Councillor s Column KEEPING YOU INFORMED

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1 Councillor s Column KEEPING YOU INFORMED SHAD QADRI WARD 6 - STITTSVILLE Green Bin Program Update This week, City Council approved a new agreement with Orgaworld Canada that will make it easy for residents to recycle organic waste, keeping it out of landfills. The approved report recommends changes to the City s green bin program that will allow residents to dispose of dog waste and use thin plastic bags (including non-biodegradable bags) as liners for their weekly green bin pickups starting in mid-2019, eliminating the need for special liner bags and reducing odour and pest concerns. This is good news for both dog owners and residents who may find their green bins regularly in need of cleaning from mold/insects. The program would cost an estimated $626,000 each year (or approximately $0.15/household/month). By comparison, a local retailer sells 80 litre green bin liners in a package of 10 for $6.43, and small food waste bags in a package of 10 for $5.83. To address potential odour issues from accepting plastic bags, Orgaworld would invest $3.9 million to upgrade the plant for enhanced service and to improve odour control, and submit a mitigation plan to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and the City. The City would also hire a third-party independent consultant to review the plan. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 1

2 The Green Bin Program has diverted more than 533,000 tonnes of organic waste since 2010, and put it to use as compost and other beneficial products. Under the revised contract, Orgaworld would continue to provide 2,000 tonnes of AA compost each year. The product derived from the organic waste could also be used in fertilizers and soil enhancers and Orgaworld will be starting to look at how to use the plastic bags as fuel for kilns. I would like to emphasize that although the proposed changes will allow residents to use plastic bags to wrap food waste to place in their green bin, the green bin is still not an encouraged alternative to dispose of all plastic bag waste. This is a great step forward to help motivate residents to continue using their green bin to its fullest capacity without the yuck factor and divert organic waste from our landfills. As an aside, the Province is proposing to start banning organics in landfills in I would like to thank residents for providing their input to me since last week regarding this item. Staff have provided a useful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet to help address any additional concerns. Some residents also inquired as to whether this means the City would be investigating other items to be included such as biodegradable single-use coffee pods or Styrofoam. I have been advised that these products provide a different set of challenges for waste reduction. The province mandates the packaging that has to be recycled, and has a program under which producers of that packaging pay 50% of the cost of managing that waste. Styrofoam, for example, is not one of the mandated materials, so there is no funding to help add it to the program. Additionally, for Styrofoam to be recycled, it must be not be contaminated. As the City collects blue box items in one truck, any Styrofoam collected would be contaminated with food waste, broken glass, and have other items crushed into it; making it unmarketable. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 2

3 Women s Bureau at Council At City Council this week, Council approved a motion that will examine having a Council Representative Special Liaison for Women s Issues, and a Women s Bureau, to provide a gender lens on the City s policies and practices. By looking around at the world today, it is incredible to think of just how far gender equality has progressed in the past century and yet just how much farther it must continue to grow before we have a truly inclusive society Strong communities are improved upon by listening to the diverse voices of all of its inhabitants. As such, I was happy to support this motion as we as a City continue to grow into becoming a more inclusive and equitable place to live for all. With that said, I believe it is important that we as a City use this opportunity to not just look at what needs to be done to improve equity and inclusion today but what must be done 20, 30, or 40 years into the future as well. I would like to thank Councillor Deans and Councillor McKenney for putting this motion on the table. Along with all of the hardworking women employed by the City of Ottawa in various departments for their dedication and commitment to promoting gender equality in the workplace. I supported this motion on the grounds that it is worth pursuing. However, with that said, I would ideally like to see the committee grow in the future to also provide a voice for all of Ottawa s unique demographics, including those of another race, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. Results of this work will be included in the governance report. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 3

4 Council Provides Update on its 10-year Plan for Housing and Homelessness and Approves Amendment to the Right-of-Way Patio Bylaw Council received an update on its 10-year plan for housing and homelessness. In the first four years of the plan, more than 100,000 residents have benefitted from housing and support services, delivered by more than 130 community partners. The City has built 364 new affordable and supportive housing units, diverted 1,280 people from emergency shelters and moved 519 single individuals with long shelter stays into permanent housing with supports. The City has made progress in reducing homelessness, with the number of single women accessing emergency shelters reaching its lowest level in the past decade, and the number of youth accessing shelters decreasing for the second year in a row. Ottawa has also seen a decrease in the number of single men who have been homeless for six months or more in the past year, along with a decrease their average length of stay in a shelter. Council also approved an amendment to the Right of Way Patio By-law, which requires patios that encroach on the City s road allowance to have barrier-free access and to leave a clear pathway for pedestrians that is at least two metres wide. With respect to existing patios on sidewalks that are narrower than two metres, or where City infrastructure limits expanding the pedestrian clearway, the by-law will allow some flexibility. The City will also commit $50,000 to move some of that infrastructure, including signs and benches, where possible, to increase the clearway for pedestrians. The City is encouraging patio owners to comply with the by-law when the summer patio season begins on April 1, However, existing patio owners will have until October 31, 2018 to submit applications, with plans for compliant patios, for next summer s patio season. Patios operating during the winter season will need to comply with the by-law by November 1, All patios will have to comply with the by-law by April 1, COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 4

5 IN THE COMMUNITY Jo-Jo s Community Garden Phase 2 I am happy to share after last year s successful launch of the Jo-Jo s Community garden, the facilitators of the garden, Kim Bonin, Cheryl Feild, and Andrew Metz, have officially applied for funding to expand the project to Phase 2. Last year saw 30 in- ground garden plots filled and enjoyed by members of the Stittsville community. Now with Phase 2, 22 additional garden beds are expected to be added over a space of 126 L X 75 W. Based on the interaction with community members last year, the facilitators decided to make the garden more accessible to all members. Stittsville has a large congregation of seniors, and enabling their participation is this year s goal. By creating an Accessibility Garden, there will be 10 new above ground stand-alone garden spaces along with 12 new in-ground gardens. I would like to thank Kim, Cheryl, and Andrew for all of their work in continuing the project this year as well as all of the members of the community who lent their support in making this project a great success. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 5

6 I have been advised that the facilitators are also seeking a Day-care centre to take on a plot. If interested, please contact kimbonin@rogers.com. To learn more, residents are encouraged to visit the Facebook page at Scout & Guides Spring Food Drive 2018 The Uniformed Youth of Stittsville's Scout Group and Guide Units will be going door-to-door over four nights, April 9th-12th, collecting non-perishable food items and/or cash donations for the benefit of The Stittsville Food Bank. The generosity of Stittsville residents is once again being counted on to ensure the success of this Food Drive. The youth should not be knocking/ringing on doors past 8:30 PM, but enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of time keeping. Please put a clear notice on your front door (near the bell) if you don't want to be disturbed and/or leave canned goods outside your door (if you wish). Please bear in mind the above-mentioned enthusiasm of the youth if they miss the sign. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 6

7 10 th Annual Stittsville Appreciation Awards Nominations Open The deadline is fast approaching for nominations for the 10 th Annual Stittsville Appreciation Awards! It s easy to show someone in our community your appreciation whether they be a neighbor, a friend, or even a family member! This is your opportunity to bring their special contributions and achievements to light and recognize the excellence that exists within Stittsville! COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 7

8 2017 Citizen of the Year winner, Barbara Bottreil, joined by myself, Lynn Griffiths, and Mayor Watson at last year's ceremony Nominations must be received by Sunday April 8 th! The Roger Griffiths Memorial Citizen of the Year is awarded to an individual who best exemplifies community involvement and participation. The Senior of the Year is awarded in recognition of a senior citizen who has made a significant and long-standing contribution to our community. The Youth of the Year is presented to an individual who contributes leadership, volunteer service, serves as a peer example, and has overcome personal challenges or responds in an emergency situation. The Business of the Year is awarded to a Stittsville business that has contributed significantly to our quality of life. For further qualifications on these awards, I encourage you to visit my website. Additionally, this year, a special new award has been added to the mix. Nominate someone who works in Stittsville for Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes an outstanding teacher in our community who has helped to make a longstanding impact on the community by leaving a lasting impression on shaping the young minds of Stittsville s future generation. Nominate someone in all five categories or as many as you like! The choice is yours! COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 8

9 Winners will be announced at the Appreciation Awards celebrations, which will be held on Tuesday May 17 th commencing at 7:00pm at the Goulbourn Recreation Complex. Nomination forms will be reviewed by a pre-determined selection committee so remember to be as descript as possible in your nomination and don t leave anything out! Strong applications rely on content so you do not have to be the world s best writer to show someone your appreciation. I encourage everyone to fill out the attached nomination form and it to me at Shad.Qadri@ottawa.ca or print the form for either drop off at my ward office in the Goulbourn Recreation Complex or mailed to 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1J1. Please include a detailed, written submission outlining why you are nominating a particular individual or business. AROUND THE CITY Support Cancer Research with Hair Donation Ottawa On April 15 th, I will be continuing my annual tradition of shaving my hair in support of cancer research with Hair Donation Ottawa. Cancer is a disease which affects all of us; whether directly or indirectly, we all know someone whose life has been permanently altered by this tragic condition. I am proud that this is my seventh year participating in a hair donation campaign in support of various cancer research organizations including CHEO and the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and my fifth with Hair Donation Ottawa. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 9

10 My goal for this year is to raise $500 in support of cancer research; however, as with any charitable institution, I would welcome the idea of surpassing that goal! I would like to invite residents to share their generosity with this excellent campaign by sponsoring my hair donation at I would also like to encourage residents to take this opportunity to start their own campaigns. Every little bit of funding helps to bring Canadians one step closer to preventing cancer from taking another life. The event takes place on Sunday, April 15 th from 9:30-4:30 PM at the Algonquin College Salon and Spa. I would like to thank Helene Hutchings and Perry Pavlovic for all of their hard work in initiating this campaign which has now raised over $475,000 for cancer research and donated 25,000 inches of hair since launching in I would also like to thank the entire community of Stittsville for all of their donations of support over the years in benefit of this charity. Kanata-Carleton Small Business Fair On Saturday, April 21, from 1:30 until 4 PM, residents are invited to stop by the Kanata Recreation Complex (100 Charlie Rogers Pl) for this year s Kanata-Carleton Small Business Fair. This year's theme is "Women Entrepreneurs" and will feature four speakers: COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 10

11 Ihsan Habbal (Owner/Director of The Lunch Lady) Melanie Boudens (Founder/Director of Grow Your Roots Cafe) Stephanie Rainey (Founder/Director of Aqua Life Swim Academy) Natalie Peterman (Owner/Director of PartyMart). The aims of this event are to provide a forum for small businesses and would-be entrepreneurs to: NETWORK with neighbouring businesses COLLABORATE and create business to business connections INSPIRE & GROW their business & clientele The event is free so I encourage all local entrepreneurs and small-business owners to consider checking it out! For more information, please visit Discover TechNATA Career Fair and Tech Expo This week, I was pleased to join Mayor Watson, City Councillors, and Federal and Provincial Officials in attendance at the TechNATA Career Fair and Tech Expo. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 11

12 The event, hosted by the Kanata North Business Association, was well attended with approximately 3000 individuals stopping by to learn about over 80 companies. It was aimed toward resolving the major issue faced by many of the technology firms in Ottawa and Canada, being attracting, recruiting and hiring employees with the requisite skills required to grow in today s demanding ecosystems. The Career Fair, a Tech Expo and Talent Hunt event, also provided local businesses the opportunities to exhibit their products and services and recruit talent. RBR Ltd. was awarded the acknowledgement for best demo of the day. For more information regarding the event, please visit For more from the Kanata North Business Association, please visit World Autism Awareness Day World Autism Awareness Day is fast approaching and Autism Ontario would like to invite all residents to join a special flag raising ceremony at City Hall Tuesday, April 3 rd at 12:00 PM! In 2008, the United Nations first recognized World Autism Awareness Day as a means by which to raise awareness and acceptance about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on a global scale. In Ontario, there are over 135,000 individuals diagnosed with Autism. Autism Ontario helps people on the Autism spectrum, and their families, by advocating on their behalf, providing services, and raising awareness. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 12

13 The Raise the Flag campaign strives to foster a supportive community for individuals and family members of individuals living with ASD. We join together and raise the flag as a symbol of our community s commitment to inclusion for individuals with Autism and their families. I highly encourage residents who may have been affected by ASD or just want to show their support for others affected by ASD to stop by City Hall to enjoy the flag raising. To learn more about the initiative and to show your support, please visit CITY SERVICES Hazardous Waste Depot Schedule 2018 To help you dispose of household hazardous waste safely, the City of Ottawa is running several one-day Household Hazardous Waste depots. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 13

14 Household Hazardous Waste is any corrosive, flammable or poisonous waste. These types of products contaminate water and landfills and should never be poured down the drain or put out with your regular garbage. In providing mobile depots to collect hazardous waste, the City of Ottawa is protecting both the environment and the health and safety of waste collection workers. The mobile depots will complement existing programs administered by retailers to collect specific types of household hazardous waste material on an ongoing basis. Last year, 16,980 participants dropped off 625 tonnes of material at the City s household hazardous waste depots. These participation and material collection rates are consistent with 2016 program rates. Products to be dropped off include: (maximum 100 litres by volume) Aerosol containers Propane cylinders Disinfectants Fluorescent bulbs/tubes Fire extinguishers Fertilizers and pesticides Mercury switches/thermometers Needles and syringes Pharmaceuticals COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 14

15 Paints and coatings Oven and window cleaners Pool chemicals Drop-off dates include: Date Location Address April 29 th 2018 OC Transpo Park and Ride Trim Road May 6 th 2018 Tunney s Pasture Tunney s Pasture June 3 rd 2018 Waste Connections of Canada: 3354 Navan Rd. Navan Waste Recycling and Disposal Facility June 24 th 2018 OC Transpo Park and Ride 3355 Fallowfield Rd. August 19 th 2018 Kanata Research Park 411 Legget Dr. September 16 th 2018 Tunney s Pasture Tunney s Pasture September 30 th 2018 OC Transpo Park and Ride Trim Road October 27 th 2018 Barrhaven Snow Disposal Facility Strandherd Dr. at I encourage all residents to continue supporting sustainable and safe waste management practices and bring any household hazardous waste lying around their homes to one of the depots. CPO Speaker Series: After the Call As Chair of Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO), I would like to invite residents to an upcoming CPO Speaker Series Event happening on April 23 rd. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 15

16 We are all told to make the right call, but how do police make use of this information to stop crime? Find out first-hand from the people taking the calls, and the Crime Analysts sifting through the information you provide! Don t miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at your role in solving crime. The event will take place in Andrew Haydon Hall in City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W) on Monday, April 23 rd from 8:30-11:00 AM. Coffee and information tables at 8:30 am, program starts at 9:00 am The session will be chaired by General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services, Anthony Di Monte, with opening remarks provided by myself. Over the course of the session, you will hear from a group of expert panelists including: Dawn Neilly, Community Police Officer, Ottawa Police Service Nicole Bordeleau, Manager of Ottawa Police Call Centre Jackalyn Getz, Crime Stoppers Melinda Otterspoor, Crime Intelligence Analyst Panellists remarks will be in English only, however, questions will be encouraged in both official languages. Please R.S.V.P. your attendance to Crime Prevention Ottawa at cpo@ottawa.ca or ext Paint it Up! Mural Program Last Week for Applications If there is a wall in your neighbourhood that keeps falling victim to graffiti vandalism, the City of Ottawa and Crime Prevention Ottawa invite you to Paint it Up! Now in its ninth year, the Paint it Up! program offers funding for outdoor mural art projects that support graffiti prevention, youth empowerment, community safety and the beautification of COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 16

17 Ottawa neighbourhoods. The program is one component of the City s Graffiti Management Strategy. Since its inception in 2010, the program has involved more than 1,922 youth, ranging in age from 12 to 22 years, working on 67 projects across the city, supported by an average project grant of $5,000. Outdoor murals have proven to be effective in reducing graffiti vandalism, supporting arts and culture, contributing to economic development and providing youth engagement opportunities. Applications for the 2018 Paint It Up! program are available on the Crime Prevention Ottawa website or by calling The deadline for applications is April 3 at 4 p.m. 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 graffiti. For more information about the Paint it Up! program and how to apply, applicants are encouraged to register for a public information session by calling or ing CPO@Ottawa.ca. Thank you for helping to keep out community looking great! Cleaning the Capital Early Bird Registration Now Open! The time has come once again to organize your teams to help Clean up the Capital. Now in its 25 th year, this city-wide cleaning campaign brings together neighbours, communities and friends to help keep Ottawa clean and green! Last year alone, 75,547 volunteers collected 60,437 kg of litter during 1,259 cleanup events. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 17

18 This is a great opportunity for families and friends to work together on community cleanup projects that help make Ottawa clean, green, graffiti-free and litter-free. GLAD Cleaning the Capital is also an excellent way for high school students to earn their community volunteer hours. Early bird registration is now open for the bi-annual tradition. To participate, simply: Pick your project site, your cleanup date (rain date too!), and time. Promote your project and gather your project team. Be sure to plan ahead for the proper disposal of compost, garbage, recycling, leaf-andyard waste and any other hazardous items you may collect. Early bird registrants are also eligible to win a prize donated by one of the program s generous sponsors so don t delay! The campaign begins April 15 th. To learn more or to register, please visit COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 18

19 Easter activities and schedule changes I would like to take a moment to remind residents of some of the service and schedule changes for Friday, March 30, Good Friday, and Monday, April 2, Easter Monday. For a full schedule of changes, please visit Ottawa.ca. Client services: Ottawa City Hall and all seven Client Service Centres, including the Government Service Centre located at 110 Laurier Avenue West, will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Business will resume as usual on Tuesday, April 3. The City s Contact Centre will be open for urgent matters requiring the City s immediate attention. Call or to speak to a customer service representative. For persons living with a hearing-related disability, call TTY: Garbage, green bin and recycling collection: There will be no curbside green bin, recycling, garbage or bulky item collection on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Good Friday s pick-up will take place on Saturday, March 31 and Easter Monday s pick-up will take place on Tuesday, April 3. In addition, the collection of green bin, recycling materials and garbage will be delayed by one day for the week of April 2. For curbside collection enquiries, refer to the collection calendar tool. Parking: All City of Ottawa parking regulations and restrictions will apply during this time. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 19

20 Transit service: OC Transpo will operate a Sunday schedule on Good Friday. On Easter Monday there will be minor schedule reductions and school routes numbered in the 600s and supplementary school trips will not be in operation. Shopper Route 301 will operate. Call or text plus your four-digit bus stop number for real time schedule information. For more information on holiday schedules and travel planning, visit octranspo.com or phone Para Transpo will operate a holiday service on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Regular scheduled trips are automatically cancelled for these days. Customers may start booking trips one week prior to the holiday by calling On Easter Sunday, regular scheduled trips will not be cancelled. Para Transpo operations: o Customer service ( ) closed o Reservations ( ) open 7 am to 5 pm However, the line remains open until 12:30 am for inquiries and other general information o Cancellation/information/general inquiries ( ) open 6 am to 12:30 am Recreation services: Pools, arenas and fitness centres will be operating on modified schedules on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, including public swimming, fitness, aquafitness and public skating. Additional swimming and skating sessions will be offered at many sites. Please check ottawa.ca or the facility of your choice for details. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 20

21 Happy Easter & Passover! I would like to take a moment to wish all residents a safe and enjoyable Easter and Passover long weekend. I hope that families take this chance to spend some well-deserved quality time together while indulging in some delicious Easter treats, painting colourful Easter eggs, or visiting loved-ones. Looking for some fun activities you and your little ones can hop into? Please click here or here. COUNCILLOR S COLUMN 21