In October my Ward 1 re-election campaign experience continued to be very positive! I wrote about some of the concerns residents raised in late September when I was out door-to-door asking what issues/suggestions they would like to share with me. (See here: Wonderful Wonderful Ward 1! The Door to Door Campaign Experience & Follow-Ups - OSHAWA ROSEMARY)
At the door in mid-October it was wonderful how the great weather continued. Happy to say 98% of the many residents who opened their door or who spoke with me while relaxing or working in their garage, on their porch or front lawn, were very friendly. In addition to the adults of all ages who took the time to share their concerns and ideas for improvement, it also was nice to meet several polite teens at the door who wished me good luck, and sweet to see how the toddlers, after I handed my election postcard to their mom or dad, were always happy when I gave them a copy too.
Seeing the so many delightful dogs at the door, ranging from the shy to the excited clamoring for attention continued to be a nice campaign highlight; and it was inspiring to find several Ward 1 residents' flower gardens still in color late in the fall season, especially with dahlias and tall marigolds. I appreciated three different constituents kindly giving me flower seeds and gardening tips!
Some memorable slice-of-life moments — hearing the music of an ice cream truck round the corner on Gower Cres and watching kids rush with their dads to buy ice cream cones; — stopping to chat with a couple of seniors who had been walking the sidewalks around Clearbrook Dr. photographing each other in front of boulevard trees in brilliant fall colors. They explained they were visiting from India and were emailing pictures to their friends who had never before seen such beautiful tree colours.
Below is another FEEDBACK FROM THE DOOR list of issues that I collected in the last two weeks before the Oct 24, 2022 Oshawa election.
I forwarded these items to staff for follow-up and am waiting to hear back. Meanwhile, given the number of traffic concerns (see 1-7 below), I will press on to see included in the 2023 budget:
a) Automated Speed Enforcement cameras on Community Safety Zone local roads,
b) more road mounted flex bollards installed.
c) 'tiger tail' signs added to stop signs
d) road painted messages 'slow school ahead' on those roads and intersections known for being hot spots.
At the door in mid-October it was wonderful how the great weather continued. Happy to say 98% of the many residents who opened their door or who spoke with me while relaxing or working in their garage, on their porch or front lawn, were very friendly. In addition to the adults of all ages who took the time to share their concerns and ideas for improvement, it also was nice to meet several polite teens at the door who wished me good luck, and sweet to see how the toddlers, after I handed my election postcard to their mom or dad, were always happy when I gave them a copy too.
Seeing the so many delightful dogs at the door, ranging from the shy to the excited clamoring for attention continued to be a nice campaign highlight; and it was inspiring to find several Ward 1 residents' flower gardens still in color late in the fall season, especially with dahlias and tall marigolds. I appreciated three different constituents kindly giving me flower seeds and gardening tips!
Some memorable slice-of-life moments — hearing the music of an ice cream truck round the corner on Gower Cres and watching kids rush with their dads to buy ice cream cones; — stopping to chat with a couple of seniors who had been walking the sidewalks around Clearbrook Dr. photographing each other in front of boulevard trees in brilliant fall colors. They explained they were visiting from India and were emailing pictures to their friends who had never before seen such beautiful tree colours.
Below is another FEEDBACK FROM THE DOOR list of issues that I collected in the last two weeks before the Oct 24, 2022 Oshawa election.
I forwarded these items to staff for follow-up and am waiting to hear back. Meanwhile, given the number of traffic concerns (see 1-7 below), I will press on to see included in the 2023 budget:
a) Automated Speed Enforcement cameras on Community Safety Zone local roads,
b) more road mounted flex bollards installed.
c) 'tiger tail' signs added to stop signs
d) road painted messages 'slow school ahead' on those roads and intersections known for being hot spots.
- many requests for stronger traffic calming/road safety measures, especially on Grandview, Coldstream, Ormond, Blackwood, Greenhill and Arborwood and enforcement of stop signs on Wilson/Skyview; Wilson/Clearsky; Wilson/Greenhill; Grandview/Douglas Langtree; Clearbrook/Blackwood
- Ormond Dr and Askew Crt by Parkwood Meadows Park support to make the 40KM sign more visible & install a 3-way stop at Askew Crt.
- Skyview St/Springwater Cres and Blackwood Blvd strong support for an all-way stop
- Greenleaf Gate and Clearsky Ave support for a larger stop sign, line painting and a 3 way stop;
- Gower Cres support for a speed bump or road mounted flex bollards.
- Don White Crt request improvements are made to road around the extra-large centre island, worry problem will worsen in winter.
- Columbus Rd. W request to add another snow fence to stop whiteouts this winter.
- Fetchison Dr resident's garbage bags left at the curb and tagged 'too many bags', but the residence has a registered accessory basement. (follow up: Sent an email with picture of the tagged bags to Operations and this issue was quickly resolved so that 4 additional garbage bags will be permitted every two weeks.)
- A few Ward One residents asked for improved traffic light synchronization on Taunton Rd when the new traffic lights are installed on Taunton Rd E. at Clearbrook Dr. (just east of Wilson Rd, where construction has begun for a commercial plaza on south side of Taunton Rd. with a new Farmboy tenant, plus future residential blocks
(The Region of Durham controls the timing and maintenance of all traffic lights in Oshawa. Concerning the process to address traffic light change requests Region staff indicated residents can email [email protected] and [email protected]. They review requests and give consideration to the number of complaints submitted and the reasons, proximity to schools, traffic congestion etc. As a City Councillor I can submit requests and have, such as this one, and two other recent ones...the timing of both Ritson/Conlin and Ritson/Taunton traffic lights. - Request for a sidewalk on Ritson Rd. N. east side south of Kedron Public School or a crosswalk to Ritson Fields Park since the Ritson Rd. sidewalk is on the west side and any plans for a sidewalk or multi-use path on east side seemed to be on hold due to Durham Region widening Ritson Rd. N in the distant future. (follow up: I've arranged a meeting Nov 10th in the central parking lot at Ritson Fields with residents, elected officials from both Wards 1 and 2 and municipal staff to review next best steps)
- Concern that Grandview St N may be widened. (follow up: staff confirmed there is no near future plan for a road widening, but gave reminder that there is the plan for a round-about at Conlin and Grandview)
- Several concerns about dog walkers not picking up dog excrement and dogs not on leash (follow up: provided copy of Responsible Pet Owner By-law to re-assure that these actions are violations and that reporting occurrences to Service Oshawa is helpful for alerting By-law officers and tracking hot spots for improved enforcement.)
- Concerns about break-ins, car theft and need for more security cameras (follow up: two constituents recommended I investigate a neighbourhood watch protection app that connects community members with crime alerts and police reports. The Neighbourhood Protect posts are anonymous, with a security camera registry, bicycle registry: www.neighbourhoodprotect.ca
Also, check out DRPS Crime Prevention Tips here: www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/ as well as contribute your voice to the Durham Region police services strategic Plan complete the DRPS SURVEY here:
iforms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=uTkADOpGuUOAgDxVBYWbagoLmOHWEcpNgknPElQQdWFUOEZYSDRXUlhFMThZSk9ST0NFRE1FODRXUiQlQCN0PWcuce to setting our strategic - Low water pressure in Greenhill Ave area (follow up: email Region Water Services Department and Oshawa Regional Councillors to investigate)
- Concern about speeding Durham Transit buses on Grandview St N. and need for improved bus routes to Durham College/Ontario Tech from Ward 1 subdivisions east of Ritson Rd....as well as need for improved bus stop at the Walmart/Smart Centre Plaza which could be like the modern bus stops in York Region which are HEATED BUS STOPS with WASHROOMS, bike racks, and monitor screens indicating time of next bus and WASTE/RECYCLING RECEPTACLES (follow up: encourage Region Chair and Oshawa Mayor and Oshawa Regional Councillors to do the comparison and see how Durham Region Council can install similar bus stops at the University and at the end-of-the line bus stop at the Harmony north-east Smart Centre Plaza!)
- McCue Dr and Livesey Crt resident concerns about the grass cutting and weeds growing around the water retention pond. (follow up: submitted request that City of Oshawa approve new stormwater management policy with maintenance plans and design guidelines similar to what the City of Barrie has recently completed
- Concern about rats in the area of Fire Hall No. 5. (Harmony and Coldstream) (Spoke with staff and they advised the City's corporate communication could help raise awareness of ways to prevent and control rat infestations. Message that birdfeeders without seed catcher trays and where seeds are left on the ground attract rats and mice; and birdfeeders installed in trees or located too close to trees or structures, as well as improperly managed backyard compost containers, household garbage bags and dog and cat food left outside contribute to the problem.
