News & Announcements

For the past couple of years, I've tried to create a video version of the weekly email newsletter (if you're not subscribed, sign up here.) It kind of fell off over the winter months, but I've been back with them for the past two issues. It takes almost a full day, usually on a weekend, for me to put these together, but I've heard that you enjoy them, find the context shots useful, and there are some accessbility/literacy benefits that make them worthwhile.

This week, I voted against the new contract proposed by the City to settle its outstanding litigation with Orgaworld. This morning, I’d like to provide a little explanation for my vote, which was controversial. I believe we had an alternative, outlined below.

The vote we took at Council on Wednesday was to approve a new contract negotiated between Orgaworld and the City. It settles all the outstanding litigation, which is good; legal fees on both sides have been mounting.

Back on Feb. 23, we posted a letter from provincial Minister of Environment Chris Ballard, declining the bump up of an environmental assessment on the 417 Carling Ave E-E onramp, thus paving the way for its closure. In the letter, Mr. Ballard stated the rationale for his decision could be found in the attached table. We received emails from those of you who noticed there was no attached table. We noticed that too, and after a few emails, the table was sent to us. The pdf is attached here.

Harmer Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Replacement

PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION

March 2018

You are invited:

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Presentation at 7:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Fisher Park Summit Alternative School – Library (2^nd floor)

250 Holland Avenue, Ottawa

Dear Resident,

Recently, I was taken to task online for supporting a building that has little parking on the grounds that some people need cars. The commenter wrote of my vote that it was “clearly a male ableist view that you are imposing. Women, immigrants & families need cars for more reasons than you can justify for your own life and purposes.”

This week, the 9-storey development for Scott Street was approved. The vote was unanimous, including with my support. This was a highly contentious proposal, and some residents are very upset that I voted in favour of it with my colleagues.

I want to take this opportunity to explain why I voted for this development, and how I considered the multiple comments on the proposal that I’ve heard for months. This post won’t change any minds, but I do strive to communicate how I approach the various votes I take, and to be transparent in my work here at City Hall.

The city has now posted the display boards from the open house on cycling improvements on the Maitland/417 Bridge. They can be found 

Last spring, several groups made a request to Queen's Park to "bump-up" the environmental assessment for the proposed Highway 417 Carling Avenue east-east ramp closure. I was recently made aware that those requests have been turned down. A bump-up would have subjected the project to the requirement for an individual environmental assessment.

A copy of Minister Ballard's letter is attached below as a .pdf.

I was pleased to send the letter attached below (.pdf) today to the National Capital Commission requesting commitment to future consultations on any future development in Rochester Field as recently approved by Council.

Please note that the meeting advertised below has been cancelled. After discussions with the developer's planner, they have determined not to proceed with this meeting at this time. If the proposal advances to a point at which they are ready to consult, we will work with them on an appropriate process, and advertise using that our usual channels.

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