This week, Councillor Gower is passing along information and updates on speed camera recommendations – the school zone locations; small business tax savings; the re-scheduled Safer Roads Ottawa safety gear giveaway; the Stittsville Goulbourn Horticultural Society is looking for volunteers to help them for a couple of hours at Lee Boltwood Park; upcoming maintenance on Stittsville’s water mains and the locations; the upcoming 9runrun event; ash tree replacements; possibly more noise from overhead planes as work is being completed at the Ottawa Airport; and the latest information from Ottawa Public Health.
Two new speed cameras recommended for school zones in Stittsville
On Wednesday, Ottawa’s Transportation Committee will consider a report that recommends adding 15 new automated speed enforcement (ASE) sites across the city—including two in Stittsville. The ASE cameras are implemented in Community Safety Zones near school sites. The new locations recommended for Stittsville would be on Abbott Street East from Moss Hill Trail to Shea Road (by Sacred Heart High School) and Stittsville Main Street from Bandelier Way to Hazeldean Road (by St. Stephen School). The sites were based on speed studies done at all schools in the City of Ottawa. Read more…
Property tax breaks for small businesses
The Finance and Economic Development Committee (FEDCo) approved a new property tax subclass for small businesses that will provide eligible properties with a 15% reduction in property taxes phased in over two years. More info…
Cycling giveaway rescheduled to October 16
Due to rain over the weekend, we’ve rescheduled our bike safety giveaway to Saturday, October 16 from 3pm-5pm at Village Square Park. Join me and Safer Roads Ottawa at Village Square Park (Stittsville Main @ Abbott) for the “Be Safe Be Seen” campaign, where we’ll be handing out free bike lights and reflective gear.
Volunteers needed for gardening at Lee Boltwood Park
The Stittsville Goulbourn Horticultural Society is organizing a gardening project at Lee Boltwood Park in Abbottsville Crossing. There are two flower beds and a very weedy berm. The beds will need to be weeded and prepared for daffodil bulb planting. Donated drought tolerant plants and natives will be planted in the spring. The gardening is scheduled for Saturday, October 9 at 10am. For more info contact sghorticultural@gmail.com.
Water main maintenance – Cathodic Protection Program
Each year, the City of Ottawa’s Water Services department completes preventative water main maintenance that includes cathodic protection. It’s a process that involves attaching a series of magnesium rods (or “anodes”) to the outside of a metallic water main or water service to extend their life by provide corrosion protection to the water main. Work is ongoing in several neighbourhoods in Stittsville, and affected homeowners should have already received notification of the work. See a list of streets and more information…
9RUNRUN on Saturday, October 16
It’s great to see the return of 9runrun to our community. Over 12 years, the annual fundraiser has raised more than $200,000 for mental health initiatives. This year’s fundraising will support the First Responders Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the mental wellness of the region’s First Responders and their families. On Saturday October 16th, the following road closures will be in effect to allow runners to safely complete the 10k course:
- 7am-1pm: Abbott Street West – both directions will be closed from Stittsville Main St. to West Ridge Drive.
- No access to Abbott Street West from Johnathan Pack or Stitt Street
- Traffic delays on West Ridge (police will control traffic at Abbott Street West and West Ridge intersection.
For up-to-date information, please visit www.9runrun.ca.
Ash tree replacement program
Do you have an ash tree on your property that might be infected with Emerald Ash Borer? Cost-share funding for removal and replacement of trees is available, at $500 per tree up to a maximum of $5,000. The City of Ottawa has lost thousands of ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This invasive beetle, native to Asia, was first detected in North America in 2002 and has since killed tens of millions of ash trees and continues to spread, causing considerable economic and ecological damage. Funding is still available for 2021 and interested applicants are encouraged to visit nation.on.ca/eab for eligibility details.
Airport runway construction
The Ottawa International Airport Authority is starting an airside construction project that may impact residents. Runway 07/25, the East-West runway, will close for construction for four weeks as of September 27. The closure is needed to replace several sections of storm water sewer pipe and catch basins located along the edges of the runway. During construction, all commercial aircraft will use Runway 14/32, the North-South runway. While commercial air traffic continues to be very low due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will be noticeable changes in aircraft noise and traffic patterns across the project timeline. The traffic pattern changes are temporary, and barring any scheduling or severe weather issues, will return the skies to normal by October 29th.
The latest from Ottawa Public Health
- As of Wednesday, September 29, the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health have administered 1,606,633 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and we have almost 85% of our population over the age of 12 fully vaccinated.
- “My outlook for this fall is one of cautious optimism. I am hopeful that we can avoid further lockdowns, serious illness or death and overwhelming our health care system if we continue with the current public health measures in place.” Read the latest statement from Dr. Vera Etches
- Vaccination hubs are located in communities across Ottawa – no appointments needed, drop-ins encourage for first and second doses. Help build community immunity!
- Supporting employees to get fully vaccinated is the best way to help protect them from the risks of COVID-19, prevent outbreaks and build confidence in the health and safety of the workplace. Learn how to develop a workplace vaccination policy for your business.
- OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine is a one-stop-shop for COVID-19 vaccine information. Find answers to your vaccine-related questions on our FAQ page, it’s that simple!
- A recent Globe and Mail webcast brought experts together to discuss the evolving COVID-19 situation. Hear what Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sarah Funnell, and other speakers had to say: Are we ready to gather?
- Join us on October 6! Ottawa Public Health is hosting a COVID-19 virtual town hall to answer your questions and provide information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Somali, English, and French. Visit our calendar for details.
- Our new Special Events Toolkit can support you in in organizing and hosting Social Wise special events of any size by providing you with resources, signage, tools, information, and guidance documents. Check out the new Special Events Toolkit for support if you are organizing or hosting a Special Event that is permissible under the Provincial Regulations.
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.
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