Happy Canada Day! This year Canada Day will be celebrated very differently from years gone by. Although we will not be out in large crowds we can still celebrate and be proud of what we have accomplished together these past months to control COVID-19 and protect our family, friends, and neighbours. I want to personally…
Covid-19 has shone a bright light on our greatest strengths and our worst vulnerabilities as a city. Our leadership, our City staff, our front line workers and our community as a whole have all risen to this unprecedented challenge with outstanding skill, creativity, generosity and hard work. I am especially pleased that the most critical…
Have Your Say on Ottawa Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan What Does Community Safety and Well-Being Mean to You? The City of Ottawa is developing its first Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan. This plan will help us all work together toward a safe, healthy and vibrant community. In response to this I am…
The ugly face of racism has dominated our media this week. And although the murder of George Floyd happened in the United States, we are all aware that we have our issues as well. There is lots of work to do here in Canada on equity. Racism expresses itself in unequal job opportunities, racial profiling,…
Problems at Carlingview Manor This week’s report by members of the Canadian military about their experience working in 5 Toronto long term care (LTC) homes with high levels of Covid-19 was horrifying. For years our health care and seniors’ advocates have been trying to tell us about the state of our broken long-term care system.…
This past long weekend we had lovely weather and it was a great opportunity to be outside while still maintaining physical distance from others. The National Capital Commission announced last Thursday that the SJAM Parkway up to Dominion Transit Station would be closed to vehicles. This announcement was a good start in responding to requests…
Last weekend we received the welcome news from the City that residents could have restricted access to the open green space at our City parks to escape from the confines of the indoors and our properties to enjoy some much-needed fresh air and activity. Expanding on this, the Province has announced additional seasonal services and…
As we look ahead to Mother’s Day this Sunday, it’s a perfect time to stop and remember the women in our lives. The Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionally impacted women. They are more highly represented in caregiver roles, both in the family and in the workforce. These days, they are often carrying heavier loads with children…
No to Expanding Urban Boundaries On Monday, May 11th, there will be a special joint meeting of the Planning Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee on our City’s growth management strategy. Up for discussion is whether the City should allow growth by expanding its current urban boundaries, only concentrate growth by intensification within…
I have just learned about an exciting community initiative happening in Brampton and are thinking about trying it out here in Ottawa. This is a great way to get your own fresh produce this summer and help your neighbours at the same time. The Brampton Backyard Program is the brainchild of Brampton City Councillor Doug…