Farmers Market open for season at the Log Farm

By Councillor Jan Harder

Well the “heat is on”!  David Phillips, lead climatologist for Environment Canada tells us while it may be too soon to confirm he thinks we will have a warmer than usual June, July, and August. Here’s hoping our COVID cure is well on the way to being not just bent but on its way to annihilation.  Did you check out the Log Farm’s outdoor market which opened last Saturday from 9 to 2?  I love the fact we have the Log Farm right in our community for every season.  If you haven’t checked it out, take a drive north on Cedarview and you will find it on the left immediately after Lytle Avenue.  This week you will find all that is available, new and interesting in our City.  Have a look!

Find out what is happening in your Barrhaven & City of Ottawa communities through my weekly email blast. To sign up for my email blast please email mark.bouwman@ottawa.ca.

In need of more community promotion? Send an email with what you would like to get promoted and see it in my email blast!

Butterfly Memorial Event 2021 – BFO Ottawa

On Sunday, June 6 at 3 pm, the Ottawa community will tune in to watch The Butterfly Memorial Event at Beechwood, Canada’s National Cemetery, to remember our loved ones.

You will be able to listen to our distinguished guest speakers and watch as we release 100 Painted Lady butterflies in the Botanical Gardens in memory of a loved one

This is a very popular event because it gives participants the time and space to reflect on how much their loved ones mean to them.

If we whisper our messages to our loved ones, we may even be lucky enough for our special butterflies to deliver them for us!

If you’d like to, why not purchase an extra ticket, so that we can give it to someone who may not have otherwise been able to attend?

Ruth E. Dickinson: your local library branch

During the stay-at-home order, open library branches and Bookmobile stops will offer curbside returns and holds pick up.

• Please bring your library card or card number to pick up your holds
• Books and other materials can be ordered online through the OPL website or by calling InfoService at 613-580-2940 
• Our hours of operation remain the same  
• Mandatory: Masks are required to be worn outside while waiting in line, picking upholds, or returning items 

Parking lot improvements

Work on the library parking lot continues throughout May. The branch is accessible to vehicles and pedestrians through the adjacent school parking lot. Heavy equipment, noise, and dust can be expected intermittently during the weekday daytime hours. We appreciate your patience while these improvements are in progress.

Wellness Fridays for Seniors 

Join us for Aging Well Together at the Library: Wellness Fridays – a series of wellness programs and activities for older adults. Each topic has a 2-part program and includes an activity kit! Join us Friday mornings on Zoom from June to December. 

Registration is required. Supplies and spaces are limited so register early to reserve your spot and your kit! InfoService 613-580-2940  

• Zen Drawing and Doodling: June 4 and June 11 at 10:00am
• Sketching Nature: June 18 and June 25 at 10:00am
• Explore these book recommendations to make wellness activities part of your everyday life: 
• Wellness and Mindfulness
• Tai Chi and Yoga for Older Adults
• Looking to get active at home? Try some of these workout videos! Build strength and mobility, improve balance, and reduce pain

City’s Summer Aquatic eGuides now online

With hopes to dive back into better days this summer, the City’s 2021 Summer Aquatic eGuides are now online at ottawa.ca/recreation. Registration for the COVID-modified aquatic program offerings starts on Wednesday, June 2 at 9 pm.

Start dates for summer aquatic programs are dependent upon current COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed sufficiently to allow swimming and pool activities. It is important, however, to proceed with aquatics registration to allow enough lead time to help residents, especially parents and guardians, to plan for the summer months.

If you’re registered for a spring aquatic program, please note that due to the extension of the Stay-at-Home order, that all spring aquatic programs have now been cancelled. Staff are in the process of withdrawing and refunding clients. Participants registered in spring aquatic certification programs will be contacted by staff beginning May 26 to review re-scheduling options. 

Summer aquatic program offerings

These low-ratio aquatic programs will be offered in English and French at select locations:

• Swimming lessons for all levels and ages – it’s important to note that a parent or guardian is required to accompany younger children in the pool during instruction to support physical distancing.
• Swimming certifications – including advanced swimming, lifesaving, first aid and instructor skills for youth.

Summer aquatics registration starts on Wednesday, June 2 at 9 pm

Registration is easy. Explore the eGuides to select your aquatic program and follow these simple steps:

1. Go to ottawa.ca and browse the summer recreation eGuides or visit JoinOttawa to find a course.
2. Click the relevant barcode – it will take you to the course page, with details about the number of spaces available, fees and dates. 
3. Add the class to your cart and then proceed through the checkout. We’ll email you your receipt.

City swimming memberships will continue to be extended for the duration of the provincial Stay-at-Home order, which was recently extended to June 2. 

Follow Ottawa Recreation, Culture and Facilities Facebook page for all the latest news and information on our recreation and arts programs, activities and events. 

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca

Help During Self Isolation

Do you need help during self-isolation? Call 2-1-1 for information on resources from the Community and Social Services Line.

Do you need a space to self-isolate safely?

The Voluntary Isolation Centre (VIC) is for people who do not have access to an adequate shelter or cannot self-isolate safely in their own homes. To find out more or to apply please call 613-580-2424 ext. 25890 or email OPHisolationcentre@ottawa.ca.

Here are some resources that might help:

• Access to food: goodfoodottawa.ca
• Access to mental wellness support: counsellingconnect.org
• Supports for seniors & adults with a disability: communitysupport.covidresponse.ca
• Delivery of food & supplies – Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre: 613-591-3686
• CRB- Canada Recovery Benefits information & support – Service in English & Arabic: Email hanadi.alashi@occsc.org or fidaa.osman@occsc.org