Lesley McKay

After a two-week hiatus period, Councillor Gower is connecting with the community to provide news from City Hall and updates on other important issues and events relevant to Stittsville. At the July 15th City Council meeting, members will be addressing the “Transportation and Mobility Strategy and Action Plan” to address the increased traffic expected this fall. He shares information gathered from the July 1st weather that affected many in the West-end of Ottawa, including a handful of flooded basements in Stittsville. The Stittsville Business Association and Postcard Perfect Ltd. are seeking sponsors for the ‘flower basket' project on Stittsville Main – if you or a company would like to support this endeavour, your contribution will be recognized. There are several planning and development updates that the Councillor brings to your attention. City Council approved two commemorative street names for future streets in Stittsville – one for Tysen Lefebvre and another for Collinda Joseph. Stormwater pond maintenance will be taking place at Paul Lindsay Park. Not satisfied with the Hydro One response to the tree cutting on Maple Grove Road, the Councillor continues to pursue the situation. Did you know that Youth Ottawa are holding a municipal election and encourage youth to get involved and run as a candidate? Should you require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Councillor's office at the contact information provided below.

The City is making changes to parking tickets starting on Tuesday, July 28th. A new ticket colour is being introduced and adjusted deadlines to either make an early payment or to request a review will also be new. If you received a parking ticket prior to July 28th, the current rules and timelines still apply.

At its heart, the 10-Minute Play Festival remains true to its original 2021 purpose: to provide a supportive, hands-on learning experience for those new to theatre-making. First-time playwrights are invited to submit original short scripts, while novice directors are given the chance to bring those scripts to life. Each play runs just 10 minutes, making the format perfect for experimentation, collaboration, and creative risk-taking.

July is quickly passing by and weather has been a large part of many conversations, especially the wildfire smoke. This week the Councillor shares information on the outside air quality to keep residents healthy. He also share some upcoming events – the West Side Pride Festival and celebrating Erica Wiebe. He provides a recap of the last Council meeting before their summer break. Did you know that Hydro Ottawa has a new program called GridFlex where residents can receive financial rewards ranging from $75 up to $500 for enrolling. On July 13th, a joint commercial vehicle safety blitz took place along Terry Fox Drive with police officers bringing more than 60 trucks in for inspection. He also shares some safety tips for both drivers and motorcyclists to prevent collisions. And, as always, should you require assistance, reach out to the Councillor's office at the contact information provided below.

(Marion Steele, centre, along with the event volunteer organizers (l-r: Victoria, Pamela, Angus, Marion, Kevin, Christina, and Mia gathered for a

July is the seventh month of the year and as we near the end of this month, Councillor Gower is sharing news, events and more to keep residents up-to-date. As Ottawa celebrates 200 years, the Councillor would like to create a time capsule that reflects Stittsville to be opened 50 years from now. If you have ideas of what should be included, share them by reaching out to Councillor Gower. A planning application has been received by the City to permit the development of an indoor water park, family entertainment centre, 236-room hotel, and restaurant. The Ottawa Police have reminded people several times about “distraction thefts” and the Councillor reminds you again. Two updates about trees have been shared on the Councillor's website for your information. OC Transpo is holding a public information session in the west end on August 25th with General Manager Rick Leary and his team. The in-pond work has been completed, and the pathway is open again at Paul Lindsay pond, but more will be taking place in the fall. The Trans Canada Trail re-gravelling has been postponed until October to protect the turtle population in the area. The Ottawa Humane Society is seeking donations of food to their Emergency Pet Food Bank. As always, should you require assistance, get in touch with the Councillor's office at the contact information provided below.

What makes Stittsville so great? All the various events that take place every weekend.

The Ontario government is investing $12,791,399 million to complete upgrades and repairs at The Ottawa Hospital, Children's Hospital of Eastern

As Stittsville continues to grow, so does the need for accessible healthcare. More families are choosing to call the community home, but for many residents, finding a family doctor or accessing ongoing primary care remains a challenge. That's why healthcare systems across Ontario are increasingly embracing more connected, team-based approaches that make it easier for patients to access the support they need, when they need it.

August has arrived leading to the the bittersweet countdown to autumn and nature's rich harvest – for the first week of August, Councillor Gower is informing residents of upcoming events and community news.