Barrhaven Independent August 21, 2020

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FRIDAY • August 21 • 2020

Nepean MPP and Minister of Sport, Culture Tourism and Heritage Lisa MacLeod was at the Barrhaven Legion last week to announce an $83 million Ontario Trillium Grant that would help Legions and other not for profit organizations across the province. For the full story see page 2.

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Page 2 FRIDAY, August 21, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Progressive Conservative Minister Lisa MacLeod announced the $83 million Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to not for profit organizations at the Barrhaven Legion last week.

Barrhaven Legion welcomes Ont. Trillium Foundation announcement

By Charlie Senack

Royal Canadian Legions are the foundations of communities. It’s where we gather to celebrate, mourn and to socialize.

But after being forced to close for months due to lockdown restrictions caused by COVID-19, many are left struggling to stay open.

On Thursday, August 6, Nepean MPP and Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, Lisa MacLeod, was at the Barrhaven Legion alongside the Ontario Trillium Foundation and MPPs Jeremy Roberts and Goldie Ghamari, to make a funding announcement.

MacLeod said $83 million will go towards not for profit organizations in Ontario, focusing on places like legions.

“We are doing this so we can support those with mental health issues who have been isolated for the past several months,” said MacLeod, who has been open in the past about her

own struggle with mental health.

“We are making sure that our religious institutions, our legions, our community organizations can have access to personal protective equipment that can make their costs go higher,” the Nepean MPP added.

MacLeod, who has been a member of the Barrhaven Legion since it was founded 15 years ago, said she approached the Ontario Trillium Foundation to see what type of supports could be brought forward.

The money would have typically been invested over a three-year period, said MacLeod, but was made available now to support a sector that needs it most.

“On the 12th of March, the sectors we represent shuttered overnight, losing at least 20 billion dollars in the Ontario economy and threatening our very being as Ontarians,” she stated. “I say we were hit

with a triple threat: the first and very obvious one is the public health crisis of COVID-19. Secondly, we lost about 20 billion dollars in economic activity, with many businesses being shuttered — including legions like this one. Finally, is the social threat.”

MacLeod said the funding will primarily be used to help organizations retool their facilities, like the addition of plexiglass barriers, social distancing marks on the ground, or for hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment. She also said museums can apply in order to showcase their content and exhibitions.

Barrhaven Legion president Stephane Guy said the announcement was welcome news for the branch, which has already made some safety improvements including a plexiglass barrier around the bar.

“We have two bartenders on duty — one of them

is strictly to serve people,” said Guy. “They pick up a sanitized glass, they pour the beer and then that beer is given to the customer.

The other bartender goes around and cleans the tables after the people have vacated the building.”

Branch 641 located at 3500 Fallowfield Road, reopened on July 17 after being closed since midMarch. Hours are reduced and space is limited, however some activities are now resuming. Guy said they have recently allowed their members to use the dart boards again as long as they play with people within their household or bubble.

The legion is also looking at restarting their Friday night meals, one of the legions biggest regular fundraising events.

Guy says the night will not include entertainment or dancing, and the meal will not be buffet style.

Instead, servers will bring the meals to the diners tables.

“The Trillium Foundation will help us to buy equipment like serving tables,” he said. “Because the way we serve tables now is very much different, we will be able to purchase equipment to ensure that our members stay safe.”

But not all legion members were pleased with the funding announcement.

Joel VanSnick, commander of the Royal Canadian Legion’s District G Ontario Command, which includes branches in Ottawa and across eastern Ontario, said he was disappointed with what was brought forward.

“Personally, it doesn’t mean too much for our branches in the Ottawa area in any ways of help,” he said. “We have deadlines to apply, we have a massive criteria and a massive checklist for the application form. It’s not going to help people pay the bills today. That’s what we were looking for.”

VanSnick says the

money will be needed even more next year after they run out of their current funds. He says he would have liked to see support for smaller rural branches like in Greeley, which find it more difficult to stay ahead.

The Royal Canadian Legion’s District G Ontario Commander said he does however appreciate the fact that some money has been made available, but would have liked to see it more focused on legions. He’s also not pleased with the timelines given to apply which are right in the middle of a poppy campaign and at a time when legions are reopening their doors.

“What I liked about it is there is money set aside, you could apply for a grant to renovate your building to make it COVID friendly,” VanSnick said. “There is money there, but the thing is it takes time and it takes estimates and it takes all kinds of quotes.”

Legion continues on page 3

FRIDAY, August 21, 2020 Page 3

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT Legion continues from page 2 In mid June, early reports suggested that about 124 of the 1,381 Royal Canadian Legion branches across Canada are likely to close permanently, and another 357 are facing financial hardship.

Guy says the Barrhaven Legion is in a good place financially, and also credits their landlords for helping with the rent while they were closed.

“It is them who approached us to look into this rent assistance pro-

gram,” Guy stated. “We were hoping, but at the end of the day it’s up to the landlord that has to step forward and apply for this grant. For the months of April, May and June, we only had to pay about 25 per cent of the rent.”

Ontario is showing positive signs of getting ahead of COVID-19. For almost two weeks, the province has reported under 100 new cases of the virus each day. On August 11, only 33 new cases were reported

— a number that has not been seen since March. Ottawa is also starting to see a decline after a large spike was caused by large gatherings and people showing up to work when they were showing symptoms of the virus.

MacLeod says looking forward, she imagines Ontario in 18 months time having large gatherings like concerts and events.

None of this is expected to happen until a vaccine is found.

As more businesses and services reopen, we must all continue our efforts to protect each other.

2m

Continue to practice physical distancing, stay two metres apart even in gatherings.

Wear a face covering where physical distancing is a challenge or where required.

Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari joined MacLeod for the announcement, as did Ottawa WestNepean MPP Jeremy Roberts.

Charlie Senack photos

Continue to wash hands frequently.

Get tested if you are worried you may have COVID-19, or have been exposed to the virus.

Inside or out, stay safe. Save lives.

Barrhaven Legion President Stephane Guy said the grant will help the local logion purchase equipment that will assist in providing safety measures like plexiglass barriers to help keep staff and patrons safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Page 4 FRIDAY, August 21, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Concern about class sizes as schools get ready to re-open

By Charlie Senack

It will be back to the classroom for all school students in Ontario this September, but the plans released by all school boards are causing lots of confusion for parents.

Still, Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod says she’s confident in the government’s plan for a safe return to school.

In late June, the Ford conservative government announced over $300 million dollars would be invested into the education system for the 2020/2021 school year. That included putting $80 million towards hiring more staff and custodians, and another $50 million towards hiring 500 nurses which will be working in the schools.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says all elementary schools across the province will reopen as usual, including all child care centres. Most secondary schools will also re-open under an adjusted model which will see a mix of in-person and online learning.

The Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board are among 24 Ontario schools boards on the designated list for a mix of online and in-class learning for secondary school students. Schools which see small student populations — typically in small towns — will be able to operate as usual.

“I think that we landed in a very flexible place that allows parents the opportunity to send their children to school if they are comfortable and not if they are uncomfortable,” said MacLeod. “I think elearning is something that is going to be important as we move forward.”

The government is also mandating masks for students from grades 4 to 12.

While it’s not mandatory for students from kindergarten up to grade 3, it’s still highly recommended.

But one of the biggest concerns parents have is around class sizes.

While grades 9-12 will see roughly 15 students per classroom, students in kindergarten to grade eight will operate at full capacity. Elementary and middle school classes typically see about 25 students, but many teachers say in reality it can be over 30.

An online petition has been started in Ontario, asking the government to reverse its back to school plan. As of August 12, over 220,000 parents have signed. The Ottawa Carleton District School Board says they would need to hire more than 1,000 new teachers to reduce class sizes below 15 for elementary and middle school classes.

“On one hand everyone wants 5,000 kids at a water park and they don’t want a socially acceptable amount of kids in a classroom,” MacLeod

St. Mother Teresa High School in Barrhaven will get ready to welcome students back to school in September. Those opting to go to classes will be divided into two groups, each going to school two days a week from 9-11:30 a.m. The two cohorts will alternate Wednesdays. The rest of the learning will be done online.

said, referring to the government’s decision not to allow water parks to reopen this summer, a move which caused uproar with Calypso Waterpark in Limoges, Ontario.

“We have been advised by the Chief Medical Officer of Health — our system is the envy of the country — we have the lowest class sizes in Can-

ada,” MacLeod added.

MacLeod says she can see why parents are concerned, however, adding every day parents need to review their own situation and determine what’s safe for their families.

“As a mother I can say I look at my own daughter’s activities and that includes her playing hockey — am I comfortable with

her biking to the shopping mall or to the beach?” she said. “This pandemic we are flying the plane as we build it.”

On Monday, August 10, school boards in Ottawa announced their back to school plans.

The Ottawa Carleton District School Board says elementary students will attend school five

days a week, and will remain in one classroom with one group of students all day.

Each student will have a desk which is spaced apart where they will keep all their belongings.

Lockers and cubby holes will not be used at the beginning of the school year.

Class Size continues on page 5

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FRIDAY, August 21, 2020 Page 5

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT Class seze continues from page 4 For high school students in the public board, the school year will be divided into four quad masters (as opposed to the regular two semesters) and will have two classes a day. Each class will be divided into two cohorts – Cohort A will attend school two days one week and three days the next week. Cohort B will do the opposite. The rest of the time will be spent with online learning from home.

The Ottawa Catholic Schools Boards plan for elementary school students is relatively the same. For high school students, they will have one class every morning and will then return home for lunch and online learning in the afternoon.

Classes will be divided into two cohorts, who will attend in person five days out of every twoweek period. Cohort A will attend in person on Mondays, Tuesdays, and alternating Wednesdays,

while Cohort B will attend the other Wednesday and every Thursday and Friday. Classes will also run on a quadmester.

Ottawa’s French Catholic School Board has said backpacks will not be allowed in school come September. The Conseil des ecoles catholiques du Centre-Est says the decision is in an attempt to limit the transmission risk of belongings that may be contaminated at home or at school.

Parents were given until the weekend to decide if they would return their children to school in September or if they would keep them at home for full online learning. In Barrhaven, the response was mixed.

“My grade 9 and 11 kids can’t wait to go back.

They understand how the safety measures will be different but necessary.

They also thrived with online learning in the spring so we will make it work,” said Barrhaven

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parent Marie VanDusen.

“I’m ok with them going as they’ve been following safety protocols all summer and I trust them to continue at school.”

But not all agree. Many parents say they are confused with how the back to school plan will roll out and when their children will be learning from the classroom or virtually at home. Parents also say key information is left out of the plans which is making it hard to decide.

“Way too many questions left unanswered and many places that have opened schools have had to shut down again, leading to more disruption,” said Barrhaven dad Amel LF, who has decided to keep his grade nine child at home.

“I also think that some of the safety protocols will be tough to enforce,” he added. “In terms of mental health, I’m not sure what would be more damaging — staying

home and figuring out creative ways to socialize safely or going to school and having potential disruptions to deal with along with the constant fear of an outbreak or bringing something home.

My family just can’t take the risk.”

School boards say parents can change their minds at any time if they choose to, but needed to know quickly which students would be returning to the classroom in order to make timetables. Already the Ottawa Carleton District School Board says about eight per cent of their students have opted for full online learning and figure it will rise to about 10 per cent — which is roughly 2,000 to 4,000 students. They have also received approximately 35,000 completed attendance forms.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board said approximately six per cent of parents have indicated their children will be par-

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ticipating in virtual learning come September.

That board also expects approximately 2,000 to 4,000 students will enrol in online learning by September.

Speaking on 580 CFRA, Mayor Jim Watson says he has talked to the premier of Ontario about using city facilities — particularly in communities like Barrhaven which are already at over capacity with students — as learning spaces.

Barrhaven is home to 27 schools, most of which are already bursting at capacity. Last summer, new portables were installed on part of John McCrae High Schools sports field to keep up with the demand.

St Joseph Catholic High School on Greenbank Road is anxiously awaiting for their expansion to be complete, which will create additional space for 650 students and include classrooms and special purpose rooms. The $17.6

million expansion to the existing building will create 30 new rooms.

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath was in Ottawa on Monday, August 10, to show her discontent with the back to school plan, primarily with class sizes. She also said alternative space near schools should be found to accommodate students.

Roughly 30 parents and educators joined her for the socially distant gathering.

“If I was the premier now, I would be very, very busy trying to find extra classroom spaces, I’d be hiring thousands of more teachers, I would be making sure schools proper equipment and supplies for deep cleaning, for more regular custodial work,” Horwath said. “There is a couple weeks left and I think the Ford government needs to get its nose to the grindstone and do what needs to be done to get kids back to school on time.”

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Page 6 FRIDAY, August 21, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

INDEPENDENT Editorial

Unemployment spike may trigger rethink of EI program The spike in unemployment across Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered changes in the employment insurance (EI) program. And those changes could lead to significant problems.

When unemployment grows in any of the country’s 62 EI regions, eligibility and benefits change along with it. Due to the COVID-19 recession, the number of weeks required to access the program has fallen and the number of weeks of benefits has increased.

A new study by the Fraser Institute sheds more light on these changes. For example, at this time last year, a worker in Halifax had to work 700 hours to access 14 weeks of benefits. If current unemployment levels hold (calculations are made on a three-month rolling average), today that same worker in Halifax will need to work only 420 hours to access 26 weeks of benefits.

What’s wrong with increased benefits in a time of crisis?

Income stabilization is certainly a worthy goal and we know that programs such as EI can act as “automatic stabilizers,” which help support displaced workers during a recession. However, there are reasons why recent developments should concern Atlantic Canadians.

Regional EI benefits were introduced in Atlantic Canada in 1971, followed by a prolonged period of high unemployment – and soaring job vacancies. Perhaps because of the perverse incentives within the program, many workers preferred to remain on EI rather than seek employment.

This problem still exists and will likely be exacerbated by the COVID-19related unemployment spike.

If extended EI benefits become the norm across the country, and they have the same effect on the rest of the nation as they do in Atlantic Canada, the damage to the country’s labour markets would be enormous.

Another national concern is the solvency of the EI program itself. One estimate in the study shows how the EI program could run a deficit of many billions of dollars this year. If so, it would be yet another fiscal problem for the federal government, which predicts a massive deficit this year and historic levels of debt.

An EI crisis would likely precipitate a rethink of the program.

Now that Atlantic Canada-level benefits are available nationwide (at least for now), reform could happen, either due to insolvency or through changing attitudes toward the program.

Widespread unemployment across the country has triggered a massive expansion of the eligibility and generosity of Canada’s EI program. Atlantic Canada has been through this before.

Atlantic Canadians and Canadians alike should understand the potential consequences of this expansion and what it may mean in the near future.

Troy Media – Alex Whalen and Fred McMahon are analysts at the Fraser Institute BARRHAVEN

P.O. Box 567 Manotick, Ontario Tel: 613-692-6000 www.barrhavenindependent.on.ca

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Fear and loathing in Rivière-du-Loup The following events happened be- pulled in, set my cell phone alarm clock tween Thurs., May 27 and Fri., May 28, for seven o’clock tirty, and slept in the 2010. car.

May 27, 10:30 a.m. – I call the court May 28, 8 a.m. – I take my clothes, house in Rivière-du-Loup, QC. “You will toothbrush and razor to McDonald’s be in court at nine o’clock tirty,” says the across the road and pull myself together clerk in her thick French accent. I was in the men’s room. I then struggle through heading there to fight a speeding ticket of the language barrier as I ask for new tires. doing 120 in a 70 zone on the highway. I I start walking to the courthouse. had my cruise control set at 110 and the May 28, 9:30 a.m. – It’s nine o’clock speed limit was 100. I tirty. The cop who had to fight this. ticketed me is there and May 27, 3:15 p.m. FROM THE OTHER he brought two cops – I fill up the Arctic with him. I’m not feelStallion and look at the ing good about this. three original tires that They have easels and Jeffrey Morris have not exploded on charts and graphs. I’m the highway yet. They screwed. are looking bald and May 28, 9:56 a.m. – nasty. Sheila the Australian GPS lady They call my name, and I approach the tells me it’s a seven-hour drive. bench. I am informed that the translator May 27, 6:12 p.m. – I am stuck in did not show up, and the court will have Montreal. “Traffic ahead,” Sheila says in a break. her Aussie accent. Thanks Tips. The minMay 28, 10:20 a.m. – We are called imum speed limit is 60 kmh. I am going back in. No translator. The clerk – Miss COUNCIL three. nine o’clock tirty herself – calls me into a May 27, 9:44 p.m. – I am somewhere side room. I am told that there will be no CORNER past Drummondville in R.R. 2 Ville de trial today, and instead of having to come Suzanne Dodge Nowhere. Bang, pop, loud shaking.Mayor Mon all the way back, I am going to be made Dieu, I thought. Mon tire a blasté. I re- an offer. The ticket will be reduced to 125 member that Kia has a 24-hour roadside in a 100 zone instead of 125 in a 70 zone. assistance program.

“Two points, $90 fine,” she said. Where May 27, 10:14 p.m. – Okay, this is do I sign? awkward. I have to go to the bathroom.

May 28, 11:03 a.m. – I get to the cashI can tell by the gurgling in my stomach ier at Canadian Tire. OMG! Who is in THE NOT SO that this is not going to go well. I am dir- line in front of me but le grand Officeur, NEWMonsieur GUY Ouellette, himself. He sees me, ectly under a streetlight as I am pulled over on the highway. There is a well-litTim Ruhnke and he is furious. He looks me in the eyes area for about 30 feet, then a chain link and points in my face. “I will be watchfence, and then a well-lit industrial park ing you all the way home,” he said. What and a bunch of auto dealerships. Are you was he doing at Canadian Tire anyway? kidding me? I am driving through the Wouldn’t the rage medication be at Jean woods for 700 km, and the one moment Coutu?

I have the runs I am stuck in the most May 28, 11:05 a.m. – I pull out of the well-lit, unprivate stretch of highway in parking lot of Canadian Tire, and from Canada. out of nowhere, Monsieur Ouellette, WALKER HOUSE May 27, 10:18 p.m. – I can’t wait any- pulls out and is tailing me. I am ready to more. I go back to the fence. Squat, and crap myself. Even worse than the night do my thing. Cars are honking their hornsSusanbefore.

Vallom I glance in the back. I still have as they go by. That wasn’t the worse part lots of newspapers. of the ordeal. Not having toilet paper was.

May 28, 11:23 a.m. –I hear a woop Thank goodness for the bundle of news- from the police car siren, see his lights papers I had. Not exactly Cottonelle. flash, and he turns around at a U-Turn in May 27, 11:02 p.m. – A tow truck the highway. So long, arsehole. shows up. Maxime knows one sentence May 28, 12:35 p.m. – I stop for gas in English. “I not speak English,” he BLAKE’S and head into A&W. I’m not even out of says. Maxime had to use a sledge ham-TAKES the parking lot yet and I am covered from mer to get the remnants of the exploding head to toe in ketchup stains. So predictBlake McKim tire off the car. I still had more than 300 able. km to go but, evidently, the spare is only May 28, 6:58 p.m. – I arrive home, good for 100 km and I can only go 60. I having made sure that I did not go any prayed. faster than 102 kmh during any stretch of May 28, 4 a.m. – I pulled into to Ri- the drive home. vière-du-Loup. There is a Canadian Tire I think if I ever go to Nova Scotia two kilometres from the courthouse. I again, I will drive on the American side.

SIDE

NEWS

FRIDAY, August 21, 2020 Page 7

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

New COVID-19 cases in city going down after recent spike

Hi everybody, it’s hard to believe we are about to enter the last week of August. Where did the summer go? Many students are getting ready to go back to school, with choices between virtual classes and in-person classes and many parents will also be returning to the workplace as Ontario continues to reopen the province. But as we all know there is nothing normal about our current existence. We are still in a global health pandemic.

It’s important to still stay within your bubble of ten and to practice physical distancing. Numbers of new cases in the city are finally going down after we saw a spike in recent weeks. We all know how fast this virus can spread if we let our guard down. Many of the decisions just don’t make sense and I am hearing that from you. It is as simple as we just don’t know and until we do we will be cautious.

The Wild Gardeners – Barrhaven The “Wild Gardeners” (a group created to plant Wildflowers and clean up roundabouts around Barrhaven) are currently seeking donations in the form of perennials, bags of soil, water jugs, yard bags for weeds, and seeds. We are always grateful to accept new members who have similar goals and can contribute their time in these efforts. Please contact Peter Howroyd with your donations at pdhowroyd@ gmail.com and to become a new member find the ‘The Wild Gardeners’ Facebook

LET’S TALK

BARRHAVEN

by Jan Harder

group.

Seeking donations: Soil Perennials Water jugs Yard bags Seeds Volunteers Questions for the Q – Virtual Trivia Fundraiser In partnership with Ottawa Trivia League, Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation invites you to join us for a fun online evening of questions and answers in support of our hospital. This exciting event allows you to show off your smarts while physically distancing safely at home. Tickets are only $20 per person and all participants are eligible to win one of our great door prizes! For more information visit qchfoundation.ca/ events.

Made in Barrhaven Business Reopening Toolkits We currently have some extra kits and components available. If you did not order a kit and would like one, please let us know! If you need more of a particular item, we may be able to help with that as well. All items are free of charge to BBIA members. Please email info@barrhavenbia. ca for more information!

OC Transpo’s U-Pass program for the upcoming fall semester

An update on OC Transpo’s U-Pass program for the upcoming fall semester. The Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) is offered through a partnership with certain educational institutions (St. Paul University, Carleton University, Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa) which provides a discounted transit fare to all eligible students.

Due to COVID-19 and the changes that the institutions are making to oncampus versus distance learning, the following are the changes to the ways that the institutions are delivering the U-Pass program: St. Paul University: Regular distribution of the U-Pass cards to all full-time students.

Students who are exclusively studying online may elect to opt-out from the U-Pass program.

Carleton University: Regular distribution of the U-Pass cards to all full-time students.

Students who are exclusively studying online may elect to opt-out from the U-Pass program.

Algonquin College: For the fall semester 2020, new U-Pass cards will be made available to all full-time students.

Students who are studying online exclusively or in-part may elect to opt-out from the U-Pass program in which case the U-Pass card will not be issued to those students.

uOttawa: During the fall semester 2020, U-Pass cards will be distributed only to full-time students that are scheduled to have classes on campus.

The remaining students who are exclusively studying online will not receive the cards; however, will have the option to opt-in.

These changes will be communicated on octranspo. com and through our respective partners’ communication plans. Transit customers who need specific information related to the educational institution they are attending should direct their questions to the institution.

City to reopen its museums and historic sites The City will reopen its museums and historic sites – with COVID-safety protocols in place to allow residents to safely explore our local history.

Visitors are asked to book their visit online at ottawa. ca/museums by 4pm one day prior to their planned visit.

Only a certain number of visitors can be admitted at once, to allow for proper physical distancing. As a result, anyone without a formal booking will only be admitted if capacity allows.

The museums and historic sites reopening include: Billings Estate National Historic Site 2100 Cabot Street ottawa.ca/billingsestate Cumberland Herit-

age Village Museum 2940 Old Montreal Road ottawa.ca/cumberlandmuseum

Fairfields Heritage House 3080 Richmond Road ottawa.ca/fairfields Nepean Museum 16 Rowley Ave ottawa.ca/nepeanmuseum Pinhey’s Point Historic Site 270 Pinhey’s Point Road ottawa.ca/pinheyspoint The hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm – unless otherwise indicated. Admission to the sites remains the same and is paid upon arrival. Contactless payment is preferred by using a credit or debit card. Safe-cash handling procedures will be followed at those sites that take admission by donation.

The museums and historic sites have COVID-related safeguards and mitigation measures in place to help reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, including: All visitors must provide contact-tracing information and answer screening questions upon arrival.

Tours of indoor exhibition spaces are self-guided, but interpreters will be available outside on the museum grounds to answer any questions and provide more information. Some museums will have outdoor heritage demonstrations and activities. Schedules vary for each

museum and are weather dependent.

Food and drink will not be available at the museum sites, except for the Takeaway Tea option at the Billings Estate National Historic Site. Visitors can bring their own picnic food, snacks and drinks.

Access to drinking water may be limited at some locations. However, public washrooms are open at all sites.

Ottawa Police Message Front Desk Services begin reopening To ensure the health and safety of our staff and visitors, we are asking that upon entry, visitors wear a mask, sanitize hands and practice physical distancing.

Capacity at each location will be capped. When the maximum is reached, the doors will lock. Please be patient.

We ask that you not visit us if you are sick. *NEW* 2670 Queensview by appointment only specific visitors ONLY at this time Our Queensview location will remain closed until a backlog of applications is cleared.

There are many people who applied for records checks in the last several weeks that now need to visit our 2670 Queensview location for fingerprints or to provide in-person identification to complete their application already in progress.

Like us on Facebook Barrhaven Independent Follow us on Twitter @BarrhavenIndy BARRHAVEN

www.barrhavenindependent.on.ca

Listen to our podcast on SoundCloud Barrhaven Independent

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Working hard for you

Page 8 FRIDAY, August 21, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Like it or not, we are a car culture in the suburbs The City of Ottawa’s good intentions to promote transit culture in the suburbs by restricting space for vehicles has backfired spectacularly.

Drive down any residential street and you’ll see they are lined with vehicles. Residents have no choice but to park on the street because driveways only hold one vehicle, if that. Parking or lack of it continues to be one of the biggest problems my office deals with.

This past week, my

office hosted a virtual community meeting to address this very issue in a neighbourhood that is within walking distance of the RioCan Mall in Barrhaven. The area adjacent to the three new towers being built along Longfields and Strandherd checks every box City Planners want to see, high density living, walkability, transit and easy access to shopping.

Because of that, it’s subject to the City’s parking formula, which provides only a certain amount of parking per unit built, which usually means far fewer spaces than what is required. The thinking is that people living close to transit won’t require a vehicle.

What planners and de-

613-738-0330 grand.ca

velopers don’t get is that even if you take transit to work and to run errands you are still likely to own a car. I’ve said it before, like it or not we are a car culture. As much as we may want to take a bus or train everywhere that’s not possible in Ottawa.

In the suburbs especially - with vast distances to other parts of the city, or just to soccer or hockey practice with two kids, families need vehicles, and often not just one.

I have argued this point with city staff and lost.

Hate to tell you this, but new towers in Barrhaven that will house well over a thousand new tenants do not have parking spaces to accommodate everyone if they have a car. I have been

reassured those moving in will know that - so no problem. If only there was evidence to back that up.

The businesses and residents who are located along Sue Holloway, Lindenshade, Bayrose and GlenRoy Gilbert all knew parking would be at a minimum. Yet today too many vehicles, and not enough space means car lined streets, people fighting for a spot and city plows that cannot do snow removal. Hence the meeting to find solutions.

Barrhaven, Riverside South and Findlay Creek are all struggling with streets lined with cars. I had a developer tell me this week that’s a good thing, because it slows down traffic. True, but

it also makes it challenging for ploughs, and emergency vehicles to navigate. Add to that the safety issue. You don’t see many kids playing in front of their homes and residents tell me it’s like living in a parking lot, which is not good for anyone’s mental well being.

In a city with a comprehensive transit network that criss crosses the city efficiently and reliably, the parking formula would be a good thing. Reality is, Ottawa doesn’t have that, and honestly I am not sure when we will.

I understand we must build denser communities, we must promote transit, but we also have to face hard facts. The

dream of everyone on buses and trains is years away, and what we are doing now is simply creating problems in our neighbourhoods.

As our children are squeezed out of the housing market, forcing them to live at home, this will be even more important.

I believe we must change City policy and force developers to build in more space for parking.

Yes, we will continue to build transit - and eventually when vehicles are no longer needed we will all cheer, and then bring back the restricted allowable parking formula.

Carol Anne Meehan Councillor Ward 22 Carolannemeehan.com

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

FRIDAY, August 21, 2020 Page 9

“thank you for shopping and supporting local business”

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Page 10 FRIDAY, August 21, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven Independent 30 years, 30 people: Betty Giffin

As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, the Barrhaven Independent will be featuring 30 people who have played a prominent role in building and shaping our community from the time we were a sleepy little suburb in 1990 to the thriving city of more than 100,000 we are now.

In this issue, we are featuring Betty Giffin, whose idea to have friends get together in Barrhaven to make quilts for cancer patients in 1999 grew into Victoria Quilts Canada.

Betty was presented the Mayor’s City Builder Award and was also inducted into the Order of Ottawa.

Victoria’s Quilts Canada (VQC) was established by Betty Giffin of Ottawa in October 1999. She invited a small group of friends to discuss the possibility of groups getting together to make quilts to donate to people living with cancer in Canada. The group started slowly, but the idea gained interest and the group quickly gained momentum.

In its first year, VQC distributed 16 quilts to people with cancer. The following year, it was incorporated as a non-profit organization.

By 2002 and 2003, VQC had already expanded to include more than a dozen Friends Groups in the National Office area and 8 Branches across Canada. The non-quilting volunteer base also grew to include more administrative help. As in the past, the number of quilts requested increased along with public awareness.

2004 was a year of tremendous growth in many ways, and some inevitable struggles.

Numerous world events translated into a tough economic climate for many non-profit organizations, including VQC. Fabricland Distributors Inc. and the Ontario Trillium Foundation provided essential capital and operating funds. With this support, the organization was able to worry less about funding and concentrate more on the making and delivery of quilts. This has always been our main focus and the acquisition of the new quilting frames and machines enabled us to provide more quilts to more people in a more timely fashion.

The economic climate remained gloomy in 2005. While other non-profit agencies were suffering severe hardships, VQC’s volunteer base steadfastly continued to provide much-needed financial and production-related support.

The organization continued to grow with the addition of several new Friends Groups in the National Office area and more Branches across the country.

Growth has continued since 2006. Twenty-four Branches now operate across Canada, and twenty Friends Groups make and distribute quilts in the National Office area and to all parts of Canada not currently served by a Branch.

In its early years, the Friends Groups in the National Office area were the mainstay of the organization, producing the larger portion of quilts that were distributed. By 2010, production had shifted, with more than half of the quilts being made in the Branches, at a local level.

Graph showing cumulative total of quilts delivered by year since 1999.

A very special highlight in 2007 was the delivery of VQC’s 10,000th quilt. It had taken ten years to reach this milestone. Three years later, however, the number of quilts delivered across Canada had more than doubled and, in November 2011, the 25,000th quilt was delivered to someone living in Prince Edward Island.

In April 2016, VQC reached a new milestone with the delivery of its 50,000th quilt to someone living in Ottawa.

In 2009, VQC created the new Youth Initiatives Program to harness the enthusiasm and power of youth. Groups of young people met on a continuing basis in their high schools or rehabilitation centres to tie and pin quilts, preparing them

for the final binding and labelling step, which was then done

by VQC’s regular member volunteers. The program proved to be a winning proposition, as VQC benefited from an increased supply of quilts, and the young people were able to earn the volunteer credits necessary for high school graduation.

In 2010, the Ontario Trillium Foundation bestowed a very generous grant to accelerate the program’s expansion in the Ottawa area during 2011 and 2012, then extended it into 2013. As a result, the program expanded from 5 groups in 2009 to 19 groups in 2014. A milestone to expand the program by involving some 250 students in various groups was also surpassed with the participation of more than 300 students.

The year 2011 was financially challenging, and many changes were implemented in the subsequent two-year period. Financial and accounting practices were tightened, as were budgeting and fundraising activities. Progress was also made in registering our activities in all provinces.

In 2012, the National Office of VQC moved from its previous location (Betty Giffin’s basement) to its current rented site in Heartwood House, a non-profit, charitable organization that provides affordable, supportive accommodation to 18 non-profit organizations in Ottawa.

In 2013, registration of the VQC trademark was complete.

In addition, two new Branches were opened: one in Moosomin (Saskatchewan), the other in Neepawa (Manitoba).

Changes continued in 2014, including establishment of new financial standards for the Branches and the National Office. We also retained the services of an accountant to prepare our yearly financial statements and provide advice, as required. Some Branches were retired and a new Branch opened up in Tignish, Prince Edward Island. This was also the year that National held its first Gayle Madely Memorial Quilt-a-thon to honour Gayle Madely, wife of Steve Madely, a well-known radio personality

In 2011, Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches and Mayor Jim Watson presented Betty Giffin of Barrhaven with the Mayor’s City Builder Award.

in Ottawa and long-time supporter of VQC. Gayle was a VQC quilt recipient and found great comfort in her quilt. This event was repeated the next year.

In 2015, VQC continued to grow and expand. Another new Branch opened in Woodstock/ Oxford, Ontario and a new, bilingual website was launched.

The latter included an online form for requesting quilts to

help streamline and manage the increasing demand.

Production and distribution of quilts remain centre stage.

VQC is fortunate to have an army of volunteers that works tirelessly behind the scenes: board members, quilt packers and quilt deliverers, group and branch leaders, administrative volunteers and fundraisers.

As founder Betty Giffin continues to say, “With the help

of our volunteers, the community and blessings from above, we will continue to provide comfort, both physical and spiritual, to those struggling with cancer, and we will continue to grow until the day that cancer is no longer with us.”

At the Victoria Quilts Canada AGM in 2008, Betty shaved her head in support of cancer patients, raising $3,200 in the process.

FRIDAY, August 21, 2020 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Join our team and keep the city clean.

September 15 to October 15 Step 1: Register a project Starting August 15, register at ottawa.ca/clean or by calling 3-1-1.

Step 2: Get Cleaning Encourage others to join you!

2020-016_03

Step 3: Win prizes!

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2020-06-10 11:35 AM

Page 12 FRIDAY, August 21, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

MacLeod receiving police protection following threats, vandalism

By Charlie Senack Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod is under police protection again after a series of incidents took place following an interview MacLeod did on 580 CFRA to condemn recent harassment against other local female politicians in Ottawa.

MacLeods spokesperson for her tourism, culture and sport ministry told the Ottawa Citizen in a statement that “threatening emails” and a “mischievous incident” targeting the minister took place after she appeared on the radio program.

“Following an interview with CFRA on harassment faced by female politicians, Minister MacLeod will

once again receive police protection in Ottawa due to threatening emails and an unexplained mischievous incident to her personal vehicle in Ottawa,” said spokesperson Derek Rowland in a statement.

“We continue to condemn threats and verbal harassment against politicians, and want to thank the Ontario Provincial Police and Ottawa Police Service for their ongoing measures to ensure her safety,” he added. “Minister McLeod’s focus remains on a full economic recovery on Ontario’s heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries.

Currently and for the past seven weeks Minister MacLeod has been travelling

the province to reinvigorate consumer confidence in Ontario’s tourism sector following COVID-19.”

In a social media post to Facebook, MacLeod said she was “shocked to learn this morning the air on one of my tires was deflated in my driveway.”

“Trying to remind myself this is NOT normal but man, this has become my norm,” she added.

MacLeod was on CFRA to talk about harassment Ottawa Centre MP Catherine McKenna has recently faced after her office was targeted for the second time last week. A man posted a video to social media where he could be heard yelling profanities at one of McKenna’s staff, who

explained the office was closed due to COVID-19.

And on Tuesday, August 11, Innes ward councillor and deputy Mayor Laura Dudas shared an incident took place at her home a week earlier, when a rock was thrown through her window while she and her two children were sleeping. Her vehicle which was in the councillors driveway was also broken into.

In 2019 when MacLeod was still the Minister of Community and Social Services which included the autism file, Rebecca Reid, 42 of Ottawa, was convicted for threatening and harassing MacLeod through a series of emails.

“Do you know how hard it is for me not to get a bat

and beat her face?” Reid wrote in one email.

“My weapons ban may expire right around the time I have to institutionalize my son. If that happens because we don’t have enough support and my son didn’t get needs-based therapy, I swear I will take out my rage on MacLeod,” she said in another.

Reid also said she was seeing images of MacLeod’s “dead eyes again” and wanted to go “fullblown terrorist”.

On February 4, 2020, Reid, who is the mother of an autistic child, was arrested and charged again with uttering threats to cause bodily harm and breach of probation.

It is unclear whether the

newest acts of harassment are connected. Ottawa Police have not said if the latest incident is under investigation.

On Thursday morning, MP McKenna, who MacLeod was supporting during her radio interview on 580 CFRA, shared her own solidarity with the Nepean MPP. “Totally unacceptable.

Standing with Lisa MacLeod and politicians across party lines who face this,” McKenna, who is also the minister of Infrastructure and Communities said in a Tweet. “We need better measures to stop the threats & abuse. From more security to holding social media platforms responsible for spreading hate and lies.”

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FRIDAY, August 21, 2020 Page 13

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

City’s Before and After School programs start on September 3 The City will be starting its Before and After School programs at various locations on Thursday, September 3 to coincide with the reopening of schools.

Registration opens online on Monday, August 24 at 9 pm.

The program guide will be online Friday, August 21, providing information on hours and program lo-

cations.

Prior to the program beginning, parents will receive a Before and After School Parent Handbook with additional information on expectations and protocols.

The COVID-19 modified activities will include creative physicaldistancing games, sports, and arts and crafts. Quiet homework time will also

be provided.

Following provincial guidelines and advice from Ottawa Public Health, enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures and protocols will also be in place to safeguard children and staff. These measures include: - Additional COVIDspecific training for all staff

- Health screening of children and staff - Physical distancing - Frequent cleaning and disinfecting Mask requirements will follow the same provincial protocols implemented in the schools.

Students in Grade 4 and up will be required to wear masks indoors. While it is not formally required, the City encourages stu-

dents from Kindergarten to Grade 3 to wear masks indoors.

Mitigation measures and protocols are also in place should a student begin to show COVID-19 symptoms, which will include direct notification to the parent or guardian and the need for immediate pick-up.

The City of Ottawa is an accredited HIGH

FIVE® organization that focuses on providing young people opportunities to play, participate, master skills, and make friends.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Page 14 FRIDAY, August 21, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Sobey’s to be converted to Barrhaven’s second Farm Boy

By Charlie Senack Another Farm Boy location is coming to Barrhaven after the Sobeys on Greenbank Road will close down and be converted.

Empire Company Ltd, which owns both grocery chains, says the Barrhaven Sobeys will be one of three locations in Ontario to be rebranded next year. The other two locations are in Toronto and Oakville.

“Farm Boy’s unrivalled fresh food offer and popular private label brand have connected tremendously with customers in Ontario,” Empire president and CEO Michael Medline said in a statement to the Ottawa Business Journal on Thursday.

“This format is a clear winner for us and is part of our Project Horizon commitment to grow market share and optimize our store network over the next three years.”

It’s not clear when the store will close for the rebrand, however Empire says it will be sometime in the fall. One empire says the store will close on October 2nd. A newly renovated store under the Farm Boy banner will then open sometime in 2021.

Reaction to the news

in Barrhaven was mixed with some residents saying Sobeys offers products other stores in the community don’t offer.

“I will miss the friendly general store feeling of our little Sobeys store,” said Nano Da Silva. “It is so much easier to find basic ingredients without getting lost in the hype of larger grocery stores. Farm boy may be a good fit but it is sad to lose a familiar stop gap place for essentials with extended hours.”

“I’m so sad about this,” echoed Susan Castro Terhune. “As a Maritimer, I can only get some of my East coast staples at Sobeys. I guess I’ll be doing my shopping (at the Sobeys) in Kanata now.”

It’s not just customers who are disappointed with the news. Multiple current Sobeys employees also wrote in to the Barrhaven Independent on Facebook, saying none of the stores staff are happy about the news.

They will all be left without a job for months when the store closes for renovations.

“Some of us are sad because we’re losing a great management team full of great people to work with and we’re losing a family

Sobey’s on Greenbank Road will be closed and converted to become Barrhaven’s second Farm Boy.

Charlie Senack photo

aspect of all things,” said cashier Nicholas Carchidi.

“Some of us are angry at corporate because of the fact that there is already a Farm Boy on Woodroffe. I don’t see a point personally in shutting down Sobeys Barrhaven.”

“Nobody at the store is happy about this in any way, shape, or form,” added fellow Sobeys cashier

Michael Weedmark. “A lot of the staff are going to be in a pretty tough spot when October 2nd comes around.”

But not all reactions are negative. While the Farmboy located at 3033 Woodroffe will remain open, some say the Sobeys location is perfect with a larger store space and additional parking for cars.

“This is good news I believe. I very seldom went into Sobeys,” said Barrhaven Farmboy customer Norma Wheeler. “I think with a bigger location, Farm boy can carry a few different things — especially a few of the things that the Sobeys location carries. As long as the Woodroffe store stays open this could be a win-win for

everyone.”

Empire Company Ltd, which also owns the Safeway Grocery Chain, said they hope to build roughly 20 new Farm Boy locations in Ontario over the next three years as part of a $2.1 billion retail portfolio. The company is currently on track to have 43 stores in the province by the end of next year.

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FRIDAY, August 21, 2020 Page 15

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

CCHL to drop puck on Jr. A hockey season October 1

priority has been, and will continue to be, the safety of our players, families, supporters and staff who make the CCHL what it is.”

All Hockey Canada, Hockey Eastern Ontario and Canadian Junior Hockey League policies and requirements remain in place as well as the Province of Ontario Health Unit through the

four regional Health Units within the footprint of the CCHL. Information regarding camp dates will be available in the coming weeks along with details on procedures and policies that will be in place when the season kicks off.

The Central Canada Hockey League consists of member teams Brockville Braves, Carleton

CCHL2 to be rebranded as EOJHL for 20-21 hockey season With Hockey Eastern Ontario undertaking a branch wide restructuring, the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League will replace the CCHL2 as the Junior B league.

For the past five seasons the CCHL2 has evolved into a top developmental league for the CCHL and levels above. That will continue with the new EOJHL but with a focus on independence as a league with 11 of the 16 teams operated without CCHL ownership.

“During the last five seasons, the CCHL2 has provided many opportunities for young athletes to further develop their skills to allow them to move on to the next level,” said Sylvain Dignard, CCHL2 Chairman of the Board. “It has also been an excellent avenue for gradu-

ating players who aspired to pursue their studies while playing in a very competitive league. The mission for the EOJHL will be to continue to foster this approach for the young athletes and to continue to work in partnership with the CCHL and the NCJHL. We are pleased to welcome Sean Marcellus as the new Commissioner for the EOJHL and look forward to working with him to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Kevin Abrams for his dedication and leadership during these last 5 years.”

The league has announced that Sean Marcellus will be the EOJHL Commissioner for the 2020-21 season.

“I take great pride in being named Commissioner of the Eastern Ontario Junior

Hockey League,” Marcellus said. “I originally had my first hockey job in the old EOJHL working with the Arnprior Packers back in 2012 so to be able to take the reigns at the league level in 2020 is very exciting for me. Working alongside Kevin Abrams has benefited me in more ways than I can explain, he gave me a chance five years ago and his leadership and direction has prepared me greatly for this position. I am very thankful to our board of governors for showing confidence in me and I am excited at being tasked at helping lead this league in a positive manner moving forward.”

Marcellus replaces Kevin Abrams as commissioner of the league. Abrams was the CCHL2 Commissioner from 2015-2020.

Place Canadians, Cornwall Colts, Hawkesbury Hawks, Kemptville 73’s, Navan Grads, Nepean Raiders, Ottawa Junior Senators, Pembroke Lumber Kings, Renfrew Wolves, Rockland Nationals and Smiths Falls Bears and was established in 1961.

The CCHL is a proud member of Hockey Eastern Ontario, the Canadian Junior Hockey League and Hockey Canada.

Ottawa Ward Boundary Review 2020 Have your say – online survey and virtual consultation sessions An independent consultant team is reviewing the City of Ottawa’s ward boundaries and has developed six options for a new ward boundary model for public discussion. Have your say and provide your feedback on the six options through the online survey or attend a virtual consultation session.

The population in some Ottawa communities has grown dramatically since the last ward boundary review. Now, some wards have much higher populations than others – creating an equal representation imbalance.

Following this round of consultation, the consultant team will provide City Council with recommendations later this year for new ward boundaries that can be used in at least three municipal elections in 2022, 2026 and 2030 and possibly a fourth election in 2034.

Online survey – Available August 19 to September 25 Give us your feedback on the six options online at ottawa.ca/wardboundary.

Virtual consultation sessions Participate online or by phone at one of the upcoming virtual consultation sessions on Zoom. Three of the sessions will invite comments from participants from all over the city, while another three sessions will focus on the urban, suburban and rural parts of the city. Register at ottawa.ca/wardboundary to receive an email with a passcode and login information.

• • • • • •

Thursday, September 10, 2020, 7 to 9 pm (city-wide focus) Saturday, September 12, 2020, 10 am to noon (city-wide focus) Monday, September 14, 2020, 7 to 9 pm (suburban focus) Saturday, September 19, 2020, 10 am to noon (city-wide focus) Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 7 to 9 pm (rural focus) Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 7 to 9 pm (urban focus)

Simultaneous interpretation in both official languages will be available at the three city-wide sessions.

Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. If you require accommodation, please make a request to the consultant team at wardboundary@ottawa.ca. We will require one week’s notice to arrange accommodations or supports.

2020_026_16

The Nepean Raiders Junior A hockey team will be back in action in October.

The Central Canada Hockey League is pleased to announce the opening day of the 2020-21 regular season is Thursday, October 1, 2020.

The schedule will be available for release in mid-August for all 12 member teams as the league enters its 59th season of continuous operation as the country’s longest running Junior A league.

“The promising news of Phase 3 in Ontario launching on Friday July 17, along with the exceptional efforts of the community in Eastern Ontario have allowed us to make this exciting announcement,” said Commissioner Kevin Abrams. “Our main

Page 16 FRIDAY, August 21, 2020

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT