El-Chantiry: Ward 5 bi-weekly news, March 30

Ottawa Public Health News

Deputy Medical Officer of Health at Ottawa Public Health Dr. Brent Moloughney’s March 24 Special Statement on the local COVID-19 situation is available here.

COVID-19 Vaccination 
COVID-19 vaccination continues to be crucial, especially as public health measures are lifted. A third dose provides a higher level of protection than two doses. Click here for clinic information.

School Immunization Catch-Up Clinics 
Ottawa Public Health has resumed school immunization catch-up clinics, by appointment only, for youth who attend school in Ottawa who were unable to attend or receive their school-based vaccines (Hepatitis B, HPV, Meningococcal vaccines) at their school clinic in Grade 7. Click here for school clinic information. Appointments can be booked through OPH’s online booking website or by calling OPH at 613-580-6744, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 

For more information on the school immunization catch-up clinic services or on immunization for youth and school vaccination, please visit the Parenting in Ottawa website. 

Your Councillor in the Community

Supporting Local Businesses

I continue to support local businesses, which have been absolutely devastated by the pandemic. On March 26, I enjoyed breakfast with Mayor Watson at the Heart and Soul Cafe in Dunrobin. My thanks to Jim Bowen, pictured here at left, and Jodie Bowen, who have dedicated their lives to their small business, serving their community, and who have worked tirelessly through so much over the years.

In-Person City Council Meeting 

On March 23, I was absolutely thrilled to attend the first in-person City Council meeting at City Hall – the first time in more than two years since the pandemic first impacted our lives. This Council meeting was very unique. Most Councillors joined Mayor Watson and City staff around the horseshoe. A few Councillors joined us virtually over Zoom. The gallery was closed to the public during this trial format, but were invited to tune in to watch live over Youtube. It was a very special day and I am delighted to have participated.

Rogers TV – Ward 5 Feature  

I was interviewed by Derick Fage on Rogers TV on January 27, 2022. Each year, Rogers features elected civic leaders to provide insights and updates on projects and priorities in their wards in the City of Ottawa. Due to technical difficulties, Rogers was only able to post the video on its Youtube channel on March 26. The video is available here.

Ward 5 News

Ward 5 Clean-up Challenge

I am issuing a friendly challenge to all West Carleton-March residents, community associations and businesses to take part in Ottawa’s Spring Cleaning the Capital Campaign. The team that collects the most trash during their registered clean-up this spring will be eligible to win Tim Hortons gift cards (one per person, up to a maximum of 20). Please invite me to your clean-up event so I can see how much trash has been collected. Email me at eli.el-chantiry@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2424,ext. 32246. Fill out the registration form at ottawa.ca/clean or call 3-1-1 to register your project and request your project starter kit. Registration closes April 30. 
 

Spongy Moths

Have you seen Spongy moths (formerly known as gypsy moths) on your trees? Help reduce the number of this invasive and destructive species before they hatch! If you spot eggs on your tree, scrape them off and submerge them in a soapy bucket for two days to keep your tree safe. For more information, click here. 

Sandbag-Filling Stations & Water Levels

Sand and sandbags are available at designated City works yards for residents wishing to prepare for low-level flooding in the coming weeks. An updated list can be found here. Join the City’s Spring Flood 2022 Facebook group to stay up to date on information about river conditions and how to protect your property in the event of flooding.Helpful links

• Ontario Power Generation: www.opg.com/water 
  On this page you will find information on water management, including an infographic on the freshet timeline. To find information specific to this region, including levels and flows, and other helpful information, please click Eastern Ontario.
• The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board: www.ottawariver.ca 
   

Speeding 
Now that the milder weather is here, there is more activity on and near our roads – cyclists, runners, children at play, dog walkers, horseback riding and wild animals crossing. Residents are reminded to report speeding to Ottawa Police by calling 613-236-1222, ext. 7300 or submitting a complaint at ​​ottawapolice.ca/en/contact-us/Online-Reporting.aspx. Your reports allow police to identify and monitor problem areas. 

Wild Animal Baby Season is here
-Article submitted

                                                                                                     Photo by Holly’s Haven/Facebook

Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue a local charity run by a team of volunteers and based in Dunrobin. Last year, HHWR took in over 850 wild mammals to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, healthy and away from places where they might cause trouble. This is the time of year when baby squirrels and raccoons are being born. Every year, we’ll be asked to take in more animals than we can handle, so we ask for the community’s help in supporting us while keeping the need for our services down. Most of the animals needing our help are orphaned because either the mother was killed or has been trapped and relocated. Please know that if you see a raccoon or skunk out during the day, it is probably a mother desperately trying to feed herself on a break between baby feedings. Our website recommends humane removal companies that will keep the mother and babies together. These companies also help with squirrels, that may have nested in your eaves or in a tree that you are having taken down. In many cases, animals wouldn’t need help if humans didn’t interfere, and often they can be reunited with their mother. Contact us for advice and we’ll be happy to help if we possibly can. If an wild animal is very sick or suffering, you can call Ottawa Bylaw at 3-1-1. They have a trained team to respond and take the animal to the Ottawa Humane Society for assessment.

If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, you can sign-up here. Find out more about us on our website, Facebook page or Instagram. Sincere thank you to our community of volunteers and supporters from Team HHWR!

Catch Basins, Ditch Drainage & Potholes 
Residents concerned about ditch drainage, those who need assistance clearing a catch basin or wish to report a pothole can call 3-1-1 or create an online service request at ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1/report-or-request. Please remember to record your service request number so you can track your file or request an update.

Potholes-by-the-Numbers

• The total number of potholes repaired between January 1 and March 21, 2022 reached 42,398.
• The total number of potholes filled for the same period last year was 36,869 – an increase of 5,529.
• The three-year average (2019-2021) of potholes filled for a full year is 222,571.
• In Ottawa, the five-year average of freeze/thaw cycles over the winter season is 79. Freeze/thaw cycles are the leading cause for potholes, which thrive in these types of environments.
   

Household Hazardous Waste Depots

The City is hosting hazardous waste depots again this year where household hazardous waste can be dropped off. The Canadian Tire Centre is a new addition this year. Located at 200 Cyclone Taylor Boulevard, this depot is scheduled for June 26. The schedule of depots will be updated as needed at Hazardous waste and special items | City of Ottawa. Residents are also encouraged to consult the Waste Explorer tool for a full list of items accepted at the HHW events: ottawa.ca/en/garbage-and-recycling/waste-explorer. In addition, the Waste Explorer provides a list of retailers throughout the city that accept household hazardous waste materials at any time.

Ward 5 Development News

1015 March Road Proposed Plan of Subdivision – Public Meeting
The City of Ottawa will hold a public meeting April 4 at 6:30 pm on Zoom to discuss a proposed zoning by-law amendment and plan of subdivision application for 1015 March Road. The meeting link is available here. Property owner 13533441 Canada Inc. is proposing to develop one future mixed-use block, one future institutional block and a new street which will connect to March Road. Additional information is available on the City’s DevApps website. Comments can be submitted to City of Ottawa Planner Lisa Stern by calling 613-580-2424 ext. 21108 or emailing Lisa.Stern@ottawa.ca.

2431 Diamondview Road – Rezoning Application
The City of Ottawa has received a zoning by-law amendment application to prohibit residential development on the agricultural parcel at 2431 Diamondview Road. The property to be rezoned is retained from a farm surplus severance. As a condition of the consent decision, the parcel needs to be rezoned to AG5 to prohibit future residential development. The deadline date for comments is April 5. For details, please visit my website.

232 Donald B. Munro Drive Development Application – Public Meeting
A public meeting will be held in the coming weeks for a development application for 232 Donald B. Munro Drive. Please stay tuned for details. The zoning By-law amendment and plan of subdivision application is available on the City’s DevApps website: 

• devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D07-16-21-0035/details
• devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D02-02-21-0128/details

West Carleton Quarry expansion application – 4200 March Road – Comment Period
The City of Ottawa has received an Official Plan and zoning by-law amendment application to permit the expansion of the existing West Carleton Quarry (4048 March Road) by 18.2 hectares. The site is located at 4200 March Road, immediately west of 4048 March Road. The application’s supporting documents can be viewed on the City of Ottawa’s DevApps website:

• Official Plan Amendment: Application # D01-01-21-0019
• Zoning By-law Amendment: Application # D02-02-21-0105

To comment on this application, please contact City of Ottawa File Lead, Planner Cheryl McWilliams, by calling 613-580-2424, ext. 30234 or emailing cheryl.mcwilliams@ottawa.ca. Please submit comments by mid-April.

Loggers Way Sewer Replacement Project 
What: Sewer Replacement – Project scope covers 293 metres
Why: To address structural deficiencies
When: April 18, 2022 – June 10, 2022
Where: Loggers Way from Kinburn Side Road to Early Avenue
Who: Main Contractor – Core Civil Construction; Sub-Contractor – Englobe (for pre-construction inspections)
Traffic Impacts: A road closure will be in place for the duration of the project. Residents, businesses and emergency services will have full access.

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

Ward 5 & City-wide Events 
 

Rural Transportation Solutions Webinar – March 30 at 7 pm. The topic is “How to Pay for a Sustainable Solution.” Click here for information and to register.

Softball Canada Men’s U23 Canadian Fast Pitch Championship hosts a Trivia Night fundraiser at the West Carleton Amateur Sports Club on April 1 at 7 pm. For details, please click here.

West Carleton Branch 616 of the Royal Canadian Legion hosts a Ukraine Benefit on April 2 at 8 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. For details, please click here. 

Rural Root Theatre Company presents “Drinking Habits” April 3 to 9. 
For information and tickets, please click here. 

The Carp Agricultural Society hosts euchre on April 9 at noon at the Carp Agricultural Hall. Click here for details.

The Carp Agricultural Society hosts Carp Men’s Night on April 14 at the W. Erskine Johnston Arena. Doors open at 6 pm. Dinner is at 7 pm. For details, please click here.

The Carp Agricultural Society hosts Carp Ladies Night on April 22 at the W. Erskine Johnston Arena. Doors open at 5:30 pm and dinner is at 7 pm. For details, please click here.

The Galetta Community Association hosts its next board meeting on April 25 at 7 pm at the Galetta Community Hall, 119 Darwin St. 

Softball Canada Men’s U23 Canadian Fast Pitch Championship hosts an Alumni Night at the Carp Agricultural Hall on April 29 at 7:30 pm. Admission is free. All current and former fastball players and officials are invited. For details, please click here.

The West Ottawa Ladies Chorus hosts its 10th Anniversary virtual Spring Concert on April 29 at 7:30 pm.
For details, please visit westottawaladieschorus.ca.

CN Cycle for CHEO takes place May 1. Become a rider or a volunteer. For details, please visit cncycle.ca.

For event details, please visit my website. To submit an event, please email Ward5@Ottawa.ca.

City of Ottawa News, Programming, Grants & Engagements

• Transportation Master Plan – Surveys & Open House
  The TMP surveys and online tools remain open and the TMP team will continue to review all comments and submissions received. A virtual Public Open House has been rescheduled for March 29 at 6:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to visit the project website to learn more about how to register. Those who would like to learn more can also email tmpupdate@ottawa.ca with questions or comments.
   
• Community Environmental Projects Grant Program
  The City of Ottawa is now accepting applications for the 2022 Community Environmental Projects Grant Program for non-profit organizations. The application deadline is March 31 at 4 pm. Learn more here: ottawa.ca/cepgp.
   
• Share your views on municipal commemoration methods
  Submit your comments at Remembering Ottawa: Your Ideas by March 31. For more information on the project, visit Remembering Ottawa: Stories and Legacies.
   
• Short-Term Rental Permits
  You now must apply for a short-term rental permit, which becomes an enforceable requirement on April 1. For details, please click here.
   
• Review and Update of Ditch Alteration Policy – Public Meeting
  The City is hosting an information session on April 5 at 6:30 pm. Register now and submit your questions ahead of the event!
   
• Applications open for Music on Hold & City Sounds!
  Applications for the City’s Music on Hold program and City Sounds! are open until April 5. Learn more here: ottawa.ca/ottmusic.
   
• OC Transpo Seasonal Service Changes
  These service changes take effect April 24. Full details will be communicated to customers throughout April. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading the OC Transpo iPhone app or an independent app, signing up for text alerts on octranspo.com to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, as well as visiting octranspo.com from a smartphone. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number. Customers can visit octranspo.com or call the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at 613-560-5000 for more information.
   
• Earth Day Speaker Series
  Celebrate Earth Day this April while learning what you can do to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet.
   
  • Learn about Electric Vehicles – April 26, 6:30 to 8 pm  Register now
    Find out everything you need to know about electric vehicles, including charging, range and the types of cars available right now. Presented by Raymond Leury from the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa.
     
  • Say Yes to Less – How reducing waste helps fight climate change – April 21, 6:30 to 8:30 pm  Register now
    Hear from two guest speakers about the correlation between the amount of waste we create and greenhouse gas emissions. Find out how you can make a difference as well as how the City is considering climate change in the development of the Solid Waste Master Plan.
     
  • Apply for the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program – virtual seminar  Register now
    Learn more about the City’s Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program and hear from some Ottawa homeowners who have been through the application process and are implementing their home energy retrofits.
     
• Solid Waste Master Plan – Consultations & Survey  
  Have your say on how garbage, recycling & household organics will be managed in the City of Ottawa for the next 30 years. Visit ottawa.ca/wasteplan. Complete the survey online or by phone by calling 613-580-2424 ext. 25550 by May 8. Register to attend a public virtual discussion group or info session taking place March 21 to May 3. For the schedule and to register, please visit engage.ottawa.ca/solid-waste-master-plan.
   
• City of Ottawa Rural Community Building Grants
  This grant program is designed to support rural-based community project undertakings by non-profit organizations such as community associations and agricultural groups. Funding is project-based, with a defined beginning and end and measurable outcomes. To learn more, please click here.
   
• Vacant Building Strategy Review
  For details about the City’s review, please click here. Contact the project team at bylawreviews@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.
   
• Launch of Better Buildings Ottawa – Benchmarking and Auditing Program 
  As part of its Climate Change Master Plan and Energy Evolution Strategy, the City is pleased to announce the launch of its Better Buildings Ottawa – Benchmarking and Auditing Program. To learn more about this program, visit ottawa.ca/betterbuildings. You can also stay in the loop by subscribing to the Better Buildings Ottawa newsletter.
   
• Stay informed about Traffic Impacts in Ottawa
  There is currently a lot of exciting work happening across the city that can impact traffic and it will only get busier when construction season ramps up this spring. The City of Ottawa has altered its approach to better inform residents about upcoming major traffic impacts. 
  • Visit the new ottawa.ca webpage.
  • 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.
  • For weekly reminders of upcoming major traffic impacts, you can follow the