Telephone our Office: (613) 580-2490

August 24, 2009

BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON

Visit Doug's 'Website"  at www.dougthompson.ca

 

POLITICAL NEWS

CITY COMMITTEES AND COUNCIL RESUME SCHEDULE

After a summer recess, all City Committees resume a full schedule this week. Our first Council Meeting since July 8th, will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd.

 

 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

 

The City of Ottawa wants you to contribute your expertise, enthusiasm and civic pride to one of the City’s Advisory Committees or Boards. The City benefits greatly from the work done by these bodies.  Advisory Committees provide on-going advice to Standing Committees and Council and contribute to the development of policies, programs and initiatives.  Boards are the governing bodies for such entities as conservation authorities, the Cumberland Museum and the Pineview Municipal Golf Course.

 

With 23 Advisory Committees and Boards looking for new members and mandates touching on a wide range of topics such as accessibility, business, cultural, diversity, environmental and transportation issues, chances are there’s an Advisory Committee or Board that will interest you. 

To serve on a City of Ottawa Advisory Committee or Board, you must be a resident of the City of Ottawa and 18 years of age or older. You can apply to several Committees or Boards at once, but can only be appointed to one of these at a time.

 

There are two ways to apply - submit a résumé outlining how the Committee(s) or Board(s) would benefit from your membership, and how your work, education, hobby and / or volunteer experience are relevant to its mandate or fill out an application form, which can be obtained from any Client Service Centre or downloaded at ottawa.ca.  Please remember to include your home address and an e-mail address or telephone number where you can be reached.  All applications must be received by Friday, September 18th, 2009 and should be directed to:

 
Jamie Lalonde
City Clerk’s Branch
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON   K1P 1J1
Fax: (613) 580-9609
E-mail:  committees@ottawa.ca  

  

If you want more information, please consult the City of Ottawa website at ottawa.ca, contact Jamie Lalonde at (613) 580-2424, ext. 28717, (TTY: (613) 580-2401) or by e-mail at committees@ottawa.ca <mailto:committees@ottawa.ca>, or attend one of the Open Houses where staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

 

PITCH IN TO GIVE YOUR CITY A CLEAN SWEEP WITH FALL CLEANING THE CAPITAL

Residents of all ages are invited to participate in the City's 4th annual Fall Cleaning the Capital Campaign between Tuesday, September 15th and Thursday, October 15th.

 

Fall Cleaning the Capital is a great opportunity for high school students to get a head start on their Community Involvement Program volunteer hours, and for families, friends, schools, neighbourhood groups or organizations and businesses to band together on a community cleanup project to help keep Ottawa clean, green, graffiti-free and litter-free.

 

It's easy to get involved. First, pick a cleanup location. For fall, cleanup efforts are encouraged in areas where litter has accumulated over the summer months. It can be a park, woodlot, ravine, shoreline, bus stop, pathway, schoolyard or any public property requiring tidying up. Suggested spots to target include along fence lines, in open spaces with tall grass, along trails, and around drainage ditches and catch basins. While cleaning up open areas that are maintained and mowed by the City, such as in parks, please do not remove leaves. They will be mulched by City staff to return their nutrients to the soil.

 

Once you have selected a cleanup location, registration is quick and easy. Register your project online at ottawa.ca/clean or by calling 3-1-1 (TTY: (613) 580-2401). Register on or before September 14th for your chance to win early bird prizes. Registration continues until October 15th, the last official day of the campaign.

 

While registering, participants may request a cleanup starter kit. Kits are available upon request and can include disposable vinyl gloves, garbage bags, leaf-and-yard waste bags, campaign posters, magnets, stickers and safety tips to assist your cleanup project. Check the collection calendar for when to put out garbage, recycling and leaf-and-yard waste resulting from fall cleanup projects.

 

For more information and to register, visit ottawa.ca/clean or call 3-1-1 (TTY: (613)-580-2401).

 

URBAN TREE CONSERVATION BY-LAW TO TAKE FULL EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1st

The City of Ottawa’s Urban Tree Conservation By-law, which was passed by City Council on June 24th, 2009, will come into full effect on September 1st, 2009.

 

The by-law, which was developed with the assistance of community associations, local environmental groups, Ottawa homebuilders, the City’s Forest and Greenspace Advisory Committee and the City’s Rural Affairs Office, was introduced to protect significant trees in the downtown core and TO PREVENT THE CLEAR-CUTTING OF SUBURBAN FORESTS.

 

Under the by-law, owners of urban properties greater than one hectare are required to produce a City-approved tree conservation report to remove a tree that is 10 centimetres in diameter or greater. This portion of the by-law has been in effect since June 24th.

 

Effective September 1st, 2009, owners of urban properties of one hectare or less will be required to obtain a permit to remove a tree that is 50 centimetres (20 inches) in diameter or greater. There is no permit fee, but residents will be required to obtain an arborist’s report that outlines the reasons why the tree is being removed.

 

The by-law does not apply to rural properties, with the exception of a small area in the city’s east end between the urban boundary and Ted Kelly Lane, nor does it apply to normal farming practices, orchards, tree farms, golf courses and cemeteries anywhere in the city.

 

Unauthorized removal or destruction of the trees covered under the by-law could result in fines ranging from $500 to $100,000, with the exception of the contravention of a stop work order, where the fine is not limited to $100,000.

 

For more information on the Urban Tree Conservation By-law, visit ottawa.ca/urbantree, e-mail urbantree@ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: (613) 580-2401), or visit a Client Service Centre.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Osgoode Ward Volunteer Award Celebration

After all the preparations, submission of names for the Awards and intensive fundraising, we are ready to go!

 

Please join us this Thursday, August 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Community Centre for a very special evening.  Please R.S.V.P to our office at 613.580-2490.

 

 

 Metcalfe Curling Club Registration

Our 2009 / 2010 Registration Night is Friday, September 11th, 2009 from 7:00  to 10:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Curling Club, 2793 8th Line Road, Metcalfe. Come enjoy our wine & cheese party on the Friday night. Renew old friendships and make some new ones. New curlers are always welcome so if you know someone who wants to try this great game, please invite them. If you can't make it out, check our website (www.metcalfe.ovca.com) under Registration. If you miss Friday night, you can also register Saturday morning, September 12th  from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. We hope you will sign up for another fun year at the Metcalfe Curling Club.  

  

 

Just Kiddin’ Theatre Fall Registration Underway with Expanded Program

This year’s drama program for kids will run November - March (before March Break).  This year’s show will be “James Blond Gets Smart”, a comedy that pays homage to the spies from the original shows.  In addition to our classic program for kids age 9 - 13, we are introducing Stagecraft, an actors’ ensemble for youth 13+ who will take their original show on the road!

 
For information and to register, visit www.justkiddintheatre.com.  Space is limited. 

 

 

Metcalfe Cooperative Nursery School

Looking for a half-day morning drop-off program for your toddler or preschooler that offers lots of fun and learning in a nurturing environment?  Then, check out the Metcalfe Cooperative Nursery School!!  Space is available in both the toddler and preschool programs. 

 
For more information, please call (613) 821-3196 or visit www.mcnskids.org.

 

 

5 Cyclone Air Cadets Washington D.C. Trip

 

5 Cyclone Air Cadets Washington D.C. Trip Committee is proud to host A VENDORS' BAZAAR at the Russell Legion, 24 Legion Lane, Russell on Saturday August 29th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 

There will be vendors of all kinds…
Artisans, Hobbyists, Crafters, Bakers, Antiques, Jewellery, Home Based Businesses plus a silent auction, raffles and more! All proceeds will go towards the Air Cadets' trip to Washington D.C. in March 2010. Come out and browse around, find something special for yourself or for gift-giving. There’s something for everyone.

 

For more information or to make a donation towards this fundraising event, please contact Charlene at (613) 443-9997. Thank you for your support!

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

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.

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.
 

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

Hello Everyone,

 

I returned from holidays on July 20th  and so this report covers the period until the end of June.

 

Break and enter totals for June in the Villages of Metcalfe and Osgoode have increased dramatically (47 in 2008, 77 in 2009). We have arrested and charged a male suspect in both Villages and are looking for a 3rd suspect. Please ensure all doors, including patio and garage doors, are securely locked.

A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. McLaren and Mrs. Reaney of Metcalfe who apprehended a male suspect.

 

There has been another huge increase in the number of thefts from vehicles, including cell phones, loose change, IPods, GPS units and credit cards.  Access is gained by unlocked doors. Please lock your vehicle if you leave it in your laneway. 

  

Theft of propane tanks has started again, mostly in the Osgoode Village area. 

 

As always, there are still bush & house parties going on.  Some parents are allowing their teenagers to host parties and allowing their friends to drink. REMEMBER, you are responsible for everyone until they are sober whether it takes 4 hours or 2 days.  As parents, you can give your own child alcohol but not to the point of intoxication and you are NOT allowed to provide it to anyone else's child.

 

The ongoing issue is that no one is reporting the parties. The next morning, there are several acts of vandalism or damage to properties. Please call in any parties or large gatherings. 

 

Thank you for your continued support in helping to make our communities a safer place. 

 

Cst. Jennifer Finniss

 

DISPATCH:      (613) 236-1222 EXT. 7500

                      (613) 230-6211 

TO MAKE A REPORT:

                     (613) 236-1222 EXT. 7300

 

 

 

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

“I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.”   Albert Einstein