News Headlines / February 9, 2007

More volunteers helping with community policing   Centretown’s community police centre has increased the number of its volunteers to stretch office hours and provide more personal service to residents.   Mayor's housing plan needs work, critics say   Low-income families may be able to buy affordable housing directly from the city if Mayor Larry O’Brien’s ideas are adopted, but housing experts say his proposal for the city to guarantee loans could pose a stumbling block.   Students laud homework scheme   The life of a typical high school student involves a lot of stress these days. Grade 9 students struggle to adapt to the transition into high school, as Grade 12 students strive for high grades to apply to post-secondary institutions.   OHS response to report lacks action, say critics   The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) has failed to deliver its promised action plan in response to a report into its behaviour assessment procedures, say Simone Powell and Beth Greenhorn from the Reform the OHS campaign.   ESL students need more support: trustee   Regardless of continuous deficits facing the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Centretown’s new trustee wants to create more programs and services for immigrant and refugee students.   Spring renewal planned for Sparks St. Mall   Renovations on Sparks Street to tear down the six green pavilions will take place by the end of April and debate about turning the pedestrian street into a regular street with traffic is ongoing. Additionally, signs will go up in the middle of all intersections to guide visitors to specific businesses in the area.   Cuts may hurt accessibility   Ottawa is trying to become more accessible to its disabled residents but there are obstacles still ahead.   Provincial hopefuls throw hat in ring   The race is on between provincial candidates of all party stripes who say they want to win Ottawa Centre back from the Liberals in this fall’s provincial election.   Briefly . . .   Guirguis election complaint unresolved . . . Concert hall needs longer funding deadline