News

Severn School and QTN

 UPDATE ON PLANS FOR SEVERN SCHOOL – April 20, 2025

The board of QTNca welcomes changes made to the plans for Severn Elementary Public School in the revised strategy posted by the Ottawa Carleton Public School Board.  The revisions respond to many of the concerns QTNca raised in its letter (below) and will better meet the goals for community schools and liveable neighbourhoods.

The board of QTNca continues to advocate for one additional change:  improved access to the English stream for children living in QTN now and for the growing population in the future.  Read the letter here: https://www.qtn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/QTNCA-letter-re_-Severn-Ave-PS_updated-OCDSB-plan.pdf

Community Impacts of Proposed Changes to Severn School

Severn School, the only school in QTN, is important for the well-being of the community, as well as for parents and children who attend it.  Proposed changes for Severn School, which are part of the current program review, would  have significant impacts for the community.  In a letter to the Ottawa-Carleton Public School Board, the board of QTNca asks school board members to give more consideration to those impacts before making their final decision.

Among the impacts that need consideration are:

      • The safety of grade 4 students crossing Highway 417 on Pinecrest to get to Pinecrest public school.  Walking or biking to school is not a realistic option if students have to cross Highway 417 at Pinecrest.
      • The impact of additional buses and cars coming into QTN on narrow streets without sidewalks.
      • Highway 417 is a major barrier for the concept of community schools and 15-mInute neighborhoods, which QTNca supports. This proposal is not consistent with the board’s own goals for community schools or the City’s goals for development of this area.
      • The proposal does not consider the projected additional population  from intensification.  Severn School will be 116% over-capacity in 2026 already.  The need for more investment in local schools and other infrastructure has been a major theme of QTNca in presentations to the City about future development in this area.

Check here for a copy of QTNca letter for your information. https://www.qtn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/QTNCA-letter-re-Proposed-Changes-to-Severn-School.pdf

ICE RINK OPEN: volunteer to keep change room open

The ICE Rink in Frank Ryan Park is Ready for Skaters!

Sign up to help Keep the Change Room OPEN!

Visit the ice rink and enjoy skating.   Thanks go to the ice-making team.

Now we need help from residents to keep the change room open.   You can help to keep your family, friends, and neighbours warm while putting on their skates by signing up to be a rink volunteer. For as little as 2 hours/week at a time, you can ensure you and other skaters are warm and have access to an onsite bathroom. Choose a regular weekly time slot to cover for the skating season or if your schedule is too sporadic, offer to fill in on an ad hoc basis. Click here to sign up and indicate your time preferences and availability.

Who can be a rink volunteer?

Anyone 16 years or older. It’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to meet more neighbours, those new to the neighbourhood, for “work from home” folks who want an excuse to get out, for retirees looking to stay active, and for High School volunteer hours. Really, anyone! We encourage younger volunteers and those doing late night shifts to work in pairs.

What do you do as a volunteer?

  • Typically, commit to at least one recurring two-hour block per week. We know life happens and there may be exceptions. We ask for at least 80-90% attendance to committed time slots. If your schedule isn’t that consistent, you can fill in on an ad hoc basis when openings come up.
  • Open or keep open the fieldhouse building to be available for users to change their skates and use the washroom.
  • Have a cell phone and first aid kit available in the event of an emergency.
  • Skate, read, or relax during your shift while you enjoy knowing your neighbours are more comfortable thanks to your efforts

More detailed instructions will be provided to volunteers regarding building access, what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency, etc. closer to the rink opening date.