Blackburn Community Association

BCA Annual General Meeting
2025-03-20 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Toronto) | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
The BCA AGM will be held in-person at the Community Hall (190 Glen Park Drive) on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments and voter registration. Meeting starts at 7:30pm. Participation is open to all residents of Blackburn Hamlet, however, only residents who have renewed their BCA membership at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting are eligible to vote (https://blackburnhamlet.ca/about/bca-membership/).
The meeting will include a review of the BCA Budget and 2024 activities, followed by the election of the board.

You will find all documents for this AGM at the following links:
Agenda
https://blackburnhamlet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BCA_agenda_2025-03-20.pdf
Draft Minutes from the March 21, 2024 Annual General Meeting
https://blackburnhamlet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BCA_minutes_2024-03-21-AGM.pdf
2024 Financial Report TBD
2025 Budget TBD
BCA Board Roles
https://blackburnhamlet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BCA-Roles-2021.pdf
BCA By-law
https://blackburnhamlet.ca/about/bca-by-law/

Board Elections

Voting Members must be present at the Members’ meeting
Members must have paid for membership at least 7 days prior to the AGM
Voting is restricted to two adults (18 years or older) per household
Associate Members are not entitled to vote on the election of the Directors
Candidates must be BCA Members or Associate members and nominated and seconded by BCA Members
If there is only one candidate for President, Vice-President, Treasurer or Secretary, the candidate will be elected without a vote unless there is an objection raised
If there are 11 or fewer candidates for Director, the candidates will be elected without a vote unless there is an objection raised
If a written vote is required, the President shall appoint a Member of the BCA to conduct the voting
Portfolio Chairs / Co-Chairs will be determined at a board meeting after the AGM.

We look forward to your active participation in this year’s AGM!
Blackburn Community Association

First Aid Course
2025-03-22 | Aspira Bearbrook Retirement Home, 2645 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3J7, Canada
The March 22 First Aid Course, conducted by the Red Cross and organized by the Blackburn Community Association, has now reached its full capacity. No more registrations can be accepted at this time for this course. Our next planned First Aid course is for the end of June, 2025. If you wish to register for the June course contact Don Kelly at safety@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Kids & Youth Spring Fling
2025-03-23 10:30 - 13:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Come celebrate the arrival of spring at the hall! Kids ages 5 to 15 will have opportunities to engage in various spring-themed arts and crafts activities and games. Light refreshments will be provided. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

Youth and Teen Sewing Club
2025-03-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
No sewing experience? No problem. Come try out this useful skill and see how fun it can be to learn how to make your own knot bag, zippered pouch, and clothes! You can also bring your own project and the instructor Sophie will be your guide to help you complete it. These sessions are free and no materials are required.
Sophie is a bilingual sewing instructor, Mom of four, volunteer Scouts animator and PTA-Mom. For more information or to reach Sophie, email seyseysophie@gmail.com.
Advance Registration is Mandatory! Please register for one or all of the upcoming sessions listed below by using this Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1L5XKwmPmSUPGuXOcxIGmAciEVPN10-XLoFILv0zrXhY/edit
*Note: Registration is not required but encouraged. Drop-ins welcome.
Ages 8 – 17
Location: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive
Dates:
Sunday February 23rd, 3pm – 5pm
Sunday March 23rd, 3pm – 5pm
Sunday April 13th, 3pm -5pm
Sunday May 25th, 3pm – 5pm

Discovery Café (Free event)
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Gold: From Mine to Market
When: Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive
Join Eric Jodouin, Sales Manager at the Royal Canadian Mint, as he speaks about the Mint, focussing on gold provenance and transformation. We will learn about the different business lines, how to acquire gold and the different formats available in the marketplace.

Eric Jodouin is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience at the Mint, where he has held various roles since 1998. Eric specializes in numismatics, bullion, and refinery services, with a strong focus on the precious metal business in Asia. A Franco-Ontarian born and raised in Ottawa, Eric enjoys snowboarding in his free time and has a passion for magic.
Admission is free, refreshments will be served and people of all ages are invited to attend.
Questions & Suggestions? Please email barbara@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Blackburn Seniors Breakfast Get-together
2025-04-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4Z5, Canada
When: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road in Blackburn Hamlet
Blackburn Seniors (55+) are invited to gather for a great meal, wonderful conversation and lots of laughs.
Ample parking is available. Guests are welcome.
For questions or to RSVP, please email seniors@blackburnhamlet.ca.
Hope to see you there.

Community Closet - Adult Clothing
2025-04-12 09:00 - 16:30 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Is your closet bringing you joy? Ready for a wardrobe refresh while supporting sustainable fashion?
Join us for the Spring Community Closet Event, hosted by the Blackburn Community Association’s Environment Committee! This event is for adults looking to swap and refresh their wardrobes sustainably.
📅 Date: April 12, 2025
📍 Location: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Dr, Gloucester, ON K1B 5A3
Discover a variety of free, pre-loved adult clothing just waiting for a new home—yours! Bring your friends, family, and neighbours for a day of community, sustainability, and style.
To ensure an inclusive experience, we invite participants to attend during the following time slots:
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Seniors & adults who prefer a quieter environment
👨‍👩‍👧 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Families
🌍 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Open to all
Want to contribute? We’re accepting gently used adult clothing donations (no accessories, shoes, or undergarments) on April 10th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Blackburn Community Hall.
Let’s come together to refresh our closets and reduce waste—one swap at a time! See you there!
For more information or to volunteer contact enviro@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Used Tables For Sale!
2025-04-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Norman Johnston Secondary School, 2401 Cléroux Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1W 1A1, Canada
The BCA recently replaced our aging 3′ square tables in the Hall and are now selling the old tables in time for the Community Garage Sale. The is $20 each

The tables are well used, but are still functional. You can claim your table in advance by emailing safety@blackburnhamlet.ca or stop by the Rink Warming Hut behind the Norman Johnston School, 2401 Cléroux Crescent, on Saturday April 12 between 10am and 2pm.

All sale proceeds will be donated to the Lifecentre Food Bank.

Youth and Teen Sewing Club
2025-04-13 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-25 15:00 - 17:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
No sewing experience? No problem. Come try out this useful skill and see how fun it can be to learn how to make your own knot bag, zippered pouch, and clothes! You can also bring your own project and the instructor Sophie will be your guide to help you complete it. These sessions are free and no materials are required.
Sophie is a bilingual sewing instructor, Mom of four, volunteer Scouts animator and PTA-Mom. For more information or to reach Sophie, email seyseysophie@gmail.com.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY! Please email seyseysophie@gmail.com to reserve a space.
Ages 8 – 17
Location: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive
Dates:
Sunday February 23rd, 3pm – 5pm
Sunday March 23rd, 3pm – 5pm
Sunday April 13th, 3pm -5pm
Sunday May 25th, 3pm – 5pm

Seniors Walk-and-Talk
2025-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Isaiah Scharfe Park, 41 Bearbrook Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3H4, Canada
Now that the snow and ice are clearing, we are pleased to announce that we will be resuming the seniors walks in April.
Please mark your calendars and join other avid walkers at the Bearbrook Road stoplight entrance to Isaiah Scharfe Park (Bush Park) at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Walking routes will vary and walkers have the option to do a shorter 2 km route or a longer 4 km route.
Walks will proceed rain or shine. Should the weather be unexpectedly bad, please check the BCA Facebook group for updates.

BCA Board Meeting
2025-04-17 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-05-15 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-06-19 19:30 - 22:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
This in person meeting is open to residents of Blackburn Hamlet in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Email secretary@blackburnhamlet.ca for more information.

Discovery Café (Free event)
2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Electric Vehicle 101
When: Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive
Electric Vehicles are increasing in popularity and are a good choice for those who need personal transportation. This presentation will cover the basics of EV ownership including charging, long distance travel and performance in hot and cold weather. We will also dispel some common myths that are circulated in mainstream and social media. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session that will allow you plenty of opportunity to ask any follow-up questions.
Raymond Leury has always been interested in science & environmental issues. Eleven years ago, he bought his first EV, which led him to become a member of the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO) of which he is now president. His interest in environmental issues was rekindled when he attended Al Gore’s Climate Reality Corps in 2017. Now retired from a long IT career, Raymond pursues his passion by spending much of his time researching and advocating for EVs and climate change solutions.
Admission is free, refreshments will be served and people of all ages are invited to attend.
Questions & Suggestions? Please email barbara@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Blackburn Hamlet Annual Spring Clean-up
2025-04-26 09:30 - 13:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Along with many other communities of the Ottawa area, the Blackburn Community Association holds an annual Spring Clean-Up. Please volunteer to help us out; we will assign you a small area of Blackburn for litter pick-up plus provide you with garbage bags and latex gloves. The litter and recyclables can be brought back to the Community Hall. This event runs on April 26th from 9:30 to 11:30 in the morning. Volunteers are then invited to a BBQ (including vegetarian options) to say thanks for all your ‘dirty’ work. All ages are welcome!
Spring Clean-Up is more than just picking up litter—it’s about fostering community pride, protecting our environment, and creating a cleaner, healthier space for everyone to enjoy. So let’s welcome the warmer months with a fresh start and make this year’s Spring Clean-Up the best one yet! Together, we can make a big difference.
If you have any questions or would like to help with the event, contact cleanup@blackburnhamlet.ca.
When: Saturday April 26th at 9:30 a.m.
Rain date: Sunday April 27th at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Community Hall 190 Glen Park Drive

Community Garage Sale
2025-05-03 08:00 - 14:00 | Blackburn Hamlet, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Were you inspired to declutter your home this winter, but have yet to have a chance to get rid of everything due to all the snow? Now is your chance to pass these items along, hoping they may ‘spark joy’ in someone else, and make some extra cash in the meantime! Or maybe you’ve been searching for a great deal on something that will make you smile and help keep our landfills, well, not full. Join the fun with our annual community garage sale Saturday, May 3 from 8am to 2pm, rain or shine.
Hamlet residents do not need to register or sign up – simply put out a table and join in! As we have done in past years, we will be assembling an unofficial map of participating houses. If you would like your house to be included, please let us know at garagesale@blackburnhamlet.ca.
Please keep visiting the BCA website Garage Sale Page for more up-to-date information as it becomes available.

Think green! Help minimize what goes in the trash.

Fundraiser and BBQ for Louis Riel Graduates
2025-05-03 09:00 - 14:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
While enjoying the annual Blackburn Community Garage Sale, don’t forget to stop by the Community Hall for a good cause! In collaboration with the BCA Director of Youth, grade 12 students from Louis-Riel will be hosting an outdoor BBQ with hotdogs, chips and drinks. Inside the Hall you can expect more garage sale items, vendor tables, a bake sale, and a *free* craft table where your kids can make a mothers day gift and card, decorate their own cupcake, and more!

Blackburn Seniors Breakfast Get-together
2025-05-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4Z5, Canada
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road in Blackburn Hamlet
Blackburn Seniors (55+) are invited to gather for a great meal, wonderful conversation and lots of laughs.
Ample parking is available. Guests are welcome.
For questions or to RSVP, please email seniors@blackburnhamlet.ca.
Hope to see you there.

Seniors Walk-and-Talk
2025-05-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Isaiah Scharfe Park, 41 Bearbrook Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3H4, Canada
Please mark your calendars and join other avid walkers at the Bearbrook Road stoplight entrance to Isaiah Scharfe Park (Bush Park) at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Walking routes will vary and walkers have the option to do a shorter 2 km route or a longer 4 km route.
Walks will proceed rain or shine. Should the weather be unexpectedly bad, please check the BCA Facebook group for updates.

sARTurday morning Art Session
2025-05-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Looking for something to do during the cold winter months? Why not try your hand at painting?
We are pleased to announce that Heather Vos, who ran art sessions at the Blackburn Hamlet Community Church prior to the pandemic, will be back in the Hamlet to lead two art sessions over the next few months. Heather is a retired teacher specializing in the arts. She has facilitated several art activities for children and adults and creates all kinds of art in her spare time. Her favourite kind of people are those who think they have no artistic skills whatsoever.
The second session will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive.
The fee is $20 per person per session and can be paid directly to Heather on the day of the event.
Refreshments will be served.
To help ensure Heather has ample supplies for participants, please register your attendance by email at barbara@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Youth Board Games & Brunch
2025-05-18 11:00 - 13:30 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
This event is for kids and youth ages 3 to 17. Families and youth are invited to come to the community hall to have some fun while enjoying a light brunch. There will be many board games available to play, but feel free to bring your own! Kids 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Discovery Café (Free event)
2025-05-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive
Topic: The Making of a Podcast: “The Interview Dudes”
Speaker: James Charron
Join podcast producer James Charron as he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a wonderful podcast: The Interview Dudes.
In June 2019, James`s son Jack and his friends, Nathan, and Ben — all finishing Grade 6 here in Ottawa — decided to launch a podcast. Initially, their goal was simple: to interview their classmates and learn about various career paths. However, with James`s guidance and support, the podcast quickly evolved into something much more remarkable.
The inaugural episode featured James providing listeners with a glimpse into the world of voice acting. As the podcast gained momentum, they secured interviews with prominent figures, including Ottawa’s then-Mayor Jim Watson and, notably, Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds.
Their unique approach involved reaching out to potential guests through social media platforms. Over the years, The Interview Dudes expanded their guest list to include scientists, politicians, athletes, musicians, and professionals from the film industry. This diverse range of interviews not only enriched the podcast’s content, but also demonstrated that age is no barrier to achieving remarkable feats, with the podcast climbing to the #2 Kids and Family podcast in Canada.
James’s role as producer was handling guest coordination and technical aspects, while Jack, Nathan, and Ben focus on crafting insightful questions. This collaborative effort resulted in a podcast that showcases the enthusiasm and curiosity of youth, proving that with passion and support, anything is possible!
Admission is free, refreshments will be served and people of all ages are invited to attend.
Questions & Suggestions? Please email barbara@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Youth Home Alone Course ($)
2025-05-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Get your kids ready for safety while home alone ahead of the summer! Your child will learn how to be responsible and safe while staying home alone. They will also learn how to build a safety plan including house rules , emergencies, street proofing, common lures and much more.
This 2 hour Ménard Safety Course for kids ages 8 to 12 years old, which is usually $39, will be partially sponsored by the Blackburn Community Association for the reduced cost of $25 per child. Please register your child by sending an email with their name, age and language to youth@blackburnhamlet.ca.
The course will cover the following topics:

Preparing a Safety Plan
Remote Communication
Staying “Home Alone” with a younger sibling
Key Safety & other options
Responsibilities
Feeling Scared or Bored
Emergencies
House Rules
Prank & obscene calls
Radar Alert & Common Lures
Street Proofing Questions
Important information & recommendations for parents included in the information package

Bike Rodeo
2025-05-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Lois Kemp Arena, 200 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 5A3, Canada
NOTICE
Please be advised that the BCA Children Bike Rodeo that is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, has been cancelled due to weather conditions. The decision was made because conducting biking maneuvers in wet and 8 degree weather is unsafe for our young riders. It is also challenging for the event volunteer support group. We will hold the event at a later date when better conditions prevail.
BCA Safety
The Blackburn Hamlet Community Association (BCA) will be hosting a Youth Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, May 24 at the Blackburn arena parking area, 200 Glen Park Drive, for children ages 6 to 11.
Riders will learn how to wear helmets safely, the importance of knowing their bicycle ABCs (Air in tires; Brakes; and Crank/Chain/Cogs), and safe riding skills like hand signaling, braking and maneuvering through obstacles. The course is taught by an experienced and qualified bicycle instructor. There will be bicycle safety literature and gifts for participants. Participants will also receive a Certificate of Achievement from the BCA.
The course is FREE but participants must arrive with a proper-fitting helmet and a bicycle in a serviceable condition. To register for this event, contact Don Kelly at safety@blackburnhamlet.ca. Adult volunteers are welcomed and appreciated

Blackburn Seniors Breakfast Get-together
2025-06-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4Z5, Canada
When: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road in Blackburn Hamlet
Blackburn Seniors (55+) are invited to gather for a great meal, wonderful conversation and lots of laughs.
Ample parking is available. Guests are welcome.
For questions or to RSVP, please email seniors@blackburnhamlet.ca.
Hope to see you there.

FunFair 2025
2025-06-06 - 2025-06-08 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
The annual Blackburn FunFair celebrates community spirit in the first weekend of June.
The fair features a carnival style midway, music, local vendors, a used book fair, beer garden and fireworks!
For more information visit the FunFair website at blackburnfunfair.ca.

Kids & Youth Art in the Park
2025-06-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Saturday June 15th, 11am – 2pm
Blackburn Community Hall and exterior terrace (weather permitting)
Kids and Youth ages 5-18 are welcome to come by and create some art at the Community Hall. There will be various stations with crafting activities where kids and youth from all levels can participate, and even some stations where you can make a Fathers Day gift. Kids 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Seniors Walk-and-Talk
2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Isaiah Scharfe Park, 41 Bearbrook Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3H4, Canada
Please mark your calendars and join other avid walkers at the Bearbrook Road stoplight entrance to Isaiah Scharfe Park (Bush Park) at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Walking routes will vary and walkers have the option to do a shorter 2 km route or a longer 4 km route.
Walks will proceed rain or shine. Should the weather be unexpectedly bad, please check the BCA Facebook group for updates.

Crime Prevention Workshop
2025-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
On June 18, starting at 7 pm, the BCA, in cooperation with Ottawa Police Services, will host a Crime Prevention Workshop at the Blackburn Community Centre, 190 Glen Park Drive. The event will feature four specific components of Crime Prevention. They are:

Make the Right Call: Learn how you are helping build a safer community by Making the Right Call. Calls to the Police must be prioritized quickly and responded to appropriately. Learn how “Make the Right Call” spells out which telephone number to call depending on the nature of the call — life threatening emergency or crime in progress (9-1-1), and other emergencies.
National Capital Crime Stoppers: Learn about Crime Stoppers, a community-based tips program that allows residents to anonymously report information about crimes and offers cash rewards of up to $2,000 for this information. Learn how in 2024, the community’s support of Crime Stoppers led to $233,345 worth of property being recovered, and how Crime Stoppers can play a vital role in community safety.
CAMSafe: Learn about the new police initiative designed to enhance crime prevention and investigations by leveraging community security cameras. Studies have shown security cameras have not only reduced crime rates but also act as an extra set of eyes to help police identify and apprehend criminals. This program establishes a community network that will help protect our neighborhoods.
Neighbourhood Watch: Learn how your Neighbourhood Watch is evolving into a highly effective means for Neighbours to help Neighbours and our plans to enhance its expansion.

This event is open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend. The BCA is asking residents to please send confirmation of your attendance to safety@blackburnhamlet.ca by June 13 so that adequate logistical arrangements can be made. Refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!
