Barrhaven Independent February 5, 2021

BARRHAVEN

Please note: The Ontario Community Newspapers Association provides services in English. Member newspapers published in other languages may not have access to association programs such as General Excellence Awards.

Applicants and member newspapers be ar OCNA’s cost to read and spot check publications to ensure theymeet OCNA membership criteria.

We continue to be open during the coVid-19 pAndeMic

If you have any questions, please feelfree to call 905-639-8720 ext. 232.

We look forward to serving you.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC PHARMACY HOURS

MON-FRIDAY: 9-6 SAtURDAYS: 9-3 SUNDAYS: ClOSED We are temporarily reducing our opening hours during the pandemic to reduce the strain on our staff & so we can continue to provide an essential service in helping you stay healthy.

For the April 2009 Board Meeting: Deadline is April 3, 2009 For the June 2009 Board Meeting: CALL AHEAD TO ARRANGE PRESCRIPTION CURBSIDE PICK-UP Deadline is June 5, 2009

BARRHAVEN

Year 31 • issue 3

FREE

@BarrhavenIndy

FRIDAY • February 5 • 2021

New trial for death of Jagtar Gill to begin Mon., Feb. 8 Bhupinderpal Gill, Gurpreet Ronald to be tried for first degree murder after winning appeal

By Jeff Morris

Jagtar Gill was killed in her Barrhaven home seven years ago.

BI file photo

While last Friday (Jan. 29) marked the seventh anniversary of the 2014 killing of Barrhaven woman Jagtar Gill, the saga of her trial will continue on Mon., Feb. 8.

Gill’s husband, Bhupinderpal Gill, and his former alleged lover, Gurpreet Ronald, will once again be tried for first degree murder.

In December, 2019, an Ontario Court of Appeal ordered a new trial for Gill and Ronald after determining that the verdict was tainted by a legal error made by the trial judge. The judge did not present the jury with an option to convict Gill of second degree murder. The court found that this error hindered Gill’s full defence, which was that Ronald acted alone in planning the murder of Jagtar Gill.

The court found that because of the omission, Gill and Ronald should be retried. The ruling nullifies the 2016 convictions, and they will again be tried for first degree murder.

In the 2016 trial, the court heard that Ronald was the one who was alleged to have gone into the Gill home in Barrhaven to beat Jagtar Gill, at home recovering from hernia surgery, with a weightlifting bar before stabbing her repeatedly. She then went to the Barrhaven Sobey’s to, according to police, let Bhupinderpal Gill know that the murder had been committed. Bhupinderpal returned home with his daughters after buying cake and flowers for the Gills’ 17th wedding anniversary.

The couple’s oldest daughter, with a bouquet of roses for her mother in her hands,

went into the house to find her mother, dead on the living room floor in a pool of blood, butchered with her neck cut open.

“Mr. Gill, you have been found guilty of first degree murder,” said Justice Julianne Parfatt. “There is but one sentence, life in prison.”

Parfatt would repeat those words to Gurpreet Ronald.

In the notice of appeal filed by Gill’s lawyer, James Harbic, the trial judge failed to call any evidence that Gill planned the killing, which is a key element in a verdict of first degree murder. The key piece of evidence against Gill was his attempt to hide a weightlifting bar, which he believed was used in the killing of his wife.

Trial continues on page 2 Lyne and Dave

Open Sunday-Saturday 7am-9pm

3777 Strandherd Dr. Nepean 613-843-9413

SAVE TIME. SHOP ONLINE.

www.yourindependentgrocer.ca

Page 2 FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven outdoor rink volunteer receives $125 ticket Barrhaven InStaff

dependent

George Orwell’s 1984 may have given us the Thought Police, but 2021 has given us the Hockey Police.

A volunteer at an outdoor rink in Barrhaven has been fined $125 for passing a puck back and forth with his nine-year-old son.

The ticket was issued by an Ottawa Bylaw officer Jan. 21. Under provincial COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, outdoor rinks are allowed to be open, but sports and games are prohibited. The city stated in early January that only skating is allowed on the rinks, and that sticks, pucks, balls and other sports equipment is prohibited.

Ottawa Bylaw Services Director Roger Chapman sent a statement to CTV Ottawa, saying that the volunteer who had been ticketed had already been warned that the use of sticks and pucks is prohibited.

“The charge was issued following a proactive patrol of the park, which officers have noted has been a problem area of late,” Chapman said in his statement. “The individual who had been

previously warned, along with his son, were among those on the ice. The officer issued a warning to everyone to remove the sticks and pucks. All individuals complied with the officer’s verbal warning. However, the individual who had been warned on Jan. 20 returned to the ice and resumed playing hockey with his son.

Given that this individual had previously received two verbal warnings, the officer decided that a charge was appropriate.”

In his statement to CTV, Chapman implied that there would be no exceptions to the city’s restrictions.

“We understand this is a difficult time for everyone,” stated Chapman. “However, to ensure regulations are complied with, officers will continue to proactively monitor outdoor rinks across the city, use discretion and will take appropriate enforcement action.”

On Jan. 21, Jamie Leppard posted on Twitter that he had received a ticket from Ottawa Bylaw Services.

“I just got a $125 ticket from @OttawaBylaw while wearing boots and carrying my stick. I was passing the puck to my 9 yr old son as he was practicing shooting.

We were on the ice alone.

This is gone to far. I run the Weybridge rink and was preparing to flood the ice” Leppard said in the tweet he volunteers 200 hours per year to operate the commun-

ity rink. He was working on the rink to prepare it for the OCDSB school PD Day the following day.

Among the more than 300 comments under his tweet, the reaction on Twit-

ter has been overwhelmingly supportive of Leppard and critical of Ottawa Bylaw. There were, however, a few comments saying that the rules are for everyone to follow, and there should be no exceptions during this time.

Leppard will not have to pay the fine, as a member of the Eastern Ontario hockey community has stepped up to pay it for him.

Dustin Traylen, the coowner and General Manager of the Central Canada Junior Hockey League’s Brockville

Braves, read about the ticket on Facebook posts made by Leppard’s wife, Shauna. In an interview with the Brockville Recorder and Times, Traylen said he has known Shauna since he was a teenager but had not seen her in 20 years.

“The man was just out there helping out as a community volunteer and he brought his kid and gets a $125 ticket for his troubles,” Traylen told the Recorder and Times, adding the outcome was “unfathomable” and “unacceptable”.

TRIAL continues from page 1 During the trial, the court heard that before Gill was allowed back into the home, police replaced the weightlifting bar with a duplicate, covered in goat’s blood. Gill was caught on hidden camera finding the bar and taking it out of the house to hide it after he was allowed back in his home.

Gill testified that he hid the weapon so that he would not be blamed for his wife’s death. The evidence also came into the picture after

the victim’s death, not before.

The verdict came five days after the jury was sequestered by Parfatt. On July 15, 2016, she had delivered a two-hour charge to the jury, telling them not to use “prejudice, sympathy or fear to come to a decision.” The jury was also informed that the verdict they would come to must be guilty or not guilty, and that finding them guilty of a lesser charge was not an option.

Jamie Leppard posted a message of thanks on social media for the support he and his family have received since he was fined by Ottawa Bylaw.

Jamie Leppard puts in more than 200 hours a year as a volunteer to make sure the ice at the Weybridge outdoor rink is always in great shape.

Twitter photo

Gurpreet Ronald is facing first degree murder charges.

BI file photo

FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 Page 3

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Pick up and go.

Shop Online at yourindependent.ca

SAVE TIME. SHOP ONLINE. Lyne and Dave

Open Sunday-Saturday 7am-9pm

3777 Strandherd Dr. Nepean 613-843-9413

www.yourindependentgrocer.ca

Page 4 FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Lack of fairness hurting local businesses is startling

Wow, we sure had a blast of cold air last weekend. It was short but it was very cold.

We have enough to complain about this year with COVID still controlling such a huge part of our lives but weather this winter has touched us with a velvet glove….hallelujah! I was speaking to my colleague Eli El-Chantiry the other day and we were saying, fingers crossed, flooding should not be a threat this spring.

Like you I was very dismayed to hear of the lack of vaccine coming to Canada or the slowdown in the arrival. We hope that is a fact and not worse. I don’t know a person who isn’t fed up with the rules and regulations. To the businesses I say, thank you for doing all you can to stay alive. The lack of fairness is startling. There is not one reason why all businesses can’t operate under the same rules. Surely allowing three or four customers at a time into Kiddie Kobbler would be just as safe as allowing hundreds into Costco or WalMart.

I hope by the time you read this our students are back in school. With the support of Dr. Etches and her team and the excellent school boards and staff we have in our City there is no reason why not.

Take care everyone.

Mayor Watson delivers 2021 State of the City address Mayor Jim Watson delivered his annual State of the City address at the first City Council meeting of the year.

The Mayor highlighted the City’s major accomplishments in 2020 and outlined

LET’S TALK

BARRHAVEN

by Jan Harder

plans for the year ahead.

The Mayor focused on the pandemic, noting the City’s quick response in creating the Human Needs Task Force to respond to the needs of Ottawa’s most vulnerable residents and the Economic Partners Task Force to support small businesses. The City also provided $82 million to the social services sector to cover pandemic-related cost increases.

The Combined Sewage Storage Tunnel went into service last fall to help keep the Ottawa River clean and healthy. The Mayor also mentioned notable investments in road renewal, complete streets and segregated bike lanes, including the revitalization of Elgin and Rideau streets, along with the earlier-than-scheduled opening of phase one of the Kanata South Link. He also profiled the Anti-Racism Secretariat, created last year, and its progress to address systemic racism in the community.

Mayor Watson highlighted the City’s $47-million investment in affordable and supportive housing, translating into 359 new units in 2021. Council will consider the City’s new Economic Development Strategy this fall, which will help guide Ottawa’s rebound from the pandemic. The City will also advocate for federal and provincial funding to bring LRT to Barrhaven and Kanata as part of Stage 3.

Other major projects in 2021 include a $37.8-million investment in road safety, a toolkit for rural businesses, adoption of the Women and Gender Equity Strategy and an inventory of urban spaces where trees could be planted.

To help limit the spread of COVID-19, Council approved extending the Temporary Mandatory Mask Bylaw until Thursday, April 29.

Masks will continue to be required in enclosed public spaces, on transit and transit property, and in the common areas of condos and apartment buildings.

Council received an update on the Climate Change Master Plan, the City’s plan to transition to clean, renewable energy and make Ottawa more resilient to the effects of climate change. Highlights include approving the final strategy for Energy Evolution, developing climate projections for the National Capital Region, embedding climate change mitigation and adaption policies in the draft new Official Plan, and increasing education and advocacy efforts.

The update includes an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. Between 2012 and 2019, community emissions decreased by 12 per cent due to efforts by the former provincial government to phase out coal plants and reduce emissions from electricity generation. During that same time, the City’s corporate emissions decreased by 34 per cent, primarily due to efficiencies at the Trail Waste Facility. The City is currently surpassing its shortterm target to reduce corporate emissions by 30 per cent by 2025.

Following initial discussions with our Algonquin partners, Mayor Watson will be seeking Council’s support to rename the Prince of Wales bridge the Chief William Commanda Bridge. Also, based on consultation with residents, Council approved renaming Langevin Avenue in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward Commanda Way, after William Commanda. Grandfather Commanda was a former Chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and promoted peace, harmony and racial equality for all people. The renaming of these facilities aligns with the City’s commitment to reconciliation.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca

Transportation Service Department Messaging As part of the pandemic response, the provincial government has asked all transit agencies to reinforce that transit should be used for essential purposes only. In consultation with Ottawa Public Health (OPH), OC Transpo has developed the following messaging that will be provided to transit customers: “Help reduce the spread of COVID-19: use transit for essential trips only during the provincial stay-at-home order.”

This message is set for the duration of the stay-at-home order, currently set to expire on February 9, 2021. This message is consistent with advice from OPH and is similar to messaging provided by OC Transpo in the spring of 2020 at the outset of the pandemic.

COVID-19 Testing for Children We must all do our part to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 as much as possible, and individual actions and behaviours matter. For parents, this means limiting your children’s contact with people outside your household, screening your children for COVID-19 symptoms daily, and getting them tested if required.

When does a child need to get a COVID-19 test?

If a child has any one of the following symptoms, they should get a COVID-19 test: - fever or chills (temperature of 37.8 or greater) - cough (more than usual if chronic cough) - difficulty breathing - decrease or loss of smell or taste - runny nose or stuffy nose sore throat or diffi- culty swallowing - nausea, vomiting or diarrhea - headache - unusual or extreme tiredness or muscle aches If your child has one or more symptoms book a test at one of Ottawa’s Assessment Centres or contact your health care provider to discuss. Even if just one person in your home is showing symptoms, everyone, including siblings and other people in the household, must also self-isolate (even if they don’t have symptoms) until the test results are received.

Is testing still important with the shift to virtual learning?

COVID-19 testing must continue even if children are

not attending school in person, to help make schools safer when they do return.

Although children are participating in school virtually, the infection can spread from children to members of their household and then to others in the community. This spread has resulted in added pressures on the health care system and could lead to the extension of the lockdown and school closures. Testing and self-isolation can decrease spread in the community.

Where can my child get tested? How long will it take to get the results?

All Assessment Centres and Care Clinics have capacity for same-day testing. If you need to make an appointment to get a COVID-19 test, there will be one available to you at one of Ottawa’s testing sites. Additionally, with the move to appointment-based testing, there are no long lines and results are available within 48 hours at this time.

Online booking of a test is quick and efficient. You can also call to book an appointment.

What should I expect when my child gets tested?

A nasal swab is done to collect a mucus sample from the inside of your child’s nose. Although the swab will feel funny, Assessment Centre staff are trained with a kidfriendly approach to make sure the test is done quickly and safely while minimizing discomfort. You can watch this CHEO video together with your child to prepare for an upcoming COVID-19 test.

Take ouT or Delivery

Serving: Manotick Kars Richmond Osgoode Kemptville, nG

Full Menu available

Quote “butter Tarts 2021 lockdown”

2364 ROGER STEVENS DRIVE

when you call to order to receive “ Free butter Tarts”

613-489-2278 or 613-489-2641

FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 Page 5

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven residents among protestors in front of Indian embassy

By Jeff Morris Many Barrhaven residents were among the large group of protestors who took part in a car rally Sun., Jan. 24 to express their discontent over the treatment of farmers in India by that country’s government.

Three different laws enacted in September by Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi’s government have sparked some of the largest protests the world has ever seen. While the government is arguing that the changes will give India’s farmers more freedom, the farmers say the new laws will threaten their livelihoods and drive their prices lower.

They also say the laws will make them vulnerable to corporate takeovers and exploitation.

The protest, which included more than 400 cars, started at the RA Centre in Ottawa and travelled along a route to the Indian Embassy.

There are also daily protests from the local Indian community taking place in front of the embassy.

Kenwar Hazrah of Barrhaven was one of the organizers of the car rally.

He comes from a farming family in India, but is also a self-proclaimed policy geek with a double MBA from Cornell and Queen’s Universities.

“We had a lot of people from Barrhaven and Kanata, because there are huge Indian populations in those communities,” Hazrah said.

“I understand the farming side of it, as well as the corporate side of it. These laws are very hurtful to farmers in India, and that’s why you see protests going on in Canada, the United States, England, Italy – everywhere. The protests are growing and they are global.”

More than 50 per cent of India’s workers work in the agriculture sector. Most are small farmers, sharecroppers or labourers. Most farms in India are small, with less

than a hectare of land. According to the National Institute for Transforming India, the average family income of a farming household in 2017 was the equivalent of $642 CDN per year. Many farmers live hand-to-mouth, with nothing left over to sell.

Hundreds of thousands of protestors from India’s Punjab and Haryana regions have been protesting in New Delhi, blocking roads and highways. Police have used tear gas, batons and water cannons against them.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke out in support of the protestors, which drew criticism in India. Canada’s high commissioner was summoned, and Trudeau’s comments were referred to as unacceptable interference and “ill-informed,” and a threat to the bilateral ties between Canada and India. The Indian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that said “issues relating to Indian farmers constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs.”

Last Friday, Trudeau defended his comments, saying that Canada will always defend the right of peaceful protest around the world.

The first of the three bills allows farmers to deal directly with corporations and

buyers, rather than doing business through the Indian government. Farmers have been protected with fixed pricing that protects farmers against a fall in prices for 23 different crops.

Prime Minister Modi dismissed criticism against the laws on Twitter.

“For decades, the Indian farmer was bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen. The bills passed by Parliament liberate the farmers from such adversities. These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double income of farmers and ensure greater prosperity for them,” his tweet said.

Hazrah said that in the local community, support for repealing the laws is not unanimous.

“You can never have 100 per cent support for any issue,” he said. “There are a number of people in Barrhaven who are strong supporters of Prime Minister Modi and will support him no matter what. The majority of Indians in Canada are supporting the farmers. And the people who are not supporting the farmers are not opposing them.”

He added that while only a small percentage of IndoCanadians are farmers, the issue hits home for almost everyone.

“Many of us come from

farm families,” he said.

“Even families that have been here for generations still have families back home. Maybe this issue doesn’t directly affect us in our lives here in Canada, but it has a huge impact on our families in India.”

Hazrah said the protests will continue in India and around the world until the laws are repealed.

“There is no middle ground,” he said. “These bills are biased toward the corporations. I have gone through the bills thoroughly, line by line, and to amend them would take years, not months. These bills with any

kind of amendments will not be digestible for the farmers in India. The bills are so flawed that it would be much faster and easier to repeal them and draft new bills.

“It’s in the best interest of the Indian population for the bills to be repealed.”

The Ottawa protests have not been the only ones in Canada to support India’s farmers. In Toronto, cars jammed Bloor Street to protest outside the Indian consulate. A car rally with more than 1,000 people took place last week in Winnipeg.

In BC, farmers in the Okanagan Valley organized a motorcade protest. Members

of the Indian community in Halifax held a car rally, honking horns and carrying signs.

One of the most frustrating things for Hazrah and the other people protesting is the lack of media coverage both locally and nationally.

“It is quite frustrating,” Hazrah said. “We make up only a small percentage of the population in Canada.

The sad story here is that the media only covers things that matter to the majority.”

The next car rally to the Indian embassy has not yet been planned, but the daily protests are still happening with no end in sight.

Calling small business owners COVID-19 support could be available to you.

• Grants of up to $20,000 through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant • Up to $1,000 in support for purchasing PPE through Ontario's Main Street Relief Grant • Rebates for property tax and energy costs

We’re working to ensure small businesses can keep employing people and serving their communities now and when COVID-19 is behind us.

Visit ontario.ca/COVIDsupport to apply Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Page 6 FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

INDEPENDENT Editorial

It’s time to compromise

We have all had enough of the mixed messages.

And we have all had enough of the messages that aren’t mixed but lack common sense.

It is so beautifully Canadian that we politely wear our masks and stand two metres apart from each other, but when a Barrhaven rink volunteer is fined for passing a puck to his nine-year-old son, there is a national outrage.

We get that the rules are the rules, and that they are for everyone. No exceptions. But the optics were awful, as they often are when bylaw officers are involved with anything in our community. We think back a few years to our story and photo after a ticket-happy bylaw officer was dishing out fines to parents who were doing three-point turns after picking up their children in front of Monsignor Baxter Catholic Elementary School for stopping in a no-stop zone during a heavy snow storm.

Yes, technically, you stop at some point during a three-point turn.

But, come on!

We have been under a stay-at-home order for the last few weeks, and we fully understand why. What we don’t understand are the rules.

We can leave our homes to get groceries, to go to medical appointments or to the pharmacy, or to exercise. But some exercise is allowed, and some isn’t, and the mixed messages are flying at families at a fast and furious pace.

Skating is okay on our public rinks, as long as you book ahead in advance, but hockey sticks and pucks and other sports equipment is not allowed. Outdoor rinks, such as the Weybridge rink where volunteer Jamie Leppard was given a ticket, are used almost exclusively for recreational hockey. If the city doesn’t want us to play hockey, then shut down the outdoor rinks and take the temporarily illegal temptation away.

But the most puzzling thing is the Rideau Canal. The NCC has opened a small stretch of the world’s longest skateway, and it’s important to note that it is the NCC, not the City of Ottawa, who runs the canal. The NCC is saying that the canal is only for local skaters living in the immediate area.

So if you live in Barrhaven, you can’t skate. It seems like a ticket trap for people who need fresh air and exercise. If these are the parameters, why even bother opening the canal?

If we are going to have outdoor rinks, there has to be some sort of middle ground where some form of hockey is permitted. What we have with outdoor rinks and the canal now is the equivalent of holding AA meetings in the LCBO parking lot. The temptations of hockey and outdoor ice are cruel.

Canada is a country that prides itself on its ability to compromise.

This is a situation that needs one.

BARRHAVEN P.O. Box 567 Manotick, Ontario www.barrhavenindependent.on.ca The Barrhaven Independent is published by Manotick Messenger Inc. biweekly at P.O. Box 567 in Manotick, Ontario. The Barrhaven Independent is not responsible for the loss of unsolicited manuscripts, photos, or other material used for publication purposes. Letters will be edited for length, clarity and libellous statements. Display, National and Classified rates are available on request.

Publisher: Jeff Morris Managing Editor: Jeff Morris Advertising and Marketing: Gary Coulombe Photographer: Greg Newton Reporter: Charlie Senack

email: Advertising: garyhcoulombe@gmail.com News/sports: manotickmessenger@gmail.com

DEADLINE FOR ALL ADVERTISING IS THURSDAY PRIOR AT 12PM All layouts and composition of advertisements produced by employees of Manotick Messenger Inc. are protected by copyright invested in the publishers of the Barrhaven Independent.

A beer and Corn Flakes with Joe and Kevin

I had this dream. too.”

It was 20 minutes into the future.

“Well we get as much of him on TV as I was back in Denver, sitting at the big you guys,” I replied. “We just cringe every bar at the Red Lion Hotel near Stapleton time he’s on.”

Airport. Rocky Mountain Joe and Postal Postal Kevin looked down at his change Kevin were sitting there, in their usual on the bar and shook his head. spots. They were each nursing a 20 oz.

“The thing that I can’t stand is the conCoors. I was working on a bowl of Corn stant whining and complaining,” he said.

Flakes and a Diet Coke, which is what I ate “Don’t you just wish someone would punch at night if we had gone out for a big lunch him in the mouth and shut him up? I mean, during the day. he should be setting an example for everyA little more than one, especially kids. But 20 years ago, I worked he just acts like a big suck in Denver every other FROM THE OTHER every time he’s on TV.” week for more than a Rocky Mountain Joe year. The Red Lion bepiped in. came home away from “And it’s not even how Jeffrey Morris home, and I got to know he acts,” he said. “I just all the regulars. Rocky can’t stand looking at his Mountain Joe and Postal head. I mean, come on, Kevin both worked for the United States get a wig and just try even a little bit to look Postal Service and always came in for a like a normal person.” pint or two to unwind and watch sports after They reflect over another sip of Coors. their shift. Ultimately, we would end up in “You know, you talk about the influence a great discussion about the Broncos or the he has had on our society,” Postal Kevin reAvalanche. There were always United Air- flected. “I can’t believe the way he treats COUNCIL lines pilots in there, too, and if we could get the members of his own family. Like, he CORNER them drunk enough, they would start nerv- has no respect for anyone. He has no conously telling us stories about UFO sightings cept of treating people properly. He is alMayor Suzanne Dodge and other weird things they had seen in the ways having these tantrums.” sky.

I threw in my two cents in agreement.

“We’re not allowed to talk about it, be“You nailed it,” I said. “The tantrums cause the airline doesn’t want people think- and the denial and treating everyone the ing the pilots are crazy,” they would always way he does when things aren’t going his say before spilling out the secrets of what way – it’s all just inexcusable for someone they had seen.

THE NOTwho SO lives under a microscope in the public But in this dream, there was no talk of eye and is someone we look on to set an NEW UFOs. The conversation I was wrapped up GUY example.”

Tim in was with my old friends, whom I haven’tRuhnke Postal Kevin started laughing. seen in 20 years, as they tried to compre“I wonder how many moms there are out hend how the landscape was changing in there who have started to drink – I mean January. There was no sports on the big drink heavily – just because of him?” he screen. We were watching the inauguration said. “I mean, imagine if you are at home of President Joe Biden. with a couple of little ones, and they’re “I can’t believe it’s finally over and we playing or relaxing, and you turn on the TV, got to the end of it,” Rocky Mountain Joe and there he is.” said.

“Well, who knows,” I said. “Maybe we WALKER HOUSE “No kidding,” Postal Kevin replied. “I’m haven’t seen the end of him. Maybe in four looking forward to turning on the TV every years he will run again.” day and not having to see his goofy face Susan all Vallom Rocky Mountain Joe and Postal Kevin over the screen.” looked over at me, wearing an expression I looked over and smiled, laughing a bit of confusion. to myself.

“What are you talking about?” Postal “What about you?” Rocky Mountain Joe Kevin said. said. “You’re Canadian. What does every“The next election,” I said. “Maybe one in Canada think of him?”

Trump will run again.”

BLAKE’S “Nobody can stand him,” I said. “EveryThey looked at each other, even more TAKES one back home thinks he’s an idiot.” confused.

“Well, he’s finally gone,” Postal Kevin “What does that have to do with what Blake McKim said. “The world can relax that we’re rid we’re talking about?” Rocky Mountain Joe of him. Every family can just take a deep asked. breath and relax.”

“Weren’t you guys talking about Donald They took a sip of their beer and I had a Trump?” I asked. spoonful of cereal.

They laughed. Hard. From their toes to “I think the most dangerous thing about their bellies. him is the influence he had on our chil“No,” Postal Kevin chortled. “We were dren,” Rocky Mountain Joe said. “Not just talking about Caillou being cancelled.” our children, but all of the children – in the At that moment, I woke up.

United States and I guess even in Canada, ‘I need a bowl of cereal,’ I thought.

SIDE

NEWS

FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 Page 7

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Editorial from Jan. 22 Independent was totally irresponsible The Editor Your Editorial “The government is not our mom” is, at this critical time in our fight against Covid19, totally irresponsible.

As a Conservative / conservative paper you are entitled to publish as many silly right wing editorials as you like, but not when they threaten lives

and undermine Government’s and people’s efforts to control the pandemic. This “editorial”, originally published back in November by a far right “think tank”, and written by one who has been noteworthy for praising Trump, denying climate change, and downgrading the harm done by residential schools, is mainly

noteworthy for its misinformation.

Sweden is not/not the poster boy for dealing with the pandemic. Even the Swedish government has now recognized that laissez faire is not the way to go and changed its policy.

Its death rate is 4 to 10 times that of its neighbouring Nordic

countries. For example its death rate is 10 times that of its nearest neighbour Norway, while its economy has also dropped 10 times as much as Norway’s.

Judging by current statistics, if Canada had followed Sweden’s lead we would now have more than 20,000 more/more dead Canadians than we do and three

times more cases in our already overloaded hospitals.

I suppose for Mr. Giesbrecht 20,000 deaths is a small price to pay to keep his local coffee shop open. Or, to be kind, perhaps he has changed his mind given events since November (perhaps on Mr. Trump as well). Of course, governments and people

should do what they can to help maintain small businesses. In the meantime we should all follow the appropriate directives from health care and pandemic specialists and not listen to, or publish, the ravings of totally unqualified right wing demagogs.

Martin Soutter Manotick

The Editor, COVID-19 has affected the economy worldwide, but Canadians have had the privilege of being able to access the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to support them

through this shutdown, a privilege that many people in low income countries do not have.

60% of households in these countries have reduced income, with many being without social protection. Workers have little

access to alternative economic opportunities and are forced to work in dangerous conditions.

Eighty per cent of the population relies on the informal economy, which is made up of small income-generating

ventures. Now more than ever, people in poverty require assistance in being able to grow their micro-enterprises or to start new ones. The Partnership for Economic Inclusion (PEI) has the power to do this, yet fund-

ing for micro-enterprises is less than 1% of Canada’s total aid program. Canada needs to support people living in poverty by increasing funding for microentrepreneurs and demonstrating commitment by joining the

Partnership for Economic Inclusion (PEI). Now is the time to give low income countries and their workers the support they need.

Suin Lee Kanata

The Editor, While we are frustrated by vaccine shortages, developing countries have received only a trickle. At this rate, their people will be only be fully vaccinated by 2024, likely long after current vac-

cines have been rendered useless by multiple mutations of the virus. By December, more than 10 billion vaccine doses had been preordered mostly by high-income countries comprising only 14% of the world’s population. Vac-

cine nationalism is not only selfish, it could derail any chance for an early global economic recovery. A study by the International Chamber of Commerce found that without ensuring equitable vaccination for developing

economies, the total cost to the world varies between US$ 1.5–9.2 trillion.

The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator was created by a consortium of global partners to accelerate the development, produc-

tion, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. It has been fully costed at US$38 billion, a relative pittance, but is still short US$23 billion.

Like vaccines, international cooperation seems to be

scarce. Given that Canada has almost committed its full fair share, it should use its leadership position to encourage other countries to do likewise.Sincerely, Stephen St. Denis Ottawa

Need for economic support from Canada in low income countries

International cooperation as scarce as the COVID vaccine itself

Page 8 FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Sometimes you have to lose a bit to gain something

On February 10th Ottawa City Council will vote on several parcels of land that will be recommended to be included in the new urban boundary. To meet growth projections, Ottawa needs to add more area for housing.

It’s a competition that landowners need to win to capitalize on their investments. Most had persuasive arguments for members of the Planning and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees, of which I am a member.

I want to explain why I moved a motion to include a one hundred and six-hectare parcel of land in Riverside

South that was ineligible for development because it is categorized agricultural.

An explanation is warranted for two reasons.

Before I was elected, I was openly critical of the city, allowing our rural lands to be eaten up by housing that was not supported by better roads and infrastructure. And as councillor for

Gloucester South-Nepean, I voted to protect Agricultural Land. I don’t often change my mind or position without good reason. In this case, my rationale is solid and specific.

First is the location of the land. It’s on the south side of the Trillium line, between the Bowesville Station and Park and Ride and Limebank Station, the LRT Line’s end in the new Riverside South Town Centre. On three sides of the new rail line are new homes. This housing will provide easy and convenient access to LRT. Yet, on the south side of the LRT line, the land would be left vacant

because of its Agricultural designation. The area is currently not farmed, and there is some doubt it will ever be.

Of course, the owners of the land, RSDC Land Holdings, want to develop it. I don’t work for the developers, but I do work for the residents in my ward, and I always want them to know I am watching the bottomline. And that’s what I am doing here.

Ottawa taxpayers have sunk more than a hundred million dollars into the two LRT stations in Riverside South, 33 million into the Bowesville Park and Ride alone. We need as many

transit customers as possible to capitalize on the investment. Prohibiting growth along the rail corridor, for whatever reason, does not do that.

City policy also directs development and intensification along transit routes, and the land in question is within 1.9 kilometres of the LRT. We’d have a transit-oriented community with a big gaping hole on one side if we did not push to include the land within the urban boundary. I was thrilled when city staff finally recognized this and agreed to include this parcel of land.

Some argue that this com-

promise would set a dangerous precedent. I disagree because what we are doing in Riverside Side is unique.

It makes economic sense to create a real transit-oriented community.

We lose some agricultural land, even I wouldn’t say I like that, but sometimes you have to lose a bit to gain something. We should all take solace because our new communities will be surrounded by thousands of acres of untouched land that will be known as the Gold Belt.

Carol Anne Meehan Councillor Gloucester South-Nepean

lowed by Planning Act. The survey asks about the type of park and recreation facilities that you and your family use and what amenities you think are important for our City parks and facilities. The development of the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan will

help meet the future needs of our growing community over the next decade.

Virtual public engagement sessions are also planned in February and more information will be provided in the coming weeks.

The one thing that the

Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced is how much parks and recreation facilities mean to so many Ottawa residents and neighbourhoods. Parks and recreation facilities have proven to be important amenities that contribute to the vibrancy of our communities and the so-

cial and physical well-being for our residents and their families.

These are your communities, your parks, and recreation facilities. Have your say. Get involved. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca.

City wants feedback, input on parks and recreation centres

The City needs your feedback and input to help develop its 10-year Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan. The plan will go to the Community and Protective Services Committee and Council for approval in October 2021.

The online survey is now

live on Engage.Ottawa.ca until February 5, 2021. Ontario government legislation requires the City to develop this plan so that we can continue to request that park land is dedicated in new communities at the highest possible rate instead of the minimum provision as al-

Save 40%

Bill McDonald

*

up to

Financial Advisor The Co-operators 5560 Manotick Main St | Manotick 613-692-5070 www.cooperators.ca/William-McDonald

by combining your home and auto insurance.

Call, Click or Come in for a quote today.

Home Auto Life Investments Group Business Farm Travel

Not all products available in all provinces. *Discounts vary. See your Insurance/Financial Advisor for details.

Like us on Facebook Barrhaven Independent

BARRHAVEN

Follow us on Twitter @BarrhavenIndy Listen to our podcast on SoundCloud Barrhaven Independent

www.barrhavenindependent.on.ca

FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 Page 9

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Committees approve lands for new neighbourhoods, protection for rural lands

When Council adopts a New Official Plan later this year, it would extend Ottawa’s urban boundary – the line that divides suburban and rural Ottawa – to include 836 hectares of land for new neighbourhoods.

The City’s Planning Committee and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today approved this approach at a joint meeting, also recommending adding 140 hectares of industrial lands.

Using Council-approved evaluation criteria, City planning staff scored blocks of land to accommodate new neighbourhoods, prioritizing those next to existing com-

munities. The Committees approved the selected lands, which would encourage growth near existing commercial areas and existing or planned transit hubs.

The Committees also provided direction about how to select additional lands needed to meet the 1,281 hectares for expansion that Council approved in May 2020. Staff presented several options and the Committees directed them to do a focussed analysis of a new satellite community east of Leitrim and west of Carlsbad Springs, with Algonquin land interests, referred to as Tewin – the Algonquin word

Ottawa Police presents Mental Health Response Strategy The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) presented its Mental Health Response Strategy (MHRS) consultation approach to the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) for approval at its January 25, 2021 meeting The community-led strategy will be co-developed with mental healthcare and addictions professionals, community-based organizations, academics and those with lived experience, and will help to support a whole-of-community approach to responding to those in mental health crisis.

The OPS has reached out to multiple frontline agencies and healthcare groups to support the establishment of a Guiding Council, which will develop the strategy and establish best-practices. Residents city-wide will have an opportunity to contribute to the development of the strategy through a series of consultations, including an online questionnaire.

The strategy recognizes that the OPS must improve the way its members respond to calls for service where mental health and addictions are an issue. But better crisis response is only part of the solution. We also recognize that new, more appropriate and effective options need to be created to replace police responses to many calls involving mental health and

addictions. For this to occur, new systems and networks need to be built or strengthened to develop a more appropriate response.

“This is a critical issue for our community and it is directly linked to our involvement in community safety and well-being, through our duty of care to build public trust with the people we serve,” said Deputy Chief Steve Bell. “We are listening and learning. The strategy will take a holistic look at the mental well-being landscape in Ottawa in an effort to provide better access to services for people in distress as we work towards better mental health outcomes in our community.”

The consultation approach, part of a three-year strategy, will incorporate feedback from Ottawa’s diverse communities, including Indigenous, black, youth, LGBTQ+ and other racialized communities, and will align with the City and province’s Community Safety and WellBeing (CSWB) plans. It will also solicit feedback from OPS members in order to gain a broad picture of how we respond to those in crisis.

Updates will be regularly posted to the OPS website, including opportunities for residents to provide feedback and help to contribute to the development of the strategy.

for home.

The Committees also approved further protecting agricultural lands by establishing a Gold Belt outside the urban boundary, which would protect more than 53,000 hectares from development, making it 3.5 times bigger than

even the Greenbelt. Named to reflect harvest colours, the proposed Gold Belt includes agricultural resource lands, natural areas and mineral aggregate resource areas. Together, they create an additional boundary for communities like Barrhaven, Riverside South,

Stittsville and Orléans.

With more robust intensification goals and rules requiring minimum densities, this Gold Belt would be an additional policy tool to limit outward growth in Ottawa for the rest of the century.

Leapfrogging over the Gold Belt would be prohibited.

Existing lands between the Greenbelt and the Gold Belt meet Ottawa’s immediate growth needs.

Recommendations will rise to Council on Wednesday, February 10. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca.

COVID Support Grants NOW AVAILABLE

1 2

Supports for COVID-19 Small Business Support Grant New in January, this is a grant, up-to $ 2 0 , 0 0 0 to help small businesses that must close or significantly restrict services due to the recent Province-wide Shutdown.

Property Tax and Energy Bill Rebates This is business grant that will cover the entire length of time that public health restrictions are in place, for: • municipal and education property taxes • energy costs, including electricity and natural gas (or where natural gas is not available, propane and heating oil).

3

4 5

Main Street Relief Grant: PPE Support

This is a one-time grant of up to $1,000 for eligible businesses with 2 to 9 employees.

Sectors include retail, accommodation and food services, repair and maintenance, personal and laundry services, and gyms and yoga studios.

Supports for Non-Profits The Ontario Trillium Foundation provides grants for the non-profit sector. Learn more at www.otf.ca

Supports for Arts & Culture The Ontario Arts Council provides a range of grants for individual artists, arts professionals, and organizations. Learn more at www.arts.on.ca

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 5, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER FOR TWO MENU

butternut squash, sage butter sauce

Roasted Cauliflower Soup (GF, V, VV, LF, D, LC) Roasted cauliflower, Yukon gold potatoes, spiced chickpeas, “parmesan” cheese, herbs OR Zucchini Leek Tart (V) All-butter puff pastry, mini potatoes, roasted zucchini, sautéed leek, gruyere cream, greens OR Pressed Chicken Terrine (GF, D, LC) Proscuitto wrapped chicken, pistachios, parsley & lemon, pear apricot chutney, pickled shallot, gluten free crackers Vegetable Foccacia Loaf (V) Beef Wellington Bacon wrapped beef medallion, creamed spinach & artichokes, butter puff OR Salmon Confit (GF, D, LC) Olive oil poached salmon filet, caper cream, green olives, chive oil OR Mushroom Gnocchi (V) Potato gnocchi dumplings, sautéed mushroom medley, roasted

Seasonal Vegetables (GF, LF, V, VV, D, LC) Quinoa Lentil Pilaf (GF, LF, V, VV) Ruby Raspberry Cheesecake Ruby chocolate cheesecake, poached raspberries, raspberry meringue OR Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake (GF) Rich chocolate cake, Belgian dark chocolate mousse, Belgian white chocolate mousse, chocolate curls OR Strawberry Almond Cream Tart Sweet shortcrust pastry, almond cream filling, toasted almonds, fresh strawberries Deluxe chocolate truffles

$80.00 to generously feed 2 GF – gluten free / LF – lactose free V – vegetarian / VV – vegan D – diabetic friendly / LC – low carb

Please place orders by 3pm on Wednesday February 10, for pick-up on Saturday February 13 or Sunday February 14 Orders will be closed when sold out

VALENTINE’S BAKING WHOLE CAKES

Lemon Raspberry Cake – tender vanilla cake with alternate layers of tangy lemon curd and fresh raspberries. inished with lemon buttercream and dried petals.

Banana Chocolate Cake – old-fashioned banana cake layers, our classic Belgian chocolate buttercream, chocolate ganache drip, chocolate pearls & banana chips Oreo Cake – layers of rich chocolate cake, oreo buttercream, chocolate ganache and classic Oreo cookies $6.00 / slice, $32 / 6” (serves 6-10), $42 / 8” (serves 10-16), $52 / 10” (serves 16-20)

Sweetheart Box $25.00ea Gift-boxed melting moments, coconut macaroons, heart sugar cookies, heart linzer cookies, heart shaped brownie, chocolate crinkle cookies (30 pieces)

Brownie Box $25.00ea Individually wrapped and gift boxed triple chocolate brownie, raspberry brownie, caramel brownie, strawberry white chocolate blondie, turtle brownie, walnut brownie, s’mores brownie (30 pieces)

Croquembouche for Sharing $25.00ea Chocolate Cointreau and raspberry vanilla filled choux buns, chocolate dipped, with fresh berries (10 choux puffs)

Chocolate Fondue for Sharing $20.00ea Belgian dark chocolate fondue, brownie bites, marshmallows, dried fruit, fresh strawberries, pretzels, shortbread cookies

613.518.6639

hello@takeanotherbite.com 1135 Mill Street, Manotick ON 11-148 Colonnade Road South, Nepean ON

www.takeanotherbite.com

Leave your Easter feast to us this year!

FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

LUXURY

APARTMENTS

Lease NOW! Opening this SPRING! www.lepineapartments.com

Page 12 FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

CLUES ACROSS 1. Nuclear near reach weapon 5. Of she 8. Hyperbolic function 12. Rice dish 14. A team’s best pitcher 15. Strong and healthy 16. Induces 18. Popular manga series 19. From a distance 20. Split 21. Consumed 22. Cushions 23. All over 26. One who provides food 30. St. __ Girl, brand of beer 31. Walking slowly 32. Wood 33. Semitic gods 34. Bugle 39. 60-minute periods (abbr.)

42. Congressman 44. Plant of the heath family 46. Subdivision of an army 47. Having many different forms 49. Shellfish

50. Latin for hail 51. Between sixth and seventh 56. Maori war dance 57. Precious or semiprecious stone 58. Teeter totter 59. Deity 60. A major division of geological time 61. Fishing net 62. Small Caribbean bird 63. Field force unit 64. Japanese beverage CLUES DOWN 1. Prevents oil spills 2. Monetary unit 3. The color of the sky 4. Dough used to make tortillas 5. Popular comic strip character 6. Distinct form of a plant 7. Replenishment 8. Has its own altar 9. Expedition to see animals 10. Group of related organisms 11. His and __ 13. Frenetically 17. Small integer

24. Unit of energy 25. Studies of culture 26. Taxi 27. Doctors’ group 28. Don’t know when yet 29. Former measure of length 35. Popular CBS series 36. Skin condition 37. Christian creator and ruler of the universe 38. They __ 40. Caused severe damage 41. Work done under harsh conditions for no pay 42. One point east of due south 43. Sea eagles 44. Drenched 45. State capital 47. Italian city 48. Sweetheart (archaic) 49. Brief talk 52. Popular disco group: Bee __ 53. First Chinese dynasty 54. Military vehicle 55. Chinese Moslem

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 Page 13

Page 14 FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

St. F X student remains optimistic through pandemic

Name: Alicia Bontes

Age: 17

fOCUS ON

School: St. Francis Xavier High

YOUTH

by Phill Potter

Grade: 12 Parents: Darrell and Nicola Brother: Carson (14), Grade 9, St. Francis Xavier High Sister: Ashley (10), Grade 5, St. Jerome Elementary Pets: 2 cats – Max and Ruby Pet Peeves: “My greatest pet peeves include individuals who walk slowly, alongside those who do not follow the basic rules of the road! I am especially aggravated by individuals who walk slow, and do not have the common courtesy to “stick-to-the-right” when they are choosing to be slow.

In terms of individuals who do not follow the rules of the road, I think that is a given; changing lanes in the middle of an intersection, not signalling upon changing lanes or turning, and tailgating when I am already travelling

at a significant speed. I am irritated just thinking about it!”

Part-time Work: “I work part-time at Firehouse Subs.

Firehouse Subs is an American-style sandwich shop that has recently opened in Canada. I was fortunate enough to have been hired in the midst of a pandemic after my father viewed a Kijiji advertisement for a new location opening on Hunt Club in July of 2020.

The first time I heard of Firehouse Subs was a month prior, in June, after hearing a “YouTuber” rave about the quality of the food. Little did I know I would be working full-time as a day-time cashier for the remainder of the summer. Although I can make the sandwiches, my primary responsibilities of the job include cleaning and stocking the storefront, completing food prep, greeting

Manotick Hours of Operation: Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday ‐ 8am‐9pm Monday – Friday 8am 8pm Saturday – 8am‐6pm Saturday – 8am 6pm Sunday – 9am‐5pm Sunday – 9am 5pm

the customers, and handling monetary transactions.”

Favourite Subjects: “Since my initiation into the elementary school system at the age of four, I have been passionate about science and mathematics. I’m naturally good at mathematics and science-based courses.

I believe that there may be a genetic component, as my father is highly skilled in mathematical concepts, but I work extremely hard to ensure my success in the course(s). Due to my curiosity and willingness to learn, it makes studying mathematics and science courses easier and more enjoyable.”

Subjects to be completed this year: “I’m fortunate to have acquired enough credits over my high school career to afford two ‘spare’ periods (or ‘study halls’) during this school year. I have two vacant blocks in my schedule. The other six blocks are occupied by different variations of science courses (Chemistry and Biology), mathematics courses (Advanced Functions and Calculus), English, and Phil-

osophy.”

Who is your favourite author? “I would not say that I have a ‘favourite author’. This is merely because I am quite picky about the ‘style’ in which an individual writes. In the past, I have enjoyed novels by John Green and Kiera Cass. However, this was during my elementary school years, so I would have to freshen up on some of their infamous novels, Fault in Our Stars and The Selection Series, to ensure that my views still align with this claim.

In more recent years, I have adored works written

by Margaret Atwood. I’m not always in favour of the topics at hand, but the way in which she writes suits my personal taste. Her sentences flow together nicely, her writing is easy to comprehend, and it just makes sense.”

What is your greatest accomplishment? “It’s challenging for me to name a single-greatest accomplishment, as I do not feel I have accomplished anything on a significant scale (beyond

Gibbon’s Painting & Decorating Local House Painter - Bonded With 27 years experience Customer Satisfaction focus

The Mews of Manotick

613‐692‐3591

Proudly serving Manotick & surrounding area since 1964!

continues on page 9

ALWAYS GUARAnteeD For a free estimate please call Rory 322-0109 Book now for your painting needs

Alicia Bontes has aspirations of becoming a doctor.

Submitted photo

academics), that is worthy of mentioning; I know I can do more. There are, however, a few defining moments in my life where I have been proud of myself.

One of which pertains to my self-image.

I have worked extremely hard over the past year to stop caring about what other people think of me.

Like other teenagers, I have

struggled with insecurities, but I have come to realize that everyone is too worried about themselves to care enough about you, or what you look like. I’m proud of myself for overcoming the fear of what others think of me, and for living the life I want, so long as no one is affected negatively.”

focus

continues on page 15

Building outdoors?

Choose Western red cedar, naturally!

For all your fencing and decking needs!

Wide selection of building materials for all your construction projects.

Full line of pressure treated spruce, #1 pine, plywood, insulation, caulking, and builders’ hardware supplies.

Proudly serving you since 1936! www.perkinslumber.ca 613-489-3735 North Gower

Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Saturday: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm

Everything Raw Doggie Café Curbside and Online Order for Pick up Available

Are you looking to switch your dog or cat to raw? Or maybe you need assistance on improving your pet’s diet and health?

For a limited time only, we now offer FREE phone consultation for pet parents .

To book an appointment, go to everythingraw.ca today

Mon: Closed; Tues — Fri: 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday— Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Everythingraw.ca

613-692-7770

990 River Road, Manotick, Ontario

FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 Page 15

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT focus continues from page 14 School Activities: “Throughout my high school career, I have tried to be actively involved in my school community. I’ve occupied positions on the Varsity Ringette team in Grade 11, and the Varsity Girls Hockey team in Grade 9. In Grade 10, I spent a significant portion of my time participating in Technovation: a global technology and entrepreneurship competition for girls. Along with four girls from my school, I constructed a mobile app prototype and business plan to help solve a community issue before pitching the idea to a panel of judges on the competition day.

In addition to this, I occupied the position of Grade 11 Representative on the Student Council. Although most clubs are run virtually this school year, I am happy to maintain my position on the Student Council as the Minister of Finance, and be a part of a new initiative at my school: the Equity and Diversity Club.”

Other Activities/Interests: “Outside of school, I enjoy travelling the world and spending time with my family.

Unfortunately, due to the current circumstances, I’m not able to do this, but look forward to resuming these fes-

tivities once the pandemic is under control, if not, over.

My family and I are huge Disney fanatics, so we love vacationing to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort in the United States. I also enjoy watching sports with my father and brother, in particular, hockey and exercising in my basement or outdoors (weather permitting). My guilty pleasure is YouTube and reality television shows including The Bachelor.”

Career Goals: “Without a doubt, my ultimate goal in life is to become a doctor. I can remember racing home from school every Tuesday and Thursday, eagerly awaiting the moment where I could sit in front of my old-style box television, and watch an infamous ‘labour and delivery’ television series. At the time, I was only six-years-old, so my mother and father would laugh when I said I wanted to “deliver babies when I am older.”

Over the last decade, I have heavily contemplated if I truly want to be a doctor, but every time I change my mind, and begin diving down a different career path, I am presented with various signs [from the universe] that this is what I am meant to be. I am not naive to

Healthy and Delicious Tea

the fact that each and every year, medical school admission rates across North America rapidly decline. There is really no guarantee that anyone will be accepted to medical school unless they “save the world” or “find a cure for an infamous disease,” which is highly improbable in my case. Nevertheless, I am determined and willing to dedicate the next fifteen years of my life to become what I have always aspired to be: a doctor.

My ultimate goal is to obtain my doctorate’s degree in medicine. However, I will be overjoyed to obtain a doctorate’s degree in any field of study, as my alternative career path is to be a professor at a post-secondary institution.

This journal will hopefully begin in the fall of 2021 as I attend an undergraduate institution outside of my hometown.”

Comment: “I am extremely grateful to have not experienced the negative consequences or heartbreak of this pandemic. Myself, nor any individual in my immediate family, has contracted the virus sweeping the globe.

If we have, then we did not exhibit symptoms or passed them off as something else.

My father has maintained his

job as an accountant, while my mother devotes her time to helping my siblings and I, completing household tasks, and making lots of facial masks for charity.

I have tried to remain optimistic throughout the

process in order to keep my “mental sanity,” but at times it’s difficult, when matters appear to only be getting worse. I try to remind myself, that for most people, this two-to-three year long pandemic is merely a speck of

dust in the wind; it will come and go as fast as it came. In retrospect, this period will leave an impact on the history books, but will occupy an insignificant role in our [hopeful] seventy-eighty year lifelong journey.”

MACAW

Manotick & Area Centre for Arts & Wellness Located at Manotick United Church

FREE PROGRAMMING FOR SENIORS! Please visit our website at: www.manotickmacaw.com For a variety of wellness classes (like TaiChi & Yoga), amazing concerts and interesting workshops.

Contact Information: 613-692-4576 or manotickmacaw @gmail.com

Page 16 FRIDAY, February 5, 2021 BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

SOLD

$ 661,200

SOLD

2552-C RIVER ROAD, MANOTICK

2771 EAGLESON ROAD, OTTAWA

305 CRESTHAVEN DRIVE, OTTAWA

Fantastic updated waterfront home on the Rideau River, weed-free and deep section of the river minutes South of Manotick Village.

22 acres of prime agricultural level land for land banking opportunity or future development potential.

2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, beautiful condo in the heart of Barrhaven.