An Ottawa mother is calling for urgent safety upgrades at the Graham Ball Softball Diamond after a foul ball smashed her car's rear window. Amanda Brown reports the incident occurred on Castlefrank Road, prompting a City of Ottawa review of protective netting.
The $1,500 windshield and a near-miss in Glen Cairn
While driving along Castlefrank Road in the Glen Cairn neighborhood of Kanata, Amanda Brown experienced a sudden, loud impact when a softball flew from the Graham Ball Softball Diamond and shattered her back windshield. As reported by CTV News Ottawa, the financial cost of the incident was immediate, with a replacement quote of approximately $1,500 and a $500 insurance deductible.
However, the primary concern for Amanda Brown is the potential for physical injury. A glass technician noted that the ball landed inside the vehicle directly beside the car seat used by her seven-year-old son.. Amanda Brown stated that had her son been in the car at that moment, the outcome could have been significantly more severe.
Why the City of Ottawa is targeting the 2027 season for fixes
The municipal response to the incident has been characterized by a long-term timeline. Dan Chenier, the general manager of recreation, cultural and facility services for the City of Ottawa, indicated that the city will review measures to address identified issues before the 2027 season. This suggests that while a review is underway, permanent structural changes may not be implemented for several years.
According to the report, the City of Ottawa did perform repairs to the outfield protective netting at the Graham Ball Softball Diamond on August 7 following reports of maintenance needs. the city maintains that there are no specific regulations governing safety netting for recreational diamonds, but they install protection where a risk is identified. Staff are currently evaluating whether stronger mesh or additional netting is feasible to protect the adjacent roadway and sidewalks.
Councillor Allan Hubley's 20-year gap in complaints
The incident highlights a discrepancy between official city records and community experience. Kanata South Coun. Allan Hubley stated that his office has not received a similar complaint regarding the Graham Ball Softball Diamond in roughly 15 to 20 years. Hubley acknowledged that while the city cannot 100 per cent prevent foul balls from leaving the field, the current situation is being treated as a safety concern.
This official stance contrasts with the anecdotal evidence gathered by Amanda Brown. since speaking out, Amanda Brown claims several other residents have contacted her with similar concerns, including one woman who reported a ball landing at her feet while walking. This suggests a pattern of "near-misses" that may have gone unreported to the City of Ottawa or Councillor Allan Hubley's office.
The silence of the Glen Cairn Ladies Softball League
A significant missing piece of the narrative is the perspective of the athletes and organizers. As reported by CTV News Ottawa, the Glen Cairn Ladies Softball League has not responded to requests for statements or clarifications regarding the incident. This silence follows Amanda Brown's claim that the players involved directed her to the city and her insurance provider rather than offering community support.
The lack of communication from the league leaves open the question of whether the players are aware of the frequency of balls leaving the Graham Ball Softball Diamond. It also raises questions about the league's internal saety protocols and whether they have previously flagged the insufficient netting to the City of Ottawa.
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