February 16, 2022
Trenchless Rehabilitation Project
The current schedule for project Tender is March 2022, and we anticipate receiving a detailed schedule from the Contractor by May 2022.
Trenchless Rehabilitation Project
The current schedule for project Tender is March 2022, and we anticipate receiving a detailed schedule from the Contractor by May 2022.
Sewer Cleaning
Why does the City clean the sewer system?
The City of Ottawa conducts routine cleaning of sewers to ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is efficiently transported to the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC), the City’s treatment facility.
What is a sewer blow-back?
During the cleaning process, the use of high pressure water creates air pockets inside the sewer pipe that generally escape with no impact to a property’s internal plumbing.
In some cases, this air pressure can only escape through the sewer connection between the house and the City’s sewer system, via the internal plumbing vent. If this passage is blocked, air pressure may escape through a toilet or drain. This can result in the release of odours, or on rare occasions sewage contaminated water, into a home or business – known as a "blow-back."
What can I do to prepare for sewer cleaning activity?
Keeping lids on toilets during cleaning can minimize impacts in the unlikely event of a blow-back.
What if I experience a blow-back?
Please immediately contact the City at 3-1-1. City staff will contact the homeowner by phone to determine the scope of the problem. If required, staff may be dispatched to your home.
Please note:
Where can I get help with the cleanup?
Typically, recovery from a blow-back event is simply a matter of removing any debris and the cleaning of toilets, sinks, baths and showers that have come into contact with the contaminated water. You may then continue normal use.
Please note:
Do I need to worry about my health?
Blow-back events that involve only the discharge of sewage contaminated water to walls or surfaces do not result in an immediate health risk. However, it is important that all sewage contaminated water and debris be removed and that surfaces that have come in contact with this water be cleaned. This will require the cleaning of surfaces with a soap solution and disinfection with a diluted household bleach/water solution. Regular household cleaning products are all that is needed and rubber gloves are recommended.
Remember:
Making a claim
1. Prior to submitting a claim, contact 3-1-1 to:
1. Initiate an inspection by the City’s First Response team
2. Receive a customer service request number for future reference.
2. Initiate a claim with the City by letter or sending an e-mail to claims@ottawa.ca(link sends e-mail). You will need to reference the event, date, and actions taken.
3. The Claims Unit will ensure claims are acknowledged, investigated, tracked, evaluated and resolved.
If you have any questions, please contact our general claims line at 613-580-2655 or email at claims@ottawa.ca
information gathered : https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/water/wastewater-and-sewers/wastewater-collection-and-treatment/sewer-cleaning#why-does-city-clean-sewer-system
The City of Ottawa conducts routine cleaning of sewers to ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is efficiently transported to the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC), the City’s treatment facility.
What is a sewer blow-back?
During the cleaning process, the use of high pressure water creates air pockets inside the sewer pipe that generally escape with no impact to a property’s internal plumbing.
In some cases, this air pressure can only escape through the sewer connection between the house and the City’s sewer system, via the internal plumbing vent. If this passage is blocked, air pressure may escape through a toilet or drain. This can result in the release of odours, or on rare occasions sewage contaminated water, into a home or business – known as a "blow-back."
What can I do to prepare for sewer cleaning activity?
Keeping lids on toilets during cleaning can minimize impacts in the unlikely event of a blow-back.
What if I experience a blow-back?
Please immediately contact the City at 3-1-1. City staff will contact the homeowner by phone to determine the scope of the problem. If required, staff may be dispatched to your home.
Please note:
- Properties identified as having experienced a blow-back in the past are placed on an advanced notification list and receive a hand delivered notice 24-48 hours in advance of cleaning activity.
- During subsequent sewer cleanings, the pressure at which cleaning is carried out is at lowered at sites that have experienced a blow-back to help reduce the possibility of a repeat event.
- If you have a second incident, consider checking your plumbing to ensure that service connection and vent pipes are clear of debris and are functioning properly.
Where can I get help with the cleanup?
Typically, recovery from a blow-back event is simply a matter of removing any debris and the cleaning of toilets, sinks, baths and showers that have come into contact with the contaminated water. You may then continue normal use.
Please note:
- The City does not provide a cleaning service. Your options are to proceed with the cleanup yourself or hire an outside cleaner. If you hire a company to complete the cleaning, please submit these costs as a claim and the City will reimburse all reasonable costs that are properly documented.
- If there are damages beyond cleaning, consider contacting your insurance company. Damages should be brought to the attention of City staff during the initial inspection process.
Do I need to worry about my health?
Blow-back events that involve only the discharge of sewage contaminated water to walls or surfaces do not result in an immediate health risk. However, it is important that all sewage contaminated water and debris be removed and that surfaces that have come in contact with this water be cleaned. This will require the cleaning of surfaces with a soap solution and disinfection with a diluted household bleach/water solution. Regular household cleaning products are all that is needed and rubber gloves are recommended.
Remember:
- Never mix ammonia and chlorine products such as household bleach. If sewage contaminated water has come in contact with a person in your home or has possibly been ingested and you are concerned about your health, please seek medical attention.
Making a claim
1. Prior to submitting a claim, contact 3-1-1 to:
1. Initiate an inspection by the City’s First Response team
2. Receive a customer service request number for future reference.
2. Initiate a claim with the City by letter or sending an e-mail to claims@ottawa.ca(link sends e-mail). You will need to reference the event, date, and actions taken.
3. The Claims Unit will ensure claims are acknowledged, investigated, tracked, evaluated and resolved.
If you have any questions, please contact our general claims line at 613-580-2655 or email at claims@ottawa.ca
information gathered : https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/water/wastewater-and-sewers/wastewater-collection-and-treatment/sewer-cleaning#why-does-city-clean-sewer-system
New Public Art Selected for Kanata's Monahan Wetland
Local artist Laura Taler, through her company Grimm Pictures Inc., has been awarded the public art commission for Monahan Wetlands, as part of the redevelopment of Kanata Southlink. Taler's artwork MONAHAN was selected for its thoughtful consideration of the environment and its engaging interactivity with the community.
MONAHAN is an audio work that visitors will listen to on their personal devices. Signage along the wetlands' walking paths will guide users to experience the artwork through their headphones. The artwork consists of audio content of diverse voices recorded in and around the local area. As visitors move throughout the wetlands, they will listen to stories and songs, including plants speaking in their own language, an Indigenous elder telling the story of a future memory, or a child’s poem. These audio tracks are accessed through a website that uses algorithms to create personal playlists. Visitors of MONAHAN will experience the wetlands in a new way with each listening.
MONAHAN is a research-based project. Laura Taler will be conducting field recordings on-site as well as connecting with neighbourhood residents to source content. MONAHAN will be a reflection of the natural elements and community of Monahan Wetlands. The artwork will launch in the summer 2023.
The City’s Public Art Program initiated a two-stage public art competition for the Monahan Wetlands project. Proposals were reviewed by a Selection Committee who selected the proposal of Grimm Pictures Inc. Evaluation criteria included such considerations as artistic excellence, sensitivity of environment and feedback from the community.
MONAHAN is an audio work that visitors will listen to on their personal devices. Signage along the wetlands' walking paths will guide users to experience the artwork through their headphones. The artwork consists of audio content of diverse voices recorded in and around the local area. As visitors move throughout the wetlands, they will listen to stories and songs, including plants speaking in their own language, an Indigenous elder telling the story of a future memory, or a child’s poem. These audio tracks are accessed through a website that uses algorithms to create personal playlists. Visitors of MONAHAN will experience the wetlands in a new way with each listening.
MONAHAN is a research-based project. Laura Taler will be conducting field recordings on-site as well as connecting with neighbourhood residents to source content. MONAHAN will be a reflection of the natural elements and community of Monahan Wetlands. The artwork will launch in the summer 2023.
The City’s Public Art Program initiated a two-stage public art competition for the Monahan Wetlands project. Proposals were reviewed by a Selection Committee who selected the proposal of Grimm Pictures Inc. Evaluation criteria included such considerations as artistic excellence, sensitivity of environment and feedback from the community.
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Photos of the new bridge and culverts going in on Emerald Meadows Dr. This project is close to completion, with paving starting in the coming days.
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2020 Miscellaneous Drainage Improvements
Vanstone Drive Site
Contract No. CP000514
CONSTRUCTION
July 2021
COVID-19 is an unprecedented situation and the City of Ottawa is committed to protecting people and the community. The Province of Ontario has allowed certain businesses and workplaces, including all municipal construction projects, to continue operations subject to compliance with strict public health and safety protocols. The City is working closely with the industry and complying with restrictions and recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Beginning in August, the City of Ottawa will begin ditch regrading operations on Vanstone Drive from 73 Vanstone Drive to 85 Vanstone Drive.
What: Work will involve regrading the existing ditch and replacement of driveway culverts on the south side of Vanstone Drive. The pathway between 73 and 75 Vanstone will also be regraded.
Why: The work is being performed to facilitate proper capture of surface run-off within the right of way.
When: Construction will start in August 2021 and will be completed by late November 2021.
Where: The work will take place on Vanstone Drive between 73 Vanstone Drive to 85 Vanstone Drive.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained Core Civil Construction Inc. to complete the work.
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require special accommodation, please contact the project team listed below. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request, at the following link: www.ottawa.ca/accessibleformat
Traffic Impacts
The affected roads will have information and construction signs installed and maintained throughout the construction site for the duration of the construction to keep you informed of the changing conditions. One (1) lane of bi-directional travel shall be maintained during working hours.
Significant effort is being made to reduce the duration of the construction impacts in your community.
Impact on the Right of Way and Adjacent Private Properties
Short term driveway access restrictions will be temporarily required when construction work is in front of a driveway. In the event that access to your driveway is restricted due to construction activities, a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) will be distributed to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.
Construction Disruptions
The Contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the everyday life of your family and/or operation of your business, but as you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the course of the construction work, such as noise during drilling. We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation.
For construction activity hours of work, the City of Ottawa follows provincial requirements and the City’s Noise By-law (2017-255).
Contact Information
To obtain any additional information on this project, please contact the City’s Project Manager:
City Project Manager
James Porter, P.Eng.
Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction - Municipal
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 30339
Email: James.Porter@ottawa.ca
Contractor Representative
Brent McAuliffe
Core Civil Construction Inc.
2-2773 Fenton Road, Ottawa, ON, K1T 3T8
Tel: 613-325-3533
Email: brent@corecivil.ca
Vanstone Drive Site
Contract No. CP000514
CONSTRUCTION
July 2021
COVID-19 is an unprecedented situation and the City of Ottawa is committed to protecting people and the community. The Province of Ontario has allowed certain businesses and workplaces, including all municipal construction projects, to continue operations subject to compliance with strict public health and safety protocols. The City is working closely with the industry and complying with restrictions and recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Beginning in August, the City of Ottawa will begin ditch regrading operations on Vanstone Drive from 73 Vanstone Drive to 85 Vanstone Drive.
What: Work will involve regrading the existing ditch and replacement of driveway culverts on the south side of Vanstone Drive. The pathway between 73 and 75 Vanstone will also be regraded.
Why: The work is being performed to facilitate proper capture of surface run-off within the right of way.
When: Construction will start in August 2021 and will be completed by late November 2021.
Where: The work will take place on Vanstone Drive between 73 Vanstone Drive to 85 Vanstone Drive.
Who: The City of Ottawa has retained Core Civil Construction Inc. to complete the work.
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require special accommodation, please contact the project team listed below. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request, at the following link: www.ottawa.ca/accessibleformat
Traffic Impacts
The affected roads will have information and construction signs installed and maintained throughout the construction site for the duration of the construction to keep you informed of the changing conditions. One (1) lane of bi-directional travel shall be maintained during working hours.
Significant effort is being made to reduce the duration of the construction impacts in your community.
Impact on the Right of Way and Adjacent Private Properties
Short term driveway access restrictions will be temporarily required when construction work is in front of a driveway. In the event that access to your driveway is restricted due to construction activities, a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) will be distributed to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.
Construction Disruptions
The Contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the everyday life of your family and/or operation of your business, but as you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the course of the construction work, such as noise during drilling. We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation.
For construction activity hours of work, the City of Ottawa follows provincial requirements and the City’s Noise By-law (2017-255).
Contact Information
To obtain any additional information on this project, please contact the City’s Project Manager:
City Project Manager
James Porter, P.Eng.
Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction - Municipal
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 30339
Email: James.Porter@ottawa.ca
Contractor Representative
Brent McAuliffe
Core Civil Construction Inc.
2-2773 Fenton Road, Ottawa, ON, K1T 3T8
Tel: 613-325-3533
Email: brent@corecivil.ca
Millions in government funding for splash pad expansion and facility upgrades at the KRC
Some good news for residents of Kanata South and the surrounding areas as I was honoured to have joined MP Karen McCrimmon, MPP Merrilee Fullerton and mayor Jim Watson today to announce more than $4.4 million in government funding to renovate and expand the Kanata Recreation Centre (KRC).
The Government of Canada is investing $1.8 million, the Government of Ontario has pledged just over $1.4 million and the City of Ottawa is investing over $1.2 million on this important community project.
I have been working with MP Karen McCrimmon and MPP Merrilee Fullerton for over a year now to help secure the funding for this loved recreation complex that is home to Summer camps, recreation programs, hockey teams, soccer, baseball and football clubs and also hosts one of the largest Canada Day celebrations in the city- Canada Day in Kanata!
I’m pleased to say that this funding will help us meet the growing community and recreation program needs for our community and for arena users from across the city.
This money will be used to expand the splash pad at Walter Baker Park, renovate the entrance, lobby and client service area, install an emergency exit stairwell and to add new meeting and program rooms.
As many of you know, the KRC parking lots were recently resurfaced and this summer, the facility is receiving washroom upgrades including additional work to make the facility more accessible for everyone. This is just the beginning of more great things to come in Kanata South!
We will start work on the expansion of the splash pad this year and hope to begin work on the building improvements next year.
Some good news for residents of Kanata South and the surrounding areas as I was honoured to have joined MP Karen McCrimmon, MPP Merrilee Fullerton and mayor Jim Watson today to announce more than $4.4 million in government funding to renovate and expand the Kanata Recreation Centre (KRC).
The Government of Canada is investing $1.8 million, the Government of Ontario has pledged just over $1.4 million and the City of Ottawa is investing over $1.2 million on this important community project.
I have been working with MP Karen McCrimmon and MPP Merrilee Fullerton for over a year now to help secure the funding for this loved recreation complex that is home to Summer camps, recreation programs, hockey teams, soccer, baseball and football clubs and also hosts one of the largest Canada Day celebrations in the city- Canada Day in Kanata!
I’m pleased to say that this funding will help us meet the growing community and recreation program needs for our community and for arena users from across the city.
This money will be used to expand the splash pad at Walter Baker Park, renovate the entrance, lobby and client service area, install an emergency exit stairwell and to add new meeting and program rooms.
As many of you know, the KRC parking lots were recently resurfaced and this summer, the facility is receiving washroom upgrades including additional work to make the facility more accessible for everyone. This is just the beginning of more great things to come in Kanata South!
We will start work on the expansion of the splash pad this year and hope to begin work on the building improvements next year.
Larsen Linear Pathway
I am very pleased to announce that the missing piece of pathway in Larsen Park will be completed this year!
I have been working with city staff for years now, requesting that a missing piece of pathway that would connect the Larsen path out to Eagleson Road be constructed. This Fall, a new pathway running from the existing Larsen Park Pathway will run easterly approximately 90m meters out to Eagleson Road (see below map). This pathway will be paved in asphalt at 2.5 metres wide and end at the back of the west sidewalk on Eagleson Road.
Thank you to the resident(s) who have very kindly mowed and plowed this missing pathway link for years so that residents could get out to Eagleson Road!
I am very pleased to announce that the missing piece of pathway in Larsen Park will be completed this year!
I have been working with city staff for years now, requesting that a missing piece of pathway that would connect the Larsen path out to Eagleson Road be constructed. This Fall, a new pathway running from the existing Larsen Park Pathway will run easterly approximately 90m meters out to Eagleson Road (see below map). This pathway will be paved in asphalt at 2.5 metres wide and end at the back of the west sidewalk on Eagleson Road.
Thank you to the resident(s) who have very kindly mowed and plowed this missing pathway link for years so that residents could get out to Eagleson Road!
October 15th, 2020
Hazeldean Road Bridges - Approach Slab Renewal Project - Postponed
Due to the tight timeline to construct the works in 2020 prior to winter conditions, it has been determined that moving the construction start to 2021 will have positive impacts to overall quality and schedule. Construction will be planned to start in June with the majority of works completed in the summer months, when impacts to traffic are lower.
The project website has been updated with the new schedule information, and can be shared with your constituents as you see fit.
ottawa.ca/hazeldeanbridgeapproaches
ottawa.ca/approchesponthazeldean
Hazeldean Road Bridges - Approach Slab Renewal Project
Hazeldean Road Bridges - Approach Slab Renewal Project - Postponed
Due to the tight timeline to construct the works in 2020 prior to winter conditions, it has been determined that moving the construction start to 2021 will have positive impacts to overall quality and schedule. Construction will be planned to start in June with the majority of works completed in the summer months, when impacts to traffic are lower.
The project website has been updated with the new schedule information, and can be shared with your constituents as you see fit.
ottawa.ca/hazeldeanbridgeapproaches
ottawa.ca/approchesponthazeldean
Hazeldean Road Bridges - Approach Slab Renewal Project
The tender has closed and the project has been awarded to Thomas Cavanagh Construction Company. Construction is anticipated to start late September and will take approximately 10 weeks.
This project is to address the approach slabs to the bridge, which have settled over time, causing localized cracking and vibrations.
This project is to address the approach slabs to the bridge, which have settled over time, causing localized cracking and vibrations.
Our communications plan is as follows:
- There will be no construction notice sent (as there are no homes nearby, and affected businesses have been contacted in advance) but rather a number of different ways to communicate to residents about what to expect.
- A project webpage has been launched on Ottawa.ca:
- There will be construction signs erected at both the east and west ends of each bridge in advance of construction start that will provide the link to the webpage for more details (see attached)
- There will be cyclist detour signs erected for each Phase (see attached), which are posted on the webpage as well
- PVMS electronic display boards will be erected before and throughout construction
Bridlewood Hydro One Project
October 2019
Hydro One Forestry Services has also earmarked $200,000 in funding to support beautification initiatives in the Ottawa area. The funding will be made available to Community Associations and other active community groups in Ottawa to apply for funding to support eligible community beautification initiatives.
More information about the fund and how to apply can be found on our website at HydroOne.com/OttawaForestry.
Hydro One Forestry Services has also earmarked $200,000 in funding to support beautification initiatives in the Ottawa area. The funding will be made available to Community Associations and other active community groups in Ottawa to apply for funding to support eligible community beautification initiatives.
More information about the fund and how to apply can be found on our website at HydroOne.com/OttawaForestry.
about_the_project.pdf
vegetation_maintenance_in_bridlewood.pdf
2018_vegetation_maintenance.pdf
community_update_november_2018.pdf
vegetation_maintenance.pdf
vegetation_maintenance_in_bridlewood.pdf
2018_vegetation_maintenance.pdf
community_update_november_2018.pdf
vegetation_maintenance.pdf
Stonegate Park
Stonegate park is currently undergoing some work to add new features to this park. A basketball court is being added along with a new Bamboo climbing garden, games table and new benches. This work began last week and is expected to be completed by the end of November (weather permitting). During the construction period, the play areas will be closed daily from 7am-6pm and the pathway into the park from Humphrey Way and Parsons Ridge will also be closed. The pathway between Young’s Farm Way and Castlefrank Road will remain open, however the cross through path from the park heading over towards Holy Redeemer school will also be closed. Thank you for your patience while this work is being done. A map showing the pathway closures and park plan can be found on my website.
Notice to Residents: Please be advised of the below pathway closures at Stonegate Park starting October 19th 2017.
Notice to Residents: Please be advised of the below pathway closures at Stonegate Park starting October 19th 2017.
Fitness Parks
We have fitness parks located at:
1) Walter Baker Park
2) Kristina Kiss Park
3) Deevy Pines Park
1) Walter Baker Park
2) Kristina Kiss Park
3) Deevy Pines Park
Butterfly Gardens
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Cleaning Up The Capital
How you can take part:
Plan it
Register
The importance of registering: If you're cleaning up your neighbourhood or favourite green space, please register with us. People are encouraged to register in order to allow Cleaning the Capital organizers to distribute cleaning supplies, track the areas that have been cleaned and recognize
volunteer work.
Register and WIN! Register within the early bird registration dates and you and your team will be eligible to win a prize donated by our generous
sponsors.
Complete your project!
Submit your report
Get your business involvedAs a business owner or employee, you can make a difference by volunteering time or resources for a cleaner city:
Celebrate!
Plan it
- Pick your project site, your cleanup date (rain date too!), and time.
- Promote your project and gather your project team.
- Be sure to plan ahead for the proper disposal of compost, garbage, recycling, leaf-and-yard waste and any other hazardous items you may collect. Need assistance? Call 3-1-1.
- Cleaning the Capital is an ideal way for neighbours, family and friends to work together and clean up their neighbourhood.
Register
- Fill out the online registration form or call 3-1-1 to register your project. If you need supplies, remember to request your project starter kit and to select your desired pickup location while registering.
The importance of registering: If you're cleaning up your neighbourhood or favourite green space, please register with us. People are encouraged to register in order to allow Cleaning the Capital organizers to distribute cleaning supplies, track the areas that have been cleaned and recognize
volunteer work.
Register and WIN! Register within the early bird registration dates and you and your team will be eligible to win a prize donated by our generous
sponsors.
Complete your project!
- If you requested a starter kit, remember to pick it up. If you have questions about your starter kit pickup date, please call 3-1-1.You can find a complete list of pick up locations on the online registration form.
Submit your report
- Don’t forget to fill out your online cleanup report before the submission deadline for an opportunity to win more prizes.
Get your business involvedAs a business owner or employee, you can make a difference by volunteering time or resources for a cleaner city:
- Spend your next coffee break with employees or co-workers picking up litter.
- If you or your employees smoke, remember to dispose of cigarette butts responsibly. Arrange for suitable ashtrays and sweep up cigarette butts.
- Contact us at cleaning@ottawa.ca(link sends e-mail) or 613-580-2424, ext.13458 to get Cleaning the Capital promotional materials to display in your store or office.
Celebrate!
- Celebrate your success and gear up for the next event!
Buddy Benches
A young boy named Christian Buck from the UK started the Buddy Bench initiative.
Want more on his story? Please visit: www.buddybench.org
Through social media and the Children’s Village monthly magazine subscription to Highlights Magazine. The teachers and kids fell upon an article, sharing Christian’s story. The children immediately began to advocate to get their own buddy benches for their play yard at their school, Bridlewood Community Elementary School.
The CVAB (Children’s Village at Bridlewood) team was thrilled with this idea! Therefore through fundraising (bake sales, used book sales, children’s art sales, car washes and more) the school raised enough money to purchase not one bench but two!
As a non-profit organization The Children’s Village of Ottawa-Carleton has been servicing children in our communities for 150 years. The children of CVAB have voiced how important it is to give back. Last year they donated their funds raised to other charities and this year they are not just giving back to themselves, but they are giving back to our community as well.
CVAB’s Executive Director Deborah Thompson, plans on challenging other childcare centers, third party operators and schools to jump on board and do the same. We believe every play yard should have a buddy bench, every child deserves an environment that reduces loneliness, spreads kindness and fosters friendships!
Want more on his story? Please visit: www.buddybench.org
Through social media and the Children’s Village monthly magazine subscription to Highlights Magazine. The teachers and kids fell upon an article, sharing Christian’s story. The children immediately began to advocate to get their own buddy benches for their play yard at their school, Bridlewood Community Elementary School.
The CVAB (Children’s Village at Bridlewood) team was thrilled with this idea! Therefore through fundraising (bake sales, used book sales, children’s art sales, car washes and more) the school raised enough money to purchase not one bench but two!
As a non-profit organization The Children’s Village of Ottawa-Carleton has been servicing children in our communities for 150 years. The children of CVAB have voiced how important it is to give back. Last year they donated their funds raised to other charities and this year they are not just giving back to themselves, but they are giving back to our community as well.
CVAB’s Executive Director Deborah Thompson, plans on challenging other childcare centers, third party operators and schools to jump on board and do the same. We believe every play yard should have a buddy bench, every child deserves an environment that reduces loneliness, spreads kindness and fosters friendships!