COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Avalon gas explosion may have been result of arson

ORLÉANS – The gas explosion that destroyed several homes under construction in Avalon and damaged at least a dozen more, displacing 18 families in the process, may have been caused by arson according to the initial findings of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the blast. Twelve people, including two children, were injured from the impact of the explosion, none of them seriously. In a joint statement released by the Ottawa Police Service and the Ottawa Fire Marshall, the explosion has been deemed “criminal” and the investigation has now been turned over to the Ottawa Police Service’s arson unit. Investigators must now determine whether or not the explosion was caused deliberately or as an act of criminal negligence. Information about the ongoing investigation will be released to the public over the coming weeks.

Greater Avalon Family Fun Day a huge success

ORLÉANS – Residents living south of Innes Road in the area known as Greater Avalon were able to take a break from Ottawa’s long winter by enjoying a day of winter activities in Aquaview Park including snowshoeing, face painting, outdoor hockey and wagon rides. The event was organized by the Greater Orléans Community Association and funded in part by Distinctive Bathrooms and Kitchens. Besides the many activities, participants were able to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and maple taffy on snow while being warmed by a fire pit.

Golden girl Ivanie Blondin wins World Cup title

ORLÉANS – Gloucester Concordes Speed Skating Club alum Ivanie Blondin has another title to add to her collection. The Orléans native and Olympic gold medalist clinched the overall World Cup title in the Mass Start event in Poland on Feb. 19. Blondin placed third in the race, which was good enough to give her 48 points and leapfrog Dutch skater Marijke Groenewoud into first place. Although she only won one Mass Start race during the season, her consistency and top five performances paid off in her winning the title. This is the third overall World Cup title that Blondin has won in her career. She also won the title in 2014/2015 and 2019/2020.