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Blackburn Community Association

June 2026 News

Dividing LineBCA Bites

The annual FunFair, organized by the BCA, dates back to the first one in 1971. Proceeds from the fair are distributed to local community groups. In early years, the proceeds were used to help fund projects such as the Bearbrook Pool as well as Parks and Sports Fields in Blackburn Hamlet. In its present form, the fair runs for three days on the first weekend of June and provides a wide range of activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.  It costs over $75k to hold the fair and needs a core committee of 25 volunteers that grows over 150 during the fair weekend.

Dividing LineWhat's Happening at the Funfair?

Blackburn FunFair 2026

Annual Blackburn Funfair June 5-7 bigger and better than ever

Plans are afoot to make this year's Blackburn Funfair on June 5-7 the best yet and organizers are looking forward to bringing Ottawa's best small community fair to a wider audience with Saturday's evening headline act: SOS: The ABBA Experience. Delighting audiences and playing to sold-out shows across Canada, SOS - The ABBA Experience recreates the music of ABBA almost note for note from the original albums with no backing tracks. 

SOS The ABBA Experience

Get a $15 discount with promo code ORLEANS30 on tickets! Don't wait too long!

Only 100 tickets are available at that price which is a 33% savings over regular priced tickets. You won't find a better price for this show anywhere. Tickets available at simpletix.com/e/sos-the-abba-experience-tickets-261819.

Why come? Because it's the most affordable fair you'll go to this summer with lots to see and do. No gate fee. No parking fee. And all rides and kids games are only a buck or two! The Blackburn Funfair runs annually on the first weekend in June and this local community event has been a tradition since 1971 striving to provide an affordable family festival weekend full of fun activities for people of all ages.

Bracelets - this year's fair will be offering affordable all-weekend bracelets available for unlimited rides on all inflatables. Buy it early and use it all weekend for only $20! Want to avoid lineups? Bracelets can be pre ordered online and picked up at the Blackburn Public Library in advance. Get your bracelet at blackburnfunfair.ca/bracelet/.

Silent Auction Fundraiser 

The Blackburn FunFair Silent Auction is now LIVE!

Browse and bid on a growing collection of items from amazing local businesses and community supporters! From gift cards and experiences to local goodies and family fun, there’s something for everyone!

Bid anytime online between now and Sunday, June 7 at 3:00 PM

Every bid helps support the Blackburn community, with proceeds going right back into local programs, events, and initiatives through the Blackburn FunFair.

Visit zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/blackburn-funfair-2026-silent-auction to see the treasure trove of auction items that are sure to delight, thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses and individuals.

Onsite - you can also visit us to see items in person at Lois Kemp Arena (200 Glen Park Drive) on Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Simply browse the auction items, place your bid, and keep an eye on your emails to see if you've been outbid! 

Free shows are back - guests raved about the added free attractions introduced last year and they're all back! Come enjoy hourly free shows including Mojo Magic magician Ben Lavalee, Little Rays Reptiles, stilt walker Luciano Lu, comedian Chris Pilsworth, juggler Jean-Guy Beaudry, Princess Elsa and Demon Hunter Rumi sharing their story tales in the arena all weekend.

Pony Rides - are back with no waiting in line this year. Register for a spot between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday weather depending. Don't horse around. Sign up before all spots are gone! 

Casino Night - this year's fair will host a Casino Night Friday night from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and include popular games like poker, blackjack and roulette. Please note the event is a fundraiser with prizes for the winners and not a cash tournament. Go to blackburnfunfair.ca/casino/ for more info.

But there's no midway! Sadly true . . . but that's how our local fair keeps costs down and still makes it a fun affordable time. New to this year’s inflatable lineup is:

  • Soccer darts - it's a World Cup summer so show off your kicking prowess!
  • Pony hop racetrack - race your friends and win!
  • Returning favorites include the Big Red Baller, 19-foot mega slide, 50-foot extreme obstacle course, 3-lane bungy run and the Funhouse maze.

50/50 Raffle - Last year's winner won almost $500! Support a local community event by purchasing entries to our 50/50 Funfair Raffle at rafflebox.ca/raffle/blackburn-2026.

D&D tournament - Prepare yourself for a Saturday where imagination roars to life and heroes are forged! This year’s fair is unleashing an unforgettable Dungeons & Dragons one shot adventure, inviting brave souls to step into a world of danger, destiny, and daring choices. More info here: blackburnfunfair.ca/fantasy.

Cornhole tournament - Softball not your thing? Then try cornhole! Get that sack in the hole at our cornhole tournament Sunday at the community center. Want to play? More info at blackburnfunfair.ca/cornhole-tournament/.

BCA @ Showcase - Stop by the BCA tables in the Arena Showcase to renew your membership, check out our upcoming events, learn more about Neighbourhood Watch and personal safety (in partnership with the Ottawa Police Service) and ask questions you have on Cold Climate Heat Pumps, Solar and Electric Vehicles (in partnership with Seniors Climate Action Network).

Other well-loved returning and new events include:

  • Free kids movie Friday June 5 in the arena
  • Saturday parade down Bearbrook Ave at 10:00 AM
  • Free fireworks show Saturday at 10:00 PM
  • Pancake breakfast Saturday at 8:00 AM
  • Bingo in the hall Saturday at 2:00 PM
  • Weekend softball tournament
  • Showcase of 60 vendors in the Lois Kemp arena all weekend
  • Music Friday night and all Saturday leading up to the main act: SOS: The ABBA Experience. Other featured acts include Where's Mike, Right On! C-Sonic and Green's Creek Revival
  • Beer garden open Friday evening and Saturday

Come see what Blackburn Hamlet has to offer this summer. Visit blackburnfunfair.ca for up to date info and event registrations.

Dividing LineThe June First Aid Training Course is Full

The BCA organized Canadian Red Cross First Aid course scheduled for June 27 is now at capacity and we can no longer accept requests for this course. The BCA is a strong supporter of this training and we encourage everyone interested in this life-saving skill to contact safety@blackburnhamlet.ca to register for the next course scheduled for October, 2026.

In accordance with Canada Red Cross regulations a minimum number of 13 candidates is required. The course is a CPR Level C and AED (Adult, Child and Infant), 6-hour course. Graduates will receive a three- year Red Cross certification. The cost is $70.00 per person + HST. There will be a written exam with a passing grade of 75%. The subjects covered will include: 

  • Responding to Emergencies
  • Check, Call, Care 
  • Airway Emergencies 
  • Breathing and Circulation Emergencies 
  • CPR, Cardiac Arrest and AED
  • Written exam (min. passing grade: 75%)

Dividing LineVolunteer help needed for the BANAR delivery

We are looking for a volunteer to take on a crucial role - BANAR Delivery Coordinator! 

This is an important step in the BANAR delivery process. Five times per year, you would receive the papers delivered by the printer, sort them into bundles for each of the delivery routes in the neighbourhood, and coordinate pick-up of the bundles by each of the delivery carriers/families. 

Time commitment is 5 weekends per year. If interested, please contact the BANAR Editor, Jaclyn O’Shaughnessy, at banar@blackburnhamlet.ca. 

Dividing LineBlackburn Hamlet 2026 Garden Tour!

Garden TourCalling all gardeners, garden lovers, or anyone who enjoys the beauty of a lovely garden! The Blackburn Hamlet Garden Tour is back again this summer. Join us for the 5th year, this July 11 & 12, from 10 am to 4pm.

A wonderful variety of gardens, artists, and musicians are all awaiting your visits. A map will be available on the BCA website and Blackburn Facebook group leading up to the event.

Have a garden you’d like to put on display? There’s still time to add your garden to the tour! Connect with Cynthia at (613) 799-9514 or Miriam at beautification@blackburnhamlet.ca.

Dividing LineBCA Events

BCA FunFair Parade 2025

June 3 - Seniors Breakfast @ 9:00 AM

Join other Seniors at this popular monthly event held at Halibut House. RSVP is MANDATORY. Contact Shirley at 613-841-7691. More Info

June 5-7 FunFair Weekend

Parade, games, bouncy castles, music, local vendors, book sale, silent auction, fireworks, tournaments, and much more! More Info

June 14 Video Game Safety Course @ 4:00 PM

Free 1 hour course at the Community Hall for kids ages 8 to 15 to teach them how to stay safe playing video games. More Info

June 17 Seniors Walk & Talk @ 1:00 PM

Join other seniors at the Community Hall on a 2km or 3km social walk in the Hamlet. More Info

June 18 BCA Board Meeting @ 7:30 PM

Find out what the BCA Board is doing for your community.  Meetings are held at the Community Hall and online. More Info

June 26 Seniors Lunch @ Noon

Join other Seniors for lunch at Purtugalos restaurant. Cost is $26 + Taxes & Tip. RSVP is MANDATORY. Contact Shirley at 613-841-7691. More Info

June 27 First Aid Course (Full)

CPR Level C & AED course. Graduates will receive a 3 year Red Cross certification. Registration deadline is June 1st. More Info

July 1 Seniors Canada Day Breakfast @ 9:00 AM

Join other Seniors at this popular monthly event held at Halibut House. RSVP is MANDATORY. Contact Shirley at 613-841-7691. More Info

July 4 Kids & Youth Art in the Park @ 10:30 AM

Create some art at the Hall. Various stations with crafting activities where kids and youth from all levels can participate. More Info

Dividing LineNeighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch Blackburn Hamlet

View the current BCA Neighbourhood Watch report Online.  Topics include Reporting Crime, Distraction Thefts, Fraud and Crimes reported in Blackburn Hamlet over the past month.

Report all crime or attempted crimes to the Ottawa Police.

If you have not joined Neighbourhood Watch, please go to this link within the Blackburn Community Association website under "Safety" (blackburnhamlet.ca/our-work/safety/neighbourhood-watch/), complete the form and submit.  You will be added to the email distribution list through an assigned Block Captain.

Awareness is the first step in personal Crime Prevention.

Dividing LineUpcoming Events @ Aspira Bearbrook

Aspira Events June 2026

Heart Screening June & July

Dividing LineBlackburn Library Activities

Ottawa Public Library

There are a variety of activities scheduled at the Ottawa Public Library, Blackburn Hamlet Branch throughout the month.

  • June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 @ 10:00 AM Fun and Games for Adults
  • June 1 @ 3:00 PM Technology Questions & Answers
  • June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 @ 3:30 PM Chess Club D'échecs
  • June 2 & 9 @ 6:00 PM Homework Help
  • June 3 @ 10:30 AM Stay and Play
  • June 4, 11, 18 & 25 @ 6:30 PM Knit and Crochet Club
  • June 5 Lego Block Party @ 1:00 PM
  • June 6 Join us at the FunFair!
  • June 10 Fun with fonts @ 10:00 AM
  • June 10 @ 2:00 PM Adult Colouring Club
  • June 15 @ 2:00 PM Book Chat Denial by Beverly McLachlan
  • June 24 @ 2:00 PM Watercolour Connect
  • Jigsaw Drop in anytime during opening hours

More details can be found on the Ottawa Public Library Website.

Library Hours June 2026

Dividing LineEvents in Blackburn & Orleans

June 4 Ecology Ottawa Tree Giveaway

June 13 Orleans Kidical Mass Bike Rides

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City of Ottawa

The BCA gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the City of Ottawa / Le ACB remercie sincèrement la Ville d’Ottawa de son soutien financier.

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Friends of the Mer Bleue

Thank you to the Friends of the Mer Bleue (FOMB) for their annual grant to support BCA activities.

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