Capital Ward Bulletin: Consultations, Construction and Carleton Basketball!
Carleton—the University of Champions
Photo credit: the City of Ottawa
It was my pleasure to share in the celebration of the Carleton University Men’s and Women’s basketball teams who both won Canadian University Championships last month. It was the Men’s 18th championship and their 11th in the last 12 years, and it was the women’s second championship, their first one coming back in 2018. It’s also the first time since 1985 that a school won both titles in the same year!
Carleton basketball—the greatest current dynasty in North American sports—makes its home right here in Capital Ward.
New Main Bus Shelter
To serve the needs of residents, we are always looking for ways to make transit more useful and more comfortable…and that includes when you’re waiting for a bus. In recent months, we’ve been working with staff to get a new bus shelter placed on Main Street near Oblats, and I’m happy to say that this much-needed shelter is being installed this spring.
Lansdowne Aberdeen Square—Public Realm Improvements
Over the years, our office has advocated for improvements to Lansdowne Park and Aberdeen Square to make if a more welcoming place for people. And when the city has done public consultations, that same request has been made by the community. Residents have consistently asked for seating areas, tables and shade.
The City of Ottawa has taken the feedback to develop a plan to improve the Aberdeen Square public realm, one that would meet the public expectations, as well as the market’s flexibility requirements. The idea is to introduce comfortable and friendly moveable furnishing, such benches, picnic tables, sunshades and planters, to promote a welcoming atmosphere and revive the public realm.
The natural wood log benches and picnic tables will create opportunities for gathering, eating, play and enjoy the place. The benches are to be located near the trees for shade, creating more intimate spaces within the square. Some benches come with back rests and armrests for universal accessibility and comfort. The natural wood furnishing is made of upcycled FSC hardwood. Its wood log format makes them easy to be moved and not easily damaged. Each table will have one umbrella. Planters with seasonal grasses are introduced to create a green effect at ground level and will enhance the vegetation presence within the square.
Since the furnishing characteristics allows it to be moved by a forklift, the furnishing will be relocated for the market days as well as on events/performances days. This adaptability to accommodate different uses will also enhance place identity.
You can visit engage.ottawa.ca for more information
Lansdowne Park 2.0 Update
The Lansdowne Project team has been preparing work to bring forward a final Funding Strategy and Business Case report forward to City Council for approval of the next steps. The city will also bring forward a re-zoning application should the final Funding Strategy and Business Case be approved by council. We do not agree with the current proposal for reasons we outline here and here.
The city will host a virtual public information and consultation session on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 6:00 pm. The topics for this session will include: the overall proposal, the funding strategy and business model, and the air rights process including the Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI). Staff will provide and presentation, and host a comment, question and answer period. Registration for the session will be hosted on the Engage Ottawa website.
Feel free to send any questions in advance of the public information session to [email protected]
Our office will also be holding consultations. We are planning a public event on Wednesday May 10 along with a corresponding survey. Details, along with other important information, can be found on our website at www.shawnmenard.ca/lansdowne.
Old Ottawa East Community Earth Day Event
Lady Evelyn School Council, Rainbow Kidschool and Sustainable Living Ottawa East (SLOE) are excited to announce an Earth Day Event on April 22 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Lady Evelyn Alternative School in the Lady Evelyn Alternative school yard, 63 Evelyn Avenue. (Event to be held inside the school in the event of inclement weather.)
Some of the fun things planned for the event:
- E-waste collection
- Bottle drive
- Eco Boutique
Swap Table - Bake Sale
- Yoga
- Plus, Games, Crafts and Activities for the kids!
*Please note that organizers are still looking for volunteers to make this event a success, so please reach out to Jayson MacLean, Chair, Sustainable Living Old Ottawa East at [email protected]. If you can lend a hand, big or small, it would be appreciated, as this is a fully volunteer-run event!
Bank Street Canal Bridge Update
Some final work remains on the surface of the Bank Street Canal Bridge, including expansion joint replacement, removal of existing asphalt on the bridge, new traffic loops, new asphalt and new pavement markings. Work is to begin in May, and is tentatively to be completed by the end of May to mid-June, with a duration 3-4 weeks.
There will be some day work, but staff will maintain one lane in each direction. This work will impact traffic. Remaining work will include expansion joint replacement, removal of existing asphalt on the bridge, new traffic loops, new asphalt and new pavement markings.
Night work is scheduled for May 1 to May 5, from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am, to install the expansion joint, as well as for May 22 to May 25 to mill and pave the bridge.
As part of the final touches, lines will be re-painted, and staff will be reviewing the lane transitions leading onto and exiting the bridge, to ensure everything is as clear as possible for motorists.
Your Capital Ward
Photo by Rianne Mahon
If you have a photo you’d like to share in an upcoming bulletin, please send it to [email protected], with the subject line Your Capital Ward. Please give us your name for attribution…or tell us if you’d rather not have your name shared.
Ecology Ottawa Earth Day Events
Earth Week Film screening: Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees at the ByTowne Cinema on April 20 at 6 p.m.
This documentary follows Diana Beresford-Kroeger as she investigates our profound biological and spiritual connection to forests, and the trees that are literally the lifeline to our planet and the key to reversing climate change. We are inviting Ottawans to be together with community to explore how we can take action locally to reforest Ottawa, fight climate change, and protect nature in our city. Tickets are now available, by donation or free, and the screening will be followed by a reception. We would love to welcome you to the film and reception. Let me know if you would like me to put tickets aside for you.
The OTTAWA sign goes green for Earth Day
We will be lighting up the OTTAWA sign in Byward Market green on April 20 - Earth Day! Go down to Byward Market and take a photo and share it on April 20. Tag @ecologyottawa and we will be amplifying posts and creating reels afterwards with all of the photos.
ReImagine Ottawa Workshop
ReImagine Ottawa is hosting a facilitated workshop aimed at creating an inclusive, green and healthy city by minimizing developer influence in planning decisions. The workshop will be at Quaker Meeting House, 91A Fourth Avenue, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. To register, email Richard Moon at [email protected] or call (613) 808-9719.
Spring Freshet Update
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee is indicating that water levels are currently expected to remain well below historical flood levels on the main stem of the Ottawa River. We are seeing, however, flood forecasts approaching 1 in 10-year return periods, indicating an onset of flooding slightly beyond “normal” (i.e., 1 in 2-year or 1 in 5-year events).
No flood warnings or watches remain in effect for the Rideau River within the City of Ottawa.
The city has escalated its posture to “Enhanced Operations” and has mobilized the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). This means that the city’s flood preparedness and response work will shift to the Emergency and Protective Services Department, with on-going support from the Public Works Department.
In addition to residential flooding, the EOC is working with the city’s Infrastructure and Water Services Department (IWSD) to monitor for potential impacts to city critical infrastructure. At this time, IWSD is prepared to implement mitigation measures, if required, but that threshold has not been met and there are no concerns to report related to IWSD assets.
Please note that the city has noticed a broad range of flood assessments being shared by residents and organized groups on social media. In some cases, they are indicating that the flood levels will mirror those from 2019. We want to highlight here that these assessments do not match what is being shared by the Conservation Authorities. The city is continuing to monitor flood levels very closely and will provide you with accurate forecasts.
Residents can join the City of Ottawa’s Spring Flood 2023 Facebook group to access information for those affected by spring flooding or anyone who wishes to keep up to date with any developments.
Residents can also visit ottawa.ca/springflooding to get valuable information such as current conditions, any road, pathway or park closures, planning and prevention tips, and sandbag depot locations.
Heron Park Community Building
The City of Ottawa is looking for your feedback on the design for the replacement of the Heron Park Fieldhouse in Ward 17. The objective of this project is to complete a design that will meet community needs now and in the future.
The current building supports an outdoor rink, sports field, and wading pool, along with limited community programs and use. The proposed design is intended to support the recreational use of the amenities in the park. The fieldhouse design will include multi-purpose room(s), washroom(s) (barrier-free), a kitchenette, storage, and mechanical room.
Project Timing
Public Meeting: Late Spring 2023
Design Completion: Fall 2023
Demolition: Fall 2023 (Tentative)
Children and Youth in Ottawa can Play Free this Year
Beginning Saturday, April 15, children and youth of Ottawa can participate in Play Free—a lineup of free drop-in activities that includes gym sports, swimming, museums and skating.
Earlier this year, Ottawa City Council approved an initiative to offer a selection free drop-in programming for children and youth, aged 17 and under, in order to make recreation and cultural programming more affordable and accessible for everyone. With the introduction of these free programs, more children and youth can participate in City programs and realize the associated health and social benefits of these activities.
Gym Sports
From April 15 to June 25, there will be free sport drop-in sessions for children and youth. Drop-in sports will vary by location and include basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, skateboarding, roller skating and Kindergym. View the schedule of drop-in sports at your local recreation facility on ottawa.ca.
Swim Saturdays
From June 3 to December 30, there will be free drop-in swimming sessions on Saturdays for children and youth. Fees still apply for wave swims. View a list of recreation and community centres with pools on ottawa.ca.
Museums
From June 24 to September 3, there will be free daily admission for children and youth to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum and Billings Estate National Historic Site. There will also be free drop-in activities for children at Billings Estate from Friday, July 7 to Friday, September 1. View more information about museums and historic sites on ottawa.ca.
Skate
From September 16 to December 23, public and family skating sessions will be free for children and youth. View a list of facilities that offer skating on ottawa.ca.
Youth Weight and Cardio Memberships
From July 1 to August 31, as part of a new partnership, the City will launch a free weight and cardio summer membership for youth at select City facilities.
Every child should have the opportunity to participate in recreation and cultural activities. Play Free is an initiative to reduce financial barriers to participation. The City of Ottawa also offers financial support through the Ottawa Hand in Hand participant subsidy program. Visit ottawa.ca for more information.
Nominations are now being accepted for the annual Bruce Timmermans Cycling Awards
Do you know someone or an organization who has been a local champion for cycling in our city? The City of Ottawa is once again accepting nominations for the Bruce Timmermans cycling awards! Two awards will be presented in June to recognize outstanding contributions to cycling in Ottawa.
EnviroCentre is coordinating the 2023 awards. All nominations are treated as confidential, the deadline for submissions is April 28, 2023. Click here to nominate an individual or organization you believe deserves recognition!
More information about the Bruce Timmermans awards and a list of past winners can be found on the City’s website, here.
Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event—Sunday, April 23
The City of Ottawa is hosting the first Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event of the year on Sunday, April 23 at the RCGT Stadium, 300 Coventry Road. Residents are welcome to bring their hazardous materials to the event between 8 am and 4 pm.
Of course, you don’t have to wait; the City’s Waste Explorer points to retailers where residents can return many items daily!
Please note that electronic waste is not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events hosted by the City. Residents can bring electronic waste to retailers by checking Ottawa.ca/WasteExplorer. They can also attend electronic waste drop-off events hosted by Junk That Funk or bring electronic waste to the Trail Road Landfill Facility at no cost.
Greenfield Avenue, Main Street, Hawthorne Avenue et al. Reconstruction Project
As part of the Greenfield Avenue, Main Street, Hawthorne Avenue et al. reconstruction project, a full road closure of Echo Drive from 300-metres south of Graham Avenue to the Graham Avenue/Echo Drive intersection and on Greenfield Avenue between addresses 60 and 80 (‘Old Greenfield’) is required to accommodate the installation of underground infrastructure. The road closure is for the safety of residents and workers as there is limited area to accommodate the open cut excavation and necessary labour, materials and equipment.
The road closures will be in place starting Monday, April 17 until Friday, October 27, 2023. The closure dates may be modified as needed, for example, if weather affects the schedule or if conditions change.
For more information about the project, visit ottawa.ca/gmhreconstruction
Everything You Need to Know About Electric Vehicles
Thursday, April 20 (French)
Thursday, April 27 (English)
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Zoom
Electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve our air quality and are cheaper to operate and maintain. Learn more about the fast-moving world of electric vehicles with the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa. Find out what it’s like to drive an electric vehicle, where to charge, winter driving, what’s new in 2023 and answers to some of your great questions.
If you’ve been thinking about getting an electric vehicle this is the event for you.
Register for the French session
Register for the English session
Participants will receive a Zoom link when registering. If you require accommodations to participate, please let us know when registering.
A joint initiative from the Planning, Real Estate & Economic Development Department and Public Works Department: I'm Reducing Food Waste
Tuesday, April 25
6:30 pm to 7:45 pm
Zoom
It’s time to move away from the limp vegetables and forgotten leftovers at the bottom of your fridge, they’re a thing from the past! From your grocery list to your storing and cooking habits, discover all the easy tricks you can use to waste as little as possible.
This participatory workshop gives everyone the opportunity to share their positive successes, while offering the keys to understanding how to reduce food waste, one step at a time.
This workshop will be in English but questions and answers in French will also be possible.
Concentrated Sweeping Operations
The City completes concentrated street sweeping operations in neighbourhoods that support continuous on-street parking year-round, in addition to the standard city-wide spring sweeping that takes place for four to six weeks.
The concentrated street sweeping area includes the downtown core, Vanier, New Edinburgh, Sandy Hill, Glebe, Centretown, West Centretown, ByWard Market, Lowertown, Old Ottawa East, Old Ottawa South and Overbrook.
Concentrated street sweeping will take place during daytime hours between 7 am and 7 pm. Please find attached maps of the “concentrated” street sweeping area with dates and locations that affect each Ward.
During concentrated street sweeping, motorists parking in the affected areas should pay special attention as parking restrictions will be in effect to enable City crews to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Temporary “no parking” signs will be posted prominently in these areas. Vehicles parked where temporary “no-parking” signs are posted will be ticketed and towed to nearby streets. Parking restrictions apply to all vehicles, including those with on-street parking permits.
Residents who are unable to locate their vehicle after our street sweeping operations are completed may call 3-1-1 for information on the location of their towed vehicle.
In areas where there is a sidewalk, City sidewalk sweepers will work alongside sweeper trucks to clean the area. Sidewalk sweepers will push dirt and debris from the sidewalks onto the roads where it will be collected, along with the street debris. A vacuum truck or mechanical sweeper will pick up the majority of grit, debris, small particles and dust. This operation might be repeated several times to ensure a clean surface. If vehicles are parked on the street, the un-swept area is noted, and crews must then return to sweep that portion. Resident patience and co-operation to keep vehicles off the streets during this period is appreciated.
As in previous years, a communication campaign promoting the concentrated spring street sweeping operations will include Councillor communications and web and social media updates. In addition, the street sweeping page on the City of Ottawa’s website includes information about the concentrated sweeping operations and the temporary parking restrictions.
