Knoxdale-Merivale Ward Newsletter - September 2, 2010
Martin Montague Top of Page
Nepean has lost a giant of a man with the recent passing of Martin Montague. A WWII veteran and long-time employee of the Department of National Defence, Martin spearheaded the creation of the Nepean Hydro Commission in the 1960’s. He served for many years as one of its elected commissioners and Chairman. To me Martin was an encyclopedia of knowledge of how a hydro utility can and should deliver value for dollar to the ratepayers it served.
Martin was a long-time member of the Nepean Kiwanis always there to serve, raise money and push projects forward. In the 1980’s he was front and centre to help build the Kiwanis Bandshell at Andrew Haydon Park. Lately I could count on Martin to show up selling those Entertainment Books, a fundraiser for needed projects in our community. Martin will leave a big pair of shoes to fill there. Martin was also a big supporter of the Queensway-Carleton Hospital.
As I write, I see tall, slightly portly Martin with his smiling comments about the state of affairs in Nepean. When Martin commented the advice was sound. I will miss that advice.
Moose and Other Large Animals Top of Page
Due to this year’s moose wanderings, City Staff have revisited and revised protocol for future incidents. The fact that no level of government would claim responsibility for large animals seriously compounded the problem and earlier this summer. Council directed staff to work with the NCC and Ministry of Natural Resources to develop a strategy to deal with the handling of large wildlife in developed urban areas. Below is an excerpt from a memo Council received from By-law services:
Staff has identified and entered into a contract with a qualified wildlife service provider who has been endorsed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The MNR has also agreed to provide support to the service provider in the field, as necessary. This approach with respect to the provision of service essentially mirrors that which was in place from 2001 to early 2008 during which time the National Capital Commission (NCC) provided the service. The NCC is no longer in a position to do so.
The Ottawa Police Service will continue to play its role with respect to public safety, and vehicular and crowd management during incidents involving large wild mammals in urban areas. MNR will continue to provide technical assistance, advice and referrals, as required, and will continue to address issues associated specifically with bears through its Bear Wise Program. The NCC will continue to address wildlife issues on lands for which it has responsibility.
Although incidents involving large wild mammals, such as moose and deer, which have become trapped in urban areas, will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, the general and preferred approach with respect to such incidents involves encouraging the animal to return to more natural habitat on its own. Chemical immobilization of such animals, while one option, may not always be viable and is a tool, not necessarily a solution - it will be a secondary approach. Euthanasia will be a last resort and only employed where imminent danger to public safety is present.
Tips for residents who encounter large mammals in urban areas include:
· Remain calm; there is no cause for alarm - these animals are not naturally aggressive, they are merely outside of their normal habitat
· Do not approach the animal
· Keep household pets away from the animal and under control
· Remove potential food sources from your property
· Call 613-230-6211 or, if a life-threatening situation (although rare), call 911
For more detailed information on various species::
Moose
Deer
Coyote
Wolf
MNR's Bear Wise Program
Tree Removal in Ward Top of Page
City of Ottawa Forestry will remove two trees in advance state of decay, as the trees could potentially cause a safety hazard to property and the roadway.
Residents who live where the trees are located, one on Meadowlands Dr. E and the other on Highwood have been notified.
The City where possible does replace the tree(s) being removed in the next available planting window, more details on these programs can be made available upon request. To report an unsafe tree, you can email: Forestry@ottawa.ca
VIA Rail Cuts A Swath Top of Page
The mother of all tree and bush removal projects is now being undertaken for VIA Rail on the rail line going from Ottawa to Smith’s Falls through the Glens communities and Barrhaven. There is no doubt that VIA and CN have a right to cut the bush on their right of way. The aim is to put in a security fence to prevent trespass along the railway right of way. The off shoot is that all trees and brush that have been growing for many years in the right of way have suddenly been cut down with only last minute notice to neighbouring residents and no notice to me, the councillor for the area.
So instead of having a consultation where VIA could have explained what was going to happen and the consequences and where neighbours could have told them what to watch out for they have a lot of angry people now worried about noise levels, safety of private wells, etc.
VIA cannot replace the bushes, which in many places were so thick no one could have crossed them to get near the tracks anyway. They definitely have to put in the fence, but they should also do some further consultation and make apologies to the neighbours for their action. In some cases they may have to pay for damages their contractors are reported to have done to private property.
Proposed Off-Road Pathway Projects for Cyclists Top of Page
Council last week voted to explore a cost-sharing partnership with the National Capital Commission (NCC) for five proposed new off-road pathway projects for use by cyclists, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles.
Expansion of the pathways supports the City’s objective of strengthening existing communities and developing new environmentally sustainable smart growth communities. The Ottawa Cycling Plan, approved by Council in 2008, identifies the need to improve existing off-road multi-use pathways and on-road cycling facilities and to complete missing links in the City’s cycling network.
The City and the NCC are working to increase access to respective pathway and cycling networks and to develop the system in a collaborative way. Several projects to that end are planned for 2011. The proposed pathway and corridor projects, which will be included in the 2011 draft capital budget, are:
• Champagne/O-Train Corridor Pathway (parallels the O-Train corridor between the Ottawa River and Dow’s Lake
• Rideau River Western Pathway (Belmont Street to Ottawa University’s Lees Campus)
• Sawmill Creek/LRT Corridor Pathway (Brookfield Pathway to Walkley Road)
• Hampton Park Pathway (Sebring Avenue to Island Park/Merivale intersection)
• Aviation Parkway (Innes Road to Prescott-Russell Pathway)
Council also directed staff to develop a comprehensive cycling detour plan to be put into effect during road and pathway construction or maintenance to provide a safe and direct as possible alternate route for cyclists. Construction activity can dramatically affect cycling routes. Detour opportunities often exist but are not clearly signed.
Toolkit for Safer Neighbourhoods Top of Page
Interested in becoming more engaged in your community and helping build a safer neighbourhood? Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO) has launched the Neighbourhood Toolkit.
This online resource encourages Ottawa residents to get involved in their neighbourhoods. Individuals, community associations, Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and many others will find helpful ideas and practical information about building safer neighbourhoods from the ground up. The Toolkit also contains information about specific problems and crimes and how to get help from municipal and community resources in Ottawa.
CPO developed the Toolkit in partnership with the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Police Service (OPS), City Councillors’ offices, community organizations and volunteers. The Neighbourhood Toolkit can be accessed online at: crimepreventionottawa.ca/toolkit
OC Transpo Improvements Coming This Fall Top of Page
C Transpo will introduce many improvements beginning September 5th to meet the transit needs of residents across the city, including new services to growing communities, increased service on busy routes, improved connections, expanded Park & Ride facilities for commuters, and the new U-Pass for students.
Service improvements effective September 5th include:
• Increased frequency on many routes to reflect the higher demand for service in the fall.
• New communities served in Barrhaven South on Route 171, in Kanata West on Route 184, and in Orléans East on Route 122.
• Expanded hours of service and an increase in frequency in the evenings on Route 94, which will accommodate the growing ridership and the early morning and late evening travellers.
• 24-hour Transitway service on Route 97, Monday to Friday, to improve late night service from downtown to Ottawa South and the Airport.
• Improved weekday connections in Ottawa West with Route 18 extended to Carlingwood, to replace Route 159, for improved service between Westboro and Carlingwood and better connections to downtown.
• Revamped early morning service.
Fall service changes also include replacing Route 193 with improved all-day service on revised Route 122, and Route 162 with Route 60, which will be extended to Maxwell Bridge. As well, the 800 series of early morning routes will be replaced with new trips on local routes for a more consistent service. Travel planning, schedules, and maps are available at octranspo.com and by calling 613-741-4390.
Later this fall, Park & Ride facilities will also be expanded. In the south end, the number of spaces at Riverview will double, while a new lot will open near Leitrim and Albion with 292 spaces. In the southwest, 70 more spaces will be added at Fallowfield Station, along with platform and shelter improvements to better serve our customers.
College and high school students are reminded to get their new transit photo ID card ($6.25) before last year’s card expires on September 30. Special photo ID sessions will be available at many schools, so check octranspo.com for locations and times. In addition to OC Transpo Sales Centres, photo IDs will be taken at Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and the Kanata Client Service Centre, 580 Terry Fox Drive, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until September 10 and again from September 20 to October 1.
O-Train Back on Track Top of Page
You may have noticed that the O-Train was back on track again as of Thursday, August 26, after major improvements to the track infrastructure, the signal system, trains and the Rideau River Bridge. The closure was necessary to ensure continued safety and service reliability. Passengers will now benefit from a quieter and smoother ride.
The work that was completed will mean lower operating and maintenance costs and reduced wear and tear on the trains. It will also extend trains’ life expectancy and improve performance at the same time. Lifecycle maintenance work on the Rideau River and Beech Street Bridges, the Walkley and Riverside overpasses and the Dow’s Lake tunnel was also conducted during the O-Train upgrades. The additional work that was needed over the past few weeks focused on approaches to and from the rail bridge over the Rideau River. With that work now done, the need for future service disruptions is less likely.
During the rehabilitation period, O-Train ticket vending machines were upgraded with new solar-powered machines that allow passengers to pay using their credit card as well as cash. The new machines are fully accessible for people with disabilities.
OC Transpo would like to thank customers for their cooperation and understanding while construction was underway.
Fall Cleaning the Capital Top of Page
The annual Fall Cleaning the Capital Campaign starts on September 15th. Every year, entire communities - including schools, neighbourhood organizations and associations, businesses, families, friends, and individuals take part in the Cleaning the Capital challenge. A record 87,400 participants made Cleaning the Capital 2009 the most successful campaign to date!
It’s easy to take part. All you have to do is select a cleanup location where litter or graffiti has accumulated. It can be a park, woodlot, ravine, shoreline, bus stop, pathway, schoolyard or any public property requiring tidying up. Large or small, all cleanup projects are welcome!
Once you’ve chosen your cleanup location, you can register online at ottawa.ca/clean or by calling 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). The campaign runs from September 15 to October 15 with early bird registration starting on August 15. Register on or before September 14 for your chance to win early-bird prizes.
Cleanup Starter Kits for litter pickup and/or graffiti removal projects are available to all registered volunteers. Litter Pickup Starter Kits include disposable vinyl gloves, garbage bags and leaf-and-yard waste bags. Graffiti Removal Starter Kits include graffiti removal wipes, masks and gloves. All kits come with helpful project and safety information to guide your cleanup project. Upon request, and while quantities last, we will include magnets and stickers in the kits.
Last Updated: 2010-09-02
 PDF |