Telephone our Office: (613) 580-2490

November 9, 2009

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

POLITICAL NEWS

PROPOSED GREEN BIN AND RECYCLING CHARGES
A large number of residents have contacted our office with regard to a BUDGET PROPOSAL from the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) to change the way of paying for recycling services. The proposed changes would see a “service fee” for the Green Bin, the Blue Box and Black Box listed on the Property Tax Bill. Currently, the Blue Box and Black Box costs are part of the Property Tax Bill. The Budget Proposal from PEC would see the charges for Garbage, Blue Box, Black Box and Green Bin Collection listed independently as service fees on your Tax Bill. This would allow the businesses that currently pay for recycling collection but don’t receive this service to have that cost taken off their taxes. As well, Rural Residents who are not part of the Green Bin Collection, would not have to pay for that part of the recycling program.

There are a number of major concerns that I have with this new Budget Proposal, where “service fees” are to be considered. 

The PEC draft budget estimates will be tabled and debated at the PEC meeting on Tuesday, November 10th at 9:30 a.m. in Andrew Haydon Hall. Residents who wish to provide comment can register as a public delegation at the PEC meeting by contacting the Committee Assistant, Jodi Collins, by phone at (613) 580-2424  ext. 15899 or by email at jodi.Collins@ottawa.ca.

Next important dates in the process are as follows:

November 17th – Budget tabled at the Audit Budget and Finance Committee
December 9th – 2010 Draft Budget tabled at City Council
January 25th to 29th – City Council as Committee of the Whole to hear Public Delegations on the 2010 Budget.

 

BIOSOLID SPREADING NEAR VERNON
As a result of discussions at our Ward Council Meeting in Vernon, some changes were made to the original Biosolid Spreading Plan. While these minor changes were welcome, I am disappointed that the Ministry of the Environment allowed any spreading to take place. I applaud the work of those who worked so hard to stop the spreading of these Biosolids. Your efforts were appreciated by many, many people.

 
CITY OF OTTAWA  2010 – 2011 COLLECTION CALENDAR
The City’s 2010-2011 Collection Calendar for the new green bin program recycling, leaf and yard waste and garbage pick-up is currently being delivered to residents and should be in mailboxes by the end of November.

The calendar provides tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle, as well as information on holiday schedules and the dates and locations of household hazardous waste depots and Give Away Weekends.

This year’s calendar has a new design and format, and includes collection dates for the City’s new Green Bin Program, which starts January 2010.  The final page shows what items are accepted in the recycling and Green Bin program.

Residents may post the new calendar in a convenient place, such as the kitchen or garage.  It can be referred to every week so the resident is aware of which items to put out and when.  Residents can also access the web version of the calendar at www.ottawa.ca/collectioncalendar by the end of November.

By the end of the month, the Collection Calendar can also be picked up at any Client Service Centre or by calling 3-1-1.

The City’s 2010-2011 Waste Collection Calendar is another way to help Ottawa residents RETHINK GARBAGE, reduce waste and protect our most precious treasure – our environment.

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Marilyn Journeaux at extension 21528.

 
DOGS IN PARKS - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Parks can provide a pleasant and safe environment in which to exercise dogs. Safety for other park users is, however, also a consideration. The City of Ottawa Animal Care and Control By-law provides for a variety of park usages or "designations" for dogs and there is a Dogs-in-Parks Designation Policy (DIPDP) that now applies.  This approach to park designations had been in place in old Ottawa since the late 1990's. It is, however, new to the other former municipalities' parks. Over time, parks outside of old Ottawa are being designated based on the criteria set out in the DIPDP with community consultation.

At this time, By-law & Regulatory Services Branch will be holding community consultations for these rural locations to assist in determining the appropriate designations for parks in each ward:

Ward 20 - Osgoode
Wednesday,  November 25th 
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Metcalfe Community Centre Hall, 2785 8th Line Road

 

SIX FLU ASSESSMENT CENTRES OPEN
Six flu assessment centres have opened across Ottawa to help respond to rising flu activity in the community and lessen the burden on local hospital emergency departments. Residents who do not have a family physician or who cannot access their usual care provider within 48 hours,  have the option of going to a flu assessment centre. Both family physicians and flu assessment centres are equipped to provide health assessment and appropriate treatment for people with flu symptoms. However, flu assessment centres will not provide vaccine.

All flu assessment centres are health care centres operating in our region. Ottawa Public Health commends these partners for stepping up to the plate and going beyond what they are already contributing to community health.

All flu assessment centres will operate seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

 

Central	Sandy Hill Community Health Centre	221 Nelson Street, Ottawa 613-789-1500
Central	Somerset West Community Health Centre	55 Eccles Street, Ottawa 613-238-8210
Central	Centretown Communith Health Centre	420 Cooper Street, Ottawa 613-233-4443
South	Carlington Community Health Centre	1895 Russell road, Ottawa 613-737-5115
West	Carlington Community Health Centre	900 Merivale Road, Ottawa 613-722-4000
West	Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre	1365 Richmond Road, Ottawa 613-820-4922

 
LOCAL H1N1 FLU 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.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OTTAWA’S OUTDOOR RINKS
The City of Ottawa invites residents to help make a difference in their community by joining hundreds of volunteers who devote their time to provide access to winter activities every year. Ottawa’s outdoor rinks need volunteers for the 2009-2010 winter season. Grants are available to assist those who choose to volunteer.

If you are interested in becoming a community outdoor rink operator, please contact the City of Ottawa Seasonal Recreation Office at (613) 580-2590 to obtain an application package.

For more information on volunteering with the City of Ottawa, visit ottawa.ca/volunteer <http://ottawa.ca/residents/volunteerservices/index_en.html>.

 
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.

 

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
•MPPs 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

Christmas Is Just Around The Corner

'Tis the season for Craft Sales, Parades, Breakfast with Santa ...

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.

Christmas Shopping in One Stop
Everyone is welcome at the Metcalfe Lions Den on Monday, November 16th  from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. for Christmas Shopping in One Stop. There will be a bake sale, raffle and vendors include:
The Country Den
Pampered Chef   www.pamperedchef.ca 
Mary Kay Cosmetics   www.marykay.ca/dkuran 
Fifth Avenue Jewellery   www.fifthavenuecollection.com/crevells 
Epicure Spices   www.epicureselections.com 
Usborne Books (2000 books -English/French/Spanish)   www.usborne.ca/annecolemanontario  (Can order online from across Canada -$10 delivery fee - please refer  to Metcalfe Ringette)

Proceeds are directed to the Junior B2 Team of the Metcalfe & District Ringette Association. For more information, please call (613) 821-4288. (Also Advance Orders)

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.

One Stop Shopping Event
Community Christian School,  2681 Glen Street in Metcalfe, is hosting their third annual One Stop Shopping Event on Saturday, November 28th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Local vendors will be selling products you want for Christmas.  There will also be a canteen available on site.  This is a
fundraising event for Community Christian School. Admission is $1.00. Children under 12 are free.
For additional information or to book a table, please contact Sharon at (613) 821-3297 or Alanna at (613) 445-0954.

Poinsettia Sale
The Metcalfe Ringette Tween C players are holding a  poinsettia sale. The beautiful poinsettias are supplied by Richmond Nursery at a cost of:   

 
4 ½ “ POT - $10.00
6 “ POT - $15.00  

 
Please place your order with any Tween C player or call (613) 821-0308. Delivery is scheduled for the first week of December.

Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival
On December 4th, 5th & 6th, drop by Foodland and the Country Creations Craft Show in the Market Square Mall, Osgoode Village to vote for your favourite quilt. There will be approximately 18 quilts from which to choose. These quilts will be auctioned in a Silent Auction to raise funds for the 2010 Medieval Festival. The Auction closes at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday December  6th . The quilts would make Great Christmas Gifts!

For further information, please call (613) 826-1243 or email carey002@sympatico.ca.

Breakfast with Santa and Silent Auction
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.

 

Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade
On December 13th starting at 2:00 p.m., the Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade will wind its way along Victoria Street to the Metcalfe Community Centre. After the parade children and their parents are asked to come to the Community Centre for a free picture and a hot bowl of mushroom soup, donated by A.J's Catering and Continental Mushroom.

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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.

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, Mayor Larry O'Brien, 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.

$125,000 Fundraising Campaign Launched
The Men’s Project, the only agency in Ontario fully dedicated to providing mental health services for men who suffered sexual and physical abuse as children, launched its 2009-2010 fundraising campaign. 

“The campaign couldn’t be more relevant,” says Campaign Director Alan Morissette. ”Recent national news stories on victimization and the subsequent fallout has given this sensitive issue a rather compelling profile.”

Research has shown that one in six males will be sexually or physically abused by the age of eighteen, very few men speak out or seek counselling, and there is no permanent funding in Ontario to help them.

The Men's Project first fundraising event will be “An Evening at the Races” on November 26th at 6:00 p.m. at Rideau Carleton Raceway. The evening is just $50.00, which includes admission, parking, buffet dinner, a race program, taxes and gratuities. An income tax receipt will be provided to the purchaser for $28.00 for each ticket bought. Tickets can be purchased by contacting our office at (613) 230-6179 ext. 223.

Contacts:

Alan Morissette Board of Director Telephone:   (613) 821-2321   The Men’s Project Website: www.themensproject.ca

Rick Goodwin Executive Director Telephone:   (613) 230-6179  ext. 400

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 Workshop
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.

 

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 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 13th   Manotick Legion
November 20th   Manotick Legion
November 27th   Kingsway Health Centre
December 4th     Manotick Legion
December 11th   Manotick Legion

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 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.

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 x 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 x 3700	Leitrim Information Desk
613-236-1222 x 3787	Cst. Jennifer Finniss    finnissj@ottawapolice.ca

    

Quote

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I... I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”   Robert Frost