Freezing rain warning - This is the situation as I am writing this spring message...what I would not give for a few days of sunshine and warmth...sorry, I momentarily forgot that this message is not about me.
Greetings and welcome to the newcomers of Somerset Gardens.
New Cleaning Company - In January, we signed a one-year contract with Spot Cleaning Services Ltd. Welcome to Douglas, our new cleaner and man on the spot.
Painting - Expect to see a fresher look to the lobby at some point in the near future.
Filters - This year, we thought that we would offer a filter replacement service to any resident who asks for it. On occasion, we have received requests to fix a defective HVAC system in a unit only to find out that the problem was a very dirty filter. One service call to fix this problem costs roughly $450. By having an internal service for filter replacements, we could prevent HVAC problems and save some money at the same time. If you want your filters changed or have further questions, contact us at somersetgardens@live.com.
Garbage - Small bags of garbage, properly tied, can be discarded in the garbage chutes on each floor. Larger bags can be deposited directly in the large bin, in the garbage room on the west side of the building, on the ground-level parking lot. Your key to the building opens the door to this room. To dispose of special items, contact the city by phoning 311.
The city has a useful website, http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/garbage-and-recycling but the calendar for pick-ups does not apply to multi-residential buildings such as ours. Residents must make prior arrangements with the city or contact the property manager prior to dumping items anywhere outside of the proper bins.
Recycling - Paper and cardboard go into the yellow bin behind the building. Glass jars, plastic recyclables (no plastic bags), and metal cans go into the grey bin in the sheltered parking area on the church side of the building. Note that the locked garbage room is right across from this bin.
You can also help contribute to our bottle fund, which pays for social events and patio furniture, by bringing your empty beer, wine and spirit bottles to our blue boxes located near the elevators in the parking garage.
Noise, Smoke and Security - We seem to be doing well on these matters...in other words, few complaints.