Newsletter - Aug 17
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
I’ll say it again: One Size Does Not Fit All
Over the past few months, I’ve been holding meetings, door knocking, and attending events to hear about residents’ concerns. Talk about how much better life was under the old townships has come up remarkably often. Much of what is said is anecdotal, but taken together, what is being shared by residents is important.
Last year during the campaign, I ran on a “One Size Does Not Fit All” agenda. The essential premise of my campaign was that the systems that might work for downtown Ottawa often do not work for the rural communities that were amalgamated under the City.
When the old region of Ottawa Carleton was amalgamating, its eleven different municipalities and administrators had to take eleven different rule books and turn them into one. Depending on which former municipality you lived in, you may have seen a service increase in one area or a decrease in another. And nearly a quarter of a century later, services levels across the City of Ottawa remain deeply unequal.
I’ve said it many times: rural Ottawa is four times larger than urban Ottawa. Our ward is larger than the whole of urban Ottawa, from Orleans to Stittsville, from the Parliament Buildings to the south side of Barrhaven, and we are only one of four rural wards.
It is nearly impossible to provide the same service in Blackburn Hamlet, Westboro and Kanata and these are highly urbanized areas. If this is the case, how can the City provide equal services to places like Ashton, Manotick, Richmond, North Gower and Burritts Rapids? I will say it can’t.
Policing is one of the top issues that is raised by taxpayers. Most want me to slow the traffic down on their local street, or ask why we don’t see proactive police enforcement in our communities. I can promise you that it is just as frustrating for me to tell you to file a report directly with the Ottawa Police, as it is for you to tell me you have already done that multiple times!
Now filing reports with law enforcement is what you must do if you want to see enforcement, this is no different in Ottawa than it is anywhere else. The problem is that we rarely see the follow-up from the Ottawa police.
Calls for defunding the police aside, rural Ottawa will never see its fair share.
Ottawa’s new Chief of Police has been meeting with members of Council, coming out to each ward to see firsthand the issues we face. I’ll be meeting with Chief Stubbs in September, however, I’ve started to do my research so I can demonstrate to the Chief what our residents expect to see.
To be blunt, taxpayers in our ward paid $9.8 million in 2023 for policing service. Rural Ottawa as a whole paid around $35 million. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that we don’t get anywhere near that service level for what we pay. In other municipalities with populations smaller than our ward, they can have full detachments of officers at a lower cost to taxpayers. The inescapable reality is that taxes collected in Ward 21 are subsidizing essential services elsewhere in the City, while our own services remain inadequate.
Although the Chief has some positive new ideas on increasing the number of officers in rural Ottawa, I believe Council will have to propose bold changes to address the inequalities that rural Ottawa experiences. From policing, to roads, to transit, to snow plowing and much more, Council needs to shake off its “one size fits all” mentality.
As Council heads into the Fall session, every idea should be on the table. If how we are doing things today isn’t working, we should not be afraid to change.
After all, amalgamation didn’t happen because our townships were struggling, it happened because the “old” City of Ottawa was failing. It’s time for that favour to be returned.
Ward Updates
Well Water Open House Follow-up
More than 60 residents turned out for the Private Well Open House meeting hosted by my office. For those who would are interested in reviewing the documentation that was available during the open house, hard copies and water testing bottles are available for pick-up at the Richmond Arena. For those who are interested in having their water tested, residents may drop off samples on Tuesdays at King’s Independent Grocer. Additional well resources can be found on our website.
Community Info Session re: 4386 Rideau Valley Dr.
The virtual community information session regarding 4386 Rideau Valley Drive has been rescheduled for August 29, at 6 pm. Learn more
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.
Centennial Park Enhancement Project
Construction has begun on the Centennial Park Enhancement Project! The project, which is expected to be completed this year, will rehabilitate and expand venues at Centennial Park. The work includes constructing a new skateboard park, replacing the boards on the outdoor rink, building two basketball courts, improving landscaping and signage, and increasing accessibility by upgrading the park furniture. Follow the MCPRA on Facebook to stay up to date on the project.
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
McBean St from Ottawa St to 515m north of Ottawa St.: Base lift asphalt has been installed where applicable and Iron adjustments are ongoing. Final lift asphalt expected next week weather permitting and driveway tie ins and landscaping to follow.
Prince of Wales Dr from 350m North of Bankfield Rd to 250m South of Barnsdale Rd: Completed
Prince of Wales Dr from 170m north of Barnsdale Rd to 75m North of Lodge Rd: Paving of mainline has been completed and inspection of the final pavement markings has been requested. Pavement Markings should be completed next week. Driveway tie ins will start next week.
Road Closures
Eagleson Road Northbound, from Perth Street to Fallowfield, until August 25, 2023.
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 August 26, 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
Goulbourn Museum Heritage Garden
The Goulbourn Museum has a great opportunity for local families. In exchange for some help in the garden, families will learn about community gardens and heritage plants and leave with fresh herbs and vegetables! Every Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm, until August 27. Learn more
Car Wash Fundraiser (YOMA)
Station 94 will be holding a car wash in support of YOMA (Youth of Manotick). The event will be held on August 19, from 9:00 - 12:00, at 5669 Manotick Main St.
MS Bike - Ottawa to Brockville
This two-day ride from Ottawa to Brockville on August 19/20, will have you cycling 90km or 100km each day (rider’s choice!). The NEW route is filled with beautiful views of the Rideau River as you stop along many quaint towns on your way to Brockville. Learn more
Annual Plowing Match
The Ottawa Carleton Plowmen's Association is holding its annual plowing competition on August 25th and 26th, across the road from 3285 Eagleson Road. Learn more
Station 94 Open House
On August 26, from 8-2, bring the family to explore Station 94 at 5669 Manotick Main St. Learn about fire safety, view demos, visit with Sparky, and enjoy a free hot dog and water.
Soapbox Derby and Picnic in the Park
Summer is the time for kids and their parents to use their creativity by building a soapbox cart and racing it in the Allan Haan Manotick Soapbox Derby on August 27. Picnic in the Park begins at 11:30 am on the day of the Derby. 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
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
Stay in touch
I want to hear from you! Connect with the team and stay informed by:
Following us on social media by clicking the icons below
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.