Last week, I responded to Eve’s letter to the editor. In the letter, she used the term “coffin dodgers” in reference to the newly proposed seniors’ residence on Bridge Street, Manotick and the ability for seniors to survive the traffic.
I certainly did not use this most-inappropriate term! This is a new important development by Junicon Homes for seniors in our ward. Let us not close the door of opportunity before we have had the opportunity to thoroughly review the proposal.
As Councillor it is my responsibility to communicate and I do this via 4 local papers that I write for on a weekly basis and via my database to about 3200 ward households. There are those who may have considerable interest in downsizing and this development may be of interest to them.
There are those who are opposed to change - I do not subscribe to that philosophy! The only constant in this world is ‘change’. Thus, we must learn to manage ‘change’ by adopting new and better approaches to change. On the other hand, ‘change’ for the sake of ‘change’ is usually counter-productive!
Green Bin diverts 26,000 tonnes from Landfill:
The City of Ottawa congratulates residents for using their green bins and helping divert over 26,000 tonnes of organic material from area landfills—the equivalent of nearly 3,000 garbage trucks—during the first six months of the program.
In fact, residential waste diversion rates for the first half of 2010 rose to 42 per cent, with nearly 20 per cent of all residential waste collected being returned to the earth through the City’s organics program.
With the continued expansion and rollout of the green bin program to medium density housing, and more and more residents participating, diversion will continue to increase. Though participation rates in the program are encouraging, we can do more and must do more if the City is going to reach its diversion target of 60 per cent. Remember to feed your green bin, with all organic materials that qualify for the program, including: food scraps, soiled pizza boxes, paper plates, napkins, paper coffee and beverage cups and leaf and yard waste.
Residents are also reminded of a few simple ways to reduce odours and deter animals from green bins stored outside during the warmer months:
- Keep the lid locked.
- Place the green bin in an area where it can’t be knocked over, or brace the green bin to keep it upright.
- Use peppermint oil, cayenne or chilli pepper, or hot sauce around the edge of the lid to repel animals.
- Layer food waste with grass clippings and leaf & yard waste to minimize odour.
- To minimize odours that may attract raccoons and other animals, wrap wet food waste such as meat, fish, fruits and vegetables in old newspapers or paper bags; or, leave these smellier items out of your green bin until collection day (try storing these items in a paper bag in the freezer).
- Put your green bin out weekly and rinse regularly to help keep it clean.
The City of Ottawa’s Green Bin program does not allow plastics of any kind, including biodegradable or compostable plastics. If you wish to use bin liners, please use paper only.
The City also reminds residents to use green bins safely, store their green bin in a safe location, and to be aware of any hazards with regards to children.
While green bin manufacturer, Norseman Plastics, says there have been no reported incidents of children being injured in their lockable green bins each unit does contain a message that says "Warning! Suffocation hazard. Do not allow children to play inside this container."
Septic System Decommissioning, Manotick:
Brian states, “On page one under Septic System Decommissioning it says, ‘No permit is required from the Ottawa Septic System Office to decommission the septic system, however it is recommended that a copy of your receipts.....’ " The City is now requesting permits be required from the RVCA to de-activate my septic system, once we are hooked up.
I have now requested that our legal staff provide a response.
Closing Comment on Richmond Sewer Rebate Initiative:
“Thanks for the feedback Colleen. We have received very encouraging responses from this initiative. What cannot be measured is the negative press, client dissatisfaction and what staff & councillor time that would have been consumed if Glenn was not successful in his motion to modify the staff report; which in my opinion, would have been extensive.” – Lise Hartin, Prg Mgr, Customer Accounts
“I want to thank Lise for her co-operation, those affected Richmond residents for their patience, my City Council colleagues for supporting my motion and most importantly to Thomas Lischer who initially raised the issue with me. Keeping a positive focus always works to everyone’s benefit!” - Counc. Brooks
Erin’s story:
As Councillor I hear many heart-wrenching stories and here is one told by Erin’s father. Since receiving Erin’s story, I have arranged an all-party review with O-C Transpo for later this month.
Erin has epilepsy and has undergone three brain surgeries that have not been totally successful in eliminating her seizures, but have lessened them. One of the side effects has been a loss of her peripheral vision on the left side. Because of the epilepsy and the loss of peripheral vision it is hazardous for her to walk along the road. Most recently, Erin is now experiencing blackouts.
First are the problems of transportation for Erin. As you know there is no bus service out here in Burritt's Rapids. Erin and Lynn's Mother, my mother-in-law, applied for ParaTranspo. Erin was
denied service because she could walk the specified distance to a bus stop. However, the nearest OC bus stop is about 30+ kilometers from here.
Lynn's mother was accepted for ParaTranspo, but the service is virtually impossible for her to
use. First, you must book on the morning of an appointment and it is on a first come first served
basis. You must tell them what time you want them to pick you up and what time you will be ready
for pickup to return home.
She has appointments at the eye institute at the General Hospital. Unfortunately, there is no reasonable way she can know what time to have them pick her up to go to her appointment and if, for example, she has a 1:00 pm appointment she may not see the Doctor until 3:00 PM or
later.
A couple of weeks ago Erin learned that she could get a monthly OC Transpo pass for $32.00 through the Disability program and when she called OC Transpo to inquire about the pass and to see if it was accepted on the Howard Bus Lines that run a bus into the city in the early morning and back in the evening.
The clerk at O-C Transpo argued with her over the fact that we live in the City of Ottawa. The clerk was adamant that Erin did not live in the City of Ottawa and she also told her the pass did not apply to the Howard Bus.
Erin's Doctor is in Manotick and Lynn's Mother's Doctor is in Kemptville. They both see Dr. Fowler the optometrist, in Manotick How are they supposed to get to them?
The Senior Resource Centre in Manotick has been really good in assisting Erin and Lynn's Mom to get to their appointments. There is a $25.00 cost for each trip due to the distance the drivers have to travel and of course, there has to be a driver available.
Erin has finally found an epilepsy support group located on Bronson Avenue in the city. There are no others any closer. Interaction with this group is helping her cope with her handicap, but again, there is the problem of getting to the meetings and information sessions as those sessions occur in the evenings. The resource centre drivers are not available when the meetings are over. The Ontario Disability Office is also in the city on Preston Street and again, out of reach for Erin”. -George Hawkins, Father
Bridge St. /Van Vliet Roundabout:
Klaus Beltzner raised the following question that I thought worthy of investigation:
“I am curious if you are including consideration of a roundabout in the EA for the Van Vliet/Long Island - Bridge Street intersection. Roundabouts are being promoted by the City as being safer for drivers and pedestrians than normal traffic lights at 4-way intersections.
see: "Aren't traffic signals safer than roundabouts for pedestrians" on City of Ottawa Web Site at:
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/onthemove/driving/traffic/roundabout/faq_en.html
Other advantages of a roundabout at this intersection appear to include:
1. Continuous flow of traffic - currently traffic is backed up past River Road on Mitch Owens and along River Road because of the delay at the Long Island Rd. intersection. A roundabout would reduce this back-up as traffic would not be stopped for a traffic light. And if this intersection becomes a 4-way intersection, the delay for Bridge St. traffic would likely be lengthened.
2. A more cost effective means to keep traffic at 40 km.hr or slower at ALL times since less enforcement of the posted speed limit will be required. The existing straight away on Bridge St. between the two bridges often entices drivers to greatly exceed the 40 km/hr posted speed limit - right where there is a park, a swimming pool, library, medical center and Manotick Public School. A roundabout requires traffic to slow down naturally. (This morning at 9:30 I was on Long Island Rd. only to see a dump truck with trailer roar past westbound on Bridge St. at well over 60 km/hr. This would NOT be possible if the intersection was a roundabout.)
3. An improved solution to the current "left turn arrow" from Bridge Street to Long Island which only comes on if more than two vehicles at a time want to turn left. (See Councillor Brook's June 28 Newsletter at http://www.glennbrooks.ca/).” - Klaus Beltzner
City Response:
“Councillor Brooks, we have received an inquiry from the Transportation Committee for the Manotick Community Association wondering if, as part of the Environmental Assessment (EA) we are completing, we have considered a roundabout at the intersection of Van Vliet/Long Island and Bridge Street.
As you know, the initial traffic assessment was completed in 2006. At that time, a roundabout was not considered and the recommended alternative was the extension of Van Vliet Road to Bridge Street. Our current design assignment is to build upon this initial traffic assessment to complete the required EA and not restudy the traffic issues.
Since the initial traffic study was completed however, there has been a Council directive to consider roundabouts at all new intersections. This would require more effort and time than we had planned to go back and reassess more options for this intersection through the EA study.
For your information, we have reviewed a “quick & dirty” plan of a roundabout at this intersection to see if it is even feasible. Based on preliminary information, a roundabout would not be recommended at this location for the following reasons:
• There are concerns introducing an ‘unsignalized’ crossing so close to the school;
• The approach volumes are not well balanced for a roundabout to work optimally;
• The volumes on Bridge Street are high enough such that, sufficient gaps within the circle may not be generated for the side street traffic to enter;
• The property impacts would be higher than a standard intersection. The attached draft functional plan demonstrates that additional property would be required on all four quadrants, with impact to the parking lot at the school.
Based on the above, we don’t think that we should increase the scope for this project, and fully analyze a roundabout as a potential alternative, but I wanted to touch base with you to see if you concur with our recommendation. I would be happy to meet with you if you would like to discuss this further.” – Heidi Cousineau, Prj. Mgr.
City Approves North Gower Grant Application:
This community project was made possible through partnership with the City of Ottawa. These Community Partnership Minor Capital Programs are provided to community organizations. This grant will see an outdoor rink bunker and basketball constructed in the North Gower RA Park
Thus, a grant for 50% of the total eligible project costs up to a maximum of $7,500 has been approved in support of the rink bunker project at North Gower RA Park, subject to receipt and approval of the required documentation.
Process for Reduction of Speed Limits on Ottawa.ca:
• When a resident(s)/business contacts the Traffic Inquiry desk, staff will first verify that the street qualifies as a local road. If it is a local residential road the petition form including the affected addresses will be sent to the resident(s)/business for completion.
• Should a request be sent directly to the Councillor’s Office, please forward the request to the Traffic desk at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Staff will verify that the street qualifies as a local road and provide the petition form, including the affected addresses back to the Councillor’s office.
• On receipt of the completed petition, the request will be assigned to the Traffic Assessment Specialist and forwarded to the Ward Councillor for concurrence.
• If the street is not a local residential road, staff will review alternatives to address the speed concerns such as the deployment of speed boards, traffic reviews and the contact number of the Ottawa Police for traffic enforcement.
The detailed process to request a speed limit reduction to 40 km/h on local residential streets is now available on ottawa.ca/traffic.
Should you have any questions regarding the request process, please contact Greg Kent, Manager, Traffic, Engineering and Technical Services, 613-580-2424, extension 21707, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Manotick Pathways - Georgina Trust Fund:
“The City administers the Trust Fund. Councillor Brooks does not have signing authority although he recommends who receives funding. The Trust Fund cheque should be sent directly to the MVCA for deposit in the MVCA account. [We would ask the Councillor to direct this request].
D & G are the successful bidders. As soon as the 'i's are dotted on the final agreement, we will send it forthwith for signing by the appropriate MVCA authorities. D & G will be paid directly by the MVCA, upon receipt of invoice per the agreement.
While the original pathways grant was secured by the former MCA, the City has agreed to have the cheque payable to the present MVCA. It's assumed that the MVCA Treasurer will deposit the respective funds in the MVCA account for pathway purposes only.
The approximate $4,200 currently being held by the MVCA for the pathways project, and fundraised by the former MCA, will also be applied toward this pathways initiative. We don't anticipate any delay in timelines. Should you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact me.”- Kris Schulz, Chairperson, Pathway Committee
Drainage Act & Regulations Team – DART:
The Provincial DART Committee has been reviewing streamlining and standardization of actions under Ontario’s Drainage Act. For example, RVCA does not issue letters of permission for most drain maintenance and repair activities. RVCA does, however, issue letters of advice related to the responsibilities under the Canada Fisheries Act.
The Committee’s efforts to date have focused on addressing issues related to the maintenance and repair of existing drains. Members have reluctantly conceded that, moving forward, they will have to spend next year working out procedures related to new drains and in particular, where such work would be undertaken in and around wetlands.
As many of you are aware, my office has been working with Goulbourn landowners concerned about both wetland designation and the Upper Flowing Creek issues. The wetland issue was negotiated resulting in a 5-year moratorium. Upper flowing Creek is most contentious, on-going issue. My office, the City and those affected are slowly moving the issue forward.
Mattamy’s challenges going forward:
“On July 14, City of Ottawa Council approved the Village of Richmond Community Design Plan and Secondary Plan, including the Mattamy Homes neighbourhood plan. Thank you! – To all the residents for working with us to define the new Richmond neighbourhood, and for working together to find community solutions. Thank you! – To the Richmond CDP Steering Committee – for your dedication and for being a strong voice for the residents of Richmond. Your efforts are most appreciated, and will enable the community to keep and enhance the Village Core, its schools, churches, community facilities, and businesses, but most importantly, its rural character.
Mattamy Homes communities are known for their unique look and architectural styles –our neighbourhood will integrate the rural DNA of eastern Ontario into its design. Once we begin building, in the next 2-3 years, this Richmond neighbourhood will grow in phases over 15-20 years, allowing for managed growth, appropriate densities, and assimilation within the Village.
Over the next few months, City staff will be preparing an infrastructure financial plan for approval by ARAC and Council. Mattamy will be completing its Stormwater Management and Drainage Report, as a Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process as directed by City Council, including solutions for stormwater management servicing, foundation drains, and the use of sump pumps. We will complete the Village Master Servicing Study (MSS), as a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment process. The draft final MSS (May 2010) recommends: a communal well system, and expansion and upgrades to the existing central sanitary system. Once both studies are finalized, a Notice of Completion will notify the public of a 30-day review period with a provision for an appeal to the Minister of Environment (Part II Order).
Information is available on the City’s website at www.ottawa.ca and Mattamy’s website at http://mattamyrichmond.com/. Please communicate your concerns and comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 613-831-3532. Mattamy will continue to ensure open communication and input throughout the upcoming subdivision and zoning planning process. Thank you!” – Susan Murphy, Prj. Mgr.
As always, I am here to serve: 580-2424 ext. 31310 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit website: www.glennbrooks.ca.