Comment in letter "most inappropriate," says councillor
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By Glenn Brooks
Email
Print
Tweet ThisLast week, I responded to Eve's letter to the editor. In the letter, she used the term "coffin dodgers" in reference to the newly proposed seniors' residence on Bridge Street, Manotick and the ability for seniors to survive the traffic.
I certainly did not use this most inappropriate term! This is a new important development by Junicon Homes for seniors in our ward. Let us not close the door of opportunity before we have had the opportunity to thoroughly review the proposal.
As councillor it is my responsibility to communicate and I do this via four local papers that I write for on a weekly basis and via my database to about 3,200 ward households. There are those who may have considerable interest in downsizing and this development may be of interest to them.
There are those who are opposed to change - I do not subscribe to that philosophy! The only constant in this world is 'change'. Thus, we must learn to manage 'change' by adopting new and better approaches to change. On the other hand, 'change' for the sake of 'change' is usually counter-productive!
GREEN BIN DIVERTS 26,000 TONNES FROM LANDFILL
The City of Ottawa congratulates residents for using their green bins and helping divert over 26,000 tonnes of organic material from area landfillsthe equivalent of nearly 3,000 garbage trucksduring the first six months of the program.
In fact, residential waste diversion rates for the first half of 2010 rose to 42 per cent, with nearly 20 per cent of all residential waste collected being returned to the earth through the City's organics program.
BRIDGE ST./ VAN VLIET ROUNDABOUT
Klaus Beltzner raised the following question that I thought worthy of investigation:
"I am curious if you are including consideration of a roundabout in the EA for the Van Vliet/Long Island - Bridge Street intersection. Roundabouts are being promoted by the city as being safer for drivers and pedestrians than normal traffic lights at four-way intersections. Full article: www.glennbrooks.ca
CITY APPROVES NORTH GOWER GRANT APPLICATION
This community project was made possible through partnership with the City of Ottawa. These Community Partnership Minor Capital Programs are provided to community organizations. This grant will see an outdoor rink bunker and basketball constructed in the North Gower RA Park
Thus, a grant for 50 per cent of the total eligible project costs up to a maximum of $7,500 has been approved in support of the rink bunker project at North Gower RA Park, subject to receipt and approval of the required documentation.
PROCESS FOR REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMITS ON OTTAWA.CA
The detailed process to request a speed limit reduction to 40 km/h on local residential streets is now available on ottawa.ca/traffic.
Should you have any questions regarding the request process, please contact Greg Kent, Manager, Traffic, Engineering and Technical Services, 613-580-2424, extension 21707, Greg.Kent@ottawa.ca
DRAINAGE ACT & REGULATIONS TEAM - DART
The Provincial DART Committee has been reviewing streamlining and standardization of actions under Ontario's Drainage Act. For example, RVCA does not issue letters of permission for most drain maintenance and repair activities. RVCA does, however, issue letters of advice related to the responsibilities under the Canada Fisheries Act.
The Committee's efforts to date have focused on addressing issues related to the maintenance and repair of existing drains. Members have reluctantly conceded that, moving forward, they will have to spend next year working out procedures related to new drains and in particular, where such work would be undertaken in and around wetlands.
As many of you are aware, my office has been working with Goulbourn landowners concerned about both wetland designation and the Upper Flowing Creek issues. The wetland issue was negotiated resulting in a Five-year moratorium. Upper flowing Creek is most contentious, on-going issue. My office, the City and those affected are slowly moving the issue forward.
MATTAMY'S CHALLENGES
GOING FORWARD
Over the next few months, City staff will be preparing an infrastructure financial plan for approval by ARAC and Council. Mattamy will be completing its Stormwater Management and Drainage Report, as a Schedule B Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process as directed by City Council, including solutions for stormwater management servicing, foundation drains, and the use of sump pumps. We will complete the Village Master Servicing Study (MSS), as a Schedule C Class Environmental Assessment process. The draft final MSS (May 2010) recommends: a communal well system, and expansion and upgrades to the existing central sanitary system. Once both studies are finalized, a Notice of Completion will notify the public of a 30-day review period with a provision for an appeal to the Minister of Environment (Part II Order).
As always, I am here to serve: 580-2424 ext. 31310 or email: glenn.brooks@Ottawa.ca or visit website: www.glennbrooks.ca.
blog comments powered by Disqus
