TRANSPO express Summer 2017

In this issue Hurdman Station - Back to the Future OC Transpo 2017 ROADEO Save the date! 2

Hurdman Station opens at permanent location 3

The Safety Management System 3

OC Transpo receives CUTA Leadership Award 4

Message from our CSO 4 The new permanent Hurdman Station Platform looking east on a beautiful day. Greg Swan 5 ho are the Hurdmans you ask? “Charles lumber firm. William and Robert later moved to Hurdman [was] the patriarch of the the Township of Gloucester to expand the com - Formal Accommodations Wfamily for whom the station pany. Later descendants founded Hurdman Paving and nearby park are named. He came to Hull Ltd, which had the contract in the 1950’s and in the workplace 5 Township from Ireland, by way of New York, in 1960’s to tear up streetcar tracks all over the city” 1818. In 1841 his son William along with brothers (information courtesy of the Citizen, Peer Support Network 6 Charles and Robert formed W. Hurdman and (May 25, 2017). Brothers, which went on to become a major See P.2 Hurdman Emergency Preparedness 6

Transecure 7 16 Employees Recognized

Creating a sense of Community 7 at Annual Transecure Awards

The Heat is On - Work Safely 8

À la Carte - Volunteering 8

Dates to Remember 8

c nntactstacts

Editor Jason Ashton [email protected] Operator Frank, Transecure Employee of the Year, is joined by the monthly award recipients who were recognized at the 27 th annual Transecure Awards Ceremony Layout & graphics n June 20, the Transecure Committee, along Manager John Manconi, recognized sixteen Beverly Mallon with Mayor Jim Watson and Councillor employees for their exemplary actions during 613-580-2424 ext. 52389 OMichael Qaqish, Vice-Chair of the City of 2016 as part of the City’s 27th annual Transecure [email protected] Ottawa’s Transit Commission and our General Awards ceremony. See P.2 Transecure 2

Transecure - cont’d from P.1 The Transecure program is a community watch program on wheels. OC Transpo employees look out for the safety of all community members and, as a result, become the eyes and ears of the com - munity. They notify emergency services when required and assist individuals who are in distress, offering a safe haven in any OC Transpo vehicle. “The actions of these OC Transpo employees demonstrate the City’s commitment to the safety and security of all residents of our community,” says Mayor Jim Watson. “I’m incredibly proud to see our employees go above and beyond the call of duty to provide aid and comfort to individuals in need.” Among them was Bus Operator Frank, who was presented with a plaque and certificate for the call of the year. Frank noticed a young woman at a bus station wearing only flip flops at the outset of a major winter storm. After being kicked out of her home by her partner, she didn’t have enough time Photo circa 1960’s by Bruce Chapman, Ottawa resident and rail enthusiast. to get properly dressed and was forced to walk a long distance to the bus station. Frank provided Hurdman - cont’d. from P.1 Looking ahead, Hurdman Station will be a major refuge for her until Special Constables could escort connection hub between bus rapid transit and the The Hurdman family name is linked to several pieces her to a family member’s home. of past and current infrastructure across the city. O-Train in 2018. With an ele - vated station, and a large public plaza at surface Congratulations to Frank and all of the monthly Hurdman Bridge, the former rail bridge that level, Hurdman Station will be an example of a Transecure award recipients for their great work crossed over the Rideau River immediately south modern multi-level station. Within the bus loop, and commitment to a safe community. of the Queensway, today serves as a bridge for routes will be organized along spacious bus plat - “We are fortunate, as empathy and compassion pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river. forms equipped with sheltered seating, departure comes naturally at OC Transpo. It is alive, well and This image above shows the signal tower at time passenger information display screens and thriving!” said John Manconi. “And that empathy Hurdman, which was the name for the railway Transecure waiting areas, as shown in the and compassion comes out in the way you care junction at the east end of the railway bridges, Hurdman Station concept. each and every day.” close to where Hurdman Station is now. The oper - Hurdman Station will also feature: “You care that 340,000 customer trips each day ator in the tower controlled the signals and I are made safely, reliably, and professionally,” said switches that allowed trains from Union Station Seamless bus connections – the bus platform John. downtown to continue east towards Montreal or will be within the fare-paid zone for to turn north towards Lowertown or south convenient transfers Thank you to everyone who worked on the towards Billings Bridge. The image shows a CN I Multi-use pathway connections Transecure event. The organizers along with the Transecure committee did a great job! locomotive on the north-south Canadian Pacific I Sheltered bicycle parking Railway tracks, which was a rare occurrence. The photo was taken in the 1960s, shortly before the I Public washrooms decommissioning of the railway lines to the north I Concourse retail area; and, and west of Hurdman, as part of the project to I remove railway lines from the core of the city and A public art display to build the current Ottawa Station which is now For more information or questions about station used by VIA Rail Canada. Later, in the 1980s, as the design or other On Track 2018 related projects Transitway was being built, the land west of please contact Jennifer Baird, Program Isamil Warsame: A passenger would Hurdman tower became the site of Hurdman Coordinator at x 52334 or send an email to like to commend the operator for being Station – one of the original Transitway stations [email protected] which opened in December 1983. compassionate and helping your pas - sengers with disabilities exit your bus

safely. Kudos!

R o o lé ad u 2017 Roadeo - Save the Date! eo Ro Ripudaman Boparai: A passenger he 2017 Roadeo will take place on Sunday, event, which was a big hit last year, followed by a would like the operator for offering September 17, at St-Laurent North Garage. bus wash at Industrial Garage. A craft table will assistance to him while he was travel - TThe OC Transpo Roadeo is an annual full day also be set up for children and there will be lots of event filled with competitions and activities for fun games for the entire family. ling with the help of crutches, on route family and friends. Lead Volunteers and Coordinators 96. Kudos! Competition events We are looking for 10 lead volunteers to act as The Roadeo will once again feature competition judges and coordinators for the entire day. High Line Ladouceur: A passenger would events for Conventional Operators, Para Transpo school students who are looking for volunteer like to commend the operator Operators, Maintenance Staff, Garage Attendants hours are also welcome to join us. If you, or a operator for retrieving and returning and Forklift Operators. high school student you know, is interested in her purse on Route 237. Conventional and maintenance first place cham - helping out, please contact our Roadeo Project Manager, Ed Catinus, at: pions will represent OC Transpo at the APTA Omid Behjati : A passenger would like International Roadeo from May 6 to 9, 2018. The [email protected]. Para Transpo first place champion will represent More information to follow on Driver’s Seat and to commend the operator for waiting OC Transpo at the U.S. National Roadeo in 2018. bulletin boards. Please mark this date in your cal - for him as he was running late to catch Activities for the whole family endar – We are looking forward to seeing you your bus, along route 9. Kudos! there! Other activities will include a “Paint The Bus” 3 Hurdman Station Platform Opens at Permanent Location

Eastbound rroutesoutes Southbound routesroutes Weestboundstbound rroutesoutes Ligne de la Circuitsircuits vers l’est Circuitsircuits vers le sud Cirircuitscuits vers l’ouest FutureFuture O-TrainO-Train Confederation Line ConfederationConfeder PlatformPlatform / Quai du O-TrainO-Train de la Line Ligne de la Confédération futur D C B

Old station Vieille station NEW station / NOUVELLE station (open(open June 25, 2017) (ouverte le 25 juin 2017)

EastboundEastbound / VersVers l’est

Y

A Industrial,Industrial, St-LaurSt-Laurentent

W

T PlacePlace d’Orléansdd’Orléans,’Orléans, TTrimrim

I

S

N

A

R WWestboundestboundestbound / VersVers l’ouest T DowntownDowntown / CentrCentre-villee-ville

Southbound,Southbound, Airport VVersers le sud, AérAAéroportéroport 06/2017

A Bus stop Bikeike rrack/shelterack/shelter Emergency phone Sidewalk - Accessible area ArrêtArrêt d’autobd’autobusus Support/abriSupport/abrbrrii à vvéloélo TéléphoneTélépéléphone d’urgence Trottoir - Zone accessible Taxi pickup PassengerPassengerassenger drop off zzoneone Night Stop Construction area Poste d’attente de taxi Aire de débarquement Arrêt de nuit Zone en construction

n June 25, service at Hurdman Station was  Pavement markings and signage will be The new operator facility, which includes wash - moved from the temporary platform to the adjusted to allow for one lane in each direc - rooms, a lounge area and storage for Fleet Onew permanent bus platform located adja - tion Maintenance, is now open. The Supervisor’s office cent to the O-Train Confederation Line Station.  The night stop will be located at stop B in both has also been relocated to the new platform. As a result, there will be some changes to the way directions. Please remember that smoking is not permitted on staff driving buses and non-revenue vehicles  Vehicles that do not need to access the layup any OC Transpo or City of Ottawa property. through the station, including: should stay to the left of the layup when Employees should exit the fenced area behind the  Circulation through the station is now counter- passing through the station, to limit traffic Supervisor’s Office at Hurdman should they wish clockwise; this is a big change from the through the crosswalk for operators accessing to smoke at this location. formerly used clockwise circulation pattern. the shuttle, washroom facilities and new oper - The new navigation patterns are posted on OCTV  The roadway along the south side of the old ator facility. and can also be viewed in the map above. platform has been converted into a two- lane As construction on the station continues, plywood roadway, and this will be used to access the hoarding and overhead protection will be installed new Hurdman bus loop along the north-east end of the platform.

The Latest on Safety Management System (SMS) ince we last updated all of you on the SMS, The SMS document is built upon four (4) pillars One portion of the SMS is about increasing safety much has progressed! We are very happy to which include: awareness, such as…. Sreport that the completed document will be 1. SMS Policies and Objectives , posted on Ozone and Driver’s Seat in the coming s que u n r i . rd, i l y a naler weeks! You will recall the OC Transpo Safety 2. Risk Management haza . S ’ e sig See a zard aut l t a ha il f Management System (SMS) is our systematic 3. Safety Assurance repor approach to consistently managing safety 4. Safety Awareness throughout OC Transpo- is about doing the right Have you seen these safety banners around the things and doing things right. Of course The SMS The initial development of the SMS consisted of various OC Transpo facilities? does not replace any Standard Operating input from a Working Group made up of represen - Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions or the work tatives from each division within OC Transpo. This Stay tuned for more upcoming Safety of the Health & Safety committees, but rather acts project team worked together with a Subject Management System communications and mes - as a roadmap to guide the organization on safety- Matter Expert (SME), members of OC Transpo’s sages! related policies, procedures and information. Departmental Leadership Team (DLT), the Policy See message from our CSO P.4 Within the SMS are the five (5) overarching safety Health and Safety Committee (PHSC) and the responsibilities for each employee, as mentioned Workplace Health and Safety Committees (WHSC) in the “Message from the Chief Safety Officer to develop a service-wide OC Transpo SMS. This (CSO)” – as well as the policy and procedure to will be an evolving document that is reviewed and report hazards and safety concerns. revised at least annually and more often if required, to ensure changes and operational requirements are incorporated in our business practices. 4 OC Transpo receives CUTA Leadership Award “I’m so proud of the hard work and dedication put and to ensure a coordinated and cohesive forward to ensure a seamless transition for our approach between internal groups within customers and staff,” said John Manconi, General OC Transpo and other City departments was Manager of Transportation Services. “The team exceptional. successfully planned and implemented a number From beginning to end, OC Transpo staff members of extremely complex and multifaceted service took a vested interest in getting to know the “ins” changes to enable the closure of the Transitway. and “outs” of each other’s business areas in order Thanks to the expertise and well thought-out plan - to best plan out what steps needed to take place. ning and execution by our OC Transpo team and From calculating printing times required for maps other City partners and stakeholders, travel time and signs at transit stations, to understanding the increases were kept to a minimum and our cus - requirements of setting up temporary bus shelters Magenta Leaders David Pepper, Joanna Venditti and Colleen tomers were prepared well in advance of the and changing bus stop signs, to coordinating what Connelly take a “Last Ride” on the East Transitway. June 28, 2015 changes.” information was necessary to communicate both n May 14, OC Transpo was presented with Project Magenta internally and externally – the team was in sync a Canadian Urban Transit Association every step of the way. O(CUTA) Corporate Leadership Award for Between June 2013 and June 2016, OC Transpo innovation at a special ceremony in Montreal. effectively implemented several service changes to A number of City teams, including Ottawa Police accommodate the closure of the Transitway Service, Traffic Services and O-Train Construction CUTA Corporate Leadership Awards increase posi - between Tunney’s Pasture Station in the west and worked extremely close with OC Transpo tive corporate exposure and prestige by high - in the east to allow for the construc - throughout the entirety of this project. lighting notable initiatives and advancements tion work to take place. Collaboration, teamwork and a true commitment made by transit systems and business members. On the surface – due to the incredibly smooth to the One City, One Team vision, were the core OC Transpo was recognized for their work on transition – it may have seemed to many like an ingredients to its success. Congratulations Project Magenta, which focussed on the transit easy task, but it was no small feat. The level of everyone! service adjustments required during the closure of work and out-of-the-box thinking put forward to This story was originally featured on the Transitway to allow for the construction of the plan route detours, ensure staff and customers In The Loop O-Train Confederation Line. were aware and well-equipped for the changes,

Ricardo Ferrara : A passenger would like to commend the operator for going above and beyond to help a female passenger and her two young children, after she had fallen. Kudos!

Luc Goudreau: A Transit Law con - troller would like to commend the oper - ator for helping a young passenger with special needs be reunited with his peer group. Kudos!

Carlo Disipio: A passenger would like to commend the operator for taking the time to announce the details of a detour to your passengers, along route 61. Kudos!

Trevor Allen: A passenger would like to commend the operator for remaining calm and professional when dealing with an irate passenger, on route 277. Kudos!

Kevin Barry: A passenger would like to commend the operator for being alert and avoiding a collision along route 99. Kudos! 5 Greg Swan, Program Manager of Transit Safety and Compliance What interests or hobbies outside of work hard but so rewarding……and the best part I got do you have? to meet my favourite author Robin Sharma. I am the best at being the worst at golf. I really What are your leadership goals as the enjoy the sport and get out when I am not tackling Program Manager of Transit Safety and a DIY job at my house. If YouTube can teach me Compliance? how to do build a deck, how come it can’t teach To simply learn and develop with my team, me to play better golf? together. I have a very talented team, that have Where do you see the Transit Safety and taught me so much in my first two months. I look Compliance branch evolving in the next forward to working with the other managers and year, 5 years and 10 years? departments to show how safety is an integral With the introduction of the Safety Management part to every teams’ success. Tell us about your career background System (SMS) at OC Transpo, we have a unique Final thoughts: including background in safety? challenge ahead of us. Our goal is to create a Everyone thinks safety is just using your common It’s a long way away from my first job at system that grows a safety culture day by day, sense. It’s about making proper risk choices that McDonald’s starting on my fourteenth birthday. I week by week etc. I hope to foster an open envi - govern you and your family’s health and safety for started adult work life in an automotive factory ronment that will take good ideas from workers, 24 hours not just while you are at work. Never be (Johnson Controls) and made my way to super - supervisors, managers and of course our safety afraid to ask lots of questions….everyone learns visor before going back to school for Occupational committees to build sustainable change at OC. when you do. Health and Safety. I then took a leadership role at What was the most interesting event or Johnson Controls being placed in the role of project that you organized/participated in? Corporate Liaison Officer. There, I got to team up I love educating others almost as much as I love with other professionals and we went to Mexico being educated. I have spoken at over 20 confer - and North America opening new manufacturing ences in every province now, but the coolest facilities. I have worked as a safety professional for moment was when I was appointed as the chair of almost 15 years now and I love it. I learn a national conference in Niagara Falls. Organizing everyday, whether its from my team around me or 35 speakers and three keynote speakers was crazy all the other staff I meet. Formal Accommodations in the Workplace

he City of Ottawa is committed to providing Accommodations may be provided for 2) Religious Accommodation : equal treatment without discrimination and Disability, Religious Observance, and • Use flexible work arrangements such as longer Taccommodating employees and potential Family Status: hours to make up the time taken for religious employees, including job applicants, in a manner What does that mean? observance which respects their dignity, is equitable and enhances their ability to compete for jobs, perform 1) Disability related Accommodation • Work on statutory holidays or weekends, espe - their work and fully participate in employment at (or accommodation required due to a dis - cially in 24/7 operations that normally use time the City. ability): may include, but is not limited to: off in lieu, banked overtime or special leave Work is an important part of an employee’s iden - • Work station access and adjustments: changes 3) Family Status Accommodation : tity as it provides for a sense of purpose, structure to work area design and means of access to • Providing flexible scheduling and opportunity. The City demonstrates its com - the workplace and all facilities, modifications mitment to accommodate persons with disabilities to technology and equipment • Allowing employees to take leaves of absence by providing a supportive work environment and a to care for family members who are aging, ill • Hiring practices: changes to the procedures or have a disability welcoming corporate culture. In addition, the City used for testing, selection, training, promotion shall provide applicants with disabilities with and termination • Allowing alternative/flexible work arrange - effective accommodations upon the request of the ments applicant, without causing undue hardship. • Alternative work arrangements: modified work hours, days or location. Disability accommodation is a responsibility This article describes the types of formal accom - shared between the employee, the City and the modations which staff can request. These do not • Re-assignment of an individual employee: a union and is geared to respect the dignity and pri - apply to short term or emergency leave. Staff have change of position or the reassignment of spe - vacy of the person being accommodated. different kinds of short term and emergency leave cific tasks to another position Accommodation relies on the good faith efforts of available, depending upon their collective agree - • Work restructuring/work procedure adjust - all three parties in order to ensure meaningful par - ments. ments: changes to the specific requirements of ticipation at work and must not represent undue If you need to request an accommodation: a particular job, restructuring of duties, modi - hardship. It is also important to keep in mind that fications to working hours, adoption of flexible when one of our co-workers requires an accom - 1. Talk to your manager/supervisor about your work practices, relocation, flexible hours and modation, we need to be understanding of the accommodation needs, as they can only sup - leave options, and modification of particular individuals’ circumstances. As always, frequent port you if they are aware of your need. policies and meaningful communication with each other 2. Provide appropriate documents to support • Provision of specific services, facilities, aids or and with management is very important. your accommodation request equipment: including the provision of inter - For a full description of Accommodations, please 3. Managers/Supervisors will work to ensure that preters, particular equipment, attendant services visit Ozone. appropriate and cost effective accommoda - You can also call the HR Service Centre at tions are provided in a timely manner so that ext.47411 for more information. you can function effectively in your job. 6 Get to know Leonore Evans - Our new Peer Support Network Coordinator You can also reach out to the Employee Assistance You can do anything you want to right Program (EAP). Trained professionals are available now, what is it? to help and all services are free, voluntary, and I am in a canoe far off in the wilderness, looking confidential. EAP can be reached at 613- for the next perfect campsite. 580-2424, ext. 23816. What’s something that motivates you? What’s your story? I moved around a lot when I was growing up, My own health motivates me tremendously, mostly between Germany and Windsor . because if I don’t look after my own well-being, no When I got to Ottawa in 1999 I fell in love with one else will. the city and decided to stay. Meeting my partner If you were a vegetable, which one would was a big part of that decision and we have been you be and why? blessed with three great kids. I started working with the City in 2010 and moved over to the A carrot because they are yummy raw. Transportation Services Department in April 2017. What superpower would you want to How do you balance work and life? have? Working full time and having young kids is not Flying. Leonore Evans, Peer Support Coordinator easy. Keeping a positive outlook is key, as is prior - If you could travel anywhere in the world, itizing and focusing efforts on the absolute neces - where would you go? sary. I try to keep self-care central in everything New Zealand, by bicycle. that I do. In this crazy world we live in we need to remember the value of regular exercise, good food What is the last movie you watched? he Peer Support Network offers voluntary and and having fun. Not technically a movie, but Michael Moore’s confidential listening and support for all What are your first impressions of the Where to Invade Next... it is on Netflix, seriously Ttransit employees. If you are experiencing Transportation Services Department? take a break and check this out! stress or difficulties in the workplace or at home, Why is mental health important to you? the Peer Support Network is here for you. Peer Everyone is really friendly and really hard-working. Supporters are recognized by Management and We have so much on the go; it is pretty over - Mental health is an issue close to my heart Unions as providers of immediate, confidential whelming as a new person coming in. because several of my immediate family members support to fellow employees. What are three things you absolutely have struggled with it. Mental health can be diffi - cult to talk about because of the associated We are a diverse, multilingual team of 40 cannot live without? stigma. I want to find ways to raise awareness employees who have been trained in counselling, Tea, books and spending time outdoors. about mental health, reduce stigma and support problem-solving, decision-making and critical inci - What’s your favourite restaurant in those who are struggling. dent support. The Peer Support Network is a confi - Ottawa? dential service for everyone. To get in touch you can reach out directly to one of the peer sup - Ceylonta Restaurant at the corner of Bank and porters, phone 613-580-2424, ext. 52005 or Somerset. They make the best Sri Lankan food. email [email protected] Emergency Preparedness tives fulfilling roles in the Emergency Operations EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE! Center (at City Hall), the Service Command Center for OTrain Construction, Traffic Incident SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Management Group (TIMG) and the Departmental The City of Ottawa, Corporate Duty Decision Centers. Throughout the exercise, players Officer is providing the following EXER - were challenged with significant events including CISE situational awareness information: a building and OTrain tunnel collapse, fires, a flood Please be advised that an earthquake and loss of critical infrastructure – IT network has been reported in Ottawa. failure, power, gas, etc. While it is never a good Emergency responders are engaged. thing when bad things happen, all participants fully appreciated the magnitude of the City’s emer - On-Call Duty Officers are requested to gency management organization. report in-person to the Emergency Operations Centre at Ottawa City Hall Throughout the 20-hour exercise, many aspects of (110 Laurier Avenue West, First Floor) at our departmental emergency plans were validated 06:00 for the EXERCISE. and areas for potential were highlighted. As if this large scale exercise was not enough, the City’s Office of Emergency Management and several key uring Emergency Preparedness Week this City departments (including the Transportation year (May 8 – 12) , the City organized and Services Department) were also engaged in the Dparticipated in an international emergency real-life response to the flooding that occurred in preparedness exercise, with participants from City several City of Ottawa neighborhoods. May has departments, critical infrastructure stakeholders, been a very busy month! provincial and federal governments as well as rep - If you have any questions or would like more infor - resentatives from Croatia. The exercise was based mation on emergency preparedness, you can con - on a 7.0 earthquake occurring at 5am on May 4, tact the Safety and Compliance Unit – 2017. The Transportation Services Department [email protected]. was fully engaged in the exercise, with representa - 7 Outstanding Call for Outstanding Call for March April

Outstanding Call for February It was the evening of February 5, 2017 when oper - It was the evening of Saturday March 18 while Bus operator Corey was working on the 95 route ator 8920 Mahmoud Haider called in to the Transit driving along his 85 route, when operator on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 25. He soon real - Operations Control Centre for a woman that was Mukhtar Salah (8947) was approached by pas - ized there was a child with special needs onboard in distress at the Station. senger who had just been assaulted. Mukhtar his bus who had been separated from the group he had been travelling with. The child’s group had Mahmoud recognized that the individual was suf - acted quickly and effectively calling into the recently disembarked at but the fering from a mental health issue, and that the Control Center for support. He assisted the victim child remained alone on the bus. Corey took action woman needed additional help. Mahmoud pro - who was suffering from a head injury. The incident and stopped the bus at the next station. He called vided assistance by taking the woman onto the took place as Mukhtar was approaching the the Transit Operations Control to inform them of bus, and helping to make her feel secure and safe Lincoln Fields Transit Station, where thankfully a the situation and that he needed support. As soon until additional resources arrived. Transit Special Constable unit was located. The suspect was arrested by the Transit Special as the Transit Operations Control Centre was noti - Mahmoud demonstrated compassion and a caring Constables soon after the incident was reported fied, a Transit Special Constable was sent to meet nature toward the woman in her time of need. and the Paramedics treated the victim. We the bus that was still parked at the station and Excellent work Mahmoud! applaud Mukhtar’s prompt and professional assisted with reuniting the child with his group. Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa response when faced with a medical emergency The Transit Special Constable was able to safely Paramedics in congratulating and thanking and an onboard incident. Excellent work Mukhtar! reunite the child with his group as a result of Mahmoud for his quick response and concern for Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Corey’s keen sense of observation, quick action, others. Paramedics in congratulating and thanking and caring nature. Mukhtar for his quick response and concern for others. Creating a sense of Community after all was the 80’s and a healthy work environ - In 2005, the Xbox 360 was released in North ment was not top of mind. My job involved the America, Live 8 concerts happened in the G8 cities normal day to day secretarial duties, however, in to pressure leaders to do more for the world’s addition, it was also expected that I prepare and poor, the 4th instalment of the Harry Potter serve my Manager, all other managers’ and any Franchise was released and I joined the OC guest that visited the office coffee. There were Transpo family. very few female managers high on the corporate Although there have been some bumpy times, I ladder during that time in history. My role was can honestly say that my experience here at Transit one of taking direction and not asking questions, has been an interesting journey. I have been no one ever asked for my opinion. I spent 14 allowed to contribute more than ever before, my years feeling like the hired help. opinions are not only asked of me now, but they In 1996 I joined my second family, with the City of are considered as well. I am no longer viewed as Gloucester. In just 12 months, the internet went just a note taker, nor do I feel like the hired help. he Employment Equity Working Group asked from 1 million users to 10 million, the Spice Girls In fact, many of the guys on the floor respectfully Cindy to share her story about inclusion in had the number one song and the movie Twister refer to me as mom. the workplace and she wrote a very funny T filled theatres with screams. Smoking had since My goal is to continue to create a sense of com - article –thanks Cindy! If anyone else would like to been banned in the work place (thankfully) and munity and a family connection in my respective share their story, please contact Leonore Evans at Justin Bieber just celebrated his 2nd birthday. This workplace. By being approachable, honest and ext.52946 was a fun place to work and I could feel the tide fun, I aim to create an atmosphere where By Cindy Sevigny changing. My opinions were sought and I felt less employees enjoy coming to work as much as they like the hired help. I developed the mantra, “you Picture this... the year 1982; big hair was all the enjoy going home. are all my Clients” and my goals were to deliver rage. The Commodore 64 and the first CD player exceptional Customer Service to all my Clients. Whether I am called mom here at OC or at home, were released. Time magazine named the I am always available to provide assistance, help Computer as the person of the year. David After surviving the Y2K in 2000, we went through solve issues and share a few laughs, my aim is to Hasselhoff and his sidekick Kit ruled cable TV and amalgamation and survived! I was what they make the employees in the various garages feel everyone’s favourite, ET, hit the big screen. In called a “floater”. In 2001, I joined the Real like they are valued and appreciated. Letting them music the best selling album of all time was also Property Asset Management Design & know that someone cares and that I am always released, Michael Jackson’s Thriller hit the air - Construction department. It was like a little here for them. waves and had people dancing and howling in family. I had 25 colleagues to manage and ensure the street. that their needs and deadlines were met. This was When I retire, on my last day, I want to look back the first time I experienced team building initia - and say that I did the best I could while I was here This was the same year I started my professional tives in an organization. There was a real sense of and that I am leaving the Transit Fleet career. First stop was the Provincial Government community and I knew that no matter where I Maintenance Branch in a better state then when I as a Secretary (there was no such thing as admin - worked afterwards, I wanted to continue to build a first arrived. istrative assistants back then). At that time, thick community where I worked. tobacco smoke could be seen filling the air. This 8 À la carte - Volunteering for three generations. His grand-father was the more than receiving”. He views multi-culturalism personal chef of Maharaja of Patiala (in Punjab) in as a means to grow together while exploring new 1920’s. paths together. Kulwinder considers OC Transpo as Kulwinder has been volunteering for approxi - one big united family. At work Kulwinder Singh mately 15 years in the kitchen preparing langar likes to run as a Spare and his favourite run is (food services) at the Ottawa Gurudwara. Ottawa Route #12. Kulwinder is also but one of Amalga- Gurdwara caters to approximately 500 people per mated Transit Union’s Brothers/Sisters who gener - weekend. In addition, Kulwinder has been partici - ously give their time, and expertise. Many contin - pating in charitable events and also helped raise uously understand the need to step-up and lend a money for various causes such as: Ottawa Heart helping hand, and often they do so with little or no Institute foundation, Ottawa Sikh Society’s Annual recognition. For all of you who volunteer.... Picnic for their Gurdwara, O.C. Eleven Cricket (for a heartfelt thank you!! - Yogi Sharma United Way); A.T.U. Picnic; yearly functions of Vaisakhi and Diwali on Parliament Hill where food is served to over 600 guests. His participation, Dates to remember . . . dedication, and his love for cooking helps to make these events quite successful. These guests are olunteer Chef/Operator Kulwinder Singh always treated to a delicious and delectable dining Operator (#8827) started his career with experience. It is this experience which keeps them August 7 Colonel By Day OC Transpo in 2015. He has two brothers V coming back year-after-year. Soon the word (Sunday Svc.) and a sister-in-law also working as Bus Operators. spreads and attracts even more guests, as they too He joined OC Transpo because of his love for experience a distinctive and enjoyable meal. August 21 Pride Day driving, serving customers and to also build a Kulwinder is very close to reaching his first better future for himself and his family. He is cur - $1,000,000 mark for the donations received, by August 27 Ottawa Capital rently raising two children. Prior to OC Transpo the events organizers, wherever he has partici - Kulwinder Singh drove a City truck for approxi - Pride Parade pated. He is very passionate in whatever he does mately 18 years. And, before that he worked at and because of his bountiful giving to the commu - two Indian restaurants (Haveli Cuisine & Nagina) September 3 Fall Service Change nity he has earned respect amongst his peers and in Ottawa as a Chef. Kulwinder’s biggest passion is co-workers, and he is held in high regard in the cooking. His speciality has been clay-oven (tan - September 4 Labour Day community. door) cooking, where he has mastered the art of making the best BBQ chicken, garlic naan and Kulwinder Singh says that he will keep continuing September 17 Roadeo lamb kebabs. Cooking has been an art in his family doing his volunteering. He believes in ”giving

The Heat Is On! Tips for Working Safely in Hot Conditions ummer is upon us and that means heat safety should be a top priority. This applies to all staff, particularly those that work outdoors and in the garages. It’s important that you are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and report anything unusual to your supervisor. The Sfollowing chart, found on Ozone in the City’s Working in Hot Environments Guideline and OC Transpo’s Hazard Prevention-Extreme Hot and Cold Temperature Conditions SOP, outlines heat-related illnesses and the appropriate treatment.

Symptoms Treatment

Excessive loss of water from the body. Mild symptoms include dryness in the mouth and Move to a cool area and drink cool water or throat. More serious ones include the inability to Dehydration commercial fluid replacement beverage. sweat, low blood pressure, and fast heartbeat

Heat Rash Red bumpy rash with severe itching. Move to a cool area and drink cool water

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. This condition can Heavy sweating, cool moist skin, body tempera - lead to heat stroke, which can kill. Move to a ture over 38°C, weak pulse, normal or low blood cool shaded area, loosen or remove excess Heat Exhaustion pressure, fatigue, weakness, nausea and vom - clothing, provide sips of cool water, fan and iting, thirst, rapid breathing, blurred vision . spray with cool water.

Body temperature over 41°C and any one of the following: weakness, confusion, emotional upset CALL AMBULANCE. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. This or strange behaviour, hot, dry, and red skin, fast condition can kill. Remove excess clothing, fan Heat Stroke pulse, headache, or dizziness. and spray with cool water. If conscious, provide In later stages, loss of consciousness and sips of cool water. convulsions possible.

Tips to beat the heat:   Drink plenty of water – every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty When outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen   Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose fitting clothing; PPE must still Take into account personal factors such as age, health status, be worn level of fitness   Take regular breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas; Limit the amount of strenuous and physically demanding work; and   Avoid eating hot, heavy meals and beverages such as coffee or tea Acclimatize – ease into working in hot conditions