I just want to give you a heads up that this column will not appear in the Messenger between August 28th and October 27th. The reason for this is because we have a two month blackout period prior to Municipal Elections in which no advertising or columns can be printed. This column will return following the election.
Mahogany Development Phase 1B
Some of you may have noticed signage that has been erected on the site of Minto’s Magohany development. This sign highlights an amendment that has been filed to alter the plan for Phase 1B. Phase 1A is already registered and under construction. Originally, the entire first phase was to include 197 units, with a mix of 60 foot lots and 35 foot lots. The amendment would change some of the 60 foot lots to 47 foot lots and some of the 35 foot lots to 38 foot lots. Ultimately, this results in an addition of 14 units. However, the total number of units for the entire development remains at 1400. More information on this amendment can be found at Ottawa.ca/devapps.
Weaver House
I’m hoping to have a brief public meeting prior to the aforementioned blackout period to introduce to the community the new owner of the Weaver House. Last December, we announced that we have found purchasers for the Ayres Building, the Weaver House and the Clapp property. Unfortunately, the successful proponent for the Weaver House had to withdraw and this spring, we back out to the market. While the sale doesn’t officially close until August 18th, I am pleased to report that the Weaver House will now be home to the Peppermint Spa. The owners of the Peppermint Spa have an exciting rehabilitation plan for the historic building and will be a great addition to Dickinson Square. By next week, I should have a date for a meeting.
Dickinson House & Manotick Brass Ensemble
On Sunday, August 10th at 2:00pm, the good people at Dickinson House will be hosting a Lawn Social on the grounds of Dickinson Square featuring a concert by the Manotick Brass Ensemble. There will be ice cream and lemonade, as well as the delightful music of the Brass, of course. While there, you can also take in the newly opened Heritage Furniture exhibit in the House.
As always, admission is free, and donations are welcome. Find out more about Dickinson House on Facebook.
Rural Association Partnership Program
If you are an Ottawa organization operating rural fairs, rural farmers’ markets or rural business organizations such as Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Areas, you may be eligible for funding of up to $7,500 through the City of Ottawa’s Rural Association Partnership Program (RAPP).
The second-round of RAPP funding is now available with applications being accepted until Friday, August 22 at 4 pm.
The objectives of the RAPP are:
- To provide project based funding that supports the main priorities for rural organizations.
- To contribute to the City’s rural economic health by supporting projects that will assist Ottawa’s rural business organizations, fairs and farmers markets achieve sustainability and capitalize on the proximity to Ottawa’s large urban market.
- To assist in promoting Ottawa’s rural identity to both residents and tourists.
- To provide economic benefits to small and medium sized enterprises in Ottawa’s rural communities.
- Assist rural communities to overcome the business development challenges associated with smaller local population base.
- To increase the capacity for rural communities to provide a quality visitor experience.
More information, including guidelines and an application form, can be found on the Rural Association Partnership Program webpage.
Prospective RAPP applicants are encouraged to contact the Rural Affairs Office at [email protected] or 613-580-2424 ext. 28352 to discuss their proposal prior to submitting an application.
Fall & Winter Recreation Activity Registration
The City’s 2014 Fall-Winter Recreation eGuide and Mon Cyberguide francophone des loisirs are now online at ottawa.ca. Registration for swimming and aquafitness classes begins online and by touchtone phone on Monday, August 11th at 9:00pm, and in person at City recreation facilities on Tuesday, August 12th during regular business hours.
Registration for all other classes begins online and by touchtone phone on Wednesday, August 13th at 9:00pm and in person at City recreation facilities on Thursday, August 14th during regular business hours.
Due to the expected high volume of online registrations throughout the first week of registration, particularly the first evening, residents may experience longer than usual wait times. To make sure the registration process goes smoothly, residents are encouraged to review the list of classes and registration procedures ahead of time, and ensure they have a client barcode and a family PIN (Personal Identification Number), which is required to register.
Residents can now update their recreation account information online as the City continues to enhance its services available through ottawa.ca.
*****
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email me at [email protected] or contact me by phone at 613-580-2491.
