Councillor’s Message
It’s a new month and that means we’re one step closer to spring. It’s been encouraging to see the days get longer and the sun out for a couple more minutes every day.
I had a productive three days at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto, last month. In my role as Chair of Ottawa Public Health, I had strategic meetings with provincial Members of Parliament discussing overdose and substance use, funding for mental health programs and public health-related policy decisions. This included a delegation with Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones. I was pleased to have those important conversations and to connect with colleagues from across the province on issues facing our rural communities.
I want to thank all those who attended the conversation on coyotes I hosted at Aquaview Community Hall this past Wednesday. After hearing feedback on coyote prevalence in neighbourhoods across the ward, my office organized the information session in partnership with city staff and Coyote Watch Canada. A virtual information session will also take place in the future. Details to come.
I had such a wonderful time celebrating the grand opening of the Vista Park Rink Shack on January 20 with the Greater Avalon Community Association (GACA)! This rink shack provides a much-needed space to change and warm-up, allowing everyone to enjoy the rink regardless of the temperature. It was wonderful to work with GACA to make this project a reality, and I want to thank them, as well as Papa John's Pizza and everyone who came out and embraced the cold. Happy skating!
It was also my pleasure to attend the grand opening of Planet Fitness Orléans at 2006 Mer-Bleue Road. It's always great to see another business investing in Orléans-South and provides a great reminder to take the time to move your body for both your physical and mental health at this time of year!
Finally, a reminder that February marks Black History Month. I encourage you to learn more and honour the contributions and legacy of African, Caribbean and Black Canadians and their communities and acknowledge the role they played in shaping our heritage and cultural identity. Black History Month is an opportunity for reflection on our respective roles and to challenge ourselves to go beyond learning about notable Black individuals.
Throughout the month, the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Library are offering events both in-person and virtually that are open to anyone who is interested in attending. Hope to see you there!
Reminder: Ruisseau Park Rehabilitation ongoing
A reminder to residents in Chapel Hill South, specifically on Sprucewood, Blue Willow, and Auburn Ridge that construction has begun on the Ruisseau Park Ravine Rehabilitation Project. Crews have already started critical tree removal, created construction pathways, and put-up temporary fencing.
This critical work to address serious slope stability issues is expected to be complete by mid-September, weather dependent. Impacted residents have already been contacted directly. Residents on Sprucewood have been experiencing vibrations and have reached out with questions regarding pre-construction surveys.
If you live in the impacted area and require additional information, you can reach out to Marc Tremblay, City Project Manager at marc.tremblay2@ottawa.ca or by calling 613-580-2424 ext. 14391.
The Original Navan Market announces 2024 dates
Mark your calendars! The Original Navan Market has announced their 2024 dates. Check out the poster above and spread the word.
Nestled in the heart of Navan, this market has long been a place for artisans, farmers, and vendors alike, showcasing the very best of what our community has to offer. Whether you're on the hunt for farm-fresh produce, unique handcrafted goods, or simply craving something good to eat, this market has something for everyone. I can’t wait to see you there!
3484 Innes Road, 240 & 270 Lamarche Avenue
An Official Plan Amendment to address unforeseen policy non-conformity issues affecting six properties throughout the City for which development applications were submitted prior to Council’s adoption of the new Official Plan (2022) and remain in process is expected to come forward to the City's Planning and Housing committee on March 13, 2024. 3484 Innes Road, 240 & 270 Lamarche Avenue is included in this Omnibus amendment.
You can view the materials related to the Omnibus Official Plan Amendment by accessing the Development Application Search Tool on the City’s website.
Solider On Dinner at Legion Branch 632 - Orléans
Legion Branch 632 – Orléans is holding their annual Flag Day Dinner on Friday, February 16, 2024, supporting the Soldier On Program. Over the past three events, they’ve raised over $15,000 for this vital program, assisting our veterans in need. This year, their goal is to surpass $8,000.
Cadets from local units will be serving food to our serving and retired veterans. Thanks to generous donations, most tables are reserved for homeless and financially struggling veterans, allowing them to enjoy a complimentary dinner. It's our chance as a community to express gratitude for their sacrifices, which have safeguarded our Canadian freedoms.
There are a limited number of tickets available through sponsorships for active or veteran CAF members and their spouses who would otherwise not be able to attend due to financial reasons. Anyone interested in purchasing or accessing the sponsored tickets please contact Claude Tessier at: claude6699@hotmail.com
Sarsfield Valentine’s Day Gourmet Dinner
Join Sarsfield Community Association on Saturday, February 17 at 6:30 pm for a St. Valentine’s Day dinner at the Sarsfield Community Centre.
Tickets cost $80 and can be paid using e-transfer to associationsarsfield@gmail.com. Please call 613-835-7590 for more information.
Age-Friendly Housing Community Conversation
Join the Council on Aging of Ottawa for a discussion on all things housing on one of three separate dates, including Monday, February 26 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at François Dupuis Recreation Centre.
Older adults are the fastest-growing age group in Ottawa. Many older adults will have different housing needs as they age, especially the need for affordable and accessible options due to changing health and lifestyle.
To register, please visit www.coaottawa.ca, call 613-789-3577 ext. 3, or email afo@coaottawa.ca.
Visiting Ottawa Public Health’s Bayshore Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub
It was great to join Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Chandra Pasma and Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health on a recent visit to Ottawa Public Health's Bayshore Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub.
These hubs provide vital, drop-in services in our community. This specific one focuses on COVID19, flu, routine and school-based immunization for children and youth and the Parenting in Ottawa (PiO) program.
For more information on OPH’s NHWHs, please visit https://ow.ly/4w4r50Qvvsv.
A reminder to clear your catch basin
The City of Ottawa has over 100,000 catch basins to provide drainage to roadways and greenspaces. As a critical component of the city storm collection system, keeping catch basins clear of debris (leaves, ice, snow, etc.) is important.
It’s normal for water to pool around a catch basin in wet weather. Roads are designed to drain based on the sewer capacity. Please call 3-1-1 if the catch basin issue is related to a missing catch basin (drain cover).
You may create a service request to advise the City of a catch basin (drain cover) that is:
Blocked (causing flooding on the road)
Sunken or raised
Broken
Can't find your nearest catch basin? Use the interactive map.
For all emergency requests call 3-1-1. If this service is not available to you, please call 613-580-2400 or report issues with catch basins on the road.
Celebrate Black History Month with Ottawa Public Library
Come be a part of the celebration and join Ottawa Public Library (OPL) in honoring the legacy and impactful contributions of the Black community locally and worldwide.
OPL invites all to discover Black history in person or online throughout the month of February. All events are free of charge, embracing inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. Learn more here.
Kindergarten Registration at the Ottawa Catholic School Board
If your child was born in 2020, it's time to register them to start Kindergarten in September 2024.
Simply complete the online registration form and upload your documents. If you have questions, please email the Admissions team at admissions@ocsb.ca, and they'll be happy to help.
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