A pocket map of connected multi use pathways inside the Greenbelt

A safe and connected cycling network makes all the difference in promoting cycling in our city.

There has been a serious uptick in cycling. We have seen many more Fisher Heights residents taking to a bike to get some much needed exercise, do something with the kids or simply to get out of the house and get some alone time.

Fisher Heights resident ‘Hans on the Bike’ decided this spring that he wanted to put a map together showing all the safe multi use pathways that are connected. This allows you to put your own route together, without having to cycle on roads much.

“Sometimes we don’t even realise where all those paths are“, says Hans, “and how they connect with each other“. Because there is not much of a wayfinding network, Hans created a network based on nodes.

A node based network

In his native Netherlands, the nodes are numbered, both on the map and on small signs on the road, but since we don’t have the signs, Hans decided to name the nodes after nearby landmarks.

He tested the map on social media and got very positive feedback. As he doesn’t like to stop himself and unfold an enormous map at every intersection, he decided to try to keep the map simple and stylized. He also wanted it to fit on 8.5″ x 11″ so everyone can print it out at work at home or reasonably check it on a cell phone.

With another week of gorgeous weather coming up, we thought we should share the map so that you can go and explore yourself.

How to connect to Ottawa’s cycling network

The easiest and safest way from Fisher Heights and area to connect to the multi use pathway network is to cycle north on Fisher (on that narrow path on the west side of Fisher or the bike lane on the east side) towards McCooey lane or to bike down Dynes and connect with the canal or Rideau River at Hog’s Back Falls. Once you are on the network, a world of casual cycling (and ice cream shops, beer, pizza and beautiful vistas) opens up to you.

The Ottawa Multi use pathway map.

Email Hans on the Bike on 42share@gmail.com for a PDF version.

Tennis at Fisher Heights 3 month memberships available for the price of 2 pizzas

As the city is slowly opening up again, we all go out to a bar and sit on top of each other we are all looking for ways to entertain the family safely. Cycling has become a big thing and let’s hope it sticks, but something else you might want to try this summer and fall is tennis. Tennis? Tennis.

It is a bit hidden, but did you know we have our own tennis court in Fisher Heights? Here is some of the key information in order to play at the Long Park Tennis Club.

LONG PARK TENNIS CLUB

(Courts are situated at Deer Park and Meadowlands)

3 MONTH MEMBERSHIPS ON 3RD AUGUST – 31ST OCTOBER

Family (parents and children under 18 years)  –   $40.00

Single – $29.00

Student (enrolled at university or college)  – $25.00

Junior (under the age of 18 years)    –  $16.00

Gate key is $15.00 or return last year’s key.

For registration contact Cheryl at 613-226-2369 or email cclarke002@sympatico.ca

Fisher Heights Newsletter For June 2020

As life is slowly booting up again, we are delivering you this newsletter. We always presented a paper copy but to make sure our volunteer delivers are staying safe, we decided to deliver the newsletter by electronic mail instead.

Let us know what you think. Should we continue delivering by electronic mail or aim to go back to paper? We should mention that the newsletter cost us around 800 dollars per issue and we happily spend that, but if a large majority decided that we should deliver by email and social media we can discuss that too.

Here is the latest newsletter in PDF: Newsletter June 2020

Happy summer in the backyard, support local businesses and go for a bike ride in the hood to admire the gardens.

A Sign of Spring

Daffodil at 31 Sutton Place

Today we passed by 31 Sutton Place and noticed the first daffodil in bloom just outside the Community Centre’s front door. Now the crocuses have been eaten by wild life, these yellow flowers are the next ones to admire, before the tulips are coming out.

Tulip Festival

The latest on the Tulip festival is that the flowers will be on display but the NCC is encouraging people not to go and see them. Let’s hope we will have tons of flowers in our own neighbourhood instead.

Daffodils in the public realm on Sutton Place ready to bloom

Public Realm Daffodils

One resident on Sutton Place quietly planted some daffodils in the public realm. Last year they were picked on their first day in bloom by an ecstatic mother for her new baby. Please don’t pluck the flowers and leave them for everyone in the hood to enjoy.

Clean Park

A mystery person cleaned up all garbage in Fisher Height park, leaving a message that it appears that quite a bit comes from blue boxes across the street. Make sure that you put your garbage out on the morning of pick up day and not on Friday for Monday pick up so that the wind won’t catch waste from the open blue and black boxes.

Speeding

Also, we keep seeing speeders in the neighbourhood. Remember there are more kids on the road now the parks are closed. They have to cycle somewhere! If you see a commercial vehicle driving irresponsibly, do not hesitate to reach out to the company. If you are nervous about calling someone out, play it through councillor Egli. He is tough as nails and isn’t afraid for anyone 🙂

Watch for Pedestrians and Children in our Streets

Children at Fisher Heights: please drive with care

We are fortunate that Fisher Heights and Area is generally a very quiet neighbourhood. Many of us have access to spacious backyards to spend time outside. Unlike our fellow citizens downtown who often live in dense quarters, we can go out for walks in our streets, even though we have few side walks.

Kids in the streets

Keeping our distance is probably the most important aspect in our current lives to avoid spreading of COVID-19. This means that we sometimes have to veer into the street to pass each other.

You have probably also noticed more residents on bicycles going by, looking for a bit of exercise or resetting the mind, encouraged by Dr Etches advice to go outside. Many more kids are outside cycling too and we have seen them making great progress over the last two weeks already.

Maximum speed is 40 km/h

Our neighbourhood has a maximum speed of 40 km/h. While car traffic is down considerably (when is the last time you got gas?), traffic does go through our hood. We observed that services such as Purolator have a tendency to put the pedal to the metal being under time pressure (even deliveries on Sundays) and having empty roads ahead of them.

Keep an eye on your speed

We also have to make sure that we adhere to maximum speeds ourselves, with more pedestrians and kids on our roads. Especially kids can pop out of nowhere sometimes. The roads belong to everyone after all. Please keep an eye on your speed when you drive away, it is so easy to go faster in our streets now the snow and ice are gone.

Food Box Relief Kits

We receive information sometimes in a poster. This is not very convenient for websites, so instead of retyping the information, we convert the poster (in PDF) to an image (in JPG) so that we can share it with you easier and in the original format.

Hang in there.

Local Restaurant Business Open for Take Out and Deliveries

Photo by Joseph Gonzalez on Unsplash

But how? Many stores are closed but many of our restaurants have turned to take out and/or third party delivery services.

Keith Egli’s staff has assembled a list with Ward 9 places that are open for (take out) business in these unprecedented times. The list is available on a shared Google Drive, so that staff can update it on the fly while you will always have the latest update.

Check back regularly as names might be added. Remember if you save the file on your local computer/tablet/smart phone you won’t have the most up to date one, so do save the link instead.

Here is the link: local restaurants that are open (you will be surprised how many restaurants we have in the ward).

Do not hesitate to contact Ward 9 staff is you see a mistake or if your restaurant is missing: Ward9@ottawa.ca

COVID-19 Community Clean Up Response

GLAD Cleaning the Capital Program delayed till further notice

Waste near Kuala Lumpur (Image: Greenpeace)

Can I / a group of people (e.g., my family) clean a park, roadway, our property?

Due to the current COVID-19 situation no clean ups should be undertaken off your property. Residents have been advised to stay home and limit all non-essential activities outside of your home and property. Please understand this is a difficult decision as in all other situations the City of Ottawa greatly appreciates the support from the community in these clean ups. Please remember that all parks are closed, and only walkthroughs are permitted while respecting physical distancing.

If you or your household wish to initiate a clean-up activity in your own property, please take into consideration the following related guidelines and legislative and enforcement measures:

• Residents have been advised to stay a home and limit their physical interaction to only members of their household.
• No more than five (5) people can gather in one place.
• Follow self-isolation requirements, if you have traveled recently or are ill you are to remain inside your home and should not be participating in outside activities where there is a chance you may come in contact with someone (i.e. neighbours).
• Physical distancing – it is recommended to maintain distance of 2 meters (6 feet) from those around you at all times. This includes other individuals who may walk by your house and your neighbours how may be on their property.
• If you live in a multi-unit dwelling it is recommend you do NOT participate in any outdoor cleaning unless you can ensure a distance of 2 meters (6 feet) can be maintained at ALL times.
• Individuals over the age of 70 are recommended to self-isolate and should not participate in any outdoor cleaning activities

Please also undertake the following precautions when cleaning:

• Remain on your property at all times
• Do not invite others outside of your household to participate
• Wear protective material on your hands such as gloves or plastic bags
• Use a picker if available to avoid using hands
• Collect litter into plastic bags and tie up when filled
• Put filled litter bags into your household waste on collection day
• Do not touch your face at any time during cleaning
• Wash your hands immediately following cleaning
• Never touch a needle with your hands. Follow safe pickup procedures, or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) for assistance

We thank you for your interest in keeping your community clean, green and litter-free. Continue to stay at home and stay healthy.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus

Puis-je, seul ou en groupe (p. ex. avec ma famille), nettoyer un parc, une route ou notre propriété?

En raison de la pandémie actuelle de COVID-19, vous ne pouvez pas vous adonner à des travaux de nettoyage hors des limites de votre propriété. Nous recommandons aux résidents de rester à la maison et de restreindre toutes les activités non essentielles à l’extérieur de leur maison et des limites de leur propriété. Vous comprendrez que cette décision a été difficile à prendre pour la Ville d’Ottawa qui, en temps normal, est toujours très reconnaissante de toute l’aide que les membres de la collectivité peuvent lui apporter dans le cadre de ces travaux de nettoyage. N’oubliez pas que tous les parcs sont fermés et que les résidents ne sont autorisés qu’à les traverser tout en respectant les mesures d’éloignement physique exigées.
Si vous-mêmes ou des membres de votre foyer souhaitez entreprendre des travaux de nettoyage sur votre propre propriété, veuillez respecter les directives et les mesures connexes suivantes qui sont prescrites par la loi.

• Les résidents sont invités à rester à la maison et à limiter leurs interactions physiques aux seuls membres de leur foyer.
• Seuls les rassemblements d’au plus cinq personnes à un seul endroit sont autorisés.
• Les gens qui ont voyagé récemment ou qui sont malades doivent s’isoler en restant à l’intérieur de leur maison et en évitant de participer à des activités extérieures où ils risqueraient d’entrer en contact avec d’autres personnes, comme des voisins.
• Éloignement physique : il est recommandé de maintenir une distance de deux mètres (six pieds) entre vous et les gens qui vous entourent en tout temps. Cela inclut les autres personnes qui peuvent passer devant votre maison et vos voisins qui pourraient se trouver sur leur propriété.
• Si vous vivez dans une habitation à logements multiples, il est recommandé de NE PAS participer à des activités de nettoyage extérieur, à moins que vous puissiez vous assurer qu’une distance de deux mètres (six pieds) peut être maintenue en TOUT temps.
• Il est recommandé aux personnes de plus de 70 ans de s’isoler et de ne pas participer à des activités de nettoyage en plein air.

Veuillez également prendre les précautions ci-dessous lors du nettoyage.
• Restez sur votre propriété en tout temps.
• N’invitez pas d’autres personnes en dehors des membres de votre foyer à participer à l’activité de nettoyage.
• Protégez vos mains au moyen d’équipements de protection (p. ex. gants ou sacs en plastique).
• Utilisez une pince ramasse-débris si vous le pouvez pour éviter de toucher aux ordures avec les mains.
• Jetez les ordures dans des sacs en plastique que vous attacherez lorsqu’ils seront remplis.
• Déposez les sacs à ordures remplis avec vos autres déchets ménagers le jour de la collecte.
• Ne touchez jamais à votre visage pendant le nettoyage.
• Lavez-vous les mains immédiatement après le nettoyage.
• Ne touchez jamais aux seringues que vous pourriez trouver avec les mains. Suivez les consignes de manipulation sans danger pour les ramasser ou composez le 311 (ATS : 613-580-2401) pour obtenir de l’aide.

Nous vous remercions de votre intérêt à garder votre collectivité propre, verte et sans déchets. Continuez à rester à la maison et portez-vous bien.
Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements sur la COVID-19, consultez le site www.santepubliqueottawa.ca/fr/public-health-topics

Easter Egg Hunt 2020 While Physical Distancing

An idea has come to us from New Zealand that on Easter Sunday when the children would be hunting for eggs.

In light of the Covid-9 pandemic, it is imperative that we practice social/physical distancing. With so many parents at home with their children due to school closures, it is hard to find enough ideas and activities to keep them busy and active.

So what if we all homeowners created Easter Egg crafts and hang the results on our front doors or on our windows. One can think of a large paper shape of an egg, colour and decorate it. Parents could then take their children out for a walk to find and take pictures of as many of them as they can find.

Here in Fisher Heights we did this for St. Patrick’s day using a large green shamrock. We understand that one girl counted 153 (!) while out walking with her grandma.

See more here, where even the New Zealand Prime Minister participates. During a press conference on Monday, she deemed both the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy vital workers for the New Zealand economy, thus granting them special status to break their quarantine “bubble” and visit Kiwi homes.

Download a drawing here: line art Easter egg drawing

Some updates from the City and the NCC

While we do our best to share updates in our community, the best places to go for updates are the sources of our information such as Ottawa Public Health, the Province and the City of Ottawa. Any info that we publish will likely be outdated soon, so check as much as you can with the sources instead. Do go outside when you are healthy, but stay 6 feet (two arms lengths) away from each other.

The message remains the same though: we will have more cases, but we must try to spread those cases out over time so that the health care system can handle it. In order to save our health care workers, we need to make sure the virus spreads as slowly as possible (or preferably not at all obviously). We can do that by maintaining our distance, wash our hands, stay home if you have a cough or a sneeze, and making sure to touch as few surfaces as possible. Have you also noticed now how often you actually touch your mouth, eyes and face? Have you been trying to suppress that itch in your eyes and it is really hard to do that? Did you all of a sudden notice that you have your hand around your mouth once again, even though you try not too? You are not alone, but the positive side is that you are now actually aware of it….

Ottawa Public Health

Ottawa Public Health on Twitter

Ottawa Public Health on Facebook

Ontario Ministry of Health

Nepean Neighbours

Councillor Egli would like to share the following information for the volunteer group “Nepean Neighbours”.

Their services include grocery pick-up and drop-off, prescription/pharmacy supplies pick-up and drop-off, dog walking and pet supply pick-up/inquiries.

Individuals can fill out a quick “Service Request Form” letting them know how to best support them at the following link: https://airtable.com/shrvf9b0dXVSI4Wne  or by phone at 613-212-0054. They can also be reached by email at nepean.neighbours@gmail.com.

Vehicle Access to Greenbelt Temporarily Closed

Like many organizations, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is doing its part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

With that objective, we are temporarily closing vehicle access to the Greenbelt as of 9 pm on Friday, March 27, 2020, until further notice. All parking lots at trailheads and off-leash dog parks will be closed.

This is consistent with the decision made on March 23 to temporarily close Gatineau Park, and end its winter recreation season.

We recognize that this decision will affect residents’ enjoyment of the Greenbelt, but we must make every effort to protect employees, contractors and trail users from COVID-19, and ensure compliance with public health directives from all levels of government, particularly the call to avoid all non-essential trips.

We encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors close to home — on foot or by bike — rather than driving to a destination further from home. Trail users arriving in a vehicle will be unable to park in the trail head parking lots or on adjacent roadways. Local authorities will enforce these parking prohibitions.

Accordingly, people who live near a trailhead or a dog park and can access it locally may still do so, provided they respect public health recommendations, including physical distancing.

Early Reopening of Multi-Use Pathways

The NCC is striving to facilitate National Capital Region residents’ safe access to the outdoors closer to their homes. 

We are now working at progressively reopening NCC multi-use pathways as quickly as possible, relying on heavy machinery to clear ice and snow, along with the help of Mother Nature. Please check our social media feeds for updates regarding pathway openings.

At this time, we are currently not considering roadway closures of either the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway or the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway to vehicle traffic due to logistical challenges, staffing requirements and the need to ensure continued access for transit and emergency services. 

Subject to, and consistent with, ongoing advice from public health agencies, and in consultation with partner municipalities, the NCC will reassess options for road closures, including Sunday Bikedays, as the situation allows.