Local women honoured for community building

The Leading Women, Building Communities awards – via the Ontario Women's Directorate – were created in 2006 to celebrate women making "exceptional contributions in their communities."

Seven Orléans-based residents were recipients of the honour on Thursday, March 12, for work spanning from helping develop the Shenkman Arts Centre to leading the charge in creation of area health-care facilities.

"It's hard work, but it's so rewarding," said Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services Deb Matthews during the award presentation. "Meeting these women today just reinforces how important it is to take the time to celebrate our local heroes. If we all do our part … there's no end to how great our society could be."

Though the Orléans awards were initially announced in September, the ceremony was delayed until Matthews could visit the area, recounted Ottawa-Orléans MPP Phil McNeely at the event.

"I've had the opportunity to work with most of the women here today," he continued. "I can say without hesitation they're a remarkable group. A lot of people are working hard to make Orléans stronger."

Taking a good-natured dig at his own gender, McNeely added that "men chatter a lot, but the action's not there. It's the women who are doing the work and are the real power behind their communities. It's very important we acknowledge that."

"It's an honour to receive this," said Christine Tremblay, executive director of Arts Ottawa East and one of the driving forces behind the upcoming Shenkman Arts Centre. "There are some of us who love to be involved in the community, and see things happen."

Judith Cane – president of Antara Financial Group and past chair of the Orléans Chamber of Commerce – also offered her thanks for the recognition, which focused on her work serving the east-end business community.

"Women entrepreneurs are the fastest-growing industry group," she explained. "That's my new focus."

Pierrette Woods, meanwhile, referred to her time with the former Innes Re-Zoning Development Group, which was disbanded last year.

"There's a lot of work we did … I think we accomplished something," she said, indicating further strides in monitoring development along the Innes Road corridor are needed.

Janise Johnson, who was honoured for her work as chairperson of the Ottawa-Orléans Health Working Group, pointed to the lack of a hospital for a population of 110,000, as well as 35 per cent of residents without a family doctor, as proof there is more to do.

"I've never worked so hard in my life," she joked about her time with the working group. "This (award) is in honour of our whole health committee. It really is a joy to work with such wonderful people."