Community Grants Awarded To Richmond Pavilion, Kars RA

By Ward 21 Councillor Scott Moffatt

Let’s start the week off with some good news for a change. Some of you may have heard of the Commonwell LEAF program, which stands for the Learning and Engagement Accelerator Fund. The way the fund works is that the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group invites communities from across Ontario each year to apply for grants that help bring in new programming or updates community facilities. In the words of the LEAF program, “if it builds capacity and resiliency, it will be considered.”

For 2021, nearly $1M was up for grabs to any community that applied. This is a program where any community organization can apply. 21 community-led projects from all across Ontario were recently announced as the grant recipients. The good news is that 2(!) of these projects are right here in Ward 21.

The first project is what is known as the Richmond 200 Legacy Pavilion in the Richmond Fairgrounds. The Richmond 200 Committee, after the success of the bicentennial celebrations, collaborated with the Richmond Agricultural Society on a plan to build a new pavilion for the community. With fundraising efforts ongoing, the group applied for a LEAF grant and was recently announced as a recipient.

The second local project awarded a LEAF grant is the Kars Community Rink. The proposal is to convert the rink from the dirt surface which presents challenges for ice making and is only really used during the winter months to a hard, permanent surface. With this grant, the community can begin to consider alternative uses in all seasons for the outdoor rink. This project is good timing as well as the City will be repaving the Kars RA parking lot this summer also.

Congratulations to both the Richmond and Kars communities for securing these grants, the only two awarded within Ottawa.

Older Adults Vaccine Boosters

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has increased capacity to better serve everyone eligible for a first, second and third (booster) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly adults 60 years and older in the community who may have yet to receive their third (booster) dose. All OPH community clinics offer drop-ins.  

There is ample appointment and drop-in capacity at all community clinics: 
 

• François Dupuis Recreation Centre (2263 Portobello Boulevard) 
• Nepean Sportsplex Curling Rink (1701 Woodroffe Avenue) 
• University of Ottawa – Minto Sports Complex (801 King Edward Avenue) 
• JH Putman School (2051 Bel-Air Drive) 
• Eva James Memorial Centre (65 Stonehaven Drive) 
• Orleans Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA (265 Centrum Boulevard) 

Clinic availability for drop-ins will be posted regularly on OPH’s social media platforms. Third (booster) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine continue to remain a key protective measure. Adults over 60 remain at greater risk for serious illness and complications from COVID-19. For many, their immunity is likely to have decreased and getting a third (booster) dose ensures they are as protected as possible against serious illness and complications from COVID-19. Adults aged 60 and older who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and at least 84 days (three months) have passed since their last dose are strongly encouraged to drop-in to one of our community clinics or to contact OPH’s booking line today at 613-691-5505 to book an appointment, if preferred.  

Be a Hydrant Hero!

The City of Ottawa’s Water Services maintains more than 23,000 fire hydrants throughout the winter months, ensuring they are in operation for firefighters in the event of a fire. To help, the City is encouraging you to be hydrant heroes and keep your local hydrant clear of snow. Clearing 1.5 metres around a hydrant maintains access for our firefighters and keeps you, your family and your community safe.

Children and youth who participate will receive an electronic Hydrant Hero certificate. Youth volunteers can also participate in this program to get their community involvement hours.  

Visit ottawa.ca/hydranthero to request your electronic Hydrant Hero certificate, share your photo, or to request confirmation of community service hours.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please feel free to email me at Scott.Moffatt@ottawa.ca or contact me by phone at 613-580-2491. For information on Ward 21 issues, please visit TeamTwentyOne.ca.