Barrhaven Independent December 24, 2021

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FRIDAY • December 24 • 2021

Barrhaven becomes Ottawa’s COVID hot spot

By Charlie Senack

The mid-December warm temperatures and the spike in COVID infections did not dampen Barrhaven’s Christmas spirit. Homes throughout the community were lit and decorated as they awaited St. Nick on his annual global trek.

Charlie Senack photo

As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens this Christmas season, Barrhaven is reporting the highest rate of infection in all of Ottawa.

According to information posted on the Ottawa Public Health website, Barrhaven ward reported 161 COVID-19 infections between Nov. 6 and Dec. 6. That is almost triple what most other parts of the city are reporting. Gloucester South Nepean ward reported 94 infections during the same timeframe, the second highest rate in all of Ottawa.

“OPH can confirm

that there is ongoing COVID-19 transmission in Barrhaven across multiple community settings, and the increase in cases presently seen in this area is predominantly amongst individuals who have only recently become eligible for vaccination,” Ottawa’s Public Health Unit said in a statement to the Barrhaven Independent.

“Given the unimmunized, or partially immunized status of this population, all other COVID-19 control measures remain of utmost importance. OPH advises that screening, masking, hand hygiene and reducing contact with person(s) outside of your household remain import-

ant tools to protect against COVID-19 transmission.”

Barrhaven Martial Arts Centre Outbreak Many of the cases have been linked to an outbreak of the virus which occurred at the Barrhaven Martial Arts Centre. That outbreak led to at least 45 COVID-19 cases, a number which in reality is expected to be higher.

In an open letter the centre said high risk exposure first came on Nov. 22, but said they weren’t informed for four more days. They blamed Ottawa Public Health’s late contact tracing for the situation getting so bad.

covid

continues on page 3

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Page 2 FRIDAY, December 24, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT covid continues from page 1 “The simple fact is one case turned to many, due to a variety of factors,” they wrote in the letter. “Despite screening, attendance tracking, cohorting, sanitary practices, the single largest factor the OPH attributes to this outbreak is a delay in response and action. It took four days from the first High-Risk Exposure to the first contact from Ottawa Public Health in regards to High-Risk Exposure.”

“It is extremely unfortunate that one case grew and spread rapidly over the course of a week, under the radar, in our kids program,” the letter added. “With a four-day delay in communication from OPH, we acted as quickly as possible to execute actions recommended by Ottawa Public Health. We cooperated in every way with Ottawa Public Health, and oftentimes contacted families to warn them of the risk before OPH was able to.”

The martial arts facility was closed during the outbreak, but reopened on Dec. 6 after receiving an in-person inspection by Ottawa Public Health.

The local health unit is urging with cases rising, parents should make some tough deci-

sions on whether or not their children should participate in extra-curricular activities outside of school.

“The mixing of cohorts results in multiple possible transmission pathways, thereby increasing overall community risk,” Ottawa Public Health wrote in an emailed statement. “To decrease community risk, all individuals must consider reducing group activities. Indoor activities are inherently higher risk due to the closed environment with shared airspace particularly in situations of physical exertion.”

School Outbreaks The outbreak at Barrhaven Martial Arts Centre is also believed to be a reason why COVID-19 cases dramatically increased in Barrhaven Schools.

Half Moon Bay Public School, located on River Run Avenue, saw at least 68 COVID-19 infections: 66 cases in students, one staff case, and one third party case. A third party is someone who has frequent contact at the school, but does not work there.

That could include a bus driver or lunch monitor volunteer.

The outbreak quickly spread, starting with only a handful of

Health Services

Parks

Restaurants 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

On Dec. 16, Ottawa’s top Doctor Vera Etches said more restrictions could be coming as case counts reach eight month highs.

That same day, Ottawa reported 206 new COVID-19 cases, a number not seen since April. Ontario reported over 2,400 cases, with 758 cases being in those who are not fully vaccinated.

New modeling suggests Ontario could reach 10,000 new daily infections by New Years Eve if more measures aren’t put in place. If more restrictions come into effect, that number could stay under 5,000.

Etches says they are watching the situation closely and is prepared to write the province asking for Ontario to impose stricter restrictions. She supports reducing capacity to 50 per cent in all settings. A day prior, Ontario announced capacity limits of 50 per cent in certain settings, such as sports games, or anywhere with over 1,000 people.

“I have seen and taken to heart that the vaccination is not enough to help improve the situation and make it through the surge,” said Etches during a rare joint press conference with city officials. “I

agree we need to decrease capacity.”

Etches also urged people to take precautions when gathering over Christmas. Current rules allow for 25 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, but less is always best.

“Prioritize the people that you want to meet with and limit other contacts,” she said. “We know that vaccination does make a difference for the severity of illness, but it no longer is the case that someone with two doses is less likely to come into contact with Omicron.”

It’s also wise to ensure you have good ventilation, such as by opening windows. Mask use is always encouraged along with social distancing.

“My recommendation is have some difficult discussions. Think about what’s most important to you,” Etches noted. “These are really hard decisions. There are conversations happening in my household right now too. It’s a challenge because we were all looking forward to the holidays and being able to meet with people. I think the bottom line message is the fewer contacts we have, the better at this time.”

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COVID-19, taking over from the Delta variant, which was first discovered a year ago.

Little is still known about Omicron, but it is expected to be highly contagious, yet possibly less severe. Even so, health officials say we should treat it just like we have with other variants.

Data is still new, but early evidence is showing protection from two doses of Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine slumped to 33 per cent, compared to 80 per cent with other variants. Protection from hospitalization however is showing about 70 per cent effectiveness if fully vaccinated, compared to 93 per cent under Delta.

Ottawa’s first five cases of Omicron were reported through travel from outside the country, however it’s now showing community spread, according to Ottawa Public Health.

A suspected case of the Omicron variant was detected at Chapman Mills Public School, according to an email obtained by the Barrhaven Independent.

The letter was sent to some parents from Ottawa’s health unit.

Ottawa Public Health would not comment.

Possible measures coming

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cases a week prior.

Jockvale Public School is one of the most recent to declare an outbreak, but only a few cases were reported. Almost every other elementary school in Barrhaven reported anywhere from one to five infections of the virus during the month of December.

Countless classes and cohorts had to go into isolation as a result Because of this rapid rise in Barrhaven School cases, Ottawa Public Health decided to send tests home to be used the week before Christmas break. The tests were given to 11 schools in Barrhaven and Riverside South, and students were given three tests to use: preferably Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Participation was voluntary, but the hope was to pick up cases which might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Before the Christmas break, each student in Ontario was also to take home five COVID-19 tests which they could use over the holidays. As COVID-19 cases rise, the province hopes this measure will keep schools open come January.

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Page 4 FRIDAY, December 24, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven residents to have input in city’s transportation master plan

By Jan Harder Barrhaven Councillor Barrhaven this is your chance to tell the City was is needed in our community. This includes roads (re-alignment of Greenbank), pedestrian and cycling routes. Please take a few minutes to let the City know what your needs are.

The transportation planning decisions we make today will shape our city of tomorrow! Play an active role in the future of Ottawa. Share your thoughts at www.ottawa. ca/TMPUpdate today!

The draft Transportation Master Plan (TMP) policies and proposed active transportation projects are now available online on the project website (https://engage.ottawa. ca/transportation-masterplan). Residents are invited to provide feedback on the policies and projects proposed for delivery from 2023 onwards.

Residents can provide input on close to 70 proposed policies that will guide our transportation decisions and networks to 2046 and help Ottawa fulfill its vision from the New Official Plan of becoming the most liveable mid-sized city in North America. The City has also identified candidate pedestrian and cycling projects for implementation between 2023 and 2046.

Slow Down Signs at the Ward Office If you are a Barrhaven resident, send an email to mark.bouwman@ottawa.ca with your contact information to order one or more ‘Slow Down For Us’ signs for your front yard and we will schedule a time for a pickup at the ward office located beside Ruth E. Dickinson Library.

Barrhaven Garden Club January 12, 2022 (virtual meeting) 7:30 p.m. zoom room opens at 7:15 p.m.

Guests $5.00. See how to join as a guest at barrhavengardenclub.ca Details of the presentation are below.

The Asian Jumping Worm- Challenges to our Forests and Urban Communities Join us for a virtual presentation with Dr. Annise Dobson, a postdoctoral researcher at Yale University, on the Asian Jumping Worm.

This invasive earthworm poses challenges to our forests and urban communities.

It is spreading to Ontario from the northeastern US. It has been reported in Toronto

and it is only a matter of time before arriving here in Ottawa. These jumping worms change the soil chemistry, depleting it of nutrients and altering the soil’s capacity to retain water.

Outdoor rink locations The outdoor rink season ends on February 28, 2021.

Community rinks operated by volunteers may not be maintained beyond this date. We look forward to inviting you to skate again during the 2021/2022 season!

Due to COVID-19 the following safety measures will be implemented: • There is a 25-person capacity limit in effect at all outdoor community rinks beginning January 8 at 5 pm. Please limit your time during busy periods.

By-law and Regulatory Services has deployed a dedicated team of officers to proactively monitor these areas.

• No hockey sticks, pucks or other team sports are permitted on puddle rinks.

• Skaters must maintain a two-metre distance from people outside their household.

• Masks are mandatory within 15 metres (50 ft) distance of the edge of the ice surface. Masks are not mandatory while skating but are highly recommended. Skaters who are not from the same household must keep

two metres apart on and off the ice.

• Participants entering indoor spaces must review a COVID-19 health screening acknowledgement and provide contact tracing information.

The interactive map and table below display the locations of the City’s outdoor rinks. The number of rinks listed in the table will expand or contract as you zoom in, zoom out or pan the map view. Navigate to an area of interest by searching for a park name, address, intersection, street segment or city facility in the “Find address or place” search box. Click on a rink for more information about that location.

Outdoor rink information is also available in the City’s Open Data Catalogue.

Plowing through a winter storm After a severe snowstorm, operators may have

to plow a street twice.

Sometimes a grader or dump truck with front and wing plows will do a first pass, followed by a sand/ salt truck, to clear a small amount of snow and make sanding/salting more effective.

To clear a cul-de-sac, operators will push the remaining snow to the centre or outside of the street, depending on the available area.

In the early winter, the City removes ruts that have formed on snowpacked surfaces. This keeps the catch basins open and helps prevent flooding.

Vaccine clinics are family-friendly Ottawa Public Health is mindful that some children may be anxious and have a fear of needles.

Immunizers understand and are trained to help your child have a comfortable experience. Children can bring their favourite

stuffed animal and listen to music. Numbing spray is also available to reduce pain at the site where the vaccine is given, and privacy options will be available.

There will be childfriendly signage and fun stickers will be given out. Consent by a parent or guardian will be required for COVID-19 vaccination for children aged five to 11. Children will not be vaccinated if their parent or guardian are not present.

For children requiring accessibility support, parents and guardians can go online and complete an accessibility request form once appointments are made available through the provincial booking system.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for children aged five to 11, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ ChildCOVID19Vaccine.

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Paramedics say calls about seniors ODing on edibles are on the rise

By Carol Anne Meehan Ward 22 Councillor

While visiting Manotick recently, I noticed a new business in the process of opening. Rather than feel excited, I was dismayed to see it would be another Cannabis Retail store. I am in the village often enough to know there are at least two other locations where you can legally buy marijuana. In Barrhaven and Riverside South, it’s a similar situation - pot shops are springing up in just about every shopping plaza. So, here’s my question, how many is too many?

Three years ago at City Council, I argued- unsuccessfully - that Ottawa should opt-out of allowing retail cannabis shops.

My main reason was that the City had little control over how many would be permitted or located.

It’s the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that decides that.

Under the Municipal Act, the City can limit the number of Payday Loan Companies and Strip Clubs, but not Cannabis outlets.

They’re treated as regular retail stores.

So back in 2018 - I felt we were rolling the dice. I wanted Ottawa to sit on the sidelines and watch what happened in other municipalities and learn from their experience with Pot shops. To me, there was no rush; opting OUT wouldn’t be forever, and when we opted IN, we would know exactly what to expect. Perhaps we could have convinced the province to change the legislation to give us more control.

Today with 42 pot shops operating in Ottawa and another 32 slated to open, I would argue my fears were well-founded.

There are so many Pot Shops in some inner city neighbourhoods I’m hearing them referred to as a “blight.”

Pot shops, in general, are not the problem. There hasn’t been a lot of trouble reported outside outlets, and the fears over greater use in public have not materialized. Police are not being burdened.

I’m not aware of any official report that indicates pot use is skyrocketing if more people are taking up smoking, drinking pot-laced drinks or eating edibles. But what I am hearing is that too many older people are consuming edibles with negative repercussions. An Ottawa paramedic recently told me they’re responding to more and more calls involving seniors who have overdosed on tasty “candies.”

I suppose you could say that, like alcohol, pot consumers have to learn their limits. One could also argue it wouldn’t happen if

the stores weren’t so numerous and accessible.

When we debated the issue three years ago, we heard people say cannabis stores would be like LCBO outlets, both deal legal products.

They are not at all the same. There are far fewer liquor stores in a community. LCBO stores have a uniform, professional look.

Frankly, some of the pot shop signs look like Cheech and Chong de-

signed them.

I dislike the optics and the message that having so many pot shops signals.

And are there really that many of us consuming pot? Industry officials say NO that many shops are struggling and owners are looking for ways to get out of expensive leases. It makes sense the government agency has approved so many licenses; after all, the more Pot products sold, the more tax money

the province rakes in.

So all we can do now is wait for competition in the market to do its thing. City officials, however, should continue to press the Provincial Government to give us control over the sale of a product that can negatively affect our opinion of where we live.

Mind you - this is only MY opinion, but I’m betting many of you agree with me.

Carol Anne Meehan

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INDEPENDENT Editorial

How Ontario squandered a debt-free future The numbers are a bit shocking: if successive Ontario governments had been just a little prudent with money, the province’s massive debt would be exactly zero.

Instead, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced a few weeks ago that Ontario’s government debt now exceeds $400 billion.

Rather than being the envy of other provinces, Ontario today is the most indebted subnational unit in the entire world.

How exactly could Ontario have been debt-free? How did the province stray so far off course?

In 2005-06, the McGuinty government, then still serving its first term, proposed that the province spend roughly $84 billion to cover the province’s expenses.

Had the McGuinty government and its successors simply increased government spending at the rate of inflation plus population growth annually between then and now, government spending this year would be $61 billion lower.

As taxpayers earn and spend more money to keep pace with rising costs, the result is government revenue growth. Increasing government spending at the rate of inflation plus population growth, therefore, is essentially maintaining government services at the status quo.

Are there many Ontarians out there who think that the quality of government services this year is $61 billion better than it was in 2005?

Rather than keeping government spending in line with inflation plus population growth, McGuinty, Wynne and Ford have increased spending over the past 16 years at an average rate of 8.5 per cent.

That means government spending today is higher than it was in 2005 by over 126 per cent.

What if the province had stuck to spending the money it actually had? Since 2006, revenues have gone up by a healthy 5.4 per cent every year. If the government contented itself with spending every penny, but resisted the urge to grab the credit card, the debt would be a quarter of a billion dollars lower.

The bottom line is that Ontario’s politicians have been on a 16-year spending binge.

Taxpayers, and future generations, are paying the price.

With such massive government overspending, the Ford government should not reject spending cuts.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford continues to rule out spending cuts to help balance the province’s books.

But if Ontario ever wants to get back on a path toward fiscal sanity, prudent reductions in government spending need to be on the table.

Three successive governments here in Ontario should be blamed for trading away a debt-free Ontario for $400 billion in government debt.

Ford can point out that much of the fault lies at the feet of his predecessors, and he wouldn’t be wrong.

But Ford is in the premier’s office today. If the province is to correct course, he needs to lead the charge.

Jay Goldberg is the Ontario Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. © Troy Media

BARRHAVEN

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Saving our children one poem at a time I won’t say I remember that day at The term “Christmas” has been treated Churchill Public School as if it was yester- as offensive by many public school boards day. and municipalities. But, somehow, I just from It was 50 years ago, and, well, it seems can’t imagine McColl going a step further the other like it was 50 years ago. and naming her next book, “Twas the Night I was playing by myself in the Before the Winter Solstice snow bank in front of the school, Holiday” with St. Nick when I saw and heard something calling out, “Seasons that drew my attention to the Greetings to all, and to all little, square boys’ room window a good night!” in the red brick wall that was, Maybe children nestled for some reason, slightly ajar. I in their beds with visions could hear the song “Sweet City of sugar plums dancing Woman” blaring from a transistor radio, and in their heads will be replaced. Men are arI could smell cigarette smoke. rested daily in this country for having imTimes were different then. Churchill only ages of children nestled in their beds saved had four classrooms – one was a library and on their hard drives and shared on the inthree were used for classes – and a gym. ternet. As for the visions of sugar plums It was as rural as a rural school could be. dancing in your head, well, we’ve got to do And even though the school only went up a better job keeping kids away from their to Grade 5, some of the “big kids” smoked. grandmother’s edibles.

One or two even drove to school on occaIn today’s obesity epidemic, it’s probsion. ably insensitive to talk about St. Nick beI always wondered why those kids ing chubby and plump and referencing his thought it was so cool to smoke. About a girth. McColl may want to have a lean and decade ago, Canadian publisher Pamela Mc- healthy Santa who does hot yoga and has a Coll figured it out. personal trainer and rides a Peloton at home.

Santa smokes.

Santa would be on a 30-day cleanse. Instead I don’t know about you, but I had no idea of milk and cookies, kids will leave kale that Santa smoked. McColl saved genera- smoothies for him and something steviations of children from the fate of those big, based? tough kids from Churchill by editing the St. Nick, in the poem, is wearing fur. Mcnearly 200-year-old classic poem by Clem- Coll has two options here for a change. She ent Moore. She removed the two lines that can either have Pamela Anderson popping spoke of St. Nick having a pipe between his out of nowhere and attacking him with spray teeth and the smoke encircling his head like paint, or Santa can get a new outfit from the a wreath.

Lulu Lemon collection for men. He could “Wouldn’t it be sad if we saw a poem wear a new vegan suit in McColl’s poem, that’s so incredibly influential in our cele- but nothing rhymes with vegan. bration of Christmas cast aside because As for the “eight tiny reindeer” expected we didn’t make a simple edit and took out to fly through the air and pull him, McColl a simple verse that’s offensive to modern may want to head over to the Humane Sochildren?” McColl said in an interview at ciety to review St. Nick’s cruelty and abuthe time. sive behaviour toward his animals. And McColl’s book, Twas the Night Before how does he make them fly? Oh yeah, Mrs. Christmas, was released several years ago by Santa’s edibles. publishers Grafton and Scratch of VancouWith so many break-ins in Barrhaven ver, where, based on what I saw and smelled this year, the entering through the chimney living on the west coast, Santa would more of each home thing probably needs to be than likely be putting something other than looked at as well. tobacco in his pipe and would be asking kids As Chirstmas approaches, families to leave Cheetohs and Red Bull instead of throughout the area will be reading the cookies and milk. McColl’s version of the Christmas classic. Will they be reading the book was picked up by Indigo. In the book’s real version? Or will they read McColl’s listing on Indigo, the subtitle reads “edited version? And will anyone really notice for the benefit of 21st century children.” either way?

I saw a copy of the book polluting the Did Pamela McColl save children from clearance table at a local store last week. something offensive?

While McColl saw her contribution to Or did she ruin a classic? literature as noble, the rest of the literary To me, the answer isn’t that complex. world was not quite on board.

What she has done is simply another sign Deborah Caldwell-Stone, deputy director that the apocalypse is upon us. of the American Library Association’s OfAnd speaking of the apocalypse, I think fice for Intellectual Freedom, says censor- the four horsemen in the Book of Revelation ship is motivated on the grounds that we’re had packs of DuMauriers tucked under their protecting children from concepts someone sleeves. But in the updated modern New finds distasteful.

Testament, I think they vape.

The question we have to ask now is, of Do you think they will have CBD oil at course, what’s next? the apocalypse?

side

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Not to Scale - Errors and omissions expected 3/4/2021 5:14:51 PM

Page 8 FRIDAY, December 24, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Watson will not seek re-election, let his mark on Barrhaven as Mayor

By Charlie Senack After 15 years sitting in the Mayors seat, Jim Watson says he’s not seeking re-election.

The career politician made his announcement in a letter posted to his website Dec. 10. Watson said he made the decision three years ago while waiting for results to come in during the 2018 municipal election, which he won with over 70 per cent of the vote.

“As I was awaiting the results of the 2018 election about three years ago, I made my decision – even before I knew the results – that if I was successful that night, it would be my last election as Mayor of Ottawa,” Watson wrote. “The decision was both easy and tough. On the one hand, I loved almost every hour of every day and it was a true privilege and honor to serve as our city’s Mayor.”

Watson was Mayor of the former City of Ottawa from 1997 to 2000, and has held his current position since 2010. He was a city councillor in Ottawa from 1991 to 1997. Watson was also a member of provincial parliament for the riding of Ottawa-West Nepean from 2003 until 2010, where he also served in a number of

ministry roles.

Watson, who is the city’s longest serving Mayor, sat down with the Barrhaven Independent hours after making the announcement, to reflect on the highs and lows of public life. During his recent decade and a half in the Mayoral seat, a number of issues have come up which directly impacted the growing community.

“I tried to limit the number of accomplishments we put down in the list of projects I’ve worked on with others which were often stuck in the mud, like Lansdowne Park, light rail a new innovation centre, a new (Mintro) Rec Centre in Barrhaven, a new arena addition in Manotick; These issues were around for a long time and I felt passionately about getting them from the drawing board to the construction stage for the benefit of the people who use these facilities.”

More recently, Watson has been advocating to get light rail transit out to Barrhaven, but if that takes place, it’s still over a decade away. Phase 3 would bring the trains from Baseline Station to the heart of Barrhaven at Marketplace — the future town square — and from Moodie station out to the heart of Kanata.

The three billion dollar, 10 kilometre extension could be built in two stages, with the first phase going from Baseline Station to Fallowfield Station. It’s all in jeopardy as a provincial inquiry has been launched into the problem-plagued Phase 1 system, and delays of up to a year are being reported with Phase 2 out to Riverside South.

Many have been quick to blame the Mayor when it came to issues with LRT, but Watson said the recent hate and backlash did not influence his decision.

“No, I did make the decision in my mind that this would be my last term if I was successful, which I was, and the problems with the LRT did not come up at that point because it was not even running yet,” he said. “I felt after 15 years as mayor, becoming the longest serving mayor, and the youngest mayor, I felt it was time to move on to my final chapter in my career. I am not sure what that’s going to be.”

Watson says he won’t miss the stress of the job, and notes the mayor is always first to receive word when devastating incidents occur. He noted the September 2013 bus-train crash which occurred at Fallow-

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson will not seek re-election.

field Station in Barrhaven, killing six people.

He was also kept busy through multiple environmental emergencies, such as with record-breaking flooding in Constance Bay, and the September 2018 tornadoes which hit areas such as: Arlington Woods, Craig Henry, and Dunrobin.

The city was left without power for days, and in Nepean, the community gathered at Larkin Park for 48 hours of free meals. Wat-

Charlie Senack photo

son met with Premier Doug Ford there, to brief the city on efforts which followed.

“I think it will be less stressful,” Watsons said when asked how he will feel at this time next year.

“When you’re in the mayor’s office… you’re usually one of the first to get calls when there is flooding, tornadoes, the tragedy of the bus/train crash in Barrhaven and the bus crash at Westboro station. You’re called upon at all hours of

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the day to perform. I can’t think of a job that would be more demanding other than being leader of the country or province. We are a big city now. We represent nine federal ridings and it’s a challenge to have three district communities: urban, suburban, and rural. My job is to work to get our agenda through for the benefit of the people of Ottawa.”

watson

continues on page 9

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FRIDAY, December 24, 2021 Page 9

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Longfields-Davidson Heights student feels most at home on the water

By Phill Potter

Sheppard, Paul Durk

Name: Sam Durk

Brother: “Ben (19), former student at LDHSS, now employed as an apprentice carpenter.”

Age: 17 School: LongfieldsDavidson Heights

Grade: 12 Parents:

Kathleen

Pets: “2 dogs (Bo and Annie) and one cat (Mimi). Both dogs are still puppies. Bo turned one not long ago, and Annie is 9 months old. I’m not sure how old Mimi is.”

Pet Peeve: “People who breath loud in very quiet rooms, with no other noises.”

Part-time Work: “I work at Hurst Marina part time, and full time in Sam Durk is an avid boater and snowmobiler who spends his summers working at Hurst Marina as a marine mechanic.

Submitted photo

the summer as a marine mechanic. After school and on weekends, I work out of my garage for people on small engines, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.”

Favourite Subjects: Construction and Gym What do you enjoy

reading for pleasure?

“Marine Magazine” What is your greatest accomplishment? “Owning a boat and snowmobile, at only 17 years old.”

to go on boat rides to see different rivers and lakes and explore new places. I really like to work on any type of engine and see how different ones work, and all the different problems there can be.”

Activities/Interests: “I’m interested in fishing and the outdoors. I love

Career Goals: “Becoming a Marine Mechanic or Welder.”

Community and Social Services) Donna Gray, and (Ottawa’s top Doctor) Vera Etches,” he said. “We now have the best vaccination rate of any big city in Canada, and we have the best children vaccination rate of any place in Ontario. That took a lot of time and effort, and a lot of great people to work with, but still have a lot of work to do.”

Watson says he isn’t a fan of regrets, but would have liked to see the new central

library built downtown during this term of council.

The next city council will have many new faces: besides a new Mayor at the helm, at least seven new councillors will be at the table. Some current councillors have opted to run for mayor such as Diane Deans and Catherine McKenney, and others like Barrhaven councillor Jan Harder have decided to retire. Two new wards are also being created, bringing the total to 24.

watson continues from page 8 In August 2019, Watson came out as gay, creating history at Ottawa’s first openly gay Mayor. He listed that as a personal highlight.

More recently, Watson has helped lead a task force on how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am proud of the team effort. We set up a leadership team with great people like (Former emergency boss) Tony DiMonte, (City manager) Steve Kanelankos, (General Manager of

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337 Autumnfield St.St. antenna system measure metres height.

337 Autumnfield Kanata, Ontario K2M 0J6 Kanata, Ontario K2M 0J6 Innovation, Christian.lee@rogers.com Innovation,Science Scienceand andEconomic EconomicDevelopment Development Christian.lee@rogers.com Canada is responsible for the approval of this Canada is responsible for the approval of this antenna antennasystem, system,and andrequires requiresthat thatwewereview reviewthis this proposal with thethe local municipality.

After reviewing proposal with local municipality.

After reviewing this proposal, the City of Ottawa will provide its this proposal, the City of Ottawa will provide its position positionto toInnovation, Innovation,Science Scienceand andEconomic Economic Development Canada and to to Rogers Development Canada and Rogers Rogers invites you, within 3030 calendar days of of the Rogers invites you, within calendar days the date of of this notice, to to provide byby letter your date this notice, provide letter your comments, and / or request to be informed of the comments, and / or request to be informed of the City’s position onon thethe proposed antenna system.

City’s position proposed antenna system.

Rogers willwill respond to to allall reasonable and relevant Rogers respond reasonable and relevant concerns, and thethe City willwill bebe taking into account concerns, and City taking into account comments from the public and Rogers’ response to to comments from the public and Rogers’ response each when providing itsits position to to thethe proponent each when providing position proponent and Innovation, Science and Economic and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

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www.halcyonlegal.ca Newspaper: Newspaper:Barrhaven BarrhavenIndependent Independent

Page 10 FRIDAY, December 24, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven mourns passing of local rock and roll legend Les Emmerson 76-year-old former Five Man Electrical Band front man loses battle with COVID-19

By Charlie Senack He was a local music icon, a Canadian poet, and an all around great guy: That’s how friends are remembering Les Emmerson, the lead singer and guitarist for the Five Man Electrical Band, who passed away due to COVID-19 complications.

Emmerson, who was a long time “Barrhavenite”, died in the ICU at the Queensway Carleton Hospital on Dec. 10. He contracted COVID-19 at the end of October, and only had symptoms similar to a “bad head cold”, according to a longtime friend.

He was admitted to the general COVID ward at the Queensway as a precaution due to other underlying health issues which made the singer more vulnerable, but then took a turn for the worse. The 76-year-old was double vaccinated and followed all health and safety protocols.

A Canadian Rockstar The rock and roll singer who was known for his hit song “Signs”, which sold over 1.5 million copies, became a star in the 1970’s.

That song is still popular worldwide today, and Ellen Degeneres sometimes plays it on her show. The famous line “long haired freaky people” has been a common phrase on billboards, especially in the US, where the motto is helping to advertise jobs during the country’s labour shortage. The song has also been recorded by American rock band Tesla, and Fat Boy Slim also took a sample of it in 2005.

Emmerson performed for the Queen during her visit to Ottawa in 1967, and shared the stage with big names such as Chuck Berry.

The Barrhaven Independent had the chance to speak to Emmerson about his successful career in July 2020.

The local musician reflected on his life and legacy. He

said The Five Man Electrical Band, also once known as The Staccatos, found their footing after getting a manager. Their first goal was to get on a major label which they did. Capitol Records Canada was their first big break.

“We thought we had made it big because we were on the same label as the Beatles,” Emmerson said. “It was really great to get on that label.”

The group also found success in a premier album, with one of their songs on one side, and a song from the popular western Canadian band Guess Who on the other.

“Coca Cola put up the money for this and we did some Coca Cola commercials which started in the states,” Emmerson recounted. “The number one band in the west at the time was “Guess Who” and we were the number one band in the east. I did not want to do it but in the end we made a ton of money from it.”

But while topping the charts in Canada was a big accomplishment, Emmerson said you had to cross the border to make a name for yourself. After lots of persuading, the band headed to the United States where they were on a ride for their lives.

Capitol Records US signed the band, by a man who was also responsible for the Beach Boys and many other well known bands.

Emmerson said the group played many sold out shows — some the size of the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata — but added state universities were always the best for crowds. One of the biggest highlights for the band was playing at Mardi Gras in New Orleans in the early 1970’s.

“We were Chuck Berry’s band — we backed him up for a week — and there is not a picture of us with Chuck,” Emmerson said of one of his regrets. “That week with

Chuck at the Whiskey was magic. We packed the place and we played cheap, but we didn’t care.”

The entire Rolling Stones was sitting in a booth watching the show, Emmerson recounted. “My legs started shaking.”

After about a decade in the United States, the Five Man Electrical Band broke up and made a return to Canada. Emmerson continued to pick up the guitar and performed countless shows in various capacities over the decades.

His musical accomplishments lead Emmerson to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, which he was inducted into in 2008. He never turned down a charity gig, and was passionate about raising money for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Humane Society.

While few of his songs became North American and world-wide hits, Emmerson was a household name in Canada. He never let fame get to his head, and always looked for ways to help other young musicians instead of seeing them as competition. The Barrhaven resident frequented trivia nights at Broadway’s Bar and Grill, and had a love of golf, crossword puzzles, and birds.

A Friend to All His love of music never stopped: Emmerson was in the studio preparing a new album when he contracted COVID-19. His band mates Rick Smithers and Michael Crepin also later tested positive. They now plan to keep his dream alive.

Crepin said that when Emmerson found out his friend of 17 years also tested positive, he called the musician from his hospital bed.

“Les called me up and said ‘Mike, we have shared a lot of things over the years, but this is one thing I wish we didn’t share,’” recounted Crepin.

Canadian rock icon Les Emmerson often played on stage at his favourite hang out, Greenfields Pub. Debbie Annable Carr photo

With the news of Emmerson’s passing still so raw, Crepin was still processing everything when reached by the Barrhaven Independent for comment. Holding back tears, he described Emmerson as “a friend to so many people’’, and “the greatest guy in the world.” The pair traveled with their wives all over the world, and spent all occasions together. They became a family.

“I am so privileged to have spent so much time

with him and have him be my friend,” said Crepin. “He was an icon, a genius, and a great Canadian poet. He was always ready to assume the best in people.

Those were words also shared by Al Uhryniw, a Barrhaven resident and former professor of pop culture at Algonquin College. Uhryniw says he officially met Emmerson in 2001 and will miss their chats, along with his sense of humor and love of music.

“He always reminds me of Sir Paul McCartney. Les could sing ballads and then really rock it out,” noted Uhryniw. “A lot of people appreciate his song-writing and vocals, but many didn’t give Les credit for his guitar playing. He played in the CHEO Bear Band, and would always be performing for charitable causes. When he was needed for a fundraiser, you can imagine him saying, ‘What can I do?’”

emmerson continues on page 11

FRIDAY, December 24, 2021 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT emmerson

continues from page 10

Uhryniw said he first encountered Emmerson at Hillcrest High School in the late 1960s. The Staccatos were getting very popular — especially for their cover songs, with a few original tunes written

by Emmerson. They were playing a charity function at the school, and came decked out in gray suits and their hair combed over the collar.

The set that night included “Half Past Midnight”, a tune which knocked the Beatles out of the number 1 spot on the local Top 40 listings, according to Uhryniw.

Emmerson told the Barrhaven Independent last year that his new album would be his career highlight and was excited to share it with the public. A new band and a new name,

paired with new music, he called it a “last kick at the can” and “one last album before we are done.”

A project still unfinished, his band mates now keeping his legacy alive.

“He was so passionate about it and we are determined to try and move it forward,” said Crepin. “A lot of his vocal tracks are already down — we were

just doing finishing touches on the music tracks when we were in the studio last October. We want to honour him because he was so passionate about getting this out. It’s fantastic stuff; some of it is vintage Les Emmerson, and some of it you wouldn’t expect to come from Les Emmerson, but you would expect to come from a great singer and songwrit-

er.”

Crepin ended with the final words of a new song Emmerson wrote which is called “And life goes on.”

A song now a message for friends of the Canadian idol, written by a man who will be missed by all.

“As the sun goes down an old man dies. Friends gather ‘round to say their goodbyes. Family gets together to eulogize and they mourn. Way across town with the sunrise. The day begins and a baby cries.

Family wipes the tears of joy from their eyes. ‘Cause a brand-new child is born.

And life goes on. It goes right, it goes wrong. And the sun goes up and down.

The world goes ‘round and ‘round. And life goes on.”

And so it does in a world without Les Emmerson.

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Emmerson’s Five Man Electrical Band, playing on the football field at Lansdowne Park, performed for the Queen in 1967.

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28. Diego, Francisco, Anselmo 30. Mental sharpness and inventiveness 31. Popular Easter meal 33. Man (Spanish) 35. __ de la __ 37. Counterweights 38. Made a harsh, grating noise 40. Monetary unit 41. Commercials 42. Cool!

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13. Breathe 15. Cleaning device 17. Male organ 18. Tab on a key ring 21. Criminals 23. Taxi 24. Cheer of encouragement 27. Wartime American escort carrier 29. Polish river 32. Current unit 34. Life form 35. Painful contractions 36. Glowing 39. Press against lightly 40. Melancholic 43. Something you can be under 44. Of the mind 46. E. Indian cereal grass 47. Couple 49. Sharpshoot 51. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 54. __ Blyton, children’s author 59. Human gene 60. Data mining methodology (abbr.)

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FRIDAY, December 24, 2021 Page 13

Page 14 FRIDAY, December 24, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Gavin Leishman retires as Chair of Nepean Sports Wall of Fame The Nepean Sports Wall of Fame has announced that Gavin Leishman has decided to step down as Chair of the Board of Directors effective January 2, 2022, and David Rattray has been appointed Chair for the next two-year term. Leishman will remain a member of the Board as Past Chair until December 31, 2023.

“It has been a real honour and privilege to take the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame from an idea in 1985 to what it is today, a remarkable visual presentation of Nepean sports history, something all of Nepean can be most proud of,” said Leishman.

Councillor Keith Egli, whose Ward 9 houses the Wall at the Nepean Sportsplex said, “I wish Gavin the very best in his retirement from the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame. Gavin is a dedicated volunteer and has made a positive impact in the com-

munity. It has been a pleasure to work with him over the years.”

Leishman assumed the Board Chair role of the Nepean Chamber of Commerce’s initiative to establish a Wall of Fame to recognize and celebrate Nepean’s finest in sport in 1985. He worked tirelessly for well over three decades to develop the original idea into the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame that it is today recognizing 82 inductees, representing excellence in coaches, managers, athletes, builders, and media.

Incoming Chair, David Rattray noted, “Gavin hands over the leadership in excellent shape that will allow it to move to new thresholds.

It can continue to capture and celebrate Nepean’s rich sports history and achievements. Because of Gavin’s leadership, the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame will continue be a world class

organization. Gavin leaves a remarkable legacy, and I will do my best to continue in his footsteps as best I can.”

Rattray joined the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame Board of Directors in 2001. A Nepean resident since 1973, Rattray has coached t-ball, softball, soccer, and minor hockey. He was President of the Barrhaven Soccer Club in the early 1980s, served on the Board of the Ottawa Senators Foundation as well as the Canadian Paralympic Foundation, and is presently an elected Director of the Canadian Paralympic Committee until 2025.

The Nepean Sports Wall of Fame was established in 1985 by the Nepean Chamber of Commerce to recognize attained excellence and athletic achievement by Nepean athletes and athletic teams at the national and international level of competition. The Nepean Sports

Gavin Leishman became the first Chair of the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame in 1985.

Wall of Fame currently consists of 82 athletes representing 27 different sports.

All inductees’ plaques are displayed on the physical

Wall of Fame, located in the Nepean Sportsplex lobby.

The 2021 Induction Ceremony was a virtual event and remains available for view-

ing here.

For more information, visit nswf.ca and follow us Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Western Mustangs’ Deionte Knight wins JP Metras Trophy as top USports lineman

By Barrhaven Independent Staff

It was a banner year for local football players, and no one had a bigger year than Deionte Knight.

The Western Mustangs defensive end won the JP Metras Trophy as the Most Outstanding Lineman in Canadian university football after leading USports football with 7.5 quarterback sacks and had 19 tackles and a fumble recovery touchdown in six OUA games. He capped off the season by being named a first team All-Canadian, winning the Metras Trophy, and then helping his Mustangs win the Vanier Cup. Knight grew up playing in the Nepean Redskins/Nepean Eagles organization and went to Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School before heading to the Toronto area to play in the Football North program. He is the son of former CFL star DeWayne Knight, who was a longtime coach in the local youth football program in Barrhaven.

Deionte is projected to follow in his father’s footsteps, as he is considered a top pro prospect.

“It’s so exciting, this trophy is a manifestation of the group we have this year and all the hard work they put in fuels me to want to be at my best for them,” said Knight after winning the Metras

Trophy, as reported on the westrnmustangs.ca football page. “This is honestly two years worth of work that includes the pandemic canceled season where we needed to stay committed to our craft and we definitely did a great job of that.”

Knight is one of many local football players who have gone on to have great 2020 seasons.

Another Knight, Isaiah (no relation to Deionte), had a great rookie season with the UBC Thunderbirds. Knight led Canada West in rushing with 626 yards and three touchdowns in six games.

His totals were sixth among all USports rushers. Knight excelled as a running back in the Nepean Eagles program and played under DeWayne Knight before going south to play prep school football in Maryland.

Defensive back Andrew Beatty of Barrhaven, who played high school football for the St. Mother Teresa Titans, joined Deionte Knight as an OUA All-Star. He was the named OUA Player of the Week for the Windsor Lancers Oct. 13. He was second in the nation with 7.5 tackles per game.

Linebacker James Peter, who played for the Nepean Redskins/Eagles and was Beatty’s teammate at St. Mother Teresa, led the Ottawa Gee-Gees with 35.5

tackles. Another former Nepean Eagle, Max Charbonneau, was second to Peter in Gee-Gees tackles with 24.

Both played a huge role in Ottawa’s last-second Panda Game win over Carleton.

The Ravens also had a pair of Nepean Eagles grads in their line-up as offensive lineman Jesse Taming and fullback Aiden Arnott-Smith were Ravens.

Eagles grad Ryan Licandro backed up former Bell Warrior James Keenan at quarterback for the unbeaten Queen’s Gaels, who lost to Western in the Yates Cup (OUA championship game).

He saw playing time in all six Gaels regular season games.

Another former Nepean Redskins/Eagles quarterback, Liam Kennedy, played for the Bishop’s Gaiters this year. Kennedy started out as a receiver in the local program before Coach Knight moved him to the quarterback position. He excelled as a QB with the St, Joseph Jaguars before going to Bishop’s. The Gaiters knocked off the Mount Allison Mounties in the playoffs. Linebacker Jack Gillis and receiver Steve Kemp are both in New Brunswick playing for the Mounties.

One other Eagles and St. Mother Teresa grad, Derek Giacobbi, saw his first action as a kicker for the York Lions this year.

Barrhaven native Deionte Knight of the Western Mustangs won the JP Metras Trophy as the top lineman in Canadian University football.

Brandon VandeCaveye photo

At the pro level, Riverside South native and CFL AllStar Tunde Adeleke accom-

plished a special feat. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats safety and former Carleton Raven

played in his fourth Grey Cup game in his fourth CFL season.

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