Newsletter Dec 14
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Embracing the Spirit of Giving
As we head into the holiday season, I believe it is important to highlight ways that our communities can support our neighbours. One of the most direct ways to support our neighbours in need, particularly with the cost-of-living climbing so fast, is through donating to or volunteering for our village foodbanks.
Read more
I had a productive, high-level bilateral meeting with Santa Claus in Pierce's Corners last weekend. He assured me that all the children in Ward 21 have made the Nice List this year!
Ward Updates
Office Schedule Changes: Christmas and New Years
Please note that our Ward Office will be closed from December 22nd through December 29th for Christmas holidays. Additionally, we will be operating on reduced capacity until January 8th. During this time, we are grateful for your patience as it may take longer than usual to respond to emails and calls. For immediate assistance, residents are encouraged to contact 3-1-1.
Information on Respiratory Illness
With the holiday season just weeks away, the time is now for residents to receive their vaccinations, especially those residents who are most at risk. Ottawa Public Health has prepared a respiratory illness fact sheet to help provide residents with resources for how to spot symptoms, what to do, and what treatment options are available. Learn more
My Rec Pass – Engage Ottawa
The City has launched a survey and public consultation sessions through Engage Ottawa for a new approach to recreation passes. Entitled “My Rec Pass,” this proposed new model for recreation membership passes and admissions is intended to more fairly redistribute costs of services. Learn more or fill out the survey here.
Snow Clearing and Pathway Maintenance
Many residents have reached out with concerns regarding pathway closures in the ward, most especially changes to the network of maintained paths in Manotick. I wanted to provide an update regarding how these issues are managed. Learn more
Important Survey for Farm Property Owners
Many farmers or residents who live on agricultural properties may soon receive a survey from the City regarding changes to curbside collection. During the curbside collection debate earlier this year, I worked alongside my Council colleagues to ensure that staff would engage with farmers to develop an exemption policy for farm properties that receive residential waste collectionservices from the City. If you are a farmer who receives curbside collection, please take the time to fill out the survey here.
Construction Updates
Current Road Closures
Fourth Line from Pollock to Century Road West will reopen later this week; staff have told our office that it will reopen on December 15th. It has been closed due to excavation and box culvert replacement activities. Our office has communicated the community's dissatisfaction with the delays and the lack of consistent work on the site.
Barnsdale Road from Twin Elm Road to Eagleson Drive will reopen on December 15th. It has been closed for work done by Hydro Ottawa to stand up hydro poles. This same section of Barnsdale will be closed between mid-January and February of 2024 for the second phase of Hydro Ottawa's work, including stringing conductors on the new poles.
Future Road Closures
Fallowfield Road from Munster Side Road to Huntley Road will be closed for 6 weeks in summer of 2024 for full resurfacing and rehabilitation work. More details will be provided as they become available.
Upcoming Community Events
Perkins Home Building Centre Food Drive Raffle
Perkins Home Building Centre in North Gower is collecting non-perishable donations for the North Gower and District Food Bank. Drop off a donation and be entered to win a Milwaukee Packout prize! Donations will be accepted until 5:30pm on December 15 and the Draw will take place on December 16. Learn more
Winter Wonderland Craft Day
Head down to the Goulbourn Museum for a winter-themed Family Craft Day! Activities are geared towards children ages 4-11. The event takes place Sunday, December 17th from 10 AM - 2 PM. The cost is just $5 per participant and space is limited so register now! Please note, participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Learn more
St John’s Anglican Church Open Table Lunch – Soup & Biscuits
St. Jonh’s in Richmond is hosting an open table lunch on December 17. Drop in at 67 Fowler Street between 12-2pm for an assortment of soups, biscuits and desserts. Pay what you can; pay if you can.
Other Ongoing and Recurring Events
Youth of Manotick Association (YOMA): Ongoing Activities
YOMA hosts a wide range of activities and programs for local youth in Grades 4-12 at the Manotick Community Centre. To get involved and see what they have planned, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or sign up for their newsletter. For more information, visit their website at yoma.ca
Manotick Legion: Catch the Ace!
The Manotick Legion's Catch the Ace event is ongoing and is open for all! As of December 9th, the progressive jackpot is $315.Tickets are $10 each and sold only at the Legion with draws every Saturday at 3:30pm. Proceeds from the event will support a local charity. For more information, contact the Legion at: 613 692-3243
News from the Ottawa Public Library
The four library branches in our ward have much to offer! The Manotick, Munster, North Gower and Richmond Branch libraries have various adult programs in crafts, book clubs and children’s programs in storytimes, crafts and other activities. Most are drop-in but some require registration. Also, the libraries have COVID test kits and face masks available free for clients.
Manotick and North Gower offer well water sample bottles for testing. Take your sample and drop it off on Tuesdays at these branches.
ROSSS Drop-In
Rural Ottawa South Support Services' (ROSSS) hosts a number of ongoing events, including Drop-In programs. Learn More
ROSSS is also looking for volunteers for their Transportation Program. Call 613-692-692-4697 ext. 228 or visit their volunteer page to learn more.
Annual Blanket Drive
From October to December, the Kiwanis Club's annual blanket drive will be accepting donations at the Manotick Legion. Your generous donation of a slightly used or new blanket or sleeping bag will help to keep a person warm this winter. Learn more
Richmond and Manotick Legions: Ongoing events
The Richmond and Manoitck Legions have regular events going on all year round! Learn more about the events in Richmond here and the events in Manotick here.
