A Message from the Osgoode Rural Communities
Association
We need your help to preserve our rural communities!
On July 24, 2002, with the adoption of the new Ward Boundaries
recommendations, Ottawa City Council voted to eliminate
meaningful rural representation through the urbanization
of each of the rural wards. The projected size of Osgoode Ward
(20) under the new structure will increase from 18,800 to 50,000
people by 2009, making it one of the most populous wards in the
city of Ottawa. The majority of the Ward's population will reside
in the newly annexed Riverside South and Findlay Creek suburban
developments, diluting our already fragile rural voice at City
Council.
Glen Shortliffe, in his report on "Local
Government Reform in the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton"
stated that there should be no reconsideration of rural
representation until the completion of two full terms of City
Council. The
Transition Board recognized the unique
aspects of Ottawa's rural communities and insisted upon the
structuring of 5 rural wards.
The Ontario Rural Council, in their October
2001 The Rural Campaign stated, "Increasingly elected officials
and provincial decision-makers bring the suburban experience to
the table. Because rural Ontario is diverse, it is a challenge for
non-rural representatives to fully appreciate and understand the
wide-ranging degrees of 'rurality'. The situation is critical as
the 'divide' between urban and rural experience grows, and rural
influence declines."
We,
the community groups, businesses, farms and residents of Osgoode
Ward, are apparently unworthy of attention and status in the new
city of Ottawa. Contrary to Mr. Shortliffe's and the Transition
Board's recommendations, contrary to the trust we placed in the
process, the rural voice is being silenced by the arrogance of a
largely urban council. No longer will there be true rural
representation.
The Osgoode Rural Communities Association (ORCA) is launching
an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board to overturn the City of
Ottawa's new ward restructuring.
We need your help
and support to be successful in our fight.
Financial contributions will assist in funding our appeal; cheques
can be made out to ORCA and mailed to 2452 Yorks Corners Rd,
Edwards, ON, K0A 1V0. We also require the names of organizations
in support of this cause and the respective contacts.
Thank you,
Directors of the Osgoode Rural Communities Association - ORCA
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