Barrhaven Independent June 7, 2024

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Sutcliffe runs for killing spree survivor during Tamarack Race Weekend

By Charlie Senack There were tears in mayor Mark Sutcliffe’s eyes as he crossed the finish line of Ottawa’s Tamarack Race Weekend on May 26. There to greet him was Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, whose whole family was killed in Barrhaven’s mass March homicide.

Sutcliffe, who is no stranger to running marathons, decided to use one of the city’s most popular events to raise money for the Sri-Lankan native, who was the sole survivor of the Berrigan Drive homicide.

Dhanushka’s wife, four children, and a family friend were all brutally murdered. Febrio DeZoysa, a 19-year-old Algonquin dropout who was living with the family, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. The father and husband was

able to escape the attacker, but suffered inquiries which required surgeries.

Before the race, Sutcliffe said he hasn’t fully recovered from a marathon he recently ran in London, England, but couldn’t miss the opportunity to lace up his shoes for a good cause.

“It’s the 50th edition of the marathon and I want to be part of this big milestone. I want to support the fundraising organized by Ottawa Victim Services for Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, who is coping with unimaginable pain and loss,” Sutcliffe said in a post on X. Sutcliffe completed the 42.2 kilometer race in a little over four hours. As he passed the finish mark near city hall, Wickramasinghe put a 50th annual Tartan Ottawa International Marathon medal over Sutcliffe’s head and embraced him with a hug.

In his first time speaking with the media since

the horrific incident, Wickramasinghe thanked everyone in the city for their love and support. He vowed to stay in Ottawa and find a way to give back.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” said Wickramasinghe.

“Thanks to everyone in the Ottawa city. They’ve been helping me out so much.”

Sutcliffe called Wickramasinghe “a wonderful person” who has been through “an unimaginably tragic event.” At least $2,625 was raised.

Dhanushka Wickramasinghe congratulates Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at the finish line of the Ottawa Tamarack Race Weekend marathon. Sutcliffe, a veteran marathon runner, ran the race to raise funds for Wickramasinghe, whose wife and four children were murdered at their Berrigan Drive home in March.

Charlie Senack photo

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Page 2 FRIDAY, June 7, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

If you are heading to Le Nordik, make sure your plates are up to date

By Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton Over the past two years, we have received a number of inquiries regarding renewal stickers on vehicles and tickets for expired license plates that were issued in Quebec. Almost all of these tickets were issued in the parking lot adjacent to Le Nordik Spa. Originally, by-law officers at that lot were ticketing Ontario plates with expired stickers. This is despite the fact that the Premier of Ontario personally contacted the Premiers of Quebec and Manitoba, along with officials in neighbouring states, regarding the end of the Ontario sticker program.

Regardless, Ontario residents were still getting ticketed in Gatineau. The tickets have not been cheap. They have all been for an amount close to $500. Those who were receiving those tickets and whose plates were not expired have

been able to go to court in Chelsea and the tickets have been cancelled. However, going to court requires a commitment of time and often a day off work just to have a ticket infraction thrown out of court.

Based on the feedback and complaints our office is receiving, tickets are still being issued in that parking lot.

By-law and police in Quebec have access to the database in Ontario regarding registered license plates. If your plates are expired and you are in Quebec, you are at risk of receiving one of these tickets.

Residents of Ontario are able to get 60-day and 30-day reminders for renewal of your license plate, driver’s license,

health card or Ontario photo card. You can receive renewal reminders by email, text message, or a phone call. The first step is to sign up for a ServiceOntario account.

To learn more about the ServiceOntario reminders, visit Ontario.ca/page/get-serviceontario-renewal-reminders for all of the information and links needed.

If you want to renew your plates, it’s a quick and easy process that is free. You can visit Ontario.ca/page/renewyour-license-plate and press the blue “Renew your license plate” button. If you aren’t sure if your plate is up for renewal, there is also a “Check your license plate expiry date” button.

If you are unsure of the status of your plate, please take the time to check. It doesn’t matter if you are driving around in Ottawa, on a shopping trip to Watertown or a visit to Quebec, your plates need to be registered and up to date.

So, the bottom line is that if you are going to LeNordik, please make sure your plates have not expired. There is no point spending a day relaxing only to get back to your car only to find a ticket for nearly $500 slapped onto your windshield.

like the United States, Great Britain, and Japan, can exchange their licences for an Ontario driver’s licence without undergoing testing.

Newcomers can visit drivetest.ca to book an appointment.

Locally, the Drive Test location is on Walkley Road in Ottawa.

Ontario Introducing Online Booking to Exchange Driver’s Licences

Quick Facts

The Ontario government is making it easier and more convenient for newcomers to exchange out-of-province and international driver’s licences.

Appointments can now be made online at 15 DriveTest locations across the province.

After moving to Ontario, new residents have 60 days to exchange an out-of-province or international driver’s licence for an Ontario driver’s licence.

People with valid driver’s licences from countries with reciprocal licence agreements

- In 2023, Ontario exchanged more than 300,000 out-of-province driver’s licences.

- Starting this summer, the Ontario government is making life more convenient and saving drivers time by automating the licence plate renewal process.

- In 2022, the Ontario government eliminated licence plate renewal fees for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds, saving vehicle owners $120 a year in southern Ontario and $60 a year in northern Ontario.

- In 2018, the Ontario gov-

ernment froze fees for driver’s licences, saving drivers across the province more than $22 million to date.

Ontario Strengthening Protections for Homeowners and Homebuyers

The Ontario government is introducing legislation that, if passed, would significantly strengthen protections for homeowners and buyers of new freehold homes. The Homeowner Protection Act, 2024, would ban the registration of Notices of Security Interest (NOSIs) for consumer goods on the Land Registry and deem NOSIs for consumer goods currently registered on title to be expired. It would also provide additional protections for new homebuyers by establishing a 10-day cooling-off period for buyers of new freehold homes.

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT goldie continues from page 2 Notices of Security Interest are registrations that may be made on the land registry system by a business when it rents, finances or leases goods such as a water heater or furnace installed on a property. While NOSI registrations are intended to help a business protect their interest in those goods, investigations have revealed bad actors use NOSIs to extort exorbitant payments from consumers, particularly seniors.

These scams can sometimes involve leveraging the NOSI, or multiple NOSIs, to secure high-interest mortgages on the property, which can ultimately lead to the homeowner losing their property.

The proposed changes do not eliminate a business’ security interest in the fixture or invalidate their contract with the consumer. If the consumer defaults on payment, the business may still be able to repossess the fixture and seek repayment through other means, such as through the courts.

The proposed legislation would further strengthen consumer protections for homeowners and buyers by establishing a 10-day cooling-off period for purchases of new freehold homes, allowing buyers to cancel agreements without penalties. This provides buyers with time to fully understand their commitments and back out if they choose.

The province also intends to further strengthen consumer protections for condominium communities and people buying new freehold homes by:

- Ensuring public disclosure of builder cancellations of purchase agreements for new freehold homes to promote transparency, protecting consumers from unreliable builders.

- Consulting on proposals to crack down on illegal home building and selling.

- Expanding the Condominium Authority Tribunal’s jurisdiction to cover a broader range of disputes, giving condo owners more accessible and efficient resolution options and improving condo management.

Additionally, the province will consult with stakeholders to strengthen protections for condo owners and purchasers to improve how condos are run.

The province intends to consult in the coming months on changes to support the implementation of the cooling-off period for purchases of new freehold homes, improve access to information and transparency for buyers of new freehold homes, and better support condo communities.

As part of the legislation, the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism is proposing amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act, to help ease administrative pressures related to the conservation of legacy listed heritage properties. This would help ensure municipalities are prioritizing the review of properties most important to their communities, by extending the timeline for them to review listed properties by an additional two years to January 1, 2027. These proposed changes will help with the con-

servation of heritage properties while supporting housing construction and future growth.

Love your ears

Quick Facts

- In fall 2023, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery held extensive consultations on specific approaches to address the misuse of NOSIs. The ministry received feedback from businesses, legal organizations, law enforcement, other regulators, and consumer advocates, as well as many consumers negatively affected by NOSIs. - Based on all the information received through the consultation process, it has become apparent that the harms caused by the misuse of consumer NOSIs on the Land Registry far outweigh the benefits provided by their legitimate use.

- Ontario passed the Better for Consumers, Better for Businesses Act, 2023, in December 2023. As part of this legislation, a new Consumer Protection Act, 2023, once in effect, will strengthen protections for Ontarians from unfair business practices while enhancing enforcement.

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.

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Page 4 FRIDAY, June 7, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Harassment charge against former Barrhaven firefighter dropped by judge

By Charlie Senack A harassment charge has been dropped against a former Barrhaven firefighter who allegedly attacked and made a former non-binary colleague feel unsafe at Half Moon Bay’s Station 47.

Justice Mitchell Hoffman, who is overseeing the case, dismissed the charge against Eric Einagel after recommendations from Crown prosecutors. A negligence charge against Greg Wright, the station’s captain, has also been dismissed. The reason why is unclear.

Einagel continues to face two charges for allegedly assaulting and choking Ash Weaver, who said they were left fearing for their life after the Sept. 14, 2022 incident.

Weaver hasn’t returned to work since, but has run in multiple marathons, according to lawyers. Wright still faces one charge of allegedly encouraging the rookie firefighter not to report the incident.

A longtime alley of the LGBTQ community

On May 27, 39-year-old Einagel took to the stand for the first time in the weekslong trial. The former firefighter who was fired described himself as an “ally” to the LGBTQ community and said he and Weaver were only playing around when the incident occurred.

According to Einagel, chaos broke loose in the fire station kitchen after he agreed to do the dishes. When he went to start washing, Weaver was already there instead.

When Einagel confronted

his colleague, they allegedly refused to stop. That’s when Weaver turned physical after Einagel said “game on.”

The two firefighters started body checking each other, Einagel testified, saying he gripped dividers between sinks as he tried to hip-check Weaver out of the way.

Einagel said the two were “having fun” and denied ever hitting his non-binary colleague in the neck. He admitted to pushing Weaver with his hands after they started to back into him, and said he touched their shoulder and clavicle with his right hand.

It all allegedly lasted no more than seven seconds.

“I went into this interaction to have fun. The last thing I saw in their face was they’re angry. I genuinely don’t know,” testified Einagel.

The Crown tried to argue that Einagel escalated the issue because he was mad at his colleague.

“But, at some point, it doesn’t become fun anymore, right,” Crown Prosecutor Sonia Beauchamp asked the accused, “because you see Ash’s face at the end of it?”

Einagel said he didn’t realize anything was wrong until he noticed Weaver looked angry. He regrets what happened, the former firefighter said, and denied ever being angry at Weaver.

match. It was described as a “football tackle.”

Weaver won the “challenge”, said Einagel, noting Weaver washed the dishes with a big grin on their face.

“I was right beside them. They washed, I dried,” he said.

In previous testimony, Weaver had a different account of events. They said Einagel threw dishes at their hands and slammed their body into the kitchen counter with the force of his body. Weaver also stated Einagel wrapped his hands around their neck and lodged them from the floor while making insensitive comments about their gender identity.

Addressing his support for the LGBTQ community, Einagel became visibly emotional as he talked about his sister who is married to a woman.

The couple have a daughter together. Evidence photos also showed Pride stickers on the windshield of his white Volkswagen.

The only time Einagel said he got into a conversation with Weaver over LGBTQ issues, was when they were talking about the use of “Queer” as a word.

“It was a great, interactive conversation, everyone at the

The alleged incident at the heart of the case took place at the Barrhaven fire station next to the Minto Rec Centre.

Charlie Senack photo

table was in on it,” he testified.

“No one was uncomfortable.”

Weaver previously testified their former colleague would make hurtful and homophobic comments about their gender identity upwards of 10 times per shift.

Denial of wrongdoing

On May 30, station captain Greg Wright denied ever telling Weaver not to report the incident to upper officials. He also said they never asked for medical attention.

Wright testified he actually asked Weaver if they wanted to report it to senior Ottawa Fire officials, but they said no, instead requesting it stay within the four walls of the

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Shenanigans inside fire stations is a normal occurrence, and Einagel said a similar incident happened a month earlier. He said in that case Weaver splashed him with water at the sink which led to a playful push and shoving

Weaver went to the Montfort Hospital to receive X-rays and other tests. They revealed no fractures, concussions, or hearing damage. They were told to stay home for five days and take some Advil.

Horseplay at fire stations is now discouraged. In March 2023, deputy fire chief David Matschk sent an email to firefighters saying after the alleged incident, fooling around in all fire stations would need to cease immediately. Wright called it an act of higher ups “covering their butts,” and stated firefighters were now nervous showing up at work, fearing what could be said about them.

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According to Wright he never saw the alleged incident take place, and was told Weaver “needed space” after leaving the kitchen. Wright said the incident got out of hand, but didn’t feel there was any injury. Later on, he met with Weaver in a supply closet who reiterated they were doing fine.

“They said they were OK, good to go, gave me a thumbsup,” Wright testified.

In Weaver’s former testimony, they painted a different picture, saying Wright discouraged them from seeking medical attention. About 30 hours after the alleged assault,

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BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven BIA declares June as I LOVE BARRHAVEN Month The Barrhaven Business Improvement Area (BIA) is thrilled to announce its recognition by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) for its outstanding I LOVE BARRHAVEN campaign. Awarded an Award of Merit in Marketing, this initiative has been lauded for its efforts in fostering a strong sense of community identity within the suburbs and challenging perceptions about suburban life.

Jason MacDonald, Chair of the Barrhaven BIA, added, “We are incredibly proud of the recognition bestowed upon us

by OBIAA for the I LOVE BARRHAVEN campaign.

This award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our staff and businesses who brought this initiative to life.”

In celebraation of this provincial accolade, the Barrhaven BIA proudly declares June as I LOVE

BARRHAVEN Month.

Throughout the month, the community will come alive with exciting new placemaking features, events, and promotions aimed at highlighting the pride and vibrancy of Barrhaven.

Kicking off the festivities is the highly anticipated I LOVE BARRHAVEN Market, scheduled for June 2nd, 2024, from 10am to 2pm at the Nepean Woods Park & Ride. This collaborative effort between the Barrhaven BIA, Ottawa Farmers’ Market, and Locally Crafted Markets promises to be the standout event of the season, featuring over 60 vendors, free family-friendly activities, and a pet-themed ambiance in support of Marshall’s Dog Rescue, Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue, and Freedom Dog Rescue.

Andrea Steenbakkers, Executive Director of the Barrhaven BIA, commented, “I HEART BARRHAVEN Month is a

Crystal Logan and Andrea Steenbakkers of the Barrhaven BIA accept an award from the Ottawa BIA Association.

celebration of everything that makes our community special. It’s a testament to the dedication and spirit of our residents, businesses,

and organizations that Barrhaven continues to thrive and grow.”

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Page 6 FRIDAY, June 7, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

The backdrop for a perfect childhood

INDEPENDENT Editorial

how some things trigger memGoing to games was always fun, as my Loblaw joins grocer code of conduct oriesIt’soffunny loved ones you have lost. father, my uncle and I would head up HighMaybe this week, as I reflect on the 20thfrom way 16 and into the city, go for Chinese food leaving Walmart as lone holdout anniversary of my father’s passing, I the was other and then go to the game. In the fall, when the Loblaw has fully endorsed the grocer code of conduct, opting to do the right thing after months of swirling rumours.

It’s decision marks a significant milestone in the Canadian grocery sector, as all major grocers have now committed to the code. Metro, Sobeys, Costco and Loblaw have all emphasized that the grocer code of conduct can only be effective if all participants adhere to the new guidelines.

And they are right. Participation by all grocers is crucial to addressing supply chain abuses that, while often invisible to consumers, have daily impacts on their lives. Unfortunately, Walmart Canada remains the lone holdout.

For Loblaw, the tipping point likely came when Galen Weston misled parliamentarians last fall by claiming that the grocery code of conduct would inflate food prices, impacting all consumers. Since an industry-led, volunteer code of conduct does not directly affect prices, Weston was forced to apologize to Ottawa on Christmas Eve, a time when most Canadians were preoccupied with holiday festivities.

Consumers have two main reasons to rejoice over Loblaw’s decision to join the code.

First, the grocery code of conduct promises to stabilize food prices by curbing the so-called supply chain bullying primarily led by Loblaw and Walmart. In the food industry, suppliers often must pay grocers various fees to do business. Listing fees can range from $50,000 to millions for a single product. Whenever these fees increased, suppliers had to adjust their prices to offset the costs, creating volatility and higher food prices for consumers.

Second, the code will bring greater transparency to the entire supply chain.

The secretariat established to support the code will release an annual report detailing disputes within the supply chain and their resolutions. For the first time, the public will be able to see which companies are abusing their power, affecting food prices. This transparency will make the entire industry more accountable to the public.

The code will level the playing field for both grocers and suppliers, which is particularly beneficial for independent grocers and small food manufacturers.

Many small manufacturers dreaming of bringing their unique, innovative products to market have often seen their ambitions crushed by increasing listing and marketing fees. The unilateral decisions by grocers have killed many companies that cannot bear the financial burden and have suppressed competition across the food chain.

Some Canadians may feel uncomfortable with the notion of implementing a code. However, the code is not about government intervention or controlling supply. It is about liberating the market and allowing more players to participate, which is exactly what we need.

If we can convince Walmart to endorse the code, the Canadian food industry will be well on its way to becoming more competitive and equitable.

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

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games were played on weekend afternoons, side it was always a daylong

looking for things that remind me of him.

Watching the Ottawa RedBlacks first pre-season game brought back a flood of memories of my Dad. Ottawa Rough Riders football was not our life, but it certainly provided a backdrop for our lives. Football was always on in the house.

It was talked about at the dinner table, from his stories from back in the day to his favourite trick of pulling his pen out of his chest pocket and diagraming plays, blocking assignments and different reads on a napkin, usually after dinner and a healthy dose of cognac or Kahlua.

We did a lot of things together. As a kid, he would have me tag along during his weekend photo assignments. He would always give me little jobs, mostly just to keep me out of his hair, while he did his work. I remember one time we went to a dairy farm in the Roebuck-Spencerville area. I was wandering around looking at everything while he was talking to the farm’s operator. They walked outside and I ended up locked in the barn.

Even though he figured it out and came and got me after two or three minutes, it seemed like hours. We laughed about the incident for years.

But that’s the funny thing about time.

Technically, it’s linear. But if you have ever lost someone close to you, time no longer makes sense. The days can seem like they last forever, but then you look back and a year can seem like just days.

One of the most exciting days of the year for me as a kid was the day that our Rough Rider tickets would arrive in the mail. My father and I would get out the tickets and the calendar, and we would look at the dates and see what teams were playing when. We would talk about getting to see some of the great CFL players that year. The biggest games were always against the arch rival Alouettes. Some of their fans had the audacity to think that Peter Dalla Riva was better than Tony Gabriel. It was almost childhood altering when I met them as a national sports writer and learned that they had been buddies and teammates as teenagers. We would talk about Joe Theismann of the Argos, Tom Wilkinson and Larry Highbaugh of the Eskimos, George Reed, Garney Henley, Angelo Mosca, Chuck Ealey, Don Jonas and so many more. The CFL just seemed to be loaded with household names back then. That’s something that has been lost in the last generation.

event with pre- and postgame get-togethers at Ted Warren’s house in Kemptville.

I don’t remember the outcomes of the games, but I remember the friendships and the parties and celebrations. Football, again, was a backdrop.

Years later, when I was living in Dallas, I wanted to do something special for my father. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, and he and my mother were coming to visit for Thanksgiving. On the 35th anniversary of the Kennedy Assassination, we went and visited the Kennedy museum and the book depository building. We drove the route that Kennedy took, saw the grassy knoll, and learned about one of the most dramatic and history-changing events in U.S. history. My father told me that day about when he heard of Kennedy’s assassination. He was a young editor and publisher – doing things at the age of 28 that, even at 50, I couldn’t dream of doing. He was so upset that he got into his car, drove into the country, and cried. He had told me the story before, but it still hit hard.

It was the only time in his adult life he had cried.

I took him to his first Dallas Cowboys game on that trip. I went to the stadium and figured out where the disabled parking lot was, what gate he would go in, what the closest section and row was to the entrance.

Then I went to a ticket finding agency and got the exact seats I wanted so that he and my mother could go to the game.

Again, the game of football was a backdrop. Although he loved the game, what my father loved most was, as always, the people he met at the game. He loved talking to the people in Dallas and chatting. We stopped and visited welcoming strangers set up with barbecues in the parking lot. He talked about that day for years.

Now, with the RedBlacks season underway, I find myself thinking about how excited my father would be. Sure, he would break down the game and he would talk about certain players, but being in the moment and sitting with friends and making new ones would be what he would have loved.

I hope, somewhere out there, there is a Dad like him and a boy like I was, looking at their RedBlacks tickets and getting ready to create a lifetime of memories.

FRIDAY, June 7, 2024 Page 7

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Strong showing for Barrhaven Independent at provincial newspaper awards Special to the Independent The Ontario Community Newspaper Association has announced the award winners for its 2023 provincial Better Newspaper Competition awards. Once again, the Barrhaven Independent and its sister publication, the Manotick Messenger, had a strong showing.

In the best feature column, the Manotick Messenger and Barrhaven Independent placed second and third in the province for features that ran in both publications.

The second place feature was on former Barrhaven LCBO employee Lynn Roy, who co-founded a school by a dump site in the Philippines, where close to 1,000 families live in unimaginable poverty. Every dollar she has ever made working at the LCBO has been used to help fund the school.

The third place feature was for an interview with Hannah Otto, the older sister of Maddy Otto, who passed away from an inoperable brain tumour at the age of five. Hannah opened her heart for the interview

and talked about how losing a younger sister impacted her life, and drove her and her parents to raise more than a million dollars for Roger Neilson House in Ottawa.

I knew a situation in my hometown very similar to this one,” said Chris Clegg, editor of the South Peace News of High Prairie, Alberta and the judge of the category. “It stirred emotions in me. Yes, it even made me cry. That means it was done very well. I am sure I was not the only reader to shed a tear.”

Reporter Charlie Senack placed third for the Ontario Stephen Shaw Reporter of the Year Award. Senack was nominated by both the Independent and the Kitchissippee Times and was third behind well-known veteran journalists Mike Renzella of the Haldiman Press and Mike Balsom of Niagaraon-the-Lake Local.

The Independent placed second in the Best News Series category for its coverage of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board trustees for voting to ban uniformed Ottawa police officers from

their schools. That policy and their decision to end the Ottawa Police SRO program at schools led to a female Ottawa Police Service officer not being allowed to participate in uniform for her daughter’s Grade 1 career day.

Coverage of that story also got the lone honorable mention in the education writing category for a series of stories covering the decision to keep police out of public schools, and the ensuing fall-out.

An editorial on the same topic that ran in the Independent just missed the top three as it was the only honourable mention in the Best Editorial category.

The editorial, titled “All we are saying is give police a chance” criticized the board and its policy banning uniformed police at schools. In the editorial, the Independent accused the board chair and vice-chair for driving this decision for their own political gain. Both were NDP candidates, and the NDP is in favour of defunding the police.

Jennifer Thuncher, Editor at the Squamish

Chief in Squamish, BC, called it a strong editorial.

“It took a stance, supported that stance, and backed it up with examples,” she said after judging the category. “It is not easy to row

against the tide, but it’s our job. Well done for writing this and calling it like you saw it.”

The Independent got another lone honourable mention for just missing the top

three in the Best Investigative News Story category, for a feature on the 10th anniversary of the horrific 2014 bus-train crash that killed six people in Barrhaven.

Barrhaven was the place to be if you are a foodie on Sat., May 18. The Barrhaven Ribfest and Poutinefest drew a large crowd at Clarke Fields. Award winning ribs and poutine were available, along with other delicacies and entertainment throughout the day.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor welcome at manotickmessenger@gmail.com

Invasion of Ukraine only a small part of fuel price problem

The Editor, Many thanks for the well-written editorial that gave both sides of the issue and gave the reader something to think about. I especially liked the reference to Amazon which gets a “free pass” from most consumers, especially when a lot of

their products are “Made in China” to maximize profits, but the country of origin is not highlighted on Amazon’s website!

There is only one aspect to your article that I believe is erroneous and that is the statement, “in Canada, it is global fuel prices, which

went out of whack when Putin invaded Ukraine.” That would be 25% of Canada’s inflation problem, which is based on the global marketplace. The other 75% is a self-inflicted injury of Canada by the Trudeau Government. That 75% consists of 50% being Trudeau’s war on

fossil fuels which is driving up fuel prices e.g. carbon tax at almost 20 cents per litre, no development of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminals to increase world supplies and almost 700 million of cancelled energy investment in Canada’s oil and gas industry. The last

25% is Trudeau’s nine years of unbelievably high deficit spending at the federal level which is also driving inflation.

Please include the aforementioned facts in any future articles discussing economics and inflation in Canada. Sadly, Trudeau’s

war on fossil fuels, unsustainable levels of federal deficit spending and the compliance of the NDP will only ensure continued harm to all Canadians until October 2025.

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Greg Poehlmann Canadian Army

Thank you for the story on the mysterious death of high school student Shafiq Visram The Editor, Thank you for the story on Shafiq Visram, the high school student who went missing in 1994 and whose remains were found buried in a field and unearthed in 2016.

We will likely never know what happened to

Shafiq, or who killed him.

What is even more sad is that we will likely never know why he was killed.

Why was he targeted?

Was he killed because he was a visible minority? At the time he was killed, this area was very white. Was he targeted because he was gay,

or someone thought he was gay? I did not know him, so I have no idea if he was gay.

But maybe he was, or someone thought he was. Thirty years isn’t that long ago, but when you consider those two possibilities, it may as well be centuries ago.

The community rallied

together to look for him, but if he was already buried in that field, they had no chance of finding him. It seemed they gave up on trying to find him rather quickly.

Was he meeting someone by the creek? Or was someone watching him and stalking him and followed him

there?

Growing up in a small town or a village is usually romanticized. However, if you are “the new kid”, you will never truly fit in. Even if Shafiq had been at South Carleton since Grade 9, he would still be looked upon as the new kid. Did people

move on from mourning him because he was “a new kid”?

We have many questions about Shafiq Visram that will go unanswered. Maybe it’s best that we never find out the answers to some of these questions.

Cindy Ferguson

Page 8 FRIDAY, June 7, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Local high schools score well in annual Fraser Report rankings

Barrhaven’s high schools are among the best in the province.

The local schools scored very well as the Fraser Institute released its annual rankings of Ontario secondary schools, allowing parents to compare the academic performance of schools across the province.

“Our Report Cards offer parents information they can’t easily get anywhere else, about how their child’s school performs and how it compares to other schools in Ontario,” said Peter Cowley, a Fraser Institute senior fellow.

This year, the Report Card on Ontario’s Secondary Schools ranks 689 public, Catholic, and independent schools based on eight academic indicators derived

from provincewide test results.

For example, Englehart, a public school in Northeast Ontario, is one of the fastestimproving high schools in the province, rising from a score of 2.2 out of 10 in 2016 to 6.5 in 2022.

Likewise, Toronto Ouest, a French public school in Toronto, is one of the fastest-improving school (rising from 4.9 in 2016 to 8.5), even though 13.7 per cent students have special needs.

Local high schools finished as follows: - St. Joseph Catholic High School had a score of 8.4 out of 10 and finished ranked 36th out of 689 schools.

- John McCrae Secondary School scored 7.9 to finish 77th.

- Longfields Davidson

Heights Secondary School and St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School in Riverside South both scored 7.8 to place tied for 87th.

- St. Mother Teresa Catholic High School scored 7.5 to finish 138th.

- Pierre-Savard scored 7.1 to finish 194th Other Nepean schools also fared well. Merivale placed 22nd, Bell placed Ahlul Bayt Islamic School on Albion Road in Gloucester was named the top elementary school in the province out of 2,975 schools ranked. Here is how local elementary schools ranked: - St. Jerome in Riverside South scored 8.8 and placed 118th out of 2,975 schools.

- St. Cecilia scored 8.4 to place 207th.

- St. Benedict Elementary School scored 8 to finish 367th.

- St. Andrew Elementary School scored 7.9 to finish 402nd.

- Chapman Mills Elementary School, Steve MacLean in Riverside South, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Elementary School and École élémentaire catholique Jean-RobertGauthier all scored 7.8 and were tied for 443rd.

- St. Luke Elementary School and St. Patrick Elementary School both scored 7.7 to place tied for 486th.

- École élémentaire publique Michaëlle-Jean scored 7.6 to place 532nd.

- Half Moon Bay Elementary School scored 7.5 to place 580th.

- École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Kateri scored

7.3 to place 690th.

- Jonathan-Pitre in Riverside South scored 7.2 to place 796th.

- Monsignor Paul Baxter Elementary School scored 7 to place 870th.

- Berrigan Elementary School in Barrhaven scored 6.7 to place 1,094th - École élémentaire catholique Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau scored 6.4 to place 1,303rd.

- Mary Honeywell Elementary School scored 6.1 to place 1,511th.

- École élémentaire catholique Bernard-Grandmaître in Riverside South scored 5.8 to score 1,687th.

- Jockvale Elementary school scored 5.5 to place 1,871st.

- Farley Mowat Public School scored 5 to finish 2,140th.

- Vimy Ridge Public School in Findlay Creek scored 4.9 to place 2,189th.

Barrhaven Public School scored 3.9 and finished 2,560th.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board has joined a growing coalition in a lawsuit against social media companies Meta, Snapchat and TikTok. The lawsuit was originally started by four school boards, including the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and now includes 11 different boards.

The lawsuit is regarding the detrimental impact that the companies have had on student well-being, learning and the educational system.

OCSB Director of Education Thomas D’Amico sent a letter to parents of students in the board’s schools to explain why they joined the suit.

“At the OCSB, we are

committed to teaching responsible and compassionate use of technology for good,” D’Amico wrote.

“However, we acknowledge that the behaviours of major social media companies are negatively impacting our students’ mental health and well-being, which contradicts our objective of promoting the use of technology for good.”

D’Amico added that the lawsuit is part of a broader strategy to address social media’s impact on student learning. It complements the provincial government’s new policy to limit classroom device use. He said the board recognizes that excessive use of social media outside the classroom continues to pose

an on-going challenge to student learning and wellbeing.

“As many parents know, social media significantly impacts their children, influencing their thoughts, actions, behaviour, and learning, expressed D’Amico.

“This has resulted in adverse effects at home and in school, leading to educators spending more time managing issues related to social media use in the classroom. Administrators are also updating curricula to address the changing needs of students dealing with significant attention, focus, and mental health challenges. These changes are causing major shifts in the educational landscape and placing a heavy strain

on our board’s resources.

“Our collective goal is to hold these companies accountable for negligently designing and marketing addictive products that

disrupt our mandate to enhance student achievement and well-being.”

Though in its early stages, this litigation seeks to compel social media

companies to make their products safer, compensate school boards for the disruptions caused, and support students’ fundamental right to education.

Contrary to common misconceptions, the data suggest every school can improve regardless of type, location, and student characteristics.

“It doesn’t matter where a school is ranked, or what challenges its students may face. The evidence is clear— all types of schools, located all over the province with different types of students, are all capable of improvement,” Cowley said.

For the complete results on all ranked schools and to compare the performance of different schools, visit www. compareschoolrankings.org.

Ottawa Catholic School Board joins lawsuit against social media giants

Pedestrian killed at corner of Longfields Drive and Strandherd Drive Safety issues for pedestrians in Barrhaven were at the forefront last week as a woman died from injuries suffered after being struck by a vehicle May 23.

At approximately 9:14 p.m., police were called to the intersection of Longfields Drive and Strandherd Drive in response

to a collision involving a driver having struck a pedestrian.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, but tragically, succumbed to their injuries.

Police did not release the name of the woman killed in the collision.

Police would like to

speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage of this incident and have not yet spoken to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Fatal Collision Investigation Unit at 613-236-1222 extension 2345.

FRIDAY, June 7, 2024 Page 9

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Dr. Aisha Sherzi and Rabbi Menachem Blum among those honoured by OCDSB

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board honoured volunteers throughout the city May 28 by celebrating recipients of its 2022-23 Community Recognition Awards.

The OCDSB prefaced the awards by stating that volunteers play an important role in our children’s education today - their life experiences, knowledge, and expertise can have a tremendous impact in the classroom and beyond.

They are valued partners who facilitate interaction and cooperation between the school and wider community for the benefit of all students.

This year, volunteers have continued to enrich student learning, provide leadership in OCDSB School Councils, supporting staff and programming, and so much more.

The Board’s Excellence in Equity Award was presented to Dr. Aisha Sherzi and Rabbi Menachem Blum.

“Dr. Sherazi and Rabbi Blum’s 14-year collaboration in conducting groundbreaking workshops has fostered

unity between Muslim and Jewish communities. Dr. Sherazi’s leadership in professional development and cultural accommodation within the OCDSB, alongside Rabbi Blum’s commitment to enriching Jewish student life and promoting interfaith dialogue, exemplify unparalleled dedication to inclusivity. Together, they transcend barriers, educate, and empower,” stated the OCDSB. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Diane Borg of Fielding Drive Public School.

According to the OCDSB, “Diane Borg had been volunteering in OCDSB classrooms through the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) since 2018. She shares her love of mathematics by supporting students at the intermediate level who need further support. Every week, she engages the students in learning with a patient and positive approach.

Students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and explaining their understanding.

Dianne’s passion and commitment to helping youth build a foundational knowledge of mathematics has a lasting positive effect on students. She often goes above and beyond: when teachers have a special experiential project, she comes to school for additional volunteer time.

Dianne is described as a kind, supportive, and thoughtful individual, whose care shines through in her smiles and calm demeanour.”

Among the nominees from Barrhaven were Katya Duhamel from Barrhaven Public School and Paul Bourque of Half Moon Bay Public School.

Diana Mills won the Chair’s Award for her work with the Parent Involvement Committee.

Cheryl Parrott of the Hintonburg Community Association won the Community Award for her work with Devonshire Community Public School.

The Centre for Resilience and Social Development won the Community Partnership

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Dr. Aisha Sherzi and Rabbi Menachem Blum, pictured with OCDSB Barrhaven Trustee Donna Blackburn, were presented with the board’s Excellence in Equity Award.

Award.

Ther Distinguished School Council Service Award went to Mike Warriner of Sev-

ern Avenue Public School.

Also nominated from Barrhaven were Crytal Logan of Jockvale Elementary School,

Jennifer Roberts of John McCrae Secondary School, and POaula Bourque of Half Moon Bay Public School.

Page 10 FRIDAY, June 7, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

St. Andrew students excel in Toshiba ExploraVision Awards OCSB News Three exceptional students from St. Andrew Elementary School’s Program for Gifted Learners, secured second place in the renowned Toshiba ExploraVision Awards, a prestigious STEM competition in North America. Their achievement truly reflects their and their educators’ commitment to Deep Learning.

The talented team from St. Andrew Elementary School impressed the judges with their project titled “Cyberschool.” Their innovative idea involves a solar-powered prototype AI device that supports learning all languages without an internet connec-

tion. This groundbreaking project aims to “support all those in need of education world-wide,” reflecting the team’s vision and dedication to making education accessible globally.

The Toshiba ExploraVision Awards is a renowned competition encouraging students to envision and create innovative solutions to real-world problems using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Participating in such competitions allows students to challenge themselves and showcase their talents internationally.

In recognition of their outstanding achievement, Anjali, Ellen, and Aubry each

received a $5000 US education bond and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the awards ceremony in June.

This prestigious accolade not only celebrates their hard work and ingenuity but also inspires all OCSB students, highlighting the possibilities that come with collaboration, creativity and innovative thinking.

STEM education is essential for equipping students with critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills to succeed in future careers.

It is a vital component of our Deep Learning curriculum at OCSB, preparing students to be forward-thinking leaders and innovators.

School, where students took the reins to create a brand, devise marketing strategies, and produce and sell merchandise. Their chosen products?

Hoodies and toques that are not just stylish apparel but symbols of their commitment to social good.

One St. Joe’s student, Francesca Barresi, said contributing to positive change in the local community means much to her. The fact that they are making a difference in the city they live in gives them a sense of pride and purpose in their work.

But what’s a business without a mentor? Enter Bob Huggins, an entrepreneur with a heart for giving back.

Huggins guided the stu-

dents through the intricacies of business operations and provided invaluable insights from his entrepreneurial journey. “It’s all new to these kids, and so I think that’s the most fun part for me,” he reflects, highlighting the joy of witnessing the students’ growth and learning.

The impact of the student’s efforts extends beyond the confines of the classroom. Through their online Shopify site and the school’s store, they’re not just selling merchandise but spreading awareness and rallying support for their cause. Samuel Joseph, another student participant, shares his excitement about the learning process, from ideation to execution,

Anjali, Ellen, and Aubry, three exceptional students from St. Andrew Elementary School’s Program for Gifted Learners, secured second place in the renowned Toshiba ExploraVision Awards, a prestigious STEM competition in North America.

St. Joseph students embrace innovation and philanthropy

In the heart of the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), a wave of young entrepreneurs is emerging, not just with a desire for profit but a passion for social change. The OCSB’s Social Entrepreneurs Program is igniting the spirit of innovation and philanthropy in students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, shaping them into leaders who are not only business-savvy but also socially conscious.

One example of this program is at St. Joseph Catholic High School in Barrhaven, where dedicated teachers such as Carol Mok guide students and allow them to explore the world of entrepreneurship firsthand.

Ms. Mok emphasizes the significance of the program’s social aspect, highlighting its aim to instill a sense of responsibility towards the community. She says, “You can learn all you want through theory, but it’s not the same as actually doing it, underlining the value of experiential learning.”

One remarkable aspect of the program is the student’s involvement in every step of the entrepreneurial journey, from conceptualization to execution. Take, for instance, the Grade 11 business class at St. Joseph Catholic High

Barrhaven Independent W5.5” x H5”

emphasizing the transformative experience of turning a simple idea into a fully functional business with a noble purpose. The students were responsible for marketing, distribution, and every other aspect of their online venture!

Their goal of helping the Ottawa Mission is a testament to their dedication to making

a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. And their commitment doesn’t end with the semester; many students, like Samuel Joseph, are eager to continue their entrepreneurial journey, driven by the belief that there’s always more we can do!

As these young minds redefine the boundaries of

New Zoning By-law Nouveau règlement de zonage

Get involved!

Help shape your neighbourhood!

Check out Ottawa’s New Zoning By-law Review Project.

Impliquez-vous!

Aidez à façonner votre quartier.

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SCAN ME

Students from St. Joseph High School have become social entrepreneurs.

(OCSB photo)

entrepreneurship, they remind us that business success isn’t just measured in profits but in the positive impact we create in our communities. Through their innovative ventures and unwavering commitment to social change, they’re not just students but the architects of a brighter, more compassionate future.

SCANNE-MOI

FRIDAY, June 7, 2024 Page 11

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

The Greenbank Pathway – Paved with bumpy, uneven, deteriorating intentions

By Wilson Lo, Barrhaven East Councillor

East Barrhaven Ward Report

Already built to an older standard, the pathway on the west side of Greenbank Road through the Greenbelt has fallen into a sorry state.

We recognised it and began the process of renewing and modernising the pathway. Funding was allocated for the design in 2023 and construction this year.

Last year, ongoing negotiations with the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) over whether the city will continue leasing or buy the strip of land out-

right delayed the entire process by a year. At that point, our plans shifted to design work in 2024 and construction in 2025.

Earlier this year we settled the lease renewal, so that good news meant we could proceed towards improving the important pathway for our residents.

Not so fast.

We also learned the

Starting Monday, September 30, the City of Ottawa will be implementing a three-item garbage limit for residents who receive curbside waste collection.

This limit includes residents whose waste is collected in one shared location – often called a common pad – and those living on agricultural properties.

Ottawa has had a six-item garbage limit in place since 2007. This limit has been far more generous than many municipalities, including neighbouring communities around Ottawa. The new limit helps the city extend the life of the Trail Road Waste Facility Landfill as it explores new options for waste disposal.

An item includes the following: - a plastic waste bag

- a bin with a maximum capacity of up to 140 litres.

Households can put several waste bags in a bin as long as the weight is less than 33 pounds (15 kilos) per bin.

Furniture or bulky item that can’t be re-used or donated Examples of acceptable three-item combinations include: - one 140-litre bin, a plastic waste bag and a broken chair - three 140-litre bins - three plastic waste bags - -two 140 litre bins and one broken vacuum - Leaf and yard waste stored in paper leaf and yard waste bags do not count towards the limit. There will continue to be no limit to how much residents can set out through green, blue and black bins.

Wilson Lo, Councillor

CFIA’s laboratory expansion and improvement project involved a new power substation and power lines adjacent to the pathway, with construction anticipated “within the next five years.”

Since Hydro Ottawa will do the work, the city will be financially responsible for repairs caused by construction damage or cuts. Understandably, with the big unknown of that impact, the city has paused the project.

The obvious fact is the pathway is in dire need of its upgrades. With each passing winter, its condition deteriorates, and more

asphalt delaminates into the ditches. Additionally, there being up to five years before the CFIA’s work begins means future construction work may impact a four-or-five-year-old pathway. It’s not as if crews are cutting into a brand-new pathway.

But that’s where I’m conflicted. The “up to” five years means it can very well be much less than five years (yes, I know federal project timelines can be quite loose), and I don’t want a new pathway to be damaged or cut into.

Along with Councillors Devine and Hill, we know

we can’t string along our residents for multiple years with unknowns. The three of us have great interest in seeing the pathway renewed and made safe for cyclists and pedestrians.

We will soon be meeting with MP Chandra Arya to advocate for the pathway by asking for more clarity on the CFIA project, timelines, and an arrangement or agreement that works for everyone.

Personally, I’m leaning towards pushing ahead with the project, but the worry about damaging or cutting into the pathway within one or two years, then being

financially responsible for those repairs, is very real.

Hopefully, the meeting with the MP Arya will produce definitive information so we and city staff can put a proper plan into motion.

We are also considering asking city staff to push ahead with the design work to move the project along while we sort out the background noise about construction.

The condition of the pathway is shameful, and there’s no denying it needs improvement. I’m just hoping it’s sooner rather than later…and later, and later.

Yellow bags for excess waste

May 31. This exemption is only available for agricultural properties already participating in all waste diversion programs, such as the blue, black and weekly green bin programs.

Other special considerations are available for residents who need to dispose of special items, such as home healthcare waste and diapers.

You can visit the Garbage and Recycling webpage for

more information on how to register for this program and where you can purchase yellow bags.

Three-item limit coming for curbside waste collection in September For those who need to go above the three-item limit, yellow bags can be purchased at participating retailers, including Home Hardware stores and Building Centres later this year, for $17.60 for a package of four. There is no limit to the number of yellow bags that are set out for collection.

greenbank

continues on page 14

Agricultural properties and other special considerations

The new three-item garbage limit will still apply to agricultural properties with residential homes who receive curbside collection.

Residents will have opportunities to set out unavoidable farm waste without needing a yellow bag from Tuesday, April 1 to Saturday,

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27. “The Blonde Bombshell” 34. Charity 35. Bluish greens

36. Examined closely 37. A type of equation 38. Stretched uncomfortably 39. Indian religious god 40. Clocks 41. Slowly leak through 42. Witnesses 43. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Nestlings 2. Induces vomiting 3. A place to eat 4. Partner in the air 5. Offered one’s take 6. Nobel-winning French biologist 7. Farm animals 9. Prevent from growing 10. Sensationalist periodical 12. Soft-bodied beetle 14. Very fast airplane

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15. Imaginative creation 17. Recipe measurement (abbr.)

19. Evoked a response 20. French river 23. Shiny yellow minerals 24. Make illegal 25. U.S. military branch 26. River in France and Belgium 27. A woman of refinement 28. Male child 29. Type of medication 30. German city 31. Animal disease 32. Mediterranean dietary staple 33. Sneak out 34. Radioactivity unit 36. Performs on stage

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

FRIDAY, June 7, 2024 Page 13

Page 14 FRIDAY, June 7, 2024

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Ottawa South United soccer club welcomes 2024 summer interns Ottawa South United Soccer Club is welcoming its Summer Interns.

In early January, OSU began the process of receiving applications to be part of their administrative and coordination team, where university or college students could receive valuable sports management and leadership experience.

“Providing opportunities to the next generation of leaders in sports, many of whom will have come through OSU as youth is important to us. By giving them a chance to learn first hand about the day to day operations of OSU, we are hoping they will be able to take away that experience and thrive,” noted Club General Manager, Jim Lianos.

Kayla DaSilva joins OSU from Algonquin College, where she is a member of the Women’s soccer team. A club alumni and active coach for a number of years, her focus will be on helping to lead the OSU First Kicks & Community Soccer Programs in a Coordinator role.

Taylor Elliott joins OSU from the University of Ottawa, where she is studying a bachelor of Human Kinetics. She is a member of the varsity swim team at the university, and a former recreational player within OSU. Taylor will be working on OSU’s Community and Recreational Programs, with a focus on the growing Greely & Osgoode communities.

Victoria Burnie joins

OSU from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, where she is completing a Bachelor of

Commerce, with a minor in Psychology. Victoria is an active member of the Women’s soccer team and

started coaching with OSU at 14. Since this time, she has been promoted to being a Field Captain and last

year served as a competitive coach. Victoria will be focusing on Club Administration and Logistics.

The South Carleton Storm girls rugby team blanked the visiting Longfields Davidson Heights Ravens 27-0 in their contest in May. The Ravens finished their season with a 1-4-0 record.

greenbank continues from page 11 Tips for waste reduction

More than half of waste set out on garbage day can be recycled, composted or even reused. Outside of the City’s recycling and composting programs, there are a variety of programs and community groups that can give many of your unwant-

ed items a second life.

An unwanted item in your home might be high on your neighbour’s wish list. Many neighbourhoods have Buy Nothing groups, where members can post items to give, free of charge, to those who want them. Be sure to check Facebook or other local

forums to see if there is one active in your community.

Have an item you want to get rid of, but are unsure where it can be safely disposed? Check out the Waste Explorer. It can direct you to which bin an item goes in, or if it should be taken to a retailer running a Take It Back! pro-

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The city also hosts several events throughout the year where you can dispose of specialty waste, such as electronics or hazard-

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FRIDAY, June 7, 2024 Page 15

BARRHAVEN INDEPENDENT

Barrhaven hockey player talks about racism on the ice at diversity tournament

By Charlie Senack Hockey is supposed to be a community sport; a time to cheer on your favorite team or make life-long friendships. Unfortunately for marginalized individuals, it can also be a place of discrimination.

Barrhaven resident and hockey player Jada Burke shared her story of racism on the ice during a Diversity and Inclusion Hockey Tournament organized by private school R.I.S.E Academy on May 25. The event held at the University of Ottawa attracted hundreds of youth who wanted to break down some of the barriers and stigmas within the sport they love.

“I had about three main incidents of discrimination and only one was at the upper level where someone called me the N word on ice during a game,” Burke recalled to the Barrhaven Independent. “I didn’t know what to do. The refs couldn’t do anything because they didn’t hear it. I went back to the bench yelling and screaming.

I was very emotional.”

Burke, who’s been on the ice since age 3, admits she

didn’t handle the situation as well as she should have, but how are you supposed to deal with someone attacking you for your identity? Burke said opening up the crowd during a panel discussion was both healing and empowering.

“I’m glad that people saw the emotion that can be triggered in racism,” she said.

Burke spent most of her childhood playing for the Nepean Wildcats, which she called a supportive group where none of the incidents occurred. During a year she didn’t play for the local team, a referee said “back up Black,” following a scrum at the net. Other players heard it, said Burke.

The third incident was during a game with a Frenchspeaking team. As Burke was heading back to the bench, a player from the other side turned to point out she was Black in a random, sudden conversation.

“It was a weird statement to say, and it was done in a way to get under my skin.

We were wearing white so it had nothing to do with the jersey colour,” said Burke.

Burke spoke at length about what she and many other Black hockey players

St. Mother Teresa High School grad Jada Burke began her collegiate hockey career at Lindenwood University in Missouri.

Jada Burke

face during a panel discussion following the viewing of a documentary titled “Beyond their Years.” It profiled sports and social justice Icons Herb Carnegie and Buck O’Neil who faced discrimination in their respective sports.

It’s hearing incidents like Burke’s that encouraged R.I.S.E founder Rebecca Chambers to start the tournament and symposium three years ago. For every incident that is reported, there are many that never leave the arenas and change rooms.

Chambers, a hockey mom from Greely who used to teach at John McCrae High School, said she was proud to see youth have tough discussions about a topic that can be difficult to raise awareness around.

“I feel inspired by the hundreds of youth we see here today. We cannot create change if we pretend that racism and other forms of discrimination do not happen in sports like hockey,” she said.

“For our younger generation it’s an opportunity to instill values in them at a young age. As humans we learn from liver experiences and hearing people talk about what they’ve gone through.

For parents, it’s an opportunity to think about something they maybe haven’t

considered. People generally want to be good people and support others.”

A new way of learning The unconventional teacher started R.I.S.E Academy after finding it difficult to work within the confined rules of a traditional educational curriculum. When she taught full time in the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, Chambers had her students work on passion-

based projects, an opportunity for them to dig deep into a topic they care about. It’s a mission she’d carried over to the online school.

“Students learn so much more when they are engaged.

Our learning is targeted towards the next generation of change makers,” she said.

“Each course we offer is inquiry-based, following the Social Change Maker Model.

Throughout, students discover their strengths, motivations, and passions.

While doing so they acquire valuable skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Each course goes towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and students are able to participate in the private school while still being part of their home schools or homeschooling programs.

Former Black hockey player Bob Dawson, who had dedicated his retirements towards breaking down stigma in hockey, first became involved with R.I.S.E during its insertion through a “Blow the Whistle on Racism” campaign. He played a big part in the May tournament and said he hopes attendees left feeling inspired and empowered.

“For me, to make hockey safer, more inclusive and welcoming for everyone, it

takes each of us to make a difference for all of us,” he said. “As co-chair of this year’s Summit on Diversity and Inclusion, we wanted to engage attendees in the difficult conversations about the culture of hockey and issues of maltreatment in all their forms. We also wanted to explore, debate and share insights on creating a safer, more inclusive, positive and welcoming hockey environment for all. I think we were able to do that.”

Burke, who went on to play hockey competitively at Lindenwood University in Missouri and later the University of Calgary, said she hopes to have the chance to speak at further R.I.S.E events and believes the conversations around racism will never stop — nor shouldn’t.

“Someone in the audience asked how long we’d be having these conversations for, when is it going to be enough? I understand where that mindset comes from, but it’s still needed,” she said. “I don’t think we will ever get to a point where we stop having the conversations. People don’t realize racism and discrimination until it impacts them.”

To find out more about R.I.S.E academy visit: riseacademy.ca.

Jada Burke finished her university hockey career at the University of Calgary.

Page 16 FRIDAY, June 7, 2024

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