Submitted by Jeff Leiper, Kitchissippi ward councillor
Happy New Year, Kitchissippi! Winter has settled in across the ward, finally bringing us snow. Don’t forget that the amazing Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is right here in our backyard and offers opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the season. If you’re interested in supporting the trail maintenance and operations, or want to get a current picture of the trail conditions, check out the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail website.
This month also brings with it opportunities to support various organizations around Kitchissippi. Churchill Alternative Public School is currently running a fundraiser where residents can buy native pollinator plants from a reputable nursery. All purchases will be used to make improvements to this unique school’s yard, and you can improve the habitat of our local birds, butterflies, and other pollinators with your new plants. Don’t wait – orders close on Feb. 8! Visit the Native Species Seedling Sale website to get your plants today.
On Feb. 24, you can support Cornerstone Housing for Women by participating in the Coldest Night of the Year walkathon. Cornerstone provides emergency shelter and supportive, permanent housing for women and gender-diverse people in Ottawa. You can participate in the walkathon as an individual or part of a team and raise funds to enable Cornerstone’s ongoing efforts. For more information and to register your participation, visit the Westboro page of the Coldest Night of the Year website.
Finally, remember that February is Heart Month. This is an annual opportunity for individuals, groups, and businesses to raise funds that support the critical operations of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. In 2023, over 1.2 million dollars were raised by community members and partners to support the operations of this incredible institution. Learn how you can get involved this year or make a donation at the Heart Month website.