NEWS ARCHIVES

December 13, 2009

Stittsville: a name preserved

Council recently approved the name change of our ward from “Stittsville-Kanata West” to “Stittsville,” in anticipation of the upcoming election.

In November 2008, City Council received a memo discussing the process for the upcoming review and update of ward names for future elections. As my office has received many inquiries from residents, especially those living in the Kanata West lands, for clarification on political boundaries and municipal addresses, I felt it appropriate to request an alteration.

The change will clear up much of the confusion that exists between residents in Kanata West and political representation, as well as issues surrounding Canada Post and residential postal codes. With the Fernbank Lands becoming a part of our community in 2010, the ward will be harmonized under one name.

As well, the name change respects the rich and storied history of our community. Stittsville is one of Ottawa’s oldest communities, having been born in the 1850’s by Jackson Stitt, the area’s first postmaster. The Stittsville name properly identifies our community, and ensures the history of the village carries on by linking the past with the present. It is equally important that the Stittsville name is recognized in the City of Ottawa, not unlike Nepean or Orleans.
 

‘Fill up the Bus’ campaign a major success

I am pleased to announce that the ‘Fill up the Bus’ campaign, driven by the Stittsville Food Bank, was a great success, collecting over 12,000 units of food items.

The Stittsville campaign has placed second each of the last two years as the biggest food raiser. This year, however, Stittsville placed first, more than doubling the next highest fundraiser.

This kind of participation speaks volumes. We are very fortunate to live in such a giving and supporting community. I applaud everyone who contributed in the success of this campaign.
 

OPH scales back H1N1 clinics

All Ottawa Public Health fixed mass vaccination clinic sites closed on December 13.

OPH will now operate a series of roving clinics throughout the City. For dates, times and locations, please visit www.ottawa.ca/health.

OPH continues to recommend that all residents get vaccinated to protect themselves from the flu. Since OPH began distributing the H1N1 vaccine, more than 400,000 doses have been administered, representing about 47 per cent of the population.

In addition to OPH clinics, both vaccines continue to be available in many local doctors’ offices, community health care centres, workplaces, and post-secondary campuses over the next few weeks.

Even though the second wave of the virus has passed in Ottawa, OPH and its community partners will continue managing the pandemic and vaccination strategy, as the H1N1 virus will remain in the community in the foreseeable future.
 

Spreading the cheer

A heartfelt thank you is deservingly extended to Stittsville resident and avid stamp collector Agnus MacPhee, who recently donated 1,000 stamp kits to local charities.

The kits have been distributed to the Santa Claus Parade, the Stittsville Toy Mountain and the Stittsville Food Bank, and will be presented to deserving children across the City.

Born in Shamrock, England, Angus has been a stamp collector since he was a young boy. He has crossed the Atlantic Ocean 94 times to attend auctions in Britain, solely to bid on stamps.

I cannot thank Angus enough for the generosity he has shown. He has had a hand in creating a memorable Christmas for hundreds of children across our City.
 

City hires new Chief for Fire Service

The City recently hired John deHooge as the new Chief for the Ottawa Fire Service, effective January 11.

Chief deHooge comes to Ottawa from the City of Waterloo where he was Fire Chief and General Manager of Protective Services. Previous to this position, he was Deputy Fire Chief for the Town of Oakville.

Chief deHooge is currently a member of the Ontario, Canadian and International Association of Fire Chiefs, has served as a member of the International Code Council and various Ontario Fire Marshal's committees. He is currently an Executive Board member of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and sits on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Fire Chiefs as the Canadian Division Director.

Much has been made over the fact John does not speak French. As long as the best person for the job was hired – and Council and I believe this to be the case - then an ability to speak the French language is not a concern. At the end of the day, when you are in need of the fire department, it won't matter what language they speak. Chief deHooge has, however, indicated he will participate in French language training.
 

Fringewood Park outdoor rink in need of volunteers

Become an outdoor rink volunteer; make a difference in your community. Join hundreds of volunteers who devote their time to provide access to winter activities for all.

The City is currently looking for a group of residents to take on the maintenance operations at Fringewood Park. Grants are available to assist residents in this endeavor.

If you are interested in becoming a community outdoor rink operator please call 613-580-2590.

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.

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