NEWS ARCHIVESAugust 6, 2010 Hydro Ottawa municipal transformer station update Hydro Ottawa has completed the Environmental Study Report (ESR) pertaining to Hydro Ottawa’s Class Environmental Assessment for the proposed construction and operation of a new municipal transformer station in Ottawa West. This station is needed to address growing electricity demand. Environmental, technical and economic criteria were applied to four potential station sites in the study area. Site 4, located at 300/330 Michael Cowpland Drive, was selected as the preferred site, as it has the most advantages and least disadvantages. The station will consist of two transformers and associated equipment to step down electricity from the adjacent 230 kV transmission lines to 27.6 kV so that it can be distributed to homes and businesses. The new facilities are expected to be in service in the fall of 2012. The proposed station elements include two power transformers, a building to house high voltage switchgear and outdoor switchyard structures. In accordance with the Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities, the Draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be available for stakeholder review and comment for a minimum of 30 days between Monday August 2, 2010 and Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at the following locations: Ottawa Public Library – Hazeldean branch, 50 Castlefrank Road and Hydro Ottawa Limited at 3025 Albion Road North. Calling all singers Stretch out those vocal chords, because the Goulbourn Jubilee Singers and JJ’s are looking for new members. Director Linda Crawford and accompanist Doll Creelman welcome all singers, adults and children ages 8 and over and no auditions are required. The Goulbourn Jubilee Singers and JJ’s perform two concerts annually, as well as community sing-outs. Adults begin practice on September 8 at 7:30pm and children begin practice on September 15 at 6pm at the Stittsville United Church, 6255 Fernbank Road. For further information, call 613-825-3357 or log onto www.gjsingers.com. Police focus on red light runners this month Ottawa Police will focus on pedestrian safety and red light
running as part of the City’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) in
August. Red light running is also a serious issue on Ottawa roadways. In 2009 alone, 774 reportable collisions occurred due to drivers failing to stop for red lights. These collisions resulted in one death and 376 injuries – 18 of them life-threatening. STEP is a monthly initiative operated by the City’s Integrated Road Safety Program (IRSP). Each month since 2004, STEP has been profiling and enforcing two initiatives that target specific traffic safety priorities. These initiatives support larger IRSP public awareness and enforcement campaigns. In 2003, two City departments – Public Works and Ottawa Public Health – and the Ottawa Police Service developed the IRSP to provide a comprehensive approach in promoting road safety. Ottawa residents have identified traffic safety as a top priority. The IRSP is committed to using available resources to make Ottawa roads safer for residents. July sees high volume of distracted drivers The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) focus on distracted driving, speeding, and construction zone safety resulted in 3,252 charges being laid in July - according to the City’s Integrated Road Safety Program (IRSP). Since October 26th, 2009 the use of hand held communication devices, while driving, has been banned in Ontario. Despite a three-month transitional period, June showed the highest number of violations (377) since enforcement began on February 1st. A total of 1,981 distracted driving offences have been observed by the Ottawa Police Service so far this year. Lower speeds in construction zone reduce the likelihood of a collision and help keep construction workers safe in their work area. To help reinforce this message speeding fines are doubled in posted construction zones, a fact that 36 violators were reminded of in July. An additional 2,764 speeding offences were laid as part of this month’s STEP campaign. Please remember to stay safe while driving and avoid any distractions. Not only are cell phones considered a distraction, but using any other sort of technological device is also considered a distraction. 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. Please contact our office anytime by phone at 613-580-2476 or by e-mail at Shad.Qadri@ottawa.ca. My ward office is located in the Goulbourn Recreation Complex, located at 1500 Shea Road. The hours of operation for the summer are Mondays 9-1pm, Wednesdays 3-7pm, Fridays 9-4pm, and Saturday 9-12pm. Please do not hesitate to pay us a visit. |