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Thursday, March 18, 2010 • 02:42 am • Click here for March Break activities in Ottawa. |
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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 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 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 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 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 Can't you imagine? The Zelos Bridge? The Belair Network Connection?
That's the modern way. The heck with our Victoria Cross heroes. It's
tOM Trottier
January 14, 2006 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,
December 7 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 But why were they ejected? Why didn't all doors stay closed to If keeping the doors and hatches closed in an accident is not a
September 28, 2005 We need the new main library to be a showpiece, not an afterthought
tucked away The new main library should have a distinctive design, as the Vancouver
and Toronto 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 tOM Trottier
August 9, 2005 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 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 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 June 30 Sincerely, Jennifer Olsen B.A., Reg CDAAC
June 20 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 We need some grass by the July! Losing May and June is hard enough.
The City must immediately investigate why the grass isn't growing,
tOM Trottier May 14 May 13 April 29 April 4 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. I love the new site redesign! Much easier to read and navigate. January 6 Dick Davidson
December 6 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. Dick Davidson
November 10 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 Robert Hopkinson October 18 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.
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...
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
August 10 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
July 28 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 Ashley
July 26 Not just budget cuts and TransPlan changes, but a big announcement
is the Some peak period afternoon routes will no longer leave through the Details, including new September route map, available on octranspo.com David Liebold
July 20 It's not too late to call a mistrial and re-vote. —Lois Siegel
July 19
June 29 Can't we have STOP signs instead of "restricted visibility"
signs? —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 Thank god for CD players for cars, otherwise I would have nothing to listen to. —Dan Kipin
June 21 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 —Chris Brown 
May 30 We could supply at cost labelled bins to aid sorting in one's house
or I realise that this may be simplistic. Perhaps some types can be sorted
Yes, this will require some effort by citizens, and perhaps some There are great advantages. We will reduce wastage of material, lessen
We will be a good example to our children. —tOM Trottier
May 22 Unfortunately, the Ottawa River Parkway remains open to cars from This would avoid the construction area, while opening the Parkway for
Let's open the Parkway as much as possible to bikes! —tOM Trottier May
21 I love your site. Very professional looking. Keep up the excellent work! —Danielle
May
21 —Brian Newman May
17 I only hope the downtown line burrows through the limestone rather
than With the expanded transit terminal at Bayview, a nearby location would
I'm glad we're now thinking big, thinking of a great city for all its
—tOM Trottier
May 13 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 —Scott, Editor/publisher, CORSO ITALIA NEWS
May 5 To speed up rush-hour transitway use in the city core, I suggest: 2. Right turns should be banned in rush hour to avoid any interference
3. Downtown transitway stops should each be divided into two stops,
4. Stoplights should go green when buses are approaching and red when
5. When buses are stacked inches behind the next bus, the front sign
is —Tom Trottier
April 29 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: 2- Building a nearby artificial nest site. 3- Controlling the flock expansion by egg removal. 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 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.
April 26 —Michael Richardson
April 22 —DC Fitz-Gibbon April
20 Another old joke ... Ottawa's national bird is the "Crane", regarding our annual construction projects. —Katie Guibord
April 19 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
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 March
28 March
24 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 * Of course, many people with sensitivities do not have CNS problems.
March
20 You can say that about both the Municipal and Federal Governments.
It is that simple. 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 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
March 16
March 15 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!
March
13 That’s right, this is not a tax on income or ability to pay.
This is a tax on SAVINGS. 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 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 March
5 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 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. —James March
1 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 Feb.
28 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 —Rob Coppersmith Feb.
26 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 —James
Feb. 25 —Dick Davidson
February 17 February
17 —Dick Davidson
February 17 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. —Megan Edmunds
February 16 —Sam
February 14 —Dick Davidson
February 8
February 6 — James
February 6 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
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 is trying to maintain costs. Its not the city workers and consultants
that are the problem here. Its the city's method of achieving this coupled
with the citys nebulous so called survey that ottawa residents WANT
A TAX INCREASE. HIT ME WITH A SHOVEL this morning will ya? —Dick Davidson January
27 (We asked our newsletter subscribers what they use to protect their computers against viruses. Here are some of their responses.) I use Norton Internet Security 2003. It has a built in fire wall and
anti virus software. Once you make the initial purchase, the subscription
is very affordable. My only comment is that the software seems to hog
a lot of memory. Maybe the newer version is not so bad, but if I didn't
have 512 MB of RAM, I might be waiting for applications to run a lot
longer than I do right now. Virus's or virii are a pain. I use AVAST anti-virus that works well
with Win XP Pro. I have found that AVG is not as powerful as AVAST.
So far so good. You can download a free version from www.avast.com Don't
try to go there today as they are almost stopped I guess from an overload
of people trying to get the program. My defences against worms and viruses: I had to disable AVG from detecting macro viruses so that Pegasus mail didn't get stuck when some of its messages got quarantined. I also use: —Tom Trottier January
22 —Nathalie January
23 "Available" might suit #3 a little better than "open".
I'm afraid I My worst experience was on a bus going south on Bank Street, for an appointment to see my doctor. The driver swung away so abruptly that I fell down the stairs, but fortunately the door had been closed. I was terrified, and I don't think the bus driver realized his haste. Can you believe that the same bus driver picked me up after my medical appointment, but this time I asked if he would be courteous enough to lower the steps and wait until I had sat down. —Terry Drzemczewska January
21 If this were a free country , there would be no privacy laws because no one would have anything to hide. I am not talking about the rights of the individual Canadian, I am talking about the Honourable gentlemen who spend the Canadian Taxpayers money like it was water. There needs to be some REAL curbs put on the RCMP and the OPP (posing as media journalists - shame!) to prevent them from the types of abuse they have been getting away with. Especially entrapment! —James
January
17 So I immediatly reprogrammed my radio in the car and tuned my stereos/clock radios at home, only to find out that the reception was pittyful or not even there (I wonder how Nida's reception is at home as she lives in Orleans as well). We would really like to see Y101 moved back to 105 if possible and I'm sure a lot of other people we know would say the same. As a country station, why are you not advertising country artists coming to the city, such as Merle Haggard. What's going on with you guys? Playing Christmas music for a month straight and then switching channels. I think somethings up here. Are you on your way out? From what we can hear, it sounds like it. Please consider what you've done and move your station to a better frequency. You are taking our only country station right out of the city. —Glenn & Lynne January
16 In order to get local news we have to change the station and don't care to have to listen to the type of music that is now playing there until the news and obits and weather come on air. If we have to listen to the type of country that you seem to think we should all enjoy and the station is located in Smiths Falls, why can't we have the local news at least once or twice a day? —B. Hannusch January
15 X is gone. They did indeed play alternative music (with a few hip-hop tracks here and there). They were an excellent station, with a loyal listener base. That listener base is shocked, stunned, and angry with nowhere to turn for their alternative fix. There is somewhere for you to go. Broadcasting from Algonquin College, CKDJ 107.9, Ottawa’s New Music has been cranking out alternative and hip-hop tunes consistently (often months ahead of other “New Music” stations) for over a year and a half now. With our new transmitter (installed last March), we have “full Ottawa” coverage in the same respects that X did. If you hit a black hole and can’t get us, you can still get us streaming live at ckdj.net! You need edgy alternative and hip-hop? We’re here for you. Flip that dial all the way to the right and support your local students. We’re better than you think. Ryan Lindsay January
15 —Sharon Cochrane
January 14 January
14 Why would rogers shut down a radio station this popular? Now all the
radio stations are the same, we have the choice of country music or
old music from the 80's. And if we change the station, it's Céline
Dion! Well i'm glad to hace a CD player in my car! No more radio for
me! Thanks Rogers for shuting down XFM(not)! I moved hear 5 years ago from the Toronto area, and loved the great
variety of radio stations there. Now, with Xfm gone, Ottawa has gone
from having a world class assortment of radio stations to just another
little hick town with the usual bland, run-of-the-mill, boring rock/country/urban
stations. Bring back Xfm!! I can't believe that the only station worth listening to X-FM is off
the air for good!?! Theirmorning show was the only one without dorky
DJs trying to be funny... I don't understand Rogers' decision - as far
as I can tell from my group of friends, the station had a very loyal
set of listeners in their 30's... I really don't know where the stats come from showing market share,
as myself and many friends (all mid to late thirties in age) don't listen
to classic rock, or pop. I wonder how much of a factor that was the
decision anyway. The "Bear" is not a substitute for XFM. They're
actually running a blurb welcoming XFM listeners...dream on. While there
was some common ground between the two, it's not enough to make the
Bear an appealing choice. No radio station is perfect fit for everyone,
but XFM was the best of the contenders for many people. So I'm back
to where I was *before* XFM... only listening to radio for news, and
all music is from CD. Rogers (and their advertisers) just lost out on
a big segment of the Ottawa population.
January 13 I can't believe Rogers has taken XFM off the air. This ranks right
up there with the negative billing move--stupidity with no regard whatsoever
for the wishes of their customers. I guess I'll now be forced to listen
to The Bear, because all the other Rogers stations in Ottawa are your
standard run of the mill crap. The Bear isn't exactly to my liking either,
but at least it's a station that plays something new. And I'm 42 years
old, so I would think Rogers will be losing a lot of listeners, not
just the teenage crowd. Thanks again, Rogers (not that I think for a
minute you care to hear what I have to say). Rogers has lost this listener,, and I would not use other Rogers' service
....... total lack of consideration for the very people they want to
listen to them. Well, there has not been good radio in Ottawa since they killed Q-101
fm (When Tom Metuzels was around) Smith Falls, CKOY-1310, 54-rock with
Pat Cochrane. And of course the death of the old Chez with Craig Steenberg
and company. In short, Formula Radio has no place in a town like this!
I wish I could call up stations and request they not play Celine Dion!
I did not listen to XFM, but if it ain't broke why fix it? I really
like Mauler on Cable 22. Radio needs a big shakeup in this town-the
demographics simply are not being paid attention to! In the meantime-thank
God for BOB! Xfm was wasn't my favorite station, but then neither are the other
two (or one). What I did like was the choice. Typical Rogers. I am 43 years old and I've always listened to Rock music. When Chez
started up I was there, when the Bear came into town I moved over and
yes when they came out with Xfm I automatically switched! . Now Xfm
I was often very proud of, for taking the initiative to play NEW music,
Rock and in all variations FIRST, sometimes two months before the others.
They had local talent in the evenings and some of the DJ's were pretty
witty and took chances, but never offended my ears. Here I am at lunch
and the Bear is playing more new stuff then ever, go figure. Now will
it keep up? I doubt it. Anyway I guess I'll just have to install a CD
player in my truck and car for the periods in the day that other radio
station sucks.
As for the radio changes....... Awful..... ever since they`ve changed
93.9 it`s
I think it was an arrogant and stupid move on the part of Rogers to
get rid of Xfm it was the only station that i ever listened. When Xfm
came out it did better than the old lite 101. So what do they do they
replace with pretty much the same ie the new 105 station. It would be
nice if companies started asking consumers what they want
I was actually surprised about the loss of XFM. I liked it personally.
Also the fact that Y105 was moved to Y101, and KISS FM becoming Y105
was rather odd. I'm surprised they did that, when they simply could
have Y105 remain the same and KISS FM (gag!) take over XFM. So it looks
like Ottawa is back with another version of Kool FM... guess I'll stick
with the reliable BEAR! As anyone who comes from outside the Ottawa area knows, we have the
worst music programming possible. Thanks to bodies like the CRTC, there
is no allowance for independant radio stations so we are forced to listen
to pre-programmed "hits" and anything else that is deemed
safe for our market. As a result we have great depth in the "golden
oldies" and the worst of all possible dance music. You can go to
any small town in the US, any city in Europe, and even listen to the
National radio in Australia (Triple J) and hear that there actually
are 10s of thousands of musical acts that have something useful to say
and who don't require a huge marketing machine, don't need to introduce
us all to every four letter word, or dress for the street corner to
sell a CD.
I was an avid X-FM listener. I feel that the loss of X-FM leaves a
large void in the diversity of radio stations in the Ottawa area. There
is an over abundance of stations that play top 20 (The Bear, Kiss FM),
and stations that play the old and moldies (Chez106 & BobFM). There
is an need for a station that appeals to the the younger alternative
crowd. X-FM has also been involved with bringing several concerts to
Ottawa in the past (AFI, Sum41, Nickelback, etc.).
I do not listen very often the Engish speaking radio stations except
54 and 1200 once in a while. There are all right in their specialties.
On the other hand, most of the French stations are terrible. There is
only one AM station, CJRC and the sound bothers me , the people who
talk and the advertisements are too loud and what they say, including
the news are not for me. CBC stations, French and English have another
problem, they talk too much. But, 97.1, the classical music, Jazz and
other type of nice music will take a great part of the market. This
station is perfect.
I'm HIGHLY dissapointed that we lost Xfm.... Bob fm might be for the
target market of say the 30 to 50 year olds, but we don't necessarily
want ONLY the music we grew up with. (By the way, HOW MANY freakin'
times do I have to hear "You're listening to Bob fm" in a
day? I think hearing that after every song far exceeds beyond excessive!
January 10-12 I will miss the old station, and will, no doubt, eliminate the new Y101 from my dial until they provide us with some classic country songs, that is. — Al Neilson
January 10-12 I have heard a lot of people complaining about the radio shuffle that
happened in Ottawa last week, but most people don't know what to do.
Perhaps they could start by voicing their opinions to Rogers, to let
them know the general feeling towards their latest actions. The Customer
Feedback page is: — Mark I'm 28, And xfm is all I listened to when driving. To work, from work, and and other time. It was an excellent station. Is it being moved or have we lost it? — Seraphine Ok why did they take away 101.0xfm? And are they putting it somewhere else with the same hosts? I know a lot of really mad ppl including myself that miss that station! —Iris I was really suprised the other day when I turned on my favorite radio station Xfm, but instead of the usual music, it was country music. I just saw the notice that mentioned the change of Y105 to 101.1.... but where has Xfm gone?? Does it still exist? If someone could tell me, it would be apreciated. —Anna D.-M. NOTE: It's gone. See our note in the Radio Guide for more info. Thank you so much for getting rid of the only station in Ottawa worth listening to. Now that leaves us with Chez, Bob, the Bear, and Y101.This music is targeted for ages 30 to 90 years old. The only music for youth in Ottawa is Hot 89.9 and most of the people that I know think rap sucks. So what you are trying to tell us is the youth in Ottawa do not count any more. —Mitchell Brown |
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