Our office passed and supported motions for neighourbourhood-level monitoring of tree canopy and smaller parkland access (thanks to the GCA for the partnership on this), reviewing the need for the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor, improved GHG reporting, implementing the principle of healthy streets, minor corridors to be developed at a human scale (four storeys), while passing a motion targeting increased intensification in the suburban areas to achieve 15 minute communities, instead of just within the greenbelt.
We brought a motion bolstering the use of site plan control for low-rise developments in Capital Ward and directed staff to improve work on zoning and property standards around colleges and universities.
I was not happy with everything in the plan; in fact, I voted against the urban boundary expansion and some other aspects. The work that residents have put into analyzing the Official Plan has certainly helped improve it and, by extension, improve the future of our city.
Civic Hospital Parking Garage Consultation
Last month, city council approved the Master Plan for the new Civic Hospital to be built in the Experimental Farm and Queen Juliana Park. We opposed this because the plan failed to mitigate several concerns we raised. As the next step in this process, The Ottawa Hospital has put in its application to build the 2500 spot four-storey parking garage (similar to the Ottawa airport) on Queen Juliana Park.
You can view the planning application here: devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D07-12-21-0159/details
If you are interested in this project, the city will be hosting a public consultation over Zoom on Wednesday, November 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. You can RSVP here: www.shawnmenard.ca/ottawahospitalinfo
The city will also be holding a planning committee meeting on the topic in the new year where residents can make delegations.
The NCC is also responsible for reviewing these plans.
Currently, we believe this will be considered at the January 20 NCC Board Meeting. The NCC could issue a condition that they also come back in May of 2022 for final approval.
What the City Budget Means for Capital Ward
It’s budget time at City Hall. We’ve seen a process that doesn’t allow for sufficient incorporation of city-wide public suggestions at budget time, and despite staff studying ideas like participatory budgeting at our urging, few changes have been made.
We have worked extensively with city staff to ensure the advancement of projects in Capital Ward for next year. The projects included in the budget are:
- We are funding the new Heron Park Community Building to replace the fieldhouse on Clover
- Bank Street Canal Bridge Reconstruction to 3 vehicle lanes, with bike lanes and pedestrian safety prioritized
- Bank Street from Riverside to Walkley road, sewer and water work with extensive safety improvements
- There is funding for a full re-design of Bronson Avenue, which we have been pushing hard for
- Greenfield-Main-Hawthorne road, sewer and water work and significant safety advancements
- Confederation Heights Bridge rehabilitation
- New sidewalk on Cecil Avenue
- Greystone Village Grand Allée and Forecourt Park funding
For a full list, please visit our website: www.shawnmenard.ca/2022Budget.
Lycée and Frobisher Repaving
Within the budget, we have positive news about the re-paving of Lycée and Frobisher, close to Riverside Drive. We know that the roads have needed re-paving for quite a while now, and we fought hard to ensure that this work has been budgeted for and is scheduled to happen in 2022.
Belmont-Fairbairn-Willard-Bellwood Project Update
We also have news on the ongoing work on Belmont, Fairbairn, Willard and Bellwood in Old Ottawa South. Paving should be completed by the end of November. Further traffic calming measures, as well as plantings and permanent pavement markings, will be done in the spring 2022, as they are challenging to implement in cold weather. Doing this work in the spring will ensure higher quality results. There will be temporary pavement markings until the work is completed next year.
Permanent traffic calming elements will include multiple raised crosswalks on Willard (at Sunnyside and at Belmont), Fairbairn (at Sunnyside and at Belmont), Bellwood (at Bank and at Riverdale) and Belmont (at Bank and at Riverdale. There will also be a fully-raised intersection at Belmont and Bellwood. We will also see narrowed intersections on these streets, as well as mid-block narrowings and speed humps on all four streets. These measures will help keep our community and kids safe.
Grove and Grosvenor News
The City of Ottawa is undertaking the design for the renewal of the infrastructure on Grove Avenue and Grosvenor Avenue. The proposed work consists of the renewal of the sewers, watermains, roadways and sidewalks. The existing watermain, sanitary sewer and road infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to continue to provide the required level of service.
While design work for this project remains ongoing, construction has been delayed and is expected to commence in 2023 pending approvals, including budget and overall construction coordination. The timing for the project will be confirmed closer to construction.
New Pedestrian Bridge and Rideau River Path Detour
A stretch of the Rideau River Multi-Use Path (MUP) is closed between Bank and Heron to facilitate work relating to the LRT and the construction of a footbridge between Carleton University and Vincent Massey Park. There will be a soft closure near the Bronson underpass, with a hard closure at the location of the new pedestrian bridge across from Carleton. We know this is an important route for many residents, so we have secured a safe, protected detour implemented on Riverside Drive for pedestrians and bicyclists which will be plowed this winter.
We expect the detour to remain in place until the end of April 2022.
Ongoing Infrastructure Projects
Wondering about other infrastructure projects in the ward? You can check out a full list on our new infrastructure projects webpage.
Bank Street in the Glebe Height and Character Study and Secondary Plan
The Bank Street in the Glebe Height and Character Study and Secondary Plan will be presented to the city’s Planning Committee on Thursday, November 25 at 9:30 am.
You can watch the meeting on the city’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUR3i_hvk3-3i8vtrPg6v1Q
If you wish to speak at the meeting, please the Committee Coordinator, Eric Pelot, directly at (613) 580-2424, x22953 or [email protected].
LRT
Slowly, we’re starting to see trains run again on the Confederation Line. This is certainly good news, and I hope that we’re able to get a full slate of trains running and find a way to keep these problems from happening again in the future.
Unfortunately, city council has decided that we shouldn’t do all we can to get to the bottom of the myriad problems with the procurement, construction and maintenance of LRT.
Last week, Councillor McKenney brought a second motion back to city council to pursue a judicial inquiry into the decision making. It was voted down 13 to 10, a sad decision that avoids accountability and shutters the transparency and accountability we are owed.
Despite this outcome, we will keep fighting for more transparency and better decision-making related to LRT.
Brewer Park Shoreline Rehabilitation Work
As part of the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension project, Brewer Park is getting an upgrade to the shoreline that will benefit aquatic life and the community.
Construction crews will carve out a horseshoe-shaped section of land at Brewer Park to create an inlet and a small island, or embayment. This inlet will help offset the impacted shoreline at the site of the Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge, while helping to manage the flow of the river, mitigate flooding and create additional aquatic habitats. Stumps and roots of trees required to be removed for the installation of the Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge will be strategically placed in the river in order to create an improved aquatic habitat.
Work will begin on November 29 to December 23. This schedule may be subject to changes.
Construction of the abutments for the Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge encroach on the river’s path, requiring a compensation plan for loss of shoreline while supporting habitat management and river flow correction.
Construction noise is expected to not exceed 85 decibels at the work site of the activity and to reduce to 56 decibels at 30 meters from the work site of the activity. Private and/or commercial properties adjacent to the work site will experience mild to moderate construction noise.
If you have questions about this work, please contact the City’s representative:
Michael Brossoit, [email protected]
What Happens to my Garbage?
Ever wonder about how the city takes care of your garbage? Well, just take a look at this video to find out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZvKmibGvkM
French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdwiW0YZrg
Heron Park Community Building Survey
For years, Heron Park has needed a new fieldhouse. This would serve the needs of park users and of the Heron Park community, as a whole. We’re happy to say that plans for a new community building are proceeding, and the city wants to hear what you would like to see for this new structure.
You can let them know by filling out this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6WLXJHG
We’re very excited to see this project move forward.
Glebe Annex Pollinator Garden
It’s great to see the new pollinator garden come to life in the Glebe Annex. This project was spearheaded by the Glebe Annex Community Association and community members, and we were more than happy to support it with some funds from our ward’s cash-in-lieu-of-parkland funds, but the community association was able to secure most of the funding through a grant program. It was a lot of work, and we’re very appreciative of everyone’s efforts. This is a great example of the tangible improvements that community associations make to daily life in Capital Ward.
The pollinator garden is located in Dalhousie South Park on Bell Street. Drop by and check it out!
New Pedestrian Crossovers
This fall, we have secured approval for three new pedestrian crossovers (PXO) in Capital Ward. PXOs are official crosswalks that give pedestrians the right-of-way to cross the street. They are most appropriate in locations where stop signs aren’t warranted, such as mid-block crossings and quiet streets.
PXOs will be going in at the corner of Seneca and Cameron (connecting to Brewer Park) in Old Ottawa South, Adelaide and Holmwood (connecting to Lansdowne) in the Glebe and Bell and Henry (connecting to Dalhousie South Park) in the Glebe Annex. At the time of writing, we are starting to see them put in.
New Stop Signs Installed
This fall, we were able to get two new stop signs installed in the ward. One is located on Chesley Street at Harvard Avenue in Old Ottawa South, and the other on Chestnut Street at Evelyn Avenue in Old Ottawa East. These intersection changes have been needed in their respective community for years.
New Crossing Guards
I’m happy to report that we’ve been able to secure two more adult crossing guards for schools in the Glebe, out of only eight new positions added city wide. First, we will see a crossing guard assigned to the mid-block crossing on Fourth Avenue between Lyon and Percy. This crossing is an important one for children at Mutchmor and Corpus Christi.
We will also see a second crossing guard assigned to the intersection of Bank and Fifth. We pushed the city in 2019 for an initial crossing guard there, and it’s been a tremendous benefit for everyone crossing in the morning and afternoon. However, they can only handle one side of the street at a time. Currently, they are assigned to the northwest corner (by the Papery) and help people in the north and west crosswalks. Now, we will have someone stationed to give coverage to all four crosswalks.
Assuming the hiring process goes smoothly, we expect the new crossing guards to start in a few weeks, and they will be there for the morning and afternoon school runs.
Staff are not done reviewing cross walks. They still have approximately 20 to review city-wide, including a number in Capital Ward and at Bank and Belmont in Old Ottawa South this week.
Hop! The Walk-to-School App
Speaking of walking to school, EnviroCentre and Ottawa Student Transportation Authority will be launching a new app that encourages children to walk to school.
Hop! is a bilingual progressive web-based app that makes the walk to school more fun through interactive features. App users can track kilometers travelled while being motivated by engaging illustrations, group challenges, and milestones.
Hop! allows children to see the positive impact walking has on the environment by telling them how many greenhouse gas emissions they avert by walking instead of driving. The app’s motivational features help children to choose walking first, which reduces cars on the road and improves school zone safety.
Download Hop! to start celebrating children’s steps to school at 123hop.ca
Confederation Heights Master Plan: Realize the Potential
Canada Lands Company, and Public Services and Procurement Canada invite you to the introductory public meeting to begin preparing a master plan for Confederation Heights:
November 23, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
or
November 25, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
The same information will be shared at both meetings.
For more information and to register: www.engage.clc-sic.ca/realize-the-potential
Lansdowne Farmers’ Market Update
It’s getting colder, so the outdoor season of the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market is coming to a close, but don’t worry; the market keeps going! It’s moving indoors to the Aberdeen Pavilion every Sunday in November and December.
Ottawa Christmas Market
Also at Lansdowne, the Ottawa Christmas Market is returning to Aberdeen Square this year. Starting November 26 and running to December 22, the Christmas Market offers vendors, holiday lighting, food and beverages, and special events. Come and enjoy the holiday season.
Lansdowne Boreholes
Starting last month, boreholes were being drilled at Lansdowne Park. These boreholes are being used to obtain soil samples and ground water reading. This is for investigative purposes and is a part of the city’s current review of Lansdowne Park and the north side stands.
Currently, there is clean soil on the surface level of the berm, with a geotextile layer protecting the surface from the contaminated soil underneath. There are precise directions for how testing needs to take place here. The clean soil will be hand-dug down to the geotextile layer, which will then need to be cut and opened to allow for drilling.
Soil cuttings generated during the drilling will be collected in drums for testing and then disposed of off-site. Once the drilling is complete, the geotextile will be patched, and the clean soil cap reinstated.
Blasting at 275 Carling Construction Site
Over the past couple of weeks, we have been hearing some concerns from residents about the blasting at the construction site at 275 Carling (“The Clemow” development). Construction noise—from blasting, pounding, vehicles or other sources—is always a reality in our ward, but the blasts seemed to affect blocks through the Glebe Annex, Dow’s Lake and the Glebe. I was on site this week to witness the blasting process and experience the vibrations personally.
We have been working with city staff and the developer to try to improve communication with the community so they understand what is happening, monitor the site to ensure all municipal and provincial regulations are being followed, and find any possible mitigation measures we can implement.
We have begun to see some improvements, but the blasting is scheduled to continue until February 2022.
City staff have provided an FAQ document on the blasting, providing key contacts and details on what the community can expect. We have posted this on our website, and you can find it here: www.shawnmenard.ca/275Carling. As we receive more information from the city, we will update that page.
Vibrations on Greenfield
Last week, I met with residents, and with staff from OC Transpo and the city to address the issue of vibrations emanating from heavy traffic on Greenfield. The problem is specifically related to buses and heavy vehicles speeding over cracks and uneven sections of the road. We were able to feel and hear the significant effects of these vibrations, and we are working with staff to mitigate them.
In the long-run, the re-construction of Greenfield as part of the Greenfield-Main-Hawthorne should address the vibration issues, as the road should be smoother and is being re-designed to slow down traffic. That project starts next year, but it will take multiple years to complete.
In the meantime, we are implementing a number of measures to mitigate the vibrations that residents are experiencing, including:
- Recently, we gained council approval to lower the speed limit to 30 km/h. Slower speeds will lead to fewer vibrations.
- OC Transpo has agreed to enforce the 30 km/h limit with their drivers.
- Vibration monitors are being implemented in nearby homes to measure the degree of the vibrations.
- Public Works will be inspecting the street to fill any cracks or potholes that cause bumps and vibrations.
- We are working with staff to pay for a new speedboard on Greenfield to help slow down traffic.
This is a multi-pronged issue, and it will take a number of measures to mitigate the vibrations.
Glen Avenue Patio
As part of the city’s pandemic response program this summer, our office worked with city staff and Oat Couture to set up a temporary patio on Glen Avenue for this year. It was a public patio maintained by Oat Couture, and was situated in the roadway at the intersection of Glen and Bank. To make the patio work, Glen was closed at Bank and converted to a two-way street.
The city’s official patio season is now over. We know the patio was enjoyed by many, and that there were some issues to mitigate (including deliveries and google maps) with residents. We thank everyone who worked with our office to make this project a success.
The city program that allowed this patio was only in place for the 2021 patio season to help businesses bounce back from the pandemic.
Hydro Safety
Ottawa Hydro has launched its Know Safety, No Accidents safety campaign. Don’t know what to do when you see downed power lines? Wondering if it’s safe to dig up your yard? For answers to those and other hydro safety questions, visit their website, www.hydroottawa.com/knowsafety.
OPL’s Sunnyside Branch Will be Closed December 8 to December 10 for Maintenance and Improvement
The Sunnyside branch of Ottawa Public Library (1049 Bank) will be closed from Wednesday, December 8 until Friday, December 10 inclusively, while the heating unit is replaced. Curbside services will not be available during this time as staff cannot be in the building. The book return will remain open and holds will be extended.
The Sunnyside branch will reopen Saturday, December 11 at 10:00 am.
The closest alternative OPL locations available for library services are:
Although the branch will be closed during this time, online services are always available at https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en.
Please check the OPL website for information about hours and location.
For the latest updates about current service levels at OPL, please visit our website biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/current-branch-services.
2021 Enumeration of People Experiencing Homelessness
As part of the Province’s efforts to end chronic homelessness by 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Housing has introduced a requirement, through an amendment to the Housing Services Act, 2011, for Municipal Service Managers (MSMs) to conduct local enumeration of people experiencing homelessness, commencing in 2018 and every two years thereafter. This initiative is also mandated by the federal government as part of its homelessness funding to the City through the Reaching Home Program. Regular enumeration of homelessness will help us better understand the scope and nature of homelessness in our community, track progress and trends as well as inform current and future policy and program design.
The City of Ottawa conducted its inaugural (Point-in-Time) PiT Count in April of 2018, which provided invaluable baseline information related to the state of homelessness in our city. Working in collaboration with 59 partner agencies, 200 surveyors at 118 enumeration sites, 1,400 people experiencing homelessness were surveyed. Please see Infographic attached for an overview of the 2018 PiT Count.
In March 2020, Ottawa’s 2020 PiT Count was postponed until the Fall of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of the 2021 PiT Count will include COVID-19 considerations as recommended by Ottawa Public Health to reduce the risk to participants and surveyors. To date, the 2021 PiT Count has been implemented in several communities across the province without incident.
Ottawa Public Health launches annual influenza vaccine campaign
Appointment booking is open for flu vaccinations at Ottawa Public Health (OPH) community vaccine clinics for parents with children aged six months to two years old and their immediate families and for people experiencing barriers to getting the flu vaccine.
Residents can also receive their flu vaccine through their family doctor or local participating pharmacy. Ottawa Public Health is using a targeted approach for this season’s community flu vaccine clinics to accommodate the anticipated COVID-19 vaccination program for children aged five to 11 and the expansion of third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for some individuals.
New this flu season, individuals two years of age and older can visit participating pharmacies to receive their flu vaccine. Individuals aged six months and older may also receive their flu vaccine from their family doctor or nurse practitioner. Anyone aged six months and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario is eligible to receive the publicly funded flu vaccine at no cost.
For the 2021-2022 flu season, Ottawa Public Health will be offering flu vaccines by appointment for the following groups:
- Children aged six months to two years and their household members
-
Individuals experiencing barriers to getting the flu vaccine which include:
- Being a newcomer to Canada
- Having no Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card
- Having no primary care provider, such as a doctor or nurse, and those who have had difficulty accessing the vaccine at a pharmacy
Individuals in these groups can book their flu vaccine appointments starting October 25 at 10:00 am by visiting OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu, with appointments available starting November 2 at the four community clinics:
- Eva James Community Centre—65 Stonehaven Drive
- Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA, Orléans—265 Centrum Boulevard
- Minto Sports Complex at University of Ottawa—801 King Edward Avenue
- H. Putman Public School—2051 Bel-Air Drive
Ottawa Public Health cannot guarantee drop-in requests at its clinics for flu vaccine and it is recommended to book an appointment.
Flu vaccines will also be available at neighbourhood vaccination hubs for people who do not have a health care provider or do not have a health card. Individuals who have not received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are able to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. On September 28, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provided guidance that indicates that COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine.
