Catherine McKenney
It has now been just over one year since we have been apart from our loved ones and from each other. We need to keep this up a while longer until we are vaccinated.
But the warm weather has given us a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, some hope for an end to this pandemic and the isolation it has brought to so many.
On the subject of fresh air and sunshine, I am working with city staff, local businesses and the National Capital Commission to open up space on our streets to pedestrians and other active transportation users this summer.
This will give us more room to walk, shop, and exercise, while physically distancing. I look forward to seeing you out and about!
Province-wide lockdown
Ontario is under another lockdown order for four weeks in an effort to reduce COVID-19 infections, in particular, those caused by the more harmful strains. This will continue to be a necessary hardship for many people, including those who are already isolated and those businesses that depend on in-person customers.
I am working with businesses and community members toward our post-pandemic city and how we can help small businesses rebuild.
Vaccination updates
Vaccinations continue to increase across the city with anyone age 60 and over now eligible.
As the federal and provincial governments provide more and more vaccines to Ottawa, we hope to see these numbers go up quickly. We are aware that provincial booking has reached capacity but have been told that bookings will reopen to new registrations in the near future.
The province has chosen certain pharmacies to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to persons 55 plus. I’m disappointed that there are no Centretown/West Centretown pharmacies chosen, with the closest one on Rideau Street at King Edward.
I will continue to push the province for more equitable distribution of pharmacies and vaccines.
In Somerset Ward, there is a permanent vaccination clinic at Ottawa City Hall and pop-up clinics at Plant Community Centre.
Please remember: you must find out if you’re eligible for the vaccine before making an appointment by visiting: secureforms.ottawapublichealth.ca/vaccines/COVID-19-Vaccine-Screening-Tool
To make your appointment through the province of Ontario booking system, call 1-833-943-3900 or visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
You can keep up to date on the vaccination program with the Ottawa Public Health vaccine newsletter. Register for it at: app06.ottawa.ca/esubscriptions/signup-form-en.html
Or keep up to date by visiting: www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/covid-19-vaccine.aspx
Town hall on long-term care
I will be holding a virtual Town Hall on long-term care on May 6, 2021, at 6 p.m. in coordination with Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) Ottawa.
Our keynote speaker is André Picard, the health columnist at The Globe and Mail and the author of six books, including the current bestseller Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada’s Elders.
The event will also feature a panel discussion focused on transformative culture change in long-term care homes and increasing awareness about the existing innovative models. (I wrote about in this in the March BUZZ.)
I will share further details soon on my website at catherinemckenney.ca, through my newsletter, in The BUZZ, and on social media channels.
406-408 Bank Street
The City of Ottawa has received Zoning Bylaw Amendment and Site Plan Control applications for 406-408 Bank Street, a vacant property at the corner of Bank and Florence Streets.
The applicant proposes a six-storey mixed-use building with commercial units on the ground floor and 30 residential units above. The development will feature 15 underground bicycle parking spaces and one vehicle parking space at-grade.
Questions or comments? Visit the Planning Applications and Studies page on my website at catherinemckenney.ca.