November 30, 2009BY COUNCILLOR DOUG THOMPSON
|
| December 9th | Draft Budget to Council |
| December 10th | Osgoode Ward Public Budget Meeting (Tentative, not confirmed) |
| January 25th to 29th | Public Delegations to City Council |
H1N1 VACCINATION UPDATE: NOVEMBER 30th
Ottawa Public Health (OPH), in close collaboration with numerous City departments including but not limited to Parks and Recreation, Information Technology Services, Human Resources and Corporate Communication, has distributed almost 300,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine to the community. This distribution has been carried out through mass vaccination clinics, outreach clinics and alternate delivery agents, such as hospitals and local physicians. Furthermore, by the end of the weekend it is expected to have distributed 350,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. That means in 5 weeks, the City Health Department will have provided the vaccine to more than 40% of Ottawa residents.
Dr. Levy is very encouraged by the progress of this campaign and applauds the public for its patience and cooperation as we continue to deliver more vaccine to residents every day.
Since September 1st, 410 laboratory-confirmed cases and six H1N1-related deaths have been reported to Ottawa Public Health. Six new cases have been reported this week. We are observing a decline in the number of schools reporting 10% absenteeism and respiratory outbreaks in institutions. Currently, only one out of 348 Ottawa-area schools are reporting greater than 10% absenteeism. Emergency room activity at local hospitals due to influenza-like illness is also on the decline.
While these are all promising signs, it is critically important for us all to keep in mind that our flu season is not over - it lasts for many more months and the pandemic virus H1N1 continues to circulate in our community.
GREEN BIN CHARGES CONTROVERSY
"The Green Bin program is an important environmental and economic initiative. It will help increase the City residential waste diversion rate, and, in doing so, help avoid having to spend hundreds of millions of taxpayers' dollars in the future on expanding landfills." – Dixon Weir, General Manager, Solid Waste Services
Under the Waste Diversion Act, the Province has mandated municipalities to reach a 60% waste diversion target by 2010. Thus, the City's goal is to divert Green, Blue and Black Box materials from the landfill.
The Province does not consider incineration as diversion. For the Plasco gasification option, since organics are 40% to 60% water, most organics reduce considerably the plant's operational efficiency.
The recent PROPOSAL by the Planning and Environment Committee to charge a “User Fee” for the Blue and Black Box Program as well as the Green Bin Collection has angered a huge number of residents. I support the Green Bin Program but absolutely do not support the proposed method of charging for the service. The cost should remain as part of the garbage collection costs on our property tax bills.
The remaining space in our Landfills will run out in approximately 12 – 14 years. In order to acquire land, prepare and open a new Landfill, it would cost a minimum of $250 million. The process would have to start within 4 – 5 years.
In order to comply with the Provincial Mandate of 60% diversion from our Landfills, we must recycle. Our program of recycling Construction and Demolition Material, the Blue and Black Box Recycling and the Green Bin Collection will, in total, drastically reduce our Landfill requirements. Probably within 5 years, the Plasco Gasification System will be operational on a much larger scale. The Gasification process, in turn, will significantly reduce the remainder of the household garbage that would normally go to the Landfill. Some people have questioned why the organics could not have been sent to the Plasco Plant when it is operational. It is quite clear the cost of processing wet organic material at Plasco would have been much too expensive.
I am confident there will not be a “User Fee” for the Green Bin Collection costs. Please contact our office to discuss your concerns.
SECTION OF PARKWAY ROAD IMPROVED
I am pleased to report that our Roads Department has widened the shoulders of Parkway Road between Old Prescott Road and Stagecoach Road. This section of Parkway Road is an important link from Stagecoach Road to the core of the Village. The widening of the shoulders allows for a safer route for people to walk or ride their bikes along this section of road. This has long been a concern of the Greely Community Association and myself and is a temporary improvement, subject to a more permanent solution.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Osgoode Fish, Game and Conservation Club Banquet
On Saturday, November 28th, I was honoured to attend the Fundraising Banquet of our local Conservation Club. Close to 300 hunters, trappers and their families attended another outstanding evening with dedicated conservation enthusiasts. Special thanks again to MC Paul Mussell for another professional job.
Congratulations to the Osgoode Township Fish, Game and Conservation 2009 Executive Members:
| Gord Atkinson | Jeff Laniel | Mike Blaney | Tony d'Aviero |
| Radiq Tallim | Dave Craig | Paul Mussell | Ryan Mussell |
| Gord Hill | Roger Deschamps | Joanne Saunders | Dave Hotchkiss |
| Debbie Brown | Keith McWhinnie |
Protecting Our Pigs in Osgoode Ward
Last week, City of Ottawa by-law officers were called to pick up a "pig on the loose" on River Road, near Mitch Owens Road. It took four people to lift the large porker into a vehicle to be taken to the City's pound at Leo's Livestock in Greely where it was held.
The next problem for By-law and Regulatory Services was to find the rightful owner of the pig on the loose. By-law called on the Rural Affairs Office to use their contacts in Osgoode Ward to assist with finding the farmer with the missing pig.
Staff would like to thank River Road resident Klaus Beltzner of Osgoode Ward, who after getting the call for assistance from the Rural Affairs Office, notified the City of the appropriate name and telephone number of a local resident looking for a missing pig, and helping the City reunite the pig with its owner.
New Minister for Local Anglican Parish
The Anglican Parish of Greely, Vernon and Metcalfe will officially welcome their new Minister on Sunday, December 6th at 4:00 p.m. The Reverend Carolyn Langford will be officially installed at a Welcoming Ceremony at the Metcalfe Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Please attend this important event and stay for a pot luck supper.
For more details, please call (613) 821-4592.
Wrestling Fundraiser at Rideau Carleton
Wayne Cryderman, Osgoode Ward Resident and former Wrestling Star, is holding another Wrestling Fundraiser at Rideau Carleton Raceway. The next show is Saturday, December 5th and will be in support of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ottawa. The first 200 kids in the door get a free Big Time Pro Wrestling DVD.
For more information, call Wayne at (613) 838-9934.
St. Andrews United Church's New Minister
Metcalfe St. Andrews United Church is pleased to announce that Reverend Isabel Black becomes Minister commencing on Sunday, December 6th. Everyone is invited to the 10:00 a.m. service to welcome Reverend Black to the Church.
Osgoode Ward Home Support
Looking for a gift for a hard to buy friend or family member. Make a donation in their name through Osgoode Ward Home Support. They will receive a Christmas Card and you will receive the tax receipt.
Call Home Support at (613) 821-1101 for more information.
Osgoode Home Support and Rideau Community Support
Come and share a morning with us!! Osgoode Home Support and Rideau Community Support invite you to join in our information session on Stategies and Tips for the Caregiver. Our speaker will be Stephanie Poivesan from Family Services. It will be held at the Greely Fire Hall on Tuesday, December 8th at 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Please RSVP as a light lunch will be served. Call Home Support at (613) 821-1101 or (613) 692-4697.
Annual OTHS Food Drive
Osgoode Township High School is preparing for their Annual Food Drive. This year's goal is 25,000 non-perishable food items. All donations will be divided equally between the Good Neighbours Food Bank in Embrun which serves Russell Township and the Enniskerry Food Bank which serves Osgoode Ward.
The next “Door-to-Door Blitz Day” is Saturday, December 12th.
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.
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 - Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Please call to register for next session in January.
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
Saturday, December 12th
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Craft Morning
(ages 3 - 6) - $10.00, payable by December 8th.
Call Leigh at 613) 821-2899 to register for the above workshop.
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 
'Tis the season for Christmas Carolling, scrumptious Christmas Baking, Santa Claus ...
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.
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, 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.
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.
Christmas in the Village: December 5th
Come experience Village Charm and Community Spirit in Osgoode Village! A warm fun place to start the holiday season! Events include: Breakfast with Santa, Annual Christmas Parade, Christmas craft sale, street hockey, Christmas caroling, story time for kids, youth activities, hot chocolate by the bonfire and more! Enjoy the spirit of the season as Osgoode “Lights up the Village”.
For more information, please visit www.osgoodevillage.com.
Osgoode Village Community Association will be hosting its annual
Christmas in the Village Craft Show
December 4th through December 13th
in the Market Square Mall
5669 Osgoode Main Street, Osgoode Village
Show Hours:
Friday, December 4th – 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5th – 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6th – 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday, December 7th, 8th & 9th – Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday & Friday, December 10th & 11th – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12th – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13th – 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Included in the show will be the
"Challenge Quilt" Silent Auction
A challenge was issued to 30 ladies who were given 'base' fabrics -
the rules of the challenge were:
You are allowed to add five fabrics, not including backing and binding.
The finished quilt must be at least 45" x 45" and you must donate it to the
Osgoode Village Community Association for a silent auction which
will be used as a fundraiser for the
2010 Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival.
We expect to have 20 quilts on display.
There will be prizes for Viewers Choice.
So come out and vote for your favourite quilt and bid on
them in the Silent Auction....any of these quilts will make a great gift for someone
special on your Christmas list.
The silent auction runs from 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4th until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6th only.
Santa's Breakfast and Silent Auction
Enjoy Santa's Breakfast on Saturday, December 5th from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Metcalfe Community Centre. This event is sponsored by St. Catherine Catholic School Council.
Annual Food Drive
1st Osgoode Scouting will be holding their Annual Food Drive, during the Christmas Parade in Osgoode Village, on Saturday, December 5th. Donations of food and cash will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us help others!
Breakfast with Santa and Silent Auction
On Saturday, December 5th from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Osgoode Community Centre, 5660 Osgoode Main Street. Have your picture taken with Santa and bid on some great items at our Silent Auction. 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 Carolling in Metcalfe
On December 9th, the Girl Guides of Canada will be Christmas Carolling around the Village of Metcalfe and asking for donations of non-perishable foodstuffs for the Ottawa Foodbank. Carolling will begin at the Metcalfe Public School at 6:30 p.m. with the girls travelling through the Village and finishing up at the Stanley Apartments on or about 8:00 p.m.
Turkey Bingo
Metcalfe and District Lions Annual Turkey Bingo will be held on Friday, December 11th at 7:15 p.m. at the Metcalfe Lions Den, 2803 - 8th Line Road in Metcalfe.
For more information, you can contact any of the Metcalfe Lions Members.
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 and Food Drive
It is that time of year again…time to start thinking about participating in the 14th Annual Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade and Food Drive.
This year the parade will take place on Sunday, December 13th at 2:00 p.m. We are hoping that your business/group will be interested in participating in this year’s festivities. Floats line up Sunday, December 13th at exactly 1:30 p.m. on Glen Street in front of the Community Christian School. The parade will proceed through Metcalfe to the Community Centre. At the Community Centre families can enjoy treats, hot chocolate, mushroom soup, decorate Gingerbread cookies and get a picture with Santa.
If you are unable to participate but would like to support this great community endeavor, food bank donations, candy or a monetary donation would be appreciated.
As always, volunteers are needed to make this activity a success, ie. at road blocks, serving treats, decorating the hall ... Get involved in your commUnity.
To register or for more information, contact Laurie Ann Holmes at (613) 821-2112 or by email at klholmes@xplornet.com.
Metcalfe Community Recreation Association
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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.
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.
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.
Healthy Holidays Group
This group is for adult men and women to discuss topics such as:
feeling alone, stressed, coping with pressures, self-care, building resources, stress & wellness, and establishing traditions.
Healthy Holidays Group meets on Mondays 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. beginning November 30th through to January 11th at the Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre (In the Merivale Mall).
For more information, please call Sheila Norquay at (613) 596-5626 ext. 228 or Alicia Bastin at ext. 253.
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
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Albert Schweitzer
