Transpo Express FALL 2017_Layout 1 2017-Oct-20 10:42 AM Page 1 TRANSPO express SPRINGFall 2017 2018

Construction in full swing!

2. Derek Stevens 3. Tony Spinello

GARAGE ATTENDANT 1. Tim Wielinga

PARA TRANSPO 1. 7150 Brian Ferguson 2. 7313 Hussein Suleiman

CONVENTIONAL 1. 2883 Manjit Nagra Train pulls out of the tunnel headed west toward Pimisi Station for the first time! 2. 5833 Kulwinder Sidhu he 2017 Roadeo competition and weather competition this year. Manjit will compete in the onstruction is in full swing at all 13 O-Train nue servicewas HOT! later Competitors,this year. Train spectators, testing is ongoing.staff and Catenary2018 International Systems and Roadeo moving in vehicles Tampa, are Florida. danger He- 3.Line 2643 1 stations, Terry as Claessonwell as along the 12.5 WeT remindvolunteers everyone came to stay out off the on tracks a beautiful and not ous.will beSee joinedmore on by the William bottom Castillo, of page Derek 2. Stevens Ckilometre guideway in preparation for reve- trespassSeptember on the Sunday alignment, for this as year’s energized annual Overhead Roadeo. and Tony Spinello, who will compete in the Operator Manjit Nagra, who was runner-up in past Mechanical competition. years, won first place in the Conventional Transit In this issue 2017 ROADEO cont’d P. 4-5 In this issue Name the Train Winners 2 Updates to services by May is Bike to Work Month 8 Organizational Health 5 PetsTraining on Transit - one track changes at at 2 New Employee Passes 4 MentalOC Celebrates Health Week Events a time 2 Capital Pride 7 MedicalROADEO First 2017 Responders 4-5 May 7-11 8 Pointing Ottawa in the and Special Constables 5 Transferring on the Fire Prevention Week 8 right direction 3 Save the Date! Annual Dates to Remember 8 3 Lance Law - 15 years in Christmas Food Drive 6 OC Transpo Employee breaks Spring means watchout 4 the making 5 forWhat bikes! is Servant Leadership? 3 into Record Books 8 Kudos to OC Transpo 6 Aboriginal Awareness Day 5 YourGet toSafety Know Minute Your 4 October is Breast Cancer isSpikes June 12 for HOPE 6 Workplace Health and Awareness Month 8 Roy Lafleur - Specialist is Safety Committees 3 TakeTRANSECURE charge of your health 7 an understatement 4 Coping with stress 6 Manisha Sharma 4 Health and Safety Week TRANSECURE 7 May 6-12 4 Name the Train Winners! Pets on Transit by-law changed

s of April 2, customers are permitted to bring small pets in carriers on OC Transpo Avehicles. With the new change to the by-law, small pets are permitted on transit vehicles; however, they must be in a small pet carrier or cage, which can rest on the customer’s lap. Certain non-domesticated animals are prohibited. Among the list of prohibited animals in the by-law: hen the trains roll out later this year, • Related to one or more of the below non-domesticated cats and dogs, all snakes larger there is a good chance that some of you five categories: than three metres, and all predatory or large birds. will take a ride on the Snowbird, the Aca- W 1. People dia or even the Dreamcatcher. To help get ready for All pets contained in carriers will be permitted on the launch of the O-Train Confederation Line, the 2. Animals OC Transpo vehicles. Customers are expected to Mayor hosted a Name the Trains Contest, where 3. Natural world respect other customers and not take their pets out children and youth aged 16 and under participated of the carriers or cages. 4. Canadian culture to name 40 train cars: 34 for the Confederation Line and six for the . 5. History This change applies to all conventional, Para Transpo and O-Train vehicles. • Bilingual or easily translatable A total of 1,899 submissions were received! (English & French) This by-law does NOT affect the service animal pol- The winning submissions had to meet the follow- icy. Customers with service animals are ALWAYS al- • Friendly, positive and easy to remember ing contest rules, regulations and guidelines: lowed on OC Transpo vehicles. If you are not sure, The winning names will be placed on the trains please give the customer the benefit of the doubt. Names had to be: in 2018. The full list of names can be found at For more information, please go to Driver’s Seat or www.octranspo.com/ready4rail/contest • Short (maximum of 16 characters, including read operational bulletins. spaces) • Linked to trains (or train service) or have Cana- dian or Ottawa-related significance

@claudanzer Apr 16 When the #ice #rain makes your am awful, so nice of #OCtranspo driver to wait as you run across the street! Rte 105 Bus #5106 Thanks #RAOK @nickgalletti Mar 29 My @OC_Transpo driver made the drive to work extra special today. Thanks Frank! #HappyEaster @damon_lui Apr 5 @OC_Transpo Shoutout to the awesome opera- tor on #5152 112Elmvale. Her positivity, her kind- ness and patience along the trip impressed me. Amazing!! @Ed_StudentOtt Mar 29 Please give the driver of bus 4405 on Route 27 this morning a shoutout! Superb guy and very friendly! Reminding us of Good Friday service and wishing us a happy Easter! Make sure he has a good Easter On April 14, 2018, the first light rail vehicle (LRV) traveled underground through the O-Train Confedera- pls @OC_Transpo tion Line tunnel as part of the systems tests. v Pointing Ottawa in the right direction

Exit signage leads to more speci c sign artwork showing how to nd speci c streets and buses, including a regional point of interest map Standardized symbols throughout

Inter-track signage visible from the platform and train to con rm your location and destination

Rendering of Tunney’s Pasture Station

Transpo is delivering a new integrated and reviews have become a key part of our wayfin- Parallel tasks include signage for business districts approach to wayfinding and signage ding methodology. The new designs and artwork surrounding the new O-Train stations, integration OCfor the bus and train transportation have been collated into one new signage manual. into shopping centres, updating existing bus sta- network. The new wayfinding design will provide a This document will be the foundation for refresh- tions, and refreshing signage at OC Transpo’s ad- fresh new look for OC Transpo. ing OC Transpo signage across the city. ministrative buildings and garages. There will be nearly 2,500 new signs for O-Train OC Transpo’s signage coordinator, John Gorman Some signs have already been installed at vari- Line 1, the Confederation Line, with more to fol- plays a vital role in the wayfinding strategy. He has ous locations with further upgrades progressively low for Line 2, the Trillium Line, and the bus transit had 14-years of experience in provincial govern- continuing across the transit network both at train network. The design process commenced with site ment developing signage and wayfinding systems, stations and beyond. Future signage is planned for audits and analysis of customer behaviors. This during which time he received awards and recog- other pedestrian areas around the city, as well as and ongoing reviews were in place to ensure way- nition for his high standard of work. around train stations (including Line 2), bus sta- finding is effective in providing timely information tions, adjoining business facilities and tourism to customers. This is particularly important at de- A word from John Gorman – OC Transpo’s Signage wayfinding. cision-making points on their journey from bus or Coordinator: “I have always enjoyed helping and neighborhood to the platform and then onto the reassuring people in reaching their desired des- Throughout the LRT construction and the exciting train. tination. When designing a wayfinding strategy, changes, it was recognized that a need for interim local knowledge is extremely important, but taking signage to support the future bus station chang- The design team was able to create a new signage a step back to observe things from a neutral point es required ongoing design and review. This way- aesthetic that integrates smoothly into the con- of view can provide improvements. The reward is finding helped thousands of customers navigate temporary environment at new O-Train stations, seeing our customers find their way with no delay, through route changes, number changes, bus stop which includes new landscaping and state-of-the- and reduced stress. platform movements and kept the public informed art architecture. Sleek new sign shapes and some of future temporary changes while construction internationally recognized icons and colors have continued. been introduced. The new signage provides consis- tent and easy-to-follow visual messages to make The interim signs such as posters and a-frames pro- public transit easier for customers to use, particu- vided flexibility in accommodating detours related larly when changing modes and taking unfamiliar to construction over the past few years. Lessons journeys. learned will be fed into sign plans for Stage 2 of the LRT. Temporary signs will be based on the same The same icons will be used in maps, bus stations, design as permanent signs developed for O-Train and the OC Transpo website. Line 1. As construction finishes, permanent signs will be installed. The centerpiece of the new wayfinding program is the big red “O” that represents the entire OC Wayfinding is more than just static signage. It also Transpo transit network and its various modes of relies on other information tools such as maps, transportation. This new symbol is being applied web and smartphone applications, electronic consistently throughout transit information prod- signs, and other intuitive tools that help customers ucts in Ottawa. along their journey. John is always on the lookout John Gorman, OC Transpo’s Signage Coordinator for new wayfinding ideas, so do not hesitate to get The new red “O” branding is designed to efficiently in touch if you have any suggestions. fit with existing signage used by other stakehold- ers such as malls and business districts. Places of My employer in Australia was Transport for New . interest maps will be placed at all O-Train stations South Wales, a provincial department, based in to help customers find their way to destinations Sydney. I worked there for nearly 15 years. Tasks outside the station and explore Ottawa using the included new and existing bus transitways, spe- train. cial events signage, and multi-modal transporta- tion. One of my favorite achievements was being There were important lessons learned for the de- involved in the evolution of the sprawling Sydney sign team in adapting wayfinding principles to the Olympic Park precinct and it’s ever growing sig- unique circumstances in Ottawa. Constant audits nage needs.” w Spring means watch Roy Lafleur_ Specialist is an out for bikes! understatement

Greg Swan – Program Manager, Transit Safety and Compliance introduces Roy Lafleur. “Last year I had to create a posting for an open po- sition on my team. I was excited about the process and was unsure what qualified candidates would apply. What a great surprise when I saw a bus operator on the list. I opened up his resume and was pleasantly surprised to see recent experience as a safety practitioner at another company. One great interview later and Roy has become an inte- gral part of my team. Having a conventional bus expert on the team is such a blessing. The poor guy is constantly bombarded from the entire team with bus-related ideas. Questions are often shout- ed over the cubicles about how certain things work What are your professional goals as a Safety on a bus, or what procedure we should reference Coordinator of Transit Safety and Compli- for that bus operation. Since starting with us, Roy ance? has taken on some tough portfolios that are tricky In the ever evolving world of health and safety, I to implement and educate on, while still perform- would like to gain as much knowledge and expe- ing day-to-day operations.” rience as possible while in my role and have the opportunity to share it with the organization and Tell us about your career at OC Transpo? employees. In the near future, I plan to start tak- I started with OC Transpo in January 2015, as a ing more educational courses to help complement bus operator. I gained a great deal of valuable ex- all the practical learning I am exposed to with my perience, training, and skills that I’ve been able to team. adapt in my everyday life. In addition, I also met a lot of great people along the way. There has never What interests or hobbies outside of work been a negative experience during my tenure with do you have? OC Transpo and I can’t wait for the next chapter. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with he Stay Safe, Stay Back Campaign was While I did enjoy driving, I felt I had additional my family and young children. I also enjoy playing launched in the through a assets that could be put to use. When I saw the hockey and keeping active while focusing on main- Tpartnership with the Share the Road Cycling opportunity for the Safety and Compliance team, I taining a happy and healthy lifestyle. Coalition and the . couldn’t ignore it. Final thoughts: The campaign aims to educate cyclists about key What got you interested in health and safety issues relating to heavy truck safety, including as a career, and how it started? Just a reminder for all. Stay safe, happy, and staying out of a truck’s blind spot, especially at in- healthy. Let’s all go home in the same condition I like to think that heath and safety chose me. Pri- tersections. Free decals are provided to all private we came to work in every day. If you see an op- or to starting at OC Transpo, in a previous life, I sector companies requesting them for their various portunity to be safe or improve the safety around worked in a management team for a local indus- fleets. To date Safer Roads Ottawa has distribut- you, say something or do something about it. Nev- trial laundry facility. There was a void in oversee- ed over 1,000 decals to private partners, including er give up and try hard, success will find you. ing H&S and I felt it was a great opportunity to those in the heavy construction industry, as well as take on what I thought was a small challenge. The the City of Ottawa’s own fleet. challenge ended up being slightly bigger than I ex- OC Transpo has installed the Stay Safe, Stay Back pected, however I embraced it with open arms and Health and Safety Week, decals on our entire fleet. still enjoy the continuous learning that comes with the territory. May 6 – 12 This year marks North American Occupational Safe- What excites you the most about this career ty and Health (NAOSH) Week’s 21st anniversary! change? Your Safety Minute The purpose of NAOSH Week is to promote collab- Defensive Driving Messages There are many exciting factors about this career oration between employers, employees, the public, change for me. It’s exciting to be able to learn new and all partners in occupational safety and health ou will have noticed the new safety skills and put them into practice and it’s exciting on the importance of preventing injury and illness messaging on OCTV lately, Your Safety to meet new contacts around the organization and in the workplace, at home and in the community. YMinute. This is an initiative from the City put the many names to faces. I feel this has been Fleet Safety Branch and highlights types of an exciting chance to better myself and eventually This year’s theme “Make Safety a Habit: collisions that are being reported with reoccurring help better those around me. People, Purpose, Passion” highlights how each frequency and generated by OC Transpo. What has been the most interesting thing of us have a role in ensuring a safe workplace. The idea of Your Safety Minute is to raise aware- you have learned in the last 5 months as a The City of Ottawa will launch NAOSH Week with ness of trends regarding collisions that are being safety coordinator? the flag raising ceremony at the Threads of Life reported more frequently in an effort to reduce the There have been many interesting things I’ve annual Steps for Life 5K walk at City Hall on Sat- number of these types of collisions through defen- learned in my time with the Safety and Compliance urday May 5th at 9:00 a.m. Funds raised from the sive driving messaging. team. The aspect I have to say I find most inter- walk support families affected by workplace tragedy. esting is just how big of an operation OC Transpo Your safety and that of our customers is a top pri- Staff from OC Transpo will be participating in the is. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people ority. walk. To register and/or donate, visit events.thread- from numerous departments and have been lucky soflife.ca and search teams for “OC Transpo.” Your Safety Minute is being brought to you by to learn about each of them as individuals and the Training and Development. If you have a safety/ key roles they play with their respective depart- training-related question, please contact Training ment and the overall success of OC Transpo. and Development at extension 52616. x Updates to services offered by Organizational Health

n order to focus on employee health and well- • Stress Management Interactive Learning cuss any issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, ness, the City’s internal EAP counsellors became Session family or marital tension, parent-child conflict, IOrganizational Health Consultants when the • Critical Incident Stress – education, consulta- organizational changes, relationships, substance City reorganized in 2016. These consultants are tion, support and intervention abuse and bereavement with the knowledge that responsible for supporting the organization with the services are completely confidential. early intervention and prevention initiatives and City employees and their immediate family mem- services including: bers continue to have access to individual and Employees continue to access EAP by calling family counselling and referral services by quali- 613-580-2424 x23816. • Conflict management services fied professionals through the Employee Assis- tance Program (EAP) provided by Family Services For more information on Organizational Health • Mental Health in the Workplace Training for and EAP, visit Ozone employees and managers EAP who have been providing afterhours and crisis support services as an external partner organiza- ozonehome.city.a.ottawa.ca/irj/portal/coo_em- • Management/Supervisor consultations tion for over a decade. Employees are free to dis- pinfo Medical First Responders and Aboriginal Awareness Day: June 12 the Special Constable Unit

n the fall of 2017, the Special Constable Unit, uses and recertifies on for its Firefighters - consists under the direction of Chief James Babe and for 37 different lecture / training sections that in- IConstable Josh Gibeault, in conjunction with St. clude, but are not limited to severe bleeding, com- John Ambulance and Ottawa Fire Service began municable diseases, pharmaceuticals, spinal inju- the process of training all front line constables in ries, HAZMAT emergencies, vehicle accidents, and Medical First Responder (MFR) skills. psychological emergencies. The MFR certification is an intensive weeklong Transit Constables will now be able to assess sit- course that includes numerous new skills and uations with more knowledge and skill, and ad- equipment to allow the transit first responders to minister necessary aid. Some of the new skills they better respond to medical situations on the sys- have include, but are not limited to: airway man- tem, work in partnership with Ottawa Paramedics agement, cervical collar applications, spinal board- and Ottawa Fire at more serious scenes, and be ing, bleeding control, and opioid overdoses. better prepared for any potential injuries associat- ed with the start of the Confederation Line service. Extensive training and planning has gone into this MFR-the same training that Ottawa Fire Service program, and it will help increase safety and ser- vice through the transit system. Lance Law – 15 years in the making

I had just started with OC Transpo as a Property boriginal Awareness Day will be held at City Protection Officer. “I know, call me Lance Law!” Hall on June 12. This is the 8th consecutive It was set; Lance Law would debut in a royal rum- Ayear that the event has taken place. This ble match in Gatineau. However, due to training is an important year for Aboriginal Awareness as demands and work scheduling, Lance Law would the City has recently confirmed their commitment end up as merely an idea put on the back burner, to reconciliation by passing the City of Ottawa’s but not forgotten. Reconciliation Action Plan. The event is open to all City employees and is a great way to learn how April 2017 - Fast tracking 15 years, having com- to include reconciliation in your everyday work. pleted Triathlon, Spartan, Bodybuilding and Power- The event will feature a keynote speaker and the lifting competitions and now largely increased to opportunity to explore the Aboriginal services of- enis Racine is a Special Constable with 250 pounds, it was time for Lance Law to return fered in the City of Ottawa. Please watch Driver’s OC Transpo and has been with the organiza- once again, and this time there was no turning Seat and OCTV for more information about this Dtion for 16 years. Denis is a WRF Director and back. year’s Aboriginal Awareness Day. Gym Manager, who is also a leader in OC Transpo’s Six-months of training with Body Slammers Cana- wellness and fitness program. This is his cool story da, re-learning the techniques, the bumps, and now on how he became Lance Law. dishing the clotheslines instead of receiving them, As young as I can remember, Hulk Hogan ran wild Lance Law was finally ready to make his debut on in the Denis Racine household. Every Saturday at November 18, 2017. The Law arrived and disman- 12 p.m., I would be glued to TV to see my idols tled his opponent in front of 400+ fans, family and and heroes - Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warriors and friends. My ultimate goal – COMPLETE!!! the legendary Legion of Doom - destroying their April 2018 - The card is booked. Lance Law is set opponents like true heroes would. In my head, one to “Main Event” the Orleans Wrestling Alliance’s day maybe I can do that? Wrestling promotion at the Navan Memorial Arena April 2002 - Now 22 years old, standing close located in Navan, on May 6, 2018 at 4p.m. to 6’0 – 185 lbs of lean mean fighting machine – What was a childhood dream became a reality for I seek to accomplish that boyhood dream. I enrolled an instant moment before being tucked away for in the Canadian Pro Wrestling Academy located in 15-years to be reborn, stronger, faster, wiser and Hull, QC. Break falls, running the ropes and being more ready than ever. clotheslined by local wrestling superstars, Thunder, Tommy Blade and Zack Freak, was an experience. Dreams are a reality – never lose focus – Character selection they asked me? Hmmm…… never surrender – “Vincere Perderent” y Take Charge of Your Health - Stress: What is it and what to do about it?

Even daily hassles like dealing with traffic can be a Get active source of stress. Physical activity can be a great way to reduce What can I do about it? stress and improve your mood. Activity could be anything from taking up a new sport to walking. Taking action is the first step. Ignoring the effects The most important part is that it gets you mov- of stress can lead to other mental health problems. ing and you enjoy it—it shouldn’t feel like a chore. There is no one right way to deal with stress. The If you experience barriers to physical activity, try tips below are common strategies that are helpful talking to your doctor or care team for ideas. for many people. Try them out and see what works best for you. Remember to look at both short-term Do something you enjoy Healthy mind, or mental health, is part of and long-term solutions when you’re dealing with Making time for hobbies, sports, or activities that our overall health. It is a state of well-being stress. you find fun or make you laugh can temporarily in which a person reaches his or her own Identify the problem give you a break from problems. Listen to music, potential, can cope with the stresses of life, read, go for a walk, see a friend, watch your favou- Is your job, school, a relationship with someone, rite movie, or do whatever makes you feel good. can work productively, and is able to be ac- or worries about money causing stress? Are un- tively engaged in her or his own family and This can give you a little mental distance from important, surface problems hiding deeper prob- problems when you can’t deal with them right community. Below is an article provided by lems? Once you know what the real problem is, away. the Canadian Mental Health Association you can do something about it. that helps teach us about stress and what Can I prevent stress? Solve problems as they come up we can do to prevent and manage it. Stress is part of being human—no one can elimi- What can you do, and what are the possible out- nate all stress from their life or prevent stress from comes? Would that be better or worse than doing ever happening in the future. The goal of stress e all talk about stress, but we’re not al- nothing? Remember, sometimes solving a problem management is to bounce back from problems or ways clear about what it is. Stress comes means doing the best you can—even if it isn’t per- challenges and maintain wellness. All of the above from both the good and the bad things W fect—or asking for help. Once you’ve decided on a strategies can help you take control of stress so that happen to us. If we didn’t feel any stress, we solution, divide the steps into manageable pieces it doesn’t control you in the future. Remember to wouldn’t be alive! Stress may feel overwhelming and work on one piece at a time. Improving your practice them often, even when you’re not feeling at times, but there are many strategies to help you problem-solving skills is a long-term strategy that stressed. That way, you’ll know exactly what works take control. can help you feel like you’re in control again. for you. It’s also much easier to deal with difficul- What is stress? Talk about your problems ties when you’re in control and know that you can deal with whatever comes up. Stress is the body’s response to a real or per- You may find it helpful to talk about your stress. ceived threat. That response is meant to get Loved ones may not realize that you’re having a If you are feeling stressed and need someone to people ready for some kind of action to get them hard time. Once they understand, they may be able talk to, you can call: out of danger. But most of the threats people face to help in two different ways. First, they can just today aren’t something that they can fight or run listen—simply expressing your feelings can help a Peer Support Network: away from. These threats are usually problems lot. Second, they may have ideas to help you solve [email protected] that people have to work through. Some stress or deal with your problems. If you need to talk with 613-580-2424, x52005 can be a good thing. It can motivate us to focus someone outside your own circle of loved ones, Employee Assistance Program: on a task or take action and solve a problem. your family doctor may be able to refer you to a [email protected] In this situation, stress is manageable and even counsellor, or you may have access to one through 613-580-2424, x23816 helpful. your school, workplace, or faith community. Text from the Canadian Mental Health Association: When stress is unhelpful, people may feel over- Simplify your life whelmed or feel like they can’t possibly fix the cmha.ca/mental_health/stress/#.WXY2PVX- problem. In these cases, some people avoid deal- Stress can come up when there are too many ysnQ ing with the original problem altogether, which things going on. Learning to say no is a real skill may make the problem—and stress—worse. It that takes practice. Try to look for ways to make can be very hard to concentrate, make decisions, your to-do list more manageable. and feel confident when a person experiences Learn helpful thinking strategies a lot of stress. Many people experience physical sensations like sweating, a racing heart, or tense The way you think about situations affects the way muscles. Over time, stress can also have a big you respond to them. Unhelpful thoughts, such @sotojuli1 Mar 16 impact on physical health. Sleep difficulties and as believing that everything must be perfect or headaches are common problems related to stress. expecting the worst possible outcome, can make So the OC transpo bus driver this morning told everybody People are also more likely to get sick when they’re problems seem bigger than they really are. Learn getting off on campus “Good day everyone, study hard, experiencing a lot of stress. about stress management. There are many usefu- change the world!” and I’ve never been more motivated books, websites, and courses to help you cope with and inspired. Stress is a reaction to a situation—it isn’t about stress. There are also counsellors who specialize in @btalgoy Mar 26 the actual situation. We usually feel stressed when stress. There may be stress management courses we think that the demands of the situation are and workshops available through your community @OC_Transpo hey! Drivers tend to take a lot of flak but an greaterthan our resources to deal with that si- centre, workplace, or school. irate passenger on the 6653 (rt 94) @ 0850 today didn’t tion. For example, someone who feels comfortable phase the driver, he handled it professionally and respect- speaking in public may not worry about giving Start on the inside fully despite her yelling at him for situations outside his control (new schedule?) Kudos! a presentation, while someone who isn’t confi- Practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, dent in their skills may feel a lot of stress about prayer, or breathing exercises can help you qui- @_HeatherRay Mar 17 an upcoming presentation. Common sources of et your mind and look at problems from a calm- Hey @OC_Transpo - shoutout to the driver of the 14 EB er, more balanced point of view. With time, these stress may include major life events, like moving (#6424). 7:05pm at the Carling/Holland stop - the bus had or changing jobs. Long-term worries, like a long- practices can help you manage your response to just started to pull away, then noticed someone running term illness or parenting, can also feel stressful. stressful situations as they come up. for the bus. Driver waited. z Day of Pink in 2018

n Wednesday April 11, employees from across the Transportation Services Depart- Oment came together to celebrate the Day of Pink. Day of Pink is an international campaign that unites communities across the world to put a stop to bullying and discrimination. By wearing pink on this day, Transportation Services colleagues took a stand against discrimination, homophobia, trans- phobia, transmisogyny and all forms of bullying. Day of Pink started in Nova Scotia in 2007 when Bullying can take place anywhere, including Employee Assistance Program: two high school students saw a gay student be- at work. The City of Ottawa does not tolerate [email protected] ing bullied for wearing a pink shirt. While the two bullying in any shape or form. If you ever feel that 613-580-2424,x23816 students intervened, they wanted to do more. you or one of your colleagues is being bullied This year’s Day of Pink was led by OC Pride’s Matt They purchased and distributed 50 pink t-shirts at or harassed, reach out to your Manager, Section Scott and Angus Wright. A special thanks for all school. The message was clear: anyone can be vic- Head, Supervisor, Superintendent, the Employee your planning and commitment to making this timized by bullying, but together we can stop it. Assistance Program, or the Peer Support Network important day happen! – they are here to help. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. The word Do you want to help with planning for Pride has spread and countries around the world have Peer Support Network: [email protected] 2018? Email [email protected] to get adopted Day of Pink in recognition of this special involved! movement. 613-580-2424, x52005

Outstanding Call for Outstanding Call for September October

Outstanding Call for August On September 24th around 10:30 a.m., Bus Opera- On the evening of September 26th, while Bus Op- tor Mike was stationed near Confederation Square erator Denis was driving along on about to begin his regular shift on Route 12, when Route 18, a male boarded the bus with a two-year- he suddenly witnessed a young male in the dis- old boy. Before the bus left the stop, a female ran tance fall and begin to have a seizure. up to the bus door and told Denis not to leave, as the male had taken the child without permission. The parents of the young man were with their son; however, it was evident that they needed help. Denis immediately notified the Transit Operations Mike immediately ran over, offered assistance, Control Centre to make them aware of the situa- and quickly called the Transit Operations Control tion that was developing on his bus, and to request Centre for support. Remaining calm, Mike stayed assistance. The Control Centre quickly advised the on site with the young man and his parents until Ottawa Police Service who confirmed they would paramedics arrived on the scene. attend the call. Bus Operator Manjinder Chahal 8086 was working on Carling Avenue near Richmond Road on August Thanks to Mike’s prompt and professional re- Denis was able to keep the child safe and un- 13, when a passenger boarded the bus and in- sponse when faced with a medical emergency, the harmed until Police arrived shortly thereafter. Fol- formed him of an altercation between an operator young man in distress was taken care of calmly lowing some negotiation with the Police, the man and a passenge that had taken place on another and safely. eventually relinquished the child to them. The male was subsequently arrested and charged. bus nearby. Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Para- Manjinder asked for a description of the suspect medics in congratulating and thanking Mike for his Thanks to Denis’ quick thinking and reactive na- from the passenger and relayed the information quick response and concern for others. ture, the child was kept safe and unharmed. to the Transit Operations Control Centre. The sus- Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Para- pect’s description was relayed to the Transit Special medics in congratulating and thanking Denis for Constables who were already on route responding his quick response and concern for others. to the bus where the altercation had taken place. Thanks to Manjinder’s attention to detail and quick thinking, vital information was received quickly, aiding in the capture of the suspect by Transit Spe- cial Constables. Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Para- medics in congratulating and thanking Manjinder for his quick response and concern for others. { May is Bike to Work Month Dates to remember . . .

How far do you bike every day? I bike from to 1500 St-Laurent and back. May 21 Victoria Day - Sunday Svc. That is a 50 km round trip every day. When don’t you bike? May 26-27 Ottawa Race Weekend I bike almost every day in the spring, summer and fall. But not if it’s raining. June 2-3 Doors Open Ottawa Why do you ride? June 24 Summer Service Change Because I had a heart attack. There is no better motivation than that! June 24 St-Jean Baptiste What are the best and worst things about biking? July 1 Day The best thing about biking is being outside, get- ting exercise and commuting to work at the same time. That is a win-win-win.

mnon Hameiri is a Bus Repair Mechanic with The worst thing is when young cyclists overtake OC Transpo. He has worked with the City me. I am a pretty competitive guy so that hurts. Asince 2003, and started biking to work in Also, it can be hard at the beginning and end of the 2007. In 2017 he helped start a Bicycle User Group season when it is cold and dark and I have to get at 1500 St- Laurent. Together, they are working to on my bike and start cycling to work. improve the bicycle facilities on the property. Any advice for would-be cyclists? When did you start biking to work? Lots: I started biking to work in the spring of 2007 af- • Don’t wait until you have a medical ter surviving a heart attack the previous fall. I had condition before you get on a bike. been overweight with high blood pressure and By biking you prevent disease. cholesterol, was stressed out and was working long hours. After the heart attack I changed my • Don’t talk about it, just do it! diet, tried to reduce my stress levels and started • Start with a cheap bike and low kilometres. Wilson Lo - A passenger would like to com- mend the operator for providing amazing exercising. That is when I started cycling to work, • Always wear a helmet, be safe. and I haven’t stopped. service to all your passengers and remembering her stop when she fell asleep on your bus, on Route 80. Kudos! Marc Fournier - A passenger would like to com- mend the operator for waiting for late- arriving Mental Health Week Events passengers at the Eagleson Park & Ride during cold weather, on route 268. Kudos! May 7 - 11 Ramanjit Grewal - A passenger would like to commend the operator for waiting for him as he Tuesday, May 8 - certainly know of a friend or neighbour that does. was running late to catch your bus, along Route Mindfulness in the workplace The conversation at the lunch and learn will be 237. Kudos! how to identify the most important goal/ change Leonore Evans, OC Transpo, Room 1C that could affect their financial situation and Normand Deschamps - A Supervisor would Ben Franklin Place 12-1 p.m. develop a plan to save/repay to reach the goal, like to commend the operator for going above and beyond to help all the moms and babies on Leonore Evans is the Transportation Services measure success and make adjustments as re- and off the bus and making sure they got home Department’s Wellness representative and Peer quired while creating a climate of accountability. safely. Kudos! Support Network coordinator. Leonore uses mind- fulness in her personal and workplace practice, w w w Benyam Abebe - A Supervisor would like to and helps bring awareness to employees through commend the operator for waiting for transfer- Friday, May 11 - training and workshops. Come and relax into a ring passengers at Laurier station. Kudos! mindful space and explore several exercises from Compassionate Ottawa – guided imagery to meditation. End of life care, Sharon Goudie - A Supervisor would like to Barb Hogerg, Jackie Holzman, The commend the operator for going above and w w w beyond to rescue a distressed woman at Mack Chamber - City Hall 110 Laurier Bridge. Kudos! Wednesday, May 9 - 9-10:30 a.m. Stress and Financial Counselling This session will include an introduction to an Debbie Gillis, Resolve Counselling, outstanding program called Advance Care Plan- Room E – Learning Centre, ning (ACP). The ACP process helps to ensure that Ben Franklin Place 12-1 p.m. plans are in place for end of life care based on c ntacts what we value and wish for, as well as what the Editor When people talk about debt, it is often associ- Province of Ontario suggests we all have in place. ated with words like “burden”,“drowning” and Using creative examples, we’ll talk about how Jason Ashton “up to my ears”. Those that come to speak with to have the difficult conversations for our own 613-580-2424 x52016 a credit counsellor describe the impact it has on end of life care or for others we are close to. We [email protected] their relationships with partners, children and will look at how you can encourage ACP as an coworkers. There is often shame and secrecy important step in your own preparation. Recog- Layout & graphics surrounding this issue. The staff attending this nizing and supporting the challenges employees Beverly Mallon session may not be experiencing any of these face in life enhances organizational wellness and feelings or have debt in their life but they most strengthens employee engagement. 613-580-2424 x52389 [email protected]