Archives 2006
Monette records major victory at Council -- Bob Monette wins support to secure commercial employment lands in Orléans
February 8
OTTAWA - In his first month on City Council, Bob Monette has secured a major victory for the residents of Orléans. This afternoon, City Council voted unanimously with Councillor Monette to secure commercial employment lands in Orléans.
In the fall of 2005 a request was made by Ashcroft homes to the City to amend the former City of Cumberland Urban Zoning By-Law, and to change the zoning of 100 Rossignol Crescent, located in the Riverwalk Community, to permit residential high-density apartment uses and row dwellings.
"This is a major victory for the residents of Orléans," said Councillor Monette. "With this decision, Council is turning on the "Open for Business" sign in Orléans."
The residents of the Riverwalk community and Chatelaine Village were so outraged by the proposed amendment for high-density residential use that the Orléans Riverwalk Community Association was formed.
"The residents of Riverwalk elected Councillor Monette to deliver for our community," said Orléans Riverwalk Community Association President Robert Paiement. "In just three weeks Councillor Monette has delivered on his commitment."
"We need to be bringing jobs to Orléans, not high-density development," said Councillor Monette. "I'm glad we have successfully secured commercial employment lands in Orléans for years to come."
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Petrie Island Advisory Committee Formed
February 22
Local Councillors Deliver on Petrie Island Governance --
OTTAWA - Yesterday, the Petrie Island Advisory Committee held its first
meeting to discuss the future of Petrie Island.
The committee, which will meet monthly, is made up of one member from each local community association or strategic partner that have a mandate to involve themselves in the overall quality of life issues that impact Petrie Island. The committee will be chaired by a representative of the City’s parks and recreational Branch.
“We have a committee with a clear mandate: To develop Petrie Island so that it meets its full potential,” said Orléans Councillor Bob Monette. ”This was one of my priorities and I’m please to deliver this good news for our community.”
The Petrie Island Advisory Committee is a community based initiative that will provide the City of Ottawa with a concrete plan for the development of Petrie Island.
“This initiative is a clear example of how local residents and the City of Ottawa can work collaboratively,” said Innes Councillor Rainer Bloess. “This advisory body will establish ongoing community consultation and direction that relates to the day-to-day operational and longer-term development at Petrie Island.”
For his part, Cumberland Councillor Rob Jellett added "Petrie Island is an environmental and recreational jewel for Orléans/Cumberland and for all of Ottawa and this committee will ensure that our community's needs and interests are addressed’’
As owner of the site, the City of Ottawa and therefore Ottawa City Council
retain final decision-making authority on matters to Petrie Island
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Local East End Councillors announces by-monthly community association Presidents Council meeting
March 29th
Orléans Ward Councillor takes initiative and invites local Ottawa-Orléans community association presidents to meet with East End City Councilors.
OTTAWA - Keeping with his promise of getting his community involved and informed, Councillor Bob Monette met with local community association presidents this Tuesday from Queenswood Heights, Cardinal Creek, Fallingbrook, Convent Glen and Chatelaine Village to discuss municipal matters that are of importance to the Orléans Ward.
In fact, it was decided unanimously by all community association Presidents at that meeting that the concept of this ''Community Presidents meeting '' should be extended and include all community Presidents and City Councillors from Ottawa East including Orléans, Innes South and Blackburn Hamlet communities, similar to the provincial and federal boundaries of Ottawa-Orléans.
Councillor Bob Monette believes that ''this can only spell success - working collaboratively with local community associations will enable us to have a more coordinated approach on priorities for the Ottawa-Orléans community ''
Councillor for Cumberland, Rob Jellett reacted by stating that '' we have strong community leaders in the East End and we need to capitalize on their experience and local <<savoir-faire>>''
Innes Ward Councillor Rainer Bloess added that'' this is about creating a united front, getting our communities involved and soliciting support for priorities in the East End. Together, councillors and community associations can deliver good news for our residents. ''
Mayor Bob Chiarelli welcomed the initiative saying '' the best neighborhoods and communities are those where residents take ownership and leadership''. He further added that '' this partnership will create a strong alignment of priorities''.
These President Council meetings will take place on a by-monthly basis starting at the end of April. Meetings will be chaired on a rotational basis by a local East end community association Presidents. Robert Paiement from the Riverwalk Community Association will chair the Inaugural meeting.
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Press Release
Councillor Bob Monette delivers on another election promise.
April 10th
Orléans Ward Councillor announces a new Park and Ride location at Orléans Recreational Complex
OTTAWA - Orléans Ward Councillor Bob Monette is pleased to announce that the residents of Orléans will have a new Park and Ride location at their disposal starting June 1st to facilitate their commutes around the City of Ottawa. A reserved and identified area in the North West corner of the Orléans Recreational Center (ORC) located at the corner of Youville Drive and Jeanne DArc Boulevard will be available to local residents to park their vehicles free of charge in order to make their way to work and avoid morning and afternoon rush hour traffic. It is estimated that the Park and Ride will be able to hold up to 60 vehicles.
Councillor Monette reacted by saying that ''Finally the residents of Convent glen will no longer have to go backwards in order to go forwards ''. It has been past practice that Convent Glen residents had to travel to Trim Road and/or Orléans Shopping Centre to take advantage of a Park and Ride location.
Councillor Bob Monette further said that '' Park and Rides are an environmentally friendly way to relieve the pressures of morning rush hour traffic going East to West all while promoting public transit ''.
Councillor Monette had made a commitment to Orléans residents during the January municipal By-Election that he would urge the City of Ottawa to establish a Park and Ride at the Orléans Recreational Centre (ORC). The new Orléans Ward Councillor is glad to make this announcement a mere three months after his election.
Orléans Ward Councillor fighting to preserve green space in Orléans Ward.
-- Councillor Bob Monette is keeping his election promise and supporting local Convent Glen residents in their battle to preserve Either Lots site.
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Orléans Business Development
April 10th
As the recently elected Councillor for Orléans ward, one of my main priorities at City Hall has been to tear down this "closed for business" sign in Orléans by promoting that the east-end is open for business. Presently, there is a lack of government offices in the east-end, which limits the number of businesses that supply government to locate in Orleans. As such, I have tasked my staff to begin work on this file to examine federal and provincial building needs for the next decade and to tirelessly fight to ensure that a percentage of it is built in the east-end.
In addition, as promised by me during the by-election, in my first month on Council, I secured a major victory for the residents of Orléans by ensuring commercial employment lands in Orléans for years to come. The flawed request by Ashcroft homes to the City to amend the former City of Cumberland Urban Zoning By-Law, and to change the zoning of 100 Rossignol Crescent, located in the Riverwalk Community, to permit residential high-density apartment uses and row dwellings is not what residents nor the business community embraced.
My staff and I are working closely with the Mayor's office, other east-end councillors and council as a whole to articulate the east-end's needs. Moreover, in partnership with the Orléans BIA and Team Ottawa Orléans, we are working towards a common goal: More employment for east-end residents in our community.
My door at City Hall will continue be open so that I may advise local businesses on economic and community development opportunities within the City of Ottawa. I will always listen to concerns, ideas and work closely with individuals to assist them with realizing their prospective projects.
Elected officials at all levels of government must tear down this "closed for business" sign and replace it with vigorous promotion that the east-end is open for business by providing a culture that attracts businesses to invest in our community through real incentives. We must also promote the beauty and the uniqueness of our community within the Ottawa. When our elected officials work jointly with our business leaders, we will be able to bring real change to our community.
Regards,
Bob Monette
Community Safety
April 10th
Public safety is a strong concern to residents throughout Ottawa, especially those of us who live in the suburbs, such as Orléans. This growing concern is real and is becoming more and more serious.
In fact, when almost three-in-10 east end residents polled believe that stories of violent crime and persons physically at risk were the most
worrisome of those challenges currently facing our city, police service must be thin to residents of Orléans.
During the by-election and since I was elected to Council, I’ve received feedback from many residents in Queenswood Heights, Fallingbrook and Convent Glen about bus shelters being vandalized on a weekly basis; graffiti staining the beauty of our community; street signs being bent out of shape or torn down causing potential problems in case of a 911 call; and also real threats posed by hoodlums hanging out after hours at shopping malls and the loss of personal property.
These incidents, although relatively minor in comparison to some of the more serious crimes that make the daily newspapers, should not be taken lightly.
As such, I would like to advance the issue of an auxiliary police force in our City to combat petty crime, provide better safety to our residents and support the fine men and women in blue, so that they may continue doing an exemplary job. As such, I would like our city to examine the feasibility of adding an auxiliary police force to complement – not replace – our fine men and women in blue.
When I served on Cumberland City Council, we had an auxiliary police force and the record speaks for itself and an Ottawa auxiliary force would undergo a continuous training program with the following mandatory requirements: academic training, firearms training, defensive tactics and Beats and Patrols.
Auxiliary police officers are similar to that of volunteer firefighters. Like volunteer firefighters who volunteer time to improving their
communities by providing such as invaluable service, auxiliary police officers would do the same. Moreover, it has been proven in both Canada and the United States that auxiliary police units add an important element to a City's police service.
The City of Ottawa facing escalating police service budgets every year and the fact that the Ottawa police service is especially thin in Orléans this addition to our police force would prevent skyrocketing increases to our budget, while simultaneously providing more safety to our residents. I would also like the city must return to the basics of policing, such as police officers “walking the beat”. This community oriented policy enabled residents to get to know the fine men and women in blue who patrolled their community.
Additionally, the city must work with community leaders and citizens directly to reintroduce an active Neighborhood Watch system in Orléans. I believe deterrence can have a profound effect on many would-be criminals. The more often a criminal sees a police officer, the less likely he or she is to commit a crime in that area. The more active the Neighborhood Watch system is in a community, the better the community will be served. There is a perception that there is less of a police presence serving and protecting residents in our communities – it’s a very real situation that we must be remedied.
Regards,
Bob Monette
Press Release
Preservation of Green Space
April 12th
OTTAWA - Following a public meeting with local Orléans residents on the preservation of the Either lot sites which took place at the planning and environment committee on Tuesday April 11th, Councillor Monette reiterated his position that he is favour of preserving the green space and not selling it to private bidders for housing development.
'' I had made a promise last January that I would support the preservation of the Either lots green space and I’m delivering on that promise''.
Since his election this past January, Councillor Monette has made tireless efforts to bring local Convent Glen residents, environmentalists and private bidders in order to reach a compromise on the Either lot development conflict. At the end, a compromise could not be met.
Hence, Orléans ward councillor Monette was forced to organize a Public meeting this past Tuesday in Covent Glen on the matter to put an end to the process before going back to City Council for a final decision.
'' I will be heading to the Corporate Services Committee asking them to absorb the 80 000$ already spent by the City to preserve the sites. I could not support a monetary levy to local Convent Glen residents to cover that substantial amount – In my opinion, residents already pay enough in taxes.''
Corporate Services committee will be considering this item.
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Press Release
Orléans Ward Councillor reaches out to multicultural community
April 18th
OTTAWA - Councillor Bob Monette is pleased to announce the inauguration of the
Orléans Ward multicultural committee.
Councillor Monette is pleased to deliver on another key election promise. '' I had made a promise to Orléans residents that I would get my community involved - a first step was reaching out to our multicultural community''.
The Committee has 22 members ranging from all communities such as Chinese, Haitian, and Indo-Pak. Sub continent - all representative of multicultural Orléans. The committee is in the process of drafting both a mission statement and terms of references and will report directly to Councillor Bob Monette on municipal related issues for his consideration and subsequent action.
''For example, I do not want language to be a barrier to municipal services for our newcomers and multicultural community in Orléans'' said the Councillor. '' I want to make sure that there is an appropriate network in Orléans that the multicultural community can tap into - Clearly, this is people helping people ''
Mr. Qamar Masood was elected Chair. Feel free to contact Mr. Massoud for any additional information at (613) 859-6250. The Orléans Ward multicultural committee plans to meet once a month.
Councillor Monette hopes that this initiative can be a model for other Wards across the City of Ottawa.
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Press Release
Orléans Ward Councillor gets kids involved
April 24th
Councillor Bob Monette announces << Youth in Motions >> Student Advisory Committee for Orléans Ward.
OTTAWA - In keeping up with his theme of getting his community involved, Orléans Councillor Bob Monette met this past Friday with local grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 students from Carine Wilson, St. Peter’s, St- Matthew’s and Sir Wilfred Laurier High Schools.
In fact, this was the inaugural meeting of '' Youth in Motions '', a community-base initiative led by the Orléans councillor in means of getting local youth involved in their community.
Councillor Bob Monette believes that '' It is imperative that youth have a voice in our community '' he further added that ''As the local councillor, I want to be better aware of their needs and concerns but more so, see how I can be supportive in moving some of their initiatives forward''
Unfortunately, the Ottawa Youth Cabinet had been recently dissolved due to lack of quorum at meetings. Consequently, Councillor Monette wanted to find an alternative route for local Orléans youth to have a say in their community.
The Orléans Ward councillor informs us that '' This youth committee will be led by its members - our youth. I’m simply there to listen and help them along the way ''. He concluded by saying that '' I have been impressed by the discussion around the table and it is comforting to see that Orléans is blessed with young motivated individuals ''.
The '' Youth in Motions '' inaugural meeting took place on Friday April 21st at Sir Wilfred Laurier High School and will be meeting on once a month. The committee comprises of 1 representative from grade 9 through 12 from the four local Orléans area high schools:
1. St. Mathew’s
2. Sir Wilfred Laurier
3. Carine Wilson
4. St. Peter’s
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Press Release
Orléans Ward Councillor takes on graffiti fight in East End
Monday May 1st 2006
OTTAWA- Councillor Bob Monette believes that graffiti is a problem in Orléans and is taking initiative to get his community involved in his ''fight against graffiti''.
The Orléans Ward Councillor is delivering yet on another election promise. '' I noticed a frightening amount of graffiti in Orléans and made a promise to local residents that I would take the necessary steps to address this issue'' He further added that ''In fact, graffiti was not acceptable when I was a Councillor in 1991 and it certainly is not acceptable in 2006''.
Since his election in January, Councillor Monette has met with Ottawa Police, City Staff, school principles, students, business representatives and community associations to gather support and draft a concrete plan for his ''fight against graffiti''.
''It was crucial that we identify the problem, then educate parents and students, create a reporting mechanism and assure that we had the tools in place for the appropriate follow up ''.
Councillor Monette, in collaboration with Ottawa police, held a public meeting last Thursday evening at Queenswood heights community centre to educate local residents of the problem. More than x amount of people were in attendance.
Councillor Monette further noted that '' Ottawa Police has been very helpful and I applaud their efforts in battling this difficult issue ''. The Orléans Councillor believes that '' the City led graffiti program is a good start - I simply wanted to bring the message to residents and make them aware that they too are part of the solution''.
Councillor Monette and local community police plan on touring local high schools in the coming weeks to deliver their message to kids and parents.
All cases of graffiti in the Orléans area should be reported at the following phone number: 613 580-????
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Press Release
Monette and Jellett initiate a petition to push Provincial government to act
May 15th
Orléans and Cumberland Ward Councillors take aim at the Ontario Government to end longstanding injustice coming from Hydro service providers
OTTAWA - Following years of inaction on the part of the Ontario government, Councillors Monette and Jellett take matters in their own hands and start a petition to stop the double standard from hydro service providers for Orléans and Cumberland Wards residents.
Since amalgamation in 2001, Orléans and Cumberland have been served either by Hydro Ottawa or Hydro One depending on their mailing address. Consequently, local east end residents may be paying different rates and receiving dissimilar services.
This initiative is a first step to making sure that Orléans and Cumberland be full members of the amalgamated City of Ottawa and thus, serviced by Hydro Ottawa.
This petition will be circulated in the coming weeks in local east end restaurants, cafes, stores and community centres in means of gathering the necessary support to move forward.
Councillor Bob Monette feels that “This injustice has got to end! We are soliciting support from local residents to give us the leverage we need to take this all the way to Queen's Park.”
Councillor Rob Jellett reacted by saying “It’s long over due that Cumberland and Orléans join the City of Ottawa. I'm convinced that this petition will assure us that the provincial government takes notice and acts accordingly.”
Both Councillors plan on hand delivering the petition in Toronto to the Ontario Minister responsible for Hydro electricity.
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Press Release
Council unanimously supports preserving Hiawatha Park.
Wednesday May 24th 2006
OTTAWA - Last January, Councillor Monette had committed to work in collaboration with Convent Glen residents to preserve Hiawatha Park and stop the sale of the Either lots.
Earlier last week, following recent findings from an environmental study of the site, City staff recommended that Corporate Services Committee preserve the Hiawatha/ Either lots green space. This recommendation was put forth since it was determined that the area has significant environmental importance to the local region. Today, Council approved the committee report and thus, preserved the park for generations to come.
'' Facing a dilemma, Convent Glen residents united, and worked tirelessly to preserve their park. I applaud their efforts. '' said Councillor Monette
The Orléans Ward Councillor believes that '' We have a shortage of parks and green space in the East end '' He ended by saying '' I will continue to work with local communities and City staff to build green, safe and open spaces for Orléans residents ''
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Press Release
Let’s grow together!
May 26th
-- Bob Monette announces new Community garden in Orléans
OTTAWA – Orléans Ward Councillor Bob Monette, believes that vacant City lots should be put to better use.
Following a meeting held on May 18th with local east-end gardeners, Councillor Monette is glad to announce the creation of a community garden in Orléans located on unused City owned property.
The Community garden will have two major roles. First, the garden will be administered and maintained by local residents while helping revamp a vacant area in Orléans Ward. Second, the community garden will be a new fresh source of produce that will be donated to the local Orléans Cumberland food bank.
'' This is a community led initiative that will promote not only physical activity, but better the appearance of Orléans.'' said Councillor Monette. '' I’m proud to be part of a neighborhood that wants to use this garden to assist the local food bank help families in need ''.
The next planning meeting will take place on Thursday June 8th at 7pm at 255 Centrum Blvd.
Carole Séguin from the Orléans Cumberland Resource Centre will be acting registrar while Mr. Tom Bruer, a local Orléans resident, will be chief coordinator.
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Press Release
An Ottawa Auxiliary Police Unit - Its time
Tuesday, August 8th, 2006
The Ontario provincial Government is allocating additional funding to Ottawa Police and the Guardian Angels are trying to establish a chapter in Ottawa.
Is it time for a serious debate on safety and crime prevention for Canada's National Capital?
I believe so.
Public safety is a strong concern to residents throughout Ottawa, especially those of us who live in the suburbs, such as Orléans. This growing concern is real and is becoming more and more serious. The latest shooting in Bells Corners is a testament to that.
As a newly elected Councillor, I believe we need to think of innovative cost effective ways to deal with crime in Ottawa.
In my eight months on Council, I’ve received feedback from many residents in my community about bus shelters being vandalized on a weekly basis; home theft; graffiti and then some.
These incidents, although relatively minor in comparison to some of the more serious crimes that make the daily newspapers, should not be taken lightly.
As such, I would like the City to pursue the feasibility of adding an auxiliary police force to complement – not replace – our fine men and women in blue.
Auxiliary Police are trained officers that would help promote a safer community by working with Community Associations, Chambers of Commerce and Neighborhood Watch. These officers would also outreach to local schools in order to educate children on topics such as graffiti. These types of duties are presently done by full time officers. Do we need armed officers to fulfill these duties? I would argue not.
In short, they would relieve Ottawa police from their heavy administrative workload and get our armed officers in our streets and out of the office.
It has been proven in both Canada and the United States that auxiliary police units add an important element to a City's police service.
When I served on Cumberland City Council, we had an auxiliary police force and the record speaks for itself.
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Press Release
Councillors Monette and Bloess take action on behalf of flood victims
August 18th
Councillors keep their promises; two motions will be submitted to committee.
OTTAWA- Flood victims in Orléans filled Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School earlier this month to request concrete action from City of Ottawa officials on recent sewer backup incidents suffered as a result of heavy rainfall. In response, Councillors Monette and Bloess have been proactive at City Hall and in their respective wards.
Councillor Monette will submit two Motions to the Planning and Environment Committee on Tuesday requesting that the City of Ottawa:
1) Reimburse and waive the $100 application fee for the City of Ottawa Residential Protective Plumbing Grant Assistance Program for Orléans flood victims;
2) That the Residential Protective Plumbing Grant Assistance Program allow coverage for the cost of the work to a maximum of $4,000 for eligible Orléans property owners
Councillor Monette stated that “Orléans residents shouldn't have to run to their basement every time it rains in fear of yet another flood. These two motions are a good first step in getting the problem fixed.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Bloess, who fully supports the motions being brought forward by Councillor Monette, has been busy accompanying City staff on their inspections of flooded homes while simultaneously opening a dialogue with the Insurance Bureau of Canada. In a meeting last week attended by both Bloess and Monette, the insurance industry was urged to act with restraint to ensure no Orléans residents are unfairly denied sewer backup coverage. “We are seeking to ease the concerns that some of our residents have on this issue. As a result, we felt it important to convey these anxieties directly to the insurance industry, which has assured us that all Orléans residents will be dealt with fairly and on an individual basis,” stated Councillor Bloess.
Mayor Bob Chiarelli believes that “the recent flooding has caused serious grief, stress and financial pressures to Orléans property owners. I’m glad both Councillors are doing what they can to help. Obviously. I’m supportive of their efforts. ”
Planning and Environment Committee will meet at 9h30am in the Champlain room at 110, Laurier Ave. West on Tuesday August 22nd.
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Press Release
Council approves Flood Motions
September 14th
-- Councillor Monette and East End Residents get a win for Ottawa at large!
A long fought battle for recent Orléans flood victims, led by Councillor Bob Monette, finally came to an end today.
Their cause: To obtain recognition from Council that the City of Ottawa had some concessions to make and recognize that recent Orléans flood victims were in desperate need of assistance
Flooding devastated the east end earlier this summer – striking twice in less than a month causing serious damage to homes and personal belongings. Residents immediately called on the City of Ottawa for help.
These events prompted Councillor Monette to introduce two Motions at the Planning and Environment Committee yesterday to:
- Reimburse and waive the $100 application fee for the City of Ottawa Residential Protective Plumbing Grant Assistance Program for Ottawa residents effective July 3rd, 2006
- Allow for the lesser of 100 per cent of the cost of the work to a maximum of $4,000 for eligible *(Orléans) property owners who have experienced and reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup…
Councillor Monette worked hard to persuade his colleagues on Committee but was only able to get support at that time for the first motion but not the second one.
That didn’t stop the Orléans Councillor. He decided to take his Motions to Council yesterday, determined to get a majority of support for both.
“I was glad to obtain support for one Motion at Committee but knew I had to fight for my constituents and give it one last shot at Council,” said Councillor Monette “ The majority was there- Working with Councillor Bloess throughout this process we were able to not only get some relief for Orléans but for future flooding victims across Ottawa.”
As such, a fight for the East end turned out to be a blessing for the City of Ottawa at large.
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