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MVCA, Manotick BIA Kick Off Annual Holiday Decorating Contest

By Irene Staron, MVCA President

December is always a busy time. Planning holiday gatherings with family and friends, making lists, organizing, shopping, putting up lights and garland around the home. 

This season, Manotick home and business owners have added incentive to dress up their properties for the holidays. The Manotick Village Community Association, in partnership with the Manotick BIA has kicked off our Holiday Decorating Contest. Viewing holiday lights on evening drives is an annual family tradition in Manotick. We invite all to come out and enjoy the resplendent results! 

Signs of the season can be seen everywhere in Manotick. Look up and you’ll see decorative wreaths festooning our Village, thanks to the MBIA. In the Mews, volunteers with the Manotick Kiwanis are selling Christmas trees in aid of many deserving groups in our region.

On a business front, this month the City is busy reviewing its 2024 budget. As such, there’s not much to report on the traffic and development at this time, offering us all a break until we resume business as usual in January.

We wish you all the very best in the weeks ahead as you prepare for your unique way to celebrate your holidays and thank you all for your ongoing support. By keeping us in the loop with your questions and comments, you help all of us make Manotick the unique and special place we call home!

Irene Staron

Development Update – 5646/5650 Manotick Main

On November 27 the City received revised plans for the proposed drive-thru restaurant and carwash development at 5646-5650 Manotick Main Street as part of the Site Plan review phase with the City. Taking into consideration resident comments, the revised plan shows the restaurant and drive-thru moved toward the front of the property at Manotick Main as well as the rear fence moved further from the lot line of the Mahogany community to allow for more trees. The City is in the preliminary stages of this revised review and will include further assessment of the septic conditions as well as traffic implications. To see the revised submission go to page 4 of the 2023-11-27 submission on the City’s webpage https://webcast.ottawa.ca/plan/All_Image%20Referencing_Site%20Plan%20Application_Image%20Reference_2023-11-27%20-%20Permit%20Set%20Plans%20-%20%20D07-12-23-0080.PDF.

Light Up the Village! 2023 Holiday Decorating Contest

Looking for a fun break from the holiday rush-around? Plan an evening out to view the lights in Manotick and vote on your favourites in this year’s Holiday Decorating Contest!  To view details and list of entrants vying for awards for ‘best in creative DIY exterior décor’ go to  https://www.manotickvca.org/holidaydecoratingcontest. Categories for homeowners include 1) Traditional 2) Humorous 3) Inflatables, and 4) WOW!! There will also be a People’s Choice award as well as a Kid’s Choice award for a business and a home. Homes and businesses will be judged separately. Winners will be announced online December 21. It’s a beautiful time of year – enjoy!

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.

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 or at https://rosss.ca/. ROSSS provides services, support and social programs for older adults, seniors and adults with disabilities in rural south Ottawa. 

Watson’s Mill Used Book Store

Watson’s Mill Used Bookstore is now closed until Spring 2024. Thank you to the community for all your support. The bookstore operates with only donations and volunteers, and proceeds go directly towards sustaining the store, funding building maintenance, programs, and day-to-day operations at Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House.