Category Archives: Deep River

Deep River Municipal Election

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      October 25th, 2003

 Deep River Municipal Election

 
While we are poised to exercise our voting rights to elect the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and 5 councillors for the Deep River, it is clear that we have a very enthusiastic slate of candidates for the positions.
 
The candidates bring various issues of interest before the voters.  However, the times have changed. The population mix in Deep River is changing. Some members of the Canadian Forces as well as retirees are finding a home in Deep River. There are many new residents who had originally emigrated from many different parts of the world.
 
Despite the changes in the population mix, the number of the residents has not gone up substantially and the Town still “maintains”   a single-employer town status. This is in spite of many years of effort by the Economy Development office within the Municipal Organization.    
The property taxes in Deep River have gone up substantially.    
This time the elections shall be for the complete change in the ways the Deep River is run including the running of the Council itself. As a non-candidate (but a resident) I see challenges and opportunities for the new coming Council.    
There are myriad issues facing the new Council. There are lingering issues, which the citizens are somewhat aware of such as the operation of new Pollution Control Facility and the development of the Keys Center property. There may be others, which are not quite transparent.    
The main issue for the new Council, in my view, is to reduce property taxes while delivering municipal services, which are satisfactory to the citizens.  
I am sure that the Council will know what core services the Council is legally (and some morally) required to provide, how these are provided and at what costs? The publication of a list of such services (probably in the North Renfrew Times), at appropriate times, would go a long way in making the residents understand the costs and thus the property taxes.    
 
The property taxes can only be reduced if the expenditures are reduced or if population or business base is increased.      
The new Council has an opportunity to review the usefulness of the Economic Development office and full time Fire Department, owning of various properties, use of money from sale of Deep River Hydro and others issues (including the staff structure) which are not quite transparent to the public.

 
The challenge to the Council is how to increase the population and business base in Deep River.  
I am suggesting that the Council shall offer to reduce property taxes (from 10% to 25%) to members of Canadian Forces who have bought or who will buy homes in Deep River. We have a duty to recognize and appreciate these fine young men & women who serve in far away “failed” countries to defend our values and democracy. We shall not forget their sacrifice.    
We are fortunate that Deep River is situated close to a Canadian Forces base in Petawawa and thus can express our appreciation in a tangible way.   This way we may also attract more of them to choose Deep River as their home.  
We need Council members who will focus to reduce property taxes without sacrificing core municipal services.  
 
Pravin Shah

 

Deep River – Musings

       

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Sept 14th 2003

 
Burning Issue for the upcoming Council

 
The issues facing the upcoming Council are many but the most burning one, to my mind, is to reduce the property taxes. For this town to grow we need to attract new businesses, retirees and new people coming to work with Chalk River Laboratories and Canadian Forces Base. This year we saw a hefty increase in taxes. This is opposite to what needs to be done for growth.

 
I have this feeling that many of our long time residents are financially comfortable and live in houses bought many years ago. Thus they probably do not feel the impact of tax increases. But this is only temporary, as the increase in taxes will impact our lives in many ways in the years to come. The telltale signs are there. We have no competition for groceries in Town and there are empty stores in downtown. This leads to shopping in Pembroke or Ottawa!

 
We need Council members who are focused on this issue. Only this focus will lead to review of the Town mandate and core services to be provided.

 
Is enough being done to amalgamate services with other adjoining communities? For example, do we need an independent Fire Department? What benefits do we derive from having an Economic Development Department? How much to beautify Deep River and what are the economic benefits of this expenditure?   Why the Council gets involved in buying/owning properties?   How many properties does Town own and operate? For what use, the Town needs a Web site? Do our Town staff complement compares with, say, Petawawa Township or similar Town?

 
I am sure all this has been looked at before. But it would help to have a fresh look by a new elected team, which is not beholden to past.

 
  
Pravin Shah

Deep River -Musings

                                                                                                                                                                                        April 24, 2003

Lease for Community Center

 
I am concerned when Deep River Council starts talking about a new Community Center. This seems to me   a red herring to the real issue. There is a petition (signed by some 750 good citizens of Deep River) exhorting the Council to reverse its decision to renew Community Center Building lease only for 2 years at its present address instead of a longer lease so that the Community Center can confidently invest for its long-term activities.
  
Deep River Council talks about Town”™s Official Plan. I would be leery of Town”™s Official Plan if it is similar to plan when they went and bought Keys Center at great cost to the Town.
  
The Council, it seems, is now recommending a ”compromise” to renew the lease on the Community Center for two years and undertaking to “extend lease on a year-to-year basis to 2008 provided that the building remains structurally sound and tenant wishes to continue the current usage of the building”.
  
Let us examine this!
  
Renewal to year 2008 effectively gives lease for 5 years (2008 minus 2003). Council oozes if “tenant wishes to continue”. Well, tenant has already let it be known it wants long lease. Council shows such “hypocrisy of care” that they will not lease building unless it is “structurally sound”. Well, do you think any sound-minded person or organization would for a minute occupy a building, which is not structurally sound.
  
What Council is saying with this so-called ”˜compromise” resolution is that they want the Community people to come every year and beg for renewal; which the Council will not refuge. Yikes!
  
I do wish my honoured friends in the Council would, in their good wisdom, grant the lease for 5 or more years as requested to the Community Group without prolonging this debate.
  
Deep River is fortunate that there are many community minded people in this small community who are devoting their time, effort and money for multiple good causes to enhance citizens lives without any prejudice and favours.

Pravin Shah  

Town Watermain Break

                                                                                   July 17th 2001                          

 

Letter to Editor

North Renfrew Times

Deep River, Ontario

   Town Vulnerability

 We just had an exciting and interesting (???) experience on Monday (July 16th 2001) when the water line had broken (not too far from the Water Plant) and with that the whole Town was without drinking and potable water for almost 12 hours. This incident has brought out few areas of vulnerability to which the Town folks may be open for surprise and shock!  Water Vulnerability

 It seems that one failure of a water main can cripple the whole town and leave it without water for an extended period.   It seems there is no bypass lines or loop for isolation of the area where the break may happen.  

 My understanding is that the pipeline is old and the where isolation valves are found these may not be working.  

 Pipe failure occurs even in new lines but the design of lines would allow that a section can be isolated for repairs without affecting the whole town.  Communication Vulnerability

 It seems that the failure of water main was known from Monday mid-morning by the Town personnel but most of us got to know about it late afternoon.   No official communication but by word of mouth. The water break was mixed up with rumour that a Gas line (in the Town center) was also broken. Further, rumour spread that repair of water main

will take upto 3 days.

 Luckily, we Deep River residents   took all that in good stride . Many people bought blue water bottles (preparedness) and others (who got to know about it) lined up at Fire Dept to obtain water from a Water tanker.   Many went to the Ottawa River (near Marina) to collect water in various forms of plastic containers in case needed for flushing of toilets.

There was sort of Carnival type atmosphere (well, Deep River residents can take it on the chin !)    

 The reality is that we are vulnerable to lack of official and correct Communication in times of disaster.   Town has a WEB site and also Channel 12 (on COGECO Cable TV) but I did not see any news flash on these mediums.

 Are we prepared for disaster here in Deep River? Or are we vulnerable? Who is our spokes person and leader in these circumstances.

 Other Vulnerabilities  I am now not sure that there may be other vulnerabilities that we may be open too.

Is Town prepared for these?   Do we have Emergency Preparedness Plan and if one is existing, was that followed during Monday”™s water main break.

 I am sure if the water main had broken after office hours, the spare pipes and valves necessary

(from out of town -Pembroke) would have taken more time aand effort and repairs at night would be taxing. What would happen if such incident happen in cold winter?

 These concerns need addressing.

   Pravin Shah

ELECTION AFTERMATH

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dec. 03, 2000

ELECTION AFTERMATH

 
There were three different elections in November, which have a direct bearing on our lives.

 
The first election was for the most powerful man on the earth, the President of the U.S.A. The outcome is still mired in the court cases. The counting and recounting of dimpled, pregnant and hanging chads in Florida have not yet resulted in the decision. The stock market does not like uncertainties. The market is now showing accelerated signs of down trending which may have the direct effect on our well-being. Many of us who were thinking of retiring a bit early will now have to reassess the future.

 
The second election was at the Municipal level. In Deep River we had 13 candidates for 7 Councillor positions. The Town Council now does not have any Councillor who is currently working or even retired from AECL, the main employer for the residents of the Town. This is maturity!   The impact of this will need to be watched. Only time will tell!

 
I believe that the Town Council should establish an opportunity for the Town residents to have a say in any major decisions it makes. This citizen input is necessary from the inception of any ideas. I would like to submit to the new Council to open the Council proceedings (at half way time) for a 10-minute period to allow any citizens attending regular Council meetings to put forth their views on issues of concern. This would, I believe, encourage citizens to attend regular meetings as they can participate in the deliberations (albeit with proper decorum). These citizen input and views can then be deliberated in the next Council meetings (as part of a regular item on Council agenda ”“ Citizens Input).

 
The third election that concerns us is the recent Federal Government election. All candidates of different parties were very supportive of the development of CNF at AECL.

This is the only unanimous statement I heard in the All Candidates meeting at the Mackenzie High School auditorium. Now that we have spoken and bucked the trend and elected our Member of Parliament, we need to hold our breath, wait and see, as to in which direction the wind is blowing (for funding of the CNF). I expect that the Federal Government will proceed to support the development of CNF for the advancement of Canadian research in nuclear science. If not then, we may have to continue coasting for many years to come.

 
Pravin Shah

Election Menifesto -Deep River Council Election -2000

                       

Pravin Shah

                                                                                                                    November, 2000

Town of Deep River ”“    Council Election   – Nov. 13, 2000

 

Vision:   ·  Actively encourage growth and development of Deep River.I see Deep River as a vibrant, progressive and inclusive community.

                      ·    Recognize the scientists living in the area and our community.

                        ·  Encourage the Council to put in place a program for Community Consultation on  major issues.

                      · Raise profile of our community together with our neighbouring communities.

                      ·  Be committed and participatory member of the Council.  

Brief Background:

A.         Professional

                    ·  Working with Atomic Energy of Canada since 1981 and with Chalk River Laboratories since 1986.

                    ·  Previously worked with Acres Consulting Ltd., Niagara Falls since migrating to Canada in 1974.

                      ·  Graduated in 1962 as Civil Engineer from Royal College, Nairobi, Kenya.

                      ·  Professional Engineer, Ontario

                      ·  Chartered Member of Institution of Civil Engineers, U.K.

                    ·  Chartered Member of Institution of Water and Environment Management, U.K.

B.         Family & Entrepreneurship ·      

          Entrepreneur: have helped wife to run retail businesses in Hamilton & Petawawa     as well as real estate property.   Have Knowledge of Municipal taxes.

                      ·  Married with two children.   Both Honour graduates of Mackenzie High School, Deep River

                        ·  Wife : Jackie Shah, Married since 1967 (33 years)C.       Social work

                        ·  Currently serving on the Deep River Police Service Board (1994 to Present)

                      ·  Participated in two workshops on Outreach Program for Multicultural  Communities (1993) organized by The North Renfrew Social & Health Committee.

                      ·  Nominated & Participated In Deep River Community Liaison Group for Port Hope  Waste Disposal”“ 2 times (1990 & 1992)

                      ·  Trustee, Deep River Hospital Board (1991-1992)                                  

                      ·  Participated in Deep River Economic Development as well as Tourist  Development Committee (1987-1989).  

                        ·  Member of the “Unity in Diversity” Group of Deep River.

                      ·  Earlier participated as a Member of the Social Development Committee of the Social Planning Council of Peel   (1982)  

                      ·  Member and President (2 Years) of United Nations Association of  Niagara Falls, Ontario   (1974- 1981)

                        ·  Member and President (1 Year) of Jain Society of Toronto (1974 to now).

Your Support & Vote for me will be appreciated

 

Municipal Election Experience

                                                                                                                      Nov. 11, 2000  

Municipal Election

Experience  

The recent experience of the Municipal election had been similar to that one experience when on a pilgrimage. The humility before individuals and masses is a pre-requisite in an election. This in itself is a plus as it brings in sharp view as how one purges the selfish streak from his/her psyche and concentrate on service to the community and thereby to the humanity.  I found that you get this unexplained realization that whether you win or lose you still are a winner in that you revitalize your spirit and become tuned with the forces of service and brotherhood.  I was on a roll meeting many of the Deep River citizens and seeing in their faces an expression of recognition, respect and support. I have walked many streets of the Town in the last few days and also have been on Hwy 17 & surroundings. I have to express my delight for having able to reach out and shake hands and share a story or two with many.  In the past I have walked the streets (as a tourist) of Toronto, Montreal, London, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Amsterdam, Nairobi, Bombay, Colombo, Georgetown and others. But the thrill I have had walking streets (in the evening cold air of November) of my jewel of a Town (Deep River) really cannot be compared with any that I had at other places. This is my Town and my Canadian roots are here though earlier Niagara Falls would have challenged that. My kids have grown here though Niagara Falls would take credit for their birth.  I saw first hand the mode of living in our community and wide variety of issues. Also, it was apparent that by and large we are becoming a sort of “Empty Nest” community. For many of us our principal home is our main capital asset. If the property value of our homes does not keep pace with general Canadian growth, one day we (especially those of us who may have joined the Senior”™s Club) may not match income with our needs. The growth of Deep River is a necessity and requires attending to. How? There seems to be no simple answers.  Well, our future is still very much tied to AECL and it is important that AECL (together with NRC) be successful in securing the proposed CNF development as well as other Commercial and Research work. The Town, as in the past, should continue to be supporting what AECL is embarking on. We also need to work together and explore the Hi-Tech and other sectors for diversification.  The election campaign has brought me closer to many issues that we in the Town have. With public participation and involvement, I am sure that we can have a progressive community. I have learnt that public input is critical for maintaining our life style and also helping to diversify our economic base and generate ideas for our future growth.  Win or lose, I have won in that I participated and actually experienced humility and ability to relate to many of you and the issues that are of concern to all of us. My gratitude and appreciation to all.  Pravin Shah

Deep River Council Election -2000

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Oct. 27th 2000                          

Letter to Editor

North Renfrew Times

Deep River, Ontario

K0J 1P0

   

       Election Sign Pilfering

 

 It is interesting to feel the first jab at democracy.  The unexpected has happened.  I noted that  my election sign (at the corner of McDonald St and Ridge Road) has disappeared in the dark of the night. The sign was there on Wednesday (Oct. 25th) night letting my message out softly. Then, someone became fond of it and took it. I hope, whoever took it, took it for future historical value. If that”™s the case, then I will feel elated.

 However, if it was a prank (for Halloween warm up!) or for other reason, I would be rather sad. In fact many people in town would be upset. This is much early before Halloween night and also from the election date. Whoever took the sign for prank or other devious reason; I would request    you to return it to its place.   You will have my appreciation.

 There is a lot of effort, hard work, learning and faith goes on when people participate in democracy. We need to work together, respect people”™s rights and be inclusive of all segments of society.  

 Town Police has been alerted of this incident.

 Pravin Shah