NEWS ARCHIVESMarch 12, 2010 New school proposed for Hartsmere Drive A Site Plan application has been submitted for 111 Hartsmere Drive for a two-storey public elementary school. The school has a gross floor area of 4,596 sq.m., with additional areas designated for future expansion and portable classrooms. Plans are available on my website and a public meeting will be arranged in the future. For more information and to provide comments by April 2, please contact myself and the City Planner, Mark Young, at Mark.Young@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424 ext. 41396. Next phase of Green Bin rollout launches Over the next two months, City Staff will start rolling out the Green Bin program to medium density housing communities, such as town homes, garden homes and low-rises. Once you have received your Green Bin, you can begin participating in the program by following the appropriate collection calendar. If you would like to receive a smaller bin, you can call 3-1-1 to make an exchange. If you received a green bin as part of the first rollout – delivered to single-family homes and most town homes – you can call 3-1-1 if you feel you require a smaller bin. Open invitation to Mayoral Candidates I have extended an open invitation to those seeking the Mayor’s chair, as well as our current Mayor Larry O’Brien, to visit the community of Stittsville. It is vital that all mayoral candidates have a firm understanding of our City’s various communities. My open invite gives candidates a chance to gain a first-hand perspective on our community’s many benefits and challenges. I look forward to the opportunity to share the community of Stittsville with the candidates. If you see us out and about, please do not hesitate to pose questions about the community and the City. ParaTranspo reduces fares for Stittsville passengers On March 7, ParaTranspo imposed a new fare structure for its Stittsville service. After 9am and on weekends, regular fares will be charged each way. Regular fare is $3.25, two tickets or any pass. During rush hour, 6:30-9am, users will be charged the express rate, which is $4.25, three tickets or any pass with the appropriate top-up, each way. Previously, Stittsville riders would be charged at minimum $9.50 each way. Street and sidewalk-sweeping blitz After each spring thaw, the City sweeps streets and sidewalks to remove debris, dust and sand that has accumulated over the winter months. During street-sweeping operations, flusher trucks use water pressure to flush debris and dust to the side of the curb. A vacuum truck follows to pick up the majority of grit, debris, remaining small particles and dust. This process may be repeated several times. City crews have begun their annual citywide street and sidewalk-sweeping blitz in the downtown core, including both daytime and nighttime operations. Sweeping operations in the remainder of the City will begin on March 29 after snow bank accumulation has melted. During the blitz, City crews will be sweeping local roads and sidewalks. While sweeping is underway, there may be some noise and dust. Your patience and co-operation is appreciated. The City’s snow operations equipment damaged my lawn. What do I do now? If damage occurs, please let us know by contacting 3-1-1. Crews are deployed early in the spring to investigate and repair damaged areas by using topsoil and seed. The City is seeking the co-operation of abutting residents to carry out periodic watering (as necessary) until the new seed has properly rooted and become part of the total lawn. Room for businesses to grow at Lansdowne A third-party study reviewing the commercial development at Lansdowne Park has revealed there is a market for unique shops and a diverse mix of retail ventures on-site. The report recommends the creation of a mix of commercial and public uses at Lansdowne. The report concluded that Lansdowne should not have an enclosed shopping centre or big-box centre, but it does open the doors for a grocery store, pharmacy, movie theatre, boutique shops and bistros. The Ottawa Farmers’ Market will contribute to the revitalization of Lansdowne. Last November, City Council approved the redevelopment of Lansdowne in principle under the Lansdowne Partnership Plan. Council had requested that a study be carried out clarifying the vision for the commercial aspects of the development. The retail report is one of several research and design efforts underway. Council’s final decision on the project is expected in June. 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. I welcome your call or e-mail 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. |