Councillor s Column KEEPING YOU INFORMED

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1 Councillor s Column KEEPING YOU INFORMED SHAD QADRI WARD 6 - STITTSVILLE Stittsville Residents with Majority of Feedback on Parking By-Law Amendment On Wednesday, the City s Transportation Committee discussed and approved an updated Traffic and Parking By-law. This report and recommendations must now go before City Council for final approval. Included in the report is the recommendation to extend on-street parking duration limit along unsigned roadways from a 3-hour maximum to a 6-hour maximum from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and statutory holidays. This will allow more flexibility for residents and their guests requiring greater than 3-hour parking on weekends and holidays; and allows up to 24 hours of consecutive on-street parking for overnight guests arriving after 1 p.m. The updated by-law, once approved by Council, is proposed to go into effect June 1, 2018 will also be harmonized with City and provincial legislation. The report presented to the committee summarized the responses the City received from the survey conducted over the summer. As you can see in the below chart presented to the committee, Stittsville was the community with the most responses submitted from across the City. Unfortunately, I feel this truly showcases the parking issues that our growing community is facing. The current Traffic and Parking By-law was approved by the City in 2003 and since then I know Stittsville has experienced denser development and I think the parking needs of residents have also changed; particularly during the winter months. For example, I have been working with the City s Traffic Department in tandem with the Fairwinds Community Association to review potential parking limitations between Dec 1 st - March 31 st. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 1

2 As shown in the above chart, in Stittsville the majority of responses from residents supported the weekend and holiday changes proposed. I frequently receive complaints from residents in Stittsville regarding street parking, from both those who have received parking tickets and also those that are concerned with cars parking on their streets. The proposed changes would be for weekends and holidays which I think is important to allow for flexibility to accommodate residents who have gatherings at their homes or are hosting guests from out of town. At the Committee I also raised questions regarding accessible parking requirements and staff were directed to discuss with the Province the possibility of going beyond the Provincial Standards and expand the accessible parking requirements to accommodate the aging population and the increase in the rate of disability. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 2

3 IN THE COMMUNITY You re Invited to a Water Dance! What is a Water Dance, you ask? This Saturday, September 9 th, from 10am 5 pm at various splash pads across the City (including the Deer Run Splash Pad at 4:15pm!) the Ottawa 2017 team will be hosting Water Dances! Back by popular demand, after a successful first wave in August! Playful and dynamic dance performances will take place in numerous splash pads across the city. These impromptu presentations will surprise and delight residents and visitors, while showcasing local water features in a splashy new light. To give you an idea of what a Water Dance looks like, visit the following link: 150/waterdance/. Hope to see you all at Deer Run Park on Saturday! COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 3

4 Picnic in the (W. J. Bell Rotary Peace) Park I would like to invite all residents to a joint endeavor from my office with the Stittsville Rotary Club. The Club s annual Picnic in the Park will be taking place this Saturday, September 9 th from 1:00-5:00 at the W. J. Bell Rotary Peace Park. Games, musical guests, a photo booth and historical reenactors will all be there for your entertainment. Bring your own food or purchase food from the on-site BBQ! The picnic will be preceded by a short ceremony from 1:00-1:30 to celebrate the recent commemorative naming in honour of W. J. Bell. Deputy Mayor Bob Monette, Rotary Club President David McNamara, a member of the Bell family, and myself will each speak to the testament of W.J. Bell and the significance this park provides in his memory. In recognition of the extensive community service of W.J. Bell, the City of Ottawa approved the request to re-name Bell Memorial Park at 1751 Stittsville Main St. to W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park. W.J. Bell donated the park land with the aim that it be enjoyed for generations to come as a passive green space. While not a Rotarian himself, Bell s next of kin, Grace Bell, is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Ottawa-Stittsville. Bell s family and the Stittsville Rotary Club brought forward the name change in order to reflect the objectives of encouraging and fostering peace. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 4

5 In October 2015, the Rotary Club of Ottawa Stittsville opened a Peace Park within Bell Memorial Park. The Peace Park features a labyrinth, which is designed to foster peaceful contemplation and meditation in a natural environment. The proposed name W.J. Bell Rotary Peace Park reflects the aims of the Peace Park housed within while continuing to commemorate W. J. Bell himself. I highly encourage all residents to stop by this event and celebrate good times with friends, family, and neighbours. Don t forget to bring your blankets and chairs! Kidney Walk I would like to invite all residents to come and walk with me this coming Sunday, September 10 th, in this year s Stittsville Kidney Walk. The Kidney Walk is a great way for families, friends and colleagues to come together to show support for the 1 in 10 Canadians living with kidney disease. It s where the kidney community gathers to show their unwavering commitment to kidney health and improved lives for all people touched by kidney disease. Many activities and food items will be available on site! Registration runs from 9:00-10:00 and the walk departs at 10:00 from the Stittsville United Church (6255 Fernbank Rd). For more information, please visit You can also contact volunteer, Marianne Graham, at mgraham9801@gmail.com. I hope that many residents can make it out to support this event and help raise money for families affected by kidney disease. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 5

6 Fernbank Crossing Fall Fair The Fernbank Crossing Fall Fair is coming to Stittsville this Sunday, September 10 th and all residents are invited to meet with community members in celebration of the beginning of Fall! The event runs from 11:00 AM 3:00 PM and will take place on Cope Drive in the Fernbank Crossing Subdivision. The event is being organized as a joint endeavour by eq Homes, Phoenix Homes and Richcraft Homes. Food trucks, horse-drawn carriage rides, bouncy castles, face painting and more will all be available for your enjoyment. This is one block party you won t want to miss! I highly encourage all residents to stop by for a fun-filled afternoon to connect with your neighbours and community! See you there! Värdera Café Lounge - 1 Year Anniversary COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 6

7 Stittsville s very own Värdera Café and Lounge officially turns 1-years-old this Sunday, September 10 th! Throughout their first year, Värdera is proud to have built a trusting relationship with an outstanding group of customers and met remarkably talented artists and musicians. Värdera thanks residents for helping make this happen for the café and the community. Friends and family are invited to join us as Värdera celebrates their one year anniversary this Sunday at Värdera Café and Lounge located at 6081 Hazeldean road. Event includes: - Complimentary coffee samples - Live music performance by local musician Neal Kos - Face Painting by Victoria Kirk - Prize Draws at 3PM - 1 ticket per coffee purchase. There will be 10 prize giveaways! 5 winners will receive a $10 gift certificate valid on anything in the cafe, and 5 lucky winners will each receive a freshly roasted bag of this year s customers favorite blend of Värdera coffee beans! - And more..! COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 7

8 Grace Thompson Commemorative Naming Ceremony The Ottawa Public Library invites residents to the Commemorative Naming Ceremony for the dedication of a room at the Stittsville branch in honour of Grace Thompson The naming ceremony will be held on Thursday, October at 2:00 p.m. in the Stittsville Library Branch located at 1637 Stittsville Main Street. As space is limited please RSVP by Friday, September to Board@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca. Grace Thompson was a significantly involved resident in the Stittsville community. A local historian, author, and philanthropist, she was the first secretary-treasurer of the Stittsville Goulbourn Horticultural Society, a founding member of both the Stittsville Women s Institute and the Goulbourn Jubilee Singers, and member of the original steering committee for the formation of the Goulbourn Township Historical Society. Grace was one of the first volunteers of the Stittsville Public Library when it opened in 1973 and continued to volunteer well into the 1980s. 8 th Annual Ride to Turn the Tide of AIDS in Africa COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 8

9 I am happy to share that Stittsville s own Grassroots Grannies are at it again! At 9:00 AM this past Wednesday, it was my pleasure to see the team off as they departed from the Bushtukah on 5607 Hazeldean Road and returned this afternoon Friday, September 8 th at the Bushtukah Store on 203 Richmond Road, Westboro. The cyclists passed through Ashton, Appleton, Almonte, Perth, Merrickville and Metcalfe. The 8 th Annual Ride to Turn the Tide of AIDS is an event in support of African Grandmothers by way of the Stephen Lewis Foundation s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. Twenty-two local grandmothers, grandfathers and grand-others participated in the three-day cycling fundraiser to show support and raise money for African grandmothers whose lives have been devastated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Individual riders paid their own costs for the ride. The cyclists have been actively seeking sponsors and hope to raise $55,000 with all proceeds going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Grassroot Grannies Website at: You may also contact: Nancy Hough at COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 9

10 or Shirley Mander at Thank you. AROUND THE CITY City commemorates National Day of Mourning for Fallen Fire Fighters on Sunday, September 10 Friday afternoon at City Hall I, along with the Mayor and Council colleagues, attended a ceremony in recognition of the National Day of Mourning for Fallen Fire Fighters. The National Day of Mourning for Fallen Fire Fighters is Sunday, September 10 th, and it honours all Fire Fighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The flags at all City of Ottawa sites will be flown at half-mast on Sunday, September 10 th from sunrise until sunset to commemorate these courageous and committed men and women. STEP Theme Release for September 2017 Police are paying attention to traffic concerns being raised through the Stitsville community. I was on-site with Police on Friday morning reminding residents of traffic safety in their COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 10

11 communities (see below). I would like to thank the OPS Constables who accompanied me and discussed traffic concerns with residents. The Gatineau Police Service and Ottawa Police Service s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) will focus on school bus and school zones safety as well as vehicle occupant restraints during the month of September. School Bus / School Zone Safety: Between 2011 and 2015, there were 900 collisions resulting in 211 injuries involving school buses or occurring in school zones. Vehicle Occupant Restraint: Between 2011 and 2015, there were 210 collisions due to the lack of or improper use of vehicle occupant restraints resulting in 13 fatalities and 221 injuries. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 11

12 The Safer Roads Ottawa Program is a leading community partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the Transportation Services Department 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. Also participating in the Safer Roads Ottawa Program are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Sureté du Québec, Department of National Defence s Military Police and Gatineau Police Service to improve road safety for all residents of the national capital region. Ottawa residents have identified traffic safety as a top priority. The Safer Roads Ottawa Program is committed to using available resources to make Ottawa roads safer for residents. For more information: Ottawa Police Media Relations ext Gatineau Police Media Relations ext Sunday, September 10 th is Grandparent s Day! COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 12

13 This Sunday, September 10 th is Grandparent s Day! Get the family together and spend some time with your Grandparents and loved ones. The Canadian Automotive Museum is inviting residents to enjoy a fun afternoon with the grandchildren where Grandparents will receive free admission when they accompany a youth or child to the museum on Sunday, September 10. A special guided tour will take place at 1pm. For more information and ticket details, visit the following link: COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 13

14 Kanata Seniors Expo Come on out to the Kanata Seniors Expo next Friday, September 15 th, from 1-3pm at the Mlacak Centre located at 2500 Campeau Drive! COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 14

15 The Grey Cup came early this year! The Grey Cup made an early appearance in Ottawa this past Thursday at the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame! The Cup is in town to promote the Grey Cup game, taking place at TD Place Stadium at Lansdowne Park on November 26, The 105th Grey Cup Festival kicks off on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 and runs through the weekend. Find out more about the Grey Cup and the Grey Cup Festival at greycupfestival105.ca. Former REDBLACKS star, Henry Burris receives Key to the City of Ottawa COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 15

16 Thursday evening, Mayor Jim Watson presented the Key to the City to Henry Burris, current CTV Morning Live Host and former REDBLACKS quarterback, at a ceremony at City Hall. The key was presented to Mr. Burris in recognition of his outstanding contribution and dedication to professional sport and his community leadership and support for local charity. Henry Burris is a former Canadian Football League (CFL) QB who played for 17 years for four teams; the Calgary Stampeders, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Burris won three Grey Cups, including the first-ever for the REDBLACKS franchise in Mr. Burris was named the CFL s Most Outstanding Player twice; in 2005 and When he retired, Burris was third all-time in career CFL passing yards. Born in Spiro, Oklahoma, Mr. Burris was a football star for his home state s Temple University, setting numerous records. He also played for two years in the National Football League with two of its most storied franchises, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. Since joining the Ottawa REDBLACKS and making Ottawa his home, Mr. Burris has made a significant contribution to the city. He is very involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, hosting an annual All Star Weekend fundraiser for the organization and donating countless hours. He regularly attended numerous community events and paid visits to schools and hospitals as a member of the REDBLACKS. He was also the team s Tackle Hunger representative for the three seasons that he played for the team, helping to collect thousands of pounds of COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 16

17 food for those in need. Burris remains a big part of the community in his new role as host of CTV morning Live in Ottawa. Quotes Since the moment he arrived here, Henry Burris has been committed to the City of Ottawa. Henry is a wonderful role model and community leader, and his many contributions both on and off the football field have made, and continue to make our city an even better place to live in. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson "It's truly an honor to be recognized by Mayor Watson for this prestigious award. I believe you can overcome anything in this world with love and support. The City of Ottawa has given that to me and my family. We will be forever grateful! Henry Burris BIA Benefits Highlighted at City Committee At the City s Finance and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday this week staff presented a report with an update on the Business Improvement Area (BIA)s in the City of Ottawa. As part of the report each BIA in the City was also required to provide their annual reports. There is discussion in the business community in Stittsville to form a BIA and there currently is a steering committee that is working to reach out to businesses to share with them information on the benefits of a BIA. Another public meeting is also planned to be held in Stittsville this Fall to discuss a BIA further. A BIA is more than beautifications projects and events; it can be what the businesses want it to be. I have provided information from the staff report below which provides additional details on BIAs and their benefits. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 17

18 A BIA is a local board of the municipality that oversees the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality and also promote the area as a business or shopping area. In March 2016, the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) and the Toronto Association of BIAs (TABIA) began the Return on Investment of BIAs Project to increase the understanding of the impact of BIAs in Ontario. In April 2017, they released their findings, including: BIAs report a median spend of $32,500 annually dedicated to beautification; BIAs attract employees to an area increasing the daytime population; and, BIAs across Ontario produce an estimated total of 1,200 events annually. The 2016 BIA Annual Reports highlight the achievements of the various BIAs within the City of Ottawa. While there are 19 BIAs within the City of Ottawa, only 18 are required to provide an annual report and audited financial statements for 2016, as Kanata Central was formed in 2017; Carp Village BIA and Somerset Village BIA have not submitted an Annual Report for Bank Street BIA entertained more than 50,000 attendees at the annual Glowfair Festival and received over one million views on the Glowfair website. Barrhaven BIA worked with Doyletech Corporation and completed an extensive research project; the results will be used to drive an employment marketing campaign in 2017/18. Bells Corners BIA acquired its own tartan and unveiled it on Tartan Day, April 6th, 2016, at a reception hosted at Whiprsnapr Brewing Company. ByWard Market BIA supported the following festivals and events: Clarence Street Patio Fest, North Dal Summer Fun, ByWard Bark-et, Ottawa Sausagefest, Black History Month (IFCO & Mercury Lounge), Server Games, and the North Dal Holiday Shopping Night. Carp Road Corridor BIA examined cleantech septic effluent treatment which will ensure protection of groundwater and public health as the rural industrial business area builds out. Downtown Rideau BIA expanded the BIA district to provide the newly expanded area with the same programming elements that are found in the existing BIA. Glebe BIA launched a new, mobile driven, responsive and consumer friendly website that, for the first time, captures the full Glebe experience. Heart of Orleans BIA played an integral role in the first annual Orléans Ribfest which saw 16,000 people visit the three-day event. Kanata North BIA published the Kanata North Technology Ecosystem Report. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 18

19 Manotick BIA celebrated the 40th annual Dickinson Day, in celebration of Moss Kent Dickinson, the founder of the Village of Manotick. Preston Street BIA implemented the Italian Week Father s Day Weekend which included a Ferrari and Italian Car Parade, Bike Race, Street Party, Children s formal fashion show, Artist s Studio Tour, and a Scooter Demo Zone. Quartier Vanier BIA successfully launched a Quartier Vanier digital magazine and three sponsored articles in the Ottawa Business Journal aimed at attracting more businesses to the district. Somerset Street Chinatown BIA hosted the first Summer Asian Night Market, attracting over 20,000 people. Sparks Street BIA had a successful events season hosting Poutinefest, Ottawa Ribfest and the Ottawa International Busker Festival. Wellington West BIA recruited 101 business participants for the Tastes of Wellington West event. Westboro Village BIA executed a new BIA summer event, Westboro FUSE, and attracted more than 15,000 people to the district. No, it s not a U.F.O Ottawa 2017, in collaboration with lead partner CIBC, would like to advise residents and visitors of advance technical lighting tests beginning this past Wednesday night and tonight (Friday night), from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in the area of the Chaudière Falls. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 19

20 The tests are in preparation for a new Signature Event and original concept by Ottawa 2017 called Mìwàte: Illumination of the Chaudière Falls. Highlighting one of the region s most impressive natural landmarks, this free ambient lighting display will launch in early October to celebrate and share Indigenous culture. Accompanied by a rich soundscape, the experience will evoke the culture of Indigenous people and in particular the Algonquin heritage of the region. In addition to the illumination, interpretation panels will share the story of the presence of Indigenous peoples in the region. The name Mìwàte means dazzled by a light or fire in Anishinaabe, the language of the Algonquin people. Light will be used to amplify the energy that comes from the water. This powerful tribute to Indigenous people is co-produced by the Ottawa 2017 Bureau and world-renowned Canadian production company Moment Factory, in collaboration with the local First Nations, and in consultation with representatives from local Métis and Inuit communities. Spectators will be able to view Mìwàte from the new public space overlooking the falls that is part of Hydro Ottawa s Chaudière Falls expansion project. CITY SERVICES 2017 Community Safety Awards REMINDER: Send us your nominations! The Community Safety Awards are not far away. The ceremony will take place on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 5 p.m. at Ottawa City Hall. Save the date! COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 20

21 Don t miss your opportunity to nominate a deserving community safety leader. The deadline for submissions is October 3, The awards honour individuals, groups and programs making Ottawa a safer city for everyone. Nominees are being sought for the following award categories: Leadership Award Business Award Youth Leadership Award Enforcement Professional Award City Employee Award Volunteer Award Volunteer Program Award Community Program Award The nomination form, criteria and frequently asked questions can be found at: Meetings at Ottawa City Hall next week All public meetings will be held at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, unless otherwise noted. For a complete agenda and updates, please sign up for alerts or visit ottawa.ca/agendas, or call Ottawa Police Services Board Finance and Audit Committee Monday, September 11, 10:00 a.m., Richmond Room 2018 Budget Directions and Timetable Crime Prevention - Ottawa Board Meeting Monday, September 11, 5:00 p.m., 5 p.m., Colonel By Room Planning Committee Tuesday, September 12, 9:30 a.m., Champlain Room COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 21

22 Heritage Inventory Project- Additions to Heritage Register Old Ottawa East and Old Ottawa South (Ward 17 Capital) Official Plan Amendment 4791 Bank Street (Ward 22 and 20 Gloucester-South Nepean and Osgoode) Zoning By-Law Amendment 6909 Notre-Dame Street (Ward 2 Innes) Annual Development Report 2016 (City Wide) City of Ottawa Zoning By-Law : Omnibus Amendments Q (City Wide) Technical Anomalies Amendment - Permanent Signs on Private Property By-Law (City Wide) Zoning By-Law Amendment Amendments to Accommodate Reconstruction in Areas Affected by the May 2017 Flooding (Ward 1, 5, 7, and 19 Orléans, West Carleton- March, Bay and Cumberland) Ottawa Police Services Board Policy and Governance Committee Tuesday, September 12, 11 a.m., Honeywell Room 2017 Board Performance Review Results Review of Business Planning Framework City Council Meeting Wednesday, September 13, 10 a.m., Andrew S. Haydon Hall BUILT HERITAGE SUB-COMMITTEE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 9:30 A.M., CHAMPLAIN ROOM Application to Alter 227 Mackay Street, a property located in the New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District, designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act (Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe) Application for New Construction at 445 Green Avenue, a Property Designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act and located in the Rockcliffe Park Heritage Conservation District (Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe) Application for New Construction at 575 Old Prospect Road, a Property Designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act and located in the Rockcliffe Park Heritage Conservation District (Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe) COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 22

23 FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 6:30P.M., CHAMPLAIN ROOM COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 23