NEWS ARCHIVESJune 27, 2008 Plasco’s technology gains support from Council Green energy from garbage is on the horizon. That philosophy serves as the basis for the future of garbage disposal in our City as Council has unanimously endorsed Plasco’s waste-to-energy technology. The company still must pass environmental approval before the City will take the necessary steps to finalize a contractual agreement. The proposed contract would see the City pay Plasco about $8 million per year for taking residential waste that is neither recycled nor composted. The City will also receive royalties of up to $3.5 million a year if Plasco plants are sold and operating in other countries and cities. The technology developed by Plasco uses heat and chambers to break down garbage and extract gas. It is then either flared off or used to generate electricity. Preliminary testing has indicated Plasco’s demonstration plant has been operating well below provincial emission limits. It could take approximately two years to complete testing and have the necessary approvals in place for a full-size plant. If the Plasco system passes environmental approval, the estimated cost for a new facility will be about $125 million, all of which will be paid by the company. I am encouraged by the developments being made; Plasco’s
vision to see garbage as a resource, rather than a liability, will revolutionize
the industry. Harm reduction encompasses us all As a result of increased discarded needles on City streets, City Council unanimously supported a plan to enhance the cleanup portion of the Clean Needle Syringe Program. The new plan includes a dedicated hotline to report discarded needles, hiring a summer student to assist in determining ‘hot spots,’ and expanding the needle drop box program. Councillor El Chantiry and I supported Councillors Monette’s motion to move from a distribution program to a one-for-one exchange in the hopes of decreasing the amount of discarded needles littering our streets. After a series of consultations with the City’s new Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Isra Levy, it was agreed the City would stay with the distribution program, and enhancements would be made to the cleanup portion of the program. One needle on our streets is too many; if the enhancement of the cleanup fails to have desirable effects, we will examine other alternatives and different methods of harm reduction. This is not an issue limited to just the downtown core, either; the effects of the distribution program reach the very extremes of our City. It is important we recognize harm reduction should not
impact just drug users, but also innocent bystanders. It is our duty to ensure
everyone in our community remains safe. Jumping for joy in Stittsville At my ward council meeting on April 8, there was discussion of youth needs in the community. At this meeting, a group of young people requested to have a dirt jump constructed in Stittsville. Dirt jumping is an emerging sport where participants ride BMX bikes over a series of man-made dirt jumps. City staff and I have been working on this request and have proposed that a dirt jump could be located at Bell Memorial Park in Stittsville. Bell Memorial Park was selected as the best location for the park in Stittsville as it is centrally located near Main Street, there are no direct, abutting residences, the site is surrounded by roads on all sides, there is an existing parking lot, and the site provides a natural buffer to the nearby residences. The demand for facilities capable of accommodating off-road BMX bikes is increasing, as there is a trend towards these types of sports. Athletes are leaning toward more extreme, expressive sports with great enthusiasm. Stittsville could be the home of the first City of Ottawa dirt jump! I believe this would be a great facility for young people in our community, and the Bell family agrees, having given the facility their full support. For the development of the dirt jump I will be looking for in-kind services from local area businesses and there may be community fundraising involved. I encourage residents to attend a public meeting being
held on this proposal on July 8 at 7 p.m. at the Pretty Street Community Centre
located at 2 Pretty Street in Stittsville. Canada Day celebrations I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Canada Day festivities held at the Goulbourn Recreation Complex, and my Seniors Canada Day breakfast held at the Stittsville Fire Hall. Thank you to the countless volunteers - your dedication, compassion and patriotism made Canada Day a great success. We are fortunate to live in a country that recognizes the importance of equality and diversity and proudly showcases each person’s unique talents and contributions. Thank you for being a part of the celebrations. Congratulations graduates! I would like to congratulate the 2008 graduating classes from South Carleton High School, Frederick Banting Alternate School, and Sacred Heart Catholic High School. There are no longer limitations or barriers; the dreams you have held for so long can now become a reality. You have acquired the knowledge, the skills and the talent to maximize your goals and reach your potential. I wish you all much success as you move toward an exciting
new chapter in your lives. Meet authors in the park Have you ever wanted to meet your favourite local author, or learn more about their creative process? Here is your opportunity. On July 6 from 12-5pm, the Stittsville Village Association, the Stittsville Branch of the Ottawa Public Library and the Ottawa Independent Writers will host a special “Meet Authors in the Park” event at Village Square Park, located at the corner of Stittsville Main Street and Abbott Street. Residents will have a chance to talk to dozens of local writers, learn more about the craft and purchase an autographed book. The event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated and will go towards purchasing books, supplies and equipment for the children’s section at the Stittsville Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. I look forward to seeing you at this unique cultural
event. 1921 Stittsville Main Street Revised Plan An application has been submitted for an official plan amendment requesting the designation of the subject lands, approximately 19 hectares, be changed from General Rural to General Urban Area. This is being requested to accommodate a future subdivision of approximately 142 lots for single detached houses. Immediately north of the lands is a residential urban subdivision, known as Upcountry, and to the south of the lands is an estate lot subdivision. Further to the comments raised at the public meeting on January 28, the applicant has made revisions to the proposed plans. One of the revisions includes a new road connection to the future extension of West Ridge Drive at Stittsville Main Street. Another revision will see the removal of one road connection into the adjacent residential subdivision. The lots along the southern side of the proposal have been increased in size. I will be hosting a public meeting to discuss these revisions with the Upcountry residents on July 10 at 7 p.m. at the Pretty Street Community Centre located at 2 Pretty Street. Councillor Glenn Brooks will also be hosting a meeting in the future to discuss these revisions with the estate lot residents. Given both groups of residents have different concerns with the proposal, we feel it would be best to meet separately with each affected group; however, both meetings are open to the public. For more information please contact my office and the City
Planner, Sally Switzer at 613-580-2424 x27597 or
Sally.Switzer@ottawa.ca. “Always Listening and Acting on Your Concerns” 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, |
