The Carp Villager by carpvillager

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SPRING | 2019

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EVENT CALENDAR

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THE CARP VILLAGER | NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR VILLAGE OF CARP BIA

After one of the longest, coldest winters in recent memory, I could not be more excited to come out of hibernation and embrace outdoor activities with my family. From gardening, to long bike rides, to enjoying a patio in the sunshine, there are so many ways to enjoy the beginning of warmer weather in Carp. As the grass turns green and flowers start to bloom, the Village is also coming alive with new life and new energy. The Carp Farmers' Market opened its 29th season this past weekend, and they are once again showcasing local products and produce. Inside this issue, you will find two local business spotlights, the story of the West Carleton Inferno Junior Hockey Club and a calendar of events. If we missed your business or event from our listings, please contact carpvillager@gmail.com On behalf of the BIA, we wish you a warm and wonderful spring season!

The Village of Carp BIA Board Members: Jen Stewart, Chair Stuart Hodge, Former Chair Greg LeBlanc, Treasurer Tara Azulay, Board Member Lisa Kyte, Board Member Neil Falls, Board Member

Jennifer Stewart Chair Village of Carp BIA

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLA BRYANT

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Aquatopia

Catherine Neville, General Manager. At the edge of Carp lies a greenhouse full of tropical plants reaching for the late spring sun. The sounds of waterfalls create a soothing atmosphere in the warmth of the space. This is Aquatopia, one of Ottawaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading event spaces. Lush foliage and aquatic features, a unique contemporary architectural design, and natural stone floors also make Aquatopia a year-round tropical retail garden centre.

Ottawa is not known for the type of weather for tropical plants. What was the inspiration behind creating this type of venue? As we outgrew our previous rental location for our water gardening business, we needed a space large enough to showcase feature ponds, pondless waterfalls and fountainscapes. Due to our northern climate, The Pond Clinic could only operate seven months of the year, and it became evident that we needed to expand our business model to complement our garden centre business in the off-season, and throughout the year. This is how we got into the wedding business!

I like to describe Aquatopia Conservatory, as 'garden centre by day, and events venue by night'. Aquatopia is a unique, glass-enclosed venue, which provides the illusion of an outdoor wedding, while being protected from the elements and insects, in a tropical oasis setting. Tropical plants are the only plants that will survive indoors all year long, and we knew that the diversity of species, lush greenery and varied textures and colours would provide a gorgeous background for our Aquatopia weddings and special events. In recent years, we also have noticed a renaissance in the trend for tropical plants as house plants and patio tropicals, and our retail garden centre is poised to meet this demand. Barbados - our family's go-to vacation destination - became an important inspiration in the conception of our unique business model, of having a dual purpose space that transforms from garden centre to tropical events venue. Many of the plants we would see on vacation are part of our specimen collection at Aquatopia, or are available for sale in smaller pot sizes.

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While surfing in the turquoise waters of Barbados, it is a common occurrence to see a sea turtle in the crest of the wave, and if it is a lucky day, you're able to share a 'party wave' with a playful turtle! We have even incorporated the sea turtle in our Aquatopia Conservatory logo, as our reminder of this beautiful tropical paradise, and the importance our company places on water conservation, and endangered species, particularly the sea turtle. The sea turtle is a perfect representation of both elements of our business - water and tropics. Why did you choose Carp? We chose Carp as our new business location with the knowledge that the City of Ottawa's development would be moving our way, in the near future. This particular 24 acre parcel of land had lots of water, which would deter most developers.

However, in our case, we knew exactly how to manage the high water table. In fact, we constructed a large natural roadside pond, which not only acts as our fire suppression source, but it collects all of the runoff from our developed parcel of land, thereby allowing us to conserve water and mitigate the runoff into the municipal waterways. After installing a constructed wetland filter on this pond last year, the water in our commercial storm water management pond is now cleaner, and clearer than the water samples taken from any of the City of Ottawa's public beaches at any time during the 2018 season! Also, at the risk of sounding 'coy', the location - Carp - was the obvious choice for our water gardening business, as koi, a popular ornamental pond fish, are actually domesticated common carp fish!

There are a number of sustainable and ecofriendly aspects to Aquatopia. Why were these important to include, and are there plans to expand with more green features? We wanted to demonstrate that beautiful spaces and urban environmental initiatives can be mutually inclusive. We plan to develop the remaining land to create lake-front eco-suite accommodations, and a meditative recreational day spa, complete with gourmet, healthy dining experiences. What is the most challenging aspect of running a greenhouse and aquatic landscape venue that is also a popular event space? Our greatest challenge running a dual-purpose space was maintaining the symbiosis of the various business models operating within our facility. With over 35 people on staff, it's important that our entire team stays connected with one another with respect to the logistics of such a unique endeavour.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT West Carleton Inferno

from Carp, Fitzroy, Dunrobin, Almonte, Kanata and Stittsville. In fact, over 75% of our rostered players and 100% of our affiliated players live within a 25 km radius of our home arena in Carp. Over 90% of our affiliated players were rostered in the West Carleton Minor Hockey Association program and played regularly with our junior players for development and experience.

Nothing is more Canadian than grabbing a hot chocolate (or a poutine!) and attending a local hockey game with family and friends. From rivalries, to playoffs, to the sense of pride we take in cheering on the home team, hockey is a thread that runs through our communities and our country. And Carp is no different! Based out of the W. Erskine Johnston arena in the heart of the village, the West Carleton Inferno just finished their first season in the National Capital Junior Hockey League (NCJHL). Team President and General Manager John Mitotla shares more about the inaugural year. Why Carp? After researching several venues including arenas in Kanata and Stittsville, we settled on Carp. The arena here is a great venue for junior hockey with a brightly lit rink, large modern dressing rooms, good seating capacity and plenty of parking. Amenities like Sam’s canteen and the West Carleton Amateur Sports Club just made it an even more attractive venue. What ages are the team members and which communities do they come from? NCJHL allows players from 16 - 21 years of age. In our first year, we had great representation of local players

We are also excited to add for next season, two local players from the Perth Blue Wings who recently won the CCHL2 (Jr B) championship. Corey Symington, a high-end forward with a talent for putting up points is a Carp native and Vinny Quattrocchi, a top ranked defenseman is from Kanata. What impact has having a Junior C hockey team had on the community? We feel that local residents are beginning to embrace the entertainment value of NCJHL hockey. Admission prices are affordable at $8 for adults, $5 for students and Seniors (60+) and free for children under 12. A family with a couple of young children can get out of the house and catch a game for less than the cost of going to a movie! We held #InfernoWeekend in November which included a couple of home games and a community public skating event. Admission for the community skate was a non-perishable food item with proceeds benefiting the West Carleton Food Access Centre. At our February 10TH home game, we held #InfernoCelebratesWestCarletonMinorHockey to recognize the many achievements of the West Carleton minor hockey program. We were thrilled that several local businesses graciously contributed door prizes for the event. Also, we were absolutely thrilled that a local group of young hockey players were interested in wearing the

West Carleton Inferno brand for their spring hockey team. We gladly arranged jerseys and t-shirts for them, and the West Carleton Inferno “Minors” were born. The team just finished its first season, but do you have any friendly rivalries yet? Which teams do you see as your greatest competition in the fall? Rivalries can be fun for sure. There is definitely some friendly rivalry within our division because we see teams often, particularly with the Metcalf Jets and the Morrisburg Lions who we were chasing us in the standings most of the season. What do you hope the team will achieve in its first year, and in the next five? In our first year, our goal was to establish a quality junior hockey program with a solid foundation in Carp. This meant creating a team with a core of local players and starting to build relationships with some local businesses for support. We want to continue building on this foundation, while at the same time driving for more success on the ice to develop a bigger fanbase. Speaking of next season, do you have any information about tryouts you can share? First, we are running a series of 1-hour conditioning skates on July 29TH, Aug 5TH, 12TH and 19TH at 7:00-8:00 pm to help get players ready for tryouts. These will be a scrimmage format at the Beckwith Recreation Complex and are open to anyone that wishes to go for an intensive skate. We are also holding tryouts Sept 3RD-14TH with dates and times TBD. Registration for both the conditioning and the tryouts is available online at: www.infernojuniorhockey.com You have a Golf Tournament coming up at Irish Hills Golf & Country Club on July 27th. Besides helping the team, what else can participants expect from the day? It’s going to be a blast! We are excited that Ridge Rock Brewing Company is a main sponsor - they will even have samples at one of the holes on the course! Participants can expect a fun day of golf with a variety of on-course games and contests followed by Irish Hills’ fabulous roast beef dinner, awards, a silent auction and live entertainment

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back at Ridge Rock. Plus, everyone gets a chance to sink a hole-in-one to win a Ford F150 pickup truck courtesy of Kanata Ford! All are welcome, so new or inexperienced players are encouraged to sign up. Mulligan cards will be available for purchase and are highly encouraged. Golfers, guests and sponsors can view options and register online at: app.eventcaddy.com/events/inferno-golf-scramble Request for Volunteers We can always use volunteers to help with the golf tournament, as well as with the team during the season. We are looking for a team photographer, social media manager, game day support staff, ticket takers, door people,and security. No experience necessary. For more information To learn more about the team including sponsorship/ partnership opportunities, please contact John at (613) 795-6069 or email gm@infernojuniorhockey.com Visit us online: www.infernojuniorhockey.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/InfernoJrHockey Twitter: twitter.com/InfernoJrHockey

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The Swan

Carp’s favourite restaurant, bar and makers of fine chocolate are open once again! After being closed for renovations, The Swan reopened on May 7th, just in time to host local families for Mother’s Day brunch. Master Chocolatier Sunna Na provides an update on all things new happening in the charming local eatery. You reopened recently after being shut for renovations. What can we expect from the new and improved Swan? While the walls and décor may have changed, you can still expect the same relaxed ambience and diverse menu, and of course excellent service. We are proud to be a staple business in the community and the goal of the renovations was to refresh our historic home to ensure the interior matched the quality and diversity of food our customers have come to expect.

Thank you to our customers for their patience while we renovated. We promise this restyling and renovation is well worth the wait! Did you renovate anything besides the building? Can we expect any menu changes? Yes! We changed the menu and added a few new items. Just in time for summer, we have The Swan signature burger with bacon fried kimchi, Balsamic grilled salmon, and Honey Truffle chicken. Our famous desserts are still available of course. We are also excited to have our bi-weekly Friday Jazz nights again. Join us on May 24th for the next one!

What is your favourite part of owning and operating one of Carp’s best-known businesses? Our customers. When we see guests are enjoying themselves and truly relaxing, it makes our day. The Swan has been in business since 2004, and making someone happy is still the highlight of owning and operating this business. Being located in such a small, close knit community, and being an active and engaged part of that community is still one of our favourite things.

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arp Memorial Hall

Carleton Masonic Lodge 465

EVENT CALENDAR DATE May 1ST - July 30TH

EVENT West Carleton Arts Society Village Station Pop-Up Gallery

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May 18TH

Joe McDonald Live at Ridge Rock Brewery, 10:00 pm

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May 19TH

Jillian Kerr Guest Series - Julie Corrigan at Ridge Rock Brewery, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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May 24TH

Brent Dickie Live at Ridge Rock Brewery, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

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Dief The Chief at The Diefenbunker

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May 24TH - 26TH

May 31ST - June 2ND

Divine Energy Healing with Sound Therapy and Reiki Touch at Carp Yoga and Wellness, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Hunter Safety Course at Huntley Community Association Mess Hall, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

June 1ST

Spring Bake Sale at St. Paul’s United Church, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

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June 1ST

Dave Gordon at Ridge Rock Brewery, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

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Doors Open Ottawa at The Diefenbunker, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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June 2ND

Extra Special Fiddler’s Worship Service at St. Paul’s United Church, 10:00 am

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June 15TH

A Hot Summer Night at Ridge Rock Brewery, 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm

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June 16TH

Father’s Day at The Diefenbunker, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

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Hunter Safety Course at Huntley Community Association Mess Hall, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

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Carp Farmers Market Herb Festival, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

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July 1ST

Canada Day event at The Diefenbunker, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

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July 22ND

Summer Solstice Event at Carp Massage Therapy & Yoga, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

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July 23RD

2019 Inferno Golf Scramble at Irish Hills Golf Course, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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May 26TH

June 1ST- 2ND

June 21ST- June 23RD June 23RD

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