News & Announcements

The office has been flooded past week-and-a-half or so with notes about snow clearing. While the City is reluctant to clear when it's not absoutely required - it is easily the most expensive component of dealing with snow on our roads and paths - the time had clearly come. A week ago, I spent an hour and a half or so measuring the snowbanks in north Hintonburg, which has particularly narrow streets. Most were well below the minimum of 5m (16 1/2') of space between banks.

From time to time, I'll post a round-up of upcoming housekeeping items: road closures, street work, etc. If you have any questions about any of these, don't hesitate to drop me a line or give me a call.

Ash tree removal – Hampton Park

The National Capital Commission (NCC) has advised that it will be removing around 370 ash trees assessed as a hazard for pedestrians and motorists in Hampton Park. Crews will begin removing the trees between January 27 and February 3, with work taking place from 7 am – 5 pm.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Join Jeff on Sunday and help celebrate winter cycling at the fourth annual Family Winter Bike Parade.  It starts at 10:30am at City Hall with an easy 6km group bike ride through Centretown.  Arrive back at City Hall for hot chocolate, treats and a panel discussion on Ottawa's winter cycling plans with Jeff, staff other area councillors.  

Further details can be found on the Citizens for Safe Cycling website at:

Several applications in Kitchissippi for variances and divisions will be heard by the Committee of Adjustment on February 4. What exactly is the role of this committee? Good question, learn more about the mandate and structure of the Committee of Adjustment.  If you have any concerns regarding these applications, please contact Jeff at Jeff.Leiper@ottawa.ca.

The Heart Institute is expanding. On January 13, Ottawa-Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi and the UOHI's Marion Fraser hosted a public open house to take questions and concerns related to the project. I was in attendance with City planner Doug James, along with construction contractors PCL. In addition, Ottawa-Centre MP Paul Dewar sent a representative to stay abreast of the project. Approximately 50 people were in attendance.

Residents on Carruthers between Wellington West and roughly Ladouceur may hear some low construction noise past 10 pm as a result of sewer work between February 2 and 6.

As part of its regular maintenance, the City is lining the sewers. The process is to snake a sock-like lining through the pipe, then blow it up with air. This lining molds to the inside of the pipe, and is dried to harden.

This is the proposal for a new 8-unit stacked townhome building with 5 parking spots at 190-192 Forward Avenue (near Lyndale) in Mechanicsville. The building is allowed under the existing zoning, and I haven't identified any particular concerns with it. The proposal is open for comment on the site plan - the details of how the building is designed, serviced, landscaped etc. Please let me know what you think!

Information about the consultation is available at http://www.artsoe.ca/en/resources/opportunities/details.aspx?id=385. AOE Arts Council's work is important, and this is a great opportunity to help shape its contribution in the coming years. Their request for public participation in these consultations is copied below.

Devonshire Parent's School Council has made their notes available from last night's meeting addressing the proposal to relocate Devonshire Community Public School in 2015/1