CCOC NewsNotes: July 2015

In this issue...

• An update on resolutions passed at the 2015 AGM
• Please note the CCOC office will close for the Civic Holiday
• CCOC has a new Board president
• We're welcoming our newest staff member
• Important information about the upcoming federal election
• Some helpful summer tips
• Schedules to help you stay cool in a City wading pool
• We want you to follow us on Twitter
• Some exciting new additions to Victory Gardens
• Get involved! CCOC's committee meeting schedule

AGM Resolutions Update

1. Undertake a review of the availability and suitability of bike parking at all properties, 
2. Evaluate the feasibility for secure bike parking options at each property, and 
3. Report back to the membership at the 2016 AGM with recommendations to improve bike parking based on the evaluation.

1. CCOC supports safety and the principle of aging in place. CCOC also recognizes that our tenants are of all ages, abilities and circumstances, and that we have an obligation, within our capacity, to accommodate their accessibility needs to live independently as their abilities change. 
2. CCOC improve tenant awareness of its commitment and obligation to accommodate tenants’ accessibility needs.

Meet CCOC's New Board President

Introducing Josh Heymans

Summer Tips

• Keep windows closed and covered during the hottest part of the day. Open windows at night if the outside air has cooled down.
• Turn off lights, computers & monitors not in use. Avoid using the oven - use a microwave, the stove top or a toaster oven instead.
• Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to get rid of hot humid air.
• Use cool water compresses or a cool shower to lower body heat and drink plenty of fluids.
• Use a floor or ceiling fan instead of an air conditioner. Turn fans off when you leave the room. Fans cool people with a wind chill. They do not cool the air in rooms. 
• If you use an air conditioner, the most energy efficient temperature to set it to is 25 degrees Celcius. Shut it off when you are away for long periods. Close the doors of unused rooms to cut costs.

• If you sweep your balcony, use a dustpan to collect the dirt rather than sweeping it off the balcony onto tenants below you. 
• To keep pigeons from roosting on your balcony, keep it free of clutter, garbage and crumbs. 
• If you have hanging plant boxes or baskets on your balcony, make sure that they hang inside your railing so that if they fall, they don’t hurt anyone. When you water them, make sure that the water is not running onto the balcony below.

• Ottawa’s fire department does not allow gas and charcoal barbecues on balconies or wooden decks, but you can use an electric grill. 
• If you live on the ground floor and have a patio, your barbecue must be at least 10 feet away from the building. BBQ propane tanks must be stored outside at all times.

• If you are installing a window air conditioner, make sure that it is well supported and cannot fall and injure someone below.
• Drain it somewhere safe - not on people below or where it would cause damage. Most have a spot to attach a hose to drain the water into a bucket. Empty the bucket regularly.
• Shade the air conditioner from direct sunlight
• Change or clean the filter once a month. 
• Unplug the air conditioner and clean condenser coils with an old toothbrush once each summer.

• Never put cigarettes in planters or flowerpots. Potting soil catches fire easily! Planter box fires can smolder for several hours before bursting into flame. The only sign of trouble may be a thin trail of smoke and a slight odor. 
• Never throw cigarettes from a balcony.
• Don't drop lit cigarettes on the ground, whether on a roof deck, patio or the sidewalk outside.
• Keep lighters, matches and cigarettes in a place children can't reach them.

• With the warm weather more people have their windows open. Please be considerate of your neighbours when sitting outside on your balcony, deck or in your yard.
• If a neighbour or someone else in the building is making too much noise, discuss the problem with them to see if you can work it out. They may not be aware that they are being loud. If speaking to them does not solve the problem, call your Rental Officer.
• If the noise comes from the neighbourhood call the City of Ottawa to make a complaint at 311. 

• CCOC common areas (shared decks, yards, lobbies, etc.) are used by all tenants. Alcohol is not allowed in these areas.

Stay Cool in a City of Ottawa Wading Pool

New Accessible Planters and Bamboo Playground at Victory Gardens

CCOC Committee Meeting Schedule