Orléans-area residents Dr. Holly Ellingwood, Tahawar Rana and Wyatt McWilliams were among 15 people who were bestowed with the Order of Ottawa last week during a ceremony at City Hall.
A fourth east end resident, Courtney Rego, was this year’s recipient of the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching.
Dr. Holly Ellingwood received the Order of Ottawa for her un-wavering commitment to the rights of transgender and people with disabilities, as well as being a founding member of Orleans Pride.
Wyatt McWilliams owns and operates Navandale Farm in Navan where he raises Clydesdale and Shire horses with his wife Cheryl and their three daughters. In 1995, he organized the World Record 50-Horse Hitch, along with his father Willard McWilliams as part of the Navan Fair’s 50th anniversary.
In 2002, Wyatt organized Hay West, shipping 711 train cars and 161 truckloads of hay to drought-stricken farmers in the prairies. He later founded Food Aid, which has provided over one million pounds of beef to the Ottawa Food Bank.
Tahawar Rana has been a dedicated leader in the Orléans com-munity since 1997.
With more than 27 years of leadership and relationship-build-ng experience, including as the former president of the Bilal Masjid mosque, Rana is widely recognized for bringing people and organizations together to achieve shared goals. He has built lasting partnerships with civic, interfaith, and humanitarian organizations, reflecting his life-long commitment to unity, compassion, and impactful service.
Courtney Rego has been a proud volunteer, head coach, and for the past six years, Director of Coaching with the Capital City Condors – a program that gives individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of hockey in an inclusive and supportive environment.
The Order of Ottawa recognizes exceptional residents who have made a significant contribution in a professional capacity to city life, including arts and culture, business, community service, education, entrepreneurship, public service, labour, communications and media, science, sports and entertainment or other fields that benefit Ottawa residents.
ORLÉANS FARMERS’ MARKET from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Orléans Town Centre Plaza, 290 Centrum Blvd. Browse 130+ local vendors, grab a bite, and discover amazing handmade and local finds. Plenty of parking available.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
MILLENNIUM PARK BBQ hosted by Orléans South-Navan councillor Catherine Kitts and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe from 1-3 p.m. with live music and entertainment by children’s performers Monkey Rock Music, a free BBQ, and tons of family fun.
