The last weekend of summer is over with fall on the way September 22nd. There is no better way to start the autumn season than participating in the Councillor Chat, hosted by Councillor Gower, when you can ask any questions on any topic pertaining to Stittsville. This week in his notes, Glen provides information from the Bell utility work, school traffic safety, high school bus service, his welcoming invitation and visit to the Muslim Association’s Saturday evening picnic, green parks pilot project, the new roundation at Robert Grant and Palladium, new regulations for tow companies in Ottawa and keeping in touch with the Councillor at his contact information below.
September 22 – Councillor Chat @ 7pm
Join me on Facebook and Zoom on Wednesday for my next Councillor Chat. I will take your questions live from 7pm – 8pm about any topic relating to Stittsville. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83964493982
Facebook: http://facebook.com/councillorglen/
The latest timelines for Bell utility work in Stittsville
Bell has several projects underway in Stittsville to install fiber optic cable. We’ve put together a page with up-to-date with information about the latest timelines and activities in each neighbourhood: https://glengower.ca/bell/. You can bookmark the for future reference. The page includes a listing of each neighbourhood with active or upcoming projects, and a point of contact for the contractor. If you have questions about Bell’s work on your street, or if you are not satisfied with their response to your inquiry, please contact me.
REMINDER: School traffic safety
This September, we’re seeing more parents driving their kids to school. There are a number of factors at play, including school bus cancellations, larger school populations, and more parents driving due to COVID-19. I’ve been working with school staff, Ottawa By-law, Ottawa Police, and City staff on a number of measures to improve safety and circulation around schools.
Tips:
- Always stop for a school bus. Stop at least 20 metres away from the back of the bus. Once the red lights have stopped flashing, the STOP arm folds away and the bus begins to move, it is safe to continue driving.
- Slow down near schools and always give the right of way to pedestrians.
- Follow all no-parking and no-stopping signage. By-law is conducting education and enforcement blitzes.
- Consider parking further away from your child’s school, and walking the last stretch to school. It’s great exercise, and it reduces the number of vehicles near our schools, which improves safety for everyone.
UPDATE: OC Transpo service to high schools
With recent school bus cancellations, we are continuing to work with school board officials, the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) and OC Transpo to offer additional service. As of Monday, new service has been added for students attending South Carleton, Merivale, and Canterbury. Click here for info. I know that these cancellations have been extremely disruptive to students and parents. Thanks to everyone who has contacted us over the past two weeks to share your concerns.
SEPT. 27 & 28: Community meetings about “Green Parks” pilot
This summer we introduced a “Green Parks” pilot project in three Stittsville parks, asking residents to adopt a “carry in, carry out” approach for garbage. Parks staff removed the garbage bins at Stitt Street Park, Kittiwake Park (and Banyon Park) and WJ Bell Rotary Peace Park. The aim was to foster a partnership between visitors and the parks by encouraging all visitors to help maintain clean spaces.
The pilot period is coming to an end, and we want your feedback. To start, we’re holding two information sessions at the end of September to review the results of the pilot and hear your feedback. More info…
Stittsville Muslim Association picnic
Thanks to the Stittsville Muslim Association (SMA) for organizing a very successful picnic on Saturday evening. I was glad to attend to enjoy some delicious food and excellent conversations with neighbours from our community. The SMA also provided an update that their Musallah on Stittsville Main Street will soon be expanding to meet the growing needs of their members. You can learn more at stittsvillemuslims.ca
New roundabout for Palladium Drive @ Robert Grant
Palladium Drive re-opened on Friday night and the roundabout is complete – as shown above in the photo. This intersection is where Robert Grant Avenue will connect to Palladium Drive, and it’s another step forward towards the completion of Robert Grant Avenue all the way from Fernbank to Palladium – one of the most important transportation links for our Stittsville community.
Stormwater pond clean-up in Fernbank/Blackstone
Starting this week, Mattamy is cleaning “Fernbank Pond 7” between Terry Fox Drive and Andalusian Crescent. Work includes removal of accumulated sediment in the pond and repairs of storm structures and pathways. This work is being coordinated with City stormwater facilities staff. The work will last until early December and residents may notice odours from the sediment during the drying process.
New towing regulations
Last week the City’s Community and Protective Services Committee approved a business licensing regime and regulations governing towing services in Ottawa. Starting January 1, 2022, towing companies, tow truck drivers and vehicle storage facility operators would be required to get a business license to operate in Ottawa. They would also need to follow new regulations intended to protect consumers and enhance public safety. To obtain a license, drivers would have to provide proof of a good driving record and a police record check. Towing companies would have to provide proof of insurance, valid registration and details of all their drivers and vehicles.
The new rules would govern tow truck driver conduct at accident scenes, require they disclose towing rates, provide documentation to facilitate follow-up and investigations, and provide notice of where vehicles are stored. Flat rates for key towing and storage services would ensure consumers are not overbilled. Towing companies would need to ensure their drivers are properly licensed, maintain transaction records and keep vehicles and equipment safe. Vehicle storage facility operators would need to obtain a license, keep records of stored vehicles, limit storage charges to $60 per day and provide timely notice to vehicle owners about where vehicles are stored.
The latest from Ottawa Public Health
- 88 per cent of Ottawa residents 12 and over have received at least one dose and 81 per cent are fully vaccinated.
- Do you have questions about what to do if your child starts showing any COVID-19 symptoms? Visit our Supporting Schools page for information and resources for parents, guardians and students – including the COVID-19 screening tool.
- If you are looking for your vaccination receipt, but do not have a green photo health (OHIP) card, you can call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 for an emailed copy of your receipt.
- Access OPH’s multilingual resources to get answers to your COVID-19 vaccine questions in Arabic, Somali, and Simplified Chinese
- Have a question about COVID-19 vaccines? Wondering what the latest updates are? Drop by our COVID-19 vaccine FAQ page to get your questions answered.
Get in touch!
My team and I are working every day to answer your questions and connect residents with the resources they need. If we can help in any way, please email me at glen.gower@ottawa.ca or leave a voicemail at 613-580-2476.
What housing development is that right next to the roundabout?
Jayme – which roundabout are you referring to?
The Robert Grant and Palladium Drives one?
This the development – 195 Huntmar, which is located west of Huntmar Drive and south of Highway 417. The site falls within land covered by the Kanata West Concept Plan.