WHEREAS READY 2000, the Regional Emergency Advisory Directorate on Year 2000, is a private-public partnership working together sharing information and solutions so that our communities can continue to have safe, reliable service through January 1, 2000 and beyond;

AND WHEREAS READY 2000 consists of essential and emergency providers, area municipalities, local utilities and agencies and organizations that have developed a region-wide YEAR 2000 emergency plan by sharing and exchanging information, co-ordinating messages to citizens, sharing contingency plans and assisting and co-ordinating action plans;

AND WHEREAS little or no service disruption is expected because of the steps we are taking, however, as a precaution, emergency preparedness plans are being developed;

AND WHEREAS the Region of Ottawa-Carleton wishes to encourage citizens to take steps to prepare prudent emergency plans for their families and their businesses as a precaution and to encourage residents to help others on a neighbourhood basis to cope with their situations;

AND WHEREAS READY 2000 is hosting READY 2000 days focusing on individual and family preparedness through three community forums on 2 November at Gloucester High School, 9 November at St. Pius High School and 16 November at Bell High School;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Region of Ottawa-Carleton endorse the messages of READY 2000 to Be Ready and to Be Safe.

WHEREAS RMOC staff were directed to continue participation in the appeal of the City of Ottawa’s zoning by-law to protect the Regional interest in ensuring the implementation of the Regional Official Plan, with particular respect to Item # 1 of the CCOC appeal, to the Ontario Municipal Board; and

WHEREAS this motion, carried at Council on July 14^th, 1999, is ambiguous in its direction to staff and unclear in its definition of continued participation by the Region; and

WHEREAS there had been extensive public participation in the development of these provisions of the by-law at the City of Ottawa level, particularly by the three affected communities of Hintonburg, Dalhousie and Sandy Hill; and

WHEREAS public participation in this matter at the Regional level was thwarted, allowing no opportunity for residents of these communities to speak to this matter affecting them;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Commissioner’s delegated authority pertaining to financial expenditures for continued participation in this matter be removed and referred back to Planning and Environment Committee to allow for approval and full public participation and discussion.