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Drone video of North Oshawa development area north of Conlin Rd. W., October 2022

10/20/2022

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​Be Aware Costs of Sprawl! Quick growth ultimately makes cities poorer. (Charles Marohn, Strong Towns) "The after-effects of sprawl are well-known and a huge challenge...For municipalities, the costs to run and maintain sewer and water services, roads and transit increase dramatically with sprawl...The demand for more pavement is relentless. New wider roads, more drive-throughs! Traffic and speeding...A majority of Durham councillors have let us down and need to be replaced by people focused on the public interest and not vested private interests." (Steve Parish former longtime Mayor of Ajax)
Also as an Oshawa friend and community advocate very aptly said to me recently "without a clear and broad vision of what is important for Oshawa planning, well, consider the expression 'if you don't know where you are going any direction will do."
Thank you to those who have taken the time to watch the drone video.

I commissioned the video for two reasons. First, to make Oshawans more aware of the degree and downside of urban sprawl. Second, because more public engagement is needed to shape our city in the public interest, not the developers’ interest. That message needs to get out, so please send the drone video link to friends and acquaintances.

Those of you who have tuned in to City meetings, read the minutes and local news articles, watched webcasts, or read my blog and social media posts know that I have been active on the urban sprawl issue for over a decade — long before having the great privilege to serve Ward 1 as its City Councillor, starting in 2018.

The public record will show that at every opportunity I have spoken up and worked to encourage council members, developers, builders, and the public to give stronger commitment to slowing urban sprawl and improving accessibility in new construction.

To those who are just getting to know me or may have been misinformed about my efforts, please be aware how I, along with many Ward 1 residents, were successful opposing Minto and Sorbara attempting to relocate the Kedron Part II Community park to the agricultural area north of the Oshawa urban boundary on Harmony Rd N. The issue was in the local newspaper more than once.

Here is a post that explains where I stand. Oshawa Senior Officials bow to Developers? Consider https://www.oshawarosemary.com/.../oshawa-senior...

Below is a copy of my motion in support of larger parks and against stacked back-to-back townhouse blocks, which I submitted in 2020. It was referred to staff and, to my dismay, trounced in June 2021. Nevertheless, I continue to press for more balanced and sustainable growth and greater accessibility in new development construction. This latter issue recently became acutely personal when my mother sustained a fall that has made me more determined than ever to see the Ontario Building Code changed to require all new residential units include wider bathroom doors.
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In closing, I hope, with your help, more Oshawans will see the drone video, on which Raymond Bond and I collaborated Thanksgiving weekend. Aside: Ray wanted me to add a ‘re-elect’ Rosemary McConkey frame, but I said no because this issue is bigger and more transcending than vote-getting.
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Call me if you know of someone who needs a Ride or Proxy to vote on election day!

10/20/2022

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If any of my constituents in Ward 1 have difficulty getting to the Polls in Ward 1 on Monday Oct 24, Election Day please let me know if you would like a PROXY or need a ride.

I especially do not want any seniors or those with disabilities feeling left out! I can bring over the form and you can appoint a proxy. Feel free to reach out to me on my cell 905-718-0900

Oshawa must plan next election to get on board and have internet and telephone voting! This election "over 215 municipalities across Ontario are transitioning their Municipal Elections to electronic voting by Internet and Telephone". This is the City of Kawartha Lakes website with instructions
www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/municipal-services/internet-and-telephone-voting.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1-zDAyd5EmRSoZm079M-wk8gufOvAC1qxUeG0BCSxQonHOE0nUYmP-hb4

CBC published the following article 10 days ago https://www.cbc.ca/.../ontario-municipalities-online... reporting that The Association of Municipalities of Ontario says there will be 417 municipal elections held in the province on Oct. 24, and more than half — 217 — have decided to use online or phone voting. That's up from 175 municipalities four years ago.

However, I agree with Aleksander Essex, Cybersecurity Professor at Western U who says there needs to be some kind of standardized security to protect basic democratic standards.
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FINAL Oshawa Advance Polls Sun Oct 16 and Rosemary McConkey Campaign Postcard

10/15/2022

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Tomorrow, Sunday Oct 16th 10am - 6 pm Final City of Oshawa Election Advance Polls @ Delpark Homes Centre and @ South Oshawa Centre. Also, here is my campaign postcard  
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As many Oshawans will be celebrating Diwali, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, which this year falls on election day, Monday, Oct 24 (but begins next weekend on Sunday Oct 23) today's last Advance Poll before Diwali presents a convenient time for some to vote.
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I have to thank my constituents for describing how the festival celebrates new beginnings and the power of light over forces of darkness; and that it is marked by lighting diyas and joining with family and friends to share friendship and spread hope for success, good knowledge and fortune.

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Flexible Bollards Effective for Traffic Calming

10/15/2022

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I confirmed with City Senior staff this week that Ward 1 roads like Grandview St. N.,  Arborwood, Ormond and Coldstream Dr. will benefit from the installation in 2023 of flexible ground mounted bollards. Actually, I've been pushing for this ever since Clarington in June 2019 installed this traffic calming measure in 16 locations across Clarington. Immediately on reading about them, on June 10, 2019, I made a Notice of Motion at City Council for Oshawa to implement a similar program (see email to Clerk below).

It is frustrating this would take so long, but finally, three years later, in Sept 2022 Oshawa staff placed its 1st flex bollard installation on Britannia Rd. E. and as expected, they are proving to be effective.

Only downside is they need to be taken down during the road snow clearing months - removed November 1st and reinstalled April 1st.

In the same conversation this week, I discussed with Oshawa staff the benefits of installing the red and white stripe 'tiger tail' rider under Stop Signs (see picture below).  I found the acknowledgement they gave reassuring, as my Notice of Motion last month for 'tiger tails' will be hopefully added to the 2023 City Budget.

McConkey Notice of Motion, Oshawa Council meeting September 26, 2022:

"Whereas Clarington has successfully implemented Vision Zero measures for road safety; and,
Whereas Oshawa also is committed to Vision Zero and new traffic calming measures; and,
Whereas Clarington and other municipalities have found the red and white striped tiger tail banner under a City stop sign to be effective;

Now therefore staff consider the addition of tiger tail signs to certain stop signs and the cost to be included in the 2023 budget."
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Thornton Rd. N. /Conlin Rd. W. ROUNDABOUT REMOVED!

10/14/2022

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What a shock to see this photo on social media!  Especially considering how I asked a lot of questions during the 2022 budget deliberations about the Conlin Rd. W. project. I had pulled it from the Consent Agenda and could tell the Mayor and others were getting frustrated, as it was an item that came late on the list of 2022 Oshawa capital projects pulled for deliberation, after seven hours into the Friday November 26, 2021 Council Budget meeting. 

But with the mess of Conlin Rd. East in Ward 1, approving the additional $4M in the 2022 Budget for Conlin Rd. West in Ward 2, on top of the already approved $4.4M in the 2021 Capital Budget, seemed kind of unbalanced, especially considering the fact the Region had approved $1.25 M for sanitary sewers. I wanted to be well informed before the vote because it was a concern how much this City project was costing.

There was no mention at Council of the Roundabout being taken out. In fact, just the opposite was stated: Note where the City’s 2021 capital project summary specifically states “The limits of this project will connect to road improvements that were completed at the intersection with the Thornton Rd N roundabout and along the western extents of Conlin Rd W.”
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Questions I've sent to staff this morning:

  1. Is there going to be a second roundabout to replace what was there and if so, is the cost already included in the Council approved $8.4M funding in the 2021 and 2022 City Budgets? 
  2. Did the Region advise the City that the roundabout would be taken out? If so, when, or was it a decision of the City’s project manager for 72-0542
  3. Did the City approach the developer like the Region did for a ‘share policy’ for any of the City’s design or construction of its $8.4M project 72-0542?
  4. Does the City of Oshawa have a Share Policy with developers similar to the Region?
  5. What was the total cost of the Thornton/Conlin Roundabout when it was constructed, and was it a shared cost between the City and Region?
  6. Is the Conlin Rd W project expected to be on budget now for $8.4M, or at this stage is there any indication if there will be a funding surplus or deficit?

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Heavy Vehicles restricted on Grandview St. N. between Taunton & Conlin Rd.

10/9/2022

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​I would like to thank Ward 1 constituents who in August sent me an alert and video of the heavy truck problem on Grandview St N. Happy to report that my motion below was approved last week at Council for no heavy trucks on Grandview St N. The vote first passed 4 in favour 2 against at Community Services committee Sept 20 (Councillors Gray and Marks voting No) but then at Council Sept 26 it was passed uncontested under the Consent Agenda. Hopefully you will see the No Heavy Trucks signs installed soon.

"Whereas heavy trucks have become a problem on Grandview Street North with the massive infrastructure and new home construction happening north of Conlin Road; and,
Whereas it has become a safety concern with school opening this September;
Now therefore be it resolved that the City make Grandview Street North between Taunton Road East and Conlin Road East, a No Heavy Vehicle restricted road section at the earliest possible time."
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Wonderful Wonderful Ward 1!  The Door to Door Campaign Experience & Follow-Ups

10/6/2022

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As the 1st election Advance Poll opens today (noon - 8 p.m @ Civic Rec Centre, 99 Thornton Rd. S.) I'm taking a moment to share some of my campaign experiences these past couple weeks.
 
Ward 1 has many wonderful attributes, along with some areas for improvement.

I'll start with saying how enjoyable it is walking our  Ward 1 neighbourhoods east to west between Ritson and Townline and south to north between Taunton and Conlin. (I will write about the Ward 1 rural community in another post).

Blessings during this time:  ♥ the weather has been wonderful, sun and blue skies, ♥ being warmly met by so many constituents, ♥ seeing their dogs,  ♥ beautiful gardens and a Little Street Library!

Who says Oshawa residents don't like politicians? These past 12 days I've been welcomed inside for tea, coffee (which I've taken rain checks on) ♥ seen a lot of smiles, heard a lot of people in Ward 1 say they are happy with their community and City ♥ been given a couple large garden tomatoes (best tasting ever!) and learned some gardening tips (Zinnias are on my list to plant for 2023!) ♥ observed with great relief that the Region is now beginning the installation of a proper bus stop at the north east corner of Ritson and Conlin (something I wrote to Durham Region Transit about last November after many residents raised this concern) and watched with interest the clearing out of the Wilson Rd. N water retention pond. 

I want to thank those who spoke with me about their concerns, which are also my concerns, the need for:

  • Larger Stop Sign and improved road paint line markings at Coldstream Ave and Ormond Drive intersection;
  • Larger Stop Sign and adding cross walk lines at Clearsky Ave and Greenleaf Gate
  • Stop Sign on Greenhill Ave between Wilson and Harmony, which I had been working on and narrowing down the location as the question was which intersection. Corner residents on Greenhill Ave, at Clearbrook Drive and also at Chilliwack Street were in support, but it now seems strongest confirmed support is at Greenhill Ave and Jack Glenn Street.
  • Signage for No Parking between Certain Hours on a section of Greenhill east of Castlepoint west of Harmony Rd.
  • 4-way stop at Riverton St and Black Cherry Dr
  • 4-way stop at Skyview  St and Blackwood Blvd
  • Police enforcement on Grandview St north of Coldstream Ave in the evening around 10 p.m. when vehicles seem to be racing
  • More playground equipment at Stonecrest Parkette, where children line up and wait a long time for the swings or slides
  • More connective links to the City's walking and cycling trails
  • Traffic lights at Ritson Rd and Conlin Rd need timing adjustment and a left turn signal for southbound traffic
  • an asphalt path from Kurelo Dr to Mackie Park 
  • install flex bollards like on Britannia Rd E to help slow traffic
  • Traffic lights at Clearbrook Dr and Taunton Rd (I was happy to answer that they will be installed by the Region of Durham shortly - concurrent with the construction of the new leg of Clearbrook Dr that will go south of Taunton Rd E. In fact the road extension south of Taunton to the new plaza (with Farmboy as the expected commercial tenant) is just commencing and the lights will be installed during this  road work project.  (See this week's Notice from Region of Durham "Lane Restrictions on Taunton Rd. E."  In the Notice, the "Why" states: To construct a new intersection in support of a new development — and that would be Clearbrook and Taunton!)

​Although some concerns that were expressed to me were beyond the reach of Oshawa's local government (such as the high cost of groceries and gas), you may notice that many of the above concerns point to how 'good neighbourhood planning' is key to avoiding certain  issues...hindsight may be 20-20, but time for City planners, developers, their consultants and Oshawa Mayor and Council members to realize the need is now for 
  1.    better subdivision and site plan design,
  2.    improved quality parks and trails and 
  3.   a modernized, more functional road network design with more roundabouts for smoother traffic flow and safety. 
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Damaged Cable Boxes, Graffiti and Litter

10/5/2022

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Ward 1 neighbourhoods are beautiful.  But residents can help see more attention is given to the damaged cable boxes, graffiti and litter. 
Cleaning up is pretty easy when people tune in and speak up.

I'm not sure why there are so many broken cable boxes... here are just a couple pictures of ones I called in to Service Oshawa recently. I wrote asking for clarification on the process because in 2020 Council approved changes to the Boulevard By-law. 

See copy of motion below and note that City staff were to direct the Utility Service Providers to initiate a proactive approach that would ensure they maintain their utility pedestals and plants, including dealing with graffiti, damage and vandalism.

City Operations staff were were to initiate a proactive patrol to identify damaged utility fixtures on the boulevard and report issues to the applicable agencies for resolution and if not resolved, engage with Municipal Law Enforcement for the issuance of Administrative Monetary Penalties.  

Here's staff's reply, indicating the process they follow:
  • Service Oshawa sends a service request to Roads Patrol in Operations to investigate, identify utility company ownership and then forwards the issue to the utility company for their action.
  • Each quarter, Roads Patrol Technicians inspect/audit all utility boxes within the road allowance.  All damages are recorded and then a comprehensive list is sent to the applicable utility company for their action to repair as per the boulevard by-law.
  • When Roads Patrol completes their next quarter inspection/audit and comes across a box (still not repaired that was identified in the previous audit) that location is sent to MLE to issue an AMP (administrative monetary penalty) and/or an order to comply.
 
I then asked for a tracking of the number of complaints from residents and the number of unresolved complaints that MLE has issued AMPs and what is the charge to the Utility Service Providers for failure to follow up?  I will try and report back when I receive this information.
 
To raise awareness, this post is to point out that residents can and should be reporting broken or leaning cable boxes and graffiti too to Service Oshawa. Simply dial 905 436-3311 and ask for Service Oshawa, or email service@oshawa.ca.

About debris, when putting up my campaign signs, over the weekend of Sept 24 and 25 -one month before election day - it was surprising how much litter there was, especially around the bus stops on Grandview St N. and Coldstream around Ritson and also around Walmart, as well as by numerous Community Mail Boxes. I picked up enough to fill 3 large black garbage bags. I just could not install any of my election signs and ignore the litter around. It is something some may be oblivious to. But for those who see it and clean it up on their walks around the neighbourhood, I want to give you a big THANK YOU! 


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Taunton Rd Lane Restrictions East of Wilson Rd part of bringing Traffic Lights to Clearbrook Dr & new road south of Taunton for a project to include Farm Boy food store

10/5/2022

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Many Oshawa Ward 1 residents are happy to learn TRAFFIC LIGHTS will soon be installed at the intersection of Taunton Rd. E. and CLEARBROOK DR. , which is located along the east side of the Sobey's Plaza.

This week's Region of Durham Notice of TAUNTON RD E. LANE RESTRICTIONS scheduled starting now until Dec 16th (weather permitting), 110 metres east of Wilson Rd. "to construct a new intersection in support of a new development" relates to the new commercial plaza being built on the south side of Taunton Rd. where FARM BOY is the expected main tenant. See Notice and Commercial Plaza Site Plan below:
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1611 Ritson Rd N at Luple Ave -Site Plan Application for 6 Storey 46 Unit apartment condos

10/2/2022

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The corner of Luple Ave and Ritson Rd. N., across from the waste transfer station, has a site plan application for a proposed six storey 46 UNIT condo apartment building with 73 parking spaces including 4 barrier free units. In addition to the above, at a future time the applicant proposes to build 4 additional detached dwellings on the east side of the lot. See site plan and renderings below. This is a difficult one to figure out. Again, why are sidewalks along Ritson Rd. east side missing? ... just like with the Chartwell phase 3 site plan!??
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above  is the property survey, below is the Site Plan and elevation renderings.

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My Profile in Oshawa This Week / Metroland Newspaper

10/1/2022

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​Between now and Election Day, Oct 24, on my Blog here I would like to balance posts 'about me' with issues concerning Ward 1 and the City of Oshawa. This is an 'about me' post :)

Here is a link to the published copy of the Ward 1 City Councillor Candidates Profiles 
www.thestar.com/local-oshawa/news/municipal-election/2022/09/28/oshawa-votes-oshawa-ward-1-candidates-for-city-council.html

I happen to like the well known idiom 'God is in the details' and as most who know me will attest, Brevity is not my Brand.
​As the newspaper shortened a bit of my 'Top Three Issues' answer, I am taking this opportunity to post below the bullets that were edited out for length:

• implementing new 40km speed limit on all local roads in neighbourhood zones • City adopting the ASE camera program on local road Community Safety Zones

• new approval process to use public right-of-way or sidewalk for barrier-free ramps •the City, Region and Owners of New 10 Floor + apt buildings ensure that one unit on each floor is set aside for the Region of Durham to sublet for affordable, accessible social housing.


I highlight the above because there is more information that I intend to post later concerning
1) the 40KM Zone I recommend for Ward 1; and
2) the program I propose for ONE UNIT ON EACH FLOOR of new high rise apartment buildings being leased by the Region of Durham to increase its social housing dwelling inventory.

Three other points I wish to make here:

1. My campaign is self-funded. Like in my 2018 campaign, I am not taking contributions from anyone.

2. My real estate career is very much on the back burner and I remain committed to avoiding any conflicts or perceived conflicts of interest. I have refrained from doing any real estate business in Oshawa during my term as a City Councillor, with one exception - I listed a family owned single family residential rental property for a specific family reason.  I terminated this listing after a few days and it continues under my family ownership.

I note that my experiences in real estate have stood me in good stead as a politician...both require a lot of energy, self-motivation and perseverance to navigate through many challenges that can arise. Not only do I know well the City streets, but also my long time real estate career has enabled me to become familiar with many Oshawa neighbourhood issues of concern.

 
3. A Pedestrian Crossover does not involve a bridge or elevated platform. It is a Crosswalk that has increased signage, lighting and the Provincial Traffic Act supporting increased fines for drivers not adhering to the regulations...they are best described here (and see pictures below): 
https://www.durham.ca/en/living-here/pedestrian-crossovers.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1oapSGOHMFnhhDgeiwFvVCJsVuxpQ1P2Ldyx2FBjW6JYr7KZAM3KCjTII#:~:text=Pedestrian%20crossovers%20are%20a%20new,other%20side%20before%20driving%20ahead

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​Rosemary McConkey
Oshawa City Councillor Ward 1, Local Business Owner, McConkey Realty Ltd.
Email: OshawaRosemary@gmail.com; Website www.OshawaRosemary.com
Twitter @rosemcconkey Facebook Rosemary McConkey Instagram @oshawarose
 
Previous political experience: Oshawa City Councillor Ward 1 2018-2022  
 
Why have you decided to run?  My just completed 4 year term on Oshawa Council strengthened my desire to better Oshawa. My goal is to promote good decisions at the City that are more transparent and respectful of community concerns and give priority to balanced growth, continuous improvement, community building and civic engagement.

How will you embrace and champion diversity in this role? As Council rep on the accessibility advisory committee I committed to bringing awareness of the need to break down barriers that many Oshawa citizens face. Supporting inclusive opportunities for engagement in all steps of community planning is essential to ensure no one feels left behind. Ward 1 is home to many newcomers from diverse backgrounds. I will continue to work to represent and respond to their needs and help to make all feel welcome, respected and safe.
 
What are your top three issues? 
Infrastructure Renewal with •improved road maintenance •more timely delivery of quality City parks, both new and redeveloped existing parks and • completed construction of connecting trails.

Increase Road Safety and Speed Enforcement with •new pedestrian crossovers at high traffic hot spots • implementing new 40km speed limit on all local roads in neighbourhood zones • City adopting the ASE camera program on local road Community Safety Zones
 
Improve Accessibility and Increase Availability of Affordable, Accessible Housing with •special Building Permit accessibility incentivization pilot project • new approval process to use public right-of-way or sidewalk for barrier-free ramps •the City, Region and Owners of New 10 Floor + apt buildings ensure that one unit on each floor is set aside for the Region of Durham to sublet for affordable, accessible social housing.
 
If elected, what do you plan to accomplish in your first 100 days? Approve a 2023 City Budget that • focuses on results and outcomes • promotes affordability to the taxpayer • balances provision of services, asset maintenance with needed new capital projects that will ensure Oshawa rebounds from the pandemic and will be well placed to celebrate its 100th anniversary in a fashion that will make Oshawans proud.
 


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October 2022 is Municipal Election Month

10/1/2022

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This post is to raise awareness of the Ward I boundaries and Poll areas, which have changed from 5 in 2018 to 7 in 2022
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The Sire of Sires exhibit by local multi media artist Jordan Prosser opens Oct 1st at RMG

9/30/2022

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​An exhibit to be sure and check out at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery! "The SIRE OF SIRES" by Jordan Prosser (b. 1991, Oshawa, Canada). Jordan Elliott Prosser is a multi-media artist who uses documentary methods to study the architecture of subjective experience. He received a Master of Visual Studies from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo, and studied Literary, Musical, & Visual Thought at the European Graduate School. His work has been shown at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto, Hearth Garage, and Crutch CAC.
This exhibition is supported by the RBC Foundation’s RBC Emerging Artist Project."
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September 30th - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

9/30/2022

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More details about the School's request to use Coldstream Park parking spaces

9/28/2022

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More about the Committee of Adjustment meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. tonight at City Hall, lower Committee meeting room, concerning St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School at 1425 Coldstream Dr request to license parking in the Coldstream Park Parking lot. The school recently installed 3 more new portables at the rear of the school now for a total of 12 portables and as well has a day care program. Overall, the elementary school, including the portables, requires 92 parking spaces. Fifty-six (56) parking spaces are currently available on-site. Next door, immediately east of the school at Coldstream Park there is the Park parking lot with 36 spaces. The Durham District Catholic School Board is requesting a Non-exclusive licence agreement with the City which will allow for the use of the Coldstream Park 36 parking spaces from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm daily from Jan 2023 to Dec 2026.

It seems that the area residents may not have received satisfactory notice of tonight's Committee of Adjustment meeting on this matter. Staff provided me the buffer map indicating the area residents who were notified (see below). In my opinion the 60m buffer area should include property owners 60m from both the school boundary and the Coldstream Park boundary to be more transparent about this matter.
I submitted an email to EHohek@oshawa.ca for tonight's meeting stating my concerns, that Coldstream Park area residents have not received satisfactory notice of tonight's Committee of Adjustment meeting on the matter of File 2022-88.

In my opinion the 60m buffer area should include property owners 60m from both the school boundary and the Coldstream Park boundary. The arrangement that was given Maxwell Heights school to use parking spaces in the Delpark Homes Centre parking lot, which was before Council several months ago, is a very different situation than a license in a neighborhood park, especially one as busy as Coldstream Park, which area residents are desperate to see the City upgrade as it is more than just tired, it is deficient in amenities that the growing neighborhood has patiently been waiting for.

It make me think now is the time to redevelop the park to accommodate the need for more parking and more park users, rather than wait any longer!
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Wed Sept 28, 2022 Committee of Adjustment Agenda -Coldstream Park Shared Parking

9/27/2022

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Only 4 C of A applications on this Wednesday's meeting agenda. But one in particular has me somewhat curious how it will play out. The application submitted by MC Architects Inc. on behalf of Durham Catholic District School Board for St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School at 1425 Coldstream Dr. is a request to permit the elementary school to share off-site parking spaces, that is, 36 of the required parking spaces  be provided off-site at 1467 Coldstream Drive (Coldstream Park), whereas Zoning By-law 60-9 requires all required parking spaces to be provided on-site for an elementary school in a CIN/R1-D(4) (Community Institutional/ Residential) Zone. 
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Agenda for Last Council Meeting before City Election + My Campaign Launch

9/25/2022

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This past weekend has been a bustle of activity placing my election signs around Ward 1. A big thank you all those who spontaneously invited me to place a sign on their lawn! Great to have your support and affirmation that raising awareness of community issues and the City’s communities having a voice is key to a strong Oshawa future!  My campaign will be in full swing following tomorrow's Council meeting, the last meeting of this term. There are many items on the Agenda of note which prompt me to add that an election should not allow controversial and outstanding issues simply to be glossed over.

Here is a picture from my weekend of placing election signs - taken at the top of the City, Simcoe St N and Coates Rd. The picture does not give justice the panoramic view of Oshawa and Lake Ontario on a beautiful morning.

Below you will find a slideshow tracking-summary of all the items on the Sept 26, 2022 Council Meeting Agenda (4 pages).


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My perspective on some of the Sept 26th Council meeting issues :

1. that there is clear need for a crosswalk on Coldstream from the Bloom Seniors residents to the Smart Centre Plaza and a sidewalk along the east side of the driveway into the Plaza! The recommendation at Community Services Committee was not on the Council meeting Agenda, when, imo, it could and should have been included for a full Council vote to see it added to time sensitive Budget items.

2. confirmation on where and when the promised high speed internet will be made available in north Oshawa's underserviced rural area. Oshawa's northern residents and businesses  deserve to know what is happening with the Province's funding announced Aug 4, 2022! The City applied for and Oshawa is on the list of municipalities qualified to receive some of the $4 Billion going to 336 municipalities through 8 internet service providers,. But the fact that there is no word from the City or the Region or the ISP company awarded the contract is abysmal. The Region's other municipalities have received improved high speed to their underserviced areas, but Oshawa residents and businesses north of Hwy 407 are still waiting, many without internet (including me) for 8+weeks after the May 21 derecho storm that took out some telecommunication towers.

3. SOME PROVISION for affordable and accessible housing with the $5M in incentives the City is granting Medallion https://pub-oshawa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=9621 . The City, the Region and Medallion should be able to come up with a program where one unit per floor in newly constructed high rise buildings is leased and sublet by the Region to help meet the Region’s “commitment to increasing the supply of affordable rental housing units; with its “goal of initiating 1,000 new units by 2024”   

4. The September Standing Committees allowed me to bring a motion forward to ensure the Short Term Rental (AirBnB) by-law changes implemented in 2020 will be reviewed early next year. It seems there may be some unfortunate loopholes that require revisions with stronger consequences to STR providers (licensed and unlicensed) in the city.

5. The need for more community input before declaring ANY parkland surplus and sold to become a parking lot! The one newspaper notice in July seems inadequate. The sports user groups could be invited to give expressions of interest, as well as comments from the Parks Rec Library and Culture consultants recently retained to prepare a report on the City wide need for improved city sports, rec , library and culture facility assets. See report DS-22-174 https://pub-oshawa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=9614

6. Report DS-22-189 concerning the HOPA/City signed Memorandum of Understanding and the 6 agreements being attachments 3 to 8 in Closed Report PORT-22-01 to be signed by the City and HOPA should be more transparent and not remain closed reports but should be made public after signing. I will attempt to make a motion that upon signing, the Report and agreements be made public.

Above is a slideshow of the Council meeting 4-page-agenda summary and below is a picture showing the 'grassland' area at the Delpark Homes Centre that City Council is voting on whether to formally declare surplus (see my comment 5 above)
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Oshawa Firefighters Car Wash in Ward 1 Today

9/24/2022

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Every Child Matters Flag Raising and Ceremony at City Hall

9/23/2022

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Following the Flag raising there was a silent walk in front of City Hall to tie an orange ribbon along the Centre St. fence, then over to the beautiful healing garden on King St. W installed this year and to be repeated going forward. The garden includes orange flowers, natural environment plantings like cedars and a bench for reflection.

​National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is being honored this Friday Sept 30, 2022. There are 5 locations around the city to tie an orange ribbon to give reflection 
  • North – Walter Beath Parkette, 1 Columbus Road East
  • South – Lakeview Park, 55 Lakeview Park Avenue
  • East – Delpark Homes Centre, 1661 Harmony Road North
  • West – Civic Recreation Complex, 99 Thornton Road South
  • Central – Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre Street South

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@PulsePoint App Launched in Durham Region to Help Save Lives - Call Out to Download!

9/22/2022

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Two new 1st-of-a-kind Life Saving Apps just launched yesterday across Durham Region. Oshawa Fire & Durham Region EMS with sponsors GM Canada & OnStar announced the @PulsePoint mobile phone app that can save lives in Durham Region. They are building a registry that can help you respond to medical emergencies using the PulsePoint RESPOND App & AED App

1. The PulsePoint RESPOND App alerts CPR-trained users when someone in a nearby public place requires CPR for a cardiac arrest. It also lets them know where to find the closest public Automated External Defibrillator (AED). If you are trained in CPR download the app and help save a life!

​2. The PulsePoint AED App signals the location of Defibrillators for cardiac emergencies, Naloxone for overdoses, Epinephrine for life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites, foods, and other causes. Download the app to be in the know where in the Region you can locate these lifesaving resources.

​"Incredible day in Oshawa and Durham Region! @pulsepoint is a key strategy to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival. Today it is up and running. You can help save a life! Please download the app! This is going to provide an opportunity for people who are willing to step in, perform CPR, or find an AED.” - Dr. Randy Wax, Critical Care Physician Lead and President of the Lakeridge Health Medical Staff Association
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Why Accept a Driveway not even remotely accessible for all the Seniors Across the Road?

9/19/2022

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Kudos to Wayne Small who is making a delegation tomorrow at the Community Services Committee meeting which starts at 1:30 p.m. concerning the lack of a sidewalk accessing the Smart Centre plaza from Coldstream, and the need for an immediate pedestrian crossover as the Bloom Seniors feel very unsafe crossing the road.
Let's hope he inspires the Committee to do the right thing! He gathered a petition with over 60 signatures. As he wrote, the City has a duty of care to improve this traffic area! Seniors require an accessible path of travel. Many new residents who have moved into the Bloom Seniors Residence require walkers. I know this first hand because I attended the official opening of the Bloom a couple weeks ago and brought my mom...she and the ladies at our table spent a few moments comparing their walkers!
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Do City Dust & Fouling of Road By-laws not apply to massive Kedron  Part II development?

9/18/2022

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The above picture is just one part of the area that extends from Ritson Rd. N. to Townline Rd. N north of Conlin Rd. all stripped of vegetation. 
Oshawa residents travelling Ritson Rd. N and living south of Conlin Rd. have been enduring Ritson and Conlin roads dirt and mud covered as well as residents living in the communities south of Conlin cloaked and choked with an extraordinary amount of dirt and dust. 
Below is my email to senior staff...now awaiting their reply, which I'll post upon receipt.


I’ve received complaints from constituents who are increasingly disturbed by the amount of dust blowing off the vast land area stripped of all vegetation north of Conlin Rd E east of Ritson Rd. and east and west of Harmony Rd.
All the dust swirling around is negatively impacting residents residing in the communities south of Conlin Rd E.
Could you please advise if there has been or can be enforcement of the Dust By-law in this situation to help determine what remedial measures might be undertaken?

Earlier in the summer there was a sweeper parked daily on Ritson Rd. N. where there were dust whiteouts making the problem a real safety issue.

Mud matts, silt fences, water trucks and sweepers may be the normal way of responding with a regular size subdivision..  

But the scale of the land area cleared for the largest development in Oshawa’s history seems to be giving rise to so much dust blowing down on the developed areas south  of Conlin Rd.  The size of the collaborative project  makes the problem difficult to address.

Is there anyone at the City monitoring this situation or is it left up to the Developers to self-regulate?  Who at the City would be making decisions, if any, concerning implementing a plan to see the dust minimized.

Imo, restrictions on the amount of activity on windy days would seem to make sense, but where would that policy be set down, in the subdivision agreement or the Dust By-law?

Thanks for your consideration of the above questions and any information, suggestions you can provide so that I can better inform those Ward 1 residents asking.

​Rosemary


From the By-law: 

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Monday Sept 19 is a National Day of Mourning - What's Open & What's Closed

9/18/2022

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The Federal and Provincial Governments proclaimed Monday September 19, 2022 as a National Day of Mourning to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
As posted on the City's website:

City Hall and Service Oshawa closed

Waste Services open 
No changes to waste collection service

Recreation Facilities opoen 
City recreation facilities will be open with regular hours of operation for activities and facility permits on Monday, September 19. For additional details, visit the Recreation Facility Status webpage

Oshawa Public Libraries  The Oshawa Public Libraries will be open regular hours on Monday, September 19.

OSCC55+   The OSCC55+ John Street Branch will be open Monday, September 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with food service available from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All other Oshawa Senior Community Centre branches will be closed and all programs and services cancelled.

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My Ask for Review of  Oshawa AirBnB Short Term Rental By-law in Q1 2023 was Approved

9/17/2022

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At the Corporate Services Committee Sept 12, 2022 morning meeting my motion was approved to have in the 1st Q of 2023 a Staff Report reviewing the Short Term Rentals by-law provisions passed by Council in 2020.
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(As I am not a voting member of that Committee it was introduced for me by Councillor Nicholson.)

To any Oshawans with complaints about the effectiveness of the bylaw changes and enforcement related AirBnB short term rentals in their neighbourhood — now is the time to make your issues known to City Staff, so they can be included in the staff report expected early in 2023. Email clerks@oshawa.ca and copy kmann@oshawa.ca


Imo the by-law does not have enough teeth for satisfactory enforcement. For instance there has been an ongoing situation for the past several weeks where an illegal AirBnB has been operating, It was a quiet court in Ward one, until the absentee landlord began renting it out and almost every weekend the court has been filled with cars and individuals coming and going...creating noise, with the police being called and removing individuals. Even after Oshawa Municipal Licencing and Enforcement officers reported violations to the owners and the owners indicated they would apply for a Short Term Rental license, nothing seems to have changed. Below is a picture of the AirBnB visitors cars chocking up the Court circle Sunday evening Sept 11, 2022,

Recap of current 
Short Term Rentals (STR) – which include Air BnB operations - regulations which were passed in 2020
They must be registered and comply with specific rules, processes and changes to the Licensing By-law and Zoning By-laws: 
  1. STR operators will only be allowed to rent out their principal residence.
  2. Rents are not to exceed 28 consecutive days and not for more than 180 total days per year.
  3. Operators must buy proper insurance and provide a local contact available 24/7 who can respond to the property within one hour of being contacted, in case of an emergency.
  4. A single property cannot be split into more than two rooms and only two people can occupy each room.
  5. Operators are required to display a new ‘Visitor’s Code’ with information about relevant Oshawa by-laws to guests.
  6. To report an unregistered STR or to file a complaint about any STR, call 905-436-3311 or email service@oshawa.ca.
 



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Marking the Passing of Queen Elizabeth II, her Decades of Dedication to Duty and Service

9/12/2022

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If you would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II there is a table with a condolence book in the main lobby at City Hall opposite the Service Oshawa counter. Also there is an on-line link where the City encourage messages to be placed https://forms.oshawa.ca/Corporate-Communications/Condolences-Her-Majesty-Queen-Elizabeth-II?fbclid=IwAR13UKtrTDNFXeFZgkcWhlwtJ6bDWq97DZfC2mqNjM8uT8QYMbhMMZP9Aho


On Monday, Sept 12, 2022,  at a special 8:30 a.m. Council meeting in the Council Chamber in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
Council passed the following motion: 
Whereas Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022;
Whereas Her Majesty was the head of the Commonwealth and Queen of Canada;
Whereas Her Majesty served as the longest-serving monarch in British history;
Whereas Canadians are grateful for Her Majesty’s decades of service to Canada and the Commonwealth and are mourning her death;
Whereas flags have been lowered to half-mast at City Hall and City facilities to honour the memory of Her Majesty;
Whereas Oshawa community members are signing condolence books online at Oshawa.ca or in-person at Oshawa City Hall, Delpark Homes Centre and South Oshawa Community Centre;
Whereas Her Majesty’s funeral will take place on September 19, 2022; and,
Whereas the City of Oshawa Council Committee meeting calendar includes meetings of the Finance Committee and Community Services Committee on this date;
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Therefore be it resolved:
That the Mayor, on behalf of Council and the City of Oshawa, send an official letter of condolence to the Royal Family, Britain, and the Commonwealth for our collective loss of Her Majesty by way of the Governor General of Canada;
That the Standing Committee meetings scheduled for September 19, 2022 be rescheduled to Tuesday, September 20, 2022; and,
That the Finance Committee meeting take place at 9:30 a.m. and the Community Services Committee take place at 1:30 p.m
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