CCCA News & Events March 2012

The following message was recently sent to the e-mail list of the Centretown Citizens Community Association by CCCA President Jordan Charbonneau. I've added the photos to this version. Join the CCCA and get on the e-mail list to receive 2-3 updates per month from the CCCA. Note that Images of Centretown is my personal blog and not a blog of the CCCA.

Good evening,

I hope that you enjoyed the recent heat wave that has auspiciously marked the beginning of spring. While temperatures look as though they will be more seasonable for the near future, we've certainly had a taste of the coming warmth!

I've outlined below a short summary of some of the events and initiatives of note in Centretown. More information on upcoming events is available on the CCCA website, which I encourage you to check often.

- Bronson Avenue: The reconstruction of Bronson Avenue is set to begin next week, and there are major disruptions, including bus detours and motor vehicle traffic rerouting, that will accompany this project. The city has information posted on its website about the reconstruction, including an option to sign up for an e-newsletter. The CCCA will be following this project closely to ensure that Centretowners are not unduly affected. Rescue Bronson Avenue also has more information on our joint struggle to improve this roadway.

- Minto Park Sale: Councillor Diane Holmes' office has officially launched the preparations for the this year's Minto Park Sale, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2012. If you're interested in renting a table ($10) for this event, send an email with your home address and a contact phone number to MintoParkSale@ottawa.ca. Money for table reservations will be collected the day of the event. This event is always a fun time, so, even if you don't rent your own table, stop by to see what's going on!

- Buzz carriers: The Centretown Buzz is a local paper jointly owned by the CCCA and the Dalhousie Community Association. If you live in Centretown, you likely receive a copy once a month, but have you ever wondered how it gets to your door? Well, as with so many things of the good things in our community, it's through the hard work of volunteers, and we would love to have you on the team! The Buzz is looking for individuals who are willing to dedicate about an hour of their time, once a month, to delivering these papers on predefined routes. It's a great way to contribute to the sharing of information in your neighbourhood, helping to build a stronger community. If you're interested, or for more information, please contact me.

- CCCA tweeter: You may be subscribed to the CCCA Twitter feed (if you aren't, you're missing out!), which helps spread the word about CCCA events and other goings-on in Centretown. Are you interested in tweeting for the CCCA? We're looking for someone who can help us to inform Centretowners about their community, as much or as little as you feel comfortable! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know.

- Ecology Ottawa Community Organizer: Ecology Ottawa, the organization with the witty "Cut the Crap" campaign aimed at halting the dumping of untreated sewage into the Ottawa River, is looking for people interested in becoming community organizers, who are the individuals who identify and motivate allies and supporters for Ecology Ottawa initiatives. The organization hopes to have one or two organizers for every community in Ottawa (over 200 of them!), and Centretown does not yet have a representative. Contact them for details!


- Recent CCCA events: The CCCA recently held two successful events: a fundraiser for the Minto Park Chess Tables Committee, and a Crops in Pots event. The former was held to raise money for the installation of games tables in Minto Park, while the latter taught participants how to grow plants in pots on balconies, patios, and porches. A big thank you to Georgia Lay and Bonnie Mabee, chair of the Minto Park Chess Tables and Trees and Greenspace Committee, respectively, for their dedication and hard work that enabled these events to go off so smoothly. The work for each committee continues, but their leaders certainly demonstrate what can be done when Centretowners put their minds to a task!

- Lansdowne: While not in Centretown, the plan to revamp Lansdowne will certainly have an impact on our community. You can find out more about the momentous changes coming to this public area both on the city's website and, for an opposing viewpoint, at Let's Get It Right (an initiative of the Friends of Lansdowne).

I hope I haven't overwhelmed you! If you're interested in finding out more about any of these events firsthand, why not attend a CCCA meeting? The dates and times for most meetings are available on our website.

As always, I'd love to have your feedback or input, either on these email updates or about the CCCA in general. We're here for you, so we want you to have your say!

Until then, have a great weekend!

--
Jordan Charbonneau
CCCA President