NEWS ARCHIVESOctober 2, 2009 Open House to highlight widening of Hazeldean Road I will be hosting an open house on October 13 to discuss the Hazeldean Road widening project. The open house will be held in the lobby of the Goulbourn Recreation Complex between the hours of 7-9pm. The open house will offer a detailed overview of the proposed plans for the entire Hazeldean Road expansion project, including construction timelines. The widening project has been divided into two phases. For Phase One, which includes the widening from the Carp River to just west of Iber Road, the project has been awarded to a contractor who is currently undertaking preliminary work. It is anticipated that on-site work will begin in the late fall. For Phase Two, which runs from Iber Road to Carp Road, the tender will be closing shortly and some on-site work may begin late this fall. The road will be constructed to urban standard, meaning it
will include both sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Both phases are funded through
the stimulus program, which brings together all three levels of government. A
requirement of the project is that it must be substantially completed by March
2011. Transitway causing delays Many transit users, specifically express users, have raised concerns regarding the increased travel time caused in large part to the opening of the western Transitway extension. I recently had an opportunity to share the concerns of transit users with the senior management of OC Transpo and to ask them to implement operational changes to ensure pre-Transitway travel times were restored. Staff informed me that they are still in the process of running time trials, which will take approximately two weeks to complete. As well, they are determining the number of passengers waiting at Bayshore for express runs. In addition, the construction of the Bayshore station has not been completed, and this is contributing to delays. Staff altered the timing of the lights at Holly Acres and are in the process of working on the lights at Pinecrest. I asked Staff to exempt express buses from this portion of
the Transitway for the present time, or at the very least, allow drivers to use
their discretion and continue along the Queensway if that is considered to be
the fastest route. However, OC Transpo does not seem willing to make this move
until the time trials have been run. That said, I will continue to push the item
and I encourage residents to contact myself and OC Transpo to articulate what
the new Transitway has done for your morning commute. Villagefest a great success I would like to thank the Stittsville Village Association and the many volunteers who came together over the weekend to ensure Villagefest was a tremendous success. It was great to see the young and old come together to continue a true village tradition. The theme of this year’s Villagefest was honouring the brave men and women of our City’s police force. I am sure each member of the force felt the gratitude and appreciation our community has for the commitment and dedication they show in protecting our City. The floats that weaved through the heart of the community
were once again one of the highlights of the festival. Help strengthen the 2010 Budget development The City of Ottawa has finalized a series of key dates for public consultation processes at each of the City’s Standing Committees relative to the 2010 Budget. For the first time, preliminary budgets will be released to the public in advance of Standing Committee meetings. A budget briefing will be held for Councillors, the media and the public the same day the budget is released. Dates for the 2010 Standing Committee Budget Release and Briefing are as follows: Agriculture and Rural Affairs (October 22); Community and Protective Services (October 22); Transit (October 23); Corporate Services and Economic Development (October 26); Transportation (October 28); Planning and Environment (November 3); and, Audit, Budget and Finance (November 17). On November 17, the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee will review Standing Committee budgets, hear public delegations and table a draft Budget with Council on December 9. On January 25, Council will meet as the Committee of the Whole to hear public delegations, debate and finalize the 2010 Budget. More information can be found on the City’s website at
www.ottawa.ca. STEP program buckles down on seatbelts In October, the City of Ottawa’s Integrated Road Safety Program (IRSP), through its Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), will focus on those who fail to buckle up or comply with child car seat requirements. In Ottawa, from 2004 to 2008, 24 people were killed, 57 suffered life-threatening injuries and another 346 were injured as a result of not wearing vehicle occupant restraints. Of the 24 people that were killed, 19 were male. At different times in the month, Ottawa Public Health nurses and the Ottawa Police will be setting up spot-checks at locations in the City to ensure that motor vehicle occupants are wearing their seatbelts, and that child car seats and booster seats are suitable and properly installed. Please take caution on our City streets – for your safety,
and your neighbours’. Ottawa Public Health launches seasonal flu clinics Ottawa Public Health will launch 9 free seasonal flu clinics over a four-week period for seniors 65 years of age and older and residents of long-term care facilities. The free clinics start on October 10. The three closest venues to our community are as follows: October 10, Holy Trinity High School, 180 Katimavik Rd., from 8:30am-3:30pm; November 2, South Carleton High School, 3673 McBean Rd., Richmond from 2:30-8:30pm; and, November 5, Kinburn Client Service Centre, 5670 Carp Rd., from 2:30-8:30pm. As part of Ontario’s approach to flu shots this year, it is recommended that people 65 years of age and older and residents of long-term care facilities receive the seasonal flu vaccine this fall. Seasonal flu poses a greater risk of complications for seniors 65 and over – making this group a priority for the vaccination. People born before 1957 are also less likely to contract the H1N1 flu virus as they have been exposed to a similar strain during their lifetime. As in years past, seniors can also obtain their seasonal flu shot from their family physician. Seniors who want to receive their shot from their family physician should contact their doctor’s office to inquire about availability. For more information, visit
www.ottawa.ca/health
or contact the Ottawa Public Health Line at 613-580-6744. Thanksgiving holiday hours I would like to remind residents of the following schedule changes for the Thanksgiving holiday on October 12. Ottawa City Hall and all six Client Service Centres, including the Government Service Centres located at 110 Laurier Avenue West and 580 Terry Fox Drive, will be closed on October 12. Business will resume as usual on October 13. There will be no curbside garbage and recycling pickup. The usual Monday pickup will take place on October 13. In addition, the curbside collection of garbage and recycling materials will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. OC Transpo will operate a Sunday schedule on October 12. Call 613-560-1000 plus your four-digit bus stop number for automated schedule information. For more information, holiday schedules and travel planning, phone 613-741-4390 or visit www.octranspo.com. Some pools, arenas and fitness centres will be open on October 13 for public swimming, skating, and fitness classes with modified schedules. Please check with www.otttawa.ca or the facility of your choice for details. Most registered programs at swimming pools, community centres and arenas are cancelled on October 12; however, clients should check with their facility to confirm, as some exceptions will apply. All branches of the Ottawa Public Library are closed October 12 and there will be no bookmobile service. Regular branch hours and bookmobile service will resume October 13. My office will be closed on October 12. Should an urgent matter develop which requires the City's immediate attention, client service representatives are available by calling 311. Have an enjoyable long weekend. Always listening and acting on your concerns As your Councillor, I always welcome your keen input and
ideas on how we can sustain and improve Stittsville. |