The Orleans Star April 28, 2022

Complete Property Maintenance Commercial & Residential • Spring & Fall Clean Ups Lawn Cutting • Flower Bed Design & Maintenance Tree Pruning & Hedge Trimming Interlock Services – Patios, Walkways, Stairs And More!

Celebrating 26 Years in Business!

Has your dog turned the yard into a minefield?

Let us clean it up for you!

Dog Waste

613-836-2111 www.completepropertymaintenance.ca

Removal Specialists

April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

Call us today to reclaim your yard

613-271-8814 www.poopsquad.ca

L’édition de cette semaine à l’intérieur...

Next edition May 12

Local provincial election campaign begins in earnest

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star

A masked Stephen Blais kicks off his bid to get re-elected in the upcoming provincial election on Sunday. Ontario voters will head to the polls on June 2. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO

• • • •

Custom orthotics Heel pain Flat feet Hip, knee and back pain

• • • •

The provincial election campaign got off to an unofficial start in Orléans on Sunday with the opening of local Liberal incumbent Stephen Blais’ campaign office on St. Joseph Blvd.

The actual election campaign won’t start until next Wednesday, May 4, when the official writ is dropped. It’s also the day you will start to see campaign signs sprout up around the riding along with the crocuses and some tulip and daffodil bulbs.

The election itself will take place on Thursday, June 2, meaning the campaign will be spread out over a 28-day period.

Blais won the seat in a by-election in February 2020 after former MPP Marie-France Lalonde successfully ran to replace former MP Phil McNeely at the federal level after

McNeely had retired.

In winning his seat, Blais captured more than 55 per cent of the votes, beating his nearest challenger, Conservative candidate Nathalie Montgomery, by more than 8,000 votes.

The Conservative candidate this time around is Melissa Felian, a senior investment officer with Industry Canada who has been parachuted in by the Conservative Party.

Felian ran for the Conservatives in the federal election in Markham-Thornhill last September and lost to Liberal candidate Mary Ng by more than 13,000 votes.

The NDP candidate is Gabe Bourdon, who has held various positions with the Public Service Alliance of Canada. He is vice-president of the conseil d’ecole d’Ecole Elementaire de St. Joseph and is a long-time member of the Navan Curling Club.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Ingrown nail surgery Fungal nail & laser treatment Diabetic foot care Xrays

*Our services are covered by most private insurance plans

www.orleansfootclinic.com | 3012 St. Joseph Blvd., Suite 201

Melissa CloutierChatel, DPM

Anna Grynechko, Chiropodist

Ron Barron Podiatrist

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Orléans incumbent faces four different challengers Continued from page 1

Orléans golfer places fourth at US Open Blind tournament ORLÉANS – Orléans blind golfer Kevin Frost recently placed fourth at the U.S. Open Blind Championship in St. Augustine, Florida despite having not played a full round of outdoor golf in over six months. Frost was the only Canadian competing in the tournament which was played using the Stableford scoring system. Under the Stableford system a birdie is awarded three points, a par two points and a bogie one point. Points are awarded based on the golfer’s handicap. Since Frost has a 24 handicap, he got an extra shot on every hole. So a par three was a par four and a par four a par five, etc.

Over the two rounds of the competition, he managed to rack up 44 points, one point behind the third place golfer and two points out of second place. The winner managed to score 49 points. There were 18 participants in Frost’s category which is for golfers with five degrees of tunnel vision. Given the fact that all of the other golfers in the tournament play year round, Frost was pleased with his result. It also gives him a ton of positive momentum heading into his next two tournaments – the Vision Cup in Ohio in June and USBGA National Blind Championships in Minnesota in July.

Pre-orders now being taken for the 2022 Orléans Road Map ORLÉANS – The Orléans Star is now accepting orders for the 2022 Orléans Road Map. This is the third edition of the map that first printed in the summer of 2019. The first map was such a success that a second edition had to be printed in February 2020 to meet the demand. Since then, new home construction in Orléans has added over 35 new streets to the landscape and the map. Two other additions to the 2022 Road Map is the community of Blackburn Hamlet and the Canotek Business Park. There is also a legend showing important landmarks including area churches. To order a copy of the 2022 Road Map simply email info@orleansstar,ca and include your home address and phone number in case we need to get hold of you.

2 • April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

Live via Zoom

2022 Annual General Meeting Notice Please join us for our 34th AGM to see how we've done through this pandemic.

Taking place virtually on:

Monday

30 MAY

Scan me!

Members of the Rotary Club of Orléans hold a cheque for $1,000 which they presented to the Orléans-Cumberland Resource Centre food bank on April 14. This initiative is part of Rotary’s key activities by providing support to the local community. To find out more check out the Orléans website at https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4921. The Club meets online each Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., often with guest speakers sharing inspirational stories/projects from the community.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOROTHY BERTHELET

The Green Party candidate is long-time community advocate and party organizer Michelle Peterson who lives in Convent Glen North. She ran for the Green Party in Orléans in the 2019 federal election and finished fourth behind the NDP candidate.

Her biggest strength is in knowing how to articulate the Green Party’s platform better than most of her colleagues.

Melissa Felian Gabe Bourdon The only other candidate to come forward so far is Liam Randall who is running for the newly formed New Blue party, which was founded by Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios and her husband Jim after she was kicked out of the Conservative caucus for voting against Bill 125, The Reopening Ontario Act, which expanded the Ford government’s emergency authority during the pandemic.

According to his Linkedin profile, Michelle Liam Randall is currently a health inspector for Peterson Randall the Eastern Ontario Health Unit and he’s bilingual. six provincial elections. It was last held by the Orléans has been held by the Liberals Conservatives from 1999 to 2003 when former for the past 19 years covering the last Cumberland Mayor Brian Coburn was MPP.

Please register on our website (www.crcoc.ca) to receive the Zoom link and all related documents

See you there!

5

PM

Orléans’ golden girl Ivanie Blondin returns to where it all began

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star Double Olympic medalist Ivanie Blondin returned to where it all began on Sunday as she was showered with some hometown appreciation at the Bob MacQuarrier Recreation Centre in Orléans – home of the Gloucester Concordes Speed Skating Club.

The road from awkward beginner to Olympic gold and silver medalist has been a long and winding one for the 32-year-old Blondin, often pot-holed with injuries and disappointment.

The Garneau high school grad started out as a short track specialist. After winning a truckload of provincial titles, she eventually graduated to the national team, but internal politics lead her to consider jumping to the long track team.

When things came to a head at the 2010 Winter Olympic trials and she failed to make the Olympic team, Ivanie made the move to long track and never looked back. She qualified for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the Winter Olympics in PyongChang, South Korea for years after that.

Although Ivanie had high hopes of medaling in PyeongChang, she could do no better than fifth in the 5,000 metres and sixth in the 3,000, with her specialty, the mass, start still to come.

In an event where she was considered one of the favourites, she fell in the final turn in the semi-finals, and

just like that, her Olympics were over, but not the dream of winning an Olympic medal.

Ivanie continued to train hard for the next four years, winning several World Cup titles along the way.

After getting off to a rocky start in Beijing with a 13th place performance in the 1500-metres and 14th place result in the 3,000, Ivanie opted out of the 5,000 to focus on the team pursuit event and the mass start.

It turned out to be a great decision as she went on to win the gold medal in the team pursuit with fellow Gloucester Concorde member Isabelle Weidemann and an individual silver medal in the mass start, avenging the disappointment she suffered in South Korea.

Since returning from the Olympics, Blondin has been treated like a superstar wherever she goes.

On April 10, she was the guest of honour at an Ottawa Sens games along with several members of the gold medal winning women’s hockey team.

When asked what it’s been like being back home these last couple of weeks, Ivanie broke into a broad smile.

“It’s been really incredible to finally get to see everyone who has been supporting me all these years face to face and get to thank them in person,” she gushed.

Ivanie moved to Calgary over 10 years ago to be near the national team training centre. Despite living on the other side of the country, she has never forgotten her roots and still drops by the Gloucester Concordes Speed Skating Club

STAY SAFE. STAY COOL. INVEST IN A NEW A/C UNIT THIS SUMMER.

G LEMAY JL J.G. Heating & Air Conditioning Furnaces by www.keeprite.com

BOOK YOUR CENTRAL AIR INSTALLATION NOW AND AVOID THE RUSH! • Air Conditioning Systems up to 22 SEER • High-Efficiency Oil, Natural Gas or Electric Furnaces • Single or Two-Stage Heating • Sheet Metal Work • Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

whenever she’s back in town.

Now that the Olympics are over, Ivanie plans to continue skating and perhaps start a family with her husband Konrad Nagy, whom she married in 2020. She also hinted that she might take up competitive cycling. Who knows maybe one day she will compete in yet another Olympics, only in a different season.

Self-Care.

You are worth it.

Dr. Janet Chow & Associates 103-1400 St. Laurent Blvd (p) 613-746-6034 (f) 613-746-1167 thewillowveinclinic@gmail.com thewillowveinclinic.ca

Call now to book your air conditioner maintenance now.

Fully Bilingual Service. We service all makes and models.

Ivanie Blondin lets two young fans hold her medals during Ivanie Blondin Day outside the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Centre on April 24.

FRED SHERWIN PHOTO

THE WILLOW VEIN CLINIC

Consultation is covered by OHIP.

(613) 830-1661 • (613) 835-2658

dbkottawa.com • 613.834.1796 CALL TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

2035 Lanthier Dr., Orléans (Near Innes and 10th Line)

April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25 • 3

Was it worth it?

Now that things are finally getting back to normal, it’s time to ask the all-important question “was it all worth it?”, and by “all”, I mean all of the many restrictions imposed to first “flatten the curve” and then keep people safe.

Initially, there is no question that the restrictions were warranted.

The COVID-19 virus was spreading like wildfire and threatening to completely overwhelm the province’s health care system.

Businesses lockdowns, social distance measures, banning large gatherings and limiting smaller ones, were all necessary to slow down the spread of the disease and buy time to allow for the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Once effective vaccines were developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson in late 2020, it took several more months for people to get at least two doses. By Sept. 27, at least 80 per cent of Canadians over the age of 12 had been fully vaccinated, which is when the restrictions should have been lifted. Instead, they stayed in place for another six months, fueled by fear of the Omicron variant. In the meantime, inflation continued to rise along with housing prices. Small businesses continued to take on more and more debt as they stubbornly staved off bankruptcy.

It will take years for the economy to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, and at least that long for the country’s restaurants, small gyms, and personal care businesses to pay off their government COVID loans.

Housing prices, which have made it impossible for anyone under the age of 35 to buy a first home unless they’ve either won the lottery or inherited one, will likely never come back down and the supply chain issues which have plagued everything from car sales and home electronics to newspaper publishing, will take months to sort out. And for what? More people have COVID now than at any time during the pandemic. Just how many people nobody knows because it’s impossible to get a PCR test unless you’re a front line health care worker, but it’s lot, and very few of them are ending up in hospital or dying. That’s because A) they’ve been vaccinated, and B) the current strain of COVID making the rounds is not as virulent as the earlier ones.

So, to answer the question: were the initial COVID restrictions worth it? – the answer is yes. But as for the question of whether or not the continuation of restrictions were worth it once the 80 per cent threshold of vaccinations was achieved, the answer is no. They merely delayed the likelihood of catching the virus while deepening the economic hole we know find ourselves in and from which will take years to get out of.

– Fred Sherwin, editor

Fredrick C. Sherwin, Editor & Publisher fsherwin@orleansstar.ca The Orléans Star is a bi-weekly publication distributed to 44,000 residences in Blackburn Hamlet, Orléans and Navan. The newspaper is locally owned and operated by Sherwin Publishing Inc., 745 Farmbrook Cres., Orléans, ON. Inquiries and delivery issues should be sent to info@orleansstar.ca.

4 • April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

Federal budget measures help small businesses and new home buyers On April 7, the federal government tabled Budget ment’s next steps to fight climate change, to protect 2022. Through this prudent and thorough plan, our nature, and to build a clean economy. the federal government is investing in Canadians, To accomplish this task, Budget 2022 will launch economic growth, and a clean a world leading $15 billion future for everyone.

Canada Growth Fund, invest in For small and medium size local climate action through a business, the backbone of our $2.2 billion Low Carbon Econeconomy in Orléans, Budget omy Fund and a $9.1 billion 2022 will cut taxes for small commitment in the Emissions business by reducing the federReduction Plan. al tax rate to nine per cent on I am also very excited to Marie-France Lalonde their first $500,000 of taxable see investments in making income, compared to a general the switch to Zero-Emission federal corporate tax rate of 15 per cent.

Vehicles more affordable; in a National Network of Budget 2022 will also enhance existing and new EV charging stations, and in new incentives to help innovative funding programs, such as the Canada businesses upgrade their fleets.

Growth Fund and the Canada Small Business Locally, I want to showcase the remarkable Financing Program, to facilitate growth and diver- accomplishment of the Knights of Columbus in sification. These investments will allow small and organizing an event on April 4 with Sam and Emily medium sized businesses to adapt to the impacts of He, owners of Soul Stone Sushi Grill and Bar in changes in global trade and minimize other disrup- Orléans, to raise money for the Red Cross Ukraine tions on Canada’s different sectors.

Crisis Fund by selling perogies and borscht. It was Budget 2022 is also investing $4 billion for a new great to join all of you at the drive-thru. Thank you Housing Accelerator Fund that will create 100,000 Orléans for your generosity and support. new housing units over the next five years, along I also want to highlight the outstanding achievewith helping our young families and individuals buy ment and community engagement of Greg and Aaron their first homes through the Tax-Free Home Savings McPherson, who walked over 40km from Orléans Account that allows first-time home buyers to save up to Stittsville to raise money for the Youth Services to $40,000; doubling the First-Time Home Buyer’s Bureau. We truly live in a remarkable community Tax Credit to $10,000; and extending the First-Time with some very outstanding individuals.

Home Buyer Incentive to 2025. **La version française est maintenant disponible Budget 2022 also lays out the federal govern- sur ma page Facebook.

Commons Corner

Provincial election writ kicks off the silly season The silly season is on us once again. No, I’m not talking about the spring when a young man’s fancy turns towards the fairer sex and his brain turns to mush...I’m talking about election season.

The writ for the June 2 election will be dropped next Wednesday, May 4 marking the official start of the campaign. Two days before that on May 2, anyone who wants to run in next fall’s municipal election can register to do so. If that sounds confusing to you, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

For some reason, the ruling Ontario Conservatives decided to drop the writ for the provincial election the same week that registration opens for the municipal vote which doesn’t take place until October.

Not to worry, any municipal candidate with half a brain won’t start campaigning until the last of the provincial campaign signs have been taken down. Anyone who does, will do so at their own peril.

As for the provincial election campaign, it will be mercifully short at only 28 days, giving candidates scant little time to get their positions across to the voters living in their ridings.

Up Front Fred Sherwin Not that it should matter. This election should come down to just one single issue – how well or how bad you think the Ford government handled the pandemic.

If you think they did a good job then by all means vote for them, but if you think they made a bad situation even worse by failing to properly protect seniors living in long term care homes during the first few months and then failing to make hay with the time we bought them trying to flatten the curve, then throw them out.

I’m personally in the latter camp. I think Doug Ford handled the pandemic miserably.

Like many other leaders, he ignored science and common sense and abdicated the decision-making to a bunch of unelected public

health officials whose basic message was lock yourselves in your basement and stay there until COVID goes away.

Ford randomly closed small businesses while allowing the large box stores like Costco to remain open.

Small fitness centres, gyms and even sports fields were closed for more than a year for no good reason other than optics, even though they would have afforded people the ability to stay healthy and strengthen their immune systems against a virus that attacked the immune system.

But the number one reason I would vote against Ford is his dismal response to how the virus was ravaging long term care facilities and retirement homes. He was way too slow to react to the dozens of deaths that occurred in the first few weeks and months of the pandemic. While other countries were isolating residents who showed symptoms in separate facilities, here in Ontario and the rest of Canada we decided to treat them in place until they became so sick they needed to be treated in hospital. In the meantime, the virus was spreading through poor ventilation systems. No protocol was put in place to

properly deal with the situation until it was too late and by then hundreds of seniors had already died unnecessarily.

And then there is Ford’s schizophrenic handling of whether or not students should have been allowed to go back to school, often giving parents less than 48 hours notice when he closed them.

To be honest, I don’t know how anyone with children, or elderly parents, or people working in the hospitality sector, or small business owners, or anyone under the age of 30 can possibly vote for Ford after how he handled the pandemic.

Fortunately, the polls are beginning to bear this out. According to the latest Ipsos-Reid poll the Liberals are trailing the Conservatives by less than five points even though no one knows who their leader is.

(It’s Stephen de Luca by the way. Just joking.

His name is actually Steven De Duca, but I made my point.)

A lot can happen in the next 30-plus days and likely will, but June 2 will be on us in no time so be sure to get out and exercise your franchise either on election day, or at one of the many advance polls that will take place.

April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25 • 5

Spring has sprung and it’s time to Our community is getting greener get outside and have some fun with some exciting initiatives Hello friends! Spring is in full swing! wide range of cycling and walking routes Ottawa is surrounded by 4,500 kilometres for people of all ages and abilities. The of rivers and streams that produce some of 2022 CN Cycle for CHEO will be an inthe safest and most reliable drinking water person event, and with your help will raise in the world. much needed funds to From the Ottawa and support oncology care Rideau rivers and stunand research for CHEO’s Tim ning waterfalls to the oncology patients.

Tierney National Capital Pathway The Ottawa Food for cyclists, and the Bank will be accepting vibrant tulips blooming a limited number of Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward 11 in our parks, our city student placements for is truly beautiful. Now that things are food sorting roles between July and August. remaining open, I hope you all get to fully Individuals interested in learning more enjoy some activities in the city this spring about upcoming volunteer opportunities and summer. are asked to contact Patricia Lau at patricia.

Speaking of activities, there are so many lau@crcrr.org. reasons to get out into the community this Lastly, Onside Athletics and EPIC are spring and summer! Such as our upcoming coming to Ottawa for the first time ever BBQs and pancake breakfasts. Please keep this summer and Greenbelt Church is on eye out on my socials and stay tuned as partnering with them for summer camp.

I plan and attend community event every Onside summer camps are developed with weekend! your family in mind and their aim is to On May 1, 2022, help kids with cancer provide your family with excellent summer by joining the CN Cycle for CHEO! It’s a programming at an affordable rate. fun, non-competitive event that offers a See you out there everyone!!

The City has launched the Rain Ready space. The process will set clear standards Ottawa pilot program to support residents and would consider best practices from other in taking actions on their property to reduce jurisdictions. harmful impacts of rainwater runoff. Through My intention is for a streamlined process the program, residents can for residents who wish to access: adopt and naturalize these • Information on rainRight of Way spaces (for Laura water management proexample certain grass Dudas jects for the home. boulevards) improving • Home assessments that the local environment offer custom advice and and adding sustainable Innes Ward 2 solutions to rainwater options to shared spaces problems. in locations where it would bring benefits for • Rebates of up to $5,000 to help install the community. I look forward to continuing practices that help manage rainwater. to work with residents and community groups Some eligibility requirements apply, and I on this environmental project. would encourage anyone who is interested in The City’s forests have increasingly come this program to find out more by visiting the under attack from the Spongy/LDD Moth, City’s website at Ottawa.ca/rain. which feeds on the foliage of trees during the Creating a more sustainable environment, caterpillar phase of its lifecycle. led by grassroots citizen engagement, This year, the City is working with comwas what inspired me to bring a Motion to munity groups in areas of high Spongy Moth Council directing City staff to establish a density to distribute burlap kits to help protect process for communities to adopt portions individual trees on City property from severe of the City-owned Right of Way with the defoliation. Residents can order their kits by intent of gardening and naturalizing the visiting Ottawa.ca/en/spongymoth.

THIS SATURDAY Join us Saturday, April 30th from 10am to 3pm for Riverstone’s Spring Open House and explore everything Retirement Living at Willowbend in Orléans has to offer.

APRIL 30TH 10AM-3PM

• Full continuum of care: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care

• A variety of activities and events to keep our residents healthy, happy, and connected Space is limited call Liette at 613-907-9200 to reserve your in-person tour at this event.

Located in your neighbourhood at 1980 Trim Road in Orléans.

Across the street from Sobeys at the corner of Trim & Innes.

WillowbendRetirement.com 6 • April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

RESTAURANT REVIEW

At the Brine & Grill restaurant every day is Sunday

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star The moment you walk into the Brine & Grill restaurant in the Millennium Plaza at Innes and Trim Road the smell of burning charcoal and BBQ chicken wafts over you like a warm blanket.

At the Brine & Grill, they specialize in BBQ chicken grilled on a series of three Big Green Eggs. But what makes their chicken unique from other eateries is the brining process.

The chicken is submerged in a secret solution of water, salt and other seasonings for 24-48 hours. It is then treated with their house rub and grilled low and slow until it’s tender and juicy.

The brining process adds flavour and seasoning from the inside out. It also reduces moisture loss by about half, which accounts for why the chicken is so juicy.

And if the chicken isn’t tasty enough, you can order a side of their house-made gravy or chili oil to dip each morsel in.

Speaking of sides, customers have their choice of honey-glazed roasted potatoes, hand-cut russet fries tossed in a secret spice blend, house-made coleslaw, or pasta salad.

Besides their signature BBQ chicken, the

Brine & Grill also serves up an awesome pulled pork, or beef brisket sandwich, one of the best poutines you will find anywhere made with their house gravy and St. Albert cheese curds, and mac and cheese which can be topped with chicken, pulled pork or brisket.

And for the vegans in your household, the Brine & Grill makes a charred cauliflower steak that has to be tried to be believed.

Each generous slab of cauliflower is rubbed with Montreal Steak Spice, charcoal-grilled to perfection and then topped with their house-made vinaigrette. They also make grilled heirloom carrots doused with their maple bourbon sauce and served with spiced roasted pecans, feta cheese and cilantro.

The Brine & Grill menu is designed to evoke memories of backyard barbecues and family get-togethers, thus the motto, “Everyday is Sunday”.

The Brine & Grill is co-owned by Ottawa native Éric Auclair who went to culinary school at La Cité Collégiale before heading out west to work in a series of restaurants in Banff and Calgary, starting out as a line cook and working his way up to executive sous chef.

He eventually moved back to Ottawa and began working at the Rabbit Hole on Sparks

Éric Auclair is one of the owners of the new Brine & Grill restaurant at Innes and Trim Road. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO Street. During that same period, he was also entertaining the thought of opening up his own place. The opportunity came when a friend told him that the space formerly occupied by Kilns Chicken restaurant was available.

One of the advantages of moving into the building was that it didn’t need much in the

way of renovations. The only downside was getting rid of the massive kiln that was put together inside the restaurant. It had to be cut into several pieces before it could be taken out to make space for the Big Green Eggs.

You can learn more about the Brine & Grill restaurant by visiting their website at brineandgrill.com.

April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25 • 7

8 • April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

Sound & Sight audio/video celebrates grand opening

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star Sound & Sight – Orléans premier audio/ video, interior design and smart home store – celebrated its official grand opening last week with all four local city councillors, Orléans MPP Stephen Blais and even Mayor Jim Watson in attendance, but the real MVPs of the evening were the vast array of top quality and high end audio/video equipment and Smart Home electronics on display in the store’s St. Joseph Blvd. showroom.

Owner Jason Miller spent more than 25 years meeting the needs of local audio and videophiles as a sales consultant at the old StereoPlus store on Innes Road.

Miller left the store shortly before it closed it’s doors. It didn’t take long, however, before many of his former clients began calling him for advice in designing and equipping their home theatres which led Jason to start his own consulting business.

But the dream all along was for Jason to open his own brick and mortar storefront.

The opportunity would present itself when a building became available on St. Joseph Blvd. last year.

After a number of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jason finally opened

the store for business in January. He delayed the official grand opening until after the various pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Besides the local politicians, a number of Jason’s oldest customers were at the April 21 event, along with his extended Orléans Minor Football Club family – Jason was a coach with the Orléans Bengals for a number of years while he was working at StereoPlus.

Today, he’s coaching clients on how to turn their audio/visual dreams into reality.

It all starts with Jalila Elleuch, Sound & Sight’s resident interior designer. Jalila has the vision and creativity to turn any space into a slice of heaven by balancing the visual with the functional.

Jason’s main area of expertise is in finding the right equipment to create the perfect audio/visual environment – from multi-room sound systems to state-of-theart home theatre set ups – he can turn your home into a Sound & Sight oasis.

They carry all the leading brands of audio/visual equipment including Sony, Samsung, Harmon Kardon, Mission and Sonos, along with some leading brands you may not have heard of such as Lexicon amplifiers, and Totem speakers, which are made in Montréal.

And if you’re thinking that Sound &

Sound & Sight owner Jason Miller is presented a certificate marking the store’s grand opening, by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson as city councillors Tim Tierney and Laura Dudas (left) look on along with Orléans MPP Stephen Blais (right). FRED SHERWIN/PHOTO Sight might be out of your price range, don’t. They have items available at incredible discounts almost every day.

So to get a taste of all Sound & Sight

has to offer, you should visit their website at soundsight.ca, or better yet drop by their showroom at 2288 St. Joseph Blvd., just across from TD Canada Trust.

Locally owned & operated! www.soundsight.ca - 613-601-6787 April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25 • 9

NEIGHBOURHOOD

U P D A T E Ensuring established neighbourhoods are not left behind

Much of Orléans was built 30+ years ago, and while there are ample benefits to living in an established neighbourhood – larger trees, nearby shops, beloved parks, and pathway networks – it also means these features become due for repair at the same time. As a city, it is imperative that we are investing in our older neighbourhoods; it is often cheaper to address issues early, than to wait until they fail.

Proud of our community’s youth

When the Orléans Bengals clubhouse was vandalized with racist graffiti, I joined the many youths, coaches, and parents who pitched in to clean up. It was inspiring to see them use the experience to then launch a speaker series and awareness campaign called “Be the Change”. It was an honour to be a speaker and share my experiences with these young people.

Just as a homeowner must continue to upgrade their house, it is essential for the City to invest in its infrastructure, its parks and greenspaces, its aging community facilities, and of course – its roads. For too long funding gaps, prioritization, and compliance, have allowed many of our parks to become outdated and many of our residential roads to become a mélange of pothole patches, cracked ironworks, and uneven surfaces.

This impacts the livability of our communities.

Ottawa has suffered from an “infrastructure gap”, that difference between what the City spends, and what it needs to spend, to maintain infrastructure such as roads. In 2017, the gap stood at $70 million.

During the past four years, I worked with many of my colleagues to prioritize closing this gap. Last year, we brought it to under $43 million, and this year, we are on track to close it even further. This year also saw a prioritization in roads, sidewalks, multi-use pathways (MUPs), increasing from $74.2 million in 2021 to $133.3 million. This includes $76 million for road resurfacing up from $36.9 million last year. Active transportation– cycling, sidewalks, MUPs, also saw a 25% increase to $26.7 million.

Over the years, our community has seen growth and changes that signal a strong, vibrant future. Sadly, it has also laid bare a contrast between the infrastructure in our older communities and newly built ones. I look forward to continuing to work with the community to ensure we are investing fairly in the future of all our neighbourhoods.

Exciting community projects

The coming months are promising to be busy ones across the ward, with several major projects getting underway.

There are several major road renewal projects slated for completion this year, with the largest investment being the $2.5 million repaving of Jeanne d’Arc Blvd. This year’s project builds on the work completed last year, and extends south to Innes Rd. This will address a longstanding issue for those living nearby and improve road conditions for everyone.

Additionally, the final stage of Renaud Rd.’s urbanization will be completed with added sidewalks and safety measures. As well, the much-anticipated, permanent traffic safety measures are coming to Belcourt Blvd. Also, residents around Forest Valley Dr. will be involved in a traffic safety milestone, as the City launches consultations about permanent safety measures for that residential street.

We recently celebrated the Lois Kemp Arena expansion, the new Blackburn splashpad, rink chalets in Chateauneuf and Bradley Estates, several new play structures across the Ward, expanded wintermaintained pathways, and a brand new splashpad coming to Chapel Hill Park this year!

This year will be busy indeed! Receive all the latest updates by signing up for my e-newsletter at Laura.Dudas@ottawa.ca.

Third annual Gems of Innes Awards

I am excited to announce the Gems of Innes Awards are back!

I love these awards. They are a fantastic opportunity to show appreciation for the businesses and local organizations that make our community a more vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Nominations are now open to everyone in the community to recommend their favourite business or community organization. You can nominate your favourite Orléans business until May 20, 2022 at LauraDudas.ca/Gems.

Staying in touch

It was great to see everyone at the Orléans Fruit Farm for the Easter Egg Hunt. I always enjoy hosting events, whether it be the Egg Hunt, the Autumn Festival, tree giveaways/ plantings, family skates, pumpkin walks, or last fall’s Halloween movie drive-in. These are times where we can have fun and talk about what matters most in our community.

Aside from in-person events, let’s stay in touch. Whether through my monthly e-newsletter, my website LauraDudas.ca, by email, or on social media, I am always available to answer your questions and help.

Councillor, Ward 2 Innes 613-580-2472 // Laura.Dudas@Ottawa.ca // www.LauraDudas.ca 10 • April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

h mestyle

Letbeginners Romantic guide take your experience to the gardener next level A for grilling the unitiated backyard

A guide for beginner gArdeners

STAR STAFF – Drive down any street He started out in Cornwall, before moving in (NC) Orléans during a summer weekend to Orléans 2009, where he opened his Have you ever wanted to makeand a salad to youringarden. you’re bound to catch a whiff of the sweet own business at the corner of St. Joseph from vegetables you grew yourself? Or give • Wheelbarrow – Investing in aand wheelbarrow smell of a backyard barbeque with steaks on Jeanne d’Arc Boulevards.

His son a bouquet to your loved one made of fresh is a must for gardeners. You’llJason likely need to the grill,picked or a rack of ribs in own a smoker. him shortly afterwards and soil the fatherflowers from your garden? Now joined is purchase some gardening to mix in with Barbequing, or grilling as it is more and-son team have been working together your time to shine and grow like a pro with a your ground soil. Having a wheelbarrow on commonly called among aficionados, is a ever since. few tips to get you started: hand to help you transport the soil from your suburban pursuit that has caught fire over the Romantic sells only the very best smokers vehicle to youragarden is gold.

(NC) Have you ever wanted to make salad fromof last 10 years with shows like BBQ Pitmasters and grills.

They are the exclusive dealers RESEARCH and the Great BBQ Challenge featured onyourself? the Sabor Grills made in Columbia, Georgia, and vegetables you grew Or give a bouquet While your first attempt may not be as GARDENING GEAR Food Network.

BRT wood pellet grills made in the UK, to your made of fresh picked beautiful as loved Butchart one Gardens in British To beflowers a true gardener, you’ll need a few key Almost overnight, would-be grillmasters Either grill will help take your BBQ to the from your own garden?

Now is your to shine Columbia, can certainly serve as inspiration items in your time wardrobe: went from itbarbequing steaks and burgers as next level. you begin to visualize would like your • tips Overalls There’s a reason and grow like a you pro with a few to–get you over a propane grill tohow smoking pork butt, Romantic Fireplaces and BBQs also selltraditional garden to look.

Hop on the web, take a stroll Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for brisket and side ribs in wood pellet smokers a full line of grilling accessories and wood started: through your neighbourhood or head to your so long.

With room for knee pads with pellets made of pecan, hickory or pellets along with a variety of different rubs for extra ReseaRch local some cushioning andMeat multiple utility apple garden wood –store and iffor you are acreative serious inspiration griller and sauces including Mitch rubs and pockets, While your first attempt may not be as beautiful asoveralls Butchartare Gardens in British Columbia, essential. in Orléans, chances you’ve as been which Mike swears are like the best it can certainly serve asare inspiration youto beginsauce to visualize how you would youryou’ll garden TOOLS • Footwear – You’ll want wear shoes that Romantic Fireplaces and BBQs in Canotek ever taste. to look. Hop on the web, take a stroll through your neighbourhood or head to to your local You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools are comfortable and functional.

A great option Park.

So, if you want to take your grilling to garden store for some creative inspiration.

GaRdeninG GeaR it comes to BBQs and smokers, Romantic Fireplaces and BBQ forOwner preparing soil/space, arelevel, Mark’s rain bootsand whichWhen come Mikethe Pilon has beenforin planting the fire- your the next visitWindRiver Romantic Fireplaces To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe: Tools owners and aJason areCarhartt your grilling FILE PHOTO place BBQ business for over 40 years. BBQsinata5380 Canotek Rd. and are anti-microbial seeds and for garden maintenance: shorter profile to Mike • Overalls – There’s reason Pilon traditional overallsexperts. have stayed in style for so long.

You’ll need to- acquire a fewyour essential toolsfrom for preparing the soil/space, your they’re With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are • Gloves To protect hands keep your feet fresh. for Notplanting to mention, seeds and for garden maintenance: prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have easy to hose off after a day in the dirt. essential.

• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some Footwear – You’ll want to wear shoes that are comfortable and functional. A great some gardening on hand.

• Sun hat – You’ll likely be spending• quite sturdysturdy gardening glovesgloves on hand. don’t have to have a green thumb a green option Mark’s WindRiver rain boots which cometo in have a shorter profileback and yard. are anti• HandTrowel Trowel– This – This as your a bit itofcomes time time outside so it’s to protect areYou • Hand willwill act act as your best best friend when to plant yourbest seeds, microbial to keep your feet fresh.

Not to mention, they’re easy to hose off after a day excavate weeds and transport to your garden. friend when it comes time to items plant from your pots seeds, yourself with a wide brimmed hat in addition All you need are some seeds, the right tools and plenty of and in the dirt.

• Wheelbarrow - Investing in aitems wheelbarrow is a must for gardeners.

You’ll likely need to excavate weeds and transport from pots to wearing sunscreen. patience. FILE PHOTO purchase some gardening soil to mixApril in with 24 your-30, ground2022 soil. Having a wheelbarrow on • Sun hat – You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself with a wide brimmed hat in addition to wearing sunscreen. hand to help you transport the soil from your vehicle to your garden is gold

Whatever your style... whatever your dream... we can make it happen.

National Volunteer Week

Vessel Sink With Faucet

O N LY

Fleurs & Pépinière

$159 making a difference

Thank for up…

Renovations or justyou cleaning R E G .Waste, $ 1 9 9 Recycling & Construction Debris

$895

NOWSHOWROOM OPEN FOR SEASON! • Air Conditioning SystemTHE up to 22 SEER OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10AM-4PM

6723370

everyday!

Roll Off & Front Load Service 2 to 30 yard containers O N Lavailable Y Each Free Estimates Solid wood construction, marble counter top,

• High Efficiency Oil, Natural•Gas SATURDAY 10AM-3PM • CLOSED SUNDAY NOorAPPOINTMENT NEEDED Electric 5380 Canotek Rd., #7 • Furnaces 613.748.1777 • romanticfireplaces.com

www.keeprite.com

Faucet, sink and mirror included

With this ad, cannot be combined with other offers.

613 749-8000 • www.progressivewaste.com

www.vestalbath.com | info@vestalbath.com

SUMMER IS COMING – BEAT THE RUSH AND REPLACE THAT OLD INEFFICIENT AC!

Update to High-Efficiency and Save up to $800 per year • • • • •

High-Efficiency Natural Gas Air Conditioning Systems Boilers and Ductless Systems Water Heaters / HEPA Air and Water Filtration $0 Up-Front Costs / Licensed and Insured

FRE

C with puErcA hase of new furn a Keep $650 ce* governmenin t rebates

Be ready For a Hot summer Central Air maintenance

$99.95

from Fully Bilingual Service We service all HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING • SERVING YOU FOR THE LAST 39 YEARS makes and models (613) 830-1661 • (613) 835-2658

(INCLUDES 4 BAGS OF LAWN FERTILIZER AND A BAG OF LIME) EARLY SPRING • LATE SPRING • SUMMER • FALL

10 kg kit Covers 3,000 ft2

7999

$

+ HST

20 kg kit Covers 6,000 ft2

13999

$

+ HST

Potted Easter plants April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25 • 11 available now!

Visit our Showroom & our new 2016 displays

Rent-To-Own Option Available

Start Saving Today

(WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)

April 13, 2017 • Volume 31, No. 3

, 5 May, 2016 - Orleans Star - www.orleansstar.ca

Specials are available until May 10, 2017.

• Single or Two Stage Heating • Sheet Metal Work • Ductless Air Condition Systems

6722881

FREE FAUCET AND MIRROR ON ALL BATHROOM VANITIES - $350 VALUE!

Visit Our Showroom Today!

2450 Lancaster Rd. 613.716.7225

Book Your Central Air Installation Now and Avoid the Rush

Furnaces by

March 27-28, 2022

OPEN HOUSE

BY APPOINTMENT Michel Forget invites you to discover the Sélection Retraite experience in accordance with current public health guidelines.

Book your visit today beourguestevent.ca 1 844 924-8256 245, boul. du Plateau Gatineau

12 • April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star The Gloucester-Cumberland Wolverines U12 boys team wrapped up their season on Sunday with a 48-39 win over the Ottawa Elite in the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association (EOBA) championship final.

It was the second time the Wolverines had beaten their National Capital rivals this season. The first time was on April 6, which give them sole possession of first place.

With Sunday’s win, the Wolverines finished their EOBA campaign with a perfect 10-0 record.

The championship is their second city title in the past three year. They previously won the U10 championship in 2020. Last year’s season had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Wolverines also finished second in the third division of the Ontario Cup in 2020.

This year they were promoted to the first division which competes for the provincial championship.

Of the eight teams in the competition, they were ranked eighth. Despite their pretournament status, they managed to beat the number four seed – Top Seed East from Toronto – in their opening game. James

Lavictoire won the game for the Wolverines on a three-point shot in the dying moments of the game. The final score was 55-54.

In their second game, the Wolverines went up against Top Tier West, also from Toronto, who are the number one ranked team in the province.

Refusing to be intimidated by their higher-ranked opponents, the Wolverines held the Toronto team to 17-17 tie through much of the first half before Top Tier went on a 9-1 run to take a 26-18 halftime lead.

Despite their best efforts, the Wolverines were unable to close the gap in the second half, and eventually lost 60-46.

With a 1-1 record, the Wolverines still had a shot at making the playoffs with a win over the number five seed Brampton Warriors.

After digging themselves into a deep hole in the first half, the Warriors found themselves trailing by eight points in the third quarter.

Refusing to give up, the pesky warriors battled all the way back to eventually tie the game on another three-point buzzerbeater by Lavictoire and send the contest to overtime. Unfortunately, they had expended all their energy and the Warriors pulled out a 59-49 win.

Still, all in all, the Wolverines did them-

PHOTO SUPPLIED

U12 Wolverines capture EOBA championship

selves proud by beating a higher seeded team and holding their own against the number one team in the province for the better part of two quarters.

The cherry on top of their successful season was the EOBA championship. Head coach Ron Provencher says the key to the team’s success this year has been their depth.

Minor basketball teams play with two squads which each get equal time on the court. Most teams have one strong squad and one weaker squad. The Wolverines have two equally strong squads.

“I can put either set of players in the floor and feel comfortable they can do the job,” says Provencher.

Besides Lavictoire’s obvious shooting prowess, the Wolverines have an excellent point guard in Pierce Provencher who can move the ball up the floor and distribute it to his teammates, and three power forwards in Yannis Komy, Gabriel Kabongo and Josh Itongwa. The rest of the team is rounded out by Jaymes Moodie, Reuben Mesfin, Brandon Bell, Joseph Mesfin, Onyx Sineus and Leo Mvuezolo..

April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25 • 13

Extreme Auto Care expands services under new ownership STAR STAFF – Since they first opened their doors in 1999, Extreme Auto Care on Youville Drive has earned a reputation for delivering the very best in car detailing services as well car audio, remote starters and window tinting under the guidance of Will Doughty who started the company fresh out of high school.

After more than 22 years in business, Doughty decided to sell the business last summer to Brendon Bolduc who has turned Extreme Auto Care into a true full service garage, doing everything from oil changes and electronic system calibrations to wheel alignments and even collision repairs through CSN Highland, which he has owned and operated for over eight years.

In taking over Extreme Auto Care, Bolduc has returned to his roots, having grown up in Orléans and playing for the Gloucester Rangers.

His initial goal was to combine the two businesses so that customers could simply drop off their car for whatever reason and

14 • April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

know that they it would be properly taken care of.

It was also important for him to continue the legacy created by Doughty.

“The business already has a tremendous reputation,” says Bolduc, “and Will put his heart and soul into this place. I just want to continue to build on that legacy.”

Part of that process was to start offering additional services on site, including glass replacement, paint protection film, and recalibrations.

And while Extreme Auto Care has expanded its services, they still offer all the same services and products they did prior to Bolduc’s taking over. In fact, they have five employees dedicated to car detailing.

Bolduc is also focused on creating an excellent workplace culture and he plans to do more in terms of supporting the local community starting with CHEO. To find out more about all the services Extreme Auto Care can provide visit their website at extremeautocare.ca.

COMMUNITY BILLBOARD APRIL 23 to MAY 8 FIBRE FLING ART SHOW AND SALE is online again from April 23 to May 8. Visit www.fibre-fling.ca to enjoy beautiful textile and mixed media works created by Ottawa’s own “Out of the Box” artists while helping to raise funds for the Ottawa Food Bank.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 CASEY MCCANN performing at the Broadhead Brewery, 1680 Vimont Court in the Taylor Creek Business Park starting at 3 pm. No cover.

FRIDAY, MAY 9 WHERE’S WALDO TRIO performing at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Busi-

ness Park from 5 pm to 7 pm.

No cover, $10 suggested tip.

FRIDAY, MAY 13 SATURDAY, MAY 14 CORO VIVO OTTAWA presents Nibi Water is Life – L’eau, c’est la vie at 7:30 pm at Orléans United Church. This is Coro Vivo’s Spring Concert featuring a commissioned work by the Cree composer Andrew Balfour. Tickets $25 on eventbrite.com or $30 at the door. Children under 14 admitted at no charge.

SUNDAY, MAY 15 PINTS FOR POTCAKES from 11 am to 2 pm at the Stray Dog Brewing Company in support of Eastern Ontario Potcake Rescue. Beers, raffle

IN MEMORIAM

and bake sale. Come out and have a pint while visiting with some adoptable dogs at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.

Lionel Scheffer, 80 Passed away on April 21, 2022

THURSDAY, MAY 19 ORLÉANS FARMER’S MARKET from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex on Tenth Line Road featuring local food vendors and producers.

JUNE 9, 10 and 11 ORLÉANS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL from 4 pm to 11 pm at the Orléans Town Centre on Centrum Blvd.

Advance tickets $27.03 - $48.59 available at eventbrite.com/e/ 300215942967.

Yolande Rheaume, 85 Passed away on April 16, 2022 Dennis L. Gruver, 80 Passed away on April 14, 2022 PAINTERS

www.heritagefh.ca/obituaries

BUSINESS DIRECTORY MORTGAGES

HELP WANTED The Almighty Cheese food truck on Trim Road is looking for team players for the following positions – line/prep cooks, cashier and fryers. Offering competitive wages with tips. Full time and part time hours. If you or someone you know is interested in working in a fast-paced environment send your resume to: thealmightycheese62@gmail.com.

PAINTERS

REAL ESTATE

Suzanne Robinson Quality Residential & Commercial Work • interior & exterior painting • • drywall & plaster repair • finish carpentry •

ldpainting.ca PLUMBING

Bilingual Real Estate Broker

Call me any time: 613-291-2121 EMAIL: suzanne@c21apt.com

You deserve PERSONAL, FACE-TO-FACE & HONEST service!

CENTURY 21

Action Power Team Ltd. BROKERAGE

Independently owned & operated Not intended to solicit already listed properties.

PAINTERS 2 Time Winner of the People’s Choice Awards

613-868-3957 felix@bestdealmortgage.ca

www.bestdealmortgage.ca GENERAL CONTRACTOR

YOUR COMMUNITY PAINT EXPERT Let the magic of my brush increasethe value of your home

CALL PIERRE 613-299-9534

Bilingual Services

HOME RENOVATIONS QUALITY & SERVICE FOR LESS

•General Contractor•

Let Dan Bisaillon help you take the first and final steps in creating your own piece of paradise.

Residential services Francoisgeneralcontractor@gmail.com - Framing - Drywall - Flooring - Trim - Plumbing - Electrical

- Floor/ Wall Tiling - Concrete - Parging - Decks

- Fences - Windows - Doors - Drywall repairs - Deliveries

Free estimates Fully insured

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

1439 YOUVILLE DR. #4, ORLÉANS

824-0860

www.inneskitchenandbath.com

April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25 • 15

Beautiful Homes are Bringing Us Together

UPGRADE YOUR LIFE Every Tamarack Adult Lifestyle Community comes with an exclusive Community Activities Building. Discover the lifestyle benefits in Cardinal Creek Village today!

AÉROPORT EXÉCUTIF GATINEAUOTTAWA

nk Fra

ad Ro

on

dM

Ol

al tre

oad ey R

d Roa

H

4

17

Trim

y wa igh

n Ken

PETRIE ISLAND

Sales Hours

Mon, Tues, Wed – 12pm to 7pm Thurs & Fri – Closed Sat & Sun – 12pm to 5pm

613 830-8467

r

ou r u To 16 • April 28, 2022 • Volume 36, No. 25

de o M

ay d o ls T