Newsletter Jan 11
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Ottawa's 2024 Rural Summit
Residents may have heard that Ottawa is set to host a Rural Summit. This summit, the first of its kind since 2008, represents a unique opportunity for our communities to have their voices heard, to share their views on the unique challenges facing rural Ottawa, and to contribute to solutions to meaningfully improve life for rural Ottawa.
Over the coming days and weeks, City staff will be working with a group of residents from all 5 of the City’s rural wards to design and shape how the summit will proceed. The summit will be composed of at least 6 meetings – a meeting in each rural ward and a final culmination meeting near the end of the year. Residents will have many opportunities to participate, so please stay tuned for more information; I will share information as I receive it in my newsletter.
While I do not want to put my thumb on the scale or presuppose the outcome of this summit, I do have some goals that I hope to achieve for rural Ottawa.
At the core of many issues facing our communities (such as truck traffic in Manotick, a lack of service delivery in rural areas, road and infrastructure maintenance, traffic control devices, and much more) is the fact that rural Ottawa is treated the same way as urban Ottawa. The “one-size-fits-all” approach means that rural Ottawa has difficulty solving issues that are unique to our communities as the process through which issues are solved is a City-wide process.
With this in mind, I would like for the summit to explore options to improve how decisions are made so that rural Ottawa can set its own priorities more effectively. Additionally, I would like to develop a system to make the City more responsive to rural concerns; it should not take as long as it does to implement simple solutions in our communities and it should not be as onerous as it is to navigate City services.
These are a few ideas that I will be advancing through the rural summit. It is important that residents participate in this process as the rural summit is an exceptional opportunity to make meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our communities. For more information on the City’s rural summit, check out the interview that I did alongside Councillor Kelly on CTV.
I had a great time as one of the judges for Manotick's Christmas Decorating Contest! Special thanks to the BIA, MVCA, and everyone involved in bringing bright lights and Christmas cheer to the village. Winners will be contacted soon; stay tuned!
Ward Updates
Measures being added to improve Flewellyn and Shea
As many residents are aware, there are serious concerns with respect to the intersection of Flewellyn and Shea. While I am continuing to advocate for a permanent fix to the intersection, I did have an update for the community with respect to some interim measures that City staff have agreed to implement in Spring of 2024. Learn more
Park proposal: Seasonal Dog Park on Perth Street
As the village grows, the need for a dedicated space for folks and their pups to gather in Richmond is increasingly obvious. Through much of 2023, I have been working behind the scenes to push for the addition of a seasonal dog park in Richmond. I am happy to say that the City is moving forward with design and public consultation work. Learn more
Community Economic Development grants: applications open
The City is now accepting applications for the annual Community Economic Development Funding Program. Grants are available for non-profit organizations that are starting projects focused on creating jobs, businesses, or developing entrepreneurship and employability skills. Applications are open until February 9 at 4pm. Learn more
Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program
Renovating your home? 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
Vacant Unit Tax: Declaration Period Open
Residents can now submit their Vacant Unit Tax Declarations to the City. Please note, the declaration is mandatory for all residents and the deadline for submitting your declaration is March 21, 2024. 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 this year and will vote again to scrap it when the matter comes before Council again in summer of 2024.
Volunteers wanted! Outdoor Rinks
Our communities are fortunate to benefit from a large number of volunteer-maintained outdoor rinks. If you are interested and able to volunteer this winter to support your community, please email seasonalrecreation@ottawa.ca. In particular, the Munster Community Association is looking for a lead rink operator for Dogwood Park this winter season. Learn more
Construction Updates
Current Road Closures
Barnsdale Road from Twin Elm Road to Eagleson Drive will be closed on weekdays from 7am to 6pm until January 31, 2024 for the second phase of Hydro Ottawa's work in the area, including stringing conductors on the new poles.
This work is important as there will be 3 new circuit ties created between the Cambrian Substation and the Richmond South Substation. This will greatly improve the reliability and adaptability of Richmond's power supply once the tie is established and will support the ongoing growth of the village.
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.
Rideau Valley Drive from Bankfield Road to Prince of Wales will be closed later this year for resurfacing work. More details will be provided as they become available.
Upcoming Community Events
Richmond Road Races
The Richmond Road Races are back for 2024! The races will take place on January 28 from 9:30-11:30am. If you're interested in starting the new year off on the right foot while supporting your community, make sure to register before the end of day on January 22. Learn more
Shiverfest
Mark your calendars! Shiverfest is coming to Manotick on February 2 and 3. Whether you're looking for an evening bonfire, a magic show, horse-drawn sleigh rides, trivia, or much more, Shiverfest is the place to be! For a full list of events, activities, and times, check out the MVCA's event page.
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
Ottawa Public Library: Ongoing events
There are plenty of ongoing events featuring activities for all ages at the public library branches in our Ward! Learn more
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.
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.
City Updates and Events
Woodroffe Avenue lane reductions and slowdowns expected due to watermain work
Make a difference: volunteer on the Ottawa Police Services Board
Save the date! Registration for City March Break and Summer Camps opens on January 16
My Rec Pass: Share your thoughts on upcoming changes to recreation passes
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.