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Oshawa Council Can Plan for a Brighter Future Now!

1/18/2021

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Imo it is time for Oshawa Council to be making PLANS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE! In conjunction with this comes investigating ADDITIONAL CITY ASSETS. What better time than to consider the opportunities that marking the City of Oshawa's Centennial presents!
It was wonderful that some Oshawa residents at the start of this year submitted letters requesting the City consider plans for an outdoor community ice rink!

I want to send out a big thank you to them for initiating this public conversation. Their letters are on this morning's Community Services meeting Agenda.

A spectacular winter outdoor ice rink, including summer reflecting pond with fountains and other amenities could be among the legacy projects the Centennial Committee considers.

Therefore, in my opinion, directing the letters to the Centennial Committee and staff for input makes sense and hopefully will happen this morning. But key is giving DIRECTION TO THE COMMITTEE TO START FUNDRAISING TODAY Planning for legacy projects takes time and funding.

Consider the timeline for success -projects being built and open for events and activities at the start of the Centennial year, 2024!
Yes, there certainly are many priority needs and concerns that the City absolutely must focus on. However, special projects that encourage public participation and celebration are inspirational and in fact can be transformational, creating new vitality and new opportunities for Oshawa.

​In fact, for the City to do something spectacular isn't it an ideal time for the City to consider an INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION for Oshawa's 2024 legacy projects?? Such a competition will increase excitement and awareness not just locally but internationally.
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Did you know backyard chickens are not allowed in Oshawa?

1/12/2021

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Update re the brief discussion about the status of raising backyard chickens in Oshawa at Monday's Corporate Services Committee meeting.

Staff has since reported back to members of Council that "Chickens are listed as a PROHIBITED animal under Schedule “A” of the Responsible Pet Owner’s By-law except where they are kept in an agricultural zone as part of a normal farm practice.

The Schedule “A” (Prohibited Animals List) was reviewed most recently in 2012 further to extensive public education and review by a panel of independent experts as outlined in Report CORP-12-263-CM.

​Also as information:
• In August 2019, The University of Guelph conducted a study in collaboration with the province (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) on the issue of backyard chickens and found that “many Ontario backyard birds are carrying dangerous pathogens, and a significant number of flock owners are not following proper hygiene practices.”
• Toronto’s Urban Hens TO Program is due to conclude in March 2021. We will monitor for significant developments and new learning.
Oshawa Municipal Law Enforcement receives an average of 5 complaints per year about the alleged keeping of chickens. If chickens are found, they are relocated further to education of the property owner and files are closed."
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Promoting conversation for long-term renewal in Tourism/Sport/Heritage/Culture Sectors

1/7/2021

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Attention all Oshawa and Durham Region residents/community groups/businesses interested in HERITAGE, SPORT, TOURISM & CULTURE: please check out the Reconnecting Ontarians Action Plan for Economic and Social recovery through Ontario’s Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries!

This 'white paper' is a must read for those wanting to know what new initiatives the Province is considering to put Ontario on the map as a 'global destination of choice' with strategic and targeted investments in tourism, music, arts, film and television, book and magazine publishing, museums and galleries, and sport and recreation activities. The goal is to "protect and support these sectors as they rebuild, transform and invest in opportunities in their local communities", which will "lead to long-term economic and social recovery for all of Ontario".

You are invited to send your feedback & SHARE YOUR IDEAS to help develop a clear roadmap for the recovery of these sectors. As Minister Lisa McLeod message states: since last March when the pandemic hit "Ontario’s heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries were among the first and hardest hit. They’re expected to take the longest to recover."

"These are 'high-touch' sectors that depend on gatherings of people. Live musicians and theatre companies, arts and cultural festivals, all depend on audiences and the participation of large crowds.

Sport leagues and organizations need spectators and require close contact between competitors. Tourism operations require visitors from beyond our borders. Airlines and boat tours need to fill the majority of their seats, bringing passengers in close proximity for prolonged periods of time. Customers of hotel, meeting and event venues or restaurants and heritage sites need to feel confident that they can safely gather in a common location."

​Here is a link to the Action Plan, and below are copies of the 15 Some Action Plan Items described for your feedback to start the conversation http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/Reconnecting_Ontarians.pdf

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SAVE OUR SENIORS

1/3/2021

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There is a SAVE OUR SENIORS TOWN HALL TONIGHT at 6.PM https://www.dolybegum.ca/save_our_seniors_family_town_hall

The crisis the pandemic has brought to Long Term Care facilities across the Province from the first wave between April and June with Pinecrest in Bobcaygeon and Orchard Villa in Pickering just 2 examples when the military were brought in to assist... and now with outbreaks in facilities in Durham Region, in Oshawa at Thorntonview; in Whitby at Sunnycrest, and most recently in Scarborough at Tendercare and MANY MORE DEATHS. THE PUBLIC IS PROTESTING AND ASKING FOR MILITARY INTERVENTION. 

If you are interested, following the rally in Scarborough on the weekend...TONIGHT AT 6:00 p.m. there is virtual meeting with Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos, an avid advocate for caregivers and seniors who will be joining Scarborough South West NDP MPP Doly Begum to discuss the current "critical and urgent" situation at Tendercare Living Centre, and shed light on the challenges faced by families who have been desperately trying to find answers.

The meeting will be streamed live on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

Also see here for more information about the Tendercare situation and protests: https://www.cp24.com/.../group-calls-for-military...


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continuing the outdoor ice rink discussion

1/2/2021

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Without a doubt an outdoor ice rink requires infrastructure and maintenance money and yes the season is short, but the number of municipalities that have been successful opening them, and even having them open during the pandemic is something to celebrate! Who doesn't think that even opening a Centennial Outdoor Rink or Ice Trail as part of the City of Oshawa's 100th anniversary is a doable goal?

​Although there is another idea to explore  for one being built earlier too!
 
Since this conversation started three weeks ago, I, with a nudge from others, have learned a lot, for example: from the Clarington staff report in September 2020 on some costs of a ice trail with refrigeration pipes: https://weblink.clarington.net/.../328682/PWD-001-20.pdf

to the start-up and early issues at the Bentway ice trail under the Gardner at Toronto's lakeshore: www.todocanada.ca/city/toronto/event/bentway-skate-trail/

to the recent closure of the popular Queen's Quay outdoor rink for infrastructure repairs after 37 years operating:
​www.harbourfrontcentre.com/rink/

and most of these outdoor rinks are free, I've posted some links earlier concerning the several free rinks in Brampton, Barrie and Newmarket

The Town of Cobourg has had its popular Rotary Harbourfront 1,000 metre outdoor rink for 12 years now. On Dec 23 Cobourg Town Council had a Special meeting and voted to keep it open during the provincial lockdown, with special protocols that limit the skaters on the ice to 10 for up to 45 minutes and bookings must be scheduled in advance. www.cobourg.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=5612fae9-1307-4624-bb86-8806c02fbfcb&fbclid=IwAR0QBrTELYiylNcP1j3YCPpMPx8ncNPCldsOtW_0nZ-gF0GKj0rTzbnlehE

and check out this one really fabulous private backyard rink being celebrated this week www.blogto.com/sports_play/2021/01/david-weiss-backyard-skating-rink-toronto/  Inspiring isn't it?
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Service Oshawa & City Hall Holiday Hours

12/29/2020

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Looking to skate at an Oshawa Outdoor Ice Rink?

12/27/2020

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Earlier this week I received an email from a Ward 1 resident asking if there was a chance she could use the circle in her Court to make a little ice rink. When I inquired, City staff outlined a number of difficulties this presented. However, they referred to Oshawa's outdoor Ice Rink Policy - something new to me. They explained that Parks Staff oversee an outdoor rink program and can assist with a rink in one of the nearby parks if residents are interested.

I asked and received a copy of the Ice Rink Policy. The Policy and Procedure (copied below) is from 1983 and revised in 2006. It is not on-line on the City's website, but, when asked, City staff wrote back they will put up a link in the new year.

I wonder how many Oshawa residents know about it. Since it is a volunteer run program imo it is important to get the word out.
Coincidentally, a few days ago I posted about the City of Brampton's 4 new outdoor ice rinks.

Imo, outdoor ice rinks is a timely topic to investigate further for Oshawa, especially with the COVID lockdowns. I am hopeful easier ways can be put in place in 2021 for those looking for outdoor rink surface in Oshawa!

By the way, City staff also responded to my question about how many recent successful uptake applicants there have been to the City's Ice Rink Policy. Seems not too many. They named only one city park where a group of volunteers have had a rink for several years, and another where after a few years of uncooperative weather, another group decided not to continue.

Any residents interested can reach out to Service Oshawa for information and contacts. I'm curious to speak with any who may have participated in this City of Oshawa program to hear about their experiences, or others who have suggestions, concerns or stories from other community's outdoor ice rinks. It seems there are plenty around, 7 outdoor rinks maintained by the City in Barrie PLUS volunteer maintained outdoor rinks (which appears similar to the Oshawa Ice Rink Policy, but well promoted. as the City of Barrie website has a notice that says: "Neighbourhood Outdoor Ice Rink Program, outdoor ice rinks may be located in parks for which volunteers have signed maintenance agreements for the season. Agreements must be signed annually. Volunteers commit to maintaining the ice surface by scraping and flooding, and must allow all members of the community free and unlimited access to the rink" https://www.barrie.ca/.../Recreation.../Pages/Arenas.aspx...

Someone today told me outdoor rinks work well in York Region, in proximity to an indoor ice rink, where the Zamboni can be used outside too. https://www.yorkregion.com/.../8120423-map-ice-ice-baby.../

"Ice, Ice, Baby: Where to find outdoor skating rinks...an outdoor rink, arguably ranks among the most enjoyable winter activities." As noted in the February 2020 article linked above, many GTA municipalities have several outdoor ice skating surfaces available for their residents.

​Time for Oshawa to offer similar opportunities! Write clerks@oshawa.ca now and express your interest in making this happen.
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Time to be Merry and Bright, See it's a White Christmas After All!

12/25/2020

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Update on Provincewide Shutdown

12/22/2020

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Today's updated information about the Provincewide Shutdown can be read in this 28 page Ontario Ministry of Health PowerPoint with details about the Businesses Permitted to Open and Sector Specific Restrictions (Slides 11-23) https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-provincewide-shutdown
For even more specific details on the rules concerning the Dec 26, 2020 lockdown here is the link to Ontario Reg 82/20 Rules for Areas in Stage 1 https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200082
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Premier Ford announces a 28 day lockdown starting Dec 26th

12/21/2020

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Copied below is the summary the Association of Municipalities of Ontario sent out this afternoon with particulars concerning the new COVID-19 lockdown.
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