Spring is definitely in the air so take some time from your day to get outside and enjoy the fair weather. This week Councillor Gower is sharing further information on the new ways to bus and would like to hear from residents about your experience travelling on the new and changed routes. There is an upcoming open house on May 5 hosted by the City as a formal kick-off to planning the future neighbourhood known as “W2 North Stittsville”. He shares some tips and contact information should you sight a bear – recently one was captured by the National Capital Commission’s conservation officers in the Beaverbrook area of Kanata and safely moved to a location outside of the City. A “Community-led Green Initiatives and Garden Program” has been approved by the City’s Community Services Committee. Subsidized bike racks for local businesses, multi-unit buildings and non-profit organizations are offered again by the City. If you would like to be part of the Welcome to Stittsville Multicultural Festival, the Councillor is still accepting individuals or groups who are interested. And, as always, if you need some assistance with an issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Councillor’s office at the contact information below.
New Ways to Bus
We’ve had a lot of attention leading up to the launch of “New Ways to Bus”, OC Transpo’s new route network. It’s a big change for transit riders and I would like to hear from residents about their experience so far. OC Transpo has capacity to make minor changes, and we are also collecting your feedback to inform future service improvements in the fall. I was glad to see residents using the new weekend service for Route 67, as well as the new Route 163 running between Kittiwake and Terry Fox Station, via Hazeldean/Stittsville Main/Abbott/Castlefrank.
A reminder that OC Transpo is offering a free service weekend on May 3-4 aboard all buses, trains and Para Transpo. It’s a great opportunity to try out the network, especially the new Line 2/4 trains that launched earlier this year. For route maps and more information visit octranspo.com. (And a reminder that seniors 65+ ride free every Wednesday and Sunday.)
New neighbourhood planning
The City is hosting an open house on May 5 as a formal kick-off to planning the future neighbourhood known as “W2 North Stittsville”. It’s located north of Hazeldean Road, and west of Timbermere. This first stage of study will look at high level planning including urban design, infrastructure, and engineering. Timbermere residents in particular may be interested in attending this one. Details on my web site…
Bear safety and prevention of bear encounters
Bear sightings are relatively common at this time of year given our proximity to natural areas. In fact, In fact, a bear visited Kanata’s Beaverbrook neighbourhood just last week. Thankfully, bears will usually return to their natural habitat without incident.
Residents can help by:
- Removing any food sources from your property, such as bird feeders and bbq drip pans.
- Leave your food waste out on the morning of collection day, instead of the night before.
You can report a bear sighting in urban areas by calling 3-1-1. The Ministry of Natural Resources also has a toll-free “Bear Wise” reporting line at 1-866-514-2327. There are some good tips on this page about safety and preventing encounters with bears: www.ontario.ca.
Committee approves new program for community-led gardens and green initiatives
The Community Services Committee approved a “Community-led Green Initiatives and Garden Program” to support the growing demand to host community gardens and other community-led green initiatives on City-owned land. In addition to community food gardens, this would support efforts to foster ornamental and pollinator gardens on City-owned lands. Read more…
Subsidized bike racks on private property
The City continues to offer subsidized bike racks to local businesses, multi-unit buildings and non-profit organizations for installation on private property. Black hanger bike racks can be purchased at 50% of the bulk cost. There are now three options available for purchase this year (with the reduced price identified):
- Four-Ring Hanger: $430 + HST
- *NEW* Two-Ring Hanger: $260 + HST
- *NEW* One-Ring Hanger: $175 + HST
For more information: ottawa.ca/helloveloprogram.
Welcome to Stittsville Festival
Join us on Saturday, June 7 for the fourth annual Welcome to Stittsville Multicultural Festival at Village Square Park. The event is free! This event showcases our diverse community, promotes new connections with residents, and welcome new immigrants.
We’re still looking for multicultural community groups to join the festival as exhibitors and showcase their culture and traditions. Please send an email to glen.gower@ottawa.ca or visit glengower.ca for more info.
Get in touch!
If we can help in any way, please email me at glen.gower@ottawa.ca or leave a voicemail at 613-580-2476. Please call 3-1-1 if you require immediate assistance. – Councillor Glen Gower