Blackburn Community Association

sARTurday morning Art Session
2025-05-17 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | 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

Youth and Teen Sewing Club
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

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!

BCA Board Meeting
2025-06-19 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-09-18 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-10-16 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.

Blackburn Seniors Summer Lunch
2025-06-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Portugalos Restaurant, 2A-110 Bearbrook Road, Gloucester, Ontario, K1B 5R2, Canada
To welcome summer and continue to support businesses in our community, we will hold a lunch at the Portugalos Restaurant, 2A-110 Bearbrook Road, 12:00, Friday, June 20.
For questions or to RSVP, please email seniors@blackburnhamlet.ca.
Hope to see you there.

First Aid Course
2025-06-21 | Aspira Bearbrook Retirement Home, 2645 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3J7, Canada
The BCA will be hosting the next First Aid Course on June 21. The details of the Course are:
CPR Level C & AED (Adult, Child & Infant) 6-hour course, 3-year Red Cross certification

Responding to emergencies
Check, Call, Care
Airway emergencies
Breathing & circulation emergencies
CPR, Cardiac Arrest & AED
Written exam (min. passing grade: 75%)

The cost is $65.00 plus HST ($8.45) = $73.45.
Anyone interested in attending this important life-saving training can register at safety@blackburnhamlet.ca. The BCA would like to acknowledge the strong community support of the Aspira Retirement Residence who has hosted this event for several years.

Blackburn Seniors Breakfast Get-together
2025-07-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4Z5, Canada
When: Wednesday, July 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.

Garden Stroll
2025-07-05 - 2025-07-06 | Blackburn Hamlet, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Mark your calendars for July 5 & 6 from 10am to 4pm for the 4th annual Blackburn Hamlet Garden Stroll!
This free, self-guided tour invites you to explore the beauty of local gardens without the need for tickets—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm. You can either follow the map online or you can download and print a brochure with the locations and activities.
Open to the public, the event welcomes visitors from across the city and beyond. This year, you can look forward to enjoying 17 gardens, featuring both returning favourites and new additions. Two Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions, and various artists will be present with their easels and paints, adding a creative touch to the stroll.
New this year, Adrian will be roaming the Hamlet in his ice cream truck, offering sweet treats on both days. Also, Just Food, located on 150 acres of NCC property off Pepin Court, will open their farm and gardens for visitors. Printed maps with more information will be available and will be posted on social media.
For inquiries contact Cynthia Hoisak at 613-799-9514 or choisak@rogers.com, and Miriam Hampson at miriam@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Entertainment:
SATURDAY JULY 5TH
MUSICIANS

Jenifir & David Thies-Thompson, Flute & Viola @ 11 Redberry Crt 10-11:30am

PLEIN AIR ARTISTS

Dulce Juvet @ 62 Eastpark Dr 10am-1pm
Zoe Michel Hoisak @ 47 Westpark Dr 10am-4pm
Pat Coulombe @66 Eastpark Dr 10am-1pm
Dan Edward @ 25 Parkwood 10am-4pm
Pierre Cloutier @ 12 Woodview 10am-4pm

JUST FOOD COMMUNITY FARM

Self Guided Tours 10am to 4pm

SUNDAY JULY 6TH
MUSICIANS

The Fake McCoys @ 1 Bearbrook, Light Rock Band Trio, 1:00-2:30 pm

MASTER GARDENERS

Belinda Boekhoven & Pauline Yelle @ 47 Westpark Dr 10am-2pm

PLEIN AIR ARTISTS

Marion Jean Hall @ 62 Centrepark Dr Starting at 10am
Dan Edward @ 62 Eastpark Dr 10am-4pm
Pierre Cloutier @ 12 Woodview 10am-4pm

JUST FOOD COMMUNITY FARM

Birch Path Healing Garden, Storytelling in Nature 10:30am-12pm
Farm Stand 11am-2pm
Bountiful Beaver plot tours and daisy picking Noon-1pm.
Guided Tours by Foret Capitale Forest 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

EXTRAS

COOL TREATS Ice Cream Truck, making the rounds of the Hamlet Saturday and Sunday!
DRONE FOOTAGE of GARDENS will be available on the BCA Facebook page throughout the weekend!
FOOD BANK DONATIONS will be accepted at the garden locations.

Cancelled - Youth Glow in the Dark
2025-07-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled.

Kids Splish Splash Summer Bash
2025-08-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
August 3rd, 2025, 11am – 3pm
Kids ages 3-10
Blackburn Community Hall outdoor Splash Pad (190 Glen Park Drive)
Come celebrate summer outside the hall by the splash pad where there will be music, snacks, outdoor games, and plenty of opportunities to cool down and get soaked! Wear your bathing suit and feel free to bring your water guns. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
If there is rain/ thunder showers on this day, there will still be an event with activities, music and snacks in the Blackburn Community Hall at 190 Glen Park Drive, beginning at 11am but ending earlier, at 1:30pm.

Blackburn Seniors Breakfast Get-together
2025-08-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4Z5, Canada
When: Wednesday, August 6, 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.

Blackburn Seniors Breakfast Get-together
2025-09-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4Z5, Canada
When: Wednesday, September 3, 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 & Talk
2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Join your local community for a 5km stroll in the neighbourhood.
When: Wednesday September 17, 2025 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Meet outside the Blackburn Community Hall at 190 Glen Park Drive
What to expect: Meet new people, enjoy the outdoors and support mental wellbeing together. Everyone welcome – even 4 legged paw friends.

BCA Volunteer Appreciation
2025-09-20 | Just Food Farm, 2391 Pépin Court, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4C4, Canada
More details will be posted in late Summer.

Free Heart-Valve Disease Screening Clinic (65+)
2025-09-24 | Aspira Bearbrook Retirement Home, 2645 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3J7, Canada
When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Where: Aspira Bearbrook Retirement Residence, 2645 Innes Road
Aspira Bearbrook Retirement Residence, the BCA and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute are working together to offer to Blackburn residents aged 65+ with no known heart issues the opportunity to have a free heart-valve disease screening appointment.
For more information about the screening and how to book your appointment, please see the Brochure.

Discovery Café (Free event)
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
Dementia Update 2025 – Dr. Christopher Skinner
When: Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive
Join Dr. Skinner for this informative session during which he will:

review the different types of dementia and how dementia affects daily life;
review strategies to delay the progression of the different types of dementia; and
review some the medications available and their side effects.

A period for questions and discussion will follow.
Dr. Skinner received his B.Eng (Electrical) from the Royal Military College in 1970. He worked as a CELE officer in Moosonee and then at NDHQ between 1970 to 1975.
He received his medical degree from Queen’s in 1979 and then served as a Flight Surgeon at CFB North Bay and then as the Base Surgeon at CFB Ottawa. He received his specialist certification in General Internal Medicine in 1986 in Neurology in 1987 and qualified as a Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine in 2005.
In 2011, Dr. Skinner completed a three-month sabbatical with the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Space Agency in Moscow studying the neurological and sleep related complications of long duration space flight.
He has co-authored two editions of a textbook of neurology entitled “The Integrated Nervous System” with Dr Walter Hendelman and Dr. Peter Humphreys which includes an interactive web site “integratednervoussystem.com”.
He is currently a member of the Aviation Medical Review Board at Transport Canada and is a consultant for the Department of National Defence in Aerospace Medicine.
He has taught clinical neurology, aviation medicine, and sleep medicine at all levels including medical students, residents, physician assistants and military Flight Surgeons, and continues to teach Neurology, Psychiatry and Neuropathology to medical students and residents at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine.
Admission is free, refreshments will be served and people of all ages are invited to attend.
Questions & Suggestions? Please email barbara@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Cancer Chase 2025
2025-09-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
The Annual Blackburn Hamlet 5K Walk/Run Cancer Chase event, supported by the Blackburn Community Association and countless community volunteers and sponsors, will be held on September 27, 2025 at the Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive.
ALL funds raised go to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation for Cancer Research.
More details, including the route map and the event schedule, are posted on the Cancer Chase Page.
Be a participant in the fun walk/run, Be a donor, Be a volunteer.

Blackburn Seniors Breakfast Get-together
2025-10-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Halibut House, 2672 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4Z5, Canada
When: Wednesday, October 1, 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.

Friendsgiving Potluck Lunch
2025-10-12 11:30 - 14:00 | Blackburn Community Hall, 190 Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2B 5A3, Canada
October 12th 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Blackburn Community Hall
For a second year, the BCA’s Director of Youth is collaborating with the Director of Senior to organize a “Friendsgiving Potluck” lunch on October 12th. Youth, seniors, families and members of the community are invited to come together over a Thanksgiving themed luncheon, where there will be opportunities to get to know each other as well as a team trivia game for prizes!
Please bring an item to share to the Blackburn Community Hall to join in.

Seniors Walk & Talk
2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Mer Bleue Bog P20 Lot, 3018 Anderson Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E7, Canada
We are hoping to take in the beautiful fall colours in Mer Bleue. The meeting point will be at Parking lot P20 (3018 Anderson Road) at 1 pm. We will take NCC trail # 51 for an approximate 5 km walk. The path is wide and flat and graded as an easy trail. Leashed dogs are also welcome. BCA can not be responsible for rides but is willing to help link anyone who should want a ride with someone who has availability. Should you have any questions regarding this walk please feel free to email seniors@blackburnhamlet.ca.
When: Wednesday October 15, 2025 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Meet at Parking lot P20 (3018 Anderson Road)
What to expect: Meet new people, enjoy the outdoors and support mental wellbeing together. Everyone welcome – even 4 legged paw friends.
