May 7, 2024, Newsletter

COUNCILLOR’S MESSAGE 

A note about Diane Deans 

We recently learned that former Ottawa City Councillor Diane Deans, who served in that position for an astounding thirty-two years – is in palliative care. Her five-year battle with ovarian cancer had been going well, but recently took a very sharp turn for the worse. Based on what I’ve heard from Council colleagues who are close to Diane Deans, she doesn’t have very long left.  

I never met Councillor Deans, but she made a huge impression on me, nevertheless. I will never forget her tenacity and courage in speaking out about the need for greater transparency and accountability at City Hall, whether when being critical about information being withheld from Council during the LRT procurement (and she was right) or refusing to be bullied or silenced by former Mayor Jim Watson when Ottawa mishandled the Freedom Convoy. Diane Deans fought valiant battles at City Hall and took a lot of political damage because of it. Where many councillors “go along to get along”, Deans had the guts to push back.  

In the coming weeks you will hear about a proposal to re-name the Greenboro Community Centre in her honour, as Deans was instrumental in getting that facility built. I will gladly support that motion.  

Please keep Diane Deans and her family in your thoughts.  

Planning for Ottawa’s growth 

“These residents have no idea what’s coming.” 

I remember another councillor saying this to me during the 2022 election campaign. I won’t say who this councillor was, except to mention that they’re an experienced councillor, and they know what they’re talking about.  

I met this councillor during my election campaign to discuss current municipal issues, and we got onto the subject of housing, and the massive change that was on the horizon. Just over that horizon was a city whose population is projected to increase dramatically over the coming decades. According to the new Official Plan, Ottawa’s population is projected to grow by 40% between now and 2046, from 1,000,000 people, to 1,400,000. According to the province’s own more recent calculation, they’re projecting even larger numbers.  

It’s taken every level of government – federal, provincial and municipal – too long to wake up to the alarm clock that’s been ringing for years. It’s like we kept on rolling over to lazily hit the snooze button, repeatedly. Thankfully, we’re beginning to wake up. All levels of government, along with the private sector, are finally starting to row in the same direction.  

Last week Council received the staff report summarizing the first draft of the new Zoning By-law, which has gone through a comprehensive review. Basically, the Zoning By-law sets the parameters for how land can be used in the City of Ottawa. If the Official Plan lays out the city’s vision for the future, the Zoning By-law is the blueprint. The draft of the Zoning By-law will go public at the end of May, followed by an extensive public consultation process, followed by a second draft of the By-law, which we are aiming to finalize by the end of 2025.  

Many of you will have already heard about many of the major changes that will come with this new Zoning By-law: allowing up to 4 units on a single lot, the removal of parking minimums, or permitting small businesses on residential streets.  

I know that these potential changes will cause anxiety and concern for many residents. And I know that, fundamentally, many people simply don’t like the concept of change. But just because the new By-law allows for change doesn’t mean that your street is going to change overnight, if at all.  

As a resident of this city, and as a parent, I’m more concerned about what happens if we don’t change. Our housing affordability crisis will get much worse, our ability to fund city services will diminish, our infrastructure will not be renewed, and car dependency will increase, along with the pollution and congestion that comes with it. My kids will not be able to afford to live here.  

Two weeks ago, I attended the City Building Summit hosted by the Ottawa Board of Trade. It was an extremely important discussion on Ottawa’s future, the local housing crisis, and the need to revitalize our downtown.  

They keynote speaker at the City Building Summitt was economist Dr. Mike Moffatt, who is one of Canada’s leading experts and advisers on our housing crisis. This was the second conference I’d been to where Dr. Moffatt was the main speaker. For the second time in a year, I heard him mention a fact that should cause us all concern: young Ontarians between the ages of 19 – 35 are leaving the province, because they can’t afford to start families here. To a politician or an economist, that’s a threat to our future economic viability. To a parent of four young kids, it’s sad to think that my kids might not be able to afford to live here. But we can change that. Allowing for the kind of density that’s being recommended in the new Zoning By-law can dramatically increase the availability and affordability of diverse housing options in Ottawa.  

Finally, I was proud to see City Council pass a motion last week to have staff explore the feasibility of a new Anti-Renoviction By-law. I’m also proud of the role I played in getting this action underway, having facilitated a learning exchange between my fellow councillors and housing advocates with Hamilton City Councillor Nrinder Nann, who led that city in becoming Ontario’s first municipality to put in place effective tools to prevent bad faith renovictions.  

Housing and affordability are topics that you’ll see quite frequently in this newsletter over the next several months. Whether it’s laying out more information about the Zoning By-law or catching you up on some exciting initiatives I’ve been quietly working on or bringing you some challenging financial truths about Ottawa’s future infrastructure needs, we need to keep on having these important conversations about the future of our city.  

We can’t hide from our challenges. We need to tackle them, head on, with creativity, transparency and bravery. 

Mooney’s Bay Toboggan Hill 

There was an interesting debate at last week’s Council meeting, addressing the issue of safety at Mooney’s Bay Toboggan Hill. This site had been a popular winter recreation site for decades, and although it’s been officially “closed” by the City of Ottawa for years, residents had continued to use it for tobogganing. Tragically, a young girl was killed when using the hill in 2022. Since then, the hill has been more effectively closed each winter, with two concentric circles of heavy construction fencing barring access to the hill.  

River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington brought a motion to Council last week, seeking to award up to $150,000 for an outside consultant to propose design modifications that could make the hill safer for tobogganing. Councillor Brockington’s motion passed by a razor thin margin of 13 to 12. I was one of the councillors who voted for this motion. I’d like to explain why.  

To be clear, it would cost a lot more than $150,000 to make the hill safer. It will certainly be in the millions of dollars. What we will get from this consultant is a range of options for how we could make the hill safer. And when we get that range of options, Council will decide whether to support any of them. And it could very well be that we decide against any further action.  

But “doing nothing” was not an option for me. At the very least, we owe it to the family of the young girl who died, who insisted that the City not close the hill because of what happened to their daughter.  

Mooney’s Bay Toboggan Hill is a destination used by residents from across Ottawa. It even draws tourists who come to enjoy our winter city. Many residents who live near Mooney’s Bay are from low-income communities who benefit from being close to this site. Tobogganing is a fun, healthy and free activity that should be encouraged. 

If that 13 – 12 vote hadn’t passed, if even one more councillor had not supported this motion, if we had effectively voted to do nothing, then it’s as if the City of Ottawa was willing to say: 

 “We’re fine spending $20,000 every winter to close off this major destination site without even contemplating whether there’s a better way to solve this.”  

In the end, Councillor Brockington’s motion passed when he made an amendment to his motion. Rather than the $150,000 come from the City’s cash-in-lieu of parkland budget – which is money that we collect from developers to go towards park improvements – Brockington offered to split the cost equally between the City’s cash-in-lieu budget and his own cash-in-lieu budget. And so, Councillor Brockington will spend $75,000 from his own ward’s cash-in-lieu fund to help support this study.  

It’s not just people from Councillor Brockington’s ward that use Mooney’s Bay Toboggan Hill. People from across Ottawa use it. I’m sure that families from Ward 9 use it and would use it even more if it were made safer. And so, I’ve offered $7,500 from my Ward 9 cash-in-lieu budget to Councillor Brockington, since I don’t think it’s fair that the cost should be his alone to bear.  

I hope that Ward 9 residents can support my vote on this motion, and my decision to assist in the cost of this study.    

CITY WORKS 

Scam Alert: texts about speeding tickets 

The City of Ottawa is warning residents of recent scam text messages seeking payment for alleged speeding infractions under the City’s Automated Speed Enforcement program. Under the legitimate Speed Enforcement Program, tickets are mailed to the registered plate owner of the vehicle. 

The City does not solicit payments via text messages. 

If you have received this scam text and provided any personal information, please contact the Ottawa Police Service immediately at 613-236-1222. 

Emergency Preparedness Week 

May 5 – 11 is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada, an annual federal initiative that serves as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Week is a chance for residents to ensure that you are prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community in an emergency. This year, the theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.  

As one step in being prepared, check out the Emergency Preparedness Week Toolkit website.  

Hydro Ottawa continues to take a proactive role in building Ottawa’s resiliency against storms and severe weather events. Earlier in April Councillor Devine attended a Hydro Ottawa outreach event focused on the communities of Country Place, Merivale Gardens, The Glens and Tanglewood-Hillsdale. At that event we learned of several infrastructure changes that are coming to these vulnerable communities which we hope will lessen the impact that weather events have on power outages.  

Hydro Ottawa has also published a helpful article with practical reminders about how residents can prepare against future storms. We encourage you to check it out!  

And Councillor Devine is grateful that several Ward 9 community associations have organized their own Emergency Preparedness Week workshops for their residents, involving expert staff from the City of Ottawa. The next such workshop is being hosted by the Manordale-Woodvale Community Association and Craig Henry Community Association on May 8th at 7:00pm, at the Margaret Rywak Community Building (68 Knoxdale Road).  

Parkwood Hills FREE Emergency Preparedness Workshop 

Have you ever wanted to help someone during an emergency but didn’t know what to do? When something happens, the people living closest to us like family, friends, and neighbours are usually the first to help!  

The City of Ottawa, alongside NROCRC and Ottawa Emergency Management is hosting a FREE workshop for people living in Parkwood Hills. The workshop is called “Helping Each Other Before, During, and After Emergencies”, where you can learn about: 

• How to prepare for emergencies to keep yourself safe and well. 
• How you can help. 
• Where to get accurate information. 

Here are the event details:  

• Date & Tine: June 15, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm 
• Location: 1341 Meadowlands Drive in the party room  

Please register by completing NROCRC’s online registration form. For any questions, please email [email protected].  

Ward 9 infrastructure update 

As we embrace the arrival of warmer weather, we can expect to see many infrastructure projects in Ward 9 underway.  Below, you'll find a concise list highlighting some of the projects poised to shape our ward's landscape in the coming months. 

• Grenfell Crescent: The work scheduled for Grenfell is intended to address the most eastern portion that leads onto Woodroffe where the road's deterioration is notably worse. Within the scope of the resurfacing project, the City of Ottawa will be installing sub-drain, an engineering solution to drain water from the base of the road.   We have also received commitment from Public Works and the NCC to work towards alleviating area drainage issues through ditching and improvements to the overland drainage system.  With these improvements, we expect to reduce the water level in the roadside ditches to address the heaving of the pavement.   
• Baseline Road (Zena to Farlane): A small section of Baseline between Zena and Farlane is scheduled to undergo road resurfacing. Timelines are currently unknown.  
• Meadowlands & Fisher: Our office recently became aware of the ongoing water and sewer infrastructure upgrades at the intersection of Fisher and Meadowlands. While these upgrades were initially unexpected, we're pleased to share that they present a unique opportunity for our community. One notable benefit emerging from these improvements is the integration of a protected intersection. This addition promises to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike, fostering a more inclusive and efficient transportation network for all residents.  
• Greenbank & Hunt Club: The design phase of the Greenbank and Hunt Club intersection modifications is set to get underway. The objective is to construct additional eastbound and westbound through lanes at West Hunt Club at Greenbank, including the extension of the eastbound through lane to Knoxdale to improve vehicular level of service. The eastbound bike lane is to be removed from street level and transitioned to a cycle track for the length of the proposed modifications and widening. The westbound bike lane is to be left on road as the MUP along the north side of West Hunt Club providing a separated facility. Surveys are required prior to the start of design and will not be available until later this spring. 

Temporary Traffic Calming update 

We are pleased to inform you that staff are currently undertaking their assessment of resident submissions for calming measures to the City of Ottawa for assessment. While our office will diligently evaluate the recommendation feasibility of each request, it's essential to acknowledge that certain budgetary limitations or policy restrictions may influence our ability to fulfill every submission. However, rest assured that we are committed to distributing resources in a fair and equitable manner across the ward, striving to enhance overall safety and mobility for all residents. 

Merivale Transformer Station construction update 

We wanted to provide Tanglewood-Hillsdale residents with a quick update on the progress of the Merivale Transformer Station Modernization project. In the coming days, Hydro One’s contractors will be mobilizing on site, and then staying on site until the project is completed over the next two years. 

To keep the community informed, Hydro Ottawa has sent out an info brochure to everyone on their project contact list, as well as the Tanglewood Hillsdale Community Association.  

Noise exemption on Woodroffe Avenue 

Our office has recently received a notice of a noise exemption that will be in effect from June 23rd to July 5th. During this period, construction activities along Woodroffe Ave at Fallowfield, and from Claridge to Longfields will generate noise from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The work is scheduled for ten consecutive nights within this timeframe. While we understand the inconvenience this may cause, please bear with us as we work to improve our community's infrastructure. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we strive to minimize disruptions as much as possible. Thank you for your cooperation! 

Woodroffe Avenue watermain repairs 

The final reinstatement works on Woodroffe north of Norice are planned to commence next week. The reinstatement of the final paving and pavement marking is scheduled to start at 6am on Tues May 7th and be completed same day prior to the PM traffic peak. To facilitate the paving and pavement marking, a lane reduction is required on southbound Woodroffe Ave from approximately 150m north of Norice to 50m south of Norice. Cyclists will be detoured to the MUP on the west side of Woodroffe. Paid duty police will direct traffic at Woodroffe and Norice. Below is a markup showing the Woodroffe southbound lane closures at Norice. 

Nepean Sportsplex Scores Energy-Efficient Upgrade 

For more than 50 years, the Nepean Sportsplex has stood as a beacon of athleticism, leisure, and community engagement in Ottawa. Now, it’s poised to become an exemplar of energy efficiency and sustainability, thanks to collaboration between the City of Ottawa and Envari Energy Services, a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. 

In recent years, this partnership has focused on enhancing efficiency, slashing operating costs, and prolonging the lifespan of energy assets within the Sportsplex. This initiative kicked off with a targeted approach to tackle the challenges posed by electric heaters, a significant drain on resources. 

The innovative solutions deployed include a revamp of the ventilation system, replacing ground-level electric heaters with rooftop units that deliver forced air heat. Additionally, the installation of a cutting-edge heat recovery make-up unit in the locker rooms promises not only improved air quality but also a substantial boost in energy efficiency. 

These strides underscore the commitment of both entities to fostering a comfortable and sustainable environment for athletes and visitors alike.    

Rain Ready Ottawa 

On May 1st, the City Council approved a permanent and enhanced program to assist residents in effectively managing precipitation on their properties and mitigating the harmful effects of stormwater runoff.

What's New?

• Upgrade Rebates: Homeowners can now receive up to $5,000 in rebates for upgrading their properties to redirect rainwater and enhance permeability, including the installation of rain gardens and permeable driveways. 
• More Eligible Neighborhoods: Additional neighborhoods are now eligible for rebates, ensuring more residents can benefit from the program. 
• Learning Opportunities: Explore new online and in-person learning sessions to discover how to design rain-friendly landscapes, manage stormwater, and protect watercourses. Sign up for courses today on our online learning platform! 
• Climate Resilience: Ready for Rain Ottawa is crucial to achieving long-term goals for modernizing stormwater management facilities on private residential properties.  
• And More: the permanent program brings relevant changes to assist even more residents in effectively managing precipitation. 

Upcoming Events: 

Various virtual activities in May to learn more about the Ready for Rain Ottawa program: 

• Webinar on Permeable Surfaces: May 8th, 6-7 PM 
• Webinar on Rain Gardens: May 14th, 6-7 PM 
• Program Overview Sessions: May 15th, 12-1 PM & May 21st, 6:30-7:30 PM 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT  

Pop-Up Office Hours: Craig Henry 

Mark your calendars! Your chance to connect with your City Councillor and his team is fast approaching. Join Councillor Devine for Pop-Up Office Hours at the delightful Keepin' It Vegan bakery in Craig Henry on Tuesday, May 28th, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. 

Whether you have burning questions about municipal issues, seek clarity on local policies, or simply want to forge a closer relationship with your elected representative, this informal gathering is the perfect opportunity. And let’s not forget the mouthwatering baked goods – a bonus treat for your taste buds! 

Remember, it's a first-come, first-served affair, so arrive early to ensure you get a chance to chat. While there's no need to RSVP, we'll aim to keep each conversation brief to accommodate everyone interested in participating. 

Volunteer Ottawa Awards 

Is there an individual or organization in your community who deserves a big pat on the back for making Ottawa a happier, healthier, more caring city?  Recognize their volunteer contributions by nominating them for one of Volunteer Ottawa’s seven VOscars Volunteer Awards. Online submission forms are now available on the Volunteer Ottawa website and will be open until June 14. 

Awards for Individuals 

• Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award  
• Outstanding Older Adult Volunteer Award  
• Leadership in Skilled Volunteering Award  
• Mayor’s Award for Volunteer Spirit 

Awards for Organizations 

• Leadership in Corporate Volunteerism Award  
• Pathways to Possibilities Award  
• Outstanding Volunteer Program Award  

The VOscars Awards Gala is the highlight of the year for Ottawa’s volunteers, non-profits and community supporters. This year’s event takes place on Thursday, October 24 at the Preston Event Centre. Three finalists in each category will be announced in August and receive a complimentary ticket to the event including entertainment, a full meal with dessert, and the awards ceremony.            

Watch Volunteer Ottawa’s video, “Ottawa’s Volunteer Connection,” to learn more about how volunteering can make a difference to you and the community! 

Join the OSC's Annual Crossing Guard of the Year Contest! 

It's that time of year again – the Ontario Safety Council's (OSC) annual Crossing Guard of the Year contest is back! This prestigious award recognizes the exceptional dedication and excellence demonstrated by crossing guards in ensuring the safety of our community's children. 

Exciting news this year! The contest isn't limited to Ottawa; it has been expanded to include Brockville and Toronto, broadening the scope of recognition for these everyday heroes. 

Last year's celebration at St. Thomas More School was unforgettable, with Mayor Sutcliffe joining in the Mayoral Proclamation of Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. This year, winners in each city will receive a $500 cash prize, presented during special appreciation events at their respective schools in early June. 

But wait, there's more! Schools with the highest number of votes will also be rewarded with a $300 Canadian Tire gift card. 

Hurry, the contest ends on May 17th, 2024. Good luck to all participants and communities! We'll extend a heartfelt invitation to join us in celebrating once the results are in. Let's honour these unsung heroes together! 

Nepean Sports Wall of Fame is looking for new board directors 

The Nepean Sports Wall of Fame Inc. is seeking skilled and experienced volunteers for its Board of Directors. Established in 1985, the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame recognizes attained excellence and athletic achievement by Nepean athletes and athletic teams at the national and international level of competition.  

Applications will be accepted from candidates with one or more of the following areas of skill and experience: knowledge of and connection to the Nepean sports community and/or business communities; communications/media relations/social media; financial management; event management; fundraising. To find out more click here.  

Community Engagement Update from Hydro Ottawa 

At Hydro Ottawa, community connection is our priority! Through their Community Engagement Program, they contribute to Ottawa's vitality by participating in various city events, supporting ward-specific activities, and fostering meaningful partnerships through sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism. 

• Community Investment: Hydro Ottawa is dedicated to investing in initiatives that align with our Community Investment Program's priority areas, including education, renewable energy, and health. Organizations seeking support can apply for discretionary investment funds on our website. They’ve also set aside funds specifically to support community events organized by members of City Council in 2024. While they can't fund political or religious events, they encourage collaboration with charitable organizations to enhance community impact. 
• Community Forums: Last year's 'Keeping Ottawa Connected' series garnered significant interest, with over 500 attendees engaging in discussions on emergency preparedness, power outage restoration, vegetation management, and safety. Building on this success, they're expanding the series to cover new topics such as electrification, carbon footprint education, and climate adaptation. Starting May 2024, these sessions will be accessible through community associations, fostering long-term relationships and knowledge-sharing. 
• Pole Attachments: Hydro Ottawa understands the importance of communicating with residents and enhancing neighborhood aesthetics. To streamline requests for installing banners or decorative items on utility poles, organizations are asked to complete a customer service work order. Requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that due to increasing volumes, we'll be implementing an installation and removal fee for these services moving forward. 

For more information on these initiatives and how to get involved, visit the Hydro Ottawa or reach out to the Community Relations team at [email protected].  

National Nurses Week 

This year, National Nurses Week takes place from May 6 through May 12. It is a time to acknowledge the meaningful contributions of nurses from around the globe, the country, as well as right here in Ottawa.  

Nurses at Ottawa Public Health are champions for community health. They contribute meaningfully to improving the health and well-being for the residents of Ottawa. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment make them invaluable assets in addressing the underlying determinants of health within communities and promoting health equity. 

This year’s theme, from the Canadian Nurses Association, is Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow. This highlights the role nurses have in directly impacting the lives of individuals through nursing care, compassion, expertise, and advocacy. Nurses shape tomorrow by being innovative and mentoring the next generation of nurses.  

OPH nurses provide mentorship activities and nursing student placements. Through their clinical placements, nursing students learn about the health needs of diverse populations, develop culturally sensitive interventions, and collaborate with community members to promote wellness. 

Furthermore, nurses at OPH are leveraging opportunities for innovation in client care. For example, in partnership with the University of Ottawa, testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections has become more accessible to the residents of Ottawa using the online platform GetaKit. This innovative program connects clients to care through OPH’s Sexual Health Clinic. 

Nurses in the Infectious Disease Program collaborated with epidemiologists and Digital Solutions to develop an innovative solution aimed at digitizing and automating contact tracing operations for potential measles cases. By leveraging technology, nurses are working to improve response times and client engagement. 

In closing, we honour the contributions of nurses at OPH and their achievements in Changing lives, Shaping tomorrow. 

PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY  

New Policing District Model 

Through the 2024 Budget community consultation process, it was identified that greater engagement and visibility of officers in our communities were top priorities. The Ottawa Police Services recognizes that the needs and dynamics of each community vary significantly, whether they're nestled in urban, suburban, or rural landscapes. This understanding underscores the necessity for tailored responses from our police force, ensuring that the unique complexities and challenges of each neighborhood are effectively addressed.   

To address these concerns head-on, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is unveiling its new Community Policing Strategy. This strategy will support the development of the innovative District Deployment Model. The OPS is set to launch this pilot project of its new district policing model this week, as of May 6th.  

This model will see the addition of a fourth "south" police district alongside the existing central, east, and west districts, with individual inspectors assigned to each area. Each district will encompass between five and seven city wards, allowing for a more focused approach to community policing.  The new district inspectors will prioritize access and engagement, providing councillors and community groups with increased opportunities to interact with police personnel. Additionally, the strategy emphasizes improved accountability, transparency, and community partnerships. As part of this initiative, targeted resources will be directed towards addressing specific concerns raised by residents and councillors, such as traffic issues in identified "hot spots" like the ByWard Market and Rideau Street.   

New districts:

• West: Wards 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 23 
• East: Wards 1, 2, 10, 11, 18, and 19 
• Central: Wards 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 
• South: Wards 3, 20, 21, 22, and 24 

It's important to note that this pilot project is just the beginning, with ongoing evaluation and refinement planned to ensure its effectiveness. As we embark on this journey towards enhanced community policing, your feedback and participation are invaluable.  Resident safety and well-being are paramount, and this new approach aims to ensure that residents’ concerns are not just heard but acted upon.  

Respiratory Illness Update 

For the first time in a while, we have good news about the rate of respiratory illness in the city. While all three major respiratory illnesses are still circulating, the flu has been a strong presence over the past few months but finally appears to be trailing off. The rate this week is lower than two weeks ago and appears to be trending down. RSV remains low in the community and COVID-19 is at the lowest levels it has been in quite some time—nearly two years! Keep up the good work of washing your hands, opening windows for fresh air and using filtration and masks when you are gathered with a lot of people in one room. 

Mental Health Week - May 6 -12, 2024 

The week of May 6-12 is also Mental Health Week, a time to raise awareness about mental health to create a culture of understanding and belonging. This year's theme, Compassion Connects, is about the healing power of compassion: a call to be kind to others (and yourself). Reflect on how kindness and compassion positively impact well-being, happiness, and reduce stigma while fostering social connectedness and inclusivity.

A recent study by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) found that 92% of Canadians identify as compassionate. Giving, receiving, and experiencing compassion has proven to be very beneficial to mental health.

This week, and every day, have open and honest conversations with your friends, family and co-workers about how you are really doing. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and authentic helps to build psychological safety and a sense of community. Talking about how you feel with someone you trust and reaching out for professional support are signs of character and strength. This can often open the door for others to share their own challenges and lean into self-compassion.

OPH encourages everyone to show compassion through everyday actions and words. Start by being kind to yourself and extending compassion to others dealing with stress. Join our community activities for Mental Health Week:

• Participate in a LifeSpeak Mental Health Marathon on May 8 in English and May 9 in French.
• Mental Health workshop for parents and caregivers on May 15, hosted by OPH in partnership with Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre. RSVP to [email protected] for details. 
• Take OPH's Stigma: How You Can Impact Change course available on Olearn.Ottawa.ca. 
• Explore Mental Health, Addictions, and Substance Use Health Services and Resources on Ottawa Public Health's website. 
• Watch 1 of the 13 National Standards for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, like Psychological Health and Social Support in the Workplace. 
• Visit CMHA Mental Health Week for additional support. 
• Visit the City’s Wellness Sharepoint site for additionally resources to support your physical and mental well-being.

Remember, a simple act of kindness can make a big difference. 

Private Well Water 

In the last issue of our newsletter, we addressed recent articles which raised questions about whether the Province of Ontario was planning to discontinue the practice of offering free water testing for residents who live on private wells. Since then, our office has raised the question with Ottawa Public Health (OPH), and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), where Councillor Devine sits on the Board of Directors.  

Interestingly, the topic of well water testing was discussed at Queen’s Park on April 22nd. In response to questions about whether the government was discontinuing the free service, Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones stated the following: “We will continue to test the well water in the province of Ontario. We’ve had it for decades. I grew up with it. It is a system that many of us understand the value and importance of in rural Ontario because we lived it every single day. We’re going to continue that process.”  

Our office will continue to monitor this situation through the RVCA and OPH.  

Free Dental Screening 

We're thrilled to annouce that Ottawa Public Health is offering FREE dental screenings at our Nepean Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs! All ages are welcome, and appointments are not required. Simply walk in during the specified dates and times. 

What's included: 

• Complimentary dental screenings 
• Free fluoride varnish applications 
• Enrollments available for Healthy Smiles Ontario (for children) and Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan. 

See the detailed schedule for these free screenings around the Nepean area throughout May below. 

Join us to ensure your smile stays healthy and bright! 

Updates to OPH’s Immunization Support Services 

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is thrilled to announce an expansion of its immunization services! Now offering "virtual" consult services via a dedicated phone line. In addition to in-person care at Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs, parents and families can receive personalized immunization advice over the phone. These changes ensure timely responses to inquiries and tailored guidance on vaccination questions. 

While the Ottawa Publish Health website remains an excellent resource for vaccine information and updating records, Ottawa residents now have the option to speak directly to a nurse for more personalized counseling. 

This dedicated phone line enhances services at Health and Wellness Hubs, addressing concerns like the 40% of under-immunized children in Ottawa, making families and communities susceptible to outbreaks. Our goal is equitable access to immunization, especially for those facing barriers to in-person clinics. 

Launching on May 6, operating Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Access the service by calling 613-580-6744 and following prompts for immunization support. 

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT 

205 Greenbank Road 

The Woodvale Pentacostal Church on Greenbank has submitted an application to proceed with its planned two-storey addition to its existing facility. The new addition would include additional administrative space, a gymnasium, and a children’s theatre. The application has been submitted to site plan control and comments on the application are welcome until May 13, 2024. You can have a look at the plans for the development by visiting the city’s web site. 

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS 

Parenting in Ottawa Drop-ins 

We are delighted to announce that Ottawa Public Health is offering free in-person support through our Parenting in Ottawa (PIO) Drop-Ins! Join for expert guidance from public health nurses on various topics including infant feeding, growth and development, perinatal mental health, and more. No appointments are necessary - simply drop in during the scheduled times! 

What's included: 

• Expert support by public health nurses 
• Guidance on infant feeding, growth and development, perinatal mental health, and more 

See the detailed schedules for the free Parenting in Ottawa (PIO) drop-ins around the Nepean area throughout May below. 

Join us for invaluable support in your parenting journey! 

Compost Sale at Knox United 

JOY Meeting May 16 - The Council on Aging 

Join Arlington Woods and the Council on Aging of Ottawa as they delve into understanding the components of an age-friendly city. Discover how the Council advocates for the well-being of Ottawa's older adults through government advocacy, community collaboration, and senior educational programs. 

Date: May 16, 2024 

Location: Arlington Woods Church 225 McClellan Road Nepean, Ontario 

Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM 

Light refreshments will be served.