COMMUNITY NOTES: from the desk of Councillor Gower

Councillor Gower shares an abundance of information in this week’s update relative to meetings, events and more in the community. The 2026 and third edition of the ‘Newcomer’s Guide’ is available at the Councillor’s office on Shea Road or by downloading a copy at the link provided below. On August 15th, there are two events that the Councillor brings to your attention – a celebration for Erica Wiebe’s 10th Anniversary of receiving her Gold Medal win at the Rio Olympics to be held at the CARDELRec Complex; and, the Kiwanis Club of Kanata-Stittsville are hosting a Free Family Movie Night at Village Square Park. OC Transpo is hosting customer information sessions with General Manager, Rick Leary, and his team – the West-end session is taking place on Tuesday, August 25 (details below). Ottawa Public Health have confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes. On August 23rd, Councillor Gower is hosting the Stittsville Pride Week Flag Raising Ceremony. The Councillor provides an update and next steps regarding the tree removal at Hydro One’s Alexander Distribution Centre at 1888 Maple Grove Road. A research study is being conducted by Carleton University on Moths at Ladybirds Park (65 Sirocco Crescent). A time capsule is being assembled by Councillor Gower – to be opened by Ottawa residents 50 years from now – and he would like to hear your ideas for items to be included. If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Councillor’s office at the contact information provided below.

Third edition of the Welcome to Stittsville Newcomer’s Guide
We’re excited to release the third edition of the Welcome to Stittsville Newcomer’s Guide. We’ve expanded the booklet to 36 pages, full of information on topics such as housing, healthcare, education, employment, city services, and more.

It’s designed to help people who are new to Stittsville during their first few days, weeks, and months in our community. Whether you’re moving from another country, another province, or even from another neighbourhood in Ottawa, this guide will help you get started.

Copies are available for download at glengower.ca/welcome/ or you can pick up a copy at our Stittsville ward office at CARDELREC at 1500 Shea Road. You’ll see booklets popping up at locations in the community in the coming weeks as well.

Please share with people you know who are new to the community, or moving here soon!

Two great events happening on Saturday, August 15
This Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Erica Wiebe will be at CARDELREC as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of her gold medal win at the Rio Olympics. This is a free, all-ages event open to everyone. Come watch incredible wrestling, grab a bite from local food trucks, and hear from some very special guests. More info…

Later that evening, Kiwanis Kanata–Stittsville is hosting a Free Family Movie Night at Village Square Park (Abbott Street & Stittsville Main Street). They’ll be showing Harold & The Purple Crayon starting at dusk. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray. The concession stand will be open with popcorn, candy floss, sweets, and beverages available for purchase.

OC Transpo Customer Information Sessions
OC Transpo is hosting customer information sessions across the city to connect with customers directly. At these sessions, General Manager Rick Leary and his team will discuss how the Customer-First Action Plan will improve the customer experience and outline the service improvements coming this fall. You will have the opportunity to speak with staff to ask questions and share your comments on how OC Transpo can continue to improve your transit experience.

The west-end session is on Tuesday, August 25 at John G. Mlacak Community Centre from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Register to attend…

First mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus this season
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Routine mosquito trapping and testing for West Nile virus (WNV) have confirmed a positive mosquito pool in Ottawa. This is the first confirmation of WNV in Ottawa this year since OPH began routine seasonal monitoring in June. There have been no confirmed or probable human cases of West Nile virus reported in Ottawa this year.

OPH’s proactive approach to West Nile virus includes weekly mosquito surveillance to monitor virus activity and assess the risk to residents. They regularly apply larvicide in City-owned roadside storm sewer catch-basins to reduce populations of mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus. When necessary, mosquito larvicidal treatment may also be applied to other standing water sites on City property, such as ditches and storm water management ponds. Read more…

August 23: Pride Week Flag Raising Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Stittsville and beyond at the annual Stittsville Pride Week Flag Raising Ceremony. It’s on Sunday, August 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Village Square Park (6000 Abbott Street at Stittsville Main Street). All are welcome! More info…

(The Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) can be found from Sault Ste. Marie to the Ottawa area. Image: Ontario Nature)

Moth research at Ladybirds Park
Carleton University is conducting a research study in several wards across Ottawa to assess the benefits of urban greening initiatives, by surveying bird and insect populations in forested areas. As part of the study, researchers will deploy a non-lethal moth trap at Ladybirds Park (65 Sirocco Crescent) in the Timbermere neighbourhood. Read more…

Hydro One tree clearing: update and next steps
In mid-June, a contractor removed most of the vegetation at Hydro One’s Alexander Distribution Centre at 1888 Maple Grove Road. The trees and vegetation that were removed provided a visual and sound buffer between homes and the hydro station, along with shade and tree canopy for the community. We met on-site with neighbours on August 5 to provide an update on our conversations with Hydro One, and potential options going forward. Read more…

What should we put in the Ottawa 200 time capsule?
As part of the Ottawa 200 anniversary celebrations, we’re assembling a time capsule to be opened by Ottawa residents 50 years from now. We’re looking for ideas for any Stittsville items that could be included in the capsule – something meaningful and unique that reflects Stittsville as it is today. Read more or email us with your suggestions…

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, or submit a request online at ottawa.ca/en/311. – Councillor Glen Gower

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