Telephone our Office: (613) 580-2490
November 2, 2009
BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
Tel.: (613) 580-2490
Visit Doug's “Website” at www.dougthompson.ca
POLITICAL NEWS
H1N1 IMMUNIZATION UPDATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH
Wristbands will be handed out by City Staff to those in line at all vaccination clinics to minimize wait times and line-ups, and allow people to establish their place in the queue, leave the clinic and return at a time closer to when they will receive their vaccination.
Wristbands will be colour coded and numbered. The number will determine at what time that particular individual should return to the clinic to receive their vaccination. When putting on their wristband, residents are reminded to not cover the number. There is a limit of one wristband per individual. However, 1 person may request enough wristbands for their household (ie. 4 or 5 wristbands).
Starting Saturday, October 31st, the schedule for handing out wristbands will be as follows:
Weekends
- Wristbands will be handed out beginning at 7:30 a.m.
- Clinics will begin at 9:00 a.m. Therefore, people receiving the first colour-coded batch will be advised to remain in line and not leave the clinic.
Weekdays
- Wristbands at all clinics except the one at 100 Constellation will be handed out beginning at 9:00 a.m. for clinics beginning at 2:30 p.m.
- Wristbands at the clinic at 100 Constellation will be handed out at 1:00 p.m. for the clinic beginning at 5:00 p.m.
It is important that those with wristbands arrive back at the clinic at their designated time to ensure they hold their place in the queue, they have sufficient time to register for their vaccination and so that the vaccination program is not delayed for anyone else. Those not back at their designated time will lose their place in the queue.
The wristband process is designed to minimize wait times. In order to ensure that we are vaccinating the maximum number of individuals each day and that our clinics are fully utilized, the City still expects some line-ups and wait times for those wishing to get their H1N1 vaccination.
OSGOODE WARD: H1N1 REPORT
The current H1N1 Immunization of our residents is now in its second week. Obviously, we have never encountered such a massive Immunization Program before and, therefore, there are some substantial problems with the current plan.
On Friday, October 30th, our Clinic at the Osgoode Community Centre was overwhelmed! By 7:30 a.m., people were lined up for the Clinic that was to open at 2:30 p.m. By 10:30 a.m., 700 tickets were given out, meaning that no other residents would be accepted.
I am working to have Council call a special meeting to discuss with our Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Levy, on how we can improve on our Immunization strategy.
LOCAL CLINIC SITES
Osgoode Community Centre
5660 Osgoode Main Street, Osgoode
November 23rd 2:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Alfred Taylor Community Centre
2300 Community Way, North Gower
November 26th 2:30 – 8:30 p.m.
COYOTE PROBLEM CONCERNS GROW
A 19-year-old folk singer who died after being mauled by coyotes on Cape Breton Island has further raised the concerns of our residents with regard to the coyote problem. As you are aware, a teenager near Osgoode Village was attacked by a coyote about one month ago.
This week, I am meeting with Senior City Staff and the Mayor to discuss the coyote issue in our Community. We will be responding to the letter I received from Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources, part of which I have included here.
Response from MP Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources:
“There is no closed season for coyotes in the majority of southern Ontario, Coyotes can be hunted and trapped year-round...Landowners or their agents may capture, kill, or harass problem wildlife to prevent damage to their property at any time.”
“Municipalities have responsibility for retaining the services of a licensed agent. The FWCA (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act) governs trapping activities, including the use of open seasons, quotas, and restrictions of types of traps used. All trappers must successfully complete mandatory trapper education before a trapping licence will be issued. MNR will work with the municipality…”
“Addressing human-coyote conflict in urban areas requires an enhanced public awareness as well as community and partnership-based solutions. MNR continues to help landowners and municipalities deal with problem wildlife by provide fact sheets, information on recommended best practices and animal control services, appropriate agency referrals, and information necessary to obtain authorizations related to protection of property.”
CITY SOCCER FIELDS ON MITCH OWENS ROAD
I am pleased to report that the City has acquired the Nelms Soccer Complex, west of St. Mark High School on Mitch Owens Road. Originally developed by the Ottawa South United Soccer Association, this complex when completed will have six full sized soccer fields.
CITY OF OTTAWA SPEED ZONING POLICY
Approved at Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee (ARAC) – October 22nd, and City Council – October 28th
The Speed Zoning Policy provides for:
- setting speed limits on rural gravel roads and residential streets,
- posting of 40 km/h speed limit signs on local residential roads,
- and establishing school speed zones.
If 66% of residents on a particular road or street sign a petition, the speed on these roads will be reduced to 40 km/h.
I have been working on this project nearly two years and am very pleased to see it finally approved.
ONE-DAY DEPOT FOR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE NOVEMBER 8th
The City of Ottawa is hosting a one-day household hazardous waste collection depot from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8th at the Trail Waste Facility, 4475 Trail Road, off Moodie Drive, south of Fallowfield Road.
This depot provides a convenient way for you to help keep the environment free of hazardous household waste.
Residents are reminded that only household waste will be accepted (maximum 100 litres) at the depot. No commercial waste will be accepted. For a complete listing of acceptable household hazardous waste, visit the City’s website at www.ottawa.ca/hhw.
Avoid lineups for the following products:
- Waste oil can be brought back to a “Take it Back!” Partner retailer. Check the City’s web site at ottawa.ca under Recycling and Garbage for a list of 100 retailers that take back oil.
- Residents are reminded that pesticides, herbicides and rusty BBQ propane tanks can be brought to the HHW depots for safe disposal.
Did you know you can return paint products and batteries to various Ottawa hardware retailers? Visit http://www.dowhatyoucan.ca/ for a location near you.
For more information, visit the City’s website at ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: (613) 580-2401).
JIM WATSON ANNOUNCES NEW AWARDS PROGRAM
The Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, recently announced a new Community Awards Competition. The program is called Celebration 2010 and it is an opportunity to honour the 'unsung heroes' of community sport and recreation. They are the coaches, association members, trainers, conveners, fundraisers, drivers, chaperones ... who make local sport thrive.
There are numerous programs that recognize and support athletes. This program is not to recognize athletic achievement, but the men and women behind the athletes. Perhaps the neighbour who has been going out when it's 30 below to flood the community rink for the past decade or the individual who has been the convener of Little League baseball for 25 years.
Each MPP in Ottawa will be chairing a selection committee made up of a maximum of 3 individuals from their ridings. Nominations are being solicited in September / October 2009 through contact with and notice to local sports groups, posters, newspaper ads and articles. Recipients will receive a specially minted medal and certificate signed by the Premier at a ceremony hosted by their MPP in January.
- Submit a one page summary of why you believe your candidate deserves this recognition
- Enclose the name, address and telephone number of both you and your Community Sports Volunteer
- Successful nominees, as well as their nominators, will be notified by their local MPP
- MPP's will host a Celebration 2010 ceremony in your community in January 2010
- Deadline for receipt of nominations is November 13th, 2009
Send your nomination to:
Lisa MacLeod, MPP Nepean-Carleton
Unit 10-3500 Fallowfield Road
Nepean, ON K2J 4A7
Fax: (613) 823-8284
lisa.macleod@pc.ola.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
Vernon Community Upset on Proposed Biosolid Spreading
Last week, our Ward Council at the Vernon Community Centre heard from over 60 angry residents with regard to proposed Biosolid spreading south of the Village. I do not support the spreading of Biosolids and commend these residents for bringing their concerns to the attention of City Staff and myself. I am working with the City Solid Waste Department and the Ministry of the Environment to review the proposal. Hopefully, the application will be declined.
Metcalfe Farmers' Market: Christmas Edition
The 16th Annual Metcalfe Farmers' Market was a huge success. Great crowds, outstanding vendors and remarkable products are the trademark of one of the most successful Farmers' Markets in Ontario.
On Saturday, November 21st and Saturday, December 12th, the Metcalfe Farmers' Market will hold its “Country Christmas” Market at the Greely Legion. This Market will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on both days.
Volunteers Needed for Greely Winter Carnival
Greely Winter Carnival Committee would like to invite volunteers to help organize and run the 2009 / 2010 Winter Carnival. It will run January 28th - 31st, 2010. Please contact Bruce at wealth@brucebrayman.com.
Osgoode Branch, Ottawa Public Library
On Tuesday, December 1st, we are having "Bedtime Stories" at 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m., we are decorating cookie houses and reading holiday stories. Both programs are 60 minutes.
In the new year, we are challenging our patrons to "Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks". As part of this initiative, we are going to try to start a book club at the library, based on the response we receive.
For more information, contact Sherri Ryan, Children's Programs and Public Service Assistant, at the
Osgoode Branch of the Ottawa Public Library at (613) 826-2227.
Bazaar and Luncheon
On Saturday, November 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., enjoy a bazaar and luncheon at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 5462 Osgoode Main Street. Baking, plants, herbs, jam, pickles – Something for everyone! Come and relax and treat a friend to a delicious lunch. Lunch is $6.00 and consists of a salad plate, homemade sweets, tea or coffee.
St. James Leitrim Annual Turkey Supper
A turkey supper with all the trimmings, plus home made pies, is scheduled for November 7th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Drive. It is the annual fundraiser for St. James Anglican Church, Leitrim Road. Sittings are at 4:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. and tickets are available at the door. The cost is $12.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 10 and under.
For more information, please contact Karen McPeak at (613) 731-6104 or visit www.saintjamesleitrim.com.
Wayne Cryderman Supporting Our Community
Local resident and professional wrestler, Wayne Cryderman, is back supporting his community. On Saturday, November 7th at 8:00 p.m. at the Rideau Carleton Raceway (lower level), Wayne is presenting a live wrestling program.
There are 7 exciting matches, lots of giveaways and fun for the whole family. This show is in support of Kenmore Minor Ball.
Welcome to Connemara House B&B, Spa, Retreat
An Open House is planned for Sunday, November 8th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Connemara House Bed & Breakfast, 7060 Donwel Drive, Greely. Bring your family and friends to this mini tradeshow to showcase our B&B, Spa and Retreat destination.
For information, please call (613) 821-5000, email innkeeper@connemarahouse.com or visit www.connemarahouse.com.
Rural Caregivers Series: “Going Home From Hospital”
Are you caring for a spouse, parent or a friend? You are welcome to attend the third in the series for Rural Caregivers on Tuesday, November 10th. “Going Home From Hospital” is the topic; Pat Haley, a hospital discharge planner and Debbie Woods, from CCAC will be the presenters. Although one thinks it will never happen, seniors do go to hospital, and have to deal with coming home-whether after a hip operation, pneumonia, or a heart operation. Just what services are available, and what should one expect. Plan on attending this meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information and to reserve a spot, call Osgoode Home Support at (613) 821-1101 or Rideau Community Support Services at (613) 692-4697. A light lunch will be served.
Greely Community Association General Meeting
The General Meeting of the Greely Community Association will be held on November 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Greely Community Centre. For a copy of previous meeting minutes and constitution, please visit the website www.Greelycommunity.org.
Osgoode Home Support: “Help Us Help Seniors”
On November 15th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Osgoode Home Support will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast at the Metcalfe Lions Den. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12. All profits go toward Home Support Programs in this area. Please come out and help support our seniors.
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.
Osgoode Baptist & Vernon United Church: Annual Harvest Supper
On Saturday, November 21st, the Osgoode Baptist and Vernon United Church will be serving up its Annual Harvest Supper. It will be held in the Church basement, with two sittings, one at 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and the second from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Advance 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.
Osgoode Night at the Races
All residents of Osgoode Ward are invited to attend “Osgoode Night at the Races” at the Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday, November 22nd at 6:00 p.m. I encourage as many residents as possible to join us for fun, entertainment and delicious food.
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.
Live & Learn Resource Centre
Our website is www.ruralfamilyconnections.ca.
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
1st Friday and 3rd Friday of the month
|
| Friday Playgroup in Kenmore |
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. |
| Wednesday &Friday Playgroups in Osgoode |
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
| November 26th |
|
| 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. |
|
| Community Information Centre of Ottawa - "211" |
|
| Call Leigh at (613) 821-2899 to register. |
|
Metcalfe Co-operative Nursery School
Nursery School still accepting registrations in the preschool program. Check the website at www.mcns.kids.org.
Metcalfe Home Daycare Agency
Childcare subsidies are available - please connect with our main office at (613) 821-2899.
Christmas is Just Around the Corner
Christmas Exchange / Snowsuit Fund
The Christmas Exchange is now open and the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund has also been accepting clients for the past month. If you know clients or community members in Nepean , Rideau or Osgoode requiring help, they can call (613) 596-5626 ext. 257 and Kim will be happy to help them.
Breakfast with Santa
On Saturday, December 5th from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., enjoy a full breakfast at the Osgoode Community Centre, 5660 Osgoode Main Street. Have your picture taken with Santa, bid on some great items at our Silent Auction and take home tasty treats from our Bake Sale. Tickets are available at the door.
For more information, please call (613) 826-2528. This event is a fundraiser for the Osgoode Cooperative Nursery School.
Christmas Cookie Walk
Don't have time for Christmas baking? We can help. Come to the 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Walk (Sale) on December 12th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Lions Den - 2803 8th Line Road (Metcalfe Fair Grounds). Walk about the Lions Den and fill a cookie box from a very large variety of scrumptious homemade Christmas baking. Boxes are $8.00 or $15.00 - provided at the door. Be sure to come early. This event is popular and quantities may not last.
The Metcalfe Area Grannies All About Kids hold this annual event to raise funds to help African Grandmothers raise healthy children and turn the tide of HIV/AIDs. Africa has become a continent of orphans - an estimated 13 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. Grandmothers bury their own children, then begin to parent again, raising their grandchildren with little support.
For more information about the Cookie Walk or if you would like to join our Group, please contact Bev McKibbon at (613) 821-4981 or Joan Heyland at (613) 821-2505.
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
To Our Residents,
I have been redeployed to the H1N1 clinics and, therefore, will not be in my office / the community for several weeks but will check messages and respond to them as I can.
Thank you,
Barbara O’Brien-Litten, Public Health Nurse
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
H1N1 Clinics
The listing of the H1N1 clinics has been released. Please see the link below to the city webpage listing the clinics. Please note the priority populations for the first week or two.
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/conditions/swine_influenza/h1n1_clinics_en.html
Barbara O'Brien-Litten, our Community Health Nurse, has given us the following information she received from the Kingsway Health Centre, 5542 Ann Street, Manotick. They are vaccinating all people for seasonal and H1N1 every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by the following schedule. Patients must bring their OHIP card.
| November 6th |
Manotick Legion |
| November 13th |
Manotick Legion |
| November 20th |
Manotick Legion |
| November 27th |
Kingsway Health Centre |
| December 4th |
Manotick Legion |
| December 11th |
Manotick Legion |
Seasonal Flu Clinic
The seasonal flu vaccine is available through family doctors or at the community clinics. At this time, the vaccine is for people over the age of 65 and for residents of long term care facilities. People are asked to bring their health card or driver's license to the community clinics as proof of age.
The closest community clinic is:
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
Osgoode Township High School
2800 8th Line Road, Metcalfe
2:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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.
Listen to 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.
Wednesday, November 18th from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. at Moncion's Independent, 671 River Road, Riverside South For more information regarding this meeting, please contact Carol Sprott at (613) 830-8833, psprott@rogers.com or Keltie Purcell at (613) 832-9192, keltie@nehi.ca.
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
“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” Lord Byron
