The Wellington Village Community Association (WVCA) is a volunteer, non-profit community group of local residents that represents over 1,500 households in our neighbourhood.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Ottawa Light Rail Design Showcases

From the City of Ottawa:

The City of Ottawa would like to invite you to attend an Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) Design Showcase in your local community.

The showcases will feature designs from the proponent who will be recommended to Council for approval to construct and maintain Ottawa

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Application to Committee of Adjustment, 296 Carleton/37 Gould

The WVCA received the following application to the Committee of Adjustment:

Minor Variance Application for 296 Carleton Avenue and 37 Gould Street.

Public Hearing to be held at Committee of Adjustment Meeting on Wednesday, December 5, 1pm, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive

The owners have filed applications which, if approved, will have the effect of creating two parcels of land.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Merry Christmas!

We're taking December off, so no meeting until January 2013.

In the meantime, shop at Collected Works! As a huge thank-you for hosting our meetings during 2012.

See you Tuesday, January 15, 2013

7 PM

Where else? Collected Works!

Urban Design Elective Course 2012

From the City of Ottawa:

The last Planning Primer session for 2012 is the urban design elective, offered to residents who have previously taken the Primer I and Primer II. This elective will be offered on December 1 and 3, 2012. Registration is open until November 28, 2012.

Session information

Urban design combines key aspects of architecture and urban planning, reaching in important ways beyond each of those disciplines. Urban design gives shape and character to city blocks, districts, and neighbourhoods, by articulating urban plans in four dimensions, including space and time (how we experience an urban place as we move through it).

In brief, the contemporary practice of urban design focuses on making the most of urban areas to create pleasant places in which to linger, to partake in public life, and to help build strong communities.

This elective will cover:

  • A comprehensive overview of urban design principles using local examples

  • The City of Ottawa's urban design framework - Ottawa by Design

  • Key programs, processes, roles, responsibilities and challenges


Registration information

If you plan to attend, please register no later than Wednesday, November 28, 2012.

Saturday, December 1, 2012
Colonel By Room, Second Floor
or
Monday, December 3, 2012
Honeywell Room, Second Floor

City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

If you have not taken the Primer I and II series, please do not register for this session. The concepts and information that is imparted in the Primer I and II courses is integral to understanding the material presented in the elective courses.

Questions?

Please send your questions to primer@ottawa.ca or visit ottawa.ca/primer.

Mayor Jim Watson and City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick invite you to attend "Building People Places by Designing Accessible Spaces" - an AccessAbility Day event. Come to hear about the City's proposed Accessibility Design Standards and celebrate accessible design initiatives of the past and present.

Date:
Thursday, November 29, 2012 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (light networking lunch following)

Place:
Jean Pigott Place City Hall

RSVP
by November 22, 2012 to accessibilityoffice@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424, ext. 16654

 

October 2012 meeting minutes

[caption id="attachment_12" align="alignleft" width="16"]PDF PDF[/caption]

Meeting Minutes10232012

Monday, November 19, 2012

My Neighbourhood Bites Event

From Taboo Eats:

Taboo Eats is hosting "My Neighbourhood Bites" a food event for foodies by foodies. It is unique in nature in that we are celebrating the great recipes of amateur chefs, home cooks and foodies. We have twelve neighbourhoods rallied to take part in a friendly competition over the next six months to find the best across Ottawa at a finale event.

Category winners in each neighbourhood will have their recipes published in a cookbook with proceeds going to the Ottawa Food Bank at the end of the competition.

Wellington West is the launch event location for the December 15th event being held at Cube Gallery. Residents and those working in Wellington West have until November 24 to apply with a great recipe at www.tabooeats.com. We are looking for

Friday, November 16, 2012

Winter parking restrictions - Nov 15 - Apr 1 FYI

FYI:

The City of Ottawa is reminding residents that winter overnight parking regulations are in effect from November 15 to April 1. These regulations ensure that the City

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

What's "On the Line" Sunday, 7:00 pm @ Mountain Equipment Co-op

From SLOWest:

Come and see what's

Agenda - November 20

WVCA November Board Meeting

November 20, 2012, 7:00PM

Collected Works

 

1. Approval of October minutes

2. Minuting of business transacted by email

3. Tunney's Pasture update

4. Membership drive update

5. Other business

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Taste of Ottawa: Westboro Holiday Food Market

From Taste of Ottawa:

The event will take place at the Westboro Masonic Hall at 430 Churchill at Byron on Sunday, December 9 from 10 am to 4 pm. It will include over 20 Ottawa based artisan vendors who make items such as: coffee, honey, baked goods, tea, pork, ice cream, jams, chocolate, and pizza to name a few. A few of vendors live in the Westboro neighbourhoods and many of the vendors were at the Ottawa Farmers Market this past summer!

This event is a one-stop-shop for all your holiday food and gift giving needs.

[caption id="attachment_12" align="alignleft" width="16"]PDF PDF[/caption]

Taste of Ottawa

Sunday, November 4, 2012

SLOWest Energy Conservation Workshop, Thursday November 8, 7:00 pm

[caption id="attachment_12" align="alignleft" width="16"]PDF PDF[/caption]

Energy Conservation

Fisher Park - Final Concept Plan

From the City of Ottawa to the WVCA:

Yes, we are delayed in getting the tender out for construction, due to the changed servicing requirements for splash pad drainage and other technical revisions of the detailed plans.

As a result, our schedule has been revised to issue the tender next month, to take advantage of 2012 equipment pricing and to be on the street before a large number of other projects are tendered in February/March, which can mean less competitive bidding.

We would prefer to stipulate a firm completion date for construction rather than stipulate a start date.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Halloween Party and Dance

From WCAD:

Halloween Party and Dance

Friday November 2

Legion Hall (Richmond Road at Winston)

Please support our fellow citizens fighting against inappropriate development in our neighbourhoods. The Westboro Citizens for Appropriate Development (WCAD) is holding a Halloween party and dance on November 2 to raise funds to pay for their successful OMB fight against the development plan to put two towers, 16 and 14 stories, at 335 Roosevelt Ave on a site zoned for approximately 6 stories. The developer appealed the case to the OMB (heard in October) and that decision has not yet been issued. Legal and professional planner fees are outstanding due to those two fights.

So please support the cause and have a great time - you can do both by buying tickets ($25.) for the party. It will be at the Legion Hall, 389 Richmond Road at Winston (just west of Churchill). There will be live music by Big Chill - a finalist in the "Road to Memphis" contest this year and last, playing blues and early rock music - great to dance to. Doors open at 7 Nov 2, music after 8. There will be a hot and cold buffet in the evening.

Also there will be door prizes and prizes for best costumes in the theme of "monster development".

To get tickets ($25. each):

1 Go to the WCAD website at
http://appropriate-development.org/Site/Scary.html and buy your ticket via PayPal. Tickets can be picked up after 7 pm at the Legion Hall. You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket number.

2 You may buy tickets at the door on Nov. 2 - Doors open at p.m.

[caption id="attachment_12" align="alignleft" width="16"]PDF PDF[/caption]

HalloweenposterFINAL

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Thursday, October 18, 2012

WVCA October Meeting Agenda

7:00PM

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Collected Works

1. Approval of minutes from September meeting

2. Minuting of Board decisions made since last meeting

3. Presentation on proposed development at 306 Carleton (Lon Nadler)

4. Temporary roadway across the Byron Linear Park (Richard)

5. Membership Drive (Catherine J.)

6. Tunney's Pasture Master Plan consultation update (Andrew and Duff)

7. Other business

Friday, October 12, 2012

2012 Planning Primer Program Primer II Session October 20 and 22, 2012

From the City of Ottawa:

Have you ever wondered how land-use planning is done? What those black and white signs in your community mean? How a zoning application is made? How to make a presentation to Planning Committee? What land-use planners do for your community?

Now is your time to find out.

The Planning and Growth Management Department offers the Planning Primer Program to help residents become more aware of, and more involved in, the land-use planning process.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Get your tickets to the Eco Gala - Oct 24

From Ecology Ottawa:

Buy your Annual Dinner tickets here

What better way to show your support for Ecology Ottawa than tucking into a mouthwateringly fabulous four-course meal, created by inspirational chef Murray Wilson of the Courtyard Restaurant for the 6th Annual Eco Gala networking dinner on Wednesday October 24, 2012 at St Elias Banquet Centre,750 Ridgewood Avenue,Ottawa?

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will be available as part of this sumptuous feast showcasing the finest locally-sourced Ontario produce, lovingly prepared and served in this comfortable, informal venue - with no stuffy dress code to curtail your enjoyment.

Tickets - priced at $60 a person, $50 for students and seniors, tables offered at $440 - extend you the perfect opportunity to network with like-minded, environmentally-committed friends and neighbours, and reinforcing your commitment to makingOttawathe green capital ofCanada.

We are thrilled that numerous city councillors, business luminaries and opinion leaders have accepted our invitation, and that CBC

Family Dance for kids and their parents

From Ottawa Contra Dance:

FAMILY DANCE for kids and their parents - Saturday, October 20th from 3:30-5:00pm!

Come on out to a fun family dance with live music (fiddle and guitar).

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

You're invited to the FCA's Emerald Ash Borer forum and panel discussion

From the FCA:

The devastation to Ottawa's ash trees by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is and will continue to have a tremendous impact on our City for many years to come. Ash trees make up 35% of Ottawa's tree canopy so the threat of losing the majority of these majestic trees is also a threat to Ottawa's tree canopy as a whole.

To better inform residents about what they can do to help protect their communities and save as many ash trees as possible, the Federation of Citizens' Associations of Ottawa is hosting a public forum and panel discussion on the Emerald Ash Borer Tuesday, October 9th at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street.

We've gathered all the key players who were engaged on the ground fighting the Emerald Ash Borer this summer in Ottawa. They know the extent of the infestation and the threat it poses to Ottawa's urban forest. Come hear directly from the people who know the facts and can tell us what we can do to minimize the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer in our communities.

The forum begins at 6 pm with a Meet & Greet with industry professionals. Ottawa area tree service providers and City officials will be on hand to speak to the public. If you or someone you know has an Ash tree on their property, this is the time to come because you will have a chance to speak 1-on-1 to these experts about your situation. At 7 pm, the expert panel discussion will begin. The FCA will pose four questions to the panelists designed to help flesh out the complexities of this issue. After a short break, we'll open up the discussion to questions from the floor.

This is an excellent opportunity to become better informed, so please join us at 6 pm on Tuesday, October 9th at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street.

www.fca-fac.ca

Comments from the WVCA on the September 17 Public Information Session on the Tunney's Pasture Master Plan Project

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing, on behalf of the Wellington Village Community Association, about the Tunney's Pasture Master Plan options that were presented to the public on September 17 and the manner in which they were presented.

Our principal concern is that neither option seems particularly integrated with the neighbouring communities and that the governmental, commercial and residential elements in each option do not appear to be particularly integrated with each other. We suspect that, without greater integration, the site will remain as lifeless as it is today and nothing will happen there outside of government working hours. That both options appear to push cliff-like buildings to all sides of the site - giving it the impression of a walled city or fortress - reinforces this concern.

Our secondary concern is that the September 17 presentation did not seem like a consultation. The members of our Association who attended the presentation came away feeling that decisions had already been made and that we were simply being informed. One of our board members was, for example, taken aback by the casualness with which staff at the presentation told him to get ready to accept significant gridlock.

We hope, however, that we are wrong about our principal concern and that PWGSC will take the opportunity to make Tunney's Pasture a place that truly connects with the City and the NCC parkland. Perhaps some of the ornamental green space could be replaced with playing fields? Perhaps there could be a dedicated bike path or cross-country ski trail through the site to the river? Perhaps the Plan could make a firm commitment to amenities such as a new YMCA or purpose-built daycare facilities that will benefit both government workers and the community at large?

We look forward to the October 15 follow-up session and to working with you, the neighbouring communities and the City of Ottawa.

Yours truly,

Duff McLeod

President, Wellington Village Community Association

cc.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Friday, September 21, 2012

Preston-Carling Design Charette

From the City of Ottawa:

Come out, get involved and help the City of Ottawa create a model to guide the development of the Carling-Preston area. All you need to do is attend!



















What:The Preston-Carling Area Design Charette
Where:St. Anthony's Banquet Hall, 525 St. Anthony Street
When:Tuesday September 25 and Wednesday September 26, 2012
Times:9:00 am to 4:00 pm - Continuous design sessions focused on various themes
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Drop-in to see the daily design outcomes and area design models

No registration is required, just drop-in during the times shown above.

We encourage residents who are celebrating Yom Kippur September 26 to join the conversation at any time during the day on September 25, 2012. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Program at a glance

Tuesday, September 25



































9 to 9:30 a.m.Meet and greet
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.Introduction, virtual walking tour and opening presentation
10:30 to11:30 a.m.Background information, discussion, review and update of the secondary plan principles
11:30 a.m. to 12 noonWhat is being proposed - development applications
12 noon to 1:30 p.m.Break
1:30 to 4 p.m.Presentation on urban analysis
Analysis of the urban structure of the area

  • Streets and blocks

  • Open spaces

  • Active transportation

  • Land use

  • Built form


Identification of character areas
4 to 6 p.m.Break
6 to 8:30 p.m.Community drop-in

*From 1:30 to 8:30 pm each day, residents will be encouraged to participate in model making.

Wednesday, September 26



























9 to 9:30 a.m.Meet and greet
9:30 a.m. to 12 noonDiscussion of individual character areas

  • Preston Street

  • Station area

  • Transit Corridor

  • Carling

  • Rochester

  • Champagne

  • Infill areas


12 noon to 1:30 p.m.Break
1:30 to 4 p.m.Direction for character areas
4 to 6 p.m.Break
6 to 8:30 p.m.Community drop-in

Rain Date: The SLOWest Jam in the Park, Saturday September 29th

Rescheduled to next Saturday, September 29th due to Rain


SLOWest Jam in the Park

Ottawa Centre Condominium Act Review

From

Friday, September 14, 2012

Tunney's Pasture Master Plan Consultation

From the neighbours of Tunney's Pasture:

Monday September 17, 5 - 8 pm

Jean-Talon Building

170 Tunney's Pasture Driveway (extension of Holland Avenue)

Ground floor

Public Works and Government Services Canada have announced plans to double the number of employees and add residential and commercial uses in Tunney's Pasture over the next 20-25 years. As you can imagine, there will be impacts on those of us who live nearby - some could even be positive (shared recreational spaces, for example).

The impetus behind this plan is the advent of the Light Rail Station at Tunney's Pasture and we were told at the press conference that this is going to be transit-supportive development.

We, the neighbours of Tunney's Pasture, need to attend this information session (drop-in but why not stay as long as possible to exchange views with your neighbours as well as with the consultants) to show the federal government that we are very interested in their proposals and that we want to be consulted for more than 3 hours about this very important initiative.

Some questions that need to be asked:

How will you ensure that transit is the primary means of access to an intensified Tunney's Pasture?

Will PWGSC and/or their consultant be part of the City of Ottawa Community Design Plan consultation for this area, about to begin very shortly?

Why are only 600 residential units being proposed when private developers are planning at least this many units right across Parkdale Avenue?

How will the neighbours be informed of implementation plans as they develop?

What recreation facilities and other services which could be shared with neighbouring communities are being planned?

Why were the neighbours not asked for input to the concept plans - we have many ideas about how Tunney's Pasture could be a better neighbour?

The web-site has more information (but no plans as yet):

http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/biens-property/pdpt-tpmp/index-eng.html

Carling-Bayview: Preston-Carling design charette

From the City of Ottawa:

PRESTON-CARLING DESIGN CHARETTE

Your Community is Changing... let's talk about it!

Come out, get involved and help the City of Ottawa create planning and urban design directions to guide the development of the Preston-Carling area. All you need to do is attend!



















What:The Preston-Carling Area Design Charette
Where:St. Anthony's Banquet Hall, 525 St. Anthony Street
When:Tuesday September 25 and Wednesday September 26, 2012
Times:9:00 am to 4:00 pm - Continuous design sessions focused on various themes
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Drop-in to see the daily design outcomes and area design models

No registration is required, just drop-in during the times shown above.

What is a design charette and how do I fit in?

A Design Charette is an intensive, engaging hands-on workshop that brings people from different disciplines and backgrounds together to explore design options for a particular area or site. You, your friends and neighbours are invited to drop-in anytime and contribute your ideas.

Ongoing physical modeling and drawing will be used to reflect discussions, developed options and illustrate directions.Your feedback will be invaluable for helping us to unlock some of the potential of this changing community.

Who is running the Charette?

As part of the Carling-Bayview CDP process, the City of Ottawa is hosting a design charrette to discuss issues around the transformation of the area around the O-train Carling Station. The charette will be led by an urban design consultant, Urban Strategies Inc.

How will my ideas and suggestions make a difference?

Once all the results are in, Urban Strategies will make recommendations to the City of Ottawa to establish planning and design directions to guide community improvements, review of future development applications for the area and help complete the Carling-Bayview Community Design Plan.

What area is being covered by the Charette?

The area is bounded by the Queensway to the north, Lorretta to the west, Dow's Lake to the south, and Booth Street to the east and is within the boundaries of the Carling-Bayview CDP project.

Where can I get more information?

Questions about the Charette can be e-mailed to CarlingBayviewCDP@ottawa.ca

Recruitment of Volunteer Members for City of Ottawa Advisory Committees & Boards

From the City of Ottawa:

You may be aware that, Ottawa City Council recently approved a new Advisory Committee structure.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Join us for the September meeting

Tuesday, September 18

7 pm

Collected Works

Agenda:

1. Fisher Park playground update - Catherine

2. Street painting update - Jason

3. LRT letter update - Jason

4. Report on Tunney's Pasture redevelopment consultation session - Duff

4. Proposed policy on Board decisions made between meetings - Duff

5. Minuting of decisions made since last meeting - request for support from Hintonburg CA - Duff

6. Resume discussion of goals for year - membership drive, forum ideas - Catherine and Duff

7. Other business

Saturday, September 8, 2012

2012 Planning Primer Program

From the City of Ottawa:

Have you ever wondered how land-use planning is done? What those black and white signs in your community mean? How a zoning application is made? How to make a presentation to Planning Committee? What land-use planners do for your community?

Now is your time to find out

The Planning and Growth Management Department offers the Planning Primer Program to help residents become more aware of, and more involved in, the land-use planning process.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Tunney's Pasture Redevelopment - public info sessions

From Yasir Naqvi:

Dear Neighbours,

This week the federal government announced that they are launching the Tunney's Pasture Master Plan (TPMP) project. The

Saturday, August 25, 2012

SLOWest September Event

SLOWest will be holding a community open-mike event Saturday, September 22 at Parkdale Park from 1-4 pm.

Registration City of Ottawa's 2012 Fall Cleaning the Capital Campaign / Inscription Grand m

On behalf of the City of Ottawa's Cleaning the Capital Team and Tim Hortons, we would like to inform you that....

The Fall Cleaning the Capital registration is now open!

Register

Tunney's Redevelopment - Official Links

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=691419&crtr.tp1D=1

http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/biens-property/pdpt-tpmp/index-eng.html

The latest on the Convent development

In conjunction with the site plan, Ashcroft has also submitted a rezoning request to allow them to build a permanent road through the Byron Linear Park.

http://hamptoniona.wordpress.com/2012/08/16/soeur-de-la-visitation-convent-site/

First indication is that Counc. Hobbs will oppose the request:

http://kevino.ca/content/ashcroft-re-zoning-road-through-byron-path-park?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=share

On the same blog, Kevin O'Donnell makes what I find to be some very sensible points re. Shannon St:

http://kevino.ca/content/shannon

Monday, July 23, 2012

City Hall and Residents must act now to save ash trees

From GREENSPACE ALLIANCE OF CANADA'S CAPITAL

EMERALD ASH BORER WORKING GROUP

City Hall and Residents must act now to save ash trees


OTTAWA, July 22 -- On July 11th the City of Ottawa issued a news release announcing that City Council had approved an additional $1 million for 2012 to increase the treatment of ash trees and the planting of new trees in efforts to combat the emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation. Mayor Jim Watson was quoted as saying:

Friday, June 22, 2012

Minor Variance Notice (72 Smirle)

WVCA has received notification of an application for consent to demolish the existing dwelling in order to construct a new 2-storey detached dwelling. The owner requires a minor variances from the zoning by-laws as follows:

- to permit a reduced northerly corner sideyard setabck of 0.61m (by-law requires 3.0m)

- to permit a reduced front yard setback of 2.21m (by-law requires 3.0m)

- to permit eaves to project 1.5m into the northerly sideyard (by-law permits eaves to project 1m into a yard but no closer than 0.3m to a lot line)

- to permit a canopy to be located 0.15m from corner side yard lot line (by-law permits canopy to project 1.8m into an interior side yard but no closer than 0.6m to a side lot line)

This application will be considered by the Committee of Adjustment on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, starting at 1pm.

To comment on this application, letters may be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee, email cofa@ottawa.ca, or in writing to 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa, K2G 5K7. Additional information may also be obtained from Paul Conner at 613-580-2424, extension 13459, or Madeleine Albert, at 613-580-2424, extension 41662.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Mark your calendars with these upcoming meetings

Just one for the summer:

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

7 PM

Collected Works

For the fall, the 3rd Tuesday of each month, all at 7 PM, Collected Works

September 18

October 16

November 20

Friday, June 15, 2012

Come out to the June meeting!

All are welcome to the June meeting of the WVCA

Tuesday, June 19

7 pm

Collected Works

Attached are the agenda (subject to slight changes) and a letter on the Western LRT for discussion:

[caption id="attachment_12" align="alignleft" width="16"]PDF PDF[/caption]

WVCA Agenda June2012

WVCA WLRT Letter, June 2012

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Western LRT Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment Study

Here is the document from the Public Consultation Group, Meeting #4, June 12, 2012:

[caption id="attachment_12" align="alignleft" width="16"]PDF PDF[/caption]

WLRTC_PCG4_Presentation

Monday, June 11, 2012

Western LRT Corridor: Public Consultation Group Meeting Notification - June 12, 2012

From the City of Ottawa:

This is to advise you that the next Public Consultation Group meeting for the Western LRT Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment Study will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012.

At this meeting we will present:

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Downtown Moves- Transforming Ottawa Streets

From the City of Ottawa:

Downtown Moves- Transforming Ottawa Streets

Community conversation and open house

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
5 to 8 p.m.
Ottawa City Hall, Colonel By Room, 2nd floor
110 Laurier Avenue West

Downtown Moves is an urban design and transportation study that will identify ways to create vibrant, safe and accessible streets for pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders by pursuing a balance among street users and by improving the streetscape environment.

Take part in a community conversation

Join other interested residents and learn more about the project's progress and the proposed ideas for the study. Add your opinions and tell the project team what ideas need to be changed before the study's recommendations are finalized for approval by Committee and Council.

Need more information? Visit ottawa.ca/downtownmovesor contact:

Nelson Edwards
Planning and Growth Management Department
110 Laurier Avenue West,
Ottawa, ON K1J 1P1
Tel: 613-580-2424 ext. 21290
613-580-2459
E-mail: downtownmoves@ottawa.ca

Le centre-ville en action

Monday, June 4, 2012

Public Meeting - Fisher Park Improvements

The City of Ottawa will be developing a new splash pad and replacing a play structure in Fisher Park this fall.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Notice of Open House Byron Avenue Area Traffic Management Study

Notice of Open House


Byron Avenue Area Traffic Management Study: Island Park Drive to Holland Avenue


Byron-Tyndall-Gladstone Cycling Corridor Improvement Study


Wednesday, June 20, 2012


6:30 to 8:30 p.m.


Fisher Park Community Centre

Monday, May 21, 2012

Infill study - final approved documents

From the City of Ottawa:

Linked for your information are Documents 3 and 4, of the report Low-rise Infill Housing in Mature Neighbourhoods, revised to reflect the motions at Council on May 9th.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Friday, April 27, 2012

Reminder: Spring Cleaning the Capital

Event Date: April 28, 2012

Event Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Location: GTxpress and Red Chair Kids

We're Spring Cleaning the Capital!
Please Join Your Neighbours and Local Businesses for a Spring Clean-Up
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012 from 9am - 12noon

Pick up all the supplies you'll need under the tents located at:
- GTxpress, 1085 Wellington St W, at Pinhey
- Red Chair Kids, 1318 Wellington St W, at Clarendon

When you're finished, bags can be left at either location for pick-up by the City of Ottawa.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments as our way of saying thanks!

p.s. We're sure the weather will be beautiful but just in case, the rain date will be Sunday, April 29, 2012.
springcleaning

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Invitation to Community Potato Project Launch/Ear?th Day Celebratio?ns

From Heritage Academy:

Invitation
Potato Project Launch Event/Earth Day Celebrations
We would like to invite you to come to Ottawa

Friday, April 13, 2012

April meeting this Tuesday!

All are welcome!
Tuesday, April 17, 7 pm

Collected Works



We have lots on the agenda for the meeting.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Celebrate the Ottawa River

From Sustainable Living Ottawa West (SLOWest) and Kitchissippi United Church:

April 19, at 7:30 pm -- You're invited to celebrate the Ottawa River and learn more about its rich ecology and culture, when Ottawa Riverkeeper Meredith Brown speaks at Kitchissippi United Church. She will be joined by Metis Grandmother Francine Payer, who will speak about the role of aboriginal women as waterkeepers and lead a water ceremony.

Meredith Brown will share stories of the Great River Project

Next City Cafe - Art in the Street - April 18

Spacing Ottawa's Next City Cafe presents:

Art in the Streets - Wednesday April 16th 7:30pm at the Alpha Soul Cafe 1015 Wellington West in Hintonburg

Art helps shape the public spaces of our city.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Heritage Planning Elective Course 2012

From the City of Ottawa:

Saturday, April 21 or Monday April 23, 2012
Ottawa City Hall, Colonel By Room, 2nd Floor
110 Laurier Avenue West
8:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Register by April 19, 2012.
If you have taken both Primer I and Primer II, you are invited to register for this elective course. If you have not taken the Primer series, please do not register for this session. The concepts and information that are imparted in the core courses are integral to understanding the material presented in the elective courses.
The next set of Primer sessions and electives will be held on September and October 2012. If you haven't already done so, please register to receive the e-newsletter to receive regular notification of upcoming sessions.
Heritage planning elective
Ottawa's rich history is evident through its historic buildings and cultural landscapes and their protection, restoration and celebration are important elements in creating a great city. The purpose of the heritage planning elective is to examine the role of built heritage in the broader realm of municipal planning. The course will begin with an overview of the broad context of heritage planning in Ottawa and also use case studies to look at the day-to-day issues that arise with both small and large scale heritage projects.
The course will cover the following topics:

Monday, April 2, 2012

Heritage Trees - Celebrating and Protecting! WORKSHOP June 8-9, 2012

[caption id="attachment_985" align="alignleft" width="300"]tree[/caption]

Location: Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa (free parking)

Start Time: 8:30

Cost: $ 40. (bring your own lunch

Friday, March 30, 2012

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Reply re: Section 37 Agreements in Wellington Village

Thanks Duff,

Although it is unlikely that WVCA will have a development within their boundaries that qualifies for Section 37 it was something I wanted to ensure I asked each Community Association. Especially with the new West Wellington CDP being strongly adhered to, there won't be the opportunity for a developer to apply for uplift along the main business street. In general development is being targeted primarily by proximity to rapid transit which doesn't leave a great amount in Wellington Village catchment area.

However Sec 37 of the Ontario Planning Act has not been used in Ottawa up until now, and without seeing the draft report about to go before Council, it is perhaps not well understood.

In general it is anticipated Section 37 might affect a maximum of 10 - 15 building projects a year throughout the City. When CDP's are created, like for example at Bayview, that zoning will be set as to what Planning expects to be built. Sites will not be underzoned in order to have Sec 37 apply - what is intended for that site will have been set. Also the City does not have the manpower or funding to consider the Section 37 process for a multitude of applications. The City would have to hire another full time position to do so, as they have done in Toronto. There are requirements for separate accounting streams etc.. as well. So overall there is a great deal of overhead to the City.

The reason why I have asked all the CA's to prepare a list of community benefits they would be interested in if Section 37 were to apply, is because of the time frames involved. Sec. 37 is an independent legal agreement that must be filed with the site plan. The agreement is part of the title.

Hintonburg is a step ahead as they have a list already inherent with its NPI, but if a community wants to ensure any particular benefits are considered, their early input helps guide a discussion the City planner has with the developer early along the planning process, perhaps even before the application is filed and is able to be legally discussed with the public. This is key for a number of reasons, one being the amount of time available in the planning process to complete the agreement given the complexity of the agreement. The benefit may be in a building amenity, not cash, that would make it of use to all in the community, not just those who live in the building. So a choice the community might come up with may not be achievable given the amount that is assessed or the time available to strike the contract. The actual $ amount won't be known until zoning is approved. The developer must agree, as must the Councillor, so Planning advises asking for a list in advance to allow more members of the community the opportunity to input and get a feel for what a community's interests might be should a Section 37 situation come up. It gives some direction for a discussion, since the planner and the developer may not be as intimately familiar with living in the area and may look at proposing something that is not desired by the community.

It is critical to note that Section 37 will not be an exchange for poor planning. And it is not generally a huge amount of money. Diane Holmes was able to secure $1 million dollars for one property downtown, which led many to think that was the norm, but there were a number of different circumstances at play with that particular development and it is certainly not the norm to get that amount.

Please let me know if you need any exact details on how the uplift is calculated, or anything more about what the City of Ottawa is choosing to enact this section of the Ontario Planning Act.

In terms of a square or community space as you mentioned, those types of benefits could be funded by cash-in-lieu of parkland funds for that development or from the Kitchissippi fund. Or they may be provided anyway - aside from the cash in lieu.. City Planners have negotiated this type of benefit via public easements at both the Convent property (with a park and pedestrian/cycling route that flows through from Byron to Richmond) and on Roosevelt (that has one acre of public space alone). That means the public can use the grounds, it is not private property. (Which normally it would be and could be gated). So those types of benefits can be achieved aside from Section 37 and obtained even when Section 37 does not apply. That is normal City planning practice to obtain those benefits on critical sites of importance to the entire community.

Anyhow, I appreciate that you have given this opportunity to input community benefits some discussion, and provided your considered decision in that regard.

Thanks,
Katherine

Friday, March 23, 2012

Section 37 Agreements in Wellington Village

Dear Councillor Hobbs,


You have invited us to provide you with a list of community benefits that we would like to see in our neighbourhood under a section 37 agreement. While we are not opposed in theory to section 37 agreements, we do share many of the concerns expressed by the Federation of Citizens' Associations of Ottawa-Carleton on the City's "Guidelines and Protocol for the Implementation of Section 37 of the Planning Act" (the Guidelines). Our preference is therefore to deal with community benefits on a case-by-case basis and not provide you with a list.


We have several reasons for this position. First, we believe that a developer should not assume that section 37 is as simple as picking a community benefit off a list. We want developers to make section 37 proposals that represent good-faith attempts to engage with the community. In other words, we want to have the opportunity to try and ensure that there is some linkage and proportionality between the variance sought and the proposed community benefit. For example, a small plaza would be a great addition to our stretch of Wellington Street, but not if it is going to be in an out-of-the-way location, in permanent shade or next to a busy driveway.


Second, we note that, under principle 2.4 of the Guidelines, a benefit that is linked to a development in our neighbourhood could be provided on a "city-wide scale rather than necessarily in proximity to the development". We believe that by dealing with section 37 agreements on a case-by-case process we will have a better opportunity to try and balance the needs of our community and the needs of the City against the potential impact that the proposed variance may have on our community.


Third, we believe that case-by-case consultations and negotiations will allow for greater community involvement and will better accommodate the needs of the community over time. If a benefit is simply chosen off a list and presented to the community as something "chosen for them", there will be even more cynicism about planning and development than there already is. Moreover, there is no guarantee that any community benefits that our Board could choose for you today will reflect the priorities of the community when a possible agreement comes up five years from now. And there is certainly no guarantee that benefits chosen today will constitute a good trade-off for a major variance that no one expected.


Finally - and also with an eye to the future - we believe that dealing with section 37 agreements on a case-by-case basis will give us an opportunity to try and ensure that any community benefit that is located on private property will be properly secured against title to that property. Our concern here is that an agreement that binds the developer of a condominium may not bind the condominium corporation after the handover to the corporation.

City's Infill Study at Planning Committee

From Selma Hassan, City of Ottawa:

The Infill Study is currently scheduled to be presented at the April 10th Planning Committee meeting.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Watermain Reconstruction on Holland Avenue from Scott Street to 40 meters south of Tyndall Street

From Councillor Hobbs:

The project is located on Holland Avenue from Scott Street to 40 meters south of Tyndall.

The project includes the following:

-

The Ottawa River Action Plan

From Ecology Ottawa:

ACTION ALERT!

Every year, the City of Ottawa dumps hundreds of millions of litres of untreated sewage directly into the Ottawa River. Now you have an opportunity to help stop this travesty once and for all. The province and the City of Ottawa have developed a plan, and the province and the city have both agreed to put up their fair share of the money. All we need is federal funding in the upcoming 2012 federal budget. Click here to let Ottawa area members of parliament know that you want action to clean up the river!

Friday, March 16, 2012

March meeting this Tuesday!

WVCA members and supporters:

The next meeting of the Wellington Village Community Association is Tuesday March 20, 7 pm, at Collected Works.

We will be discussing the following opportunities and news:

  • New splash pad and play structure for Fisher Park

  • Police notice re. trend in property thefts from vehicles

  • Changes to zoning and design guidelines for infill housing

  • Clean Up the Capital

  • Hampton Park dog walking rules

  • WW BIA initiatives

  • Further sewer replacement work to start on Holland Ave.

  • New Ecology Ottawa neighbourhood environmental network

  • Opportunity to paint streets/intersections


Please come out and join us!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Registration 2012 Spring Cleaning the Capital Campaign / Inscription Grand m

From the City of Ottawa:

On behalf of the City of Ottawa's Cleaning the Capital Team and Tim Hortons, we would like to inform you that

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Meet Councillor Hobbs March 2nd at the GCTC

From Councillor Hobbs:
Who: Councillor Katherine Hobbs
What: Come and chat with your Councillor, whatever you may wish to discuss
When: Friday, March 2nd, 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC)
Lower Lobby
1233 Wellington Street West
http://ourkitchissippi.ca/events/lets-chat-on-friday-march-2-10-12-at-the-gctc/

Monday, February 27, 2012

Photos from our recent Public Forum on the CDP

[caption id="attachment_940" align="alignleft" width="300"]Katie Paris, WVCA President Katie Paris, WVCA President[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_941" align="alignleft" width="300"]Councillor Katherine Hobbs Councillor Katherine Hobbs[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_942" align="alignleft" width="300"]Yasir Naqvi, MPP Yasir Naqvi, MPP[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_943" align="alignleft" width="300"]Councillor Peter Hume Councillor Peter Hume[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_945" align="alignleft" width="300"]Public Forum panel Public Forum panel[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_944" align="alignleft" width="178"]WWBIA Chair Randy Kemp WWBIA Chair Randy Kemp[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_947" align="alignleft" width="300"]Jay Baltz, HCA and FCA Jay Baltz, HCA and FCA[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_948" align="alignleft" width="300"]Lorne Cutler, HICG Lorne Cutler, HICG[/caption]

 

Merivale Road

From Councillor Hobbs:

Between March 5,2012 and June 1, 2012, Merivale Road will be closed between Island Park Drive and approximately 100 m south of the Highway 417 overpass structure. The road closure is required to allow for the construction of the Cave Creek Collector and for the reconstruction of Merivale Road under the Highway 417 overpass structure.
Traffic disruptions will be kept to a minimum and residents are reminded to use extra caution and follow signs around the construction zone.
There will continue to be two lanes of traffic in each direction on Merivale Road between Carling Avenue and the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre entrance, but north exit to Island Park Drive will not be possible. The Island Park Drive right turn lane to Merivale Road will also be closed.
Access to all shopping malls and businesses in the area will be maintained, and through lanes and turning lanes at the Carling Avenue and Merivale Road intersection will also be maintained.

http://ourkitchissippi.ca/construction/merivale-road-%e2%80%93-road-closure-march-5th/

Thursday, February 16, 2012

WVCA February meeting

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

7:00 PM

Collected Works

On the agenda: our recent Public Forum on the CDP, Section 37, 1451 Wellington, and more!

All are welcome - see you there!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Monday, February 6, 2012

Implementation Guidelines for Section 37 of the Planning Act

Please be advised that the report on IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES FOR SECTION 37 OF THE PLANNING ACT is now available to be read online on the City of Ottawa website using the following link: (Press Control and click to follow the link)

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Minor Variance Application, 76 Holland Avenue

WVCA has received notificication of a minor variance application to change the existing legal non-conforming use (office/personal service/workshop) to a retail/office use (Right Bike) which will occupy the entire basement of 76 Holland Ave. This proposal will be considered by the Committee of Adjustment on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012.

To comment on this application, letters may be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee, email cofa@ottawa.ca, or in writing to 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa, K2G 5K7.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Monday, January 23, 2012

Thanks for a great public forum

The WVCA would like to thank our panelists, experts and most of all, our attendees, for making our Public Forum on the West Wellington Community Design Plan (CDP) such a success.

Let's continue the conversation. How?

  1. Comment on this post.

  2. Visit www.twitter.com, and search #wwcdp.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Friday, January 13, 2012

Public Forum - Wellington West CDP

Community Design Plan: What does it say? How will it be implemented? Your chance to ask questions!

January 19, 2012
7 to 9 p.m.
St. George

Thursday, January 5, 2012

2012 Planning Primer Program | Ab

From the City of Ottawa:

Have you ever wondered how land-use planning is done? What those black and white signs in your community mean? How a zoning application is made? How to make a presentation to Planning Committee? What land-use planners do for your community?

Now is your time to find out.

The Planning and Growth Management Department offers the Planning Primer Program to help residents become more aware of, and more involved in, the land-use planning process.