NEWS ARCHIVESApril 10, 2009 Priority infrastructure list formalized by City On April 8, Council formalized its infrastructure priority list as part of the Federal government’s stimulus program. In the end, the final decision on what projects deserve funding will come from the Federal government’s direction. The list prepared by the City is a series or projects that are considered shovel-ready and can be started within the next two years. Some projects may not receive funding as part of the stimulus program and will instead need to follow typical budget procedures to secure funding. Within our community, I have requested funding for the widening of Hazeldean Road, from two to four lanes, from Terry Fox Drive to Carp Road. Within the recreation funding envelope, I have requested $500,000 for the completion of Coyote Park (in addition to the funds already in place), $60,000 to construct an outdoor basketball court at the Stittsville Arena, and $60,000 to construct a splash pad at Pioneer Plains Park in Jackson Trails. To me, the widening of Hazeldean Road is of critical
importance to our community, given it is the main east-west corridor and it
carries our all-day public transit system. I continue to meet with Staff to
pressure the City into completing this road widening. I have also met with our
local Federal Minister, Gordon O’Connor, to ensure he is aware of this pressing
need. I encourage you to contact Mr. O’Connor’s office to bring this issue to
the forefront and assist the community in ensuring we receive this much-needed
funding. Appreciation Awards evening on April 21 You and your family are cordially invited to attend the Stittsville Appreciation Awards evening held on April 21 from 7-9pm at the Goulbourn Recreation Complex (GRC). The evening will celebrate all those nominated and we will also announce the winners of the Stittsville Appreciation Awards, including the Roger Griffiths Memorial Citizen of the Year, Senior of the Year, Youth of the Year, and Business of the Year. More importantly, the award ceremony celebrates the community as a whole and those who shape our quality of life. These awards are a tremendous way to recognize and promote volunteerism, and to encourage participation and foster community appreciation. The awards are presented to those who best exemplify community involvement and to thank them for their ongoing commitment to bettering our community. Past winners of the Goulbourn Appreciation Awards are also invited to attend, as the former plaques indicating winners will find a permanent home in the GRC. Refreshments will be made available following the award ceremony. My office asks that you please RSVP to Shad.Qadri@ottawa.ca or by calling 613-580-2476. We hope that you can join us as we honour our new and past
community builders. This is a tremendous opportunity to connect and re-connect
with community builders, friends and neighbours. Staff Report details cost of stadium proposals The staff evaluation of two unsolicited stadium proposals was presented to a joint Planning and Environment Committee and Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee meeting on April 6. The report detailed the estimated costs of each project and the cost of extending the operating life of Frank Clair Stadium. The next step is for Council to discuss whether a new stadium is an infrastructure investment priority for the City. The Staff Report will be considered at another joint meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee and the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee on April 20 and time for public consultation will be set aside. Council will then consider the final report and recommendations at Council on April 22. Lansdowne Park is a City-owned property that is costing residents millions each year for its upkeep. It is our obligation to do something with this venue; whether a revitalization includes a sports field is, in my opinion, a secondary issue. In saying this, I do see the value - from a civic building exercise to an economic driver - of having an outdoor sports stadium and associated sports franchise. The underlying issue will be the financial implication on the City's tax base. It would not be prudent to place all of the burden on the City's residents. My concern with the Staff Report is that the discussion points surrounding the MLS proposal assume the Federal and Provincial government will not supply the funding for a three-way partnership. However, in speaking with City Staff, Staff have yet to speak with our Federal and Provincial counterparts to determine if an agreement can be worked out. This is critical information absent from the Staff Report. If Council determines an outdoor stadium is a priority, Staff will further evaluate both proposals and report back in September. Should Council not accept either proposal, an alternative scenario for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park will need to be considered. I encourage you to contact my office with your comments on
this critical investment. Please e-mail me at
Shad.Qadri@ottawa.ca or call
613-580-2476. Fernbank Community Design Plan roundtable The City of Ottawa and a consulting team led by Walker, Nott, Dragicevic Associates Limited invite you to a Presentation and Open House on the Fernbank Community Design Plan (CDP). The roundtable discussion will take place on April 27 from 7-9pm in Coliseum Rooms C and D at Scotiabank Place. The purpose of the Fernbank CDP is to guide the development process in consultation and coordination with the community and other key stakeholders. It is critical to the process that affected residents and neighbourhoods are actively engaged in order to ensure the framework for the Fernbank CDP is accordance with surrounding lands. At this meeting, you will have the opportunity to review the final refinements to the Preferred Land Use Concept. The documents have been posted on the Fernbank CDP website www.fernbankcdp.com and are also available on the City’s website at www.ottawa.ca/devapps. Your participation is important to the preparation of a successful Community Design Plan. To confirm your attendance, obtain more information on this project or to be added to the City Planners’ mailing list, please contact Myles Mahon, Community Planner, at Myles.Mahon@ottawa.ca, or 613-580-2424 ext. 27817. Staff are hopeful that the Fernbank Plans can be brought to
the Planning and Environment Committee in June. Changes coming to Route 261 OC Transpo will be making a slight adjustment to Express Route 261 to ensure residents in the Fairwinds subdivision are serviced. Beginning April 20, Route 261 will complete its usual run through traditional Stittsville and will then head east on Hazeldean Road then north on Huntmar, making two stops to pick up passengers. It will then go directly to the 417 from Huntmar. OC Transpo staff expects this to provide a faster service. Should you have any questions regarding this route change, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I can be reached by phone at 613-580-2476 or by e-mail at Shad.Qadri@ottawa.ca. Youth Connexion coffee house The Youth Connexion team has planned a great event for April 24 and the youth of your family are invited! The Coffee House is open to students in grades 7 through 12. The event will take place at the Stittsville Arena, located on Warner Colpitts, from 7-9pm. The cost of the evening is $5, and you can register by
visiting www.ottawa.ca and
clicking on the 123GO link. The course barcode is 398005. For more information
please contact Kyla Helpin at
Kyla.Helpin@ottawa.ca. 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 are Mondays 9-2pm, Wednesdays 3-8pm, Fridays 9-5pm, and Saturday 9-1pm. Please do not hesitate to pay us a visit. Sincerely, |
