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Petrie Island will welcome thousands of area residents to the east end recreation area as it hosts this year’s Orléans Canada Day celebrations. FILE PHOTO
Petrie Island Canada Day lineup released
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star
Organizers of this year’s Canada Day celebration on Petrie Island have released a schedule of the day’s activities which includes something for absolutely everyone.
The program will begin at 9 a.m. with an Amazing Race Water Competition organized by the Petrie Island Canoe Club during which participants will take part in a series of challenges. After the competition, there will be a War Canoe Race off.
The day’s main events will kick off at 10 a.m. with the opening of the Kids Zone featuring with a fishing pond, inflatable rides, craft tables, mini-putt and face-painting. 10 a.m. is also when the free shuttles will begin from the
Collège La Cité campus on Jeanne d’Arc Blvd.
There will limited parking at the college campus. Additional parking will also be available at the Trim Road park and ride, however. there will be no shuttle service from the lot. Members of the public will have to cross Hwy. 174 at the traffic light at their own risk and catch the shuttle to the beach or walk down on their own.
VIP passes are available for people who want to park on the island next to the site at a cost of $100. The VIP Package includes access to a private lounge, private bar services, access to the Petrie Island parking lot and meal vouchers.
VIP packages can be purchased at https:// canadadayorleans.ca.
ON PAGE 2
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Busy Fingers knitters in need of more wool
ORLÉANS – The Busy Fingers Knitting Club is once again in need of wool. With over 200 members in Orléans, Montréal, Quebec City and the Beauce, knitting over 2,000 of pairs of socks, scarves, mittens and afghans every year, the club understandable goes through a lot of wool. According to Busy Fingers founder and inspirational source, Eileen McCaughey, the club’s supply of wool is getting pretty low at a time when the members normally start knitting and crocheting items for the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at the Willowbend retirement residence at the corner of Trim and Innes. The club accepts all types and color of wool. Donations can also be made by calling Eileen at 613-841-3641. Arrangements can be made to either drop wool off at her house, or have it picked up by a volunteer.
Foundation established in honour of Orléans real estate agent
Plant
ORLÉANS – Dedicated coach, volunteer and mentor
A.J. Plant passed away on June 9 after a 20-month battle with brain cancer. The long-time real estate agent and president of Exit Realty Eastern Ontario leaves behind his wife, Dr. Chantal Plant and their four children Francis, Helenna, Emillia and Quinn. Besides being a devoted husband and father, A.J. had a deep commitment to the well-being of others and was always willing to give his time and resources especially for those in need of support. His desire to contribute to the community led him to establish the A.J. Plant Commemorative Foundation prior to his death. The foundation provides financial aid dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness take greater control of their lives. In honour of his memory, the family kindly suggests that you continue his legacy of generosity by considering a donation to the foundation at ocf-fco.ca/aj-plant-commemorative-fund/.
Orléans builder receives honourary doctorate from University of Ottawa
OTTAWA – Brigil founder and president Gilles Desjardins recently received an honourary doctorate from his alma mater the University of Ottawa where he attended the Telfer School of Management. Desjardins was particularly honoured for his exceptional career and commitment to the community. Since it was founded in 1985, Brigil has built over 14,000 homes in the Ottawa area, including Orléans, and supported more than 400 organizations in various fields such as education, health, and culture. Other recipients of an honourary doctorate at the university’s recent commencement ceremony include former Olympian Abby Hoffman, Ontario Chief Justice Michael H. Tulloch, and singer Alanis Morissette.
Petrie Island Canada Day lineup chock full of fun
Continued from page 1
The food vendors, beverage tent and local artisan tables will also be open at 10 a.m., along with beach volleyball, beach tennis and Ultimate frisbee.
At 11 a.m., kids can enjoy a magic show and marvel at the stilt-walkers.
At 11:30 a.m., the folks from the Meet the Keepers Wildlife Rescue centre will put on a demonstration featuring a selection of animals and birds. A second demonstration will take place at 2:30 p.m.
A Zumba dance session will take place from the main stage at 12 noon to get everyone’s blood flowing, just in time for the opening ceremonies at 1 p.m.
The ceremony will include the singing of the national anthem and the Reaffirmation of Citizenship Oath.
Following the opening ceremonies, a giant birthday cake will brought out and served to the masses.
After the final piece of cake has been served, the main stage entertainment will begin with performances by students from Sing House Studio and the Orléans School of Rock.
Kevin Schofield will perform at 6 p.m., followed by The Phoenicians at 7 p.m., River City Junction at 8 p.m., Julianna Labelle at 9:45 p.m.
Labelle will also lead the crowd in the singing of O Canada which cue the start of this year’s spectacular fireworks display.
After the fireworks, there will be a DJ-led dance party until 11 p.m. when the festivities will come to a close and everyone will start the process of returning to their cars.
Gilles Desjardins
A.J.
Last piece of funding puzzle in place for MIFO’s new home
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star
The funding to build a new home for the Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans, better known as MIFO, is now in place after Ontario Minister for Francophone Affairs, Caroline Mulroney visited the organization’s temporary offices in Place d’Orléans last week to announce the province’s share of the $54 million project.
The Ontario government, through its $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, will contribute $15.7 million to the project, which has received $36 million in funding commitments from the federal government last year. The remaining $2.5 million is being raised through individual and corporate donations.
The project will allow MIFO to increase its annual capacity from 60,000 to 80,000 visitors and increase programming for all age groups, including seniors, youth and people with disabilities. The expanded facility which will include an indoor running track, a gymnasium, and an art gallery, will enable MIFO to introduce new services such as specialized camps, accessible fitness programs and community events.
MIFO was founded in 1979 to safeguard and promote francophone culture in Orléans. The organization was first based out of a small house on St. Joseph Blvd., where they remained until their current home was built on Carrière Street in 1985.
Over the years, MIFO’s programming has expanded considerably. Their first big move was to start booking French language productions in the Shenkman Arts Centre – a move which allowed them to not only offer a greater range of entertainment to francophone residents in Orléans, but also generated additional revenue to help fund their programming.
After the organization celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019, they started exploring the possibility of demolishing the existing building and building a new one. As their plans came together they realized that dream couldn’t become a reality without financial support from both the provincial and federal levels of government.
The federal government came to the table first, announcing its $36 million contribution in May 2024. That announcement put the funding ball clearer in the court of the Ontario government.
More than 12 months later, they’ve finally
Ontario Minister of Francophone Affairs, Caroline Mulroney, is flanked by Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden as she announces $15.7 million in provincial funding for MIFO’s future home, inset.
decided to write a cheque.
When MIFO first announced they wanted to build a new home, they had hoped that construction would begin in 2021, but delays in funding on the part of both levels of government set MIFO’s plans back four
years. Now that the provincial government is on board, construction could begin by the end of this summer and completed within two years.
For more information about MIFO and the project, visit mifo.ca.
What a great idea
As some of you who follow my writing know, I am not a big fan of photo radar cameras. You know – the things that are popping up on our streets like dandelions in May.
The roadside cameras were first installed as a two-year pilot project on eight city streets in July 2020. During those first six months, they registered 50,143 speeding infractions and generated $2.5 million in revenue. In year two, those same cameras registered 80,944 infractions and generated $5.6 million in revenue over 12 months.
When the Ottawa Police Service presented the outcomes of the pilot project to city council, they showed data that indicate that the photo radar cameras had resulted in the high level of compliance, however, the data doesn’t bare that out. Higher compliance should equate to fewer speeding tickets and less revenue, both of which were equal from year one to year two.
But all city council heard was photo radar cameras equal both a higher rate of compliance to the posted speed limit and millions of dollars in revenue for the city’s coffers. So what did they do? They voted for a rapid escalation in photo radar cameras to the point where we went from just eight cameras in 2021 to 57 cameras in 2024. This generated a total of $29 million, and they plan to install 24 more cameras this year. Not a cash grab, my eye.
Several months ago, I argued that if the photo radar cameras were really about safety, the city should install those LED display panels which show how fast you’re going when you drive past, 20 metres before the photo radar cameras.
On their own, the LED displays are virtually useless. But when combined with photo radar cameras, they would have the same effect in slowing drivers down and making the community zones safer without hitting them with a fine. If the person operating the vehicle decides to ignore the LED display and speed past the photo radar camera, they deserve whatever fine they have coming to them.
Which brings me to Vaughan, Ontario. Last week, the city situated just north of Toronto in North York, elected to pause it’s photo radar camera program after more than 33,000 tickets were issued in just three weeks.
Vaughan city council, led by Mayor Steven Del Duca, passed a motion to pause the program until September to allow staff enough time to put together a report on ways the city can create more effective signage about the presence of the cameras. Brilliant. What a concept.
Perhaps one of the ways Vaughan “can create more effective signage about the presence of cameras” is by installing LED displays to indicate to drivers how fast they are going before they actually drive past the camera. That way you force drivers to slow done, thus making the community zone safer, without grabbing their cash in the process.
– Fred Sherwin
A Canada Day reminder not to drink and drive
For many of us, the best season is summer. School lets out, Canada Day unites our country from coast-tocoast-to-coast, and the nicer weather brings vacations and more joy to our lives. But as we celebrate with family and friends at BBQs, festivals and dining out on patios, we should never forget our responsibility to never drink and drive.
According to a CTV article on March 18 of this year, “…357 drivers have been charged with impaired driving as of March 12.That’s up from 319 at the same time last year.” As reported in City News, the Ottawa Police Service, in mid-May of this year, 16 people were charged with impaired driving-related offences.
Earlier this year, three young children were killed when an allegedly impaired driver collided with their vehicle. Their lives were stolen in an instant. No words can capture the weight of that loss.
communities to no end.
Despite the increase in incidents, the Ford Government’s official policy is to offer reduced penalties and a waiver of a criminal record for those caught drinking and driving – all in the name of speed. How will people learn if there are not tough consequences?
A few weeks ago, I made a statement in the Legislature about the scourge of drinking and driving and the need for new ideas to curb it.
I have begun working with legislative counsel at Queen’s Park to introduce new legislation in the fall sitting of the Legislature. I’ve met with MADD and other stakeholders both here in Ottawa and in Toronto and will be continuing that outreach to get as many ideas as possible over the summer.
Jody Maffett Editor The Orléans Star
Fred Sherwin Owner and publisher fsherwin@orleansstar.ca
Jean-Marc Pacelli Editor L’Orléanais
The Orléans Star is a bi-weekly publication distributed to over 40,000 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.
The OPP laid over 11,500 impaired driving charges last year – over 2 years there has been a 35% increase. These are not just statistics – they are shattered lives, grieving parents, and empty classrooms.
Drinking and driving is a scourge on society; yet the number is increasing.
The loss of innocent lives plagues families and
Drinking and driving is never acceptable. Today, one can have alcohol delivered to their homes. You can likely walk to a store. If you are out, public transit, taxi, Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing options are available. There are no more excuses to be made. All of us know full well the dangers of drinking and driving.
We need a culture where getting behind the wheel impaired isn’t just illegal — it’s unthinkable. Because, what if it was your loved one struck down?
Stephen Blais Queen’s Park
Theft of beloved Victory Gunner truly heart-breaking
It is with the deepest sadness that I have to report the theft of my beloved Victory Gunner two weekends ago.
I had brought it to a local motorcycle dealer to have a small oil leak fixed and the brakes inspected when it was stolen from a secure lot in the middle of the night along with several other bikes.
When I was first was given the news, I went into a state of shock, followed by a period of denial. It just couldn’t be. In the days since, I have come to accept the fact that I will never ride my bike again.
I have also had time to go over some of the amazing trips we went on. We enjoyed seven great years together and I will always cherish the memories we created.
I can still remember when I first saw her in the used bike section of Moto Ilimitée in Terrebonne in May 2018. It was love at first sight.
I hadn’t even completed my motorcycle course yet and I decided to drive down to
Fred Sherwin Up Front
Terrebonne to do a little window shopping. My intention was to buy a smaller bike with a much smaller price tag, but as I was walking through the hundreds of bikes in the warehouse I passed a couple who were checking out a Victory Gunner.
The bike immediately caught my eye. And as I kept walking, I kept looking back at her. The bike was bigger than I what I was looking for, especially for a “starter” bike. In fact, with a 1750cc engine it was way bigger and it was also away more expensive.
But as I was driving back to Ottawa, I called the salesperson I was dealing with
on the phone and told him I was interested in her. He said he would check to see if the couple had bought it or not and call me back. It didn’t take long for him to call me back with the bad news – the couple did indeed buy the bike. That was the bad news. The good news was that he could probably find another one, which was fine with me because A) I didn’t have my license yet, and B) I didn’t have the money to pay for it.
It only took three days for him to get back to me and tell me that he had found another bike at a dealer in Quebec City and he could have it in Terrebonne in a couple of days.
“Great,” I said. “I’ll take it.”
Somehow, which still remains a mystery to me, they managed to secure financing on my behalf. Two days later I borrowed a friend’s truck, rented a trailer, picked it up and drove it back to Ottawa. I was the proud new owner of a 2017 Victory Gunner. I just didn’t know how to ride it.
When the course had ended and I passed the final road test, the instructor went through the group and asked everybody what type of bike they had purchased. Most of the group had bought a 500cc bike. There was one person who bought a 750cc bike. When he got to me, I told him a Victory Gunner. He raised his eyebrows and said with out skipping a beat, “That’s a big bike.”
I explained that I had intended to buy something smaller, but at 55, which was my age at the time, I didn’t see the point at starting with a smaller bike and working my way up.
In the first few weeks, I rode the bike around the neighbourhood every chance I could and slowly worked my way up to riding in the country.
With my Ottawa Safety Council certificate I was able to get my M1 license which allows you to ride any size motorcycle with exceptions: you can’t ride at night, you can’t ride on any 400-series highways and you can’t ride with a passenger on the back.
Perfect. After five weeks of constantly riding every day, I decided to take a trip to Boston, just one week before being able to trade my certificate in for an M2 license which removes all the prohibitions.
Being the law-abiding person I am, I started off to Boston promising myself that I would not ride on any 400-series highways or interstates on the way and that I would not ride at night.
Well, it took me almost six hours to reach the Quebec-Vermont border. From there, I got lost at least a dozen times trying to make my way through Vermont and New Hampshire using just the back roads.
At one point I found myself riding through Smuggler’s Notch and into Stowe, Vermont completely by accident.
Shortly thereafter, it started to get dark and I still had several hours to go. That’s when I broke rule number one – no driving at night.
By the time I pulled into a Holiday Inn in Concord, New Hampshire, which was still an hour from Boston, I had been on the road for 11 hours. Keep in mind that I have driven to Boston several times from Ottawa by car and it usually takes me between seven and eight hours.
Since that first long ride, I have ridden to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire several times. I’ve cruised along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire twice. I’ve ridden to Merrickville, Arnprior and Westport more times than I can count.
Last September, I took a trip to Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin. And I even took an extended ride to P.E.I. and Cape Breton in 2022. A trip I was hoping to repeat in August until my baby was stolen.
Well, they can steal my bike but they can’t steal my memories. And once I get my insurance settlement, I plan to buy another bike and together we will create even more memories until I can’t physically ride a motorcycle anymore.
Until that day comes...motor on.
Epic trip down east in August 2021 was the ultimate ride on the Gunner covering more than 4,000 kilomeres. FILE PHOTO
As summer heats up, it’s important to try to stay cool
Summer’s almost here – you can really feel it in the air! Kids are counting down the last days of school, splash pads are buzzing with laughter, and the beaches are slowly waking up.
Across Ottawa, crews have been busy since spring, scrubbing, repainting, and fixing things to get everything ready for fun. Wading pools are opening through June, and the sand is getting fluffed up at Mooney’s Bay, Britannia, Petrie Island – and yep, Westboro Beach is back after its little break.
As we get ready to enjoy all this, let’s remember Ottawa summers can get pretty hot. When heat and humidity team up, it’s more than just sticky – it can be risky. Our bodies try hard to stay cool, but sometimes they need a hand.
Heat warnings come out when days hit 31°C or hotter, nights don’t cool down below 20°C for a couple of days, or the humidex hits 40. That heat can sneak up on anyone, especially kids, older folks, pregnant people, anyone without AC, or
those spending lots of time outside.
So, take care out there! Drink water before you even feel thirsty, wear light clothes, find shade, slap on sunscreen, and don’t forget a hat. If your place feels like an oven, find a cooler spot for a few hours – a library, mall, community centre, or just chill under a big tree in the park. Open your windows at night to catch some cool air, then close them when it heats up again.
And hey, let’s look out for each other. Check on neighbours or loved ones who might need a little extra help staying cool –a quick call or visit can really help.
One last thing, if you’re out enjoying parks, trails, or beaches, please keep them clean. Toss your trash in bins or take it home. Every little bit helps.
Whatever you’re up to this summer –working, relaxing, exploring, or just soaking up the sun – I hope it’s awesome. Stay cool, stay safe, and let’s make the most of this beautiful season!
HELLO ORLÉANS
Feeling truly fortunate and blessed to be living in Canada
Next week, Canadians from coast to coast will don red and white, fire up the barbecue, and likely cap off the evening with a fireworks spectacle. However, Canada Day is not just a national holiday; it is a chance to come together as family, friends, and neighbours, to honour the shared spirit that makes our country so special.
This July 1st, whatever one’s plans, we have much to be thankful for.
Canadian.
This year, as we look at the news being reported from around the world, it is a stark reminder of just how very fortunate we are to call Canada home. It is not hyperbole to say that we are absolutely blessed to live in an open and free democracy; something that is increasingly in short supply.
As we look around the world, being here in Canada feels like finding the golden ticket. We may not be perfect, but I know that this year in particular, I am finding myself with an overwhelming sense of pride when I see the maple leaf flying outside my house.
Fortunately, living in our nation’s capital there are many ways to celebrate Canada Day, whether locally at Petrie Island’s festivities, or at the giant celebrations hosted throughout the downtown core.
This day offers countless ways to express our pride, and share what it means to be
Representing a community as dynamic and engaged as Orléans West-Innes is a true honour. I have always considered myself to be incredibly fortunate and lucky to have the privilege.
However you choose to celebrate this Canada Day, I hope it is filled with joy, connection, and pride in the place we all call home.
From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Canada Day.
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Orléans residents will be heading to Petrie Island on July 1 as the east end’s biggest Canada Day celebration returns to the recreation area for the first time in two years. The event will have a long list of children’s activities including face-painting, inflatable rides, mini-putt and fishing pond. There will also be an Amazing Race Water Competition, beach volleyball, beach tennis and Ultimate Frisbee. Demonstrations will include a presentation by Meet the Keepers Wildlife Rescue, a magic show and stilt-walkers. Last but by no means least there will be food concessions and a beer tent.
HAPPY
Canada Day Orléans at Petrie Island
9:00 a.m. Water Activities begin, War Canoe Race-Off, Amazing Race Water Competition
10:00 a.m. Kids Zone with Fishing Pond, Inflatable Rides, Crafts, Mini Putt and Face Painting
VIP Lounge opens
Shuttles, Vendors, Food Concessions, Artisans, Beach Volleyball, Beach Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee
Beer Tent Opens
11:00 a.m. Magician and Stilt Walking
11:30 a.m. Meet the Keepers Wildlife Rescue
12:00 p.m. Zumba Dance Session
1:00 p.m. Official Opening Ceremonies, Reaffirmation of Citizenship Oath, National Anthem, Cake Cutting
2:00 p.m. Main Stage Entertainment Begins
6:00 p.m. Seniors Bingo
10:00 p.m. Fireworks followed by Dance Party until 11 p.m.
*Activities subject to change without notice
CANADA DAY!
MATTHEW LULOFF Orléans East-Cumberland
West-Innes
What’s open and closed on Tuesday, July 1
By Jody Maffett
The Orléans Star
Tuesday, July 1, is Canada Day and as such it is a statutory holiday with many local stores and services closed and others operating on reduced hours.
First the closures. The following businesses and services will be closed on July 1:
• The Orléans Client Service Centre on Centrum Blvd.
• The Orléans-Cumberland Community Re-source Centre.
• All area branches of the Ottawa Public Library. Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, July 2.
• The Provincial Offences Court at 100 Constellation Drive will be closed.
• All municipal child care centres.
• All art centres, theatres, galleries and museums including the Shenkman Arts Centre and the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum.
• Place d’Orléans.
• All banks and financial institutions.
• Most grocery stores.
• Garbage and blue bin pick up will be delayed one day.
• All LCBO and Beer Stores, with the lone exception of the Beer Store in the Sobeys Plaza on Tenth Line Road. The following businesses and services will be open on July 1...
• Most Shopper’s Drug Mart stores.
• The Landmark Theatre on Innes Road and Scotiabank Theatre in Gloucester Centre.
• Some indoor pools, arenas and recreation centres will be operating on a modified schedule on July 1. Please check the facility’s pages at ottawa.ca for hours of operation.
• Splash pads, wading pools and pools will be open.
All city parking regulations and restrictions will apply.
As for Ottawa’s transit service, OC Transpo buses and the O-Train will be operating free of charge all day on a special Canada Day schedule.
For people looking to cool off on Canada Day, the beaches on Petrie Island will have lifeguards on duty during regular hours and the area’s splash pads and pools will also be open. FILE PHOTOS
The O-Train Line 1 will operate from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Bus service times will vary from route to route, customers are encouraged to use the Travel Planner to
plan their trip or to visit the Schedules and Maps section of the OC Transpo website. .For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1.
Orléans Rotary Club hands out its 2025 Youth Awards
By Fred Sherwin
The Orléans Star
The Rotary Club of Orléans held its annual youth awards ceremony at the Shenkman Arts Centre on June 8. Twentyone area youth were recognized for their achievements in a variety of areas including Leadership, Perserverance, Positive Attitude, Creativity and Entrepreneurship.
The bilingual event was co-emceed by Rotarians Musset Pierre-Jérôme and Micky Mwiti.
After event chair Nabil Oudeh kicked the proceedings off with his opening remarks, Rotary District Governor Teresa Whitmore congratulated all the recipients and then helped present the awards.
The honourees included Wael Cheaitani, Ocean Clark, Michelle Jiménez-Bucar, Nathan Gourde, Olivier Gagnon-Maheux, Vicky Glaude, Ellie Gravelle, Michaela Owusu-Sekyere, Emily Kennedy, Jason Haddad, Sylvia Imafidon, Avery Kaptein, Salwa Mumin, Owen Murphy, Camille Rochon, Laurieve Sabourin, Anthony Rodrigue and Amanda Springate.
Interact Club co-presidents Emmanuella Aregebsola, Kamsi Uchi and Anya Sinha
also received awards.
Rotary Interact Clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of the club’s motto “Service Above Self”.
The recipients represented a number of area high schools including St. Peter High School, Cairine Wilson Secondary School, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School. École secondaire catholique Béatrice-Desloges, École secondaire publique Garneau and Collège catholique Mer-Bleue,
Each recipient received a trophy and a certificate listing their achievements.
A special scholarship was also awarded to Michaela Owusu-Sekyere.
The award ceremony was punctuated with performances by Chloe Gaudet, Milana Gizela, Liana Molinaro, Kaylah Sanchez and Maria Stellar from Sing House Studio.
During his remarks, Nabil Oudeh thanked the sponsors who helped make the event possible.
Among the main sponsors were Assante Wealth Management, CCR International, Design and Systems Inc, Domaine Perrault Winery, Groupe Régimbal, GVE Lawyers/
The Orléans Rotary Club of Orléans recognized 21 area youth during the club’s annual youth awards ceremony at the Shenkman Arts Centre on Sunday, June 8. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Avocats, Scotiabank, Venvi Portobello, TopRankin Mortgages, Ottawa Prestige Properties, Nathan Philips, Sing House Studio, Patricia Slaunwhite, and several Rotary Club of Orléans members.
The award program also benefited from the support of Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde and City of Ottawa councillors
LET’S CELEBRATE CANADA STRONG ON JULY 1st!
UN CANADA
Laura Dudas, Catherine Kitts and Matt Luloff.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Orléans, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/Orleans.Rotary.Club.
Club meets every Wednesday morning at the Venvi Portobello retirement community at 691 Valin St.
The secret to a stress-free summer is a worry-free vehicle
By Fred Sherwin
The Orléans Star
June is the perfect time to let the auto pros at Precision Automotive give your vehicle a thorough bumper-to-bumper check-up to prevent any headaches down the road.
It’s also the perfect time to consider buying a new set of all-season tires. Why wait until it’s too late? Don’t risk getting a flat tire or a blow out, which can often happen at the worst possible time.
Precision Automotive can make a quick assessment of your existing tires and suggest replacements if needed as well as present you with a variety of options to suit your budget.
Besides checking your tires, the technicians at Precision will also check your vehicle’s brakes, cooling system, fluid levels and all your drive belts and hoses.
The technicians at Precision Automotive will do a vehicle inspection and the service advisors will send you a Digital Visual inspection (DVI) report which details any issues or deficiencies needing attention today or down the road.
There is nothing more frustrating or
annoying than losing a drive belt or blowing a hose in the middle of nowhere. Not only is it inconvenient, it can cost you a potentially expensive towing bill.
June is also the perfect time to change your worn out wiper blades, top up your wiper fluid, change your cabin air filter, check your tires’ air pressure and see if you need an alignment.
Ottawa is notorious for having some of the worst potholes in Canada and potholes are notoriously bad for your suspension and especially your wheel alignment which can cause uneven wear and greatly reduce your vehicle’s mileage.
With 10 bays, six licensed technicians and three apprentice technicians, Precision is one of the largest service centres in Eastern Ontario. They also have the expertise to service any make and model of vehicle.
So why not take advantage of their expertise and have your vehicle checked out today to avoid the chance of a potential headaches tomorrow? As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Precision Automotive owner Rob
With 10 bays, six licensed technicians and three apprentice technicians, Precision Automotive is one of the largest service centres in Eastern Ontario. FILE PHOTO
Brouwer and his staff have been providing peace of mind along with honest service and honest value for over 30 years. They offer an industry-leading 2-year/40,000km warranty on most newly installed parts and labour.
Precision Automotive is located at 385 Vantage Dr., behind the McDonald’s at Innes and Tenth Line Roads. You can also visit their web site at precisionautomotive. ca or call them at 613-841-5550.
Happy motoring!
Orléans man wins top prize in Battle of the Generations
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star
Andrew Franklin is $25,000 richer after winning episode five of the popular CTV game show “Battle of the Generations”.
Franklin actually won the money when the show was taped in November, but he had to wait until the episode was aired last week before he could reveal his achievement to his friends. The only people he told was his wife and his father who lives in Barbados and doesn’t have access to social media.
Franklin applied to be on the show in October after seeing a post looking for potential contestants on Facebook.
In order to apply, he had to first create a video explaining why his generation, which happens to be Gen X, is smarter than the other generations. He then had to go through an extensive interview process before he was finally chosen.
“I pretty much thought the whole process would end with sending in the interview,” says Andrew, who once tried unsuccessfully to be a contestant on Jeopardy. “And then when I got
chosen, I went into the taping just hoping to be my best.”
According to the format, each episode of “Battle of the Generations” pits four contestants against each other representing the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z.
The first part of the show is run over two rounds. During each of the first two rounds, one of the contestants is eliminated. In the third round, the final two contestants battle each other head-tohead.
On Franklin’s episode, he had to battle Boomer contestant Sue over a series of five questions. Franklin answered four of the five questions correctly, while the Boomer contestant answered three of the questions correctly.
By his own admission, Franklin’s success had as much to do with luck as it did with his knowledge. At least two of the question in the head-to-head round were total guesses.
After going head-to-head, Franklin advanced to the prize round called “The Vault” which contained $14,750. In order to win the money Franklin had to answer three questions correctly in
any one of four categories representing each of the four generations represented on the show. If he answered four questions incorrectly, he would lose and leave empty-handed.
He ended up answering all three Gen X questions.
After winning the $14,750, he had to make the difficult decision of taking the money and going home, or opting to risk it all and try to answer the final $25,000 question.
He decided to go for it all and was blessed with one of the easiest questions he could have been asked, “Which 1986 live action film depicts a talking duck accidentally brought to earth from his home planet?.”
“I knew right away it was ‘Howard the Duck’. I couldn’t believe it was that easy,” said Franklin, who plans to use his prize money to take his family on a much deserved vacation.
In the meantime, he’s been getting calls from friends congratulating him on his big win. “It’s really a big relief no to have to keep it a secret anymore.”
You can view Franklin’s episode on the CTV website S2 Ep5 Battle 25.
Andrew Franklin poses with his ‘game face’ on while on the set of Battle of the Generations. CTV PHOTO
Louis-Riel wins surprising 4x400 relay title at provincials
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star
The Louis-Riel Rebelles foursome of Zachary Jeggo, Daniel Cova, Isaiah Wallace and Ayoub Shanghai are provincial high school champs in the open boys 4x400 relay after winning the final event at this OFSAA track and field championships on Saturday.
The quartet combined to cover the 1,600 metre distance in 3:18.17, beating second place Resurrection Catholic Secondary School by just under a second.
The Rebelles went into the final with the third best time in Friday’s qualifying heats, finishing behind both Resurrection, which had the fastest qualifying time, and Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School from London which qualified second.
In Saturday’s final, Shanghai ran a blistering first lap in 45.47 seconds to put the Rebelles in the lead. He then handed the baton off to Cova who was passed by a runner from St Marcellinus in the back stretch.
By the time Cova passed the baton to Wallace, the Rebelles were in second place,
trailing the front-runners by about three metres.
As Wallace completed the third leg of the relay, he had cut the deficit to less than a metre, which is where Jeggo took over.
Fresh off his win in the 400-metre hurdles earlier in the day, Jeggo managed to catch up to the St. Marcellinus runner with the first two or three strides and took over the lead which he was able to maintain until he was passed by Resurrection’s anchor runner at the end of the backstretch.
Jeggo refused to let the Resurrection runner get away from him through the final turn and eventually caught him with 10 metres left in the race to win going away in a time of 3:18.17.
As brilliant as Jeggo’s come from behind, homestretch run was, the team likely wouldn’t have won without Shanghai’s brilliant opening leg. To put his run in perspection, he ran the opening leg of Friday’s qualifying heat in 48.13 seconds. That’s a raceto-race improvement of more than two and a half seconds. It was also more than three
seconds faster than his time in the 400 metre heats in which he narrowly missed out on making the final by less than two-tenths of a second.
The 4x400 relay win gave Jeggo a second
gold medal to go along with the silver he won in senior boys 400 metres. It was also Cova’s third medal of the meet, The Grade 12 student placed third in both the senior boys 1500 and 300 metres.
(L to r) Daniel Cova, Zachary Jeggo, coach Leewinchel Jean, Isaiah Wallace, Ayoub Shanghai and alternate Casey Sheftel.
A busy summer is in store at the Cumberland museum
By Jody Maffett
The
Orléans Star
Activities at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Cumberland Village are already in high gear as the museum continues to welcome visitors from far and wide.
On June 29, the museum will be holding it’s Animal Helpers special event, bringing together the Ottawa Police Canine Unit, the Ottawa Valley Border Collie Club, Wilhaven Ridge Alpacas, the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association, the Canadian Pigeon Fanciers Association and Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue and more.
The activities will run from from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $9.14 for adults, and $6.47 for children, students and seniors. Children five and under are admitted for free. There is also a special family rate of $23.15 which is good for two adults and their accompanying children.
On Sunday, July 13 the museum will be holding it’s Vintage Vehicle Experience from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which visitors can explore the rapid design and mechanical advancements made during the earliest years of the automobile.
You’ll be able to chat with car owners and see partially restored, restored, and
unrestored vehicles from before 1940.
There will be a display showing how Ford Model T and Model A cars transformed over the 20s and 30s and visitors will also be invited to become a Tin Can Tourist and learn about vehicle camping trends during the years between the First and Second World Wars.
Last but by no means least, you’ll be able to take a ride around the village in a vintage vehicle, weather permitting. Regular admission rates apply.
The museum will be holding a number of workshops throughout the summer starting with an Introduction to Stained Glass workshop on both June 28 and July 27. For a fee of $102.95 plus tax, participants will be able to create their own stained-glass lantern with the guidance of an experienced artisan. Advance registration is required.
A Introduction to Tinsmithing workshop will be held on both June 29 and July 20, during which participants will be able to work with tin and other metals to cut, shape and assemble a container. The cost is $102.95 plus tax.
There will also be an Introduction to Bookbinding workshop on July 12 and Aug. 17, and an Introduction to Letterpress
Printing workshop on July 19 and Aug. 31.
The summer program will wrap up on Aug. 30 with an old-fashioned barn dance from 6-9 p.m.
Treat yourself to an evening of dinner and dancing with live music by local musicians and immerse yourself in the ambiance of the era-appropriate museum grounds for a truly unique evening out with friends and family
Tickets are $50 plus tax (ages 15 and up); and $25 plus tax for children and youth age three to 14. Dinner is included in the ticket price and dvance registration is required. You can find out everything you need to know about the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, including online registration, by visiting ottawa.ca and typing the name of the museum in the search bar.
The Cumberland Village Heritage Museum is located at 2940 Old Montreal Road in Cumberland Village. FILE PHOTO
Panther teams expected to challenge for provincial titles
Continued from page 16
against the Peel Panthers in week two, and a field goal against the Durham Dolphins on June 14. In the same stretch they had posted three shutouts.
Unfortunately, the Panthers AAA U18 boys team has not been able to keep pace with their younger clubmates.
After their first five games, they were still in the mix for a potential playoff spot with a record of 3-2. A win over the 0-5 Oshawa Hawkeyes on Saturday would improve their record to 4-2 and put them in a three or four way tie for second place.
A win over the Myers Riders this weekend will likely assure them of a playoff berth –assuming they beat the Hawkeyes – a loss and they would likely be on the outside looking in.
As good as the Panthers boys teams have been, the club’s girls teams have been equally successful.
The U19 squad was also undefeated head-
4-0
record that put them in a four-way tie for first place with the equally undefeated Peel Panthers, London Wolfpaac and Kingston Sharks.
All four teams were expected their unblemished records intact, playing against much weaker teams in the final two weeks of the season. If they do, it would set up an exciting semi-final tournament on July 5.
The two teams with the better records coming out of the tournament would play in the Ontario Women’s Football League championship weekend on July 12.
The Panthers also have a team in the hunt in the U16 division with a solid 3-1 record which has them in a first place tie with the Peel Panthers. Both teams have games remaining against the Sudbury Spartans and the Bel-Air Lions which are in third and fourth place respectively.
Should both Panther teams win their remaining games it would set up a rubber match between the two teams for the league
U14 Cumberland Panthers running back Sheikh Camara finds a gap in the line in a game against the Peel Panthers on May 31. STAFF PHOTO
In the first meeting between the two teams on May 24, Cumberland won 64-50 in a avenged the loss with 38-26 win, making the prospect of a third game for the league
COMMUNITY BILLBOARD
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with 85 local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION.
ALS AWARENESS BBQ & LIVE MUSIC at the Stray Dog Brewing Company from 1-8 pm featuring live music by Dan Charrett and also “Your Porch Or Mine”. Angry Dragonz and Ottawa Valley Sausage will also be on sight with their food trucks. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
STRAY DOG BREWING COMPANY presents Tim
Loten live and in concert in their taproom. Banjo fueled country and bluegrass vibes. FREE ADMISSION. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
TUESDAY, JULY 1
CANADA DAY AT THE LEGION – Canadian Legion Branch 632 on Taylor Creek Road will be hosting a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities with music and food starting at 11 am. FREE FOR EVERYONE
CANADA DAY ON PETRIE ISLAND featuring a Kids Zone, adult beverage tent, live music, food, main stage entertainment, a giant birthday cake at 1 pm. and a spectacular fireworks display at 10 pm. For more information visit canadadayorleans.ca.
THURSDAY, JULY 3
ORLEANS FARMERS’ MARKET from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road.
DJ NIGHT at the Orléans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd. (near the McDonalds) from 7-10 p.m. to 6 p.m. Join us and our roster of DJs every Thursday, and jumpstart your weekend.
TUESDAY, JULY 8
TRIVIA NIGHT every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans from 7:30 p.m. Free to play and prize for the winning team! The Royal Oak is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near the corner of Jeanne d’Arc Blvd. For more information visit facebook. com/RoyalOakPubsOrleans.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Panthers U19 running back Oceana Lalonde gets taken out of bounds in a game against the Sudbury Spartans on May 31.
STAFF PHOTO
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To arrange a FREE consultation call Rick Lalande at 613-298-1277 or e-mail pat_rick44@hotmail.com
Panther teams lead the pack as spring season winds down
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star
The Cumberland Panthers boys and girls tackle football teams are in a strong position midway through the spring/summer season. Three of the football club’s squads were undefeated heading into action last weekend, and two other teams had only suffered one loss.
The U14 AAA boys team was expected to improve their record to 6-0 on Saturday in a game against the 0-5 Oshawa Hawkeyes.
The Panthers had won their games by an average of 35 points, including a 43-14 win over the second place North Halton Crimson Tide and a 53-12 drubbing of the third place Scarborough Thunder.
A win over Oshawa would assure the U14 Panthers of a first place finish in the East Division of the Ontario Summer Football League and home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs which start on July 5. Before the playoffs begin, however, the Panthers must finish their regular season schedule with a game against the Myers Riders at Ottawa University on June 28. The Panthers U16 AAA teams was also a perfect 5-0 heading into the weekend. They were also expected to easily beat their counterparts from Oshawa.
In their five previous games they had scored a total of 184 points while allowing just nine – an unconverted touchdown
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
