The Official Plan—Public Consultation
We mentioned this in the last newsletter, but we want to remind you that the urban councillors will be hosting a public consultation on the Official Plan. This consultation will be held at City Hall on Monday June 24 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in Jean Piggott Hall. RSVP here.
The Public Spaces Talk
Come out to the Sunnyside Library to participate in this special program on Saturday July 6 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Public Spaces Talk program empowers participants to actively engage public spaces such as parks, streetscapes, parking lots, malls, markets and libraries, and expand the range of their potential community uses.
Each session will begin with a “talkshop”, where participants will learn about different ways people and institutions can make a place more engaging. The group will then go for a “walkshop” outside to discuss the connection between public spaces and the neighbourhood. We will then come back to the library, unpack our experiences, and do a collaborative brainstorm on the needs and possibility of our community.
You can register on their website.
Public Meeting for 291 Carling Avenue
Canada Lands Company is inviting the community to a public meeting to review their preferred development concept for 291 Carling Avenue. Drop-in sessions will be held at St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall at 523 St. Anthony Street on Tuesday June 25.
The first session will be from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The second session from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
This is an important project for the ward which will help shape the future of the Glebe Annex.
Wading Pools and Splash Pads
The city’s outdoor wading pools and splash pads will be opening in the last week of June and the first week of July. Windsor Park and Heron Park will open June 27, and Sylvia Holden Park and Brantwood Park will open July 2.
You can check the city’s website for the hours of the pools in Capital Ward and throughout the city.
Ward Boundary Review
City Council has approved a staff recommendation to undertake a Request for Proposals to retain an independent consultant to review the boundaries of Ottawa’s 23 wards. The ward boundary review process will include public consultation and research, followed by a final report with any proposed changes to the ward boundaries in time for the next municipal elections in 2022.
Party in the Park!
The Glebe Annex Community Association is hosting a party in Dalhousie South Park, 343 Bell Street South, on Saturday June 22. There’ll music, food, games, prizes and an art tent. Oh, and you can meet Sparky, the Ottawa Fury’s mascot!
Transit Fare Freeze
Earlier this year, I seconded a motion by councillor Glen Gower to look into implementing an OC Transpo fare freeze should LRT not be ready for use by Canada Day, when fares were set to go up.
Unfortunately, we won’t have the train running for July, but council has decided to freeze fares until the Confederation Line is up and running. I also supported a motion that did not pass to reduce fares, given that service has been so poor. It’s important that we keep transit affordable, so that we can maintain and increase ridership over the long-term.
Last week, I argued in favour of reducing OCTranspo fares alongside some of my other colleagues. The motion was defeated, but you can see my contribution to the debate here.
Environmental Improvement Projects for the Glebe Community Centre
The city is currently undertaking “Building Envelope Demonstration Projects” at the Glebe Community Centre.
The goal of these projects is to demonstrate to the surrounding community how improving components of a heritage building envelope can enhance both the comfort and the energy effectiveness of the building, while still maintaining the style and character of the building.
There are eleven windows in the community centre that have been identified as candidates for replacement in this project. The new windows will reduce heat loss by 90% and improve energy intensity.
The existing uninsulated steel door is also proposed to be replaced which will save energy.
I know that the Glebe Community Association has been very active in making improvements to the community centre, and I’m happy to say the city will be supporting these community efforts.
Vision Zero Motion
Unfortunately, our Vision Zero motion was referred to the next Transportation Committee meeting in September. We will continue the fight on this issue.
Urban Core OP Consultation
RSVP here
We’re Hiring
Details here
Public Input Needed for the Rental Accommodations Study
There are three public surveys that must be completed by June 30th, one on short-term rentals here, one on student housing here, and one on rental accommodations broadly here.
