Newsletter - May 18
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Commonsense Can Fix Ottawa’s Garbage Woes
Have you ever heard the expression “Kicking the can down the road”? I’m guessing you have. There is no better way to describe the level of procrastination the City has displayed over the last 10 years when it comes to how we deal with Ottawa’s trash.
The highly contentious bag tagging proposal from City staff is little more than another chance to kick the can further down the road. The staff report states clearly that the goal is to defer the investment of either a new dump or waste to energy facility for as long as possible.
Instead of addressing the issue head on and searching for a technology that has been proven and is in operation, the plan is to punish residents, burden families with higher costs and make life even harder by forcing everyone to use tags.The plan, if approved, will hire more bureaucrats to administer the new standards and will add two more “Solid Waste Inspectors” or garbage police to check up on residents to ensure they are complying with the new rules.
Of course, this will cost taxpayers even more. Staff are looking for an upfront increase to their budget of $3.5 million for education and promotion and to cover staffing costs, and another $1.5 million annually to pay for the costs of printing, mailing and administering the bag tag program.
In short, a tax increase, stricter regulations and a growing bureaucracy. Did I mention all of this will only gain two years of additional capacity at Trail Road?
This is why Councillor Hubley and I have put forward a motion that will direct staff to start immediately identifying proven waste-to-energy technologies that will meet the operational and environmental requirements in Ottawa. Instead of delaying the inevitable, surely costing taxpayers more in the long run, Ottawa needs to identify an actual solution and begin moving forward with implementation. Buying limited time at a great cost to families is neither responsible governance nor is it respectful to taxpayers and residents.
There are dozens of companies across hundreds of jurisdictions that are already doing this, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
Let’s get on with it.
Ward Updates
What you need to know about 4386 Rideau Valley Drive
A subdivision development has been proposed at 4386 Rideau Valley Drive, just North of Bankfield Road extending toward Mud Creek and between Rideau Valley Drive North and the Wilson Cowan Drain.
Learn the key facts, proposed zoning by-law amendments, my thoughts on the proposed development, and how to register for the virtual public info session. Learn more
Schedule Changes for the Victoria Day Long Weekend
There are several schedule changes in place for this weekend. The Ward office will be closed on Victoria Day, 3-1-1 will be open for urgent matters only, and garbage/recycling will be delayed by one day. Learn more
Ongoing Road Closures
Shea Road Southbound, from Fernbank to Flewellyn, until Monday, July 31, 2023.
Eagleson Road Northbound, from Perth Street to Fallowfield, until August 25, 2023.
Barnsdale Road, from Twin Elm Road to Moodie Drive, until Monday, June 12, 2023. Monday to Friday, 9 to 3.
Upcoming Events
Library Programs: Explore all the activities and events the Ottawa Public Library is hosting in May. Learn more
North Gower Farmers' Market: The market runs every Saturday, from May 20 to October 7, from 8:30 am to 1 pm, at 2397 Roger Stevens Dr. Enjoy a diverse array of vendors, music and theme days! Learn more
Manotick Public School Spring Fair: On May 27, from 10 - 2, you can enjoy bouncy castles, games, a magic show, live demos, food trucks, an epic silent auction and more at Manotick Public School’s annual Spring Fair! Bracelets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at Manotick Independent. Learn more
Richmond Market: On May 27, from 10 - 3, visit the 30+ local vendors indoors and outdoors at St John the Baptist church hall, at 67 Fowler Street in Richmond. Food Concession run by St Johns. Learn more
Manotick Horticultural Sale: Come early to Watson's Mill on May 27, from 9 - noon, to get the best selection of Perennials, Annuals, Herbs, Vegetables, gardening advice and more! Learn more
MCRA - Pierce's Corners Community Spring Garage Sale: Join the community on June 3, 8 am to 1 pm, for a garage sale. Reserve your spot for $10. Learn more
Tickets on sale for The Way We Were: The second event in the ITR Theatre’s 50th celebration is The Way We Were - a retrospective of much-loved scenes from 5 decades of performances and is a love letter to everyone who worked so hard to make ITR what it is today. Two performances will happen on June 10. Learn more
The Mayor’s Annual Canada Day Celebration for Seniors: The Mayor of Ottawa invites all seniors to join him for a Canada Day breakfast from 8 - 10:30 am, on July 1, at the Aberdeen Pavillion at Lansdowne Park. We have a limited number of tickets to give away. First come. First Served. Please email ward21@ottawa.ca.
City Updates
The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program: Planning to renovate? The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program offers low-interest loans of up to $125,000 to cover the cost of energy efficient upgrades. Learn more
City of Ottawa Newsroom
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