Newsletter - Sept. 7
From the desk of Councillor David Brown
Upcoming Budget Cycle
Over the next few weeks, City management will be meeting with Councillors to get a sense of our priorities for the 2024 budget.
Last year, I had very modest proposals for the budget. In my meeting with the Mayor, I requested funding for two priorities: one is to provide funding necessary to effect a change which would remove heavy trucks from Manotick and improve safety at the intersection of Bridge and Main. The second was to replace the pedestrian signal near Perth and Shea in Richmond with a full traffic signal at Perth and Shea.
The reason why these were my requests is that, with a shortened budget cycle, I wanted to be focused only on the items which I could not advocate for easily through existing mechanisms and budgets. I also appreciated that the shortened period for consultation on the budget meant that I was unlikely to make progress if I asked for too many items. And, I came to my meeting with management with a considerable number of ideas for savings and efficiencies which, if realized, would have funded my two modest requests. Even so, unfortunately, these requests were not included in the 2023 budget.
For 2024, I will be repeating my previous requests; trucks must be removed from Manotick and Richmond’s growth and increased traffic demands better management. These remain my top priorities.
In addition to this, I will be calling on the Mayor and City management to increase the budget allocated to the temporary traffic calming program. Expanding this program is necessary to ensure that speeding and unsafe driving are appropriately addressed. I am meeting with staff to request that more funding be allocated to the automated speed enforcement so that the program can be rolled out more quickly, particularly in rural villages. Lastly, I am working to ensure that a greater amount of funding be dedicated toward roads and infrastructure so that the City can finally address its infrastructure deficit.
These are my priorities, but I want to hear from you. Residents with ideas for the budget are encouraged to email my team and I at ward21@ottawa.ca.
Ward Updates
Richmond Pumping Station Update
Richmond’s wastewater pumping station on Royal York Street is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion. Work was coordinated with the developers in Richmond to save on costs associated with the required refurbishment of the facility and the necessary upgrades for the aging infrastructure in addition to the capacity expansion required to accommodate the new developments in the village. A brief summary of the work this week has been included below.
The watermain on Royal York St., between King St. and Cockburn St., has been installed, chlorinated and put into service. The contractor is currently excavating adjacent to the station to bring the 600mm forcemain into the building. Ongoing pump station rehabilitation works are also taking place inside. York Street was re-opened to traffic on September 1st; however, materials will be stored on the east side of Royal York for the next couple of weeks. Appropriate traffic signage has been installed.
The total budget for the pumping station is $17,245,000. Funding for the project is broken down into two categories: (1) Rate funded (wastewater surcharge which is paid on your property taxes): $4,814,868.97 (27.92%) (2) Area Specific Development Charge (paid directly by developers: $12,430,131,03 (72.08%)
4386 Rideau Valley Drive Info Session
For those interested individuals who were unable to attend the virtual info session on Aug. 29 regarding this proposed development, you can view the transcript of the presentation and Q&A on our website. View transcript
Volunteers Wanted
Do you believe in the power of community? The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is searching for you. Whether you have a few hours or a lifetime to give, your presence can bring support to those who need it most. Join the WOCRC volunteer team today and let your heart guide you towards a world where compassion knows no bounds. Visit wocrc.ca or contact Carol Diguer at 613-591-3686, ext 280.
Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign
Registration has started for this year’s Cleaning the Capital Fall campaign! Residents interested in registering cleanup projects to take place between September 15 and October 15 can do so by using the online registration form available at ottawa.ca/clean.
Anxiety & Stress Program for Teens
The Y Mind program is a free 7-week program that offers support for those who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or stress. Participants learn evidence-based coping skills based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, self-compassion, and connect with peers who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. More information can be found at: Mental Wellness Programs | YMCA of the National Capital Region
Construction Updates
Meadowbrook Park Construction
Residents can expect to see construction at Meadowbrook Park in North Gower the week of September 5th. The play structure and swings will be replaced, along with the addition of a new pathway to meet the City’s accessibility standards. Site works are anticipated to take approximately 6 weeks. Residents will continue to be able to access the surrounding areas of the park. Learn more
Sidewalk Repairs
Starting the week of Sept. 3, Mopri Construction will begin sidewalk repairs at 2311 - 2321 Roger Stevens Dr., 6576 - 6656 4th Line Rd., 4418 Burritts Ave., and 7761 Burritts Ave. Expect minor lane disruptions.
Meynell/Perth Roundabout
Construction of the roundabout is slated to begin in September with a target completion date of the end of November. More details to come.
Road Closures
Eagleson Rd: Please note, the Eagleson Road closures have been extended due to ongoing work. The new closure periods are described below. At the Councillor's request, Eagleson Road will be fully opened for the full duration of the Richmond Fair.
September 1-13: Extension of the Northbound Lane closure on Eagleson Rd, between Fallowfield Rd and Old Richmond Rd, to complete the forcemain installation north of the intersection.
September 8-10 (6 pm Friday to 6 am Monday): A full closure of Eagleson Rd, between Fallowfield Rd and Old Richmond Rd, to complete three culvert crossings and to make the connection of the forcemain between the existing and new chamber near Fallowfield.
September 22-24 (6 pm Friday to 6 am Monday): A full closure of the intersection of Eagleson Rd and Old Richmond Rd/Perth St. to install the forcemain through the intersection.
September 18 - October 7: Northbound Lane closure on Eagleson Rd, between Old Richmond Rd and the lagoons, to install the forcemain up to the crossing.
September 29 - October 1 (6 pm Friday to 6 am Monday): A full closure of Eagleson Rd between Old Richmond Rd and Barnsdale Rd to install the forcemain across Eagleson Rd near the lagoons.
Donnelly Drive will be closed between Gilroy Road and Dwyer Hill Road to facilitate a culvert replacement, from September 18 - October 6.
Fourth Line Road, from Pollock to Century Road West. Construction is expected to begin in September and work is estimated to take roughly 10 weeks.
Upcoming Events
Farmers' Markets:
North Gower: every Saturday, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Learn more
Manotick: every Saturday, from 9 am until 2 pm, until October 14, at the Carriage Shed. Learn more
Richmond: on September 9, from 10 am until 3 pm, at 67 Fowler Street. Learn more
Library Programs: Check out what programs are happening this month at your local Ottawa Public Library branch. Learn more
Kars Community Garage Sale
Clear your unused clutter by joining the Kars Community Garage Sale on Saturday, September 9, from 8 am to 1 pm. Spots are available at the Kars RA for those who live outside the village. Learn more
Garage Sale Fundraiser
On September 9, there will be a Garage Sale in support of the proposed Legacy Pavillion at the Richmond Fairgrounds. Learn more
Community Theatre Expo
The Expo, on Sept. 9, from 10 to 5, at the Osgoode Community Centre, is open to everyone young and old who has an interest in community theatre. There will be workshops, demonstrations, video puppet theatre and more! Learn more
Richmond Fair
Come celebrate Richmond’s 178th Fair, from Sept. 14-17, 2023. Enjoy a weekend of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Learn more
Richmond Fair Afternoon Tea
Richmond Fair Homecrafts invites you to afternoon tea, from Sept. 15-17, from 11:30 am to 3 pm. Learn more
Trauma Talks – Breakfast Fundraiser
This inaugural ‘Trauma Talks’ fundraiser will help break the silence of male trauma survivors, on September 26, at 7:30 am, at Ottawa City Hall, Jean Pigott Place. Learn more
Fall Volunteer Expo
Volunteer Ottawa is holding its Fall Volunteer Expo on Friday, September 22, 2023, at the Rideau Hub on St. Laurent Blvd. This is a free, in-person event where residents can speak with representatives from over 30 local charities and not-for-profits about volunteering opportunities. Learn more
Taste of Manotick
Come Celebrate the Bounty of the Season! Sip, savour and experience all that the vibrant village of Manotick has to offer on Sept. 23, from 2 - 8 pm. Learn more
Book Launch
Shawna’s Outreach: When we all give a little, a lot gets done tells the story of a grassroots initiative to raise awareness of Ottawa's homeless crisis. Celebrate this launch at the Morning Owl (229 Armstrong St., Ottawa), on October 17, from 12:30 - 2 pm. Learn more
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.