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FRIDAY • February 19 • 2021
Tsega found guilty of manslaughter again in Michael Swan retrial By Jeff Morris and Charlie Senack
Sam Tsega has been found guilty of manslaughter for the second time for his role in the 2010 killing of Michael Swan, a 19-yearold teen from Barrhaven. And once again, Tsega is out on bail, living about a half mile away from the victim’s family in Barrhaven. Tsega has been living with his mother at her home since June, 2017, when he won his first appeal. Dale Swan, the victim’s father, told the Independent three years ago that it was “a slap in the face that (Tsega) is right here, living in the community that close to us.” Swan said having Tsega in the neighbourhood is a constant reminder of what happened to his son. Tsega, who was also 19 at the time of the murder, was granted a second trial
in February 2019 after a ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal. While Tsega was not with the three intruders at the time of the home invasion, he plotted the break and enter which led to Swan’s death. “We were happy and probably more relieved at the outcome,” said Dale Swan, the father of the victim. “Nothing has changed. Early on the morning of Feb. 22, 2010, three masked men broke into Swan’s home on Moodie Drive, just north of Bankfield/Brophy Rd. They demanded information about a stash of marijuana and cash, then ordered the Barrhaven teen to the ground. Swan was shot and killed, execution style, in front of his girlfriend and another friend. The trial first entered the Elgin Street Courthouse in 2017, seven years after the killing. Tsega was sentenced
to nine years in prison and the three other men from Toronto were convicted for murder. The crown wanted to sentence Tsega to 14-16 years behind bars; meanwhile his attorney, Mark Erel, had requested a 6-8 year sentence. “If Tsega would have just served his sentence, there is a chance he would be free,” Dale Sawn said. “Had he done his time, he would be eligible for parole by now.” Kristopher McLellan, one of the three men who admitted to pulling the trigger which killed Swan, was convicted of first-degree murder. His accomplice, Dylon Barnett, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentences to life with no chance of parole for 12 years. Kyle Mullen, who was also an accomplice, was initially convicted of second-
degree murder, but won a second trial after the appeal court ruled the trial judge made “serious” errors in the case. Mullen pleaded guilty to a lesser offence of manslaughter and was able to walk free in September 2019 due to time already served. In Tsega’s case, the court heard how the young man had no previous criminal record and volunteered in his spare time. They also heard how Tsega played varsity lacrosse and held down a job despite having a brain injury which caused learning problems. While in his third year of business studies at Carleton University, Tsega was kicked off the Ravens lacrosse team and suspended from his studies. He is not allowed on campus at Carleton.
Michael Swan, a former Double-A hockey player, was killed in his home 11 years ago this week.
swan
continues on page 2
Barrhaven Independent file photo
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Page 2 FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT swan continues from page 1 Justice Catherine Aitken said, at the time, that Tsega was “highly responsible and blameworthy” for Swan’s death, even though he wasn’t the one to pull the trigger and wasn’t with the intruders at the time of the murder. “It was about just what we thought it would end up being,” said Dale Swan, Michaels father, after the 2017 trial. “It will never bring my son back”, echoed Michaels mother, Rea. “Every day I have to wake up knowing that I’m never going to see him again.” In an empty courtroom on January 29, 2021, Superior Court Justice Sally Gomery read her longawaited decision of convicting Tsega of manslaughter for the second time. The courtroom was near empty due to COVID-19 restrictions and technical issues messed with the online hearing. Family and friends of
Swan waited for the verdict in a “virtual” courtroom, however couldn’t see the proceedings take place due to a blank screen on the Zoom call and an audio feed which was muted through the judge’s verdict which was lengthy. Dale Swan was not happy with how the judge handled the sentencing. “I was happy with the verdict, but disappointed that we had to sit on pins and needles for two hours.” Swan said that usually, the verdict will be read and then an explanation of the details will be given. Superior Court Justice Gomery, however, talked about the case for two hours before announcing that Tsega was guilty. “At times, it was looking like she was going to find Tsega not guilty,” Swan said. “The Crown was taking notes and I was wondering if they were planning to appeal, and then it looked like he was guilty, and his
Michael Swan poses for a photo with his dogs in 2010.
lawyer started taking notes.” Swan said he could not handle the stress, and had to leave the courtroom. “I couldn’t take it anymore,” he said. “The judge
put us through this needlessly. I’m not sure she realized what we were going through. “I was worried about what would happen if he
File photo
was acquitted. Would the crown appeal? I didn’t know what we would do. I couldn’t have sat in the court room and watched the man that was responsible
for the events that led to my son’s murder get off after 11 years.” Tsega’s sentencing hearing is expected to take place later in the spring.
FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 Page 3
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
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Page 4 FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Gill, Ronald enter not guilty plea as murder retrial begins By Charlie Senack Gurpreet Ronald and Bhupinderpal Gill have pleaded not guilty to first degree murder charges in the death of Jagtar Gill. Jagtar Gill was Bhupinderpal Gill’s wife. Jagtar, a mother of three, was found dead in her Barrhaven home on Jan. 29, 2014, the same day as her 17th wedding anniversary. The 43-year-old was stabbed in the stomach, her throat and wrist slashed, and hit with a metal weightlifting bar numerous times. Gurpreet and Bhupinderpal were each convicted of first-degree murder in 2016 after a highly publicized Superior Court trial. The courtroom erupted in applause; Jagtar Gill’s family broke down in tears. An appeal court however ruled the trial judge made a “legal error” when instructing the jury and ordered a new trial which got underway this week (February 8, 2021). During the 2016 trial the crown argued that Gurpreet Ronald and Bhupinderpal Gill “were in love and dreamed of being together” when they plotted and carried out the murder of Jagtar Gill. During today’s opening statements, assistant crown attorney Jason Neubauer said “I anticipate you’ll hear evidence that Mr. Gill and Ms. Ronald’s determination to be together and their hatred of Jagtar tracks back to more than a year and a half before Jagtar’s death.”
Neubauer also said Bhupinderpal Gill “hated his wife” and “didn’t view divorce as an option”, revelations that are expected to come out during the trial. Neubauer also added that a consultant was hired by the two former OC Transpo employees in 2012 to see how they could be together because Bhupinderpal “would do anything to get rid of his wife.” The crown alleges that the two lovers made the decision together to kill Jagtar, saying the pair spoke with each other more than 250 times in the 28 days before the murder, totalling than 48 hours of phone conversation. “The allegation is that Mr. Gill made sure Jagtar was alone, at which point Ms. Ronald went to the Gill home, went inside and killed Jagtar,” Neubauer told the court Monday. “In the aftermath of the killing both Mr. Gill and Ms. Ronald attempted to destroy and discard the blood-stained weapons used and the gloves worn during the killing.” When Jagtar was killed on that cold January day, Bhupinderpal was out shopping with one of his children, making contact with Gurpreet during the two-hour outing. The two then met in the former Sobey’s parking lot on Greenbank Road. After returning home, the Gill family’s daughter was the one who found her mother’s deceased body. 911 was called and Police arrived on scene less than five minutes later.
Bhupinderpal has admitted to picking up two knives covered in blood that were on the floor in his home, said the crown. He washed the blood off them and left the now clean knives in the kitchen sink. Bhupinderpal also retrieved a weightlifting bar that was covered in his wife’s blood and hid in a box of decorations in the basement of their Barrhaven home. Police found the bar after a search of the home, seized it as evidence, then replaced it with a replica. The Crown told the court evidence will be shown during the trial that will show Bhupinderpal retrieving the replicated bar and driving it to a wooded area on Cedarview Road, where it was tossed into a bush. When Police spoke with Gurpreet, they noticed she had a band aid on her finger. When asked what happened, she said she “cut herself with a kitchen knife while cutting potatoes.” The Crown, however, said drops of Ronald’s blood were found at the crime scene on the carpet, at the base of the kitchen sink faucet, in the upstairs hallway floor, baseboard and in the master closet and ensuite area. It was also found on a torn piece of a blue latex glove that was found near Jagtar’s body. The crown also says while under police surveillance, they saw Gurpreet drive from Bhupinderpal’s temporary home to an NCC trail park of lot where she
got out of the vehicle and walked a distance, some of what was out of view of the officers who were monitoring her. An NCC employee who discovered a large kitchen knife and blue latex glove that was missing a finger along the trail will testify during the trial. When seized by the police, traces of Jagtar’s blood was found on the knife. About 30 witnesses are expected to be called up during the 10-week trial, according to the Crown.
Jagtar Gill was killed in her home seven years ago.
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Orange is golden for local businesses as they open their doors By Jeff Morris
ent. “We performed an audit and only four Barrhaven businesses have closed during the pandemic,” Steenbakkers said. The audit included only physical business locations in locations where property taxes were paid, which is the business criteria for being members of the BIA. While only four businesses closed, Steenbakers said that between 15 and 20 new businesses have opened during the pandemic. Another topic of discussion among Barrhaven business owners centered around the small business grants recently offered by the provincial government. Several Barrhaven business owners applied for the grants of between $10,000 and $20,000, though almost all are still waiting for funding from the province. The Barrhaven BIA and the other BIAs in the city are partnering with the Ottawa Board of Trade to present a business re-opening workshop Feb. 18. The virtual workshop will provide business owners with things they will need to know about the re-opening of their businesses. The Ottawa Coalition of BIAs, the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Public Health are also planning a webinar on mental health for small business owners. A date for this webinar is not yet available, but it will focus on giving small business owners the tools to cope with the stresses that they have had to deal with during the COVID-19 pandemic. Business owners wanting more information on the services and programs offered by the BIA can visit barrhavenbia.ca.
Social gatherings can have deadly consequences.
Stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at ontario.ca/covid-19 Paid for by the Government of Ontario
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Barrhaven businesses are welcoming their customers back into their brick and mortar locations. On Tuesday at 12:01 a.m., the majority of businesses with the City of Ottawa were able to re-open as Ottawa enters the “orange” zone. Barrhaven BIA Executive Director Andrea Steenbakkers hosted a Zoom call with Barrhaven business owners Wednesday morning to discuss the re-opening, as well as other issues business owners are facing. “The provincial stayat-home order is being extended for one week until February 16th in most parts of the province, including Ottawa, after which point the city will be permitted to reopen businesses with restrictions,” said Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod in an email. “The specific level of restrictions for Ottawa will be determined next week to outline what is allowed to reopen on the 16th.” Steenbakkers and the BIA have hosted weekly Zoom calls for Barrhaven businesses since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have provided valuable information and resources to local businesses as they redefine themselves under the new parameters brought forth by the restrictions. “Orange is what we were in before Christmas,” Steenbakkers said. She added that the province is reserving the right to, at any time, retract the colour level or impose another lockdown depending on what is going on with COVID-19 cases. According to the province, areas are in the or-
ange zone when they have 25-40 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. When an area moves beyond 40 cases per 100,000 people, it enters the red zone. Indoor retail stores can re-open as long as capacity limits allow for two metres of physical distancing within their space. Indoor dining can re-open as long as capacity levels allow for table to be two metres apart. Hair and nail salons will also be able to re-open. Recreational facilities and gyms can also re-open with specific restrictions. “As long as things stay in orange, the messaging is that they do not want to close things again,” Steenbakkers said. “Personal gatherings are still sort of the fly in the ointment. People still need to be diligent about wearing masks inside, and social distancing in small members, and sticking to members of your own household.” On Monday (Feb. 8), Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed the media regarding business re-openings. “Our number one priority will always be protecting the health and safety of all individuals, families and workers across the province,” said Premier Ford. “But we must also consider the severe impact COVID-19 is having on our businesses. That’s why we have been listening to business owners, and we are strengthening and adjusting the Framework to allow more businesses to safely reopen and get people back to work.” Only four businesses closed While the pandemic has been devastating to small businesses everywhere, the Barrhaven business community has been more resili-
Page 6 FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT Editorial
Shop local, read local
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary as your community newspaper this year, we want to say thanks for everyone who voted for us in the recent Faces Magazine Awards as the top publisher in the city. Congratulations to all local businesses who won awards and were nominated. The local business community has shown fortitude and resilience over the last year, and the support shown to them by residents has been incredible. The Barrhaven Independent is also a locally-owned small business. We are more than a newspaper. We are part of the community. We provide a service to the community that delivers hyper-local news and content in one of the best and most respected community newspapers in the province. We do this on a number of platforms, including Facebook and Issuu.com, and we will soon be relaunching our website and Barrhaven Independent podcast. While what you read in print and online is our product, our business is advertising. Simply put, our business is letting people know about your business. The support of local businesses is crucial to the survival of the newspaper. Having said that, if you are an avid reader and fan of the newspaper, please make a conscious effort to support the businesses that advertise with us. To the business community, we want to say thank you for supporting us. By advertising with the Barrhaven Independent, you are getting your message into the hands of Barrhaven residents. We also produce our newspaper electronically, and it can be found on issuu.com. We have a new feature on our online publication starting with this issue. If you read the Barrhaven Independent online on issuu.com, you can click on any ad on any page of the newspaper, and you will be taken directly to the website of that business. Our printed product can drive traffic to your website, and online, you’re just a click away. In this day of online shopping and curbside pick-up, what we can do is get your message into every home and drive them to your online store. For years, even before COVID-19, we were beating the drum, telling people to shop locally and support the businesses in their community. And when businesses support us by advertising, they are supporting local, which is exactly what they are asking you to do. Like many other local businesses, sometimes we are thanked for the support we give to the community. All businesses have always appreciated the loyalty of local residents. But during these times, when small businesses are fighting to survive in a changing landscape, that support is invaluable. We are proud that the Barrhaven Independent has been a beacon for the shop local message. Now, more than ever, will continue to drive that message into the homes of Barrhaven. BARRHAVEN
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One year ago: The day after the Super Bowl Party A picture popped up on my Facebook thing and destroyed your phone, you page the other day. know exactly what it is like as you hop Actually, it popped up on the Diva’s from car to car on the emotional justpage and she tagged me. done-something-stupid train. It was one of those one-year-ago I vaulted out of the water as fast as I things. We were on vacation in Playa del could. Carmen. Like it mattered. It was kind of a last-minute thing. And when I got to the caboose of the We decided we wanted to get away for emotional train, the Diva was sitting there, a week, and we found a fantastic deal in giving me that look. She casually lifts up Mexico with a dirher sunglasses, looks me ect flight at an adults in the eye, and says, really only, all-inclusive at slowly, “Oooooooh, mythe Playa del Carmen FROM THE OTHER yyyyy Gaaawwwd.” Hilton. She was nonchalant Best. Vacation. when she did that and said Ever. that. She always is. Jeffrey Morris We arrived on Not me. Super Bowl Sunday I was very chalant. I and got to take part in was at about a 10 on the the ultimate Mexican Super Bowl Fiesta chalant-o-metre, if that’s even a thing. in their courtyard with a giant screen outI scampered back to the room, holdside and an endless set-up of steaks, meats ing my phone delicately in front of me. and Mexican snacks. The staff made sure I looked sort of like a kid in one of those there was a drink in everyone’s hands at field day races where you have an egg in all times. a tablespoon and you have to run a race. We had heard rumblings about COUNCIL “the In this case, my dripping, waterlogged Coronavirus.” They didn’t have CORNER Corona phone was the egg. I found one of the staff members on our at the hotel, but I was well on myMayor way to Suzanne Dodge floor. having my own “Dos Equis Virus.” “iPardoneme, yo necesito mucho arroz, The memory that popped up on Facebook was a collage of a few photos por favor!” I urgently asked in a panic, from the trip. One of them was a photo of somehow thinking that submerging my me, taken by the Diva. I had gone to the phone in rice would help. “Mucho, mucho, swim-up bar to get a Pina Colada for her mucho arroz.” He saw my phone, and he saw the look and a Dos Equis for me. I was at the edge THE NOT SO of the pool holding the drinks. She took on my face. He figured out what had hapNEW pened. He scurried off with a much higher the picture from her lounge chair. The sky GUY level of grace and fluidity than I certainly was blue, and the bright sun danced Tim onRuhnke showed when I Coureur-de-Bois’d my the crystal clear pool water. There was a glare off my bald head and way through the crowded pool patio and I remember slathering it with sunblock lobby back to my room. Within minutes, he was back with a big regularly. When I saw this photo, I joked that I looked like Caillou’s father. But, for bag of rice. We filled up the ice bucket with some reason, Caillou’s father had hair. He rice and submerged Drippy the Phone. Meanwhile, I was on my laptop franhad really good hair – like Justin Trudeau tically searching Google and the Huawei hair. That didn’t make sense to me. WALKER HOUSE Add that to the list of reasons why I am website. It didn’t take long to figure out I was basically S.O.L. glad Caillou was cancelled. Susan Vallom After two days in rice, I tried to charge But getting back to the picture, that trip to the swim-up bar was a bit of a game- my phone. No lights went on. The power changer for the vacation. Sure, in the pic, button wouldn’t work. I put the phone I have a huge smile. It’ s chest up, the rest back in the rice. It was more of a ceremonial deep-sixing than it was a desperate of me is blurred in the water. So you can’t see my bathing suit. More attempt to salvage it. No one from work specifically, you can’t see the outline of could reach me. I lost all my contacts and photos and videos. I lost my audio files. my cell phone in the pocket of my bath-BLAKE’S TAKES I felt disconnected and worried. For the ing suit. next five days, I would be completely off Yes, just a couple days into the best vaBlake McKim cation of my life, I went swimming with social media and texts and everything. I my phone. And I was in the water for at was like I didn’t exist. Then I got over it. I realized that the rest least a half hour. The Diva didn’t take a pic of me in the of the vacation was going to be completemoment of realizing my phone was in my ly stress free. So I did the only logical thing I could pocket. There was a gasp, followed by sheer panic, followed by angst, followed do. I went back to the patio, swam up to by that sinking stomach feeling. And then the bar, and brought back another Pina Colada and Dos Equis. sadness set in. Without my phone. If you have ever done a bone head
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FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 Page 7
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
City’s parks department needs your feedback
Since I was elected, a week has not gone by that I have not received a question or request about a City park, green space or a community facility. Public buildings and spaces provide all kinds of recreational opportunities. I dare say that before the pandemic restricted our access, many of us took what the city provided for granted. Sports teams access a range of venues, fields and diamonds. Tennis courts are heavily used by play-
ers of all ages. We provide picnic spaces and walking trails and parks to exercise our four-legged friends. Community associations and not-for-profits can access community halls and meeting rooms at low rates that enable them to do the tremendous work they
do for our communities. Think of the family movie nights, pancake breakfasts, community dances, and dinners you have attended in your local community center. Our community buildings provide spaces for after-school programs, senior exercise activities and indoor sports opportunities. During the pandemic we have seen a mad scramble to find spaces to make up for what we’ve lost. Public parks are more heavily used than ever.
Barrhaven Independent upgrades its online edition on issuu.com Special to the Independent
When you read the Barrhaven Independent online, local businesses who advertise with us are only one click away. The Independent has upgraded its online presence on issuu.com, which is the largest newspaper and magazine host in North America. Now, when you read the Independent online, you can click on any ad, and a new window will open up taking you to the website of that business. “While keeping people
Will that continue post pandemic? Do we need more green space? More and varied recreational services? The city wants your opinion and there is not a better time to ask for it. The Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan is being launched. The plan will provide a framework to help the City determine what municipal parks and recreation facilities we will need in the next ten years to serve resident’s needs. This master plan will be part of the City’s New Official Plan, which will be adopted in October. Let the City know how your household uses parks, outdoor and indoor recrea-
tion facilities in your community, how satisfied you are with existing facilities and what you would like to see in the future by filling out the surveys below: Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities survey is open now until Sunday, February 21. The Indoor Recreation Facilities survey is open now until Friday, March 12. Those interested in participating in one of the several open house opportunities over the next few weeks can sign up online at engage.ottawa.ca. Click on the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan button for more information. I am also pleased that
Ottawa will continue a Parks Recycling Pilot Project across the City to help cut down on waste generated in our parks. Last year, Mountain Meadows Park in Riverside South was the project park. This year we have requested that a park in Barrhaven be chosen for the Recycling pilot. Ottawa is a leader in ensuring residents have access to services that enhance life in our communities. We truly are fortunate to have the amenities we do. I am encouraging you to take the time to participate in the survey. Have your say in how we provide valuable recreational services in the future.
informed on what’s go- print edition of the newsing on in the community paper, but like any media is our product, for our ad- company, we are supplevertisers, our business is menting it on many elecletting people know about tronic platforms,” he said. their businesses,” said Bar- “Our website is being rerhaven Independent pub- built, which will also link lisher Jeff Morris. “Thou- our readers to our advertissands of people read every ers. We are relaunching our edition of the Barrhaven Barrhaven Independent Independent on issuu.com, podcast this month. We are Juneour 27,con2015 Saturday, June 27, 2015 and putting our readers one Saturday, also increasing click away from our adver- Rideau tent andValley interaction with Rideau ValleyBuilding Conservation Authority Building Conservation Authority tisers is a win-win.” the community on our FaRideau Rideau Valley Drive 3889 (at Prince of Valley Wales Drive Drive)(at Prince of Wales Drive) Morris said that the 3889 cebook page and with our upgrade to its online edi- Drop Twitter Drop in between 9 a.m. and noon inaccount.” between 9 a.m. and noon tion is the first step in the A link to this edition of at 10 a.m. Presentation at 10 a.m. Independent’s digital and Presentation the Barrhaven Independent multi-platform expansion can be found on the Barattending session, learn more about Byrhaven attending this Facesession,By residents willthis learn more residents about thewill proposed policy and the prop this year. Independent “We will always have a mapping book page.updates to the current mapping updates to theaffecting current the secondary plan affecting secondary plan use of land, natural the use
Manotick Manotick Secondary Plan Secondary Plan Update and Mud Creek Subwatershed S Update and Mud Creek Subwatershed Study Information Session Information Session
Rideau River ice breaking begins February 6
flood control operations February 6 with the cutting of waste heritage and constraints, parksbegan andwastewater open spaces, water and heritage and constraints,Rideau parksRiver and open spaces, water and servicing, the keys, weather permitting. Ice breaking operations, including blasting, connectivity, parking traffic. Residents willabout also be to find connectivity, parking andare traffic. willand also be able find out theable set to Residents begin February 27, weather andtoice conditions permitting, on proposed zoning changes toplan. implement land use plan. proposed zoning changesthe toRideau implement the land use River between Rideau Falls and Hog’sthe Back.
staff will also available to discuss the Mud Creek Subwater City staff will also be available to discuss thebe Mud Creekand Subwatershed Study, which ACity Reminder to Parents Teachers is developing on the local natural heritage syste is developing recommendations onoperations therecommendations local heritage Ice breaking willnatural create open water. system and identifying constraints and opportunities for improvement. Th environmental constraintsenvironmental and opportunities for improvement. The study area Children beof supervised at all(west times and should warned includes Manotick of thewater Rideau River)beand extends includes part of Manotick (westshould ofpart the Rideau River) and around extends westwards of the dangers of open water. approximately to Pollock Malakoff Road, Road and north approximately to Malakoff Road, south to Road andsouth northtotoPollock Barnsdale Road of Moodie Road (east of Moodie Drive). The City,(east in partnership with theDrive). Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, undertakes ice breaking operations each year to alleviate possible spring flooding in flood-
For more information, contact: For more information, contact: prone areas. Once started, these operations will be carried out daily, weather and ice conditions permitting.
Update Mud Creek Subwaters Manotick Secondary PlanManotick Update Secondary MudPlan Creek Subwatershed Study Member of Parliament / Député — Nepean Kung, Project Lead MacPherson, Pro Rose Kung, Project LeadAllRose Amy MacPherson, Lead residents are asked to keep awayProject fromAmy the river until Planning and Management Planning and Growth M operations are Growth completed. Planning and Growth Management Working hard for you Planning and Growth Management 110 Laurier Avenue West110 Laurier Avenue 110West Laurier Avenue West110 Laurier Avenue We Tel: 613-580-2424, 13124 Tel: 613-580-2424, ext Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 13124 Tel:ext. 613-580-2424, ext. 14873 Fax: 613-580-2459 Fax: 613-580-2459 Fax: 613-580-2459 Fax: 613-580-2459
Page 8 FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
As we celebrate the re-opening, local businesses need our support
At the end of our first really cold spell this winter and with spring in the headlights, I would like to say “hallelujah”. COVID weary business owners, employees, and residents are looking for a break. I cannot imagine how difficult these lockdowns have been for so many. I think everyone’s patience has run thin. I wonder how many of you attended the Barrhaven-wide “rapid testing” event last weekend? I hope you continued to support our local businesses and this week got out to celebrate a soft re-opening. We know what we have to do..... wash our hands, wear a mask, limit gatherings to the recommended numbers....you know the drill.
Have your say on the future of municipal parks & recreation facilities
The City will be holding six bilingual online facilitated consultation sessions to get your opinions and ideas on the City’s first-ever combined Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan (PRFMP), in sup-
LET’S TALK
BARRHAVEN by Jan Harder
port of the new Official Plan (OP). You are invited to share your knowledge and experiences to help us plan for the future of municipal parks, recreation and community activity spaces. We want to hear from residents, community associations, sports organizations, arts and cultural organizations, the homebuilders, residents interested in accessibility, equity and diversity and other recreation partners and user groups. Targeted stakeholder outreach with school boards, colleges and universities and the Nation Capital Commission are also being planned. The sessions will gather input on satisfaction with the number and location of existing parks and recreation facilities; to learn about gaps and barriers that exist; to identify trends in park and facility
use, and to receive your suggestions for future enhancements. The feedback from public consultations will assist in developing recommendations to Council for new parks and recreation facilities and the improvement of existing recreation to meet Ottawa’s projected growth by 2031. To participate, register on the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan page on Engage.Ottawa.ca. All sessions, including the presentation and breakout discussion, will be offered in English and French. Upon registration, registrants will indicate their preferred language and they will receive a link for either the English or French session. The February 24 session will be co-hosted by Ottawa Sport Council and will focus on sports fields and the wide range of outdoor and indoor sports courts and amenities and the needs of sport clubs and organizations. If you require a disability related accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact 613-580-2424
ext. 25192 or RCFS-PublicEngagement@ottawa.ca. For deaf community members, our facilitators can engage using Canada Video Relay Service or via the chat within the meeting. For those who cannot attend the live virtual sessions, you can have your say: Two online surveys – on Engage. Ottawa.ca Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities survey: open now until Sunday, February 21. Indoor Recreation Facilities survey: open now until Friday, March 12th. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca.
Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
Everyone has a role to play in safety and well-being, and the City of Ottawa is seeking your feedback as we develop Ottawa’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan. The plan, which is required under the Province’s Safer Ontario Act, 2018, will outline strategies and actions to improve safety and well-being for everyone in Ottawa. We have
been listening to the community on the best ways for residents, organizations and government to work together to address well-being and safety issues in our communities. Your voice matters! Jump in on the conversation from January 18 to February 28 for the CSWB Phase 2 consultations. This phase of community engagement will focus on gathering more detailed feedback to set strategic objectives, strategies and actions on each of the six local priorities that will be the focus of Ottawa’s first CSWB Plan as follows: discrimination, marginalization & racism, financial security & poverty reduction, gender-based violence & violence against women, housing, integrated & simpler systems, and mental well-being. Explore our engagement activities below, under ‘updates’ as well as our resources folder for more information. All feedback from this consultation period will be analyzed and summarized in a Phase 2 CSWB “What We Heard”
report this spring. Sign up for project updates (External link) to stay informed. Although both the Anti-Racism Secretariat and the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan each have their own mandate, our work is complementary to each other. Both groups are working together to help create a city that is equitable and safe for all and improves everyone’s well-being. For more information visit www. ottawa.ca.
Crime Prevention Ottawa
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, in partnership with Crime Prevention Ottawa, are releasing a Needs Assessment of Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adults with Regard to Violence Prevention. Join us to hear about the research, their important findings and how service providers can put these findings into action. This event will be taken place on March 4th, 2021 from 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm
harder continues on page 9
Hearing Loss or Selective Hearing? There is only one way to find out….undergo a hearing assessment! All joking aside, a hearing assessment is an invaluable part of your overall health review. With studies now showing links between untreated hearing loss and memory, cognition, falls, social engagement, annual earnings and depression, not to mention the impact on your relationships, you will want to be proactive with even the slightest hearing loss! The good news is that today’s technology allows for a great variety of solutions to meet all of your unique hearing needs. Hearing is surprisingly complex however and so finding that right solution is not a simple process. To be successful, the assessments have to be thorough, the selection unlimited and the flexibility maximized. Offering just that is Hearing Freedom, a locally owned, grown, and operated clinic. Their grass-roots approach is unfortunately rare in today’s market where retail settings, larger clinics and manufacturer owned chains dominate. The unique and refreshing approach that sets Hearing Freedom apart from other providers was established over 20 years ago. As a newly graduated Audiologist, Rosanne McNamee, Doctor of Audiology, had many interviews with
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local hearing companies. At each establishment she was disappointed to find the same thing; the interviews had nothing to do with her knowledge and skills, they rather focused on the number of hearing aid units she was expected to sell and the company’s affiliation to a given Manufacturer. “That was not my idea of proper hearing health care,” says McNamee. “I came into this profession to improve my patients’ quality of life. I wanted to focus on my patients’ needs, not sales. I wanted to be able to consider everything available to them in the market, not just the product lines that provided my employer the biggest profit margins. I wanted to be driven by satisfied customers and by the smiles on their and their loved one’s faces.” And so she decided to set up her own business, doing it her way and putting patients first. At Hearing Freedom, the patient is an active part of the decision-making process and there is no predetermined product or plan. Each and every patient’s intervention plan is as unique as they are. The experience begins with a thorough assessment which is followed by a detailed needs assessment. Throughout, the patient’s opinions and concerns are held paramount. “We devote all the time necessary to ensure our patients’ hearing needs are met.” explains Mc-
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Namee, “We offer a 90-day trial period on all hearing aids. This extensive trial gives patients the confidence that they have chosen the right solution for them, their lifestyle and hearing needs.” In addition, there are no Hearing Instrument Practitioners or Hearing Instrument Specialists at Hearing Freedom. Patients are rather seen by the bilingual Audiologists qualified to service both children and adults, whether they are private pay or third party supported (WCB, VAC, etc). “Not only is hearing complex, so are today’s hearing aids,” McNamee explains. “Dealing with the most qualified health care professional, in the most independent setting, is crucial.” At Hearing Freedom you can be certain that you have chosen the best place to trust with your hearing needs. So, if you believe in your right to the best, fullest and most customized service available, make sure you book your appointment with Hearing Freedom. You will not regret your short drive to Manotick. Parking is free. Home visits optional. Wheelchair friendly. For more information visit www.hearingfreedom.com.
FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 Page 9
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
St. FX student promoting French language in school, community
Name: Roxane Akakpo Age: 17
fOCUS ON
School: St Francis-Xavier Grade: 12 Parents: Wolanyo Akakpo (Dad) Kayi Kodjo (Mom) Sisters: Sabrina Kekeli (11)
(13),
Pet Peeve: “People who are impolite.” Part-time Work: “Crew Leader at McDonald’s (Findlay Creek)” Favourite Subjects: ”This year I’m taking Law, World Issues, Challenge and Change in Society, Families in Canada, World Religion and French.” What is Your Greatest Accomplishment? ”Being one of 30 French Ambassadors across Canada with French For the Future in 2019, allowed me to attend a forum in Victoria BC to learn how I can promote French in my community. This led to the creation of my French club Franco Clique. https:// www.french-future.org/” School Activities:
“In
YOUTH by Phill Potter
2019-20 I created the school’s first High School French Club. Our goal was to give the possibility for everyone to learn/practice their French outside the classroom through interactive games and conversation. “Since grade 8, I took part in Black History Month. For the past years (grade 11 and
St. Francis Xavier student Roxane Akakpo hopes to become an advocate for children’s rights. Submitted photo
harder continues from page 8 Keynote Speakers: Adriana Bravo and Jason Derouin The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) Questions? Please contact us at cpo@ottawa.ca for more details.
Help During Self Isolation
Do you need help during self-isolation? Call 2-1-1 for information on resources from the Community and Social Services Line. Do you need a space to selfisolate safely? The Voluntary Isolation Centre (VIC) is for people who do not have access to an adequate shelter or cannot self-isolate safely in their own homes. To find out more
or to apply please call 613580-2424 ext. 25890 or email OPHisolationcentre@ottawa. ca. Here are some resources that might help: - Access to food: goodfoodottawa.ca - Access to mental wellness support: counsellingconnect. org - Supports for seniors & adults with a disability: communitysupport.covidresponse. ca - Delivery of food & supplies - Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre: 613591-3686 - CRB- Canada Recovery Benefits information & support – Service in English & Arabic: Email hanadi.alashi@ occsc.org or fidaa.osman@ occsc.org
12) I took on the responsibility of being the liaison with the intermediates. I also cocreate dances, and participate in the talent show. “In November 2020, I was part of the first Black Student Forum with the Ot-
tawa Catholic School Board. As part of the Mental Health Group, we held a 40-minute workshop about the importance of mental health and mindfulness. We also allowed the students to express their feelings on various
topics, such as stereotypes, and gave them multiple resources to guide them through their mental health journey. I’m also an active member of the Diversity and Equity Club.”
Career Goals: “I plan to attend the University of Ottawa for Conflict Studies and Human Rights in the French Immersion stream. My goal is to become an advocate for childrens’ rights in third world countries.”
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Apply today at www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs Pour plus d'informations en franc;ais, visitez Ontario.ca
Page 10 FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
O’Keefe Court warehouse plans cross city’s urban-rural divide By Barrhaven Independent Staff The City of Ottawa Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee has approved a zoning change that will permit a large warehouse to be constructed on O’Keefe Court, beside Lytle Park and near the Fallowfield/416 interchange. The Committee also approved a motion put forth by Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder to defer the decision of the zoning change to going to Ottawa City Council until their Feb. 24 meeting rather than the anticipated Feb. 10 meeting. A 7,000 square metre warehouse is proposed as part of an accompanying Site Plan Control application. This application is a phased Site Plan, where Phase 1 illustrates a multi-tenant warehouse, on private septic services. Access to the site is directly from O’Keefe Court, with a future entrance off a new proposed north/south road that is to be constructed along the shared property line with Lytle Park. The site is serviced by municipal water. The 6.9-hectare site is located at 4497 O’Keefe Court, in
the rural area of the Barrhaven Ward (Ward 3). The Cedarhill Golf and Country Club and estate residential subdivision is located approximately 350 metres to the east with an expansion of the Onnasa Springs estate lot subdivision to the north. The lands across O’Keefe Court to the south are within the city’s designated urban area, where O’Keefe Court is the divide between Ottawa’s urban and rural areas. Those lands to the south are planned and developing as ‘Prestige Business Park’ in the South Nepean Secondary Plan Areas 9 and 10, and zoned Business Park Industrial Zone (IP). This business park is intended to develop in a low impact industrial, employment nature, with a high proportion of lot area devoted to landscaped area. The IP zone limits uses that generate noise, odour and other environmental impacts and generally permits a range of uses including research and development facilities, light manufacturing and production facilities, offices, and hotels. The subject site is currently zoned for rural industrial uses and is located across O’Keefe
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Court from the Prestige Business Park bound by Fallowfield Road and O’Keefe Court. The site directly abuts Highway 416 and is adjacent to the Fallowfield and Highway 416 interchange. Although direct interchange access is not available, there is relatively good access by utilizing O’Keefe Court and Fallowfield Road, to access the highway ramp approximately 1,200 metres away. “We have the compliance of the applicant, and they will be advised and on record of understanding how important this land is to the integrity of this community,” said Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder. “It’s very important, and they are always going to be on the watch.” Susan Brownrigg-Smith of the Cedarhill Community Association opposes the rezoning and made a five-minute presentation to the committee. “The size of the building is a red herring,” she said. “And the intentions of the developer are a red herring. This zoning amendment, as currently written, would allow 100 per cent large scale distribution and warehousing complex. The
building size restriction does not achieve the net benefit outcome that we are looking for, which is to ensure that the development proceeds in a manner where the type of traffic is scaled back to that of the original concept for the site. “What we’re not seeing here is any net benefit to any stakeholder other than the applicant,” Brownrigg-Smith added. “It actually incentivizes the very type of development that we all agree is not optimum.” Harder introduced a mo-
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tion clarifying that on the O’Keefe property, no warehouse could be greater than 8,175.5 square metres. “This motion doesn’t give Susan and her community what they want,” Harder said. While the ARAC decision was originally to go to Ottawa City Council for their Feb. 10 meeting, Harder suggested pushing that date back to the Feb. 24 meeting. “I know that (BrownriggSmith) wants to work on this further, and I support that,”
Harder said. The site is currently zoned Rural General Industrial Zone (RG[401r]-h), and permits industrial type of uses, including a ‘warehouse’. Rural Exception ‘401’ requires that any single warehouse use may occupy up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the gross floor area of a building. The proposal is to remove this restriction on warehousing, thus permitting a stand-alone warehouse with no gross floor area restriction.
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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
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CLUES ACROSS 1. Big tech firm 4. Picked 10. Type of whale 11. A woman of refinement 12. New England state 14. Common gibbon 15. Tall coniferous tree 16. State capital 18. Making a liquid muddy 22. Vinegary 23. Peninsula 24. Thee 26. Atomic #55 27. Used in units of measurement 28. Welsh female name 30. Arab ruler title 31. One’s mother 34. Trap 36. Soviet Socialist Republic 37. Assn. of oilproducing countries 39. Holy fire 40. Emit coherent radiation
41. Atomic #81 42. Orthodox Jewish college 48. Herbs 50. Ran after 51. Begin again 52. Named 53. Barbary sheep 54. Unwell 55. Postscript 56. Drivers 58. One point east (clockwise) of due north 59. Prim 60. A facility equipped for sports or physical training CLUES DOWN 1. Small islands 2. Skullcap 3. Unexplained events 4. One hundredth of a meter 5. Beloved baseball announcer 6. Repulsive 7. Northern European
languages 8. Match or surpass 9. Northeast 12. Chew the fat 13. Innovative industry 17. Land to put down to grass 19. Products 20. Nostril 21. Surprise Icelandic politician 25. Conclusive acts 29. Inform on 31. Grinding tooth 32. Keep up 33. Tablelands 35. Raising 38. Mythical creature 41. Hums 43. Mountain in Antarctica 44. Neighborhood in Manhattan 45. Distinctive practice 46. Vice president 47. Contributes to 49. Small bones 56. Oil company 57. Empire State
See answers to Sudoku and Crossword on our Facebook Page
FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 Page 13
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Barrhaven Legion members among Ont. Volunteer Service Awards winners By Charlie Senack Barrhaven Legion members were among 6,600 Ontarians to be recognized during this year’s annual Ontario Volunteer Service Awards which were held over Zoom on Feb. 9. The celebration which gives credit to every day Ontarians who are working hard to better the province, had to be held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. In a normal year, the ceremony is held at the Nepean Sportsplex. Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari, and Premier Doug Ford, were among multiple politicians and government officials who attended the virtual gathering. MacLeod, who is also the minister of tourism, culture and sport, said between all those awarded, there are over 82,347 combined hours of volunteer service. The minister added that over half of Ontario’s notfor-profits are run by volun-
teers. “We literally could not operate Ontario without the volunteer sectors that we so much cherish,” she said. “That is why these awards are so important for each and every Ontarianwho has given their time and service.” Premier Ford said Ontario wouldn’t be the great province it is without so many people dedicating their time and energy to important causes. He said their work is more important now than ever due to the pandemic. “I’m so happy that we are able to recognize over 6,600 volunteers who have been getting us through this pandemic,” he said. “Everyone pitching in and helping out and showing the true Ontario spirit. We can’t wait to get back to normal — or the new normal — and we see light at the end of the tunnel. With all your hard work it makes things a lot easier — especially for seniors and the most vulnerable
out there.” Barrhaven Legion Members Sheila Sielatycki, Kathy Johnston, Diane Craig, Dave Schneider, Joan St Jacques and Butch Whitlaw, were all recognized for their years of volunteering at the branch. Sielatycki, who has been volunteering at the Barrhaven Legion for the last 15 years, is known to many in the community. Even during the pandemic, she has been at the bar serving up customers; all the profits going to support veterans. “I was asked to join the executive committee where I took on the chair of hospitality (where I) organized the Friday night dinners and different functions,” said Sielatycki in a pre-recorded speech. “Later on, I was voted in as a third vice officer which I served for a year taking on other functions and still continuing with my bartending which I’m doing today.” Barrhaven Legion President Stephane Guy
says one of their true successes is how they fully thrive on volunteers. “This is quite an achievement,” he says, “as our success is dependent on the willingness of our members to participate in the daily routine.” “Of course, the volunteers that are commonly known are the bartenders as well as our hospitality crew that truly are the face of our legion as they interact with customers and the members that visit our branch,” said Guy. “However, we have so many more volunteers that are not directly involved with the public but as crucial. We are truly blessed with members that take on leadership positions as part of our Executive Committee.” Because there was no in-person award ceremony this year, a certificate and pin has been mailed to each recipient’s home. MacLeod says she’s hopeful next year’s celebration can take place in the traditional sense at the Nepean Sportplex.
Members of the Barrhaven Legion were among those who received Ontario Volunteer Service Awards in a ceremony held via Zoom Feb. 9.
MacLeod says safety comes first as sports, tourism sectors hit hard By Charlie Senack March break typically brings a boost in tourism to Ontario thanks to its ski hills and attractions. But as we enter almost a year of living with COVID-19 in our communities, Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, who is also the minister of tourism, culture and sport, says public safety comes first. Last week the province’s education minister announced March break would be moved to April to “limit community transmission.” It’s the second March break to be altered due to COVID-19. Many sectors rely on March break for a boost in business with many saying the week is like a second Christmas rush. They were negatively impacted in 2020 when the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a
world-wide global pandemic forcing shutdowns to follow. “Obviously last year my sector dealt with the emergency orders on the 13th of March which meant March break programming was effectively eliminated last year,” said MacLeod. “These sectors will have a long road to recovery.” In a traditional year, the sectors MacLeod manages would represent about $25 billion in economic activity, also driving an important social and cultural bottom line. This year, that’s not the case. “We estimate early days in the pandemic that the tourism sector has lost about $20 billion,” stated MacLeod. “It’s obviously something that we are concerned about… (but) right now is not the time to be travelling.” Once the pandemic is over and travel can re-
sume, the province plans to unveil a 20 per cent Ontario travel incentive tax credit valued at about $150 million. It will aim to promote staycations and have Ontarians reconnect. The province however did see a slight uptick in travel over the summer as COVID-19 cases remained steady. MacLeod herself went on a province-wide tour of Ontario this summer as a way of promoting supporting local in regions close to home. MacLeod also says there is some light shining through for her ministry as ski hills get the green light to reopen. “We were happy to see earlier this week some relief for our sectors, ski hills in particular, where they were able to re-open in green zones this week and the rest of Interim Next week with the exception of Toronto, Peel, and
York,” she said. MacLeod, who is also in charge of the sport ministry, said protocols put in place to allow NHL games seem to be working well for players, coaches and staff. When asked if we could see crowds in the stands sometime in the near future, MacLeod said it’s unlikely given how the situation is changing daily and the concern of dangerous new variants. She did however add that she’s been asked by the Premier to look at how the re-opening of other sectors could get underway. “I have been tasked with what seasonal business reopenings would look like and that includes sports events and festivals,” said the Nepean MPP. “That work is ongoing — its early days —but as we continue to move through
this COVID crisis we are continuing to work with all partners to see what that return might look like.” The Canadian games which were initially supposed to be held in 2020 but were then moved to 2021 because of COVID-19 have now been moved again. MacLeod says the plan now is to hold the games in 2022 because “the health and safety of our young athletes is going to be absolutely critical.” “I believe we have committed close to $30 million to support these efforts and we want to make sure that first we welcome safely all those athletes from across Canada to Ontario for what I’d deem to be the safest games based on the Rowans Law approach and secondly the economic benefit of these games is going to be incredible,” she said. “We are going to bring in millions of dol-
lars in economic activity for the Niagara Region in a year that’s going to be absolutely critical for the tourism economy to recover.”
Michael Harry Swan
March 25 1990-February 22 2010
Eleven Years my son and it seems just like yesterday
We miss you so terribly, Your handsome face your sweet voice and the jingling of your keys coming through our front door We wish we could see you one more time Forever loved! Mom, Dad & Alex
el
Page 14 FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
Sometimes even the best kids can make the worst decisions
As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, the Barrhaven Independent will be featuring 30 people who have played a prominent role in building and shaping our community from the time we were a sleepy little suburb in 1990 to the thriving city of more than 100,000 we are now. In this issue, we are featuring Michael Swan and the Swan family. Michael Swan’s murder 11 years ago has taken the Swan family and the community through a full spectrum of emotions. By Jeff Morris
Michael Swan wasn’t the first victim of a tragedy to change our community. Jennifer Teague, Maddy Otto, Kyle Schober, Eric Leighton and Rowan Stringer are among the many young people in Barrhaven who lost their lives and have left behind tremendous legacies. There are more, and as the years go on, there will be more. But Michael Swan’s legacy in the community is unusual because of the layers. He is the ultimate good kid who made a bad decision. He is also the poster child for don’t judge other people and their families. Eleven years ago this week, Dale and Rea Swan’s youngest son, Michael, was murdered. It was a botched robbery plot with some thugsfor-hire breaking into a home to steal a stash of marijuana and a few thousand dollars in cash.
Things went wrong quickly during the invasion. Michael, on his knees with a masked man holding a gun to him, refused to tell the intruders where his weed and cash were. He was shot – executed – and left to die while his girlfriend and another friend watched life bleed out of him. The thugs were caught that night. They had taken the cell phone of Swan’s girlfriend while ransacking the home. A GPS was used by police to locate the criminals at a gas station in Brockville. As they headed west on the 401, they were followed by police, and arrested by the OPP between Brockville and Gananoque. Early on the morning of Monday, February 22, 2010, the police arrived on the doorstep of Dale and Rea Swan to deliver the news that their son had been gunned down in cold blood and left to die. At that moment, more than any other in their lives, the Swans needed their community. They needed love and compassion and support and kindness. Instead, they were vilified. An Ottawa Sun front page set the tone for what would be a senseless ostrasization
of the Swans. Michael Swan, who was just a 19-year-old kid, was painted by the tabloid newspaper’s front page as a big-time drug dealer. How could anyone seeing those front pages ever put a value to his life? Maybe some thought he deserved to die. He was a scumbag, we would all think. But he wasn’t. “The thing I will always remember about him was his infectious smile,” his hockey coach told me the day after he was killed. “He was always smiling. Everybody loved that kid. He was the most likeable kid I had ever coached.” Doesn’t sound like a dirt bag. In fact, his teachers loved him, too. “He was just a regular kid who was kind and selfless,” Dale said. “He just happened to like to smoke marijuana. It was his hobby. It’s what he liked to do.” Dale feared that Michael would move on to opioids or cocaine. But he didn’t. He just smoked weed. He figured if he sold it to his friends, who also smoked weed, he could make a few bucks and fund his own habit. Because of that, some felt no sorrow for him. When Dale found out that Michael smoked weed when he was 13 years old, he reacted as any parent would. Eventually, Dale had to play the tough love card. He would not allow someone to sell pot under his own roof. He made his son move out.
“I’m not sad he’s dead,” one irate woman on the phone said to me after we wrote an editorial several years ago about how Michael Swan deserved to be mourned. “People like that sell pot to kids like mine.” But Michael Swan didn’t target kids on the street. He just sold to his friends. I told the lady that Michael Swan did not deserve to be murdered, and if her kid wanted to smoke weed, he would be able to buy it from whomever he could. And it wouldn’t have been Michael Swan. She cursed at me, and then hung up. I could only imagine what the Swan family went through.
Neighbours and acquaintances would suddenly avoid the Swans. They were shunned. What horrible parents they must be to have raised a drug dealer. How wrong they all were. Eventually, thankfully, the masses began to realize that Michael Swan was just a funloving kid who was the victim of a horrific crime. “I’ve learned more about Michael since his death than I knew about him when he was alive,” Dale said to me once. “I would find out things, like how during the OC Transpo bus strike, he would drive to Gatineau to pick up his coworkers and drive them to work at the moving company he worked for.”
His mother, Rea, talked about Michael’s aunt, who was recently widowed. “We were at a wedding, and he saw her sitting by herself and feeling sad,” she said. “Michael was the one to go over and sit with her, and then ask her to dance.” When I sat down with Michael’s friends, I heard story after story about what a great kid he was. Sounds like Dale and Rea did a pretty good job raising a good kid. It’s just sad that he made some unfortunate choices that made him a vulnerable target. There is no handbook or guide on how to handle the murder of your child. But watching the Swan family is a great place to start.
teague
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FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 Page 15
BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
BlackJacks hire Fabienne Perrin-Blizzard as assistant coach The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that Fabienne Perrin-Blizzard has been named assistant coach of the Club. A tough defensive-minded coach, Perrin-Blizzard will join the BlackJacks bench alongside head coach Charles DubéBrais and lead assistant coach Patrick Ewing Jr. She is the only woman to currently coach professional sports in the nation’s capital. “I’ve coached at every level except this one, and I am very excited about the opportunity,” said Perrin-Blizzard, who is well known in the local basketball community. Coaching in the community is like a family business. Her husband, Carlos, spent several years as a volunteer coach with the South Gloucester Raiders and Nepean Eagles. “It is an honour to join our local professional basketball team,” she said. “I am thankful to take my career to the next level and be a part of a club that will inspire the next generation. I am looking forward to being reunited with the rest of the coaching staff on the sidelines at TD Place.”
A University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Hall of Famer, Perrin-Blizzard serves as the assistant coach for the Cadette Women’s National team and spent several years coaching Ontario’s provincial teams. She co-founded Capital Courts Academy, a one-stop training environment giving athletes the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive high-level program that support both academic and basketball goals. She is responsible for the management and direction of the academy and coaches the girls’ program. In 2018, she joined the staff of the Cadette Women’s National U15-16 team as an assistant, winning silver at the FIBA Americas tournament. As a head coach for Ontario U15 and U17 provincial teams, she brought her teams to three national titles, in 2015, 2017 and 2018. With a desire of making an impact in the growth and development of young athletes, Perrin-Blizzard has been an active member of the basketball community, from coaching at the club level to promoting technical and soft skills at various speaking events, including
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the Women Symposiums, the Women’s Forum Network and the SEED Hoop Forum Senegal. In May 2019, she flew to Senegal, where she served as guest coach for the Girls’ NBA Academy Africa kick-off. Perrin-Blizzard is hoping that through her job with the Blackjacks, she can inspire other female coaches both locally and nationally. “I believe that when you have an opportunity, it’s up to you what you do with that opportunity,” she said. “Part of this opportunity is telling young ladies that they can go out and coach women or men in any sport.” Perrin-Blizzard will be responsible for player development, which is one of her strengths as a coach. She will also have defensive responsibilities, as well as scouting and planning. “I am very excited to start working with Fabienne,” said BlackJacks head coach Charles Dubé-Brais. “She understands what it takes to build a winning team, having won many titles and awards as a player and as a coach. She will bring something unique and a different perspective to the BlackJacks organization
and will have a crucial role in the success of our team on and off the court.” Perrin-Blizzard and her husband, Carlos, have two children. Tyra, 23, who played university basketball for the Windsor Lancers and the Ottawa Gee-Gees and is now transitioning to her first professional season overseas. Dante, 21, played football throughout high school and is currently enrolled at the University of Guelph. “Not only has Fabienne proved to be an amazing basketball coach, leading women’s national and provincial teams to gold medals, but she also understands the impact we want to have in the community, said Black-
Local basketball coach Fabienne Perrin-Blizzard has been hired as an assistant coach by the Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Photo courtesy of Ottawa BlackJacks
Jacks General Manager Jevohn Shepherd. “Her values and vision align with ours
and it was evident that she would be a great addition to our coaching staff.”
Page 16 FRIDAY, February 19, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT
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