolours by Danielle Beaulieu, Hélène Charbonneau’s paintings on slate, fine wood creations by S&S Creations and Ron Lacroix as well as unique woodburning art by his wife and partner Joanne Lacroix. You will also enjoy the miniatures by Fun Art artist Clay Knowlton. Of the 20 artists and artisans whose work is featured at the studio, nine are from Cumberland, three are from Orléans, three are from Ottawa, one is from Plantagenet and there is one each from Greely, Limoges and Gatineau. One of the most multi-talented artists showcased at the gallery is Deborah Lyall. A professional art framer by trade, Lyall is also a graphic artist and designer who specializes in fibre and textile art. Her creations are available as wall art, as well as functional and wearable art. Canci’s fused art creations for the holidays have taken the shape of one of a kind handpainted Christmas ornaments, night lights, small condiment dishes as well as unique an elaborate art pieces that would look gorgeous on any mantel, Christmas tree or shelf unit.
14 • December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15
The Da Artista Studio and Gallery in Cumberland Village is a godsend for local artists and a mecca for area art lovers. FILE PHOTOS The best way to see all that the DaArtisti Studio and Gallery has to offer is to drop by the studio. It’s located in the old general store building on Old Montreal Road that dates back to the early 1900s. The original safe is still on display as is the well worn section of the wooden floor that was behind the counter. To fastest way to get to the studio is to
take Hwy 174 eastbound and turn right at the lights on to Cameron Street. Take a left on Old Montreal Road and the studio is located on the left, just past the church. The more scenic route is to take Old Montreal Road east from Trim Road. You can find their website at daartisti.com or visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/DaArtisti.
Shenkman Arts Centre unveils 2021-2022 lineup Continued from page 13 On Friday Feb. 25, the Shenkman Arts Centre will host A Musical Evening with Sarah Slean and Hawksley Workman. This is the first time the two Canadian singers will appear on the same stage together. The pair will perform songs from their respective musical repertoires, accompanying each other and singing as a duo. CBC’s “Laugh Out Loud” comedy show will appear live on stage at the Shenkman Arts Centre on Thursday March 3, featuring Ali Hassan and friends. The 2021-2022 season will be rounded out by the Celtic Tenors on March 18 and the Canadian Jazz All-Stars featuring Robi Botos, Guido Basso, Heather Bambrick, Mike Murley, Dave Youngi and Davide DiRenzo on April 5. You can find more information about the shows at shenkmanarts.ca where you can also purchase your tickets.
Sarah Slean and Hawksley Workman
COMMUNITY BILLBOARD SATURDAY, DEC. 11 HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE AND TOY DRIVE – Drive-thru parade for vehicles only on the Navan Fairgrounds from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Access through the Delson Drive entrance. As each
vehicle passes through the fairgrounds, there will be a variety of floats illuminated with Christmas lights on display and Santa will be there too. Admission is free, but cash donations for the OrléansCumberland Community Resource Centre food bank will be accepted by Navan Fair Board volunteers as well as new unwrapped toys.
CHRISTMAS ANGELS FUNDRAISING EVENT at Taproom260 starting at 7 p.m. Live music, silent auction and raffle for more than 30 prizes. Proceeds will be used to
The Celtic Tenors
purchase gift cards for local families with children who are seriously or critically ill. Each will be chosen in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
LOCAL FLAVOURS HOLIDAY MARKET from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the
Just Food Farm Stand, 2391 Pepin Court, Blackburn Hamlet. Local ecological farms will create food and holiday gifts with ingredients grown locally at Just Food Community Farm.
SUNDAY, DEC. 12 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS MARKET from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
at the Blackburn Hamlet Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Dr. Please come out to support local vendors for your holiday shopping. Proof of vaccination required for entry.
LOCAL FLAVOURS HOLIDAY MARKET from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the
Just Food Farm Stand, 2391 Pepin Court, Blackburn Hamlet. Local ecological farms will create food and holiday gifts with ingredients grown locally at Just Food Community Farm.
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December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15 • 15
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16 • December 9, 2021 • Volume 36, No. 15