Honouring Those Who Have Served And Continue To Serve
By Irene Staron, MVCA President
These past few months have found us dealing with a number of serious issues ranging from truck traffic to intensification.
At this time we honour the human side of our community. The weather may be getting colder, but in true Canadian fashion, it only serves to bring out the warmth of generosity of our members, our residents, our community.
Read on to learn more about the Manotick Legion’s Veteran Memorial Banner project and your opportunity to donate to the Sleeping Bag and Blanket Drive organized by the Kiwanis in partnership with the Legion.
Mark your calendars for Kiwanis’s traditional Parade of Lights December 1, where volunteers from around the Village kick off the holiday season with colourful floats, music and dance.
Love to decorate your home with holiday lights? Enter our 2023 Holiday Decorating Contest. In partnership with the MBIA, what better way to beautify your community and celebrate the season.
Finally, our column would not be complete without a few updates on those serious issues – transportation and budget submissions.
Community partnership is the theme of this season and we thank all our community partners for helping to make Manotick a community we love to live in year round.
We Will Remember Them
This year’s inaugural Manotick Legion Branch 314 Veteran Memorial Banner project has proven to be a success, with close to 20 banners sponsored by families and friends installed along Manotick Main Street and Bridge Street. The Legion will continue this program in 2024 with details to follow early in the new year.
The MVCA along with the MBIA actively participated in this program and sponsored a banner on behalf of our members. We are equally honoured to have once again laid a wreath on behalf of our members and community, commemorating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will remember them.
Transportation Update
On October 24th, the MVCA met with Councillor Brown, the City’s Director of Traffic Services and City Staff at the Councillor’s office to discuss what can be done about Manotick’s truck traffic issues.
The MVCA had conducted our second truck traffic study on Bridge Street last summer and included collecting data for Vimy Bridge. The objective of the October 24 meeting with the City was for the City to share their findings of their study as well as update us on other studies underway. While information from those other studies was not available at the time of the meeting, the City has forwarded reports which we share here. We’ll provide further updates when available. The reports are: Strategic Road Safety Action Plan Annual Report https://pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=113254 and Automated Speed Enforcement and School Bus Camera Pilot Projects https://pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=9688cc48-abd1-40fe-8632-03efd5547fde&Agenda=PostMinutes&lang=English#414504
In the meantime, the City’s updated Active Transportation Projects List contains some good news for Manotick residents. To view the full list go to https://www.manotickvca.org/
MVCA’s 2024 Budget Requests to the City
Each year the MVCA submits a list of requests to the City for inclusion in the following year’s City budget. Requested items are restricted to transportation related requirements – road improvements, sidewalks, pedestrian and cyclist safety, walkability and traffic. Items related to pathways are the purview of Manotick Culture, Parks and Recreation (MCPRA). The MVCA works with the MCPRA to coordinate our requests. To view the MVCA’s 2024 Budget request submission, go to https://www.manotickvca.org/
MVCA Survey Says
Wonder what our members and community have to say about what’s important to them? Throughout August and September the MVCA conducted an online survey attracting input from members and non-members alike. Questions range from the value of MVCA membership to priorities in our community. Stay tuned for more details as we dive deep through the data in the weeks ahead.
Light up the Village! 2023 Holiday Decorating Contest
The MVCA in partnership with the MBIA is helping to ‘Light up the Village’ this holiday season with the return of a holiday decorating contest for businesses and homeowners. The contest opens on December 1 following the Parade of Lights. To register and for full details, go to www.manotickvca.org.
MVCA Shiverfest Returns in 2024
Winter festivities continue as MVCA plans to bring you another fun-filled Shiverfest the weekend of February 3rd and 4th, 2024. Volunteers are invited to help with a variety of activities. Details will be posted on our website in the weeks ahead. www.manotickvca.org
Sleeping Bag and Blanket Drive
Your generous donation of a slightly used or new blanket or sleeping bag will help to keep a person warm this winter and may actually save the lives of some. The Royal Canadian Legion, Manotick Branch 314, located at 5550 Ann Street in Manotick is a drop-off location for the Kiwanis Club.The individual recipients will very much appreciate your kindness, and you will get a huge thank you from the Kiwanis and the Manotick Legion for your generous donation.
Blankets are being collected from October to December. Questions? Please contact the Manotick Legion Branch at 613 692-3243 or rclbranch314@gmail.com
Volunteer Drivers Needed!
ROSSS (Rural Ottawa South Support Services) is looking for volunteer drivers. This can be an especially rewarding way to share your time in support of this important local service provider. If you are interested, contact them at 613-692-4697. https://rosss.ca/.ROSSS provides services, supports and social programs for older adults, seniors and adults with disabilities in rural south Ottawa.
Watson’s Mill Used Book Store – open on weekends until December 3
Watson’s Mill Used Bookstore is now open only Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm until December 3. The bookstore still has a great selection of books, particularly children’s (English and French), mysteries, and Christmas-themed books. https://watsonsmill.com/bookstore/
Ongoing In the Community
What’s Happening at the Ottawa Public Library – discover all the events happening at the Manotick library branch. Please note all Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed November 11 for Remembrance Day.
YOMA
Youth of Manotick Association (YOMA) offers a safe, inclusive place for local youth (Gr 4-12) to go on Friday nights. Pre-Teens (Gr 4-6) have fun, themed activities from 6:30 – 8 pm. The teen Drop-In runs from 7:30 – 9:00. Both are at the Manotick Community Centre (Arena). See the website for more information and to sign up.
