Newsletter Date Councillor’s Newsletter February 10, 2017
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
Councillor’s View INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Commemorative Naming Proposals
Dear Residents, Sanctuary City Census Data This week at City Council, Council members approved 5731 Hazeldean Tree Removal in principal a new central library joint facility with …and more! Library and Archives Canada.
What this means is that the location of the library will now be at 557 Wellington. In addition, a representative from Library and Archives Canada attended the Council meeting to share their concurrence with the joint interaction, and programming for the arts and culture. In project. addition, the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) has been adapting programming to accommodate the more Next steps will include approving the design of the modern needs of residents and new Canadians who facility as well as the funds which should be coming require things such as internet access to keep up in the back to Council at some point in June once funding growing competitive online job market. partners are identified and informed. Libraries may no longer be the places of indulgence they I was among the 21 councillors along with the Mayor in once were but they are a place for life-learning and support of this motion. growth. This new location will not just be a destination but a recognizable and talked about landmark for anyone I do believe that the new Ottawa Central Library will be who uses or visits it. an excellent fit at 557 Wellington near the upcoming Lebreton Flats development – truly reflecting the Similar to the renovations at Lansdowne Park, this issue “central” aspect of its name being in close proximity to has discussed for many years by our community and Light Rail Transit, the public at large, and the millions surrounding neighbourhoods. It is time to move forward of tourists that come to Ottawa each year. The location with this significant city-building project. was selected following an extensive process of project study, analysis and public consultation, and expert I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor evaluation of 12 possible sites. Watson, the Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board - Councillor Tim Tierney, and the Library Board for all of With the arrival of the internet and ebooks, public their hard work on this item. libraries have been criticized as out-dated luxuries we can no longer afford or that books are becoming a What are your thoughts on the new central library? I thing of the past. However, I firmly believe that they are would love to hear some of your ideas for programming necessary conglomerates of information that we, as a to ensure that this new facility truly brings Ottawa’s society, cannot afford to do without. informational facilities into the twenty-first century. Email me at [email protected]. The new library looks to the future and is to be -Shad designed as a hub for meetings, social gatherings and
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Commemorative Naming Proposals for Stittsville – Comments Requested
This week, the Commemorative Naming Committee (CNC) met and discussed 5 commemorative naming proposals for Stittsville.
I am happy to announce that the 60 day comment period has ended and the renaming of Bell Memorial Park to the W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park will now be presented to the City’s Community and Protective Services Committee (CPSC) for approval. After which time, it will be submitted to City Council for final approval.
The CNC also approved consideration for the commemorative naming applications: Mary Durling Park (formerly Cypress Gardens Park) located at 33 Elm (Brae) Crescent, Lee Boltwood Park and Susanna Kemp Park to be located at future parks in the Abbottsville Development, and the Grace Thompson Meeting Room at the Stittsville Library.
Each application will be undergoing a 30 day consultation period and pending committee approval, will then be presented to the CPSC and City Council for final approval with the exception of the Grace Thompson Meeting Room which will be presented to the Ottawa Public Library Board meeting for final approval following consultation period.
I am particularly thrilled about this set of commemorative naming proposals as many of them were submitted by residents of the Stittsville community during submission process of the Stittsville Street Renaming Project. As such, I encourage all residents to share their thoughts.
Comments will be accepted online and must be received no later than March 8th, 2017. To submit your comments and to review biographies of the individuals being commemorated, please visit the City of Ottawa website here.
Sanctuary City
This past week, I have heard from many residents expressing opinions regarding a potential motion to classify the City of Ottawa as a “Sanctuary City”.
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Presently, the Canadian municipalities of Toronto and Hamilton and, most recently, London have adopted the status to indicate protection of those who posses undocumented immigrant status within them.
This motion did not make it to council but it was a large talking point within the community so I wanted to take the opportunity to present to you my point of view. There are a number of reasons I did not plan on supporting such a motion.
I do believe that items regarding immigration should be left for the federal government to handle and that such a decision was outside the municipal government’s realm of jurisdiction. Additionally, one of the major concerns by the residents to my office, which I share, is that such a decision would deter from those who decide to immigrate to our great nation lawfully. Canada currently has one of the best immigration processes available and Ottawa is already well known as a welcoming city. That is why we see so many new faces each year coming to us from other countries.
Beyond that, I do believe that our current system of City services is designed to benefit those who contribute to them, thereby ensuring these services remain sustainable for all residents.
I will agree with the sincerity that the gesture of putting forward a motion would present for promoting Ottawa and ultimately, Canada, as an accepting place; however, that said, ultimately, I do not feel it is the municipal government’s role to make decisions of this nature.
Census Data
In 2016, a census was distributed to all Canadian households to gather information about our communities. This week, some of that information came to light and statistics Canada will continue to release the 2016 Census data in phases as follows:
February 8, 2017 - Population and dwelling counts May 3, 2017 - Age and sex, Type of dwelling May 10, 2017 - Census of Agriculture August 2, 2017 - Families, households and marital status, Language September 13, 2017 - Income October 25, 2017 - Immigration and ethnocultural diversity, Housing, Aboriginal peoples November 29, 2017 – Education, Labour, Journey to work, Language of work, Mobility and migration Although ward by ward data is not yet available, I have also been provided with estimates for Stittsville’s population by City staff this week which is as follows:
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Mid-Year 2016* Year End 2016 Ward Name Population Households Population Households 6 Stittsville 32,494 11,195 32,829 11,333
This is exciting news for the ever-growing population of Stittsville and I look forward to sharing the official Census data upon release for your comparison. Tree Removal on 5731 Hazeldean
I have received notification that Nautical Lands has been granted a tree permit allowing them to remove trees on the site of 5731 Hazeldean. This is in preparation for the construction of a seniors residence and extended care facility.
Work is anticipated to begin on Monday, February 13th.
The included diagram shows the impacted area and it also shows the area that will be improved through selective cutting of poor trees, protection and improvement of Butternut habitat, and tree planting. The developer has contracted with a professional forester to develop a prescription for the site. This prescription will be reviewed and approved by the Planning Forester. Tree cutting within this improvement area will not take place at this time.
Butternut trees are growing on site but a permit for their removal has been obtained from OMNRF.
Hydro Closure Stittsville Main St
I would like to pass along some information my office received from Hydro Ottawa this week.
Hydro Ottawa will be closing down the east lane of Stittsville Main Street, between Wintergreen &
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Wildpine, between the hours of 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM on Sunday February 12th.
Traffic will be managed on site as an overhead hydro plant is removed.
For concerns, please contact Tim Vallee with Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-5499 x 7518.
Please Email Concerns to My Office
I would like to take a moment to remind residents that in order to best serve you, the primary way is, and always will be, by sending me an email at [email protected].
Social media is a wonderful tool. It’s great to see communities of Stittsville communicating on Facebook or Twitter and I enjoy having it as another resource to investigate what is happening in our community.
Unfortunately, I do not have the capacity to rely on these pages as a resource for addressing constituent concerns. As some groups have become very popular, sometimes I may miss City questions that are raised. Additionally, if an item requires immediate action, it is best to report it directly to me and the City.
I encourage everyone to please email me at [email protected] with any comments, questions or concerns that you have and encourage others in the community to do the same so I can keep track of inquiries and also provide responses from appropriate City staff as efficiently as possible.
Updates on major items in the community will be posted through my email community eNewsletter which I encourage everyone to receive by joining my email list - https://shadqadri.com/contact/ .
If your concern is a general City issue (i.e. garbage pickup, snow removal, potholes) you can also report it directly to the City to receive prompt follow up reporting it at https://myservice.ottawa.ca or by emailing [email protected]. Reporting it directly to the City creates a service ticket and will ensure a prompter response than if it were forwarded from my office. However, if you are not satisfied with the response from the City, I do encourage you to contact me directly with your service request number and I can follow up with City staff.
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Ribbon Cutting at Kanata Academy
This week, I had the pleasure of joining Mayor Watson to join the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the Kanata Academy’s new location at 180 Huntmar in Stittsville. The private school opened its doors last month and courses are now underway.
Students, staff and guests gathered in the gym of the Academy to celebrate with speeches and the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Kanata Academy did not have a gym in their previous location in Beaverbrook so the staff and student s are very excited to have this space to learn and play in.
In the summer of last year, I was honoured to participate in the official sod/gravel turning for the new home. The private school had previously been situated in the Beaverbrook Mall located in Kanata-South.
Principal Shannon Rattray along with her husband and partner Dr. Kevin Rattray purchased the school in 2011. With their student demands and population increasing, the school was quickly outgrowing its location and needed to find a new home.
The Academy follows curriculum as set out by the Ministry of Education and the new facility includes the addition of high school grades to the originally existing pre-school to grade eight programs.
For more information on programming, you can visit their website at http://kanataacademy.com.
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Stittsville Library Cooking Essentials – The Perfect Pantry
I would like to invite residents to the Stittsville Library this Monday, February 27th to enjoy a delightful “a la carte” Cooking Essentials Series.
“The Perfect Pantry” hosted by Chef Bruce Wood will be taking place at the Stittsvile Library to evaluate must-haves for your kitchen pantry to make life a little easier. Stocking up on just a few items can make your everyday cooking more enjoyable and less stressful.
There will be food tasting and recipe handouts to be sure to visit the Ottawa Library website here to register. “Community Secrets” at the Stittsville Library
Here is an event you don’t want to miss. It takes place at the Stittsville Library on Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. The event is being held for the occasion of Heritage Day.
Have you heard stories about ghosts, murder, cemeteries and other unknowns in your community? Attend this event on February 18 to discover in full detail all of the grisly or odd activities that have taken place right here in your own backyard. There will be displays with court records, photos and written accounts of these unknowns.
You can attend for free and browse through each display while enjoying complimentary refreshments. There is ample parking and the Library is handicapped accessible so all can attend.
Bring your family and friends to unearth the truth for these community legends!
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Tysen’s Valentines Day Wish Grams
Tysen’s Misison to a Million is currently selling Wish Grams just in time for Valentines Day!
Show a loved one you are thinking of them this February 14th, Tysen will send a Wish Gram via email on your behalf. All you need is their email address and $14 to show someone special how much you care and help adopt a wish for a child in need!
All Wish grams will be emailed out on Feb. 14th so be sure to visit http://www.missiontoamillion.ca/donate-wish-gram.php to order one quickly!
To learn more about Tysen’s Mission to a Million, I highly recommend you watch this video that was recently aired on the Discovery Channel: https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F52624 5235%2Fvideos%2F10154781396085236%2F
Rotary Club Trivia Night
Get your thinking caps ready because the Rotary Club of Stittsville is hosting its 12th Annual Trivia Night on February 17th beginning at 7:00 PM at the Stittsville Lions Hall (1339 Stittsville Main St).
This is always an enjoyable social event where more than 160 participants compete in ten rounds of trivia in an evening of prizes, pizza, and popcorn.
Proceeds from the night go toward Rotary Club funding to put back into the community. For more information or to register, please contact Brad at [email protected] or Theresa at [email protected].
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This is a fun event to come out to with friends and family for a night of social activity. Have fun and good luck! Family Fun Day at the Goulbourn Recreation Complex
I would like to take a moment to invite all residents to the official Family Fun Day at the Goulbourn Rec Complex (1500 Shea Rd). The event will take place on Family Day, Monday, February 20th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
There will be a large range of activities including public skating, public swimming, magic shows, carnival games and even some special visits from some special princesses.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the front desk and residents are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation for the Stittsville Food Bank.
Please be aware all regular programming is cancelled on Family Day due to this special event. This includes the fitness studio, spin room, gymnasiums and regularly scheduled swims. The arena is open as usual for rental groups.
As with last year’s event, this is certain to be a great time for the whole family. I hope everyone is able to join and I look forward to seeing you there!
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RCMP Musical Ride
The RCMP Musical Ride Open House and Ottawa Food Bank Drive is opening its doors to the public on Saturday, February 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and all residents are invited to join.
The Open House is a great chance to meet the horses and riders of the world famous Musical Ride before they set off on their cross-country tour in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. The event also features displays and demonstrations by other police and emergency partners along with the Explosives Disposal and Technology Branch of the RCMP.
The event is a free family event, but visitors are encouraged to make a monetary or non-perishable food donation to the Ottawa Food Bank. The Musical Ride Centre can be found at 15 Sandridge Road near St. Laurent Blvd.
All of the Musical Ride members involved in the event have all volunteered their time to take part in the day so be sure to come out and show your support.
For more information, you can visit the Facebook event here or the RCMP website here.
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Paint it Up!
Following the success of last year’s Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO) outdoor mural painting project, “Paint it Up!” is returning again for 2017 and applications are now being accepted.
Applications will be received until 4:00 PM, Tuesday April 4th for any outdoor mural art projects that supports graffiti prevention, youth empowerment, community safety and the beautification of Ottawa neighbourhoods.
Projects must contribute to a clean, safe and beautiful city by engaging neighbourhoods and youth in a constructive learning process to create murals to prevent or deter graffiti.
This is a fantastic initiative that has resulted in a number of beautiful community murals that youth can feel proud of and I encourage any residents with an inclination for art to submit an application.
For more information about funding, program guidelines and application form, please visit www.crimepreventionottawa.ca.
There will also be two useful information sessions taking place:
Tuesday, March 7 Wednesday, March 8 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. 5:30 – 7 p.m. City Hall Foster Farm Community Centre 110 Laurier Avenue West 1065 Ramsey Crescent 2nd floor Colonel By room (off Pinecrest Rd) The Boardroom
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To confirm attendance, please RSVP by e-mail: [email protected] or leave a message at 613-580- 2424 ext. 25393.
City of Ottawa appoints new General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services and new General Manager of Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development
I would like to send my congratulations to Anthony Di Monte who has been appointed as the General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services. Mr. Di Monte previously served as Acting General Manager of this department, and as Chief of the Ottawa Paramedic Service.
Anthony has 37 years of experience in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sector, including as Regional Director for Urgences Santé in Montreal. In 2000 he assumed the responsibility of the York Region Emergency Medical Services as both Chief and General Manager. In 2001 he became the first Chief of EMS for the newly amalgamated City of Ottawa and coordinated and implemented the delivery of an EMS service for the municipal government of our Nation’s Capital.
The City of Ottawa also welcomed Stephen Willis as the General Manager of Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development this week.
Mr. Willis is a Registered Professional Planner and Professional Land Economist with more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sector.
Stephen will be responsible for increasing the City’s economic viability through planning and infrastructure initiatives as well as finding economic opportunities to create new growth and prosperity in the Ottawa area.
He will assume the role of General Manager on February 27, 2017.
Welcome to the team, Stephen and congratulations to the both of you. I look forward to working with you on behalf of the community.
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Winterlude Underway!
Don’t let the cold keep you indoors! Winterlude is back and bigger than ever with new and expanded events to celebrate Canada’s 150th!
Visit the official Winterlude web site for a complete itinerary of activities throughout the National Capital Region.
Explore the ice sculptures in the Crystal Garden at Confederation Park, skate the state-of-the-art refrigerated Sens Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall and, of course, enjoy a delicious local favourite; Beavertails. Afterwards, warm up inside City Hall with a visit to the Barbara Ann Scott Gallery, Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame and the Karsh-Masson Gallery. Galleries are free of charge.
You can also click here for a list of events happening at Ottawa City Hall before the festivities wrap up.
Skate Rental and Sharpening Services are available on site by Final Pass Pro Shop and the Sens Rink of Dreams is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm (change hut opens at 8 am).
Winterlude is always a great opportunity to spend time with the family and indulge on winter treats. I hope that all residents take this opportunity to make the most of Winterlude before we bid adieu for another year. Please Pull Over for Flashing Green Lights
All drivers in Ontario are familiar with the emergency red flashing lights and sirens on police cars, ambulances and fire trucks. It is common knowledge that drivers are required by law to pull to the right and stop when they see or hear emergency vehicles approaching. Flashing green lights, on the other hand, aren’t quite as well known, but carry with them the same urgency as the flashing red ones.
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Flashing green lights are an indication that a volunteer firefighter is on the way to an emergency. When you see a vehicle approaching with a flashing green light please pull over to let them pass. They could be on their way to your house.
A total of 16 Ottawa villages are serviced by volunteer firefighters but still, many residents do not know what they mean. A report has been assembled regarding the costs associated with a potential public awareness campaign for volunteer firefighter vehicles which will be presented to Community and Protective Services Committee next week and can be reviewed here. Send me your thoughts on the potential project at [email protected].
West Ottawa Business Excellence Awards
Do you know someone in the community who is deserving of recognition for business excellence?
The West Ottawa Business Excellence Awards is a prestigious community initiative designed to recognize excellence in business and community leadership. It highlights appreciation for the work that is being done to grow our communities, enhance our lifestyles and create a stronger future.
Categories are: Small Business Large Business
Medium Business Customer Service
Community Development New Business
Restaurant - Full Serve Restaurant - Fast Serve
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Business Person of the Year
Don't miss your chance to nominate as the deadline is February 17, 2017.
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Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre - Your Health and Wellbeing Matters
The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) would like to invite residents to assist in exploring a snapshot of the health and wellbeing of people living in our West-Ottawa communities.
The “Be Well” survey covers many important aspects that affect your health and wellbeing. The information you provide will help your health organization develop a better understanding of what is keeping you well and what will help support the best health and wellbeing for everyone in Ontario. With this survey data, WOCRC aims to better understand the wellbeing needs of Ottawa’s far-west and rural communities, while making comparisons with communities across the city, province and country.
Participation in the survey ends March 8, 2017. It should only take about 10-15 minutes to complete and all information is strictly confidential.
The survey is available at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WOCRC
For more information, please contact Wendy Banh at 416-236-2539 ext. 246 or email: [email protected].
Bruce Timmerman’s Cycling Award
Do you know an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to cycling in 2016?
The City of Ottawa would like to recognize both an individual and organization who proactively and publicly promote the benefits to living a healthy and active lifestyle through cycling as a principal mode of transportation.
Nominees can be recognized for their ability to lead by example, advocacy, education, and the encouragement of others to start their cycling journey.
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Nominations are kept confidential. Forms are available online and should be submitted to the Ottawa.ca website by February 19th, 2017. You can also submit a paper form to: City of Ottawa Bruce Timmermans Awards c/o Transportation Demand Management 110 Laurier Avenue West, 4th floor, mc -01-14 Ottawa ON K1P 1J1
For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit http://Ottawa.ca/bta
Door to Door Marketing Scams
I would like to remind all residents to be vigilant of door-to-door marketing scams in the area particularly by individuals claiming to be affiliated with City of
Ottawa’s water filtration unit.
Remember:
City employees do not contact residents to sell products or services. Except for emergency situations, any visits that may require access to homes or businesses by City staff are scheduled in advance. Residents are provided with advance notice of projects that may impact them. All employees requesting access to homes have City-issued photo identification cards.
The drinking water delivered to Ottawa residents exceeds all federal and provincial health-based water quality guidelines and standards. Ottawa’s drinking water has already been rated by the Ministry of the Environment as being among the safest in the world and it is continually tested to ensure those high standards are maintained.
Residents who are directly contacted by persons claiming to be City employees for City business are asked to check identification, and, if concerns remain, contact the City prior to allowing access.
Please report any suspicious, unsolicited calls or visits to the Ottawa Police Services by visiting
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Reporting.asp.
To learn more avoid possible scams and how to avoid them, click here.
Volunteer Opportunities Page on Website
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, I have now created a page for volunteer opportunities within our community. That page is now active here.
I think this is a great opportunity for a resource where high school students looking to add to their volunteer experience or residents simply looking to lend a helping hand may refer to.
If you, or someone you know would like to contribute to this community page. Please email me with your desired text to [email protected]. Who is this?
Some residents were able to guess who this familiar face featured in last week’s newsletter belonged to. The answer, of course, is Stittsville News editor, John Curry. This photo was snapped following a play by the Goulbourn Historical Society paying tribute to former Stittsville Councillor Janet Stavinga in 2007. Happy Valentine’s Day
I would like to wish love and happiness to all residents this February 14th. May your Valentine’s Day be spent with all of those you love most.
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If you know a Stittsville resident of Ward 6 that would like to be added to my weekly electronic outreach list, please have them contact my office to ensure they receive pertinent information concerning our community. Further information about any of these articles can be found on my website or you can contact my office to obtain details.
TO UNSUBSCRIBE PLEASE REQUEST TO BE REMOVED FROM MAILING LIST via [email protected]
Is there something you would have liked to see in this newsletter? If you have/know of any stories of interest in relation to Stittsville, I would love to hear them. Please share with me at [email protected].