Newsletter Feb 29
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Rural Ottawa Deserves Better from the City of Ottawa
For too long, our communities have been unable to have our rural priorities reflected adequately around the Council table. This year’s Rural Summit is a chance to flip the script. Read more here.
Ward Updates
Please Yield to our Volunteer Firefighters
Every second counts when our rural volunteer firefighters are responding to an emergency call. In Ontario, more than 19,000 volunteer firefighters use personal vehicles with flashing green lights to signal emergency response.
Please yield to these vehicles to allow these firefighters to quickly reach their station houses. The safety of properties and lives are on the line.
Vacant Unit Tax Declarations are DUE March 21st
The deadline for interim property tax payment and Vacant Unit Tax declarations is on Thursday, March 21. Submit your declaration here, or learn more about the VUT here.
Residents with questions or who need assistance filing their VUT are encouraged to reach out to the City's Revenue Services department by email at VUT_ILV@ottawa.ca or by phone at 613-580-2444.
As your Councillor, I am opposed to the VUT. I believe it is an unfair administrative burden on residents and I have yet to see evidence that it is actually assisting with increasing housing supply. I voted to scrap the VUT earlier last year and will vote again to scrap it when the matter comes before Council again this summer.
Support the Legion – Join Today
Royal Canadian Legion branches provide valuable programs and services that make our communities and country better. Becoming a Legion member is a great way to support Canada’s foremost Veteran organization while also giving back to your community through the wide range of initiatives and events that Legion branches organize. Learn more and apply today.
Funding Opportunities for Rural Artists & Young Professionals Working in Culture
Are you an artist living in a rural part of Ottawa? Or maybe you are a young professional pursuing a career in culture? The City of Ottawa has cultural funding programs that might be able to support your artistic practice or professional development.
There are two programs that have upcoming funding deadlines: the Youth in Culture Pilot Program (deadline to apply: March 20) and the Equity and Inclusion in the Arts Fund – SEED category (deadline to apply: April 3).
To learn more about these programs, other cultural funding opportunities at the City of Ottawa, and how applicants are assessed, please visit the website or send an email to infoculture@ottawa.ca.
Summer Jobs at the Goulbourn Museum
Are you a post-secondary student looking for one-of-a-kind work experience this summer? Goulbourn Museum is hiring a Programming Assistant and a Marketing & Outreach Assistant.
Garden for Good! Support ScoutSeeds
Spring is coming and the 1st North Gower-Kars Scout Group has your vegetable and flower seeds to get your garden started!
You can place an order with one of our youth (payment will be required up front and orders delivered at the end of March) or you can order your seeds online by March 31.
Funds raised will support Spring and Summer camp adventures for our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts! Thank you for your support!
For any questions, please contact Scouter Karen at kdmcnaught@hotmail.com
Construction Updates
Current Closures
In Manotick, the closure of Barney McCarney Landing is now underway while the closure of the east side of Hilltop Park is planned to begin in April 2024. This is part of the Manotick Watermain Link (Phase 2) project. Learn more
Eagleson Road near Perth will have construction work ongoing as Hydro Ottawa continues with upgrading the transmission lines into Richmond. Though closures are not anticipated, drivers are asked to exercise caution in areas where line workers are present.
Future 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.
Expected closures with more details to follow:
Christopher Hamilton Street from McBean Street to Cockburn Street
Cockburn Street from Strachan Street to Christopher Hamilton Street
Colonel Murray Street from Strachan Street to Perth Street
Conley Road from Franktown Road to Mansfield Road
Eagleson Road from Old Richmond Road to Emerald Meadows Drive
Fallowfield Road from Eagleson Road to Old Richmond Road
Franktown Road/Perth Street from Munster Road to Meynell Road
Manotick Main Street from 140m north of Bridgeport Avenue to 180m north of Eastman Avenue
Pierce Road from McCordick Road to Malakoff Road
Rideau Valley Drive from Bankfield Road to Prince of Wales Drive
Rogers Stevens Drive from Dwyer Hill Road to McCordick Road
Twin Elm Road from Barnsdale Road (south) to Barnsdale Road (north)
**For more information about planned construction projects across the city, please visit the online interactive map here.**
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
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.