City News

May 17, 2013

City of Ottawa Proposed Wildlife Strategy

The City of Ottawa is seeking input from residents on its proposed wildlife strategy before final recommendations go to Council. The strategy aims to prevent and resolve human-wildlife conflicts by taking a balanced approach to wildlife management. Recommendations include the creation of a City Wildlife Biologist position, expansion of information available to residents on common wildlife species, and the pro-active evaluation and response to reports of habituated coyotes. The draft strategy is available for review online at Ottawa.ca until May 24th. Comments can be submitted by email to Nicholas Stow at wildlifestrategy@ottawa.ca

March 22, 2013

Bronson Avenue Safety and Operational Review (from Brewer Way to Holmwood Avenue)

In November 2012 the City of Ottawa Transportation Committee directed staff to conduct a Safety and Operational Review of the stretch of Bronson Avenue between Brewer Way and Holmwood Avenue.  The purpose of the study was to address vehicle speeds, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and collisions. The following link provides information from the staff review on the existing conditions, as well as proposed short term and medium term changes that were presented at a public open house.

http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/transportation-and-parking/road-safety

The final staff recommended changes are tentatively scheduled to be presented in a report at the April 3rd Transportation Committee meeting.  The agenda for the meeting will be available on the City of Ottawa web site at Ottawa.ca one week before the meeting. Many south-end motorists depend on Bronson Avenue as their main route downtown.  I invite you to review the information and provide me with your comments through email at diane.deans@ottawa.ca or by phone at 613-580-2480.

 

March 21, 2013

Register now to celebrate 20 years of Cleaning the Capital

The City of Ottawa and Tim Hortons are pleased to announce the annual Spring Cleaning the Capital campaign, which will take place from April 15 until May 15. Spring Cleaning the Capital is a city-wide event that brings together neighbours, communities and friends to help keep Ottawa beautiful.

Volunteers who register their cleanup project between March 15 and April 14, have a chance to win one of many early bird prizes donated by our generous sponsors. Regular registration ends May 15th.

Registration is quick and easy. First, select a cleanup location, such as a park, ravine, shoreline, bus stop, pathway or any public area requiring tidying up. Projects can include litter pickup or graffiti removal. To register your clean up please visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).Following the event, submit an online cleanup report by May 31 to be eligible for more prizes from our sponsors.

Cleanup starter kits for litter pickup and graffiti removal projects are available to all registered volunteers upon request. Litter pickup starter kits include: disposable vinyl gloves, garbage bags as well as leaf and yard waste bags. Graffiti removal starter kits include graffiti removal wipes and gloves. All kits come with helpful project and safety information to guide your cleanup project.

For more information visit www.ottawa.ca.

February 4, 2013

Young at Art 2013 applications now available

The City of Ottawa is inviting young artists to enter the Young at Art 2013 juried exhibition for youth. Young Ottawa artists between 12 and 19 years of age will have an opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in a citywide event. Works selected for Young at Art 2013 will be displayed in Ottawa community galleries and will be recognized at awards presentations in the east, west and central areas of the city. This year there is a central theme of “Exploration” in honour of the 400th Anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's first voyage up the Ottawa River and artists are encouraged to submit artwork that expresses this theme in any visual art medium they wish.

Application forms, details and guidelines are available online at ottawa.ca/youngatart. Forms are also available at community centres, Ottawa Public Library branches and by contacting Mike Taylor, Young at Art Coordinator at 613-580-2424, ext. 29288 or mike.taylor@ottawa.ca. Please remember that the deadline for Young at Art 2013 submissions is Friday, March 1, 2013 at 4 p.m.

 

January 8, 2013

City of Ottawa 2013 Summer Student Employment Program 

Ottawa – Students interested in summer employment with the City of Ottawa can apply online beginning Monday, January 7, 2013.

The Summer Student Employment Program is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience and insight into today's workforce, discover a career path, showcase skills and enhance academic goals.

Positions are available in the following areas:

• Administrative and Support Services
• Building, Roads, Forestry and Parks Maintenance
• By-Law Services
• Engineering and Science
• Environmental Science
• Finance and Accounting
• Information Technology and Geomatics
• Laboratory Technologist/Chemistry
• Library Services
• Parks and Recreation Services
• Public Health Services
• Recreation, Heritage, Community and Social Services
• Traffic and Parking Operations

For more information including eligibility criteria and other requirements, visit ottawa.ca. Applications will be accepted from Monday, January 7 to Thursday, February 7, 2013.

 

December 24, 2012

Cold weather caution 

Ottawa – As the temperature drops, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and Ottawa Paramedic Services would like to remind residents to take precautions against the cold this winter. Please see below for some cold weather tips to help everyone have a safe and healthy winter season.

Dress for the weather

The key to staying warm is dressing in layers. Make sure the outer layer protects you from wind and wetness. Mittens or gloves, hats and scarves are also important to protect exposed skin from frostbite.

Monitor weather forecasts and storm warnings

Check local weather forecasts so you can prepare and dress for the conditions:

•At -15 Celsius, hypothermia is of increasing concern and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can result in severe injury and even death
•With a wind chill of -25, the risk of frostbite increases substantially. OPH issues frostbite advisories to local agencies and community partners whose clients are the most vulnerable to the cold such as the homeless and small children
•When the wind chill reaches -35, a frostbite warning is issued to the public at large to advise everyone to take extra precautions against the cold
Watch out for falls

Footwear with good traction is recommended when surfaces are slippery. Ice-grips slide overtop most footwear to prevent slipping. Consider carrying a small amount of sand, grit or non-clumping cat litter with you to sprinkle on icy patches. The City has placed bright yellow grit boxes in over 40 locations around Ottawa for residents to use. The yellow grit boxes are located close to steep hills and in areas where there are many pedestrians and/or seniors. Residents are encouraged to spread the grit on slippery spots on sidewalks and other problem areas.

Help for homeless people

Homeless people are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. Please call 3-1-1 if you see someone living outdoors in extreme cold. There are services available to help homeless people which include:

•Emergency sleeping spaces in Ottawa shelters
•Street outreach services to encourage homeless people to come in from the cold
•Provision of emergency transportation and other services by the Salvation Army

To seek assistance for a homeless person, concerned citizens are encouraged to call 3-1-1 or the Help for the Homeless Phone Line at 613-580-2626. Calls are answered by the City of Ottawa Call Centre on a priority basis and referrals are made to the appropriate services.

Look for our live extreme weather updates on Twitter @OttawaHealth.

Check out ottawa.ca/health for many more tips on dressing for cold weather and how to spot the symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.

For more information, visit ottawa.ca/health or call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest news from OPH.

 

December 21, 2012

City’s approved sledding hills open 

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa has opened its 56 approved sledding hills. Outdoors enthusiasts are invited to sled while weather and hill conditions permit, and to keep personal safety in mind while sledding.

Approved sledding hill locations and safety tips are available on the City’s website at ottawa.ca.

 

December 19, 2012

City Council approves Confederation Line, construction to begin in spring 2013 

Ottawa – The Confederation Line, the biggest capital project in the City of Ottawa’s history, was approved by City Council today in a unanimous vote.

Council endorsed the selection of the Rideau Transit Group, a consortium of world-leading engineering firms, to build the Confederation Line at a fixed capital price of $2.1 billion. The Confederation Line is the 12.5-kilometre light rail transit (LRT) project that is the backbone of Ottawa’s new rail and rapid bus public transit system, with 13 rail stations.

“Today marks a tremendous accomplishment for our Council and our City,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Together we provided staff with clear direction that this project must be delivered on time and on budget. Working with our partners in Infrastructure Ontario, we have an impressive and comprehensive plan to get us there. I congratulate all of my Council colleagues and the talented, dedicated team that helped us reach this milestone.”

The City will enter into a formal agreement with RTG to design, build, finance and maintain the LRT line from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Station. With this in place, construction is expected to begin in late February, when RTG will begin widening Highway 417 between Nicholas Street and the 417/174 split. The two additional lanes being added will be used for express bus service while the Transitway is closed for LRT conversion.

“With Council’s endorsement, Ottawa will begin to build its transit system for a guaranteed price,” said City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick. “This project is designed to grow our transit system to meet the City’s long-term demand. Once completed, the system will be fast, efficient, comfortable and ready to serve the residents of Ottawa for generations to come.”

Funding for the Confederation Line is being provided by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Ottawa. The Government of Canada is contributing $600 million through the Building Canada Fund. The City will also allocate up to $192 million of its Federal Gas Tax fund receipts to this project. The Government of Ontario is contributing $600 million in direct grant contributions. In addition, the City will allocate $287 million of its Provincial Gas Tax receipts to the capital infrastructure. The remaining project budget funds will come from development charge revenues and transit reserves.

“We are building for Ottawa’s future and the shovels will soon be in the ground,” said Nancy Schepers, the Deputy City Manager for Infrastructure and Planning. “Maintaining our mobility will be crucial. With the support of Council, and our new partners in Rideau Transit Group, we have a solid team and a solid plan that includes maximizing mobility options through construction and beyond.”

Residents can continue to view the detailed designs of the Confederation Line by visiting confederationline.ca.

 

December 18, 2012

Ottawa to host 2014 Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships 

Ottawa – The City of Ottawa will welcome thousands of figure skaters, fans and tourists when it hosts the 2014 Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships, Skate Canada announced today. The event will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the competition, which began in 1914 at the Minto Skating Club in Ottawa.

“This cornerstone event is a welcome addition to the many world-class tournaments, events and conferences that are choosing to come to Ottawa,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Hosting events like this one is a great way to showcase our magnificent city, while generating significant economic benefits for our local economy.”

The event, which will be held January 9 to 15, 2014 at Scotiabank Place, is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of close to $4 million for the City of Ottawa. The City has committed to provide a $50,000 investment towards the event.

This marks the 14th time the event will be held in Ottawa. Ottawa last hosted the championships in 2006.

The event is the final qualification opportunity for the athletes who will be named to represent Canada at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Promoting the nation’s capital as an ideal location for major national and international events and conventions is a cornerstone priority for the City’s economic development plan. Through a partnership between the City and Ottawa Tourism, a major events office is helping to bring more high-profile events to the capital.

Ottawa has recently seen success in attracting major sporting events to the city. In 2013, Ottawa will host the IIHF Women’s World Championships and the ITU Duathlon World Championships. Ottawa will also be one of the official host cities for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Our strategy is simple – bid more, win more, host more,” said Mayor Watson. “We are seeing the results of this strategy with more world-class events coming to Ottawa, which not only enhances our city’s national and international reputation, but also helps strengthen our local tourism and hospitality sector.”

 

December 17, 2012

Make food safety part of your holiday menu 

Ottawa - Whether you are eating at home or at one of Ottawa’s many restaurants, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding residents to keep food safety top of mind during this busy and festive time of year.

Residents can avoid foodborne illness by following safe food handling, storage and cooking practices at home, and by choosing restaurants that consistently meet safety guidelines.

Health Canada estimates that there are between 11 and 13 million cases of foodborne illness in Canada every year. Foodborne illness –sometimes called food poisoning– usually results from eating food or drinking water contaminated by disease-causing bacteria or the toxins they produce. Here are some tips that will make this Holiday Season safer for you, your loved ones and your guests.

Preparation, thawing, storage and sanitation:

•Wash your hands for at least 15 seconds with soap and water, especially after sneezing, smoking, coughing, using the washroom, touching pets, changing diapers, or touching raw meats or eggs.
•Wash all vegetables and fruits, including those that you peel or cut, such as melons, oranges and cucumbers.
•Thaw foods in the refrigerator – turkey or chicken should be thawed in the refrigerator and never at room temperature.
•Be sure to cover and store raw meat or marinades on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to avoid spilling liquids on ready-to-eat foods.
•Wash, rinse, and sanitize utensils, cutting boards, and food preparation surfaces and be sure to use separate work areas to avoid cross-contamination of raw and ready-to-eat foods. Remember, your hands can also transfer bacteria from raw to cooked foods.
Cooking:

Cook all ground beef, pork and fish products until it registers an internal temperature of 71°C/158°F on a cooking thermometer for 15 seconds.

Turkey and stuffing:

•Cook turkey and stuffing separately.
•Cook turkey until it registers an internal temperature of 82°C/180°F on a cooking thermometer for 15 seconds.
•Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Raw egg products:

Prepare foods that may contain raw eggs such as eggnog, hollandaise sauce and caesar salad dressing, fresh every day using pasteurized eggs.

Deli meat, soft cheeses and appetizers:

•Keep cold foods such as cheese and meat platters at a temperature of 4°C/40°F or below. Tip: Place the serving dish over cubed or crushed ice.
•Keep hot foods such as appetizers at a temperature of 60°C/140°F or above. Tip: Use a hot plate, slow cooker or chafing dish.
Dining out

Did you know that OPH Restaurant Inspections are posted online? Inspectors visit food establishments, both on a routine and complaint related basis, to make sure any deficiencies are quickly corrected, and prepare a report about each visit. This report is posted online shortly after the inspection and includes any deficiencies found at the establishment.

Food poisoning can feel like the flu. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever. If you suspect that your health has been compromised because of food, contact your family doctor or visit a walk-in medical clinic.

For more food safety tips, visit ottawa.ca or to report a suspected food-borne illness call Ottawa Public Health information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on our blog, Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth).

 

December 15, 2012

City Winter Operations crews clear the way for safety in a snow storm 

Ottawa – Maintaining Ottawa roads, sidewalks and bus stops is a top priority for City snow clearing crews during and after a snow storm.

“Even in inclement winter conditions, residents can have confidence that our snow removal crews are hard at work clearing our transportation network and keeping our City moving,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Clearing the way and getting residents safely to their destination is a high priority for the City during a snow storm.”

As City crews clear the roads during or after a snowstorm, motorists are reminded to be patient and remain a safe distance behind working snow plows. It is important to never pass a snow plow on the right. Snow plows are wider than the average vehicle with large blades that extend a meter or more out of the vehicle and into the neighbouring lane. Passing a snow plow on the right could result in severe, even fatal, collisions.

“During a winter storm, our priority is ensuring the safety of motorists and residents as they travel around the city, but motorists also play a role in keeping our roads safe by making smart decisions when driving near a snow plow,” said Councillor Wilkinson. “Crowding, passing or cutting off a plow not only puts the driver at risk, but also the snow plow operator.”

The City snow clearing crews maintain an area covering 2,796 km², spanning more than 90 kilometres from east to west. Crews prioritize and optimize snow and ice removal procedures based on the Council-approved Maintenance Quality Standards that were established to ensure the safety and accessibility of the transportation network. These standards make certain a consistent level of snow clearing service is provided to residents.

Residents can keep informed of winter storm conditions by signing up for e-Alerts and Twitter notifications, listening to local media, or by visiting ottawa.ca. Under normal winter storm conditions the City will deploy approximately 550 pieces of equipment and operators to deliver winter road maintenance services.

For more information about City snow clearing procedures and how the City prioritizes snow and ice management services, please visit ottawa.ca.

 

December 15, 2012

Plasco Commercial Facility Agreement Finalized 

Ottawa – The Plasco Commercial Facility Long-Term Waste Conversion Agreement and the associated agreements have been finalized.

The agreements are in accordance with the terms and conditions approved by Council in December 2011 and will advance the City’s goals of maximizing waste diversion and reserving municipal landfill capacity for residential waste.

“The City took rigorous steps to protect the interest of taxpayers when negotiating this contract. I am looking forward to Plasco building the commercial facility”, said Councillor Maria McRae, Chair of the City’s Environment Committee.

“The finalization of the commercial agreement represents an important milestone in the City’s ongoing partnership with Plasco Energy Group Inc.”, said City Manager, Kent Kirkpatrick.

The agreement provides for the City to supply and Plasco to process 109,500 tonnes of City waste annually for a minimum 20-year term, plus four five-year extensions at the option of the City. All construction, operating and maintenance costs are the responsibility of Plasco. The Plasco Conversion Facility will process 130,000 tonnes of total waste per year. The City has the right of first refusal to supply the total.

An alternate location to 3704 Moodie Drive, Lot 10, Concession 4 Rideau Front (at the corner of Moodie Drive and Trail Road), which has the property zoning in place that is compatible with the City’s Official Plan, was selected for the commercial facility lease. A report on the commercial lease will be forthcoming to the Environment Committee and Council for consideration and approval in the New Year.

 

December 10, 2012

Holiday Season schedule changes 

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa reminds residents of the following schedule changes for Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas Day), Wednesday, December 26 (Boxing Day), and Tuesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day).

Client services:

•Ottawa City Hall and all seven Client Service Centres, including the Government Service Centre located at 110 Laurier Avenue West, will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The Metcalfe Client Service Centre will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 27. The North Gower Client Service Centre will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 27. The West Carleton Client Service Centre will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 27. Business will resume as usual on Wednesday, January 2.
•The City’s Provincial Offences Court, located at 100 Constellation Crescent, will also be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Business will resume as usual on Wednesday, January 2.
•The City’s 3-1-1 Contact Centre will be open for urgent matters requiring the City’s immediate attention. Call 3-1-1 or 613-580-2400 to speak to a customer service representative. For persons with a hearing-related disability, call (TTY: 613-580-2401).

Garbage and recycling:

•There will be no curbside or multi-residential green bin, recycling or garbage collection on Christmas Day. Christmas Day’s pickup will take place on Boxing Day, and Boxing Day’s pick-up will take place on Thursday, December 27. New Year’s Day pick-up will take place on Wednesday, January 2. In addition, the collection of garbage, green bin, and recycling materials will be delayed by one day for the weeks of December 24 and 31. For curbside collection enquiries, refer to the collection calendar tool.
•The Trail Waste Facility will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
•Christmas trees will be collected on the same day as the green bin. Please remove all decorations.

Transit service:

•OC Transpo will operate a reduced schedule December 23 to January 5. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, service will operate on a Sunday schedule. On Boxing Day a Saturday schedule will operate. On December 24, 27, 28, 31 and January 2-4 service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. Special school services will not operate from December 24 to January 4. Call 613- 560-1000 or text 560560 plus your four-digit bus stop number for automated schedule information. For more information, holiday schedules and travel planning, phone 613-741-4390 or visit octranspo.com.
•OC Transpo Sales and Information Centres at Lincoln Fields, St. Laurent and Place d’Orléans Stations will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and will close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. However, Sales and Information Centres will be open on Saturday December 29 and Saturday January 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Rideau Centre Sales Office will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and will close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at 5 p.m. Rideau will be open on Boxing Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
•The OC Transpo Information Centre (613-741-4390) will operate reduced hours on Christmas and New Year’s Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Boxing Day from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.
•The OC Transpo Customer Relations Unit (613-842-3600) will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and will operate reduced hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 24, 27, 28, and 31, and January 2 to 4.

Ottawa Public Health:

•Ottawa Public Health Information Line (OPHIL) and AIDS line – closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
•Sexual Health Clinic is closed on Christmas Eve Day (December 24), Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve Day (December 31) and New Year’s Day.
•Site office is open from 8:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. on December 24 and 31
•Site mobile van schedule is as follows:
Monday, December 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day – closed
Wednesday, December 26 – regular schedule
Monday, December 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New Year’s Day – regular schedule
•Dental Clinics – Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
•Well Baby Drop-in – Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

Recreation services:

•Recreation facilities will be operating on modified schedules during the holiday season, including modified swimming, skating and fitness schedules. Most recreation facilities are closed and public swimming, public skating, aqua fitness and fitness classes are cancelled on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Please check with ottawa.ca or the facility of your choice for details, as some exceptions will apply.
•Registered programs at swimming pools, community centres and arenas are cancelled during the holiday season, however, clients should check with their facility to confirm, as some exceptions will apply.

Cultural services:

•Most programming at arts centres, archives, galleries, museums and theatres will not be offered on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. However, clients should check with ottawa.ca or their facility to confirm holiday hours, as some exceptions may apply.

Municipal child care services:

•All Municipal Child Care Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. However, during the Holiday Period – December 24, 2012 to January 1, 2013, the following exceptions apply:
Beausoleil – Closed

Borden Farm – Closed

Charmian Craven – Closed

Dr. E. Couture – Open Dec.24, 27, 28 and 31

Elsie Stapleford – Closed

Esther By – Closed

Fisher Heights – Closed Dec. 24; Open Dec. 27, 28 and 31

Foster Farm – Closed

Huron – Open Dec.24, 27, 28 and 31

Pinocchio – Closed

Quatre Saisons – Closed

St. Luke’s – Open Dec.24, 27, 28 and 31

Tournesol – Closed

Woodbridge Court – Open Dec. 24 only

Woodroffe – Closed

Library services:

•All branches and services of the Ottawa Public Library will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Branches and services will operate normally from December 27 to 30. On December 24 and 31 all Library locations except for some rural branches will be open as usual and close at 3 p.m. Check the OPL website for complete details.

 

December 6, 2012

Stay fire safe while staying warm in winter 

Ottawa – Ottawa Fire Services wants to remind residents of the importance of fire prevention and safety as they heat their homes over the winter months.

Any time of year, it is important to ensure that all required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are tested regularly to ensure they are working properly. Also, develop a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family.

Fire safety for the winter months:

•Heating appliances such as space heaters should not have anything combustible close by and need at least one metre (three feet) of space around them. Inspect the electrical cord attached. If it overheats, you have a fire hazard.
•Ensure electrical and heating systems and chimneys are regularly checked by a professional, especially prior to the winter season when they are in maximum use.
•Keep young children and pets away from space heaters and fireplaces.
Additional fireplace tips:

•Open the damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool enough to touch.
•Ensure a fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.
•Do not store combustible materials such as paper or wood too close to the fireplace.
•Use a screen in front of the fireplace opening to protect children and to prevent embers from escaping and igniting carpets, etc.
•Use dry, well-seasoned wood in small amounts.
•Never overload your fireplace.
•Never use charcoal starter fluids, gasoline or any flammable substance to start fires.
•When using artificial logs, burn only one at a time and follow instructions on the wrapping.
•Always place the ashes in a metal container and take them outside the house.
Carbon monoxide reminder:

There must be an adequate supply of air for complete burning or else an excessive amount of carbon monoxide may accumulate indoors. Ensure that your wood stove or fireplace is not competing, for long periods of time, with your clothes dryer, kitchen, bathroom and attic vent fans, central vacuum cleaners and kitchen barbecues, all of which exhaust air from the home and starve the furnace or the fireplace of oxygen.

For more fireplace safety tips go to ottawa.ca.

 

December 5, 2012

Ottawa Light Rail Transit Project contract – on time and on budget 

Ottawa – Mayor Jim Watson, together with Premier Dalton McGuinty and Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, were on hand this morning for the announcement that City staff will be recommending to Council that the international consortium known as the Rideau Transit Group be awarded the contract to design, build, finance and maintain the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) project, which includes the building and financing of the Highway 417 widening project from the Nicholas Street on ramp to the split with Highway 174.

“Today is an exciting milestone for this important project,” said Premier McGuinty. “It will create jobs, help the environment by taking cars off the road and contribute to a better quality of life for the people of Ottawa.”

“Our Government is pleased to invest in this important job-creating project for a new light rail corridor that will make public transit faster and more efficient for Ottawa residents,” said MP Galipeau. “This project demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to working with municipal and provincial partners to support infrastructure improvements and transit solutions for the 21st century.”

“Council set a strong direction for this procurement to deliver an excellent light rail system that comes in on time and on budget. I am proud to say that we have succeeded,” said Mayor Watson. “Given the importance of this project to Canada’s national capital and its close relationship with our sesquicentennial celebrations in 2017, I am also pleased to announce that the City will be naming this system the Confederation Line.”

Rideau Transit Group’s proposal outlines a construction schedule that will see project construction substantially complete by the end of 2017 and in service by 2018. Moreover, the Rideau Transit Group has agreed to a fixed price contract of $2.1 billion, meaning the City and Ottawa taxpayers will not be financially responsible for cost overruns related to construction.

Funding for the Confederation Line is being provided by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Ottawa. The Government of Canada is contributing $600 million through the Building Canada Fund. The City will also allocate up to $192 million of its federal Gas Tax Fund transfers to this project. The Government of Ontario is contributing $600 million. In addition, the City will allocate $287 million of Provincial Gas Tax receipts to the capital infrastructure. The remaining project budget funds will come from development charge revenues and transit reserves.

The report and Rideau Transit Group’s designs and construction schedule are available on the OLRT project website www.ottawalightrail.ca. In addition, the City will be hosting a number of design showcases for Ottawa residents to see Rideau Transit Group’s proposals first hand and have their questions answered by project staff.

The staff recommendation will be reviewed by the Committee of the Whole on December 12 and then by Council on December 19.

 

November 30, 2012

Skating season now open on the Rink of Dreams 

Ottawa – Mayor Jim Watson and Councillor Mark Taylor, Chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee, along with Cyril Leeder, President of Senators Sports and Entertainment, lit the boards around the Rink of Dreams tonight, launching the second outdoor skating season of downtown Ottawa’s newest attraction.

“The Rink of Dreams was a huge success in its inaugural season, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more skaters during the second year,” Mayor Jim Watson said. “City Hall is now much more of a people place, with great attractions inside and outside for the whole family.”

Immediately following the lighting, children and families, took the first official skate.

Weather permitting; the Rink of Dreams will open every day, from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., including holidays, until the end of the skating season in March 2013. A heated change hut at Marion Dewar Plaza is open every day from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. More information is available at ottawa.ca.

During his remarks, the mayor reminded Rink of Dreams visitors that they can warm up inside Ottawa City Hall by visiting one of three exhibits, all of which have are free of charge:

•Barbara Ann Scott Gallery
•Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame
•City Hall Art Gallery

The Rink of Dreams first opened January 25, 2012. It was installed at Marion Dewar Plaza in a partnership between the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Senators Foundation as part of the foundation’s Sens Recreational Investments in Neighbourhood Communities (RINC) program. The two groups combined to break ground on a second Sens RINC project at Jules Morin Park on Tuesday, November 20.

 

November 28, 2012

Budget 2013 approved with the lowest tax change in six years 

Ottawa – City Council has approved a budget for 2013 that delivers the lowest tax change in six years – 2.09 per cent – while at the same time continuing to invest in the municipal services and infrastructure that matter most to residents.

“This budget addresses the needs of residents and businesses by investing in areas that will enhance existing City services, while maintaining the City’s prudent approach to our long range finances,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “It is no secret that our task this year was made more difficult by provincial changes to social service funding. I want express my gratitude to all those residents who participated in the budget process, as well as commending my Council colleagues on fulfilling our commitment to delivering a predictable tax change.”

Budget 2013 continues to find efficiencies through the ongoing freeze of Mayor and Councillors’ office budgets and a reduction in the City’s staffing costs of approximately $3.5 million. ServiceOttawa will also deliver an additional $8.8 million in savings in the coming year by providing citizens with more efficient ways to access many City services, such as permits and licenses, online 24/7.

City recreation fees will remain frozen again next year and 2013 will see the continuation of Ottawa on the Move. This important program of strategic infrastructure investments in road, sidewalk, water, cycling and sewer projects will help build a better city, create needed jobs, and help prepare the city for the coming Light Rail Transit project. The program assists in the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure in all areas of the city.

“With this budget, resources are allocated appropriately to advance Council’s priorities so that we can deliver responsive and efficient services to the residents of Ottawa,” said City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick. “The City is focused on delivering Council’s measured plan to fund today’s priorities, while establishing a solid foundation for the years to come.”

For the owner of an average home assessed at $314,500, the 2013 budget will mean an annual property tax increase of $67 for urban homeowners and $50 for rural homeowners.

Highlights of the Budget 2013 are:

•$14 million of continued funding for Council’s poverty and homelessness initiative;
•$4.6 million of realigned and reallocated funding to offset changes in provincial priorities which will preserve the majority of benefits for the most vulnerable and low income residents, including the creation of a one-time emergency transition fund;
•$5.5 million to increase the annual contribution to Capital Funding for infrastructure maintenance and renewal as recommended in the recently approved Long Range Financial Plan;
•$4.9 million to improve safety and mobility with new traffic control signals, intersection control measures, pedestrian countdown signals and the Pedestrian Facilities Program and Audible Signal Program;
•An additional $500,000 for initiatives identified in the Older Adult Plan resulting from last year’s Seniors Summit;
•$2 million for accessibility retrofit work to existing buildings and parks;
•$975,000 combined operating and capital funding to increase the forest cover and combat the Emerald Ash Borer, bringing total investment to $1.8 million;
•New and expanded parks and recreation facilities across the city;
•$1 million for the review of the Official Plan and Transportation Master Plan;
•$1 million, combined capital and operating funding for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Plan;
•2 per cent increase for social service and health agencies, cultural, community and recreation funding;
•$2.5 million for ongoing environmental remediation and greening of the City fleet; and
•$2 million for design work for a pedestrian footbridge crossing the Rideau Canal at Fifth Avenue and Clegg Street.
•also approved increasing a transition fund from $250,000 to $500,000 to address extreme hardship experienced by individuals in need resulting from the provincial changes in discretionary benefit coverage. The money is being drawn from another area of the Community and Protective Services Committee budget.

The draft rate-supported budget for water and sewer services for 2013 and 2014 will be tabled at a special Environment Committee meeting in January 2013.

For more information about the budget, visit ottawa.ca/budget2013.

 

November 27, 2012

Ottawa Public Health helps seniors prevent injury from falls 

Ottawa - Today, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) hosted a half day falls prevention seminar, bringing together community partners including physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and public health professionals from across the region to share and exchange ideas. The keynote address was delivered by nationally recognized falls prevention expert, Dr. Vicky Scott, Senior Advisor on Falls and Injury Prevention with the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit and the Ministry of Health.

“One in four older adults experience a fall every year,” said Dr. Rosamund Lewis, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “We understand many of the factors that lead to falls, and small changes in our homes and communities can go a long way to reducing the risk. That’s why it’s important to collaborate as partners to tackle this important issue.”

“Injury from a fall often results in chronic pain, disability, reduced quality of life and is the main reason why older adults lose their independence,” said Dr. Scott. “We know that most falls and fractures can be prevented – applying this knowledge to practice is the challenge.”

OPH recently launched a comprehensive falls prevention strategy, focusing on awareness, education, personal health plans, and screening clinics where seniors at risk of falling can be referred.

As part of their awareness campaign, OPH recommends that older adults:

•Have an annual check up every year including a physical, a review of medications, and an eye exam
•Do aerobic physical activity for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) each week
•Perform strength and balance activities such as lifting weights and Tai Chi at least twice a week
•Eat three daily servings of foods high in calcium such as milk, yogurt and fortified beverages
•Take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU if they are over 50
•Make their home safe by keeping it well lit, removing trip hazards, installing secure grab bars in bathrooms and sturdy hand rails on both sides of stairs.

For more information on OPH’s falls prevention strategy and seniors' safety please call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest public health information.

 

November 19, 2012

Mayor’s 12th Annual Christmas Celebration at Ottawa City Hall 

Ottawa – Join Mayor Jim Watson for the Mayor’s 12th Annual Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. at its new location – Ottawa City Hall.

There will be fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy both inside City Hall and outdoors on Marion Dewar Plaza, so dress appropriately.

Enjoy skating on the Rink of Dreams, hot chocolate, horse-drawn wagon rides and roast marshmallows outside on Marion Dewar Plaza. Inside City Hall meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, create a craft in Santa’s workshop, have your face painted, and enjoy live performances. As a special treat, savour chocolate by Lindt.

OC Transpo will offer free bus rides on all routes to and from City Hall from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. to children 11 years and under when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

To help those in need and to share in the spirit of the holiday season, admission to this sponsored event is a non-perishable food donation to the Ottawa Food Bank.

The Mayor’s Annual Christmas Celebration is made possible by the generosity of the many corporate sponsors. For more information, visit ottawa.ca.

 

November 9, 2012

Winter overnight parking regulations will be in effect from November 15 until April 1 

Ottawa – The City of Ottawa is reminding residents that winter overnight parking regulations are in effect beginning November 15. These regulations ensure that the City’s snow-clearing crews are able to keep Ottawa’s roads safe and clear for pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, and motorists. Your safety is a top priority for the City of Ottawa.

Between November 15 and April 1, when a snowfall of 7 cm or more is forecast by Environment Canada, parking is not permitted on all Ottawa streets between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. This includes any forecast for a range of snow more than 7 cm, such as a snowfall forecast of 5 to 10 cm. Vehicles parked on the street when a restriction is in effect will be ticketed, even if it does not snow. Vehicle owners who have a municipal on-street parking permit are exempt from winter overnight parking restrictions.

Be in the know about snow. Sign up to receive e-mail or Twitter notifications of overnight parking restrictions at ottawa.ca. After you sign up, you will receive an e-mail or Twitter alert via @ottawacity, every time a winter overnight parking restriction goes into effect or is lifted. The service is free and you can unsubscribe at anytime.

You can also find out if an overnight parking restriction is in effect by calling 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or by tuning in to local media.

Residents should also keep in mind that snow may be removed from city streets even when no snow is forecast. When day-time or night-time snow removal operations are planned, temporary “no parking” snow removal signs will be posted before snow removal begins. Vehicle owners are reminded not to park on streets where temporary “no parking” snow removal signs are placed. Vehicles parked during planned snow removal will be ticketed and towed to a nearby street. This restriction applies to all vehicles, including those with on-street parking permits.

For more information on winter overnight parking regulations, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).

 

November 5, 2012

Ottawa Public Health flu vaccine clinics continue 

Ottawa - Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is helping residents stay healthy this season by offering flu vaccine clinics at no cost. The flu vaccine is also available at doctors’ offices, community health centres, walk-in clinics, and select pharmacies.

The following is a list of OPH flu vaccine clinics scheduled for this week:

Tuesday, November 6
West Carleton Community Complex
5670 Carp Road, Kinburn
3:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 7
Jim Durrell Recreation Centre
1265 Walkley Road, Ottawa
3:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 8
City of Ottawa Facility
100 Constellation Drive, Nepean
3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
* By appointment only

Saturday, November 10
Ottawa Technical Secondary School
485 Donald Street
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 13
Fred Barrett Arena
3280 Leitrim Road, Ottawa
3:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The flu spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated objects. Even if you do not have flu-like symptoms, you can still spread the virus to others. Protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick this flu season by getting the flu vaccine. It is safe and easy.

The flu vaccine is recommended for all residents over six months of age.

For more information and full clinic listings visit ottawa.ca/flu , watch for daily updates on Twitter (@ottawahealth) and Facebook, or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY:613-580-9656).

 

November 2, 2012

City puts the wrap on graffiti vandalism 

Ottawa – Ottawa’s traffic signal control boxes along Bank Street (Queen Street South to Riverdale Avenue) will soon be sporting a new look.

Traffic signal control boxes along the Bank Street corridor will be covered in colourful vinyl wrap as part of a pilot project in an attempt to reduce graffiti vandalism within the city, and to lower the costs of removing graffiti from City owned property.

The wrap is coated with an anti-graffiti sealant which makes graffiti removal quicker and easier.

“Graffiti is an ongoing and expensive maintenance issue in most major cities, and Ottawa is no different”, said Mayor Jim Watson. “By finding innovative ways to reduce graffiti, we all benefit from not only a more beautiful city, but significant cost savings related to removing graffiti from public property.”

Installation of the graffiti resistant wrap is expected to reduce costs associated with graffiti removal. In 2011 alone, the pilot project area on Bank Street cost the City $4,460 for graffiti removal on traffic signal control boxes. City wide, expenditures for graffiti maintenance of traffic signal control boxes during the same time period exceeded $35,000.

“Vinyl wrap have been implemented in many Canadian municipalities as an effective tool in reducing graffiti”, stated Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, Chair of the Transportation Committee. “As part of the City’s ongoing Graffiti Prevention Program, I am confident we will have the same success in Ottawa.”

Canada Post recently installed graffiti resistant vinyl covers on their mail box cabinets, and the cities of Surrey and Burnaby, British Columbia use wrap on their traffic signal control boxes as a part of their graffiti management strategy.

For more information on what the City of Ottawa is doing to prevent graffiti and how the public can help, visit ottawa.ca.

 

November 2, 2012

Horticulture Building begins trek to new digs at Lansdowne 

Ottawa – The Horticulture Building began a 150-metre journey east today, to its new home as part of the revitalization of Lansdowne. The building will arrive at its new location next week at the east end of the Aberdeen Pavilion, mirroring its original home.

“Moving the Horticulture Building is part of restoring this architectural jewel, allowing it to become an active anchor between Ottawa’s heritage and the dynamic public space in the urban park,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Together the Horticulture Building and Aberdeen Pavilion will form a gateway, with the Rideau Canal as the backdrop that will link the Farmers’ Market, festivals, sports and cultural events that will happen at Lansdowne.”

During the last 20 years, the Horticulture Building, like many buildings at the site, has deteriorated greatly. The redevelopment is an opportunity to save the building and restore it to its original form and prominence on the site. Moving the building is the best way to ensure the structure is conserved, adapted for new public uses and not overwhelmed by new, taller mixed-use buildings.

To prepare for the move, 480 tonnes of steel beams were installed inside the building to strengthen and support it. The building was then lifted almost 90 cm off the ground by 60 hydraulic jacks. These jacks have now been removed and replaced with 48-wheeled dollies that will roll the building to its new location.

The relocation process has been carefully planned to protect the integrity of the building. The building moves at a walking speed and makes frequent stops in order to allow the wheels to be recalibrated and ensure it reaches its exact new location on top of the eastern corner of the parking garage.

The City of Ottawa hired CDS Building Services to conduct the move. The local company, based in Stittsville, is one of only a handful of firms worldwide with the expertise to undertake this type of structural move, while preserving the integrity of this historically significant building.

The Horticulture Building, constructed in 1914 to the design of Francis Sullivan and architect Allan Keefer, is a rare example of an exhibition hall and an excellent Canadian interpretation of the Prairie Style of architecture. Sullivan was the only Canadian student of Frank Lloyd Wright and brought Wright’s Prairie Style to Canada, marked by its horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves and windows grouped in horizontal bands, all features clearly visible in the Horticulture Building.

Bleachers have been set up at the ball diamond east of the site for anyone interested in watching the building’s progress. The building’s journey can also be seen via web-camera on ottawa.ca. It is expected that the building relocation will continue on Saturday.

For more information on the redevelopment of Lansdowne visit ottawa.ca/newlansdowne.

 

November 1, 2012

Remembrance Day schedule changes 

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa reminds residents of the following schedule changes for Remembrance Day (Sunday, November 11). The flags at all City of Ottawa will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset to honour the memory of all Canadians who have served their country in time of war.

Client services:

•Since Remembrance Day falls on a Sunday, Ottawa City Hall and all seven Client Service Centres, including the Government Service Centres located at 110 Laurier Avenue West, will be closed on Monday, November 12. Business will resume as usual on Tuesday, November 13.
•The City’s Provincial Offences Court, located at 100 Constellation Crescent, will also be closed on Monday, November 12. Business will resume as usual on Tuesday, November 13.
•The City’s 3-1-1 Contact Centre will be open for urgent matters requiring the City’s immediate attention. Call 3-1-1 or 613-580-2400 to speak to a customer service representative. For persons with a hearing-related disability, call (TTY): 613-580-2401.

Garbage and recycling:

•Curbside green bin, recycling, garbage, and leaf and yard waste collection will take place on its regular day with no changes to the collection schedule.
•Multi-residential garbage and recycling container collection will take place on its regularly scheduled day with no changes.
•The Trail Road Landfill site will be open on Monday, November 12.

Transit service:

•OC Transpo will operate a Sunday schedule on November 11 and a regular weekday schedule on Monday, November 12. War veterans who wear their medals or uniforms may ride OC Transpo, Para Transpo and Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) for free during National Veterans’ Week – November 5 to 11. On November 11, buses will pull over to the side of the road (where it is safe to do so) to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. The Last Post and Reveille will be played over the radios of OC Transpo buses. OC Transpo operators may also wear red on November 11 in support of Canadian Forces troops. Call 613- 560-1000 or text 560560 plus your four-digit bus stop number for automated schedule information. For more information, holiday schedules and travel planning, phone 613-741-4390 or visit octranspo.com. STO will also operate a Sunday schedule on November 11. Riders are invited to consult the User’s Guide, visit Plani-Bus on the STO web site at www.sto.ca or call 819-770-3242 for more details. The INFOBUS system also provides the exact time that the next two buses are scheduled for at a particular stop by dialling 819-778 plus the bus stop number.
•On November 11, a family can travel all day with one $7.75 DayPass. A “family” includes up to six people with a maximum of two ages 13 or older.
•OC Transpo Sales and Information Centres will be closed, November 11, and November 12 with the exception of the Rideau Centre office, which will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11 and from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on November 12.
•The OC Transpo Information Centre (613-741-4390) will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11 and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on November 12.
•OC Transpo Customer Relations Department (613-842-3600) will be closed on Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12.

Ottawa Public Health:

•Ottawa Public Health Information Line (OPHIL) and AIDS line – closed Monday, November 12
•Sexual Health Centre and clinics are closed Monday, November 12; however, the Site mobile van will be operating on a regular schedule from 5 p.m.to 11:30 p.m.
•Dental Clinics – Closed Monday, November 12
•Baby Express Drop-ins – Closed Monday, November 12

Recreation services:

•Pools, arenas and fitness centres will be open for public swimming, aquafitness, skating and fitness classes with regular schedules on Remembrance Day, Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12. Please check with ottawa.ca or the facility of your choice for details.
•Registered programs at swimming pools, community centres and arenas will be operating on Remembrance Day, Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12, however, clients should check with their facility to confirm, as some exceptions will apply.

Cultural Services:

•Most programming at arts centres, archives, galleries, theatres and museums will not be offered on Remembrance Day, Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12, however, clients should check ottawa.ca or their facility to confirm, as some exceptions may apply.

Municipal child care services:

•City-operated Child Care Centres will be closed on Monday, November 12.

Library services:

•All branches, departments and services of the Ottawa Public Library will be closed on Remembrance Day, Sunday, November 11. Regular hours will resume on Monday, November 12.

The City of Ottawa informs residents of the following parades and ceremonies being held in the various communities in and around Ottawa commemorating Remembrance Day.

Parades and Ceremonies:

•Bells Corners – 10:45 a.m. to noon, Royal Canadian Legion (Bells Corners Branch 593), Centrepointe Drive between Constellation Drive and Chrysalis Way, and to the ceremonial site.
•Eastview/Vanier – 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion (Eastview Branch 462), north on Cyr Avenue between the Royal Canadian Legion (294 Cyr Avenue) and Montreal Road, east on Montreal Road between Cyr Avenue and Hannah Street, and north on Hannah Street between Montreal Road and Marier Avenue, and to the Vanier Cenotaph for the ceremonial service.
•Kanata – 10:30 a.m. to noon, Royal Canadian Legion (Kanata Branch 638), east on The Parkway between Earl of March High School (4 Parkway) and Teron Road, south on Teron Road between The Parkway and Colchester Square, Colchester Square, and to the Kanata Cenotaph for the ceremonial service.
•Manotick/South Carleton – 10:30 a.m. to noon, Royal Canadian Legion (South Carleton Branch 314), east on Beaverwood Road from the Royal Canadian Legion to Manotick Main Street, north on Manotick Main Street from Beaverwood Road to Bridge Street, east on Bridge Street from Manotick Main Street to Dickinson Street, south on Dickinson Street from Bridge Street, and to the Manotick Cenotaph for the ceremonial service.
•Metcalfe – 10:45 a.m. to noon, ceremonial service at the Metcalfe Cenotaph in front of Old City Hall.
•National War Memorial – 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command.
•Navan – 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Colonial Road between Henn Drive and Delson Drive, and to the Navan Cenotaph for the ceremonial service.
•Orléans – 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 632),Vimont Court and Taylor Creek Boulevard between Vimont Court and the Royal Canadian Legion at 800 Taylor Creek Boulevard, and to the Orleans Cenotaph for the ceremonial service.
•Osgoode – 10:45 to noon, Royal Canadian Legion (Osgoode Branch 589), Victoria Street between Eighth Line Road and Louise Street, and to ceremonial service at Osgoode Cenotaph in front of Municipal Building.
•Richmond – 10:45 a.m to 11:45 a.m., Royal Canadian Legion (Richmond Branch 625), Perth Street between the Richmond Shopping Plaza and the Richmond Memorial Park for the ceremonial service.
•Stittsville – 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion (Stittsville and District Branch 618), north on Stittsville Main Street between the Royal Canadian Legion, (1480 Stittsville Main Street) and Warner-Colpitts Lane, and west on Warner-Colpitts Lane between Stittsville Main Street and the Stittsville Cenotaph for the ceremonial service.
•Strathcona – 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Sunday, November 4, Royal Canadian Legion (Strathcona Branch 595), Main Street between Hazel Street and Beckwith Street (Beckwith Memorial Gate) for the ceremonial service.
•West Carleton – 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, November 3, Royal Canadian Legion (West Carleton (Branch 616), Constance Bay Road between McConnell Lane and Allbirch Road, and Allbirch Road between Constance Bay Road, and to the Royal Canadian Legion for the ceremonial service.
•Westboro – 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion (Westboro Branch 480), north on Winston Avenue between the Royal Canadian Legion and Madison Avenue, east on Madison Avenue between Winston Avenue and Churchill Avenue, south on Churchill Avenue between Madison Avenue and Richmond Road, and west on Richmond Road between Churchill Avenue and Broadview Avenue, and wreath laying and ceremonial service at the Westboro Cenotaph.

 

October 31, 2012

Changes to curbside waste collection begin this week 

Ottawa - Several important changes to the City’s solid waste collection schedule begin this week. Your residual household garbage will now be collected every two weeks. Your green bin will continue to be collected every week.

Blue and black box recycling will continue to be collected on alternating weeks but your schedule may have changed. Check your Collection Calendar or visit ottawa.ca to confirm what to put at the curb this week!

As part of these changes, 158,000 households will have their residual waste and recycling collected on a new day. The City of Ottawa has informed residents through a personalized letter. You can confirm your collection day by checking your Collection Calendar online at ottawa.ca.

Residents can also sign up to receive personalized reminders about their collection schedule via e-mail, phone or Twitter by visiting ottawa.ca or by calling 3-1-1 (613-580-2400).

One of the best ways to adapt to bi-weekly waste collection is to reduce the total amount of waste a household produces. Maximize the use of the City’s recycling programs. A list of tips was compiled on ottawa.ca to help you get the most out of your green bin. You can place out an unlimited amount of recycling each collection day.

 

October 30, 2012

Snow Go programs ready to clear the way this winter 

Ottawa - Seniors and persons with disabilities can now register for the City of Ottawa’s snow removal assistance programs.

The Snow Go Program helps seniors and persons with disabilities find reliable contractors and/or individuals to clear snow from their private driveways and/or walkways. Once matched up with snow removal help, residents are responsible for making payments directly to the individual or contractor.

Eligible seniors and persons with disabilities can also apply to the Snow Go Assist Program, which provides financial assistance and pays for a portion of their snow removal costs. Approved participants may be reimbursed up to 50 per cent of the cost of snow clearing per event, up to a seasonal maximum of $250.

This is the sixth year the City of Ottawa is partnering with the Seniors Citizens Council and local home support agencies to deliver these two winter programs.

For more information about the Snow Go Program matching service and the Snow Go Assist Program, including eligibility criteria and application process, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 to request the name of the home support agency that services your neighbourhood (TTY: 613-580-2401).

 

October 25, 2012

Public consultations being held for City of Ottawa Budget 2013 

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa’s 2013 draft budget was tabled on October 24. The public will have the opportunity to learn more about and comment on the proposed budget by attending one of four regional budget consultations hosted by the City. Contact your City Councillor’s office to confirm which meeting they will attend.

*South/Rural South
Monday, October 29
7 to 9 p.m.
Nepean Sportsplex, Hall A
1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean

*East/Rural East
Tuesday, October 30
7 to 9 p.m.
Shenkman Arts Centre, Richcraft Theatre
245 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans
Available on TV Rogers, Cable 23
*Simultaneous translation will be available.

*Central District
Thursday, November 1
4 to 6 p.m.
City Hall, Andrew S. Haydon Hall
110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa
Available on Rogers TV, Cable 22

*The session at City Hall on November 1 will include assistive listening devices and simultaneous translation. If any accessibility requirements, such as ASL sign language interpretation or CART services, are needed please call the City’s Accessibility Coordinator at 613-580-2424, ext. 16654, or e-mail accessibilityoffice@ottawa.ca.

*West/Rural West
Wednesday, November 7
7 to 9 p.m.
John G. Mlacak Community Centre, Halls C&D
2500 Campeau Drive, Kanata

Council will consider for approval 2013 budget recommendations received from all Committees of Council and relevant Boards at its regularly scheduled November 28 City Council meeting.

To have your say and provide feedback on Budget 2013:

•Attend a consultation closest to you
•Register as a public delegation at a Standing Committee budget review meeting
•Go to ottawa.ca/budget2013 for further information or use the Twitter hashtag, #ottbudget
•e-mail budget2013@ottawa.ca, use the Twitter hashtag #ottbudget, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401), or fax 613-560-2126.

 

October 24, 2012

Budget 2013 continues progress, delivers lowest percentage change in six years 

Ottawa – Today City Council tabled Budget 2013, which controls costs, finds efficiencies, and makes important investments in infrastructure and services. Budget 2013 proposes a 2.09 per cent tax rate, which is the lowest in six years, and well below the 2.5 per cent cap committed to by City Council.

“Budget 2013 reflects the priorities of Ottawa families and businesses by investing in the programs they depend on, while delivering services more efficiently,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The third budget for this Council continues the progress that has been made in putting the City on sound financial footing.”

The draft budget proposes that City Council continue its freeze on City recreation fees, and Mayor and Councillors’ office budgets, for the third year in a row. The City will reduce its workforce again this year, this time by 139 Full Time Equivalent positions. ServiceOttawa will see an additional $8.8 million in savings, providing citizens with more efficient ways to access permits, licenses and other services 24/7.

Budget 2013 includes the second year of Ottawa on the Move, a program of strategic infrastructure investments in road, sidewalk, water, cycling and sewer projects to build a better city and create jobs, while helping prepare the city for Light Rail Transit. The program will also assist in the rehabilitation of aging structures in all areas of the city. Funds are proposed to design Clegg/5th Avenue pedestrian bridge, as well as continue the implementation of the East-West bikeway from Vanier to Westboro.

“This budget continues to deliver on the priorities that were set by Council in previous years and demonstrates the commitment of City staff to continue to provide responsible financial management and respect for taxpayer dollars,” said City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick.

Budget 2013 includes a number of initiatives that respond to pre-budget feedback expressed by residents, while making progress on priorities established by Council.

Highlights include:

•$14 million of continued funding for Council’s poverty and homelessness initiative
•$4.4 million of realigned and reallocated funding to offset changes in provincial priorities which will preserve the majority of benefits for the most vulnerable and low income residents
•$5.5 million to increase the annual contribution to Capital Funding for infrastructure maintenance and renewal as recommended in the recently approved Long Range Financial Plan
•$4.9 million to improve safety and mobility with new traffic control signals, intersection control measures, pedestrian countdown signals and the Pedestrian Facilities Program and Audible Signal Program
•$500,000 for the Older Adult Plan coming out of last year’s Seniors Summit
•$2 million for accessibility retrofit work to existing buildings and parks
•$975,000 combined operating and capital funding to increase the forest cover and combat the Emerald Ash Borer, bringing total investment to $1.8 million
•New and expanded parks and recreation facilities across the city
•$1 million for the review of the Official Plan and Transportation Master Plan
•$1 million, combined capital and operating funding for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Plan
•2 per cent increase for social service and health agencies, cultural, community and recreation funding
•$2.5 million for ongoing environmental remediation and greening of the City fleet
Budget documents are available at ottawa.ca/budget2013.

The draft budget will be discussed at Council Standing Committee meetings and four public consultations this fall. For further information on the draft budget or details about these meetings and how residents can participate, visit ottawa.ca/budget2013.

 

October 18, 2012

City launches Green Express Lane service for development applications 

Ottawa – The City of Ottawa announced today progress on the Mayor´s 2012 Budget commitment of removing barriers in the processing of development applications for developers, residents, and businesses proposing to use environmentally friendly technologies or designs as part of their development.

“I am proud that the City of Ottawa has invested in its staff and put in place a program that will ensure that developers who are striving to do the right thing for the environment don’t experience unnecessary delays due to their use of new materials, construction techniques, or building design,” said Mayor Jim Watson.

To ensure that planning applications that have strong green components to them are processed in a timely fashion, the City has provided training for 22 planners and engineers to pursue their LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Associate credential. This designation, awarded by Canada’s national green building organization, the Canada Green Building Council, recognizes that these professionals have an understanding in green building principles and practice as well as the LEED accreditation process.

“The number one thing that the development industry told us when we consulted with them was that they didn’t want special treatment, rather, they asked that they not get dragged down by delays that can accompany innovative proposals. Just like an express lane offered to travellers, we assign these applications to professionals knowledgeable in green building who can get these applications processed and to the departure gate quickly and with as few hiccups as possible,” said Planning Committee Chair Peter Hume. “The backbone of the Green Express Lane therefore are these trained staff who will now be assigned to green applications and be responsible for championing them through the development review process from start to final approval,” concluded Chair Hume.

For residents wishing to undertake smaller green projects at their homes and businesses that often only require a building permit, the City has put together new information guides for permit applications for solar domestic hot water systems as well as for photovoltaic panels to assist applicants through the permitting process. “Our goal is always to process the permit application as timely as possible,” said Chief Building Code Official Arlene Gregoire. “We hope that by providing practical information to assist applicants with their submissions, we can make it easier for them to get their permits on-time and on the first go around.”

The Green Express Lane service for development applications and the Building Code Services’ branch efforts are part of the Planning and Growth Management department’s service-oriented cultural renewal agenda, aimed at providing better service to its clients and building stronger relationships with Ottawa’s neighbourhoods.

Further information on permits for green projects can be found at: http://ottawa.ca/en/licence_permit/building_code/perm_reg/projects/index.htm or at buildingpermits@ottawa.ca

 

October 17, 2012

City accepting applications for the Better Neighbourhood Program 

Ottawa - Applications for the City’s new Better Neighbourhoods Program will be accepted starting today.

This program is part of the Neighbourhood Connection Office, which helps residents and community groups identify, prioritize and implement projects aimed at improving their neighbourhoods.

The program offers assistance to qualified groups for the development of resident-driven improvement projects aimed at addressing identified short-comings in the community or enhancing the community experience. The program is part needs assessment and part project implementation. Selected neighbourhoods will work with City staff to identify opportunities, and to plan and implement projects chosen by the community.

Projects will be supported financially by the City up to a maximum of $30K. Opportunities for neighbourhood-level projects that could be supported through the program might include making streets more walkable, park revitalizations or artistic initiatives such as street painting. Projects requiring elevated levels of funding may be referred to the City of Ottawa’s budget priority setting process.

In addition to improving the neighbourhood, these projects will provide opportunities for building relationships among residents, community groups and the City of Ottawa, leading to a stronger sense of community.

Three to four neighbourhoods will be selected for the program in 2013 and another three to four in 2014. Interested neighbourhood or community groups can submit applications until Tuesday, November 27, 2012.

Application criteria can be found on the City’s website and includes: having support from your Ward Councillor, volunteer capacity to support the projects. Priority will be given to neighbourhoods that are not actively involved in other City planning initiatives during the 2010-2014term of Council.

The focus of the Better Neighbourhoods program is urban/suburban neighbourhoods.

Date: Tuesday 16 October 2012
Contact: City of Ottawa - Media Relations (613-580-2450), mediarelations@ottawa.ca 
NR: City implements initiatives promised at spring Planning Summit 
Ottawa – Mayor Jim Watson and Planning Committee Chair, Councillor Peter Hume, outlined today the successful implementation of several initiatives flowing from this year’s Planning Summit last April – the Guaranteed Application Timelines Initiative, the Zoning Consistency Team, and the Better Neighbourhoods Program.

“Engaging and working with residents, community leaders, businesses and developers is an important part of building Ottawa as a vibrant, liveable and economically-thriving city,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “As I stated in my budget speech last year and at the Planning Summit, these efforts to connect with the public must be matched by effective planning processes and a renewed service culture internally at the City. Today, we are highlighting steps that have been taken to make these improvements.”

In this light, the City’s new Guaranteed Application Timelines Initiative (GATI) is an effective way to better ensure applications are processed within Council-approved timelines – if the application is not processed on time, the next similar application is free. GATI applies to five applications, including part lot and demolition control, and standard plan of condominium.

In addition to GATI, the Zoning Consistency Team has been created to undertake targeted and quick zoning reviews of individual properties or a group of properties in close proximity upon written a request from the Ward Councillor. In these cases, the team will ensure the zoning is appropriate in the context of the Official Plan and planning policies and recommend zoning changes to Council if required. While the Official Plan is reviewed every five years, some neighbourhoods transition quickly, and this team will help to provide ongoing certainty in planning decisions.

“We are making these changes within the Planning and Growth Management Department to improve planning processes,” noted Councillor Hume, Planning Committee Chair. “At the same time, the City is also increasing its efforts to support residents and businesses who wish to undertake small projects to benefit their neighbourhoods.”

One of these public-facing initiatives is the Better Neighbourhoods Program administered by the Neighbourhood Connection Office (NCO) that helps get residents involved in identifying neighbourhood priorities and improvement opportunities, as well as supporting residents with neighbourhood-driven projects – such as revitalizing a park or reclaiming roadway for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists.

The Better Neighbourhoods Program is accepting applications on ottawa.ca/neighbourhoods until November 27. Three to four neighbourhoods will be selected for 2013 to work with City staff to identify, prioritize and implement small-scale projects. The City will finance up to a maximum of $30,000 for a project.

On a larger scale, the City has incorporated the feedback from discussions at the Planning Summit into the priority areas of focus for the Official Plan (OP), Transportation Master Plan (TMP), and Infrastructure Master Plan (IMP) reviews. Preliminary recommended policy changes related to high-rise buildings, employment lands, urban design, transit-oriented development will be released in January 2013.

For more information on these and other planning initiatives, visit ottawa.ca.

 

October 15, 2012

City performs well in municipal benchmarking survey 

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa fares well among 16 municipalities in the Ontario Municipal Benchmarking Initiative (OMBI) 2011 Performance Benchmarking Report released today.

The report compares the performance of 16 participating municipalities from Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, including Ottawa, and presents performance results for 2009, 2010 and 2011 in several key public service areas.

“This report indicates that we are performing substantially better than the 2011 OMBI median in a number of significant service areas,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “This is an encouraging report that validates the hard work of all City staff in providing excellent service to residents and it also helps us to focus on additional areas for improvement.”

Highlights for the City.

(Areas where Ottawa is performing substantially better than the 2011 OMBI median)

In the 2011 OMBI Performance Benchmarking Report, Ottawa:

•Has the second highest New Residential Units Created per 100,000 Population (757.85).
This is one per cent higher than Ottawa's 2010 result (747.6).
•Is tied for the lowest Net (Municipal) Operating Expenditure per Emergency Shelter Bed Night ($9).
•Has the second highest Annual Library Uses Per Capita (39.6) and the second highest Electronic Library Uses per Capita (19.2). The City also has the second lowest Library Operating Costs per Use and the second highest Average Number of Times in Year Circulating Items are Borrowed.
•Recorded the quickest Social Assistance Response Time to Client Eligibility (Days) (4.9).
•Ranks second highest in Sports and Recreation for the Number of Participant Visits Per Capita (Directly Provided Registered Programs) (2.36) and highest for Annual Number of Unique Users for Directly Provided Registered Programs as a Percent of Population (15.5%).
•Continues to rank second highest for the Number of Conventional Transit Trips per Capita in Service Area (123.9) and continues to rank highest for Passenger Trips per In-Service Vehicle Hour (53.79).
•Has the second lowest Operating Cost for Garbage Collection per Tonne-Residential ($79.76) and had the lowest costs in 2009 and 2010.
•Has the second lowest Operating Cost of Wastewater Treatment/Disposal per Megalitre Treated (MPMP) (178.37).
“The OMBI report provides us with valuable measures to understand the number and types of services that the City delivers, the resources used for these services, and the qualitative and quantitative outcomes for residents,” said City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick. “This is an important tool for sharing best practices and to keep us accountable in our continued effort to provide quality services to all Ottawa residents.”

OMBI is a collaboration between 16 municipalities in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba and the corporate entity OMBI. Led by the Chief Administrative Officers and City Managers in each participating municipality, OMBI fosters a culture of service excellence in municipal government. It does this by creating new ways to measure, share and compare performance statistics to help councils, staff and citizens understand where their administrations are performing well and where they can make improvements. OMBI also enables experts in each of the participating municipalities to share ideas on operational practices so that they can find new ways to improve service delivery.

 

October 13, 2012

Heron Road Bridge reopens 

Ottawa - The Heron Road Bridge has reopened, ahead of schedule and on budget. Work began on the Heron Road Bridge in February 2011, with completion of the North Bridge in December 2011 and an anticipated completion date for the South Bridge of mid-November 2012. Construction work continues on Heron Road in both directions just east of the bridge.

The Heron Road Bridge Rehabilitation project is a $15 million construction project to rehabilitate the bearings, expansion joints and pavement of the bridge, and also includes waterproofing, barrier replacement, sidewalk widening, rebuilding of the approaches and utility relocation.

The Heron Road Bridge is partially funded through Ottawa on the Move. Ottawa on the Move will see $340 million of capital projects completed from 2012 to 2015 and is about renewing our infrastructure and keeping our community and economy moving forward through strategic investments in a number of transportation, water, and sewer projects to build a better city and create jobs.

 

October 11, 2012

Mayor Watson hands off the ball to OSEG to build the new Lansdowne 

Ottawa – Today Mayor Jim Watson and Roger Greenberg, Ottawa Sport and Entertainment Group (OSEG) partner, finalized the relationship between OSEG and the City handing off the ball to begin the next phase of construction that will revitalize Lansdowne.

“Today is an exciting day for the City of Ottawa as we get started on building the new Lansdowne,” said Mayor Watson. “We’ve talked about it, consulted with the community and national and international experts in design and engineering, put countless hours into the planning and now we’re doing it – we’re building the new Lansdowne. I am excited to see this site restored to be a civic landmark residents across our city will be proud of and enjoy for many years to come.”

The rejuvenated Lansdowne will include a renovated Frank Clair Stadium and all new south side stands that will host a CFL and professional soccer team, a revitalized Civic Centre that will be home to the Ottawa 67s as well as other events, an underground parking garage, an urban village along Bank Street including a mix of shops, restaurants and homes and 18.5 acres of park space, plazas and public areas.

““This is a time of pleasure and excitement,” said Mr. Greenberg. “The pleasure comes from finalizing the creation of our partnership with the City. The excitement in looking ahead to the work that will transform this site into a central gathering place for sports, entertainment, shopping, recreation and, for many, living.”

Construction work at Lansdowne will begin on October 15, as the contractor, Pomerleau Inc, begins to mobilize their operations at the site.

In May 2012, City Council approved some preparation activities at Lansdowne, including soil remediation, demolishing the Coliseum Building and stabilizing and relocating the Horticulture Building. This work is on track to be complete by the end of this year. Work at the Horticulture Building is on schedule to be finished in March 2013.

With current construction activities progressing well, the project remains on target to have the stadium complete for the 2014 CFL season and the remainder of the redevelopment work finished by the summer of 2015.

“I look forward to sharing our progress over the next two years with Ottawa residents as we celebrate each milestone during the construction process,” said Mayor Watson.

 

October 11, 2012

Flu vaccine now available across Ottawa 

Ottawa – The seasonal flu vaccine is now available from participating physicians and health care providers throughout the city. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has distributed 73,630 doses of the influenza vaccine to these local vaccine providers and will begin offering its annual clinics on October 27.

“It’s important to remember that anyone can get the flu. As protection against the flu virus, we encourage every resident to get their flu vaccine and to take other precautions such as hand washing and staying home when you are sick,” said Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health. “The flu vaccine is safe and is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. I invite residents to talk to their health care provider about the vaccine or attend a free vaccination OPH community clinic starting October 27 through to December 15.”

This year, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care provided three strains of influenza vaccines for distribution, including the 2009 H1N1 strain, the influenza A/H3N2 strain, and an influenza B strain.OPH will receive enough vaccine for every resident who wishes to be immunized.

Ottawa residents have several easy options for getting the flu vaccine, including:

•Through their physician or local health care provider
•At one of the OPH clinics across Ottawa. For a complete list of these clinics, go to ottawa.ca/flu
•At a workplace immunization clinic

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, it is important that you take these precautions to keep yourself and your families healthy:

•Wash your hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer
•Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, not your hand
•Stay at home if you are sick

Physicians and local health care providers can register for the flu vaccine program by visiting ottawa.ca/flu, by emailing vaccine@ottawa.ca or by calling Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656).

Some Ottawa pharmacies will be offering the influenza vaccine this flu season – check with your local pharmacy to inquire about possible dates and times.

The most current information about clinic schedules is available online at ottawa.ca/flu. You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth).

 

October 11, 2012

Mayor’s Youth Summit takes place at City Hall on October 12 

Ottawa - The Mayor’s Youth Summit will be held on Friday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ottawa City Hall. The registered in-person participants, plus youth who will participate in the live webcast, will have a chance to share their ideas on how to make Ottawa a more youth-friendly city.

The Summit agenda is as follows:

9 a.m. Mayor Jim Watson and Councillor Mathieu Fleury, Honourary Chair of the Mayor’s Youth Summit, open the Summit

9:25 a.m. Speeches commence, including addresses by Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Co-President of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, and Hélène Campbell, an Ottawa youth and organ donation advocate

9:45 a.m. Keynote speaker David Hale, Soshal Group

10:30 a.m. Youth Panel/Town Hall featuring various speakers

12:55 p.m. Discussion groups (held in various meeting rooms in City Hall)

2:45 p.m. Summary of discussions and closing remarks by Mayor Watson

Activities will be held at Jean Pigott Place and Andrew S. Haydon Hall, City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West.

City staff and elected officials will be on hand at the Summit to participate in six discussions groups, with each group focusing on a different topic. The topics for discussion are: employment, volunteering and civic engagement, safety, health and youth entrepreneurship.

Registration for the Mayor’s Youth Summit opened on September 10 and all spaces were filled quickly. Youth can also participate in the Summit on October 12 by following along online at ottawa.ca/youth and by submitting questions or comments on Twitter the day of the event using the hashtag #ottyouth.

October 10, 2012

Council expresses interest in new gaming facility 

Ottawa – The City of Ottawa today signalled its interest to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) that it supports, in principle, becoming a host city for a gaming entertainment centre.

Ottawa has been identified by the OLG as a possible host city as it seeks to modernize and expand regulated private sector gaming in the province. Council’s expression of interest does not commit the City to a gaming facility or to a site, but it does enable the OLG to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to accept bids from proponents.

No location has been proposed or shortlisted by the OLG for any possible new gaming facility. City Council retains final approval on zoning, a discussion which would occur in 2013 after the RFP process is complete.

Because of the City’s longstanding, positive relationship with the Rideau Carleton Raceway (RCR) and its importance to the local economy, the City will encourage the OLG to run a fair and competitive process which provides all proponents, including the RCR, with an opportunity to compete on a level playing field and to pre-qualify the RCR as a final bidder, given their strong record of success in the Ottawa region.

City staff will develop an analysis of the potential economic benefits of a new gaming facility and Ottawa Public Health will provide advice on the health effects and social impacts, including an overview of current mitigation measures for those at risk of problem gambling. This information will be considered when a proposal is brought forward.

Once OLG’s RFP process has been completed and a preferred proponent has been selected, there will be an opportunity for additional public delegations at a future committee meeting. This is expected to occur in 2013.

If approved, a new gaming facility could generate significant new revenue for the City of Ottawa that could be used to fund infrastructure renewal, job creation and economic development

 

October 10, 2012

Council gives final endorsement to Lansdowne redevelopment 

Ottawa – City Council today approved the reports and legal arrangements to finalize the partnership with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) and move forward with building the new Lansdowne.

“I’m very pleased that Council today acted to begin the real work to restore Lansdowne to its role as a central gathering place for our city as it has served in previous generations,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Together with our partners, we are building a vibrant, urban destination that is good for our economy, links the Glebe and Old Ottawa South, creates a showpiece public park and preserves our local history and the heritage of Lansdowne now and for the future.”

With Council’s approval of all of the final legal conditions and budget, the City can start the bulk of the construction work at Lansdowne. The official legal close and signing of the reports will occur on October 12, 2012.

“We’re pleased that all the final legal conditions have been satisfied and we are now able to move forward with the construction and revitalization of Lansdowne,” said City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick. “This is the result of several years of work to create a solid legal relationship between the City and OSEG. We also took the time to incorporate public feedback and the recommendations of planning and architectural experts to ensure we have very high quality designs that reflect the importance of this site to our community.”

The City also announced as part of the report that the contract to complete the construction works was awarded to Pomerleau Inc, an industry leader in the construction of commercial, residential and public buildings.

Work to be carried out by Pomerleau Inc. includes building a new underground parking garage, renovating the stadium and building the new south side stands, installing site servicing and providing overall site management. This work is anticipated to begin later this month.

In May 2012, Council approved some preparation activities at Lansdowne, including soil remediation, demolishing the Coliseum Building and stabilizing and relocating the Horticulture Building. This work is on track to be complete by the end of this year. Work at the Horticulture Building is on schedule to be finished in March 2013.

With current activities progressing well, the project remains on target to see the stadium complete for the 2014 CFL season and the remainder of the redevelopment work finished by the summer of 2015.

 

October 10, 2012

City sends letters to confirm new solid waste collection day 

Ottawa – Beginning October 9, 2012 letters were mailed to 158,000 Ottawa households informing them of changes to their solid waste collection day.

Several important changes in solid waste collection are coming the week of October 29. As part of these changes, 158,000 households will have their garbage and recycling collected on a new day. The City of Ottawa is informing these residents through a personalized letter.

Residents can also confirm their collection day, consult their collection schedule, download a calendar or sign up to receive e-mail, phone or Twitter personal reminders by visiting ottawa.ca or by calling 3-1-1 (613-580-2400).

Starting October 29, the City will provide a Special Considerations program to collect diapers and incontinence products on the weeks without scheduled garbage collection.

Beginning October 11, 2012, residents can get more details or register for the Special Considerations program by calling 3-1-1 (613-580-2400) or by visiting ottawa.ca.

 

October 1, 2012

Residents reminded to ensure children’s car seats are properly installed during roadside checks 

Ottawa – Today, Board of Health member Councillor Katherine Hobbs, Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health and Ottawa Police Supt. Jill Skinner, announced upcoming Safer Roads Ottawa (SRO) roadside car seat safety checks designed to raise awareness among parents about the importance of proper car seat installation. From October 1 to 6, Ottawa Police and Ottawa Public Health nurses will be checking vehicles for properly installed car seats.

“Unfortunately, our experience tells us that two out of every three car seats in Ottawa are improperly secured,” said Dr. Isra Levy. “That’s why I welcome these safety checks and celebrate the many partnerships, including this one with Safer Roads Ottawa that help us make Ottawa’s roads safer.”

SRO is a leading community partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the Public Works Department. Along with community partners, they are committed to preventing or eliminating road deaths and serious injuries for all people in the City of Ottawa, through culture change, community engagement, and development of a sustainable safe transportation environment. This year’s roadside checks coincide with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s annual seat belt campaign, and mark the 13th anniversary of seatbelt legislation in Ontario.

“For decades, seat belts have been an important life-saving tool and a legal requirement,” said Supt. Jill Skinner, Emergency Operations Directorate, Ottawa Police Service. “Road safety is a priority and Ottawa Police officers continue to work with the community to ensure that drivers are mindful and comply with the law. A properly installed car seat can make the difference between life or serious injury and death in the event of a collision.”

Ottawa Public Health recently launched the A1 Secure campaign which focuses on teaching parents and caregivers three steps to quickly increase the safety of their child passengers.

Think A1 Secure for every car ride:

Armpit level for harness chest clip.

1 finger space only between harness straps and the child’s chest.

Secure child car seat to vehicle according to the child car seat user guide.

For more information on A1 Secure campaign and car seat safety visit www.a1secure.ca call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth).

 

September 24, 2012

City steps up fight against EAB 

Ottawa – The City of Ottawa continues to implement its Council approved Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) management strategy, which includes tree injection, tree planting, selective tree removal and controlling the movement of infected wood. The City is proactively identifying areas for Ash tree injection and interplanting to reduce the impact on our forest cover by this invasive species.

“Maintaining our forest cover and keeping our trees is vital to our quality of life,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “In July of this year, Council invested an additional $1 million towards efforts to mitigate the damage EAB is causing.”

Ottawa is one of two cities in Ontario to test a new form of injection for use against EAB. Used previously in the United States and approved by Health Canada, Confidor is being used in Ottawa on a small number of trees as part of a partnership with industry researchers. The City continues to rely on TreeAzin, a biologically-based insecticide, for most of its tree injections.

“The City of Ottawa has shown strong leadership in the fight against EAB,” said Councillor Maria McRae, Chair of the City’s Environment Committee. “These funds will help us save some of our Ash tree canopy through injections and will allow us to plant a variety of other trees to help maintain our tree inventory,” added Councillor Maria McRae.

The City is interplanting to deal with the loss of trees as a result of EAB, close to 4,000 new trees near infested Ash trees. The City is planting larger, more mature trees to minimize the impact of losing older ash trees on neighbourhood aesthetics and overall forest cover.

The City has also updated its process for notifying residents when a new tree is interplanted on the City’s right-of-way. A general notification will be sent to all residents on a street receiving new trees. Residents receiving a new tree will be given a second notice prior to the planting.

The City is continuing with the removal of heavily infested Ash trees in the fall and winter. Affected residents will be notified in advance. All Ash products will be sent to Ottawa Cedar Lumber, who won the Request for Proposal for processing and reuse.

Residents also have the option to treat Ash trees on their private property and can find out more information by visiting ottawa.ca/eab.

 

September 19, 2012

Funding applications for civic events are now available 

Ottawa - Local not-for-profit organizations, such as volunteer-based community or recreation associations, are invited to apply for funding to provide one- to two-day civic events.

To qualify, events must have free admission, foster civic pride and develop community cohesion. Each event is linked to and celebrates a civic/statutory holiday in Ontario (i.e. New Year’s Day, Family Day, Victoria Day, Ontario Civic Holiday), is held in a specific geographic district in Ottawa, and encompasses a broad range of activities and family entertainment.

This year, the application deadline has been moved to November 1, 2012 to provide community groups with extra time to plan events. Application forms are available at City of Ottawa Client Service Centres or online at ottawa.ca.

Maximum Allocation: $3,000

For more information contact 613-580-2424, ext. 24322 or 14133 or e-mail rec-info@ottawa.ca.

 

September 14, 2012

City seeks applicants for advisory committees and boards 

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa is seeking volunteers to sit on the Ottawa Police Services Board, the newly restructured Accessibility Advisory Committee; Arts, Culture, Heritage and Recreation Advisory Committee; Community Services Advisory Committee; Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee; French Language Services Advisory Committee; the Built Heritage Sub-Committee; and the Cumberland Museum Board for the term ending November 30, 2014.

You can be a part of one of these new Committees, which will focus on the City’s Term of Council Priorities.

Make a difference by becoming a volunteer member of an Advisory Committee. The City will benefit greatly from your expertise, enthusiasm and civic pride and in return, you will gain insight and knowledge of how the City works.

For more information on eligibility, roles and responsibilities and the application process, please visit ottawa.ca or contact Diane Blais at 613-580-2424 ext. 28091 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or e-mail diane.blais@ottawa.ca.

 

September 14, 2012

City launches new solid waste collection campaign 

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa announced changes to the City’s solid waste collection schedule beginning October 29, 2012.

•Households will have their residual garbage collected every two weeks
•The schedule of blue and black box collection may change, but frequency of pick-up remains the same
•158,000 households will be on a new collection day
•Year-round weekly pick of the green bin will continue
The City also unveiled new dual-collection trucks that will collect both organic waste and recyclable materials at the same time.

“The switch to bi-weekly residual waste collection will save the City $10 million per year over the existing system and will reduce the number of collection vehicles on the road”, said Councillor Maria McRae, Environment Committee Chair. “This will also extend the life of Ottawa’s landfill,” added Councillor Maria McRae.

The City also launched a new collection calendar web tool that will allow residents to access their collection schedule more easily.

"One of the conveniences of this new web tool pilot is its ability to offer weekly reminders to residents," explained IT Sub-committee Chair Tim Tierney. "Instead of looking outside to see what your neighbours have put out, you can log onto our website and register for weekly collection day reminders via phone, twitter or e-mail. You can choose to receive notification the evening prior or the morning of your collection day and instantly know what will be collected."

The development of the web tool will also allow the City to add solid waste collection data to the City’s Open Data Catalogue, making it available to developers who wish to create applications.

 

September 11, 2012

IBM Smarter Cities Challenge hops on board to help with transit-oriented development 

Ottawa – The City of Ottawa welcomed a team of IBM experts today as they begin a three-week, pro bono consulting engagement on ways to encourage new development along Ottawa’s future Light Rail Transit (LRT) corridor.

The project is being funded by an IBM 2012 Smarter Cities Challenge grant valued at US$400,000 and will be led by a team from IBM’s global technology workforce to work closely with City leaders and deliver recommendations on the City’s LRT plan.

“We are extremely privileged to receive this free work as part of the 2012 IBM Smart City Challenge,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “I am looking forward to their expert recommendations on how we can turn our Transit-Oriented Development plans into action, creating new destination neighbourhoods in Ottawa”

The City is planning to create compact neighbourhoods with mixes of business and residential development around the light-rail stations through the adoption of Transit-Oriented Development plans that will be presented to planning committee for approval later this fall. The first three stations of these plans will focus on revitalizing the areas around Cyrville, St. Laurent, and VIA Rail transit stations. The IBM team will gather and analyze information from a broad spectrum of stakeholders and data sources to provide the City with recommendations on the best ways to increase market interest for residential and business growth in these areas.

Ottawa was one of two Canadian cities and 33 municipalities worldwide selected from over 150 submissions in the IBM’s 2012 Smarter Cities Challenge, a 100-city competitive grant program IBM launched in 2011.As part of the initiative, the company sends a team of IBM experts to each winning city to study and make recommendations on projects of local importance. To date, teams have developed recommendations for more than 40 cities around the world, on projects related to transportation, urban planning, sustainability, health, finance, public safety and education challenges.

“We have learned a tremendous amount about the challenges facing today's cities and how IBM, through the expertise of our employees, can add value as city leaders look for solutions,” said Normand Chatelier, corporate citizenship program manager for IBM. “We look forward to helping Ottawa’s leaders build a path to more thriving communities along the LRT corridor.”

“The long-term plan for the intensification and revitalization of these urban centres will lead to growth in transit ridership,” said Councillor Peter Hume, chair of the City’s Planning Committee. “I am looking forward to IBM’s recommendations on how to create the right conditions needed to attract residents to live and work around these transit stations. This will help us maximize the return on our investment in the Light Rail project, and help make Ottawa more liveable and economically sustainable by providing growth opportunities with infrastructure expansion.”

 

September 10, 2012

Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit Project Receives Consortia Submissions 

Ottawa – Today the City of Ottawa received submissions from three industry teams to design, build, finance and maintain the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) Project.

“We have reached another important milestone today in our effort to bring Light Rail Transit to Ottawa,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “I know residents are pleased to finally see progress on this vital city-building project. Council is looking forward to awarding the contract later this year and getting shovels in the ground in 2013.”

Proposals have been submitted by:

• Ottawa Transit Partners (led by Vinci Concessions)
• Rideau Transit Group (led by ACS Infrastructure Canada)
• Rideau Transit Partners (led by Bouygues Travaux Publics)
  

Each of these teams was prequalified to submit proposals after an initial Request for Qualifications was completed in October 2011. Collectively, these firms have successfully built over $100 billion in light rail projects and 2,000 kilometres of tunnels in cities across the globe.

The City of Ottawa and Infrastructure Ontario will now commence the evaluation of these submissions, and will recommend a Preferred Proponent along with their design, cost and schedule to City Council for approval by the end of this year. Construction of the OLRT Project is anticipated to begin in early 2013 and the system is expected to enter full revenue service in spring 2018.

For more information about the OLRT Project, please visit www.ottawalightrail.ca

 

September 6, 2012

Ottawa’s “youth-friendly” attributes caught on camera 

Ottawa – Youth, ages 16 to 25, are invited to snap photographs of how they see their city as part of a photo submission project that officially launched today and will be featured as part of the Mayor’s Youth Summit on October 12, 2012.

Mayor Jim Watson, Councillor Mathieu Fleury, Honourary Chair of the Mayor’s Youth Summit, and Mandi Duhamel from Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa (CAYFO) launched the Youth Pic Ottawa photo submission project during an event today at Operation Come Home, one of the community agencies partnering with the City on the Youth Summit.

“We want to know how youth see their city and what better way to do that than by asking them to capture on camera what they think makes Ottawa youth-friendly,” said Mayor Watson. “This project is an exciting way for youth to get involved in the lead up to the Youth Summit, which will be an opportunity for them to make their voices heard on issues that are important to them.”

Photo submissions will be accepted until September 28 at cayfo.ca and the images will be prominently displayed during the day-long summit at City Hall on October 12.

“Youth have a unique perspective about what makes their city special and this photo submission project gives them the opportunity to use photography to tell us what a youth-friendly Ottawa looks like and to showcase their artistic talents through photography,” said Councillor Fleury.

Registration for the Mayor’s Youth Summit officially opens on September 10. The online registration form can be found at ottawa.ca/youth. Although spaces for the Summit are limited, youth can still participate on the day of the event through a live webcast broadcast on ottawa.ca/youth or on Twitter by using the hashtag #ottyouth.

The Summit is an opportunity for Ottawa youth to discuss important youth-oriented issues, while learning about City and community services that are available to help them achieve their goals. Youth attending the Summit will help shape their City by engaging in discussions around employment, civic engagement, arts and culture, safety, and health.

 

September 4, 2012

Nominate an outstanding resident for the Order of Ottawa 

Ottawa – Nominate an outstanding resident now for the City’s new Order of Ottawa award.

The Order of Ottawa recognizes outstanding residents who have made significant contributions to the city through their professional accomplishments in any of the following areas: arts and culture, business, community service, education, public service, labour, communications and media, science, sports and entertainment, and in any other field that benefits Ottawa.

Nominations for the Order of Ottawa can be completed online at ottawa.ca. Nomination pamphlets are also available at local community centres, Ottawa Public Library branches or Client Service Centres. The deadline for submission of nominations is Wednesday, October 10, 2012.

The Order of Ottawa, which was created this year by City Council to recognize excellence in the community, will be awarded annually to up to 15 of Ottawa’s most deserving individuals.

More information regarding the Order of Ottawa can be found online at ottawa.ca.

 

August 31, 2012

The City of Ottawa launches Lobbyist Registry 

Ottawa –The City of Ottawa today launched its online Lobbyist Registry, a key component of the City’s Accountability Framework, as part of a continuing commitment to making municipal government more transparent and accountable to the public.

“The Lobbyist Registry is part of an overall, balanced approach to protecting the privacy interests of individuals and organizations, while ensuring the right of the public to know how their government operates and how decisions are made,” said Mayor Jim Watson.

The Lobbyist Registry, found at ottawa.ca/lobbyist, is a bilingual online tool that provides accountability and transparency to lobbying activities by giving the public access to information about who is communicating with Members of Council and City Staff.

“Lobbying of politicians and staff is a reality, but as stewards of the public trust we must be open to our citizens and ethical in our behaviour,” said Mayor Watson. “Public policy must not be made in private and we must be accountable for our actions and decisions.”

Lobbying is considered any communication with a Member of Council or City Staff by an individual who is paid or represents a business or financial interest with the goal of trying to influence a legislative action or the outcome of a decision outside of normal processes.

While most types of interactions will not need to be registered, including speaking on the record before Council and its Committees or following a Council-approved process, in instances where lobbying has occurred, the subject matter, the client, the individual(s) lobbied, the method of communication and the date will need to be disclosed on the Registry.

The Registry will cover activities that occur on and after Saturday, September 1, 2012. In accordance with the City’s Lobbyist Registry By-law, individuals have 15 business days to register a lobbying activity. For example, any lobbying activities that occur on September 1 can be registered any time after that date until September 24 (accounting for the Labour Day holiday).

The Lobbyist Registry will be overseen by the City’s independent, arms-length Integrity Commissioner, Robert Marleau. He will begin meeting with stakeholders, responding to questions and conducting education sessions beginning on September 10, 2012.

The public can search the Lobbyist Registry by subject matter, keywords, persons lobbied, lobbyists, affected wards and dates.

 

August 28, 2012

Road safety a priority as children return to school 

Ottawa – As children head back to school, the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Public Health are reminding motorists to be cautious, drive safe and follow the rules of the road, especially near school zones and school buses.

“This time of year is exciting for children and their families as they return to school,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “It’s important that motorists are aware that children will be may need to use or cross roads on their way to and from school and to exercise caution when driving in these areas.”

The City has posted five portable variable message signs at high-traffic intersections to remind drivers about the start of the school season and the need to practise vigilance when driving near schools or school buses. The signs will be in operation at these key locations for the next two weeks.

Ottawa Police Service will also be focusing on back to school road safety education and enforcement in the coming weeks.

“Every school year, Ottawa Police focuses its efforts on ensuring drivers are respecting the rules of the road related to school zones and buses,” said Acting Inspector Chris Rheaume. “It’s important to take a moment to remind ourselves that children are out on roads and sidewalks and we all have a responsibility to drive appropriately to ensure everyone's return to school is as safe as possible.”

Safer roads also mean more active and healthy children who feel safe getting back and forth from school by walking or cycling.

“Walking or biking to school is a great way for students to get exercise and achieve the minimum 60 minutes of physical activity each day,” said Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health. “Ottawa Public Health encourages students to walk or bike to school as part of an effort to create a culture of active transportation in the city, and we all have a role to play in ensuring safer roads so our kids can lead more active lives.”

This initiative supports the larger Safer Roads Ottawa Program, a leading partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the Public Works Department and is committed to preventing or eliminating road deaths and serious injuries for all people in the City of Ottawa, through culture change, community engagement, and development of a sustainable safe transportation environment.

August 15, 2012

Annual Cleaning the Capital ready for a fall clean sweep 

Ottawa - The City of Ottawa and Tim Horton’s are launching the 7th annual Fall Cleaning the Capital Campaign. Residents of all ages are invited to participate.

Register your cleanup project on or before September 14 to be eligible to win early bird prizes. Registration continues until October 15. Cleaning the Capital volunteers who submit their online cleanup reports by October 31 are also eligible to win one of many prizes donated by our generous sponsors.

Registration is quick and easy. Start by selecting a cleanup location. It can be a park, ravine, shoreline, bus stop, pathway or any public area requiring tidying up. Projects can include litter pickup or graffiti removal. Register your cleanup project online at ottawa.ca/clean or by calling 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).

Cleanup starter kits for litter pickup and/or graffiti removal projects are available to all registered volunteers upon request. Litter pickup starter kits include: disposable vinyl gloves, garbage bags as well as leaf and yard waste bags. Graffiti removal starter kits include graffiti removal wipes, masks and gloves. All kits come with helpful project and safety information to guide your cleanup project.

This is a great opportunity for families and friends to work together on community cleanup projects that help make Ottawa clean, green, graffiti-free and litter-free. Cleaning the Capital is an excellent way for high school students to earn their community volunteer hours. Everyone stands to win! Last year, over 92,000 Ottawa residents made a difference by participating in a cleanup project.

 

July 16, 2012

Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit project receives Federal Environmental Assessment approval 

Ottawa – The City of Ottawa today announced that it has received Federal Environmental Assessment approval for the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) project.

Work to achieve Federal Environmental Assessment approval began in earnest in March 2010. With this announcement the federal government now joins the provincial government, which granted its environmental assessment approval in August 2010.

“This project is the largest, most complex infrastructure project in the City’s history and today we have achieved a very important milestone,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The federal government’s endorsement of our approach is a critical step forward for us as we move towards finishing the RFP and selecting the team that will build this project.”

The OLRT project is currently in the Request-for-Proposals (RFP) phase of the procurement process. Three world class consortia have been shortlisted to compete for the project contract and Council is scheduled to ratify the winner in late 2012. Construction of the OLRT project would begin in early 2013.

The OLRT project will generate over $3.2 billion in economic activity and 20,000 person-years of employment during construction alone. Once built, the system will carry in excess of 10,000 people per hour per direction during the morning rush hour and save transit riders approximately 15 minutes from their daily commutes.

For more information about the OLRT project, please visit www.ottawalightrail.ca.

 

July 11, 2012

Council approves work to update plans guiding Ottawa’s growth 

Ottawa – City Council today gave its approval for work to proceed on updating the plans that shape the way Ottawa grows.

Council approved the statements of work for updates to the Official Plan, the Transportation Master Plan and the Infrastructure Master Plan. These are the documents that guide how and where the City will grow over the years to come, especially focusing on the next 20 years.

The transportation planning work will include updates to the City’s pedestrian and cycling plans as well as a prioritization of transit and road projects.

The Official Plan update will be a review of the document, rather than a full revision. Main areas of focus will be on: ensuring that future urban and suburban intensification projects are built to a higher level of urban design; encouraging the redevelopment of properties around Tunney’s Pasture Station to Blair Station as part of the City’s LRT project; prioritizing infrastructure rehabilitation projects to areas of the City undergoing intensification; reviewing Ottawa’s supply of employment lands to ensure that it aligns with the goals of Invest Ottawa; and, developing unique growth strategies for each of Ottawa’s rural villages.

It is not expected that this review will require changes to Ottawa’s urban boundary, as a preliminary analysis indicates there is an adequate supply of land for residential and commercial development already within the urban area. This will be confirmed in the fall when Council adopts the City’s future population projections.

There will be public consultations on the updates to these plans beginning later this year and continuing next year. The updated documents are scheduled to be before Council for consideration by the end of 2013.

 

June 18, 2012

Rideau Street Renewal Construction Project Begins June 25 

Ottawa - Reconstruction of Rideau Street will begin on Monday, June 25. This is the first phase of a two-year $28.9-million infrastructure renewal project along Rideau Street. This construction project will improve an important transportation link in Ottawa's downtown core by upgrading roadways and increasing cycling and pedestrian links, which will encourage economic development and tourism in the area.

The Rideau Street Renewal construction project will replace aging water and sewer pipes, which are up to 140 years old. This project will also replace a watermain, improve cycling connections, rebuild the deteriorating roadway and beautify the street with the addition of new trees, street furniture, sidewalks and artwork.

Beginning on July 9, Rideau Street will be reduced to westbound traffic only from King Edward Avenue to Dalhousie Street. Traffic detouring for eastbound traffic will be implemented prior to the start of construction. Eastbound traffic will be diverted to Besserer Street via Nicholas Street during this stage of construction. Eastbound general traffic on Besserer will be returned to Rideau Street via King Edward Avenue.

During phase one of the construction project, detours will divert traffic to Besserer, Murray and George Streets. Changes to traffic detouring, including OC Transpo and interprovincial trucking, will be communicated to the public through the project website, e-bulletins, and public service announcements. Transit riders may also visit www.octranspo.com for travel planning information.

Businesses will remain open and accessible on Rideau Street through the construction period.

The Rideau Street Renewal project is part of the Ottawa on the Move initiative that will allow the City to proceed with much needed city-building infrastructure projects. Ottawa on the Move will see roadwork and bridge repair, sidewalk upgrades, sewer and culvert improvements and cycling infrastructure investment across the length and breadth of Ottawa. This plan will maximize transportation choices for residents in advance of the light rail construction period and in advance of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. Through the Ottawa on the Move program, $340 million worth of projects will be completed and a record amount of funding will go towards cycling initiatives.

Further information about the Rideau Street renewal project is available on ottawa.ca/rideaurenewal or by contacting 3-1-1, or by e-mail at rideaurenewal@ottawa.ca. Residents may also sign up for an e-newsletter on the project that will be distributed as there is news to report.

 

June 8, 2012

City begins construction at Lansdowne 

Ottawa - The City will commence preliminary construction activities at Lansdowne during the week of June 11, 2012.

Further to the notice issued on May 22, 2012, the City has awarded the first two Lansdowne Park construction contracts authorized by City Council on May 9, 2012.

The first tender was awarded to EllisDon Corporation and includes:

•Foundation construction for the relocation of the Horticulture Building;
•Demolition of the Coliseum Building;
•Excavation and remediation of soils located beneath and adjacent to the buildings;
•Other related work including relocation of utilities and the removal of trees.
EllisDon is a major construction contractor and has a local Ottawa office on Queensview Drive. EllisDon was a pre-qualified contractor for the Lansdowne project and has recently completed a number of major projects including the Algonquin College Centre for Construction Excellence, the Baseline Station Tunnel and the Woodroffe Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.

Following are the activities that EllisDon Corporation.is expected to undertake at Lansdowne in the next two weeks:

•Mobilizing and setting up site trailer;
•Installing modular chain link fence to the area east of the Horticulture Building to the baseball diamonds;
•Disconnecting power to parking lot lights in the contract area;
•Removing trees along Holmwood Avenue between Horticulture Building and the baseball diamonds;
•Removing trees around the Horticulture Building
•Excavating a four-feet-deep by 30-feet-wide trench around the Horticulture Building to accommodate the installation of steel beams;
•Relocating contaminated material from excavation at berm location;
•Placing clean fill from excavation in temporary storage location within the contract area.
The contract includes the removal of trees on Holmwood Avenue. Approximately 60 trees will be removed as part of current construction tender in order to access the contaminated soil for remediation and to begin preliminary work for the move of the Horticulture Building.

The City will only remove the trees that are required to do the current works (to ensure operational safety and access).

The Lansdowne revitalization project contains a detailed tree-planting plan for both Holmwood Avenue and for the entire redevelopment.

The Holmwood Tree Planting plan includes detailed conditions for soil, drainage, grading, size, spacing and species of tree to ensure acceptable site conditions for future tree planting at Lansdowne.

Existing trees that need to be removed as part of the Lansdowne implementation will be replaced following the City of Ottawa Tree Replacement Policy and the conditions set out in the Lansdowne Tree Planting plan.

The second contract was awarded to CDS Building Movers for construction management services related to the relocation and the initiation of the adaptive re-use of the Horticulture Building.

CDS Building Movers is a structural moving and consulting company dedicated to the preservation and recycling of historically significant buildings and structures.

The activities that CDS Building Movers is expected to undertake at Lansdowne in the next two weeks includes the removal of asbestos in the Horticulture Building and the removal of Horticulture windows and doors.

There will be significant activity at Lansdowne over the next year. The City is committed to ensure residents are fully informed of activities on this project. As construction work gets underway, information will be provided on Ottawa.ca.

Work on the first contract is expected to begin the week of June 11, 2012 and be completed in November 2012. Structural works to stabilize the relocated Horticulture Building will be ongoing until March 2013.

June 6, 2012

Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge project to restart 

Ottawa – Today, the City of Ottawa is pleased to announce that the City’s bonding company has finalized the selection of a prime contractor to complete the contract for the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge project.

Horseshoe Hill Construction Inc. has assembled a team that will deliver the completion of the contract as the City takes over operational delivery and oversees the project. First on the priority list for the contractor is a “completion schedule” that will be developed within the next few weeks.

“This is an important infrastructure project that the community is anxious to see completed,” says Councillor Steve Desroches. “I am confident that the project is moving forward with the right team to deliver the full extent of the contract.”

The Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge project is a $48-million infrastructure project that went into receivership in March with the job approximately 60 per cent complete. Restarting the project with Horseshoe Hill Construction Inc. will enable the bond company to fulfill its responsibility to ensure project completion at no additional cost to the City.