"RURAL CONNECTIONS" Newsletter - November 2008

ByWard Market / Parkdale Market - Refreshing a Local Tradition

Ottawa, it's time to rediscover the gem that's right here in your neighbourhood - the ByWard Market. It's one of a kind! Established by Lt-Colonel John By in 1826, it is one of Canada's oldest and largest outdoor markets. No other city in North America can boast an urban space so rich in history, commerce, food and entertainment. No wonder the ByWard Market is Ottawa's #1 tourist attraction! The Parkdale Market, originally in the village of Hintonburg, opened in 1924 in response to residents' demands for fresh produce - the ByWard Market was just too far away! 85 years later the Parkdale Market is a local treasure -- a community meeting place and one of few public markets in Canada serving shoppers 7 days a week for most of the year.

Refreshing A Local Tradition is a project of renewal, a celebration of locally grown and produced food and art and craft, aimed at bringing new life to Ottawa's ByWard and Parkdale Markets. This important initiative was inspired by you -- Ottawa area consumers and tourists who recognize the Market's significant contribution to the culture of our city.  The overwhelming majority of Market shoppers - residents and tourists alike - have told us they want to 'buy local' from the vendors who grew it themselves. Clearly, shoppers like you understand the importance of supporting our local farmers, and reducing the environmental impact of transporting goods from thousands of miles away.

Refreshing a Local Tradition is a win-win proposition for everyone. You will continue to enjoy the Market's unique shopping experience, while being able to buy locally produced goods from the people who produced them as well as imported products from around the world. Do you want more information? We want your input! Tell us what you think. Complete a survey:

http://ottawa.ca/survey/byward/form_en.html

https://ottawa.ca/survey/parkdale/form_en.html

Maximize Your Advertising Dollar…Become a Member of Ottawa's Countryside

Ottawa's Countryside is a marketing cooperative that promotes rural-based businesses to Ottawa residents, and visitors from across Ontario, upper New York State and Quebec. Membership is open to businesses in the rural areas of Ottawa, and around the City to a 90 km radius. By co-operative marketing, Ottawa's Countryside helps to increase the visibility of businesses at a reasonable affordable rate whether large or small.

Check out these advantages of membership;

• High value and visible marketing programs at a very affordable cost - TV, Visitor Guide, Magazines, Day Trips;

• Website presence and link on www.ottawascountryside.ca site - an exclusive, widely promoted website, including access to our Calendar of Events to post your events;

• Tradeshow Opportunities; Rural Showcases to promote your business;

• Free brochure distribution;

• Quarterly newsletter to keep you up to date with member news, tourism trends and organizational updates; and

• Networking with other rural tourism stakeholders at Ottawa’s Countryside events.

Interested, want to learn more.…please contact info@ottawascountryside.ca or 613-791-4436.

Notice of Special Meetings: Official Plan Review

As required by Section 26 of the Planning Act, the City of Ottawa will hold special meetings to discuss the revisions that may be required to the Official Plan and the Infrastructure Master Plan.  Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Thursday, November 27, 2008, 9:30am, Champlain Room, Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W.  This meeting will focus on changes to policies that affect rural areas.

Meeting Purpose:

• Provide comprehensive information about the proposed changes to the Official Plan and Infrastructure Master Plan including the background rationale and implication for future land use planning

• Clarify the timelines for the review and important milestones

• Prepare Councillors for the tabling of the draft Official Plan Amendment in January 2009 and the public meeting for adoption by Council in March 2009

• Discuss wetland designation issues

For more information: www.ottawa.ca/beyondottawa2020 or email plan@ottawa.ca

Emerald Ash Borer in Ottawa

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Ottawa within the St. Laurent Boulevard and Highway 417 area.

Emerald ash borer is a serious insect pest that attacks and kills all species of ash trees. EAB is native to China and eastern Asia and was found in North America in 2002 in Detroit and Windsor. Since that time, it has been found throughout many areas of southwestern Ontario and more recently in the Toronto area and near Montreal.

Emerald ash borer does not spread quickly on its own. It is most commonly spread through the movement of infested wood and trees - such as firewood. The CFIA is the lead agency for invasive insect pests in Canada and is working with the City of Ottawa and regional partners to determine the extent of the current infestation and to limit its spread in eastern Ontario.

Inspectors are examining trees starting from the known infested area and will expand the investigation as required to determine the extent of the problem. This survey effort will take time and updates will be provided to the public as information becomes available. For more information on Emerald Ash Borer, visit:

www.ottawa.ca/residents/healthy_lawns/forestry/index_en.html

www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/pec/2008/10-28/ACS2008-COS-SOP-0012.htm