Barrhaven Independent December 8, 2023

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FRIDAY • December 8 • 2023

Santa Claus made his way to the area in November, appearing at both the Barrhaven Parade of Lights on Strandherd Road the evening of Sun., Nov. 19 and then returning for the annual Riverside South Santa Claus Parade on Spratt Road the morning of Sat., Nov. 25. Both parades had strong participation and drew large crowds. For photos on the parades, see pages 10, 14 and 15.

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Page 2 FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Ontario Soldier’ Aid Commission offers special assistance to veterans As the Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Carleton riding were wellattended and very meaningful, I was reminded of a special program for our veterans that some of them may not be aware of.

Our Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices, and we need to be there when they need us.

Veterans and their families can face many challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder, physical injury, unemployment, and homelessness.

The Soldiers’ Aid Commission is our province’s way of saying to all Ontario Veterans and their families – thank you for your service.

The Lieutenant Governor established the Soldiers’ Aid Commission in 1915 through an Order in Council to help returning

First World War Veterans and their families with problems they faced as they re-entered civilian life, such as finding work and housing.

Through the decades since its inception, the Commission has continuously supported Ontario’s Veterans and their families. Following the Second World War and the Korean War, the Commission expanded to provide supports and services to these returning Veterans and their families.

The Soldier’s Aid Commission Act, 2020 and accompanying regulations

came into force on January 1, 2021. Through these modifications, eligibility for financial assistance from the Commission was further expanded to include all Ontario Veterans and their eligible family members regardless of where and when the Veteran served.

This means that veterans who served in places like Bosnia and Afghanistan in the last 30 years are eligible for the program.

The Soldiers’ Aid Commission provides financial assistance to Ontario’s eligible Veterans and their families in financial need.

For Veterans receiving social assistance, funding from the Soldiers’ Aid Commission is in addition to other federal government programs someone may be eligible for and

any financial assistance received from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). It will not impact their eligibility for social assistance or the amount of their monthly payment.

The Commission provides financial assistance of up to $2,000 over a 12-month period per household for: - health-related items and services to support physical and mental health, such as hearing aids, glasses, prescription and dental needs - housing-related items such as repairs, moving costs, furniture, and replacement or repair of roof and furnace - assistance to secure or maintain housing - specialized equipment and assistive devices to support mobility, access-

ibility or health and safety - personal items, services, and expenses to support basic needs, such as clothing and personal care products - employment-related supports to remove barriers to employment or improve employability, such as work clothing such as work boots, short-term courses to improve employability An eligible Veteran is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has completed basic training and was released from service. Eligible family members are: - the spouse of a Veteran, including the surviving spouse of a deceased Veteran - the child of a Veteran or Veteran’s spouse who is financially dependent, including the child of a

deceased Veteran or Veteran’s spouse.

Veterans can apply through the Royal Canadian Legion or Veterans Affairs Canada.

Also, we can direct Veterans to our new, dedicated webpage — ontario.ca/ Veterans — which gives Veterans and their families an easy way to find and access supports related to housing, employment, finances, mental health, and more.

For more than 100 years, the Soldiers’ Aid Commission has supported Ontario’s Veterans and their families. In 2021, our government expanded the program to include Veterans of all ages in financial need, regardless of when or where they served.

goldie

continues on page 3

FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 Page 3

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT goldie continues from page 2 Ontario Announces Comprehensive Strategy to Boost Child Care Workforce and Protect Children

The Ontario government is launching the most significant and comprehensive Child Care Workforce Strategy in the province’s history. Supported by funding through the Canada-Ontario Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, Ontario’s plan will deliver increased wages to Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and a multipronged strategy to recruit and retain qualified educators.

The government of Ontario is also taking action to further protect the safety of children by requiring all licensed child care operators to implement a Safe Arrival and Dismissal Policy by January 1, 2024. This will ensure that when a child does not arrive at the licensed child care program or is not picked up as expected, parents will be informed in line with existing protocols within Ontario’s publicly funded schools.

This closes a gap that will protect children from exceptional and preventable

tragedies.

After extensive consultation, the province has developed a workforce strategy that responds to the issues and priorities of the sector. Starting in 2024, initiatives in the strategy include: - Increasing the starting wage for RECEs employed by child care operators enrolled in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system to $23.86/hour in 2024 from the planned $20/hour - Extending the eligibility ceiling for a $1/hour increase so more RECEs can benefit - Supporting entry into the profession and career development - Cutting red tape for employers and providing more flexibility in staffing their programs - Launching a promotional campaign to bolster awareness and value of the child care profession This wage enhancement builds on actions taken by the province through the introduction in 2022 of a new wage floor for RECEs working in settings participating in the CWELCC system which includes annual $1/

hour wage increases beginning in 2023.

The announcement builds on Ontario’s leadership having already delivered on a multitude of commitments to Ontario families under the CWELCC system, including a 50 per cent reduction on average in child care fees representing $6,000 to $10,000 in savings per child, the ongoing creation of 86,000 new licensed spaces, and support for parental choice in child care.

Investments from the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada in the child care and early years system for 2024 will total nearly $4 billion. Funding will support the implementation of previously announced fee reductions, workforce supports, and other measures. This investment represents a significant increase of $42 million over 2023 and will ensure Ontario is providing competitive starting wages for RECEs in Canada, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to further valuing and ultimately retaining this critical workforce.

The province remains

committed to ensuring the safety of Ontario’s youngest learners and the success of the CWELCC system. We will continue to work with municipalities and the sector to ensure affordable child care is available in communities where it is needed most.

As the strategy rolls out, Ontario will track and monitor the strategy’s impact on RECE recruitment and retention.

Quick Facts

- In March 2022, Ontario secured a six-year, $13.2-billion agreement with the federal government which will lower fees for families to an average of $10 a day. Ontario aims to reach that target by September 2025.

In December 2022, as part of that agreement, Ontario announced a targeted plan to create thousands of new licensed child care spaces, with a focus on increasing access to Ontario families.

- The province continues to invest $203 million per year through the Wage Enhancement Grant/Home Child Care Enhancement Grant to support higher staff wages – including RECEs working in settings that have

opted-out of CWELCC and non-RECEs. - The Ontario government has streamlined the application process for new child care operators.

When they apply for a licence, they will learn about their eligibility for CWELCC funding before investing heavily in becoming licensed. The applicants will also have to submit key municipal approvals with their application.

- There are currently more than 5,500 licensed child care centres, 145

licensed home child care agencies, and around 473,000 licensed spaces in Ontario.

Office Notice: My office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. If you require assistance on any matter, please contact me at any time.

My staff and I will be happy to assist. Even if it’s not a provincial issue, I’ll make sure to connect you with the proper office.

Goldie Your voice at Queen’s Park

Page 4 FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Report says city inappropriately endorsed Barrhaven Caivan proposal

The City of Ottawa’s Auditor General presented a report to the Audit Committee Monday, Nov. 27, outlining her findings that city staff inappropriately endorsed a proposal for the Caivan development in the southwest corner of Barrhaven.

Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon began the investigation after a tip was given to the city’s Fraud and Waste Hotline regarding Caivan’s master planned community, The Conservancy.

The land for the Conservancy sits on the Jock River floodplain. In April, 2018, it was determined that the floodplain would be reviewed and updated. Gougeon’s investigation found that the floodplain review was never completed.

The Conservancy is a 140-acre residential development community located in Barrhaven with over 3 km of river frontage, connecting to the Rideau River. The site is located in Barrhaven, south of Strandherd Drive and north of the Jock River. To the north are retail and employment areas along Strandherd Drive/ McKenna Casey Drive and residential neighbourhoods. To the east is the Barrhaven Town Centre. To the south is the Jock River and on the south side of the Jock River are residential neighbourhoods. To the west is Highway 416 and the urban boundary.

On April 25, 2018, City Council approved an official plan amendment to change the Secondary Plan designation of the specific land in this area from “commercial recreation” to “residential” to enable the development of this land for residential purposes.

A portion of this land had also been designated as Conservation as it represents a

floodplain. No development is allowed on a floodplain.

It was indicated that the City and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) would be undertaking a review of the Jock River floodplain mapping. Without council and Mayor Jim Watson knowing, the floodplain review was bypassed.

“Despite the initiation of this process in 2018, we understand that this mapping was not completed at this time because it was believed by both parties that the results would not differ from the existing mapping at the time (last updated in 2005) and this would not be appropriate value for money,” Gougeon said in her report.

Caivan initiated a cut and fill application, which involves filling a certain volume in the floodplain and then excavating volume from the floodplain.

This plan had the potential to allow development on the previously designated conservancy lands. Gougeon stated that the cut and fill application was significant – 407,000 cubic meters – the largest that the organization had ever considered.

Gougeon sated that once approved, the cut and fill essentially resulted in moving the floodplain line so that development could proceed in line with the OPA. The cut and fill was approved by the RVCA with specific conditions including the design and implementation of a monitoring plan over a 10-year period for any potential adverse conditions and erosion as a result of the cut and fill.

On March 13, 2019, a letter co-signed by Mayor Jim Watson and then General Manager, Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department (PIED) was sent

The Conservancy is a Caivan community in the south and southwestern area of Barrhaven.

to the RVCA in an effort to “reemphasize the importance of completing the Barrhaven community” and to “reinforce the Floodplain mapping update with priority”. Gougeon stated that this letter further references previous work produced by consultants on behalf of the developer.

“Such a letter attempting to convince the RVCA to proceed with an updated floodplain mapping was in misalignment with conclusions made by City staff and the RVCA based on independent analysis. Further, we understand that, despite the request for the updated floodplain mapping coming from Council, the decision to not proceed with the floodplain mapping at the time and the associated rationale was not brought back to City Council,” the report said.

Due to the significance of the cut and fill application, the application was subject to

a hearing before the RVCA’s Executive Committee in accordance with their policies for applications that cannot be approved at the staff level. The RVCA requested a letter of endorsement by the City for this cut and fill application.

In Nov. 2019, Lee Ann Snedden, who was the city’s Director of Planning, wrote to the RVCA endorsing Caivan’s application to fill in part of the flood plain with hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of soil. Her letter claimed that council supported the file, even though Gougeon’s investigation found most councillors had no knowledge of that application.

“On November 7, 2019, a letter was written by the Director of Planning Services within PIED to the RVCA confirming the City’s support for the approval of the cut and fill application. Further, the letter stated, ‘we want to reinforce the

support Council has expressed for this file….’.

“While management has indicated that the use of this Investigation of Allegations Related to Planning Activities for the statement was referring to Council’s approval of OPA 212 in 2018, the letter in question is responding to the placement of fill in sections of the Jock River floodplain. It is our understanding that most members of Council were not even aware that there was a cut and fill application being considered and still expected a floodplain mapping to be completed. The cut and fill permit was approved by RVCA’s Executive Committee on November 8, 2019.”

Recommendations

Gougeon concluded her report with three recommendations.

The first is for the general manager of the planning, real

(Caivan image)

estate and economic development department should ensure that key decisions and/or results associated with directions from City Council are communicated back to Council in a timely manner..

The second recommendation calls on the general manager of the planning, real estate and economic development department to should establish a formal policy outlining that the City does not take an advocacy or endorsement position for any developer or development as input into a thirdparty’s decision making.

The third recommendation involves cases where a consultant is hired to conduct a peer review. It calls on the general manager of the planning, real estate and economic development department to establish a formal role for City subject matter experts to ensure the impact on City infrastructure is fully evaluated.

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FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 Page 5

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven hotbed for city’s growing vehicle theft problem With Barrhaven becoming the most active area in the city for vehicle thefts, the Ottawa Police are reminding residents to remain vigilant, stay safe, and safeguard their vehicles.

More than 1200 thefts of various vehicles have been reported to police this year, in several different neighbourhoods across Ottawa. This month, there have been 85 vehicle theft reports filed.

Barrhaven has had 262 stolen vehicles in 2023, followed by Orleans (205), Hintonberg/Glebe (199), Hunt Club (180), Vanier (176), and Stittsville (104).

The Ottawa Police continues to work with municipal, provincial and federal governments and partners to disrupt these criminal organizations.

To counter this growing crime trend, Ottawa Police experts have trained patrol

officers on the current trends, and the technologies and methods needed to intercept thefts in progress before they leave the city.

The Ottawa Police frontline patrol has made more than 80 arrests this year, and 315 stolen vehicles have been recovered. District investigators have been successful in their prosecutions and will continue to hold offenders accountable in the court of law.

Thefts of late model luxury SUVs and light trucks continue in Ottawa however, the vehicle theft trend is not limited to Lexus/Toyota products.

Newer models of the Rav4 , Honda CRV, Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as Ford F-Series trucks (higher trim level) and all makes and models of vehicles that are equipped with a proximity key (i.e., pushbutton start), have also

been targeted by thieves.

Vehicle thefts have also increased in the province of Quebec and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Public Safety Warning

Recently, Ottawa thieves have been arrested with weapons in their possession, to intimidate vehicle owners who catch them in the act. Items like a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) known as a taser, pepper spray, crow bars have been seized.

If you see someone attempting to steal your car, please call 911. For your own safety, DO NOT engage the thief. Further to that, if you have the ability to track your vehicle once it has been stolen, do not follow the vehicle.

Please call 911 and advise the operator that you have a tracking device on the vehicle.

Vehicle owners are

encouraged to consider the following prevention methods: - Park inside a garage if available (in Ottawa to date, no vehicles have been stolen from inside a garage); - Block your vehicle in tightly in front of a second less sought after vehicle or a barricade; - If you do not have a garage or second vehicle, one of the most reliable techniques is to install an after-market vehicle immobilizer and alarm; - Use a steering wheel lock (i.e. “Club”) to deter thieves (keep in mind they can cut the steering wheel to remove it); it works best when combined with a secondary anti-theft device that may not be as visible to the thief; - Install after-market tracking devices, GPS or air tag trackers – many of these have the ability to “fence in your car” notify-

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ing the owner’s phone if the vehicle leaves the established perimeter; - If you use tracking devices, be mindful that the thief may also be able to detect that the vehicle is being tracked. Ensure they are well hidden in a less obvious location.

- If you find a tracking device in your vehicle or receive a message on your phone that you are being tracked, please call police, as this is one means that thieves use to find a targeted vehicle. They typically return under the cover of darkness to steal it; - Install an Engine Control Module (ECM) portlock; - Install motion detection lights and exterior surveillance cameras at home as these can act as a deterrent; - Keep in mind that thieves have returned to steal the replacement

vehicle when a vehicle has been stolen, so remain vigilant; - Neighbourhood watch is still the best defense – so please report any suspicious activity immediately to police at 613-236-1222.

Call 911 to report a crime in progress.

When parking your vehicle at shopping malls or sporting events, for example, always lock your doors and activate any security features.

Thieves scout these areas and will steal vehicles day or night.

For more information, visit ottawapolice.ca We ask the public to please report any suspicious activity immediately to police at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 or for a crime in progress, call 911.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

Page 6 FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

INDEPENDENT Editorial

Ontario’s Beer Stores in need of a 21st century makeover The Ford government is once again considering the end of Ontario’s Beer Stores. According to the Toronto Star, there is no intention of renewing the 10year Master Framework Agreement, which imposes stringent restrictions on the sale of beer in Ontario venues other than the designated retailer.

The Ford government has less than a month to commit to a new contract or not. The current agreement expires in 2025. However, it’s high time for Ontario to move on from this archaic business model that has been around for far too long.

Founded in 1927, The Beer Stores in Ontario are thought to be the sole foreign-owned oligopoly controlling the retail sale of beer in Canada’s food industry. This is quite peculiar when you consider it. The Beer Stores operate 420 stores throughout the province, have eight distribution centres, and employ almost 7,000 people.

This chain is primarily owned by Molson, Labatt, and Sleeman, with a few smaller breweries owning stakes in the chain. In fact, many Ontarians believe that Beer Stores are government-owned because that’s the impression they often get when visiting one of them. Going to a Beer Store in Ontario feels as mundane as buying bread in Europe during the Great War – devoid of personality or excitement and downright boring.

The Beer Store chain doesn’t have to be eliminated. For one, in the current flawed system, only the Beer Store can sell some discounted cases. Eliminating this restriction would have a significant impact on competition and create a more level playing field. It would give more options to consumers. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to redecorate stores and make them more inviting. Right now, some of them just look like a prettied-up warehouse.

Ontarians have also enjoyed the luxury of returning bottles to the same place of purchase. Perhaps, beyond 2025, Beer Stores could also play a role by continuing to accept beer bottles while the province figures out a different method to preserve the necessary green logistics to support a recycling strategy. Again, other provinces have figured out different systems. Surely, Ontario can come up with a new plan.

Changes are long overdue because of the countless small, local microbrewers who struggle to secure any shelf space at the Beer Store due to the dominance of a retail distribution oligopoly. These microbrewers need recognition and support so that market access in their own province is not an issue. It’s a straightforward decision that would benefit both consumers and those who foster job creation.

But ultimately, this outdated model has become obsolete and hinders the free and competitive beer market. For consumers in Ontario, it’s time to modernize and open the beer market in Ontario. Free the beer!

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. © Troy Media

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Paper straws really suck… barely

Do you remember the first time you were es?”

“Not that I know of, sir.” exposed to the now common paper straw?

“Okay, just one root beer with a paper For me, it was at the drive-thru at A&W.from Maybe I am a bit cliché, but I love to have straw to go with my meal.” the other an ice cold root beer to go with my sodium“Please drive around.” licious cheese burger and mammoth salty I got my lunch, found a parking spot, onion rings. put on Kenny Chesney’s I know that sounds a little venNo Shoes Radio on Siromous, but I don’t care how salty ius XM, and at my Mozza or sodiumy they are. I love A&W Burger and onion rings. burgers and especially their onion After a few bites, it was rings. time to sip on my root It’s a very predictable loop beer. from the big board to the speaker to the I put my lips to the paper straw and had screen. What am I going to get? a sip.

Why do I bother looking?

The straw did not really destroy the taste I get the same thing every single time. of the best root beer in the world, but the I scan the board up and down a few times texture of the straw on my mouth really over. Then I order a Mozza Burger with on- threw me off. It’s been a couple of years of ion rings and a large root beer. paper straws served with lunch, and I still “We don’t have large root beer, only can’t get past it. regular,” comes the voice through the I took my time nursing my regular size speaker. root beer that was not big enough. The straw “Why?” is always my reply. “Don’t seemed to be softening and it was harder to you know that everyone wants a large root get the root beer through. beer?”

‘This is nasty,’ I thought. ‘How can they Then I realize that the teenager wearing ruin my root beer with the stupid paper the head set whose voice is coming through straw? Why not just give me a plastic straw the speaker does not make those decisions. and if it kills a sea turtle, well, maybe that So I try a different method of making my will be collateral damage.’ point.

Then I thought about what I just thought.

“Um excuse me,” I ask after finally de- What kind of an awful person am I? I can’t ciding on the Mozza Burger and onion rings kill a sea turtle just because I think paper with a regular root beer. “Is this order being straws are inefficient and somewhat dismonitored for customer service purposes?” gusting.

“What?”

‘What if my straw kills a dolphin?’ I “You know, is someone at head office thought. ‘I like dolphins more than sea listening to us?” turtles. And if you kill a dolphin, it might “I don’t know,” came the reply. “Not that end up in the nets with the tuna, and then I know of.” you are getting some dolphin in your can of “Okay, I thought maybe if they were tuna, all because I would have been so selfthey could start selling large root beer.” ish to use a plastic straw.’

“You can always buy two root beers,” And then I wondered if the dolphin is came the voice on the speaker. caught in the tuna net and choking on a “I can’t do that,” I said sarcastically. plastic straw, which was probably mine, “One, it’s not the same. Two, that would would the sea turtle swim by and make fun mean I would get two straws, and when of him? they end up in the ocean I would probably ‘I’ve got to stop thinking about this stuff,’ kill two sea turtles instead of one sea tur- I told myself. ‘I want to listen to Kenny tle.”

Chesney. I don’t want to listen to me.’

“Sir,” the teenager replied. “We don’t As my drink went on, the taste of disinteuse plastic straws anymore.” grating paper was competing with the deli“You don’t?” cious flavour of my root beer. Finally, I just “No sir, we have paper straws now. We gave up and tossed the lid –and straw into just started this month.” the bag and drank out of the cup. The lid is I thought about it for a minute, and then plastic by way, and the round shape could I became confused. How on earth could probably get caught in the larynx of a seal. paper straws be a good thing. In rockAlright I just made that up, but it could. paper-scissors, soft drink beats paper every Or could it? I don’t even know what a single time. larynx is, and I am not sure if seals even “Who’s the ham and egger who came up have them. with that stupid idea?” I asked.

Surely there is a better option than paper “Who’s the what?” out there. It was a good try, but definitely a “Oh yeah, I’m at A&W. Who’s the bacon failed bit. and egger who came up with that?”

As I drove away from A&W, and my “Who’s the what?” mouth still tasted funny from my first paper I paused for a minute. straw experience, I could only think of one “Are you sure this transaction is not be- thing. ing recorded for customer service purpos‘I should have ordered two.’

side

FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 Page 7

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Winter parking restrictions help snowplows, emergency vehicles

New one-side winter street parking restrictions are now in effect on 15 streets across the ward, in addition to several streets with existing restrictions.

Streets new for the 20232024 winter are Cicely, Collington (partial), Coralroot, Deercroft, Gentian, Hornchurch, Montana (partial), Redcliff, Rodeo, Springbeauty, Sweetflag, Twayblade, Via Mattino, Via San Marino, Watershield.

These restrictions are effective until 31 March 2024, after which staff will re-evaluate and amend, as necessary.

The implementation of winter parking restrictions is usually at the request of snow clearing crews based on past operational challenges in the area. There are resident requests sometimes, but those require consultation with staff. In the above list, only Via San Marino ori-

East Barrhaven Ward Report Wilson Lo, Councillor

ginated as a resident request.

Where snowplow crews become unable to pass, their progress along the remainder of their route becomes negatively affected.

Where Para Transpo vehicles can’t pass, it affects the ability of a person requiring the service to use it, potentially missing medical appointments.

Where firetrucks and ambulances can’t pass, it can become a life-or-death situation.

Though By-Law Services make the effort to visit as many streets as possible during a parking ban, it relies on service requests from residents due to the number of streets in the city and the

need to respond to other unrelated calls.

Posting the new restriction will deter most vehicles from parking on that side, reducing the need for ByLaw Services to respond, but also allow them to enforce parking restrictions outside parking bans, contributing to fewer calls during those parking bans.

Crews can’t plow right up to the curb, they need leeway to account for bumps in the road, equipment shifting, and human error to minimise property damage, and to account for the size/shape of the equipment.

The accumulated snowbanks also become too heavy for a plow to push back without affecting its ability to service the rest of the route in a timely manner. Last winter, snow removal was to happen on several streets across the ward much earlier. Unfortunately, there were repeated

operational delays or cancellations due to major snowfalls over successive weeks in January and February.

Crews preparing for snow removal were redeployed (in two cases on short notice) for snow clearing.

Public works also tried casting snowbanks further instead of removing them, but the weight of the material thrown posed too great a risk of damage to private property. The strategy, however, was successful along major roads and streets with little frontage.

By now, you’re thinking “wow, how many more excuses are there?” It’s a fair comment, but it originates institutionally.

Approved in 2003, but not updated since, the winter maintenance quality standards prescribe the snow clearing and removal standards. We are currently updating the standards, ex-

Parking restrictions are needed in Barrhaven for snow plows and emergency vehicles.

(Barrhaven Independent file photo)

pected to be complete for implementation over the 202425 and 2025-26 winters.

As background, city staff currently budget a winter’s operational budget based on data averaged over the last five years, including accumulation, temperature, length of snowfall, and snowbank accumulation, and on the current winter maintenance quality stan-

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The new standards will include looking at changing the staffing of crews, the equipment used, and contracted by the city, among other things, especially as our winters become milder and wetter with more freezethaw cycles.

Staff will present the update to committee and Council mid-2024.

Page 8 FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Massive bus route changes coming to Barrhaven next spring

By Charlie Senack

Sweeping changes are coming to Barrhaven’s public transit system that aim to reduce travel time for commuters while providing better connection routes.

A report presented to the city’s transit committee on Nov. 14 showcased a draft of the new proposed route changes. They won’t be implemented until the LRT Trillium Line is launched in spring 2024 — at the earliest.

The drastic overhaul of Ottawa’s transit system, the biggest seen in over a decade, is expected to save OC Transpo $10 million. It will all amount to about 75,000 fewer hours of service across the city.

Barrhaven east councillor Wilson Lo, who used to work as a bus operator and then in communications at OC Transpo, said he is mostly pleased with the proposed route changes.

He said they are needed after commuters travel pat-

terns changed following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As much as we want to go everywhere for everyone, there is a balance in how much that service costs,” Lo told the Barrhaven Independent. “I’m happy with what they’ve focused on, like how to get to Carleton [and] how to bring more service to the Citigate shopping area where Costco is.”

What are the changes?

Connexion Routes 270, 271, 272, 273, 278 will all be removed.

Route 73 will be expanded from Tunney’s Pasture to the future LRT station at Limebank via Leikin. This will mean residents in communities along Cresthaven and Leikin will gain a full-time transit connection to Fallowfield Station. Route 74 will remain unchanged, but will now also head to Limebank.

Route 110 from Kanata will travel down Strandherd instead of Fallowfield,

Big changes are coming to the OC Transpo bus routes in Barrhaven in the spring.

then take Chapman Mills and Earl Armstrong, before heading to Limebank Station. It will replace part of route 99.

A new all-day Route 117 will go from Citigate to Limebank, replacing part of Route 171. Route 119 —

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173 will take commuters from Citigate to Fallowfield Station while traveling down Kennevale, Sherway and Foxfield. A new Connexion Route 275 will bus from Halfmoon Bay to Tunney’s Pasture, replacing the current Route 175.

Route 75 service to Gatineau will be replaced by new connecting Route 13 from Tunney’s Pasture, and limited service on Route 199 will be removed.

changes

continues on page 9

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Route 170 has been revised and will drive from Citigate to Fallowfield Station via Jockvale and Laming Street. A revised Route

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT changes continues from page 8 Route concerns

Lo said he has concerns with a lack of daytime service west of Woodroffe and north of Longfields, including for students at St. Mother Teresa High School. He believes there are poor connections to Baseline Station at Algonquin College, and thinks there is likely a need to retain some express services to Tunney’s Pasture until Phase 2 of the Confederation Line opens.

One of the biggest negative impacts for Barrhaven residents under the route change proposal is with the lack of connections between communities in Old Barrhaven and Marketplace. This will cause headaches for commuters who live near Sherway and Larkin.

Lo said combining the proposed 173 and 117 routes could solve some of the problems.

“You can add a two or three minute drive to bring service back to Mountshannon,” he said. “There are some locations where the travel time is still long, in fact it’s gotten longer to get to the LRT. Residents along tartan have noted that the 273 is being canceled, and their alternate route takes them across all of Barrhaven to Line 2. That trip on its own is not a short trip. There are a lot of new counties in Barrhaven south that are still not getting service.”

Residents in Stonebridge will also lose access to their all day service. Lo said he’s working with Barrhaven West councillor David Hill’s office to try and fix some of the gaps. A virtual town hall will be held by the two local representatives on Nov. 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

In his weekly newsletter,

Hill said he’s also in support of the local bus route changes.

“The main system change is that the local routes will now operate at a more regular frequency within Barrhaven,” he said. “Commuters will now need to transfer at Fallowfield.

In many cases this will add a transfer to most downtown commutes, however, there will be more frequent local routes so the total commute times should allow for more flexibility.”

Hill said he’s also advocating for more express buses from Fallowfield to Tunney’s to reduce overall travel times.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe released a four minute video to YouTube where he talked about the need for a reinvisioned transit system in the city. He said more money is being put into Ottawa’s public transit than ever before.

“With this new light rail line and changing demand in other areas, OC Transpo will reallocate some of its resources and eliminate redundancies. There will be more buses with higher demand and fewer in areas with less demand,” Sutcliffe said. “We know that passengers want more reliable and consistent service… You don’t want to see buses that are empty or almost empty on routes that are underused.”

The Phase 2 Trillium Line is slated to open in Spring 2024, but no date has been given yet. It will take trains from Bayview Station where it connects with Line 1 to Limebank Road in Riverside South. It will provide an easy connection route for Carleton University students while also creating easier access to South Keys, where an extension will

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Shelving plans for Phase 3

Barrhaven East Councillor Lo said he’d ultimately like to see Phase 3 LRT reach Barrhaven one day, but not anytime soon.

The extension from Baseline Station to Marketplace Station in Barrhaven currently sits at a price tag of $4 billion — $6.5 billion for the entire project, including to Kanata and Stitsville.

“I think it’s just one of those projects we shelve indefinitely for now,” Lo said, noting that he’d like to see more investments made in bus rapid transit [BRT].

“The road and stations are there. We can probably improve the corridor between the Nepean Sportsplex and Baseline Station a lot. If you bring the service there, bring the ridership there, maybe we will have a better business case in 10 years time to truly reconsider LRT Stage 3.”

René Amilcar, general manager of OC Transpo, seems to agree, saying investment now should be put into bus rapid transit. Lo said all transit projects across Ottawa could be funded for much less than the Phase 3 price tag.

But Mayor Sutcliffe isn’t convinced. In a previous interview with the Barrhaven Independent, he said taxpayers deserve a fully funded system.

“I think one day when the problems with Phase 1 are fixed, we will have the reliable and safe service that the residents of Ottawa expect and deserve, and the service that they paid for,” Sutcliffe said. “[Barrhaven] residents have been

Barrhaven East Councillor Wilson Lo, who used to work as a bus operator and then in communications at OC Transpo, said he is mostly pleased with the proposed route changes.

paying for light rail along with everyone else for 10 years.

We have time to talk about the funding model for that.”

During a Sept. 18 technical briefing, city staff did not make a supportive case for a Phase 3 project, saying it would cost an estimated $64 million per year to operate. It would bring only an estimated two per cent increase in ridership, increasing funds by $5 million annually.

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Hallmark crew in Riverside South to film another Christmas movie ‘Puppies Everywhere, All the Time’ is the working title of the Hallmark movie that is currently being shot in Manotick and Riverside South. It comes on the heels of Hallmark’s Candy Cane Christmas, which was shot in the village before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new flick has been shot at various spots in the village, as well as at Claudette Cain Park in Riverside South next to the Vimy Bridge.

According to Ottawa Film Commissioner Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, there have been nine Christmas movies shot in Ottawa. The movies are A Royal Christmas Crush, Christmas by Design [2022], Catch me if you Claus, Laughing all the Way, A Christmas Serenade, Yes, Chef! Christmas, An Ice Palace Romance, The Christmas Detective, and Christmas Revisited.

The movies appear primarily on the Hallmark Channel, OWN and Lifetime. Pachels de Saint Sardos said that 26 live-action feature-length films and nine television series have been locally-shot in 2023 to-date.

Riverside South-Findlay Creek Councillor Steve Desroches posted pictures of the production trucks at Claudette Cain Park on the X platform.

“Neat to see film production underway at Claudette Cain Park in Riverside South,” he wrote. “(I love the) working name ‘Pup-

Crews were at Claudette Cain Park in Riverside South filming scenes for the upcoming Hallmark movie, Puppies Everywhere, All the Time.

(X photo/Steve Desroches)

pies Everywhere, All the Time’ - so important for economic development and why draft 2024 city budget bolsters funding to attract more local film action Super de voir!”

With the sound stage project just north of Barrhaven, the expectation is that more movies will be shot in the region in the future.

While one would assume that the snowy winters would be the draw to attract film producers to Ottawa, the majority of Christmas movies that are filmed here happen in the spring, summer, and early fall. Ottawa’s main advantage in attracting Christmas movies, in addition to provincial and federal tax incentives and skilled crew and talent, are its locations.

Historic buildings, roman-

tic courtyards, charming small towns like Manotick and Almonte, and an assortment of film-friendly businesses all contribute to Ottawa’s growing reputation as a desirable filming destination. Last spring, film crews were in Richmond for several weeks.

When Candy Cane Christmas was filmed in Manotick, businesses in the village were asked to keep their Christmas decorations and lights up after Christmas, as filming took place primarily in January and February.

Made-for-TV Christmas movies are an important contributor to Ottawa’s screen-based production industry, generating millions of dollars for the local economy and employing hundreds of residents, while showcasing the capital re-

gion’s stunning locations to audiences worldwide.

Pachels de Saint Sardos commented in a CTV News interview that the recent strike in the film and television industry was disruptive, but said the num-

bers are not as bad as the numbers in 2022. She said in 2023, they went up from $42 million to $57 million locally in live action and animation. Those numbers represent dollars coming into the city, helping Ot-

tawa’s economic development.

“Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is a great advocate,” Pachels de Saint Sardos told CTV News. “I am very grateful that the City of Ottawa is supporting us.”

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Spiritual leaders 7. Salt 13. Fortified wine 14. Edible mollusk 16. It begins with them 17. A way to compare 19. Governmentt lawyer 20. Back parts 22. 8th month (abbr.)

23. Very willing 25. __ ex machina 26. Satisfies 28. Quebec river 29. A doctrine 30. Popular pickup truck 31. Dekagram 33. Naturally occurring solid material 34. Company officer 36. Villains 38. Cricket frogs 40. German founder of psychology 41. Endured 43. A female domestic 44. A “place” to avoid 45. Cigarette (slang) 47. Canadian politician Josephine 48. French ballet/ acting dynasty 51. Employee stock ownership plan

53. Belonging to the bottom 55. Sound 56. Yankees’ slugger Judge 58. Dickens character 59. More wise 60. Flash memory card 61. Exposing human vice or folly to ridicule 64. Atomic #79 65. Longtime Braves pitcher Julio 67. Humor 69. Shawl 70. Preliminary assessment of patients CLUES DOWN 1. Animal disease 2. Commercial 3. Craft supply 4. Storage units 5. Investment vehicle 6. Colorado Heisman winner 7. In a way, sank 8. Post-birth brain damage (abbr.)

9. Lay about 10. Intestinal 11. The opposite of yes 12. Caused to be loved 13. Messianic in Islamic eschatology

15. Showing since conviction 18. Not safe 21. The number above the line in a fraction 24. Yard invader 26. Pouch 27. Swedish krona 30. Start anew 32. While white or yellow flower 35. Fourteen 37. Graphical user interface 38. Up-to-date on the news 39. Campaigns 42. Touch softly 43. “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen 46. Violent seizure of property 47. One who supports the Pope 49. Anxiety 50. Body fluid 52. Phony person 54. Title of respect 55. Chilean city 57. City in central Japan 59. Silk garment 62. Draw from 63. Automobile 66. Man 68. Legal bigwig (abbr.)

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FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 Page 13

Page 14 FRIDAY, December 8, 2023 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Page 18 FRIDAY, DecembeR 2, 2022

mANOTIcK meSSeNGeR

8 easy holiday centerpiece ideas The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year.

The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention, with a Christmas tree or menorah taking a prominent position in the front window. Garlands, candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, attention also should

be given to the dining table - which can benefit from a festive centerpiece.

Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition. Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table.

1. Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to venture into a forest or park that is rich with evergreen trees.

Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs.

Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a

little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.

2. Holiday thanks: Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they’re thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the

curlicues into a decorative 5. Glass baubles: Who than the kitchen. Lemons, bowl in the center of the says ornaments should be artichokes, pears, or pomtable. Later in the evening, exclusive to the tree? A egranates look festive in the host or hostess can read crystal or glass cake stand a bowl interspersed with some of the sentiments. can be transformed into an some greenery and baby’s 3. Magical forest: Use icy delight when topped breath. green and silver conical with silver and clear glass 8. Cornucopia: The horn party hats to turn a table or ornaments. of plenty can be customized sideboard into a veritable 6. Birch wood: The crisp to any holiday. Purchase a evergreen forest. Arrange white coloring of birch horn in wicker or woven them on a blanket of faux bark is right at home with grapevine and fill with snow or white confetti. holiday decor. Go stark flowers, fruit and greenery, 4. Freshly cut: Select at- with pieces of the cut wood or even painted gourds or tractive flowers in vibrant in varying heights inter- miniature pumpkins. holiday hues from a flor- mingled with white candles Holiday hosts and hostist or even the supermar- that mimic the shapes and esses should not neglect ket floral section. Cut the scale of the wood. the dining table when they stems and place them into 7. Fruit and vegetables: decorate. Festive centeran unusual display contain- If guests are coming over pieces can be handmade er, such as holiday themed and the race is on for a fast without much effort on the mugs or aROGERS punch bowl.STEVENS centerpiece, lookNorth no further part 613-489-2278 of hosts.

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