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TIME IS NOW FOR CLEAN, SAFE PUBLIC WASHROOMS IN DOWNTOWN OSHAWA

5/10/2022

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 On Monday Oshawa Corporate Services Committee voted on the Washroom motion (pictured below) to 'receive for information' which means no action.  It will still go before Council May 24. Hopefully 6 members of Council will realize the benefits and approve a vote that turns this around.

It seems the Mayor, who regularly uses the promotional phrase "the 'Great City of Oshawa" might consider the Winston Churchill quote "The price of greatness is responsibility."

City Council should recognize its responsibility to provide access to safe and clean washrooms to the public. Giving people the dignity to use public washrooms and finding a way to implement a program requires the will of Council. It is doable and imo could be launched as a pilot project for this summer.

Even though it seems staff calculated an exorbitant cost of $42K a month! for security attendants and cleaning services for the 24/7 public use of the City's accessible washrooms (which are opposite the City Security office inside the south entrance doors) it seems reasonable to expect it could be accomplished for much less.

The cost for the failed porta-toilets in the downtown last summer and extra street washing was high. Compare what the Mayor spent on that to what can be accomplished by using the City Hall indoor accessible toilets.

Last year the Region chipped in up to $40,000  and it was to be extended into 2022 if need be.

Recall what was the Mayor was quoted as saying in the INDURHAM publication last year: 

“We’ve washed the streets, washed the alleys. The reason we have to do that is the amount of human waste that we are seeing not only on public property, but on private property,” said Carter.Oshawa has invested in washroom facilities in the immediate area, putting up three temporary toilets across the city and funding the installation of washrooms and showers into the Backdoor Mission, located in the Simcoe Street United Church.
However, Carter said the temporary bathrooms “were not only destroyed, they were lit on fire and in many circumstances were tipped over and brought into the middle of intersections and caused a great deal of havoc.”
As a result, “the contractor has refused to even rent to us or even be able to service those facilities,” said Carter.
In the long-term view, Oshawa is looking at public, self-cleaning washrooms. Carter says the city is following Ajax in exploring this option, noting the estimated cost of $400,000 for such a facility.

Consider how the City could install swipe access cards to monitor the use of the City's indoor accessible washrooms, and limit the time inside the washroom to 5 minutes as is the practice at some shelters, If anyone leaves drug needles, they could lose their washroom privileges.

Most people may not realize the extent of camera coverage inside City Hall. The City Security office has state of the art equipment with numerous cameras and computer screens tracking every movement inside City Hall except for washrooms.

According to the Commissioner of Corporate Services, new security staff would need to be hired (even with the additional $$$$$$ added 3 months ago to the LOGIXX Corporate Security contract for expanded security.) https://pub-oshawa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx...

The Commissioner of Corporate Services also noted that the guards need to be trained in administering NARCAN. But it was a part of the last corporate security agreement that the security officers be trained in administering NARCAN.
​
How is it that the downtown businesses are expected to open their washrooms to the public, and the City takes no responsibility to provide citizens the dignity of access to a clean and safe toilet. Notice when a municipality doesn't want to do something the price is high? Could it be a pre-election avoidance of controversy?
https://healthydebate.ca/.../paucity-of-public-washrooms/
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Oshawa 2022 SUMMER CAMP programs now on-line! Registration begins Mon May 9th

5/4/2022

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Oshawa Summer Camp registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 9. Community members are encouraged to register online at https://register.oshawa.ca/
Drop-off and in-person registration is also available.

Fun times ahead with the return of the City's Arts Camp, Dance Camp, Hockey Camp, Sport and Swim Camp and more. View, download or print a copy of the 2022 Summer Camp booklet online at Oshawa.ca/camps.

​Also from July 4 to August 26 offered in both mornings and afternoons is Oshawa's FREE DROP-IN PLAYGROUND PROGRAM for children age 5 to 12 . Check out oshawa.ca/play
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May 04th, 2022

5/4/2022

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Motion to have Oshawa CITY HALL  ACCESSIBLE WASHROOMS open to the PUBLIC 24/7!

5/3/2022

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I submitted the Notice of Motion (below) at last week's City Council meeting about addressing the need for PUBLIC WASHROOMS in the downtown. You can help see this plan implemented by showing support with an email to clerks@oshawa.ca and council@oshawa.ca Thank you! Fyi Security are at City Hall, just across the hall from the accessible washrooms 24/7. I don't see any reason why this plan could not be accommodated.
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City Hall is the one place in downtown Oshawa where there is a manned security room 24/7 directly across the hall from 2 accessible washrooms. The security office could have control of washroom key pass, like in a gas station or common in multi business office buildings. There is daily clearing of City Hall too. Imo it is a good go to place to go ::). The Johnny-on-the-Spots were a disaster last summer, Imo it is a way to curb the defecation/urination problem on the downtown sidewalks and alleyways. A public washroom sign with arrows at the corner of Centre St. and Bagot St.
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May 1 - 7 free youth workshops, activities & drop-in programs happening across Oshawa!

4/28/2022

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Starting tomorrow Monday May 2, 2022 for National Youth Week, Oshawa youth ages 10 to 17 are invited to get involved in an exciting range of FUN FREE ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOPS & DROP-IN PROGRAMS around Oshawa!

Events include a 3X3 Basketball, Tournament, a “Collaborative Creations” workshop where youth work together to create an art project, “Script Socials” where youth can participate in a creative story writing workshop, drop-in activities and other MUSICAL, ART & SPORTS drop-in activities!

A couple of the events will require pre-registration for attendance, but most are drop-in. See LIST BELOW of events scheduled. More info here: 
 www.oshawa.ca/nyw
and here:
​
https://oshawa.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=c7eb1b3b-c700-4bdc-ba1a-e38ab637971d&lang=en…
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Council missed being proactive on the speeding/heavy truck problem on Raglan Rd. W.

4/27/2022

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Concerning heavy truck traffic speeding on rural roads — recently a CLARINGTON Councillor pointedly asked “Why should we be asking the residents of Solina to sacrifice their well-being to facilitate development in northern Oshawa? Why are we putting Solina AT RISK IN ORDER TO MAKE THE DEVELOPERS IN OSHAWA HAPPY?"

IMO Oshawa Council should take note of these words - and give more focus on excessive speeding - road safety and the well-being of community residents.

Developers have a role in the future of cities of course, but in my opinion it is unacceptable for City staff and elected officials to allow one sector's special interests (especially ones with deep pockets who contribute to the election campaigns of a Mayor and/or other members of a Council ) to dominate over residents,
https://www.durhamregion.com/.../10605144--it-was-a.../

Heavy trucks are often clocking over 100km on roads with posted limits of 50km. Raglan residents should not be experiencing the danger when entering or exiting their driveways to the extent they are now with the increased heavy truck traffic and drivers violating rules of the road.

I fully support those speaking up about the City implementing improved traffic calming measures. At this point about the problem on Raglan Rd W I have to say, with regret, when my colleagues on Council know about the problem and do nothing, it shows they really don't know.
​
Copied below is my motion that eight members of Council voted not to hear Monday April 25th!

Their lack of responsiveness is inexplicable, Every member of Council received a copy of the motion copied below..,, Raglan Rd. W. is a Regional Rd. and the City of Oshawa needs to direct the Region to take action.
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1st Combo In-Person-Electronic Hybrid Oshawa City Council Meeting Today!

4/25/2022

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Back in Oshawa Council Chamber today for the 1st in-person/electronic-hybrid FULL CITY COUNCIL meeting. It was  two full years ago that Council began conducting Council and Committee meetings only virtually. So far this April there have been 4 Standing Committee meetings and 1 Special Committee meeting held under the new hybrid setting and I have to say I very much appreciate being back to in-person meetings!

​Below is the Agenda Checklist for items being approved, not approved, or referred.


Meeting starts today at 9:30 with gallery fully open for the public to attend. Eleven individuals are being recognized for the 2022 Community Organization VOLUNTEER AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Sam Marmare, Simcoe Hall Settlement House
Corrine Marmare, Simcoe Hall Settlement House
Christopher J. Foster, ODAWG Harmony Dog Park
Rob Foster, ODAWG Harmony Dog Park
Robert Amos, Oshawa-Durham AM Kiwanis Club
Doris Avery, Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+
Cathy McFarland, Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+
Sheri Pereira, Durham Shoestring Performers
Andra Kelly, Durham Shoestring Performers
William Cromwell, Salvation Army Food Bank
Judith Gray, Salvation Army Food Bank
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Oshawa Fire Services Calls Week of Saturday April 17 to Friday April 22, 2022

4/23/2022

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Total Oshawa Fire Services calls week of Saturday April 17 to Friday April 22, 2022.

NOTE THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL BURNS on Friday! Highest number in one day! 

The Monday Apr 18 'suspicious' fire at Phillip St was out in 15 minutes as reported in Oshawa This Week.
Deputy Fire Chief Todd Wood said the fire began at about 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 18. "There were tenants living in the basement and a tenant on the main floor and all the people were able to escape safely." The fire was in a linen closet on the main floor. Damage is estimated at $250,000, Wood said. Those living in the basement were displaced and were being looked after by the Red Cross."
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Spring Flowers Fill Oshawa Downtown Planters giving a Welcome Splash of Colour!

4/19/2022

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I've been looking forward to this!
Oshawa Downtown Planters are being filled with SPRING FLOWERS FOR THE FIRST TIME!
Aren't they are looking lovely!
Last spring I saw the City of Barrie had their downtown planters, which co-incidentally are the same style as Oshawa's, filled with tall red tulips and pansies.
​Last fall Oshawa Council agreed to do something similar and here they are!
Planted in the centre are purple tulips, surrounded by yellow daffodils and pink hyacinth, bordered by deep purple muscari aka grape hyacinth. This combination is very colorful and should last until the garden staff plant the summer flowers at the end of May. 


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Oshawa Senior Officials bow to  Developers? Consider April 11 2022 Committee meeting

4/16/2022

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What transpired Monday April 11th 2022 at the Development Services (DS) Committee meeting  was shocking, imo bordering on abuse of process.
How a certain MOTION advanced at the meeting, from my viewpoint, indicates the extent to which developers have the ear of certain members of Council and staff.
 
The General Manager of DELTA URBAN who wrote a letter dated the same day to  the City on behalf of TWELVE DEVELOPERS erroneously still calling themselves the Columbus Landowners Group*  shows how much they now control the narrative concerning the City of Oshawa's recommendation to the Region of Durham on its Growth Plan/Land Needs Assessment.
 
(*In early 2019 the City pointed out there are many Columbus landowners who are not developers and requested they call the Group the Columbus ‘Developers’ Group.)
 
Page 1 of the April 11, 2022 letter Delta Urban  submitted at the last minute to DS Committee  lists the Columbus developers represented:
o Tribute
o Valleymede
o Halloway
o G8
o Oshawa Columbus Holdings Inc.
o Brand Development)
o Sorbara
o Menkes
o Setcon
o Delpark Homes
o Oxford Developments
o 276 Columbus Road West Inc.
  
But first, to understand why the MOTION and the process involving the Developers Group and Delta Urban could be considered unsettling, is to know that during the month of March the Region of Durham proposed FIVE SCENARIOS for the residential and employment density targets and housing unit mixes planned for future growth to 2051.
 
Admittedly this post is long and may sound confusing, BUT IT INVOLVES AN IMPORTANT MATTER —future planning for the Region's comprehensive Official Plan Review, euphemistically called ‘Envision Durham'. The review is at the stage where the Region has proposed FIVE SCENARIOS for land needs across the Region to plan for growth for the next 30 years.
 
Below is a picture of the Range of the 5 Community Scenarios for a framework to help determine where growth will go, copied from the infographics in the Region's ALTERNATIVE LAND NEED SCENARIOS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY REPORT  https://www.durham.ca/en/doing-business/resources/Documents/PlanningandDevelopment/Envision-Durham/Land-Need-Summary-Final.pdf
 
Note there is a more detailed breakdown in the March 22 revised Appendix A analysis from the Watson Consultant https://www.durham.ca/en/doing-business/resources/Documents/PlanningandDevelopment/Envision-Durham/Land-Need-Summary-Appendix-A.pdf
 
The Region intends to have a preferred scenario chosen at its May 3 2022 Planning Committee meeting. The Region requested comments from the public and stakeholders by April 14th but indicated it will accept the City of Oshawa's comments after the City's Council meeting which isn’t held until April 25th.  Since the Region is prepared to accept Oshawa’s comments late, Oshawa residents may want to submit correspondence to both the City  concerning REPORTS DS-22-76 and DS-22-90 by emailing clerks@oshawa.ca before 4:00 p.m. this coming Tuesday April 19, and copy the Region of Durham as well, clerks@durham.ca
 
 
Now, back to Monday April 11th :
 
The City Staff 14 page Report DS-22-76 was on the DS Committee meeting Agenda. It outlined which of the FIVE Scenarios staff support Oshawa Council recommending to the Region.
 
In the first few minutes of the DS Committee meeting, as Vice Chair I announced the new items which were to be added to the Agenda. The letter from Delta Urban which the Clerk had given the item number DS-22-90 was an Additional Item. The Committee did not receive a digital copy of this before the meeting, but  hard copies were on the Committee member desks when we entered the Council chamber before the start of the meeting. It is a detailed letter with numbers and percentages. It was printed in black and white, although it turns out there were highlights on the digital copy that made key points in the letter clearer. The digital copy was available two days later on the City's website when the archive of the committee meeting’s webstream was published  (see Page 2 of the letter below).
 
At the start of the meeting, when I read the items being added, I asked that the Delta Urban letter not be added in with the with Report DS-22-76 which concerned the Durham Region's Municipal Comprehensive Review: City Comments on the Region of Durham's Growth Management Study - Alternative Land Need Scenarios, as I wanted to speak to the Report separately.
 
Chair Marimpietri then read the script for the next portion of the meeting noting that there were "NO DELEGATIONS".
 
25 minutes later, after two other matters were deliberated and voted on, with no notice to me as Committee Vice Chair, a matter came up that was very out of the ordinary. It  seemed to be something the Chair and Councillor Chapman knew was coming.
 
Councillor Chapman remarked to Chair Marimpietri about the fact the Committee had already gone past the time for Delegations but he wanted to go back to it.  Councillor Chapman said "I THOUGHT THERE WAS AN EMAIL OR SOMETHING IN … and he then said he wanted to waive the rules  “BECAUSE THERE IS A DELEGATE HERE THAT WANTS TO SPEAK WITH US”.
 
Chair Marimpietri turned and asked the Clerk about waiving the rules saying, "I do believe Councillor Chapman is right".
 
A vote was then taken to allow Michael May, the Delta Urban letter writer who was sitting in the Council Chamber to speak. Before Mr. May began his delegation Chair Marimpietri said, Good afternoon, I apologize, WE THOUGHT YOU WERE JUST GOING TO COME AND UM LISTEN IN TO THE MEETING, BUT THE FLOOR IS YOURS”…
 
Mr. May then spoke concerning Report DS-22-76  and as General Manager of the Columbus developers and on behalf of the Durham Chapter of the Building Industry Liaison Team (BILT)  he detailed THEIR PROPOSAL, what he called a ‘MODIFIED SCENARIO 2” that would increase intensification from 45% to 50%  and drop down the low density building from 39% to 34%; raise up High Density from 22% to 25% as well as raise Greenfield Density from 55% to 57% for people and jobs per hectare. (see page 2 of his letter below)
 
Shortly after Mr. May made his delegation,  the Staff Report DS-22-76 was up for discussion and Councillor Chapman quickly produced the motion below:
 
“That pursuant to Report-DS-22-76 dated April 6, 2022 City Council endorse Scenario 2A as submitted by the Columbus Developers Group as Item DS-22-90 as the City’s recommended scenario on the Alternative Land Need Scenarios Report prepared by the Region of Durham as part of Envision Durham, the Municipal Comprehensive Review of the Durham Regional Official Plan. “
 
The questions  that followed were from Councillor Neal and me.
Councillor Neal  asked for input from the Columbus Community Advisory Group.
 
Chair Marimpietri said Councillor Neal and I could call the Advisory Committee for a meeting and discuss the Region’s Envision Durham with them.
 
I pointed out  they are volunteer citizens appointed to a Committee by the City. The City convenes their advisory meetings, and the City does not share their emails.
 
But more to the point, the fact that the Columbus Community Advisory Group will learn about the City’s decision to recommend higher densities to the Region that could significantly impact the Columbus Part II Secondary Plan densification without an opportunity for input.
 
It  confirms what many Columbus residents have been saying all along, that the Columbus Community Advisory Committee is not intended to have any real input in the City and developer’s planning for their community, but that they are just there for show only.
 
My final words on this matter Monday afternoon, were how unbalanced the MOTION struck me. I didn’t bother to question how some members of the Committee seemed to be more in the know and some left out …but I did manage to get in that the City already has a reputation of favoring developers. Chair Marimpietri cut in bristling at that and went on about this being a  Region-wide  planning matter and not about interest groups (Huh? Like really? To me Region-Wide includes a lot more than just the Developer/Builder group whose interests and voices were the only ones heard and being acted on by the Committee.)
 

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Durham Regional Council Approves New By-law for Kick E-scooters on Regional Roads

4/13/2022

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​
This morning Durham Regional Council passed a new By-law allowing 'kick e-scooters' on Regional roads only.

The Region is leaving it up to the lower tier municipalities to sort out their own regulations whether they want to opt in and pass their own e-scooter By-laws or opt out until more data is available on the consequences of having them on the road (according to the Province of Ontario they are prohibited on sidewalks) Note the City of Toronto Council twice voted to ban them. Here is a link to the Regions new By-law: https://calendar.durham.ca/.../6bbcbc45-4167-4ce8-a449...

Ajax Mayor Collier asked 'what is in it for us'? He was asking about revenue sharing, saying there needs to be some financial benefit because there will be costs.

At one point the Chair said this is about the PROPOSED BY-LAW not the product.

Imo it is problematic that the Region can say on the one hand 'compatibility with the lower tier municipalities is critical' and then say the lower tier municipalities can work out their own acceptance rules, which seems to put the lower tier municipalities in a box. Reality check is needed. All Regional roads intersect with local roads.

At one point a Councillor described recently being quite startled when a e-scooter zipped by on a sidewalk.

Another asked who is liable when a senior is startled and falls and breaks a hip.
The Chair asked about the Region Trails where there are X-treme Sport mountain bikers, and there are X-treme e-scooters that can travel 50km an hour, how safe is that combining the two, and how can it be monitored for example in Uxbridge and Durham Forest?

Region staff answered maybe they should be banned from the Durham Forest.

When Region Council voted to approve the new e-scooter By-Law this morning no one requested a recorded vote.

Although when the verbal vote was called some No votes could be heard among more Yes votes. Imo sad to say it seemed no Council member had the courage to request a recorded vote, so the names of members in support vs those against were not made public. Ducking a controversial vote before the election?

Looking up more info on X-treme e-scooters, it seems Chair Henry is behind on the speeds...they can go much higher, making 50km seems slow: check out the top speeds listed here: there are 10 brands that have speeds between 120kmh and 80kmh
https://electric-scooter.guide/.../fastest-electric.../

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Oshawa Fire Services Response Calls - Medical Calls dominate

4/12/2022

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Once again this past week the list of Oshawa Fire Services response calls indicates how Medical Calls dominate — 49 out of the 116 total calls from Sunday April 3rd 24/7 to Saturday April 9th.

It may have some wonder how many of these medical calls are related to the drug problem in the City vs. heart attacks. The Fire Chief will be presenting a staffing report to Council at a Special Council meeting on Friday May 5th. Hope to try and ask that question then.

To wonder if these medical calls are related to the drug problem in the City is not about discriminating. It simply has to do with ensuring the operational tools are available for the best deployment of services,

The city budgets for staffing, trucks and apparatus for Fire Services. Last year the City ordered a new RAPID RESPONSE TRUCK which should be delivered soon - one of the ideas put forward by the Consultant team for the City's new Fire Master Plan was that it will help respond to medical calls quickly to address Opioid overdose hot spots in the City of Oshawa. The chart below published in the Metroland paper last month shows sobering stats on the number of ambulance calls to Oshawa Opioid Overdoses  51% of all Opioid ambulance calls across the Region.
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Statistics Canada has the Population of City of Oshawa in 2021 at 175,383

4/12/2022

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NEW 2021 CENSUS DATA released has the City of Oshawa's official 2021 population at 175,383 up from 159,458 in 2016
and # of private dwellings at 69,324 in 2021 up from 64,883 in 2016

The 2021 Census has a phased rollout with more data coming:
April 27 -Canada's shifting demographic profile;
Sept 21 -housing portrait (ages & dwelling type stats);
Nov 30 -labour force demographics & how people get to work
​

Imo the Region of Durham should have a fulsome review of this pertinent data before rushing through its Growth Plan Official Plan Amendment, euphemistically called 'Envision Durham' before calculating any land needs assessment or advancing any new settlement areas!
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Upcoming Special Council Meeting Fri May 6, 2022 9:30 a.m.for Fire Services Staffing Plan

4/8/2022

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Taunton/Townline Intersection Closed for Month of May, 2022

4/7/2022

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Advance notice that the INTERSECTION AT TAUNTON/TOWNLINE will be closed in all directions to through traffic during the month of May! Local traffic and emergency vehicles will be required to use signed detour routes.
​

Work for new watermain/storm and sanitary sewers. Note Townline Rd. N. of Taunton to Coldstream Dr. remains closed until July.

The Acting Project Supervisor Andrew Gorman advised the gas station on the corner will be open and accessible from the west side. The Region is taking out a portion of the median to make it accessible for both in and out turning from Taunton. The school buses will follow the posted detour routes. He said they are reaching out to all companies affected. Let's hope for great weather in May so that they are able to complete the work on schedule!​
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Saturday April 9 and April 16, Oshawa Libraries offering Free Junior Gardeners Program

4/6/2022

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Starting this Saturday! Check out this terrific Kids Free Gardening Activities Program with Seed Kit Pick-Up
(limited quantities, first come, first served)  Junior Gardeners can learn how to make seed starting pots for the garden this year!
hosted by the Oshawa Libraries in collaboration with the Oshawa Garden Club!
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Starting Next Year the Oshawa Waste Collection Calendar is Going Digital

4/1/2022

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That time of year is approaching when the City of Oshawa will be publishing and distributing its next Waste Collection Calendar. But a Memo went out today to Councillors that after the upcoming July 2022 -June-2023 Calendar, NEXT YEAR in June 2023 the City will be transitioning to an on-line publication:

"Starting June 2023 the City’s “Annual Waste Collection Calendar and Information Guide” is going digital! Oshawa residents are well connected and have fully embraced other digital materials such as the activeOshawa Guide and the OSCC55+ Activity Guide. Transitioning to a digital Guide will not only save on printing and mailing costs but is more sustainable and allows for targeted communications related to waste collection services. "

"Currently, the Guide is designed, printed and mailed annually through Canada Post to approximately 50,000 households providing information to residents on their curbside waste collection services. Phasing out the printing and mailing of the Guide will allow residents to transition to the various digital platforms as their primary means of accessing waste information. "
Residents can access their waste collection schedules and information digitally by:

• downloading the “Durham Region Waste” App (Waste App); or,
• online by visiting Oshawa.ca/waste

"As of July 2023, the Waste Collection Guide will be available in limited quantities for pick up at various City facilities, libraries and Oshawa Senior Community Centres for those who are unable to access online. Staff will continue to assess the transition throughout the year with the intent to go completely digital by July 2024. " https://app.oshawa.ca/waste.asp?_mid_=666&source=homepage
​

THEREFORE, IN LIGHT OF THE ABOVE, IF YOU KNOW ANY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNERS OR TENANTS WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET, IT WOULD BE GOOD TO ADVISE THEM AND THE CITY NOW SO THEY CAN BE ACCOMMODATED WHEN THE CHANGE-OVER STARTS NEWS YEAR.
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Check out the game on the 'FIND YOUR COLLECTION SCHEDULE" a fun way to teach kids, your spouse and/or yourself what goes in the green or blue bins and garbage bag...https://app.oshawa.ca/waste.asp?_mid_=1596
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To Expand Or Not Expand Residential Rental Housing Licensing Program City-wide

4/1/2022

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Monday April 4, 2022 is a Special Corporate Services Committee meeting concerning a potential CITY-WIDE expansion of the Residential Rental Housing Licensing Program. See Agenda here: pub-oshawa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=9361bb9e-7928-42a7-9470-cec4249b6aa7&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English

​There are 8 registered as dekegations Each is allotted 10 minutes speaking time at a Committee meeting and then Q & A to follow from members of Council.

Also, stakeholders can submit an email to  clerks@oshawa.ca supporting or objecting  to an expansion of the licensing program. Any emails can then be added to the meeting Agenda email as additional correspondence

The Monday April 4th meeting is all part of the public feedback staff will include in an upcoming Report on this subject, to help inform Council when the time comes to make a final decision either to approve and go ahead with the expansion, or not proceed with an expansion of the RRHL program. In addition, the public has the opportunity to submit its feedback on the City's website here: connectoshawa.ca/RentalLicensing

To understand what is being proposed see the 19 page January, 2022 Report CORP -22-02  

​SOME BACKGROUND:
Before the 2010 municipal election there was a shortage of student residential housing, which caused a great number of people to buy and rent out rooms in the new homes in and around the University/College. It became a business which pitted home owners, the developer Tribute, and the City of Oshawa against the landlords. The mater escalated to a law suit and ultimately a landmark decision on appeal by the Ontario Supreme Court.  

Around that time the City set up a licensing program for housing in and around the Ontario Tech University and Durham College.

In 2012 the City set up a Demerit Point System for improved compliance of 'repeat offenders'.

http://app.oshawa.ca/agendas/corporate_services/2015/05-25/corp-15-62_program_evaluation_of_the_residential_rental_housing_licensing_demerit_point_system.pdf


In April 2017 Report CORP-17-18 was on the Agenda and a delegation
 from the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (A.C.O.R.N.) Canada requested the City to implement a rental licensing system specific to apartment buildings in the City of Oshawa
  • CORP-17-18 Process Improvements to Residential Rental Housing Licensing Demerit Point System
  • Recommendation
  • That the Corporate Services Committee recommend to City Council:Whereas the Corporate Services Committee (“Committee”) considered staff report CORP-15-62 “Program Evaluation of the Residential Rental Housing Licensing Demerit Point System” at its meeting on May 25, 2015; and,
  • Whereas Committee referred Report CORP-15-62 back to staff and generally directed that staff examine technological solutions and other supports to automate the tracking and continue the oversight of the Residential Rental Housing Licensing Demerit Point System (R.R.H.L. D.P.S.); and,
  • Whereas Municipal Law Enforcement and Information Technology staff evaluated the R.R.H.L. D.P.S. and introduced enhancements to administrative processes and semi-automated the assignment of demerit points within the Oshawa Land Information system; and,
  • Whereas staff implemented and tested the enhancements from December 2016 to date revealing net benefits and an approximate prorated cost savings of $44,500 or 1,217 staff hours per two-year period; and,
  • Whereas notwithstanding these improvements, staff are cautious to note that the R.R.H.L. D.P.S processes and tracking technology are still very complex and need to be monitored on an ongoing basis to measure the value of the process; and,
  • Whereas any future expansion of the R.R.H.L. D.P.S. or introduction of a demerit point system to other business licensing classes needs to be thoroughly considered to ensure that the tracking is: effective, simple, manageable, and is of such a quality that it will produce tangible results that improve business processes and/or respond to customers’ needs;
  • Therefore be it resolved:
  • 1. That staff continue to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of the Residential Rental Housing Licensing Demerit Point System and report back to Committee on potential vulnerabilities, if applicable; and,
  • 2. That Item 5 on the Corporate Services Committee’s Outstanding Items Status Report being “Program Evaluation of the Residential Rental Housing Licensing Demerit Point System” and “Mark Bernacki –Removal of Residential Rental Housing Licensing Demerit Point System” be removed


Committee directed staff to prepare a report.RP-17-32 Preliminary Project Scope: Expansion of the Residential Rental Licensing Program
In June 2017 this staff report http://app.oshawa.ca/agendas/Corporate_Services/2017/06-19/REPORT_CORP-17-32.pdf outined "Preliminary Project Scope: Expansion of the Residential Rental Licensing Program"
Currently there are approximately 750 addresses registered around the University/College. area outlined in red in the north Oshawa map below.
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​In January 2020 there was a staff report to the Corporate Services committee with two staff recommendations.

Two Corporate Services Committee members added two more recommendations about expanding the licensing program city-wide...then this went to Council the report to advance the investigation for public feedback was voted on and passed by a vote of 8 to 3

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That is an overview of the backstory. From here on there is the public consultation and then a Staff Report will be given to Council with options, either for acceptance of an expansion, rejection of an expansion or revisions.

Note that the City today had an article published in the Real Estate Magazine publication to correct some of the misinterpretations made in another REM recent article.

https://www.realestatemagazine.ca/oshawa-says-rem-column-misrepresented-facts-on-rental-housing-licensing-review/
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Woodstream Ave - New Traffic Calming Measures

3/29/2022

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​Below see some good news from the March 28, 2022 Council meeting (I'll leave posting the bad for another day as I am still perturbed by certain occurrences during the meeting.) 

Council approved traffic changes along Woodstream Ave. for traffic calming:

1) Reducing Speed Limit on Woodstream from Grandview to Townline to 40km

2) Designating Woodstream from Grandview to Esterbrook a Community Safety Zone (which means traffic violation tickets will be doubled).

3) Esterbrook/Conklin at Woodstream will be a 4-way Stop. (Update: Arborwood and Woodstream too will be a 4-way Stop be end of summer.)

With a big thank you to Dave Basi and also Melissa Bevan for writing the City in support!
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March 20 - 26, 2022 Total Weekly Oshawa Fire Services Response Calls

3/27/2022

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The total from all six fire stations across the City, 24 hours / 7days from Sat Mar 20 to Sun Mar 26 there were 93 calls.
This is 19 less than the previous week. See below that Medical Calls continue to the highest response calls  and there were 3 fires, 1 vehicle and 2 garbage bins.
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Note that the City has two NEW OSHAWA FIRE SERVICES PUMPER TRUCKS which were recently delivered!
Ordered by Oshawa Council during COVID, paid for by Oshawa taxpayers, they will soon be in service.

The fire department's two full-time mechanics have been working on them, adding certain after-order equipment.

Also note, a short time ago Oshawa's NEW AERIAL TRUCK arrived and was placed into service (see picture below). The fact it has a platform is a big improvement over the old ladder aerial truck because it allows firefighters better access to a lot of the new building high pitched roofs.

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March 28, 2022 Council meeting - Heavy Agenda

3/27/2022

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Expect a heavy Council meeting tomorrow March 28, 2022: There are seven delegations and some very concerning motions that imo seriously need to be amended and/or completely turned around:

1. The Right-In-Access from Ritson Rd. to the Chartwell Seniors Residence Site Plan should NOT BE LEFT OUT ! To have two access points to this large and growing facility not only is very reasonable but makes it safer!

2. The residents asking for speed cameras on Oshawa's local roads are serious and are asking why Oshawa put off implementing such an effective program. The data is in...Mississauga put on its website three days ago "Speed Cameras are Working and Drivers are Slowing Down"

3. The Anaerobic Digester to be built at 1515 Thornton Rd. N. received a building permit 6 months ago - what steps is the City taking to implement trucking route restrictions and ensure the digestate materials are not dumped on rural Oshawa lands in the Oak Ridges Moraine protected area, since there are Oshawa properties in the Moraine owned by the same owner as 1515 Thornton Rd. N. Under the Moraine Act Regulation 47.1 Waste Dump Sites in the Moraine are prohibited.

4. TRAFFIC CALMING ON WOODSTREAM AVE following a motion approved at Committee March 21, 2022 to install a 4 way stop at Esterbrook and Woodstream, and designate a Community Safety Zone (CSZ) on Woodstream to Esterbrook where fines are doubled, the motion should be amended to include 40 KM from Grandview to Townline.

5. I will attempt to introduce a time sensitive motion to expedite the Region designating Raglan Rd. W a Community Safety Zone and a 4 way stop at Raglan Rd. and Thornton because when the truck load restrictions are removed and the cyclists are out in more numbers, road safety becomes an even greater concern.

6, Naming the Treasure Hill development park after the truck 'Silverado' imo should be given more consideration, especially just after Council heard Dr. Leroy Clark in February make a strong presentation for Black History Month  that the City should be more diverse and inclusive when naming its park and facilities.
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Check Out Spring Programs at Oshawa Rec facilities for all ages and interests

3/23/2022

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The ActiveOshawa 2022 Spring Recreation Program Guide was published today, Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022 Register On-line at register.oshawa.ca

Open link to see the 59 page Oshawa Spring Rec Program Guide here:  www.Oshawa.ca/activeOshawa
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633  Greenhill Ave. Ontario Land Tribunal Appeal now has date for Hearing: June 3, 2022

3/23/2022

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March 22, 2022, 6 months after Greenhill Ave area residents filed an appeal to Ontario Land Tribunal concerning Oshawa Committee of Adjustment approval of minor variances to Mixed Use commercial residential Site Plan at 633 Greenhill Ave, the OLT issued a Notice of Hearing June 3/22 @ 10:00 am

Any questions, about the process for thie OLT appeal call or email t
he assigned Tribunal Case Coordinator Ben Bath at ben.bath@ontario.ca.

For details of the story here,  please open Navigation Tab GREENHILL on this website!
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New Outdoor Accessible Public Pool Coming to 254 Centre St. S.!

3/22/2022

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Notice the New Sign at 254 Centre St. S.
​Fantastic to look forward to a New Accessible Outdoor Public Pool with the redevelopment of Rotary Park!
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Daily Breakdown of Oshawa Fire Services Response Calls Week of March 13-19th 2022

3/21/2022

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The DAILY TRACKING of Oshawa Fire Services calls are interesting. I’ve copied them in the table below for an overview of the past week. Note that the responder data is from all SIX OSHAWA FIRE STATIONS and now posted each morning on Twitter.

There was a tweet how this is like when Oshawa Fire Calls used to be reported in the daily newspaper. With no local daily, it is good of Oshawa Fire Services to keep the public informed of these call volumes. Noted are the Department 24-hour-four shift rotations 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B that cover all 6 fire stations in the City.

The total weekly response calls seem to range between 10 and 20 on average between the six Fire Halls. The highest weekly total comes from medical assist calls. They continue to be the largest number by far. This a significant change from a couple decades ago they were in the minority and chimney fires and cooking fires were more common. See newspaper clipping below.

In 2020 and 2021 the City updated the Oshawa Fire Master Plan at a cost of $184,050 and following the recommendations from the DILLON consultants; Fire Chief Derrick Clark; and the Senior Fire Services Leadership Team; the City approved the hiring of 3 new firefighters, one inspector and one new deputy chief, and ordered a new Rapid Response Support truck at a cost of $540,887+HST.

This truck will respond to Medicals, Motor Vehicle Collisions, Hazmat Calls, Fires, CO (carbon monoxide calls), Alarms, False Alarms, Check Calls, Illegal Burns, Etc. This is a full service vehicle and is a Custom Built Fire Apparatus part of a Pilot Project for 2 years from the date the Rapid Response Vehicle becomes operational. (Delivery has been delayed 60 days on account of the shortage of chassis. But it is expected this fall). (Note: Trucks can be moved from any station at any time under the direction of the Fire Chief )
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Also, on Monday's March 21, 22 Finance Committee Agenda is the matter of approving
for Fire Hall #1 —$1,086,769 for Upgrade Air Distribution System/ HVAC at Fire Hall #1 and
for Fire Hall #4 —$596,000 to replace HVAC
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