Letters to the Editor
(To send us a letter, click here.
May 2
I am so disappointed in the "Morning Hot Tub" and the station.
I know so many people, from a very wide age range - probably the widest
age rage of listeners in the Nation"s Capital for the No.1 radio
station featuring "top hits".
There is an awful lot of talking on the "Morning Hot Tub"
which had been OK for me til today, but I for one, for all it's worth
think I am going to tune out.
I tuned in this morning when the "Morning Hot Tub" was "apologizing"
for saying earlier that it's not only retards who play some musical
instrument. It was an ultimate low for any radio station in Ottawa,
anywhere. I lived in Europe where somes stations are far less censored,
hence they can also be less sensitive when joking around but that just
sucked what they said this morning. And the "apology" was
worse then the original comment made.
I think you followed up with Justin Timberlake's booking agent, who
spoke truths about Ottawa being a soft market, to cover up the verbal
diarheria.
I hope my nieces and nephews weren't listening this morning as we've
previously discussed being die-hard fans of the show and station. They
would never be mean to other people just because of something said on
your station, but I don't want them hearing that s**t anyway especially
not from Ottawa"s leading radio station.
I tried to forget it all morning, but maybe writing to you about it
will help settle my stomach. I hope others wrote cause I appreciate
the proactive movement and/or action plans that primary, secondary,
high schools, private and public sector businesses are taking towards
eliminating this problem, and that their respective efforts to have
people be civil to one and other didn"t take a hit/set-back
today
Bronwyn Norgaard
June 26
I am a retiree and have worked over forty years. I have contributed
to the Canada Pension Plan all of my working life. A recent news item
caught my eye. It was the Harper Government's plan to reduce the contributions
made by Corporations and workers to C.P.P. This decision is based on
a huge surplus to the C.P.P.
I believe that the logical way to proceed is to up the benifits for
those who have retired. there are millions of canadians who have retired
and their only source of income is the C.P.P and their Old age pension,
these people live below the poverty line. To even suggest that corporations
and those who work and recieve a pay check benifit from this surplus
is just plain wrong. If this government wishes to do the right thing
than lower the income tax where all working people would benefit. But
to deny an increase in C.P.P. benefit to those who need it the most
is morally and ethically wrong.
Laurent Joncas
June 14
My understanding of the CRTC and the functions they serve has been some
what questionable. For years the CRTC has been breaking up the Bell
Canada monopoly to encourage competition. Well I think the CRTC has
missed the boat on some issues.
I live in a rural area. Cable TV is not available. High speed internet
is not available on DSL etc.... Therefore if I want to get quality TV
or Highspeed, I have to go to the wireless comunity. I don't have a
problem with that.
The problem I have is that the wireless comunities are permitted to
have proprietary equipment that must be purchased or rented to allow
us to use their service. I have had to buy and re-buy and re-buy again
equipment because the CRTC does not require that these companies follow
the same hardware standards.
Why is it that my Bell Expressview equipment cannot be used to subscribe
to Star Choice. Why can't my Telus cell phone work on the Bell network.
Why does my Storm wireless internet equipment not work with RipNet?
Lets get some standards put in place so we all don't end up with a basement
full of brand new receivers, phones and modems that can't be used anymore
because the service you used closed its doors or changed their scramble
pattern or went digital or a number of other excuses to make us buy
new hardware.
This is a scam and a racket that needs to be stopped. TALK ABOUT MONOPOLIES.....THIS
TAKES THE CAKE!!!
Harvey
April 11, 2006
Like all other Ottawa sports fans I hope that a new owner is quickly
found for our Renegades. I think that process will be aided by a simple
change that all fans can assist with.
A 'gade' is a swampy area in Florida, filled with nasty reptiles. A
Ren is something that rhythms with Sen, a strong and vibrant Ottawa
sports franchise. Lets change the nickname to Rens, and help save the
team!
Brian Newman
March 15, 2006
Since at least the summer of 2004 I've been in contact with my city
councillor's office ( Herb Kreling ret'd) on the matter of the extremely
noisy sewer grates on the MacKenzie King bridge at Rideau centre station.
In summary, a poor engineering job was done in the first place leaving
the sewer grates loose in the catch basins and as such a substantial
amount of noise is created as the buses drive over them. The noise becomes
intolerable particularly during rush hour as several buses rush over
them. The faster they go, the louder the noise. As a frequent user of
the stop, I find it unreasonable that the City chooses to ignore this
matter especially as everyone tries to figure out how to increase ridership.
Based on stats found on OCTranspo.com, ridership was up .95% in 2004
compared to 2003. Wow, that's an awesome increase. It's all good to
try and come up with ingenious ways to attract riders but I say if you're
not going to resolve current problems such as this one, then why bother?
I strongly encourage you to try and stand at the MacKenzie King stop
2 feet away from the curb during rush hour for more than 20 minutes.
The noise is not only unbearable, it's likely damaging.
I understand that the O-Train expansion is going full steam ahead,
but this doesn't mean that the work on the MacKenzie King cannot and
will not be fixed until the assesment of the project is completed. That
is truly absurd. If they want to save funds, all the City could do is
focus on fixing at least 5 sewer grates per side closest to the stops.
Dave Garand
March 1
City planners have quietly decided that the LRT route is not going to
conform to the Transportation Master Plan which City Council adopted
in 2003. There will be no multi-use pathways alongside in the Riverside
South Community and probably elsewhere.
Where is the priority of cycling and other healthy transportation alternatives?
How can city staff warp the principles of the Transportation Master
Plan and ignore Council wishes? If multi-use pathways aren't "feasible"
in rural areas where there is no development yet, they will never be
"feasible" anywhere.
Multi-use pathways along the LRT will give cyclists and pedestrians
pleasant routes to reach downtown or other communities within Ottawa,
and to easily reach transit stations. They are not just for recreation,
but for commuting and errands.
The paths will also serve as emergency routes for personnel to quickly
reach any LRT accidents and save lives with their equipment.
LRT pathways are as essential as Hunt Club Road, and far cheaper. CIty
planners must correct their plans for the LRT and provide the multi-use
pathways alongside that the Transportation Master Plan specifies.
tOM Trottier
January 27
So the city hasn't gotten much private money to help build the bridge
across the canal. Well, if the Senators can sell the name of their
arena, why can't the City sell the name of the bridge? Then it can
appear in all the photos of the canal that grace our tourist bumf and
every U of O student crossing it will have the name burned in their
minds.
Can't you imagine? The Zelos Bridge? The Belair Network Connection?
The Westin Bridge? The Compusmart Router? The Rogers Bridge?
That's the modern way. The heck with our Victoria Cross heroes. It's
mammon that's important.
tOM Trottier
January 14, 2006
While the private offer of a library site has passed, The City should
continue with public consultations on what kind of central library we
should have. There are important questions to answer:
- what purposes should it serve?
- where should it be to serve Ottawans best?
I have my own views on this.
We certainly need more AV facilities in a public library, more preview
rooms, more reference material, more Ottawa historical material, more
special collections.
With the current system of reserving material over the internet, and
delivering to the most convenient branch, the circulating collection
can be housed anywhere and everywhere in Ottawa. We only need a small
branch near downtown with a reading room, reference room, and reserve
pickup.
I think the Bayview site would be best because it would support a spectacular
building along the Ottawa river, be open to parkland, bike paths, and
at the nexus of the transit system.
This location can be the Yonge and Bloor of Ottawa. It is no accident
that the main Toronto library is a block away from Yonge and Bloor,
the intersection of the main subway lines. Bayview would be minutes
away from anywhere in Ottawa, including both universities.
The Bayview location would bridge the development gap between Westboro
and the downtown. It even has room for parking. We already own the land
We can sell the highly-priced downtown land to help finance the new
library.
The Bayview location allows the library to stand out forever beside
the river rather than be overshadowed by office towers.
Bayiew is the best location.
But I am only one of hundreds of thousands of users who may share my
views or differ.
Ottawa should continue with the consultations. We need more momentum
to finance and construct the library we need. We shouldn't have to wait
decades for our inadequate main branch to be replaced.
Sincerely,
tOM Trottier
December 7
To achieve the Kyoto targets for reducing carbon dioxide production,
we need to greatly encourage cycling, walking, and public transit.
How about a simple and popular policy - Limit transit fares across
Canada to $1/trip or $30/month pass using provincial and federal subsidies.
This would encourage more transit use, which would encourage more routes,
which would encourage more transit use, and so on. It would lure folks
out of their cars, perhaps convince them they don't need a full time
car, and reduce greenhouse gas production and city air pollution.
Reducing road congestion would also reduce the gas spent idling in
traffic and make the remaining motorists happier too.
With increased ridership, the subsidy wouldn't be horrendous. It would
certainly be less than the cost of road acquisition, construction, and
maintenance which is largely a subsidy to motorists.
Limiting transit fares would have an immediate positive effect on the
working poor and students, and make transit a attractive option for
all.
tOM Trottier
November 15, 2005
It is a tragedy that kids were injured and one killed when an SUV
rolled over on the Queensway and two were ejected because they were
riding in the cargo area behind the seats where there were no
seatbelts.
But why were they ejected? Why didn't all doors stay closed to
maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment?
If keeping the doors and hatches closed in an accident is not a
standard for all passenger vehicles, it should be. It would
strengthen the compartment and prevent items or people from being
throwntOM Trottier out to collide with the ground or other
vehicles.
September 28, 2005
The proposed new main library at Champagne and Scott is a pretty good
location. It
could be constructed soon and is on both the transitway and the O-train
line. But it
lacks vision. It is a lacklustre design on a tiny property. Only the
condos and the
parking garage atop will have a view of the river.
We need the new main library to be a showpiece, not an afterthought
tucked away
where no one can see it. The ideal spot is still the Bayview yards,
across the street,
where the space can be landscaped down to the river and cafés
and bookstores
constructed as part of it.
The new main library should have a distinctive design, as the Vancouver
and Toronto
libraries do. It should be a landmark for all the travellers along the
Ottawa River
Parkway, the transitway, and the O-train.
Alas, the proposed library at Champagne and Scott has none of these
attributes.
Let's have a main library that we can be proud of, that serves the
most people in the
best location, that is a place that encourages research and contemplation
and
refreshes its users with a view of nature and the opportunity to walk
outside on the
grass.
tOM Trottier
August 9, 2005
Last weekend there were two news items about police forces in
Ontario. The first said that the one thousand extra police officers
guaranteed in the last election were becoming yet another unfulfilled
Liberal promise. The second item bragged of a police crack down with
over one thousand assorted tickets handed out in some sort of blitz.
Sadly, we have allowed our police forces to ignore crime and become
simply revenue generators for various levels of government. Citizens
should be actually thankful there are less police around.
Take a survey among your friends and neighbours. Ask who has been
the victim of come crime, and then ask if the police were of any help.
Then ask about unfair traffic enforcement.
I'll bet you hear few stories about crime solving and many stories
about unfair traffic ticketing. It's time citizens demanded a change
to that.
The police should be there to protect average citizens, not to harass
them.
Brian Newman
August 18, 2005
The Ottawa City Hall seems to think that the Ottawa Renegades are simply
a cash cow that can be abused at will. They collect a three dollar per
ticket surcharge and collect over priced parking fees from
sports fans, and give nothing in return.
Having a CFL team here makes Ottawa a better city. These government
officials should be doing everything than can to help make the Renegades
successful. Instead they seem intent on turning our proud football stadium
into the Tomb of the Unknown Bureaucrat.
Brian Newman
August 9, 2005
The Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft accused 47% of students
of software piracy because they downloaded commercial software without
paying for it.
Like Adobe Reader?
CAAST jumps to the conclusion that not paying for software is just
wrong, wrong, wrong. After all, CAAST is owned by Microsoft, Apple,
and other software companies. But many software companies encourage
downloading of their software, like Adobe, Sun, Apple (Itunes), even
Microsoft (Internet Explorer) for free, for permanent or trial use.
Other commercial software is available for free, including source code,
like Firefox, GIMP, Linux, and a multitude of accounting and other useful
business packages.
CAAST is lying when they say that this is piracy. Why should we believe
anything CAAST says when they twist and distort the truth like this?
tOM Trottier
July 11, 2005
Is it the Blues Fest or the Hip Hop Fest. Black Eyed Peas defnitely
hopped - but caused a severe case of the blues. Hip Hop and Blues are
NOT one in the same. Friday night in fact was a complete bust as far
as blues were concerned. Waited almost an hour for the Peas to start
then attempted in vain to find anything resembling Blues on the other
stages. Last night I was wowed by the Neville brothers but crammed in
like a sardine on the MBNA stage while yet another hip hop band K-Os
grabbed the main stage. Perhaps the Blues should remember their roots
and stop trying to appeal to Hip Hop group.
Patricia Tremaine
June 30
On behalf of all of us at Aphasia Centre of Ottawa, I would like to
thank you for your generous support at our recent Walk and Talk for
Aphasia fundraiser. Thanks to the assistance of donors like you, the
Centre has now been providing services to adults with aphasia, their
immediate families, and close associates for 15 years.
More than ever, adults with aphasia are seeking our community-based
services to help them and their families adapt to living with aphasia.
The donations we have received will be used to fund ongoing speech and
language therapy, as well as to provide individual and family counselling
programs.
Working in partnership with members and their families, Aphasia Centre
of Ottawa is able to provide a safe, comfortable environment for learning
to live with aphasia in the community.
Thank you so much for helping us meet the challenge.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Olsen B.A., Reg CDAAC
Program Coordinator
Aphasia Centre of Ottawa
June 20
The Copyright Bill introduced today in the House of Commons is a step
into a Brave New World where Big Brother (music publishers) gains many
new rights and citizens lose the rights they have now. If only citizens
had the same lobbying muscle that big corporations have....
But we do outnumber them. Time to put down that iPod and mail or email
your Member of Parliament. Ask where your MP stands on giving new rights
to music publishers. Let them know that their position will matter to
you in the next election.
tOM Trottier
May 30
City staff have just closed Plouffe Park for another season because
they can't grow grass. This is the second year. This means that
local kids won't have soccer fields (this is on Corso Italia!) and
the summer day camps won't have any grass to play on. Local kids
don't have the option of travelling to other parks when their
families don't have cars.
We need some grass by the July! Losing May and June is hard enough.
Closing the park for the whole summer for a second year is an
unacceptable tragedy.
The City must immediately investigate why the grass isn't growing,
fix the problem, and if necessary, lay sod so that our kids have a
place to play soccer, rugby, and other games this summer and fall.
tOM Trottier
May 14
Football fans, and average citizens will owe, again, a huge debt of
gratitude to the Gliebermans for investing in this franchise. Having
a team here makes Ottawa a much better place to live. I wish them every
success, and look forward to the coming season.
Brian Newman
May 13
Have you all noticed the proliferation of newspaper boxes on Ottawa
streets? We certainly have a high literacy rate (or is that litter rate...)
Unfortunately, for those of us not driving SUVs, they obstruct the view
of pedestrians and other cars at corners. Could we please move those
boxes away from the corners? Isn't there some bylaw to prevent this?
tOM Trottier
April 29
I enjoy catching up on what's happening in our city and you seem to
print things that I would otherwise miss, such as this Sunday's high
school concert at Brookfield High School with various extras. Thank
you for this excellent free feature.
Terry Drzemczewska
April 4
I was not, at all impressed with the advertising for a deodorant prior
to viewing "Guess Who" at the Coliseum Theatre in
Ottawa. Fornicating frogs, fornicating people, and some guy eating a
worm!! Not appropriate material for a Saturday Matinee, or, for that
matter any time at the theatre - smut should stay in the X-rated video
stores not on the "family theatre screens"!!
Janet Larocque
February 14
I would just like to congradulate you guys on a great site. This is
now my homepage and will always be. There is everything here that you
could ask for & the best part is that it is very easy to manoeuvre.
Keep up the good work.
Bev Cote
I love the new site redesign! Much easier to read and navigate.
Kelly Compeau
(more about our redesign)
January 6
While i appreaciate Mayor Bobs sympathy to the Tsunami situtation, he
should be reminded that his owes responsibilities to the city of ottawa
taxpayers to maintain costs and continue with the 2005 budget diliberations.
The city has no business to mendle with international conventiions being
the responsibility to the federal governments such as Canada.
The public announcements made are tantamount to media headline grabbing
and political undertones. Should the city continue along such "quasi
federal" headlines then i guess it be best we separate from Canada
and form our own district, such as the District of Columbia (DC) in
the united states and call ourselves the District of Champlain. Maybe
then there will be merit to such international gestures.
But for now, Mayor Bob and the councillors should do what they do best
and thats continue with the 2005 budget and DONT ADD ANY MORE DOLLARS
TO MY TAX BILL. Get rid of the niceties and stick with restoring the
neccesities -the CORE services that this city badly needs.
Secondly, Ottawa has one of the highest refugee ratio per capita in
Canada. Before we go out and bring in more refugees into Ottawa, lets
make sure that they are educated, are qualified to work in our country,
speak in the official language of Canada thats (fluent french or english)
and are not a further burden to our social and financial city resources.
Family members wanting to sponsor a Tsunami person should fortwith tender
a security deposit in the amount of $50,000 to foster support for each
new immigrant applied to.
While I sympathize with the Tsunami situation, this is a federal mandate,
not a municipal one and i for one am getting sick and tired of carrying
the world out of my pocket when i can barely afford to keep my own bills
current.
Dick Davidson
December 6
Your community events reads- Dec. 6 Vigil to
comerate women who have died as a result of male violence- What
is this? Blatent descrimination? It goes on the say for women and children
only!!! More sexist descrimination...It's easy to read between these
lines to see what a bunch of anti-humanitarians these people are, hiding
their gendered acidity behind the mask of decency. Shame on you for
promoting this kind of sham. You ought to know better.
PS. Did you note the Sunday Citizen's headline article on how the majority
of date assaults are committed by girls? Interesting. Peace to ALL.
Roberta
November 23
I disagree. This Grey Cup Party was not Dirty or Slimy.
The CFL partygoers were organized, well mannered and respectful of both
the other team supporters and of local establishments. They walked in
soldier ant formation, each smiling and jabbin their opoponents, each
on their side of the street.
That's Toronto on the East side of Bank, BC on the west side, and the
politically correct ( i dunno which team to support) crowd in the middle.
Remember its the Grey Cup. This was a Canadian Party. A form of healing
between the two ends of Canada, a sort of lets hug later but first lets
beat the heck out of each other now. The smell of beer breath, the aroma
of a hot butter on popcorn, a whiff of a hot dog and the occasional
customary compliment, a BURP.
No it was not dirty or slimy, it was CLEAN.
Hats off to Capital Security, the Paramedics, the Swat Team, and the
Ottawa Police who through their physical presence, video monitoring,
and entrance bag checking and body searches ensured that this prime
event went unscathed, without problems.
Hats off to Brad Watters and the Ottawa Renegades team and the volunteers
for organizing this 92 Grey Cup marvelous event.
Hats off to the city of Ottawa traffic administration , the parking
control officers, and the councillors for letting this venue proceed
with no policital overtones.
And finally Hats off to the City inspector who finally approved the
east and west side temporary stands. That was a cool bluff, who says
Ottawa is boring.
Now lets go count our money, and the taxes we collected too.
Dick Davidson
November 10
The proposed new Ontario law to make helmets mandatory for adult cyclists
is wrong. Cycling is a very safe activity on the road, safer than the
same time spent in a car or even walking along the street.
Helmets are good. They protect your brain in the unlikely event you
have a spill. They can hold bold fluorescent and reflective tape. But
they are the gilding on the lily of safe cycling.
The big danger is that _requiring_ helmets will either scare people
or make it less convenient for many to cycle. Reduced numbers of cyclists
makes the road a more hazardous place. What will keep cycling safe is
to have lots of cyclists on the road, so that drivers are always expecting
them, and so cyclists get lots of practice.
Making helmets mandatory for adult cyclists will result in more deaths,
not less, as ex-cyclists get more rotund and die off with heart attacks
or diabetes or car accidents.
tOM Trottier
November 8
Have lost contact with my sister believed to be living in Ottawa - Jandy
Hopkinson. May be married, do not know new name. Please contact your
brother Robert. Would love to hear from her after all these years. hopkinson02@fsnet.co.uk
Robert Hopkinson
October 18
On the environment issue. I recently returned to Ottawa after living
in most of the major cities across Canada. It was the summertime and
I wanted to go swimming. The Ottawa River was out of the question and
there was not one saltwater chlorinated pool here.
In Calgary out of 20 community pools 18 were saltwater. There is also
other alternatives to chlorine. Ozonated water is another way to go.
After checking, I was told it was the law to use chlorine,by the way
those laws will be changing in 2005. I will not go into the health damaging
health effects of chlorine here.
I was also told that 10 years ago they tried a salt water clorinated
pool but it caused problems with the pipes. The technology has changed
and the salt water does have to be monitored correctly exactly like
clorine. Why is Ottawa the last place to make positive effectual changes
that help people with regard to their health and the environment.
There is another issue that I would like to speak on which is indoor
air quality. When I moved back to Ottawa the first thing that I did
was put together a forum on Indoor Air Quality with five speakers, I
did this for the people. Its nice that these issues are all political
ones but should that not make them move faster instead of slower when
it come to the wellbeing of all those living in Ottawa the Capital of
Canada.
Should Ottawa not be setting the example instead of being last to make
positive changes?
Sandra Waserman
September 26
It's unfortunate the previous commentor didn't
try to answer the question he raised himself about the "cry wolf"
tactics of many green groups (and, unfortunately, several otherwise
good scientists who confuse science with advocacy.) I believe these
folks have used up their grace with the public and we will all now pay
a price for that by ignoring serious environmental problems when they
do come along.
Having read Lomborg's book from cover to cover, it was hard to argue
with nearly anything he stated. Mostly he simply looked up facts and
applied a logic to them he lays out in the first chapter of his book:
Is a problem getting worse or better using available data (all of the
data - and ignoring hyperbole)? What is the scale of a problem (global
or local)? What are the long-term trends (rather than, say, two select
points - a fovorite tactic of the Worldwatch Institute)? How is it important
(in the scheme of liklihoods - hazard vs. risk)?
This is what leads Lomborg to challenge the Kyoto Protocol recommendations.
Unless his views have changed in the past few years, he does not dispute
anthropogenic global warming; only that the cost of this proposed solution
far outweighs the likely benefits. It's worth a read.
I'm very fascinated by people's reaction to the Copenhagen Consensus
as well. It's apparently hard to criticize what this group of economists
came up with directly so you instead hear generic criticisms of Lomborg
or the process they followed. You'd think this was an election!
Bruce Higgins
September 22
With the Ontario Rent Increase Ceiling for 2005 set at 1.5%, the Quebec
Rent Increase BETWEEN 1.2 and 2%, the Canada Inflation rate at 1.9%
as at August 2004.
the Ottawa inflation rate at 1.6% (Toronto 1.3%) and Ontario inflation
rate at 1.5%
WHERE ARE YOU GUYS GETTING EIGHT PERCENT INCREASE IN TAXES FOR 2005?
Thanks to the city, this city will regain is historic name BYE TOWN!
An eight percent tax increase will place fixed income property owners
on the street, increase Ottawa city inflation by passing on this tax
to the consumers and SLUM Landlords who will limit expenses to the RENTAL
GUIDELINES OF 1.5%.
Dick Davidson
August 25
Picture for a second your Grandmother getting upset over some local
problem, and joining other citizens to demand a solution. For whatever
reason the powers that be ignore the issue, and so those involved hold
a non violent sit in protest. Like Gandhi they simply draw attention
to the problem.Police are called. Would you not expect that your Grandmother
be treated with the respect she deserves? Would you not demand that
the police be gentle with those who they promise to serve?
Under Ottawa Police protocol the use of Tazer's is authorized against
non violent protesters who passively resist their protest being broken
up. People like your Grandmother. People like Gandhi.
Brian Newman
August 24
Boy oh boy oh boy. How we bilingual healthy and multicultural Canadians
have spoiled our federal servants to the point where they actually think
they deserve a raise. A raise, arghhhh...
Why these clerical elites think they are omnipotent from todays economic
conditions simply astounds me. I thnk i can speak for some private sector
grungies who can recount stories of
- long waits in line while the chatter of how the weekend was can be
heard in the background behind the dividers,
- countless "i am away till the week of the .... on training"
- tanted with "i am away till monday ..... on personal leave"
- wolfgangs piano concerto no 8, in an endless loop
- press 1 for this and 9 for that..... sorry that message box is full.
- enter the first three digits of the last name and the first digit
of the first name (huh????)
- better yet (if you know the extension, enter it now....) (IEIUFHEU$####)
- etc etc and etc.
The FACTS ARE
- the Ontario CPI has risen ONLY 1.6 % in the past 12 months. ca alors
1.75 cest REASONABLE nest pas?
- business is gearing for a slowdown in the economy and layoffs are
just around the corner.
- small business is finding it tougher to compete for the buck!
PSAC members should come to realization that in todays tough economic
times a 1.75%, 1.5 and 1.5 is reasonable considering that their wages
when compared to private sector equivalents run 20 - 40% higher. Obviously
this wage gap between private and public is excessive. The marginal
utility has reached a diminishing return.
If PSAC members are unhappy about their present compensation, then perhaps
time has come for them to seek new employment. Certainly there is no
end to the private sector employees who will apply for their postings.
Perhaps the government should consider doing what the private sector
companies are forced to do to compete. OUTSOURCE clerical work to third
world countires such as India, Pakistan, and Mexico.
Perhaps then maybe our telephone calls might be answered.
Dick Davidson
August 19
It seems that the City’s ‘brilliant’ idea of stopping
the collection of yard waste has turned into the predicted disaster.
Some people are dropping their entire garbage at the various collection
sites, particularly the Ray Friel Centre, as reported in an article
by Fred Sherwin, Orléans Online August 19, 2004. He
wrote: “Mixed in with the yard waste were several used tires,
a propane tank, a bar fridge, a television set and used oil and paint.”
Not all people follow rules and care about safety or the environment.
Some will take advantage of any situation. It’s naïve to
assume everyone is a good person. Some are very irresponsible.
And the amount of garbage is increasing. Now the city has to ‘police’
the area and pay the cost of hauling extra garbage away. “Jellett
now estimates the cost will more than triple by the time it's all said
and done.”
The situation has become a dangerous health and fire hazard. There
has already been one small fire at a site. Wait until the leaves are
dry. We can have a big city bonfire when that happens.
Take a look at the Quebec disaster film “City on Fire”
(1979). It was shot in Montreal. In the film the corrupt mayor allows
an oil refinery to be built smack dab in the centre of town. A disgruntled
employee who is fired takes revenge and opens the storage pipes. Vandalism
leads to a fire that quickly spreads throughout the city. The center
of the story is a poorly built and equipped hospital constructed during
the mayor’s crooked administration.
It’s time for this fiasco to stop. The City must immediately
have a special meeting to reinstall the collection of yard waste. Ottawa
is headed for disaster.
Lois Siegel, Orleans
August 19
Keep up the good work... I like this website and use it a lot! Thanks,
Andre.
I just love the Ottawa Start.com. My brother has it as his home page
but for some reason, I can't use it as my homepage. Maybe I am doing
something wrong. Thank you, Suzanne.
For help setting up your home page, please click
here.
August 10
OttawaStart sent out a severe weather warning via our e-mail
newsletter, and here are some of your responses:
- Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Several coworkers were
able to call home and inform their kids to get inside and downstairs.
Without your warning we wouldn't be any the wiser as to what is going
on outside. As always, good job guys! Lori.
- Wow! What great service! We were just wondering if we should cancel
our baseball game out in the east end! Thanks! Rosi.
August 10
I was in Orleans, on my way back from Hawkesbury to my home in Greely
after visiting a psychic, (She didn't predict that at all) ... when
I realized the power was out and my cell phone didn't work.
Anyhow, my kids were at the Baxter Conservation Camp out in Kars, for
their sleep over, and I was worried considering the phones were not
working and they wouldn't be able to get in touch with me if needed,
so out I drove. When I got their everyone ready was ready to settle
into their TENTS and enjoy the wonderful evening out under the stars!
The camp instructors informed me, with a large smile, "we run off
solar power"!!
My kids were just fine!!
Lana Thomas
More stories about the power
outage...
August 5
It is about time that I find a
site that list all the movies playing in the Ottawa region. Execellent
job on this listing ..thank you.
Charlie Alswiti
July 28
Kool and Xfm gone...not too Kool !! I'm from Hamilton and frequently
tune in to Ottawa radio from time to time via the internet in light
of the fact that Hamilton doesn't have much of a market here.
Our only good station is a 'Bear' like station and if not that, it's
either Niagara Falls/Buffalo with ALOT of good variety but too much
static or simply Hogtown Toronto with it's obvious fair share of good
radio as well...gotta love the Edge :D But the fact Ottawa had a real
good variety of radio...or at least I had thought it did was simply
grand !!
But Mr.Rogers had to pull the plug out of Kool FM which got me started
listening to Ottawa radio then when I found out kick ass Xfm was around...I
thought I could look no further for awesome variety. Now that both Kool
and X are gone, I minus well listen to good old static again. It's amazing
what 2 dumbass moves do to your listenership.
Bring back the X !!!
Drew
August 1
I think there should be a radio station for kids in Ottawa. Like New
York, they have Radio Disney. I don't think that kids have any music
to listen to on the radio.
Ashley
July 26
OC website has an announcement of the various September route changes.
Not just budget cuts and TransPlan changes, but a big announcement
is the
break-up of route 97. New route 96 is Kanata/Stittsville to Hurdman
(but
taking a faster route between Bayshore and Lincoln Fields - via Queensway
rather than Richmond/Carling). The existing route 97 will stop at Bayshore
in the west, but is otherwise like today's route 97.
Some peak period afternoon routes will no longer leave through the
downtown, but from Hurdman instead. The idea is to take any bus up to
Hurdman to transfer to the other routes.
Details, including new September route map, available on octranspo.com
David Liebold
July 20
Today was an exciting day. I'm a lucky ducky. A friend of mine, Tom
Robertson, drove in from Montreal with his van. He took me to Navan.
We visited the Waste Services Inc. (WSI) for the first time. The NEW
RO was there, and the guy at the little hut in the window said that
all the news crews had been there. He said he was getting lots of complaints
about leaf and yard waste. He also said lots of people had been coming
to deposit their bags.
I had 12 bags of leaf and yard waste that had been clogging my garage.
Don't even think of putting a car in there. The Godzillas of yard waste
have taken over.
We were told to follow the compost signs down a dusty road. It was quite
amazing passing the mountains of appliances packed high to the sky,
and then there was the sign "Contaminated Soil." I wondered
what that meant.
Tom and I unloaded our bags, and he snapped a photo of me. (see below)
I was quite happy to get rid of my yard waste and gave all the bags
a little hug goodbye.
But then I thought about the 82-year-old lady who said she didn't have
a car - what was she to do about her yard waste. She didn't want to
bother her neighbors to cart it away for her. Will one of the city councillors
offer to pay for a cab so that she can benefit from the same service
I've received or will this new system remain two-tier...for the haves
and have-nots.
Why are we paying taxes for the honor of transporting our own yard waste?
And what will I do when my friend Tom, 6 feet tall, drives back to Montreal
and can't help me (I'm 4' 11 short and shrinking), cart my heavy yard
waste away in his big van?
And how about the yard waste that gets all wet. One of my bags exploded
as I was lifting it onto the pile. It was soggy and had given up the
fight. Will the City of Ottawa pay for a car wash?
The complete pick up serrvice should be reinstated. The original pick
up dates, I assume,were there because that's how often residents required
this service.
Someone isn't thinking clearly...someone who has the luxury of taking
off from City Hall before a vote is taken. Someone who is not living
up to his responsibilities. Someone who makes excuses as to why they
couldn't stay for the vote. I'll bet people who work in high tech or
medicine can't tell their boss they need to babysit and can't stay to
work late at night.
It's not too late to call a mistrial and re-vote.
—Lois Siegel
July 19
Excellent photo essay. I started just randomly clicking on pictures,
but soon realized the value in starting at #1 and using the (handy)
Next button. The story unfolded wonderfully. Thanks !
—Jim
June 29
Trains kill on level train crossings without signals. Maurice Murphy
is now dead.
Can't we have STOP signs instead of "restricted visibility"
signs?
People need to get used to stopping and looking.
—tOM Trottier
June 25
I have a question I thought might be answered via your website.
In the US, it's common to find coin counters in grocery stores. However
I've not been able to find a place here in Ottawa where I can pay a
small fee to get that change that accumulates in the mug on my dresser
counted up.
Does anyone know of such a service existing locally, and if so, why
don't we have this available to us?
Thanks!
—Hilary
June 23
This is getting a little excessive. Looking through some classified
ads I came across an ad for sales for a new radio station in Ottawa
called the Fox. What a surprise, yet another classic rock station in
the Ottawa area. Now we are up to six of these stations, including Chez,
The Bear, Kiss, Bob fm, Jack fm, and now the Fox. Isn't this a little
over saturated? I don't mind listening to classic rock, but a little
variety for the Ottawa Valley please. Why not have a Jazz station, a
Blues station, an alternative station or anything else.
Thank god for CD players for cars, otherwise I would have nothing to
listen to.
—Dan Kipin
June 21
So, we are all done with defusion. We have had our say, right? Well,
sort of....
The results from all across the province are clear: People are not
happy with the new cities. The only reason more of us are not preparing
to separate this morning is because of the double majority we needed
to actualy make defusion a reality.
Bill 9 was a farce from the start. It was designed to make us believe
we would have our say, without effecting any real change in the end.
After reveiwing the bill as it was passed in the Quebec Assembly, I
sent an email to my MNA telling her that the bill had no teeth (I never
got a reply).
Mayor Ducharme said the demerger vote was "a knife in Gatineau's
back": The only thing that got the knive in this process was democracy.
Some may say I am a sore looser but how many politicians would agree
to the terms we had to follow with this vote and this issue? Mr. Charest
himself was elected Premier of Quebec with less of a percentage than
we had to achieve to defuse from Gatineau. Did he stand up and say,
"Not enough people voted for me so I don't feel right taking the
job"? No he did not.
I challenge any politician to stand up and change the rules making
the same conditions as the defusion vote apply to their own upcoming
election campaigns: That goes for all the Municipal, Provincial and
Federal politicians.
Maybe I will send a letter to the Prime Minister, the Premier and the
Mayor saying something like this: "If you are elected with a majority
of the votes, and more than 35% of those who vote support you, and the
moom is full, and it is the summer equinox, and it is not raining, I
will acknowlegde that you are the legitimate leader, and I will agree
to send you my hard-earned tax dollars."
None of them would agree to that because they know they could never
achieve those kinds of numbers.
Democracy, or hosery? You decide.
—John Adam
June 2
The government running for re-election is hiding a serious mistake.
They are hiding the fact that Health Canada once knew enough to act
to protect persons with environmental sensitivities, in their facilities
and in the health care system, and had started to encourage doing so
for reasons of law based on a long history that includes clinical methods.
The government has eclipsed its obligation to protect persons with sensitivities,
especially those who are undiagnosed, behind controversy about supposedly
new health problems. The people who were to have been protected have
not been protected, but are instead being caused preventable harm. Read
more...
—Chris Brown
May 30
As I understand it, the main reason we are not recycling some plastic
types is the cost of sorting. Could we not avoid most of this cost by
having the consumer do the sorting? We could then have our plastics
pickups vary, week by week, for example
Week1 - paper
Week2 - Type 1 - PET
Week3 - paper
Week4 - Type 2 - HDPE
Week5 - paper
Week6 - Type 3 - PVC
Week 7 - paper
Week8 - Type 4 - LDPE
Week9 - paper
Week10 - Type 5 - Polypropylene
Week11 - paper
Week12 - Type 6 - Polystyrene
Week 13 - paper
We could supply at cost labelled bins to aid sorting in one's house
or
apartment. This may even save the current sorting we do between types
1
and 2.
I realise that this may be simplistic. Perhaps some types can be sorted
between automatically, and therefore collected together. Perhaps some
types are far more common, and need more frequent pickups.
Yes, this will require some effort by citizens, and perhaps some
initial, and perhaps continuing manual overview, either at pickup, or
later, but lazy or blind citizens could still toss plastics into their
garbage pickup.
There are great advantages. We will reduce wastage of material, lessen
our need of imported oil, and help our out balance of payments. We will
extend the life of our dump. We will not leave a legacy of
nonbiodegradable garbage.
We will be a good example to our children.
—tOM Trottier
May 22
I would like to thank Alcatel, the NCC, and volunteers for closing the
Parkway on summer Sunday Bikeday mornings. It is a great encouragement
to families to get out in the open air and bike on wide empty roads.
Unfortunately, the Ottawa River Parkway remains open to cars from
Portage to Island Park drive. Why not close the section from Island
Park to near Preston, where the bike path diverges?
This would avoid the construction area, while opening the Parkway for
several more kilometres along the river near the homes of hundreds of
thousands more people. At the Portage bridge intersection, signs could
forbid all car traffic. This would also benefit the construction
people, as cars wouldn't interfere with construction trucks on the
Parkway.
Let's open the Parkway as much as possible to bikes!
—tOM Trottier
May
21
You have no idea how happy I am to have found your website. I've been
searching for a local gardening site for over a week and finally found
yours using the Google.ca search engine. You are item 30 of approximately
850,000.
I love your site. Very professional looking. Keep up the excellent
work!
—Danielle
May
21
A friend of mine, who had been full of complaints about the past government,
summed up his response to the huge McGuinty tax increase. He said: 'We
were better off, when we were worse off!"
—Brian Newman
May
17
I would like to applaud our federal and provincial governments for the
vision of quick, quiet, electric trains providing rapid service across
Ottawa, even if it is electioneering. Light rail transit will take the
load off our highways and streets and serve all citizens while making
our air cleaner.
I only hope the downtown line burrows through the limestone rather
than
going along our streets or over them. Perhaps we can take a tip from
the Montréal subway and use gravity to both slow and accelerate
the
trains comfortably.
With the expanded transit terminal at Bayview, a nearby location would
be an ideal place to locate our new Main Library. With access to train,
buses, and bike paths, a great view of the Ottawa River, and proximity
to the new dense housing development on LeBreton flats, this would be
an ideal location for a big new main library that all citizens can use!
I'm glad we're now thinking big, thinking of a great city for all its
citizens.
—tOM Trottier
May 13
MURDER in Canada is OK if you happen to be drunk and driving a vehicle.
The Canadian parliament has stated this time and time again by voting
down legislation that would help to rid the population of drunk drivers.
This week it was a 12 year old boy. Next week it could be your child
mangled by this Government's laws.
AND, I bet the Gov't LOVES the high gas prices... They collect taxes
on taxes for gas - it must be a real money maker everytime the price
goes up. Surprisingly, I am in favour of this. I don't use a lot of
gas , and chuckle at the poor saps that do. Hey ,they could have bought
a 4 cylinder 1600 cc engine driven car instead of the gas guzzling van
or suv...right ?
So, I see we are putting in a new Federal monolith medical centre in
...WINNIPEG??? Yeah, I wonder who is the sitting politician in that
riding. (guess he knows where the bodies are buried) Talk about corruption.
That's as bad sending all our income tax forms to? Shawingigan??
I still have faith in Mr Paul Martin. Anyone could see that he was
hamstung by Chretien before he ever got to office. Message to Mr Martin-we
all suspect that cretian bled the coffers illegally and immorally to
further his private agenda. Please do NOT let the citizens of Canada
down by letting him get away with it.
Any lawyer, however, will tell you that when politicians and the law
(or justice) collide, the LAW comes out as the loser. It ain't news,
but it's all I got to say.
—James
May 10
Saw your report on the Fest of Madonna del Carpineto on your local news.
Thanks. I have some photos taken on my site at http://www.corsoitalia.net/festival/carpineto
if you could add that reference without too much difficulty I'd appreciate
it. Otherwise, no prob.
—Scott, Editor/publisher, CORSO ITALIA NEWS
May 5
I live on Albert St. and think that banning cars from Albert and Slater
in rush hour is foolish. Having buses use two or three lanes means
they will skip stops and spend more time jockeying than moving forward.
To speed up rush-hour transitway use in the city core, I suggest:
1. Express buses with a destination or origin downtown should use
Wellington, Queen or Laurier in the core, and not clog Albert or
Slater.
2. Right turns should be banned in rush hour to avoid any interference
with bus flow, especially at Elgin and O'Connor intersections.
3. Downtown transitway stops should each be divided into two stops,
Southbound, and East or West -bound. Then buses should be organised
so
that they alternate directions in the busiest times. A signalperson
could accomplish this just before the core. This would reduce loading
time, as two buses can be loaded at once with minimal walking.
4. Stoplights should go green when buses are approaching and red when
no buses are coming or buses are clogged ahead. Perhaps a "convoy"
of
four or six buses could be let through, then the light changed.
5. When buses are stacked inches behind the next bus, the front sign
is
hidden. Buses' right side mirrors should display route numbers on
their backs. Then people can walk earlier towards the bus they want
instead of waiting until they can read the side sign.
—Tom Trottier
April 29
I would like to submit a simple and effective solution to the Carlingwood
neighborhood dispute on the issue of backyard pigeon feeding.
First let me state that pigeon feeding in itself shouldn't be the main
concern. The main concern is ALWAYS the ever increasing size of pigeon
flocks in given areas.
The Pigeon Control Advisory Service or PICAS based in the UK, has put
in place a system to, as humanely as possible, control the pigeon flocks.
This technique caters to everyone it seems: pigeon lovers, pigeon haters!
Please consult the section on citywide pigeon control :www.picas.org.uk/Citywide/index.htm
Here's how it works:
1- Feeding areas are designated and feeding is discouraged outside of
those areas.
This allows control of the amount of food the birds have access to by
regular removal of leftover seeds in the designated areas. This also
limits the extent of the feces dispersal and concentrates the accumulation
in a given area. The areas can be designed in a way that allows regular
maintenance. For example, the feeding area can be paved, swept clean
and hosed down. Areas can also be fenced up to prevent children from
having access yet allowing seeds to be thrown through the fences. Birds
will travel great distances to feed, therefore flocks can be easily
"moved!
2- Building a nearby artificial nest site.
A pigeon coupe can be built very inexpensively out of plywood or can
be quite decorative and made into a real tourist attraction. This allows
birds to reproduce and satisfy their natural reproduction instincts
in suitable areas, leaving balconies and backyards enjoyable to the
human residents. Dovecotes require minimal annual maintenance.
3- Controlling the flock expansion by egg removal.
Eggs are removed from the artificial nesting site on a regular basis
(preferably every day or so) and immediately put in a freezer to minimize
suffering. According to PICAS, flocks can be PERMANENTLY reduced to
50% OR MORE over a period of 4 years. Other methods of control, which
are likely harmful to the birds and the people, are designed to offer
returning business to "pest" control companies while PICAS
suggests problem solving at the very source!
The pigeon control problem has to be addressed successfully once and
for all, PICAS approach IS THE SOLUTION. I would be delighted to see
our WILD BIRD CARE CENTRE take on this new challenge on the city's behalf.
I would be delighted to see them earn a financial recognition for providing
the Ottawa residents with, yet again, a professional and immaculate
service, such as a PICAS inspired pigeon control
system.
I would like to specify that birds, such as pigeons, do not represent
a realistic threat to public health. The accumulation of feces is of
concern for human health only in areas where the ventilation is poor.
I would also like to stress that, to the best of my knowledge, the Wild
Bird Care Centre for instance, has NEVER had human health hazard issues
with keeping SICK pigeon INDOORS!
—Nathalie Paquin, Bsc.inf.
Gatineau, Qc.
April 26
It is good that senior bureaucrats have to report their meal expenses.
I'm not that interested in what meals they (we) pay for. I'm more concerned
about this ones that we don't pay for. Who are they lunching with when
the other party is paying?
—Michael Richardson
April 22
Apparently your writer
has not noticed the high-frequency routes travelling the TRANSITWAY.
These routes connect HUBS or NODES in various parts of the city with
rapid service. Feeder or SPOKE routes feed and distribute traffic (passengers)
to and from this backbone and its HUBS. Seems to me that we have what
is proposed already.
—DC Fitz-Gibbon
April
20
On our front page today, we rehashed the old joke: "Ottawa
has two seasons: winter and construction." Here's one reader's
response:
Another old joke ... Ottawa's national bird is the "Crane",
regarding our annual construction projects.
—Katie Guibord
April 19
You have a great site. I used to bookmark the Citizen site, but it was
very inadequate. Impressive job!!
Here's one minor suggestion for your Radio line-up:
add 89.5 North Country Public Radio (NPR) also in Canton, NY as one
of your other stations. NPR is easily the best US network and 89.5 has
a WWW link: http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/
Thanks, and keep up the great work.
—Prof. Greg Bloomquist
April
14
Even the proudest owner will admit that owning a boat is a monetary
black hole. Therefore it should be no surprise that our mayor, Bob 'No
Tax Increase' has battled through the latest budget warning of the perils
of economy, now needs this city to buy an arround the world style yacht.
—Brian Newman
April 1
All very good items, all very funny. It is extremely difficult to satirize
political events, and politicians, because their usual style seems like
satire even when it is 'real'! Congratulations!
—Brian
(Check out our April Fool's edition here.)
March 30
My family really enjoyed our first time at Stanleys Olde Maple Lane
Farm this past Sunday morning. The buffet meal was delicious! The children
loved the animals, the wagon ride, playing on the grounds, seeing how
maple syrup is made, sampling the maple taffy - although the kids found
it was a little too sweet and bought some fresh made syrup to enjoy
with our pancakes at home. All had a great time and the children are
already asking when we can go back!
— Kim Veck and family (winners in our Stanley's Olde Maple Lane
Farm contest)
March
28
The pest pizza in Ottawa is from Louies pizza on Mcarthur. mmmmmm
—Tammy Whelan
March
24
Canada's Public Service Integrity Officer, Dr. Ed Keyserlingk, has asked
Health Canada to respond to a concern considering it "may endanger
the health of Canadians".
Before 1993, Health Canada was working to protect persons with central
nervous system (CNS) problems caused by physical sensitivity. In sensitive
individuals, reactions may cause anxiety, depression, learning and behavioral
disabilities, inappropriate aggression and other difficulties*. A 1985
Ontario Ministry of Health report lists suicide as one "symptom".
Preliminary estimates suggest that a suicide of a Canadian with CNS
problems caused by undiagnosed sensitivities occurs at least once every
ten days and perhaps as often as twice a day.
After 1993, Health Canada began to confuse this long-known problem
with the more recently proposed "20th Century Disease". The
result is that the people who were to have been protected have not been
protected. According to a former Deputy Attorney General of Canada,
George Thomson they are being "caused preventable harm".
I am a former journalist who is affected. I have worked to stop this
ongoing preventable harm for 25 years.
Chris G. Brown
Ottawa
* Of course, many people with sensitivities do not have CNS problems.
March
20
There is a simple truth here that seems to have escaped everyone's attention.
This Government does not care about, or listen to, the will of the people.
Personally, I think it is time for a TAX REVOLT !
You can say that about both the Municipal and Federal Governments.
It is that simple.
Perhaps it is time for the good provinces to separate... Ontario, B.C.
and Alberta should go their own ways... and while we are leaving, lets
export MOST (but not all) of our municipal council to Quebec. (hey!
Quebec takes a lot of our money paid in federal taxes... legally through
biased laws that favour them, or just by stealing the money, like it
looks like jean cretien did, or his "Family" of LIBERAL mob
bosses.)
First to go would have to be ALEX CULLEN, because in his haste to increase
his importance by increasing his budgets, he is hurting the borderline
residents of Ottawa. We should be seeing a 5% decrease in taxes, not
an increase. It is a sure thing, proven through time, that more taxation
means more government. The tax dollars do not go to the good of the
people , it just fattens a few asses downtown. Same as a few charities
I will not list here because of my insider information (coughrohredcross)...
And yes...I am leaving ottawa too.. there are MUCH better places to
live in Ontario. Heck, I hate Toronto, but it is a step up from ottawa.
And to the narrator of this site, thank you, for providing a forum where
a little guy from ottawa can voice his opinions.
—James
March
20
I went to the Montreal Expos training stadium in Melbourne Florida,
I believe I was the only canadian there, since I was the only one to
cheers when theExpos got a hit or got any kind of action, a good crowd
, they called the attendance at 4300 fans, temperature beautifull blue
sky 81F, price of tickets $7. and a great seat, similar to Lynx stadium
in Ottawa.
Houstlon Astros 5, Montreal Expos 1
Expos starter Tomo Ohka had a solid outing, going five innings and
allowing one earned run. Ohka breezed through the first four innings,
retiring 12 of 14 batters. He fell into trouble in the fifth after walking
a pair and allowing a single to Thompson to load the bases. The Expos'
lone run came off a homer by Ron Calloway in the fifth inning.
So far this season 1 rained out 2 wins and 2 loss
—Bob Beauchemin
( snowbird in Cocoa Beach Florida, 10 miles to this lovely stadium)
March 16
This is in regards to the new (still blank) 95.7 fm. When is this aboriginal
station supposed to be testing on the air, on the transmitter. Is it
installed in the pack bay of tx's at the Camp Fortune tower, or is it
in another local. I haven't heard anything about this, since the CRTC
have approved Gary Farmer for a licence broadcast at 95.7 , it's now
march 2004, and 95.7 is still static on the air, except for a little
bit or ducting skip the odd time from WAQX in syracuse 95x, u can here
faintly. Anyhow , i would appreciate if someone here knows anything
to write back. Thanks
—Jammin_jay
March 15
All these right-wing, selfish anti-tax lunatics fail to realize that
there hasn't been an official tax increase in 10 years, stop whining
and accept the tax increase.
With provinicial tax reform, it'll all work out for the better and
your taxes will stabalize. As for new ideas, I think property taxation
should be based mainly on property size, that'll discourage those expansive
monster homes in Kanata and encourage townhouses and high-rise condos.
This densification will encourage true neighbourhoods with character
and rapid transit, so you won't live out of your fat, pointless 2004
XUV and you'll want to take buses or light rail, or god forbid - walk!
—Adam
March
13
How come nobody ever writes in favour of a tax increase? I presume that
there isn't anyone who wants to see more of his or her money disappearing
to an unfair tax.
That’s right, this is not a tax on income or ability to pay.
This is a tax on SAVINGS.
Your home or apartment represents a huge amount of your savings. The
more you try to save, the more the city gouges you. Forget about fixing
up the home - that will only increase your taxes too. Building permits
?? They do not use these to ensure proper codes are followed as much
as they do to use them to jack up your taxes.
The solution? Let your homes fall into ruin so that the value is lessened.
I have seen people forced to sell out because they could not afford
the tax on property. (for one, the old lady who used to live on Holland
Ave. before she was forced to leave her home)
It is time to rise up and throw off the shackles of municipal government.
It alone has the gall to tax our savings. I am not against taxing income,
but I am dead set against taxing my savings.
—James
March
10
Our methodology was a classic frontal attack. Our infantry in theatre
camouflaged with bright green parkas (compliments of Clive Doucet),
Iltis jeeps, and armed with pre-owned placards. Our intel warned us
of a possible audience - Peacekeepers (Ottawa Police) at our rear, and
the Press at our flank. Nevertheless we were ready to begin our mission:
The extraction of this unfriendly, Mayor Bob. A pigeon confirmed his
sighting at 12:46 hrs; at Ottawa City Hall.
Our commander gave the nod and we rose to the occasion marching on,
cold and hungry, wondering if things would be the same; if we'd ever
munch on an O'Henry bar, again, the same way. Penetrating the compound,
we were met by commandants Bloess, then Harper. We encountered some
resistance but nevertheless we pursued. A second wave; commandant Cullen,
is there no mercy?
We marched on searching for Mayor Bob, into the cafeteria, into the
parking levels, the office, and finally the sacred grounds, the mayoral
washroom. No Major Bob; but told that a quick exit by the back of the
building was evidenced.
No more said.....
—Dick Davidson
March 5
Is Ottawa on the way to hell in a handbasket (itself soon to be taxed,
no doubt.)? Is it time to consider moving elsewhere?
—Nathalie Cox
March
5
Of a city with a population of approximately 1 MILLION all that the
Pro-Arts Councillors could MUNTER up is 1,000. Are these the same 75%
who PARTICIPATED in the support the Arts and Culture poll?. Hell, I
can spit farther than the last protester in the background.
How Mr Munter states that a mere 1,000 (mortals) represents "hundreds
of thousands of people of our city" i dont know.
This will make our NO TAX RALLY protest on Wednesday March 10, between
4pm and 6pm will look like a seventh sign. Why even the Gods are angry
about the property tax tax increase with this balmy 12 degree weather
today setting a new record.
Alex, look up for a sign, perhaps you might end up with two tablets
today.
Mr. Munter, only a cup a week you say. Pitty, It should be go on a diet
and stop gourging yourselves on $125 plates as us "mortals living
on the fringe" foot the gourmants bill.
Now lets go out there today and CUT CUT CUT... for a ZERO TAX INCREASE.
as you all promised when you were running for election ( with the Exception
of Mr. Cullen who at least maintains his platform of tax increases of
3%).
—Dick Davidson
March
3
Reviewing our models using financial data supplied by the city and
Ernst & Young, it is clearly evident that this ciy has lost control
of its finances to a point where Alex Cullens 3% sounds more like a
6% or 7%. The budget numbers show clearly a higher number than the 3%.
Naturally this does not include the 2003 catchover this year.
Based on the city's current trend curve expect to reach a THREE BILLION
BUDGET by 2010. Since 2000, the city's financial costs have risen by
146%, or 36% per year, from $1.4 billion in 2000 to the $2,1 billion
budgeted for 2004, which incidently we are in March and we still have
not concluded the budget. At this rate, we might as well start the 2005
budget process too if we want to get current.
While we appreciate every accountants and departmental managers dream
to increase budgets, clearly the size of ones budget does not matter
here folks.
What matters here is responsible management in the budgetary process.
Is this what the city meant by the 20/20 plan, for if it is I think
we had better get our vision tested again for this aint a 20/20 plan,
more like a 20/200 nearsightedness with a left focal alignment in the
right eye.
The annual statements issued by the city auditors show 1.4 billion
in costs in 2000, 1.9 billion in 2001, and 2,0 billion in 2002. And
we still want to maintain a 2.0 billion budget for 2004 with this track
record?
Clearly amalgamation is NOT WORKING here. If I were a betting man,
i would move the hell out of this city before the fireworks start and
housing prices start to drop due to excessive taxation at the property
tax level.
We had better start chopping now to a more reasonable 1,9 billion level
for 2004.
Lastly, why havent the 2003 interim financial statements not been released.
Is there another financial statement restatement being contemplated,
a third one in three years?
Conclusion: We recommend a provincial ministry auditor independant
of the city conduct an impartial review of the citys budgets and expenditures
as provided under Part IV of the Ontario Municipal Board Act, RSO 1990.,
sec 54(1)(h) and sec. 54(1)(i).
—Dick Davidson
March
1
Bob Chiarelli: I am a citizen of Ottawa Ont. I am one of your bosses.
I am directing you to lower our taxes, and not to introduce new ones.
If you REALLY think that the people of Ottawa want more taxes, then
you are not very smart. We do not. We grow weary of your games, misdirection
and slight of hand.
Getting the message yet, Mr. Mayor?? You were hired by us , not to increase
our taxes, but to lower them. Start performing, or resign, and let someone
else do the job you seem to be unable to do. Try to remember that you
work for us, not the other way around.
—James
March
1
Paul Martin , STAND UP AND TAKE A BOW. The firing of Via Rail chairman
Jean Pelletier is a step in the right direction. Respect for the citizens
of Canada should be a REAL priority for any civil servant. Who do they
think pays their salaries?
They seem to think they can act like KINGS, not hired employees. I
guess it comes as no surprise though, they pay themselves KINGLY salaries,
and give themselves a pension plan that FAR exceeds that of the people
paying for it. Public servants are not supposed to be above the law.
If they have stolen money, or committed fraud, or humiliated citizens,
or brought ANY dishonor upon their office or a Canadian citizen, they
should be made to explain their actions in a court of law.
Myriam Bedard, a whistle-blower who questioned how Via handled federal
sponsorship money should immediately seek legal counsel for such an
obvious case of slanderous libel. No, I am not a lawyer, but if I was
, I would be banging on her door.
—James
Feb. 29
It appears that King Claudius (Mayor Bob Chiarelli) will decree that
the merchants and land holders shall forward another NINE PERCENT in
additional landholdings tax (6% LY and 3% TY) as the KING feasted together
with his Knights in his round table in the nouveau Castle de Ottawa.
The 11th Knight was evidently missing as he was away on business with
Lady Guenavere. His Royal Lords were not at the Castle this evening,
but were seen in the Royal Lord Polonius House.
Obviously Mayor Chiarelli is not a KING, but it is now apparent that
this budget process has been a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME: The agenda -pre-planned,
the outcome -pre-sewn. "Oh what a wicked web we weave!"
There is no improvisation here, but a pre-drawn theatre curtain ready
to end this play in a couple of weeks. Shakespeare could have not chosen
better actors in this Sonnet than that in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. "O,
very well, my lord: the music ended, We'll fit the kid-fox with a pennyworth."
As for me, a merchant and land holder transported from the house of
de Maissonneuve, I will begin the grim task of collecting three addtional
coins from each flat and a pence from the peasants to cover the costs
demanded by our KING CLAUDIUS.
This year, landlords will be facing a 9 per cent property tax increase.
This increase above the provincial guidelines will be charged as a rent
surcharge. Add the 2.9% in annual cost of living increases and we have
a 2004 rent increase of about 12% thanks to the Knights of Claudius;
Bedard, Bellemare, Cullen, Deans, Doucet, Feltmate, Holmes, Hume, Legendre
and Stavinga.
Hail The KING.... Long Live the KING....
—Dick Davidson
Feb.
28
According to a recent City of Edmonton survey of Canadian cities Ottawa
has the second highest property taxes in Canada on a detached home.
In terms of property tax per person Ottawa is in third place. Of the
28 OECD countries Canada is second highest in municipal taxes, so I
guess that makes Ottawa world class........at least in taxes.
Ottawa has a higher budget than PEI and the inept bunch at the controls
of this city would prefer to spend money on external legal fees on a
useless pig farm appeal to the OMB or carrying out their personal legal
vendetta against Shawn Little.
If this bunch could stop wasting money there would undoubtedly be plenty
of cash left to continue to support arts and keep kiddie pools open.
—Gord
Feb.
27
We had agreat visit for our 5th trip to Ottawa for Winterlude the ice
on the Rideau Canal was great but we missed the traditional entertainment
we enjoyed at previous Winterludes, cloggers Acadian folk music lumberjack
competition
—Rob Coppersmith
Feb.
26
A repetitive argument heard during the last week is "Support the
Arts, Raise Our Taxes". It is apparent that the AN ARTISTIC VOICE
is agreable to increased taxation to support the Arts.
Such luxury taxes exits today. Liquor tax, prepared foods tax, air
conditioning tax, tire tax, hotel tax, and gas guzler (gussler) tax
are some examples. These taxes are targeted at specific markets that
are acceptiing a premium for the luxury. I remember a $400.00 gas gussler
tax and a $100 air conditioniing tax when reviewing our purchase of
a 2004 GMC Envoy XUV vehicle.
The introduction of a new arts tax specifically target to the arts
market could provide a happy medium to both parties concerned. Artistic
supporters can contribute to this tax and the artistic community can
recieve a rebate to support their endeavor.
The city of Ottawa could introduce a new Artisan license similar to
a victualing license. The arts community would register with the city
of Ottawa and recieve an annual Artisan license for an annual fee of
$100.00. Such license would allow the public events to take place and
a levy of 10% would be added to the ticket price. Monthly tax returns
would be submittted to the city and a compensation credit would be credited
to the tax collecting artisan similar to the way a licensed liquor establishment
collects retail sales tax and submits to the province.
This new tax would allow the artistic community to participate in supporting
their arts and at the same time procure some taxation for the city of
Ottawa. This direct taxation would concentrate on taxing the supportive
community alone and non supporters would not be affected. Another example
is tobacoo tax: Affecting the smokers and not the general non-smoking
community.
This new Artisan municipal License and Artisan Tax would be supportive
of the artistic communities demand to "Support the Arts and Raise
our Taxes".
—Dick Davidson
Feb. 25
I would like to see a list of city councillors who think that managers
should get money for no work and a bonus for doing something. I would
also like to a list of councillors who voted against the bonuses. WAKE
UP CALL TO CITY HALL.. Quit giving MY money away. These are NOT the
years of milk and honey. We the residents of OTTAWA are hurting. You
can NO longer collect property taxes from ME!!
—James
Feb. 25
With all due respect to city staff who spent additional hours for "sharpening
the pencil" in this budget exercise, thats part of the course in
being a salaried management. Thats why they get paid the BIG BUCKS.
I dont see management getting $15.00 an hour here.
Based on the 2004 budget, a FTE costs the city $80,000. Based on a 35
hour work week, that translates to an hourly rate of $45.71 per hour
and that doesnt include the NON TAXABLE expense accounts, credit card
lunches and cash advances and now the FAT TUESDAY BONUS. Where do i
apply for this job?
Usually, when time is spent above and beyond the call of duty, time
off is a deserving reward. The manager still receives their regular
pay and has lost time to recapture. This not only re-energizes the manager,
but it KEEPS COSTS UNDER CONTROL, something that is lacking in this
budget.
The city has just increased the costs for the 2005 tax year by creating
a precedent in paying these bonuses as management now expects a bonus
for next years budget process.
Provide leadership Ottawa with a ZERO TAX INCREASE!
—Dick Davidson
February 17
Your history links page is awesome.
—Evelyn Slocombe, Algonquin College Library
February
17
What do Paul Martin and Diane Holmes have in common. They are both dreaming
in color. Paul for thinking that Canadians are stupid and will forgive
his corrupt administration. Diane on the otherhand for thinking that
Canadians are stupid and will absorbs Holmes nonsense about "New
business wont want to choose the city of Ottawa"....
Obviously both of you need to go back to school and get educated on
financial management. In fact I think it should be part of the policical
science curriculum.
Paul for "not knowing" that there was a 250 MILLION retirement
bonus to Chretiens dirty half dozen. As finance Minister, how can you
miss 250 MILLION Dollars. I mean like, did you get zonked on Special
K and lost your immediate short term memory. If so id have myself checked
for "other irregularities".
And Diane, for making such a short sighted statement implying that if
we dont support the arts, BIG BUSINESS will not move to Artsy Ottsy.
Wait, you must have danced the night away sniffing some funny stuff
with Paul that night.
GET WITH THE PROGRAM AND BALANCE THE BUDGET.
otherwise "business (and homeowners) wont want to choose the city
of Ottawa" and will relocate to Aylmer, Quebec for cheaper housing
or New York State for cheaper taxes.
—Dick Davidson
February 17
I am a student at Carleton University. I was informed of the proposed
budget cuts to the arts, culture and heritage budget in one of my classes
that focuses almost entirely on art in the city of Ottawa. My reaction
if i am honest, was a string of sentences which began and ended with
words i wont offend your eyes with. But upon further consideration of
the matter (and the rejection of my friends plans of action which involved
entirely too much nudity) i decided to appeal to your better nature
and write a letter voicing my feelings on the matter.
I am aware that many people feel artists are out of touch with life
and politics, preferring their 'artsy-fartsy' ways. I want to inform
anyone reading this that artists in this city are very much aware of
the effect that these cuts will have on health care, fire services,
housing, financial assistance and a host of other services to the city.
We do not pretend that these are not important concerns and support
to alliance of all groups affected by these cuts. However, it should
be noted that while fire services keep our citizens safe, and health
care keeps them healthy and financial assistance keeps them fed, the
arts keeps the citizens of this city happy. All of these services keep
the City of Ottawa alive.
I am appealing to anyone who has ever done a double take at a poster
or painting. Anyone who has sung along in their cars to the radio (I've
seen you do it!). Anyone who passed that giant peanut shaped thing and
wondered 'what the hell is it?' . Anyone who has wondered what it would
have been like to live 100 years ago. Anyone who has watched their child
play carrot number three in their school production.
Don't let the small price of raised taxes and the idea of "competing
in the modern economy" consume the brilliance of that moment with
art.
—Megan Edmunds
February 16
I have tried listening to the radio stations now offered to us in the
Ottawa region, but there is just nothing left that comes close enough
to the things I like to listen too. I used to listen to a mix of Kool
and Xfm, as I like new pop, alternative and dance (EXCLUDING hip-hop
crap). Now there is not a single station that serves me what I want,
and the few that might come close (Kiss and Hot) play too much of the
stuff I can't stand for me to leave my dial there. Like so many others
in this region, I now listen to CD's in my car and internet radio at
home, or satelite channels like BPM or galaxie dance. Why the Radio
managers and CRTC think that people in Ottawa want only old stuff or
country, or crappy new stuff and hip hop, is beyond me. If I am forced
to listen to anything in this "hick town" I would choose CBC
CLASSICAL first! And for the record, I am a mid-30 year old, and I want
the new pop and dance, not oldies.
—Sam
February 14
Several more areas that could possibly help in balancing the budget
include.
1. Implementing a mandatory residency in Ottawa to be employed by the
city of Ottawa. Last week while at Laurier, I counted 22 Quebec plates
in staff parking. Assuming an average income of say 30k (im being conservative
here folks) per employee, that equals 660k gross or about 429k in disposable
income lost to Gatineau.
2. Support green waste at home in backyards in lieu of garbage pickups.
Our household dumps fruits, vegetables and other environment friendly
waste in our backyard in a 2 by 2 foot compost. Restrict to annual pickups
such as fall leaves, spring cleanups, and the like. Apartment dwellers
are exempt.
3. Implement mandatory leash to dogs and cats with $1000 fines. This
reduces manpower hours at the city level to clean up "natures mess".
4. Eliminate arts sponsoships. Introduce an refundable Ottawa Art Tax
Credit Refund. The logic is that public demand will support the worthy
arts and the hopelessly inept can get an early start at a new career.
For every $100 receipt, the city will credit the donator a 16% tax refund.
Better than paying 100%, add to that the Federal or Ontario tax credit,
and the donor wins big.
5. Eliminate employer wage subsidies for hiring francophone staff. These
programs reimburse employers for hiring francophones. They are a WASTE
OF TIME at the employer level. Funding should be at the french school
board level, not the common property tax base.
6. Why am i paying for school taxes when i dont have kids. They are
noisy, continually leave sticky messes on my 2004 GMC XUV doors, and
smell funny when they are young. Here again, school taxes should be
elimated from the common property tax base and collected as an "Attendance
Fee" from the various school boards. This is similar to church
taxes back in the 1970's.
7. Eliminate automatic city mailouts to the public. Have the information
ready for download from www.ottawa.ca/publications or the seeker can
call 613.58-GET-IT and get it mailed if they dont have a computer. Isnt
that why the city invested millions on a .com company
8. Suspend planting of new trees for 3 years. limited only to replants
due to broken or sick trees. Cmon folks, I think this city is green
enough. If you are that phobic, spend the bucks and plant it yourself,
like lots of suburbanites do.
9. Reduce the allowance given per kilometer travelled for city using
one's own truck. I see a lot of hot new vehicles lately. If there is
a lot of travel, supply an economical car like a hyundai, NOT An expensive
VW, not matter how hot the manufacturers rebate was, a HYUNDAI IS CHEAPER
than a VW.
10. Mandatory controls on gas vouchers. Why are there no license plates
or kilometer reads on gas receipts submitted for city travel by city
credit cards. Plates on a gas receipt allow audit to control how much
petrol is spent on a particular car relative to the reported kilo read.
11. Eliminate city funding of special interest groups or parties and
non-profit orgs. In canada, successful orgs solicit tax deductible donations.
What more can you ask for. If an org cannot solicit donations, then
i guess that org is redundant, politically speaking of course.
We need to get realistic here and come to reality. This is not a christmas
wish list, its just a city and as a city you have to BALANCE THE BUDGET
AND NOT INCREASE OUR PROPERTY TAXES.
—Dick Davidson
February 8
I would suggest that Canada has much more need of a Don Cherry than
of an Official Languages Commissioner.
— Brian Newman
February 6
For the best in FREE anti-hacker/spam/malware software I recommend MAILWASHER
(by Firetrust) ADAWARE (by Lavasoft) Starter (by Codestuff) and Registry
Mechanic (by Winguides)... Popupcop is also good , but not free.
— James
February 6
I am a staunch supporter of free speech in Canada because it ensures
that there is at least a chance of some control being exercised over
the politicians, CSIS and the RCMP. The memory of the goon squads in
BC and Quebec city firing upon peaceloving CITIZENS saddens and cheapens
life for all Canadians. The politically motivated raids on the Citizen
newspaper and on LOBA Inc. offices by RCMP are more examples of a police
force out of control hoping to curry favour with their political Masters.
The Francois Beaudoin affair - more illegal Liberal party meddling.
The red book may be gone, but the party blueprint remains. AND now we
have the CBC chastizing a sports commentator for exercising the right
of free speech. SHAME !
— James
February
2
Someone actually said they wanted a tax increase for properties ???
Yeah right. Well I am a property owner and have talked with a lot of
other property owners who also do NOT want increases. Rather , we are
being TAXED to death and want them LOWERED. Any councilor who thinks
otherwise is deaf, dumb , and blind. Alex Cullen seems to be to only
one with any brains!
—James
January 28
It hardens me to see certain council members threatening city workers
and outside consultants with pending termination notices as a sign that
the city | 
