City’s Findings On Truck Traffic Similar To MVCA’s Numbers

By Irene Staron, MVCA President

While most of you take the time to read our column, we appreciate that some issues might interest some of you and not others. Our aim is always to inform, update, and communicate – whether it be advocating to eliminate Manotick’s heavy truck traffic or keeping up on the City’s regulations to bring you community events.

We take our responsibility to work on your behalf seriously and our commitment to act in your best interests to heart. Hosting and organizing community events is a big part of MVCA’s work. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been partnering with MBIA to plan Manotick’s Home Decorating Contest as part of the Light Up the Village campaign for home and business owners to show off their creativity with seasonal decorations. We’ll also be participating in this year’s Kiwanis Parade of Lights, and actively planning for our annual winter festival, Shiverfest.

Keeping with items of interest, we share good news on the outcome of our meeting with the City concerning truck traffic and pedestrian safety. 

Interested? We invite you to read on.

Transportation / Truck Traffic – Update on MVCA’s Meeting with the City

Members of the MVCA Board, Irene Staron and Bruce Fanjoy, met with Councillor Brown and Phil Landry, Director of Traffic Services, along with City Staff to discuss what the City can do to resolve truck traffic in Manotick. 

The MVCA had sent our 2023 Truck Study report in advance of the meeting along with the MVCA’s list of requests to be included for consideration in the City’s budget for 2024.

Phil Landry explained how the City collected their data for Vimy Bridge and Bridge Street and stated that the City’s findings are similar to MVCA’s numbers for Bridge Street, pointing out that Vimy is a much larger, wider truck route acknowledging that the Bridge Street numbers are significant. The City is also conducting a study on pedestrian movements and road safety and hired a consultant to look at options. The findings will be shared next year. 

The MVCA raised the question of speed enforcement cameras and was told that the community safe zone at Manotick Public School is #56 on the City’s list. Due to budget constraints, the City installs approximately 20 speed enforcement cameras per year prioritized by area and follows strict assessment criteria. The MVCA asked what it would take to raise Manotick’s priority on the list and was told that the City would need to assess the data. 

The MVCA also raised the question of safety concerns at the intersection of Mitch Owens and Bridge Street. The City advised they would review all Manotick intersection collision data for the past 5 years to confirm what actions need to be taken and where. The City referenced three studies which are available on their website, Strategic Road Safety Action Plan 2019,  Strategic Road Safety Action Plan 2019 , Automated Speed Enforcement and School Bus Camera Pilot Projects

NOTE: On a positive note, since MVCA’s meeting with the City, the City has informed us that Bridge Street has been moved up the list from #56 to #23 for a speed enforcement camera. We will keep you posted on further developments when available.

Community Partners – MCPRA

On November 16 the MVCA attended a meeting hosted by the MCPRA to review their submission to the City’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) in the new year. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that the MCPRA’s and MVCA’s input to the TMP are aligned. Common concerns discussed were the need for crosswalks and sidewalks along Manotick Main to provide residents in the south end with safe pedestrian access to the Village. In the meantime, the MVCA congratulates the MCPRA on receiving a grant to examine feasibility of accessible pathways in Centennial park. For more information see the Canadian Geographic article posted on  https://canadiangeographic.ca/content/cnw-newswire/?rkey=20231114C8630&filter=11169

Light up the Village! 2023 Holiday Decorating Contest 

Join us in ‘Lighting up the Village’ this holiday season with the return of our holiday decorating contest for businesses and homeowners. To win, decorate the outside of your home or business in one of the following categories: 1) Traditional 2) Humourous 3) Inflatables, and 4) WOW!! There will also be a People’s Choice award as well as a Kid’s Choice award. Only DIY entries, please. To register and for full details, go to www.manotickvca.org. NOTE: A condition of registration includes permission to publish the address on the Contest Map which will be posted online. The contest opens on December 1 following the Parade of Lights. The Contest Map will be available online at that time. Judging will take place between December 16 and 19 (dates and times will be posted online). Businesses and homes will be judged separately. Winners will be announced online on December 21.

Mark your Calendar – MVCA Shiverfest Returns February 2 & 3, 2024

Winter festivities continue as the MVCA plans to bring you another fun-filled Shiverfest the weekend of February 2nd and 3rd, 2024. Activities include a pancake breakfast, horse-drawn sleigh rides in Centennial Park, a magic show and face-painting for the kiddies, our annual Chili Cook-Off, and Trivia Night to name a few. Volunteers are invited to help with a variety of activities. Details will be posted on our website in the weeks ahead. www.manotickvca.org. Fun for the entire family!

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/

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. https://www.yoma.ca/

The Manotick and Area Centre for Arts & Wellness (MACAW) focuses on intergenerational connections for seniors through arts and wellness. This includes a multitude of activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, art, music, and dance classes as well as community dances. The popular concert series focusses on our local singers and musicians. See their website for more information https://www.manotickmacaw.com/

ROSSS provides affordable, quality health and social programs that support older adults, adults living with disabilities, and their caregivers who reside in rural communities south of Ottawa. Their services foster independence, promote quality of life for their clients. See the website for more information https://rosss.ca/