River Ward E-Newsletter, February 1, 2023 | Bulletin électronique de Quartier Rivière, 1 Février 2023

River Ward E-Newsletter, February 1, 2023 | Bulletin électronique de Quartier Rivière, 1 Février 2023

For the full e-newsletter, click HERE (en français aussi)
For previous issues, click HERE (en français aussi)

Dear friends and neighbours of River Ward,

January has always been a challenging month for me to get through.  We made it.  Now on to February, the shortest month, Winterlude, Valentine’s Day and Black History Month.

Black History Month is a month dedicated to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today.

If you are interested in learning more about Black history or local events to celebrate the month, please visit:

https://www.blackhistoryottawa.org/

https://www.facebook.com/blackhistoryottawa/

https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/celebrating-black-history-month-library

https://www.ocdsb.ca/news/a_day_of_celebration

A number of local events are also posted on the Eventbrite website:  https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada–ottawa/black-history/

Today is also Budget Day at City Council.  The 2023 City Budget will be released and we will now commence a month-long consultation process that includes in-person and hybrid sessions, Councillor-led meetings, every Standing Committee, Board and Commission hosting meetings this month. This will come to fruition on March 1, when the Budget is expected to be ratified by City Council.  I am co-hosting a community Budget session on February 7.  See details below in the e-newsletter.  In mid-January, I met with the Mayor, Acting City Manager and General Managers of Parks and Recreation as well as Public Works to discuss River Ward’s Budget priorities:  stable taxes, active transportation infrastructure, road paving, enhanced OC Transpo bus service, park amenity renewal, affordable housing and homelessness, as well as an increased focus to environmental initiatives, including lowering the overall GHG emissions emitted in our City.

February plans to be a very busy month.  I am attending and hosting a number of events, please ensure you see the list below.

Take good care and get outside if you can and enjoy our beautiful ward.
Stay safe, Stay well

Riley Brockington

For the full e-newsletter, click HERE (en français aussi)
For previous issues, click HERE (en français aussi)