CJRO News February 1 to February 7, 2021
Hello, bonjour, and welcome, et bienvenue, to CJRO News on Carlsbad-Vars Radio. I’m Candice Vetter, reporting from near Carlsbad Springs.
The public can tune-in for virtual public information sessions on South Nation Conservation’s draft Natural Heritage System maps. Residents of Stormont Dundas Glengarry can participate next week, on Tuesday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m., and residents of Prescott Russell can join the next day, Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00 p.m.
Sessions will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/SouthNationCA
For more meeting information, draft maps, and frequently asked questions, please visit: www.nation.on.ca/nhs
For more on this initiative hear my interview with Alison McDonald of SNC on CJROradio.com/podcasts.
The draft of the City of Ottawa’s new official plan has been put online for public input. To see the full plan, the one-pagers describing how the draft plan addresses topics, and to comment, see engage.ottawa.ca. The surveys are open until Feb. 17th.
There is no specific mention of where urban growth will take place. However, it is known that City staff did not recommend extensive growth in the parts of Carlsbad Springs and Edwards that would be affected by the proposed Tewin development.
We at CJRO News are planning a series of interviews regarding this specific proposal or issues related to new greenfield development. Two interviews are on Local First now. The first one is with Peggy Brekveld, who is president of the Ontario Federal of Agriculture, discussing the importance of farmland preservation. The second is with Adrian Becea, president of the Carlsbad Springs Community Association, talking about area issues, including this development.
Ontario has extended reduced electricity rates until Tuesday, February 9.
Prices are held to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, regardless of time of use. It is acknowledgement that people need to use more electricity this year.
Now let’s talk about some fun activities.
Youth aged 12 to 24 and living in rural Ottawa have a chance to win a $150 gift card to the shop or restaurant of choice. To enter, fill out an anonymous survey about the mental health of rural Ottawa youth. Go to www.O-YA.ca to fill out the 15-minute survey.
Answers will be used to plan mental health programs and services in rural Ottawa. At the end of the survey enter the draw for one of 16 $150 gift cards. Your entry into the draw will not be connected to your answers on the survey.
The prizes are funded by Bell Let's Talk.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ruralottawamentalhealth
Both outdoor rinks beside the Carlsbad Springs Community Centre are now open and have good conditions. Remember there is a 25-person limit. People from different households should stay a minimum of two metres apart. Everyone must wear face masks. There is no equipment allowed on the ice. If you have questions, call 613-821-3431.
The month of February is busy for the Carlsbad Springs Optimist Club. Not only are members involved with CJRO’s Radio Bingo, the Optimists have also announced a Drawing Contest for children and teens. Draw a picture with the theme of Aiming for the Stars, then send it, with your name and age, to cluboptimistecarlsbadsprings@rogers.com. Participants over age 13 must include a 300-500 word description of your drawing. Photos must be in before February 12th. For details follow the club on Facebook.
Next week CJRO radio Bingo starts. The much-anticipated first set of three games will be live on February 11th at 7 p.m. on air and on CJROradio.com. Prizes are up to $1,000. Bingo cards are available at Rene’s Corner, Carlsbad Variety or Vars Gas Bar for $5 each. Funds raised will go to support the Carlsbad Springs and Vars’ Optimist Clubs. You can listen to my interview with Denis Labreche about the game on Local First on CJROradio.com.
Join the Snow Angel Challenge all this month. Canadian Tire is promoting year-round outdoor play to support The Snowsuit Fund. With so many activities impossible or challenging to get to this year, The Snowsuit Fund invites businesses, families, schools, and teams to make, then share, their snow angel on social media, using the hashtag #SnowAngelChallenge. Tag The Snowsuit Fund to win prizes, and challenge others. The fund’s goal is to help every Ottawa child be dressed warmly to play outdoors during winter.
Do you have news that matters to our area? If yes, contact me by emailing newsCJRO@gmail.com. I’m Candice Vetter. Stay well. CJRO – Last on the dial, first for local news.