NEWS ARCHIVESMay 15, 2008 Enhanced security to shake down parks The community asked and now the City is responding. Hot spots for reckless behaviour in Ottawa-area parks will soon have a formidable foe. Police, by-law, parks and recreation, Crime Prevention Ottawa, corporate security and other agencies will be partnering together to form a harmonized joint approach to tackling issues in public parks. All reported incidents of reckless behaviour relayed to 3-1-1 will be printed on a daily basis so City Staff can determine ‘problem areas’ or ‘hot spots.’ Whatever partners are appropriate to get involved will develop a strategy to combat the issues, and then the area-Councillor will assist in the implementation of the strategy. These may include a re-design of lightning, patrols, or neighbourhood watch. Another interesting component is the Proactive Audio/Video system, which would implement a combination of surveillance cameras, motion detectors and loud speakers. The system is designed to watch over a specific area, such as a public park. When motion is detected, it signals an alarm to the City’s 24-hour Security Operations Centre. City Staff can view the area to determine what is occurring, and then use the loud speakers to tell someone to leave the area. Police are also on standby to respond to the activity if the need arises. The area must be examined and surveyed before a camera can be installed. Justification is also needed to implement a camera and it cannot look into backyards or sidewalks, just public parks. As summer approaches a system like this could be a necessary strategy in curbing reckless and criminal behaviour within our parks. Please continue to report suspicious behaviour. No
incident is too small or insignificant to not report. Shad’s first annual park party Nothing quite defines summer like a BBQ, and with that in mind I will be holding my very first community BBQ on June 7th at Village Square Park on Stittsville Main Street from 3-7pm. ‘Shad’s Park Party’ will feature a variety of family-oriented entertainment, educational information presented by Ottawa emergency services departments, and of course, a Canadian Beef Farmers Association BBQ. This weekend is also giveaway weekend so we will be picking up items that you do not giveaway and can bring to the Salvation Army or other agencies. We will also have an electronics drop-off for old computer equipment ($20 cost for monitors). More information on ‘Shad’s Park Party’ will be provided as it becomes available. I look forward to seeing you and your family at the park
on June 7th. This is your opportunity to have fun and air your beefs. Mark your calendars The local volunteer firefighters are coming to the rescue. Due to a closure at the Stittsville Arena, our annual Seniors Canada Day breakfast has been moved to the Fire Hall on Stittsville Main Street. The fire department has generously opened their doors and invited us in. While the location has changed, the service, food and warm hospitality will stay the same. Nate’s Delicatessen will be on hand to provide yet another delicious breakfast. The Schmodkas, a local, four-women comedy troupe, will be on hand to provide some entertainment. These ladies have been delighting audiences since 1966! Please mark your calendars and I will be sure to provide
more information as it becomes available. New Web site section opens the door to City planning process Have you ever wanted to know more about development applications for specific properties? Well, here is your chance. The City of Ottawa wants to make the planning process an open book for all residents with information available 24/7. Simply visit the City’s website at www.ottawa.ca/devapps to not only obtain the information but also contact the planner and provide your comments. The City of Ottawa is launching a new search function for development applications that are subject to public consultation. You can search for applications by street, ward, application type and number. A ward search function is also included to help define your search. Development applications subject to public consultation (submitted following February 1, 2008) are included in this search tool. Find out what’s developing in our community – visit
www.ottawa.ca/devapps
today. Special needs volunteers needed With summer camps and recreation programs beginning to take off, I encourage interested volunteers to help children, youth or adults with special needs integrate into summer camps and instructional recreation programs. Many volunteer opportunities are available in community centres throughout the West end of the City. Flexible times and days of the week are based on your availability. Orientation and training are provided as well. If you are interested, please contact Crystal Burmaster-Hansen
by phone at 613-580-2424 ext. 41239 or by e-mail at
crystal.burmaster-hansen@ottawa.ca. Spring Cleaning the Capital The Stittsville community is sparkling clean thanks to several volunteer groups. I would like to extend my thanks to the countless volunteers who have taken the time out of their busy schedules to beautify our community through the City’s Spring Cleaning the Capital program. While the program ended May 15th, there will be another opportunity in the fall to offer Stittsville some elbow grease. More information on the program, please visit the city’s
website at www.ottawa.ca. Waste collection calendar now available A staple in many garages and kitchen drawers around the city is now available - the City’s 2008/09 Collection Calendar for Recycling and Garbage. Canada Post has begun to deliver the calendar and it should be in your mailbox by the end of May. The calendar covers an 18-month span, and new photos provide visual examples of the blue and black box recyclables in the City’s program. If you have not received your calendar by the time your
old one runs out on June 1, you can pick one up at any Client Service Centre,
visit
www.ottawa.ca/collectioncalendar, e-mail
311@ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1. “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-Kanata West. Please contact our office anytime by phone at 613-580-2476 or by e-mail at shad.qadri@ottawa.ca. Please note that you can also contact my ward office every Monday and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and every Wednesday from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. at 613-580-2424 ext. 33440 or 33442. Also, feel free to stop by anytime at 1532 Stittsville Main Street. Sincerely, [ close window ] |
