Doug Thompson - Councillor, Ward 20, Ottawa, Ontario

Telephone our Office: (613) 580-2490

June 22, 2009
BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
Tel.: (613) 580-2490
 www.dougthompson.ca
 

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POLITICAL NEWS

RURAL BIKE / WALKING PATH FOR OSGOODE WARD
 
Absolutely Outstanding News! The conversion of the abandoned Rail Line to a Bike / Walking Path from Osgoode Village to Alert Road has been approved. This will connect Osgoode Village to Mitch Owens Road, then off to the Villages of Manotick and /or Greely. It would also allow connections to the urban part of the City for our residents.
 
Details are still being finalized but this is a huge step forward in connecting our Communities.
 

NO RURAL TREE CUTTING BY-LAW
 
City Council will be considering the adoption of an urban tree conservation by-law on June 24th, 2009.
 
The proposed by-law does not impact rural properties unless they are within 1 km of the Urban Boundary. The Urban Boundary is identified on “Schedule B” in the City’s Official Plan, and defines the new area where urban and suburban development are planned for the future.
 
All of the City’s 26 rural villages, as well as the City’s vast rural areas, are outside of this boundary and therefore the proposed by-law will not apply to the majority of Ottawa’s rural area. The by-law was introduced to protect significant trees in the downtown core and to prevent clear cutting of suburban forests. The proposed by-law does not apply to any property outside of the 1 km buffer from the urban area or to normal farming practices, tree trimming, orchards, tree farms, golf courses and cemeteries within the urban boundary. More information is available at www.ottawa.ca/urbantree.
 
If you have questions on the details of the by-law, please contact Martha Copestake, City of Ottawa, at (613) 580-2424 ext. 17922 or Martha.copestake@ottawa.ca.
 
 
GREELY PUBLIC SCHOOL IS NUMBER ONE
 
BATTERCYCLE is a new environmental action program focused on battery recycling.
 
Over 9,000 Grade 4-8 students in 51 Ottawa-area schools collected batteries in “battery buckets” over the month of May. The buckets were weighed during Environment Week and then shipped to a recycling facility in Ontario where 100% of the materials will be recycled for use in new products.
 
Environment Canada estimates that only 2% of household batteries are currently being recycled in Canada. In fact, we discard over 6.5 million batteries (weighing over 200 metric tonnes) every year. When batteries aren’t properly recycled they end up in landfills where they can create environmental problems. Recycling batteries recovers valuable resources that will be used in place of new materials.
 
This was an opportunity for schools to become environmental leaders, educating students and families about the importance of battery recycling. Through BATTERCYCLE, schools energized young Ontarians to form positive lifelong environmental habits.
 
Greely Public School collected the highest number of batteries with a total of 167.93 kg. Castor Valley was the other Osgoode Ward School that participated in this program. Congratulations to all!
 
 
METCALFE RECEIVES INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING
 
The long awaited reconstruction of 8th Line Road in Metcalfe from the Royal Bank to the Fairgrounds will begin this Fall.
 
This is a major project involving digging up the street, replacing storm sewers, building new sidewalks on the east side and replacing the existing sidewalk on the west side of 8th Line Road. As well, some of the side streets will be resurfaced in the four million dollar cost.
 
Again, this is Infrastructure Funding from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments.
  
 
PROVINCIAL GROUP TO REVIEW HUMAN - WILDLIFE CONFLICT
 
I am pleased to report that a Provincial Committee is reviewing the major issue of Human – Wildlife Conflict.
 
This Committee will study the issue of nuisance coyotes in residential areas along with a number of other wildlife issues that are occurring across the Province. The Rural Ontario Municipal Association has appointed me to be part of the Steering Committee that will make recommendations to the Provincial Government.
 
 
ROADSIDE GARBAGE COLLECTION INFORMATION
 
A friendly reminder to homeowners that household garbage must be placed at the end of your driveway by 7:00 a.m. on pick up day (Friday). Please do not put garbage out until after 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening. It is highly recommended that residents place garbage bags inside metal /plastic containers.
 
 
CITY COUNCIL SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON GOVERNANCE
 
Ottawa City Council is working towards enhancing public engagement and input as part of an overall review of its decision-making process. Most recently, an online forum has been developed to provide residents an opportunity to offer their thoughts and feedback on how the public can become more involved in the development of policy as well as the overall governance process.
 
As part of the review, a series of discussion papers have been produced to support and encourage an exchange of ideas that could change the way City Council and its related bodies operate. Residents can view the discussion papers through the online forum at www.ottawa.ca/governance_review.
 
For more information:
Media contact
(613) 580-2450
Public inquiries
3-1-1

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Recycling Day at Metcalfe Farmers' Market
 
On Saturday, June 27th, the Metcalfe Farmers' Market will be hosting a City of Ottawa Recycling Day. City Staff will be in attendance to explain the “TAKE IT BACK” Program and the upcoming “GREEN BIN “ Program. Residents can bring in household batteries, unwanted prescription eyeglasses and annual / perennial flower containers to the Metcalfe Farmers' Market. The Pharmacy in Metcalfe will be accepting outdated medications. As well, Master Gardeners will be in attendance to explain composting.
 
Cancelled:  Angels in Action Strawberry Social
 
Unfortunately, the Angels in Action Strawberry Social scheduled for Sunday, June 28th at Ottawa City Hall has been cancelled.
 
However, City Council will proclaim Sunday, June 28th as “Angels in Action Day in the City of Ottawa” – A day to remember those who have lost their lives and to remember those who suffer from Ovarian Cancer.
 
 
Canada Day Events
 
Greely
 
You'll Love Canada Day in Greely!
 
Barbecue:                        5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(Burgers, hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, cotton candy)
 
Children's' games and activities, bouncy castle, trolley rides, DJ throughout the day.
 
Little Ray's  6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Firefighter's Demonstration  7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Flag Raising (Lions)  9:00 p.m.
Greely Idols  9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks - A Hugh Display! 10:00 p.m.
 
Come and join us for Canada Day!
 
 
Kenmore
 
Come join us at Kenmore Bi-Centennial Park for Canada Day festivities. The schedule for the fun filled day is as follows:
 
Minor Ball Clinic for Kids 3:00 p.m.
Men's Fast Ball
(Greely Eagles vs. Ottawa Team Easton)
4:00 p.m.
Pig Roast   -  ($7.00/person) 5:00 p.m.
Horseshoe Tournament 5:30 p.m.
Kids Games
(Sack Races, Tug-a-war)
6:00 p.m.
"Winding Roads" Band
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Carnival Games/Giant Fire Truck Slide/Clowns/and More
4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
"The Show" 9:30 p.m.
   
Canteen and BBQ  (Open all evening)  
   
Come and check out all the fun events!
 
 
Marvelville
 
Come and join us at the Marvelville Community Centre to kick off Canada Day at 1:00 p.m. with opening words from Councillor Thompson.
 
The organizing committee is asking that people dress up in costumes from 1909. The day will be filled with games, a pie contest and auction, songs and entertainment, lemonade, sandwiches, anniversary cake and ice cream - all between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
 
Don't miss out - join in on the fun!
 
  
Osgoode
 
The Osgoode Canada Day Committee has been busy planning what it hopes will be another fantastic Canada Day Celebration in Osgoode. There will be lots of activities for the entire family to enjoy, including a car rally, dog show, children’s activities, fireworks, and more!  Come spend July 1st in the Village amongst your family, friends, and neighbours—why go anywhere else? See below for details and a schedule of the festivities planned for the day. 
 
Car Rally
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dog Show  1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Free Children's Activities  2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
BBQ  4:00 p.m.
Parade  5:00 p.m.
Live Entertainment  6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks 10:00 p.m.
 
Thanks to Heritage Canada, corporate sponsors, and many volunteers for their support.   Come and joing us for Canada Day!
 

Vernon
Vernon is once again gearing up for a fabulous Canada Day.  Of course, all activities will be held on Wednesday, July 1st at the Vernon Recreation Centre, 7950 Lawrence Street, in Vernon.  We plan to have:
Kids Activities 4:00 p.m. - Dusk
Lions BBQ 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Band "Bac Trac" 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friendship Club Euchre Tournament ($4.00) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Canteen
7:00 p.m. - Dusk
Fireworks at Dusk (Weather Permitting)
                                                                 
Everyone is welcome to come and join our Family Celebrations.  For more information, call Kim at  (613) 821-3033.
 

Friends for Greener Vernon: Photo Contest     
                                                                                        
Take a picture of your favourite garden on your property at the right time of the season. (Sorry, Vernon area only.) Only three pictures per household will be allowed and the contest ends September 1st, 2009. Drop photos off at 7842 Morningside Avenue, Vernon.  Please note that the pictures will be judged by  non-residents of Vernon.
   1st prize  $25.00
   2nd prize  $15.00
   3rd prize  $10.00
 
So get out there and start snapping before you miss it!  Any questions, call Helen at (613) 821-3685.
 

Metcalfe & District Lions Community Sign
 
The Metcalfe & District Lions have a new sign in Vernon. Any non-profit group can advertise  upcoming events on it for free.
 
For further information, please call Lion Kim at (613) 821-3033.
 

Osgoode Ward Volunteer Appreciation Awards & Corn Roast
 
Our "Annual Osgoode Ward Volunteer Appreciation Awards & Corn Roast Dinner" is scheduled for August 27th  at the Metcalfe Community Centre.
 
The categories for nominations are:
 
        Youth Volunteer Award
        Community Volunteer Award
        Senior Award - HR Dick McLaughlin Memorial Award
        Outstanding Community Service Award
 
Please include with your nomination a short biography, if possible, and forward to  florence.moffatt@ottawa.ca or telephone (613) 580-2490. July 31st is the closing date for nominations.   
 
                                                                                                                        
Strawberry Festival
                                                                                                                                     
An exciting Strawberry Festival will be held on June 27th from  11:00 a.m. -  4:00 p.m. at Ovens Berry Farm in Osgoode.  You can count on lots of delicious berries! Activities include face painting, clowns, live music, charity BBQ with proceeds to the Osgoode Care Centre & O-YA.
 
 

The Osgoode Village Community Association
will be hosting its Second Annual
 
The Kingdom of Osgoode Village
Medieval Festival
July 10th, 11th & 12th, 2009
taking place throughout the
Village of Osgoode
 
It is now the year of our Lord, 1200 A.D....
King Kevin and Queen Francis rule over the great
Kingdom of Osgoode Village.  The much anticipated
Grand Festival is about to begin.  Our good king must
be ever watchful of enemies feigning friendship...such as
Sir John  the Inept, whom, if you remember from last year, poisoned the King
 in an effort to take over the throne.
Will the same fate await our good King Kevin???
Join us for a weekend of fun filled adventure.
 
Weekend events include:
The Royal Procession starting at 9:30a.m.
Opening Court, Proclamation of the Prince and Princess
Knights Jousting on Horseback; Knights in Hand Combat
Highland Dancing; Boffer and Grappling Tournaments,
Archery; Medieval Dance; Scottish Country Dance;
Catapults; Blacksmith Demo's; Swordplay;
Homing Pigeons; Gypsies; Merchants; Weapons Toss;
Textile & Armour Displays; Belly Dancing;
Knighting Ceremony; Handfasting;
Children's Activities at Osgoode Youth Centre
Friday Movie in the Park - by the Legion Hall(A Knights Tale)
There is no charge for the events above, however,
there will be tax collectors mingling throughout the crowd
looking for donations!!
 
Saturday - Medieval Feast
Friday - BBQ at the Legion
For information or tickets for the Feast, call Judy
 (613) 826-1243  or carey002@sympatico.ca .
 
 
Country Music Jamboree
 
The Greely Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is hosting another annual Country Music Jamboree from July 24th to July 26th with Charlie Kitts as the MC. The proceeds will be directed to the Winchester Hospital.  Advance tickets are available locally through Linda Wyman (613) 822-0233. Dan Paul Rogers and Darlene Thibault are the headliners this year but the lineup includes a lot of known performers. Rough camping is available - FREE.  Bring your own lawn chairs and musical instruments as there will be lots of  “field pickin” going on that weekend.  Camping area will be open on July 21st  after 3 p.m.
 
 
9th Annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament
 
Date Wednesday, July 15th
Time 2:00 p.m. - Shotgun Start
Location Metcalfe Golf & Country Club
Presented by Flagstick Golf Magazine, this tournament is in aid of the Osgoode Township Care Centre. Over $37,900 has been raised to date. Please join us to SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY. The cost is $80.00 per person, $65.00 without cart.
 
 The Day Includes:
-18 Holes of Golf
- Registration Gift for Every Golfer
- Door Prizes (1 for every 2 Golfers)
- Roast Beef Dinner in Hickories Restaurant
- Silent Auction
- Hole In One, Putting, Trivia, Hit the Green and other Contests
 
Register by calling (613) 821-3673 or emailing info@metcalfegolf.com
 
 
Live & Learn Resource Centre
 
Summer Fun Day!
 
Come join us for our year end celebration on Friday, June 26th from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the courtyard at 8243 Victoria Street. 
 
Resource Centre Schedule for July, August

June 29th - July 3rd Closed
July 6th - 10th Closed
July 23th - 17th Open
July 20th - 24th Open
July 27th - 31st Open
August 4th - 7th Open
August 10th - 14th Closed
August 17th - 21st Closed
August 24th - 29th Closed
August 31st - Sept. 4th Open
 
Metcalfe and District Ringette Registration: Now Being Accepted   
                                                                                     
You may register in one of two ways: by mail or in person.
 
Mail:  Registration forms and general information about registration can be found on the MDRA website under Resources www.mdra.ca. Registrations and payment can be mailed to:

MDRA                                                                                                                                               
P.O. Box 429        
Metcalfe, ON  K0A 2P0
 
In Person: Saturday, June 27th at the Metcalfe Community Centre, Hall, 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon.
 
The registration deadline is June 30th. After that date, registrations will be placed on a waiting list. Hurry and register soon, spaces are limited!
For more information on the MDRA, please go to www.mdra.ca or call Registrar, Pat Johnston at (613) 821-1157 or registrar@mdra.ca .
 
 

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 at the Client Services Centre or online at www.ottawa.ca.
 
 

COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS

Ottawa Public Health, Rural Health Programs
 
For more information about or to register for any of the programs, please contact Barbara O'Brien-Litten, Public Health Nurse, at (613) 580-6744 ext. 26173 or barbara.obrien-litten@ottawa.ca .
 
Well Water Testing
 
You can drop off your samples on any Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Library.
 
 

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS FROM CONSTABLE FINNISS


Let's continue to report and make those calls. 
613.236.1222 ext. 7300 Call Centre to report vandalism, theft from vehicles
9-1-1
Crime in progress / Life Threatening
613.230.6211 Dispatcher all other emergencies
613,236.1222 ext. 3700 Leitrim Information Desk
613.236.1222 ext. 3787 Cst. Jennifer Finniss       finnissj@ottawa.ca
 
 

QUOTE

 (I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure--which is:
Try to please everybody.”   Herbert Bayard Swope