While the immediate focus is on Dickinson Day weekend, I would like to look ahead to next week’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting. The Thursday, June 7th agenda includes the following items:

• Floodplain Mapping Updates
• Surplus Farm Severance Zoning: 1670 Lockhead Road
• Temporary Zoning Amendment: 4041 Moodie Drive
• Surplus Farm Severance Zoning: 6420 First Line Road

After a few months of busy meetings with the Cranberry Creek, Hard Rock Casino Ottawa, Site Alteration By-Law and the Carlsbad Springs waste recovery facility, this is a fairly light agenda in comparison.

The report on the floodplain mapping recommends approving updates to the zoning by-law to reflect new floodplain mapping conducted by the Conservation Authorities. Lands affected are within the watersheds of Constance Creek, the Ottawa River near Constance Bay, Huntley Creek, Feedmill Creek and the Rideau River between the Ottawa River and Burritt’s Rapids. The temporary zoning amendment for 4041 Moodie Drive will allow Ottawa Fire Services to continue using the City-owned site as a training facility.

As usual, we meet at Ben Franklin Place in the Nepean Council Chambers and our meetings begin at 10:00am.

Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program

The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program (ORCWP) provides funding to landowners and non-profit organizations for projects that protect surface water and groundwater quality.

Grants of up to $15,000 are available for 18 kinds of projects related to nutrient management, soil protection, water management, land stewardship, and education and innovation. 

Farmers from rural and urban Ottawa along with landowners within rural Ottawa are eligible to apply. Approved applicants must complete a 3rd or 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan (farm projects), or Healthy Home Guidebook (non-farm projects). Canadian Organic Certification is also accepted for some farm projects. Non-profit organizations can apply for education and innovation projects.

Applications will be accepted through the Land Owner Resource Centre, which works in partnership with the Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities and the City of Ottawa. 

Contact the Land Owner Resource Centre at 613-692-3571 or toll free at 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1136. Visit www.ottawa.ca/cleanwater to see a full list of eligible projects and to download an application form.

The Big Give

Amidst Dickinson Days weekend, June 2nd is the date of the 2018 Big Give. Every year, churches across the country use this day to bless their neighbourhoods through a unified day of giving.  It is not a garage sale. They are not raising money. Everything is free. It is their way of helping those in need.

This year, Manotick’s newest church, the Manotick Community Church, will be taking part for the third time.  This Saturday, drop by 5492 South River Drive, former Manotick Medical Centre, between 8:00am and 1:00pm.  They will also have free muffins and coffee in the morning and free hot dogs at lunch.  Most importantly, they will have a parking lot FULL of free stuff to choose from.

The Cornerstone Wesleyan Church in North Gower is also participating at their home, 6556 Prince of Wales Drive.

2018 Food Aid Day and Mayor’s Rural Expo

This annual tradition and significant fundraiser takes place this year on Friday, June 1st between 10:00am and 2:00pm at Ottawa City Hall. The event is an opportunity for urban residents to get a taste of rural Ottawa and while they are there, partake in a fundraiser BBQ cooked by THE WORKS.

The cost of the BBQ lunch is $10 and includes a burger, side and drink (debit, credit or cash will be accepted). Music will be provided by New Country 94. As always, the event will also feature the celebrity cow milking competition.

The rural tradeshow, kicking off at 10:00am, features farmers, businesses and organizations promoting unique goods and services. Booths will be located at Marion Dewar Plaza and inside City Hall at Jean Pigott Place.

Last year the event raised $106,000 in support of Food Aid; a program run by the Ottawa Food Bank to purchase and process beef from local farmers. Beef adds nutritious protein to the diets of families requiring this support while boosting the domestic market for cattle.

Doors Open Ottawa

Doors Open Ottawa, a free annual architectural event that celebrates our community’s built heritage, is back! On June 2nd and 3rd, you can explore over 140 unique buildings that have shaped the Ottawa landscape, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, Hydro Ottawa’s new Hydroelectric facility at Chaudière Falls, the Global Centre for Pluralism, and the Bank of Canada.

Local participants include Dickinson House, Watson’s Mill, Rideau Archives, Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and the Goulbourn Museum.

For disability-related accommodation required to participate fully in this event, please contact the City at [email protected] or call 3-1-1. For more information on this event, please visit Ottawa.ca/doorsopen.

North Gower Farmers’ Market

The North Gower Farmers’ Market is now open! You can visit the market at 2397 Roger Stevens Drive between 8:30am and 1:00pm on Saturdays until October 6th. For more details, please visit www.northgowerfarmersmarket.wordpress.com.

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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. For information on Rideau-Goulbourn issues, please visit RideauGoulbourn.ca.