April 14, 2023 Newsletter

Please note: You can click each image below to be directed to the relevant website for more information.

A Message from Councillor King

During the last term of Council, I successfully moved a motion for City staff to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the Community Improvement Plan grants program, and supported a similar motion approved by City Council this term to initiate a staff review of the program. While I am amenable to the shifting trajectory of public debate concerning the use of these economic development tools, I believe that such shifts need to be undertaken at the policy level and not midway through grant programs that have already been approved by Council. 

As a consequence, I have consistently supported use of such tools to incentivize certainty of development, a position which I have consistently maintained and which was originally contained in my by-election platform. Community Improvement Plan grants are a limited economic development tool designed to increase property taxes as a result of redevelopment. It ultimately is a net economic gain for the City, with the dollars coming directly from the property owner, so such grants are not a direct cost to taxpayers. Under the Municipal Act, funds cannot be bonused or paid directly from the City treasury to businesses. Community improvement grants therefore work as self-financing, incentivized rebates, localized to specific geographic areas that have been designated economically disadvantaged areas or special economic zones, which are designed to forgo a portion of taxes from uplifted property value over a period of time. 

Grants therefore are not paid if nothing is built, and what is paid is effectively a discount from the commercial tax sub-class applicant themselves after construction is completed, meaning that the grant does not impact the residential tax sub-class at all. Grants ensure rapid development by assisting applicants to reduce construction costs.  If nothing is built, the property value does not increase and no additional dollars will be added to the City treasury. The tool is designed to allow certainty of development, creates property value uplift through increased assessed property values, expands and diversifies the property tax base, and creates both construction and long-term employment opportunities. Since such grants are derived completely from the applicant, they are not a direct cost to taxpayers and they do not negatively impact the City budget by drawing allocated dollars away from social services or infrastructure, which is actually prohibited by law. Indeed, increased tax revenue from accelerated projects ensure more dollars are available for City programming and that tax revenue sources are diversified through expanding the commercial tax sub-class.

While I absolutely understand concerns expressed about the program due to its optics and its impact upon free market competition, I have been consistent with my stated position on supporting incentives in economically challenged areas and special economic zones, especially when it is evident that such grants would provide assurance of rapid economic development. My position has been driven by a consistent and rational policy approach focused on incentivizing certainty of economic development in areas of underdevelopment, as well during times of economic uncertainty, and is not driven by electoral or ideological considerations. Over the next number of months, I will continue to work collaboratively with all Council colleagues to assess the overall efficacy of the program.

Your Councillor in the Community

I was honoured to be invited to attend a Community and Friendship Dinner on Parliament Hill on April 12  in my role as Council Liaison for the City's Anti-Racism and Ethnocultural Relations Initiatives to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. The event was one of several organized by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute in partnership with the Ottawa Police Service.

Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities

Post-storm recovery

We have now entered the second week of recovery efforts following last week’s significant weather event. In just nine short days, 69 per cent of the 3,447 service requests that were received by Forestry Services have been addressed. To help put things into perspective:

• 368 service requests were submitted over the same period last year,
• 2,387 service requests received during the entire 2021/2022 winter season, and
• 3,755 service requests were sent over the nine days that followed the derecho in May 2022.

This week teams have begun wood chipping operations while the focus remains with ensuring that our pathways, curbsides, and parks are made safe and free from hazards.

Free Woodchips Available Starting April 18

Some of the debris that’s been collected as part of recent recovery efforts has been turned into woodchips and will become available to residents – free of charge – starting Tuesday, April 18. While quantities last, woodchips will be available 24/7 at the following locations:

• Recreation facilities
  • Navan Memorial Centre, 1295 Colonial Road
  • Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue (Minto sports field parking lot, between Minto field and Hamilton baseball diamond)
  • Sandy Hill Arena, 60 Mann Avenue (southwest corner, on the fenced-in side of the property)

• Yards
  • 2145 Roger Stevens Drive
  • 4244 Rideau Valley Drive
  • 1655 Maple Grove Road

Availability will be on a first come first serve basis. Please bring your own shovel, gloves, and container for easy transport and to abide by the safety instructions posted at each site.

Damage to private property due to fallen City-owned trees

If residents notice damage from the storm clean up on the ROW adjacent to their property, we ask that they please notify 3-1-1 so staff can attend. If there is damage to the private portion of the lawn, homeowners are asked to submit a claim through the city’s claims process. If a City-owned tree is damaged or has caused damage due to the recent storm, it is important to report it to the City via 311 and to not touch the tree.

Dispose of yard waste and tree debris

• Tie branches with twine and into bundles of less than 1.2 m (4 ft.) in length and 60 cm (2 ft.) in width. Bundles or containers should weigh no more than 15 kg (33 lb.) and individual branches should be less than 10 cm (4 in.) in diameter. 
• If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please ensure to keep a 1.5 metres perimeter around the hydrant to maintain access for Ottawa Fire Services in the event of an emergency. 
• Until end of day Friday, April 21, larger tree cuttings, branches and brush may be brought to the City’s Trail Waste Facility free of charge. Standard rates will apply starting Saturday, April 22.
  • Otherwise, these may wait, curbside, for chipping or collection by specialized City and contracted crews. There is no need to call 3-1-1 at this time. 

• Those in urgent need to dispose of food waste have until end of day Saturday, April 15 to use the large bin located at the Trail Waste Facility available at no extra charge. Otherwise, residents can remove all packaging from food waste and leverage the weekly curbside green bin collection.

The City is continuing its commitment to re-establishing the lost tree canopy by re-planting lost City trees. Residents who would like a tree replacement on the City’s right of way are encouraged to request it through the Trees in Trust program. Staff will continue to assess the loss of trees in City-owned parks before planning for their replacement.

Pathway Etiquette

The snow is melting and the bike lanes and pathways are already seeing more traffic. There are kids learning to ride a bike for the very first time, people walking with their dogs, and of course the geese. The geese are back. When driving on crowded roads, we often have to slow down according to traffic conditions, or check to make sure it’s safe to pass a slower moving vehicle. The same principle applies to our pathways. As the fastest users of our active transportation network, it’s up to cyclists to slow down as needed, and make sure it’s safe to pass before overtaking. Other pathway users can help by being predictable, using short leashes on dogs, staying to the right, and keeping an ear out for passing cyclists (ding ding!). By making room for each other, we can all enjoy our shared public space.

Shop Local at the Farm Store - in person and online

The Farm Store will be open Saturday 9 am to noon at 1805 Gaspe Avenue. For details, please click here.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event - April 23

Every year, the City of Ottawa hosts drop-off events to ensure that resident’s hazardous waste is safely collected, transported, and appropriately recycled or disposed. This helps to protect the environment and decreases the risk of toxic materials ending up in our collection vehicles or landfills. The first drop-off event for 2023 will take place at RCGT Stadium at 300 Coventry Road on Sunday, April 23, from 8 am to 4 pm. 

For the most up-to-date schedule, and to see the list of acceptable items, please click here.

Overbrook Community Association Seeking New Board Members - AGM is April 27

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on the community you call home? Overbrook Community Association (OCA) is recruiting for its volunteer Board of Directors for 2023. We are looking for community-oriented volunteers to take on the role of managing the Association, including maintaining finances, and managing volunteers, communications and the legal standing of the Association. Whether you're an experienced leader, a creative problem-solver, or simply passionate about making a difference, we welcome your contribution. As a member of our board, you'll have the opportunity to take an active role in decision-making that directly affects the belonging, engagement, and well-being of our residents and the services and infrastructures impacting our neighbourhood. The commitment is approximately 5-10 hours a month and the Board meets at least 8 times a year.

Why volunteer with OCA:
Overbrook is growing and OCA is well-positioned to advocate for our community. OCA has relationships with all levels of decision-makers and community partners. We strive to help residents advance initiatives for neighbourhood improvement, and to access grants and partners for projects big and small. We are looking for people with interest in managing and guiding volunteers to work with our community partners on initiatives that bring neighbours together, build community and advance equity and diversity in our area.

Fill in this form to tell us you want to join the Board! To be elected to the Board, you must attend the AGM on April 27 at 7 pm (virtually). Please click here to register and receive the Zoom meeting link:

City of Ottawa News, Events, Meetings and Engagement Opportunities

Covid-19 Booster recommended for high-risk individuals this spring

Based on guidance from Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is recommending high-risk individuals receive their next COVID-19 booster dose this spring. For details, please click here.

Spring Flooding Update

Monitoring will continue and additional info will be provided when available. For details, please click here. City crews will continue to monitor areas for response as required. If your property is at risk, call 3-1-1. If it is an emergency situation, call 9-1-1.

Street Sweeping Operations

Street sweeping operations across the City of Ottawa, including Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward 13, are underway. For details, including street parking impacts, please click here.

Ottawa Public Health - Respiratory Virus Dashboard - Updated Weekly

Visit OPH's Respiratory Virus Dashboard for the latest local data on COVID-19, flu and RSV activity in Ottawa. The dashboard is updated every Wednesday afternoon: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/VirusReport

Children and youth in Ottawa can “Play Free” this year - Starting April 15

Beginning April 15, children and youth of Ottawa can participate in “Play Free” – a lineup of free drop-in activities that includes gym sports, swimming, museums and skating.

Earlier this year, Ottawa City Council approved an initiative to offer a selection free drop-in programming for children and youth, aged 17 and under, in order to make recreation and cultural programming more affordable and accessible for everyone. With the introduction of these free programs, more children and youth can participate in City programs and realize the associated health and social benefits of these activities. Please click here for details.

 

Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program -
Info session & Homeowner panel - April 18

The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program provides Ottawa homeowners financing to undertake energy efficiency and carbon-reducing home improvements. Come learn about how the program works and hear from other property owners who have gone through the program about their retrofit experience. This session takes place April 18 from 6:30 to 8 pm on Zoom. Register now

 

Become Rain Ready - Virtual information session on Rain Ready Ottawa and Rebates - April 19

 

At this session you’ll learn about the problems associated with rain fall and stormwater in Ottawa, and how you can be prepared for it. You’ll get expert advice from fusion certified landscapers on the kind of changes you can make to your property to better protect against flooding and erosion, while at same time making better use of rain where it falls. Plus, learn how you may qualify for up to $5,000 in rebates to install rain ready projects such as a rain garden, soakaway pit, permeable pavement, or relocate your downspout. The session takes place April 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Zoom. Register now

Learn how to reduce food waste - April 25

Did you know that reducing food waste is as important for the planet as lowering our meat consumption? It’s time to move away from the limp vegetables and forgotten leftovers at the bottom of your fridge, they’re a thing from the past! From your grocery list to your storing and cooking habits, discover all the easy tricks you can use to waste as little as possible. This participatory workshop gives everyone the opportunity to share their positive successes, while offering the keys to understanding how to reduce food waste, one step at a time. The City's Climate Change and Resiliency Team hosts this workshop in collaboration with Public Works. This session takes place April 25 from 6:30 to 7:45 pm on Zoom. Click here to register.

Nominations are now being accepted for the City of Ottawa's annual Bruce Timmermans Cycling Awards - Deadline to nominate is April 28

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for making a difference for cycling in our city? The City of Ottawa is once again accepting nominations for the Bruce Timmermans cycling awards! Two awards will be presented in May to recognize outstanding contributions to cycling in Ottawa. EnviroCentre is once again coordinating the 2022 awards. All nominations are treated as confidential. The deadline for submissions is April 28, 2023. Click here to nominate an individual or organization you believe deserves recognition! You can find out more about Bruce Timmermans, the awards named for him, and past winners here

Customer satisfaction surveys – Share your feedback by April 30

OC Transpo is participating in two international customer satisfaction surveys provided by The Community of Metros (COMET) and the International Bus Benchmarking Group (IBBG). These surveys are conducted every year by transit agencies around the world. The results provide information that helps transit agencies improve their services. The surveys include questions about reliability, security, ease of use and other service factors. Each takes approximately five minutes to complete. All responses remain anonymous. You are welcome to answer both the train and bus surveys. The surveys will be available until April 30. Please click here for details and for the surveys.

Registration for the City's Cleaning the Capital Campaign - Open until May 31

This is the 30th year of the Cleaning The Capital program! Did you know? Since its start, more than1.4 million volunteers have participated in nearly 30,000 cleanup projects throughout Ottawa and removed more than 1 million kilograms of waste from our public spaces. Want to participate?

Register your cleanup project by May 1 at ottawa.ca/clean.

City of Ottawa Wildlife Strategy Review - Survey open until June 30

The City’s Wildlife Strategy was originally developed in response to human-wildlife conflicts in the rural area of Ottawa, and includes, among other issues, specific information and recommendations on managing human-coyote interactions in both rural and urban settings. The Wildlife Strategy was approved by City Council in late 2013 and has not been reviewed or updated since that time. Human-coyote interactions in urban and suburban settings have continued and now have a higher profile than in 2013. Given that the Wildlife Strategy has not been fully implemented and has been in place for a decade, the City is reviewing the strategy while specifically examining options to address issues with coyotes. The recommended review would determine whether updates or other changes are required to the Wildlife Strategy. Residents are invited to review the existing Wildlife Strategy and provide feedback on its recommendations and implementation. The public is also asked to complete a short survey to help provide insight on the City’s current wildlife practices. The survey will remain open until June 30, 2023. For more details, please visit Engage Ottawa.

 

Get Involved! New Zoning By-law Discussion Papers and Survey 

Consultation on developing a new Zoning By-law is now open with the release of seven Discussion Papers and corresponding surveys on the project’s engagement page. These papers address key issues relating to the implementation of the new Official Plan. The release of these discussion papers is the first chance for the public to consult on the implementation of the recently approved new Official plan through the development of a new Ottawa Zoning By-law. The City welcomes feedback and input from members of the public and will summarize the received responses in an "As We Heard It" report later this year. Consultations on the discussion papers will inform the development of the first draft of the new Zoning By-law. We encourage members of the public to review the discussion papers and share their thoughts and ideas, as their input will play a critical role in shaping the future of our city. The surveys close Friday, July 28.

---

Emergency Services News

➤ When not to call 911

In 2021, the Ottawa Police Service handled 667,000 calls for service and the Service is starting to see an uptick in calls as the city returns to normalcy post-pandemic. It’s an important reason why calls to 911 should be for emergencies only. For reasons why NOT to call 911, please click here.

➤ “Safety first” as warm weather sees more people on our roads
Warm weather means more riders commuting on paths, trails, and roadways. The Ottawa Police Service offers some safety tips for cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists. Click here for details.

➤ Open Air Fire Ban in Place

Ottawa Fire Services has placed a burn ban into effect for the City of Ottawa. All open air fires are prohibited during a ban, including properties that have an Open Air Fire Permit. This ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns, as well as campfires. There will be zero tolerance enforcement during the fire ban as per the Open Air Fire By-law No. 2004-163. Click here for updates.

---

City Council and Committee News

Transportation Master Plan Part 1: Transportation Committee meeting April 17

On April 17, 2023, the City’s Transportation Committee will hold a special public meeting to consider the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update Part 1 report. This report concludes TMP Part 1, including the consultation and work undertaken over the last several years on the Transportation Master Plan policies, prioritization frameworks, and active transportation projects and network maps. Residents can access the most up to date materials through the City’s meeting agendas and minutes portal, where they can also find out how to watch, listen and participate in City committee meetings. The proposed active transportation projects and network maps can also be found on the City’s online mapping portal GeoOttawa (under Cycling > Transportation Master Plan Updated (2023 – Draft). Additional background on the TMP Update can be found on Engage Ottawa.

*****

To stay up to date on Ottawa City Council and Committee news, please click here.