Social Bridge Group

We invite you to join our relaxed social bridge group each Tuesday from 11:00 am until approx. 2:00 pm

Graham Park Community Centre, 48 Nanaimo Dr., Qualicum.

Just drop in. No need to sign up or have a partner.

We accommodate extras or table deficits accordingly.

Your $1 contribution provides coffee, tea and a tasty treat, plus prizes for the top 3 scores, the most honest player, bonus prizes for slams and 24 hands of fun bridge.

There is no instruction available; we assume you have a good understanding of standard bridge conventions.

Mostly on-street parking.

2946 Baseline Development: public meeting

We are seeing our first major development application come to the College Ward office since I was elected. At 2946 Baseline, Brigil is asking for a rezoning to permit for two high rise towers at 32 and 28 stories respectively, and a 9-story mid rise building (Application Details – Development Applications Search (ottawa.ca). We are inviting residents to an online open house on July 19thfrom 7-830pm.

RSVP at Laine Johnson – 2946 Baseline Open House

This is your opportunity to learn more about the proposed zoning bylaw amendment so that you can inform your comments to Kieran Watson, the lead planner on the file (Development applications feedback form | City of Ottawa). The first round of comments are due by July 31, but there will be additional opportunity to comment between now and the final report to Planning and Housing Committee later this year.

For myself, I have concerns about the proposed height and massing at this site. A 32-story building would be the first of its kind in the area.

It does meet the City’s Official Plan criteria, which permits up to 40 stories on a main street with the appropriate right-of-way width from the road, which Baseline allows. However, the planning context sees more mid-rise buildings in this area, and so high-rises would need to demonstrate consistency. This could be resolved through a reimagining of the podium, currently at 6 stories, or a revisit of the proposed transitions to the surrounding neighbourhood.

I am also concerned about the implications for transportation, given this site is quite a distance from the nearest major transit station at Algonquin College. Since there are so few amenities, one can only imagine that people will be using their cars for many trips and we want to see viable mode share targets through the area.

The Baseline Rapid Transit Corridor will alleviate some of that congestion over time and I look forward to the timing of that corridor with the final construction of this project. As currently conceived, the project would be completed by 2030.

Now Hiring: Program Director for QGP After School Program

The QGP Community Association is looking to hire a Program Director for its After School Program at 48 Nanaimo Drive starting in September 2023.
The job is part-time (15-20 hours/week) and the successful candidate must be available weekdays from approximately 2:30 – 5:30 PM (exact time depends on school and bus schedules). Position involves 3-5 weekly administrative hours in addition.
QPGCA is an established community association in the Qualicum – Graham Park Area in Nepean. QPGCA runs a range of community programmes including a highly successful after-school community programme (Kids’ Club) which has for been in place for over 25 years. Our mission is to provide a daily after school programme for children in our neighbourhood, where up to 30 children in Grades 1 to 6 can safely play, develop social skills, build friendships, explore and develop important life-skills, by means of indoor and outdoor games and activities.
The programme employs sufficient adult staff to meet legal ratios, and local high school students in support. Kids’ Club is an important and highly valued community-building programme.
The Kids’ Club Programme Director (KCPD) will be required to manage the daily programme, meeting its business and legal requirements. The Director reports to the Board annually.
Managing the daily programme
  • Ensuring that the Kids’ Club programme maintains an emotionally and physically safe environment for children and staff;
  • Ensuring that health and safety rules are followed;
  • Ensuring adequate and responsible supervision of children;
  • Managing participant behaviour in a positive and supportive manner;
  • Developing a programme of recreational activities that balances time for free play with more structured indoor and outdoor games and activities. This may include homework support;
  • Ensuring children and their families are properly informed and prepared for participation in the programme and any special events through communication. This may include newsletters or other regular communication;
  • Cultivating positive relationships with parents, caregivers and other key community stakeholders;
  • Liaises with City of Ottawa about any site maintenance issues;
  • Tracks and maintains all equipment and supplies used by Kids’ Club; and
  • Collaborates with QGPCA on program delivery to align Kids’ Club with the association’s goals in relation to the afterschool program

Managing the Business

  • Creating staff schedules;
  • Keeping accurate records of attendance for both staff and children, with accurate documenting of any incidents of concern;
  • Recruiting and supervision of participants, and staff;
  • Assisting QGPCA treasurer in ensuring budgetary compliance and submission of any required documents or reports to funding sources;
  • Ensuring that student attendance and financial information is properly collected and delivered to QGPCA treasurer, on a monthly basis;
  • Completing timesheets accurately and submitting to Payroll on time;
  • Maintaining accurate records on site (i.e., file box, staff files, program flyers, materials, schedules, programme curriculum and incident documentation)
  • Purchasing supplies and equipment as required and maintaining financial records of purchases

Managing Legal and Regulatory Requirements

  • Ensuring that the program meets all compliance and safety requirements set forth by QGPCA and is compliant with applicable legislation and regulations;
  • Ensuring site is compliant with all applicable and required regulations;
  • Monitoring and ensuring all program compliance, including, but not limited to, student registration, ratios, attendance tracking, IDs etc.; and
  • Reporting site injuries, incidents of concern or complaints via appropriate forms and immediately communicate incidents to parents and QGPCA. Where appropriate contact City of Ottawa.
  • Monitoring and ensuring all program compliance, including, but not limited to, student registration, ratios, attendance tracking, IDs etc.; and
  • Reporting site injuries, incidents of concern or complaints via appropriate forms and immediately communicate incidents to parents and QGPCA. Where appropriate contact City of Ottawa.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Secondary school diploma
  • Preferred to be pursuing or completed post-secondary qualification. Preference might be given to applicants with a focus on Education, Psychology, or Social Work;
  • Experience working with children, in early year education, supervisory experience or other relevant experience;
  • Reliable, organized and punctual, with superior organizational and time management skills;
  • An understanding of child behaviour and experience with behaviour management strategies;
  • Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate solutions, with a focus on team leadership;
  • Good communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with proven ability to interact with a diverse range of individuals both in person and digitally; and
  • Up to date First Aid certificate and Vulnerable Sector check;

QPGCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience.
Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Enquiries, expressions of interest and resumes should be sent to: president@qualicum.org

Winter Carnival Re-cap and Save the Date for Community Day – Sunday June 25th

The Carnival Came to Town!

On Sunday February 5th, 2023, the Qualicum-Graham Park Community Association (QGPCA) hosted the first QGP Winter Carnival since 2019. It was clear that our neighbourhood was craving community events again post-pandemic as we had a HUGE turnout. Our neighbourhood has certainly seen a turnover in the last few years and many young families have moved in.

There were horse wagon rides, skating, maple taffy, hot dogs, and lots of hot chocolate. We also had a local Scout Troop come out and put on a fire for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs. The Scout Troop also had Klondike sleds and were giving out free rides. Our own DJ Steve was back playing tunes and pumping up the crowd. Mother Nature also played a helping hand and brought us mild weather on the Sunday following a bitter cold snap.

The Winter Carnival owes much of its success to our amazing community volunteers. The QGPCA would like to thank the following folks: Steve Bergin (DJ Steve), Lauria Blackwell, Ray Cheng, Larissa Law, April and Dave MacDonald, Cynthia Mar, Steve Mate, Colin Mayes, Carla Schmitt, Christine Smith, and Sarah Sumner. We also had volunteer support from our neighbourhood youth including Abby, Adam, Grace, Heather, Anne, Eve and Jojo. Also special thanks to our local Scout Troop: Scouters Serge, Anthony, Kurt, Charles and Scouts Aidan, Alex, Caitlin, and Vincent. The Scouts not only helped with managing the roasting fire and Klondike sleds, but also helped DJ Steve with setup and takedown of his equipment.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank my fellow executives for their support in making this event happen: Steve MCAvoy (president), Daphne Snelgrove (treasurer) Christine Smith (secretary), Michael Revells (facility director) and Alison Buchanan (social director). In particular, I would like to thank Daphne for her tireless work as treasurer and helping to organize the Winter Carnival, and Alison who led the charge in bringing the Winter Carnival back and without whom this wonderful event would not have happened.

If you enjoyed the Winter Carnival, then mark your calendars for the return of the QGP Community Day on Sunday June 25th from 2-5pm. Bouncy castles, live entertainment, games, food, refreshments, face painting and more! Please bring cash for some ticketed activities and food.

If you would like to volunteer for this fun event and meet new neighbours, please contact: vicepresident@qualicum.org

Simmi Mangat
VP QGPCA

Upcoming Community Events

Rain Ready Ottawa Seminar
Wednesday May 3, 2023 at 7pm
To Register: Rain Ready Ottawa Seminar – College Ward / Quartier Collège (college-ward.ca)
Are you interested in preventing floods in your neighbourhood and better protecting your home from flooding? We’ll have City staff from the Stormwater Infrastructure group, Residential Protective Plumbing Program and Rain Ready Ottawa join us for this session.

Wildlife Strategy Review: Engage Ottawa
With so much discussion about the unfortunate demise of the Bells Corners bear, we would be remiss not to share that the Wildlife Strategy Review is currently underway. The City is seeking your feedback to review the existing Wildlife Strategy and provide feedback on its recommendations and implementation. The public is also asked to complete a short survey on Engage Ottawa to help provide insight on the City’s current Wildlife practices. The survey remains open until June 30th. Please visit: Wildlife Strategy Review | Engage Ottawa to learn more. There will be future opportunities to participate in-person at local sessions, our office will be sure to share details once they become available.

Pop Up Chat: Bells Corners
Monday May 15, 202310am-12pm
Tim Horton’s: 2145 Robertson Rd, Nepean, ON
Please join Councillor Laine Johnson and team for an informal chat about your local priorities. We’ll be set up at Tim Hortons from 10am-12pm, pop in and say hello! No need to RSVP.

Save the Date: Councillor Johnson Town Hall
Thursday June 8, 20237pm-8:30pm
Ben Franklin Place
More details to follow!

Planning Primer: Official Plan
May 25, 20231pm – 3pm via Zoom
Learn more about how Ottawa’s Official Plan guides our local planning processes. Registration to open soonPlanning Primer | City of Ottawa

Cleaning up the Capital
Registration is open until June 15th. This is an excellent opportunity to get your association members and neighbours out to clean up local parks. There are 847 projects registered across the City already with many planned already right here in College Ward. If your group is planning to participate, please let our office know so we can promote your good work on our social media channels! Cleaning the Capital Program | City of Ottawa