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MANOR PARK CHRONICLE
SEPTEMBER
2001
Pesticides and the Supreme Court
This past June, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision clarifying the ability of municipalities to regulate the use of pesticides on private property. The result of the Court's decision in the Hudson case meant that the City of Ottawa would appear to have the necessary jurisdiction to control such substances although the control could not be an absolute prohibition. If the municipality wanted to move to restrict the application of pesticides it would have to do so in a way which was consistent with the principle of advancing the interests of the health of the citizens of Ottawa. A by-law which "permits the use of pesticides in certain situations where the use of pesticides is not purely an aesthetic pursuit" would appear to be legitimate as a result of the Court's decision. The Hudson by-law, for instance, allowed for the use of pesticides (as defined in the by-law) inside of a building, for public or private swimming pools, to control or destroy animals which constitute a danger for human beings, to control or destroy plants which constitute a danger for human beings who are allergic to them, for agricultural or horticultural uses provided that notice of schedule of application of the pesticides is given, or a biological pesticide to control or destroy insects which constitute a danger or inconvenience for human beings.
In order for the City of Ottawa to move forward on this issue Council would need to identify resources as part of the coming budget exercise for an adequate and thorough consultation of the larger community in 2002. Potentially, the issue could be resolved in time for the 2003 growing season.
Hemlock Traffic Calming
The road markings which have appeared on Hemlock this spring were a result of concerns of residents on that road that speeds had become unsafe. Last year, staff of the Region's Transportation department examined the situation. There was also more enforcement by the police as well as the use of a portable electronic display of vehicle speeds in an attempt to draw attention of drivers. Various traffic calming proposals were examined in consultation with the community, initially through an ad-hoc committee of residents and finally through a general meeting in October. What is currently in place was proposed by professionals and approved by the community. It should be viewed as a trial. I have received a number of comments, largely from cyclists, that the shift in the centerline is a problem. I have asked staff to provide an assessment of the effectiveness of these changes. The results of that assessment will be shared with the community. The purpose of the exercise, of course, is to make Hemlock and its various intersections safer for everyone. At the moment, the "look and feel" of the road, between St. Laurent and the bends west of Birch, leads drivers to drive well above the posted speed. Simply posting lower speeds probably would not have desired result and introducing stop signs may lead to less safety. The traffic calming measures that have been tried are an attempt to change the "natural" speed of traffic. This is not an exact science. If some design can be found which appears to work it would be the intent to render some of those devices (i.e. the islands) more effective than the simple painted zones through permanent structures.
In the meantime it must be recognized that many of the offending vehicles are being driven by residents of Manor Park. Perhaps if drivers from the community were more aware of the effect which their habits were having on their neighbors some of the problems would disappear.
A Wake-up call to tenants!
Did you know that, if you live in an apartment complex with more than 6 units, you were paying municipal taxes, through your rent, at a rate that was 2.3359 times (that's right, multiply by 2.3359!!) that which is paid by a condominium owner of a similar unit? You probably were not aware of this blatantly unfair aspect of your tax system. This incredibly discriminatory provision has been in place for decades. Did you know that 15% - 20% of rents paid by tenants go directly to pay the landlord's property taxes? Most tenants are not aware since they never see a tax bill from their city. During the budget debate this last May this ratio was reduced very slightly to 2.1780! I moved to start to completely eliminate this unfair system by asking Council to commit to making a similar reduction to this ratio every year until parity with the residential property tax class was achieved. Council decided instead to refer this question to an advisory committee on tax reform. I encourage tenants to lobby Council to incorporate a further reduction in this tax ratio during the upcoming budget debates this fall. You have a clear interest in proposing this as provincial law would require landlords to pass along any reductions in their property taxes to their tenants. I also urge tenants to participate as much as possible in the activities of the committee on tax reform.
Le chemin Montréal change
Autre que la nouvelle édifice appartement au coin du chemin Carson, il y aura maintenant -
Un Centre des soins de longue durée avec 128 lits (2,048,000 $) - L'hôpital Montfort
Ce projet a été l'objet d'une réunion avec la communauté avoisinante le 7 juin. Tous ceux présent à l'assemblée était satisfait d'apprendre que les puits artésiens ne seront pas perturbés en raison de la construction. Le projet ira maintenant de l'avant avec les approbations nécessaires.
Un Foyer pour aînés - 949 chemin Montréal
Le plan d'aménagement pour ce projet a reçu les approbations nécessaires suite a une discussion avec la communauté. La question d'une piste d'accès pour les piétons au coin nord-ouest du site fera partie d'autres discussions avec la communauté cet automne.
You can communicate with me at (please include a telephone number):
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa ON K1P 1J1
Tel: 580-2483, Fax: 580-2523
e-mail: jacques.legendre@city.ottawa.on.ca
Web Site: www.rideaurockcliffe.com
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