Happy New Year From The MVCA!
By Irene Staron, MVCA President
It would be an understatement to say much happened in 2022. Global events outside our control have given us pause to reflect, to question, to think on what’s really important. And perhaps we’ve come to realize that we form our lives with the reality of our day-to-day happenings, marking the order of household activities with schedules and routines, carving out special moments to celebrate with families and friends. After 3 years exercising caution and asking ourselves do we socialize or not, do we mask or not, these last months of 2022 have given us room to breathe, to reconnect, to find our way to our new normal, however we now choose to define it. Our needs have changed, perhaps our priorities have shifted. But there is no question that 2023 will present a year of continued transition and unique opportunities to adapt and build new resilience.
Looking forward to the New Year, the MVCA is excited to continue advocating on behalf of our members and residents on issues important to you. Your input and comments help direct our priorities and efforts, and in 2023 we’ll be adding new ways to keep our dialogue active with our community. But no need to wait until then…if you have comments now please reach out any time to president@manotickvca.org.
Shiverfest 2023- Mark your Calendar! February 3 & 4
We’ve also been busy planning our 2023 Shiverfest celebrations. After a three-year hiatus, popular Shiverfest activities will include Timbits Hockey, the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Chili Cook Off and sleigh rides to name a few, with new activities in the works. We applaud our local businesses for their sponsorship in helping to bring this winter traditional back for all ages to enjoy. Mark your calendars for February 3 and February 4th! Some activities will require pre-registration. For more information we invite you to visit our website https://www.manotickvca.org/. Udpates will be posted when available.
Notice to ALL HOMEOWNERS and Residential Property Owners
If you own your home or residential property in Ottawa you will likely have received your property tax assessment from the City. In that envelope was a notice about a new tax. While it is called a Vacant Unit Tax, every home owner needs to know about it. Between January and March 15, every home owner must make a declaration that indicates if their property is occupied or vacant. If it is vacant, a 1% tax will be applied. If you miss the deadline, the tax will automatically be applied. If you miss the deadline and then make your declaration, there is a penalty fee. Read all about this on the City’s website. https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/taxes/vacant-unit-tax
Update on our Hydro Providers
Many of you have written us about your concerns with power outages, power interruptions and difficulties getting answers from your hydro providers. For the past few months the MVCA has been in communication with Hydro Ottawa and Hydro One to obtain answers to your questions.
Coming in January, Hydro Ottawa will be delivering a virtual presentation to our community as part of their community outreach program. Topics to be covered are the various causes of outages, what customers can do to be best prepared for when the power goes out, how Hydro Ottawa keeps customers informed during an outage and the best ways for customers to stay connected. Date being considered for this presentation is January 17. Confirmation and further information will be posted on our website when available. https://www.manotickvca.org/. For immediate inquiries, go to https://hydroottawa.com/en/contact
For Hydro One customers, we’ve been assured our concerns are being addressed and more information will follow in the new year. We’ll continue to keep you up to date in these columns. For immediate inquiries go to https://www.hydroone.com/support/contact
A Reminder to Our Pedestrians – Be Seen!
In our winter weeks of short daylight hours, many residents walking outdoors at dusk or in the evenings find themselves caught in the dark. Many share the streets and roads with motorists and cyclists. And, as we do not have sidewalks in all parts of our community, many pedestrians can be difficult to see. Before going out on your evening stroll, please take a moment to plan what you wear to make yourself as visible as possible. Wear bright or light coloured clothing, reflective or lit gear. Be seen!
Coming up in January
Manotick Horticultural Society AGM
MHS is made up of more than 100 amateur gardener members and offers presentations, workshops, contests and tours for likeminded enthusiasts. Memberships run from Feb 1 – Jan 31. To join or for more information go to https://manotickhorticulturalsociety.com/members/
Looking Ahead to February
Feb 3 & 4 – Shiverfest 2023 –MVCA – Mark your calendar! Details to follow on https://www.manotickvca.org/
February 11 – Rural Youth Expo – YOMA – In rural areas it can be hard to find places for youth to work in their own communities. The Rural Youth Expo will give youth a chance to talk to potential employers and find resources locally. Hosted by YOMA (Youth of Manotick Association) and local recreation programs. Visit www. https://www.yoma.ca/
Photo: Sleigh rides through Centennial Park are part of Shiverfest, which returns for the first time in three years. (Manotick Messenger photo, January 2020).
