NEWS ARCHIVESApril 18, 2011 OC Transpo Route Optimization The Recommended Network Optimization Plan report was released on April 13, 2011. It is now posted on octranspo.com and ottawa.ca. The Recommended Network Optimization Plan supports the 2011 Budget and
direction laid out in the 2011 OC Transpo Business Plan, which was approved by
Council on the 13th, and will help create a more direct, reliable, and efficient
transit system for our customers. These changes are necessary to keep fares and
taxes down and to create a A series of Network Optimization proposals were tabled on March 23rd as the starting point of a discussion with residents, transit customers, Councillors and key stakeholders. All were very engaged in the public consultation process on the proposals; OC Transpo received over 6,500 comments over an intensive two-week period through City-wide open houses, online feedback opportunities and councillor input. The Recommended Network Optimization Plan is a significantly revised version of the original proposals based on the results of these public consultations. More than two-thirds of the proposals have been improved based on feedback and concerns heard across the city. Starting in September, Express Route 262 will have an additional trip added to it both in the morning and in the evening. Route 163, will go through a metamorphosis in its route and operations. The 163 will no longer travel down Beverly Street, instead it will travel down West Ridge Drive southbound to Stittsville Main Street. Turning onto Main Street northbound, it will travel westbound on Fernbank Road for its return trip. We will be starting this service earlier in the morning, while offering less trips off peak hours. The recommendation is that trips on Route 96 from Stittsville to downtown in the morning peak period bypass Terry Fox Station and that trips from downtown to Stittsville in the afternoon peak period bypass Terry Fox Station. Trips from Stittsville operate approximately every 30 minutes. In the busiest part of the morning, trips from Terry Fox operate approximately every 4 to 5 minutes. There is no change to westbound morning service or eastbound afternoon service, and no change to service outside peak periods. Thanks, Rotary club of Stittsville!!! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Rotary Club Members who volunteered their time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, informing the community about the “Iron Lung” and the importance of the eradication of Polio worldwide. The Iron lung was used as a survival tool for people with Polio. Some people spent almost all of their lives living in the Iron Lung Chamber. This weekend’s event held at the Goulbourn Recreation Complex was a fund raiser to eradicate polio worldwide. A ten cent donation helps in providing vaccination to save one child in the world. Thanks to Rotary Clubs from around the world Polio is now a disease that remains prevalent in only four countries, namely India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Last year Syria and Liberia overcame their fight against Polio. Thanks to the efforts of Brad Spriggs and Leo Maiorino who travelled to Toronto to transport the Iron lung to GRC, for visitors to see. With your generosity the Club raised over $1605. One anonymous family donated $1000. Your generosity is very much appreciated. “With the money raised over 160,562 children will now receive the vaccine - I would estimate that is more than the number of kids in greater Ottawa under the age of 5 - the age that is targetted. Our little village has again looked after the “big city”, Said Brad Spriggs. City seeking public feedback on digital billboard signs The City wants to know what you think about permitting digital billboard signs in your community. The sign industry has approached the City to consider permitting digital technology to replace the applied paper posters on billboard signs. Digital signs are not currently permitted under the By-law that regulates signs on private property, By-law Number 2005-439. To have your say:
This matter will be considered at a future meeting of the City’s Planning Committee. For more information, please contact 3-1-1 or visit www.ottawa.ca/digitalbillboards. We have a digital sign located on east side of Carp Road south of 417, if you would like to see and make your comments. Easter schedule changes The City of Ottawa would like to remind residents of the following April 22 (Good Friday), and Monday, April 25 (Easter Monday). Client services:
Garbage and recycling services:
Transit services:
Recreation services:
Cultural services:
Municipal child care services:
Library services:
Mayor Watson welcomes new Ottawa Convention Centre On April 12th at the new Ottawa Convention Center (OCC) ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor Jim Watson congratulated all parties involved in bringing the new OCC from vision to fruition. “A new cornerstone of our City is complete with this architectural masterpiece,” said Mayor Watson. “We are witnessing a turning point in our city’s history. This is a momentous occasion - long anticipated and passionately pursued. It will rebrand this great capital city for generations to come.” Mayor Watson praised the team effort, leadership, passion and commitment of the many partners involved in completing the new OCC on time and under budget: Pat Kelly and the Executive Leadership Team, Jim Durrell and the Board of Directors, federal and provincial partners for their crucial investments, construction firms and many contractors, skilled trades workers and architect Richard Brisbain for his magnificent design. “I am always so proud when I walk past the Parliament Buildings, said Mayor Watson. But now I am equally proud when I see this building that will change the architectural landscape of the city and serve as a catalyst for business growth, increased tourism and revitalization of Ottawa’s downtown.” A new convention centre has long been recognized by the City and the tourism industry as necessary to better market Ottawa as a premiere destination. The old Congress Centre served the city well but Ottawa’s growth as a major G8 world capital left it unable to compete for large events. “Until today, our city has missed out on scores of opportunities to host national and international conferences and conventions,” said Mayor Watson. “I am delighted that 91 conventions are already confirmed in the OCC’s first five years, it will support more than 2,900 local jobs, contribute $205 million to the economy and bring more than 70,000 delegates to invest in local hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.” The City of Ottawa invested $40 million in the project because of its important role in improving the prosperity of the City and delivering economic and tourism growth for generations to come. |