Where is it?
Ottawa’s Rideau-Jock ward, previously Rideau-Goulbourn, contains communities such as Manotick, Richmond, Munster and Burritts Rapids. This large ward is bounded by Highway 7 and Highway 416, and follows the Rideau River southeast to Gilroy Road, circling along the western bounds of Montague-Boundary Road and Ashton Station Road.
Who’s running?
As three-term incumbent Scott Moffatt leaves office, five fresh voices have stepped up to try to become councillor for Rideau-Jock: David Brown, Leigh-Andrea Brunet, Michael J. Nowak, Patty Searl and Kevin Setia. Election Day is Oct. 24. For additional information on voting and ward boundaries, please visit the City of Ottawa’s voter information website.
Demographics at a glance:
According to Statistics Canada’s 2016 Ward Census data, Rideau-Jock has a population of about 24,665 and an average age of 42 (close to the city’s average of 40). About 18 per cent of residents are more than 65 years old and 17 per cent are under than 15. Around four per cent of residents identify as a visible minority and 63 per cent identify as being from the British Isles.
One key issue:
Top of mind for residents for the next council term is the safety and maintenance of roads across the ward — specifically managing the volume of commercial trucks and construction vehicles travelling through residential areas. About 800 large trucks travel through Manotick village daily, posing a safety hazard for pedestrians and cyclists.
“From the time I first got elected, it has been roads,” Scott Moffatt told Rogers TV recently. He stressed the importance of increasing funding for roadwork to adequately maintain the current infrastructure.
One local landmark:
Watson’s Mill is a site not to miss for in-house milled flour and an immersion in the ward’s heritage. The 1860s’ Manotick flour mill is a museum and heritage site commemorating the mill’s important role in early settlement along the Rideau River and in establishing the village. Trained volunteers grind flour each Sunday in a public milling demonstration.
