December 29, 2009

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

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

I would like to thank and congratulate all who have worked so hard on behalf of our residents and our Community this past year. We should be grateful for the many accomplishments that we have achieved together in 2009.

As we usher in a New Year and a new Decade, let us strive to make our Community even greater.

 

Thank you,
Doug

 

 

POLITICAL NEWS

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
During the Christmas / New Year Holidays, our office will be closed  on December 24th  and will reopen on Monday, January 4th. Please continue to send Column material to Doug.Thompson@ottawa.ca during this period.

Please call 3-1-1 for high priority municipal needs.

 

JANUARY H1N1 AND SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION CLINICS ANNOUNCED
In the New Year, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) will hold 28 H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination clinics beginning on Wednesday, January 6th. Both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines will be available at all clinics.

The traditional flu season usually begins in February and this year both the seasonal and the H1N1 flu viruses are circulating. Getting both vaccines will provide you with the best protection for this flu season.

Both vaccines are also available at many local doctors’ offices, community health care centres, university campuses and some workplaces.

For more information, visit www.ottawa.ca/health or contact the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at (613) 580-6744.

 

CITY OF OTTAWA POPULATION REACHES 900,000
The City of Ottawa marked a new population milestone with a sign unveiling ceremony at LeBreton Flats Park. Mayor Larry O’Brien, Councillor Peter Hume, Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee, and Somerset Councillor Diane Holmes were joined by John Moser, General Manager of Planning and Growth Management, and community partners to commemorate the city’s population reaching 900,000.

“This marks a significant milestone for the City of Ottawa,” said Mayor Larry O’Brien. “With our rich history and culture, abundant recreational facilities and pathways, strong economy and vibrant people, it is no surprise that more individuals and businesses are choosing to call Ottawa home.”

All City boundary signs have been updated to reflect this new milestone, and a new sign will be placed on Booth Street between Ottawa and Gatineau.

Since 2001, the City’s population has grown by about 12 per cent with the addition of 103,000 new citizens. It is anticipated that by 2031, Ottawa will have more than 1.1 million people and will be at the centre of a metropolitan area of more than 1.7 million people.

Through the Official Plan, City Council and staff are committed to ensuring that the city’s population is growing towards a more sustainable and resilient future. One of the pillars of this “smart growth” is residential intensification, which encourages development at a higher density through the redevelopment of “brownfield” sites, redevelopment or development of vacant or underutilized lots within previously developed areas, infill development, and the expansion or conversion of existing buildings.

 

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

Public delegations are invited to make presentations 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
In December, 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.

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)

 

GREEN BIN UPDATE  
The Green Bin Program begins the week of January 4th. During the winter months, collections are made every two weeks until the end of March. Weekly Green Bin collection 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. There are no garbage police.
• 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.
• Leaf and yard waste will be picked up every week with the Green Bin from spring until fall.

 

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Ringing in the New Decade!

 
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. Come one, come all and enjoy this wonderful way to welcome 2010!

Metcalfe Jets Alumni Game
The Metcalfe Jets Junior B Stars will be shining again on Saturday, January 2nd  beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Arena. Proceeds from this game will go to fund the Home Support programs. Rumour has it that I may lace up the skates for at least one shift!

Thank You from the Grannies!
Grannies All About Kids would like to thank all of you who came to our Cookie Walk in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers Campaign.  On December 12th, because of your support, we managed to raise over $1000.  All funds raised go the the Foundation which provides help to Grandmothers in Sub Sahara Africa who, after caring for and burying their own children, are now raising their grandchildren who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS.  There are an estimated 13 million AIDS orphans in Africa - this number is greater then the entire population of Ontario.  Thank you for your support.  Stay tuned for our next event - Trivia Night planned for early spring.

For more information, please call Bev McKibbon at (613) 821-4981 or Joan Heyland  at (613) 821-2505.

Home Support Program Needs Help
Home Support needs you!!  The Home Support Program (serving Osgoode Ward) is in need of Home Help workers.  Home Help workers go to the homes of seniors and assist with house keeping duties including laundry.  The wage is $15.00 per hour with a minimum of a 2 hour shift. 

 
If you are interested or would like more information, please call the Home Support Program at (613) 821-1101.

 

Worship United Community Choir
Registration dates for the Second Semester of the Worship United Community Choir are January 5th, 12th and 19th. You are able to register from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Parkway Road Church in Greely.

For more information, please visit the website at www.Parkwayroad.com and click on the Worship United banner.

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 until January 15th and $100 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
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.

Closed December 21st – January 1st. (Toy Lending Library is open for exchange of toys.)

We are finalizing the enrollment of the next Ready to Learn.  Please call the office if you are interested or need more information.  Sessions are every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from January 5th – March 11th.

Metcalfe Co-operative Nursery School
MCNS is looking for a Teaching Assistant for the preschool program.  The position runs Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m., January 4th, 2010 - June 27th, 2010. Experience in teaching, early learning programs or resource centres would be an asset.

Please call the main office at (613) 821-2899 for more information or to indicate your interest.  You may also e-mail liveandlearn@bellnet.ca or fax resume to (613) 821-2399. 

 
Metcalfe Home Daycare Agency
The office is open 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. However, the office will be closing at 12:00 noon on December 31st.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

 

 

SPORTS REPORTS

We are introducing a new section to our column. The “Sports Reports” will highlight special achievements of minor sports teams from our Ward. Send us your story in 200 words or less.

Five Metcalfe-Greely Boys Qualify to Compete at the Ontario Winter Games
Congratulations to the Gloucester Rangers Major Peewee AA team on winning the Ontario Winter Games Qualifying Tournament on December 20th, 2009. The victory entitles the Rangers to represent the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association (ODMHA) at the Winter Games in Muskoka in March.  The Rangers team includes five 12 year old boys from Metcalfe-Greely: Geoffrey Lawson, Trent Pora, Juneau St-Germain, Samuel Tremblay and Quinn Wichers, as well as coaches, Pete Nooyen and Chris Hendrikx, both of Metcalfe.  Coach Nooyen set a team goal in September to qualify for the Winter Games, which is the province’s largest multi-sport competition.  The Games promote the highest level of competition in Ontario for 2,900 of the best youth athletes in 27 winter sports. 

Congratulations Rangers and good luck at the Games!

 

 

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

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

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”   Kahlil Gibran