ADDITIONAL MEASURES PUT IN PLACE TO HELP PEOPLE COPE WITH BUS STRIKE

Since the decision of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279 to reject the City’s offer last Thursday, additional measures have been put in place to help residents cope with the impact of the bus strike. I am including links to the information on my website at www.feltmateforkanata.com.

The City has already added 3,000 parking spaces to those normally available and restrictions on how long people can park in spaces where there would normally be a one, two or three hour time limit have been removed.

These measures are not a substitute for a settlement to the strike. The City remains willing to return to the bargaining table and negotiate a settlement that meets the needs of both residents and employees.

LABOUR LAW PLACES LIMITS ON BOTH UNION AND CITY

In labour disputes, labour legislation limits what both the union and the City can do. It means that suggestions made by some commentators are not options for the City because they would get the City in legal difficulty. It also means that union members are unable to pursue some tactics because they are illegal.

What this means for the City is that the most cost effective option for ending the strike is a negotiated settlement that responds to concerns from taxpayers and transit employees.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR SUMMER JOBS WITH THE CITY

Students interested in summer jobs with the City of Ottawa can now apply. A complete list of positions with instructions on how to apply can be found at the City’s website at ottawa.ca/careers.  For some positions a police and criminal records check is required so it is important to checking the listing early enough to get all the required documentation.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS AFTER SNOW STORMS MEAN CARS CAN BE TOWED OR TICKETED

After the snowstorm last week I heard a number of complaints from residents about cars parked on streets interfering with snow ploughing. When more than 7 centimetres of snow is forecast, parking on the street is not allowed between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.. Cars parking on the street between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. during snowstorms can be ticketed and towed.

To help people avoid problems the City does provide e-mail alerts when overnight parking restrictions are being put in place. You can sign up by going to https://ottawa.ca/city_services/parking/signup_en.html. Media releases announcing when parking restrictions are being put in place are posted on the City’s website.

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY EVENT PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE DISEASE

On Tuesday January 27, the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew is hosting a breakfast seminar entitled “Rising Tide - The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society.” It will be between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. at Ben Franklin Place - The Chamber, 101 Centrepointe Drive. Tickets are $20 and the registration deadline is January 21.

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