Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM, Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive

If you are one of the many people that lives with chronic pain — that nagging, tingling, throbbing, aching, ever-present thing that can limit your activity and enjoyment – then join us for this session as Osteopathic practitioner Oleg Bagrin and some of his team members discuss:

• why chronic pain develops;
• simple, effective strategies to prevent chronic pain;
• what can be done to manage and improve conditions early; and
• how to stay active and mobile without waiting long periods for care.

Mr. Bagrin is the owner of Activate Healing Clinic and is proud to be a Professor and Dean at the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMSS) in Florida, USA, and a Professor at the National Academy of Osteopathy (NAO) in Toronto. He is also a member of the Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada.

Please visit the BCA website at blackburnhamlet.ca/260924 for Oleg Bagrin`s complete biography and more information on the lecture series.

Admission to Discovery Café is free and no registration is required. All ages are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Questions? Please email barbara@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Hope to see you there!

Thanks to everyone who helped make the 2026 Blackburn FunFair a successful event: our hard-working volunteers, our financial sponsors, our attraction and event partners and our community who came out to enjoy the festivities!!

This year’s FunFair produced a number of fun facts & figures:

• Almost $7,000 in fundraising was netted after expenses and distributed to local community charities and service groups. Thank you Blackburn!
• Our lead sponsors the BCA and the Optimist Club of Blackburn Hamlet contributed over $20K to this year’s fair. Strong community business support provided another $6K.
• Congratulations to local resident Amy Zambonin who was the winner of the Blackburn FunFair 50/50 raffle! Amy won $285 and splurged a little on family vacation extras with her winnings.
• The rain held off enough to allow team Home Safe to defeat newcomer Escape Fire Protection in extra innings. The victory helped them unseat 3-time champ Big Bats for the Funfair Softball trophy.
• The Silent Auction raised $4,500 from over 50 businesses and the online bidding platform saved countless volunteer admin hours.
• Reading is still popular! The Used Book Sale raised almost $1,500 in contributions.
• Showcase popularity: our business showcase raised over $6K for a second straight year from over 50 vendors, and spots were sold out one month ahead of the fair!
• 200 guests enjoyed our Saturday night main act, SOS: The ABBA Experience despite the rain!
• Unlimited ride bracelets were a huge hit and sold out mid Sunday. We’ll make sure to have more next year! The Funhouse Maze edged out the Big Red Baller as the most popular attraction for the second straight year. The soccer darts were the least popular.
• Light Lager Ale from Broadview was the most popular beverage in the beer garden but Blueberry Blond and Amber were not far behind!
• 120 high school students reached out with interest to volunteer and 115 of them showed up, totaling over 1,000 volunteer hours for the weekend. Way to go students!
• Most favorable comment: Affordable ride bracelets. Thank you!
• Common complaints included poor ramp access in the arena, having the maze too close to the car smash, misplaced flying soccer balls and high ticket prices for the main music act. All noted! Thanks to all for the feedback.

My sincere thanks to everyone who pitched in to help. I’m very proud of the team that put in the work and put on a fantastic event. Next year’s fair will run June 4-6 and we hope to see you back! Interested in getting involved? Reach out to chair@blackburnfunfair.ca for more information.

————————————————————-

FunFair Survey

A lot of work and planning goes into organizing the FunFair every year. As we start preparing for 2027, we’d like to hear from you – the community – about the good, the bad, and everything in between on this year’s FunFair! Your feedback will help us make it even better next year! Visit blackburnfunfair.ca/ 2026-funfair-survey/ to answer three questions with as many or as few details as you’d like.

————————————————————-

Shout out to our sponsors!

The FunFair would not happen without the generous contribution of time and labour of our committee members and volunteers. It would also not happen without the generous financial support of many of our local businesses. A big THANK YOU to all for your generous support toward the 2026 FunFair:

Platinum sponsors $5K+
The Blackburn Community Association and the Optimist Club of Blackburn Hamlet

Gold sponsors $1K+
Amrize, Blackburn Pharmacy, Christine Bussieres Broker, LaPierre Law Office, Blackburn Arms

Silver sponsors $500+
Metro, Gagnier Miller Real Estate, Bunning & Farnand LLP, Connexion Family Health Dr Skaff & Dr. McFarland, Waste Connections of Canada, Myers Orleans Chevrolet, Distinctive Bathrooms & Kitchens, S&R Mechanical, Sandalwood Promotions, Pineview Golf Course & Halibut House.

Bronze sponsors $250+
Broadhead Brewing Company, Long & McQuade

Political sponsors with paid advertising of $500+
Laura Dudas Councillor Ward 2 Orleans West-Innes
Stephen Blais MPP Orléans
Mona Fortier MP Ottawa-Vanier

—————————–

Funfair Honorarium Distributions

Your community spirit helped raise $9000, despite the rain, enabling our fair volunteers to give back $9,000 to local non profit Blackburn community groups, organizations and associations through our Honorarium Distribution Program.

Floods are the most common hazards in Canada and water damage is a leading cause of loss for homeowner insurance. At the July 1 west end flooding event the City of Ottawa reported some 7,100 homes had flooded basements. It was also reported that a large number of these homes (perhaps as high as 30%) were denied insurance claims because of inadequate insurance coverage and/or home devices, such as a backwater valve or sump pump.

Home Insurance

Most basic home insurance policies only cover water damage if the source is within the home — a burst pipe, a leaking refrigerator or a ruptured water tank. However, when it comes to exterior sources most policies require additional coverage, such as ground water, overland and sewer back-up protection. Overland flood insurance covers damage from water that spills into people’s homes through doors and window wells when the ground is saturated. Sewer back-up insurance covers damage caused by sewage flowing into your home from the sanitary sewer pipes. You should talk with your Insurance Company whether your insurance covers these areas.

Backwater Valves

Sanitary and storm sewer back-ups can occur from blockages in the main sewer or surcharging during intense weather events resulting in basement flooding. To combat this situation homeowners should have backwater valves installed on both. The backwater valve is a one-way plumbing device, that typically includes an access cover and a lightweight internal flapper, designed to stop stormwater or sewage from reversing flow and flooding a building.

Sump Pump

Sump pumps and backwater valves address two different issues. A backwater valve prevents sewage or wastewater from flowing back into your property during sewer system issues, but it doesn’t address groundwater or rainwater infiltration. If your area is prone to heavy rainfall or flooding, a sump pump may be necessary to manage excess groundwater. A sump pump simply removes any excess water around your foundation that tries to seep into your basement and pumps that water away from your house. For those who have a sump pump, it is recommended that you have a backup pump as well as battery backup power to keep your basement dry during weather events.

City of Ottawa Rebates

To encourage residents to be proactive towards flooding the City of Ottawa offers these rebates via their Residential Protective Plumbing Program:

(1) Sewer Backup

Building permit (plumbing work only) 100%
Indoor sanitary backwater valve $1000
Storm backwater valve $1000
Outdoor storm backwater valve $2500

(2) Sump Pump

Primary Sump Pump with battery backup power installed in an existing sump pit $1500
Secondary Sump Pump with battery backup power installed in an existing sump pit $1500
Primary Sump Pump with battery backup power and construction of a sump pit $3000
Secondary Sump Pump with battery backup power and construction of a sump pit $3000

Detailed information on these rebates is available on the City of Ottawa website.

BCA Safety

This shows that funds raised by the BCA over all these years has made a difference! Join us this September 12th for the annual 2026 BCA Cancer Chase to say that you helped the OHF beat cancer. You can contribute through registering for the chase or by donating.

Registration can be done online at: tohf.crowdchange. co/59796.  If you have more questions, send an email to cancerchase@blackburnhamlet.ca.

At 8:15 the doors of the Blackburn Community Hall at 190 Glen Park Drive, will open to confirm your registration or register right there with the Ottawa Hospital Foundation representatives. There will be a stretch for everyone right before the walk/run of the 5km route through the Hamlet at 9:15.

All ages and fitness levels are welcome: invite your friends, family and neighbours for a morning filled with movement, connection and community spirit.

Bring Loonies and Toonies for taping to the Loonie Toonie Line. Let’s see how long we can make it! Bring any means of paying for what you bid for in the Silent Auction and have your camera ready for the Selfie Stations with costumes – smiles that could be shared in your social media or the November BANAR.

Let’s come together and take steps toward a cure for cancer — one stride, one smile, and one generous act at a time.

Seniors Action Committee Members

Barbara Whittaker, Connie Mattey, Elena Leggiadro, John Moores, Marion Hall

Seniors Breakfast Get-together

Our monthly breakfast on June 3rd was attended by 39 people. $134.35 as well as grocery items were collected for the Life Centre Food Bank. Once again, our wonderful virtuoso, Garth Hampson, sang Happy Birthday to all those with birthdays in June.

On Canada Day, July 1st, we had a record turnout of 50 people including a visit from Laura Dudas who said a few words mainly about the planned Canada Day activities that day (unfortunately thwarted by turbulent weather that afternoon). We collected a record cash amount of $261 for the Life Centre Food Bank along with grocery items. Garth spoke about July 1st also being Memorial Day in Newfoundland. He sang along with our seniors the Ode to Newfoundland followed by the national anthem for Canada Day and Happy Birthday to those with July birthdays.

At the August 5 breakfast, we had 39 people present and collected $156 plus several grocery items for the Life Centre Food Bank. Garth once again sang “Happy Birthday” to anyone having a birthday in August. He also sang “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” to Bill and Cathy who were celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary as well as another cute old song “The Honeysuckle and the Bee.”

The breakfasts take place between 8:30 and 9 am on the first Wednesday of each month at Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road. Seniors (55 +) are welcome to join us on the following dates:

• September 2
• October 7
• November 4
• December 2

To help our friends at the restaurant prepare and as the breakfasts have become quite popular and as seating is limited, it is very important to call/text Shirley at 613-841-7691 or email seniors@blackburnhamlet.ca to register by the Monday preceding each breakfast.

Seniors Walk & Talk Outings

The June Walk & Talk event took place on June 17th starting from the Community Hall. There were 9 people on the walk as well as a baby and a dog.

Walk and Talks were suspended over the summer but will resume in September. Details for the fall Walk and Talks will be advertised on Facebook and on billboards within the community.

A LOOK BACK…

Lunch at Portugalos June 26th – Thirty-four people came to the lunch and enjoyed delicious food, great company and excellent service.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Celebrate that special senior in your life!
September 13 (noon to 2:30) Just Foods, 2391 Pepin Court
Open to Blackburn Seniors and families. Sandwiches, drinks and more
Games, music, prizes. Limited parking available on site (entrance from Tauvette Street)
RSVP required by September 5th (Call or text Shirley at 613-841-7691 to register)

Guided visit and lunch at Vézeau Vineyard & Strawberry Patch
September 30 (arrival at vineyard 11:00 am) #365 Hwy 321, Ripon, Quebec
Learn about the vineyard, sample 8 of the exquisite wine creations, their own Roman-style pizza and taste their succulent strawberries.
Cost per person = $35.00 plus taxes. Carpool recommended. Parking available.
Details will be posted within the community, on the BCA website, Facebook, etc.
RSVP required by September 15th (Call or text Shirley at 613-841-7691 to register)

Lunch at Portugalos
October 30 (noon) 110 Bearbrook Road
Menu includes a choice of soup or salad, a main course choice of piri piri chicken, salmon, bifana (pork sandwich) or a vegetarian dish and a Portuguese custard tart for dessert. Cost = $26.50 plus taxes and gratuity. Please call/text Shirley at 613-841-7691 by October 26 to register and provide your choice of one of the four main courses. Also since it will be the Eve of Halloween, we’d like to see some spooky costumes or maybe you could wear black, orange or white (or just arrive as non-scary self).

Please check the Blackburn Hamlet Facebook page, website and posters in the neighbourhood for details on future events.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to the Blackburn Community Association for supporting our events, the members of the Seniors Action Committee for pulling it all together and the seniors who gather to enjoy friendship, frivolity and food at our get-togethers. Thanks also to Tammy Bedard/Aspira Bearbrook Retirement Home for their ongoing support to many of our activities.

I stress that this only shows REPORTED CRIMES or INCIDENTS. I stress how critically important it is to report incidents to police. I see monthly incidents on BCA social media showing crimes or issues which should have been reported to the police, but the crime map shows me they were not reported. I must stress that the Ottawa Police deploy resources based on reported crime. They cannot act on crime issues if no one tells them. Please report crime at ottawapolice.ca/en/reports-and-services/file-a-report/.

There were 2 assaults reported in the previous month, on 14 Aug 9:00 AM at Innes & Bearbrook area, and on 30 July near Innes & Orient Park Dr at 9:00 PM. A theft under was reported overnight on 30 July early morning hours near Orient Park Dr and Kelden Cr. Lastly an uttering threats call was reported on the morning of 13 Aug near Beddoe Lane and Roseanne Lane.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) continues to see significant financial losses associated with fraud in 2026. In the first six months of the year, Canadians reported approximately $351 million in losses to the CAFC. While investment fraud continues to account for the highest reported dollar loss, several fraud types are showing notable activity when compared with 2025, including spear phishing, bank investigator fraud, extortion and recovery fraud. These figures represent only reported incidents; the CAFC estimates that only 5% to 10% of fraud is reported, meaning the actual impact is likely much greater.

Fraudsters continue to use impersonation, urgency, convincing communications and established trust to obtain money or personal information. In many cases, criminals impersonate financial institutions, businesses, government or law enforcement, employers, service providers, or individuals known to the victim. Canadians should be cautious of unexpected requests involving money, changes to payment instructions, investment opportunities, account security concerns or claims that previously lost funds can be recovered.

Any scams should be reported to both the Ottawa Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report tips through Crimestoppers at crimestoppers.ca/send-a-tip/

For more information on Blackburn Hamlet Crime Prevention, visit blackburnhamlet.ca/our-work/safety/neighbourhood-watch/.

Winners are:

Luna Sofia (age 4)

Sophia (age 6)

Mia (age 7)

Navikka (age 9)

Sakina (age 12)

Honorable mentions:

James (age 10)

Shawn (age 2)

This past month you will see 2 Assaults, 1 Break & Enter overnight at Southpark & Innes, an arson (fire) near the Community Hall and a Damage to Property near Beddoe Lane & Roseanne Lane.

SADLY, it is apparent from the map that several residents who posted messages and videos on the Blackburn Community Facebook page on separate incidents, in reference to damage and thefts by 2 youths committing the crimes, were not reported to police. These should have been seen on the map, if reported. These crimes occurred in the area of Bearbrook & Innes on at least 3 occasions, where youths were seen with tools damaging private property and stealing items. It is imperative that crimes be reported to police, either on line or by phone.

In addition, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warning was published across Canada re scams purportedly coming from the RCMP, but are fraudulent. DO NOT CLICK LINKS OR NUMBERS ON DEVICES, for which you are uncertain of the originator.

For more information on Blackburn Hamlet Crime Prevention, visit blackburnhamlet.ca/our-work/safety/neighbourhood-watch/.

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2026 Blackburn Christmas Market. The market will take place on November 14, 2026 and will run from 10 AM to 3 PM. Details on the event, as well as the application form for prospective vendors, can be found at blackburnhamlet.ca/events/christmas-market/.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the month of July and early August. Confirmation of acceptance or denial of applications will be provided to vendors no later than August 7.

Table cost: $70/table. All table fees will be donated to community adult mental health programs in Ottawa.