NEWS ARCHIVESOctober 19, 2007 Mayor’s Breakfast Meeting a Positive Step For City A group of my colleagues and I participated in an event with Mayor O’Brien last week and the theme of our discussion was teamwork. We covered some of the initiatives we are currently working on for the betterment of our City. Some of the major items discussed were funding for the Congress Centre, the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park and Algonquin College. Once completed, these projects will generate additional increased revenues through property taxes for the City. In addition to this, there will be an increase in PST and GST for the provincial and federal governments. The City is anticipating that some of these funds will go towards supporting Ottawa’s programs and services. The City’s long-term finances are an important area of focus for Council and it is essential that Mayor O'Brien assist Councillors in bringing the provincial and federal governments to the table for open discussion regarding financial sustainability. This public commitment we have made to work together is a
positive first step in achieving great things for the City of Ottawa and I look
forward to working with the Mayor and Councillors to improve the way we do
business. Managing Ottawa’s Waste I am encouraged to see our entire City engaged in discussions regarding the current methods we use to handle our solid wastes. Many people are now aware of the garbage crisis we are facing in Ottawa and it is becoming very clear that the time to act is now. Currently we have many challenges to overcome as we move forward to find a long-term solution for our City. I have heard and participated in many conversations with my colleagues regarding how we can resolve this issue. As mentioned in my column last week, Council finally approved the implementation of the Source Separated Organics program and the Mayor and west-end Councillors have committed to working towards reaching a diversion rate of 60 per cent. In order to achieve our goals, it is my firm belief that City staff must work with Council’s mandate when making decisions on this file that affects the future of our City. This issue needs to be resolved through open discussion and debate at the Council table and also include the valuable input of all residents in Ottawa. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members
of our community for your continued dedication to exploring alternatives to
landfill. Your determination to find solutions over the past two years has truly
set an example of which we can all be proud. I encourage all of you to continue
to work together as we head into this new chapter of finding a solution that
works for our community. Ward Council Last month I met with a group of individuals from our community to gain valuable insight on how we can all work together to improve and sustain Stittsville-Kanata West. These residents were chosen from a wide variety of backgrounds and from different areas within our community to provide my office with a balanced picture of how we can proceed with my newly created Ward Council. Please be assured this is not a closed group and every member of our community is welcome to participate at any time. If you feel you have something to contribute I encourage you to contact my office. The mandate for my Ward Council is to provide a public forum in which residents can openly discuss issues and concerns in our community. My office will provide any necessary resources to help facilities these discussions and assist residents in working towards a resolution. Ward Council meetings will be held every second Tuesday of the month at Pretty Street Community Centre, located at 2 Pretty Street in Stittsville. Each agenda will be set depending upon your suggestions, items coming forward in the community and hot topics effecting residents across the City. Our next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 from 7 p.m. to 9
p.m. and will focus on a full explanation of the Ward Council and provide all of
you with the opportunity to make comments on the mandate. Help Community Stay Clean My staff and I took part in Fall Cleaning the Capital last week and had the opportunity to chat with some residents regarding the conditions in our community. Overall we are fortunate to enjoy such clean streets and parks. However, some residents expressed concerns regarding dog feces not being picked up by the owner and also many are concerned with this pet waste being thrown in public garbage cans. Please note that dog feces is not appropriate to be thrown
in any public garbage can. The City is requesting that you dispose of this waste
at home by flushing it down your toilet. As responsible dog owners, each person
must play a role in keeping our parks and streets clean for everyone to enjoy. Thank You Last week I participated in the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s annual west-end fundraiser RoundUp For Research. On Oct. 11 I was “arrested” at my ward office and brought to jail and had to raise money for bail. I was pleased by the support I received from the Mayor’s
office, my Council colleagues and our community. Many thanks to all of those who
contributed to the $840 I raised which will go towards education, special
services, advocacy, promoting awareness and medical research for kidney patients
in Eastern Ontario. On Oct. 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stittsville United
Church, located at 6255 Fernbank Road, will be hosting their annual Fall Supper.
The entire community is invited to enjoy a home cooked meal of turkey, ham and
all the trimmings with pie for dessert. This is a great opportunity for us to
support one of the many wonderful churches in our community. “Always Listening and Acting on Y our 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, by email at shad.qadri@ottawa.ca or visit my website at www.shadqadri.com Please note that you can also contact my ward office every Monday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and every Wednesday and Friday 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, |
