Solidarity with Mechanicsville CA: Diplomatic precinct threatens rare neighbourhood greenspace

We have been following with great concern the proposed 'diplomatic precinct' or 'embassy row' along the north end of the entirety of the Mechanicsville community. In effect, this will eliminate some of the rare greenspace in our neighbourhood (including 55 trees), while also creating a wall between the community and the Ottawa River; a high, electrified fence that will block in the six embassies and a large number of parking spaces.

The Mechanicsville Community Association is joining up with a growing number of other organizations (including notably Big Trees of Kitchissippi) to oppose this NCC development.

Here is some information shared to the WVCA today, including a link to an online forum being held this coming Wednesday night (February 10th):

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Please write to the NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum (c/o assistant Sarah.Skrzek@ncc-ccn.ca) to indicate your solidarity with a call by the Mechanicsville Community Association and Big Trees of Kitchissippi to withdraw its plan to build diplomatic offices and parking lots on prime greenspace along the Ottawa River. Consider participating as well in an online forum on the development hosted by Councillor Leiper (numbers matter, even if you don’t speak).

Here is a link to the joint press release issued by Mechanicsville CA and BIG TREES on Sunday: https://www.mechanicsville.ca/news/2021/2/7/media-release-mca-urges-ncc-to-withdraw-plan-for-embassy-row

BACKGROUND:  Here's a brief description of the embassy site project: 

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ncc-seeking-city-approval-for-diplomatic-precinct-along-sjam-parkway-in-mechanicsville

Here is an opinion piece on the project:

https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/buckles-an-embassy-row-along-the-ottawa-river-is-a-very-bad-idea

Jeff Leiper is hosting an online webinar/forum on Weds. Feb. 10 to raise questions about whether city of Ottawa should allow the NCC an official plan amendment and a rezoning of the land to build "embassy row." https://kitchissippiward.ca/content/1-and-19-sir-john-macdonald-parkway-official-plan-amendment-and-zoning-law-amendment-open

Here is the City of ottawa site where the NCC proposal and supporting documents appear:

https://devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/__BIZUT4/details   (To see the supporting documents, scroll down the left side of the page.)

Show your support for an alternative vision of this important greenspace:

-       Open woodland offering peace and quiet to nearby residents in a neighbourhood rapidly transforming into a high density hot spot.

-       Habitat for rare Great Horned Owl and Peregrine Falcon, along with more than 100 other bird species on this internationally recognized bird migratory route.

-       Invest in housing options by making effective and rapid use of federal lands at neighbouring Tunney’s Pasture, rather than building unnecessary, ostentatious high security buildings for elite offices and parking.

-       Avoid excavation of toxic soils a stone’s throw from Ottawa’s main source of drinking water (Lemieux Island).