By Dear Central Park Residents:
Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season.
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. I am privileged to work with you to improve our community. Your participation is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to continue fostering our relationship throughout 2012.
2011 Christmas Lights Tour for River Ward Seniors
On Friday, December 9, 2011, my office hosted our Annual Christmas Lights Tour for River Ward Seniors. Two OC Transpo buses toured around Ottawa, showcasing some of the most beautiful lights our city has to offer. Following the lights tour, seniors returned to the Hunt ClubRiverside Park Community Centre for refreshments and live music by local musician Mike Fahey.
Winter 2012 OC Transpo Route Schedule Changes
OC Transpo winter bus schedules went into effect on January 8, 2012. There are schedule changes to three routes in the Central Park community: 14, 118, and 176. Service has also increased for the 118 to improve capacity and frequency for residents. Visit www.octranspo.com to obtain the new route schedules or pick up a new timetable from an OC Transpo service centre.
Workshops to Help Quit Smoking
The Carlington Community Health Centre, Ottawa Public Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Somerset West Community Health Centre will host two workshops to educate eligible participants about the benefits of quitting smoking. The sessions, offered in both English and French, will take place at the Carlington Community Health Centre on the following days:
- January 31, 2012 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- February 8, 2012 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
For more information regarding eligibility, registration, or content – please contact:
- Ottawa Public Health: (613)580-6744 or
- Carlington Community Health Centre: (613)722-4000 ext. 322
High School Diploma Information Session
There is an information session Wednesday, February 1, 2012 for residents over 18 years old who want to earn their high school diploma. Call Gill at (613)722-4000 ext. 203 to register. The information session takes place from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Carlington Community Health Centre (900 Merivale Road).
Civic Events Funding – Applications Now Available
Local not-for-profit organizations, such as volunteer-based community or recreation associations, are invited to apply for funding to provide a one-to-two-day civic event and/or civic celebration. The event should foster civic pride, develop community cohesion and offer free admission. The maximum allocation is $3,000 and the application deadline is March 5, 2012.
Program guidelines and application forms are available at Ottawa.ca or by visiting City of Ottawa Client Service Centres. For more information, contact 613-580-2424 extension 20029.
Outdoor Rink Program Commences
Weather permitting, the outdoor rink season will operate until February 28, 2012. Some sites may extend their season on a voluntary basis and without additional City funding. Dismantling of rink sites with temporary features (i.e. trailers, boards, lighting) will commence prior to the spring thaw to prevent damage to parkland and vandalism.
Central Park residents can enjoy an outdoor rink at the following location in the community:
- • Celebration Park Rink (double surface)
Additional information about the City’s outdoor rink program can be found at the following link: http://ottawa.ca/rec_culture/park_facility/parks/outdoor_rinks/index_en.html.
Residents can also call the Seasonal Recreation telephone information line at 613-580-2590.
City Sledding Hills Open
55 City of Ottawa approved sledding hills are open for public use. Approved sledding hill locations and safety tips are listed at www.ottawa.ca. Residents are reminded to keep safety in mind and to wear helmets when participating in winter activities such as sledding and skating. The closest sledding hill to the Central Park community can be found in Mooney’s Bay Park at 2960 Riverside Drive.
Summer Student Employment Program
Students interested in summer employment with the City of Ottawa can apply online from Monday, January 30, 2012 until Wednesday, February 29, 2012. The Summer Student Employment Program is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience and insight into today’s workforce, discover a career path, showcase skills and enhance academic goals.
Monitor www.ottawa.ca/careers for updated information, eligibility criteria, and other requirements on the 2012 Summer Student Employment Program.
Registration for March Break Programming Now Open
The City of Ottawa invites you to register for March Break programs. From crafts to sports, the City has many activities for your family during the week for March 12-16, 2012 in recreation and culture facilities, pools and arenas. You can register online, by phone at 613-580-2588, or in person at any Client Service Centre or recreation facility.
For more information, please visit ottawa.ca/recreation.
Hockey Day in Ottawa
The fourth edition of “Hockey Day in Ottawa” will take place on Saturday February 11, 2012 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, in partnership with our community based operators, is planning a fun filled day where you are encouraged to set-up hockey games and other winter activities citywide. The goal is to raise visibility and awareness for the Winter Carnival Program and its volunteers.
Winter Carnival Equipment Loan
Numerous community associations will host Winter Carnivals across the City this winter. The Seasonal Recreation office provides equipment and secures sponsorship with various companies in support of the Winter Carnival Program.
Operators may contact the Seasonal Recreation front desk by phone at 613-580-2590 or e-mail at seasonalrecreation@ottawa.ca to learn more.
Ottawa’s Volunteer Marketplace
Ottawa is blessed with many generous and community-minded volunteers who contribute to the City being healthy, caring and compassionate. Volunteers wishing to offer their energy, dedication and generosity to a good cause are invited to connect with representatives of a wide variety of local organizations at the Volunteer Marketplace hosted by the City’s Volunteer Services on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre, 1200 St. Laurent Boulevard, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact the City’s Volunteer Services division at 613-580-2624, or e-mail volunteer@ottawa.ca.
Great Places in Canada Competition
Do you have a favourite public space, neighbourhood or street in Ottawa you would like others to know about? The Canadian Institute of Planners’ (CIP) Annual Great Places in Canada competition is looking for online votes and nominations. With just a few simple steps you can help put our great city on the map and your “Great Place” can be in the running:
- Go to GreatPlacesInCanada.com
- Nominate your own favourite location by submitting an entry with a photo or video
- You can also vote for your favourite locations, including ones in Ottawa
- Nominations will be accepted until January 31, 2012
- Voting will take place until February 29, 2012
City Council Approves 2012 Budget
On November 30, 2011, City Council approved the budget for 2012. Budget 2012 will allow the City to proceed with much needed city-building infrastructure projects. Ottawa on the Move will see roadwork and bridge repair, sidewalk upgrades, sewer and culvert improvements and cycling infrastructure investment across the length and breadth of Ottawa. The plan will advance the work by many years and help prepare the City to host Canada’s sesquicentennial.
Bronson Avenue Renewal Project
The City of Ottawa is undertaking a detail design of Bronson Avenue. The project will involve the replacement of aging underground infrastructure, reconstruction of the roadway, improvements to pedestrian corridors and revitalization of the street through landscaping initiatives. On November 24, 2011, the City hosted a Public Open House to share design plans and discuss the project in a casual environment. I will ensure that your feedback is received by staff.
City of Ottawa Agrees to Waste Disposal Deal with Plasco
On Wednesday, December 14, 2011, City Council approved a 20 year deal with Plasco Energy Group to convert the City’s waste into energy using a “plasma gasification process”. Council approved the deal by an overwhelming majority of 22-1, making Ottawa the first city in Canada to adopt plasma gasification technology on a commercial scale. The Plasco deal embraces the City of Ottawa’s goal to both foster new technology and encourage sustainability.
Integrated Road Safety Program
January 2012 Initiatives
Tailgating and stop sign running are on the City’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) radar in January.
November 2011 Results
The City of Ottawa’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) targeted motorists improperly using reserved transit lanes and distracted driving last month, resulting in 289 charges being laid. Distracted driving was the prevalent charge with 227 tickets being issued, while 62 charges were laid for improper use of reserved transit lanes.