Newsletter Jan 25
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
It will be a good year for Rural Ottawa
On Wednesday, City Council met for the first meeting of 2024. I can’t help but feel excited for the upcoming year. You have heard, and will continue hearing from me, about the upcoming Rural Summit because it is significant. This forum will highlight the issues that need fixing and advance the goals that I have for improving the lives of folks who live outside the urban boundary.
The Rural Summit is vital because it provides an opportunity to accomplish the priorities we share in our communities.
For instance, as many know, removing truck traffic from Manotick is a top priority for me. As I’ve highlighted in the past, a major impediment to these efforts is the view among City staff that such a move can only be done in the context of a broader truck route review. However, this is not the case in other municipalities; there should be greater flexibility for solving this problem within rural Ottawa as it impacts our communities most directly.
Critical projects are delayed while awaiting approval from City staff, such as installing a traffic light at Perth and Shea, safety measures at Shea and Flewellyn, and generally, core infrastructure investments, including road resurfacing, sidewalk additions, gravel road upgrades, traffic calming, policing, and more. All these issues face similar hurdles: a slow, indifferent City that tries to apply a one-size-fits-all solution to all of Ottawa without any consideration for how different things are in the rural areas.
The Rural Summit is our chance to break this gridlock by focusing on these kinds of rural-specific issues and moving to a system of public administration that can better serve the needs and interests of folks in our communities. I am looking forward to continuing to deliver real results for rural Ottawa through this upcoming summit.
As the Rural Summit approaches, you can sign up to receive updates and share your ideas by emailing ruralsummit@ottawa.ca. Also, there will soon be a website page where you can access more information which I will share once it is live.
Ward Updates
Submit your feedback for the future Checkerspot Park in Richmond
The City of Ottawa is seeking public engagement for Checkerspot Park, which will be part of a future residential development in Richmond. The approximate location of the park is east of Legion Branch 625 and close to the Jock River. Feedback must be received by January 31st online here.
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
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.
Need help submitting your Vacant Unit Tax Declaration online? The Ottawa Public Library has public computers that you can use to submit your declaration and staff to help you navigate the website.
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.
Previous updates
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.
Construction Updates
Current 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.
Future Closures
In Manotick, the closure of Barney McCarney Landing is planned to begin on February 12th 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
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 Road
Eagleson Road from Old Richmond Road to Emerald Meadows Drive
Fallowfield Road from Eagleson Road to Old Richmond Road
Manotick Main Street from 140m north of Bridgeport Avenue to 180m north of Eastman Avenue
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.**
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. Start the new year off on the right foot while supporting your community! 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.
North Gower’s 60th Winter Carnival
Next weekend from February 2nd-3rd, the North Gower Recreation Association is hosting their 60th Winter Carnival. Come celebrate this milestone event and enjoy food, entertainment, a Euchre tournament, and more! *Scroll down to see the details on the poster*
Pancake Supper @ St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
This all-ages event is happening on Tuesday, February 13th from 4:30pm-6:30pm. See the details here.
Manotick Family Skate Nights
Every Sunday from 4-6pm until the end of February, the Manotick Culture, Parks, & Recreation Association is hosting family-friendly skates (weather permitting) at Centennial Park. Stay up to date here.
Shine a Light on our Community Gala
The Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre is hosting their 12th annual Shine a Light on our Community Gala on Saturday, April 20th. See more here.
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
Find your local library branch:
Manotick Munster North Gower Richmond
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.
Community Markets
It won't be long until the community markets and farmers' markets are up and running again! Stay tuned for more info.
The Richmond Market will be taking place on March 10 from 10:00am-3:00pm at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre. With the finest in local vendors including makers and bakers, artists and authors, crafters and cook, you don't want to miss this indoor food and craft market. Parking and admission are free.
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
Registration for the City’s March break and summer camps is now open
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.