THIS WEEK'S COLUMN
January 26, 2012

Safety and Respect on our Snowmobile Trails

With the snowmobile trails now open for the season, I would like to remind everyone (pedestrians and snowmobilers alike) to be respectful of your neighbours while out enjoying the trails. This would include:

•   Snowmobilers keeping it within respectful speed limits and slowing down when passing pedestrians;

•   Pedestrians moving off to the side of the trail as much as possible to allow snowmobiles to pass by safely;

•   Dogs being leashed at all times while on the trails (as stipulated in The Animal Care and Control By-Law No. 2003-77, dogs are never allowed to run at large when off the dog owner’s property);

•   Snowmobilers remaining alcohol/drug free when operating their machines. The police have noted that a large number of snowmobile accidents are alcohol related.

The West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association does a fantastic job maintaining the trails and keeping them in tip-top shape so everyone can enjoy them. I am an avid snowmobiler and love to get out on the trails when I can.  I always enjoy seeing fellow snowmobilers as well as walkers, skiers and snowshoers.  These trails should be useful for anyone that wants to get outside and enjoy winter, so let’s work together and keep our trails respectful and well used!  For more information about our snowmobile trails, please visit www.wcstai.com.

Fitzroy Harbour Winter Carnival

The eagerly anticipated Fitzroy Winter Carnival is taking place January 26 to 29.  There is a full calendar of fun events happening this year, including a Spaghetti Supper on Thursday, January 26 from 5-7pm and a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, January 28 from 9-11am.  Go to www.fitzroyharbour.com for all of the details.  Hope to see you there!

Registration for March Break programming now open

The City of Ottawa invites residents to register for March Break programs. From crafts to sports, the City has many activities for your family during the week of March 12-16 in recreation and culture facilities, pools and arenas.  You can register online, by phone at 613-580-2588, or in person at any Client Service Centre or recreation facility.  For more information on March Break programs, please visit ottawa.ca/recreation.

2012 civic events funding applications are now available

Local not-for-profit organizations, such as volunteer-based community or recreation associations, are invited to apply for funding to provide a one-to-two-day civic event and/or civic celebration. The event should foster civic pride, develop community cohesion and offer free admission. The City’s Civic Events Fund supports events linked to and celebrating a civic or statutory holiday in Ontario, held in Ottawa and encompassing a broad range of activities, including family entertainment.  The maximum allocation under this program is $3,000 and the application deadline is March 5, 2012. Program guidelines and application forms are available at ottawa.ca or by visiting City of Ottawa Client Service Centres. For more information contact 613-580-2424, ext. 20029 or e-mail: rec-info@ottawa.ca.