By Kevin Farrell
Before tooting the horn of the Community Activities Group (CAG), I want to clear up a misconception.
CAG is not funded by the City of Ottawa, nor do they receive any other external funding.
CAG is an independently incorporated not-for-profit. They are completely self-funded through program revenues and fundraising initiatives. Every dollar they spend they have raised themselves.
The CAG organization is volunteer run. The CAG Board of Directors is a hardworking, dedicated team of committed community members who contribute many volunteer hours to the organization.
They work in partnership with the city to provide residents of Old Ottawa East with programming, recreation and event opportunities that are local, affordable, inclusive and of interest to all.
What does the city partnership mean?
CAG works with the city on the matter of facility use, namely Old Town Hall and Brantwood Field House. CAG is responsible for the programming. The city provides the facilities and is responsible for maintenance, cleaning, snow clearance and such.
The front desk staff at the Old Town Hall are city workers.
CAG fosters relationships with other community organizations, institutions and businesses that are interested in supporting recreational goals in the community. CAG works closely with the community and its groups to ensure needs are met.
Fun Facts
CAG runs 30-35 programs during fall, winter and spring sessions and about 15 in the summer.
Almost 800 people registered in one or more CAG programs last year.
When you register for CAG programming, all funds support CAG and CAG events. Your recreation dollars stay in Old Ottawa East and are re-invested here.
In addition to paid programming, CAG strives to host a number of free events to support community engagement and bring down barriers to participation. CAG also offers financial assistance to Old Ottawa East residents for whom program fees are a barrier to taking part.
The CAG Board of Directors hire all CAG programming and administrative staff. Without volunteers, CAG events would not be possible.
A Successful 2014
Events last year included: the Winter Party, Valentine Skate, Chilli Cook-off, four Movie Nights, weekly summer BBQs, Shakespeare in the Park, and the Main Event & Community Garage Sale.
A partnership with the Rideau Canoe Club allowed CAG to offer Canoe/Kayak Regatta Ready Camps, which filled up in a hurry. Register early for next summer. Registration is open now.
The After School Program continued to grow with families from both French & English schools.
Adult fitness programming from qualified instructors was again popular. Adults can now take advantage of creative courses as well. Why not try out painting, mosaics, photography, play reading or cooking classes?
The CAG partnership with the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre expanded the New Canadian Learn to Skate program. The SHCHC also helped out with additional camp subsidies to remove financial barriers for residents.
Moving Forward
Every spring, the CAG board has a planning session for the year ahead. In the coming year, CAG is committed to again provide the programming and events from 2014 as well as:
Expand activities on the Rideau River
Boat storage to secure the future success of the Rideau Canoe Club partnership
More activities in Springhurst Park that are complementary to activities offered elsewhere in the community.
Encourage increased partnerships with the SHCHC and the participation with New Canadians
Increase teen involvement in activities
Expand communications options to reach returning and new participants and increase Ottawa East’s media profile outside our community
CAG recognizes and is pursuing the need for appropriate indoor and outdoor recreational and programmable facilities for a growing community. They are leading a community working group to investigate new facilities with development of the Oblate property at Saint Paul University.
CAG continues to work with the city on a new agreement regarding use of city facilities.
The CAG Executive (see below) is eager to continue to serve the recreational and leisure needs of Old Ottawa East. They cannot fulfill their mandate without the tremendous support of volunteers and community businesses. They welcome new volunteers. Send an email note to volunteer@ottawaeastCAG.ca.
Check out their website at www.ottawaeastcag.ca for opportunities, events and programming.
The 2014-2015 CAG Executive:
Treasurer – Ian Grabina
Past-Chair – Nick Masciantonio
Chair – Melanie Gilbert
Volunteer/Events Coordinator – Lisa Dunnett
Communications – Kevin Farrell
Member at Large – Don Stephenson
Secretary – Bonnie Weppler
Executive Director – Carol Workun
Programming Assistant – Megan Shoemaker
