June 23, 2021
Mr. Andrew Peck Executive Director Glebe BIA
Dear Mr. Peck,
RE: Support for the Social Infrastructure at Lansdowne in the Glebe project under the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative
On behalf of the Glebe Community Association (GCA), I am writing to offer our support for the Social Infrastructure at Lansdowne in the Glebe project that falls under the safe and vibrant public spaces theme of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.
The GCA is a volunteer, non-profit, membership-based, and City-recognized organization advocating for a liveable, sustainable, diverse urban neighbourhood. We inform, consult, and engage with residents and other groups in the Glebe on issues of importance and promote the interests of our community with all levels of government and other organizations.
Lansdowne Park is adjacent to the Rideau Canal at the heart of our community in downtown Ottawa. This urban park has a long history of bringing residents together for sports, exhibitions, entertainment, as well as a weekend farmer’s market. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lansdowne Park has become an even more important part of our community where residents have been gathering in a safe, outdoor space not too far from home.
Lansdowne Park could be made even better with additional social infrastructure to enhance the vibrancy of the site. This is why our community association is happy to support the revitalization project to add six outdoor tables, 20 chairs, eight canopies, and planters. This social infrastructure will meet a basic, but important need for residents. It will also encourage community engagement in a shared space that accommodates the need for physical distancing.
Given that many in our neighbourhood have limited or no private outdoor space, the addition of outdoor furniture to the site will offer those in our community the opportunity to gather safely outside. This includes the many apartment dwellers, students, young families, and seniors who live nearby. Furthermore, this project will help revitalize the historic Aberdeen Square at
the heart of Lansdowne and accommodate the need for pedestrian friendly social infrastructure.
As you know, the GCA has been working with the City of Ottawa, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) as well as the Glebe BIA for many years to enhance the vibrancy of Lansdowne Park and add simple, but vital improvements that benefit our community. In the fall of 2020, we held a virtual public consultation to canvass the neighbourhood and seek ideas to improve and revitalize Aberdeen Square at Lansdowne Park. It was clear from those consultations that residents are looking to add elements that will enhance the site, such as additional shade, outdoor seating, trees, and flower planters. With the federal government’s commitment to support communities as they search for new ways to adapt existing public places, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will provide the funding needed to achieve these desired improvements to our beloved Lansdowne Park.
On behalf of the GCA, thank you for your efforts to improve social infrastructure at Lansdowne. We are very pleased to support this initiative that will make Lansdowne an even safer and more vibrant public space that will benefit our entire community.
Sincerely,
Laura Smith
President, Glebe Community Association
Copy to:
Dan Chenier, General Manager, Recreation, Culture and Facilities Services, City of Ottawa Mark Goudie, CEO, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG)
Anthony Carricato, Chair, Glebe Community Association Lansdowne Committee