Mechanical issues with the O-Train’s wheel assemblies is causing more delays in bringing the rail service to full speed and has set the east end extension back another 2 to 5 months. FILE PHOTO
LRT full capacity not expected until the end of May
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star
Line 1 of the Ottawa’s much maligned and problem plagued O-Train should be back to full capacity by the end of May, or at least that’s the update provided to the City’s Transit Committee on April 9.
Line 1 of the O-Train, which runs between the Blair Road Station and Tunney’s Pasture, has been running with a limited number of trains since early January when problems with the wheel carriage assemblies were discovered, requiring them to be replaced.
The reduced number of trains meant that service along the line was drastically reduced creating longer wait times and overcrowding during peak periods.
Over the past several weeks, more detailed inspections of the carriage assemblies has determined that the damage on two of the O-Train’s 41 train cars which were taken out of service in
January is much worse than originally thought, Since then four cars have been returned to service, bringing the total number of train cars in service to 22. That leaves 37 train cars which still need to undergo repairs, including the two that need to have their carriage assemblies completely replaced.
The bad news for east end commuters doesn’t stop there. Because of the lack of serviceable train cars, testing on the east end extension between Blair Station and Trim Raid is in limbo.
During his presentation to committee members, the newly appointed head of OC Transpo Rick Leary, estimated that testing would have to be delayed another two to five months, potentially pushing the opening of the east end extension to the end of summer.
The possible opening of the east end extension has been an ongoing punchline among CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Ottawa Auxiliary Police members Lisa Ding and Nick O’Connell joined forces with the Easter Bunny and assistant store manager Mike Cuerrier at Sobeys store at Trim and Innes on Saturday, April 4 to collect food donations for the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre food bank. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO
O-C Community Resource Centre looking for volunteer board member
ORLÉANS – The Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre (OCCRC) is looking for a member of the community who can bring experience in accounting, or finance, and or a strong connection to rural communities to fill a volunteer position on their board of directors. Candidates must be bilingual (French & English) and passionate about community well-being and good governance. The OCCRC is a bilingual, multi-service organization working to build a strong, inclusive, and connected community. We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications reflecting the communities we serve. For more information, visit crcoc.ca and click on the “News” tab under the CRC logo. Interested parties should submit their resume by 4 p.m. on May 22.
Cairine Wilson to hold 50th anniversary reunion on May 2
ORLÉANS – Cairine Wilson Secondary School is holding their 50th anniversary reunion on Saturday, May 2. Students and teachers both past and present are invited to take part in the celebration which will include a number of activities including games, dinner and dancing. Music will be provided by Cairine Wilson alum Robert Jensen, as well as The Barnburners. Tables will also be set up with memorabilia from the past 50 years, including school yearbooks, team uniforms and pictures borrowed from photo albums, bottom drawers and old shoeboxes. Tickets for the reunion can be purchased online by visiting the Cairine Wilson alumni Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/2212948479.
O-Train extension faces yet another delay
Continued from page 1
east end commuters ever since the first projected opening date came and went in the fall of 2024. Then is was projected to open in time for Ottawa’s Canada Day celebration last year. That forecast was then pushed to this spring and most recently June 1. Now that projection has also been blown out of the water.
In the meantime, OC Transpo ridership in the east end and the revenues they would generate are both down considerably.
In his monthly column this week, Orléans East-Cumberland city councillor Matt Luloff expressed the frustration that many transit users in the east end share.
“Over the past few months, we have seen some of the worst service delivery in the history of our transit system,” writes Luloff. “Buses not showing up. Trains delayed or out of service. Riders left waiting, late, or stranded. For many residents in Orléans East -Cumberland, this is not an inconvenience, it is a daily disruption to work, school, and family life.”
But Luloff also expresses some hope
moving forward.
“With new leadership now in place under Rick Leary, we have a chance to turn the page.”
He goes on to demand that the new OC Tramspo head must return the service to a state of reliability so that some semblance of confidence in the system can be restored.
“If a schedule says a bus is coming, it needs to come,” Luloff writes before concluding, “Our community deserves a transit system that works. This is a new opportunity to deliver exactly that.”
In other transit news, city council has rejected a proposal to use private buses to improve transportation service in rural areas such as Cumberland.
Both Luloff and Cumberland SouthNavan councillor Catherine Kitts have suggested that the city could enlist current providers transporting customers from Rockland to pick up riders up in Cumberland Village and drop them off at the future Trim Road O-Train station. Opponents of the proposal argued that OC Transpo will eventually provide that service.
Proposed high rise development to be considered on May 20
By Fred Sherwin The Orléans Star
A proposed high rise-development that includes two 30-storey towers, a 35-storey tower, a nine-storey building and a 40-storey tower to be built beside the Holiday Inn in the Orléans Town Centre, will come up for consideration during the city’s planning and housing committee meeting on May 20.
The proposed development has been in the planning stages since at least January, 2022. That’s when the Toronto real estate and development company, the Bayview Group, bought the former YMCA building on Centrum Blvd. and the land around it encompassing 2.2 acres in total.
But it wasn’t until a year later that the Bayview Group first unveiled it’s plans to build the four high rises, plus an additional high rise to replace the YMCA building that has yet to be submitted to the city for rezoning.
The Bayview Group is proposing to build the 30-storey tower flanked by a nine-storey building first, followed by the 35-storey building.
The 30-storey and nine-storey buildings will contain a mix of 375 condo units and
rentals along with ground floor commercial and retail space.
As proposed, the 35-storey tower would contain 31,000 square feet of office space. Exactly when it would be built would depend on Bayview’s ability to secure commercial leases.
The same goes for the second 30-storey tower and the proposed 40-storey building. The construction dates for both buildings would depend on demand. Ditto for the plans to replace the YMCA building with a fifth high rise tower.
The development site falls within the area earmarked for intensification under the Orléans Corridor Secondary Plan and the City’s desire for high density development near the future LRT stations along the east end extension of the O-Train.
When completed, the planned development on Brisebois Crescent and Centrum Blvd. will be made up of two 30-storey residential towers similar to the one pictured to the right, a 35-storey office building and a 40-storey residential tower.
Residents concerned with the impact the high rise development might have on the surrounding community had until March 25 to submit their concerns with the city’s planning and housing department.
Those comments will be included in the staff report to be submitted to the committee on May 20.
The committee is expected to vote on the proposed rezoning application, which will then go before city council for final approval at a later date. Sam brings over 19 years of experience as a licensed Realtor, backed by a decade in construction and infrastructure projects. His hands-on knowledge allows
and
Powerlessness
According to the Oxford Dictionary, powerlessness is defined as “the subjective feeling of having no control, authority, or influence over situations, often resulting in vulnerability, stress, and behavioral inhibition.”
There are a lot of people out there who are feeling powerless these days and I’m one of them.
We feel powerless over the what’s going on in the Middle East and the impact America’s unprovoked war on Iran is having on our daily lives, unless you’re one of those people who choses to ignore what’s going on in the world around you, and if so this, editorial is particularly aimed at you.
When Donald Trump tweeted, “ ‘A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,’ if a deal isn’t reached by 8 p.m.” last Tuesday, it triggered a level of anxiety that hasn’t been felt since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. I was only a year old then, but my dad was serving in the Canadian Navy at the time and he told me about how tense it was among service members, their families and most of the rest of the country.
Of course, there was a part of me that thought it was all just a lot of bluster on Trump’s part. After all, didn’t he start this war because he wanted to change the regime and free the Iranian people? But then again, if he really did do something that crazy would anyone be surprised?
And again we feel powerless because we came to the realization a long time ago that there is no one in the United States who is capable or even willing to try to place limits on the lunacy to which he will sink.
He is operating with complete impunity and the knowledge that he has one to answer to, because he can’t run for a third term.
Most of us also feel powerless over what’s going on in Lebanon and continues to go on in Gaza, where the Israeli Defence Force has been operating with complete impunity as well. And their actions are beyond reproach for fear that anyone who criticizes them will be labeled antisemetic even though their are thousands of Jewish people in North America and even in Israel who are against the military action as well.
The images from Gaza were bad enough, but now you have residential apartment buildings being bombed in Beirut and thousands of Maronite Christians in southern Lebanon risking their lives because they refuse to abandon their towns and villages.
What’s going in this world is crazy, and that’s just one of the many words that can be used to describe the times were in.
I feel powerless and anxious and often sick to my stomach and I’m a 64-year-old adult. I can only imagine what many young people and children must be going through if they have access to news about what’s going on. Unless there has been such an overload of news about war and genocide and bombings and threats to wipe out an entire civilization, that this is the new normal. And if that is the case, then I really feel powerless about everything that’s going on and I weep for my children’s future and that of their children should they have any.
– Fred Sherwin
Earth Day 2026 to take place on Wednesday, April 22
I hope everyone in Orléans who celebrated enjoyed a wonderful Easter long weekend surrounded by family, friends, and community.
On March 19, we celebrated two remarkable Orléans residents who were honoured at the residence of the Governor General of Canada. Eileen McCaughey received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers for her leadership of the Busy Fingers knitting group and her dedication to helping those in need. She was joined by fourteen-year-old Hana Fatima, who made history as Canada’s youngest recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal for her impact and service. Our community is incredibly proud of both recipients.
April is Sikh Heritage Month. Let’s honour the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Sikh community in Orléans as they celebrate this meaningful month.
The Orthodox Christian community celebrated Orthodox Easter on April 12, a sacred time of reflection and renewal. I hope this day was filled with celebration.
gratitude to our veterans and the active members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their service. In that spirit, it was a pleasure to welcome the cadets of the 632 Phoenix Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron to Parliament – an exciting first visit for many. April is Earth Month, culminating in Earth Day on April 22. This year, the government launched “A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature”, building on commitments made at the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montréal, where Canada joined 195 countries in pledging to protect 30% of the world’s lands and waters by 2030. With a $3.8 billion investment, the strategy aims to restore critical habitats, align industrial strategies with conservation goals, and mobilize new capital to support nature.
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.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, I wanted to highlight that April 2 to April 9 marked Vimy Week 2026. This period marks the beginning of our national commemoration leading to the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2027, while also recognizing the 90th anniversary of the inauguration of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in 1936. I join our community in expressing
As part of this work, the government plans to launch an Expert Task Force on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing this spring. Its mandate will explore how to better account for the value of nature in decision-making and recommend policies, incentives, and financing tools that encourage businesses and investors to support conservation.
I look forward to continuing this work with our community as we honour our past, celebrate our present, and protect our future.
**La version française est maintenant disponible sur ma page Facebook**
To be called American has become the insult of all insults
During a recent trip to Mexico with my boys, I was often asked by people from Europe and Australia if I was American. To which I informed them that to ask if a Canadian was American is the insult of all insults.
It was better to ask the person if they are Canadian first. That way they wouldn’t insult any Canadians, and they would actually be complementing any Americans they might ask.
It was at this point when it was explained to me that from a European’s or Australian’s point of view, anyone from North America is considered American – Canadians included – which quite honestly felt even more insulting.
It was easy to explain my position to a lad I met from Scotland and a couple of guys from Ireland.
“How would you feel,” I queried, “if asked if you were British?”
“We get that all the time,” they all responded.
“But that’s not the point,” I said. “Wouldn’t you rather be identified as Scottish or Irish?”
“It’s not a big deal,” they replied.
Up Front
Fred Sherwin
“Obviously you’re not Canadian,” I concluded.
I got the same type of response from the Australians when I asked how they felt when people assume they’re from England.
“Everyone confuses our accents,” they tried to explain.
“Well, at least no one thinks you’re American,” I said.
“But you are American. You’re from (North) America,” they said, neglecting to put the adjective “North” in front of “America”.
It was at this point that I just shook my head and ordered another beer.
After going through the same back and forth with a number of folks from Europe and Down Under, I had a brainstorm –create a bunch of buttons that say... Maybe
then they’ll get the point. I’m American Canadian
It’s bad enough being called American at the best of times. But in these times, when they re-elected a deranged lunatic for president who is bent on destroying everything around him starting with their own country.
I wouldn’t even want to be an American being called an American, especially while I’m traveling.
The few Americans I met in Puerto Escondido followed, “I’m from the States.” immediately with, “But I don’t support Trump”, or “I’m not with MAGA”. Of course, they were all backpackers staying at the hostel in their early 30s or 20s, so more than likely leaning Democrat or apolitical.
I advised them they should just say they’re from Canada and make their lives a lot easier. Which is fairly easy to do if you’re from the northeast, or the west coast, but not so easy to do if you’re from Boston, New York City, or down south. Anyway, if I plan to keep traveling I will need to do something to make it a lot more
obvious that I am indeed Canadian. I do have a pair of sandals with the Canadian flag on them. And I have a bunch of Team Canada Little League World Series jerseys in my closet.
But maybe these drastic times deserve more drastic measures like a small maple leaf tattooed on the back of my neck, or better yet the middle of my forehead.
Like most Canadians, I was pleasantly pleased when Trump recently reeled in his previous musings about making Canada the 51st state.
Apparently, he recently said in a British interview, “I suppose the Canadians have got 200 years of history and all that ‘Oh, Canada’ thing. You can’t deal with that in three and a half years. I guess it’s not going to happen!”
But let’s face it, he’s Donald Trump. A man capable of changing his mind on a whim and often time at four o’clock in the morning when he’s at his most chaotic. So we’ll take Trump’s quips with a block of salt, and in the meantime stick to our Canadian-ness wherever we may go. and whenever we are asked, “Oh, you’re American.”
Raising a glass to fairness for our local wineries
Advocacy doesn’t always move quickly, but when it does, it matters. This month, there’s good news for local rural wineries and our growing agritourism sector.
In 2023, I supported small, local producers who were raising concerns about an uneven provincial fee structure. At the time, 100 per cent Ontario non-VQA wines faced significantly higher costs than VQA wines when selling to restaurants. For many small wineries locally, that made it difficult to get their products onto local menus and limited opportunities to grow their business.
To help push for change, I brought a motion to City Council, seconded by Mayor Sutcliffe, calling on the Province to fix this imbalance. I also met with the Ontario Artisan Wineries Association to better understand the challenges and support their advocacy.
After sustained effort, there has now been progress. The Province has harmonized how VQA and 100 per cent Ontario non-VQA
wines are treated for sales to licensees. In practical terms, this removes a key barrier and allows local wineries to sell to restaurants without the added costs that previously made those sales difficult.
This is a meaningful step forward for small producers, local agriculture, and our rural economy. It also shows that municipal advocacy, when done persistently and collaboratively, can help drive change at other levels of government.
We are fortunate to have excellent wineries here in Orléans South–Navan, including Domaine Perrault and Vignoble Clos du Vully. Supporting local, whether by visiting, tasting, or choosing local products, helps sustain these businesses and the communities around them.
There is still more to do. A new provincial rebate currently applies only to VQA wines, meaning some inequities remain. I will continue advocating for a fully level playing field so all Ontario producers, including those locally, can compete and succeed.
New OC Transpo boss gives reason to be optimistic
There are moments in public service when a reset is not just helpful, it is necessary. For OC Transpo, that moment has been now for a long time.
Over the past few months, we have seen some of the worst service delivery in the history of our transit system. Buses not showing up. Trains delayed or out of service. Riders left waiting, late, or stranded. For many residents in Orléans East - Cumberland, this is not an inconvenience, it is a daily disruption to work, school, and family life.
For suburban communities like ours, where transit options are less frequent, consistency is everything.
We hit rock bottom. And while that is never where you want to be, it does create an opportunity to rebuild with urgency and purpose.
With new leadership now in place under Rick Leary, we have a chance to turn the page. But a fresh start must come with clear expectations.
First and foremost, bus service needs to be reliable. If a schedule says a bus is coming, it needs to come. That is the baseline.
At the same time, we must continue addressing the ongoing issues with the LRT system. The relationship between Rideau Transit Group and OC Transpo must improve so that persistent mechanical problems, including the wheel bearing issues that have plagued the system, are resolved properly and permanently.
We cannot afford to limp through another six months of commute periods hoping things hold together.
As your councillor, I will continue to hold OC Transpo leadership accountable while working constructively with the new General Manager to ensure that the concerns of residents in Orléans East - Cumberland are heard and acted upon.
Our community deserves a transit system that works. This is a new opportunity to deliver exactly that.
Orléans man victim of daytime robbery in his driveway
By Fred Sherwin
The Orléans Star
Orléans resident Harpal Buttar is issuing a warning to his neighbours and fellow residents – be wary of strangers approaching your home.
Buttar was refilling the windshield washer in his vehicle in the normally safe confines of his driveway when he was assaulted and robbed by three people who had stopped to ask him for directions.
The three individuals drove up to him in a Nissan sedan at around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10.
To catch his attention, the male driver honked the horn. At the same time a woman wearing a multi-coloured hijab exited the passenger side of the vehicle and asked him in Urdu, “How are you?”
As the woman slowly walked toward him, she pulled a necklace-like piece of jewelry from her pocket and said, “Today is my birthday and I want to give you a gift of Tasbi (prayer rosary).”
Buttar responded in Urdu, saying that he didn’t need any gift and wished her a happy birthday, thinking that would be the end of the encounter.
It was at this point that the situation quickly took a turn for the worse. Out of nowhere the woman grabbed him and started trying to hug and kiss him while repeatedly saying in Urdu, “You are just like my father and I love you a lot”.
As the pair were near to the car, a second woman sitting behind the driver grabbed Buttar’s wrist through the open window and started to try and remove a gold bangle he
had on his wrist.
While Buttar was struggling to free himself from the second woman, the first woman reached into his pocket and took a small amount of change.
At this point Buttar started yelling in Punjabi and English, “Thieves. Thieves. I am being robbed.”
Both women then let go of him and the first woman quickly got back into the car before the trio sped off down Belcourt Blvd.
The entire incident lasted between 15 and 20 minutes.
Although Buttar reported the assault and robbery to the police, he also wants to make people aware that this type of incident is becoming more and more common place in Ottawa as would-be thieves attack people, especially if the targeted victims are seniors
or from other ethnic communities, or both. Similar incidents have recently taken place in both Kanata and Barrhaven.
The Ottawa Police Service is warning residents to be wary of strangers approaching them while they are in their driveways either working or unloading their cars.
If a vehicle does pull up to your driveway you should keep a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle. If you suspect something is wrong you should defuse the situation by going inside. If the doorbell rigs ignore it, and if they persist in trying to escalate things you should call 9-1-1.
It’s also advisable to try and make a note of the make, model and colour of the vehicle and possibly record the license plate number.
The bottom line is that when in doubt, trust your instincts.
Answer the call.
Hello Orléans & Cumberland!
Spring is a time of renewal, and across our community, it also marks the start of construction season. With several important infrastructure projects underway and more in the pipeline, I remain focused on ensuring our neighbourhoods receive the investments needed to support a safe, connected, and growing community.
Upcoming Infrastructure Projects in Orléans East–Cumberland
As construction season gets underway this spring, summer, and fall, residents can expect to see several important infrastructure projects underway across Orléans East–Cumberland.
Key projects scheduled for this year include:
• Road resurfacing on Taylor Creek Dr, Austin Ct, Durant Ct, Fieldown St, Lookout Dr, Lough Dr, Overdale Dr, and Stoney Lane
• Replacement of asphalt pathways throughout Apollo Crater Park
• Rehabilitation of the parking lot and adjacent pathway near the fieldhouse at Queenswood Ridge Park
• Renewal of pathways connecting:
– Timbertrail Terr to Pine Vista Dr
– Schroeder Cres to Peppergrass Rd
– Cassia Cir to Springridge Dr
• Sidewalk repairs along Gardenway Dr, Old Montreal Rd, Tenth Line Rd, Montcrest Dr, and Charlemagne Blvd
• Pedestrian accessibility improvements at:
– The pedestrian crossover (PXO) on Lawnsberry Dr, east of Elderberry Terr
– The all-way stop intersection of Deavy Way and Prestone Drive
• Various culvert replacements throughout Cumberland
• Facility improvements at Ray Friel Recreation Complex and R.J. Kennedy Arena
These projects are essential to maintaining and renewing our community’s infrastructure. They will help extend the lifespan of key assets, improve safety for pedestrians and road users, and enhance accessibility for all residents.
Moving Priority Projects Forward
In addition to the projects scheduled for construction this year, I continue to advocate for several key infrastructure priorities that are currently in the planning and design stages. Many of these projects were previously slated for much later timelines or were not yet identified as priorities by city staff, and I have worked to advance them given their importance to our community.
These investments are essential to improving safety, connectivity, and overall quality of life across Orléans, and I am committed to moving them forward as quickly as possible through the design, funding, and implementation process.
Priority projects include the redesign and reconstruction of Centrum Blvd, which will deliver coordinated road, sidewalk, and public realm improvements in the heart of Orléans. I have secured funding for design and detailed design work is currently underway.
Design is also progressing on an active transportation bridge over Highway 174 at Trim Road, which will significantly improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Additional safety improvements that I’m pushing to accelerate include new pedestrian crossings on Princess Louise Drive and St. Georges Street, as well as road resurfacing on Duford Dr, Innes Rd, Jeanne d’Arc Blvd N, and Old Montreal Rd.
I will continue working with City staff to accelerate timelines and ensure these projects are not only planned, but delivered.
I publish an e-newsletter regularly with information about what is happening in our community. It’s a great way for us to stay connected. Please sign up for our newsletter by visiting www.matthewluloff.ca
My team and I are always ready to serve you. Whether you have a question about city services or policies, would like me to attend an event you’re hosting, or require a Commissioner of Oath stamp, we’re ready to help! The easiest way to reach us is by email at matt.luloff@ottawa.ca or by calling 613-580-2471
Don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here for you!
SPRING 2026
Sound & Sight is celebrating their fourth anniversary
By Fred Sherwin
The Orléans Star
The Sound & Sight audiovisual store on St. Joseph Blvd. is celebrating their fourth anniversary this month and they’re inviting Orléans residents to celebrate with them.
Over the past four years, Sound & Sight has helped a number of customers upgrade their home audiovisual experience with state-of-the-art TVs from Samsung and Sony and impeccable sound systems that bring the visual experience to the next level.
They carry all the leading brands of audio equipment you’ve heard of, including Totem Acoustic, Denon and Sonos, along with some leading brands you may not be familiar with such as JL Audio, Bryston amplifiers, and Martin Logan.
Beyond the audiovisual, Sound & Sight is a licensed dealer for Panasonic and Human Touch massage chairs.
They also specialize in Smart Home systems and components. They sell and install motorized blinds, security and surveillance systems, Smart Home HVAC
controls, lighting controls, home networking systems which can be operated from your Smart phone.
It’s been six years since Sound & Sight owner Jason Miller left StereoPlus where had been working since he was just 16 years old. The Innes Road audio/visual store went out of business shortly after Jason left. It didn’t take long before many of his former clients at StereoPlus started calling him for advice in designing and equipping their home theatres. As a result, Jason decided to start his own consulting business.
That was four years ago. The dream was always to open his own brick and mortar store, which Jason did in 2022 after purchasing the property at the corner of St. Joseph and Orléans Blvd.
To get a taste of all Sound & Sight has to offer and to take advantage of their anniversary deals, you should visit their showroom. They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays.
If you can’t make it to their showroom,
Visit the Sound & Sight showroom on St. Joseph Boulevard and experience the difference quality makes for yourself. FILE PHOTO
you can check out their website at soundsight.ca which has several links to videos on their Blog page which are bound to spark your imagination, or you can visit
their Facebook page @soundsight.ca.
The website also has a page where they post all of their price-reduced, clearance sale items.
Decoration Inspiration from RANDALL’S!
Randall’s, Ottawa’s leading family-owned, independent paint and decorating store, has been helping people beautify their living spaces for more than 75 years…inside and out. They can help you beautify yours, too! Here are some decorating tips, trends and special savings events that can help you stretch your decorating dollars
DRESS UP YOUR WINDOWS…
Window treatments add to the comfort, style and security of your home. The options may seem overwhelming, but a Randall’s FREE in-home consultation can guide you on style, fabric and the manual or automated lift system to suit your needs. Plus, Randall’s takes care of measuring, installation and guarantees the fit.
Hunter Douglas is considered to be the world’s leading manufacturer of window coverings. Their premium window treatments are built to your specifications and are guaranteed (under warranty) to last. As the largest independent Hunter Douglas dealer in Ottawa, Randall’s knows their product line inside and out. Plus, now is the time to take advantage of RANDALL’S
Spring Savings on HUNTER DOUGLAS, so don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
Maybe you want sheers, side panels, drapes or complete darkness while you sleep? Randall’s has a wide variety of designer fabrics and are experts in custom drapery.
TOP-DOWN/BOTTOM-UP BLINDS –A RANDALL’S FAVOURITE!
These versatile blinds can be positioned in a variety of ways. For example, let light in through the top of your window while maintaining privacy at the bottom. Reposition them however and whenever you like to meet your changing light and privacy needs.
PAINT PACKS A PUNCH!
To make easy decorating changes with max impact, paint a room, a feature wall, or your front door. Randall’s exclusive C2 Cabinet and Trim paint works wonders in kitchens and bathrooms! Randall’s has in-store colour experts and poster-sized real paint samples to help you find the perfect colour.
Even better, hire one of their decorators to give a colour consult right in your home… and while they’re there, they can consult on furniture placement and selection or on
any other décor ideas that can add comfort to your home. To top it off, when you work with a Randall’s decorator, you are eligible for discounts on the purchases you make at Randall’s.
If you already know the colour you need, Randall’s is the go-to place in Ottawa to match a paint colour, even a fabric sample, or a floor, cabinet or furniture stain colour.
WALLPAPER ADDS REAL
“WOW!”
FACTOR …
A powder room, entryway, breakfast nook, dining room, bedroom feature wall are just a few of the places our customers have used wallpaper to add texture, warmth and impact. Today’s wallpapers are easy to install and remove. Plus, Randall’s has the LARGEST SELECTION in the area and it is well organized for your shopping convenience.
AMP UP YOUR HOME’S CURB APPEAL…
Exterior wood surfaces like siding, porches, decks, railings, fences, furniture and other exterior surfaces including metal, cement and stone materials will last longer and show off their beauty if they are well maintained with quality products like Randall’s exclusive C2 Guard or Sansin Enviro Stains. What’s most important is to prepare your exterior surfaces
Lasting Beauty. Solid Performance. Peace of Mind.
in the right way so that the paint, stain, epoxy or sealant that you apply adheres properly and, therefore, lasts longer. Fortunately, Randall’s has the know-how and is ready to share.
GET IT RIGHT…
Renovations, big or small, can significantly contribute to both the pleasure you derive from your living space and its value. There are two things that really stand out about the support you can expect from Randall’s. One, Randall’s selects only the highest performing products. And two, they have a team of welltrained, knowledgeable specialists who can help you sort out which of their products and services will work best for your projects.
You can do the work yourself or Randall’s can help connect you to the right professionals. You’ll appreciate their value and convenience when you visit this 100% locally, Canadian owned ONE-STOP-SHOP either at 555 Bank St. Ottawa (Exit 417 at Catherine St.; FREE parking behind store, off Isabella St.) OR at their second location at 1891 Merivale Rd. Nepean (just south of West Hunt Club). Alternatively, visit randalls.ca with next business day paint free delivery.
(The preceding article is provided as paid content to the Orléans Star by the folks at Randall’s.)
Home owners choose Sansin Enviro
Stains for their extraordinary beauty, durability and ease of maintenance. Protect your deck with Sansin Deca deep penetrating deck stain.
Let Louise Cardinal Concept turn your design dreams into reality
By Jody Maffett
A beginners guide for the unitiated backyard gardener
The Orléans Star
A guide for beginner gArdeners
can be viewed across her numerous successful projects, as well as satisfied clients whose spaces she has transformed.
Spring has sprung and life begins anew once again, so why not breathe new life into your home? You have the desire. You have the motivation. You even have a few ideas on what you would like to do. The only thing you’re lacking is a plan. That’s where Louise Cardinal can help.
(NC) Have you ever wanted to make a salad from vegetables you grew yourself? Or give a bouquet to your loved one made of fresh flowers picked from your own garden? Now is your time to shine and grow like a pro with a few tips to get you started:
RESEARCH
With over 35 years of experience, Louise has built lasting professional relationships in the Ottawa and Gatineau area and is universally well-regarded by her trade partners and clients. Leveraging her experience, Louise is an expert at facilitating change across project phases, be they small styling consultations, or turnkey ground-up projects.
• Wheelbarrow – Investing in a wheelbarrow is a must for gardeners. You’ll likely need to purchase some gardening soil to mix in with your ground soil. Having a wheelbarrow on hand to help you transport the soil from your vehicle to your garden is gold.
More recently, Louise has teamed up with her daughter Claudel, who studied interior design at the CEGEP de l’Outaouais. Claudel worked at several local design firms before joining LC Concept to help build upon her mother’s dream when she first created the company.
(NC) Have you ever wanted to make a salad from vegetables you grew yourself? Or give a bouquet to your loved one made of fresh flowers picked from your own garden? Now is your time to shine and grow like a pro with a few tips to get you started:
ReseaRch
While your first attempt may not be as beautiful as Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, it can certainly serve as inspiration as you begin to visualize how you would like your garden to look. Hop on the web, take a stroll through your neighbourhood or head to your local garden store for some creative inspiration
TOOLS
GARDENING GEAR
To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe:
She is passionate about creating designs that reflect a client’s personality, as well as serve them in their day-today life through ergonomic designs that create a calming and clean atmosphere.
Finding her passion for design early in life and hoping to employ her keen eye for detail, Louise attended Outaouais College and has been creating beautiful and functional spaces ever since.
Bringing to the team a technology and usability-rich mindset and approach, Claudel is ushering in the next generation of interior design perspectives and mentalities. Specializing in space planning and detailed technical drawings, she is inspired by a minimalist style mixed with elegant natural earthy tones.
Claudel feels the magic of interior design is walking into an existing space, transformed and brought to life in an entirely new way.
• Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are essential.
Working with her daughter, Louise is proud to share her knowledge and expertise with someone who shares her passion for design and creating truly beautiful and functional spaces.
While your first attempt may not be as beautiful as Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, it can certainly serve as inspiration as you begin to visualize how you would like your garden to look. Hop on the web, take a stroll through your neighbourhood or head to your local garden store for some creative inspiration.
Tools
You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance:
Having built Louise Cardinal Concept from the ground up, her philosophy has not changed: a home should be a reflection of the individuals living within it. This sentiment
GaRdeninG GeaR
• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.
You’ll need to acquire a few essential tools for preparing the soil/space, for planting your seeds and for garden maintenance:
• Footwear – You’ll want to wear shoes that are comfortable and functional. A great option are Mark’s WindRiver rain boots which come in a shorter profile and are anti-microbial to keep your feet fresh. Not to mention, they’re easy to hose off after a day in the dirt.
Together, Louise and Claudel have an uncanny ability to envision the final product. Their primary objective is to create the ideal interior living space that has the style and atmosphere that reflects your personality.
To be a true gardener, you’ll need a few key items in your wardrobe:
So whether updating your kitchen or bathroom, transforming your living room, or undertaking a total home makeover, Louise and Claudel are more than happy to lend their expertise and creative genius to help make your dreams a reality. For more information visit www.louisecardinal.ca.
• Overalls – There’s a reason traditional Carhartt overalls have stayed in style for so long. With room for knee pads for extra cushioning and multiple utility pockets, overalls are essential.
• Gloves - To protect your hands from prickles, thorns and dirt, make sure to have some sturdy gardening gloves on hand.
• Hand Trowel – This will act as your best friend when it comes time to plant your seeds, excavate weeds and transport items from pots to your garden.
• Hand Trowel – This will act as your best friend when it comes time to plant your seeds, excavate weeds and transport items from pots to your garden.
• Wheelbarrow - Investing in a wheelbarrow is a must for gardeners. You’ll likely need to purchase some gardening soil to mix in with your ground soil. Having a wheelbarrow on hand to help you transport the soil from your vehicle to your garden is gold
• 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.
– You’ll want to wear shoes that are comfortable and functional. A great option are Mark’s WindRiver rain boots which come in a shorter profile and are antimicrobial to keep your feet fresh. Not to mention, they’re easy to hose off after a day
– You’ll likely be spending quite a bit of time outside so it’s best to protect yourself
Claudel and Louise Cardinal
Our plan to protect Ontario is building
As
That’s
Trio of Orléans-Gloucester players help Eastern Ontario Force win U19 national ringette championship
By Jody Maffett The Orléans Star
The national ringette championships were recently held in Ottawa and for at least four members of the U19 championship team from Eastern Ontario didn’t have very far to go to get to their games.
Players Bettina Utano, Kaylyn Pearce, and Kiera Flynn-Mantyla are all from the Orléans-Gloucester area along with the team’s head coach Celine Leduc.
Utano, Pearce and Flynn-Mantayla are all products of the Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette Association, and Leduc began her coaching career with GCRA as well.
All three young women played a key role in the success of the Eastern Ontario Force at the national championships.
Utano had three goals and six assists in the 12 game tournament. which brought together teams from across the country
The tournament was held over a six day period at several arenas around the city between May 30 to April 4.
After finishing the round robin portion of the event with a 3-1-1 record, the Force advanced to the playoffs where they started
their championship run with a 5-4 win over Quebec Laurentides in the opening bracket. They then beat Quebec Rive-Sud 4-2 in the second round to advance to the semi-finals where they beat Team New Brunswick 4-3.
In the gold medal game they would face the number one seed Calgary Havoc.
After a scoreless first period, the Havoc would get the jump on Eastern Ontario with a pair of goals in the second.
The Force were able to get one back in the third to set up an exciting fourth stanza. (Ringette games are played over four 10-minute periods.)
It would take the Force just 50 seconds to level the score on Emily Barteaux’s seventh goal of the playoffs.
The score would remain tied throughout the remainder of regulation, which meant that the game and the championship would have to be decided in extra time.
The eventual game winner was scored by Olivia Binder on a spectacular shot made from her back after she was knocked to the ice.
For Utano, who was on the ice when Binder scored the game winner, it was the biggest win of her ringette career which started in the
The Eastern Ontario Force were made up of players from around the Ottawa region including three players from Orléans-Gloucester.
GCRA’s bunny program when she was just four years old
The team spent most of the season playing in the Quebec league right up until the Ontario provincial championships in early March where they went undefeated until the gold medal game when they lost 3-1 to Burlington.
“I have to admit the loss was pretty emotional, but it put the fire in our bellies to go all the way at nationals,” says Utano, who couldn’t be prouder of her teammates for achieving their ultimate goal. “I’ve never played with a closer, more resilient group of girls.”
In Memoriam
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the beloved Thérèse Poirier Massicotte, surrounded by love, on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on July 21, 1933, in Bonaventure, Quebec, she was the daughter of the late Théophile Poirier and the late Evelyne Leblanc.
She leaves behind her three sons, Serge (Gabrielle), Joël (Nicole), and Vianney (Ginette), and her two cherished grandchildren, Julie (William) and Patrick (Christa) and her former husband Jean-Blaise Massicotte. She also leaves behind her sisters, Lucienne, Fernande and Claudette, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by Fernand, Gérard, Maurice, René, John (Jean-Marie), Rolland, and Marie.
An exceptional woman, mother, and grandmother, Thérèse was our ray of sunshine. Her smile was as warm as a summer’s day, her eyes a beautiful blue like the sky, and her love was unconditional. She had always been well cared for, surrounded by the love and support of her family. Her grandchildren Julie and Patrick were always there for her, and they were the love of her life. Thérèse adored reading, knitting, and making puzzles. She loved travelling with her friends. She was so kind and welcoming that she never lacked warmth for her grandchildren. A formidable card player, especially at Dames-de-Piques, and she always made the best pies and cakes for birthdays and celebrations. In the words of Édith Piaf, in her presence we always saw “la vie en rose”. Thérèse will always be the best grandmother in the world. A mass to be held this summer.
Thérèse Massicotte
U12 Jr Grads end season with championship banner
By Fred Sherwin
The Orléans Star
The Cumberland Jr. Grads U12 ‘B’ team put the perfect ending on what has been an incredibly successful season by capturing the Ottawa B Minor Hockey League (OBMHL) championship banner with a win over the Leitrim Hawks on March 31.
The Jr Grads were led on the score sheet by Zachary Sinclair whose two first period goals got his team off to a sensational start. He then completed the hat trick with a goal at the 6:44 mark of the third period to give the Jr. Grads a 3-0 lead.
The Hawks would finally get on the score sheet 34 seconds later on a goal by Nasser Kaddoura, but that would be as close as they would get as a power play goal by Jr. Grads’ Nicholas Ouellette with 3:50 left in the game would put the game out of reach despite a last minute marker by the Hawks’
Harrison McRoberts.
The championship game win capped an incredible playoff run that began on March 1 with a 2-0 win over the Castor River Canucks in the first game of a mini round robin tournament that saw all 16 teams in the league divided into two divisions.
After beating the Canucks, the Jr. Grads secured two other wins while dropping three games to give themselves a 3-3 record, good enough for third place in their division and setting up a quarterfinal match-up against the Osgoode Richmond Romans.
In a game that saw the two teams exchange three goals each through the first two periods, it would be the Jr. Grads who would eventually emerge victorious on a lone third period goal by Maxime Desormeaux.
In the semi-final game against the Stittsville Rams, Hugo Belanger scored
a hat trick for the Jr. Grads and Colton McNaught added a pair, including an empty net goal, to see them cruise to a 5-2 win and set up the championship final.
The big win in the playoff finale capped a season in which the Jr. Grads won three tournaments and finished second overall in the regular season standings.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
SDBC TAPROOM SERIES presents Not Broken live and in concert. Showtime 8 p.m. Tickets $20 in advance available at straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
FIRST ANNUAL FINE ART SHOW presented by Arteast featuring 41 local artists in a variety of mediums both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pineview Golf Club, 1471 Blair Rd. FREE ADMISSION.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The
COMMUNITY BILLBOARD BUSINESS
Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d’Arc. For more info visit facebook.com/ RoyalOakPubsOrleans.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
OYSTER NIGHT at the Orléans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd. from 6 to10 p.m. Indulge in the finest oysters and unwind with a drink in hand. We also offer wine and ciders for the non beer lovers
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
CORO VIVO presents an evening of 60s and 70s music at Orleans United Church, 1111 Orleans Blvd at 7:30 p.m. Music that asks you to be in touch with your inner self and to just feel being groovy or feeling that disco beat. Tickets $30 available at http://groovycvo. eventbrite.ca/.
KARAOKE NIGHT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501
Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Come sing to your lungs out while enjoying one of our craft beers.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
SDBC TAPROOM SERIES presents RedFox live and in concert. Showtime 8 p.m. Tickets $20 in advance available at straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
MONDAY, APRIL 27
JEFF LEIPER LISTENING TOUR stop from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way. Come out and share ideas, raise concerns, and talk about the issues with mayoralty canddiate Jeff Leiper.
