Manotick Messenger December 15, 2023

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VOL. 39 • No. 25

MANOTICK, ONTARIO

www.manotickmessenger.ca

Friday December 15, 2023

Santa Claus was dashing through the rain more than the snow on Fri., Dec. 1, but a large crowd still turned out on Manotick Main Street to greet him as the Kiwanis Parade of Lights took place in the village. A record number of floats and participants took part in this year’s parade. St. Nick was making the rounds as he also took part in the Richmond and Osgoode parades last weekend before heading to Metcalfe Sun., Dec. 10.

Greg Newton photo

Manotick

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Page 2 FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 MANOTICK MESSENGER

Next Generation 9-1-1 will help our responders save lives Christmas is a special time of the year for many in the Carleton riding and across Canada. Houses and businesses are decorated. We greet strangers with a smile and say Merry Christmas. Christmas carols and popular songs take over the radio airwaves and are heard throughout the community. These songs provide a warm soundtrack for so many of our memories – memories of our childhood or memories of times spent with our families.

As Andy Williams so famously sang in a song that remains popular 60 years after it was recorded, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

As the MPP for Carleton, Christmas provides an opportunity to meet and greet people throughout the riding. And there is no better an occasion to say hello to old friends

and meet new ones than a parade.

It doesn’t matter if it is called a Santa Claus Parade or a Parade of Lights or a Holiday Parade, a parade is something that brings the community together. Sometimes the weather is beautiful, with warm sunshine piercing through the early winter air, or a crisp and clear winter evening with stars filling the sky.

Sometimes, however, the weather doesn’t cooperate. Despite a cold and rainy night in Manotick, hundreds upon hundreds of local residents lined Manotick Main Street on the evening of Fri., Dec. 1. I was able

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30-6179 Perth Street Richmond, ON, K0A 2Z0 613-838-4425 1-833-779-6821 goldie.ghamari@pc.ola.org

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to say hello and share a smile and a few words with countless people – some whom I have known for years, and some whom I was meeting for the first time. I said hi to many children who gave me a high five. Their eyes were wide enough to have their own postal codes and the excitement dripped off their faces as they were waiting to see Santa Claus, the star of the parade in the last float.

It reminded me that for many people or for many families, the parade is an opportunity to celebrate community and friendship with neighbours. For the kids, however, it’s all about St. Nick. It might be just another parade or evening out for the parents, but seeing Santa Claus waving to them at the end of the parade is a memory that will likely stay with them forever.

The local community

associations and service clubs in our area deserve a tremendous amount of credit from all of us. They organize and co-ordinate the parade route and floats, they work with the city on road closures, and their volunteers are out in full force ensuring that the parades remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

If you ever felt the desire to give back to the community and to make sure that events like the Christmas parades remain memorable, joining a service club such as the Manotick Kiwanis Club or the Richmond Lions Club is a great way to do that. You always hear people say it takes a village to raise a child. But in the Carleton riding, it takes a strong service club full of dedicated volunteers to create that village.

So, thank you to everyone who gave up their

time to volunteer for the parades, thank you to the local businesses who took part, supported, and sponsored the parades, and thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the holiday season by attending the parades!

Next Generation 9-11 Will Save Lives

Ontario is investing $78 million in telecommunications infrastructure to help municipalities and emergency response centres transition to a new emergency communications system known as Next Generation 9-1-1.

The funding is part of the government’s $208 million investment to help emergency operators and dispatchers save more lives by transitioning to the enhanced Next Generation 9-1-1.

Included in the investment into emergency

communications is nearly $3.9 million in funding to Ottawa. The Ottawa Police Service will receive $2.500,196, while the Ottawa Fire Service will receive $1,390,023.

This new system will enhance the effectiveness of our emergency response system for everyone from dispatcher to first responders, as well as the police and firefighters. The new system will connect those in need with emergency responders in a more timely fashion. This will help save lives in the large rural area of Ottawa, including the riding of Carleton, as well as in the more heavily populated village, suburban and urban communities throughout the city.

goldie

continues on page 3

FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 Page 3

MANOTICK MESSENGER goldie continues from page 2 About Next Generation 9-1-1

To successfully transition to the Next Generation 9-1-1 system, significant technology and infrastructure upgrades are required. These upgrades include new telephony systems, call handling systems, internal network infrastructure and cyber security infrastructure.

Once implemented, Next Generation 9-1-1 will enable voice, text messages and data to flow seamlessly from the public to 9-1-1 communications centres when emergency assistance is required. It will also give emergency operators and dispatchers the ability to identify the location of a call using GPS coordinates, resulting in a safer, faster, and more informed

emergency response.

Emergency communications centres across the province have until March 4, 2025, to transition their networks from analog to digital as mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Our government takes public safety seriously, and is committed to ensuring that when an emergency happens, Ontarians can access the services they need.

Emergency operators, dispatchers and communicators are heroes of public safety, and putting modern 9-1-1 technology at their fingertips will help keep our communities safe.

Ontario Investing in Programs To Address Gender-based

Violence

The Ontario government is investing an additional $18.7 million this year to help prevent and address violence against women and girls. This funding builds on the province’s existing investments of $1.4 billion over the next four years to end gender-based violence and support victims.

The $18.7 million investment includes an additional $18.14 million to approximately 400 gender-based violence service providers across the province to help them hire more staff, improve services and increase their ability to provide services to women and children.

An additional $546,000 will be invested in the Women’s Economic Security Program and the

Investing in Women’s Futures program to create more opportunities for women to build skills, gain employment and become financially independent.

This funding is part of Ontario’s $162 million agreement with the federal government through the National Action Plan to end Gender- Based Violence.

Over the next four years, the province will implement a cross-government strategy to increase funding to service providers to increase their ability to provide supports, expanding initiatives that help stop gender-based violence before it occurs, making it more seamless for women and children to transition between supports, and expand programs that pro-

vide training and employment opportunities for women so they can gain financial independence.

Quick Facts

- Ontario’s investments over the next four years to help end gender-based violence is guided by Ontario-STANDS: Standing Together Against genderbased violence Now through Decisive actions, prevention, empowerment and Supports.

- In 2019, Ontario recorded more than 30,000 incidents of intimate partner violence. (source: Number of male and female intimate partner violence victims in Canada in 2019, by province).

- 62 women and children were killed through gender-based violence between November 26,

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- Ontario’s plan is aligned with other Canadian and international jurisdictions that focus on building safer and healthier communities through violence prevention while supporting women’s wellbeing and economic opportunities.

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

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

Goldie Your voice at Queen’s Park

Page 4 FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 MANOTICK MESSENGER

Manotick LCBO employee called ‘an angel among us’ at Queen’s Park Legislature

A member’s statement at the Queen’s Park Legislature in Toronto Mon., Dec. 4 regarding longtime Manotick LCBO employee Lynn Roy received a heartfelt ovation from all Members of Provincial Parliament.

Roy’s work with the Home for Alternative Learning and Motivational Strategies (HALMS) has changed numerous lives for families and children who live in the San Pedro, Laguna garbage dump site. Roy was a co-founder of the school for children

living in the dump site, and has remained the CEO of the school on a volunteer basis after moving back to the area from the Philippines. Each year, Roy takes an unpaid leave of absence from her job at the Manotick LCBO to go to Manila and work as a volunteer at the school.

Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari talked about Roy in the Legislature for her Member’s Statement.

“Lynn Roy, who lives in the village of Greely in my riding of Carleton was living in the Philip-

pines 10 years ago while her husband was working there on a contract,” said Ghamari in the Legislature. “She was shown the San Pedro, Laguna garbage dump site, an enormous dump site with more than 1,000 families living in the dump with no water, no electricity and no opportunity. They are, as Lynn describes, the poorest of the poor.

“In 2014, Lynn cofounded the Home for Alternative Learning and Motivational Strategies school, which provides an

According to Lynn Roy, the people living at the San Pedro, Laguna garbage dump are “the poorest of the poor.”

Smokey Mountain II Manila photo

opportunity for impoverished children living in the San Pedro garbage dump site to go to school, and to also have breakfast and lunch every day.

“Since moving back to the Carleton riding several years ago, Lynn has been working part time at the Manotick LCBO. Every single dollar she has ever made at the LCBO has been donated to the Home for Alternative Learning

and Motivational Strategies school, and she continues to run the school from her home. She also takes a month’s leave of absence without pay each year to go to the Philippines and to work at the school as a volunteer.

“Lynn, thank you for being an inspiration.

“Madam Speaker, Lynn is proof that there really are angels among us.”

The school provides

children with an academic curriculum, a safe schooling environment, a healthy lifestyle that includes two meals per day, school supplies, a school uniform and shoes, transportation, cooking classes, arts and craft activities, and gardening and culinary classes for the mothers.

To donate to the HALMS school, visit https://www. halms.org/donations/ donation-give-2-2/ .

Lynn Roy, left, has donated every dollar she has ever made in nine years at the LCBO to help operate HALMS, a school she co-founded with four friends in the Philippines to help children living in a garbage dump site near Manila.

Photo courtesy of Lynn Roy

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MANOTICK MESSENGER

Local Key Clubs collect blankets, sleeping bags for homeless

By Ralph Tweedie Manotick Kiwanis Club

It’s often said that Christmas is a time of giving. As we approach the holidays, our Key Clubs have really met the challenge. The St. Mark High School Key Club and it’s Kiwanis advisor, Terry Tomkins, launched a project to collect blankets, comforters, sleeping bags, etc. for the homeless.

This inspired our other three Key Clubs to join and make this an inter club project. The community, in turn, has embraced the idea and overwhelmed our collection sites with blankets and warm indoor/outdoor winter clothing.

The Manotick Legion storage area was soon overflowing with blankets. The Anglican Church joined in to provide more storage space. We’ve just begun collections and Terry and Bruce Tomkins have already delivered 72 blankets to the Shepherds of Good Hope and the Salvation

Kiwanis News Ralph Tweedie Army depots downtown, which were extremely welcome.

The work of our Kiwanis Key Clubs has so inspired the Kiwanis Club of Manotick that we have approved donations of $3,000 each to The Mission, The Shepherds of Good Hope and the Salvation Army. This money will help provide warm meals to the Ottawa homeless at this special time of year.

During the winter months, there is an urgent and continuous need for winter clothing and blankets for the homeless. It is a huge and never-ending problem.

The young leaders in our Key Clubs have recognized the need and decided to do something about it. They appealed to residents of Manotick and the surround-

High School students from local Kiwanis Key Clubs have been collecting blankets, comforters and sleeping bags for homeless people.

ing areas in the south of Ottawa. So far, the response has been outstanding. But the drive is still ongoing.

If you can help, please

do. Blankets, sleeping bags, and winter clothing in good repair can be dropped off at either the Manotick Legion or the Anglican Church of-

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We are very proud of our Key Clubs and of our community. For over sixty years you have supported us. It

really does take a village.

The Kiwanis Club of Manotick wishes you Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas.

Page 6 FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 MANOTICK MESSENGER

MESSENGER Editorial

Memories from the ghost of Christmas concerts past

from When I was a kid, I had a hard time ous member of the class. I relaxed, the with perspective. I guess my most irri-other brushed my arm against my forehead tating trait as a child was to wipe off the sweat, and COP28, the global climate change summit organized by the United Nations, that I thought I was a I coasted through the rest will dedicate Dec. 10 to discussing food and water, a decision driven by a com- pretty big deal. And those of the songs that we sang Page 6, Manotick Messenger, Wednesday, June 23, 2010 pelling rationale. The food industry and agriculture collectively contribute to a of you who know me will as a group. We sang ‘Oh staggering 31 percent of human-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on our probably laugh – or not – Come All Ye Faithful’ and planet, encompassing everything from farming practices to food waste. and note that I never really we sang ‘Silent Night’ and Climate advocacy organizations are urging the assembled global governments Our grew COmmunity out of that. finished off with ‘Away in to make an unwavering commitment to reduce emissions from the global food Point taken. a Manger.’ sector. The conference host has Editorial pledged to prioritize discussions on agriculture.

But part of that came And then, the ChurchMessenger When it comes to beef production alone, Canada holds the 11th position from the assumption that everything ill Christmas Concert of 1970 became globally, Are with approximately 60,000 beef farms and feedlots, contributing a sig- I was involved with was a much big- nothing but a memory. you more Canadian nificant $21.8 billion to the country’s gross domestic product at market prices. ger deal than it was. I remember in my Over the years at Churchill, there Canada also than ranks asathefifth sixth grader? largest global pork producer, and government- first year of minor hockey in Prescott, were a few other Christmas plays and approved including chicken, tur- assuming that because my team was concerts, but that is the one that seems With quotas Canada Daysupporting approaching nextanimal week, it isprotein a good timeproduction, for us all to reflect on what it means to be Canadian. key, eggs, and dairy, exceed $30 billion.

It is undeniable that Canada has a lot at called the North Stars, that the Min- to stand out in my memory. They were Do we take being Canadian for granted? nesota North Stars owned my rights. I usually the same. The class would get Better prioritizing yet, how do new Canadians feel about being Canadian?

Some food of us economy is imperative in stake, and the decarbonization of our look upon immigrants and refugees as opportunists, not wanting to give but was disillusioned when I found out that on stage, we all took our spots, and the years ahead. very willing to take. Perhaps, for some people, that is true, but when you we would sing a few Christmas songs. attend a celebration for new Canadians, such as the one hosted by NepeanAdding to the pressure on our livestock industry is the Global Methane wasn’t the case.

Carleton MP Pierre Poilievre at Mother Teresa High School in Barrhaven last Clearly, the tyke house league wasn’t Chances are that you may have gone Pledge, introduced COP26 two years inago.

This pledge commits countries to month, you can see theat excitement and the thankfulness the eyes of every new Canadian. reduce their methane emissions byof 30 percent byto2030, and it was recently re- quite as big of a deal as I thought it was. through the same thing as a kid.

They understand, perhaps better than all us, what it means be And then there was the 1970 ChristWith the exception of the odd CathnewedCanadian. in Dubai. Methane is approximately 20 times more effective, over 100 So how can the rest of us have that feeling? mas concert at Churchill olic school class, the Christmas concert Bev Public McRae photo School. years, The at Conservative trapping government heat inhasthe atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Food systems a solid idea.

At the school’s 50th Anniversary Party, Manotick Co-operative Nursery song School honoured its longest-servWe did this where we were the seems to be a right of passage that has Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism are responsible for a staggering 53 percent of global methane emissions, withgarden bench, which will be installed with a plaque in the school’s ing teacher/volunteer with a memorial and Andrew Cohen, President of the Historica-Dominion Institute, are chalanimals in the manger during the birth faded away.

We have sacrificed one of playground.

Left to right, MCNS Director Sandy Erler and June Hodge celebrate June’s 29 years as a suplenging middle and high school studentsfrom to take the citizenship test. around two-thirds originating livestock production,plyincluding sources like teacher, teacher and volunteer. of Christ. I was one of four kids in our the most treasured rituals of Canadian The Canadian Citizenship Challenge, funded in part by CIC and run by the cow burps and manure management.

This underscores Historica-Dominion Institute, will see students study Discover Canada: the the need for adopting bioclass selected to do a solo. I was the generations past out of our fear of ofRights and and Responsibilities of manure Citizenship and then take a mock practices citizenship digesters improved management in affluent countries, as sheep. fending non-Christian Canadians. test.

Sometimes it’s best just to say nil well as“This enhancing feedtofor environmentally friendly digestion in the will be a funanimal way for students learnmore about Canada and feel proud I was a big deal, and to me, Of course, my mind is drifting back I’m finding myself at one of those bizarre cross-I thought wonder about things like how come “underneath” is of our shared history and accomplishments,” said Minister Kenney. “As we rest oflearn theabout world. roads where everything I love about sports is the about event a word butwas no one ever says “overneath” the three of our past and the people and events that made Canada what it is a huge deal.when All to the 1970 Christmas concert. Santa to collide with a large swatch the population work- discussion pulled me back into soccer. today, we become moreCanadians proud to be Canadian.

We are inspired to see how weclimate That said, while are willing to support initiatives, it ofshould the school’s classes taking part, made an appearance, and we all got a ing diligently to grate my nerves.

“Chelsea is learning so muchwere by watching the can defend our rights and live up to our responsibilities and we feel much not come at thehowexpense the cultural and traditional importance of food.

EmIt’s this whole World Cup thing.

Don’t youand find the World gym Cup,” saidwas the mom wearing Crocs.

“We packed. are more strongly valuable it isof to be a citizen of Canada.” going to be chance to visit with him in the recepthat people are just a little too into it? studying each country before the game. She has “Our schools need to beas training our young people to become the citizens ploying rhetoric such “planet-warming food,” as employed bymyself anti-meat advowasbecome a acouple of daysandbefore my tion after the big show.

I found in line in front of two nouveauIt really fan of Arr-hayne-TEE-na, she of tomorrow. Citizenship is not only about new Canadians, it’s about all soccer fan moms less at Your even wants us toIgo was there on still our young and old,” said Andrew Cohen.

“The Canadian Citizenship cates,Canadians, is borderline disrespectful.

Encouraging consumers to consume meat seventh birthday, and at the “It’s not the real Santa,” one kid said Independent Grocer the other day. vacation next year. Perhaps we Challenge will encourage students to learn more about what it means to be FROM for the sakeandofthenthe planet may over stage in my life when I couldn’t decide to me just before it was my turn. “You I was kind of when in my own little 91 can even go to Brrra-seeel.”

Canadian put that knowledge to thenot test.”be well-received, especially THE world in the checkout line, That caught my attention. this summer, theregularly Historica-Dominion Institute will be encouraging percentStarting of Canadians include animal proteins inmental their diets. if I was going to be a football player or can see the elastic for his beard.” scanning the tabloid and magaArr-hayne-TEE-na?

OTHER more than 5,000 middle and high school teachers to register their classrooms zine industry covers and wondering what Are youwhen kidding me? a singing cowboy I grew up. If I We had a huddle to try to figure out Governments should prioritize the food to embrace for the Challenge. Each classroom will receive aencouraging set of the new citizenship SIDE Justin Bieber’s first major scandal The other mom – the one with guide, along with specially designed learning activities. The teacher will also nailed my solo, I was –destined to be a who Santa was that night, and we never greener practices rather than relying solely on punitive measures – just such taxesBy Jeffrey would be. I was aboutas to rethe Birkenstocks piped in. receive copies of a mock citizenship exam. Students will take the citizenship Morris entereven the world after someare quality “They are aeven wonderful football star. Maybe I would get to sing on did figure it out. exam as achange. class and theTaxes teacherscan will return exams to effects, the – to induce leadthetocompleted inflationary if they later time on Planet Jeff and launch nation,” she said. “My husband, Dominion Institute for grading.

Everyone watched Hee Haw The Grade 5 kids went last. They eliminated, in the realm of food. the way-to-reward-your-customers-bynegative con- Hee ofHaw. into my weekly course, wears the azure and cheers for Italia, but Results especially will be announced by the Dominion Institute Most on Flag importantly, Day charging-us-five-cents-per-bag-and-claiming-it’sZachary’s favourite team has before been MAY-heee-co.

(February 15) eachto year for the nextcan three discourage years. For more information about from on Saturday night the hockey were the oldest kids in the school. One notations linked taxation individuals taking on the role of to-save-the-environment rant when I unexpectedly They did a school project on MAY-heee-co last year the Challenge please visit the Historica-Dominion Institute website at game.

And besides, the Churchill Public of them provided another one of those locked in on the conversation behind me. and he has even insisted that we go to out to eat and www.historica-dominion.ca. responsible environmental stewards.

“I wish some of the stores would carrySchool the watchChristmas the games when theyConcert are playing.” in Riverview CIC’s multiculturalism grants and contributions program will be investing never-gonna-forget-this moments when Ottawa firsthand withcivic thepride carbon tax horns debacle. vuvuzela so that we could bring them to I bit my tongue. $525,171isin learning this 32 month this projectlesson which promotes civic memory, Heights population 249 down, (weI counted he hopped up on Santa’s knee.

Chelsea’s games,” said the mom who was wearing In an – effort to keep my blood pressure and integration.

Crocs. looked outand the bigpainted window at thethe big parking lot one night population on “And what would you like for Christ“Oh, analytics I know,” said thelab one wearing and scoped it out, looking for a puppy or a bird or Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food and aBirkenstocks. the a pretty deal. mas this year, young man?”

“Zachary has a tournament next weekend and it sign) anything – thatwas would pry my mind outbig of the shackprofessor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. would have been so in the spirit of the World Cup to les that these two soccer moms had put me in with Glen Campbell must have been crap“Ummm, Hot Wheels… and a carton have all of us blowing our vuvuzela horns. They lost their conversation. © Troy Media two-nil and then three-nil. They need all of theping supA busload of seniors fully from a nearby retirementthat this his pants, aware of smokes. Macdonald Menthol. That’s port they can get.” home had pulled up and passengers were getting singing cowboy kid to re- the kind me and my dad smoke.”

Nil? Who says nil? Really. off. I was trying to, in my head, was name all going of their “Oh, I know,” said the mom wearing Crocs.place “The walkers an escape.the country charts.

1165 Beaverwood Rd., P.O. Box 567, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A5 himas atop That one caught Santa off guard, and horns are such a beautiful part of the South African Unfortunately, they pulled me back in. www.manotickmessenger.on.ca When thelivesconcert began, the stage the poor guy didn’t know what to say. culture.”

“My cousin in Australia, and he was devasThe Manotick Messenger is published every Wednesday in Manotick, Ontario. The Manotick I wanted to jump in and say something, lights but I tated when Germany beat in themour 4-nil,”faces. said the I stared were shining And that kid was a really big deal in Messenger is mailed to bona fide subscribers in Rideau and Osgoode Townships for $36. The refrained. I couldn’t do it. mom wearing Crocs. publication is available by carrier for $36 or at newsstands for $1.00 per copy. Letters will be edited out into the audience but I the school. There was a rumour that he for length, clarity and libellous statements. Display, National and Classified rates are available on If you are unfamiliar with the vuvuzela horn, then At this point, I couldn’t take it anymore. just Mount saw silrequest. The Manotick Messenger is not responsible for the loss of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or you have not tuned into CBC over the pasthouettes two Patience of erupted and out seemed came sarcasm lava. what like hundreds drove his parents’ car to school one day other material used for publication purposes. weeks. If you stumble across a World Cup soccer “I saw that match,” I said. “I can’t believe Ausof people. when he missed the bus. game on CBC, you will hear what sounds like TRY-lier looked so insipid against Deutschland.”

Publisher: Jeffrey Morris 50,000 bees swarming the field. They are not bees.

The mom with the crocs was not impressed.

Managing Editor: Jeffrey Morris We all sang the first verse, and I had Okay, so maybe some customs and They are people blowing on cheap, plastic, gimThe mom with Birkenstock’s wasn’t either, but Reporters: McRae Publisher: Bev Jeffrey Morris Phone: 613-692-6000 5567 Managing Manotick Main St., P.O. Box 567, Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A5 EsauMorris micky horns. did acknowledge me with aMy response.stomach flutEditor: Jeff Jeffrey solo shenumber three. traditions are best left behind in 1970.

Fax: 613-692-3758 Reporters: Bev McRaemanotickmessenger@gmail.com News and Editorial: The thing about these horns is that they “Who is your team?” she quipped, condescendThefunny Manotick Messenger as the first two soloists delivered Churchill Public School was torn Marketing Mgr: Gord Logan Jeff Esau have become what has defined the 2010 Worldtered Cup. ingly. email: is published every other Advertising and Marketing: garyhcoulombe@gmail.com People who have been following the World Cup and I did the only thing I could do, shoutingwas as loud coming. their verses.

My moment down years ago. Where it stood is now Office: Angie Dinardo Marketing Mgr: Gord Logan Advertising: advert@bellnet.ca people who have seen 20 minutes FRIDAY in only Manotick, On- of it in pass- as I could.

Photographer: Mike www.manotickmessenger.ca Carroccetto Editor: newsfile@bellnet.ca Website: My mouth got dry.

I swallowed.

I took just an empty field along Merwin Lane. ing have commented on these annoying yet relent“USA! USA! USA!” Office: Angie Dinardo tario.

Letters will be edited News/ Sports: newsfile@bellnet.ca horns. Ironically, while the world has learned to They turned theirHere heads in it disgust.

The next 45 Photographer: Mike Carroccetto a deep breath. comes.

But every time I drive by there, the Staff/Contributors: Kelly Belair, David Brown, Gary Coulombe, less forthese length, and libeladapt hornsclarity as the one thing they now know seconds were incredibly silent and awkward. memories come flooding back.

Larry Ellis, Skyler Fraser, Goldie Ghamari, Melissa McIsaac, about South African culture, the horns aren’t really At that point, it was my turn.

The cashier lous statements. Display acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada a part of their everyday lives. South African sports“I,scanned my Diet Coke and V-8 Fusion, andhorn, I was said the sheep with curly Glen Campbell was probably reJeffrey Morris, We Greg Newton, IreneFund Staron, Tweedie. through the Canada Periodical (CPF) for Ralph our publishing activities. rates are available on reenthusiasts have commented that they had never all set.

Advertising deadlines: DISPLAY, Mondayprior 3 p.m.; Monday 4 p.m.

Advertising deadlines: DISPLAY Thursday 10CLASSIFIED; am. All layouts and composition seen my wool for His blanket warm; lieved I tried to become a football playnor heard a vuvuzela horn Mesat a sporting event,“I gave “WouldHim you like plastic bags?” quest.

The Manotick All layouts and composition of advertisements produced by Messenger employees of Manotick Messenger of advertising produced by employees of Manotick Inc. are protected by and that the South African people find the noise just please,” Inc. are protected by copyright invested in the publishers of the Manotick Messenger.

“He“Yes wore myI replied. coat on Christmas morn. er instead of a singing cowboy. senger is not responsible copyright invested in the publishers of the Manotick Messenger as annoying as the rest of the world does.

I had never been so happy to pay five cents for a Member, Ontario Community Newspaper Association for the some loss now of unsolicited saidbagthe with I hope this column triggers memApparently, wealthy marketing genius“I,plastic just sheep to get the hell out curly there. horn.”

Canadian Community Newspaper Association came up with the idea to mass produce manuscripts, photos or and market ories of your Christmas concerts past. these horns as a World Cup novelty. The plan Jeffrey Morris was the 2008 OCNA Columnist of otherandmaterial for must endureAnd worked, now the rest used of the world the Year.

His book,just From thelike Other Skide, is availthen, that, it was on Even if your concert wasn’t as big of a thepublication shrilling soundspurposes. of his quick buck. able at Manotick Office Pro, Barrhaven UPS Store, toand the next verse and the next nerv- deal as the one at Churchill was.

I was just about to drift back into ADD world and Pages in Prescott.

Food industry under the spotlight at COP28

OPINION PAGE

CONTROLLED

Letters to the editor welcome — email newsfile@bellnet. ca or fax 692-3758

side

FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 Page 7

MANOTICK MESSENGER

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor welcome at manotickmessenger@gmail.com

Letter on defunding the CBC provides insight into the far right

The Editor, It’s been fascinating to follow the opinions of Messenger readers regarding Pierre Poilievre’s plan to defund the CBC, but last week’s letter from Conservative party loyalist Cindy Ferguson really provided some insight into the thought processes of some of these folks on the far right.

Ferguson referenced a previous letter submitted by a CBC supporter that felt our public broadcaster was needed “in a world dominated by right wing media.” Ferguson then goes on to say, “that statement is comical. First of all, it is ad-

mitting that the CBC is a leftist media organization.” I can’t follow her logic here. Because the CBC is not right wing it can’t be an unbiased news provider but must be “a leftist media organization?” That’s a total non sequitur.

Ferguson then states that a public broadcaster should be “neither left nor right” and must be, “fair and balanced.”

No argument there, but then she goes on to inform us that, “the anti-Conservative CBC is anything but fair and balanced.” That’s a pretty harsh accusation and I would have loved to have seen the sup-

porting evidence for it, but none was offered, naturally. In all fairness, if we’re going to defund our public broadcaster based on some suspected antiConservative bias, don’t we need some proof for its existence other than the personal opinion of Pierre Poilievre?

As anyone who has ever had to put up with an angry Conservative family member at the Christmas dinner table can attest, the “evidence” suggesting a left-wing bias in CBC’s news coverage is some pretty watery gruel. No one ever accuses the CBC of being untruthful, but every

right-winger insists that their coverage is biased. Apparently, their bias is so subtle as to be imperceptible to all but the most paranoid among us, but yet they remain convinced.

In the discussions I’ve had with pro-Conservative family members, when asked for some kind of evidence of this supposed left-wing bias they will invariably suggest that the CBC routinely suppresses legitimate news stories. Like, why aren’t they talking about Pizzagate, or the efficacy of Ivermectin to treat Covid 19, or the possibility that Sandy Hook was an elaborate hoax

perpetrated by deep state operatives trying to take our guns away? Of course, unlike the right-wing websites that these folks get their news from, the CBC can only report the truth and their reluctance to pass on the latest right-wing conspiracy theory is hardly evidence of any kind of left-wing bias.

In fact it’s the hallmark of a legitimate and trustworthy news service and a strong argument in favour of its continued existence, I would respectfully submit.

Ferguson really slides off the rails at the end of her letter.

After quoting a CBC execu-

tive who advised his journalists to stick to reporting the facts and avoid expressing their personal opinion in their reporting, Ferguson makes a stunning allegation. “Why are so many misguided CBCwatching leftists marching with Palestinians and chanting ‘From the River to the Sea,’ a call for genocide and the end of Israel?”

I’m not sure where Ferguson got this ‘fact’ from, but I have it on good authority that CBC-watching leftists overwhelmingly disapprove of genocide directed at anyone.

Andy Braid

The Editor, Right now, in parliament and across the country, we see people wrapping themselves in the flag of peace, calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This is a simplistic, smug approach that fails to understand reality.

As we have seen in war after war since Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2005, the terrorists use every moment of peace not to build a free Palestine, but to plot the next attack on Israeli civilians. Every one of these wars – all the lives lost, both Israeli and Pal-

estinian – are a result of the genocidal, Jew-hating, Iranian-backed terrorist regime of Hamas. For any hope of peace, Hamas must be destroyed.

A ceasefire will not do that. It will merely give Hamas time to regroup, replenish its weapons of war

and return to kill, rape, behead and kidnap again.

Those who sanctimoniously call for a ceasefire and imagine themselves humanitarian advocates of peace should be ashamed of themselves. Their strategy will not bring peace.

It will bring more years of

violence and death for both Palestinians and Israelis.

The naïve calls for ending this war before Hamas is eliminated are symptoms of well-intentioned people blundering into atrocities.

To use an historical analogy that people would do well to refresh themselves

on, we need a Churchill right now, not a Chamberlain.

We do not get to call ourselves “pro-peace” or “pro-Palestinian” when our word and deed grant Hamas the right to continue killing Arabs and Jews.

Pat Johnson

Peace in Israel and Gaza can only be achieved once Hamas is destroyed

Global Recognition. Local Expertise.

613-878-0287 jamesangus.evrealestate.com

Text me with this QR Code

Page 8 FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 MANOTICK MESSENGER

MVCA, Manotick BIA kick off annual Holiday Decorating Contest

By Irene Staron, MVCA President December is always a busy time. Planning holiday gatherings with family and friends, making lists, organizing, shopping, putting up lights and garland around the home.

This season, Manotick home and business owners have added incentive to dress up their properties for the holidays. The Manotick Village Community Association, in partnership with the Manotick BIA has kicked off our Holiday Decorating Contest.

Viewing holiday lights on evening drives is an annual family tradition in Manotick. We invite all to come out and enjoy the resplendent results!

Signs of the season can be seen everywhere in Manotick. Look up and you’ll see decorative wreaths festooning our Village, thanks to the MBIA. In the Mews, volunteers with the Manotick Kiwanis are selling Christmas trees in aid of many deserving groups in our region.

On a business front, this month the City is busy reviewing its 2024 budget.

Main Office NEW KANATA LOCATION!

270 MacLaren St. Ottawa, ON *Walk-ins accepted

West End 300 March Rd., Suite 201 Kanata, ON *By appointment only

613-236-9101

VILLAGE

VOICE

by Irene Staron, President, Manotick Village and Community Association (MVCA)

As such, there’s not much to report on the traffic and development at this time, offering us all a break until we resume business as usual in January.

We wish you all the very best in the weeks ahead as you prepare for your unique way to celebrate your holidays and thank you all for your ongoing support. By keeping us in the loop with your questions and comments, you help all of us make Manotick the unique and special place we call home!

Irene Staron

into consideration resident comments, the revised plan shows the restaurant and drive-thru moved toward the front of the property at Manotick Main as well as the rear fence moved further from the lot line of the Mahogany community to allow for more trees.

The City is in the preliminary stages of this revised review and will include further assessment of the septic conditions as well as traffic implications. To see the revised submission go to page 4 of the 202311-27 submission on the City’s webpage https:// webcast.ottawa.ca/plan/ All_Image%20Referencing_Site%20Plan%20Application_Image%20Reference_2023-11-27%20 -%20Permit%20Set%20 Plans%20-%20%20D0712-23-0080.PDF.

Light Up the Village!

2023 Holiday Decorating Contest

year - enjoy!

Looking for a fun break from the holiday rusharound? Plan an evening out to view the lights in Manotick and vote on your favourites in this year’s Holiday Decorating Contest! To view details and list of entrants vying for awards for ‘best in creative DIY exterior décor’ go to https:// w w w. m a n o t i c k v c a . o rg / holidaydecoratingcontest.

Categories for homeowners include 1) Traditional 2) Humorous 3) Inflatables, and 4) WOW!! There will also be a People’s Choice award as well as a Kid’s Choice award for a business and a home. Homes and businesses will be judged separately. Winners will be announced online December 21. It’s a beautiful time of

Mark Your Calendar - MVCA Shiverfest Returns February 2 & 3, 2024

Winter festivities continue as the MVCA plans to bring you another fun-filled Shiverfest the weekend of February 2nd and 3rd, 2024.

Activities include a pancake breakfast, horse-drawn sleigh rides in Centennial Park, a magic show and facepainting for the kiddies, our annual Chili Cook-Off, and Trivia Night to name a few.

Volunteers are invited to help with a variety of activities.

Details will be posted on our website in the weeks ahead.

Volunteer Drivers Needed!

ROSSS (Rural Ottawa South Support Services) is looking for volunteer driv-

ers. This can be an especially rewarding way to share your time in support of this important local service provider. If you are interested, contact them at 613-6924697 or at https://rosss.ca/.

ROSSS provides services, support and social programs for older adults, seniors and adults with disabilities in rural south Ottawa.

Watson’s Mill Used Book Store

Watson’s Mill Used Bookstore is now closed until Spring 2024. Thank you to the community for all your support. The bookstore operates with only donations and volunteers, and proceeds go directly towards sustaining the store, funding building maintenance, programs, and day-to-day operations at Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House.

Church Directory

Development Update 5646/5650 Manotick Main On November 27 the City received revised plans for the proposed drive-thru restaurant and carwash development at 5646-5650 Manotick Main Street as part of the Site Plan review phase with the City. Taking

*All churches wheelchair accessible*

BEST GIC RATES

6 5 5 .17%

.92%

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1 Year

3 Years

5 Years

Rates as of December 6, 2023.

Minimum amount required. Rates are subject to change.

www.scrivens.ca

FINANCIAL AND ESTATE PLANNING – GICS, RRSP, TFSA, MUTUAL FUNDS AND ANNUITIES. ALL TYPES OF PERSONAL & BUSINESS INSURANCE.

Manotick..United.Church 5567 Manotick Main Street, Manotick, Ontario, K4M 1A5

We welcome all, who with God’s help, work to build a better world.

Rev. Paul Whynacht

Sunday Worship at 10 am Office hours are: Wed 9a.m.-4:30p.m. Thurs-Fri 1p.m.-4:30p.m.

admin@manotickunitedchurch.com www.manotickunited.com 613-692-4576

ST. JAMES’ ANGLICAN CHURCH 1138 Bridge Street, Manotick –Serving South Barrhaven, riverSide South and Manotick–

Sunday Services Holy Eucharist at 8:15 & 10 a.m.

“A Christian community joyfully serving & growing in God’s love”

(Elevator Access Provided)

Church Office 613-692-2082 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9-4 The Reverend Kerri Brennan e-mail office@stjames-manotick.ca Web site: www.stjames-manotick.ca

ACCESSIBLE The Catholic Communities of St. John the Evangelist 2540 Stagecoach Road, Osgoode and

St. Brigid

2015 River Road, Manotick CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE ST. JOHN: Saturday, Dec. 23 4 pm Sunday, Dec. 24 9 am 4th Sunday of Advent Sunday, Dec. 24 6 pm Christmas Eve Monday, Dec. 25 10 am Christmas ST. BRIGID: Sunday, Dec. 24 10:30 am 4th Sunday of Advent Sunday, Dec. 24 8:00 pm Christmas Eve Telephone: (613) 821-0761 Email: stbrigid.stjohn@gmail.com

ST. LEONARD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 5332 Long Island Road, Manotick

Pastor: Rev. GeRaRd Plant

Mass tiMes

Saturday 4:30p.m., Sunday 9a.m. 11a.m Weekdays Wed., Thu. 9a.m., Fri. 9:30a.m.

Office: 692-4254 www.stleonardsparish.ca Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

EMAIL: office@stleonardsparish.ca

volleyball, and touch foot- due to concussions, so I The MessengerFOCUS ON YOUTH

by Phill Potter ball. I also enjoy traveling turned to coaching. It has and learning about different given me an opportunity to lem solving.

Since the conBeing OTHS Student Council President a FRIDAY, rewarding experience I’ve continue Parents: Heather and Denin the sport, even cepts are not broad, and locations and cultures.

December 15, 2023 Page 9 Grade: 12

MANOTICK MESSENGER

Activities/Interests: difference in my to school, many places there isn’t much interpreta- a travelled “Both inside and outside and to get a different perand I find it ofvery intertion to be done, it’s more of school, I enjoy particiAge: 17 spective on all aspects ON every culture Sisters: April (20), OTHS,FOCUS pating solving, in several different school. Ihow was a cheerjust problem which theesting YOUTH Theseme include soc- leader School: Township 10 years, traditions but I has forunique and UNBOsgoode Fredericton.

Violet is what sports. makes enjoy cer, futsal, volleyball, coed could no longer continue High subcultures.

My favourite (20), Canterbury Foodbanks.

These (vocals), funds cial donation.

Your time is Community Association those classes the most.” volleyball, and touch foot- due to concussions, so I by Phill Potter place is Norway, Carleton Ivy were locally and valuable. ball.

There and more, all are I also are enjoy many traveling turned Grade: 12raisedUniversity. tomany coaching.

It has because learning about different given me an opportunity to beautiful there is such (22), Algonquin lemlocal solving. Since theWhat con- and will be St. usedMark, to help worthy organizations looking for volunteers to is your Greatest Parents: Heather and Den- cepts are not broad, and locations and cultures. I’ve continue in the sport, even places all over the country College. families. serving a diverse set of serve our communities.

Accomplishment?

“Earnnis Wyche there isn’t much interpreta- travelled to many places though I can no longer parand inamazing hiking.

The I would like to tion thank needs and Every market, andofIour find ward it very inter- ticipate it.” farmer’s ing theacross title Student Counto be done, it’s more esting at howmy every culture Sisters: April (20), OTHS, next location I wish toBBQ, travPets: Two dogs, Ewok just problem the Goalie Academy for solving, the city which would be parade, community cil which President school. has unique traditions and UNB Violet “After me enjoy for elCareer to family is Goals: Iceland, because it’s andFredericton.

Pixie, and a cat.is whatofmakesgrateful their generous support any that high and The process wastime notfavourite easy, subcultures.

My (20), Canterbury (vocals), school I hope to fun go to event is those classes the most.” a verysomewhere openorganized country, with our local foodbanks and you commit. supported, and place is Norway, because but can I persevered and made it university Carleton University.

Ivy near there such beautiful (22), St. Mark, Algonquin east coast; very kindhopefully citizens, and lots Part-time “CheerWhat is yourthrough, Greatest encourage youWork: to donate Organizations such as the delivered by involunteers evenisthough there places all over the country kinesiology.

College.

My top choice “Earnto see.” leading tumbling coach what youand can.

To Accomplishment? find a the Youth of Manotick there is always a need were setbacks along the and ing the title of Student Coun- and amazing hiking. The schools are University of at Kemptville link the inin at(YOMA), Ottawa forBrunswick more. in St. John, way.

It has also been atovery nextRural location I wish trav- New Pets:to Two dogs,foodbanks EwokInfinity cil President my school. el toaccomplishment, is Iceland, because it’s and Dalhousie andKemptville.)

Pixie, and a please cat. in Halifax.

Why did you get inThe process not easy, Support our ward, visit my was South Services Each one of our 18 rewarding a very open country, with After that, I hope pursue you do? but I persevered(ROSSS), and made it gained volved in towhat website, www.ward21.ca Lions Club, communities has a volunas I’ve so many opPart-time Work: “Cheer- through, even though there very kind citizens, and lots a career in either athletic “I got involved in Student Favourite for more information.

Club, North teer team that makes vilportunities, andthe gotten to therapy, see.” leading and tumbling coach Subjects: or education.” wereDosetbacks Kiwanis along the to at “Math Kemptville Infinity inor way.

Council because I saw it I Gower It has also been a very nations ofand foodChemistry. funds Recreation Aslage living special. network with other youth Why did you get inKemptville.) rewarding accomplishment, an we opportunity makeI enjoy labs and probare both doing appreciated. sociation, the Richmond as As head intoto2024, like myself.” as I’ve gained so many op- volved in what you do? After suffering numerous Giving Subjects: doesn’tportunities, end andVillage Association and hope being generous with concussions, Melita Wyche “I got involved in Student Favourite gotten to Council because I saw it turned “Math an and item Chemistry. other youth with or I a network finan-with the Manotick Village yourto coaching. time, finances or Name: Wyche nis Melita Wyche

though I can no longer participate in it.”

Village food banks need volunteers, donations to help neighbours in need

By David Brown Rideau-Jock Councillor As we head into the giving season, I believe it is important to highlight ways that our communities can support our neighbours.

We live in one of the most generous communities; we see neighbours helping neighbours all the time. Around the holiday season, the act of giving is more top of mind than during other times of the year. Although there is a constant need for community support, I felt now would be a good time to ask residents in our ward who are able to give to be generous with their giving.

One of the most direct ways to support our neighbours in need, particularly with the cost-ofliving climbing so fast, is through donating to or volunteering for our village foodbanks.

The foodbank plays a vital role in ensuring that

Rideau-Jock Report David Brown, Councillor , Ward 21

no one goes hungry due to food insecurity. Unfortunately, foodbank usage is at its highest level in years, with many families in our communities struggling to afford to put food on their tables. By donating to the foodbank, you can have a meaningful impact on meeting the basic needs of those in our communities.

We are fortunate to have so many generous residents in our communities who are demonstrating strong leadership when it comes to supporting the community.

For instance, Bob Easy from the Goalie Academy recently donated more than $4,000 thousand dollars to the Richmond, Stittsville and North Gower

Career Goals: “After high school to go to talents willI hope be something university that you somewhere consider. near From the coast; hopefully in myeast family to yours, Merry kinesiology. top choice Christmas My and Happy schools are University of Holidays.

NewDavid Brunswick in St.is John, Brown the and in Halifax.

CityDalhousie Councillor for RiAfter that, I Ward hope to deau-Jock 21pursue a career in either athletic therapy, or education.”

After suffering numerous concussions, Melita Wyche turned to coaching.

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

Community Cale Community Calendar

enjoy doing labs and prob-

as an opportunity to make

like myself.”

PHILL POTTER PHOTO

Announcement Announcem

hot chocolate, chili and hot dogs free to everyone on the evenNovember 25-26 and Dec 2-3 - Watson’s Mill Christmas Market ing of the Kiwanis Christmas Parade of Lights. You and your https://watsonsmill.com/events/ • Ottawa Futsal Club entering their 29th season indoor • Old Time Fiddle & Country Dance - to East Greely • Ottawa Futsal Club entering 29th season indoor • Old Time Greely •Music Music & DanceOsgoode Club The Greely family and friendsFriday are Night invited.

Hope see you there! Legion November 22their - ROSSS Holiday Trivia Night Fiddle Music & Dance - East Osgoode soccer. boys & girls,boys women, &them coed.

Players / menAssoc, the fourth Friday ofmonth, each month.invites Bring along instrument to First Friday of each invites &First welcome soccer.

Youth &men girls, women, & coed.

Players / month,Assoc, Friday of each &anwelcome ToYouth register your team contact at 613-692-4697 Ext 226 teams wanted.https://rosss.ca/event/holiday-trivia-night-2023/ All skill levels. League starts October ends all Musicians, Dancers & Listeners. Greely Community play, come in to sing, dance. Admission is FREE. December 2 -orChristmas inlisten the and Village wanted.

Allatskill levels. League starts October ends allForMusicians, & Listeners.

Greely Community Aprilteams 2020.November Please go online www.futsalottawa.com.

Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely. additional info Dancers Activities andGreely celebrations throughout the vil-ON. Information: 24, 25, 26 and Dec 1,2 3 - ITRCentre, presents 2020.

Please go online at www.futsalottawa.com.

Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive, Greely. For additional info 613-822-1451 or 613-826-6128.

EarlyApril bird ends September 21sthttps://www.itrtheatre.com/shows call 613 489-2697. lage https://manotickvillage.com/christmas/ “Staff Room” Early bird ends September call 613 489-2697.

November 26 - Comfort & Joy Craft21st Show at St Mark High School Tuesday Dance Party The Greely • Ottawa Newcomers Club - For women who- have recently • Thursday Fun Night for adults and children.December An optional 3 -• Carols at Sunsetfrom 5 toLegion 6 pmhosts At live music on 10 am 4 pm 1stwith and 3rd Tuesday of eachBrass month from 1:00 pm - 4:00 moved to thisNovember area; (and those have experienced a supper at 5:45 pm. Indoor soccer/games, crafts, or nursery Watson’s the Mill the Manotick 30 - who Christmas Card Making Work• Ottawa Club For who recently • Thursday Fun Night children. pm.for Bringadults along anand instrument to play, orAn comeoptional in to sing, significant life Newcomers change), andat would like -toUnited meetwomen new ageshave 0-11. Parenting course, Alpha course, or Growing shop Manotick Churchfor listen and dance.

Admission is FREE. Greely 8021 people of similar interests by joining our many group in Faith/Hearing God course for adults, 6:30 7:30 pm.

To December 10 - Breakfast with Santa 10 am -to Noon. provided. experience necesmoved this Materials area; (and those No who have experienced a supper at 5:45 pm. Indoor soccer/games, crafts, orLegion, nursery Mitch Owens Road, ON. Information: 613-822-1451 or 613activities.

More information at: in ottawanewcomersclub.ca tryat it out contact, discipleship@trinitybiblechurch.ca For the little ones, the Manotick Legion insary.

Free.

Register advance by calling Lisa 613-692significant life change), and would like to meet new for ages 0-11. Parenting course, Alpha course, or Growing or by contacting 4576newcomersclubottawa@gmail.com. or email admin@manotickunitedchurch.com vites you 826-6128. to have Breakfast with Santa. people of similar interests by joining our many group in Faith/Hearing God course for To adults, 6:30 - 7:30 9am to noon. Free with donation. register, please call pm. To December 1 - Parade of Lights the legion at 613-692-3243 Or drop by the Manotick leManotick’s holiday the Parade of Lightscommunity For free advertising forstart your not-for-profit email editor@prescottjournal.com activities.

More celebrations information at:with ottawanewcomersclub.ca try events it out contact, discipleship@trinitybiblechurch.ca gion. Check here [https://www.manoticklegion.ca/singleat 7:00 pm. This is organized by the Kiwanis Club of Manor by contacting newcomersclubottawa@gmail.com.

Thanks to all the parade volunteers these otick. If you are interested in being a part of the withand a sponsors who make project] forevents more possible information on other Legion events. ~ Western Red Cedar ~ float or group, contact Neil Usher at neil@neilusher.com STEVENS STEVENS CREEK CREEK Where Ongoing In the Community December 1 – Manotick Legion – Hot Dogs and Hot Chocolate What’s Happening at the Ottawa Public Library - Discover Quality Cedar SHUTTER CO Paul’s Pharmacy Is aevents Family happening at the Manotick library branch.

The Manotick Legion and Allen’s Catering will be providing all the

• Frid the f play, Gree 613-

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, most community events Due to postposed the COVID-19 most com have been or cancelled.Pandemic, For updates in the • Tuesd 1 community, visitpostposed the Manotick Messenger Facebook Forthe haveplease been or cancelled. pm.u liste page and the RichmondHub.ca website.

Mitc community, please visit the Manotick Messe

826-

page and the RichmondHub.ca w

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Page 10 FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 MANOTICK MESSENGER

Reminiscing about a Manotick Christmas long ago

Those “Good old Days” are often recalled at Christmas time, and sometimes referred to as the “days of yore.” For many it’s a time of thinking back when the season had somewhat less glitter, glamour and gaiety, and a bit more gravity, recalling days when they themselves were once young and gay.

Asking a young lady for the pleasure of her company to a party took a lot of doing.

Etiquette demanded that first, he write her an invitation, second that he mails it, and if she accepted it she mailed back her acceptance. Parties often ended up as box lunches that sometimes-had surprise endings. Picking partners by

THis week,

THIS MONTH

by Larry Ellis

biding on the box lunch occasionally was done based on one of the lady’s shoes cast into the middle of the floor.

You may have expected fried chicken and got ham sandwiches. If you remembered what your lady friend’s shoes looked like you might be in luck. Taffy pulls were a “sweet” way to bring young people together too. After the parties young couples bundled into a sleigh with a

buffalo robe, blankets, and hot bricks at their feet - warm mittens and toques - headed homeward to the accompaniment of jingling sleigh bells!

Or maybe it was that skating party, skating arm ‘n arm or hand in hand with .......... to the scratchy old 78 record of the Skaters Waltz. There was the Sunday school concert when recitations, solos and skits were presented followed by hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus. This usually followed the school concert when all the parents attended and were crammed into the one room school, with the old stove going full blast.

From Mother’s kitchen

there was the fragrance of cookies baking, spices and fruitcake, the smell of spruce and cedar, the warmth of the house, the cutting the tree, bringing it home and putting it near the fireplace - the peppermint striped candy canes - the holly wreath on the front door - popcorn decorations - always an angel on the top of the tree - stockings hung high waiting to be filled.

To church on Christmas Eve - sleigh runners ringing over the hard crusted snow, the horse’s cantor and gallop with such ease, bells jingling, glassy bright stars above and how the sound of the church bells carried through

the chilly, crisp air! The gentle moon looked down on the footprints in the snow - everything was magic. It wasn’t that you had to go to church - it was because you wanted to, all your friends went, really it was just the thing to do.

The snow plough man cleared the snow on the sidewalks, sometimes, with a horse drawn wooden plough and there was the ice man who put exactly 50 pounds of frozen H2O into the top of the ice box in the kitchen. The family doctor did some home delivering too, even during the holidays, and at all hours.

There were the thrilling rides to the village via horse and

sleigh or cutter. Out in the country the creeks and ponds were there for the skating, the hills for coasting on sleds or toboggans. On a stormy day you couldn’t beat the fun in a haymow! If you lived in the village - the beauty of snowflakes swirling around a street light, frozen icicle trimmed branches, fence posts donned caps of snow, shrubs wore lacy cloaks of white, mounds of snow on rooftops, candles glowing in windows, wood smoke from chimneys curling upwards winter’s artistry.

The way it might have been a hundred and more years ago in the Manotick area.

Manotick

“Thank you for supporting your community-minded, locally-owned hardware store. It is your support that Open: allows us to give back THE MEWS OF MANOTICK Monday - Saturday 8-6 to the community.”

Sunday 9-5

613-692-3591

We’re so excited to see you all. Thank you for your constant support over the last years. You have no idea how much it is appreciated. Cheers to you all!

SpecialS ated Seats on our herch! po d re ve co

2364 ROGER STEVENS DRIVE

THANK YOU, CARLETON!

I won't stop fighting for you.

Mon-Sat 11:30am-9:00pm Sun 11:30am-8:00pm

Monday Wings • Tuesday Burger Mania • Wednesday riBs • Thursday: Fish & Chips • Friday-sunday our FaMous priMe riB

613-489-2278

Delivery Monday to Sunday within 7 km radus of the pub

Contact information for my office: 613-692-3331 PierreMP.ca

FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 Page 11

MANOTICK MESSENGER

Budget 2024 will see rural homeowners to pay an additional $86 annually Council today approved the City’s 2024 Capital and Operating Budget. Residents will see a 2.5 per cent tax increase, which means the average urban homeowner would pay an additional $105 on their annual property tax bill, while the average rural homeowner would pay an additional $86.

Budget 2024 commits $33.5 million in municipal funds to improve access to housing and provide support to keep people housed, including $15.7 million for the housing and homelessness investment plan, and $8.8 million for housing benefits through Ontario Works.

There is also $4.6 million for family and emergency shelters, $3.1 million for other homelessness programs and $1.3 million to support the social housing program. In addition, the City will invest $5 million to advance the Integrated Transition to Housing Strategy and $30 million in affordable housing as part of the Housing Long Range Financial Plan.

Other highlights include: - $66 million for a new recreation complex in Riverside South - $30 million to help non-profit social services address poverty and inequitable access to services for residents facing the greatest barriers, through the Community Funding Framework - $29.1 million to re-

new recreation facilities, including pools, sports buildings and community centres - $13 million to support local cultural and recreation organizations - $3.8 million to hire new Ottawa Paramedic Service staff and purchase related equipment - A city that is more connected with reliable, safe and accessible mobility options Budget 2024 includes more than $300 million for overall integrated road construction and road renewal, storm and surface water rehabilitation, bridges, sidewalks and pathways. The City is investing more than $62 million for traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, ranging from intersection control measures, programs for cycling and pedestrian facilities, network modifications, active transportation and neighbourhood traffic calming. It also includes road safety initiatives in the Strategic Road Safety Action Plan.

Other highlights include: - Investing $366 million in Stage 2 of light rail during 2024, with an additional $11.9 million to support the Rail Operational Readiness Program.

- $140 million for bridge renewals, road rehabilitation and road resurfacing work

- $4.5 million to establish a new Automated Speed Enforcement processing centre - More than $3 million to adapt and extend the life of parking facility infrastructure, support the installation of additional EV charging stations and more.

A city that is green and resilient

Budget 2024 includes $180 million for zeroemission buses, as well as $63.2 million to protect City facilities, including wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, energy conservation measures and accessibility upgrades. The City continues to invest in sustainable waste management, with $4.5 million to develop and implement the Solid Waste Master Plan and related projects.

Other highlights that strengthen Ottawa’s resilience to climate impacts include: - $21.7 million to build resiliency to power outages at the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre wastewater treatment facility - $3 million to implement energy conservation measures in City facilities - $3 million to continue developing a coordinated approach to wet weather flow management within the urban area and reduce flood risks - $1.7 million to plant more trees to grow and

preserve the tree canopy - $1 million to install generators at emergency reception and lodging sites across the City - A city with a diversified and prosperous economy Budget 2024 aims to further reduce red tape and start-up barriers for small businesses. It will continue to invest in economic growth, diversification and job creation

through the development and implementation of an Economic Development Strategy, and a Downtown Action Plan. The City will support local partners Invest Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, the Ottawa Film Office and the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition to deliver sector specific programming and services. Additionally, the City will advance the Nightlife Economy Action Plan and

establish a Nightlife Commissioner Office.

For more details on Budget 2024, visit ottawa. ca/budget.

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Page 12 FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 MANOTICK MESSENGER

Heavy rain doesn’t dampen Christmas spirit at Manotick parade

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FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 Page 13

MANOTICK MESSENGER mANOTIcK meSSeNGeR

g tips when shopping for kids

ons. ich ren ow ity. ure heroys, ure joy heir ents ood

for reat but t to adhat maate) as ing

how to use the toy. If the instructions seem a bit complex for the child the item will be for, look for something else.

Children’s toy labels also include additional information that consumers may not be familiar with. For example, toys labeled “ASTM F963” meet the latest safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. An “ASTM D4236” label indicates the materials associated with the art toy have been reviewed and deemed safe by a toxicologist. More information about toy label requirements can be found at cpsc.gov. The AAP advises that electric toys should only be given to kids if they include the UL label.

That means the toy has been

certified by the global safety certification company UL, LLC. · Avoid certain features.

The AAP notes that toys that are loud, shoot objects into the air or contain small pieces pose a threat to children. Especially loud toys can damage children’s hearing, while projectiles can increase the risk of eye injuries or choking. Toys with small pieces also pose a choking risk to young children who may try to put the pieces into their mouths. · Err on the side of caution. Consumers who are uncertain about the safety of a given toy, even after reading its label, should err on the side of caution and only give toys they’re confident won’t

pose a safety risk. Even toys that may seem safe could be dangerous to kids who might otherwise seem old enough.

For example, the AAP advises against giving kids under 12 hobby kits and chemistry sets. That’s because such

Seasons Greetings From your local Hardware Store

kits may contain dangerous chemicals that even pre-adolescents are not old enough to handle safely.

Shoppers must consider a host of factors when looking for safe toys for kids this holiday season.

Manotick THE MEWS OF MANOTICK

613-692-3591 Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

NEW YEAR’S EVE RESERVE NOW For NEW YEARS

2364 ROGERS STEVENS DRIVE North Gower 613-489-2278

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Babbos family to yours.

Thank you for the continued support

Located in the Mews of Manotick

613-692-6100

Page 14 FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 MANOTICK MESSENGER

Report says floodplain mapping not completed in Caivan proposal The City of Ottawa’s Auditor General presented a report to the Audit Committee Monday, Nov. 27, outlining her findings that city staff inappropriately endorsed a proposal for the Caivan development north of Barnsdale Road near the Jock River.

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

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

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

A portion of this land had

also been designated as Conservation as it represents a floodplain. No development is allowed on a floodplain.

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

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

Caivan initiated a cut and fill application, which involves filling a certain volume in the floodplain and then excavating volume from the floodplain. This plan had the potential to allow development on the previously designated conservancy lands. Gougeon

stated that the cut and fill application was significant – 407,000 cubic meters – the largest that the organization had ever considered.

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

On March 13, 2019, a letter co-signed by Mayor Jim Watson and then General Manager, Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department (PIED) was sent to the RVCA in an effort to “reemphasize the importance of completing the Barrhaven community” and to “reinforce the Floodplain mapping update with priority”. Gougeon stated that this letter further references previous work produced by consultants on be-

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

(Caivan image)

half of the developer.

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

at the time and the associated rationale was not brought back to City Council,” the report said.

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

cut and fill application.

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

FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 Page 15

MANOTICK MESSENGER

Parade, Olde Fashioned Christmas brings out holiday spirit

By Kelly Belair Manotick BIA The holiday spirit could be felt as our community came together for Christmas in the Village the first weekend in December!

It was amazing - not only to view a record number of parade participants who marched, danced and spread holiday cheer, but also to see so many spectators who put on their parkas, bundled up their little ones and stood in the pouring rain to watch the Kiwanis Club of Manotick Parade of Lights.

Manotick BIA

News

Kelly Belair Thanks to those businesses who provided hot chocolate to keep everyone warm as they waited in anticipation for the parade to start and to get a glimpse of the big guy in red.

The dedication to the evening’s events did not stop with the parade; it continued as everyone assembled for the

lighting of the community tree in front of Watson’s Mill.

Carolers serenaded the large crowd as Santa lit the tree. It was pure magic!

The merriment continued the next day with village-wide celebrations. Santa and Mrs. Claus wandered the streets and shops, horse-drawn wagons transported patrons and restaurants served festive treats.

Many cups of cocoa were drunk, Christmas tree ornaments were made, letters to Santa sent and so much more.

Manotick is truly a small

village with a big heart.

With Christmas being the season of giving, supporting the small businesses in our community has such an impact, compared to shopping at the big box stores.

Here is an interesting fact to keep in mind about keeping your loonie local. Did you know that 66 cents for every dollar stays local when you spend at a small business versus only 11 cents when you spend it at a multinational? Yet another reason to support our small business every day.

Manotick Village & Community Association, in partnership with Manotick Business Improvement Area, are hosting a home and business holiday decorating contest as part of the seasonal festivities in the village.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the decorations. The map of the homes and businesses participating can be found at the following website: https://www.manotickvca.org/ holidaydecoratingcontest You are encouraged to vote in the People’s Choice or Kids’

Choice categories. Winners will be announced on December 21st.

The decor of the various storefronts and homes throughout the village are worthy of admiration. Whether big or small, there are definitely some beautiful decorations to marvel at. This is not going to be an easy job for our judges.

A final Season’s Greetings, one filled with love and warmth from the Manotick BIA. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday and a happy and prosperous New Year.

ROSSS seeks volunteer drivers for aging neighbours in rural Ottawa South

By Jennifer Zeinstra ROSSS When Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) volunteer drivers return home from taking older adults to appointments, they tell staff that they “love driving and the conversation with clients” and that driving is a great way to “provide help to local seniors and meet people”. As valuable as volunteer driving services are to both ROSSS volunteers and clients, more drivers are needed to help older adults in rural Ottawa South.

The COVID pandemic impacted many of ROSSS’ programs and services. Although ROSSS’ staff and volunteers responded to pandemic challenges with strength and creativity, the level of volunteerism in our non-profit organization decreased. Volunteer Canada surveyed non-profit organizations and volunteers in October 2020 and found that non-profit organizations experienced a decrease in volunteer interest, availability and contact with organizations overall. In 2023, non-profits are rebuilding volunteer programs, but the rising volunteer engagement and sup-

ROSSS News Jennifer Zeinstra port has not increased enough to meet the same level of prepandemic support needs that are currently requested.

ROSSS is a not-for-profit, charitable organization and community support service agency that champions the wellness of older adults and adults living with disabilities in rural Ottawa South by providing social services that support their ability to live independently at home and age well in their rural communities.

ROSSS provides programs and services to seniors and adults with disabilities in our catchment area that include transportation to medical appointments, adult day programs and caregiver respite, friendly visiting, recreation programs, Meals on Wheels and income tax assistance. ROSSS’ programs and services are run and led by a team of skilled staff and supported by an incredible group of volunteers. ROSSS connects a volunteer, like you, with a

valuable way to give back to your community and support older adults in rural Ottawa South.

ROSSS volunteer support means that older adult community members can continue to live independently, peacefully and age well at home. To help maintain independence for more rural Ottawa South community members, ROSSS needs more volunteer drivers.

Volunteer drivers transport ROSSS clients to medical appointments, and other activities like banking, shopping and recreation activities. There is no minimum weekly time commitment required to become a volunteer driver. If you are flexible, easy-going, reliable and interested in helping your neighbours access community services, consider volunteering with ROSSS. If you are interested in volunteering with ROSSS, complete the volunteer application form on our website, www. rosss.ca or phone 613-6924697 ext. 228 and speak with Della today.

ROSSS’ volunteers have said that volunteering with ROSSS is a “very fulfilling way

to give back to the community and meet wonderful people”.

Help keep ROSSS programs going and support your older

adult neighbours -volunteer with ROSSS today!

Rhett Cleverdon of the Ottawa West Golden Knights didn’t put the puck past Richmond Royals goalie Ethan Dinsdale, but he found his way into the net during their Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League Junior B game in Richmond Nov. 26. The Royals lost the game 6-1 but have won four of their last five games. On Sat., Dec. 2, Sam Nolan had a shutout, Reid Johnston had the had trick, Leo Kluchert and Jackson Dallaire had shorthanded goals, and Sam Mayson added a goal as the Royals won 6-0 over the Alexandria Glens in Alexandria. On Thurs., Dec. 7, the Royals had another road victory as goals by Mayson, Johnston and Tyler Cutts, and strong goaltending by Ethan Dinsdale, lifted the Royals to a 3-1 win over the Smiths Falls Bears. Richmond has a big home game coming up Sun., Dec. 17 as they host the Carleton Place Canadians. Face off at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre is at 1:20 p.m.

Page 16 FRIDAY, December 15, 2023 MANOTICK MESSENGER

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