Telephone our Office: (613) 580-2490

October 12, 2009

BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
Tel.: (613) 580-2490
Visit Doug's "Website" at dougthompson.ca

 

POLITICAL NEWS

LANSDOWNE PARK: A MAJOR PROJECT

City Council, in the spring of this year, endorsed a strategy that the City Manager review the proposal by the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG). In September Kent Kirkpatrick, our City Manager, presented City Council with an updated version of OSEG to redevelop Lansdowne Park. City Council directed City Staff to hold six Public Consultation Meetings to assess public opinion on the OSEG Proposal. Approximately 3,000 residents have attended these meetings and many others have called / emailed Councillors with their comments.

Council will hold two days of Public Hearings on November 12th and 13th to listen to final comments before voting  to approve or turn down the OSEG Proposal.

After much reading and reviewing material of this Plan, speaking with and listening to comments from the public, I am prepared to support the proposal to redevelop Lansdowne Park. I look forward to the Public Comments in November before the  final decision is made on the OSEG Plan for Lansdowne Park.

Lansdowne Partnership Plan Outline

The Lansdowne Partnership Plan is a proposal to bring Ottawa residents, the City, NCC and Parks Canada together to develop a new vision for Lansdowne Park. It is a vision for a transformed Lansdowne site that would:

• Embrace the Rideau Canal, with a new expanded green space.
• Revitalize the existing stadium and arena for sports and entertainment events.
• Stand as the model of modern-day innovation in an urban form where people can go to walk, cycle, shop, enjoy a good meal, be entertained, work, live, and play in an environment respectful of our architectural heritage.
• Reflect the objectives and guidelines articulated in the City of Ottawa’s Official Plan
• Transform Bank Street along the Lansdowne site into a village-type streetscape, with wider streets, new trees, light standards and improved pedestrian access.
• Preserve the Aberdeen Pavilion and its historic features.
• Add small- and medium-sized shops and services that will offer a unique shopping experience for residents and visitors alike, as well as about 1,100 underground parking spots.

The proposal suggests that the City of Ottawa enter into a partnership with OSEG to transform Lansdowne Park. The City and OSEG would each contribute about half of the $250 million in capital costs to complete what is described as Phase 1 and Phase 2.

The office, retail and service component of the Lansdowne redevelopment would total approximately 395,000 square feet (Phase 1 and Phase 2). This breaks down as follows:

- 77,000 square feet dedicated to office space.
- 199,000 square feet for retail and services.
- 41,000 square feet for a unique food store.
- 15,000 square feet within the Aberdeen Pavilion will be used for specialty restaurants.
- 47,000 square feet for a cinema.
- 16,000 square feet in the Horticulture Building, which will become the home of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market.

 

SAFETY ON OUR STREETS

For two years I have been working with local Community Associations and School / Parent Councils to develop a Program to Reduce Speeds in School Zones. In Osgoode Ward, we have been successful in getting Reduced Speeds in School Zones (supported by flashing lights) at St. Mark High School on Mitch Owens Road and at St. Mary Catholic School on Bank Street.

At the Transportation Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 7th, two important motions were approved:

- The City would allow residential streets to have speed limits reduced from 50 kilometres an hour to 40 kilometres an hour, if 60 per cent of residents on the street approve.
- The City also intends to designate more school speed zones to reduce traffic speed and improve public safety. Thirty new School Speed Zones, some with flashing lights, will be implemented if approved by Council. The City will also ask the Provincial Government to double the size of fines in school zones as an incentive to bring down the traffic speed.

This is the first review of speed zones in 30 years. These recommendations will be presented to City Council on October 28th.

 

STORM WATER RATE STUDY – RURAL AREA

 

There has been a lot of discussion about this issue which some people have called a “rural ditch tax”. At the time of amalgamation, City Council, as recommended by the Ottawa Transition Board, directed Staff to streamline all stormwater charges.  Before 2001, the ditch maintenance budget came from the general tax base.  The budget for ditch maintenance, $4.5M / year for the entire rural area since 2001, is funded from the water tax bill in serviced areas.  The funds are transferred yearly from the water tax revenues in serviced areas of the City to the rural ditch maintenance budget, which is part of the road maintenance budget.  The Auditor General in his 2008 report to Council stated that the rural ditch maintenance budget should not be transferred from water tax revenues but should come from general taxes as it did prior to amalgamation.

Regardless of the reasons presented by staff for the change, I believe there shouldn't be a separate levy for rural residents.  My preference is the status quo.

 

AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE MEETING IN OSGOODE WARD

The Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee will hold their October Meeting in Osgoode Ward. The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 22nd  at 6:00 p.m. at the Osgoode Community Centre Hall.

*Please note the change of time to 6:00 p.m. due to a heavy agenda.

 

COYOTE PROBLEMS IN OUR WARD 

      
New reports of Coyotes running throughout our Community are once again being documented. This issue continues to be a frustrating topic, as the Ministry of Natural Resources is aware of our concerns but, to date, has not taken any substantive action.

The safety of our children is now at risk as a result of the recent attack of a local teenager by a coyote near the Village of Osgoode. I would strongly recommend being vigilant of your children and your pets while  they are outdoors.

Please send any information with regard to coyotes to the following:

 

Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources	(donna.cansfield@ontario.ca)
Scott Smithers, Ministry of Natural Resources, Kemptville	(scott.smithers@ontario.ca)
Lisa MacLeod, MPP	(lisa.macleod@pc.ola.org)
Mayor Larry O’Brien	(larry.obrien@ottawa.ca)
Derrick Moodie, Rural Affairs Office, City of Ottawa	(derrick.moodie@ottawa.ca)
Councillor Doug Thompson, Ward 20 - Osgoode	(doug.thompson@ottawa.ca)

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Public Consultation for the New Greely Library
The residents of Greely are invited to an information session hosted by the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) Staff regarding the construction of a new library branch for the Community.

 

Date:	Wednesday, October 21st
Time:	7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location:	Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive

Project architects, along with City of Ottawa and OPL Staff, will make a presentation and will be available to answer questions.

For more information, please email NewGreelyBranch@biblioottawalibrary.ca.

 

Chris Tessier Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity
Chris Tessier, Osgoode Ward resident, volunteer firefighter and City Police Officer, is once again volunteering his time to build homes for impoverished families in El Salvador.

For five weeks, Chris will be at the Third World Bazaar,  http://www.thirdworldbazaar.ca/ , selling coffee to help fundraise for building materials.  Visit him there or follow the steps below. 

1. Go to http://www.habitat.ca/homec206.php
2. Click on Make a Donation to a Global Village
3. Input Donation Amount
4. Under Fund Designation: Click on CA09551 El Salvador (Tony Bennett and Paul McKillop)
5. Write a message
6. Dedicate as a Gift In Honour/on behalf of of Chris Tessier (**very important step)
7. Continue with the information process

All donations will go directly to building supplies and costs which are over $4000 per volunteer. You will receive a tax receipt for your donation.
To contact Chris: tesswood@sympatico.ca .

 

Metcalfe Skating Club: 2009 – 2010 Registration
Registration will take place at the Metcalfe Arena on October 14th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the Fred Barrett Arena on October 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The following programs are available:

- KinderSkate,

- CanSkate,

- PowerSkate and

- StarSkate

For more information or to register, you can contact us at metcalfeskatingclub@gmail.com or at (613) 821-2631.

 

Quilt-a-thon
The Victoria's Quilts Canada, a non profit organization which makes quilts for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, will be having a Quilt-a-thon on Saturday, October 17th at the Orleans United Church located on 1111 Orleans Blvd., Orleans from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration is $12.00 for the day.  Lunch and snacks are provided. Quilters and non- quilters are welcome. 

 
Register on-line at Victoriasquiltscanada.com or at the door.

 

Annual Harvest Supper
Our Lady of the Visitation’s Annual Harvest Supper is scheduled for Sunday, October 18th at the Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive. There are 2 sittings; 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious roast beef dinner complete with salad, vegetables, dessert and beverage. The cost is $12.00 per person, 6 to 10 years $7.00, 5 & under free.

For ticket information, please call (613) 821-3434 or (613) 526-2366, email olvis@rogers.com or visit  www.olvis.ca.

 

Osgoode Ward Day at Winchester Hospital!
The newly renovated Winchester and District Memorial Hospital is holding an "Open House" for Osgoode Ward Residents on Sunday, October 18th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

WDMH provides 24/7 emergency service, diagnostic imaging, a CT scanner, a new suite of obstetrical care support and much more.   All Osgoode Ward residents are invited to come for a visit to this ultra modern local hospital.

 

Metcalfe Co-operative Nursery School: Garage Sale
The Metcalfe Co-operative Nursery School is still accepting registrations in the preschool program.  Check the website at www.mcns.kids.org.

The Giant Fall Garage Sale is scheduled for Friday, October 23rd from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 24th from 8:00 – 12:00  noon.
For further information, please call (613) 821-3196.

 

Shop for a Cure
The 4th edition of “Shop for a Cure” takes place on Saturday, October 24th from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at  Patterson Place B&B, Emerald Links Drive, Manotick Station. A portion of every purchase will be donated to Relay for Life - Canadian Cancer Society. This is a one stop Christmas shopping event and for a great cause. Join us for afternoon tea.

The participating consultants are:
Pampered Chef, PartyLite, Epicure, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Tomboy Tools, Silpada Jewelery, Usborne Books

For more information, please contact Alison at (613) 821-1085.

 

St. James United Church Annual Turkey and Ham Supper
On  Saturday, October 24th from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., St. James United Church (5540 Main  Street, Osgoode) will host their Annual Turkey and Ham Supper. The cost for adults is $12, children 6-12 years $6, or a family, $30. Children under 6 are free. Enjoy ham, turkey, dressing, potatoes, vegetables, salads, rolls, desserts, tea and coffee.  Take out is available.

For information, please contact Lynn Spraggs at (613) 692-9660.

 

Halloween Bash: Saturday, October 24th
Please join us in the GYM at The Osgoode Public School ( 5590 Main Street ) from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for crafts, activities and lots of Halloween fun. Children up to 10 years of age are welcome. Admission is $5 / child or $10 / family. Don’t forget to wear your costumes! Proceeds will be directed to the Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School.

 

18th Annual Dinner Cabaret
The Greely Lions and the Greely Players present their 18th Annual Dinner Cabaret at the Greely Community Centre on Saturday, October 24th. Cocktails are at 6:00 p.m., dinner by AJ's at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Cabaret Show at 8:00 p.m.

Ticket prices are as last year, $ 45.00 per person and are available from Marg van Dusen at
(613) 822 -1136.

 

Vernon United Church: 82nd Anniversary
On Sunday, October 25th at 2:00 p.m., the Vernon United Church will be celebrating it's 82nd Anniversary with a Special afternoon service. The Guest Speaker will be Rev. Joe Burke. Refreshments and a time of fellowship will follow. Please plan to join with us for this Special Event, 8674 Bank Street in Vernon.

 

Third World Bazaar
One of Osgoode Ward’s most exciting attractions opened on Thanksgiving Weekend. The Third World Bazaar, located beside Bakker’s General Store on Mitch Owens Road, is a very unique marketplace.

Furniture, silver jewelery, masks and one-of-a-kind home décor pieces from exotic countries can be found at the Third World Bazaar. During the next 5 weekends, the Third World Bazaar is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

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. 

 

Small Business Association: 12th Anniversary
The Small Business Association is celebrating its 12th Anniversary at its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 19th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place, Centrepointe. The evening includes a special keynote speaker, exciting news, door prizes and draws in addition to a buffet dinner. Register online at www.sba-canada.ca/events. The cost is $15 for SBA members and $20 for future SBA members.

The keynote speaker will be Doug Thompson, Councillor for Osgoode Ward. His address will focus on “The Importance of Small Business to the Ottawa Community”.

 

Osgoode Baptist & Vernon United Church: Annual Harvest Supper
On Saturday, November 21st, the Osgoode Baptist and Vernon United Church will be serving up it's Annual Harvest Supper. It will be held in the church basement, with two sittings, one at 5:00 - 6:00 p.m., and the second from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets are highly recommended, as the sittings sell out early. The prices are $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 5 to12 years and children under 5, free. Takeout meals will be available, with tickets bought in advance. Tell your friends and families and mark it on your calendar now. Please plan to join us for this wonderful time of Fellowship.

 

Goode Grapes 2009
Warm up your November night with “Goode Temptations” in support of O-YA on Saturday, November 21st, 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the Osgoode Community Centre Hall, 5660 Osgoode Main Street.

Wine, beer and Scotch tastings begin at 7:30 p.m. with passed hors d'oeuvres and paired cheeses. Sommeliers from Groovy Grapes will lead the way complemented by the jazzy East Side Quartet and dancing into the night with DJ Kim. Silent and Live auctions will follow. End your night with a table of chocolate and a taste of Framboise!

The cost is $60 per person and you can reserve your ticket by contacting Jill at jilly.woodley@gmail.com .

 

Live & Learn Resource Centre

Playgroups

Tuesday	9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (regular playgroup)
Wednesday	9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Lullababies)
Thursday	9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (regular playgroup)
Friday	9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Happy Babies - focus on Infant Massage and PAT)

 

Friday playgroup in Kenmore	9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday & Friday playgroups in Osgoode	9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

 
The Public Health Nurse visits the Resource Centre the second Tuesday of every month, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Ready to Learn will start at the end of October.  Please call to register.

Are you a childcare provider in your own home?  Are you a nanny providing care? The Live & Learn Resource Centre invites you to meet fellow providers at the Centre every Monday morning.  Arrange your playgroup to meet at the L & L Resource Centre.  We'll provide the craft supplies, the space and resources.  Bring a craft idea or use ours.  Share childcare tips and issues with other caregivers.

Upcoming Workshops
October 19th – 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Nutrition - Feeding picky eaters, the transition from milk to solids.
October 28th – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Community Information Centre of Ottawa re "211".
October 29th – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - A Workshop for Dads by Dave Elder, Public Health - Enhance your parenting skills.

To register, please call Leigh at (613) 821-2899.

 

Metcalfe Home Daycare Agency
Childcare subsidies are available - please connect with our main office at 613) 821-2899.

 

Rural Family Connections, Inc.
The next Board meeting is on October 19th.  We are seeking nominations for the positions of Secretary and Chair at the Annual General Meeting in November - all interested parties are invited to attend.

 

Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School
Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School is still accepting registrations for the Mon./Wed./Fri. and Tues./Thurs. programs. This is a great way to prepare your child for kindergarten. Please e-mail OCNS@live.ca, or call (613) 826-2528 for more information. 

 

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

Rural Health Programs – Osgoode Ward
September – December 2009

For more information or to register for programs, call Barbara O’Brien-Litten, Public Health Nurse, (613) 580-6744  ext. 26173 or email Barbara.obrien-litten@ottawa.ca.

Community Office:  Lower Level of Metcalfe Client Service Centre

 

Listen to the Whispers
Ovarian cancer can affect women of any age but most commonly over the age of 50.  There is no screening test so health care providers must rely on the vague whispering symptoms for a diagnosis.  There is a high survival rate if diagnosed early.  The survival rate drops dramatically if diagnosed later.  Come learn about the signs and symptoms, risks and preventive factors of ovarian cancer.

Sessions you might like to attend:

Tuesday, October 20th	1:00 – 2:00 p.m.	Loblaws, 1460 Merivale Road
Tuesday, November 3rd	12:45 – 1:45 p.m.	Loblaws, College Square, 1980 Baseline Road
Wednesday, November 18th	7:00 – 8:00 p.m.	Moncion's Independent, 671 River Road, Riverside South

Prostate Cancer
(Prostate Cancer Association)
Prostate Cancer tends to develop in men over the age of 50 and it is one of the most common cancers in men.   Come learn about the signs and symptoms, screening tests, and treatment options.

Wednesday, October 21st    7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  (There is time afterwards for questions.)
Metcalfe Client Service Centre
8243 Victoria Street, Metcalfe

Please RSVP to (613) 580-6744  ext. 26173  by October 19th . (Minimum number of participants required for presentation.) There is no cost for this workshop.

 

Collective Country Cooking Program
(Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre)
Participants together prepare several low cost nutritious meals, enjoy a meal, and divide the leftovers to bring home for future meals while gaining nutrition, food safety and health information.

Mondays – September 28th, October 26th, November 23rd   9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Osgoode Community Centre-Kitchen
5660 Main Street, Osgoode

Registration is required at (613) 596-5626  ext. 255 to ensure adequate supplies. There is no cost for this workshop.

 

Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED
(Ottawa Paramedic Services)
Learn how you can prevent heart disease, recognize the signs of a heart attack, help someone who is choking, how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and how to perform CPR on an adult, child and infant.

Saturday, October 24th   9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Vernon Community Centre
7950 Lawrence Street, Vernon

Registration required.   Register online at cpr@ottawa.ca or call (613) 580-2424  ext. 32434.
Visit www.ottawa.ca for a list of all the courses available throughout the city. There is no cost for this workshop

 

Senior Flu Clinics
As part of Ontario's flu shot strategy, it is recommended that people 65 and over and long-term care residents receive the seasonal flu vaccine. So, if you are either a caregiver or have a family member over the age of 65, encourage them to get their flu shots and advise them of the ten free seasonal flu shot clinics for seniors being held by Ottawa Public Health. The clinics start October 10th. 

Seasonal flu poses a greater risk to the seniors 65 and over, making this group a priority for the vaccination. However, people who were born before 1957 are less likely to contract H1N1 flu virus as they have been exposed to a similar strain during their lifetime.

 
Osgoode Ward Residents can get  their shots at Osgoode Township High School on Wednesday, November 4th from 2:30 – 8:30 p.m. Please remind your family member or friend to bring his/her health card to the clinic to receive the vaccination.

As in past years, seniors may obtain their seasonal flu shot from their family physician, but first it is recommended for them to contact their doctor to inquire about availability.

Offering the seasonal flu shots to both people over 65 and long-term care residents is the first phase in the provincial three-phrase vaccine rollout strategy. In the second phase, H1N1 will first be administered on a graduated basis, following the federal government's recommendation for the sequencing of target groups, and then to all residents under 65 years of age.

In the third phase, following the delivery of the H1N1 vaccinations, the seasonal flu shots will be offered free to all residents. Detailed schedules of the last two phases will be released once the vaccine delivery dates and locations are confirmed.

The three-phase strategy benefits the health of all Ottawa and Ontario residents. It addresses higher-risk groups, reduces pressure on our health care system, and optimizes the overall effectiveness of both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines.

For more information on the Seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses, visit Ozone, ottawa.ca/health or contact the Ottawa Public Health Line at (613) 580-6744.

 

Well Water Sample Collection
Proper and regular testing is the only way to know if your water is safe. Sample bottles can be picked up during working hours and then dropped off during the indicated dates and times at these community partners.  Samples must be collected in Ministry of Health sample bottles and returned by the collection date within 24 hours of the sample being taken.  Samples should be refrigerated until ready to be dropped off.

Sunday, October 18th     8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Vernon Variety
8717 Bank Street, Vernon

Sunday, October 18th    8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Osgoode Foodland
5669 Main Street, Osgoode

Tuesday, October 27th   5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
MacKinnon’s Foodland
1347 Meadow Drive, Greely

Tuesday, October 27th    8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Metcalfe Variety
8196 Victoria Street, Metcalfe

 

 

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

 “One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people who can appreciate you for what you are.”   Gail Goodwin