Letter to the editor (not published)
The CRTC has mandated that Over-The-Air (OTA) TV broadcast transmission in Canada must switch from analogue (NTSC) to digital (ATSC) by September 1, 2011. This deadline is only two months away but only a few local stations have so far taken the step to broadcast digital programming over the air; notably CBC/Radio Canada and OMNI.
Candian broadcasters have been making "public service" announcements about the change, presumably they are required to do so by law. However, with few exceptions, these announcements provide little additional information about their future plans. TV Ontario (TVO) has indicated it will make the switch over in mid August 2011. Notably CTV and "A" Cannel (owned by Bell Media) and Global (owned by Shaw) have not indicated exactly how or when they will switch over. Neither have they disclosed what their channel allocations will be for digital broadcasts.
Local CTV, channel 13, has run a public service announcement {advertisment?) from Bell that refers viewers to the bell.ca web site. This site provides a list of products available from Bell shops and encourages people to subscribe to their satellite TV services. Little or no information on their plans for the digital transition is provided.
The CRTC does not appear to be issuing public service announcements on the mandated transition and one has to wonder how serious the broadcasting authority is on sticking to the mandated transition date. The switch over to digital TV will provide viewers who depend on OTA transmissions with much improved local TV reception at no cost, there than perhaps to buy a new antenna. Currently OTA analogue reception is notoriously bad in many areas of the city and the digital transition will result in high quality reception, including High Definition (HD) for most OTA viewers. Of course this is not necessarily in the business interests of cable and satellite service providers in the area. It is time for the CRTC and TV broacasters to be clear with the public about their plans.
Showing posts with label CBC Ottawa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CBC Ottawa. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Following interesting Ward Councillor competitions
On this morning’s CBC Ottawa Morning broadcast commentators Vicki Smallman and Walter Robinson identified Ward Councillor competitions that they find to be of particular interest. One competition they did not mention is the competition for Councillor in Ward 18 (Alta Vista/Canterbury/Riverview) where three candidates are running against incumbent Councillor Peter Hume.
I think that this competition is of particular interest because, for the first time ever, Hume is being opposed by a viable candidate, Clinton Cowan. Cowan is a likeable, intelligent candidate who has been campaigning hard in the ward for some months. He has built up a strong following and his campaign is moving into high gear.
Peter Hume has made some controversial voting decisions on council and in his role as chair of Planning and Environment Committee over the past four years, and has more often than not disregarded the views and concerns of communities within his ward.
This contest has legs. It should be very interesting to watch.
I think that this competition is of particular interest because, for the first time ever, Hume is being opposed by a viable candidate, Clinton Cowan. Cowan is a likeable, intelligent candidate who has been campaigning hard in the ward for some months. He has built up a strong following and his campaign is moving into high gear.
Peter Hume has made some controversial voting decisions on council and in his role as chair of Planning and Environment Committee over the past four years, and has more often than not disregarded the views and concerns of communities within his ward.
This contest has legs. It should be very interesting to watch.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Integrity and ethics
Mayoral candidate Jim Watson makes a big issue about his integrity plan and points a finger at one of his opponents, Larry O’Brien, citing his connections with Calian Technologies, a firm that does a lot of business with the City of Ottawa. However, Watson leaves himself open to criticism because he accepts donations from corporate sources, including the development community.
Watson also descends into the mire of unethical conduct by exposing communications between Mayor Larry O’Brien and himself in his role of Ontario minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Mayoral candidates trade barbs as election looms, CBC Ottawa news, Sept. 22, 2010).
Of the leading candidates for mayor, only Clive Doucet has declared publicly that he will not accept corporate donations; in fact this is a key plank in his platform. Also, his campaign takes the high-road, avoiding making inappropriate comments. Instead, he focuses on the issues that serve to distinguish him from his competitors.
Watson also descends into the mire of unethical conduct by exposing communications between Mayor Larry O’Brien and himself in his role of Ontario minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Mayoral candidates trade barbs as election looms, CBC Ottawa news, Sept. 22, 2010).
Of the leading candidates for mayor, only Clive Doucet has declared publicly that he will not accept corporate donations; in fact this is a key plank in his platform. Also, his campaign takes the high-road, avoiding making inappropriate comments. Instead, he focuses on the issues that serve to distinguish him from his competitors.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Lucky there is an election campaign on!
The tenants of the Heron Gate community in Alta Vista Ward are fortunate that there is an election campaign on, and that the incumbent councillor, Peter Hume is running for re-election. Otherwise, it is unlikely that their complaints would be receiving the high level of attention they are currently receiving from the city and from this councillor (Hotline lets tenants beef about landlord, CBC News, September 16, 2010).
Since 2009 residents have been complaining about problems from infestations, heating systems, litter, burned out vehicles, graffiti and others, and the landlord has done little to help. But Councillor Hume made a big slash on CBC Ottawa radio and TV news programs this week about the “hotline’ he has established (Isn’t this what 311 is supposed to be for?), together with some guidelines for residents to follow in order to get attention to their complaints.
This problem was previously reported on by CBC last April, but it has taken Hume to this point (in his re-election campaign) to act on behalf of this community. I’m not excusing the building complex owners, Transglobe Property Management, and the building managers, Berkley Property Management, for their failure to act, but the city and this councillor have also failed to respond effectively. Perhaps Hume is normally too busy helping developers and dealing with out-of-town committee affairs to do this important part of the job he was elected to do!
Since 2009 residents have been complaining about problems from infestations, heating systems, litter, burned out vehicles, graffiti and others, and the landlord has done little to help. But Councillor Hume made a big slash on CBC Ottawa radio and TV news programs this week about the “hotline’ he has established (Isn’t this what 311 is supposed to be for?), together with some guidelines for residents to follow in order to get attention to their complaints.
This problem was previously reported on by CBC last April, but it has taken Hume to this point (in his re-election campaign) to act on behalf of this community. I’m not excusing the building complex owners, Transglobe Property Management, and the building managers, Berkley Property Management, for their failure to act, but the city and this councillor have also failed to respond effectively. Perhaps Hume is normally too busy helping developers and dealing with out-of-town committee affairs to do this important part of the job he was elected to do!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The process is more important than the result
Recent articles and broadcasts in the local media highlight controversy surrounding a walking and cycling path that is being built in the green space in Alta Vista (Alta Vista path sparks controversy, CBC News Aug 26, 2010; Cyclists excited about new Alta Vista “Pathway,” Tony Spears, Ottawa Sun, September 1, 2010). It is difficult to deny the potential benefits fromf this pathway. However the process through which the project was planned and approved by Ottawa City Council with the support of Alta Vista Councillor, Peter Hume is entirely wrong.
Many of the on-line comments endorse this pathway and the benefits that it will bring to the community. But some comments are critical of the process; in particular the fact that the community was never consulted on this planned development. This concern is heightened by arrogant statement from Peter Hume, such as: “…the $250,000.00 project was too small for a full public consultation….” How many other $250K projects, that are “too small,” are there in the works at City Hall?
This clearly demonstrates a lack of commitment to transparency within Ward 18 and more widely within our city. The value of a project has little to do with showing residents respect. Councillor Hume is taking the community for granted. Dozens of residents whose homes back on to the path have indicated that they had no idea that a path was being built until construction started. They were however well informed about Councillor Hume’s movie night for the community! This is shameful!
Another recent example in the Ward concerning late and inadequate public consultation include the OC Transpo Bus Garage on Industrial Avenue, the "garage mahal." Community concern over this project eventually stimulated the Councillor to explore alternate access to/from the site via Belfast Road. He even put out a special community news sheet announcing it.
Whether this access will ultimately be presented to the public before it is approved is still not known. Neither will the public likely get to learn whether any back room deals have been negotiated with landowners.
Then of course there's the Lansdowne Partnership Plan; enough said! If it's good for Councillor Hume's developer friends then surely it's good for Alta Vista Ward residents and for the city as a whole!
Many of the on-line comments endorse this pathway and the benefits that it will bring to the community. But some comments are critical of the process; in particular the fact that the community was never consulted on this planned development. This concern is heightened by arrogant statement from Peter Hume, such as: “…the $250,000.00 project was too small for a full public consultation….” How many other $250K projects, that are “too small,” are there in the works at City Hall?
This clearly demonstrates a lack of commitment to transparency within Ward 18 and more widely within our city. The value of a project has little to do with showing residents respect. Councillor Hume is taking the community for granted. Dozens of residents whose homes back on to the path have indicated that they had no idea that a path was being built until construction started. They were however well informed about Councillor Hume’s movie night for the community! This is shameful!
Another recent example in the Ward concerning late and inadequate public consultation include the OC Transpo Bus Garage on Industrial Avenue, the "garage mahal." Community concern over this project eventually stimulated the Councillor to explore alternate access to/from the site via Belfast Road. He even put out a special community news sheet announcing it.
Whether this access will ultimately be presented to the public before it is approved is still not known. Neither will the public likely get to learn whether any back room deals have been negotiated with landowners.
Then of course there's the Lansdowne Partnership Plan; enough said! If it's good for Councillor Hume's developer friends then surely it's good for Alta Vista Ward residents and for the city as a whole!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Sewer surcharges and other atrocities
One cannot deny that the water and sewer upgrades now being undertaken (Sewer regulator upgrades lauded, Neco Cockburn, Ottawa Citizen, July 23, 2010) are long overdue. However, Councillor Peter Hume’s statement that ratepayer can expect a 10% annual increase in sewer surcharges over the next 10 years makes me bristle (Residents can expect sewer rate hikes, http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/07/22/ottawa-sewer-rate-hikes.html July 22, 2010).
The CBC article also notes that the average Ottawa homeowner now paying $600 a year could end up paying more than $1,300 a year by 2020. However, the way I see it, based on a 10% pa rate increase, a $600 payment in 2010 will result in a payment of $1,556 in 2020, a 159% increase over 10 years.
Residents cannot exist without access to water and sewer services. There would not be a viable city without them; so costs for these services should be covered by basic property taxes. It is incomprehensible that residents are being asked to pay additional surcharges for these services. This city must learn to prioritize its projects (need over wants) so that tax payers are not burdened by surcharges on top of already huge tax bills.
The city as a whole lacks vision, does poor planning and creates irresponsible budgets. In October we need to elect a new council that will listen to residents and act responsibly by finding a way to move forward within the constraints of an affordable budget. This will require reevaluating all major capital projects, planned and existing.
It is interesting to note that the developers profit above all others from capital projects. There is no doubt in my mind that the scope of many of the city’s plans results from the influence of developers; hence the need for election candidates to refuse campaign donations from them.
The CBC article also notes that the average Ottawa homeowner now paying $600 a year could end up paying more than $1,300 a year by 2020. However, the way I see it, based on a 10% pa rate increase, a $600 payment in 2010 will result in a payment of $1,556 in 2020, a 159% increase over 10 years.
Residents cannot exist without access to water and sewer services. There would not be a viable city without them; so costs for these services should be covered by basic property taxes. It is incomprehensible that residents are being asked to pay additional surcharges for these services. This city must learn to prioritize its projects (need over wants) so that tax payers are not burdened by surcharges on top of already huge tax bills.
The city as a whole lacks vision, does poor planning and creates irresponsible budgets. In October we need to elect a new council that will listen to residents and act responsibly by finding a way to move forward within the constraints of an affordable budget. This will require reevaluating all major capital projects, planned and existing.
It is interesting to note that the developers profit above all others from capital projects. There is no doubt in my mind that the scope of many of the city’s plans results from the influence of developers; hence the need for election candidates to refuse campaign donations from them.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Oh Rats!
A report on CBC News at Six on June 16 quotes a pest control “expert” who suggests that an apparent spike in the local rat population and in home infestations might be a result of the way residents handle their new green bins. Surely the amount of organic waste that used to be put out in regular garbage bins was far more likely to encourage rodents?
“Breaking News” stories like this should be researched more thoroughly before reporting them. If there is an increase maybe its due to other factors: a warm winter followed by an early spring (climate change); or increased pressure on all wild life in the city and suburbs as new construction encroaches on their natural habitat.
“Breaking News” stories like this should be researched more thoroughly before reporting them. If there is an increase maybe its due to other factors: a warm winter followed by an early spring (climate change); or increased pressure on all wild life in the city and suburbs as new construction encroaches on their natural habitat.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
How does the heritage consultant’s report really contribute to the future of Lansdowne Park?
An article in today’s Ottawa Citizen (Lansdowne, a big-box forerunner, report says, Maria Cook, March 23, 2010) reports that John Stewart, a heritage consultant hired by the city, describes Lansdowne Park as “the forerunner of what we call the big-box store,” and that stores such as Chapters bookstores and grocery stores would be acceptable uses for the site.
He goes on to indicate that Lansdowne has been a venue for the display of advancements in agriculture, livestock and manufacturing. And that many new initiatives such as the telephone, electric stove, radio broadcasting and first views of a plane in flight were first introduced to citizens of Ottawa here. Last evening I was very confused when I heard Councillor Peter Hume in a short piece on CBC News at Six extolling the virtues of such events as justification for development of retail space a Lansdowne.
It is unclear to me exactly what these wonderful events have to do with developing a large retail space on the grounds of Lansdowne Park. Having exhibition space in the park is one thing. Developing a large retail shopping complex is quite another. Councillor Clive Doucet is right on the mark when he says “…This is all about privatization. It makes no sense in terms of the park’s history…”
He goes on to indicate that Lansdowne has been a venue for the display of advancements in agriculture, livestock and manufacturing. And that many new initiatives such as the telephone, electric stove, radio broadcasting and first views of a plane in flight were first introduced to citizens of Ottawa here. Last evening I was very confused when I heard Councillor Peter Hume in a short piece on CBC News at Six extolling the virtues of such events as justification for development of retail space a Lansdowne.
It is unclear to me exactly what these wonderful events have to do with developing a large retail space on the grounds of Lansdowne Park. Having exhibition space in the park is one thing. Developing a large retail shopping complex is quite another. Councillor Clive Doucet is right on the mark when he says “…This is all about privatization. It makes no sense in terms of the park’s history…”
Friday, November 6, 2009
Mayor’s comments suggest that council intends to proceed with Lansdowne Live whatever the public has to say
Listening to Mayor Larry O’Brien speak on CBC Radio this morning suggested to me what many have believed all along; that the city intends to proceed with the OSEG proposed plan in some form whatever the public have to say about it. Mayor O'Brien was commenting on the results of the Nanos Research survey on the Lansdowne Live proposal - see this morning’s article in the Ottawa Citizen (Stadium survey results tell council to “just do it").
This conclusion is reached by 23% of respondents in a poll of 1,000 residents conducted by Nanos Research on October 17 though 19, 2009. This means that 73% of respondents believe that the city should be doing something else, though exactly what is unclear.
This doesn’t sound like a strong mandate to proceed to me!
The article also summarizes a report by Nanos Research on a survey of 3,000 residents gathered from survey forms filled out at public meetings and on-line. Interestingly respondents were least favorably disposed to inclusion of the only elements of the plan that will likely make the project profitable to OSEG members (retail space, residential development, office space, movie theatres and a hotel).
Again, this doesn’t sound like a favorable public response to me!
This conclusion is reached by 23% of respondents in a poll of 1,000 residents conducted by Nanos Research on October 17 though 19, 2009. This means that 73% of respondents believe that the city should be doing something else, though exactly what is unclear.
This doesn’t sound like a strong mandate to proceed to me!
The article also summarizes a report by Nanos Research on a survey of 3,000 residents gathered from survey forms filled out at public meetings and on-line. Interestingly respondents were least favorably disposed to inclusion of the only elements of the plan that will likely make the project profitable to OSEG members (retail space, residential development, office space, movie theatres and a hotel).
Again, this doesn’t sound like a favorable public response to me!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Municipal Election Campaign Donations
Concern over municipal election campaign donations from corporations and unions appears to be building (Councillor calls for corporate donations ban, CBC Ottawa web site, November 2, 2009). Whether or not proposed changes to the Province of Ontario’s Municipal election Act are passed, remains to be seen. But ethical dilemmas will persist for Councillors who receive contributions from prominent individuals who’s firms or employers could benefit from later decisions and actions taken by city council.
The phrase “my vote cannot be bought” has been heard quite often recently, particularly in connection with OSCG’s Lansdowne Live proposal. Nonetheless there were significant donations from corporations and prominent individuals to elected Councillor’s campaigns in 2006 (http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen, Political donations and Lansdowne Live, David Reveley, September 30, 2009).
Reveley concludes he is comfortable “...that none of the winning candidates owes his or her seat on council to money from the Lansdowne Live proponents. Any connection is sure to be more subtle….” However, the article also notes that “…When a candidate got money from these guys, chances are he or she also got money from other developers and builders and consultants, for instance, who might get pieces of Lansdowne work if Lansdowne Live goes ahead…”
While the total amount of contributions is small in relative terms, it is difficult to believe that such contributions do not influence collective decision making in some way. Only nine elected Councillors did not accept donations from OSEG members in 2006.
I have posted previously on the issue of corporate campaign contributions. My concerns will not be satisfied by proposed amendments to the Act now being considered by the Province. It is disturbing that provincial law continues to allow contributions of this nature when strict measures to limit implications of inappropriate election contributions have been enacted at the federal level.
The phrase “my vote cannot be bought” has been heard quite often recently, particularly in connection with OSCG’s Lansdowne Live proposal. Nonetheless there were significant donations from corporations and prominent individuals to elected Councillor’s campaigns in 2006 (http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen, Political donations and Lansdowne Live, David Reveley, September 30, 2009).
Reveley concludes he is comfortable “...that none of the winning candidates owes his or her seat on council to money from the Lansdowne Live proponents. Any connection is sure to be more subtle….” However, the article also notes that “…When a candidate got money from these guys, chances are he or she also got money from other developers and builders and consultants, for instance, who might get pieces of Lansdowne work if Lansdowne Live goes ahead…”
While the total amount of contributions is small in relative terms, it is difficult to believe that such contributions do not influence collective decision making in some way. Only nine elected Councillors did not accept donations from OSEG members in 2006.
I have posted previously on the issue of corporate campaign contributions. My concerns will not be satisfied by proposed amendments to the Act now being considered by the Province. It is disturbing that provincial law continues to allow contributions of this nature when strict measures to limit implications of inappropriate election contributions have been enacted at the federal level.
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