CURRENT NEWSMarch 28, 2008 Snow tax given cold shoulder The $50 snow tax blew in to City Council on March 26 as a means of paying for the mounting snow budget deficit as a result of this extraordinary winter. A motion was brought forth at Council by Councillor El-Chantiry, and seconded by myself, to spend $14.6 million of our $70 million infrastructure budget to pay a portion of the expected $23 million shortfall in this year’s snow-removal budget. When we receive the $14.6 million announced by the Provincial government for infrastructure renewal, those dollars will replenish our infrastructure budget, and bring the total back to $70 million. The remaining $8.4 million balance might be revisited in the 2009 budget process, or handled through efficiencies. As a result, this ensures the property tax increase remains at 4.9 per cent, as promised to residents when we approved our budget. I felt it was unfair to keep going back to the proverbial well (you, the taxpayers) to balance our budget. Council will still spend $70 million this year to improve our road systems, including rectifying pothole issues, which is an increase of $20 million from 2007 levels. Additionally, as part of the 4.9 per cent tax increase, there is a 2 per cent levy for general infrastructure renewal. All together, the City will spend nearly $100 million in 2008 on road and infrastructure maintenance. Snow removal is a core service, which is what municipalities must address first. If core services are experiencing a deficit, we must look at how we can best rectify the situation. Thank you to all of those who contacted my office on this
issue. I appreciate the feedback. Ward Council meeting aimed at youth initiatives My next ward council meeting will have a youthful twist, as we will focus on youth programming and initiatives aimed at meeting the needs and demands of teens in our neighbourhood. It is my intention that this meeting will be an initial brainstorming session to create strategies that best serve our youth. Following this meeting, I will plan further sessions with interested parties and youth in the area to get their thoughts on initiatives that may interest them. The Ward Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at the Pretty Street Community Centre located at 2 Pretty Street in Stittsville. I encourage all members of the public to attend the ward council meeting and provide their thoughts on youth development. To register to speak at the meeting, please contact my
office at 613-580-2476. And the winner is … On behalf of the community, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the winners of the People’s Choice Award, hosted by the Kanata Chamber of Commerce. Stittsville resident and local journalist, John Brummell, was honoured as Goulbourn’s Citizen of the Year. Congratulations to Mr.Brummell for this tremendous recognition for his many contributions in shaping our community. Included in the winners circle from the Goulbourn area were Mahogany Salon and Spa (Business of the Year), Poco Pazzo Restaurant (New Business of the Year), Dragon’s Lair Beads (Best Family-Owned and Operated Business of the Year), Friends of Hospice (Community Support/Non-Profit Organization of the Year), Saunders Farm (Tourism Business of the Year), Wine Villa (Retailer of the Year), and Napoli’s Café and Grill (Restaurant of the Year). Congratulations to all the winners; these prestigious awards are a fantastic way for us to applaud the many businesses and people who form our community. I would also like to congratulate the winners from Kanata and West Carleton. Fairwinds West impact on Johnwoods Street Last week I hosted a public meeting to discuss the proposed Mattamy Homes development of Fairwinds West, located at 33 Johnwoods St. Great discussions took place and now the City's planning department will discuss these comments with the developer. The largest issue raised at the meeting was the function of Johnwoods Street. For many years there have been traffic concerns on this road and with this proposed development on the east side of Johnwoods Street, there may be an opportunity to address some of the community's concerns. As seen at the public meeting, residents have a variety of opinions for a solution to Johnwoods Street. Some points raised suggest closing part of Johnwoods, if the proposed development should have homes fronting or backing onto Johnwoods Street. Future decision made regarding Johnwoods Street affect the immediate nieghbours, but there are also many people from other areas of Stittsville who use this road on a frequent basis. I encourage residents to please view the plans on my
website under the planning and infrastructure section and provide your comments
on this proposal. Lending the City some elbow grease I encourage you to join the thousands of volunteers who will participate in the 15th annual Spring Cleaning the Capital campaign, running from April 15 to May 15. Last year, more than one thousand parks, woodlots, shorelines and roadways were left spotless and litter-free, after volunteers rolled up their sleeves and polished our community. This is a tremendous opportunity to beautify our community and help keep Ottawa clean, green and litter-free. It also allows you to take up a project as a family, school or community association and interact with residents from your neighbourhood. You can register your litter cleanup and/or graffiti
cleanup project until May 15. The online registration form is available on the
City’s website at www.ottawa.ca. Ottawa scores a touchdown The Canadian Football League is inching closer to returning to the nation’s capital, but several yards are still to be gained. A conditional franchise was awarded to a local group led by Ottawa 67’s owner Jeff Hunt. A lease agreement still has to be negotiated for Lansdowne Park, which has been earmarked for renovations and re-design, following City staff condemning the south side stands. The potential start date for the franchise is 2010, but again, this hinges on how City staff approach the proposal, and what the future of Lansdowne Park holds. Sports franchises help promote and develop civic pride and our business sector, so I am hopeful football can return to our city and prosper. Third time is a charm, after all. However, I do not want to see any city funding funneled
towards making a potential football franchise viable. I do not believe we should
be using taxpayer dollars to offer relief. “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-Kanata West. Please contact our office anytime by phone at 613-580-2476 or by email at shad.qadri@ottawa.ca. 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, [ close window ] |
