NEWS ARCHIVESNovember 7, 2011 Paul Lindsay Park and Stormwater Information Recently, some concerns have arisen regarding the stormwater pond at Paul Lindsay Park. A beaver has taken up residence in the area; that coupled with beaver activity, would be disastrous for the flow of stormwater in the pond. I have consulted with relevant City staff on this issue, including Dr. Nick Stow, who informs me specifically that the Wildlife Strategy is still in development, but that when it comes forward, he will recommend continuation of the current practice of trapping beaver when their activities threaten critical City flood protection infrastructure. The following is a summary of the current situation and City practices. It is important to note, that this is a stormwater management pond that is critical to residential flood protection in the area. In the many cases each year when nuisance beavers enter these types of ponds, and start activities that jeopardize the important flood protection function these ponds perform, the beavers are trapped and removed. The trapping is necessary and done strictly by licensed trappers. The City has not considered alternative flow devices for stormwater facilities because these facilities typically function based on engineered structures (size of openings, elevations, slopes, etc) which give the facility defined flow-rates and operating capacities. Any alteration of these structures will affect the way facility functions in response to storm events. Also, beaver dams and alternative flow devices would compromise our ability to meet the conditions of our Ministry of the Environment Certificates of Approval and regulations governing stormwater management systems. This type of problem is not restricted solely to Ottawa and that is why we rely upon the guidance of experts and guidelines from the Ministry of Natural Resources when determining how to fix the problem. MNR guidelines and regulations with respect to beavers encourage people not to move them, and say you can’t move them more than one kilometer away from where they are trapped. Experience shows that when beavers are only one kilometer or less away, they return because they are territorial and because there is an overpopulation of beavers in most areas, which is what drove them to the pond in the first place. So because live trapping and moving beavers less than one kilometer away is ineffective, the beavers are trapped in a humane fashion in which they are killed quickly in order to limit suffering. The beaver traps are always placed under the water in areas likely to be frequented by the beaver and not in a location where there is any likelihood for pets or people to enter. The very nature of these sites discourages people and pets. The traps are normally placed after hours and if the Trapper feels that there is any uncertainty with the site, he stays on location while the traps are set. The traps are also quickly removed, usually the next morning, and there is also signage indicating that there is a wildlife control activity underway. This is what is being done in this situation. The City is committed to developing a Wildlife Strategy, but there is nothing that could be included in a wildlife strategy that would eliminate the need to remove beavers from critical stormwater management ponds. The City of Ottawa tries to the greatest extent possible to enhance and preserve the natural benefits of our area. We also strongly encourage animal protection practices to accommodate wildlife in our shared environment. However, in this case the competing priorities – accommodating wildlife and/or maintaining our flood protection system for the area – are in direct conflict with one another. We understand why people would like the beaver to remain or be relocated, but after consulting with the Ministry and examining all relevant regulations and possible solutions, the need to maintain flood protection for homes and businesses must be our main focus and our primary responsibility. Opening of Carp River Bridge I wanted to share some good news with you regarding the Hazeldean Road (Carp River Bridge) project. On Monday October 31st, two lanes of the new Carp River Bridge (Hazeldean Road) were opened to public use and will now serve as the connector between Stittsville and Kanata. The other two lanes will likely be operational in a week’s time as finishing touches on the surface work need to be completed. This project is the end result of hard work and determination so it was a pleasure to open this bridge this past week. I would like to thank the City engineers, planners and staff as well as Cavangh Construction and Novatech for their continued efforts. If you have any questions regarding the bridge please do not hesitate to contact my office. Christmas Card Contest Opens to Children As Christmas is fast approaching I am once again ho-ho-holding my Christmas Card Contest for children in our community. I encourage your children to express their artistic and creative side through festive, holiday cheer. Winning submissions will be on display for thousands of people to enjoy this holiday season, as your artwork will be prominently featured on the front of my office’s Christmas e-card. Great prizes are also available for the winners. A team of judges will choose a total of four designs from the three different categories. Two designs will be chosen in the age group of up to 6 years old, one design from an artist age 7 to 10 and one from age 10 to 13. When working on your art, please ensure you do not use glitter paints or stickers, as it must be suitable to copy onto the front of the Christmas cards. Please submit your child’s entry no later than noon on Friday December 2nd to Councillor Shad Qadri, 110 Laurier Ave. W, Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1, or drop-off your creation to my ward office, located in the Goulbourn Recreation Complex, 1500 Shea Road, Mondays from 9am-2pm, Wednesdays from 3-8pm, Fridays 9am-5pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm. I am excited to see the creations of our youngsters. Bake Sale Famine! Drought! What are you doing to help? Why not shop at The Sow Good Sale, where your want meets their need? This sale has something for everyone including:
And, possibly even better, all profits from this sale go directly to help new initiatives the people of Seje, Kenya (part of the drought stricken area of Africa). The sale is one day only: Saturday November 12th from 9 AM to 3 PM at Community Bible Church, 1600 Stittsville Main Street. Full details (including sneak peak display photos) at www.cbcstittsville.com/home/news/sowgoodsale. 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 situated in the Goulbourn Recreation Complex, located at 1500 Shea Road. Please note the summer hours of operation are Mondays 9-2pm, Wednesdays 3-8pm, Fridays 9-5pm, and Saturday 9am-1pm. Please do not hesitate to pay us a visit. I welcome your call or email to arrange an appointment. If you are not part of my electronic outreach list and would like to be added, please contact my office to ensure you receive pertinent information concerning our community. Further information about any of these articles can be found on my website or you can contact my office to obtain details. |