It's time to start working on safer streets in Kitchissippi.
One of the key issues I heard about during the campaign was the prevalence of traffic safety issues in the ward. The ward email box is filled with requests to help with dangerous intersections, very fast/high-volume cut-through traffic on residential streets and near schools, and other issues of pedestrian and cycling safety.
Since nearly the instant I won last fall’s election, pedestrian and cyclist safety has been a constant refrain in the emails and phone calls we’ve gotten. Everyone has a story about an unsafe intersection, a fast street, a dangerous sidewalk.
We’re very close to hiring a coordinator on contract to begin helping us inventory all the problems, but one of the underlying issues I heard over and over at the door was the unsafe speeds at which cars travel in residential neighbourhoods.
Here are the current applications for variances and divisions being heard at the February 18th Committee of Adjustment. Please contact Jeff at Jeff.Leiper@ottawa.ca with any questions or concerns you may have.
One of the common themes that I and other Councillors heard at the door past election was an appetite for greater resident input into shaping the budget. In response, Councillors McKenney, Nussbaum, Fleury, Chernushenko and I have engaged Citizen's Academy to lead an interactive discussion that explores the City's budgeting process. We anticipate that it will help residents identify their priorities, consider trade-offs, and gain awareness into the budget-making process.
Attached is a summary of decisions from the Janunuary 14th Committee of Adjustment hearing. These decisions are in their appeal period until Thursday, February 12th. If you are interested in appealing any of the decisions, the appeal form is available on the Ontario Municipal Board's website at www.omb.gov.on.ca. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the Committee of Adjustment office by email at cofa@ottawa.ca or by calling 613-580-2436.
Don't forget to head out to Laroche Park in Mechanicsville this sunday for their Family Day Sleigh Ride. The festivities start at 10 a.m. with a pancake breakfast ($3) followed by sleigh rides (2 - 4 pm), games and activities for the whole family.
Lots of snow last night! Here's an update on plowing from the core area team.
Salt trucks and plows are continuing to work on priority roads, the road conditions range from slushy to wet with some turn lanes still partially snow covered.
Priority sidewalks have been opened up over night and residential sidewalk plows are clearing their beats now and will continue until they are completed.
The office has been flooded past week-and-a-half or so with notes about snow clearing. While the City is reluctant to clear when it's not absoutely required - it is easily the most expensive component of dealing with snow on our roads and paths - the time had clearly come. A week ago, I spent an hour and a half or so measuring the snowbanks in north Hintonburg, which has particularly narrow streets. Most were well below the minimum of 5m (16 1/2') of space between banks.
From time to time, I'll post a round-up of upcoming housekeeping items: road closures, street work, etc. If you have any questions about any of these, don't hesitate to drop me a line or give me a call.
Ash tree removal – Hampton Park
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has advised that it will be removing around 370 ash trees assessed as a hazard for pedestrians and motorists in Hampton Park. Crews will begin removing the trees between January 27 and February 3, with work taking place from 7 am – 5 pm.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Join Jeff on Sunday and help celebrate winter cycling at the fourth annual Family Winter Bike Parade. It starts at 10:30am at City Hall with an easy 6km group bike ride through Centretown. Arrive back at City Hall for hot chocolate, treats and a panel discussion on Ottawa's winter cycling plans with Jeff, staff other area councillors.
Further details can be found on the Citizens for Safe Cycling website at: