NEWS ARCHIVESJanuary 23, 2009 Citywide representation in Whistler The Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference being held in Whistler has become a hot-button item across the Ottawa region, and I have been in contact with many residents who have been alerted to my intention to attend the conference. The FCM conference is one of the most critical conferences countrywide for municipal leaders as it brings together some of our nation’s brightest municipal thinkers, along with politicians from all levels of government. I cannot stress enough that Council members are not attending this conference in the hopes of taking a four-day vacation given the destination. The networking and the sharing of ideas and programs that takes place at this conference are invaluable. The face-to-face discourse and the opportunity to lobby for programs and funding is a benefit to our City. I have reviewed the list of Councillors who intend on
participating in this conference and I believe the City has a strong
representation in all corners of the City, including a strong west-end
representation with Councillors Wilkinson and Feltmate planning to attend. With
this in mind, and after much consideration, I have decided to withdraw my name
as a participant in this conference. Coffee Chat to feature Mayor O’Brien Nothing quite says a romantic Valentine’s Day like a coffee chat with Mayor O’Brien and myself. But that is exactly what you can expect if you stop by my ward office on February 14 from 11am until noon for an informal discussion with Mayor O’Brien. The Mayor is conducting coffee chats across the city in an effort to reach out to residents and gauge what is important to you and your family. This is a great opportunity to come and discuss your
community concerns with the Mayor. I hope you and your family can participate in
this fantastic event. Nominate that Special Volunteer for a 2009 Civic Appreciation Award It is once again time to celebrate those in our community who have made a remarkable contribution to our quality of life. During National Volunteer Week, the City of Ottawa will host the Civic Appreciation Awards, which is an opportunity to nominate and recognize individuals, groups and organizations that shape our City’s landscape through volunteering. Any adult, youth or senior who volunteers their time and efforts to benefit others is eligible for an award provided they live in, operate a business in, or volunteer within Ottawa. Categories include Citizen of the Year Award (three awards), Brian Kilrea Award (one award) and Distinguished Civic Award (12 awards). Nomination forms can be completed and submitted online or downloaded for mailing. Forms are also available at any Client Service Centre. Nominations will be received until March 27. More information about the 2009 Civic Appreciation Awards
can be found online at
www.ottawa.ca. Protecting our children’s health Please be advised that a new law prohibiting smoking in vehicles carrying children under 16 years of age came into effect on January 21. The new law, to protect children from second-hand smoke, builds on our City’s precedent setting smoke-free bylaws. Under Ontario’s Smoke-free Vehicles with Children under 16 law, a violation is subject to a set fine of $250 The percentage of people allowing smoking in their
vehicles in Ottawa has declined from 27.8 per cent in 2001 to 14.4 per cent in
2007. At the same time, the percentage of completely smoke-free homes in Ottawa
has increased significantly from 56.6 per cent in 2001 to 82.9 per cent in 2007. Summer student employment with the City of Ottawa Are you a student looking for work during the summer? Here is your chance! The Summer Student Employment Program has launched, and students can now apply on-line at www.ottawa.ca/careers. This program is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience and insight into today's workforce, discover a career path, and showcase skills. Positions are available in the fields of engineering and science, environmental science, paramedic services, public health services, parks and recreation, by-law services and many more. For more information, including eligibility criteria and
other requirements, visit
www.ottawa.ca/careers. Applications will be accepted from January 12 to
February 20. Young at Art 2009 is underway! The Young at Art 2009 exhibition has launched, and developing visual artists in our community are encouraged to participate. The City of Ottawa and Kanata Civic Art Gallery are pleased to invite artists between the ages of 13 and 19-years-old to submit their original artwork to Young at Art 2009. Works selected for Young at Art 2009 will be displayed in community galleries throughout the City and recognized for outstanding work at awards presentations in the east, west and central areas of the city. Hard copy application forms are available at secondary schools citywide as well as Ottawa Public Library branches. Application forms and guidelines are also available at www.ottawa.ca/arts or by contacting Mike Taylor, Young at Art Coordinator, at 613-580-2424, ext. 29288 or mike.taylor@ottawa.ca. The deadline for Young at Art 2009 submissions is March 6
at 4pm. Calling all authors The City of Ottawa is calling all authors aged 55 years of age or older to participate in its 12th annual Short Story Contest. Submissions of original, unpublished short stories or memoirs must be 2000 words or less. An entry fee of $5 per story is applicable. The deadline for submissions is March 16. Eight entrants will be named to the Winners Circle, sharing recognition and prize money of $400. A ceremony for the winners will be held at An Afternoon of Storytelling on April 29 from 1-4pm at the Heron Seniors’ Centre, located at 1480 Heron Road. One of the winning stories will be selected for publication in the spring issue of Forever Young newspaper. Though contestants may submit multiple entries, they will be eligible to win only one prize. For full contest details, pick up a brochure at any City
of Ottawa Client Service Centre or call the Heron Seniors' Centre at
613-247-4808, ext.1 Hear what’s going on at the City’s Planning and Environment Committee The City is launching a one-year pilot project to allow residents to tune into the City’s Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) from the comfort of their home. The project was launched on January 13, and allows anyone with an Internet connection to listen in live to every PEC meeting through the City’s website at www.ottawa.ca. City Council meetings are videocast on the City’s website, but audiocasts of the committee meeting will be an entirely new service. This is a tremendous opportunity for those who have an interest in this committee. The PEC is responsible for steering and enforcing the City’s Official Plan, and for developing and updating a wide range of policies related to the environment, infrastructure and utilities such as water, wastewater and solid waste. I am one of the members of this committee as many of the
issues dealt with by the PEC have an immediate impact on our community. I hope
you are able to take advantage of this unique service. 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. Sincerely, |
