Summer is always a busy and exciting season in Orléans
One of the month’s most significant announcements came on July 22, when I welcomed Minister Gregor Robertson, joined by City Councillor Laura Dudas to the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex.
Together, we announced more than $6.3 million in federal funding toward the construction of a new full-sized gymnasium. This investment, delivered through the Build Communities Strong Fund in partnership with the City of Ottawa, will create more opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active, connect with neighbours, and enjoy modern recreation facilities for years to come.
Building strong communities also means preparing the workforce of tomorrow. During Minister Robertson’s visit, we toured La Cité’s Minto Trades Centre on Jeanne d’Arc Blvd., where we met with President and CEO Dr. Lynn Casimiro and students training for careers in the skilled trades. The Government of Canada’s additional $2 billion investment in skilled trades training will help equip the next generation with the skills needed to strengthen our economy and support growing communities like Orléans.
July also brought many opportunities to celebrate local achievements. Congratulations to Shamim, owner of Manicure Mansion, on the business’s first anniversary. I was also pleased to welcome Les Moulins La Fayette to Orléans at its new location at 2548 St. Joseph Blvd. Congratulations to owners Mahfoud and Mohamed Saadoudi on this exciting new venture. Small businesses are at the heart of our local economy, and such investment is another great example of the confidence local entrepreneurs have in our community. As our local BIA always says: Why Not Orléans!
It was also an honour to cele-brate the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary at Branch 632’s open house. During the event, I had the privilege of presenting the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Joseph Patrick Sean McNulty in recognition of more than 50 years of extraordinary service to veterans, military families, and our community.
Supporting our seniors remains a priority. At the July 19 breakfast hosted by the Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d’Ottawa (RAFO), I announced nearly $50,000 through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to enhance programming.
Now in August, I look forward to seeing many of you at our annual Corn Roast on Aug. 20 at Petrie Island as well as community celebrations, including the Chapel Hill Summer Sizzler on Aug. 14, the GACA Summer Fest and the Bradley Estate Community Association BBQ on Aug. 15, and the Queenswood Heights Music Festival and Family Fun Day on Aug. 22.
DAPO FUN DAY from 12 noon at the Blackburn Community Park. Live music, DJs, BBQ, kids activities and much more. This is a fundraising event for the Dapo Agoro Foundation for Peace.
OPEN CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Minimum of five games! All levels welcome, but first-timers are HIGHLY encouraged to sign up and learn this fun activity. To pre-register 
EUCHRE TOURNAMENT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Join a great gang of people playing euchre. Pizza served at 6 p.m., and cards dealt at 6:30 p.m. Send an email to info@straydogbrewing.ca to get on the list. Do NOT send your etransfer until you receive confirmation there is room for you. $25 gets you in and includes a beverage, two slices of delicious pizza, and a chance at some great prizes. It's one hell of a deal
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
