January 4, 2010

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

 

POLITICAL NEWS

GREEN BIN UPDATE  
The Green Bin Program begins the week of January 4. 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. Ottawa’s Green Bin program accepts a wide range of organic waste including: fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy, grains, baked goods, cooking oils, yard waste (such as grass clippings, twigs, leaves) and houseplants and soiled paper products including pizza boxes, used tissues and paper plates.

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.
-All organic compost material has been presold for agricultural use.

 

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 6. 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 – 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 25 - 29 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
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)

COMMUNITY NEWS

Metcalfe Library Incident
On December 28, a young patron of the Metcalfe Library robbed and assaulted a member of the Library Staff. There was also considerable damage to the building.
Ottawa Police have arrested the young offender and are completing the investigation. I have personally spoken with the Librarian involved and expressed my support during these difficult times.

A security review is underway.

The Metcalfe Library was repaired and is reopening the week of January 4.

Ice Storm Damage
As of December 28, in excess of 450 calls have come in for service for trees damaged by the freezing rain. The hardest hit areas have been Wards 7, 8, 10, 13, 15, 18, and 20. The number of work crews has been increased to assist with the volume of work and these crews will continue to work through this week and until the clean up is completed. It has been noticed that as the work is progressing, there is a large volume of limbs and brush being accumulated at the sides of the roads both from City trees and private trees. Forestry crews will be working, in cooperation with Solid Waste Services, and will be cleaning this material up. Brush and branches have to be less than 4 inches in diameter and shorter than 4 feet long to be picked up through the Green Bin program, beginning the week of January 4. If you are not part of the Green Bin program, call 3-1-1.

 
OSGOODE WARD WINTER CARNIVALS
We are so fortunate to have well organized Winter Carnivals to help us enjoy our winter season.

Our Column will keep you updated as to the dates and events of the Village Carnivals as we receive the information.

Greely Winter Carnival
The Greely Winter Carnival runs from Thursday, January 28 to Sunday, January 31.

Thursday, January 28	Noon – 2:30 p.m.	Seniors' Luncheon, Catered by AJ's
	6:30 p.m.	Texas Holdem Tournament
Friday, January 29	5:00 – 6:30 p.m.	Pizza Party
	6:30 – 8:30 p.m.	Pre-Teen Dance
Saturday, January 30	8:00 – 10:30 a.m.	Pancake Breakfast
	10:30 – 11:30 a.m.	Family Entertainment
	12:00 – 4:30 p.m.	Greely Idol
	8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.	Dance - “Ambush” Tickets: $12.50  (Advance Tickets Only)
Sunday, January 31	10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	Greely Lions Club Brunch
	11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	Free Sleigh Rides
	1:00 – 3:00 p.m.	Greely Idol Finals

Kenmore Winter Carnival
The Kenmore Winter Carnival runs Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22.

Osgoode Winter Carnival
To be announced.

Vernon Winter Carnival
The Vernon Winter Carnival runs Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22.

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 5, 12 and 19. 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 13, 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 13, 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 15 and $100 after that date.

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 and Learn Resource Centre
Our website is www.ruralfamilyconnections.ca.

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 5 – March 11.

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 20, 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 1 to April 30, 2010
Join anytime.  Report your “kilometers walked” to your Public Health Nurse anytime up to April 30.  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 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 ext. 3700	Leitrim Information Desk
(613) 236-1222 ext. 3787	Cst. Jennifer Finniss / finnissj@ottawapolice.ca

Quote

"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."   Albert Einstein