In the coming weeks, we have a couple of public meetings that the City of Ottawa is hosting.  The first is on Thursday, October 29th at the Manotick Arena, beginning at 6:00pm. This meeting is to discuss a proposed plan of subdivision at 1353 Scharfgate Drive, which lies between Mud Creek to the east and First Line Road to the west, and is surrounded by Maple Creek Estates. The address is slightly misleading so please note that this proposal is entirely west of Mud Creek with no connection to the existing Manotick Estates. The proposed development includes an extension of McManus Avenue into 16 privately serviced residential lots and a parkland block.

The second meeting will take place on Thursday, November 5th at the Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre in North Gower, beginning at 6:30pm.  Building on the heads up I provided in last week’s column, this meeting is to outline plans for renewal of the playground at the Alfred Taylor Centre.  The proposed concept plan includes retaining some existing features and replacing the main structure. More details will be available at the meeting.

Lena Avenue & Long Island Road

In recent weeks, I have received a few emails regarding the intersection of Long Island Road & Lena Avenue/Cindy Hill Crescent.  The request was to make the intersection safer for those children who need to walk across the road on their way to school by creating a four way stop.  However, based on the All Way Stop Control criteria utilized by the City of Ottawa, this intersection does not warrant any changes.  Nevertheless, staff did review the intersection and have committed to signing the intersection to indicate a school crossing.  We could also look at a painted crosswalk here in the future but we’ll first see how the new signage may improve the situation.

South River Drive & Van Vliet Road

Shortly after the Van Vliet extension was opened, I asked about the stop sign configuration at South River Drive and Van Vliet Road.  I received little feedback at the time and left the intersection as is.  However, staff have been revisiting this and I am interested in your thoughts on the matter.

Based on City policy, staff could swap the stop signs at the intersection, meaning that South River traffic would now stop whereas Van Vliet traffic would not.  I don’t think that would actually improve the situation and I’d be concerned of increased speeds along Van Vliet if that traffic didn’t have to stop.  What I have asked staff to look at is removing the three way stop at South River & South Island Park in favour of a four way stop at South River & Van Vliet.  Having a three way stop next to a four way stop doesn’t make much sense so swapping the two intersections could work.  Please let me know what you think about this proposal.

Flu Vaccines

Residents can get their flu vaccine at their health care providers’ office or family doctor, participating pharmacies and at Ottawa Public Health community clinics. You can also visit the Ontario flu website (www.ontario.ca/flu) and enter your postal code or address to find the nearest location where you can get your flu vaccine. It is recommended residents contact participating pharmacies to ensure hours of service.

Local access to the flu shot is available at:

• North Gower Pharmacy (2333 Church Street),
  
• Rexall (1160 Beaverwood Road),
  
• Shoppers Drug Mart (5230 Mitch Owens Road) and the
  
• Richmond IDA (6179 Perth Street)
  

Also, Ottawa Public Health will be hosting two community clinics in our area:

Wednesday, October 29th, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
Alfred Taylor Centre 

Thursday, November 12th, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
South Carleton High School

Support for Ontario’s Fruit & Specialty Crop Growers

This winter, Ontario is providing financial support to farmers to better ensure the survival of apples, tender fruit, berries, and specialty crops. Ontario’s cold winter months can cause damage to crops and reduce yields. To help growers manage this risk and ensure a steady, competitive supply of Ontario grown food, the province will share up to 35 per cent of the cost of weather mitigation equipment such as portable or fixed wind machines, heating and air movement devices, insulating devices, overhead irrigation systems, and crop covers. Growers can be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $31,500 per project.

Growers may apply for funding through the Ontario Crop and Soil Improvement Association, which administers the program, and will accept applications at several times over the next couple of years. The first intake is from October 22nd to November 5th, 2015. The range of eligible crops and equipment that are eligible for support was developed in consultation with Ontario Tender Fruit Growers and Ontario Apple Growers.

For more information on this program, please visit ontariosoilcrop.org.

Squash Cystic Fibrosis

The 2nd Annual Squash CF Pumpkin Launch is coming up on Sunday, November 1st.  Come out to the new home of the Richmond Nursery, at the corner of Old Richmond Road and Fallowfield Road, for your chance to launch real pumpkins toward a number of different targets from giant slingshots.  If you hit a target, your name will be entered into a draw to win some great prizes.

Besides the pumpkin launch, the event will consist of fun-filled, family friendly activities such as a kid’s launcher, children’s games, food, entertainment & more.  The fun begins at 10:00am and all proceeds go to the Ottawa Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

ITR Presents On Golden Pond

This November, ITR Theatre Company is presenting On Golden Pond, written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Lynda Daniluk, at the Osgoode Community Centre at 5660 Osgoode Main Street. Regular evening shows are November 13th and 20th. ITR’s fabulous dinner theatres will take place on November 14th and 21st. Matinees will be on November 15th and 22nd at 2:00 with complementary tea and cookies.

Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $50 for the dinner show.  Tickets are now available on-line at itrtheatre.com, by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling 613-800-1165.

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If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or contact me by phone at 613-580-2491.