GRAFFITI ON VALOUR BRIDGE DISHONOURS VETERANS’ CONTRIBUTION

The graffiti on Valour Bridge last week went beyond vandalism. It showed a lack of respect to those who have risked their lives for our country.

In 2006, the Royal Canadian Legion asked that the bridge over the Queensway connecting Castlefrank Road and Kanata Avenue be named Valour Bridge to commemorate the bravery shown by those who have fought to defend our country or served in peacekeeping missions. City Council approved the renaming and plaques on the bridge to ensure that the sacrifices made by veterans are not forgotten.

While our country has debated whether or not we should participate in conflicts, what has united us is a respect for the willingness of people serving in the forces to place their lives at risk to protect their fellow citizens or help stop armed conflicts on peacekeeping missions. Spray painting graffiti on Valour Bridge shows a lack of respect for the decision of veterans to put the wellbeing of others ahead of their personal safety and is offensive.

I am pushing for the graffiti to be removed. I have made it clear that the community expects a faster response.

What all of us can do in response is make sure that when we see something suspicious we let the police know. Whether it is graffiti on Valour Bridge or another problem, the police are able to respond more effectively with complete information.

OPEN HOUSE AT KANATA COMMUNITY POLICE STATION

To give people a chance to visit with our Community Police Officer and the people responsible for crime prevention programs in our community, the Ottawa Police Service is holding an Open House. The Open House will be:

Wednesday, October 29
6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Kanata Community Police Station
95 Abbeyhill Road

Crime prevention programs include Neighbourhood Watch, Business Crime Prevention, Child Print, Operation Identification and the Home Security Inspection Program.

NOVEMBER IS WOMEN ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Each November is designated as Women Abuse Prevention Month. It is a time to remember that violence directed against women remains a serious problem and to work for solutions. It is a measure of the seriousness of the problem that, while there are seven shelters for women fleeing violence in Ottawa and Carleton Place, 5,150 women had to be turned away in 2007, because there was no space. Women Abuse Prevention Month is a time to reflect on the seriousness of the problem and renew our commitment to work for change.

REMINDER – FALL GIVE AWAY WEEKEND THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

This year, the Fall Give Away Weekend will be Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26. Giveaway weekends are a chance to get rid of possessions you no longer want and others might want without having them end up in a landfill. Just set items you no longer need out at the curb on Fall Give Away Weekend with a sign or label saying that they are free. At the end of each day, bring any uncollected items back to your home.
If you are looking for something on Give Away Weekend, make sure it is labelled, before taking it.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2752 (office), 580-2762 (fax), www.feltmateforkanata.com or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca