Unbelievable HELP from so many

Before closing the blog I want to note some very special help from extraordinary people.

My late wife's family were always there to do what needed to be done.

Richard and Brian worked to keep the campaign on the rails.

Doug and Diane knocked on doors and managed the finances but so many others did what they could.

Financial help was a big surprise with donors from outside of Ottawa and from areas outside the ward. I am/was very touched to hear the congratulations from so many who felt I did all we could.

The sign guys both up and tear down were superb, and of course the webmaster (my son in Vancouver) was on top of the postings.

I am very fortunate to have as many people who believed in me and our efforts were not rewarded as they should have been...all that said I could not be more proud of the work done by all. We were up against a force we did not recognize until the Sunday before voting day. Colour me blue or rather I did not have that colour behind me!. I believed that party politics were not supposed to enter in to Municipal elections but now I know differently. So the outcome is as I voiced before.

Pete would have been PROUD OF YOU ALL as I am.

THANKS

Bruce

CFRA Interview - Sunny Side Nick

This past Sunday morning, I was on the 'Sunny Side Nick' show on CFRA. Have a listen to the audio by clicking the play button below. Running time is around 20 minutes.

Also, see some photos while I was in the booth below.

CFRA Pre-Election Radio Special

CFRA recently aired a great pre-election special.

Below is the less than 2 minute portion that pertains to Ward 21.


Below is the entire show for those interested in the entire nearly 1 hour show.

Mr. Brooks Is In Error

Lynne Owen has brought to my attention a terrible error on Mr. Brooks' website. Here's what she told me via email.

A recent posting on the election website of candidate Glenn Brooks blatantly misrepresents the truth about rival Bruce Webster’s commitment and service to Ward 21 and the City of Ottawa.

Mr. Webster's active involvement has not been restricted to his home community of Richmond as stated by Brooks. Bruce has held many volunteer positions in Richmond, including 12 years of service to the Village Association, but his experience and volunteerism does not end there.

Bruce served as president of the Rural Council of Ottawa-Carleton, a coalition of rural citizens and organizations across Ottawa, from 2006 to 2010. He began his involvement with the council as a founding member in 2001. He was also a member of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee from 2004 to 2010, working with the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of City Council to resolve rural issues that affect the entire city.

Mr. Webster has made many presentations on behalf of Ottawa’s entire rural community, logging more than 400 meetings with various organizations and trips as a city-wide volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society over the past four years.

This, among other excellent credentials that Bruce has, makes him the clear choice as the next Councillor for Ward 21 - experience and credentials that Betty Hill, former Mayor of Goulbourn, took into her consideration when endorsing Bruce Webster as the best choice for Rideau-Goulborn Ward.

While Mr. Brooks suggests a vote for him will “make Ward 21 a better place to live, to work and raise our families,” in the same sentence he admits he has had 33 years to do this...but obviously he has failed. It’s time for a change – for the best.

Thank you Lynne for taking the time to write me and for shedding light on this matter for me. I hope that by posting your note here that folks will see that there is no truth to what is being said on his site with respect to my credentials.

I couldn't agree more with what you say: It's time for a change - for the best.

'Our Ottawa' releases their endoresments

I'm happy to have read that I am among the three candidates that 'Our Ottawa' is endorsing.

Read this Ottawa Citizen article (click) for more details.

Bruce

Debate Feedback Welcomed

This past Wednesday night I participated in my first (of many to come) live debates, and welcome your feedback on it, please post below in the comments section your thoughts.

Regards,

Bruce

Q&A With Ottawa Citizen

Recently a reporter named Kristy Nease from the Ottawa Citizen asked that I respond to a survey of questions. I did so, and would like to share my unedited responses with you here, as I think you could find them of value.

ISSUES PAST

Kristy Nease: How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the Lansdowne Park redevelopment plan as it was finally presented at the beginning of the summer?

Bruce Webster: I would have voted against because of the improper process leading up to the approval. Sole source is not the best way to achieve the best outcome from a financail perspective

KN: How did you vote, or how would you have voted, on the 2008 Transportation Master Plan update that included a plan for light rail in a downtown tunnel?

BW: As I have not yet after many requests been able to obtain all the pertinent information on funding "without affecting the tax base" Ottawa Staff quote I would at the time have voted against until the requisite information was made available and then would have been voting with a clear understanding.

KN: What's been the greatest success of amalgamation?

BW: I see no great success

KN: What's been the greatest failure?

BW: The city is still fractured into Urban/Suburban and Rural parts There is still a discontent in all three parts because of the different life styles and needs

KN: What are the three most important issues in your ward?

BW: Roads..Recreation..Taxes

KN: What specific measure will be your top priority if you're elected?

BW: Financial stability while controlling expenses and tax increases

KN: If you aren't the incumbent, say something nice about the incumbent.

BW: Glenn has served the area well for over 35 years during his career as a politician and he should now retire as he promised his wife in 2006

KN: Now, what specifically would you aim to do better than he or she does?

BW: Listen to the voices of all the comunity not just the richest and most vocal

CITY SERVICES

KN: Taxes. On the whole, are they too high? Just about as high as they need to be? Not high enough for the city we wish we had?

BW: We can no longer tax to this limit and we need to control our expenditures to match our income. This is a definition of BUDGET

KN: Should OC Transpo be designated an essential service?

BW: PublicTransportation in the western world is essential

KN: The National Capital Commission has identified cycling as a priority in its work in the capital. Do you support this? What do you think Ottawa needs to do to make bicycle commuting more appealing?

BW: Better and safer cycling lanes particularly in the suburban/rural areas

KN: It's city policy to promote intensification downtown, but of course it's often difficult to get neighbourhood support for any particular project. Is downtown intensification the right path for the city? How should the city government smooth the way?

BW: The maximization of IN PLACE infrastructure is needed to slow down the expenditures associated with growth. 22% of the tax dollar now goes to growth related infrastructure supporting developer profit which results in urban sprawl and hence core decay. The city should encourage nodes of revitalization/intensification which reflects the area impacted

KN: Should the urban boundary be expanded significantly?

BW: The city staff have identified enough available land to sustain the city for the next 20 years WITHOUT urban boundary expansion This reflects on the need to maximize the present infrastructure and leapfrogging the urban boundary to build high density bedroom communities outside the present boundary is counterproductive to financial stability as the need for capital expense to service these village areas is greatly disproportional to revenues

KN: Please list some city services you consider "core" and any you consider "frills" that could be cut back.

BW: Core...Emergency services..Road maintenance...Waste collection. and treatment(s)...water electrical services...schools. social housing, Most others could be considered "frills" BUT the province does mandate many of which we have no choice

KN: Larry O'Brien has publicized a financial platform aimed at producing tax freezes and is asking council candidates to say whether they back it or not. What have you told him?

BW: As noted above I believe we can and MUST do better without adding to the present tax burden

GOVERNANCE

KN: Roughly how many city council meetings have you attended in the last year?

BW: 6 to 8 Plus as a member of a citizens committee reporting to ARAC I attend about another 10 to 12

KN: Should city councillors have term limits? If so, what should they be?

BW: Yes maximum of 2 terms but allowed to return after a one term absence. I remember when people actually "served" their communities for 3 to 6 years when they had achieved the ability to do so. There were NO PROFESSIONAL politicians who looked on it as a job. SERVE actually meant something.

KN: What would you like to change to make city council work more smoothly?

BW: The process where items and issues are staff driven rather than council driven and examined. Council needs to regain control

KN: Do you support a borough system, or something like it, for devolving local issues to more local control and keeping them off the city council agenda?

BW: Items which are already covered under the city bylaws should rarely be placed before council.Staff should be able to work with the ward rep to resolve many ward related issues and certain items ( stop signs/minor variances/speed bumps/tree cutting/cow signs should be resolved thoughtfully rather than by adherence to rules

KN: Do we have about the right number of councillors? Should there be significantly more or fewer?

BW: From the rural perspective we have already made it near impossible to serve the vast areas. Reducing any more will be a disenfranchisement as would any reduction in other areas because of numbers of residents. A consideration of a different electoral system...Alderman and council or a mixed at large/ward might be more efficient.

KN: Is your campaign accepting corporate and union donations?

BW: I have not yet done so

KN: Some people think they should be banned. What do you think?

BW: The definition of corporate is too vague Would this exclude the corner store? mac's Milk or the local grocery? Unions I believe should not contribute to municipal campaigns

ABOUT YOU

KN: What formal education, training or other credentials do you have?

BW: Education is some University non grad...E.O.I.T (precursor to Algonquin) 28 Years in communications industry..14 years working as a volunteer for the greater Ottawa area ..as volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke ..President of four different sports and community organizations...member of Rural Issues Advisory Committee, (a city support organization)

KN: If the election were held tomorrow, which mayoral candidate would get your vote?

BW: I can work well with either J. Watson or Larry O'Brien and have worked with Larry during his present term in office as well as with staff.

KN: Do you live in the ward you're seeking to represent? If not, what's your interest in the area?

BW: I have been a resident in the ward for 40 years

KN: Did you grow up in Ottawa? If not, what brought you here?

BW: I was born in Vancouver B.C. but have lived in Ottawa all my adult life

KN: When you were growing up, how did your parents or guardians support your family?

BW: My father was an employee of the Federal Government and my Mother was a registered Nurse working at the Cancer Wing of the Civic Hospital

KN: What's the most significant position of responsibility you've ever held, either in work life or as a volunteer?

BW: ...Although the significance may not be in stature I believe my most appreciated and therefore to me most impactive contribution is my driving as a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society...taking patients to their treatments and appointments

KN: Are you married or in a long-term partnership? Kids?

BW: ... I was married for almost 40 years until my wife passed away in July of this year. She strongly supported my campaign as my wife and also office manager. Our one child a son was married this Sept. 4th in Vancouver

KN: Who's been the best Ottawa municipal politician (including the pre-amalgamation municipalities) you know of? Why?

BW: I lived for some time in Nepean and have great respect for Aubrey Moodie, Ben Franklin and Andy Haydon Jim Durrell and Charlotte Whitten were visionaries as was a non politician, Doug Fullerton of the NCC They all worked to better and build what is now Ottawa

KN: When did you last take the bus to commute or run an errand?

BW: There is very limited bus service to the rural areas ( 3 commuter buses) so I am forced to use a car...but we do car pool to meetings and such

KN: When you did you last take a bike to commute or run an errand?

BW: I am able to walk to my coffee shop and grocery store as well as most other daily needs.

Why Vote for Bruce Webster?

Why Vote for BRUCE WEBSTER?

---

While campaigning in Rideau/Goulbourn I have listened to many voters who have expressed their dissatisfaction with municipal government. They want better. So do I!

Here is where I stand on several of the issues I have heard:

Governance – City Hall is far too complicated, unresponsive and detached from the general public. We need new ideas and a fresh approach. I am not a professional politician however I am the only new candidate with the experience of community service in this campaign.

Financial – I am a fiscal conservative who believes City services are over-priced. Our administrative costs have more than doubled in ten years crippling the ability to fund basic requirements such as road maintenance and recreational infrastructure. Property taxes have increased by 14% in three years but services to our community have not kept pace. 22% of every tax dollar has subsidized growth related infrastructure while basic city services have declined. I want the opportunity to bring our City spending back to affordable levels, with improved appropriation applied. I agree with the OTAG position of “No new money.”

Transit - I support an enhanced transit system however I am not convinced that bus service should become secondary to light rail. There is too little evidence to support investing billions of dollars in rail. My priority will be to direct our investment to improvement in transit accessibility, comfort, convenience and affordability while reducing environmental impact.

Farm Practices – City Hall creates too much red tape for farmers and rural landowners. I believe in service rather than regulation. We need to solve problems not cause them.

Waste To Energy – I oppose reliance on landfill sites, after having visited other cities where proven technology allows municipal waste to become a fuel source for energy production. Modern cities need to apply modern waste management thinking.

Communities – Our planning approach to growth in Villages fails to respect our sense of community. Needless and rapid expansion requiring more than a hundred million dollars in piped service, for example, is not my priority. I prefer to enhance village sustainability.

---

My Years of Experience will serve you well:

President – Rural Council of Ottawa-Carleton

2006 to 2010:

The Rural Council of Ottawa-Carleton is a coalition of rural citizens and organizations representing communities, property owners and small business, dedicated to the preservation and protection of rural rights, values, and freedom from unwarranted urban regulation, through education, advocacy and political leverage.

Member – Rural Issues Advisory Committee

2004 to 2010:

The Rural Issues Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and City Council on issues affecting the rural and farming community of Ottawa. The Advisory Committee assists City Council in its efforts to protect and preserve the rural area; to promote healthy rural communities that contain living, working and recreational opportunities; and to respect the natural environment and resources of our rural areas.

President - Richmond Village Association

2003 to 2010:

The Richmond Village Association represents the interests of Richmond residents. It is proactive on issues concerning its residents, developing consensus and then presenting those viewpoints to the various levels of government.

On October 25^th - VOTE for

Experience, Knowledge, Leadership and Rural Values.

Make YOUR vote count:

Vote for Bruce WEBSTER

A Change for the Best

Item of importance to the Richmond/Munster area

Transportation to Ottawa, or at least Stittsville, when O.C. is not running the 283.

I believe the O.C. should examine a shuttle again, to link Munster/Richmond to the 90 series buses which run through Stittsville and then even if only every two hours residents could get to work on a more flexible basis. Youth could also access the G.R.C. which of course ALL of GOULBOURN paid for yet we outside of Stittsville can not readily access. Elderly would not have to drive or depend on others to get to shopping or medical appointments It simply requires a reexamination of the needs then a cautious implementation of a solution.

Become a part of the solution - vote Webster October 25th

Bruce Webster

Watson reduction of councilors or reduction of representation?

Jim Watson's proposal is diametrically opposed to the Supreme Court ruling of EFFECTIVE representation and all the battles fought over ward boundary revisions. This is but one of the continuing reasons the rural wards are dissatisfied with government from Toronto and Watson seems to have brought that mantra with him."

If we are to save money and create efficiencies, without further eroding the democratic representation we lost with amalgamation, then we should, FIRST, be reducing costs within our unweildy, unelected and unaccountable bureaucracy.

As the former President of the Rural Council of Ottawa-Carleton (RCOC), a rural democracy advocacy organization that has defended against many misguided city staff schemes, I would have to agree with the RCOC's current response to Jim Watson's latest potentially damaging idea (click here).

Cost efficiencies will not be found by cutting the number of councillors and reducing representation, but by having a strong, unified Council exert better control over the profligate spending and gross inefficiencies of our administrative bureaucrats in the City Management Department.

How to donate

I am pleased to announce that Doug Arnold has agreed to be my Chief Financial Officer for - Bruce Webster Election 2010, Councillor, Ward 21. In compliance with the Municipal Elections 2010 Guide, I am also announcing that Doug is the only person I will be authorizing to accept campaign contributions on my behalf.

Doug suggested that it might be useful to indicate what the Municipal Election 2010 Guide stipulates regarding campaign contributions. I am happy to provide the following information:

1. Who can make a contribution?

- any individual who resides in Ontario.

- any corporation that does business in Ontario.

- any trade union that represents employees in Ontario. A campaign contributor does not have to be an eligible voter; however, anonymous contributions cannot be accepted.

2. What constitutes a contribution?

- a donation of money, goods or services.

- cash contributions cannot exceed $25.00 and contributions larger than $25.00 must be made via cheque or money order.

- a contribution can only be made by one individual; i.e. John and Jane Smith have a joint chequing account and make a donation and both sign the cheque.

Only John or Jane can receive credit for the donation. However, John can make a donation and Jane can make a donation by signing separate cheques but neither cheque may exceed $750.00 - see contribution limits.

3. What is the contribution limit?

- the contribution limit for money, goods or services to a candidate from one individual cannot exceed $750.00; however, an individual may have contributions totalling $5,000.00; i.e. an individual may “legally” contribute $750.00 to six candidates and $500.00 to a seventh candidate, for a total of $5,000.00.

4. Can I get a rebate for my contribution? Yes!

5. What must I do to receive a rebate?

- make a contribution of at least $50.00.

- the rebate rate for a contribution of $50.00 but not more than $150.00 is 75% of the contribution; i.e. a $50.00 contribution results in a $37.50 rebate. A $150.00 contribution results in a $112.50 rebate.

- the rebate rate for contributions greater than $150.00 but not more than $300.00 is 50%; i.e. a contribution of $300.00 receives a rebate of $112.50 for the first $150.00 plus $75.00 for the second $150.00. The maximum rebate is $187.50 ($112.50 +$75.00). There is no rebate for donations in excess of $300.00 - even for contributions totalling $5,000.00 to seven or more candidates.

N.B. How and when to file a claim for your rebate will be indicated on the back of your receipt.

Receipts cannot be issued until your cheque has cleared.

In closing, if you would like to make a contribution to my campaign, I would request that you make a cheque out to Bruce Webster Election 2010 and mail it to:

Doug Arnold

P.O. Box 587

Richmond, ON

K0A 2Z0

However, if it is more convenient, Doug (613-838-3136) or I (613-295-8823) will gladly come by and pick up your cheque.

It would be appreciated if you would forward this announcement to fellow Rideau - Goulbourn residents who might be interested in learning more about campaign contributions.

With sincere thanks,

Bruce Webster

Councillor Candidate for Ward 21

613-295-8823

http://webster4council.ca

Rideau-Goulbourn candidate won’t back out

A great article recently published on YourOttawaRegion.com. Click here to read.

City response to proposed Terms of Reference

Proposed expansion of Carp Road landfill site - read article here, click.

Past President of RCOC presents comments to Planning and Environment Committee

Bruce Webster asks Council to press the Ontario Government to:

1. Let Ottawa control its own IC&I waste

2. Immediately require WM to demonstrate improved recycling

3. Have WM transparently evaluate all, (thermal destruction), 100% landfill waste diversion technologies

4. Impose a two year moratorium on new landfills and landfill extension permits, while new SOTA thermal waste destruction technologies are proven.

Click here to read full article.

City Hosted ARAC Meeting July 8th 7 PM

The city has again sent out and posted to the city website differing times for this most important meeting which will decide the future growth and character of our village as we view it.

As a member of the Steering Committee attending nearly all the general meetings and chairing the servicing sub-committee I am not pleased to see the city going forth with the plan as offered and seemingly endorsed by Glenn Brooks.

In Glenn's own electronic emission of June 29th he states that there exist some unclosed items and he lists density, servicing, storm water management and traffic as some of the outstanding issues yet he continues to push on "because Mattamy asked for it" not because we the residents asked nor voted as the steering committee should have but because thecity has signed off on the CDP as sought by Glenn on behalf
of Mattamy.

Conclusion...Glenn does not represent the majority of the village he represents??? a developer??? or his own agenda!

I do not and will not operate in such a cavalier fashion when you elect Bruce Webster to Council as YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

--
Bruce Webster
Councilor Candidate for Ward 21
613.295.8823
http://webster4council.ca

Another heritage mural for Richmond

To go on exterior of Richmond arena - read article here, click.

Comment on Poster

(From ANONYMOUS)

I liked all the symbolism with the Model-A, in the parade!

With the slogan: "At the wheel and ready to drive", it symbolizes the
qualities that the next Rideau-Goulbourn Councillor should
have: "DRIVE", "LEADERSHIP", "CLASS" and "TRADITIONAL VALUES" that we can
all count on to get the job done.

Best Wishes!

Dickinson Days in Manotick

The Dickinson Days parade in Manotick on June 4th was very well attended, with lots of entries. The crowds were very welcoming and numerous! Here are some pictures of Bruce's 1930 Model A along with a picture of Bruce with Pierre Polievre and Brian Tansley.

Letter to editor about development in Richmond

Stittstville News, May 13, 2010 - When things don't mix (click to see original article)

In the April 29th Stittsville News, city of Ottawa Rideau-Goulbourn ward councillor Glenn Brooks states there are 13 left of a 17 member steering committee for the Richmond Community Design Plan (CDP).  Well, some remember a starting group of 20 or 21 and the February and March minutes reflect only 10 attending.  There were only 7 in attendance at the May 5th meeting.  This decline in membership is due to frustration.

The May 5th meeting saw one reason why members are losing interest.  Chair David George wanted to argue with myself and Doug Arnold over the merits of tertiary treatment and who should invite a 'bid' by a tertiary treatment provider.  Clearly the onus is on either the city or the proponent Mattamy if this is a true CDP, not a proponent driven environmental assessment process.  It all goes back to the problem of mixing a CDP, the Mattamy environmental assessment and developer driven issues.  They do not mix.

Bruce Webster
Richmond CDP Steering Committee Member

Doug Arnold comments on Sewer Charge Adjustment for properties with no water services

Good afternoon all:

For those of you who are not on Councillor Brooks' email list I have attached an excerpt from the minutes for the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) along with an excerpt of Councillor Brooks' Update, so that you can compare for yourself what Councillor Brooks is claiming Mr. Webster said at the PEC meeting about the "Sewer Adjustment - Richmond/Carp versus what Councillor Brooks is stating. It should also be noted that Councillor Brooks did not attend the PEC meeting as an interested Councillor. He is not a member of the PEC.

Doug Arnold

From the minutes of the April 13, 2010 meeting of the PEC.

11. SEWER CHARGE ADJUSTMENT FOR PROPERTIES WITH NO WATER SERVICES

AJUSTEMENT DES REDEVANCES D'ÉGOUTS POUR LES PROPRIÉTÉS SANS SERVICE D'EAU

ACS2010-CMR-FIN-0019 CITY WIDE/À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE

E-mail correspondence on this matter dated 10 April 2010 was received from Howard and Linda Healey, which is held on file with the City Clerk.

Bruce Webster, Richmond Village Association, was present in support of the recommendation.

He noted that the issue had been brought to the attention of the previous Councillor, and no action had resulted. He wished to thank the current Councillor for taking action on this matter, and commend staff for their quick response.

That the Planning and Environment Committee recommend Council:

1. Approve a credit program for current owners to offset or adjust the sewer service charges collected by property taxes for the period of ownership between 2001 and 2009 to be applied to the 2010 Final Tax Bills issued in May 2010.

2. That such credit program include interest and provision in the same manner as authorized by the Municipal Act Section 345 and Education Act Section 257.11 for overpayments.

3. That the estimated cost of this program in the amount of $797,000 be funded by the Sewer Reserve.

From: Councillor Glenn Brooks

Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 9:06 AM

To: douglasarnold@******.ca

Subject: Councillor's Update

Councillor's Update

Sewer Adjustment – Richmond/Carp:

To Tom Lischer who raised this issue with me back in 2008, the residents of Richmondand Carp owe you many thanks for your work in demonstrating the City's overcharge for sanitary services. In 2009, based on Tom's investigative labours, I was able to get about a 40% rate reduction. I then proceeded to request a further re-imbursement for previous years back to 2001. Staff agreed in principle and proposed the following:

1. A credit program for current owners to offset or adjust the sewer service charges collected by property taxes for the period of ownership between 2001 and 2009 to be applied to the 2010 Final Tax Bills issued in May 2010;

2. That such credit program include interest and provision in the same manner as authorized by the Municipal Act Section 345 and Education Act Section 257.11 for overpayments;

3. That the estimated cost of this program in the amount of 797,000 be funded by the Sewer Reserve;

4. Including previous owners will cost an additional $210,000 – the right thing to do!

I was very surprised that Mr. Webster spoke in favour of the PEC recommendations that would limit re-imbursement only to the current owners and only for 2 previous years I thought this unfair and thus, unacceptable!

(Full article:www.glennbrooks.ca)

Declared Candidate Bruce Webster meets with MPP Norm Sterling

Ottawa, May 7, 2010

Bruce Webster met today with MPP Norm Sterling to discuss how Ottawa can get better control of the Residential and Industrial Commercial Institutional (ICI) waste stream produced in Ottawa.   The reduction at both curbside and into the
landfills of residential waste is an objective we all share but until the province legislates NO ORGANICS in the ICI stream, there will be an issue.  ICI is about 70 % of the total waste stream and even when the residents hit the provincial objective of 60 % diversion, the landfills will still be an eyesore..

Ottawa needs to gather support for a wider solution perhaps encompassing the golden triangle of Cornwall, Bellville and Ottawa
with a concerted plan to turn non organics from waste to energy.  This should be a co-operative effort between the Province,
Municipalities and the Federal government, similar to the Federally initiated sewage clean up.

Sterling and Webster are both committed to working together when the opportunity arises to solve this issue
--

Stittsville News article re Richmond Community Design Plan

Letter to the Editor, published April 22, 2010

The Richmond Community Development Plan (CDP) process has been seriously flawed from the outset - driven by Mattamy Homes, with the full support of city of Ottawa Councillor Glenn Brooks, who was elected to represent his constituents, not developers.

The linkage of the CDP to an environmental assessment is a gross misuse of the process.

The concept of a Community Design Plan is a very good and necessary one but only if it is properly set in motion, following a few critical tenets. To succeed, a CDP MUST be driven and controlled by the community, MUST have no set time limits for completion, MUST include land use, transportation, building styles and types of housing, densities, heritage environment, employment opportunities, resource management, water, storm water and waste water management, schools, recreation and social structures and MUST be free to explore new technologies for all of the above.

The Steering Committee was, almost to a person, selected by Councillor Brooks and many good people were included, some reluctantly. About 20 representatives of the community started out as members, complete with a chair and two vice-chairs. Among the members, there were many potential developers, almost all of whom declared a conflict of interest and became non-voting participants.

No voting procedure was ever set up but the committee has never voted on any substantive matters anyway. The membership has declined so dramatically, there is rarely anything close to a quorum. Where have all the steering committee members gone? They have left in frustration, as has a key vice-chair, who felt unable to continue in an official capacity on the committee.

The City of Ottawa said no money was available to manage the CDP process. Thus, the partnership with Mattamy was born, with the developer offering to bear the brunt of the cost.

Mattamy then included the environmental assessment (EA) it requires in order to develop a huge tract of land within Richmond into the CDP process. At this point, the CDP effectively became a tool for the developer, with the actual CDP process becoming a secondary priority, at best.

Mattamy spent considerable time, effort and money to show what the village could look like if enough lipstick and paint were applied but no one offered to explain exactly who would pay. Many open forums were conducted to show what our village could look like, but in the present economy, these visions, though extremely appealing, are entirely unrealistic.

Mattamy, not the Richmond CDP servicing subcommittee, has declared, through its consultants, that the entire village may eventually be serviced with potable water drawn from a deep aquifer beneath the village and stored somewhat below grade - a change from the original plan, made without any consultation.

This avoids the extension of standard city services and potential violation of the city's Official Plan.

Mattamy has chosen the cheapest solution for waste-water, going against the expressed wishes of village residents.

The public's interests have been ignored throughout all phases of this blasphemous CDP-MEA process. The two processes should NEVER have been mixed and funding should NEVER have been provided by a developer.

Bruce Webster

Adjustments for properties with no water services

Good News for over 1200 homeowners in Carp and Richmond. Ottawa
City Hall this morning:

The City's Standing Committee for Planning and Environment decided on consent to approve the refunding of, on average, 891 dollars of overcharge for our invisible water services. The decision has yet to go before full council, but that could happen as soon as April 28th, 2010, and staff as well as the members of the Committee wish the issue to be closed out with the final tax bill for 2010.

Some of the homeowners will see less, and others more, partially dependent on the
length of time you have actually been in residence at the present address. The refund is calculated from 2001 to 2009 and is to be credited to the owner of record as of 2010 tax year.
Again, thanks to those who brought the issue to our attention, especially Ed,and Doug.
Working together as a community we get things done.
Bruce Webster

City garbage and other things

Rob:
I spent some time at Planning and Environment today. Some relief, in
that the committee passed on consent the staff proposal to refund by
way of reduced final tax bill the 8 years of overcharge to all proper
property owners of Richmond and Carp. I am querulous of the number
of homes stated at 1200, since the Village of Richmond is now at 1450
of which some 200 do not qualify but where is the number for Carp?
Oh yes CARP and DUMPS. I also spent time with Derrick Moodie today
and reminisced over the fact of PLASCO being over two years late in
working as it was described initially, and to date PLASCO has never
worked for more than 4 to 5 days and part days at that. I also
reminded Derick that I brought back to Ottawa in August 2006 an EOI
which had been offered to the city of Vancouver TWO days prior to my
being given it. That EOI was for a waste to energy (PROVEN technology
working in Burnaby B.C. since 1992) which EOI I circulated to all
councilors and the now Mayor. Councilor Brooks especially was given the hard
copy and an electronic copy as well.
Well the Transit, Trash, Taxes motto of Larry went the way of the
dodo bird and so did all my efforts UNTIL NOW when we are again facing
a garbage crisis. I renew my concerns about this and encourage FULL
council to properly evaluate PLASCO and the probability of success. I
would also encourage an E.O.I. or R F P be considered to drag Ottawa
into the modern world. I still have contacts in the waste to energy industry
and also some brochures from Veolia Montmany now known as ONYX.
Please make time to educate yourself on alternative choices for Waste
to Energy. I would be happy to discuss and I note I have no interests
nor shares in any provider. Only a wish to help.
I also listened to your words on CFRA today and am reminded of my
continual efforts to bring accountability to the employees of the city
of Ottawa. At least three times I have asked for and instituted a
protocol of one page executive summary for ANY NEW project or proposal
made by staff. I have asked for cost of program, benefits, duration
and other pertinent items as well as the proposal being signed off as
accepted by DEPUTY DEPT.HEAD or higher. I believe this protocol would
enhance councilor understanding and stop the programs such as
OTTAwater trucks and perhaps make green bin programs better suited to
our needs as a whole city. Bruce Webster 613 295 8823

Overtaxation Refund

Folks:
It appears that the city is being advised on April 13th by the
Standing Committee for Planning and Environment to refund with
interest the taxes we in Richmond paid for services we do not
have...City Water...It will not include any residence which has
communal wells (the Channonhouse/Dallaire area) but should include
Hyde Park as their water is a privately owned communal system.

Each residence should see a reduction on the final tax notice for
2010 but it may be less than the 1200 we roughly calculated. Perhaps
more like 7 to 8 hundred. The advice is being presented as noted on
April 13th and for confirmation you should look up the city web
www.Ottawa.ca site - click on Committee meetings, scroll down to April
13th, click on the above noted standing committee and view the agenda
item 11. The councilor(s) for our area have apparently known of this
situation since amalgamation but have been unable to rectify it until
pressure was placed or at least inquiries made by many residents
including some who moved here to Richmond from Stittsville and Kanata
as well as Doug Arnold and Bruce Webster. The present representative
has stated that the resolution may take place in the fall...how
convenient for an election! The city is now working towards a tax
bill reduction for May 2010 which makes much more sense by avoiding
issuing refund checks.

Thanks to all who worked to make it right. Bruce Webster

It's official - Bruce Webster running for council

Have a read here (click) to learn more.

Bio notes

BRUCE WEBSTER

Bruce Webster was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on July 8, 1946. He and his family moved to Ottawa in 1956.

In his youth, he was an active member of the Christ Church Cathedral choir, directed by Godfrey Hewitt, and played the violin and viola in the Ottawa Youth Orchestra.

Early employment included self-employment doing landscaping and general house maintenance, working at Fines Flowers (in Bells Corners) and at the Civic Hospital as a summer student. He also worked for Pure Spring, then owned by the Mirsky family.

He completed his schooling in Alberta at Alberta College in Edmonton and worked as a rough neck in the Rainbow Oil Fields of Northern Alberta, returning to Ottawa to study Chemical Technology at the then E.O.I.T. (now Algonquin College). He worked for CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency), the then External Aid Office.

In 1969, he started his full-time career with Bell Canada as a technician and manager from where he retired in 1997. Since then he has been employed on a part-time basis by Competition Tire Canada, servicing race cars in Canada and at U.S. NASCAR events.

He has also successfully operated a tire sales and service at race events for eighteen years.

He has been manager of an Intermediate hockey team in Richmond, and from there went on to be the President of the League; has worked as Director, Vice President and President of the Richmond Village Association; Director and President of the Rural Council of Ottawa-Carleton; has been a member for six years of the City Rural Issues Advisory Committee; has been a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society for several years; has been canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for many years.

He is married and has lived in Richmond for forty years, has one son, a Computer Engineering Graduate from Carleton University.

March 2010

Volunteers needed

The campaign has started but I need your help.

You can assist in many ways...office help for a few hours a week... helping canvas door to door... placing signs... just making sure your friends and neighbours know when and where to vote, oh and hopefully to vote for Webster as their new councilor for Rideau Goulbourn.

All you have to do is click on this volunteer link and you will be connected to an email address. Send in your name, address and phone number (ALL of which we keep confidential) and what area you would like to help with.

As your candidate I can offer to work with and for you both now leading up to October 25th and later as your councilor.

Thank you very much for taking time to consider to help.

Bruce Webster
Councilor Candidate
Ward 21
Rideau Goulbourn

Stand alone facility may be possible

For sewage in Richmond - article here, click.

Press release

Bruce Webster of Richmond running for

Councillor for Ward 21

(Rideau-Goulbourn)

Ottawa, Ontario, March 22, 2010, 2:00 p.m. Bruce Webster, a resident of the Village of Richmond, announced his candidacy today for the position of Councillor for Ward 21 (Rideau-Goulbourn) in the upcoming municipal election.

A long-standing community leader, activist and volunteer, Mr. Webster has served as President of the Richmond Village Association, President of the Rural Council of Ottawa Carleton, as a member of the Rural Issues Advisory Committee of the City of Ottawa, and as a member of the city's Federation of Citizens' Associations of Ottawa-Carleton.

As a member of these organizations, Mr. Webster has actively supported the West Manotick Community in trying to maintain Village character, worked to protect the rights of property owners within Goulbourn, consistently pressed for the City to operate the Richmond Pumping Station in a clean and environmentally safe manner, compliant with Ministry of the Environment statutes.

Mr. Webster has proven his support for both the community in which he lives and the greater Ottawa area. He has worked as a volunteer in everything from hockey to canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The Canadian Cancer Society has recognized him for his dedication to the needs of patients, as a volunteer driver for many years.

He brings a fresh, commonsense approach in matters affecting Ward 21 ratepayers. Bruce Webster's leadership skills and proven ability to work within organizations makes him the ideal candidate to represent Rideau-Goulbourn as a key part of the much-needed renewal of City Council.

Mr. Webster has been encouraged to seek election to City Council by supporters throughout Rideau-Goulbourn and the city at large and has a strong supporter base both inside the ward and from the community leaders in greater Ottawa. His election platform focuses on the rights of rural property owners, rehabilitation of rural roads and renewal of rural recreational facilities; but, above all, the prudent management of your taxes.

Contact information: Website: http://www.webster4council.ca/

Telephone: (613) 295-8823.

Volunteer of the year in Richmond honoured

Judy Wagdin receives deBoer Award - click for full article.