Newsletter - Jan. 13
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Hear what Councillor Brown has to say about the Vacant Unit Tax (VUT).
Ward Updates
Ottawa Hydro Virtual Presentation: Extreme weather events have at times left residents who rely on Ottawa Hydro without power for extended periods of time. Tune in to hear from Ottawa Hydro on the power outage restoration process, tree trimming program, emergency preparedness, helping residents understand customer-owned equipment requirements, and how to use generators safely during prolonged power outages. Register at the MVCA website. Space is limited.
Rideau Township Historical Society (RTHS) Call for Volunteers: The RTHS is looking for volunteers to join as executive members or on various committees to help keep projects running smoothly. If you are interested in helping the RTHS with programs, publications, communications and more, please email rideautwphistory@gmail.com or visit their website.
Support the Richmond Legacy Association
Richmond Market Vendor Callout: The Market provides an opportunity for local farmers, producers and artisans to sell their products directly to consumers, while contributing to the wellbeing of the local community. As a reminder, vendors must make, bake, or grow the products that they sell. For more information on the market vendor rules and how to apply for this upcoming market season, please visit: richmondmarket.ca
Get involved! There are a number of great events coming up in Ward 21 over the next few weeks, including a Curling Bonspiel, trivia night, Shiverfest, a spaghetti dinner, and more. Visit our events page for more details.
City Updates
Light Rail Transit (LRT) Update
Following a winter storm that resulted in ice buildup, Ottawa’s LRT was partially immobilized for several days. Transit users and taxpayers alike expect better from the LRT; we share in your frustration that weather events that are common in Ottawa can so significantly impact our transit system. We intend to work with City staff and Council to ensure that these failures do not persist, that transit user and taxpayer interests are respected, and that there is accountability for shortcomings in the system.
Customers can get information on their trips at OCTranspo.com, by following @OC_Transpo or @OCTranspoLive on Twitter, or by calling 613-560-5000 for updates.
Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) Update
Rollout issues, technical difficulties, and long wait times or dropped calls to the City made the first week of the VUT declaration very difficult and frustrating for residents. Staff have informed our office that the situation is improving, and that technical issues have been resolved.
A second notice, with the necessary information to file a declaration, will be arriving in residents’ mail boxes in the coming days. Please be advised that these letters were prepared before residents filed their VUT declarations, so you will receive a notice even if you have completed your VUT declaration online. You do not need to re-file this year’s declaration if you have already completed one.
If you require assistance submitting your declaration, please call Revenue Services at 613-580-2444 and select option 3, or email vut_ilv@ottawa.ca
March Break Camps
March Break will soon be upon us. You can explore March Break programs and camps on the City’s new registration system at register.ottawa.ca. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to create your account before online registration opens on Wednesday, January 25 at 9 pm.
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.