OSHAWA ROSEMARY - BLOG

OSHAWA ROSEMARY

2 motions I made at council that passed re: bus rides and access to Oshawa's only city-owned outdoor pool free for kids 12 and under this summer!

3/20/2019

At Oshawa's March 18th Regular Council meeting first I made the following 'time sensitive motion':

"Whereas beginning March 9, 2019 children 12 and under are now allowed to ride GO Transit fare-free

And whereas Durham Region 2019 budget deliberations are taking place this week

And whereas there is environmental, cultural and economic benefits to encouraging ridership and family outings in and around our communities, especially in our short spring summer seasons,

Now therefore the City of Oshawa urge the Oshawa members of the Region of Durham Council to press for and support the immediate provision of free transit to those children 12 years and younger."

(The next day Oshawa Regional Councillor Brian Nicholson followed up with it at the Region DRT 2019 Budget meeting and happy to report the motion for free DRT rides for youth 12 and under was approved!)

Also at the Oshawa March 18th Oshawa Council meeting I made an amendment to the Rotary Park Pool Pilot Project report with the words I added (in red) being approved!

Therefore be it resolved that staff operate Rotary Pool for the summer of 2019 and provide some instructional programming and increased lane swimming opportunities; and that during the hours the pool is open to the public for non-instructional programming that there be no admission charge; and that a report be presented to Council on attendance for the 2019 summer outdoor pool season.

Two good news stories, that will increase kids' enjoyment of Oshawa 2019! When people, especially our youth learn more about and circulate around their community they expand their experiences, which can lead to a stronger ‘sense of place’ in their community. For youth getting to know their town better there can a heightened sense of belonging and appreciation. Benefits can include increased business traffic, decreased cars on the road and fuel consumption, as well as the creation of pleasant memory ‘firsts’ and special times for young people out and about learning what is available in their city.

Concerned about traffic in Oshawa's neighbourhoods? Time for a comprehensive review and update to the City's traffic management strategies!

3/3/2019

One of my election campaign platforms was the City needed to improve neighbourhood traffic management. Following up on this, at the January 28th Council meeting I made a Notice of Motion to Council. Now on the Monday, March 4th Agenda for Community Services Committee's meeting there is a recommendation that "staff engage a consultant for approximately $50,000 funded from the Operations Reserve to update the City of Oshawa Neighbourhood Traffic Management Guide. Looking forward to the discussion on this!

Public Planning Committee Meeting tonight 6:30 in Oshawa Council Chamber

2/25/2019

In addition to the Corporate Services and Development Services Committee meetings today, this evening in the Council Chamber, starting at 6:30, there is a Public Planning Meeting concerning the following three Reports:
DS-19-25 re properties on east side of Simcoe St and north side of Colborne St;
DS-19-29 re a plan of subdivision for 925 Harmony Rd. N. and
DS-19-27 re amendments to the Northwoods Business Park plan (east and west sides of Thornton Rd., N. of Taunton S of Conlin ) For more info see Report links and pictures posted below.

Link to Report DS-19-25 (Simcoe St. N and Colborne Street East properties) http://app.oshawa.ca/.../developm.../2019/02-25/ds-19-25.pdf

Link to Report DS-19-29 (925 Harmony Rd N plan of subdivision) to permit
one block for townhouses, one residential lot for the existing single detached dwelling, one block for the future Beatrice Street East extension, one open space block and two road widening blocks at 925 Harmony Road N http://app.oshawa.ca/.../developm.../2019/02-25/ds-19-29.pdf

Link to Report DS-19-27 (Northwood Business Park, -Thornton Rd. N. east and west sides from Taunton to Conlin Rds) http://app.oshawa.ca/.../developm.../2019/02-25/ds-19-27.pdf

My Motion for action to lay Broadband cable to Ward I's Rural Community

2/23/2019

At the Oshawa Council meeting on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 I made the motion copied below to ensure cable was laid during the Simcoe St. Winchester Road reconstruction which is to begin this month. My motion was passed unanimously. Hopefully it will help to expedite improvements that will give Oshawa's rural community access to high speed internet service.

Whereas Oshawa Council approved Report DS-18-62 on September 24, 2018 regarding the City’s Broadband Strategy which stated:

1) The majority of Oshawa, with the exception of the rural areas, is offered private sector internet services that would achieve the CRTC service level objective; and that

2) City staff will continue to monitor the Dig Once discussion and make recommendations to current priorities where clear financial and community benefits are possible; and
3) Monitor Dig Once policies and programs of the Region of Durham and area municipalities and adopt new practices where benefit is demonstrated and continue to consult with telecom providers on City road reconstruction projects; and

Whereas on January 24, 2019 the Region announced it awarded contract D2018-054 for the reconstruction of Simcoe Street from 500 metres south of Winchester Road to 250 metres north of Winchester Road and Winchester Road from 320 metres west of Simcoe Street to 410 metres east of Simcoe Street; and

Whereas the reconstruction of Simcoe Street and Winchester Road is to commence February 2019 and be completed December 2019 and includes roadway reconstruction, additional through and right turn lanes, new curb and gutter, traffic signal reconstruction, street lighting and hydro duct banks;

Whereas high speed internet service is not available in the rural area of Oshawa north of Winchester Road and Simcoe St;

Therefore the City of Oshawa forthwith request the Region of Durham to include broadband/fibre infrastructure cable in the Simcoe Street/Winchester Rd. reconstruction project.

My position on the proposed Consumption & Treatment Services Centre/Safe Injection Site for Oshawa

2/18/2019

Irrespective of the many who, with strong convictions, seemingly supportive data and eloquent expression, would recommend Oshawa endorse a Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) centre, I am not persuaded. I do not believe this is the right choice at this time for the City of Oshawa.

It has been a tough decision, one I've been wrestling with since speaking with the Lakeridge Health Director of Mental Health and Addictions almost a week ago. I know he has accomplished some remarkable work at Lakeridge Health and commend his effort and dedication.

In fact, I was feeling quite sure, when speaking with him, that his proposal for a CTS was the pathway to follow.

But that was at first, and with my heart. With my head, as an elected representative, I believe my responsibility is to arrive at a rational decision that best serves the public interest of the citizens of Oshawa.

It is more complex than saying safe injection sites save lives, period. The seemingly comforting claims that there has not been a death in a safe injection site does not mean drug users who frequent a safe injection site haven’t died outside, or around the corner from one. Stats have not been methodically tracked. Deaths by drug overdose continue to rise in cities with safe injection sites and the number of drug users rises exponentially every year.

Yes, an overdose death is averted when naloxone can be immediately administered by a nurse. And yes, with clean needles the spread of AIDS and Hepatitis is reduced. And yes, we need to do more to help with the opiate crisis. But a community welcome centre with supervised injection of illicit drugs and free supplies and counselling for users, although a solution advocated by so many, is tellingly not reducing addiction. It might make people think something is being done to help users overcome their addiction, but it is a panacea. The road to recovery is with treatment and rehab.

PLEASE GIVE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING:

1. Once an Oshawa CTS is set up, there will be no reversing the decision. Vancouver has demonstrated this is what happens. When the Federal government tried to shut it down, they couldn't. So obviously there is no way a lower tier municipality like Oshawa stands a chance should a majority of our long time, law-abiding and dedicated Oshawa citizens find its impact grim and detrimental to their city.

2. Last year Oshawa Council requested the Region of Durham have a public consultation on the Safe Injection Site issue, involving Durham Region Police and other organizations. This should take place BEFORE Oshawa Council votes on this issue.

3. The extremely narrow definition of ‘harm reduction’ amounts to a philosophy that fails to address to the harm that is caused, not only to the community where a safe injection site facility is located (which will become by necessity a police “no-go” area), but more importantly, it fails to address the harm to the illicit drug user, by ignoring the root of the harm, the addiction.

4. Illicit drug use absolutely needs to be addressed, with an extensive outreach program and intensive counselling to truly help the drug users overcome their addiction. It is the addiction that is the greatest harm to the user.

TO BE WELL INFORMED PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT VANCOUVER’S SAFE INJECTION SITE www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMglr-pgTkM&fbclid=IwAR1RCLIrHDD1umBQaeW1dqIWcu9XNi-YDcX1OzKd9FUyUHv-vXLdP0sx1pM

Monday Feb 18th, Family Day! Lots to do in Oshawa, free pancake breakfast, free skate, free swim!!

2/17/2019

Kick off Family Day in Oshawa with a free pancake breakfast with Paw Patrol and Minion. Includes family participation games, line dancing and a petting zoo. Starts at 9:00 a.m at City Hall, 50 Centre St. S. As well, there is a free skate at Tribute Communities Centre! 10:00 - 10:50 and 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. and this afternoon, at the Delpark Homes Centre, 1661 Harmony Rd. N. join in the free swim events sponsored by Lovell Drugs!

The free fun swims are from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission banding will begin at 12:15 p.m. Admission is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Special Oshawa Council meeting 6:30 p.m. at City Hall re proposal for a safe injection site

2/16/2019

Oshawa Council will be asked to endorse a proposal for a Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) centre for safe drug injection and overdose prevention in Oshawa.

The Director of Mental Health & Addictions at Lakeridge Health will be making a presentation, with others from Durham Region Health Department and John Howard Society at a Special Oshawa Council meeting this Thursday evening because the deadline to apply to the Province for funding to open a CTS in Oshawa is fast approaching.

The Province’s objectives for CTS centres and criteria for funding can be read in the Applilcation Guide here: health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/opioids/docs/CTS_application_guide_en.pdf?fbclid=IwAR19GEGoRVYpsOH-35u1xiZrPNpUVh7JbWX37TgJok04It3UBC-4ocFCFEE

According to the Province's CTS Application Guide:
"CTS will not be concentrated in one area or neighbourhood, and proximity to child care centres, parks and/or schools
(including post secondary institutions) will be considered
CTS operators will be required to support ongoing community
engagement and liaison initiatives to address local community and neighbourhood concerns on an ongoing basis "
Pictured here are the design standards the Province is requesting, which is a copy of page 21 of the Application Guide

The City staff Report DS-18-67 about Safe Injection Sites done last spring can be read here: app.oshawa.ca/agendas/Development_Services/2018/03-26/REPORT_DS-18-67.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1EjWLR5fiahpaFMQtB6LxXPQAM0N1rYc_PSqfZzJ_JL0YXYkR5qpsuZvA

And the Lakeridge/Durham Region Health Services Department and John Howard Society Briefing Note for this Thursday's Special Council Meeting can be found here:
app.oshawa.ca/agendas/city_council/2019/02-21_eve/BRIEFING_NOTE_CNCL-19-24.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2K68tLaLYJG0ZriBvg1JyDnXTjIOcmedJSa5nz9hvqAnyKY3w8mq8YP8U

Free Family Skate Sunday Feb 11 2019 Compliments of our MPP Lindsey Park!

2/9/2019

Road reconstruction this February - December @ Simcoe & Winchester

1/30/2019

The Region of Durham has awarded contract D2018-054 for the reconstruction of Simcoe Street from 500 metres south of Winchester Road to 250 metres north of Winchester Road and Winchester Road from 320 metres west of Simcoe Street to 410 metres east of Simcoe Street. Work includes roadway reconstruction, additional through and right turn lanes, new curb and gutter, traffic signal reconstruction, street lighting and hydro duct banks.
Unfavourable weather conditions may influence the work schedule.

LANE RESTRICTIONS
During peak commute times, one lane in each direction will be maintained on Simcoe Street and on Winchester Road. On weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., lanes may be reduced to a single lane when necessary. Some grading and paving work within the intersection will occur at night to avoid disruption of traffic flows during peak hours. The Region realizes that the construction work will be disruptive and will make every effort to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible.
RELATED / ADJACENT WORK
Following the intersection works the Region will proceed with widening Simcoe Street, from north of Conlin Road to south of Winchester Road. The widening project to four lanes (plus turning lanes) will also include two new traffic signals (at Windfields Farm Drive and at Northern Dancer Drive), sidewalks/multi-use paths, and street lighting. As a preparation for this widening, utility relocation work is taking place along the corridor.
To improve traffic safety, the Region is also working towards the designation of a Community Safety Zone on Simcoe Street from Niagara Drive/Selleck Lane to north of Conlin Road (Campus Ice Centre access), which would allow for doubling of fines for certain Highway Traffic Act offences (e.g. speeding). A review of the posted speed limits is also under way.
For updates and more information you can look this project up at: durham.ca/WorksProjects For questions contact
Ralph Wilson Project Supervisor 289-928-2642 ralph.wilson@durham.ca

ReCap of Week full of long, but stimulating Special Meetings, and a lovely Special Visit!

1/11/2019

On Monday, Jan 7th, at the morning Special meeting of Community Services Committee the big topic of discussion was the planning consultant Monteith Brown's $45,000 Report titled: Rotary Park and Pool Feasibility Study See attachment 1 in the Report here CS-19-01.

The report recommended step 2 would be a $880,000 design study consisting of $636,800 for the design of the bathhouse; $93,000 for the design of the Splash pad and $150,000 for the design of the Playground:
The 3rd and final step would be the construction of those components as follows: Pool and bathhouse: $5,310,000 • Splashpad: $590,000 • Playground: $1,240,000 (note the estimate does not include the potential costs associated with storm water improvements to areas located along the Oshawa Creek)

Due to the high cost, the Commissioner of Community Services Ron Diskey agreed to arrange for Council members to inspect the bathhouse (change room and maintenance building) on Monday January 14th, before making a decision (although the committee seemed to be leaning on recommending going ahead with a new splash pad only).
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Monday afternoon, was a 5 hour Special Finance Committee meeting with presentations from the City's External Agencies and those groups applying for Anchor and Partnership Grants. Oshawa is fortunate to have such involved citizens, with both the new and long-time groups providing beneficial programs and services to the City. All who made delegations were well spoken, with many showing an extraordinary high level of dedication and generosity to their cause.
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Monday evening was a Special Council meeting, short at just under 2 hours, compared with the morning and afternoon Special meetings.

Recently I was invited to speak in front of a Grade 10 class and discuss my new and old careers with students whose assignment was to conduct an overview of various occupations that might help them in determining their choices for future career plans.

8:30 Wednesday morning, Jan 9th, I was delighted to attend Maxwell Heights school and give a description of some of my duties and my take on a day-in-the-life description as their new Ward 1 City Councillor. Also, as requested, I compared the Councillor job to my previous career as a broker/owner of a local real estate company. The two young students who introduced me and following my talk, gave their impression of what I had shared with the class, impressed me greatly. They said they were touched most by my message of the requirement to be self-motivated and my advice to read at least one article a day about local news so they would be aware of what was going on in their community. Following my talk, Mayor Carter shared inspirational words with the same students about his many faceted career.

Wednesday, January 9th afternoon was my first Built Accessibility Advisory Sub Committee meeting, I saw how hard working the members of this committee are and very much respect their dedication. They contributed over three hours of their time to review in detail six new plans of subdivision and give their consideration to how the plans comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. They do this on a regular monthly basis, and I look forward to joining them in the work! Here is an example of the checklist (just two pages of 11) showing the over 10 areas where certain criteria needs to be met:

Thursday, January 10th, Special Council meeting re Cannabis - Vote to opt-in passed 7-4. Council Special meeting ended at 10:30 p.m. Council members voting yes to opt-in were Carter, Chapman, Giberson, Gray, Kerr, Marimpietri, Nicholson and members voting no were Hurst, Marks, McConkey, Neal.

As I wrote on my Facebook page: seems on social media and on my own thread there are a few poor winners. I have no disdain or disappointment for anyone disagreeing with my position. The choice was to take a stand on one side or the other of the issue of the timing for retail stores in Oshawa, when many other municipalities are clambering to have them, and many are holding back.

The vote was not, as some seem to want to claim, about being for or against cannabis. It is a legal, available and desired product..The issue simply came down to a question of timing for product sales from bricks and mortar vendors. Considering how I see many of this city's problems stem from poor planning, such as the student housing issue, Oshawa's harbour/waterfront problems, and problems with our downtown, I likely look at this issue from a different perspective.

I said at Council before the vote, in my experience, the prudent buyer steps away from a bidding war and waits for the dust to settle, preferring not to put in a bid with no house inspection or financing conditions. My vote, I believed, would give the City some benefit of learning from the experience of other municipalities, I did not see much merit in Oshawa taking a lead on this. And if this is an 'economic driver' I said I sure as heck hope we have a bigger, more real one on the horizon soon, because I don't get how a retail store, no matter how desirable its product can provide that big a boon to the local economy. Cannabis licenced producers yes, but how is a retail store really any more than a boon for the owners than a Macdonalds or Walmart is an economic driver?

Thanks go out to Councillor Nicholson for copying my post recording the meeting's vote results, I didn't realize when I wrote it when I got home after the meeting that I had posted it as a 'reply' above instead of the more visible the main thread where he copied it.

Of course I stand by my decision. Fyi, the Oshawa Express reported "McConkey said some of the benefits of cannabis and related-products are well known, but she wanted to make a “fair and reasoned decision.” She said “caution is important” in such a choice, and desired to wait and see how retail cannabis stores roll out in other municipalities. Furthermore, McConkey questioned how significant of an “economic driver” the cannabis industry would be for Oshawa, an argument made by a number of delegates to council during the evening in support of allowing stores.".
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Friday, January 11th, was an all day Special Council meeting re the 2019 Budget...details on that to follow...some good, some not so good... I will post more about it separately...soon. Meanwhile, note: this Tuesday January 15th 7:30 to 8:30 pm is the live on-line Question and Answer with the City's Commissioner of Finance Stephanie Sinnott. Submit your question here: www.connectoshawa.ca/budget2019?tool=qanda#tool_tab
or here https://www.connectoshawa.ca/budget2019
Further, note: this Thursday, Jan 17th starting at 6:30 in the Council Chamber is the Budget meeting for Public Engagement