Volume 12, Issue 13: March 26, 2012
POLITICAL NEWS
OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULES
SPRING BURN BAN IN EFFECTDue to the early arrival of warm weather, the Ottawa Fire Services has placed a burn ban into effect in order to prevent the rapid spread of fire due to grass and brush fires. This ban will remain in place until conditions improve and the green grass starts to show through tall dead grass. Carelessly discarded cigarettes continue to be a major cause of grass fires during these dry periods. Smokers are reminded to please use care when butting out. Do not throw lit cigarettes outside vehicle windows. Spring fire bans are common practice across Ontario. Permits Residents are reminded that they must first obtain a Fire Permit before they have a fire in the open air. Permit holders are then required to call (613) 580-2880 prior to burning to ensure there is not a burn ban in effect. Substantial fines may be issued to residents who are not in possession of a valid Fire Permit or are found to be non-compliant to conditions and regulations within their permit. Fire Permits are available at all Client Service Centres and Ottawa Fire Services’ Rural Administrative offices. A list of these sites, hours of operation and more information on Fire Permits can be found on ottawa.ca or by calling 3-1-1.
STRANDHERD-ARMSTRONG BRIDGE PROJECT UPDATEThe City of Ottawa has declared the general contractor on the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge to be in default. This decision follows discussions with the contractor’s court appointed receiver and the City’s bonding company and is being pursued as the best course of action to ensure the project continues to move forward. Work on the bridge is approximately 60% complete and measures remain in place to ensure its completion. It is important to recognize that situations such as this create schedule setbacks and will impact construction. However, the action taken by the City is geared to limit any project delays and will allow the bonding company to assume responsibility for the delivery of the project regardless of what happens with the contractor as a result of it being placed into receivership. The City requires performance bonds on all major construction projects to guarantee project completion and minimize financial exposure to taxpayers. Declaring the general contractor to be in default and activating the $23 million performance bond will assist the City in its ability to ensure the timely completion of the project as well as the quality and safety of the bridge.
EASTER SCHEDULE CHANGESThe City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes for Friday, April 6 (Good Friday), and Monday, April 9 (Easter Monday). Client services:
Garbage and recycling services:
Transit services:
Recreation services:
Cultural services:
Municipal child care services:
Library services:
Ottawa Public Health:
JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH ON DISPLAY AT CAREER FAIRYouth will have direct access to employers, community partners and career agencies that can assist them with their employment goals and career planning during the City of Ottawa’s 6th Annual Youth Employment and Career Fair on April 3. The fair takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Jim Durrell Complex, 1265 Walkley Road, and provides young people between the ages of 16 and 30 with job and career development opportunities. The fair is an excellent opportunity for youth to network, access information and explore pre-employment options. Refreshments will be served, and employment support will be available on site. Participants are encouraged to bring lots of copies of their resumes. For more information, call (613) 580-9663 or e-mail youthzone@ottawa.ca.
EXPANDED SMOKE-FREE REGULATIONS WILL CLEAR THE AIR STARTING APRIL 2With the City of Ottawa’s expanded smoke-free regulations coming into effect on April 2, the City is working to ensure residents, businesses and other affected groups are aware of the changes. The expanded smoke-free regulations will prohibit smoking on all municipal properties, such as parks and beaches, and on all bar and restaurant patios. These changes are designed to protect non-smokers and children from second-hand smoke, and to ultimately reduce smoking rates. During March and April, By-law and Regulatory Services and Ottawa Public Health staff are reaching out to all affected groups by:
Awareness strategies will continue throughout the spring and summer to help ensure a smooth transition for the regulatory changes. Starting April 2, 2012, by-law enforcement officers will provide information and issue courtesy warnings where appropriate. Fines may be issued starting July 2, 2012. For more information about the expanded regulations, or if you need help quitting smoking, please visit ottawa.ca/smokefree or call 3-1-1. If you are a restaurant or bar owner and would like to arrange for training for your serving staff, please e-mail healthsante@ottawa.ca or call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at (613) 580-6744.
APPLICATIONS FOR CAMP FFIT NOW AVAILABLEOttawa Fire Services invite young women between the ages of 15 and 19 to apply for a position in Camp FFIT, an annual camp designed to educate young women about the career of fire fighting. Participants will experience such tasks as search and rescue, aerial ladder climb, auto extrication, forcible entry, and high rise operations. As well, they will wear full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) and fight simulated fires. They will also meet with men and women from Career and Part time Ottawa Fire Services, firefighters from neighbouring communities, and students who have graduated from the Pre-Service Fire Fighter Programs at Algonquin College and La Cite Collegial. To qualify, you must:
Applications are available at ottawa.ca and must be returned to Ottawa Fire Services Training Centre at 898 Industrial Avenue no later than May 15, 2012 (applications received after this date will only be considered if postmark indicates May 15 or earlier). Camp FFIT is a partnership between Ottawa Fire Services and Fire Service Women Ontario. It will be held at 898 Industrial Avenue during the week of August 13 to 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please email campffit@ottawa.ca or call (613) 580-2424 ext. 29032.
ONTARIO SENIOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARDThe Ontario Senior Achievement Award honours people who have made an outstanding contribution to their community after age 65. Nomination Process Who is eligible? Seniors over 65 who qualify for this award may have contributed in many different fields including arts, literature, community service, voluntarism, education, environment, fitness and humanitarian. What is the deadline? The deadline is June 15 each year. If June 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 p.m. the following business day. Nominations may be submitted at any time. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered for the following year. How are recipients selected? An independent selection committee reviews all the nominations and selects the recipients. Members of the selection committee are from the seniors' community and are appointed by the Minister Responsible for Seniors. Up to twenty seniors are selected each year. How are the awards presented? A special ceremony is held at Queen's Park in October each year to honour the recipients. Contact Us
ANNUAL CLEANING THE CAPITAL READY FOR A SPRING CLEAN SWEEPThe City of Ottawa and Tim Hortons are launching the annual Spring Cleaning the Capital Campaign. Residents of all ages are invited to participate. Register your cleanup project on or before April 14 to be eligible to win early bird prizes. Registration continues until May 15. Cleaning the Capital volunteers who submit their online cleanup reports by May 31 are also eligible to win one of many prizes donated by our generous sponsors. Registration is quick and easy. Start by selecting a cleanup location. It can be a park, ravine, shoreline, bus stop, pathway or any public area requiring tidying up after the winter months. Projects can include litter pickup or graffiti removal. Register your cleanup project online at ottawa.ca/clean or by calling 3-1-1 (TTY: (613) 580-2401). Cleanup starter kits for litter pickup and/or graffiti removal projects are available to all registered volunteers upon request. Litter pickup starter kits include: disposable vinyl gloves, garbage bags and leaf and yard waste bags. Graffiti removal starter kits include graffiti removal wipes, masks and gloves. All kits come with helpful project and safety information to guide your cleanup project. It is a great opportunity for families and friends to work together on community cleanup projects that help make Ottawa clean, green, graffiti-free and litter-free. Cleaning the Capital is an excellent way for high school students to earn their community volunteer hours.
OTTAWA’S FIRST-EVER FOOD ACTION PLANA food plan for Ottawa is needed to better promote health and environmental sustainability and to address poverty and inequality, according to a draft Food Action Plan released by Food for All, a project led by Just Food and researchers at the University of Ottawa. In 2006, 14% of Ottawa residents lived below the low-income cut-off rate, but in many neighbourhoods, this figure is over 20%. Food bank usage increased 7.8% between 2008 and 2009 and, in some neighbourhoods today, residents have very poor access to healthy foods. Food issues affect everybody: obesity, poor nutrition, the loss of food-related skills like gardening and cooking and the loss of agricultural lands to development all point to the need to take action on food. The Food Action Plan points to 14 key areas where businesses, community organizations, the NCC, school boards, individuals and the City of Ottawa can take action to address food-related concerns, and identifies other areas for further research and consultation. A Food Action Plan for Ottawa focuses on:
The Food Action Plan, based on more than two years of research and discussion, and developed and written by over 300 community members, is in its draft stage. An online consultation and community-based Kitchen Table Talks that allow for group discussion on these topics are taking place until April 22. These are an opportunity to comment and help shape the final report, and to play a role in the implementation of the Action Plan. A Food Action Plan for Ottawa: A Community Vision is available on the Just Food web site at www.justfood.ca/foodforall. Comments on the draft plan can be made on-line at www.justfood.ca/survey/ and a listing of community Kitchen Table talks can be found at www.justfood.ca/foodforall/food-action-plan/. For more information contact: Erin Krekoski, Food for All Coordinator
COMMUNITY BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARDSUnited Way Ottawa is seeking nominations for the 2012 Community Builder of the Year Awards. You are invited to nominate a person, organization, partnership, agency or neighbourhood group that has played a significant role in making change happen in our Community. Those selected to receive an award will be honoured at United Way Ottawa’s annual Community Builder of the Year Awards Gala on May 17 at the Ottawa Convention Centre. For more information, e-mail cbay@unitedwayottawa.ca or call (613) 228-6721. COMMUNITY NEWSOsgoode Township High School Curlers At Provincial ChampionshipsI was really pleased to meet the four young students from OTHS who are now in Niagara Falls competing for Provincial honours in High School Curling. I presented each student with a City of Ottawa “hoodie” and a City Pin. It is truly rewarding to see these young athletes working hard to represent their school and our Community. Also, I would like to commend teachers Bob Reynolds and Evan Cooper for their dedication and commitment to our youth.
Pro Wrestling At The RacetrackThe next exciting pro wrestling match is being held on Saturday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or by contacting Wayne Cryderman at waynecryderman@hotmail.com.
Metcalfe's McKendry ParkIt seems a shame that we have to send out this message once again. Some people are driving on the grassed areas of the Park, leaving ruts and all kinds of debris. Ottawa Police and City By-law Officials have been informed and will be patrolling the area.
Rain Barrel Sale To Be Held By Community Christian School
Each barrel comes fully equipped with a leaf and mosquito filter, an overflow adaptor (permitting multiple barrels to be connected in series), 1.2 metres of overflow hose and spigot that attaches directly to a garden hose. Additional overflow hose can also be purchased if required. ORDER YOUR BARREL IN ADVANCE ONLINE at http://rainbarrel.ca/CommunityChristianSchool. Bring your receipt with you to 2681 Glen Street in Metcalfe on Friday, April 27 between 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. to pick up your barrel. For more information, contact wendy.fuller@xplornet.com. Saving our Environment Community Christian School is collecting printer cartridges, cell phones and digital cameras. For more information, contact Wendy Fuller at wendy.fuller@xplornet.com or visit www.communitychristianschool.ca.
“The Sound of Music”: Greely Players
Annual Easter Bunny Breakfast & Silent AuctionMetcalfe Cooperative Nursery School's largest fundraiser, The Easter Bunny Breakfast, is just a few “hops” away. This event usually attracts one of the largest crowds of any fundraising event in our Community. This exciting event will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Metcalfe Community Centre. The Easter Bunny will be available for those wishing to take pictures of this friendly, furry hero. For more information/advanced tickets, visit www.mcnskids.org, email president@mcnskids.org or call (613) 821-3196.
Osgoode Township Museum Event7814 Lawrence Street
Adults are invited to the museum learn about the history of “Pysanky”; the ancient art of Ukrainian Egg-Painting. Participants will then have the opportunity to decorate their own egg using the Pysanky technique! The cost for this workshop is $25 per person. Please call us at the museum at (613) 821-4062 to register.
Greely Gardeners Group Monthly Meeting
Richard Aubert will be speaking on 2012's Best New Perennials. Come discover new and exotic perennials to add to your gardens in the Ottawa area. Membership for 2012 is still only $10.00. The cost for visitors is $2.00. For further information, contact Gary at (613) 821-7445 or www.greelygardeners.ca.
Books, Beads and BreakfastThe very successful Books, Beads and Breakfast is back – Friday, April 13 at 9:30 a.m. at Falconridge Golf Club (just across from Rideau Carleton Raceway). Tickets are $20. This is an exciting and enjoyable event that you will not want to miss. When purchasing a ticket readers donate recent, gently used books. In return your ticket gives you a delicious and elegant breakfast as well as your choice of books from the book exchange at no additional cost. You will also be able to purchase beautiful Kazuri Jewellery. The beads are hand made and hand painted in Africa. All funds raised by Grannies All About Kids for this event will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation supporting Grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa in their fight against the devastation caused by HIV/Aids. Space is limited so get your tickets now. Call Joan at (613) 821-2505 or email Bev at bev@storm.ca.
Ladies Night Out: Dinner and Auction Cancer Fundraiser
Patti Ann Scrivens and her large contingent of volunteers are doing it again! The Hunks with Hammers (a ladies night out!!) has become one of the most successful and most exciting events in our Community. I encourage all women who are interest in attending, to call early. This event always sells out with many people on a waiting list for tickets. Hunks with Hammers
Funds will be designated this year to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation MapleSoft Centre, Eastern Ontario's first centre for Cancer Survivorship. The Centre focuses on a new concept in cancer therapy. To date, we have raised $66,837.50.
O-YA's Healthy Eating Workshops for Teens in 2012Have you met Holistic Nutritionist Sarah Green? If not, you really should! Sarah is smart, funny, engaging ... and as a Holistic Nutritionist has a ton of knowledge about healthy eating and feeling great! If you are interested in eating and feeling better in 2012, O-YA has a message you need to hear during a series of Healthy Eating Workshops for Teens (ages 11 – 18). Each interesting and informative workshop offers lots of samples, recipes and great stuff to take home. The Nasties: Why sugar is soooo bad and what you can do instead The Skinny on Fat: How to choose your fat wisely and why you should Feed The Need: Find out what your daily calorie needs are (specific to you) and how to get what you need in your day For details, please visit O-YA's website at http://www.o-ya.ca/healthy-eating-workshops-for-teens.html.
Osgoode Trade and Home ShowThe Osgoode and District Lions Club is in the process of organizing the 2012 Osgoode Trade and Home Show which will take place at the Osgoode Community Centre on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21, 2012. The Trade Show Committee is always looking for new exhibitors with products or services to showcase to the public. Osgoode Trade and Home Show offers the following in order to provide companies with the best opportunity to market their product. * No admission charge to the public
Children's Soccer in Metcalfe: May & June 2012Non-competitive, skills development, inexpensive soccer for children already attending JK to Grade 10 will be taking place at McKendry Park, Metcalfe again this summer. We are a parent run, fun league for beginners and we have a team for children with special needs, as well. Parents, no soccer experience is required on your part either! For more information, please send us an email at metcalfesoccer@gmail.com.
Just Kiddin' Theatre: Upcoming EventsWorkshop Supporting Kids with Special Needs
Setting the Stage for Success Just Kiddin' Theatre has always been an inclusive environment, encouraging children with special needs to discover their hidden talents through theatre. This is a workshop for adults: parents, educators, and volunteers. JKT attendees will use the information to improve our programming in the future but we welcome all interested parents and supporters to attend. This workshop features presentations from the Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton and the Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre. Presenters will help us to understand the world from a special needs perspective and help us formulate strategies to better serve our kids with LD, autism, and other special needs. Visit www.justkiddintheatre.com to register. Spaces are limited. Summer Camp Registration One-Week Drama Camps 2012 Participants must be 9 years old and up.Younger participants may register upon advance consultation with Just Kiddin' Theatre. July 16 – 20 July 23 – 27 July 30 – August 3 Spaces are limited. Visit www.justkiddintheatre.com. Coming In May To Just Kiddin' Theatre PowerPlay written by Andrie Nel May 4 – 6 Power Corrupts. Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely. Really? Then what would happen to Osgoode Township High School when a power shift occurs? Through a freak accident in Mr. Bell’s science class, a seemingly typical bunch of students are in for a shock when the balance of power shifts from the popular kids to those at the bottom of the totem pole. Is it poetic justice? Not so much. Suitable for the entire family. Private Thoughts written by Andrie Nel & Sydney Miller May 25 – 27 Sometimes it’s [not?] best to keep your thoughts to yourselves. Choosing when to keep your thoughts private and when they should be shared is a tricky business. Some are silly, some are counter-productive, and some are dangerous. Private Thoughts is a departure for JKT audiences. Our company of teen actors present a truthful and serious drama about teen suicide. This play is not suitable for children 13 years and under. The play contains mature subject matter and some language may be considered offensive.
Volunteer Drivers RequiredA volunteer driver and back-up driver are needed to take sandwiches from Metcalfe to the Ottawa Mission on Daly Avenue each Tuesday morning. This is a pleasant volunteer job, taking in the sandwiches that volunteers have made for the Mission each week. Please contact Sally Gray at (613) 821-2640, or grayhound@xplornet.com.
Bingo: Osgoode LegionEvery Thursday starting at 6:30 p.m., there is Bingo at the Osgoode Legion located at 3284 Sunstrum Street in Osgoode. All money raised at these weekly events goes back to the Community. Bring your 'dabbers' ~ Come out and support your local Legion Bingo!
The 2012 'Goode Run - Call for Volunteers! The Osgoode Youth AssociationCalling all Volunteers, Runners ... and anyone looking to make an impact on their Community! Runners: O-YA's 2012 'Goode Run Registration is available NOW! Visit O-YA's website at http://www.o-ya.ca/the-2012-goode-run.html for details If you are interested in being a ‘Goode Run Volunteer, please contact Heather Roe via email gooderun@gmail.com. (Volunteer in the subject) with your availability. If you are interested in Sponsorship, or have Sponsorship ideas, please contact Heather Roe via email gooderun@gmail.com. (Sponsorship in the Let’s get Running!
Osgoode Library Event ScheduleThe following programs are available at Osgoode Library in 2012. Family Storytime at Osgoode Library on Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Enjoy a discussion of good books with the Osgoode Book Club on the first Monday of each month from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. Reserve a Book Club copy at the library.
Needles and Yarn: On the second and fourth Monday of each month, enjoy tips, patterns, tea, and good cheer with the Osgoode Knitting Club from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m.
Wii Bowling at Osgoode: On the third Wednesday of the month, show off your skills and spend an afternoon Wii Bowling at your library from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Osgoode Garden Club meets at the Osgoode Library on the third Wednesday of each month. New members are always welcome.
Become A Greely Sandwich Maker: Help Out The Ottawa MissionA group of sandwich makers is now starting in the Greely area. People make a loaf or two of sandwiches in their own homes and deliver them to a drop off point in Greely. The sandwiches are then delivered collectively each week to the Mission in Ottawa, where they are gratefully received and distributed to residents or to people on the street. If you are interested in making a loaf or two of sandwiches each week for this cause, contact Monique Vandewint at (613) 821-0051 or moniquev@rogers.com for information about the Greely group.
12th Annual Metcalfe Charity ClassicAlthough spring has not yet arrived, many people are starting to think about golf. One of our Ward's most appreciated fundraising ventures is the 12th Annual Metcalfe Charity Classic. Throughout the past eleven years, over $62,000 has been raised in support of the Township of Osgoode Care Centre. The tournament will be held on Wednesday, July 11 so start booking soon, as it sells out quickly. This event features: -2:00 p.m. Shotgun Start Please join us in support of a true Community Venture. The entry fee is $85 and includes 18 holes of golf, power cart, taxes and a $20 donation to the Osgoode Care Centre. Metcalfe Golf Club
Greely Legion Events8021 Mitch Owens Road
Rural Family ConnectionsCaregivers are urgently needed in your area. Please go online www.ruralfamilyconnections.ca for information on becoming a Provider. Drop In Playgroups
Outreach Playgroups
* Programs are supported by Ontario Early Years Centre-Nepean Carleton. Bonding With Baby Plan to attend these 4 one & one half hour classes and learn infant massage and baby sign language. The first half of class will be spent demonstrating and practicing the simple techniques of Infant Massage to help babies with gas, colic, constipation, teething and soothing those “fussies”. The second part of class will be a combination of Baby Sign and Parents as Teachers (PAT). Registration is required.
For any of the above programs, or if you have any questions or would like to register, please call (613) 821-2899. Monthly Evening Club: Metcalfe Community Knit Together (KTog) OSGOODE / RIDEAU RECREATION INFORMATION
Area Program information now available at URL link: www.manotick.net/cityrecreation. For more information on area programs and services, please contact (613) 580-2424 ext. 30235. Citywide Recreation Guides are available online at www.ottawa.ca. COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS
Community Office: Metcalfe Client Service Centre, Lower Level COMMUNITY POLICING NEWSLet's continue to report and make those calls.
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”In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.” - Mark Twain CONTACT DOUG
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