Newsletter - March 9
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
City must address lagging infrastructure, basic services in rural villages
Some may have read an article I recently wrote which appeared in the Ottawa Citizen. In it, I discussed the need for a program review to determine the value for money of the programs and services that the City currently is engaged in and the need to get back to basics. A program review can make sure that, with the limited resources available, our City is being responsible to the needs of residents and respectful of the resources of tax payers.
The other side of this story though is the fact that, in communities throughout our Ward and other rural areas of the City, services are woefully inadequate. Our roads are falling apart; our villages are exploding with new residents as necessary infrastructure lags behind; snow plows come too infrequently to meet the needs of residents. These are but a few of the challenges that residents endure.
If we are to get back to these basic issues and improve service standards in rural areas, we must accept that the status quo is a problem. We must also accept that the best way forward won’t come to us out of thin air; we must engage in an effort to find problems and inefficiencies and tackle them fairly and responsibly. This is why a program review is necessary. Read more
Ward Updates
Rural Youth Employment and Resource Fair
Are you a student looking for employment opportunities and resources? On March 20th, from 3 - 7 pm, learn what opportunities are available nearby. Learn more
Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Check-in Survey
ROYMHC has just released its bi-annual mental health survey for 2023. The survey is open to rural youth aged 12-24 Participants will be entered into a draw to win one of twenty $100 gift cards to a business of their choice. Deadline to submit is April 11, 2023. Take the survey
Training summit for mentors of rural youth
ROYMHC will be hosting a one-day training summit for mentors of rural youth on Saturday, April 1st, 2023. Mentors of youth can be anyone over the age of 16 who works with youth (aged 12-24) in rural Ottawa. The summit will be held at the Manotick Community Centre, from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Learn more
"Paint it Up" funding is now available
Funding is available for outdoor mural art projects that support vandalism prevention, youth empowerment, community safety and the beautification of Ottawa neighbourhoods. Projects must contribute to a clean, safe and beautiful city by engaging neighbourhoods and youth in a constructive learning process to create murals to prevent or deter tagging and vandalism. Learn more
Upcoming Events
March is Kidney Health Month: People living with kidney disease fight a lifelong battle, and The Kidney Foundation’s mission is to support those affected every step of the way with trusted educational resources and peer support programs. Canadians are invited to #MakeYourMark on kidney disease by sharing the campaign on social media and by donating at: www.kidneyontario.ca
Shamrock 'n 2023: Get in the spirit with this all-ages family event on March 11, from 1 - 9 pm, at the Richmond Agricultural Hall. Learn more
Parish Breakfast: St. John's Richmond & Parish of South Carleton is hosting a parish breakfast on March 11, at 9 am. Enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, muffins and croissants. Free will offering. No RSVP required.
St. Patrick's Day Trivia: On March 15, from 7 - 9:30 pm, join in on this trivia fundraiser hosted by the Rural Ottawa South Support Services. Learn more
Fling into Spring: A night of square dancing, line dancing, music and fun! Don’t know how? All dances will be taught! Tickets $10 Learn More
City Updates
International Women's Day
Yesterday, March 8, was International Women’s Day, a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, raise awareness about women’s equality and lobby for accelerated gender parity. Learn more
One of Canada's Best Diversity Employers
The City of Ottawa has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the 11th time for its commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive and diverse workplace. Read the Article
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Meeting with Councillor Brown at the North Gower office every Thursday. Email ward21@ottawa.ca to book an appointment.