COMMUNITY NOTES: from the desk of Councillor Gower

This week, Councillor Gower provides information on upcoming events of interest to residents – the Stittsville Volunteer Awards on June 3rd and the Let’s Bike on urban cycling virtual workshop taking place on June 16. He also reminds residents of the upcoming Huntmar Road closure and the utility work being performed by Bell Canada. Want to acquire a tree from the City? Visit his link below and read about the local projects that provide green space. Councillor Gower also advises that the Alexander Grove Park and Johnny Leroux Community Centre area has a new temporary closing time of 9:00pm. If you haven’t provided your comments on the active transportation survey, there is still time. Just click on the link below to share your feedback on the important infrastructure planning.

Active Transportation survey
We asked for ideas on walking and cycling “missing links” in Stittsville, and you delivered! We’ve received a ton of feedback so far. Some of your ideas were big and bold, some were small and specific — but all demonstrated how important safe and convenient cycling and pedestrian infrastructure is to Stittsville.

As part of that master plan update process, transportation planners have asked for our help in prioritizing short missing link/retrofit projects in the $500,000 to $2-million range. Drawing from ideas you’ve given to us, we’ve created this survey that will help us identify what projects are the top priority for Stittsville residents. Click here to share your feedback…

Splash pads are open after all
I was glad to see the provincial government change their mind and allow splash pads to open along with other recreation and park amenities on the weekend. This was a real health issue with a heat warning in effect, especially for parents and kids in our community who do not have air conditioning.

Next up, our attention has to shift to re-opening schools. Doctors, educators, and other experts are telling us that the prolonged closure of schools is harming our kids’ mental and physical health. There has to be a way to re-open them safely.

Vaccine update
To date, more than 495,000 doses of vaccines have been administered in Ottawa and more than 58% per cent of Ottawa residents 18 years and older have received at least one dose.

Visit the OPH Covid-19 Vaccination page to learn who can currently get the Covid-19 vaccine and check out COVID-19 in Ottawa for the latest updates.

Alexander Grove Park / Photo by Barry Gray

Earlier closing time at Alexander Grove Park / Johnny Leroux Arena area
Over the past few weeks we’ve had problems with late-night gatherings at Alexander Grove Park next to the Johnny Leroux Arena. We’ve seen graffiti, damage to park equipment, and sometimes illegal activity as well. We’ve already increased by-law and police monitoring of this area, and last week we introduced a temporary 9:00pm closing time for the park. City of Ottawa Park Ambassadors will also be visiting the park more frequently to remind park users about provincial restrictions and mask rules.

As always, residents can call 3-1-1 with concerns about any park issues after hours, or call 9-1-1 to report a crime in progress.

Trees in trust update
The City’s Forestry Department sent me a note last week to let me know that demand from Stittsville residents for the City’s Trees in Trust program has been very strong – so strong in fact that it’s taking longer than the usual 2-3 weeks to follow-up with residents who have called so far. Thank you for your patience!  Click here for more info about requesting a tree for your front yard…

Huntmar closure this weekend
Huntmar Drive will be closed between Palladium and Maple Grove for utility work, from May 28 at 6:00pm to May 31 at 6:00am. Detour signage will be in place.

Bell utility work
Bell will be starting fiber installation around the north part of Stittsville Main Street, including Stitsville Main itself, Neil Avenue, Hobin Street, Wildpine Court, Ravenscroft Court, Amberlakes Drive and Stowgrass Crescent. Property owners who will be affected by the work will receive a notice in their mailbox. Contact my team with questions or concerns at glen.gower@ottawa.ca and we can connect you directly with Bell or their contractor.

June 3: Join us for the 2013 Stittsville Volunteer Awards
The 2021 Stittsville Volunteer Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 3, at 7:00 pm. This year’s virtual event will be live streamed on our Facebook page, with nominees and their nominators joining on Zoom.

The Stittsville Volunteer Awards are an annual event that highlights and celebrates the dedication of volunteers in our community. Click here for this year’s nominees…

Notebook: Saving trees from development
With large parcels of land being developed in suburban Ottawa, many trees are being cleared in advance of construction. Residents have asked: what can we do to spare some of these trees? Read more about what we’re doing…

Please read this before you expand your driveway
If you’re thinking about landscaping your front yard this season to extend your driveway or add another parking space, make sure you’re aware of the zoning and by-law restrictions that may be in play for your home.

Contact a Development Information Officer (DIO) at 613-580-2424, ext. 23434 or dioinquiry@ottawa.ca to determine if you can expand the driveway on your property, and what you’ll need to do to ensure you’re doing so legally. Rules and limitations may vary depending on the location of your home, and the DIO can help you navigate the process. More info…

Let’s Bike! A virtual workshop on urban cycling (June 16)
And as part of Let’s Bike Month, we’ve partnered with EnviroCentre to offer a free community workshop giving tips on urban cycling. The virtual event will be held on Wednesday June 16 at 6 pm, via Zoom. More info…

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