Transpo Express FALL 2017_Layout 1 2017-Oct-20 10:42 AM Page 1 TRANSPO express WINTERFall 2017 2019

Line 1 preparations continue

2. Derek Stevens 3. Tony Spinello

GARAGE ATTENDANT 1. Tim Wielinga

PARA TRANSPO 1. 7150 Brian Ferguson 2. 7313 Hussein Suleiman reparations have been underway for some requirements that come with the transition to that have been created and how they will con- time for the highly anticipated launch a multi-modal transit system, made up of bus, tribute to the success of our new light rail line. PCONVENTIONALof O-Train Line 1. Many positions have diesel rail and light rail. Continue reading on been created and filled to meet the changing page 4 for an in-depth look at some of the roles 1. 2883 Manjit Nagra 2. 5833 Kulwinder Sidhu he 2017 Roadeo competition and weather competition this year. Manjit will compete in the In this issue was HOT! Competitors, spectators, staff and 2018 International Roadeo in Tampa, Florida. He 3. 2643 Terry Claesson Tvolunteers came out on a beautiful will be joined by William Castillo, Derek Stevens September Sunday for this year’s annual Roadeo. and Tony Spinello, who will compete in the Mechanical competition. Another successful OperatorPriority Manjit Seating Nagra, who Cards was runner-up in6 past years, won first place in the Conventional Transit Food Drive! 2 2017 ROADEO cont’d P. 4-5 Transecure stories 7 InThe charter this experience issue 2 Accessible entrances NewTraining Nova - onebuses track at at andNew parking Employee at OC Passes Transpo 7 4 OC Celebrates cominga time in 2019 32 Capital Pride 7 PeerROADEO Support 2017 - 4-5 Transferring on the Do I need help? 8 Fire Prevention Week 8 OC Employees receive Save the Date! Annual 3 Environmental Award 3 Christmas Food Drive 6 Record donations for OC Transpo Employee breaks What is Servant Leadership? 3 into Record Books 8 The many faces of UnitedKudos Wayto OC collected Transpo by 6 RailGet Operations to Know Your 4 Transportation Services 8 October is Breast Cancer Spikes for HOPE 6 Workplace Health and Awareness Month 8 Common Inuit phrases 8 “Let’sSafety Talk” Committees hosts visitor 3 TRANSECURE 7 from Ottawa Inuit Manisha Sharma 4 Children’s Centre 6 Thank you to all Captains and Food Drive Champions! Branch, Charters, Transit Law, CUPE 5500 and such a great team. I look forward to working many others is crucial and invaluable. Thanks with this great team next year. also to Santa’s Helpers in the Internal Food Thanks to everyone for choosing to make a Drive and the Owls in the External Drive. difference in someone’s life during the holiday Our partners in radio: Jump 106.9 and Boom season. 99.7 were supportive and hopefully will join us Brigitte Bitar – Food Drive Coordinator. again next year. A special thanks of course to the managers of the 20 stores, which hosted our event and were generous to our staff and volunteers. As you know, we support four food banks who in turn supply thousands of families and 114 member agencies. Our food drive, the biggest single food drive of the year, will have food on the shelves well into March. ou have probably already heard the re- I am delighted to report the numbers for the sults of this year’s campaign as the Gen- 2018 Annual OC Transpo / Loblaw Christmas Yeral Manager has sent his message of Food Drive. We aim to continue breaking our appreciation. I wanted to take a moment to own record every year, even if it is by a slight personally thank you. margin. Please accept my sincere appreciation and All City of Ottawa Facilities including gratitude to all who helped to make the 34th OC Transpo: 7,412 items Annual Food Drive a successful and fun cam- Grand Total collected including Internal & paign. Thank you for donating your time. All External Campaigns: 121,038 items & $38,400 your efforts, enthusiasm, creativity and energy; in cash and vouchers. the success we achieved is in great part due Food Banks are thrilled as seen in the photo to you. right of the Executive Director of the Ottawa Additional thanks to: Food Bank. The support of Graphics, Fleet Maintenance, It has been truly a privilege and a pleasure Facilities Management, Training Development working with you; I am delighted to be part of

The charter experience by Elaine Breeze launches; shuttles for Canada Day and the Teddy “Thanks again for the wishes!! Here is a pic from Bear Picnic; to name just a few. our incredible day... on the bus.” (Mgbemena Wed- On any given day, I have had the pleasure of work- ding, June picture below) ing closely with my colleagues at 1500 St-Lau- “The delegation was very interested in the things rent and 925 Belfast, Fleet, Booking, Operations, they saw and the information they received. Thanks Superintendents, mobile supervisors and the very much for the help. Brian (our driver) did a fan- dozens of clients for whom we are creating the tastic job yesterday.” (Brampton City Tour, August) charter. However, the charter would not be com- “As usual it was fantastic service.” (CSST Break- plete without the continuous involvement of our through media event, August) OC Transpo Operators. Being the Charter Coordinator has truly been a OC Operators are the true mainstay of any char- labour of love for me. The only downside is that ter! Over the course of 2018, there have been I don’t have the opportunity to meet many Opera- 167 Operators who have worked or volunteered tors personally, so I would like to take this oppor- to provide an invaluable service to our internal tunity to thank you for a job well done! Elaine helping out with the Food Drive OC Family, as well as the City of Ottawa communi- ty as a whole. hen I began the position of Charter Coor- Whether a Para bus, shuttle van, Invero, Artic or dinator almost seven-months ago, I had Double Decker, our Operators show up, often in full Wno idea I would become part of such a dress uniform, with a positive attitude and wel- large OC Transpo family. Bringing a charter to life coming presence. I can’t tell you how many emails encompasses many steps and even more people. I have received from clients wanting to send com- I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge mendations to the Operator. It was as a result of all the people that are involved in the charter pro- their overwhelming feedback that motivated me to cess, especially our incredible Operators. write this article. Since May, we have provided 62 charters, and by “We could not have hoped for anything to go bet- the end of the year we will have reached close to ter; it was so smooth, so relaxed, so much fun! The 85. This number reflects charters for school field bus driver (Patty) was more than prompt and she trips, sporting events, weddings, community or- was fun.” (Kiep Wedding, May) ganizations, high profile conferences, tours and media. v New Nova LFS buses arrive for 2019!

Antonio Viola: A Supervisor would like to commend the operator for going above and beyond to help extinguish a car on fire, until the Fire Department arrived on scene. Kudos!

Ross Cronin: A Supervisor would like to commend the operator for going above and beyond to help authorities after the tornado.

Tracy Laviolette: A passenger would like to commend the operator for providing fabu- lous service to all your passengers on Route 234. Kudos!

Ryan Dillon: A passenger would like to com- mend the operator for taking him home safe- ly after the storm, along Route 95. Kudos! Milestones: • Fuel Focus Q1 2019 • Seating Capacity: 36 David Jackson: A Supervisor would like to commend the operator for providing excel- 9 Nova LFS buses enter revenue service • Passenger Capacity: 45 lent service to your passengers with disabili- ties, on Route 182. Kudos! Q2-Q3 2019 • Operator Seat: Recaro MCII ERGO 73 Nova LFS buses enter revenue service • Passenger Seating: American Vision Jamshid Abyari: A passenger would like to commend the operator for providing great ser- • Destination Sign: Luminator Titan LED vice to all your passengers, along Route 237. On-Board Technology • Bike Rack: Sportsworks DL2NP Jozef Pawlak: A passenger would like to commend the operator for going above and Comfort: Any questions or comments contact: beyond to provide fantastic service to a pas- • InfoDev Automatic Passenger Counter Brad Bouchard at senger with a disability, along Route 101. [email protected] • Clever Devices IVN4 613-580-2424 # 52724 Hasan Avdiu: A passenger would like to com- • 5 On-board Cameras mend the operator for going above and be- yond to pick him up and take him to , along Route 16. Kudos! OC Transpo employees awarded 2018 Environmental Excellence Award promote sustainable environmental activities, and foster social and economic gains, by incorporating green cleaning products into its operations. The integration of sustainable cleaning products at OC Transpo targeted the traditional chemi- cal cleaning products that have been used in the past, replacing them with more sustainable, green cleaning and degreasing products. The integration of sustainable cleaning products resulted in a year- ly elimination of 21 tons of products and a 20-30% reduction of costs related to the purchase of these products. Chief Safety Officer Jim Hopkins compliments win- ners, “I am excited and pleased. Reminds me of the “butterfly effect”, where one small change can oftentimes be the starting point for huge changes at a later date. Each step we take to improve our inners gather in the garage at 899 Bel- November at the Environment and Climate Protec- environment moves our organization in the right fast Road. Pictured left to right: Jason tion Committee meeting, recognizes programs or direction.” WCarbonette, Elmar Schaettgen, Mark initiatives which reduce the corporate environmen- OC Transpo’s initiative to change cleaning and Thomson, Marc Lapensée, Shawn O’Connor, Mike tal footprint (e.g. related to City-owned buildings, degreasing practices directly contributes to the Bougon, Tom Casey and Barbara Collett. City Fleet, City processes & procedures, greening City’s environmental and workplace sustainability OC Transpo staff won a 2018 Environmental Excel- or protecting natural values on City lands, corpo- goals. lence Award in the internal category for introduc- rate resources such as energy). ing sustainable cleaning products at OC Transpo Aligned with the continuous improvement phi- facilities. This City of Ottawa award, presented in losophy, OC Transpo developed this initiative to w The many faces of light rail operations The launch of O-Train Line 1 will mark the simulator, which provides practical experience to construction work is ongoing requires quite a bit completion of the biggest infrastructure proj- help them prepare for live operations in an envi- of forethought and exploring our new workplace ect to take place in Ottawa since the con- ronment that closely replicates the experience op- has been an awesome experience. struction of the . With such sig- erating an LRV in service. The simulator reproduces Each time we go through the tunnel, the area has nificant change comes the creation of many many realistic features along the guideway, such changed and evolved just a bit from the day be- new roles and responsibilities; many of these as station designs, landmarks, and varying weath- fore. It has been exciting to see the progress from roles are already in place, training and sup- er conditions. The simulator also incorporates po- a bare bones construction site to this state-of-the- porting launch preparations while getting tential real-life situations and considerations for art facility for our passengers.” ready to implement service to the public. In trainees to respond to such as weather patterns, this edition, we share information on some of debris, track obstacles, and station overcrowding. Upon launch of revenue service, EROs will be re- the front-line operational roles, and you can sponsible for operating light rail vehicles to pro- stay tuned to future Transpo Express editions EROs are also involved in a variety of other prepa- vide scheduled service, working closely with Elec- to learn more about some of the other opera- ration and training activities and are frequently tric Rail Controllers. EROs will continually work tional and support roles that are key to light rail. called upon to provide input and test procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and the public both in tabletop exercises and on LRVs in collab- on and around the LRVs they are operating. They oration with other operational groups such as will rely on the training they have received to re- Electric Rail Operators Electric Rail Controllers to gain real-life experience any of the Electric Rail Operators (EROs) spond appropriately to various circumstances and responding to different scenarios, whether it be conditions, whether it’s an obstacle on the track, have experience as bus operators or operat- practicing for an evacuation, responding to a door ing diesel light rail trains on O-Train Line 2, a crowded platform, icy conditions or a medical M fault, cross-track manoeuvres, or reporting their emergency. the , and so for many, it has been an ex- status to a controller. EROs also participate in var- citing prospect to become Electric Rail Operators ious drills and testing and have received extensive for what will be the busiest light rail line in North training on procedures relating to emergency situ- America upon launch of revenue service. ations and evacuations. Training for EROs is comprised of both classroom EROs have also had a first-hand view of the con- and hands-on training. There are written tests and struction progress, including watching the tunnel practical evaluations, to ensure that EROs have at- turning from a concept into the vibrant main hub tained the required level of knowledge and skills. of our city’s transit system. Currently, a significant portion of the day-to-day activities of an ERO involves getting as many hours Electric Rail Operator Ken Woods recalls his expe- of experience operating the light rail vehicles rience operating an LRV through the newly-con- (LRVs) as possible ahead of the planned launch. structed tunnel. “The first time I took an LRV into the tunnel followed weeks of preparation and EROs also complete training on a state-of-the-art planning. Driving an LRV into these zones while Daljit Purewal, Paula Smith and Paul Joyal

EROIs must have an excellent understanding of the Trainees learn using this simulator, which resem- Electric Rail Instructors principles of adult learning and instructional tech- bles the actual cab of the Alstom Citadis Spirit niques used in adult education, allowing them to train. Instead of windows, a video screen that dis- perform their duties effectively. plays moving images of the line as it will appear EROIs also design curriculum and oversee the while in operation. Trainees can see the landmarks progress of trainees to ensure the EROs in training that would be visible at any given location along master the skills required to react appropriately to the rail line, and there are many other features to all on-road/on-line scenarios. On any given day, make the experience as realistic as possible in- an EROI’s duties could involve anything from deliv- cluding incorporating potential real-life situations ering classroom instruction or simulator training, for trainees to work through such as weather pat- EROI Leslie Hunka drafting daily operator training reports, provid- terns, debris, track obstacles, station overcrowd- lectric Rail Instructors (EROIs) play an essential ing on-the-job training for bus and rail operators, ing, and more. Operators can respond to various role in the development of the first generation conducting testing and other evaluation activities, conditions; for instance, if debris appears on the of Electric Rail Operators (EROs) that will soon updating progress reports and training records, windshield, the driver can activate the appropriate E steps to clear as if he or she were operating an begin service on the O-Train Line 1. EROIs are re- coordinating logistics for training sessions, report- sponsible for designing, preparing, administering ing on progress to trainees’ Section Heads, sup- actual LRV in service, and the screens will respond and delivering all training for the EROs, in addition porting trainees in their learning and addressing with a visual of the debris being cleared using to many other responsibilities. learning issues, evaluating efficacy of training pro- windshield wipers and spray. One primary responsibility of the EROIs is the deliv- grams and drafting recommendations for future Various weather conditions are also used in ery of practical training leading towards certifica- training needs, and researching, updating and re- the simulation, which will respond according tion for EROs. EROIs deliver a variety of classroom vising course materials and curriculum. to the impacts caused by various conditions, al- activities, develop assessments, administer train- “I think my favourite part of the work I do is help- lowing trainees to get a better sense of how ing initiatives, organize and track all training, re- ing people grow into the roles they have chosen. the experience of operating a vehicle changes spond to various requests from a training perspec- I am incredibly fortunate to work with an amaz- in response to rain, ice, or other environmen- tive, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, ing group of incredibly talented people; helping tal conditions affect the operation of an LRV. In design skills building sessions and reassessments, people realize their potential is the most reward- some cases, whether conditions may impact make training recommendations and conduct tours ing part of my role. It is also incredibly rewarding response times, and this is reflected in the simula- for various groups of our Rail Simulators. All EROIs to be contributing to the transformation of the tion. When approaching a station, the trainee will maintain Ministry of Transportation (MTO) City’s transit system during this exciting time.” – see visuals of passengers waiting on the platform. Driver Certification Program Signing Authority sta- Brandon Belaire, Lead Instructor. Many of the EROIs provided support in designing scenarios to be used on the simulators. tus and are also certified in rail. A significant part of the ERO training program is EROIs are also highly knowledgeable around MTO the O-Train Line 1 simulator, which provides prac- Once the line launches, the role of the EROI will and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration tical, operational and safety training to help EROs continue to focus on the training of new operators (CVOR) requirements and licensing certifications, prepare for live operations upon launch of O-Train as they are brought onboard, as well as in-service Highway Traffic Act regulations, O-Train Line 1 and Line 1. The simulator replicates many real features observations, skill-building and reassessments, Line 2 Certification Requirements, as well as the along the guideway, such as station designs, land- awareness and safety campaigns, cyclical training overall operation of bus and rail vehicles, and their marks, and the various weather conditions that are and being available to answer questions and ad- related equipment, features, and components. experienced in Ottawa each season. dress concerns from EROs. x Line 1 Photos top to bottom: • • • uOttawa Station entrance • Fare gates at y Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre representative at Let’s Talk session e were pleased to host Rebecca Jones Then participants learned some Inuit words, be- from the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre cause as she explained to us, sometimes using just at a recent Let’s Talk session. one word can help someone feel more at ease. W Her goals were to: Did you know that Inuit say yes and no with non-verbal cues? 1. Demonstrate some components of Inuit culture; and, ‘Yes’ by raising their eyebrows and ‘no’ by scrunch- ing up their noses. 2. Help us understand how we can help Inuit Some quotes from Inuit people that were people feel welcome here in Ottawa. big shoutout to Danielle Ritz, Acting Team shared with us: An elder from the Inuit community opened the Lead, Customer Systems and Planning. Let’s Talks by lighting a Qulliq, an oil lamp which • It is very scary when I can’t call for help be- AAfter January 11, Danielle was motiviat- was used for heat, cooking and light. The elder was cause I am afraid of the service providers that ed to do something to thank our amazing first born on the land, in the dark months when the are supposed to be there to help me. responders. Qulliq was the primary light for her family. In the • I would like them to approach me with more Danielle jumped into action and coordinated a space of one generation, her people went through of an open mind… all Inuit are not drunks… collection of delicious baked goods to be deliv- many changes, some of which included the sled We are not all bad. ered to various staff including Bus Operators, dog slaughter, residential schools, and community Police, Fire and Paramedics. A total of 47 large resettlement to unpopulated areas. These imposed • Kindness builds trust. Kindness and patience trays packed with delicious baking were collected and rapid changes resulted in the Inuit people’s would go a long way in supporting those who and delivered! loss of control over their land, their livelihood and are traumatized and are dealing with very A flurry of thank you emails was received from the their culture. See back cover for a list of Common stressful situations. very appreciative and hardworking folks on the Inuit Phrases. Thank you to all the staff who came out to the receiving side of the baking! Two women presented three traditional throat- Let’s Talk sessions. Thank you to Danielle for this thoughtful gesture singing songs. The traditional form of throat sing- - and to all the generous bakers and delivery folks ing consists of two women singing face-to-face in If you have any additional questions or would like who helped pull this off! a kind of contest to see who can outlast the other. to learn more about Inuit culture, please visit the Traditionally, throat singing was a form of enter- Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre or contact Rebecca “To be a front line worker during difficult times can tainment among Inuit women while men were directly at [email protected] be a challenge so to be recognized for your efforts away on hunting trips. It was regarded more as a See back cover for a handy list of Common Inuit really does make you appreciate the support you type of vocal or breathing game in the Inuit culture Phrases! are receiving from the organization as a whole.” - rather than a form of music. Scott Yeldon, Superintendent Rail Operations Kudos to all the Let’s Talk participants who joined Thank you to Danielle Cardinal of Fire Services for in and gave throat singing a try! her colourful cookie close-up! Priority Seating Cards are key for customers with disabilities Despite signage identifying an area at the front of “When a customer shows their Priority Seating the bus as “cooperative seating,” their fellow pas- Card upon boarding, Operators are expected to sengers can sometimes be less than cooperative make an announcement requesting that custom- when it comes to giving up their seat. ers make room in the cooperative seating area,” Daphne B., an independent 87-year-old who uses said Ken Gordon, Manager of Bus and Para Transit a cane and takes transit three to five times a week Operations. “We can’t always guarantee this will from her home in , sees first-hand the lack work, but it demonstrates we care about ensuring of courtesy demonstrated by some transit users. our customers’ experience on transit is positive.” “I have seen seniors, persons using crutches, par- The Priority Seating Card can be particularly im- ents with babies and even those who were visu- portant for customers whose disabilities may not ally impaired forced to stand as other customers be visible or obvious to others. remain seated near the front of the bus,” said “There are times, on a crowded bus for example, Daphne. “It’s really frustrating.” when people may not realize that I have a disabil- For that reason, many customers rely on the ity and need a seat,” said Daphne, who herself is Priority Seating Card to let the Operator and other considering getting a Priority Seating Card. “In customers know that they need a seat. those circumstances, I could just flash my card and ask for a seat. I would still prefer others to just To get a Priority Seating Card, a customer first do the right thing and offer me a seat. That would needs to provide documentation from a registered make my day.” health care professional – such as a physician, reg- istered nurse, physiotherapist or psychiatrist – indi- Providing free Priority Seating Cards to eligible or some passengers with disabilities, it can cating that he or she requires cooperative seating. customers is just another way OC Transpo provides sometimes seem like they are on their own Once the customer provides that documentation, accessible service to persons with disabilities. The Fwhen it comes to getting a much-needed seat OC Transpo issues a Priority Seating Card. cards are truly tickets to ride and tickets to greater on the bus. independence and comfort for many customers.

z March 2018 Outstanding Call On the morning of March 9, just after Bus Oper- Larry ran back to the man and checked for a pulse, ator Larry had dropped passengers off at his first but was not able to find one. As Larry was prepar- stop on Route 87, he noticed a man collapse on ing to start CPR, a fire truck arrived on-site and a the ground near the former Sears building. After firefighter ran up to help. Soon after, paramedics safely securing his bus, Larry immediately ran over arrived and took over the situation. to see if the man was ok and quickly noticed he Thanks to Larry’s actions and ability to react in a was turning blue. Knowing how grave the situa- stressful situation, he was able to help a man in tion was, Larry ran back to his bus and called the desperate need. Transit Operations Control Centre, who then con- tacted paramedics. After hanging up the phone, April 2018 Outstanding Call Letter from a new Operator I will always remember the people, the experi- On April 26th just after noon, Operator Jatinder ence, and the teachings they have whole heartily was completing Route 91 near the University of I am Sandy Mah and I would like to start off by given us. It takes that kind of complex teamwork Ottawa when he noticed a customer having a sei- thanking the recruitment department who be- at OC Transpo to keep us and others safe not zure on his bus. He immediately secured his vehicle lieved I could be an asset for OC Transpo. Next, just on the road but in life as well. Safety above and calmly went to help the customer. Once the the administration for keeping my information in everything. customer was safe, Operator Jatinder notified the check and straightening things out so we can get Transit Operations Control Centre of the incident. paid for our training. My knowledge and experience is very limited at The Control Centre quickly dispatched Transit Law OC, but every obstacle that I’ve overcome was be- Now the training department, a big thank you to cause someone took their time and efforts to help and a Transit Supervisor, and notified paramedics. you all in training for patiently helping us grow. When paramedics arrived on the scene, the cus- me and guide me. My support structure ranges I know you all must be thrill seekers at heart to from my family, friends, instructors, and the whole tomer was conscious and was transported to the take on the role as trainers. You never know what hospital for further treatment. OC Transpo faculty. To you all I thank you with you will be getting yourselves into it could be a all my heart. Thank you OC Transpo for having us Thanks to Operator Jatinder’s attentiveness, quick rollercoaster day or a sky diving day or swimming part of the family. Thank you. action and caring nature, he was able to help a in a river full of alligators type of day with some passenger in need and ensure he received the of us but you always maintain your cool and Accessible entrances and park- medical attention that was required. composure for our mentalities sake but I know deep down you are mine sweeping with your feet ing at Transportation Services venturing into the unknown. I can’t thank the facilities training department enough for helping me grow as a driver and as a person. The time, effort, and ooking for accessible entrances and parking resources put into the training is really something at OC Transpo facilities? There’s a map for to behold and can never be taken for granted. Lthat! Check Ozone under MyDepartment, Again I can’t thank the instructors enough for Reference Materials and Driver’s Seat under helping me through this process and for giving Employee Resources for Administrative Building me the skills confidence to go serve the communi- Accessible Entrances and Parking. ty in a safe and professional manner. Please refer to this resource for printable maps Now I would like to thank my fellow classmates and descriptions of where to locate accessible who helped each other get up when days got entrances and parking for the following locations: rough. They are always there for you to cheer you • 1500 St-Laurent Boulevard (OC Transpo) May 2018 Outstanding Call on and to give you that boost to start training. On May 10, Bus Operator Allan was driving Route We had a few who unfortunately couldn’t join us • 3101 Albion Road North () 62 in the west end of the city when he noticed a today for the celebration but I thank them too for • 7 Bayview Road (Bayview Yards) 12-year-old boy travelling alone on his bus. The putting a smile on our faces. boy appeared lost and disoriented. Concerned for • 805 Belfast Road () the child’s safety, Operator Allan reported this to Wow, we are graduating! Can you all believe it? • 875 Belfast Road (Transit Operations Centre) the Transit Operations Control Centre. A Transit 6 weeks ago, it was back to school again for all • 899 Belfast Road (OC Transpo Facilities Supervisor and Transit Special Constables were of us. We were the freshmen of OC Transpo, the Management) dispatched and met the bus at Bayshore Station. lowly juniors, the 9400 series of the OC totem pole versus the guy up top who is number 700. • 925 Belfast Road (OC Transpo Customer Upon arrival, it was discovered that the boy had Service Centre) been reported “missing” to the Ottawa Police It has been a long/short 6 weeks. It felt long be- • 164 Colonnade Road (Merivale Garage) Service earlier that afternoon. Police arrived soon cause of all the information thrown at us at rapid after to take custody of the boy, and were able to rates along with daily route recalls, the readings, • 100 Constellation Drive (Traffic Services) reunite him with his family. and studying. But it felt short because we loved • 160 (Place Bell) Thanks to Allan’s observation and quick actions, what we were doing, and time flies when you • 180 Elgin Street (Barrister House) are having fun along with the ever lasting friend- this situation was resolved quickly and compas- • 745 Industrial Avenue (Industrial Garage) sionately. ships, the sweet memories, the crazy stories, and amazing things we’ve learned from each other’s • 110 West (City Hall) mistakes. • 175 Loretta Avenue (Traffic Control Centre) • 2550 Queensview Drive (Pinecrest Garage) { Transportation Services raises record donations for 2018 United Way Campaign Do I need help? nowing when you need professional help may be obvious to you. Getting that help might be Kas simple as arranging an appointment with Employee Assistance Program, or calling a local crisis line. Or perhaps it is not obvious until a trusted friend or family member suggests you speak with a coun- sellor or your doctor, because they have noticed changes in your behaviour or personality. Asking for help can be difficult, especially if you normally offer support to others or if you are a very private person. he 6th annual OC Transpo cricket tourna- Areas also hosted events including Traffic Ser- Life can present many challenges; marriage, birth, ment organizers and the General Manager, vices’ annual chili cook-off and poutine lunch, and death, accidents, job loss, illness, retirement and Transportation Services Department, present OC Transpo’s Charity Basketball Game, where Sec- the list goes on. Professional support is not nec- T a cheque to the United Way. From left to right: tion Heads challenged the OC Express team. To essary for every challenge life presents, but it can Mark Belanger (United Way), Happy Kooner, John cap-off departmental fundraising, an online auc- be beneficial when life’s challenges become over- Manconi, Basharat Malik, Jiwan Sharma, Kulvinder tion was held in December, with beauty and per- whelming. Mehra and Vipin Bali. sonal-training packages, toys and gift cards among Sometimes it does not take a huge problem to The City of Ottawa exceeded its goal and surpassed the items – raising over $1,300. cause an intense emotional reaction. The intensity the $300,000 mark for its annual United Way cam- The single biggest fundraising initiative was the and duration of your reaction is the distinction be- paign this year. Staff from the Transportation Ser- 6th annual OC Transpo cricket tournament, which tween normal feelings and needing help. Helping vices Department once again demonstrated their took place on June 9 at the Lynda Lane Cricket professionals are trained to listen, to be sensitive generosity by contributing over $37,000. Grounds. Up from $3,500 last year, this employ- to your needs and to provide confidential services. Transportation Services kicked-off the United Way ee-led event raised a record $4,000 for the United Here are a few questions you might campaign at its annual Roadeo on September 30. Way! Over 400 staff and their families participat- want to ask yourself: The Roadeo is a competition-style event for bus, ed, enjoying great food, music and activities. “This Para Transpo and rail operators, and maintenance event grows every year,” noted the humble orga- • Has my ability to deal with everyday teams. Beyond the competition, the family-friend- nizers. “A big thank you to the OC Transpo family problems been more of a struggle? ly atmosphere included a silent auction benefit- for their generous donations.” Organizers hope to ing the United Way, where over 30 auction items expand the event in the future, saying “there are • Have my emotions been getting in raised nearly $3,000. talks of organizing a tournament with other transit authorities in 2019.” the way of my work or personal life? Transportation Services staff participated in sev- eral corporate-led fundraising initiatives including By engaging staff through a well-organized and • Have I been feeling emotionally stuck promoting donations through payroll deduction coordinated campaign, staff support for the United and unable to change my behaviour with the new ePledges system; selling 50/50 raf- Way certainly continued in 2018. A big thank you or circumstances? fle tickets and Purdy’s chocolates; and a draw to to Transportation Services United Way Campaign win baked goods baskets from the City’s Senior lead, Brad Scott, for another successful year. • Has my health been deteriorating? Leadership Team. Transportation Services Service

• Have I been feeling overwhelmed by feelings of anger and despair? Common Inuit Phrases You’re welcome: Haali (Ee-lau-lee) • Has my alcohol/narcotic use in- Good morning: Ullaaakkut Done/finished: Taima creased? (Ool-laak-koot) /enough (Tye-ma) Good afternoon: Unnusakkut How are you?: Qanuipit • Have my efforts to deal with a prob- (Oon-noo-sak-koot) (Ka-nwi-peet) lem failed to resolve the situation? Welcome: Tunngasugit Thank you: Nakurmiik If you are ready to seek professional assistance, (Toon-ngs-su-geet) (Na-koor-meek) counsellors with the Employee Assistance Program Qujannamiik (EAP) are available to help. Their services are free, voluntary, and confidential. EAP can be reached at 613-580-2424, ext. 23816 or by email to OrganizationalHealth_SanteOrganisationelle@ It’s OK not to be OK. ottawa.ca You can also reach out to the Peer Support Net- Resources are here to help. work at 613-580-2424 ext. 52005 or by email to Editor Peer Support Network 613-580-2424 # 52005 [email protected] Jason Ashton Employee Assistance : 613-580-2424 # 23816 In case of emergency, call the 24 hour Call Centre [email protected] at 613-580-2458. If this is an emergency, call 911. 24 Hour Call Centre: 613-580-2458 Layout & graphics C’est normal de se Beverly Mallon sentir bouleversé. 613-580-2424 ext. 52389 [email protected] On peut vous aider.

Réseau de l’appui des pairs : 613-580-2424 poste 52005 Programme d’aide aux employés: 613-580-2424 poste 23816 Le centre d’appel 24 heures : 613-580-2458