Barrhaven Independent January 19, 2024

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Year 24 • issue 2

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FRIDAY • January 19 • 2024

Tragedy on the Rideau

Police searched the Rideau River off Nicolls Island north of Manotick Dec. 28 for the body of one of two Barrhaven boys who fell through the ice while skating on the Rideau River the night before. The body of Ahmed Ahmed, 18, was recovered from the Rideau on Dec. 27, while the body of Riley Cotter was found Dec. 28 after an extensive search. For the complete stories, see pages 4, 5 and 8.

Charlie Senack photo

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Page 2 FRIDAY, January 19, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Sometimes sadness blankets our community It was sad to hear of the tragic accident in the water near Nicholls Island in Manotick that claimed the life of Barrhaven teens Ahmed Haitham and Riley Cotter. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and all those affected by this tragedy.

Winter Carnival Season Is Almost Here

It’s hard to believe that winter carnival season in the Carleton riding is already upon us.

The Greely Winter Carnival runs from January 25-28 this year, followed

by Manotick Shiverfest the North Gower Winter Carnival and the Osgoode Winter Carnival taking place on the first weekend of February.

The annual Richmond

Run 5k and 10k races are also planned for Jan. 28 with the start and finish both at South Carleton High School. The icy conditions and cold weather never seem to slow down local runners, as they get a jump on the season with the first race of the year.

Ontario Increasing Funding to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia

The Ontario government is investing an additional $20.5 million this year, to help address the rise of hate incidents against religious and min-

ority groups, particularly amid the recent spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia.

The new funding, prioritizing Jewish and Muslim communities, will expand the province’s Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant, helping faith-based and cultural organizations implement measures to ensure community spaces remain safe and secure.

The funding will provide community facilities, including synagogues, mosques, community hubs and Jewish and Muslim schools and childcare centres, with up to $20,000 to help better protect their spaces from hate-motivated incidents, graffiti, vandalism or other damage. Grant funding can be used for measures such as hiring

security staff, surveillance cameras, security assessments, cybersecurity, and building repairs.

This $20.5 million investment builds on the $12.5 million provided to over 1,400 faith-based and cultural organizations through the first round of the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant.

Previous recipients of the grant are eligible for a top-up payment. The application portal opened on December 14, 2023.

Quick Facts

- The new dedicated stream of funding will provide up to a maximum of $20,000 per non-profit organization, based on its revenues.

- From October 7 to November 20, the Toronto Police Service reported 55

hate crimes and 280 hategraffiti incidents related to antisemitism or Islamophobia. This represents a significant increase compared to the same time last year with 14 hate crimes and 21 hate-motivated graffiti related to antisemitism or Islamophobia reported.

- Since 2021, the government has allocated a total of $86 million in grants and programs to protect faith and cultural communities.

- All faith-based, cultural, 2SLGBTQQIA+, First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous organizations who need support and meet the criteria are eligible to receive funding; however, priority will be given to those that primarily serve Jewish and Muslim communities.

- Based on 2021 StatsCan Police Reported Hate Crime data, Jewish and Muslim communities are among those most targeted.

Ontario Helping More Students KickStart Careers in the Trades

The Ontario government is investing over $62.9 million in two of the province’s foundational skilled trades programs to help more than 18,000 young people explore and prepare for life-long careers in a growing industry. The record increase in funding will help train the 100,000 skilled workers needed to build transit, hospitals and at least 1.5 million homes.

goldie

continues on page 3

FRIDAY, January 19, 2024 Page 3

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT goldie continues from page 2 The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a specialized high school program that gives students who have completed Grade 10 the chance to explore the trades through cooperative education courses. The government is expanding OYAP with a $21.1 million investment to help more students across the province gain exposure to the skilled trades by accumulating hours toward an apprenticeship while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The province is also sending 72 OYAP recruiters into more than 800 secondary schools to compete directly with colleges and universities.

The government is also investing $41.8 million to launch roughly 100 pre-apprenticeship training projects around the province to help young people get first-hand experience working in trades that can pay six figures such as welding, electrical

and arboriculture. Preapprenticeship training is free for participants while costs for textbooks, safety equipment and tools are all covered. Courses can last up to 52 weeks and include an 8–12-week paid work placement with a local employer.

This announcement was made at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353 in Toronto. With a $1.3 million investment from the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, IBEW has launched a free project to prepare 48 people from underrepresented groups as electricians in the Greater Toronto Area.

The program includes a free 15-week bootcamp on essential electrical skills and health and safety, along with a 10-week paid job placement with a local employer and a pathway to an apprenticeship.

trations increased by 24 per cent in 2023, from 21,971 to 27,319.

- In total, there were 91,634 apprentices active in Ontario as of April 3, 2023.

- For more information on pre-apprenticeship training programs, contact Employment Ontario by

phone, e-mail, or live chat.

- There are 144 skilled trades in Ontario.

- Ontario also offers Dual Credit and Specialist High Skills Major job skills programs that support secondary students to explore careers in the skilled trades.

- SDF Training Stream

and Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program are supported by labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Office Notice: My office is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4

pm. If you require assistance on any matter, please contact me at any time. My staff and I will be happy to assist. Even if it’s not a provincial issue, I’ll make sure to connect you with the proper office.

Goldie Your voice at Queen’s Park

Quick Facts

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Page 4 FRIDAY, January 19, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Two Barrhaven teens die in Rideau River after falling through ice

By Charlie Senack

The community is continuing to mourn the loss of two teens who drowned after falling through the ice on the Rideau River north of Manotick Dec. 27.

While four teens went through the ice near Nicolls Island Road, a 17-year-old male was able to make it out of the frigid waters alive and save his 15-year-old sister. While both had to be treated for mild hypothermia, the brother was able to run to a nearby house where a neighbour called 911.

In darkness, police searched the river by raft for hours looking for signs of the missing teens. The body of 17-year-old Ahmed Ahmed, also known as Ahmed Haitham, was pulled from the water at around 4:00 a.m. in the morning. The next evening, the body of 16-yearold Riley Cotter was found after an extensive search using robotic devices. Both teens were from Barrhaven and attended John McCrae Secondary School.

Emergency workers lined Nicolls Island Road as emergency workers searched for a teen who fell through the ice Dec. 27. Two Barrhaven teens, Ahmed Ahmed and Riley Cotter, drowned after falling through the thin Rideau River ice while skating.

Charlie Senack photos

A GoFundMe page set up to help Ahmed’s family cover funeral costs said he went

out skating with three of his friends.

“He only took a few steps

on the ice and unfortunately the ice broke,” the GoFundMe read. “Ahmed and his friends

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fought for their lives wearing heavy winter pants and jackets, with heavy skates trying to

swim in pitch black darkness.”

river

continues on page 5

FRIDAY, January 19, 2024 Page 5

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT river continues from page 4 The search for Cotter was stalled for part of the day on Dec. 27 after a police officer suffered “diving-related injuries.” The diver was listed in serious condition initially, but is said to be recovering well.

In a statement, Ottawa Police said their thoughts went out to the victims’ families.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” Ottawa Police said in a post on the platform X, formally known as Twitter. “This incident profoundly impacts us all, and our hearts go out to those who are grieving.”

Barrhaven East councillor Wilson Lo expressed his “heartfelt sympathies” to the victims’ families on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He told the Barrhaven Independent the city is looking into what can be done to strengthen education around ice safety.

“City staff will be reaching out and collaborating

with Parks Canada to make that site [Long Island Park] specifically safer with signage and education through social media,” Lo said.

“There is never a bad time to remind people of the dangers of thin ice, especially over flowing water like the Rideau River, and especially at night when you can’t really see what the ice looks like.”

Barrhaven West councillor David Hill also gave his condolences and said city staff and the Ottawa Carleton District School Board offered any assistance they could give to the two teens’ families.

“It was devastating. It broke my heart to hear the news,” said Hill. “I’ve asked a few questions to city staff to see if there are further things we can do in terms of ice safety and prevention.”

Ottawa has been dealing with above seasonal temperatures which led to a green Christmas. This week there were five straight days of temperatures above 0 C as an El Niño keeps the water

warm.

Many parts of the Rideau River near where the teens drowned had open water with some areas being covered in a thin layer of ice.

Neighbours who live in the area said just a few days ago almost the entire river was blanketed in ice.

Safety officials are urging everyone to be cautious since weather has not allowed ice thickness to form.

Before walking on ice people should inspect the ice surface, note the colour of the ice, and measure its thickness. Dull grey ice is a sign it’s unsafe to step on, whereas blue ice is clear and strong.

“When you’re considering heading out for a day of skating, a greater ice thickness is required for a group than for one skater. The Canadian Red Cross recommends that ice should be at least 15 cm (6 inches) thick to carry a single person,” the Ontario website said. “But if you’re heading out with a group of friends for skating

Ottawa police are urging local residents to be cautious on the ice and to make sure it is thick enough for skating, snowmobiling or ice fishing before venturing out on the Rideau.

Charlie Senack photos

or a game of shinny, ensure it’s 20 centimetres (8 inches).”

This is not the first ice-

related tragedy to occur in Canada this year. Earlier this week an Alberta family died after falling through the ice

while riding a UTV. In Quebec, officials are still searching for a missing four-yearold who fell into a river.

A New Year, a Better You

A new year has begun! This will find many of us pledging to improve in some way. According to leading wellness experts, our connection to others is essential to a happy life.

Consequently, any resolution that strengthens relationships is sure to make you happier. The leading way to strengthen relationships is conversation, which relies heavily on proper hearing abilities. So, if your loved ones have become mumblers, be resolved to improve your relationships through better hearing.

Here are some tips to follow.

DO Consult an Audiologist.

Much like you would consult

a Dentist for a sore tooth or an Optometrist for blurred vision, the Audiologist is the healthcare professional to consult for hearing concerns. Audiologists have a Masters or Doctorate level of education and are regulated by the College of Ontario. They are the most qualified to assess your hearing abilities and discuss what the next step should be. A physician’s referral is not required to be assessed by an Audiologist.

DON’T Limit your potential of success. Because hearing is highly individualized, what works for one, may not work for another. With nearly a dozen

Manufactures offering different products, you deserve the one amongst them that suits you best. To find this most suitable product, look for an independent clinic with no product restrictions because a limitation to one or a few product lines may mean you will unknowingly settle for a product sub-optimal for you.

DO Get a thorough assessment. For a strong foundation, seek a test that not only includes the removal of earwax, testing of eardrums, and identification of hearing levels, but also assesses your speech comprehension with one ear compared to two, and in quiet compared to in

noise. Such an assessment will generally require a 1.5-hour consult. Beware of complimentary assessments as they can lead to less thoroughness and more biased outcome reviews.

DON’T Get discouraged.

Learning to hear again takes time. Your brain cannot relearn to hear overnight. Be patient and persistent, especially in those first weeks when your voice sounds awfully strange and the noises seem so intrusive. This is normal. The dust will settle… but only if you wear your new devices consistently.

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Page 6 FRIDAY, January 19, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Are hockey handshake shenanigans a ‘palm-demic’?

INDEPENDENT Editorial

If you happen to be in Newfoundland was a picture of Art Ross of the WanderEconomist misleads government with sometime this winter, which you likely er’s shaking hands with Frank Patrick’s won’t be, and you happen to go to a hock- from the all-stars. Looked totally normal, ey game, which you probably won’t, youfrom something we’d see a million times. But exaggerated grocery profit claims will notice something missing. then Mr. Lamb said, ‘son, do you realize the other

The federal government recently witnessed a dramatic scene, especially during the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture proceedings, where a few witnesses chose to prioritize their agendas over assisting our elected officials in comprehending the complexities of food prices and the necessary actions to be taken.

One particular individual, an economist seemingly more interested in grabbing headlines and camera attention to boost fundraising and personal interests, made bold claims about “record and excessive profits” in the grocery sector for 2023.

Regrettably, we shouldn’t expect an apology from this economist. This was a reprehensible misuse of a platform to advance a political, anti-corporate agenda – utterly disappointing and disingenuous.

Loblaw also made some questionable claims during its visit to Ottawa concerning the potential impact of a grocer’s code of conduct. The company admitted on Dec. 23 that the Australian example cited by its CEO, Galen Weston, to justify their refusal to sign the code of conduct was inaccurate.

At that time, Loblaw’s CEO expressed concerns to federal officials that the current code of conduct could potentially increase food prices by $1 billion, arguing that, in Australia, the third party responsible for enforcing the code favoured suppliers seeking higher prices, which would harm consumers. None of these claims held.

At least Loblaw eventually acknowledged its error, albeit on Dec. 23 when most of us were preoccupied with holiday preparations.

Ottawa’s primary focus should be on fostering competition. Providing consumers with more choices and making the Canadian food market more attractive to external investors is essential.

The code of conduct should be a non-government, third-party-led mechanism enabling companies to resolve disputes related to contractual terms rather than pricing per se. Currently, as grocers unilaterally raise listing and marketing fees imposed on suppliers, manufacturers, in turn, increase prices to offset these higher fees set by grocers. This results in a cycle that ultimately impacts consumers, often without their awareness.

This is the only way food prices can become more stable over time. In countries like Ireland, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where such a code exists, food price increases, adjusted for inflation between 2013 and 2023, have been negative, while Canada’s food price increase adjusted for inflation over a decade was 8.9 percent.

While a code of conduct may not entirely curb food inflation, it will help the industry co-ordinate vertically and address market turbulence, which is often triggered by factors like climate change and geopolitics, leading to price volatility and sticker shocks.

Ottawa should compel all parties, including those who oppose the code, like Loblaw and Walmart, to adhere to the code of conduct. That should be the shared goal of all Canadians for 2024.

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

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When the game ends, whether it’s a game of nine-year-old ankle biters chasing a puck around or a competitive U16 AAA game or a junior or senior league game, the teams will go to directly to their dressing rooms when the buzzer sounds.

There will be no handshake after the game. The hockey tradition that is easily older than every single living Canadian has been banished on the Rock. The decision from the province’s governing body of hockey was made to discourage potential incidents that could spill out into the parking lot and involve players, coaches and parents.

The announcement sparked Atlantic outrage. Even the Premier of Newfoundland-Labrador was upset with the handshake ban.

The story of the handshake in hockey was detailed in an online post by – who else? – local hockey historian Liam Maguire. He tells the story of how he was working at Carleton Lodge in 1980 and met a resident named Mr. Lamb. Liam was already well-known for having a passion for hockey history. Mr. Lamb invited Liam to his room to look at a hockey scrapbook. They may have also enjoyed a contraband pint. Even 44 years ago, there could not have been a Liam Maguire hockey story that did not involve beer.

As Liam writes: “Among the dozens and dozens of newspaper clippings was a very yellow parched story detailing an all-star game in 1908. If you look at the list of players in the Hall of Fame you’ll see the name Hod Stuart. Stuart was one of the best on point or cover point, the early names for the defense position and he was a Stanley Cup winner with the Montreal Wanderer’s in 1907. His name dots the early history of pro hockey and amateur hockey. He was the first ever captain in Ottawa Senator history in 1899. During the summer of 1907 he died in a diving accident just outside of Belleville. He was 28 years old. The ECAHA (Eastern Canadian Amateur Hockey Association) decided to hold a fundraiser in his memory and to raise money for his family.

The game would be played in Montreal on January 2, 1908 and would feature players from Stuart’s Cup winning team the Wanderer’s and an all-star collection from the rest of the ECAHA. It is the first all-star game in hockey history. Believe me, nobody knows about it unless you’ve researched it.

“That day in Mr. Lamb’s room, in 1980 I was looking at a newspaper report of the game and some pictures. Among them

that this is the first handshake recorded in hockey?’ I asked him to explain and he proceeded to tell me that given the nature of this game, as a charity exhibition fundraiser the players shook hands at the conclusion of the game, won 10-7 by the all-stars. And yes, if you’re wondering that’s thee Art Ross who the trophy is named after and thee Frank Patrick, brother of Lester who are regarded as the number one innovators in hockey history.

“According to Mr. Lamb, during the next season’s Cup challenges, all three of them defended by the Montreal Wanderers, the players who had participated in the all-star game kept the tradition going with post game handshakes. He claimed he had seen pictures of the postgame on ice celebrations but that the players would shake hands more like in the NFL, going to players they knew etc. It was his contention backed by that picture and the story that this was the origin of the tradition. In all the research I’ve done on this since I’ve been unable to find anything else definitively on the origin of this great tradition.”

The handshake goes beyond hockey. It is a Canadian thing. Every youth or amateur sport in Canada has adopted the handshake as part of its postgame tradition. It represents everything that we are trying to accomplish through sport and athletic competition – sportsmanship, respect for your opponent, respect for the officials, and respect for the game.

Sure, every now and then, things spill into the bleachers and into the parking lot.

Maybe there is some chirping in the handshake line, but usually not. If things are going to go full-on Shoresy in the hallway or the lobby or the parking lot, it will be from something that was brewing long before the traditional handshake.

Every sport will have some tensions at some point. It’s because the people who play sports are competitive, and during competition, whether it’s hockey or soccer or chess or Scrabble, people want to win.

But if things get ugly, it’s not because of the game, or the handshake. It’s a reflection of how our society and culture are eroding.

And it’s not about the game, or the opponents or the coaches or the referees. It’s about the parents. It’s about the way the kids are being raised at home.

Learning about what a handshake is and what it represents is exactly what our society needs.

side

FRIDAY, January 19, 2024 Page 7

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor welcome at manotickmessenger@gmail.com

Protesting kids and moms visiting Santa is taking things too far

The Editor, I was shocked that the local and national media chose not to report on the disruptions and protests at malls in Ottawa and Toronto before Christmas (while we are still allowed to say the word Christmas).

If Palestinian supporters want average Canadians to sympathize with them, protesting and intimidating parents and children going to see

Santa Claus at malls is not the way to do it. Chanting things like “Jesus was from Palestine” at children going to see Santa Claus is not acceptable.

It is a known and documented fact that one of the mandates of Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist organization in Canada, the US, Japan, Egypt, the European Union and Israel, is to exterminate all Jews.

The Hamas charter says: “The Day of Judgment will not come about until Muslims fight Jews and kill them.

Then, the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will cry out: ‘O Moslem, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him.’”

The pro-Palestinian protests in our city are growing, increasingly disruptive, and

alarmingly becoming more aggressive.

At the malls, police and security stood back and watched.

They do not seem to want to be labelled as racists or Zionists or whatever for stepping in and restoring order.

As for the chants about Jesus being Palestinian, Jesus was a Jew, and he was born in Bethlehem, also known as the City of David. Were the

protestors at the mall aware that the Israelites were there two thousand years ago and beyond, which is long before 1948?

With the exception of Indigenous Canadians, all of our families, regardless of how far we go back in genealogy, came here for a better life and to get away from conflicts. We left those conflicts behind us.

None of us understand

how putting masks on and threatening and intimidating moms and kids visiting Santa, or marching up and down Woodroffe Avenue and belting out the antisemitic genocidal chant, ‘From the River to the Sea’, is going to get anyone in Israel or Gaza to stop fighting.

In Canada, we’re not fighting. Let’s keep it that way.

Brian Richardson

The Editor, I’m a reader of Barrhaven Independent, and today I read the editorial “Christmas Comes Under Attack in Canada again.” I found the original article on Troy Media’s website, and noticed it had been significantly shortened for the paper.

I’m shocked that someone on your team decided to pull this piece from the internet for this paper. It’s riddled with bigotry, unsubstantiated claims, and general hate for “the left” which isn’t even a “group.” It’s a general area of thought that contains people with wildly different opin-

ions and feelings. This article pushes the idea that there is some sort of “left” organization that hates Christmas and Christians, despite there being no single person quoted or identified throughout this piece.

This is blatant propaganda for an older audience

that pushes for Christianity and instills fear. It creates an enemy for people to feel they must fight to keep their identity and culture, despite no threat. I myself am among plenty of “left wing” people and not a single one has ever mentioned wanting Christmas or Christians to be changed or

removed.

I find quotes like, “For the left, the more followers Christianity has, the less likely they are to achieve their objectives” extremely problematic.

It’s simply propaganda, and irresponsible as a newspaper to publish. I understand it’s an editorial, but it’s clearly

politically biased and reflects other pieces you’ve published that are equally as hate based and bigoted. It clearly shows the agenda you are pushing, while also blaming the left for pushing their own agenda.

I do not consider this journalism in the slightest.

Craig Renaud

Editorial about Christmas riddled with bigotry and hate for the left

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Page 8 FRIDAY, January 19, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven Teens who drowned remembered as caring and athletic

By Charlie Senack Two teens who died in the Rideau River days after Christmas are being remembered for their gentle hearts and love of the outdoors.

Ahmed Ahmed (also known as Ahmed Haitham), 17, and Riley Cotter, 16, drowned near Nicolls Island on Dec. 27 after falling through the ice after what was supposed to be a night of skating. Two other teens — a brother and sister — narrowly made it out alive.

Outside of Ahmed’s Old Barrhaven home, a memorial with candles, balloons, and flowers now stands.

Family and friends have visited regularly to try and make sense of the shocking tragedy. The night after the accident, a vigil was held where cups of tea were poured amid prayers and calls for him to come home.

“He was joyful, generous, thankful and forgiving,” a poster outside Ahmed’s home read. “He loved animals and helping others. [He] chased his dreams always with a smile.”

Ahmed’s family said he was set to graduate high school in a few months and wanted to become a police officer. His family came to Canada from Iraq in 2013 for a “fresh start”

as war was unfolding in that country. Set to turn 18 this month, Ahmed was the youngest of four children.

Speaking to the CBC, his aunt said the family gathered by the Rideau River for hours waiting for his body to be found.

“It’s really hard, we can’t describe it really,” said Faten Ataallah. “We were all screaming.”

Ahmed loved going to the gym and was at Movati before meeting with his three friends to go skating.

A GoFundMe page set up to help his family cover funeral costs has raised over $29,500, surpassing its initial $12,000 goal.

Riley Cotter, who had a passion for alpine skiing, dirt bikes, baseball, and skateboarding, has been active in Barrhaven’s sports community since he was a little kid.

“Riley loved nothing better than a day on the hill at Calabogie with his ski racing teammates, or in the warmer months at the Limerick Forest on his dirt bike,” his obituary read.

“Riley has been part of the Calabogie Ski Racing Club since he was young and also loved playing baseball with East Nepean Little League.”

In a statement posted to Instagram, Calabogie Ski Racing shared their condolences to Cotter’s family.

The young athlete was on

Riley Cotter was an avid skier and loved his dirt bike.

the slopes just hours before his sudden death.

“Riley was a loved long time member of our club along with his sister Tori and father Brent who’s been a long time club coach and his mother Ellen, who has been volunteering for years,” the statement read.

“Riley was a fun loving funny kid who made people smile and laugh whenever he had the chance,” the ski club continued. “Riley you will forever be a part of our club and a part of our lives!

Rest easy and ski hard my friend.”

Friends and family who knew Cotter told CBC he excelled at slalom skiing.

The Calabogie Ski Racing Club was planning to hold a memorial to honour the teen at a later date.

Cotter’s family said they were overwhelmed by the support shown by the community and said they will never get over his loss.

“His sense of humour is well known to all that were lucky enough to spend time with him,” they said in his obituary. “Riley loved working with his hands and his time at his school co-op for auto mechanics and working with his cousins in the summer doing landscaping. Riley’s life touched many and will be sadly missed by all. We love you little buddy.”

A memorial service for Cotter was held for Cotter

Riley Cotter and Ahmed Ahmed were students at John McCrae Secondary School.

on Jan. 5 with donations being requested for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario [CHEO] and the Ottawa Humane Society.

Meanwhile a prayer service was held for Ahmed at the SNMC Mosque in Barrhaven earlier in the week.

Ahmed Ahmed was hoping to be a police officer.

The Ottawa Carleton District School Board said they would have mental health services available at John McCrae High School for any students who were struggling.

“This is very sad news for us all. This tragedy

will be felt deeply by students and staff in our community, the board said in a statement. “Our first priority is to ensure that we are supporting the families of the students and our school community in any way that we can.”

A memorial was made in front of the home of Ahmed Ahmed.

FRIDAY, January 19, 2024 Page 9

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Conditions that led to Vacant Unit Tax must be addressed

By Wilson Lo, Barrhaven East Councillor Vut’s up with the VUT? On the surface, the Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) is desperately needed revenue to help cover gaps left by the upper levels of government in funding affordable housing initiatives.

Below the surface, the VUT assumes every homeowner in the city is guilty of exasperating the housing crisis by holding on to an unoccupied dwelling and places upon them a reverseonus to declare and prove otherwise or face what’s a doubling of their property taxes.

To ensure fairness and consistency, taxation rules must be rigid, black-andwhite, with no blurred lines.

Grey areas cause all sorts of administrative problems.

As a result, the net cast by the VUT has snared homeowners across the city, including here in Barrhaven, who are facing unique and legitimate circumstances not covered by the exemptions.

Though homeowners can prove their unique circumstance, the rigidity of the VUT means there’s no tangible way out of the unfair charge.

Although it’s not meant to be punitive, as some residents have shared, it has become just that in unique circumstances.

For example, one listed exemption is renovations with a building permit. Most

minor renovations don’t require a building permit, but some minor renovations – like redoing every washroom at once or doing many minor jobs simultaneous – may make living in the home difficult enough to require alternate living arrangements. A range of factors may cause setbacks in the progress of the work, delaying the return of the resident until it’s complete.

Another listed exemption is a government order prohibiting the property from being occupied, except where neglect has caused that order. Pest removal is typically a quick, simple job, but the home cannot be occupied in the presence of chemicals used to complete the job until the company gives an all-clear. In rare circumstances, a job may take several months, and a home-

Just because Christmas is over does not mean that some families in Barrhaven are no longer in need.

The Barrhaven Food Cupboard kicked off the

new year with their 2024 New Year’s Blowout at their facility on the bottom level of the Walter Baker Centre on New Year’s Day. The event was sponsored by Barrhaven city

councillors Wilson Lo and David Hill.

The event brought in $350 in cash donations as well as 61 bags of food.

Organizers called the event a “great start to the

East Barrhaven Ward Report Wilson Lo, Councillor

owner may have to stay out of the dwelling, but that’s not a government order.

Last summer, I was part of a group of Councillors that attempted to cancel the VUT, but the motion lost.

Usually, matters defeated at Council can’t be discussed again in the same term without new information; but as each tax year’s data is considered new information, we will be able to reopen the matter this year.

Concurrently, Council also asked staff for process simplification and improvements, such as reducing the frequency of declarations and additional exemptions to account for some unique circumstances, if the VUT lives on.

To their credit, city staff have been receptive to feedback. For example, they have simplified the dec-

laration form, improved the wording, and new this year, residents can complete their declaration(s) in person at a client service centre.

The opportunity to revisit the VUT will become available regularly as staff present data from each tax year to Council.

Affordable housing, including supportive units, absolutely needs better funding to ensure every resident can have both the roof over their heads and the ability to feed themselves and their families.

However, that redistribution of income is supposed to be funded by income taxes.

It’s rich to place responsibility on another level of government, but the fiscal framework under which municipalities operate hasn’t been updated in

about one hundred years. I would love for the city to fund and manage housing since we know our own communities best, but the fiscal framework must allow for that to happen.

However, we can’t always tax our way out of issues. The conditions that created the need for the VUT need to be addressed.

Residents may now complete their VUT declarations online through their My ServiceOttawa account, the city’s VUT webpage, or in person at a client service centre.

Those declaring through the city’s webpage should note both the property tax roll number and an access key will be required. Access keys are in the process of being delivered via snail mail and should arrive over the next two weeks.

new year.”

On Thurs., Jan. 11, the food cupboard posted on the X platform that their greatest immediate needs are school snacks, cereal, soap, crackers, instant oat-

meal and chick peas. In addition to food items, the food cupboard is also constantly looking for hygiene

items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, shampoo and feminine hygiene products.

Christmas is over, but Barrhaven Food Cupboard’s need for items continues

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Page 10 FRIDAY, January 19, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

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FRIDAY, January 19, 2024 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

MacLeod applauds provincial investment to assist long-term care residents Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod and Ontario Minister of Long Term Care Stan Cho were at the Royal Ottawa Hospital Jan. 8 to announce that the Ontario government is investing an additional $15 million this year through the Local Priorities Fund to invest a total of $35 million in 2023-24, to help long-term care homes support residents with complex needs like dementia and bariatric care.

The funding will ensure residents can connect to the right care in the right place and help reduce avoidable emergency department visits and hospital stays.

“Our government is continuing to take action to ensure long-term care residents across Ontario get the right care in the right place,” said Stan Cho, Minister of LongTerm Care. “This funding will expand specialized staffing, equipment and other services at homes across the province so that long-term care residents with complex needs can get the care they need, when and where they need it.”

Launched in 2022, the Lo-

cal Priorities Fund invested $20 million in 2022-23 to help long-term care homes purchase specialized equipment and train staff to provide more specialized care, so that more homes can welcome residents who have complex needs but no longer require acute care in hospital.

The fund also helped current residents avoid hospital admissions who have new, or increasingly complex medical or specialized equipment needs which could not be previously accommodated in their long-term care home.

“Long-term care continues to be a pressing matter in all parts of Ottawa and more choices and options are critical to quality care in our city,” said Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod. “I’m so pleased to see our government continue to make investments to improve the system while ensuring quality of care.”

The ministry is currently working with Ontario Health to review this year’s proposals and successful applicants will begin to be notified and receive their additional fund-

ing in the coming weeks.

The Local Priorities Fund is part of a broader investment of over $120 million in 202223 and complements the recently launched Equipment and Training Fund, which helps long-term care homes purchase more diagnostic equipment and train staff to better manage and treat residents’ conditions that often lead to preventable hospital visits, such as urinary tract infections, falls, pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

“The Ontario government’s investment will enhance the services provided to our long-term care residents,” said Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari. “Providing trained staff who will deliver an improved level of care and diversified health services will help address the needs at Royal Ottawa Place and throughout the capital region.”

Through a $6.4 billion investment, the government is building more than 30,000 net new long-term care beds in Ontario by 2028 and upgrading more than 28,000

Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod and Long-Term Care Minister Stan Cho were among the politicians and community leaders in Ottawa for the Jan. 8 announcement X photo @macleodlisa

older beds to modern design standards.

The Ontario government is providing up to $1.25 billion this year to long-term

care homes to hire and retain thousands more long-term care staff. This is part of the government’s historic fouryear commitment of up to

$4.9 billion to increase the provincewide average direct care time provided to residents to four hours per day by March 31, 2025.

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Gasteyer are two 41. Part of the human body 42. A progressive grading 43. Sound unit 44. Noise some birds make 45. Abba __, Israeli politician 46. Portuguese city 48. Be extremely, uncritically fond of 49. Resembling old Norse poems 50. Ask for out of extreme need 51. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

52. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. An insane person 2. __ Boothe Luce, American author 3. Buttock muscles 4. Men’s fashion accessory 5. “Hotel California” rockers 6. Electronic communication 8. Magnetomotive

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

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9. Hostelries 11. A way to resound 14. Exclamation: yuck!

15. A resident of Indiana 18. Exclamation of surprise 19. Make a mistake 20. Boundary 22. Antilles island 23. It’s used to make furniture 24. Clod 27. They indicate where places are 28. Bobby __, NHL champ 29. Prints money 31. Honorable title (Turkish) 32. Appetizers 33. Midway between north and northwest 34. Spanish be 35. Breezed through 36. Grilled dishes 37. In a way, excites 38. Change mind 39. A French abbot 40. Popular candy 44. Partner to cheese 47. Wood or metal bolt

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

FRIDAY, January 19, 2024 Page 13

Page 14 FRIDAY, January 19, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven’s Clarke brothers called up to NHL on same day

It was a special day for the Clarke family of Barrhaven on Jan. 3.

In a rarity that may have been a first in NHL history, two brothers were called up to the NHL from their AHL affiliates by different teams on the same day.

The New Jersey Devils called up Graeme Clarke from the Utica Comets for his first NHL game on January 6. Not long afterward, the Los Angeles Kings recalled Graeme’s younger brother, Brandt, from their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign.

“That was cool – a real coincidence,” said Graeme Clarke following his first NHL game. “It probably wasn’t planned that way but it just happened to happen.

I’m really happy for him.”

For Brandt Clarke, it was his first NHL stint of the season, but he had opened the 2022-23 campaign with the Kings before winning gold for Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. His older brother, Graeme, is a highly-skilled 22-year-old forward who has put up big offensive numbers for years at various levels on his path to the NHL. Graeme Clarke may be the most prolific scorer that the Nepean Minor Hockey Association has ever seen.

After playing Double-A hockey with the Raiders, he advanced to the Senators AAA club (now called Myers Automotive), which combines the top players from Nepean and Kanata. In his first season with the Senators in the Hockey East Ontario U14 AAA league, Clarke had 56 goals and 23 assists for 79 points in just 27 games. He was also called up to play

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nine games as an underage affiliated player and scored five goals and had four assists for nine points.

Clarke moved to Toronto to play for the Toronto Marlboros in the more competitive Greater Toronto Hockey League. In 114 games over two seasons, he scored 118 goals and had 187 points.

The next stop on Clarke’s journey to the NHL was back home, playing for the Ottawa 67s of the Ontario Hockey League. Clarke had 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points as a rookie, and then in his second year, he scored 23 goals and had 11 assists for the 36 points. He also had a good run in the playoffs with seven goals and seven assists for 14 points in 18 games.

After that season, he was selected in the third round of the NHL Draft by the Devils.

He went back to junior but suffered a shoulder injury and played only 16 games with 17 points before the 201920 season was shut down by COVID-19. When play resumed the following season, Clarke went the Devils’ AHL affiliate, first n Binghamton and then in Utica, and has been waiting for his shot at the NHL. This year, he is leading the Utica Comets in goals scored and is on pace for a 28 goal, 28 assist season.

Graeme Clarke posted on the X platform after his callup to New Jersey for his first NHL game.

“Really excited to be here.

Wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Clarke’s parents learned of Graeme’s call-up by the Devils and immediately flew to Newark for the game between the Devils and the Chicago Blackhawks. The

Graeme and Brandt Clarke pose for a photo with Ottawa-based agent Randy Robitaille of Edge Sports. (X photo – edge)

excitement was put on hold temporarily, as Clarke was

scratched from the line-up after a player who had been

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT brothers continues from page 14 The team, as well as Clarke’s parents, got ready for another game the following night as the Devils were hosting the Vancouver Canucks. Graeme Clarke finally got to play in his first NHL game, with his parents in attendance at the Prudential Center. The Devils lost the game 6-4.

“Not the result we wanted, but a really cool experience for me,” Clarke said to the media in the post-game scrum after the game. “I had my parents here today. That was really special because of Brandt Clarke was called up to the NHL by the Los Angeles Kings on the same day his brother was called up by the New Jersey Devils.

(X photo – Los Angeles Kings)

Graeme Clarke played his first NHL game for the New Jersey Devils in a 6-4 loss to Vancouver Jan. 7.

(X photo – New Jersey Devils)

how much they’ve helped me get here. I wanted to play well for them.”

Graeme Clarke was sent back to Utica after his first NHL game. He logged 9:32 of ice time and had a plus-one on the stats sheet.

While Graeme got his game in the NHL with the Devils, Brandt got to play in a game for the Kings.

He suited up for the Kings against the Washington Capitals Jan. 7. He logged 15:43 of ice time and Last season, Brandt

Clarke played nine games with the Kings before joining Team Canada and winning a gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Tournament. He returned to the OHL after the World Juniors and went on an historic run for a defenceman. In 31 games with the Barrie Colts, Clarke had 23 goals and 38 assists for 61 points.

This season is Clarke’s first full year as a professional. He has been playing with the Kings’ AHL

affiliate in Ontario, California. In 30 games, he has seven goals and 25 assists for 32 points.

There is little doubt that the Barrhaven brothers will have long and successful pro hockey careers, with the potential for stardom in the NHL. Regardless of their induvial successes, being called up from the minors of the same day by two different teams is something the brothers will always be able to share.

Page 16 FRIDAY, January 19, 2024

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