This week, Councillor Gower brings some important information to your attention on upcoming snowbank removal; toboggan and skating safety; an upcoming session on Coyote safety; and, some interesting library programs for all ages and a few that are returning.
Editor’s Note – An information meeting on Zoom is being held on Monday, February 22 at 6:30 pm to discuss construction plans for Hazeldean Crossings, corner of Hazeldean and Victor. Hosted by Councillor Glen Gower, the builder is participating and will share information about construction timelines and potential impact to residents. Zoom link to the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84373616122.
Snowbank removal – Snowbank removal is happening in several Stittsville neighbourhoods this week. You’ll see a convoy of snowplows blowing snow in to dump trucks, to be hauled away to snow dumps. Please observe the posted signage and remove your vehicles from the road. Also, remember to stay a safe distance back and give vehicles and crews space to their work!
Sledding and Outdoor Skating Rink Guidelines – This winter we’ve seen an increase in people using sledding hills and outdoor skating rinks. For the most part, people have followed the guidelines for safety – COVID-19 and otherwise. Please remember to stay off storm water management ponds, streams and ravines.
At Rouncey Park, our parks crew has installed a log fence along the south side, hoping to direct people away from the ravine. We’re still seeing people sliding towards the water, which can be unsafe. Staff will be putting up signage in the coming days indicating the area where sledding is permitted. Crews have also placed hay bales and flattened out moguls/jumps which add more risk. There will be further discussion regarding other protective measures which can be implemented after the ground thaws in preparation for next winter. In the meantime, please help us to spread the word about staying safe on the hill!
Private Property Along Trans-Canada Trail – A reminder to please respect the “No Trespassing” signage along the Trans Canada Trail west of West Ridge. Most of the land on either side of the trail is private property and skiing/hiking/snowshoeing is not permitted.
MARCH 1: Co-existing with coyotes – Coyotes become more visible in the late winter and early spring because of the lack of vegetation cover and because their mating period peaks in early February. The Stittsville area, and in particular the Poole Creek corridor, provides very good coyote habitat.
Join us on March 1 at 7:00pm when Nick Stow, Senior Planner, Natural Systems and Rural Affairs with the City of Ottawa, will share tips and info about how to co-exist safely with coyotes in our community. More info…
Library updates – As of this week, the Stittsville Branch of the Ottawa Public Library is open for returns and hold pick ups inside the branch, as well as browsing and use of public computers.
Upcoming events at the Library:
- Get Published and Share your talent with the world: Calling all Awesome Authors (ages 9-18) the due date is coming up for your Short story, poem or comic entry! There are cash prices to be won, and a chance to be published in the book Potpourri 2021. Info: BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/AwesomeAuthors or BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/SuperAuteurs
- Tech Café: For the adults, there is a Tech cafe series continuing from 2020. The Next one will be on February 22nd at 4:00 pm and will be on Digital Documents. Sign up online to save your spot at biblioottawalibrary.ca
- Reading, research, and more: From eBooks, Audiobooks and online magazines, to researching some family history in Ancestry library there are over 80 resources available.
- For all of you crafters out there, or want-to-be crafters, check out Creativebug! Creativebug has thousands of award-winning arts and crafts video classes presented by recognized design experts and artists. Unlimited access to as many videos you would like to watch learn how to knit, pattern drafting, create water colour lettering, etc.
Do you have questions about library programs or online resources? Call the Stittsville Branch at 613-580-2940 or send an email – stittsville@biblioottawalibrary.ca.