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Safety & Security

Post about safety in the home and community.

Stop Sign Compliance on Cambrian Road

Recently some HMB residents approached us with concerns about vehicles not obeying stop signs on Cambrian, specifically at the Grand Canal intersection. This 4-way stop was added about a year ago, and still seems to be catching some motorists off-guard when entering the community from the west, on Cambrian.

I contacted the City of Ottawa on behalf of the Community Association and HMB residents, and have received the following response:

Traffic Investigations and Survey’s has completed a review of this location and will be taking the following actions:

  • Repaint all cross-walks and “Stop bars”
  • Installation of “Stop Ahead” warning sign facing eastbound traffic approximately 140 metres west of the intersection.
  • Request OC Transpo “Flag” repositioning

Our investigation did note that there was a OC Transpo Bus stop sign in very close proximity to the stop sign and we will discuss with OC Transpo representatives to request that they reposition it. The visibility of the stop sign is not impacted to a point where this could be considered a strong contributory factor to non-compliance. We would suggest that non-compliance of this sign should be considered a driver behaviour issue and as such we recommend contacting the Ottawa Police Service to request enforcement by calling 613-236-1222 ext 7300. A work order has been issued to facilitate the above work, a reasonable expectation for completion of said work would be 3-4 weeks from today’s date.

Please direct all questions regarding this issue to:
Traffic Inquiry Management Desk
P: 613-580-2424 x.27777
E: 

If you have a safety or security concern in HMB, please contact

Saftey update: Half Moon Bay Park Construction

The construction of Half Moon Bay Park is coming along nicely, and we are starting to see the exciting new play structures, and layout of what will be the centrepiece of our community.

The contractors working on the site have removed some of the safety fencing in order to tie the new landscaping in with the old, but it mostly has not been replaced.

Recently some concerned residents have noticed children from the community playing on the structures as well as others accessing the property. The city and contractors would like to remind Half Moon Bay residents that this is still an active construction site, which makes it dangerous for the public to use at this point. The play structures still need the safety surfacing installed, and final inspections completed in order to ensure they are safe to use.

Accessing the park property, whether fencing is installed or not, is considered trespassing until the park is officially opened by the city. If you happen to see any unauthorized people using the park it may be worth mentioning this to them and we can all help avoid potential injuries.

 

Do you have a community safety or security concern in HMB? Contact me at .

Anti-Theft from Vehicle Campaign

The Half Moon Bay Community Association, in cooperation with the Half Moon Bay Neighbourhood Watch, is starting an "Anti-Theft from Vehicle Campaign" in order to reduce the number of thefts from vehicles in the community.

Thefts from vehicles are particularly high from June to October, and a good way to reduce these thefts is by reducing opportunities for criminals.

Over the past year Theft from Vehicle, Break and Enter, and Vandalism are the top three crimes in our area. In many instances of Theft from Vehicle it was noted that the car doors were unlocked, and valuables were in plain sight. If you lock your car doors and remove temptation, would-be thieves may just move on to easier pickings.

We are asking all residents to remove their valuables from their vehicle, or secure them out of sight, and place a warning card in the window. These cards let would-be thieves know not to bother searching their car, and also reminding others to take the same precautions. The All Valuables Removed cards are part of an Ottawa Police Service initiative meant to reduce thefts from vehicles throughout Ottawa.

This awareness program has been launched to let you know that you and your vehicle are at risk, and in most cases your car insurance will not cover the items that have been stolen.

Thefts from vehicles are a city-wide trend. From the scenarios below, which vehicle is at risk?

a) An unlocked vehicle with a GPS on the dash.
b) A locked vehicle with a wallet sitting on the passenger seat.
c) A locked vehicle parked on a poorly lit street with minimal pedestrian traffic.
d) They are all at risk.

The right answer is D. Thefts from vehicles are a crime of opportunity and can happen anywhere, and at any time. Therefore it's important to take as many preventative measures as possible to try and safeguard yourself from becoming a victim.

Warning Cards are available by contacting the Half Moon Bay Neighbourhood Watch at .

If you have unfortunately become a victim of a theft from vehicle report it immediately to the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300. This enables them to track patterns of these crimes, and to better deploy their officers with the hope of resolving the larger problem.

Community safety and security is the responsibility of everyone, not just the police. If you see something, report it. Join the Half Moon Bay Neighbourhood Watch at http://hmb-watch.ca to help protect our community by being the eyes and ears.

Have a Safe BBQ Season.

While there are no municipal bylaws in Ottawa regarding barbeques on balconies, the Propane Storage and Handling Code (CAN/CSA-B149.2-05) regulates the storage, handling and transfer of propane and the installation of appliances and equipment.

Propane fuelled barbeques are regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). The TSSA has provided the following requirements in regards to propane barbeques:

Read all about it on the City of Ottawa Website.

 

Ottawa Bicycle Laws

Did you know that in Ontario, the Highway Traffic act grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles? However, there are some special rules that apply specifically to cyclists.

Rules of the Road
Cyclists are required to ride as close as practicable to the right curb of the roadway, except when:

  • Travelling at the normal speed of traffic
  • Avoiding hazardous conditions
  • The roadway is to narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side by side
  • Riding alongside another cyclist in a manner that does not impede the normal movement of traffic
  • Preparing to make a left turn, passing another vehicle, or using a one-way street (in which case riding alongside the left curb is permitted)

Bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks within the Region of Ottawa-Carleton.

Helmets
Bicycle helmets must be worn by all cyclists who are under the age of 18.

Find out more about bicycle laws in Ottawa at http://www.ottawakiosk.com/bike_laws.html