El-Chantiry: Ward 5 bi-weekly news, June 8

A Note from Councillor Eli El-Chantiry

Hello Ward 5 residents,

This e-newsletter marks a return to my regular bi-weekly e-newsletter publication schedule following the publication of three Ward 5 Storm Response-themed newsletters in recent weeks. In this edition you will find updated storm response resources, Ottawa Public Health updates, Ward 5 news and events, City of Ottawa programming and engagement opportunities and City Council and Committee updates. I hope you find the information useful.

City of Ottawa Storm Response and Recovery

The devastating storm on Saturday, May 21 resulted in sweeping power outages affecting hydro customers across Ottawa and beyond. Through the long and difficult days that followed, I witnessed many acts of kindness as West Carleton-March residents stepped up to assist their relatives, neighbours, friends and complete strangers in need.

Many of you helped by sharing the updates my team and I shared on my website and social media channels and in my newsletters. Circulating this information as quickly as possible was critical at a time when many were cut off from their usual sources of information.

Residents and community leaders wrote in offering to help in any way they could. Community associations, such as the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association and the Corkery Community Association, worked with me to open the doors to their centres to provide support as soon as their own power was restored.

City staff mobilized to ensure a food waste bin was stationed at the community centre in Constance Bay. I also arranged for staff to open the W. Erskine Johnston Arena in Carp where they worked long hours and many days assisting residents in need.

I made a number of stops at the arena in Carp in the aftermath of the storm to pick up bottled water for several impacted Ward 5 residents. Thank you to Jason and Lacey and their City staff colleagues for working long hours following the storm to make the arena available for those in need.

Wellness Visits

Thank you to the many residents who warmly welcomed me to their homes when I was checking in on people and delivering bottled water. My gratitude also goes to our West Carleton-March firefighters who conducted wellness checks in several Ward 5 neighbourhoods. Thank you to the many residents who let us know which streets were still impacted as the power outages continued throughout the city. Please know we immediately flagged your street with our contacts at Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One. The storm response and recovery effort has been a team approach at every level. I thank every West Carleton-March resident and business for their patience.

Cleanup and Recovery Continue

Cleanup and recovery efforts continue across Ottawa. Residents requiring assistance are encouraged to contact 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 to be connected with the appropriate supports.

Storm Debris and Waste Guide

Wondering what to do with debris and waste after the storm? Visit bit.ly/3yZXcLn to find out how to properly dispose of a variety of items. City of Ottawa crews are hard at work removing items put at the curb, but cleanup will take time, Your patience is appreciated. 

Tree Debris Collection

The City is continuing to accept organic (examples: tree-cuttings, brush, branches) storm-related waste free-of-charge at Trail Road Waste Facility for a limited time. Residents can also put out organic waste to be collected as part of the regular weekly green bin collection. Residents are encouraged to continue to place trees, stumps, and root systems curbside if possible. Residents are asked to continue separating larger debris from regular curbside items to support efficient collection. Dedicated clean-up crews will pick up this debris as they move throughout the city. This collection may take several weeks due to the scale of the storm.

Tree Removal

Need help removing damaged or downed trees on your property? Please contact Samaritan’s Purse at 1-844-547-2663 so they can assess the situation and determine if they can provide support.

Damage to Private Property due to Fallen City-Owned Trees

If a City-owned tree is damaged or has caused damage due to the recent storm, it is important to report it to the City via 311 and to not touch the tree. The City will arrange for the clean-up and/or removal of any damaged City-owned trees. Click here to learn more.

Emergency Financial Food Aid

If you need financial help due to storm losses, you can complete an application to the City for emergency food replacement and in exceptional circumstances for help with medication, medical supplies or personal care. Click here to learn more and to apply. You can also enquire by calling 3-1-1.

After the Storm Volunteer Opportunities

The City in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, a non-government organization, will provide support to residents who have been impacted on their private property. To enquire about projects that can use your specialized skills, please contact Samaritan’s Purse at 1-844-547-2663 or samaritanspurse.ca/ottawavolunteer. Click here to learn more.

Stay Connected

My team and I tried every means possible to reach residents. If your power is out and you have a battery-powered radio, please tune in to 1310AM, 850AM and 91.5FM. These three radio stations are excellent sources of local information.

Please know you can reach out to my office for your city-related needs. We are here to connect you with the right supports and information. Please email me at eli.el-chantiry@ottawa.ca or call me at 613-580-2475. I am on Facebook at facebook.com/Ward5Ottawa and on Twitter at twitter.com/Eli_ ElChantiry. Check my website at eliel-chantiry.ca for Ward 5 updates and City of Ottawa news. If you know someone who would like to sign up to receive my e-newsletter, they can visit eliel-chantiry.ca/ monthly-newsletters.

Mental Well-Being – A Message from Ottawa Public Health

The storm we experienced has significantly impacted people across Ottawa. The shock of a stressful event can be immediate or delayed, and those affected can feel a range of emotions and reactions. Resources and supports are available: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/SevereThundersThunderstorm.

After the Storm – Important Safety Messages from Ottawa Fire Services

During the widespread power outages across Ottawa that were caused by a severe storm on May 21, 2022, Ottawa Fire Services shared several important safety messages. 

1. Candles
   When you use candles, place them in a sturdy, safe candle holder that will not burn or tip over. Even better, consider using battery-operated flameless candles.

1. Generators
   Never use BBQs and portable fuel-fired heaters or generators indoors, including inside your garage. Locate these outside away from any windows, doors or air intakes. Turn off generators and let them cool before refueling.

Be Prepared

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. Be ready. With a little preparation, you can respond quickly to help yourself and others. Understand the risks in your area, create a household emergency plan and build an emergency kit. Learn more here. 

The City of Ottawa – Emergency Preparedness

Residents interested in learning more about emergency preparedness can consult the City’s Emergency Preparedness website. This site provides a range of information, including checklists that can be used to help plan for emergency situations.

Ottawa Public Health News

COVID-19 Snapshot

Ottawa’s monitoring indicators continue to move in the right direction. This is indeed encouraging, but it doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. It remains important to stay up to date on your COVID vaccinations. All OPH clinics have drop-ins available for anyone who isn’t up to date. Drop-in whenever it’s convenient for you! Locations and hours: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/COVID19Vaccine. OPH continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask when in indoor and/or crowded public spaces. It’s a simple, but very effective, way to lower your risk and the risks to those around you. If you’re feeling anxious, you’re not alone. A free counselling session is just a click away. Sessions are offered for all ages. counsellingconnect.org

Self-Isolation Determination Tool

Wondering if you should be self-isolating? Use OPH’s screening tool to find the best answer: secureforms.ottawapublichealth.ca/CM/Self-Isolation-Determination-Tool  You can also visit the OPH website or speak with a public health nurse at 613-580-6744.

Accessing Anti-Viral COVID-19 Treatments in Ottawa

Unsafe At Home

If you’re living with violence, please know you are not alone, and help is available. Unsafe at Home Ottawa is available 7 days a week from 8:30 am to midnight. Text or WhatsApp at 613-704-5535 or chat online at unsafeathomeottawa.ca.

Carp Barrens Trail Closure – May 24 through August 15 inclusive.

The City of Ottawa closes the Carp Barrens Trail each year after Victoria Day weekend to protect nesting turtles and ground nesting birds from human activity. 2021 was the first year this conservation measure was implemented. The Friends of the Carp Hills were pleased to see high compliance from all trail users. Thank you! During this year’s closure period, Friends of the Carp Hills and the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association will carry out limited turtle nest monitoring and trail maintenance activities in the trail area. Their vehicles parked at the trailhead will display parking permits. The trail reopens on August 16. Details: carphills.com.

Canada Day Fireworks

In keeping with the City of Ottawa’s Fireworks By-law, individuals can only discharge their fireworks on Victoria Day and Canada Day and the day before and after those days. Individuals cannot use commercial-grade fireworks. If you are planning to let off fireworks for Canada Day, please let your neighbours with horses and other livestock know your plans in advance so that these animals can be safely sheltered. Fireworks can seriously startle livestock and pets, leading to serious injury. For details, please click here.

Rural Well Water Testing

Ottawa Public Health has established permanent sites across Ottawa where well owners can drop off their water samples and pick up new bottles for future testing to make it more convenient for residents living on residential well systems to have their well water tested for free. For more details, and the full list of drop-off locations, please visit Ottawa Public Health or call OPH at 613-580-6744.

Wednesday Only:

• 3084 Kinburn Side Road – Kinburn Darvesh Grocery. Wednesday: 7 am to 8:30 pm
• 131 Constance Bay Road – Constance Bay Pharmacy. Wednesday: 10 am to 7 pm
• 3798 Dunrobin Road – Nicholls General Store. Wednesday: 6 am to 11 pm
• 1794 Dunrobin Road – MacEwen Gas Dunrobin. Wednesday: 5:30 am to 11 pm
• 3911 Carp Road – Carp Library – Wednesday: 10 am to 6 pm

Facility Rentals

Need to book a space for a party, meeting, or special occasion? Rural community centres are back and ready to host your function. Email ruralwest@ottawa.ca for inquiries and availability.

Burn Permits

Make sure you obtain a burn permit before you start any open air fires, including a backyard fire or using a large fire pit. Prior to setting an open-air fire, you must first contact Ottawa Fire Services at 613-580-2880 to ensure that a fire ban is not in effect. More information, including how to apply for a burn permit, is available here: Open air fire permit (burn permit)

Family Fishing Opportunities

Free fishing days:

• Father’s Day Weekend – June 18-19, 2022
• Ontario Family Fishing Week – July 2-10, 2022

Visit Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary for all your fishing guidance needs and to download a copy of the Fishing Regulations Summary.

Discover Ottawa’s Rural Communities

Craving a change of scenery? Maybe a little fresh air, new culinary experiences, or local treasure hunting? It’s time to get out of town, without even having to leave the city! Rural Ottawa is the perfect one-day getaway to reconnect with nature and get to know the local businesses behind the neighbourhoods. Plan your next trip to Ottawa’s charming rural communities and make the most of your visit with the itineraries provided at Discover Ottawa’s rural communities | Ottawa Tourism.

Wild Parsnip

Wild parsnip is an invasive plant common in the City of Ottawa in areas of uncultivated land, roadside ditches, nature trails, as well as surrounding rural and residential properties. Wild parsnip may pose a health risk to humans and the best way to avoid contact with this plant is to become familiar with what it looks like.

The City’s Public Works and Environmental Services department has been proactively mapping out wild parsnip infestation levels across the city along roadsides, parkland and pathways. Each year, the wild parsnip infestation levels mapping is used to identify the control areas for the upcoming year (2022 Wild Parsnip Strategy). The herbicide Clearview was chosen in consultation with other municipal and Provincial stakeholders and experts. Click here to learn more.

Pesticide Use

The City of Ottawa intends to control wild parsnip in areas city-wide along rural and suburban roadsides. Spot spraying will continue throughout the summer months as needed within the City. The treatment map and program details, including how to opt out of the program, can be accessed at ottawa.ca/wildparsnip. This page is also an excellent resource for information on how to identify, manage, and protect yourself from wild parsnip.

Spongy Moths (Formerly known as Gypsy Moths)

Spongy moth is an introduced, defoliating insect that is a pest of trees and forests in eastern North America. The caterpillar, or larva stage of the insect, eats the leaves of trees, making them more susceptible to disease and damage from other insects. For details, please click here.

Ward 5 Development & Road Works News

Recently updated development applications can be reviewed at this link: Ward 5 – West Carleton-March. The City of Ottawa’s Development Application Search Tool is also available by clicking here.

Resurfacing of Huntmar Drive from 350m north of Campeau Drive to 2.7 km north of Richardson Side Road

As part of the City of Ottawa’s annual infrastructure maintenance cycle, road resurfacing will occur along Huntmar Drive to improve this roadway and the overall citywide transportation network.

When: This work was expected to start in May and completion is anticipated by fall 2022. Work will take place between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm as required. Huntmar Drive will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. 

Where: Work will occur along Huntmar Drive from 350m north of Campeau Drive to 2.7 km north of Richardson Side Road.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, Aecon Construction Ontario East Limited, to resurface Huntmar Drive.

For details, please refer to the City’s Construction Notice.

Resurfacing of Donald B. Munro Drive from Thomas Argue Road to March Road

When: This work was expected to start in May 2022 and completion is anticipated by fall 2022. Work will take place between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm as required. Donald B. Munro Drive will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected. 

Where: Work will occur along Donald B. Munro Drive from Thomas Argue Road to March Road.Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, Aecon Construction Ontario East Limited, to resurface Donald B. Munro Drive.

For details, please refer to the City’s Construction Notice.

Resurfacing of Old Carp Rd from Old Second Line Road to 120m north of Old Second Line Road

When: This work was expected to start in May and completion is anticipated by fall 2022. Work will take place between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm as required. Old Carp Road will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected.

Where: Work will occur along Old Carp Road from Old Second Line Road to 120 m east of Old Second Line Road.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, Aecon Construction Ontario East Limited, to resurface Old Carp Road.

For details, please refer to the City’s Construction Notice.

Resurfacing of Allbirch Road from Bishop Davis Drive to Shady Lane

When: This work was expected to start in late May and completion is anticipated by fall 2022. Work will take place between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm as required. Allbirch Road will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected.

Where: Work will occur along Allbirch Road from Bishop Davis Drive to Shady Lane.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, Aecon Construction Ontario East Limited, to resurface Allbirch Road.

For details, please refer to the City’s Construction Notice.

Resurfacing of Madawaska Boulevard (Ottawa Road 117) 240m north of Ottawa Road 29 to Connifer Lane

When: This work was expected to start in late May and completion is anticipated by fall 2022. Work will take place between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm as required. Madawaska Boulevard will remain open to traffic with lane closures expected.

Where: Work will occur along Madawaska Boulevard from 240 m north of Ottawa Road 29 to Connifer Lane.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the Contractor, Aecon Construction Ontario East Limited, to resurface Madawaska Boulevard.

For details, please refer to the City’s Construction Notice.

Resurfacing of Marchurst Road, from March Road to Murphy Side

This project is getting underway. More details will be added to my website as they become available.

Fitzroy Harbour Sidewalk Renewal

Sidewalks in Fitzroy Harbour will be renewed this summer. Construction is estimated to begin sometime in June or July 2022.

The project work areas are as follows:

• Harbour Street (east sidewalk) from Crossland Drive to Nicholson Street
• Fitzroy Street (north sidewalk and part of the south sidewalk) from Harbour Street to Old Ship Road

Stay informed about Traffic Impacts in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa has altered its approach to better inform residents about upcoming major traffic impacts.

• Visit ottawa.ca.
• For everyday traffic impacts, including updates on construction and roadwork, information about traffic and travel planning, you can visit the City’s interactive traffic map or follow the City’s traffic account on Twitter.

Ward 5 & City-wide Events
 

The Carp Farmers’ Market season is in full swing. Visit the Market every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm at the Carp Fairgrounds. For details, visit carpfarmersmarket.ca.
 

St. Paul’s United Church in Carp serves its Soup’nDipity Luncheons the first and third Tuesday of every month, from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the church, located at 3760 Carp Road. Please call ahead to make reservations: 613-809-2488.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Dunrobin Fire Station 66 is once again hosting its annual pancake breakfast June 12, 7:30 am to 11:30 am, at Dunrobin Fire Station 66, located at 3285 Dunrobin Road. Learn more here.
 

The 7th Annual Wonderland Tea Party for youth mental health at CHEO takes place June 12, from 2 to 4 pm, at the Brookstreet Hotel. For details, please visit wonderlandteaparty.ca.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is hosting its second Incredible Kidney Quest. You can complete it all in one day or over several as the event will run from June 3 through to June 12. kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/kidneyquest22 

The Village of Kinburn and surrounding area will host a Community-Wide Garage Sale on June 11, from 8 am to 2 pm. 

The Carp Agricultural Society hosts its Truck and Tractor Pull June 18 at 11 am at 3629 Carp Road. This will be a day full of fun, food, laughs and trucks and tractors. 

Saint Gabriel’s next bottle drive fundraiser is June 18, 10 am to 12 pm. Drop off your empties at 205 Bayview Drive in Constance Bay. Click here for details.

Live or work in the Galetta community? The Galetta Community Association’s next monthly board meeting is scheduled for June 20 at 7 pm at the Galetta Community Hall, located at 119 Darwin Street.

The Kinburn Community Association hosts a Paint Night Social at the community centre in the main hall on June 24 from 7 to 10 pm. For details, please cluck here.

The Huntley Township Historical Society invites everyone to their Open House and displays on June 25, from 1 to 3 pm at the Borden Building, Carp Airport, 1500 Thomas Argue Rd, Carp. Come and view Huntley History!

The Ottawa Beef Farmers Association is hosting a Barn Dance on June 25 at the Carp Agricultural Hall featuring live music by The Ryans. There will be a live auction and lunch will be served. Tickets are $15. For details, please click here.

On June 25 the Nepean Sailing Club and the Ottawa River Canoe Club will co-host Give-It-A-Go, a complimentary Open House event aimed at introducing youth and adults living with disabilities and newly disabled individuals the opportunity to experience the joys of sailing and/or paddling. For details and to register, please email ablesail@nsc.ca.