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| ATTRACTIONS |
RCMP Pipes and Drums
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes and Drums of the National Capital Region were formed in the spring of 2000. Wearing the very distinctive RCMP tartan and theworld-renowned Red Serge of the RCMP, the Band performs under the direction of Drum Major Graham Muir, Pipe Major Graeme Ogilvie, Pipe Sergeant Gilbert Young and Drum Sergeant Garth Patterson. The RCMP Dancers are under the direction of Jennifer Patterson and Heather Moxley. Sergeant Stephane Drouin is in command of the RCMP Flag Party.
The RCMP Pipe Band and Dancers are comprised of citizen volunteers, police officers and employees of the Force and operates with the full support of the Assistant Commissioner Ghyslaine Clement, Commanding Officer of "A" Division, Ottawa, Ontario.
The RCMP Pipes and Drums (NCR) perform regularly for the public in support of regional and local community endeavours including charity fundraisers, fairs, festivals, parades, sport and cultural awards ceremonies. As part of their official duties, the RCMP Pipes and Drums (NCR) also perform for State and official occasions, and associated RCMP ceremonial functions.
Sandra Blaikie
Sandra is particularly delighted to take part in this year's Highland Games. As the daughter of proud Scots ... it's only appropriate she take part!
Sandra is a veteran journalist who cuts through the spin and gets to the heart of the story. She focuses on the issues that matter to local residents and the ones that impact our community.
Sandra is not afraid to ask the tough questions - and to dig deeper to get the other side of the story. Sandra began her journalism career shortly after completing her Masters Degree in Journalism from Concordia University. She landed her first job at CTV in Toronto writing news and shortly after that began her on-air broadcasting career in Timmins, Ontario as a reporter. Sandra moved on to
Sudbury to cover municipal and provincial politics and earned national reporting awards for uncovering a hiring scandal in regional government. It was then on to Edmonton for an
investigative reporting job, before Sandra arrived at CHUM Television in Ottawa in September of 2000.
"I have always seen journalism as more than a business ... it's an important community service. When we're doing our jobs properly, we're keeping you informed about the world outside your
front door ... and breaking down complex issues so you understand how they impact your everyday life. I must also admit: I'm still addicted to the daily adrenaline rush of deadline!"
We are pleased to feature again military displays provided by 2 Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Petawawa. This attraction was very popular at the 2005 Games, as part of our 'year of the veteran' celebration and once more at our 2006 Games. The 2 CER Display Team consists of five sappers, and displays include a LAV 3 armoured fighting vehicle and its crew, an explosive threat stand and a mine clearing demonstration (right). These displays are located in the beach area of the grounds; some of the beach will be used as a dummy minefield, where mine detection will be demonstrated, as it is conducted by our sappers, in route designation in Afghanistan, and as it has been conducted recently in Somalia and Rwanda. The mine clearance display will include the opportunity for public participation.
The featured military vehicle is the Light Armoured Vehicle 3 (LAV 3) (left). This vehicle weighs 16,950 kg, has a range of 450 km, and is capable of speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour on road. It has a 350-hp Caterpillar diesel engine. The LAV 3 is a fast and well-armed vehicle, and is a state-of-the-art troop carrier. Its armament can include a 25-mm stabilized M242 chain gun, a 7.62-mm stabilized coaxial machine gun (C6), a 5.56 or 7.62-mm top-turret mounted machine gun, and a 76-mm grenade launcher. The vehicle provides good protection for its crew and passengers.
