Latest news with #Embrun
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Russell Township's $105M community centre faces backlash from hockey groups
The minor hockey association and Junior B hockey team in Embrun say the current design of Russell's new recreation complex falls short of what was initially presented. (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa) Russell Township's largest-ever infrastructure project, a $105-million community centre with three ice rinks, is drawing criticism from two of its biggest intended user groups. While the new facility was intended as a long-term solution to the region's growing demand for ice time, the minor hockey association and Junior B hockey team in Embrun say the current design falls short of what was initially presented. 'They're building a community centre, not a competition centre,' said Darrell Bartraw, GM and owner of the Embrun Panthers Junior B team. 'We addressed our needs early on and it would be nice to see those accommodated.' When the project was first presented, renderings showed a facility with more than 1,100 spectator seats, large dressing rooms and a dedicated junior hockey room. But rising construction costs have forced the township to scale back. 'The original idea and budget were around $85 million, COVID-19 hits and inflation goes crazy,' said Mike Tarnowski, Mayor of the Township of Russell. 'When we submitted the proposal based on the ideas and visions from the community, it came over $100 million… and so we had to make difficult decisions… and so we looked at what were the biggest needs.' In terms of cuts, the number of dressing rooms was reduced from 18 and 12 each room was made smaller. Each one now also includes a gender-inclusive private space, which the group says takes away from the overall square footage they say is already too small for growing teams. 'It's not being built with the needs of the community in mind,' said Christian Gauthier, vice-president competitive of District Three Minor Hockey Association. 'We need space for youth, for junior and we don't have it.' The mayor disagrees, saying the changerooms are now about the same size or slightly bigger than Russell's largest existing room and the overall design will meet the needs of all user groups. 'We decided on a layout based on the recommendations that were given by professions that do this for a living, and they told us that we are meeting and exceeding the standards and that we would not have issues,' said Tarnowski. 'There are organizations that have set standards and based on those standards we are exceeding all the standards of the typical requirements for [changerooms].' The group is asking the township to remove the inclusive space from some of the changerooms to better support the needs of the teams. 'If we're playing a game you're putting two teams in each room. So, this adds let's say 30 kids plus parents,' said Max Lauzon, Embrun Minor Hockey Association president and head coach. 'We want to prevent what is happening here in Embrun where kids are dressing in the lobby. We don't need all 12 rooms to have that small room. If we take a few out, let's say two for each rink, this will help accommodate junior teams our U9 teams.' Seating capacity has also been cut to just under 500 plus standing room and the dedicated junior room was eliminated entirely. 'We thought that this opportunity could bring a junior hockey, Junior A team into our region and that would have brought in more people in because Junior A is another elite level,' said Lauzon. As it is, Bartraw says it will be hard to accommodate the Panthers with no coach's room, dedicated storage, warm-up area or training facility. 'Junior hockey is very popular here. It's been here for over 60 years,' said Bartraw. 'So that's a concern that we don't have any of that.' Despite his concerns, the mayor insists there will be ample space in the new facility. 'It's important to realize that Junior B is a private business and as such we as a municipality have to be very careful what we do in supporting private business,' said Tarnowski. 'Of course we want to support them, but it has to be a give and take.' The group argues that adjusting the design now could prevent more costly retrofits down the line but say their concerns have largely fallen on deaf ears. 'As a community, we are paying as well for this new complex with our taxes and we want to feel like the township is listening to us,' said Lauzon. The township has yet to decide the future of the current arenas in Russell and Embrun. Council is expected to make that decision this fall. The new facility is slated to open in 2026.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Kitchener Rangers goalie signs three-year contract with Ottawa Senators
Jackson Parsons has made history with the Kitchener Rangers. CTV's Heather Senoran explains. One of the Kitchener Rangers' standout stars is heading to Ottawa. On Monday morning, the Rangers announced Jackson Parsons had been named to the Ottawa Senators development camp roster which is scheduled to run until July 4. Just a few hours later, the Senators posted a picture of Parsons shaking hands with Steve Staios, the team's president of hockey operations and general manager, and announced Parsons had been signed to a three-year entry-level contract. Parsons is originally from Embrun, Ont. Last month, he was named as the Canadian Hockey League's goaltender of the year.
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Giant Tiger: A proudly Canadian success story rooted in community and affordability
Born in the heart of the nation's capital more than six decades ago, Giant Tiger has grown from a single storefront into one of Canada's most recognizable retailers, anchored by a simple, enduring goal: serving the community. Founded by Gordon Reid on May 3, 1961, the first Giant Tiger opened in Ottawa's ByWard Market with a promise to deliver value to Canadians. That core mission continues to drive the company today as it prepares to celebrate another Canada Day as a proudly Canadian-owned and operated brand. A major milestone came in 1968 with the launch of the company's franchising model, an approach that remains central to its success. By putting stores in the hands of local owners, Giant Tiger ensures it remains close to its customers and tailoring each location to meet individual community needs. Now, with more than 260 stores across the country and over 10,000 employees, Giant Tiger continues to offer Canadians affordable options for fashion, household goods, and grocery essentials. But what sets it apart is its local-first model, which franchise owner Rod Fleming knows well. 'I've owned the store since 2016,' says Fleming, who runs the Embrun, Ont. location. 'I've been with the company for 20 years, actually, this month.' Fleming was recruited by founder Gordon Reid after working for a competitor, embracing the brand's values and community-driven spirit. 'Oh, I'm passionate. The yellow and red runs through my veins,' he says. 'It's the community connection for me, and being grounded to our humble beginnings, our roots and Canadian values.' That kind of loyalty is tied to how closely stores are connected to the people they serve. Most Giant Tiger locations are locally owned or operated by someone with deep roots in the neighbourhood, often making the store feel like an extension of the community itself. The Embrun store has been serving the community since 1988 and, Fleming adds, it's become the go-to stop for locals, not only for good prices, but for the friendly service and neighbourhood feel. 'We have a loyal base of customers that love Giant Tiger,' says Fleming. ' They love their community, they love the staff, the interaction with my team. They come here first before they go anywhere else.' President and CEO Gino DiGioacchino says the company's hybrid model, local ownership with national support, provides a unique advantage in the Canadian retail landscape. 'What's amazing about Giant Tiger is what Mr. Reid created back in 1961 was this concept of partnership with local ownership,' says DiGioacchino. 'If you're passionate about customer service, passionate about products and passionate about what Giant Tiger does, which is saving Canadians money every single day, it's a perfect place to start your career and end your career.' Store owners also have the flexibility to stock products from regional suppliers and Canadian manufacturers, giving customers access to items they won't find anywhere else. 'We find Canadian manufacturers, we find unique products,' adds DiGioacchino. 'But what's really unique about our model is our local owners can also find their local manufacturers, suppliers of products, and bring those into their store. So, it's not just about being across the country. It could also be local and that's where we find a lot of great Canadian products local to that particular store that actually may not sell somewhere else in the country but it's what customers in that community are familiar with and want.' The focus on local ownership goes hand in hand with a commitment to give back. Across the country, Giant Tiger supports many community initiatives, local charities and national campaigns, to causes that matter to the people it serves. From online shopping to the in-store experience, the company's mission has remained steady: to help families stretch their dollars. For Fleming, that sense of purpose is what makes the hard work worthwhile. 'It is a lot of work,' he says. 'But it's the team you have behind you and I'm so incredibly proud and happy and honoured to work with such a great team at store level and corporate level.' As Canada Day approaches, Giant Tiger continues to be a true Canadian original, community-rooted, cost-conscious, and built for the people it serves.
CTV News
23-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
In the rush to build more homes, Embrun flood sparks questions about oversight
In the rush to build homes faster amid Canada's housing crisis, an Ottawa-based contractor is raising serious questions about oversight and whether crucial steps are being skipped after a devastating flood in Embrun, Ont. 'They say let's build more houses but let's be very careful what conditional approvals we give or what steps we skip because if we skip the wrong step, this can happen,' said contractor Ryan Branton, host of The Contractor Ryan show. 'What happened here? This house went up quick and now we're seeing the consequences of it.' Embrun Ontario Contractor Ryan Branton looks at an Embrun property that was destroyed by March flooding. (Katelyn Wilson/ CTV News). In March, a catastrophic flood gutted two newly built semi-detached homes, leaving homeowners with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage and seven tenants without homes. 'The human aspect is not here,' said tenant and homeowner Arlene Woods. 'I was supposed to be preparing myself for retirement, the next stage of life and this was the investment that we were working with. I'm close to my grandkids, I have a beautiful view, and it was all stripped away.' Embrun Homeowners are seeking accountability after learning about grading issues on their property after taking ownership. (Andrew Greaves/ Provided) Long before the flood, Branton says the warning signs were there as he surveyed the damage, comparing the original plans with what was built. 'The plans kind of tell the story because this was supposed to be 18 inches and it's like seven, so it's a little red flag,' Branton said while measuring the height of the porch. He says the discrepancy between the original plans and the finished build, coupled with the absence of a final grading certificate in municipal files, raises serious questions about oversight. 'When that permit closes, everything needs to be in the hands of the municipality, your grading, all your building inspections,' said Branton. He says the final grading certificate, which confirms that a property slopes away from the home to prevent flooding, is supposed to be on file before final inspection. While the Township of Russell signed off on the property in late 2024, that certificate is missing from municipal records. So too is a final grading plan and engineering report for a retaining wall installed in August 2024 by the builder, Saca Homes. 'They put in the retaining wall to try to solve those retaining issues, but did they engineer that? Did they call someone in to look at it? My eye tells me they didn't,' said Branton. 'It's a red flag. Something was skipped, there was oversight. What that was, I'm not 100 per cent sure, but these grading reports or these final inspections typically come as a package.' An engineering report obtained by CTV News Ottawa concludes that improper grading and a blocked catch basin caused the flood, but the homeowners say they weren't told about any deficiencies until after they moved in. Embrun Homeowners are seeking accountability after learning about grading issues on their property in Embrun, Ont. after taking ownership. (Andrew Greaves/ Provided) Emails from the builder show work was still being signed off on after the homeowners took possession. 'I feel like there should have been more issues or more red flags and we should have at least been made aware that this could have been a possibility at the end of the day,' said homeowner Josée Greaves. Both the builder Saca Homes and the township are pointing fingers at the developer, a numbered company, 1437137 Ontario Inc. In an email to CTV News, Robert Bourdeau says he is not the developer but confirmed he's a director and officer of the company behind the project. He is also the founder of Robert Excavating, which was called in to help with flood mitigation. 'It's not just the builder who's involved here, there's the developer, the person who developed the land long before the property was sold,' said Branton. 'Certainly, the township here has got some responsibility to bear too, they were here they approved the plans,' said Branton. While the water may be gone, the damage remains. 'It's very frustrating and if you don't feel you're responsible, go after whoever is,' said homeowner Brenden Haldane. 'It shouldn't be our responsibility to go after whoever is responsible, we bought the house from the builder.' Greaves says insurance is covering some of the damage to her home, while Haldane says he's been left high and dry by his insurance company. The homeowners have filed claims with Tarion, Ontario's new home warranty program, and are currently waiting for the results of the investigation.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Morning Update: Homeowners on the hook for flooding in Embrun
Morning Update: Homeowners on the hook for flooding in Embrun CTV Morning Live's Rosey Edeh and Melissa Lamb have your Monday morning news headlines.
