Latest News

• Kanata North Picnic
  4th Annual Kanata North Picnic
  Wednesday, July 28th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  Sandwell Green Park
  (The Parkway, across from Earl of March)
  
  The 4th Annual Kanata North Picnic is coming up this Wednesday, July 28th in its usual location at the Sandwell Green Park across from the Earl of March (near the corner of Teron Rd and The Parkway) from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. – rain or shine! I would like to invite you, your family, neighbours and friends to come out for a fun, family-friendly, free event thanks to the contributions of picnic sponsors.
  
  As always, we will have a variety of entertainment from magician Chris Pilsworth to performances by local musicians and a variety of activities like a petting zoo and the always popular children’s bouncies. Hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers will be served up by Enbridge and our volunteers while supplies last. We are also thrilled that Councillor Qadri will be joining us again this year to serve sno cones and cotton candy.
  
  While we have always been conscious of our environmental impact at the picnic, you will notice some additional measures at this year’s event – we will no longer be serving bottled water, and instead will provide free of charge City of Ottawa tap water; please bring your own refillable water container! Also, we are glad to be including separate organics waste collection at the picnic this year – so please ensure that soiled napkins and other appropriate materials are disposed properly in the organics bins on site.
  
  In previous years we have accepted non-perishable food item donations for the Kanata Food Cupboard and have accepted monetary donations in support of the Kanata North Recreation Complex Youth Room, which we will continue to do this year. While this is a free event I would encourage you to participate in the spirit of giving to either the Kanata Food Cupboard or the Kanata North Recreation Complex.
  
  I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, July 28th!
  
  

• Beaverpond Development
  We had a great turn out (over three hundred people) at the Thursday, July 15th Public Meeting on the KNL Lands north of the Beaverpond. Thank you to those who came to receive information, ask questions, and share your viewpoints. Please find a copy of the presentation that was given by staff below. As well, for your information, the motions passed at Council on Wednesday, July 14th are below for your reference and the letter from City of Ottawa to KNL Developments as a result of Council's direction.
  
  Public Meeting Presentation
  Letter to KNL from City of Ottawa (July 16, 2010)
  
  MOTION
  Moved by Councillor M. Wilkinson
  Seconded by Councillor C. Doucet
  
  THAT the Rules of Procedure be waived, due to the community’s belief regarding the imminent risk to the forest and the fact that the next Council meeting is not until the end of August, to consider the following motion:
  
  WHEREAS the South March Highlands is a unique old growth forest landscape identified as a priority ecological protection area by the City’s Greenspace Master Plan; and
  
  WHEREAS no other city in the world has an old growth forest that is home to a dense, wilderness environment and many at risk species within the boundaries of the city; and
  
  WHEREAS there is a conditional OMB approved plan of subdivision for the South March Highlands, subject to 89 important conditions before each phase of the subdivision can be constructed including:
  ·a Communications Strategy acceptable to the Director of Planning;
  ·an Archaeological Plan;
  ·a Storm Water Management Plan consistent with the Subwatershed Study;
  ·a Natural Features & Vegetation Preservation Plan; and
  ·a Detailed Tree Planting & Conservation Plan; and
  
  WHEREAS the community fears that the site will be clear cut or modified in ways that damage this unique ecological imprint prior to the relevant conditions of the subdivision approval being met;
  
  WHEREAS a contractor for the developer has previously clear cut large tracts of land in Kanata that was part of lands to be deeded to the City without any approval being given;
  
  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that staff be directed to send a letter to KNL Development Ltd (KNL) advising the developer that, until the relevant OMB subdivision conditions are met and explicitly approved by the City of Ottawa, no clear cutting or other site modification can occur in the South March Highlands; and
  
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff be directed to pursue all legal means, including an injunction, in the event that KNL fails to comply.
  
  CARRIED
  
  
  MOTION
  Moved by Councillor M. Wilkinson
  Seconded by Councillor E. El-Chantiry
  
  That the Rules of Procedure be waived to permit the introduction of the following motion. Waiver is necessary as the developer is being requested to finalize as soon as possible the Tree Conservation Plan;
  
  WHEREAS the Trillium Woods is a significant natural feature in the City of Ottawa;
  
  AND WHEREAS there is no suitable connection from the community to the south to the Trillium Woods;
  
  AND WHERE a 20 metre corridor would provide a meaningful connection;
  
  AND WHEREAS there is no further opportunity for the City to acquire a suitable corridor through the forty per cent agreement.
  
  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council approve in principle, a land exchange for an approximate 20 metre corridor whose location is generally shown on Document 1 to this motion and that staff report back on the results of negotiations at the next meeting of Council.
  
  CARRIED
  
  +++++
  Thank you to everyone who has been sending me messages about the lands north of the Beaverpond. My staff has been working to respond to your e-mails on my behalf while I am in meetings today.
  
  I too would like to save them, but it is almost impossible considering that this was an approved City of Ottawa development (approved prior to my return to Council) and approved by the Ontario Municipal Board after a group of us appealed the decision. I've been criticized for only saving 40% of the lands in the area by an agreement in 1981. That remains a huge saving of lands, well above the provincial standard of 5%, including land adjacent to the Beaverpond and the Trillium Woods. Since then, no Mayor or Council or Community Group has saved any additional land at all. In 2003, the Beaverbrook Community Association was able to get KNL to agree to a land swap - but City staff at the time completely rejected that, saying Kanata had enough land saved already, even though the City at that time had land that could have been traded for these lands.
  
  What I've been doing lately is seeing if I can add to the previously saved lands and at this time am moving forward in obtaining a natural lands connecting link from the Beaverpond saved lands to Trillium Woods. I will also be putting forward a motion at Council tomorrow, July 14th, to notify KNL (the developer) that no tree cutting can occur until the City approves relevant conditions. KNL insists they have this approval but City staff have confirmed to me that they do not have such approval. That will give us some time and help to reduce the future impact but it will not stop the development from going ahead later with the cutting of the trees on those lands not being deeded to the City.
  
  The only way to stop it permanently is to buy the land and the City does not have the resources to do so - except for the connecting link I've mentioned above. The total area under the subdivision approvals is valued at about $400 million with those north of the Beaverpond being about 25% of the total. So far no means of raising those funds has been forthcoming.
  
  I will continue to do what I can to minimize or stop the impact but I am limited in what I can do due to the former approvals given.
  +++++
  
  You are invited to attend a public meeting regarding a proposed residential subdivision for lands located north of the Beaver Pond, between Goulbourn Forced Road and Kimmins Court.
  Thursday July 15, 2010 at 7 pm
  Hall A of the John G. Mlacak Centre
  2500 Campeau Drive
  
  KNL Developments Inc. intends to proceed with the next phase of the Lakeside residential subdivision, as Draft Approved in February 2006 (File: D07-16-03-0025). The portion of the lands zoned for residential use will be developed with lots for detached dwellings and blocks for freehold townhouses. The portion of the lands zoned Environmental Protection Zone will be dedicated to the City.The meeting is to discuss relevant Draft Plan Conditions related to tree preservation and general pre-requisites that need to be met prior to commencing construction.
  
  For additional information, please contact the assigned planner:
  Kathy Rygus
  Planning and Growth Management Department
  Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 28318
  Fax: 613-560-6006
  E-mail: Kathy.Rygus@ottawa.ca
  Public Meeting Notice with Location Map
  
  As many are aware, Urbandale plans to begin construction north of the Beaverpond this year. This is the next phase of development that was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 2006. I have been receiving a great deal of feedback from the community and have been working with staff on this issue, in particular with a recent motion at the Planning and Environment Committee with respect to the Tree Preservation Plan and conditions from the OMB approval. For your reference, the approval conditions, 2006 OMB Decision, and 2007 Tree Preservation Plan are available for download.
  - Conditions of Approval (PDF)
  - Tree Preservation Plan (PDF)
  - OMB Decision (PDF)

• Ward Council - Location Change for June 21st Meeting
  Please note that the monthly Ward Council, usually held in the Seniors' Centre Program Room, will be held in the Mlacak Centre in Halls B & C this Monday, June 21st at 7:00 p.m. For details on the meeting, which will follow a somewhat different format including a Q&A Session with Waste Management, please visit the Ward Council section of my website.

• Canada Day in Kanata Volunteers Needed
  Wednesday, June 16, 2010 is Volunteer Recruitment and Orientation for Canada Day in Kanata from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Lion Dick Brule Community Centre (170 Castlefrank Rd). If you're young, or young at heart, your help is needed for a variety of jobs beginning with set up on June 30th and ending with tear down on July 2nd and everythingi n between! For more information, contact volunteers@canadadayinkanata.com

• FCM Board of Directors Re-Election
  Earlier in June I was re-elected to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. There are more than 1,900 members representing over 90% of the population of Canada at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. FCM represents the interests and voices of Canadian municipalities, large and small, on all federal government policies and programs. I’m proud to play a role in ensuring federal policies and programs meet the need of all municipalities across Canada, including the City of Ottawa, and am honoured to be chosen by my peers to represent them. For more information on FCM and its activities, visit www.fcm.ca.

• Traffic Alerts on Twitter
  City of Ottawa traffic alerts are now available on Twitter – whenever a traffic incident occurs that results in a road closure or major disruption, you can receive a text message on your mobile phone. Follow @Ottawa_Traffic on www.twitter.com. For other City twitter feeds, visit ottawa.ca/twitter.

• Fog Testing in Beaverbrook
  Sewer Fog Testing will be happening in the Beaverbrook area through the beginning of June. For details on where the testing is happening and what Sewer Fog Testing is, please see the following PDFs: Fog Testing City Ad (PDF) and Fog Testing FAQ.

• Pay & Display Parking Technology
  The first of more than 600 new Pay and Display Machines was recently unveiled, and these will replace parking meters across the city. On average, each pay station takes the place of eight parking meters, and over 4,000 meters will be replaced over the course of the summer with this new technology. Although the technology is changing, existing rates and parking restrictions will not change. With the new pay and display machines, time is transferable from one Pay & Display on-street area to another, since you are buying time and not a parking space. Street ambassadors will be on hand at each location for a period of time over the summer to provide assistance for first time users. They will be able to answer any questions about the program and will be easy to spot in their bright green t-shirts!

• 2009 Crime Statistics for Kanata North
  For a snapshot of police activity in Kanata North for the period of January 1 to December 31 2009, download this PDF report for your information.

• Green Bins in Municipal Facilities
  The Green Bin program has expanded to include municipal facilities. In March, green bins were introduced to customers of Café 111, located on the first floor of City Hall. Green Bins were also made available on office floors at City Hall to allow staff and Councillors to dispose of foodstuffs and other acceptable materials. Three 240-litre bins of organic waste from Café 111 are being removed each week, along with eight 240-litre green bins from office floors, and seven 360-litre bins filled with wet paper towels from washroom facilities. Green Bins are now available in the kitchen areas of the Café at 100 Constellation and will soon be introduced to the Café at Ben Franklin Place, as well as offices at both locations. Since the Green Bin Program started last January, more than 18,000 tons of organic waste has been diverted from the landfill.

• Bidding Opportunities Under $50K now on ottawa.ca
  Bidding opportunities less than $50,000 will now be advertised on the Purchasing page of the City of Ottawa’s website. The Supply Management department has added requests for quotes on products and services valued at less than $50,000 to Ottawa.ca to make these opportunities to do business with the city accessible to more suppliers. MERX and the Ottawa Construction Association website are used to advertise bidding opportunities greater than $50,000.

• Help Keep Waste Collection Operators Safe
  Please be vigilant when disposing unwanted or old pool chemicals – these are hazardous wastes and can cause serious injury to collection operators and homeowners if placed into your regular garbage. Please do not place pool chemicals in the garbage. As a reminder, you should use all pool chemicals that you purchase; however, if you need to dispose of excess pool chemicals, the Household Hazardous Waste Depots are a good option to dispose of this dangerous material. For more information on dates and future locations as well as other items that can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Depots, please visit ottawa.ca/hhw, check your collection calendar, or call 3-1-1.

• Ottawa and Gatineau Air Quality Health Index
  Ottawa Public Health and Santé publique de l’Outaouais are partnering to promote an easy-to-use health index tool to help you understand what the air quality maens to your health – the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). AQHI measures a mixture of air pollutants and grades the quality by using a simplified scale of 1 to 10+ (similar to the UV index) to help you adjust your level and time for physical activity outdoors. This is especially important for individuals with existing health conditions such as heart and lung disease and diabetes.
  
  How to use the AQHI:
  1-2-3: Breath with ease!
  People at risk can enjoy their usual outdoor activities, and conditions are ideal for outdoor activities amongst the general population.
  4-5-6: Slow down if at risk!
  People at risk should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if you are experiencing symptoms, and there is no need for the general population to modify activities unless symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation are experienced.
  7-8-9: Watch for warning signs!
  People at risk are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, and children and the elderly should also take it easy. The general population should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities if symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation are experienced.
  10 or more: Be active indoors!
  People at risk are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion. The general population is advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activity, especially if experiencing symptoms such as throat irritation and coughing.
  
  More information, and the latest AQHI readings, are available at www.airhealth.ca or by calling toll free 1-866-688-3810. Readings are also available through Environment Canada and the Weather Network.

• OC Transpo Community Passes for ODSP participants now sold at OPL Branches
  Eight Ottawa Public Library branches across the City, including the Beaverbrook Library at the Mlacak Centre (2500 Campeau Drive), will be selling the Community Pass to ODSP participants. Remember to bring your OC Transpo photo identification card with you when purchasing your Community Pass, and take advantage of your visit and benefit from the services of the Ottawa Public Library! For information on the free services of the Ottawa Public Library, visit their website at www.biblioottawalibrary.ca and for more information on the OC Transpo Community Pass visit www.octranspo.com or call 613-741-4390.

• Pathway Patrol Reminder
  The City of Ottawa is encouraging residents to become Pathway Patrol volunteers and help improve safety and courtesy on recreational pathways in Ottawa. Volunteers are trained to hand out information, provide directions and promote healthy living on local pathways. The Pathway Patrol is a volunteer program headed by the City of Ottawa and overseen by a steering committee made up of federal, provincial and municipal government partners, special interest groups, political representatives and local businesses.
  
  For the first time, the Pathway Patrol is expanding to Kanata and volunteers from the area are needed. Anyone interested is invited to an information session on Monday June 7, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kanata Seniors' Centre Program Room at the John G. Mlacak Arena, 2500 Campeau Drive.
  
  For more information on volunteering for the Pathway Patrol, call 613-580-2854 or send an e-mail to pathwaypatrol@ottawa.ca

• Public Financial Sustainability Summit
  Over the next year, the new City Council will consider and approve a budget for 2011. As part of the budget process, the City of Ottawa's Audit, Budget and Finance Committee is preparing a revised Long Range Financial Plan that will provide an updated focus on financial issues. Key to both the 2011 budget and the revised Long Range Financial Plan will be inovolving the public early to submit their ideas and suggestions on how to balance services within the financial resources of the City.
  
  As a part of this public engagement process, the City will host a Financial Sustainability Summit on Tuesday, June 22nd from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Andrew Haydon Hall at Ottawa City Hall. In preparation for the Summit, input from the public will be captured online on the City's website at ottawa.ca/financialsummit. Residents are invited to submit questions before June 15th related to future financial decisions, the long range financial paln, suggestions for cutting costs, and any other financial matters. Once the question and accompanying explanatory information have been received by the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee, the question will be directed to the appropriate staff for a response. Questions and responses will be posted on the Financial Summit web page.
  
  During the Financial Sustainability Summit on June 22nd, discussions will centre on questions submitted and issued identified, and will be led by bilingual moderator. More information can be found on the City's website at ottawa.ca/financialsummit. Questions can be submitted to financialsummit@ottawa.ca by June 15th.

• City of Ottawa Open Data
  
  
  City Council supported the opening of City data not protected by privacy laws to the publci to encourage innovative new uses. Nearly two dozen data sets - including information on basketball courts, pathways, and sports fields - are now available at ottawa.ca/opendata. More will be added soon. People can use this data for any number of reasons, including mobile device applications. To that end, Council approved an 'Open App' development contest that will run this fall, with prize money and incentives totalling $50,000. Open Data Ottawa will continue to evolve through user feedback and consultations planned in the coming months. As Chair of the Information Technology Sub-Committee, I am excited by this approach that will ultimately provide improved information and services for residents. Details on the Open Data Contest will be available as we get closer to the fall.

• Weekly Column on Hydro Levy
  My weekly community newspaper column is posted online -- you can view a complete archive of my past columns this term by clicking here. In this week's column I discuss the proposed hydro levy for Kanata North. You can either click on the archive link or download my latest column directly in MS Word format by clicking here. As a reminder, I encourage you to come to my Ward Council meeting on Monday evening, which will focus from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on this issue.

• Invasive Plant Removal on May 16th, 2010
  Sarah Dehler of the Briarbrook Morgan's Grant Community Association is organizing a clean up day to address the invasive plant, Garlic Mustard, in the South March Highlands Conservation Forest. For more information, including contact information for Sarah at the BMGCA, click here.

• EAB Week Reminder!
  The City of Ottawa has proclaimed May 17th to 23rd, 2010 as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week and is reminding residents that firewood should not be moved due to the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer. If you need firewood, buy it locally. If you're going to a cottage or campsite, buy your wood there and leave it behind when you go. Moving a single piece could introduce the pest to new areas and compromise the health of our region's forests. To report an infested tree, please contact the CFIA at 1-866-463-6017. For more information on the EAB visit ottawa.ca/eab or call 3-1-1.

• Public Consultation on Kanata Avenue Hydro Poles - May 17th, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. (Kanata Seniors' Centre Program Room)
  Hydro Ottawa has erected tall hydro poles along the southern section of Kanata Avenue. This construction is different than the underground wiring previously installed by the former City of Kanata prior to amalgamation. Many residents who live in the vicinity have expressed their concern regarding this construction of overhead wires on a collector road, and have called for these lines to be buried like the rest of the road. I have been working to come up with a solution to bury these hydro lines, and have come up with the only available method to do so.
  
  After consulting with Hydro Ottawa, I've been told that the cost of burying the hydro lines is $3.5 million, and $2.5 million of that needs to be raised by the community of Kanata North in order to ensure that the lines are buried. A small charge, if approved by City Council, would be included on one's property tax bill over a period of ten years. You are invited to participate in a public consultation to learn more about this special levy and the process of getting it approved through the City on Monday, May 17th from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kanata Seniors' Centre Program Room (2500 Campeau Drive).

• Sports Fields Open
  Due to the early spring weather and thanks to the efforts of the Parks, Buildings and Grounds Maintenance crews, the City’s sports fields will be open on Friday, May 7th at 4:00 p.m. Organizations with official City contracts can use the facilities on the dates specified on their contracts (weather-permitting). Fields can be booked by calling 613-580-2595.

• Public Meeting on City’s Taxi By-Law
  On June 3rd, 2010 at the Community and Protective Services Committee the City will be considering staff recommendations related to the City’s Taxi By-Law to:
  - Update taxicab standards to allow for more low emission vehicles;
  - Review the taximeter rates adjustment (related to the introduction of the HST and request from the industry);
  - Revise the implementation date of the Driver Refresher Training Course to 2012;
  - Authorize minor housekeeping and administrative amendments.
  Please send comments by May 22nd to Jules Bouvier at 613-580-2424 x25616

• Green Bin boosts City of Ottawa diversion rate 30 per cent.
  The City of Ottawa congratulates residents for using their green bins and helping divert almost 5,000 tonnes of organic material from area landfills, roughly 500 garbage truck loads, from January to March 2010. Using your green bin is an easy way to help the environment by extending the life of the Ottawa landfills. You’ll also help create a valuable resource in the compost created from the organic waste collected in your green bin.

• OC Transpo Rack & Roll
  The new spring schedules launched in April along with the return of the Rack & Roll service for cyclists. More than 350 buses have bike racks, so you can ride the bus and take your bike with you. Nine routes (12, 85, 95, 96, 97, 99, 106, and 118) are designated Rack & Roll routes, which have bike racks on most trips. For more information visit octranspo.com or call 613-741-4390.

• Supreme Court Ruling in Favour of Municipalities
  In a unanimous ruling on April 15th, the Supreme Court of Canada handed municipalities a significant victory by clearly and unequivocally stating that the federal government and its Crown corporations must pay for the services municipalities provide in the same way that private property owners pay. Municipalities had a lot at stake in this case. The court’s decision will help municipalities across the country collect Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) payments from federal property owners that help pay the costs of providing local services to these properties.

• Phoney Sales-Pitches
  The City has received complaints from residents who have been contacted by water-filtration or treatment systems salespeople making false claims about the quality of City drinking water. (View the report at ottawa.ca). There have also been reported cases of phone calls and visits by people misrepresenting themselves as City of Ottawa employees. I would like to remind you, on behalf of the City, that the drinking water here is completely safe and of the highest quality, which is ensured through rigorous and ongoing testing.
  
  City employees do not contact residents to sell products or services. Except for city emergency situations, any visits that may require access to homes or businesses by City staff are scheduled in advance by City staff. Residents are also provided with advance notice of projects that may impact local residents. All employees requesting access have City-issued photo identification cards. Residents who are directly contacted by persons claiming to be City employees for City business are asked to check identification, and, if concerns remain, contact the City prior to allowing access. You are also asked to report any suspicious, unsolicited calls or visits to 3-1-1.

• Young at Art 2010
  Artwork from Ottawa’s best young artists will be on display at community galleries this month for Young at Art 2010 exhibitions and awards ceremonies will be held throughout the city. Prizes will be given for outstanding work in Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, and other categories. Young at Art is a juried art competition that brings the work of artists 12 to 19 years of age to local art galleries across the city. This competition represents a tremendous opportunity for the public recognition of young local artists. A newly sponsored category for digital graphic design has been added this year and will be awarded by Corel. For more information, visit ottawa.ca/youngatart.

• City’s updated Strategic Plan approved
  City Council approved the updated City Strategic Plan (2007-2010) that sets out Council’s priorities for its current four-year term. The updated plan sets the key initiatives that the City will work towards for the remainder of Council’s term this year. The update was linked to the 2010 budget process so that the City’s strategic goals are set within a financial framework. The update identifies many of the City’s achievements over the past two years, including approving the Transportation Master Plan and the Recommended Plan for the Downtown Ottawa Transit Tunnel (DOTT), retrofitting 25 local areans, procuring $46 million of infrastructure stimulus funding for social housing repairs and developing the Ottawa River Action Plan. The plan highlights the City’s $600-million commitment in the 2010 budget, in addition to $375 million in infrastructure stimulus funding, to renew and enhance Ottawa’s roads, transit, pedestrian and cycling facilities and cultural initiatives.

• Pedestrian Safety Evaluation Program Approved
  The Pedestrian Safety Evaluation Program, a three-year pilot project aimed at minimizing the frequency and severity of preventable collisions involving pedestrians, was approved by Council and will review approximately 23 intersections for pedestrian safety.

• Volunteers Needed for Community Tree Planting
  The City is looking for volunteers to plant trees! Come help the City of Ottawa kick off the first annual community planting event. Together over a thousand trees will be planted to enhance the City’s forest cover. The planting event will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 15th at the site of the Monaghan Reforestation Project in the south west end of the City. Bring your shovel and boots and have some fun in the dirt. Space is limited. For more information or to register to participate, please e-mail tree@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2424 x1TREE (x18733).

• REMINDER! A TASTE FOR LIFE!
  I am looking forward to participating in A Taste for Life for the second year on April 28th, 2010. A Taste for Life is a unique fundraising event that helps men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Ottawa.
  
  On the evening of Wednesday April 28th, I will be dining at Lapointe's Seafood Grill (60 Colchester Sq.) to help fight the impact of HIV/AIDS in our community. Just by dining at Lapointe's on that evening, the restaurant will donate 25% of the cost of meals and drinks served to Bruce House and the Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation. There is also the opportunity for diners to donate additionally for which charitable receipts will be provided.
  
  There are two ways for you to participate - I will be making a reservation and invite you to spend the evening having dinner with me by reserving through my office (though space is limited), or if you would like to support the event and go with your own group, please make sure to call the restaurant to make your reservation at 613-599-1424 and make sure to let them know you are booking for A Taste for Life!
  
  Along with Lapointe's there are over 40 restaurants participating this year. Have a look at the event website at www.atasteforlife.org to find out more about the fundraiser!
  
  I hope to see you there on April 28th!
  
  Please also send this off to friends, family and colleagues and get the word out about A Taste for Life!

• New Website Sections on Parks and on Roads
  Looking for more information on some of the recent park developments, or information on the road projects underway in Kanata North during this busy 2010 construction season? Under the "Issues" tab of my website you'll find two new sections, one labeled Parks and one labeled Roads. Have a look at these sections for more information on park plans like Keyrock Park and road construction information for projects like Terry Fox Drive.

• Public Meeting on Maintaining Safety and Harmony on City Streets
  Consideration is being given to the possibility of amending the Use and Care of Roads By-law to include provisions that would prohibit disorderly conduct on City streets or prohibit activity that would interfere with the general public using City streets or with adjacent property owners. The City is seeking public comment on this subject and invites you to attend a meeting to share your views on:
  
  Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W
  Andrew Haydon Hall (Council Chambers)
  
  The discussion paper on Maintaining Safety and Harmony on City Streets can be downloaded here in English or downloaded here in Frenchor can be obtained at Thursday evening's meeting.
  
  Comments may also be submitted in writing by May 31, 2010 by fax at 613-580-2719 or by e-mail to Christine.Hartig@ottawa.ca. For more information, please contact Christine at 613-580-2424 x25629.

• Weekly Green Bin and Leaf and Yard Waste Collection
  As of Tuesday, April 6, you will have your green bins and leaf and yard waste collected every week. Organic food scraps, soiled paper products and other allowable waste from residential homes can now be placed at the curb for weekly collection. For more information on what goes in the green bin and collection dates, check your Collection Calendar or visit ottawa.ca/greenbin.

• Ottawa Public Library System Upgrade
  The Ottawa Public Library will conduct a major computer system upgrade from April 12 to May 4. During this period, some services will be affected and all Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed on Monday, May 3 and Tuesday, May 4. The website will remain online and the book returns will remain open throughout the upgrade period. For more detailed information visit www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca, your local branch, or call 613-580-2940.

• Interprovincial Crossing – Phase 2A Online Consultation Deadline Approaching
  You are invited to complete an online questionnaire for the Interprovincial Crossing Environmental Assessment (EA) Study as part of Phase 2A of this project. The questionnaire should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete, however, you will first need to review the draft Study Design at ncrcrossings.ca and then visit surveymonkey.com/s/crossings for the questionnaire. The online consultation closes on Friday, April 16.

• Household Hazardous Waste Depot
  The City is hosting a one-day household hazardous waste depot on Saturday, April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Drain-All Ltd., 2705 Stevenage Drive, between Hawthorne Rd and Russell Rd, south of Walkley Rd. For more information visit ottawa.ca/hhw.

• Accessible Customer Service
  The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA 2005) is provincial legislation that aims to achieve full accessibility throughout the province of Ontario by the year 2025. This legislation requires accessibility of goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises and applies to private, public and voluntary sectors. The City of Ottawa has reported compliance with the new Accessibility Standard for Customer Service, the first Standard to be enacted under the AODA. Meeting compliance of the Accessible Customer Service Standard resulted in:
  -- The establishment of the City’s first ever Accessible Customer Service Policy and its endorsement by Council
  -- Development of an Accessible Customer Service training model that was delivered to almost 14,000 staff, volunteers as well as third-party contractors who work with residents on behalf of the City
  -- Development of an accessible services feedback process
  -- Enhanced awareness and process for requesting City documents in an accessible format, and
  -- Increased awareness of accessible services provided by the City (signage on the City’s website, Ottawa.ca).
  Future legislated standards under the AODA will include: Information and Communications, Built Environment, Transportation and Employment. For more information on Accessibility Services at the City of Ottawa and the Accessible Customer Service Standard visit ottawa.ca/accessibility.

• World Health Day - Walk at the Beaverpond
  Between April 7 and April 11 this year is World Health Week. For a healthy activity in Kanata North, I would like to invite you to join me on Saturday, April 10 at 9:00 a.m. for a walk in the Beaverpond area. We will meet at the parking area at the end of Walden Drive. Construction may start in this area later in the year so this is an opportunity to enjoy the woods as they are today. I hope to see you there!

• Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association 15th Annual Mammoth Used Book Sale
  The Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) will be holding its 15th annual Mammoth Used Book Sale at the Nepean Sportsplex on Saturday, April 17th, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, April 18th, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Through this sale, the FOPLA was able to raise almost $17,000 in support of the Ottawa Public Library! Over 20,000 used books will be available at the sale, with prices starting at one dollar for pocketbooks to two dollars for hard cover and trade paperbacks. Sets and special books are priced individually, and admission and parking is free. You will find a variety of materials on offer, from classics to children's books, fiction and non-fiction, as well as French and other language books as well. Used CDs, DVDs, videos and large print books will also be on sale. The proceeds are used to enhance the Ottawa Public Library collections, spaces and programs not covered in the regular budget.

• Upcoming Easter Scheduling Changes
  As a reminder, there will be a number of scheduling changes throughout the city on Friday, April 2 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 5 (Easter Monday). Ottawa City Hall, including my office and the Client Service Centres, will be closed on both the Friday and the Monday, with business resuming as usual on Tuesday, April 6. The City's 3-1-1 Contact Centre, however, will remain open as always. There will be no curbside garbage or recycling collection on Good Friday and Easter Monday - please check your collection calendar for more information. On Good Friday, OC Transpo will operate on a Sunday schedule, and on Easter Monday there will be some minor schedule reductions. Visit octranspo.com for the full details.Most pools, fitness centres and some arenas wil be open on Good Friday and Easter Monday with modified schedules, but be sure to check ottawa.ca for details. All branches of the Ottawa Public Library will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, with regular branch hours resuming on Tuesday, April 6.

• One Million Kilometers for the O-Train
  One of the O-Trains has now traveled more than one million kilometers, a distance equivalent to circling the globe 25 times. The odometer clicked past the million kilometer milestone at 9:48 a.m. on March 19th while the O Train was traveling north towards the Confederation Station. The initial ridership target of the O-Train pilot project was between 5,100 and 6,400 customer-trips per day, though ridership has now reached more than 10,000 customer-trips per day due to the outstanding reliability and convenience of the O-Train for students and other commuters along this corridor.

• Community-Based Income Tax Information Clinics
  The Federal Government has organized a number of volunteer-run community based income tax information clinics throughout Canada, including a number in Ottawa. For more information on this, visit the CRA website by clicking here.

• Spring Cleaning the Capital
  With the warmer weather comes the annual Spring Cleaning the Capital campaign, following up on last year's record participation of 87,400 participants in the Spring and Fall campaigns. The Spring 2010 campaign runs from April 15 to May 15, and early bird registration has already begun. You can register online at ottawa.ca/clean or by calling 3-1-1. Register on or before April 14 2010 for your chance to win early-bird prizes!
  
  In the spring of 2009, we won the Ward Award for having the highest participation ratio and this was our fourth consecutive win! As the repeat-winner, I issued a challenge to my colleagues on Council to try and beat Kanata North with an Oscar the Grouch Trophy as an incentive. I was pleased that Stittsville-Kanata West stepped up and won the Ward Award in the fall, but sorry that we lost the challenge. Congratulations to Councillor Qadri and the residents of Stittsville-Kanata West! Now it is time for Kanata North to step forward and win back the Oscar!

• Terry Fox Road Debate
  The Beaverbrook Community Association will be meeting on March 24th, and at this meeting will be hosting a debate on the Terry Fox Drive completion. The debate will be between Matt Muirhead of the Briarbrook-Morgan's Grant Community Association and John Bennett, Executive Director of the Sierra Clubb of Canada. This takes place at the Beaverbrook Community Centre (at the west end of the Calian Mall, entrance off Beaverbrook Road, just west of Teron Rd) at 7:30 p.m. I look forward to hearing all positions at that time.

• A Taste for Life
  
  I am thrilled to be hosting A Taste for Life at Lapointe's Seafood Grill at 60 Colchester Sq. on April 28, 2010. A Taste for Life is a unique, annual fundraising event that has been helping Ottawa men, womena nd children living with HIV/AIDS for ten years by raising funds for Bruce House and the Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation. All you have to do is have dinner, and Lapointe's Seafood Grill will generously donate 25% of the cost of your meal to Bruce House and the Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation that evening.
  
  There are two ways to participate - I will be making a reservation and invite you to spend the evening having dinner with me by reserving through my office (though space is limited). Alternatively, make your reservation directly through Lapointe's Seafood Grill at 613-599-1424 for Wednesday, April 28ht, and note that your reservation is for A Taste for Life. Then come, eat, and enjoy a fun night out for a great cause! For more information, please visit www.atasteforlife.org.

• Please Stay Off Sports Fields and Baseball Diamonds
  I would like to remind you, on behalf of the City, to stay off sports fields and baseball diamonds to allow the turf to grow for this upcoming season. Access to ball diamonds is not permitted prior to Saturday, May 1, 2010 and access to sports fields is not permitted prior to Saturday, May 15, 2010.

• Report Potholes and Other Road Deficiencies
  Winter takes its toll on our city’s roadways, and the Roads and Traffic Operations and Maintenance Branch has been working diligently repairing potholes. The need for road repairs intensifies during the winter and spring months as freezing-and-thawing cycles contribute to bumps, cracks and potholes. Staff are currently applying “hot mix” asphalt that adheres to the existing asphalt effectively and is more durable than the “cold patch” asphalt used to repair potholes. In the meantime, you can assist in locating bumps, cracks and potholes by reporting significant road deficiencies by calling 3-1-1 or sending an e-mail to 311@ottawa.ca.

• Comment Deadline for City’s Updated Economic Strategy
  The deadline to submit comments on the City’s updated Economic Strategy is March 19th – as a reminder, you can view and comment on the white papers at www.opinionottawa.ca or submit your comments via e-mail to economicdevelopment@ottawa.ca. More information on the Economic Strategy Update is available at ottawa.ca or by contacting economicdevelopment@ottawa.ca or 3-1-1.

• Protecting Ottawa’s Drinking Water – Intake Protection Zone Study Open Houses
  Two public Open Houses are scheduled to inform you about a recently completed study that identified land areas, or zones, tributary to the Ottawa River that could pose threats to the source water that the Britannia and Lemieux Island water purification plants draw upon to provide much of our City’s drinking water. This study was completed as a requirement of Ontario’s Clean Water Act, and is co-managed by the City of Ottawa and the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region. At the Open Houses there will be display boards summarizing the findings of the study along with a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m. at both Open Houses. Additional display boards will summarize how drinking water is treated at the water purification plants as well as display boards presenting an overview of other Ottawa River initiatives.
  
  Open House #1
  March 22, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Tom Brown Arena (141 Bayview Rd, Ottawa)
  
  Open House #2
  March 31, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (102 Greenview Ave, Britannia Park Ottawa)
  
  Study findings are also posted on the website www.mrsourcewater.ca, and your written comments can be submitted before the deadline of April 16, 2010.

• New Website for Ottawa Public Library
  The Ottawa Public Library has launched a new website, which contains many of the same features as before in a more user-friendly format, intuitive navigation, new ways to connect with other users and OPL staff, and enhanced media content. Visit www.biblioottawalibrary.ca, and if you have any questions visit the New OPL Website FAQ.

• Ottawa Public Library Sunday Hours
  At the March 8th meeting of the Ottawa Public Library Board, the Board approved funding to extend Sunday hours in six OPL branches, including the Beaverbrook and Hazeldean branches in Kanata. These branches will be open on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. until Sunday, June 6th (previously, these branches ceased opening on Sunday mid-May). The branches will be closed on Sundays from June 13th through to September 5th, and will resume opening on Sunday on September 12th (previously they resumed in mid-October).

• Interprovincial Crossings Environmental Assessment Study Public Consultation Sessions
  Public Consultation sessions for Phase 2A of the Interprovincial Crossings EA Study will be taking place soon. Phase 2A is being undertaken by AECOM-Delcan Co-Enterprise and includes the preparation of a Study Design and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Project Scoping document to guide the process and scope for Phase 2B. You are invited to review information boards, participate in discussions with Study experts at various ‘consultation kiosks’ on location, and provide comments on the draft Study Design report, anytime between 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the following locations:
  
  Ottawa City Hall (Jean Pigott Hall)
  110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa ON
  Tuesday, March 30, 2010
  4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  
  Gatineau Maison du Citoyen – Agora
  25, rue Laurier, Gatineau QC
  Wednesday, March 31, 2010
  4 :00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  
  For more information visit www.ncrcrossings.ca. There you can also subscribe to e-mail alerts for updates on the Study.

• Scrap Metal Diversion from Trail Waste Facility
  City’s Solid Waste Operations Branch almost tripled scrap-metal diversion from the Trail Waste Facility in 2009 when compared to 2008, as a result of staff initiative. In 2007, 452 tonnes of metal that otherwise would have been disposed of in the landfill were recovered and sold to recyclers; this generated revenue of $23,157. In 2008, the tonnage dropped to 222 (with a revenue of $11,369). Solid Waste Operations Branch staff understood the potential for recovering more scrap metal and the importance of preserving capacity in our residential waste landfill, so adjustments were made in 2009 after reviewing the program, and aggressive recovery targets were set. Using existing staffing levels and budgets, 600 tonnes of scrap metal was recovered from the residential waste stream and diverted from the landfill, generating revenue of $60,000 for the City. You can do your part in diversion by participating in the Take It Back! program.

• KNRC Schematic Design Feedback
  If you were unable to attend the Public Meeting on March 11, 2010, please visit the Recreation Complex section of my website. There, under the timeline and meeting for March 2010 you will find a PDF version of the presentation on the schematic designs. I would encourage you to take the time to review this plan and submit your feedback to Paul Landry, the Senior Project Manager for the Kanata North Recreation Complex. Stay tuned to my website for the next Public Meeting, which we expect will be in approximately two months time.

• Kanata North Recreation Complex - Public Meeting March 11, 2010
  You are invited to review and provide input on the schematic design plans for th Kanata North Recreation Complex (KNRC) to the KNRC Steering Committee, Ward Councillors (myself and Eli El-Chantiry), City staff, design consultants, and representatives from teh National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA on March 11, 2010 between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at All Saints High School (5115 Kanata Ave).

• OC Transpo Bus Operator Recruitment
  The City is currently accepting applications for the position of bus operator from March 8 to April 12, 2010 and is looking to staff 85 positions. If you have a strong customer service background, sound judgement skills, enjoy driving and working with the public in a diverse work environment, this could be the career for you. Apply online through ottawa.ca/careers.

• City of Ottawa Spring Operations Begin
  The recent mild temperatures and minimal snow precipitation has allowed the city to initiate spring clean up operations, which currently involves hot mix pothole patching, litter pickup, and hand sweeping. Spring operations will continue into full clean-up as weather permits. The City also recognizes, however, that as it is still early March the possibility of a turn in the weather exists and crews and equipment are prepared to deal with another winter storm event should it arrive.

• Earth Hour 2010
  Once again, the City of Ottawa will be celebrating Earth Hour and you are asked to participate in the campaign scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. by simply turning out your lights. Join forces with nearly 1 billion people in more than 4,000 cities around the world – visit ottawa.ca and click on Earth Hour to sign up online, and register your support to the fight against climate change. You can also find a toolkit for Earth Hour at wwf.ca.
  
  Hydro Ottawa has a number of year-round conservation tips available on hydroottawa.com, such as putting power bars on timers to stop daytime waste usage, turning outdoor lights off during the day, keeping your furnace filter clean regularly, washing your clothing in cold or warm water, and many more small suggestions that make a huge difference.

• Civic Appreciation Awards
  Nominate a special individual for a City of Ottawa Civic Appreciation Award. Each spring, the City holds its Civic Appreciation Awards ceremony following National Volunteer Week. This volunteer appreciation program provides an opportunity to nominate and recognize individuals, groups, and organizations that volunteer in a variety of ways in our community. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 26, 2010. More information, including the nomination form, can be found online at ottawa.ca/volunteering or by calling 3-1-1.

• OC Transpo Schedules for March Break
  OC Transpo bus schedules will be modified slightly during the March Braek (March 15 to 19), as schools will be closed and many people will be on holidays. Complete details are available at www.octranspo.com or by calling 613-560-1000 and entering your 4-digit stop number.

• Spring & Summer Recreation Guides Available
  The new City of Ottawa Spring/Summer 2010 Recreation Guide is now available. The guide can be picked up at neighbourhood recreation facilities, Client Service Centres, Ottawa Public Library branches, participating retail outlets or viewed online at ottawa.ca/recreation.

• Community Environmental Projects Grants Program (CEPGP)
  Funding has been made available through the Community Environmental Projects Grants Program for 2010. Proposals from non-profit organizations wishing to help improve the environment in their neighbourhood can be submitted before the deadline of Wednesday, March 31, 2010. More information, such as the application form and eligibility requirements, can be found at ottawa.ca.

• Civic Events Funding Applications Available for 2010
  Local not-for-profit organizations, such as volunteer-based community or recreation associations, are invited to apply for funding under the 2010 Civic Events Funding Program, to provide one to two-day civic events with free admission that foster civic pride and develop community cohesion. These events are linked to and celebrate a civic/statutory holiday (i.e. Victoria Day, Canada Day), are held in a specific geographic district in Ottawa, and encompass a broad range of activities (family entertainment). The application deadline is March 24th and the maximum allocation is $2,000. Applications are available at City of Ottawa Client Service Centres or by visiting ottawa.ca/communityfunding. For more information or for any further clarifications, contact Brenda Denault at 613-580-2424 x26459.

• Non-Renewable Community Project Funding Available for 2010
  Non-profit community organizations in Ottawa are invited to submit applications for new projects that address Community Project Funding priorities. For information on both the One-Year Project Funding and Three-Year Project Funding, visit ottawa.ca/communityfunding. The deadline to apply is April 8, 2010 and information sessions are being held (in English at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Dr on March 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. and in French at the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre, 300 Pères Blancs Avenue on March 16 from 4 to 6 p.m.). If you require special needs accommodation for the information sessions, please contact Julie Tremblay at 613-580-2424 x12513. For information on the 2010 Non-Renewable Community Project Funding Program, contact Rahmat Shahidi at 613-580-2424 x24251.

• Fire Chief Encourages Caution when Venturing on Ice
  Fire Chief John deHooge urges residents to practice caution when venturing on the ice on our rivers and lakes at this time of year. In addition to the warmer-than-usual temperatures, other factors like currents, water depth, and fluctuating water levels also weaken the ice. Any one, or a combination, of these factors can quickly change the ice safety conditions from one day to the next.

• EAB Management Strategy Continues
  We are preparing to enter the second phase of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Strategy. During the first phase, the City planted trees in areas with severe ash tree decline. Now, during the second phase, infested trees have been identified for removal based on a City-wide EAB monitoring program. In anticipation of the loss of thousands of ash trees in the next 10 to 15 years, the City is tracking the infestation in order to ensure a continuous forest cover for Ottawa, and endeavours to help slow the spread of EAB through tree planting, tree protection, tree removal, and controlling wood movement. This insect does not move quickly on its own, so you can help slow the spread by not moving ash products, particularly firewood. If it is necessary to move wood from your property, please consult the federal government regulations before transporting any ash products. If you need to purchase firewood, please do so locally. For more information on the EAB, visit ottawa.ca/eab or call 3-1-1.

• Affordable program for low-income women to get active, feel great
  The City is providing low-income women an affordable opportunity to get fit and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through the Woman Alive/Femme active Program, a program now in its 13th year. Ottaaw Public Health, Parks and Recreation and partners in healthy living are delivering the program at nine City community and recreation facilities, such as the Kanata Leisure Centre (70 Aird Place, 613-591-9283 x308). For more information, call the Ottawa Public Health info line at 613-580-6744, or visit ottawa.ca/health.

• Lansdowne Park Open Space Design Firms Confirmed
  Five firms have been invited to compete for the design of Lansdowne Park’s open space. A Request for Qualifications for design companies interested in the public space design competition was released on January 16 and closed on February 12. After receiving 21 submissions, the short-listed firms are:
  - Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (Cambridge, MA, USA)
  - Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
  - The SWA Group (Sausalito, CA, USA)
  - West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture (Toronto, ON, Canada)
  - Williams, Asselin, Ackaoui & Associates Inc. (Montreal, QC, Canada)
  At the end of February, the design firms began gathering information and ideas for the new open space in a meeting with the City, the National Capital Commission, and Parks Canada in a design symposium. The five firms will each develop their proposed park designs and in May will unveil them to the City for further public comments. For the latest information on Lansdowne Park, visit ottawa.ca/lansdownepartnership or contact the City at 3-1-1.

• Ottawa Physician of the Year Award
  Congratulations to Dr. Isra Levy, our Medical Officer of Health, who received the Ottawa Physician of the Year Award from the Academy of Medicine of Ottawa in recognition of Dr. Levy’s demonstrated excellence as a clinician, advocate and professional, and for his outstanding service to the community.

• Economic Strategy Update
  The City held an Economic Forum involving approximately 80 key stakeholders as the next step in the City’s Economic Strategy Update. I am on the 11-member Steering Committee, working with staff, to develop the updated strategy to provide direction and priorities for economic development policy and programming through 2015. Seven white papers were developed to frame the discussions and to stimulate creative thought and innovative ideas in specific areas – as a member of the public, you have the opportunity to provide input by visiting opinionottawa.ca or e-mailing staff at economicdevelopment@ottawa.ca. The deadline for submitting comments on the white papers is March 19, after which feedback will be compiled and provided to the Steering Committee and a draft strategy developed and brought to the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee, of which I am also a member, along with Council in June 2010. More info at Ottawa.ca, e-mail above, or 3-1-1.

• Women in Politics Campaign School
  Councillor Jan Harder and I will be hosting a Campaign School for women interested in running for municipal office or women managing campaigns of candidates for municipal office. More information on this event, which will be taking place on February 27th at City Hall, can be obtained by clicking here.

• IT Vendor Information Session
  The City of Ottawa, in partnership with OCRI, hosted an IT Vendor Information Session to present the City's Five Year Technology Roadmap. As Chair of the City's Information Technolgoy Sub-Committee, I attended the meeting, where I was joined by over 385 other participants; primarily those technology vendors who currently do business with the city, as well as those interested in future opportunities. The Five Year Technology Roadmap that was presented outlines the City's plan in developing and expanding its eGovernment services, which will improve how we engage with residents. The Five Year Technology Roadmap can be downloaded as a PDF from the city's website by clicking here.

• Young at Art 2010
  Young at Art application forms are now available for artists aged 12 to 19. Works selected for Young at Art 2010 will be displayed in Ottawa community galleries and will be recognized for outstanding work at award presentations throughout the city. For the first time this year, three Young at Art exhibitors will be awarded studio space at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre for the months of July and August to build their portfolio and develop their work as a part fo the Young At Art Award Studios. Applications are available at secondary schools throughout the city, Ottawa Public Library branches, online at ottawa.ca/youngatart, or by contacting the Young at Art 2010 coordinator, Mike Taylor, at 613-550-2424 x29288 or mike.taylor@ottawa.ca. The deadline for submissions is March 5th at 4:00 p.m.

• Spring Cleaning the Capital
  In 2009, 151,218 kg of litter - enough to fill 20 garbage trucks - was collected throughout more than 1,438 of our parks, woodlots, shorelines and roadways throughout the city during the Cleaning the Capital campaigns. After winning the award for the Ward with the Highest Participation three times in a row, I issued a challenge to the rest of Council to encourage their residents to participate -- and they were up to the challenge! Stittsville Councillor Shad Qadri accepted the Fall Cleaning the Capital award for highest participation on behalf of his residents, along with an "Oscar the Grouch" trophy I've provided for some extra fun. Congratulations to Stittsville, and thank you to those who participated in Kanata North. Let's win back our award this spring! Visit ottawa.ca/clean for information on this spring's program (April 15th to May 15th).

• March Break Program Registration
  During the week of March 15th to 19th, the City is offering a number of programs (swimming, dance, arts, and more) for school-aged children away from school. You can register online at ottawa.ca, by calling 613-580-2588 or in person at the City's Client Service Centres. More information on the March Break programming is available at ottawa.ca/recreation.

For more news, view the archive

Last Updated: 2010-07-26