Capital Ward Bulletin: Surveys on Route 7 and the Transportation Master Plan, and Consultations for Upcoming Road Re-constructions

Lansdowne 2.0

The city has begun its consultation process on the Lansdowne 2.0 proposal. The initial survey focuses on residents’ knowledge of Lansdowne, but it does not address the $332 million proposal directly. That needs to improve in the future, along with a fulsome review of the proposed financial model. The city will be conducting further consultations in this regard and on other topics related to the proposal.

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.

We want to see Lansdowne become a lively public space for everyone in our local community and the broader city community and live up to the original promises that were made to Ottawa. We released a vision about this previously. When a proposed privatization of the remaining publicly operated portions of Lansdowne was made by the previous city administration the community organized to ensure the city and OSEG knew what was important to them, that proposal was eventually withdrawn. 

For Lansdowne 2.0 we want to see the core issues addressed—to have proper fully informed consultation, that well used greenspace is respected for community and better fan experiences, that a fulsome and new sustainable transportation plan to and through the park is put in place to address the site restrictions, that permanent affordable housing is created if public land is being leased or sold, that the site has new housing which invites people in to an urban village and complements the heritage Aberdeen Pavillion, and that the public proposals to enhance winter activities, community events, new seating and shade, and safely connecting the canal, aren't shelved for 15-20 years. We can do better than what was proposed in the last term of council with no consultation, and it's important we work together to find common sense solutions to make a better Lansdowne.

You can provide feedback to the city at Engage Ottawa, and you are always welcome to send it to our office at [email protected].

Route 7 Survey

With the upcoming roadwork on Grove and Grosvenor, OC Transpo thought it a good time to consider the future routing of the Number 7 bus. Currently, the bus takes Sunnyside from Bank to Carleton when travelling to the university, but takes Seneca to Grove to Bank when leaving Carleton.

While the construction is happening on Grove, the 7 will need to be re-routed so that when leaving Carleton it stays on Sunnyside all the way to Bank. OC Transpo would like to know if this construction detour should be made permanent.

This idea has been discussed before, and we have heard many concerns from residents about this proposal. While we support this consultation to make sure everyone’s voice is heard, we still have serious concerns about the proposal, including the reduced service through the neighbourhood and the likely bottleneck of vehicles trying to turn left from Sunnyside onto Bank.

If this route change would affect you, please fill out OC Transpo’s survey, and feel free to send your thoughts directly to our office at [email protected].

Glebe Avenue Re-Design Public Consultation

A public consultation on the upcoming re-design of Glebe Avenue (between Bank and O’Connor) will be held Tuesday May 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Glebe Community Centre.

More information can be found at the city website.

New Picnic Tables at Windsor Park

Good news! The city will be installing three new picnic tables in Windsor Park this year. This has been a need identified by the community, and we are happy to use some of the ward’s cash-in-lieu of parkland funds to pay for the tables.

New Crossing Guards

The city has announced new locations for crossing guards in the city, and three of them will be in Capital Ward. One crossing guards will be assigned to the intersection of Riverdale and Avenue Road, and two will be assigned to First Avenue and Lyon.

Interested in becoming a crossing guard?

Join the Ottawa Safety Council’s (OSC) dedicated, community-minded team of Adult Crossing Guards!

Great reasons to join the OSC’s crossing guard team:

• Make a real difference in your own community!
• Get to know your neighbours
• Help local families
• Become a trusted face in your neck of the woods
• Enjoy supplementary income and perks

Being a Crossing Guard provides a meaningful employment opportunity that puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Interested in learning more? Get all the details on becoming a crossing guard from our website at https://www.ottawasafetycouncil.ca/employment-opportunities/ or contact Stephanie at [email protected]

Lees Avenue Rail Bridge

Last year, the Built Heritage Sub-Committee (BHSC) raised concerns about the demolition and re-construction of the old rail bridge behind the University of Ottawa campus on Lees Avenue that has been turned into an active transportation bridge. The sub-committee felt a proper analysis of the bridge’s heritage value was warranted before any decision will be made.

Staff will be returning to the BHSC with a report on their heritage research and evaluation. Staff recommend that an Environmental Assessment also be conducted and then once both the heritage evaluation and the Environmental Assessment are completed, BHSC and council may make a decision on the future of the bridge.

Staff believe this will allow for a more complete consideration by council.

The report will be presented at the April 11 meeting of the sub-committee.

Updated TMP Part 1 Materials

The City of Ottawa has released updated TMP Part 1 materials, refined based on feedback received from residents and stakeholders during TMP Phase 3 Public Engagement. The updated materials are available to view on the project website. The revised documents will include:

• TMP Policies and “Highlights”
• Active Transportation Project Lists and Network Maps
• Transit and Road Project Prioritization Frameworks for the TMP Capital Infrastructure Plan

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the TMP Phase 3 Public Engagement.  Along with the updated materials, consultation results and changes to the materials following consultation are documented in supporting reports available in the Document library section of the website.

Part 1 of the TMP Update will be finalized in the coming months as staff prepare to bring forward a report for approval to a special Transportation Committee meeting and then Council in April.

If you have any questions or would like to provide comments, you can always do so through [email protected]

Your Capital Ward

Photo by Elizabeth Ross

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.

Potholes by the Numbers

Pothole crews took advantage of the favourable weather and continued their work on temporary repairs: 120 crews were assigned to repairs and, since March 18, have managed to fill over 13,000 potholes. This brings our year-to-date total—January 1 to March 24—to more than 48,970 potholes filled.

See a pothole that needs to be filled? Report it on Ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 or email [email protected].

2023 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event Schedule

Every year, the City of Ottawa hosts drop-off events to ensure that resident’s hazardous waste is safely collected, transported, and appropriately recycled or disposed. This helps to protect the environment and decreases the risk of toxic materials ending up in our collection vehicles or landfills. The events are planned, managed and executed by trained and certified waste management professionals in accordance with applicable laws. Any collection, handling and transportation of hazardous waste must be in compliance with applicable provincial and federal legislation.

The events complement existing diversion programs across the City of Ottawa, including the city’s Take it Back! Program. This option means residents can dispose of hazardous waste like light bulbs or household batteries at their own convenience. Residents can search an item in the Waste Explorer to find retailers nearby that accept it. Paint, for example, is our most collected material at drop-off events. This item can be dropped off daily to many retailers across the city. Our Take it Back! Program is an efficient way for residents to dispose of items, while giving materials directly back to the producer.

In 2022, the City of Ottawa hosted nine one-day drop-off events. Nearly 17,000 residents attended these events, disposing of approximately 587 tonnes of household hazardous waste. This year, the city will be hosting nine single date drop-off events from April 23 through to October 22.

Please note that drop-off event dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date schedule, and to see the list of acceptable items, please visit Ottawa.ca/HHW.

The city will promote all upcoming events using a variety of channels, including:

• A public service announcement
• ca/HHW
• Social media messaging
• Ottawa Collection Calendar app (messages to subscribers of our garbage and recycling reminders)

Kidney for Christine

In the last bulletin, we shared the Kidney Foundation’s public awareness campaign, sharing stories of people living with and affected by kidney disease. In response, Christine Jeanveux’s story was shared with us.

Christine is a mom, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She loves to go on nature walks, swim, be near the water, and be near friends and family who are uplifting. Christine’s mom lives with her and relies on her. Christine’s kidneys are working hard, but they are failing. She’s more and more tired these days.

Christine is suffering from end-stage kidney failure. Her kidney function is down to 7% and declining. She must be connected to a machine to clean her blood because her kidneys can’t. Christine needs to find a living kidney donor of any blood type to give at the Ottawa Hospital. Friends and family have volunteered, but, so far, none are suitable match.

To learn more about being a living kidney donor, you can contact the Living Kidney Donor Program at The Ottawa Hospital by calling (613) 738-8400 ext. 82719 or visiting www.tohlivingkidneydonation.com/.

You can learn more about Christine’s story at www.facebook.com/Kidney4ChristineJeanveaux.

The True Canadian Book Launch

We are excited to announce the release of a new book co-authored by Ottawa writer and Capital Ward resident David Wylynko. The True Canadians chronicles the challenges and achievements of the Métis people in Canada. For over two centuries, the Métis have fought for recognition as an Indigenous people and as a Nation. This struggle has played out on the battlefield, in the courts, and at the negotiating table, often over issues of governance, land rights, and resources. It wasn’t until 1982, when the federal government patriated the Constitution, that Métis rights were officially recognized by Canada. Since then, the Métis have continued the long road to recognition as a Nation, which is finally coming to fruition thanks to major recent agreements with the Government of Canada. Co-authored by Métis writer Patricia Russell, the book includes a Foreword by former Prime Minister Paul Martin and contains many stories of Métis interaction with governments and prime ministers extending back to the confrontations between Louis Riel and John A. Macdonald. The title refers to the fact the Métis are a people of this land. Join the authors for an evening of discussion and readings on April 12 at 6:00 pm at Perfect Books at 258A Elgin Street.

Creating a Climate Resilient Ottawa

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Zoom

In the last few years, Ottawa’s temperature has increased and we’ve experienced extreme heat, a derecho, tornadoes and flooding. Climate change is here, and we need to be prepared. The good news is that there are solutions we can all take to ensure Ottawa is ready for these ongoing changes.

Hear from Joanna Eyquem, from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation and City staff about how we can prepare for the realities of climate change and how you can get involved in shaping the City’s Climate Resiliency Strategy.

Register now.

Participants will receive a Zoom link when registering. The event will be held in English. Translation will be available for questions being asked in French. If you require accommodations, please let us know when registering.

Leonard Sanitary Pumping Station Reliability Upgrades

Information for the Leonard Sanitary Pumping Station Reliability Upgrades project can be found at www.ottawa.ca/leonardpumpingstation.

Planned construction under this project includes replacement of existing pumping station infrastructure components, upgrades to the underground and aboveground equipment, installation of a new underground by-pass chamber as well as provision of a new generator set complete with provision or upgrade of associated utilities.

Many components of this sanitary pump station have reached the end of their useful life and need to be replaced to reduce potential risk of station failure that could result in basement flooding. Upgrades are also required to meet current standards and improve this station’s reliability to allow staff to operate them safely and efficiently.

Construction under this project is expected to start in April 2023, subject to weather conditions and completion is anticipated in early 2024.

Leonard Sanitary Pumping Station is located on Leonard Avenue, south of Cameron Avenue, opposite 115 Leonard Avenue. All proposed upgrades will be installed within the City right of way.

Community Project Funding Application Now Open

The project funding stream of Community Funding is now open for applications. Project funding will be allocated as one-year or three-year project funding. This is the first time that this funding stream opens, as part of the new Community Funding Framework.

One-year project funding is allocated to time-limited or defined pilot-projects that build sector service capacity or address an emerging need. This fund is available to all agencies that meet eligibility criteria.

Three-year project funding is allocated to organizations not receiving Sustainability Funding. Funding will allow organizations to build their agency capacity, establish a track record and demonstrate their ability to respond to emerging needs.

For more information and to apply, please visit ottawa.ca, and select One-time non-renewable community project funding

• Deadline for application: Thursday April 13, 2023, at 5 pm
• Maximum funding per agency: $30,000 for One-Year Project and $90,000 for Three-Year Project
• Funding available: $250,000
• Applicants are advised of the results: June 1, 2023

All applications will be assessed through an allocation process. An applicant’s success in obtaining funding depends on the allocation committee’s final evaluation and the funding available in the envelope.

Community Partner Insurance Program—Consultation Survey

The purpose of this survey is to consult with the diverse resident-led groups and organizations offering programs, activities and events across the City, in preparation of seeking direction from Ottawa City Council on the Community Partners Insurance Program.

In 2022, the City of Ottawa's Finance and Economic Development Committee received a Report (ACS2022-ICS-LEG-0003(External link)) outlining proposed changes to the City's Community Partners' Insurance Program (CPIP). The proposed changes were intended to address the disparity between community groups whose insurance premiums were funded by the city as a result of a 2001 Council decision to grandparent some groups based on pre-amalgamation criteria, leaving other groups that have come into being since amalgamation to fund their own premiums.

This survey is intended to facilitate consultation with groups who may be impacted by changes to the program.

Heading back to the office? OC Transpo will get you there!

Whether you’ve used transit in the past or you’re curious to try it for the first time, OC Transpo has affordable and flexible options for travelling to your office and back, any day of the week.

Together, OC Transpo and STO provide service to all major Government of Canada workplaces and major employers within the urban boundary with fare options for everyone.

OC Transpo has lots of capacity to welcome more riders back to the system. Public transit is much more affordable than filling up your car and the price of parking. Returning to office work also brings more traffic on our roads, and transit is more convenient than being stuck in gridlock, giving you more time in your day.

OC Transpo is excited to welcome back new and returning customers. Transit habits a little rusty? Here’s some helpful tips to support your commute: · OC Transpo’s travel planner is a great tool to find information about your bus or train schedule. You can text 560560, call 613-560-1000 or view the next departures widget on their homepage.

• Did you know that Presto cards are shareable? OC Transpo has fare options for frequent and occasional riders. You can find the one that fits your travel needs on OCTranspo.com
• If you are using Para Transpo, you can book, cancel and track your trip online with My Para Transpo. If you’re heading into the office on regular days, OC Transpo also offers the convenience of recurring bookings. You can find out more information by connecting with a Customer Service representative by calling 613-560-5000 or on the website.
• OC Transpo Park & Ride lots are located across the city, providing a free and flexible alternative to expensive parking passes. You can find more information on where to find parking here.
• OC Transpo is also bicycle friendly, 365-days a year. Your bicycle is welcome on buses and trains. All buses are equipped with a bike rack so you can Rack & Roll, even in winter. All OC Transpo stations have bike racks. With Bikesecure, certain stations also offer sheltered parking spots for your bike at a low cost.

Over the past three years, OC Transpo has made significant investments in improving your commute. You can now tap to pay at fare gates at Line 1 stations or connect to Wi-Fi and grab a coffee from Happy Goat Café at some O-Train stations. I know the transit team continues to work hard to improve reliability and ensure the long-term sustainability of the system.

Spring Freshet Weekly Update

Rideau River

On Sunday, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) issued a Flood Watch. With a short-term forecast calling for up to 30 millimetres of rain and mild temperatures to start the weekend, smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed could flood as early as tomorrow and continue into the week. That includes Stevens Creek and any creeks or connecting ditches near North Gower as well as agricultural lands along Cranberry Creek. In the village of Kars, areas around Lorne Bridge Road and Rideau Street South could also see flooding this weekend. Potential flooding along roadways is also a concern due to snow and ice buildup on roadside ditches. The RVCA cautions that with this elevated condition, there is potential for further impact if significant rain falls before water levels and flows begin to recede.

In the core, the path along the Rideau River at Linda Thom Park (Ward 17 - Riverside under the Bank St. Bridge) is partially flooded and barricades have been erected.

Ottawa River

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board’s March 28 update indicated that water levels and flows in most locations along the main stem of the Ottawa River are close to seasonal values and are expected to be stable over the coming week.

Minor Water Courses

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has now issued a Water Safety Statement, again for awareness of well above average snowpack conditions along the Mississippi Valley watershed that could lead to above average flooding this spring. It states large river systems and inland lakes are not expected to flood at this time. If ice jams form along the river, however, water levels could rise quickly without warning.

The South Nation Conservation Authority Water Safety Statement issued March 17 remains in effect. Along the South Castor River, the Ray Wilson Bridge (Ward 20 - between York’s Corners Road and Gregoire Road) has been closed due to flooding.

What residents can do

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.

Residents who want to sign up for the RVCA’s flood mailing list, they can do that here.

Support Academic Workers at Carleton University

The 3000 academic workers at Carleton University represented by Local 4600 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are on strike for fair pay and fair working conditions. These academic workers are important contributors to our city. Their working conditions inform the learning conditions of each new generation of university graduates that swell the ranks of Ottawa’s workforce and that help to make up our broader community. You can read my solidarity statement with CUPE 4600 here.

I will also be on the picket line in support of CUPE 4600 workers, including for their rally this Thursday at noon at the Bronson and Sunnyside entrance to Carleton. I invite all residents to join me in doing the same. The longer the picket line, the shorter the strike.

You can also show your support by using CUPE 4600’s email tool to send an email to the administration indicating your support of these academic workers.

Support for Canada Housing Benefit

The deadline to apply for the federal governments' $500 Canada Housing Benefit is March 31. Ottawa ACORN, a local and national community organization of low- and moderate-income people, is reaching out to low-income tenants who are likely to qualify and offering their services to help anyone who needs assistance filling out their applications.

Tenants can reach them by either calling their office at (613) 746-5999 ext. 2 OR by filling out the following form: https://forms.gle/AedrZnSE7DGU81wX9