CURRENT NEWS

November 27, 2009

Committee recommending 4 per cent tax rate

The City’s Audit, Budget and Finance Committee is recommending a 4 per cent tax increase following an omnibus motion that identified approximately $58 million in spending reductions and revenue increases.

The Committee is recommending the costs associated with recycling and the Green Bin program be funded from taxation. The Committee also requested that the Ottawa Public Library and Police Services Boards reduce their 2010 budget requirements by $1 million each and that Hydro Ottawa increase its dividend to the City by $2 million in 2010.

Highlights of the proposed 2010 budget include hiring an additional 23 new paramedics, no reductions to Arts and Heritage funding, reductions in the Forestry program, 7.5 per cent transit fare increase commencing in March 2010, funding the $20-million infrastructure levy through debt financing and constructing a new Ottawa West fire station at the corner of Iber Road and Hazeldean Road.

I am pleased there is a willingness to keep the City’s property tax rate within a reasonable limit; however, I would have preferred for Council to review the committee budgets line-by-line to find increased savings. I have always maintained that the City should aim for a tax increase that mirrors the inflation rate plus one per cent.

The draft 2010 budget will be tabled at City Council on December 9. The Ottawa Police Services Board and Ottawa Public Library Board are completing their respective budget reviews and will also table their budgets at Council on December 9. Following a period of Councillor-led ward consultations in December and January, the Committee of the Whole will hear public delegations, debate and finalize the budget starting on January 25, 2010.
 

New police station enhances community safety

The Ottawa Police Services Board released an update on the new West Division Police Station, which is being constructed along Huntmar Road.

The construction of the facility, which will replace the police station on Abbeyhill Drive in Kanata, is ahead of schedule and coming under budget.

The proximity of the new 41,000 sq. ft., $22 million police station to our community will be a tremendous benefit. Currently, patrol vehicles come out of the Greenbank Road station; a nearby station will improve response times. I have long maintained that a visible police presence is a comforting sight for residents and, most importantly, a deterrent for others. It reinforces the safety of residents, which is welcomed given the dramatic growth of our community and the volume of calls the police receives from our community.

An opening ceremony will be held on January 8 and a public Open House will occur on January 9. I hope you and your family can attend.
 

Santa Claus is coming to … the ward office?

With Christmas just weeks away, Santa Claus is paying an early visit to Stittsville, just in time to receive everyone’s Christmas wish list.

On December 12, Santa and his helpers will be at my ward office, located inside the Goulbourn Recreation Complex, meeting with the children of the community. Santa will pay a visit from 10am-12pm. Digital photos of your children and Santa will also be available. As well, children will have an opportunity to decorate gingerbread cookies from 9am-12pm.

I look forward to seeing you and your family on December 12.
 

Parade of Lights rings in the holiday season

A big thank you to the Stittsville Village Association, the organizing committee and the many volunteers who hosted a tremendous Parade of Lights celebration.

Thousands of residents lined Main Street and gathered at Village Square Park as over 40 Christmas-themed floats weaved their way through the community. It was a great way to ring in the holiday season and I thank everyone for participating.

I would also like to thank the Honourable MP Gordon O’Connor for taking in the festivities and being a part of my float.
 

Permanent H1N1 vaccination still operating in Kanata

With the success of the H1N1 vaccination clinic that was held in Stittsville on November 27, I would like to remind the community of the permanent clinic being held in Kanata.

The vaccination clinic is being held at the Kanata Recreation Complex at 100 Walter Baker Place, which is just off of Terry Fox Drive, Monday-Friday 2:30-8:30pm and Saturday-Sunday from 9am-3pm.

Persons with a disability, health care workers, pregnant women and children receiving their second dose do not have to wait in line for a wristband(s) and should identify themselves to staff managing the vaccination clinics to ensure they are directed to the appropriate line.

Wristbands will be handed out by City staff. There is a limit of one wristband per individual, however 1 person may request enough wristbands for their household (ie. 4 or 5 wristbands). The individual picking up the wristband must accompany the others when returning for vaccinations. For the clinics that begin at 2:30pm, wristbands will begin to be distributed at 9am. For weekend clinics, wristbands will be distributed beginning at 7:30am.

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