Newsletter Nov 23
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Update: 2024 Budget Review
Right now, City Council is seized with the 2024 Budget. Based on my review of the budget and the comments we received during public budget consultation meetings this week, I have some thoughts on the budget and some improvements that I think can be made.
Read More
Thank you to those who joined us virtually and in person for budget consultations this week!
I was honoured to be part of the Remembrance Day ceremonies in North Gower, Kars, and Richmond earlier this month. Thank you to the Legions for having me.
Ward Updates
Perth and Meynell
As many know, the roundabout planned at Perth and Meynell was delayed due to crew availability issues. More information on the delay is availablehere. I have been working with the developer and the City to introduce measures to reduce speeding and improve safety. I have an update on the measures that will be introduced in the coming weeks.Learn more
Munster Playground
An Engage Ottawa survey was conducted regarding the Munster Community Park concept plan. The results are in, and the community has supported option 1 as the preferred design. My office will be supporting the addition of a metal accessibility ramp, a swing to accommodate both adults and children through bucket seats, belt seats, and a saucer swing.Learn more
Echo Park
An Engage Ottawa survey was conducted regarding the proposed tennis court at Echo Park. Significant public opposition was noted through the survey, with residents identifying a range of issues including site flooding, restriction of other amenities, lack of accomodation for pickleball, and more. As a result, staff have determined that the decision regarding the Echo Park tennis court will be put on hold while other sites are assessed for racquet sports through the Tennis and Pickleball Strategy.Learn more
Snow suit fund
The Snowsuit Fund is an Ottawa-based charity that raises funds for the purchase and distribution of new, quality made snowsuits to needy children, 15 years and under, in our community. Please consider donating to the fund to help keep a child warm this winter. Learn more
Winter access to pathways
Residents may note that certain pathways are not maintained during the winter; please note that residents still wishing to access these paths do so at their own risk. Though my office is working with City staff to expand the number of paths that are maintained, paths with steep inclines, irregular surfaces, narrow widths, and tight curves often cannot be maintained by the City's sidewalk plows. Learn more about how the City maintains roads and pathways during the winter. As a reminder, issues with snow clearing and winter road maintenance are best directed to the City's 3-1-1 department.
Construction Updates
Road Closures
Fourth Line from Pollock to Century Road West is closed due to excavation and box culvert replacement activities. Work on Fourth Line is ongoing but delays were encountered due to unforeseen circumstances outside the City’s control, including significant vandalism of equipment on site - a problem that has persisted and has resulted in work stoppages. At the request of the contractor and concurrence of Traffic Management, the closure period has been extended, though our office has communicated the community's dissatisfaction with the delays and the lack of consistent work on the site. The contractor has communicated that works will be completed by mid-December, at which time the road will be re-opened.
Barnsdale Road from Twin Elm Road to Eagleson Drive is closed until December 1 for work done by Hydro Ottawa to stand up hydro poles. This same section of Barnsdale will be closed between mid-January and February of 2024 for the second phase of Hydro Ottawa's work, including stringing conductors on the new poles.
Upcoming Community Events
Kiwanis Parade of Lights
The Kiwanis parade of lights in Manotick is coming up soon! It will be held on Friday December 1st. Festivities on December 1st kick off with Hot Chocolate courtesy of Wilson Law Partners at 6pm and the parade starts at 7pm. Learn more
Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade
The Richmond Village Association is excited to welcome you to the 2023 Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade on December 2nd at 5:30pm! This year, the RVA is bringing back the processional style parade format. Learn more or register to participate in the parade here.
Christmas in the Village of Manotick
Village-wide celebrations in Manotick are ringing in the Christmas season! From home decorating contests to a wide range of activities on December 2nd, make sure you don't miss a moment of Christmas in the Village. Learn more
Community Christmas Markets
RCL Manotick: Christmas Bazaar
Make sure to head down to the Manitock Legion on Saturday December 2 between 10am to 4pm in Harmony Hall for a Christmas Bazaar! For more information, call the legion at 613 692-3243 or email at rclbranch314@gmail.com,
Richmond Christmas Market
On November 25, head down to the St John the Baptist Church in Richmond to check out the local Christmas market! Vendor slots are full, but the Market is running a wait list. Learn more
Kars 3rd Annual Christmas Markets
Looking for that perfect gift for someone special? Mark your calendar! The Kars Annual Christmas Markets are coming back at the Kars RA between 10am to 3pm on the following days:
November 26,
December 3
December 10
For more information, including to register as a vendor, please email karscra@gmail.com or call 613-489-2524 and leave a message.
North Gower Christmas Market
North Gower's popular Christmas Market is returning with over 40 vendors! Head on down to the Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre on December 3 between 8:30am-2:00pm to pick up goodies and gifts including crafts, jewelry, art, candles, wine, artisanal produce, chocolates, treats, baked goods and much more. For more information, email:
northgowerfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Other Ongoing and Recurring Events
ROSSS Drop-In
Rural Ottawa South Support Services' (ROSSS) hosts a number of ongoing events, including Drop-In programs. Learn More
Annual Blanket Drive
From October to December, the Kiwanis Club's annual blanket drive will be accepting donations at the Manotick Legion. Your generous donation of a slightly used or new blanket or sleeping bag will help to keep a person warm this winter. 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.
