Newsletter - May 25
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
No time to waste
Earlier this week, I spoke with CTV about the need to identify long-term waste management options for the City. The City’s proposed bag tag system for garbage, which will be debated next week at Committee and which I am opposed to, is meant to extend the life of the landfill, but even so will only extend the landfill’s life by two years.
Clearly the City needs other options. And with the landfill running out of space, there is no time to waste.
For the past few years, City staff have been working on the Solid Waste Master Plan, which will be presented to Council this fall. Diverting waste away from the landfill is only a part of the solution; no matter how good we get at waste diversion, there will always be a need for a landfill or waste management technology. Now is the time we need to be looking for a more long-term solution to our garbage challenges.
To that end, at yesterday’s Council meeting, Councillor Hubley and I put forward a motion that directs staff to identify proven waste management technologies, including waste to energy solutions, that will meet the operational and environmental requirements of the City. Rather than kicking the can down the road, the motion sought to ensure that this issue was given immediate attention.
The motion was very clear that staff should present for Council’s consideration all available options as part of the Solid Waste Master Plan. Having all the information we need will allow for a more robust discussion with all the facts on hand when it comes times to make the decisions that will guide our direction for the next decade and beyond. The motion also outlined clear timelines for when staff must provide information to Council so that a decision about a future long-term waste management solution will be made during this term of Council.
There was a good discussion around the Council table regarding the need to move forward on finding a better solution, one rooted in proven technology that is more responsible to taxpayers, the environment, and future residents. I am pleased to report that the motion was carried unanimously.
Ward Updates
POSTPONED: Virtual Consultation for 4386 Rideau Valley Drive
The virtual info session previously scheduled for May 29 at 6:30 will be postponed to a later date (TBD) at the request of the proponent. We will communicate the new date and time once it is available.
Manotick Truck Update
Readers of the Manotick Messenger might have noted that on April 21, I wrote about the issue of trucks in Manotick. I have an update on my office’s progress on this file which I am happy to share with the community. Read more
Ongoing Road Closures
Shea Road Southbound, from Fernbank to Flewellyn, until Monday, July 31, 2023.
Eagleson Road Northbound, from Perth Street to Fallowfield, until August 25, 2023.
Barnsdale Road, from Twin Elm Road to Moodie Drive, until Monday, June 12, 2023. Monday to Friday, 9 to 3.
Upcoming Events
North Gower Farmers’ Market: Visit the vendors at the North Gower’s Farmers Market, every Saturday, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Learn more
Manotick Horticultural Sale: Don’t miss out on this great selection of plants for your garden at the Manotick Horticultural Sale on May 27, from 9 to 12, at Watson’s Mill. Learn more
Richmond Farmers Market: Visit 30+ vendors at St. John The Baptist Church, on May 27, from 10 am until 3 pm. Learn more
Manotick Public School Spring Fair: On May 27, from 10 am to 2 pm, you can enjoy bouncy castles, games, a magic show, live demos, food trucks, an epic silent auction and more at Manotick Public School’s annual Spring Fair! Learn more
Dickinson Days: Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly activities at Manotick’s Dickinson Days, from June 2-4. Explore Manotick’s rich heritage, unique vendors and activities for all ages. Look for the Ward 21 team tent! Learn more
Walk for Mental Health: On June 2, 2023, Greg and Aaron will begin their 24-hour walk at noon, touching on all 24 wards in the City of Ottawa with a planned arrival at Ottawa City Hall at noon, the following day. Learn more
MCRA - Pierce's Corners Community Spring Garage Sale: Join in on our community garage sale on June 3, from 8 am to 1 pm, at 3048 Pierce Road. Spots can be rented for $10. Learn more
Eastern Ontario Craft & Gift Market: The Market is coming to the Alfred Taylor Community Centre in North Gower on June 4, from 11 am to 4 pm. Learn more
ROSSS Afternoon Tea: Support our rural seniors with this Afternoon Tea fundraiser on June 10, from 1 to 3 pm, at 7275 Parkway Road. Learn more
Tickets on sale: The Way We Were: Tickets are on sale for The Way We Were, a retrospective of much-loved scenes from 5 decades of performances. Two performances will be held on June 10. Learn more
Ride for ROSSS: Another great fundraiser for ROSSS. Sponsor a senior for this Charity Motorcycle Ride on June 17, from 8 am to 1:30 pm, at 4827 Bank Street. Learn more
The Mayor’s Annual Canada Day Celebration for Seniors: The Mayor of Ottawa invites all seniors to join him for a Canada Day breakfast from 8 - 10:30 am, on July 1, at the Aberdeen Pavillion at Lansdowne Park. We have a limited number of tickets to give away. First come. First Served. Please email ward21@ottawa.ca.
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.