President’s Corner

160 George Street February 2009 Ottawa, On K1N 9M2

The St. George Newsletter

With the absence of many of its residents, the St. George is in its perennial hibernation lull. We are awaiting the completion of some projects and the start-up of others to be completed this winter. These projects include; repairs to stop water infiltration in the garage, and the cosmetic restoration of the elevators. When the work in the elevators is completed we will have to be vigilant to ensure that its usage by workers, movers and delivery personnel is done with the utmost care to avoid any damage. The responsibility to watch over inappropriate and abusive us-age of common areas falls on all of us but particularly on resi-dents commissioning trades people.

The planning for projects forecasted in the 2009/10 budget year, particularly as it relates to the common areas, will soon be under-taken. Volunteers that have already shown interest in participating in these projects will soon be contacted. Jean-Claude Bernais (bernais@irri.net)

Management Corner

Jean-Claude Bernais

We would like to recognize the dedication of all the St. George staff, who in light of the recent seven week OC Transpo strike still managed to come into work everyday; thank you.

Recreation Centre: As the New Year is passing us by, some of us may have made some resolutions to become healthier and more fit. Just a quick reminder that the St. George has a recreation centre well-equipped with an indoor heated pool, an exercise room, and saunas. Please exercise with caution and follow the posted instructions.

Garbage and Recycling: We would like to remind all residents that when you are us-ing the garbage chute, to only throw away garbage that is inside properly tied bags. Larger items should be brought down to the garbage room for dis-posal. Please bring all recyclable items down to the main floor. Make sure to sort the items properly and to place them in the appropriate bins. For assistance, refer to the posted signage.

Balcony Caulking Project: Under the supervision of an engineering firm requisitioned by the St George, the “Balcony Caulking Project” has been recently completed to ad-dress a major area of concern with respect to water infiltrations. The spring melt and precipitation will be the true test of the success of this project; so before CCC375 is to begin any interior repairs to units resulting from water infiltration, all residents/owners are asked to closely monitor and report in writing any further leaks and changes to existing damages. Your cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated.”

Happy New Year from everyone at Val Roca! Caroline Proulx, VP Val Roca property Management

Members of the Board

President: Jean-Claude Bernais (613-562-2293)

Gordon Diamond (613-562-2487)

Louise Huot (613-789-6464)

Robert Marcus (613-562-3188)

Debby Hessel (613-562-2150)

Storm MacGregor (613-562-9154)

Barbara Elkin

Val Roca Manager: Simon Proulx(613-744 -1199)

Security Office: 613-241-7664

Webmaster: Colin J. Churcher(colinchurcher2003@yahoo.ca )

Editor: Paulette Hendry (pphendry@rogers.com)

Translation: Sylvio Granger

St. George website: www.stgoerge.incanada.net

President‟s Corner 1

Management Corner 1

Waller Street Mall 2

St. George recycling 3

Are you missing golf? 3

Social Committee 3

Noise Pollution 4

Low impact fitness 4

Notes from the Editor 4

A personal thank you note 4

Inside this issue:

Improvements to Waller Street Mall by Gordon Diamond (gord.diamond@sympatico.ca)

When the Waller Mall was built by the City, it was intended to provide a convenient and aes-thetically pleasing passage between Rideau and George Streets, however, the relocation of the Beer Store next to the Mall and the influx of cheep drugs, resulted in a dramatic increase in unwanted activity, much of it occurring in the Mall itself.

The designers of the Mall had not considered that it would become a drug market, and drink-ing patio. In fact its construction, with comfortable shrubs, curb seating, table sized bollards and shady trees, conveniently located between the Ottawa Mission and the other two shel-ters and right next to the Beer Store created the „perfect storm‟. They even built secluded corners by the two gates which have served as convenient urinals.

Your Board of Directors as well as number of you have been active in trying to correct the mall problems. Here‟s what‟s been accomplished so far:

As part of our agreement with the City, the St. George Security staff open the Mall in the morning and close it at night to prevent unwanted activity during silent hours. Should situation warrant, they are authorized to close it early and do so;

Our Security cameras allow us to monitor activity outside and combined with regular outdoor patrols, our Security staff frequently advise people to move on and call the Police to assist if required;

The Salvation Army has hired 24 hour Capital Security to help control activity around their facility. We have negoti-ated an agreement with them to assist our staff when necessary;

Our Security works closely with Capital Security, DND Commissionaires next door, the Byward Market Ambassa-dors and The Downtown Rideau (Capital) Security Patrols to monitor and deter unwanted activity around the St. George, particularly on the Waller Mall;

The St. George directs classical music on the Mall through an exterior speaker (much like McDonalds in the Mar-ket) to discourage some from hanging around;

The St. George has obtained City Council approval for “Agent Status” which improves our ability to control the Mall and get Police assistance when required.

The Ottawa Police Service has increased the number of Foot Patrols, Bicycle Patrols and cruisers in the area. Together with their new Street Crimes unit targeting drug dealers and related crime, they are making a difference;

At our insistence, the City has removed the “party table” barricades and replaced them with taller cylindrical bol-lards which are not as people-friendly;

They also removed low coniferous shrubs and planted thorny rose bushes which are not comfortable to lie on; and

They installed “No Loitering” signs.

We are now working with the City on modifying the gates so that the „urinal corners‟ will be closed off when the gates are open. With improved lighting, some upgraded cameras and additional changes to deter curb sitting, the Waller Mall will hopefully be a much better place.

Page 2 The St. George Newsletter

Winterlude

06 Feb 2009 - 22 Feb 2009

A flurry of fun in Ottawa’s Capital Region!

For more information call:613-239-5000.

Or visit their website: www.winterlude.gc.ca

The St George community has been involved in recycling from the very beginning of its exis-

tence, initially recycling paper and bottles etc. However, last fall we embarked on a more ag-

gressive recycling program following the City of Ottawa‟s motto. “Don‟t throw it out, Take it

back” With that in mind we are exploring new ways of recycling as much as we can. We‟ve

added several bins in the recycling room. i.e.: batteries, ink cartridges, light bulbs, neon bulbs,

paints and solvents. I want to thank all of you for your enthusiastic participation and support.

The recycle committee consists of volunteers and we need your help. First, if you wish to vol-

unteer to be on the committee let me know. Secondly, you can help by making sure that only

recyclables are placed in the bins and that regular garbage is put down the garbage shoot. We

are constantly required to do triage in the recycle bins because some people place the recycle

items in the wrong bins or place them in the bins inside plastics bags. Please help use by

placing items in the appropriate bins. Thank You .

Al Rivard, Recycle Committee (ajrivard@sympatico.ca)

Are You missing Golf? by Sylvio Granger

You no longer need to be deprived of your favourite summer sport dur-ing our long winter months! There is a location on the Quebec side that offers « Virtual Golf » with all the most beautiful golf courses in the world available for play. Their equipment is second to none and the staff super friendly. And it‟s only 10 minutes away from The St. George!

To reserve a tee time with your favourite golfing partners, please con-tact « Chez Putters » at 819-777-3535.

St. George Recycling program by Al Rivard

Page 3 The St. George Newsletter

Social Committee by Marie Loyer

The Committee set up the Christmas trees and decoration in the lobby on November 29th in time for the Holiday Party which started at 5.00 pm December 7th. Many residents and owners attended and enjoyed a great evening nibbling from tables of delicious finger foods and a vari-ety of beverages. A number of new residents took this festive opportunity to meet neighbours and make new acquaintances. Resident Steven Fletcher, MP, participated in the draw for the “Door Prize” won by Mrs. Joanne Baillie. Our municipal Councilor, Mr.Bedard met a number of residents eager to share their views on local issues.

The occasion was another successful launch into the holiday season.

The Committee thanks all those who participated and provided creative and tasty morsels to tickle our taste buds.

Season‟s Greetings and best wishes for the New Year ! Marie Loyer congratulating Joanne Baillie for winning the Door Prize

Noise Pollution by Al Rivard

The secret to Condo living is to be mindful of and respectful of our neighbours. For those of us who have hardwood or tiled floors, it is imperative that we use silencers under chair and table legs that eliminate dragging noises. Another consideration is avoiding the slamming of kitchen, bathroom and unit doors. A quick review of the owner‟s manual section 5.23 governing issues surrounding noise inside the building is recommended. If disturbed by noise from a neighbour, first let him or her know. If that approach doesn‟t work, report the problem to the St George Manager, Val Roca.

The St. George Newsletter Page 4

LOW IMPACT FITNESS!! by Pat Hurley

Would you like to have fun while working on your personal fitness goals? We work out, but also enjoy camaraderie, guided by a qualified trainer. Join the AQUAFIT classes held in our pool – convenient and economical!! Only $ 35.00 for 6 classes per session. Two independent sessions per week: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6.00 to 6.45 pm

For information call: Pat Hurley, 613- 562-8166 or Joanne Baillie, 613-241-9270

Notes from the Editor

Happy New Year Everyone!

This is the new look of The St. George Newsletter! I have found a new program which is much

easier to work with, hence, much less time spent editing. You will notice that one side is in Eng-

lish and if you flip the document over it will read in French, they call this “Tumble publishing”. I

hope it will be enjoyed by all and that it will facilitate reading. Please let me know if we can im-

prove the newsletter or if you have suggestions for articles to be published.

Thank you and have a great year!

Paulette Hendry (pphendry@rogers.com)

Paulette Hendry

Dear Friends of our Vertical Neighborhood,

As many of you may know, I have had a new adventure this fall and winter. I was diagnosed with lung cancer, and had the right upper lobe of my lung removed.

Before, during and after the surgery, I had the most amazing support from so many friends in the building. This is a “thank you” for all the encouragement, the hugs, the caring and the prayers that I have received from you. It all worked; I am doing so well.

Bob and I shall be here in Florida until the end of April, where I continue to recuperate.

Once again, thank you so much for your support,

Your neighbour and friend,

Barbara Nathan Marcus