Doug Thompson - Councillor, Ward 20, Ottawa, Ontario

December 14, 2009

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

 

POLITICAL NEWS

 

CITY OF OTTAWA – 2010 BUDGET
Ottawa City Council approved a DRAFT 2010 Budget that sits at 3.9%.


On Thursday, December 10th, I held my Ward Public Budget Meeting at the Metcalfe Town Hall. Public delegations are invited to make presentation to City Council from January 25th - 29th at City Hall. Contact Dawn.Whelan@ottawa.ca  to reserve a time slot if you wish to make a budget presentation.

 


COYOTE PROBLEMS IN OUR COMMUNITY
Recently, I met with our MPP Lisa MacLeod and Mayor O’Brien with regard to the coyote infestation in Osgoode Ward. The Mayor has committed to support our efforts to pressure the Ministry of Natural Resources to take strong action to reduce the coyote problem. In January, I will be attending the final meeting of the Human – Wildlife Conflict Strategy Working Group. I expect the Ministry will announce plans to resolve our concerns over the serious problems with coyotes.

 

 

GREEN BIN UPDATE

The Green bin Program begins the weeks of January 4th.  During the winter months, collections are made every two weeks until the end of March.  Weekly Green Bin collecton runs from April until the end of November.


If you require more information on the Green Bin Program, visit www.ottawa.ca where there is a link on the City's homepage. You may also call 3-1-1 or contact our office at (613) 580-2490.


Points of Clarification
-You will not be fined for not using the Green Bin.
-Organics are not part of the future Plasco Gasification Operations.
-The Garbage Collection contracts will be reviewed for the new contract in 2012 and it is expected that significant savings will be realized from reduced collection requirements.
-Green Bins have been constructed to ensure they are animal-resistant.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Christmas Is Just Around The Corner

 

'Tis the season for children – their laughter and their joyous spirit ....

                                        
Last Chance To Have Breakfast With Santa
The Greely Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road, invites you to bring your children to have a pancake breakfast with the Jolly Old Fella on Saturday, December 19th between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.  This will be one of Santa’s last events before he heads back to the North Pole to prepare for his big night.  Breakfast will be pancakes and sausages ... at a cost of $3.50 for children twelve and under and $5.00 for anyone else.  Tickets may be obtained at the Greely Legion.


Holiday Fun at Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum
On Tuesday, December 22nd  from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., come out to the museum to build and decorate delicious gingerbread houses before enjoying a Christmas treat and storytime with local storyteller, Cathy Graham. The cost is $5.00 per child.


For more information or to register, please call (613) 821-4062.


Christmas Exchange / Snowsuit Fund
The Christmas Exchange is open and the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund continues to accept clients. 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.


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.


Merry Christmas and Holiday Wishes from the Home Support Staff, the Volunteers and the Board of Directors to Everyone in the Osgoode Ward  Community!


For information regarding Home Support, please call (613) 821-1101.

 

========================================


 
Osgoode Ward Resident: Part of the Olympic Torch Relay
Eda Van Der Linden of Ray Wilson Road in Osgoode Ward was proud to be part of the Olympic Torch Relay on Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. on Terry Fox Drive.


Congratulations Eda  for a job well done!

ITR Spring Production
ITR is currently in the process of choosing a director and producer for their upcoming Spring production--"Said the Spider to the Spy", a farce by Fred Carmichael.   Production dates are May 7th -15th, 2010.


Please contact Lynn Jolicoeur at  fh133@ncf.ca or by phone at (613) 821-3362 by December 18th to schedule an interview.  Come on out and be part of a fun group!


Julee's Homecrafts: Closing
On December 24th of this year, Julee's Homecrafts of Osgoode Village will be closing its doors for the last time, ending another chapter in the History of Osgoode Village. It has been sixteen terrific years and Judy would like to thank everyone for their friendship and support. Merry Christmas to All!


Osgoode Township High School Goes for Green
Osgoode Township High School is an amazing school...let's all help them win this. The Rural Voice is roaring green! Pass it on...and put our High School on the map!


Out of 2000 entries, the school has made it to the top 60 -  the semi finals. This win would mean 100 thousand dollars for our school to put in solar panels and with the hydro we sell back, possibly another $14,000 a year.


Please vote every day until the 16th and pass this along to like minded folk.


We need your help!   Vote once a day per e-mail address.  Here is the link: http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf1889.  Click on this link and vote.
Here is information to help you get started with the voting. 

 
Here's what you CAN do to HELP us NOW.


1.Look at our idea http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf1889.
2.When you click on this, you will see our entry called:  Time for A Paragidgm Shift: Energy Solutions We Can All Adopt.     Click the Blue Vote Now Button.   If you are already registered, enter your e-mail and password.  DONE
3.  If you have not registered yet follow steps above, and after clicking the Vote Now button you will have to choose Register Now.  Once you have registered, it will  register your vote.
4. If you want to vote with another e-mail address (you can only vote once a day per e-mail address), you must Sign Out.  Click again on the e-mail link, click the Vote Now button and register the new e-mail.  DONE. YOU have just helped us one step closer to WINNING $100,000!!!  

 
THANK YOU!   Lets Be Seen and Go Green!  THANK YOU!

 


New Year's Eve!!! New Year's Eve!!! New Year's Eve!!!
If you haven’t already made plans for New Year's Eve, why not consider the dinner and dance at the Greely Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road.  This dance will feature the live music of the W.R.D. Band playing easy listening music for your dancing pleasure.  The evening begins with cocktails at 6:00  p.m. followed by a scrumptious roast beef dinner at 7:00 p.m. and then music and dancing until next year. 

 
The cost for this event is a reasonable $35.00 per person if purchased before December 20th and $45.00 after that date. Tickets should be purchased in advance to allow our caterers to prepare enough food.  Come one, come all and enjoy this wonderful way to welcome 2010!


Elvis Is Coming!
Mark Saturday, February 13th, 2010 on your calendar as that is when Elvis will be coming to the Greely Legion, 8021 Mitch Owens Road, to help us celebrate Valentines Day.  At a cost of only $20.00 per person, you will enjoy a scrumptious dinner followed by the musical renditions of Elvis performed by Tribute Artist, Sylvain Simard who was the 2007 Peoples Choice Award winner at the Hilton and Casino du Lac Leamy.  Tickets may be obtained at the Legion Lounge Bar.  Bring your sweetheart and enjoy the show.


Hopewell “LOVE YOUR LIFE” Valentine’s Gala Fundraiser
On Saturday, February 13th, 2010 at the Hilton Garden Inn (Airport), come celebrate with your sweetheart while raising funds for Ottawa’s own Hopewell Eating Disorders Support Centre. The evening includes a 4-course dinner, live band (www.ShowtimePartyBand.com), silent auction, on-site photographer and raffle tickets for a grand “Everything Hilton” weekend getaway.


For information and / or tickets, please call (613) 241-3428 or visit www.Hopewell.ca. Tickets are $90.00 until January 15th and $100.00 after that date.


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 15th at 6:30 p.m., we are decorating cookie houses and reading holiday stories.  This program is 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.


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

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


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.


WinterWalk 2009 / 2010 – The 2010 Olympic Torch Run
Join us as we virtually travel the route of the 2010 Olympic Torch Run as it passes through Ontario.   Keep track of your total monthly minutes of physical activity and contribute them to the total “kilometers walked” by Osgoode Ward Residents.  All activity and steps count including planned exercise and household chores. 
(20 minutes – 1 km) (1250 pedometer steps – 1 km) 


December 1st to April 30th, 2010
Join anytime.  Report your “kilometers walked” to your Public Health Nurse anytime up to April 30th.  Include all activity, whenever and wherever you are physically active:  at home or at the office, indoors and outdoors, doing chores or having fun. There is no cost for this event.


Greely Walking Club
An indoor walking club that runs from October to May / June. There is no cost for this event.
Mondays and Wednesdays  
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Greely Community Centre
1448 Meadow Drive, Greely


Osgoode Walking Club
An indoor walking club that runs from September to May / June. There is no cost for this event.
Mondays   
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Osgoode Community Centre
5560 Main Street, Osgoode


Vernon Walking Club
An indoor walking club that runs year around. There is no cost for this event.
Monday and Thursdays    
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Vernon Community Centre
7950 Lawrence Street, Vernon

 

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

“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”  Dwight D. Eisenhower