June 1, 1998
Thank you for returning the budget surveys which gave detailed responses on whether to cut or reduce funds to rinks, pools, lifeguards, and numerous other options. The outcome of the budget is that most items which the majority wanted to save were saved, and even items the majority supported cuts to did not ultimately need to be cut. We held to the budget staff had proposed, cut administrative and planning staff, and did not have to proceed to consider the unpopular alternatives.
Two in-depth budget workshops also gave me your opinions on debt, tax increases, budget documentation, performance indicators, and user fees. The majority wanted no new debt and reduction of existing debt; that is how I voted and what Council decided. The majority wanted no increase in spending and no new taxes. That is how I voted and Council agreed. There was a mixed reaction to the increases in user fees, although I felt most could tolerate the increases if youth (individuals and teams) were not affected. That is how I voted, but the majority of Council felt youth teams could tolerate the increases. A group of workshop attendees would like to monitor the City budget process and documents. During the meetings we also agreed upon an acting Chair for the Youth Committee.
I am proud to have been on side with Mayor Watson's strategy to deal with difficult cuts of $17.7 Million this year in a forthright manner. A majority of six Councillors stood together to steer our corporation out of the ugly financial mess we were in. On a personal note, some of my favourite staff members were let go, and the decisions were not easy to make. I expect that things will steadily improve over the next five to ten years as we build up our reserve funds, pay off old debts, and plan our expenditures better. Foreign Affairs is now moving in to rented space at City Hall, we are selling the archives building and relocating those services into empty office space, and the City's corporate sponsorship program is now beginning to pay dividends.
You have a right to know how I voted on matters lately in the news. First, I voted against banning hot dog vendors (and others) and against freezing development of additional restaurants in the By Ward Market. Second, I voted against the motion to ban casinos in Ottawa. I would instead have considered each application on a case by case basis. My reason is that although personally I am against gambling, it is legal and it is everywhere. Our ward is divided on the issue. Third, I supported (no vote required) the site plan approval of the new Saudi Arabian Embassy on Sussex Drive. Local residents disputed the need for a guardhouse and separate residential entrance. It passed on reconsideration.
H.O.P.E. Volleyball Tournament
This year's H.O.P.E. Volleyball Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 11th , 1998. Once again the event promises to be a great success as H.O.P.E. welcomes Mr. Howard Esbin as its newest Executive Director and organizer of the tournament. The theme for 1998 is "H.O.P.E. goes round the world", and will celebrate the earth as our global village. In preparation for the day, I have requested that adjustments be made to parking regulations surrounding Mooney's Bay to accommodate for the expected influx of cars. A special occasion permit has been issued to allow for operation of the beer garden from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Lansdowne Park: Second Series of Consultation Meetings
Following the initial series of public consultations on the future of Lansdowne Park, the second set of open houses have been arranged to provide citizens with the opportunity to review the proponents' detailed plans for its revitalization.
The plan for each meeting is to hold an informal open house followed by presentations by both proponents. The final hour is designated for informal discussions between the public and the proponents. The times and locations are as follows:
Saturday, June 20 Salon A, Lansdowne Park, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 Salon A, Lansdowne Park, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Monday, June 22 Lakeside Gardens, Britannia Park 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23 Westin Hotel, Provinces II Ballroom 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
If you would like to find out more about the process, please contact Howard Williamson at (613) 830-6443.
A recent meeting of residents of the Quinterra-Riverwood development resulted in the formation of a working group to deal with community concerns. The first event planned by this group will be a "Tot-Lot Naming" party, which is tentatively scheduled for June 18, 1998. As its title suggests, the purpose of the party will be to establish a name for the new community play structure. Organizers of the event are hopeful that it will also encourage members of the new development to get involved with issues affecting the neighbourhood.
Proposed New Business Association
I will be working toward forming a new Business Association in the Hunt Club/Riverside area. A previous meeting of area business owners revealed a significant interest in creating an association for this specific part of the ward. In part, the association would facilitate liaising with the Ottawa Airport Authority as it expands over the next few years.
Our very own local high tech company, Cognos Incorporated, deserves
public recognition for the financial support that it has provided to City
recreational programming. A recent launching of the Royal Swans was a beautiful
reminder of the ongoing support Cognos has provided since 1995. Those of
you who attended the Victoria Day Fireworks Gala may not know that Cognos
has also been a contributor to this event. Thank you Cognos for being a
caring neighbour to our community and City!
Mayor Jim Watson, Councillor Karin Howard, Jane Baird, Vice-President Corporate Communications, and three of Ms. Baird's staff in Cognos T-shirts, at Launching of the Royal Swans, Brewer Park, on Wednesday, May 13, 1998.
Commemorative Tree Planting Programme
In light of the extensive damage sustained by our urban forest over the winter, I am forwarding on some information that recently came to my attention with respect to the City's Commemorative Tree Planting Programme. The primary purpose of this programme is to assist an individual or group in honouring the passing of a loved one or person otherwise held in high regard. Upon receipt of a request, staff will work with the applicant(s) to select a species of tree that is hardy to the region and will also assist in choosing an appropriate park in which to plant the tree. A flat granite stone with the person's name etched into it is provided as a marker and is surface mounted into the ground in front of the donated tree. Funds for the tree, stone and all installation costs are to be provided by the applicant(s). Thus, in terms of overall expense, it is important to note that the cost of a large caliper-sized tree and granite stone will generally be around $1,000.00. While the cost of the project could be somewhat decreased by selecting a smaller tree, the chances of the tree's survival may be reduced as smaller trees are frequently targeted by vandals. Questions about this program may be directed to Mr. Grant Peart at (613) 244-5300, ext. 4043.
Molson Breweries has developed a neighbourhood-based program in which Molson supplies funding to community groups and/or members for the purpose of improving or renovating existing recreational facilities. Those interested in accessing this funding source can mail an application to Molson's Toronto office at the following address: 175 Bloor Street East, 16th Floor, North Tower, Toronto, ON, M4W 3S4. You can also contact Molson's via their toll free customer service line at 1-800-MOLSON1. The deadline for summer/fall project submissions is July 1st, 1998.