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Residents query plans for roads, transit at budget consultation plan), so we have control over when we complete projects, when we can afford it,” she said. “It’s ambitious.” Knoxdale and Baseline roads in Nepean are among the ones to be resurfaced under the city’s plan. “Baseline is badly in need of asphalt,” Piero said. “I often tell people I don’t get coffee when I am driving on Baseline because by the time I get to where I am going the cup will be empty.” Rideau-Goulbourn Coun. Scott Moffatt said his residents will be pleased with the improvements to Rideau Valley Drive. It will get a $2.6 million facelift, replacing the storm sewers, the road, curbs and sidewalks between Rogers Stevens and Dorack drives. “It’s something that needed to be done,” he said. Gloucester-South Nepean Coun. Steve Desroches said residents are happy to see road improvements and other new infrastructure. “We are going to see five new parks in Ward 22,” he said.
Jennifer McIntosh jennifer.mcintosh@metroland.com
News - Roads and transit were highlighted by residents who turned out at the city’s third public consultation on the 2014 draft budget at Nepean Sportsplex on Oct. 30. Kyle Peori, vice-president of the National Capital Heavy Construction Association, thanked council for its $45-million investment in resurfacing roads and asked if there was an appetite for a bigger tax increase to increase the amount available for road reconstruction. Council is aiming for a 1.9 per cent tax increase, which is the smallest increase in seven years. Peori said topping up the increase to 2.5 per cent would allow for another seven million to be spent on road infrastructure. “That’s about 20 to 30 kilometres of road,” Peori said. Mayor Jim Watson said the target for the tax increase was to match inflation – which is two per cent. “We have spent a record amount on road resurfacing and rebuilding over the last three years,” he said. “I wouldn’t support going a tax increase above inflation.” Barrhaven Coun. Jan Harder echoed the mayor’s comment. “We placed an affordability lens on the TMP (transportation master
TRANSIT
Catherine Gardner, a Bells Corners resident, asked council why her community pass – a discounted OC Transpo for recipients of Ontario Disability Support Program – is going up by 16 per cent, despite the fact
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Road and traffic infrastructure are a major part of the draft 2014 budget, and particularly important for rural and suburban residents who depend on the road network to get around. that transit fare increases average 2.5 per cent. The pass is $35 per month, but users have to top up their fares by $2 if they ride ParaTranspo buses. “The cost of my pass has gone up by 20 per cent since 2012,” she said. Pat Scrimgeour, manager of transit planning for OC Transpo, said the move was to bring the cost of the pass in alignment with the seniors pass. “It’s still the most heavily dis-
counted pass we have,” he said. Gardner also called for a monthly pass to be made available for children between the ages of six and 12. She said she accompanies her young granddaughter on the bus to go to school and other social activities. Being forced to pay per use is costly. “Between her father and I we pay almost $90 per month,” she said.
Scrimgeour said if council directed staff to do so, they could look at a pass for children. He added if a child were taking the bus twice a day, five days a week, the monthly cost will be more than $60. The city’s last public consultation on the budget is set for city hall on Nov. 7. Residents can also provide feedback by emailing budget2014@ ottawa.ca.
BUY YOUR TICKET TODAY… CALL 613.260.2738
ST. PATRICK’S HOME OF OTTAWA FOUNDATION LOTTERY
$55,500 IN CASH PRIZES TO BE WON! Early Bird Draw: Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014 with total cash prizes of $15,000 St. Patrick’s Week Draw: Friday, March 7th, 2014 with total cash prizes of $27,000. You have a chance to win a total of $1,000 or $500 in cash prizes every month from April to December. Proceeds will go towards the purchase of medical equipment, programs and services for our Residents.
St. Patrick’s Week Draw
Early Bird Draw $10,000 & $5,000 Final ticket deadline: January 14, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.
TICKETS
$100 EACH
1st Draw $10,000, 2nd Draw $5,000, 12 Draws of $1,000 each
Final Ticket deadline: February 24th, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.
Early Bird Draw
$10,000 & $5,000
January 22, 2014
St. Patrick’s Week Draw
1st Draw $ 10,000 2nd Draw $ 5,000 12 Draws $ 1,000
March 7, 2014
Monthly Draws
1st Draw $ 1,000 2nd Draw $ 500
April-December. Every second Wednesday
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Provincial License No. 5935 Charity Registration #88897 0399 RR0001
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please contact the Foundation Office at 613.260.2738. Lottery Tickets are available at the Foundation Office at 2865 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 8N5 R0012396773-1107
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Manotick News EMC - Thursday, November 7, 2013
In support of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
LIGHT THE LIGHTS FOR CHEO’S KIDS!
Fairmont Château Laurier presents the 16th annual Trees of Hope in support of CHEO. Get a team together, purchase a tree and join us at the decorating party and lighting celebration on November 25, 2013. Your tree will be on display in the Fairmont Château Laurier throughout the holiday season— helping to raise funds for CHEO’s kids as the public votes on their favourite tree. Trees Are Limited. Visit www.fairmont.com/laurier | www.cheofoundation or contact: Deneen.perrin@fairmont.com | 613-562-7001 /cheotreesofhope
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