Doug Thompson - Councillor, Ward 20, Ottawa, Ontario

Telephone our Office: (613) 580-2490

August 17, 2009

 

by Councillor Doug Thompson

Tel:   613.580.2490

Visit our website at:    www.dougthompson.ca

 

 

POLITICAL NEWS

 
2009 FLOOD RELIEF TRUST FUND
 
With the recent flooding events throughout Ottawa's west-end communities of Kanata, Stittsville and West-Carleton, we are hoping that you will help provide some immediate financial assistance to those residents whose homes have been flooded multiple times, causing them to be without insurance.  The City is working to provide assistance, financial and otherwise, to impacted residents.  However, this will take time and funding is needed now for those without insurance to assist with clean up and other measures as a result of the flooding.  By making a donation, you can bring some much needed help to fellow members of our community.
 
To contribute:
 
-   In Kanata and Stittsville, visit any Scotiabank Branch and make a donation via cash or cheque to the 2009 Flood Relief Trust Fund.
-   Throughout Ottawa, visit any Scotiabank Branch and make a donation via cash or cheque to the 2009 Flood Relief Trust Fund, asking that your donation be  forwarded to the Scotiabank Branch located at 8111 Campeau Drive.
-   Visit any of the City's Client Service Centres to make a donation via cash or cheque to the 2009 Flood Relief Trust Fund.
-   Donations over $10.00 will receive a tax receipt from the City of Ottawa.
 
For more background and other information on the flooding, please visit ottawa.ca.
 
 
CONCERNS OVER DIRECTIONAL FARM SIGNAGE
 
Recently, there has been considerable public discussion about the City of Ottawa Directional Farm Signage Program. This program was developed following input gathered at the previous two Rural Summits. I am prepared to sit down to discuss the issue with those who have expressed concerns about the Policy and its implementation.
 
 
DIRECTIONAL FARM SIGNAGE PROGRAM DEADLINE EXTENDED
(Press Release)

After consultations between City Staff and Rural Councillors last week, farmers now have the ability for their signs to remain in the City's right of way until November 6th, 2009. The extension agreed to last week, as part of ongoing discussions with the rural Councillors, was reached in the interests of providing added flexibility for farmers facing a challenging growing season. The program, approved by City Council, was developed through consultation with and the approval of the farming community.
 
Farmers may now keep their signs in the municipal right-of-way until November 6th, 2009, subject to the following:
 
- Bylaw staff will continue to issue infraction notices for illegal signs.
 
- These notices will continue to provide a 30-day window for illegal sign owners to either apply to the directional signage program, or remove their signs.
 
- Rural Affairs Office staff will continue to offer assistance to farmers with the application process.
 
- If farmers complete the application process as a show of good faith, their existing signs can remain in place until November 6th, 2009. This will enable them to get  through the fall season and remove their signs before frost sets in.
 
- Farmers will then have the winter months to work with sign contractors to finalize their designs and installation details before next year's growing season.
 
The issue of farm signage in the municipal right-of-way was raised during the first Rural Summit in 2005. Staff worked extensively with the farming community to create the Directional Farm Signage Program in 2006 and there was general agreement between staff and the farming community on details of the program.
 
A two-year phase-in period ending in November 2008 was granted to give farmers adequate time to adapt to the new program. The farmers agreed to this date, as it would enable them to deal with their signs outside of their busy season. Council approved the program, which modified the sign bylaws providing more flexibility for farmers in the summer of 2006. The staff report is available at: http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/ara/2006/07-10/ACS2006-PGM-BLD-0016.htm.
 
Additional information on the program, and an example of the signs can be found on the City's website: http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/rural_connections/business/rural_signage_prg/directional_farm_signage/index_en.html.
 
 

COMMUNITY NEWS

13th Annual Volunteer Awards Evening
Everything is in place for our 13th Annual Osgoode Ward Volunteer Appreciation Awards Presentations and Corn Roast Dinner. This year, we have a record number of recipients. We invite you to join us on Thursday, August 27th  at 6:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Community Centre.
If you are planning to attend, please call (613) 580-2490 or email Florence.Moffatt@ottawa.ca by Monday, August 24th, to help with the organization of  the Corn Roast Dinner.
 
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS who assisted us in providing this evening.
- TARTAN
- Ted Phillips - Taggart Realty Management
- Terlin Construction Ltd.
- Shroomfest
- Minto Homes
- Rideau Forest
- Ken Gordon Holdings
- City of Ottawa
- Emerald Links Golf & Country Club
- Rideau Carleton Slots
- Red Dot
 
 
19th Annual Family Ball Tournament Results
 
Great weather, outstanding organization and talented family teams contributed to another highly successful Family Ball Tournament.
 
The Brogan Family defeated the Holmes Family Team for the “A” Championship. The Kelly All Stars defeated the Blanchfield Family for the “B” Championship.
 
The real winners were the recipients of $10,000 that the Family Ball Tournament raised this year. The Elizabeth Bruyere Hospital Foundation received $8,750, the Osgoode Care Centre received $750 and the Osgoode Youth Association received $500.
 
Close to $100,000 has been donated to local charities over the 19 years of this remarkable tournament. Special thanks to the organizers and all the participants!
 
 
Village Voices Women's Choir
 
The Village Voices Women's Choir welcomes new members for singing and friendship. Registration and introduction to the Choir will be held on Tuesday, September 8th and Tuesday, September 15th  from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at Mother Teresa Catholic School, 1035 Concession Street, Russell. The cost is$95.00. Singing is cheaper than therapy! 
For more information, please contact Karen at (613) 822-3012 or visit www.freewebs.com/villagevoices.
 
 
Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School
 
Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School is hosting its AGM on August 26th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Osgoode Public Library Board Room.  Any parent with children age 2.5 - 4 years is encouraged to attend to find out more about our amazing school!  Registration packages are still being accepted. Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School still has spaces available for the 2009 / 2010 school year. 
  
For more information, please contact the school at (613) 826-2528.
 
 
Osgoode Township Historical Society
 
A Kids Fun Camp will be held at the Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum on August 18th,19th, and 20th  from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This camp is suitable for ages 7 – 12 and the cost is $5.00 per day.
 
August 18th   Spinning and weaving
August 19th   Needlework and other heritage crafts
August 20th   Traditional games and activities
 
Participants must pre-register as spaces are limited. For more information, please call (613) 821-4062.
 
 
Worship United
 
Come and join Worship United on its second year.  Under the talented director, Bonnie Lubbers, we are fervently waiting to start our next season. This is a non-denominational choir which practices at Parkway Road Church. All are welcome no matter what the experience. Come and share the blessings of singing for His glory with us. Registration is September 9th at 7:00 p.m.
 
For more information, please contact Bonnie at (613) 821-1069 or visit www.parkwayroad.com.
 
 
“Looking After Yourself as the Caregiver”
 
Are you caring for a spouse, parent or a friend? Once again this year, we are having a support group with great guest speakers to assist us in our roles as caregivers.  We will be meeting the second Tuesday of each month at the Greely Fire Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The first in the series will be on Tuesday, September 8th  and the guest speaker is Lise Tessier.  Lise will speak on “Looking After Yourself as the Caregiver”. 
 
Please RSVP to Osgoode Home Support at (613) 821-1101 or Rideau Community Support Services as a light lunch will be served.
 

Ottawa SuperEX: 2009

Lyn Presley, President of the Central Canada Exhibition Association, is very excited about the 2009 SuperEX that runs from August 20th through to August 30th.  This week we are promoting “Even More For Less Than Ever Before” and “FREE Seniors Day”.
 
At SuperEX, we recognize the worldwide economic recession and we've made bold decisions to reduce admission costs, without compromising the high quality and value we've provided for the last 120 years.  SuperEX will have something for everyone, thus the reason for our slogan "Even More For Less Than Ever Before".  We realize that you work hard for your money, so we're going to work hard for your money as well!
 
There will be a “FREE Seniors Day” at SuperEX on Wednesday, August 26th, sponsored by OLG Slots.  Those 55 plus can pick up a free admission ticket at the box office on that day and enjoy all the free shows being offered.
 
Ottawa SuperEX  knows how expensive the popular "Date Night" can be.  To help you enjoy your special night with your significant other and not break the bank, the organizers have a special deal on both Fridays of SuperEX.
 
You can pick up a coupon at any Pizza Pizza location and when you redeem that coupon for admission at the ticket box, you will receive a  2nd admission FREE for Friday, August 21st or Friday, August 28th..  When using midway ride coupons on both those Fridays, it's also 2 for 1!  These offers are valid from 7 p.m. to closing.  Be sure to enjoy the free outdoor concert at the Super Stage.  Check out all the attractions at www.ottawasuperex.com.

Join us for Free Admission Day, Thursday, August 20th from noon until 5:00 p.m., sponsored by RONA.

The Pure Country Pavilion is a 'must see' at this year's Ottawa SuperEX, August 20th  - 30th .  Take a little break and visit the Homecraft Tea Room and enjoy a cup of tea with delicious homemade cookies.  Fill out a free ballot to win $500 worth of groceries from Moncion's, Your Independent Grocer on River Road.  See all the prizewinning handicraft items, then visit "Granny's Attic" where you can purchase a ticket on the draw for a chance to win last year's 1st  prize handmade quilt, a lovely handcrafted item or a 'secret treasure'.  Get a start on your early Christmas shopping.  Be sure to check out the display of the 'Red and White Schoolhouse' quilt that was the 1st  prize winner at the Exhibition in the early 1930's.  It was completed by the Grandmother and Great Grandmother of Suzanne Barnes of Bowmanville who has graciously allowed this family heirloom to be displayed at SuperEX. 
For more information check out the 'Agriculture' section of the SuperEX website at www.ottawasuperex.com.

A new event at this year's Ottawa SuperEX (August 20th  - 30th) is "The Best Apple Pie in the Valley".  Prize Money of these generous amounts is unheard of!  1st - $500.00, 2nd - $200.00, 3rd, 4th, and 5th each win $100.00.  This event takes place on Thursday, August 27th  in the Pure Country Pavilion.  Advance registration is required.  Preliminary judging by celebrity judges including Meredith Brophy of Osgoode will take place 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and final judging at 7:00 p.m. will be undertaken by CTV's Max Keeping.  Following that, the winning pies will be auctioned off by celebrity auctioneer and philanthropist, David Smith.
 
Once again, the Ottawa SuperEX will be presenting “Organ Donor Awareness Day” in conjunction with the Kidney Foundation of Eastern Ontario. The event will take place on Monday, August 24th, 2009. 
 
The Kidney Foundation will have a booth at the Ottawa SuperEX front gate, offering information on the importance of organ and tissue donation. At approximately 5:00 p.m., people will assemble at the SuperStage area where there will be a small presentation and then participants will form a “Living Green Ribbon”.
For more information, check out the the SuperEX website: www.ottawasuperex.com or call Judy Buske at (613) 237-7222.
 
 
Celebrating Canada's Best
 
Celebrating Canada's Best is a recognition program for Veterans brought to you by the Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum in conjunction with the Nepean Museum. This program is absolutely free to all Veterans. On behalf of a grateful community, we wish to thank our Veterans for their service and sacrifice. Any Veteran living in, or having resided in, the former Township of Osgoode is eligible to receive a "Poppy Plaque". The plaques are made of sturdy metal and are suitable for outdoor use or to mount on a wall or door.
 
A Veteran is defined as anyone who has served in the Canadian Forces at any time. In the event of a Veteran's passing, the widow or widower is eligible to receive a plaque. Veterans need only complete a registration form, available from the Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum (7814 Lawrence Street, Vernon) or on-line at the Nepean Museum website  http://nepeanmuseum.ca/ .
 
A presentation ceremony will be held at the Lions Den in Metcalfe on September 26th  at 2:00 p.m.  All Veterans and their families are invited to attend.
This program was created by the Nepean Museum, and has the grateful sponsorship of Scotiabank, your Member of Parliament Pierre Poilievre, and the Royal Canadian Legion.   
 

Live & Learn Resource Centre
 
Summer Hours
Closed August 10th  -  August 28th
 
If you are looking for space for a meeting, playgroup or get-togethers, the Live & Learn Resource Centre is available Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Please call for a reservation.
 
 

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@ottawapolice.ca  
 

Quote

He lives long that lives well; and time misspent is not lived but lost.”   Thomas Fuller