Amy’s Corner Column – NCC Forest, Walking Road Side

Subject: Re: Amy’s corner column
Date: Fri, 1 May 2015 18:50:31 -0400
From: Amy Steele <amykempster@bell.net>

It’s been a long time since I wrote a column. With age one slows down a bit and getting married again also results in a busier life. However since I cannot go on May 7 to the lab re the Parkway I thought I would urge some of you to go and speak up for our “bush”. I understand that Adrian and Dennis have already been speaking to the NCC. It would be ideal if the NCC could preserve the well treed parts but also get rid of some of the invasive species such as buckthorn and I believe they have included that idea in their discussions. Another suggestion is perhaps a community garden in the open parts. Right now the woods are in bloom in some sections – there is a lovely patch of trout lilies near the north end of Patricia and there are also violets in various parts. I suggest we have a local meeting soon so all interested can discuss what we feel should happen to the area before the chance to decide about our own wishes is lost to others’ ideas. Also perhaps we could consider acting as stewards of the area and over time try to improve it by perhaps doing a one day project every year, such as getting rid of one small patch of buckthorn bushes. If any of you have any specific information about areas of the bush such as nesting birds perhaps they could ensure that the NCC and the local community has the information as well.

I have another bee in my bonnet. When I was in school we were taught that in Canada we should walk on the left side of the road. As this quote from a safety site says “Use the sidewalk, or, if there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.” So why do I see the many of the people (from I believe Tunney’s Pasture) who like to walk in our neighbourhood at noon, using the right side? This also occurs in other neighbourhoods since I have noticed it elsewhere even when they have young children with them. As the number of bicycles on the streets has increased they need to watch for them as well as cars. I have seen a mother and a child using the right side on a street where speeding is a problem. I can understand it to some point in our relatively quiet neighbourhood but on busier streets it seems rather foolhardy. Has the practice of teaching children this excellent rule fallen by the wayside? The rationale is evident – you see what is coming. As a visitor to England you quickly learn that the rule must be changed to keep to the right so that you can see the traffic. Perhaps some newcomers to Canada may not yet have managed to change their habits and that is why I am noticing it more than I can remember seeing.

Call for Membership Drive Canvassers

Call for Canvassers – 2015 Membership Drive

Champlain Park Membership Drive

It’s that time again! This year, we need your help! We still need a few more volunteers.

CANVASSERS are the core of our Community Association’s fundraising effort. Revenues collected from our annual membership drive enable a variety of activities in our community, including:
Contributing directly to your community’s well-being; and

Providing financial resources for development-related activities.

This year, our Community Association needs 20 volunteers to help out with the membership drive.

Our goal this year is to increase our Community Association memberships to 75 percent of all households.

Duties: Canvass approximately 20 homes on your street or nearby

Required: 1-2 hours of your time

The 2015 Champlain Park Community Association (CPCA) Membership Drive
Begins: May 15,2015.

To volunteer as a canvasser please contact:
Joan Dorsay
Phone: 613-729-3640
email: joan.dorsay@rogers.com

Westboro Beach Seedling Sale

The Westboro Beach Community Association works hard for the community but needs funds to stay operational. One of our fundraising activities each year is to sell seedlings grown at the Ferguson Forest Centre in Kemptville (http://www.seedlingnursery.com). The Ferguson Forest Centre only grows native or proven non invasive naturalized trees and woody shrubs, produced from local seed sources that have the greatest chance for success in eastern Ontario. Having you plant these seedlings also helps us to achieve our objective of a greener Ottawa.

This year, we have chosen four special and popular bushes/trees: black cherry, black elderberry, highbush cranberry and nanny berry. They will be ready for delivery to you next week. Cost is $10 per tree. Delivery is in early May. Please think about making a purchase and please tell your friends and family about this as well.

Call 613 729-4217 for more information. Thank you for any help you can give us.

Catherine Casserly 613-729-4217

Neighbourhood Watch Items

Our neighbourhood watch volunteer Sarah has forwarded a few crime and missing person items that may be of interest:

From: Dawn Neilly <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>
Date: April 30, 2015 at 9:23:36 AM EDT
Subject: Fwd: Ottawa Police – Fatal fire investigation on Richmond Road

Fatal fire investigation on Richmond Road

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 2:58am

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Fire Department responded to an apartment fire in the 1300 block of Richmond Road. One person was found deceased in an apartment.

The fire was contained and limited to an individual apartment. Residents were displaced as a result of the fire and smoke. They were given access to return to their apartments a few hours later.

The investigation is currently ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police’s Arson Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5190. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.

-30-

CONTACT:
Media Relations Section
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Click here to view this article on our website.

From: Dawn Neilly <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>
Date: April 30, 2015 at 9:22:45 AM EDT
Subject: Fwd: Ottawa Police – Ottawa Police hosts prescription medication drop off on May 9 as part of Province-wide effort to reduce risks associated with leftover medications

Ottawa Police hosts prescription medication drop off on May 9 as part of Province-wide effort to reduce risks associated with leftover medications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 3:25pm

(Ottawa) –– Do you have bottles of old or unused prescription medications sitting in your medicine cabinet?

Ottawa Police will be participating in a province-wide public safety initiative to encourage residents to dispose of old and unused prescription medication in a secure, environmentally-friendly manner.

Ottawa Police will be hosting a free Prescription Drug Drop Off Day for citizens wishing to dispose of outdated, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Drop offs can be made anonymously by removing or blacking out the labels.

DATE: Saturday, May 9, 2015
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LOCATION: 474 Elgin St. Police Station — Police officers will be outside in front of the station to collect your drop off as you drive through.

“This initiative is another way we can reduce the threat to public safety in a secure manner and reduce crimes associated to prescription drug misuse,”said Acting Staff Sergeant Ian McDonell, head of the Ottawa Police Drug Section.

The Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) prohibits anyone from possessing oxycodone or any other prescribed medication without a prescription. It is a criminal offence to offer or sell a prescribed medication to another person. Purchasing another person’s prescribed drugs is also illegal.

Prescription drug misuse is the use of prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Common prescription drugs being misused are opioid pain relievers (such as oxycodone), anti-depressants, and stimulants.

Recent studies indicate 24 per cent of teens reported misusing prescription medications at least once within the previous year. Most of the teens took medication they found in their family home.

“You can help keep children, families and our community safe by safely disposing of prescription medications,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Ian McDonell.

Prescription Drug Drop-off Day is proudly supported by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), the Government of Ontario and Public Safety Canada.

– 30 –

CONTACT:
Media Relations Section
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Click here to view this article on our website.

From: Dawn Neilly <wellingtoncpc@gmail.com>
Date: April 30, 2015 at 9:24:28 AM EDT
Subject: Fwd: Ottawa Police – Riverside Drive home invasion suspect to be identified

Riverside Drive home invasion suspect to be identified

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 12:40pm

Ottawa — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating a March home invasion and is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the suspect responsible.

On March 27, 2015, at approximately 7:00 pm, a lone male attended an apartment building situated along the 1500 block of Riverside Drive. The suspect knocked on the door and once opened, forced his way into an apartment. A physical altercation took place between this male and an occupant. The suspect searched around the apartment and then left with several items. The occupant sustained minor injuries in the scuffle. Investigators are satisfied that this was not a random event.

The suspect is described as being a black male, English speaking, 20-30 years of age, 5’8-5’10 (173 cm-178 cm) tall, 170 lbs (77 kg), with an athletic build (image attached.)

Anyone with information with respect to this robbery, or any other robbery, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5116. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.

-30-

CONTACT:
S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch
Robbery Unit
613-236-1222 Ext 5445

Click here to view this article on our website.

Click here to see our other ‘Events’ notifications.
Click here to see our other ‘Breaking News’ notifications.

City of Ottawa Cycling Newsletter

Original and likely better formatted version is at http://cityofottawa.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=beed13602b9b0e6ecb5b568ff5058f07.514&ref=twitter&hash=e215bc45c4937a4fe915fe98fb4536f0

Cycling in the City – April 2015

O’Connor Street Bikeway

The City has developed a recommended plan for a new cycling facility along O’Connor Street between Wellington Street and Glebe Avenue. The plan achieves the goal for a cross-town bikeway linking Confederation Boulevard, the Central Business District, Centretown and the Glebe. This new facility will require reallocating the existing road space between the curbs. For most of the project length, a separated bi-directional bikeway on the eastside of the road is proposed. Pre-cast concrete curbs, paint and flexible bollards will be used to separate the cycling facility from the adjacent traffic lanes.

The current proposal identifies that the project would be constructed in two segments; with the first segment, Laurier Avenue to Glebe Avenue, tentatively planned to begin in 2016. The second segment will be undertaken following the construction of the Confederation Line. More information about the project, including a plan showing all of the proposed changes, is available on the project webpage.

May is Bike to Work Month

May 2015 is Bike to Work month in Ottawa. Kick off the spring season by biking to work and participating in our online pledge. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist, or getting back on your bike for the first time in years, Bike to Work Month is the perfect opportunity to enjoy your commute and show your support for cycling. Plus you can win great prizes! Participate by:

Registering for the free online pledge (open now!). You can register as an individual or as part of a workplace team and be eligible to win fabulous prizes; and
Engaging your workplace by booking one of our popular Lunch & Learn presentations. Visit the website to find out more about our workshops.

We encourage you to pump up your bike tires, spread the word to your colleagues and sign up straight away! Bike to Work Month is brought to you by the City of Ottawa.

Hickory Street Bridge – Progress Update

Proposed bridge image and photo of construction

Construction is underway on the Hickory Street Bridge, which will provide improved walking and cycling access over the O-Train Trillium Line. As of mid-April, the casting of the abutments had been completed and preparation to receive the bridge structure is on-going.

The bridge improves the active transportation network in this neighbourhood and provides better connections between Carling station and the communities on either side of the O-Train Line. The bridge will also connect with an existing pathway on the east-side of the rail line, which is identified for future improvements too. These improvements will include a safer crossing at Carling Avenue and additional paving. Further details can be found on the City’s website.

Bike Corral Pilot Project – Continuing in 2015

In the spring of 2015, the City of Ottawa will be continuing the on-street bike parking pilot project. The on-street bike parking units, known as bike corrals, will be reinstalled into the curb-side vehicle parking lane on Second Avenue at Bank Street in the Glebe, and on Wellington Street West at Fairmont; a third location is still to be finalized. . Each corral will provide parking for up to twelve bikes within the space that can typically accommodate one automobile. The trial project will be in place for the duration of the 2015 cycling season and its effectiveness will be evaluated following that period. Look out for the bike corrals appearing on-street soon.

For more information contact Alex Culley.

A Safer Crossing of Colonel By Drive at Clegg Street

Before / after images of Clegg Street and Colonel By Drive intersection

As part of National Capital Commission (NCC) ongoing efforts to improve the level of comfort and safety of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the parkways, the NCC and the City of Ottawa are working together on improvements at the Colonel By Drive and Clegg Street intersection. Throughout late 2014, the planning and design phases have taken place towards implementing a safer crossing at this location. The result is that a traffic signal will be implemented at the intersection along with changes to the layout of Echo Drive at Clegg Street. Construction on this project began earlier in April and is expected to be completed by the end of June.

More information including images of the proposed changes can be found on the NCC’s website.

Major Milestone – Rideau River Bridge

Photo of Rideau River bridge construction

In early February a major milestone was achieved in the construction of the new Rideau River pedestrian and cyclist bridge when the large metal girder components were craned into place. Three metal spans now stretch across the river from the east side in Overbrook to the Sandy Hill shoreline on the west side. The spans are supported by two mid-river piers which were completed in late 2014. Work through 2015-2016 will involve construction of the travel surface of the bridge including the deck, railings and lighting, and new connecting multi-use pathways. These will connect through Strathcona Park to Somerset Street East/Range Road on the west side, and along the south side of Donald Street to North River Road on the east side. Landscaping at both ends of the bridge and along the pathway connections will be the final work item planned to occur in 2016.

Airport Parkway Bridge Opening

Photo of Airport Parkway and bridge opening celebration

On 29 November 2014 Mayor Jim Watson and former River Ward Councillor Maria McRae officially opened the new bridge over the Airport Parkway. The bridge brings significant local benefits; Residents will enjoy shorter commute times with a direct link to the South Keys transit station and the O-Train. They will have better access to nearby recreational space and retail areas, and the shops and businesses in adjoining neighbourhoods will benefit from the increased traffic.

The new connection provides improved access to the Sawmill Creek multi-use pathway, which opened earlier in 2014. Using the connection at Plante Drive, local residents can take this long-distance multi-use pathway for travel between Hunt Club Road and Confederation Heights.

Coventry Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge Opening

February 9 2015 marked the opening of the Coventry Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge, another important connection between neighbourhoods. The bridge connects existing multi-use pathways on Coventry Road and Tremblay Road, providing a crossing over Highway 417. The bridge also provides a means for residents to safely access the Ottawa Baseball Stadium, the Ottawa Train Station, and the future site of the Tremblay Light Rail Transit station. Undertaken as part of the Confederation Line project, landscaping is currently being done as part of the final bridge works.

Further details about the bridge are available on the City’s website; Confederation Line construction updates are also available.

Spring Sweeping

With the change in seasons, the City’s maintenance focus transitions from snow and ice control to spring sweeping. The Public Works department began their main spring clean-up operation in mid-April, deploying staff and vehicles across the City’s networks of roads and pathways to clear the winter debris. This year, following a recommendation in the 2013 Ottawa Cycling Plan, the City has increased the focus on sweeping of the East-West Bikeway. As debris typically ends up at the edges of the roadway, it can cause a hazard for cyclists who are riding in the same space. Undertaking sweeping of the bikeway as a high priority helps to create a safer cycling surface for residents. With the amount of debris on the City’s roads, several sweeping passes are often required to ensure that the roadway and bike facilities comply with the City’s standards.

Residents can use Service Ottawa to report road, sidewalk and pathway hazards using the Service Ottawa website or by calling 311.

Death Notice of “Buck” Sauve

Subject: Death Notice of “Buck” Sauve
Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:16:10 -0400
From: Carol Arnason <carol.arnason@ocsb.ca>

We will miss long time resident of Champlain Park Community known to us as “Santa” or “Buck”

— Sadly, Orville Sauve, of Sunnymede Ave, died last Saturday. We have enjoyed the presence of Santa Claus all year round in our community but especially on Christmas eve when our annual sleigh ride stops at Santa’s well decorated house and all of the children receive candy canes. All of the neighbours have been cheered by Buck’s friendly wave and kind words as we stop to chat.

Loving family man Buck volunteered for many years as outdoor rink manager at Champlain Park.

We express our sympathies to his family. The details for the visitation and funeral may be found at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ottawacitizen/obituary.aspx?n=orville-v-sauv-buck&pid=174735769

Sir John A. Macdonald Waterfront Linear Park Plan Workshop – May 5

http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/about-ncc/urbanism-lab/calendar-events/workshop-plan-sir-john-a-macdonald-parkway-waterfront-linear

http://www.ccn-ncc.gc.ca/a-propos-de-la-ccn/le-labo-durbanisme/calendrier-activites/atelier-sur-le-plan-du-parc-lineaire-de

A workshop on the plan for the proposed park along the Ottawa River

Tuesday, May 5, 7 pm to 9 pm

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to invite the public to participate in a workshop on the plan for the proposed Sir John A. Macdonald Waterfront Linear Park.

The proposed concept takes advantage of the corridor landscape, views, river heritage, ecology and experiences that reconnect people with the river. The park plan consists of diverse, accessible, attractive and complementary sectors that include protected areas, spaces for activities and events, and improved multi-modal connectivity and mobility.

The purpose of this second workshop is to view the overall draft concept for the park, strategic pillars, principles and objectives, as well as the draft concept for the individual park sectors. We will also be seeking feedback on the priorities for the next five years.

Format

The format of the event is a roaming workshop.

Each of the five segments of the Waterfront Linear Park will be presented at a station, and participants will be free to go to the stations of their choice and complete a questionnaire.

BOOK EARLY, limited space. Please RSVP at info@ncc-ccn.ca. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Universally accessible. Please let us know if you have any special needs.

NCC Headquarters
Capital Urbanism Lab
40 Elgin Street, 5th Floor
Ottawa

613-239-5000
info@ncc-ccn.ca
http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/calendar
@NCC_UrbanLab

This event is part of the Capital Urbanism Lab program, an initiative of the National Capital Commission.

Spring Cleanup Photo Essay

I went to the Spring Cleanup today and took some photos…

First, we met up at the fieldhouse, with Debra dressed up as the Spring greeter:

Debra’s hat:

Coffee, cookies and other refreshments awaited:

On the assignment map I slapped down a post-it note to claim Pontiac street from Patricia on eastwards. Of course, being next to the school and at a secluded corner, there was lots of litter, starting with zillions of cigarette butts.

There were also dumped piles of construction debris, next to a car with someone sleeping in it.

Ironically, a few metres away was a sign about not littering.

Typical of the school area were candy wrappers and plastic bottles of cheap brandy (I found two, other people in other areas found more, and a passing dog walker reported finding similar stuff (and cleaning it up) on their daily expedition). I also found some blue earbuds, an eye safety visor, a large plastic flower pot, broken glass bottles of assorted types, a pile of hair (apparently it doesn’t biodegrade quickly), a downed telephone line, and assorted bits of paper. There’s lots more garbage remaining in the woods on the other side of the fence, since I only had time to do the road side up to the gate to the forest path.

After a couple of hours out in the nice cool sunny weather, everyone brought their garbage bags back to the fieldhouse. Each one contains debris from a block or two of street.

I stuck around for a bit of snacking and chatting at the fieldhouse, and then it was time to go home. Thanks go to Andrea and Ian for organizing it.

– Alex

Save door-to-door delivery

From: Debra Huron <dhuron@sympatico.ca>
Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:03:35 -0400
Subject: Please post to website and list:Save door-to-door delivery

A meeting next Wednesday features two city councillors and a former director of the postal workers unions.

If you prefer that greenspace in our urban core not be filled up with metal mailboxes, attend this meeting.

City of Ottawa needs to get on board; many other cities across Canada are fighting the move to put group mailboxes in urban neighbourhoods.

If you are on Facebook, here’s a link to the event https://www.facebook.com/events/641184762650054/

If not, see the attached PDF.

/|||\/|||\/|||\/|||\/|||\/|||\/|||\
Debra Isabel Huron
I provide writing, editing, and training to help you communicate more clearly
Visit my website http://www.debrahuron.com/ to sign up for e-newsletters
Follow me on Twitter @debraisabel https://twitter.com/debraisabel
Telephone: 613-859-8049
/|||\/|||\/|||\/|||\/|||\/|||\/|||\

CAPPS event April 29.pdf

Spring Cleanup Saturday Morning – Reminder

Just a reminder that the Spring Cleanup is on Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m. (weather permitting). See the original post for details.