MINUTES
GCA Board Meeting
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Chair: Laura Smith, President
Secretary and timekeeper: Janet Mayhew
Board members present: Laura Smith, Janet Mayhew, Ahmed Ibrahim, Janna Rinaldi, Robert Brocklebank, Dan Chook Reid, June Creelman, John Crump, Carol MacLeod, Angus McCabe, Vaughn Guy, Christina Honeywell-Dobbin, Carolyn Mackenzie, Rochelle Handelman, Elizabeth Ballard, Judy Wilson, Bill Price, Silvia Grandi, Brenda Perras, Colette Downie, Sarah Viehbeck, Sue Stefko, Anthony Carricato, Elspeth Tory, Della Wilkinson, Jide Afolabi, Deborah Long, Matthew Meagher, Andrew Marquis, Carmen Sanchez
Others present: Shawn Menard, Jonathan McLeod, Liz McKeen, Sharon Chartier, Peter Heyck, Clare Pearson, James Stuewe, Morgan Fullerton, Matthew Quon, Bob Monaghan, Zofia Olszowka, Claudia Santoro, Chris Demerse, Walter Hendelman, Coltyn Bridges, Anne Scotton, Steph Small, Caroline Warburton, Angela Keller-Herzog, Kate Reekie, Jennifer Humphries
Opening Remarks
Laura Smith opened the meeting with an Indigenous land acknowledgment and welcomed new board members and guests to the meeting.
Approval of the Agenda and Minutes
The agenda was revised to include a new motion regarding the GCA Zoom account submitted by June. The approval of the updated agenda was moved by Angus McCabe and seconded by Rochelle Handelman. The approval of the May 25, 2021, minutes was moved by Bill Price and seconded by Bob Brocklebank. Both the minutes and the agenda were approved.
Report from the Councillor
Councillor Shawn Menard provided an update on the Board of Health meeting that took place on June 21, 2021 where members discussed the decreasing number of Covid-19 case counts in the community, go-forward plans for the fall, and he anticipates further discussion to take place regarding drug decriminalization and the overdose epidemic. He indicated that traffic calming measures are being put in place, including additional stop signs and speed bumps on several streets. He spoke about the meeting regarding Lansdowne that took place recently and some of the improvements and changes that are being considered. The committee is finalizing a report to Council. The report will outline the consultation strategy. OSED and Council to look at associated costs. He noted that more details would be provided in the newsletter, and shared with the GCA.
Councillor Menard invited folks to a consultation on Firehall Park, to take place on June 28.
Councillor Menard took questions from meeting participants on current issues with respect to the potential changes to Lansdowne, and the upcoming Council meeting on July 7, 2021.
Motion 0: Zoom (June Creelman)
June informed members that the original price of $150 to renew the GCA Zoom account will actually cost $200. She presented a motion to replace the previous motion and incur the cost of an additional $50 to renew the Zoom account. The motion was seconded by Elizabeth. The motion carried.
Motion 1: Pickleball (Parks Committee)
WHEREAS in the draft Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan (which is going to the Community and Protective Services Committee and City Council in September, 2021 for approval) City staff are recommending that pickleball court lines be added on all existing and new public tennis courts; and
WHEREAS the Ottawa Pickleball Association (OPA) has requested a letter from the Glebe Community Association (GCA) in support of its efforts to work with the City of Ottawa to make the sport of pickleball more accessible to communities around the city, and in particular through the painting of pickleball lines on the tennis courts at Chamberlain Park at 80 Chamberlain Avenue; and
WHEREAS this letter would help the OPA obtain a Community Partnership Minor Capital Grant from the City to help pay for the paint as part of the OPA’s proposal to use volunteers from their association to facilitate this process;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the GCA grant the OPA’s request for a letter of support, on condition that no further modifications be made to the court other than the new lines (i.e. net heights); and
that the City first take into account the very close proximity of houses next to and directly across the street from the Chamberlain courts in deciding whether or not this is a reasonable location for pickleball, given the louder noise created by the sound of the pickleball racket and ball in comparison to those of tennis.
Angus presented the motion. The motion was seconded by John. The motion carried.
Motion 2: Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Parks Committee)
WHEREAS the City of Ottawa is finalizing its first-ever combined Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan (PRFMP) in support of the new Official Plan (OP), with recommendations about new and existing parks and recreation facilities to meet Ottawa’s projected growth by 2031 to go to the Community and Protective Services Committee and City Council in September, 2021
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Glebe Community Association sends a letter to the City of Ottawa communicating feedback from the Association on the City of Ottawa’s draft Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan, including the GCA’s:
- thanks to the City of Ottawa staff for their ongoing efforts to put forward a vision for the city’s parks and recreation facilities in the years to come;
- urging of the city to follow best practices for climate sustainability, health and urban liveability and increase the amount of parkland and green space in areas facing increased intensification;
- view decrying the reduction in green parkland per/capita targets, amenities and facilities in the face of plans to reduce private setbacks/greenspace while increasing density:
- as density is being increased, especially in urban areas, with more people/hectare and less private green space available per person, it is essential that the city increase park and recreation facilities, particularly in the inner urban areas where private access to parks and recreational space will be reduced and where residents already experience far less parkland access than other residents;
- The Glebe currently has less than half the parkland guaranteed to residents in new developments but is targeted to have increased density. This is coupled with the higher costs of land in the urban core making it even more prohibitive for the city to acquire additional park land in the Glebe.
- desire to see more micro-parks and urging the establishment of an “Urban Micro-Parkette” class of parks under 4000 square metres that will let urban neighbourhoods, which already experience parkland poverty, take advantage of city Cash in Lieu of Parkland funding to create public green spaces in the face of intensification, including new tiny parks (without such a change, CILP will be effectively prevented from increasing parkland in such neighbourhoods as the Glebe):
- The draft plan stipulates .4 ha as the minimum Parkette size, and 0.2 to 0.4 as the minimum size of an Urban Parkette size and 400 m.sq for Urban Plazas. This Urban Plaza minimum is larger than most single family lots in the neighbourhood, and exceeds any likely new potential park acquisition in the Glebe. The Glebe’s newest park, the intensively used Exploration Garden, is less than the stipulated Urban Plaza size, for example.
- wish to have the Glebe, and indeed other Inner Urban neighbourhoods, be granted Special Administrative Area status so that 100% of the CILP raised in the neighbourhood will be allocated to use in the special administrative area so that sufficient funds can be raised to acquire new park land despite the high cost of land in this park-deficient area;
- wish that any proposal for a program-based Development Charge model that collects urban park development charges from new residential units in the Downtown Core, Inner and Outer Urban transects, ensures that funds placed in an Inside the Greenbelt Urban Park DC Reserve Fund be equitably allocated to Downtown Core and Inner Urban parks which will have contributed to the Reserve Fund.
- concern that the City is counting school-owned greenspace as parkspace, when communities do not have direct say on how it is to be used, if at all, for park space;
- desire that the plan clarify the wording related to the status of Lansdowne Park (including Aberdeen and Horticulture buildings and Aberdeen Square) — that it is a City-owned and City-run urban park area and public space (and that only the part that is leased to OSEG and run as a partnership be called a P3 recreation complex); and
- desire that as the Central Park West, Central Park East (including Patterson Creek Lagoon Park) have received Heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, the City Parks and Recreation Master Plan ensures that the cultural heritage values of these built heritage landscapes be maintained through ensuring that overgrowth of bordering wooded areas be trimmed and thinned each year to remove invasive species of shrubs, vines or trees so as to encourage unimpeded reciprocal views between the surrounding heritage properties and streets and the heritage parks themselves;
- Such action by the City assisted by volunteers during the Cleaning the Capital program would respect the original designs of these heritage parks to the degree possible and promote pedestrian and park patron safety near the currently dense and overgrown borders of these parks.
Angus presented the motion. Board members discussed the fact that the opportunity to provide comments closed on June 17, 2021 and had concerns that the plan was approved in advance of it being finalized. The GCA will send a letter to Shawn Menard regarding the desire for micro-parks. The motion was seconded by Elizabeth. The motion carried.
Motion 3: Proposed removal of trees at new campus of Ottawa Civic Hospital (Environment Committee)
Whereas on May 6 The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) submitted to the City of Ottawa a Site Plan
Control application for its new campus and has also initiated the necessary approval process
through the National Capital Commission;
Whereas included with the application were a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (dealing
with site contamination and related environmental issues) and an Environmental Impact
Statement and Tree Conservation report;
Whereas the Tree Conservation report included a tree inventory that identified 1558 trees,
shrubs and shrub groupings, included in which were a total of 1315 living trees with stems over
10 cm Diameter at Breast Height (DBH);
Of these 1315 living trees, the report proposes to remove 680, equivalent to over 50% of the
living trees over 10 cm DBH;
Of the 680 trees proposed for removal, 368 are 10-29 cm DBH, and 312 are over 30 cm DBH
and therefore considered “distinctive” trees under the City of Ottawa Tree Protection By-law
which came into effect January 1, 2021;
Whereas the report identifies the reasons for the proposed removals to be accommodating
buildings and infrastructure;
Whereas a substantial number of removals is due to a proposed 600 surface parking spaces
including a lot to provide for a future Ottawa Heart Institute location that is not expected to be
constructed before 2037;
Whereas the City of Ottawa has declared a climate emergency and has adopted an ambitious
Climate change master plan that recognizes the value of green infrastructure in mitigating the
impacts of climate change;
Whereas it takes 20 to 30 years to grow a canopy tree, and under the Tree Protection By-Law
the City has been making efforts to preserve existing inner urban tree canopy, at the same time
as succession plantings are being done;
Whereas the city is investing in green transportation and increasingly encouraging people to
take public transit to get to work and to scheduled appointments;
Therefore:
Be it resolved that the GCA strongly object to the proposed removal of 680 trees at the new
TOH campus during this time of Climate Emergency;
Be it resolved that the GCA President write to the Mayor (copied to all Councillors) urging that the City reject the proposed elimination of over 50% of the trees on the campus and require a
revised proposal from TOH that would preserve substantially more of the living trees at the new
campus;
Be it further resolved that the GCA bring this concern to the attention of residents in the GCA
newsletter, sharing the GCA letter to the Mayor, and inviting them to attend the public
information session at 6 pm on June 29 and to express their views by sending their personal
letter to the Mayor.
Discussion:
Sue provided a brief presentation on the proposed plan for changes to the Ottawa Civic Hospital campus, which includes the removal of approx 700 trees in order to accommodate 600-700 new parking spaces. Board members raised concerns about the environmental impact of removing these trees, and the fact that improved public transit to the hospital is not part of the proposed plans. Sue informed board members that input was due by June 18th. Bhagwant noted that the committee was pushing for more parking so as not to overflow into the community, and that a large portion of the money to pay for this comes from community fundraising. There were concerns raised about the City’s statements regarding the climate emergency and the impression of a pro-green City Hall, but these proposals are in conflict with those statements.
It was suggested that the GCA write to the Mayor, post in the GCA Newsletter, and share views at the public info session on June 29, 2021. Bhagwant indicated that there was still an opportunity to suggest changes to the proposed plans. Dan suggested a friendly amendment to the motion to add a be it resolved clause that expresses our support for the increased number of hospital beds:
Be it resolved that the GCA supports the increased number of hospital beds that will be provided with the new hospital.
Della presented the motion with Dan’s suggested friendly amendment. Bob seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Motion 4: Chamberlain development (Planning Committee)
Whereas the City has received a rezoning application for a 16 storey tower on 30-48 Chamberlain Avenue, which backs onto low-rise mature/stable residential on Rosebery Avenue.
Whereas the subject properties are currently zoned for 4 storeys, and the Bank Street Height & Character study (still awaiting approval by Planning Committee and Council) has recommended 6 storeys for this site.
Whereas it is anticipated that notwithstanding the above study’s recommendations, City staff report will support the rezoning application, which will then likely be approved by Planning Committee and full Council in July 2021.
Whereas the deadline for filing an appeal with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) is within 20 days of notice of passing of rezoning (i.e. August 2021).
Whereas it is anticipated that the Rosebery residents will file an appeal to an approved rezoning application.
Whereas the fees associated with filing an appeal are $1,100 by default, but typically reduced to $400 by request, if appeal is on behalf of a community group or private resident.
Be it resolved that should Rosebery residents decide to file an appeal to LPAT, that the GCA Board file its own appeal to LPAT, to reserve the GCA’s rights in this regard.
Be it further resolved that the GCA request that the GCA Planning Committee Chair seek direction/approval from the GCA Board for next steps following filing of the appeal.
Discussion:
Board members discussed the rezoning application that the City has received for a 16 storey tower on 30-48 Chamberlain Avenue, which backs onto low-rise mature/stable residential on Rosebery Avenue.
Questions were raised about the impact on the GCA’s budget and it was agreed that the Committee could look into this.
Should the Rosebery residents not file an appeal, a question came up about how the GCA would proceed. Laura indicated that a decision could be made over the summer (via email) to determine next steps.
Carolyn presented the motion. June seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Motion 5: Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (Lansdowne Committee)
WHEREAS the federal government launched the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative providing up to $31 million in existing federal funding to support communities as they deploy new ways to adapt existing public places such as parks, main streets, and indoor spaces that encourage safe cultural or physical activities, and local commerce. In other words, “safe and vibrant spaces.”
WHEREAS Aberdeen Square, located on municipal land at Lansdowne Park does not only qualify for this funding, but perfectly meets the criteria set for the program.
WHEREAS Anthony Carricato, Chair of the GCA Lansdowne Committee has been part of a working group along with representatives from the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) as well as the Glebe BIA to put together a funding proposal for 6 outdoor tables, 20 chairs, 8 canopies and planters to help revitalize Aberdeen Square.
WHEREAS Our proposal has taken ideas we heard from the community during the consultations last fall to add elements to Aberdeen Square that will enhance the square and the activities that happen in the square, for example, more shade, seating, trees, planters, etc.
WHEREAS this initiative will accommodate all members of the community and visitors to Lansdowne Park at a time when people want to re-engage with others in safe, outdoor spaces, particularly families, seniors and others who have limited access to recreational areas, especially students and apartment dwellers. Many in the surrounding area have not had access to open outdoor spaces because of the pandemic; this project will help revitalize the neighbourhood and accommodate the need for pedestrian friendly social infrastructure.
BE IT RESOLVED that the GCA send a letter of support to accompany the funding application signed by our President, Laura Smith, and indicate that the addition of social infrastructure will be good for our community and serve a need desired by the community, particularly at a time when residents in our community are looking for safe, outdoor spaces where they can connect with another.
Discussion:
A question came up about the storage of tables and chairs and Anthony indicated that the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) would take care of this.
Anthony presented the motion. Angus seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Motion 6: Feedback on Lansdowne improvements (Lansdowne Committee)
WHEREAS the City and the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) are undergoing a complete review and revitalization of Lansdowne Park and a report will be coming to the City’s Finance and Economic Development Committee (FEDCO) and City Council in July 2021
WHEREAS is it in the best interest of the GCA to have our initial feedback included in the report
provided to FEDCO and City Council so that Councillors know where we stand at the onset of this process
WHEREAS the GCA has been invited on two occasions (May 5, 2021 and June 16, 2021) to learn more about the City and OSEG’s plans to revitalize Lansdowne Park, through the Lansdowne Stakeholder Sounding Board
WHEREAS the GCA Lansdowne Committee met on May 11 , 2021 to consider the initial plans to revitalize Lansdowne Park and agreed on the following:
- priority should be placed on repairing the heritage buildings at Lansdowne Park, specifically the Aberdeen Pavilion and Horticulture building;
- oppose any development on the Great Lawn and public realm at Lansdowne Park, including Aberdeen square;
- should additional housing be added to Lansdowne Park that it be built on pre-existing development on the site (in other words, don’t expand the built footprint on Lansdowne Park, expand up, above the retail buildings that already exists on the site);
- any new additional housing at Lansdowne Park should include a mix of deeply affordable and affordable housing,
- support for the stadium and arena (Civic Centre) to remain at Lansdowne Park as a pivotal asset to the site and express concerns that a complete rebuild of the arena and the stadium’s north stands will impact the sports teams who compete at Lansdowne Park, particularly the Ottawa 67s and the Ottawa RedBlacks,
- consider the elimination of cars entirely from the site except for emergency vehicles and maintain the ways into the parking garage on the east side and the access off Bank Street.
- support for a docking area for boats along the Rideau Canal so the site is better connected to the Canal.
- support for more community gardens at Lansdowne Park, more flowers and flower beds, planters, and trees.
- support for additional public recreation on the Great Lawn (ex: youth recreation leagues)
- support for a permanent spot where local artists can display their work (ex: community gallery, additional public art on the site);
- support for additional outdoor public seating (ex: picnic tables, bistro tables, etc) additional seating, shade (umbrellas, canopies, sails) in Aberdeen Square where people can gather, have a coffee and chat;
- support for a large portable video screen on the east side of Aberdeen Square that could be used to play big sporting events like the Olympics, Stanley Cup Playoffs, World Cup games, etc, or movie nights
- support a robust and inclusive public engagement strategy to consult residents on future changes to Lansdowne Park outlined by the City during the stakeholder sounding board meeting of June 16, 2021
BE IT RESOLVED that the GCA submit this initial feedback to Steve Willis, General Manager of Planning and Economic Development concerning improvements to Lansdowne Park so that it can be included in the report to FEDCO and City Council in July 2021.
Discussion:
Board members discussed the priorities that were outlined in the motion. There were two friendly amendments to the motion:
- Express support for reinstating the ‘sports bubble’ over the football field so that community groups could use it in the winter.
- Do not express support for the video screen.
Anthony presented the motion with the friendly amendments. Syliva seconded the motion. Motion carried. It was agreed that the GCA would send a letter to members of FEDCO and City Council in advance of July 6th.
President’s Report
Laura thanked board members for attending the meeting and for participating in the discussion. She reminded members about membership renewals. An email was sent out to provide links to bylaws and the manual. Members are encouraged to read this information.
Laura attended the meeting with the Association des communautés francophones d’Ottawa. She encouraged members to check out their website.
An email was sent by Councillor Shawn Menard indicating that City staff are undertaking analyses about left turns on Bronson and that the designs in development.
Issues from the Community
Carol raised the issue of scooters and the fact that many people are leaving them parked along Bank Street in awkward places. She suggested collecting feedback to submit to the City. Suggestion was made that John could take it back to the Transportation Committee for analysis in Sept/Oct. John supported this idea.
Motion to end the meeting was presented by Angus and seconded by John. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned.