Newsletter - Aug. 31
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Late in August, it was my pleasure to welcome Mayor Sutcliffe to Manotick. This was my first opportunity to welcome the Mayor to the Ward to take stock of some of the issues facing our community. As the issue of truck traffic in Manotick is my top priority, I made sure to use my time with the Mayor to focus our attention on this challenge. I wanted to provide the community with an update on that meeting.
After a quick stop in at 692 Coffee, I introduced Mayor Sutcliffe to representatives from the Manotick Village Community Association who showed him the problem of truck traffic firsthand. We met with the MVCA right at the corner of Bridge and Main, observing and describing the issue to him over the loud rumble of truck after truck transiting the village. Following that, we walked together to the Manotick Legion for a formal meeting to discuss the issues and propose solutions.
It was in this meeting that the Mayor affirmed that he is convinced of the problem with trucks in Manotick and that he wants to solve it. This is quite significant as Mayor Sutcliffe is the first mayor since amalgamation to put his feet on the ground at Bridge and Main, meet with the community to look for solutions to address this issue, and indicate a willingness to assist.
We shared with the Mayor the data on the volume of truck traffic through the village and how it compares to relatively lighter truck traffic on the 6-lane Vimy Bridge. We discussed options to expand infrastructure and improve connectivity elsewhere in the City’s south end to divert and absorb this traffic. Our conversation was productive, solutions-oriented, and focused on delivering results for Manotick.
I will admit that there is still a long way to go to solve this problem, but progress is being made. Later this month, we will receive City staff’s response to the inquiry that I had sent earlier this year asking what it would take to get trucks out of Manotick. And we should also hear soon as to what costs would be associated with conducting a truck route review process in the rural South end of the City to focus attention on the issue and provide an opportunity to get the heavy trucks out of the core of the village.
As we fight for a permanent solution to this problem, I am working with the Mayor and the MVCA to introduce improvements to help alleviate the issue. For instance, we should soon hear as to whether Century Road can be added to the truck network, thereby removing the need for Manotick Main south of Bridge Steet to be part of the network. While only a partial solution, it would significantly reduce truck traffic through the village core. We are also looking at the feasibility of a ‘no right on red’ indicator at the intersection, advanced pedestrian signals, intersection redesign for pedestrians, and an expansion of automated speed enforcement as these measures would help improve safety for all road users.
I believe it is important for our community that we seize every opportunity available to us to chip away at the problem while simultaneously pushing for an effective long-term solution.
I am truly grateful for the Mayor for making the time to come out, to see this issue firsthand, and for indicating his interest in solving it. I am also extremely glad for the professional and dedicated advocacy of the MVCA towards advancing this issue with me. We have made substantial progress to date, and it is my expectation that we will continue to make meaningful progress. I know the pace of progress is slower than the community deserves; I promise to keep working – alongside the Mayor, City staff, the MVCA, and other partners – until the job is done.
Ward Updates
Bus Impacts to the Community
Many residents have reached out expressing frustration and concern about the busing situation in the ward and the impacts of ongoing contract disputes and driver shortages impacting our communities. I share these frustrations; students and parents are the ones most negatively impacted by these kinds of shortfalls despite paying for these services. Read more
Labour Day Schedule Changes
The Ward office will be closed on Sept. 4 for Labour Day. To view other schedule changes to city services, view the City's press release.
Volunteers Wanted
Do you believe in the power of community? The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is searching for you. Whether you have a few hours or a lifetime to give, your presence can bring support to those who need it most. Join the WOCRC volunteer team today and let your heart guide you towards a world where compassion knows no bounds. Visit wocrc.ca or contact Carol Diguer at 613-591-3686, ext 280.
OHS Strategic Plan Survey
The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is preparing for its five-year strategic plan and has opened a survey to learn more about the community’s greatest needs and how the OHS can best meet them. Take the survey
Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
Registration has started for this year’s Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign! Residents interested in registering cleanup projects to take place between September 15 and October 15 can do so by using the online registration form available at ottawa.ca/clean.
Anxiety & Stress Program for Teens
The Y Mind program is a free 7-week program that offers support for those who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or stress. Participants learn evidence-based coping skills based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, self-compassion, and connect with peers who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. More information can be found at: Mental Wellness Programs | YMCA of the National Capital Region
Order of Ottawa Nominations
The deadline for nominations for the Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching is Friday, September 8. Learn more
Construction Updates
Meadowbrook Park Construction
Residents can expect to see construction at Meadowbrook Park in North Gower the week of September 5th. The play structure and swings will be replaced, along with the addition of a new pathway to meet the City’s accessibility standards. Site works are anticipated to take approximately 6 weeks. Residents will continue to be able to access the surrounding areas of the park. Learn more
Sidewalk Repairs
Starting the week of Sept. 3, Mopri Construction will begin sidewalk repairs at 2311 - 2321 Roger Stevens Dr., 6576 - 6656 4th Line Rd., 4418 Burritts Ave., and 7761 Burritts Ave. Expect minor lane disruptions.
Meynell/Perth Roundabout
Construction of the roundabout is slated to begin in September with a target completion date of the end of November. More details to come.
Road Closures
Eagleson Rd: Please note, the Eagleson Road closures have been extended due to ongoing work. The new closure periods are described below. At the Councillor's request, Eagleson Road will be fully opened for the full duration of the Richmond Fair.
September 1-13: Extension of the Northbound Lane closure on Eagleson Rd, between Fallowfield Rd and Old Richmond Rd, to complete the forcemain installation north of the intersection.
September 8-10 (6 pm Friday to 6 am Monday): A full closure of Eagleson Rd, between Fallowfield Rd and Old Richmond Rd, to complete three culvert crossings and to make the connection of the forcemain between the existing and new chamber near Fallowfield.
September 22-24 (6 pm Friday to 6 am Monday): A full closure of the intersection of Eagleson Rd and Old Richmond Rd/Perth St. to install the forcemain through the intersection.
September 18 - October 7: Northbound Lane closure on Eagleson Rd, between Old Richmond Rd and the lagoons, to install the forcemain up to the crossing.
September 29 - October 1 (6 pm Friday to 6 am Monday): A full closure of Eagleson Rd between Old Richmond Rd and Barnsdale Rd to install the forcemain across Eagleson Rd near the lagoons.
Fourth Line Road, from Pollock to Century Roard West. Construction is expected to begin in September and work is estimated to take roughly 10 weeks.
Upcoming Events
Farmers' Markets:
North Gower: every Saturday, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Learn more
Manotick: every Saturday, from 9 am until 2 pm, until October 14, at the Carriage Shed. Learn more
Richmond: on September 9, from 10 am until 3 pm, at 67 Fowler Street. Learn more
Library Programs: Check out what programs are happening this month at your local Ottawa Public Library branch. Learn more
Kars Community Garage Sale
Clear your unused clutter by joining the Kars Community Garage Sale on Saturday, September 9, from 8 am to 1 pm. Spots are available at the Kars RA for those who live outside the village. Learn more
Garage Sale Fundraiser
On September 9, there will be a Garage Sale in support of the proposed Legacy Pavillion at the Richmond Fairgrounds. Learn more
Community Theatre Expo
The Expo, on Sept. 9, from 10 to 5, at the Osgoode Community Centre, is open to everyone young and old who has an interest in community theatre. There will be workshops, demonstrations, video puppet theatre and more! Learn more
Richmond Fair
Come celebrate Richmond’s 178th Fair, from Sept. 14-17, 2023. Enjoy a weekend of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Learn more
Trauma Talks – Breakfast Fundraiser
This inaugural ‘Trauma Talks’ fundraiser will help break the silence of male trauma survivors, on September 26, at 7:30 am, at Ottawa City Hall, Jean Pigott Place. Learn more
Fall Volunteer Expo
Volunteer Ottawa is holding its Fall Volunteer Expo on Friday, September 22, 2023, at the Rideau Hub on St. Laurent Blvd. This is a free, in-person event where residents can speak with representatives from over 30 local charities and not-for-profits about volunteering opportunities. Learn more
Book Launch
Shawna’s Outreach: When we all give a little, a lot gets done tells the story of a grassroots initiative to raise awareness of Ottawa's homeless crisis. Celebrate this launch at the Morning Owl (229 Armstrong St., Ottawa), on October 17, from 12:30 - 2 pm. Learn more
City Updates
Stay in touch
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Following us on social media by clicking the icons below
Visiting our website at www.ward21.ca
Emailing your concerns to ward21@ottawa.ca
Calling the office at 613-580-2491
Meeting with Councillor Brown at the North Gower office every Thursday. Email ward21@ottawa.ca to book an appointment.