Ottawa youth eligible for accelerated second dose and homeowners face three percent tax hike: five stories to watch this week

OTTAWA – Ottawa youth ages 12 to 17 next in line for fast-track second dose, homeowners face three percent property tax hike and north side sucks and needs to be demolished .

CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at the top five stories to watch in Ottawa this week.

As the City of Ottawa continues to receive more and more first and second doses in the arms of residents, eligibility is expanding this week for an accelerated second dose.

Starting at 8 a.m. Monday, all youth ages 12 to 17 will be able to make an expedited second dose appointment to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at community clinics.

Residents 12 years of age and older will be eligible to receive the 28 second accelerated dose after receiving their first dose of an mRNA vaccine.

Expanded second-dose eligibility comes as Ottawa continues to take new steps in vaccine deployment.

As of Saturday, 80% of adults 18 and older had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 40% of adults are considered fully vaccinated.

Border restrictions begin to ease for fully vaccinated Canadian travelers

Canada will begin easing travel restrictions at the border on Monday, but only if you are fully immunized.

Fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents – those who have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada – will be able to skip the 14-day quarantine.

Travelers should use the ArriveCAN app or web portal prior to departure to record their vaccination details, as well as negative COVID-19 test results less than three days old.

The Canada Border Services Agency is warning that if you are not eligible to enter the country now, you will not be eligible on Monday.

“If you couldn’t come to Canada on July 4th of this year, you can’t come on July 5th – there has been no change to all the restrictions and provisions that have been issued on this matter.” said Denis Vinette, CBSA Vice-President, Travelers Branch.

“However, for those who can come to Canada, this is a very careful and early first step to start delaying or removing some border requirements.”

Health restrictions relaxed in Ontario long-term care homes

The Ontario government is further easing public health restrictions on nursing homes across the province this week, now that Ontario is in Stage 2 of the plan to reopen.

Starting July 7, residents will be able to organize outdoor gatherings with up to 10 people and organize indoor tours with up to two general visitors and two caregivers.

In addition, personal care services such as lounges offered in a long-term facility will be permitted to open.

When Ontario enters Stage 3 of the reopening plan, limits on the number of visitors to homes will be lifted and buffet and family-style meals will resume.

Debate on Budget 2022 begins at Ottawa City Hall

Ottawa’s finance and economic development committee will discuss a report on Tuesday outlining the proposed directions, timeline and consultation process for the 2022 budget.

City staff recommends a 3% increase in property taxes in 2022, as well as a 2.5% increase in transit fares.

The report also recommends a three percent increase in the Ottawa Police Service’s budget in 2022, despite calls to cut spending.

“This is a direct affront to marginalized residents of Ottawa who put themselves in danger to advocate for a safer city and community,” Horizon Ottawa said on Twitter.

The City of Ottawa’s draft budget for 2022 will be tabled in November.

A three percent property tax increase would cost the average urban homeowner an additional $ 119 per year on the property tax bill.

The north side sucks and must be demolished

The finance and economic development committee will also discuss the Lansdowne Park partnership on Tuesday, including the “path to sustainability and next steps” of the partnership with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group.

Staff recommend demolishing the arena and north side stands at TD Place and replacing structures to help Lansdowne Park succeed as a destination.

The report says the facilities “are approaching functional obsolescence” and are expected to be replaced with a smaller arena, housing, and commercial and retail space as part of the site’s revitalization.

The stands and arena were built in 1967. Staff say that while they are structurally sound, problems include leaks from the arena ceiling, persistent mold outbreaks, small boxes and problems with the arena. ‘accessibility.

There is no estimate in the report of what it would cost to demolish and replace grandstands and an arena. The City of Ottawa and OSEG have established a task force recommending the construction of a 5,000 seat arena.

Events happening in Ottawa this week

Monday

Ottawa Transportation Committee Meeting – 9:30 a.m.

Ottawa Public Library branches reopen

Ottawa Blackjacks vs. Edmonton Stingers

Tuesday

Ottawa Finance and Economic Development Committee Meeting – 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday

Ottawa City Council Meeting – 10 a.m.

Thursday

Ottawa Planning Committee Meeting – 9:30 a.m.