I hope everyone is staying warm, dry, cold or which ever seems appropriate with this all over the map winter. As we move into February, we also get into budget season. While Council normally approves the budget in November, these things get pushed back in an election year. As a result, the budget will be tabled on February 6th. Following the tabling, Councillor George Darouze and I will be hosting a budget consultation meeting on Tuesday, February 12th at 6:00pm at the Osgoode Community Centre. City Finance staff will also be in attendance. If you wish to make comments directly to the City regarding the budget, you can email [email protected].

2019 Town Hall Series

Our town hall meetings are continuing throughout February and into March. Unfortunately, due to weather, we had to postpone our Munster meeting but we will reschedule that as soon as possible. As mentioned previously, the intent of these meetings is to look at what issues are present currently in our communities, what priorities we want to focus on and any other matters that residents feel requires our attention. It is also an opportunity to discuss how best we can improve communication. Each meeting is tailored to the host community. The following meetings are still upcoming.

• February 4th: St. Benedict Elementary School, 7:00pm

• February 6th: Ashton Christ Church, 7:00pm (TO BE RESCHEDULED)

• February 13th: Kars Recreation Centre, 7:00pm

• February 19th: St. Philip’s Parish Hall, 7:00pm (TO BE RESCHEDULED)

• February 26th: Marlborough Community Hall, 7:00pm

• March 5th: Goulbourn Town Hall, 7:00pm

I do want to take a moment to thank those who have come out to our town hall meetings thus far in Country Club Village, Fallowfield Village, Burritt’s Rapids and Manotick. Our North Gower Town Hall is on January 28th. We have had great discussions thus far and we do have some items to work on at the office following these successful meetings.

A Friendly Voice 

Recently, Rural Ottawa South Support Services launched A Friendly Voice; a 24 hour friendly visiting phone line for seniors. A Friendly Voice is possible thanks to a three year Provincial Impact Grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Social isolation and loneliness can lead to serious health concerns, especially as we get older. Sometimes a simple conversation with another person can make a world of difference.  We invite you to share the phone number with others.

The phone line is primarily answered by trained volunteers. If you are interested in becoming part of A Friendly Voice, contact ROSSS at: 613-692-4697 or at [email protected].

Playground Replacement Project

As local residents are aware, the play structure at Chris Bracken Park was vandalized a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, the City is self-insured so the replacement of the structure must come from the regular budget allocation. Having said that, the City is consulting on two options for the replacement of the play equipment proposed for Chris Bracken Park located at 5545 South River Drive in Rideau-Goulbourn Ward 21. The community is invited to provide comments and preference between the two options. Please visit my website for more information.

If you wish to provide comments please send, no later than February 15, 2019 to the Park Planner associated with this file, Renee Proteau. Ms. Proteau can be reached at 613-580-2424 ext. 26967 or
[email protected].

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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.