Its early days yet but according to Ken Gray in the Citizen on Dec 26 (Handicapping the next mayor) things are warming up. Gray attempts to handicap those he sees as lead contenders in the next mayoralty race. I was particularly interested reading his comments on one of the favourites.
“Peter Hume: The early favourite. A red Tory, the Alta Vista councillor would be able to mobilize much of the Conservative machine in Ottawa. And he counts Munter, so he has wide appeal. A great conciliator and deal-maker on council, he will need to be a superb fundraiser because he is not a wealthy man. Mr. Hume is so eager to run you expect see him covered in green paint around city hall after making election signs in the basement all night.”
In a recent post I commented on sources local councilors receive funding from to support their campaigns and the potential for serious conflict of interest. Peter Hume is one of several candidates identified in the 2003 and 2006 campaigns whose funding sources include a high percentage of contributions from firms and individuals that have business interests that might benefit from future council decisions.
Hume did particularly well in this area. In the 2003 campaign at least 71% of $26,999 in contributions came from corporations or individuals with direct interests in future developments within his ward and within the city as a whole. In the 2006 campaign there were no direct corporate campaign contributions but at least 62% of $27,062 came from individuals whose firms/employers might benefit similarly.
So, if Peter Hume decides to run for mayor, as most believe he will, he should have little difficulty raising funds. Many of the sources he has used in previous campaigns will be more than pleased to help out and maximize their contributions.
The sad fact is that this is all perfectly legal according to current provincial/municipal laws. It is disturbing that provincial laws allow contributions of this nature when strict measures to prevent implications of inappropriate election contributions are in place at the federal level. The time has come for the Province of Ontario to act on this issue too.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Municipal Election Contributions Ethics - 101
Government of Ontario’s municipal election law currently permits contributions by corporations and unions provided they are registered within the province. Contributions from individuals are also allowed, provided that they reside in the province and that recovery of contributions is not being made from a company or employer.
Firms and individuals that have business interests that might benefit from future decisions (e.g. votes in council) by persons standing for election are therefore permitted by current election law. Accepting contributions from these firms and individuals puts councilors in a conflict-of-interest situation and at worst might lead to accusations of bribery and corruption.
In recent elections a large percentage of contributions to several councillor’s campaigns came from corporations or from individuals with direct interests in future developments within the ward or within the city as a whole. This includes individuals who are owners, executives or senior managers in these firms.
Some councillor’s election campaign contributions show no direct corporate donations to their campaign. But indicate a large percentage of contributions from individuals whose firms/employers might benefit in the manner identified above.
It is unfortunate that individual councillors are not considering the ethical dilemma they place themselves in when accepting contributions from prominent individuals whose firms or employers might benefit from later decisions and action taken by city council. This is especially the case when one considers that policies regarding gifts and entertainment to city staff by firms/people doing business with the City have been tightened up in order to avoid appearance of conflict of interest.
It is very disturbing that provincial law allows contributions of this nature at both provincial and municipal levels. Stricter measures that reduce implications of inappropriate election contributions are already in place at the federal level.
http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/occ/2005/06-08/ACS2005-CCS-CSE-0006-DOC-1.htm
Firms and individuals that have business interests that might benefit from future decisions (e.g. votes in council) by persons standing for election are therefore permitted by current election law. Accepting contributions from these firms and individuals puts councilors in a conflict-of-interest situation and at worst might lead to accusations of bribery and corruption.
In recent elections a large percentage of contributions to several councillor’s campaigns came from corporations or from individuals with direct interests in future developments within the ward or within the city as a whole. This includes individuals who are owners, executives or senior managers in these firms.
Some councillor’s election campaign contributions show no direct corporate donations to their campaign. But indicate a large percentage of contributions from individuals whose firms/employers might benefit in the manner identified above.
It is unfortunate that individual councillors are not considering the ethical dilemma they place themselves in when accepting contributions from prominent individuals whose firms or employers might benefit from later decisions and action taken by city council. This is especially the case when one considers that policies regarding gifts and entertainment to city staff by firms/people doing business with the City have been tightened up in order to avoid appearance of conflict of interest.
It is very disturbing that provincial law allows contributions of this nature at both provincial and municipal levels. Stricter measures that reduce implications of inappropriate election contributions are already in place at the federal level.
http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/occ/2005/06-08/ACS2005-CCS-CSE-0006-DOC-1.htm
Friday, November 28, 2008
Your City Council at Work
Spending time at City Hall over the past months has provided me the opportunity to watch the behavior (antics) of councillors during committee and council meetings. One pervading issue is the amount of time many members spend away from the committee/council table speaking on the side with other committee members, staff, consultants and members of the public or glad-handing with VIPs.
This occurs when public delegations are presenting to committees, when staff are answering questions on reports and also during debate. First of all it is insulting to members of public delegations presenting issues and concerns to committees that their presentations are ignored. Secondly, it means that committee/council members are not fully informed on matters under debate. It makes the work of committees and council irrelevant. Clearly, minds are made up already and no amount of public input, clarification or debate will influence their decisions.
Some individual do business this ay more frequently than others. His Worship the Mayor is one of the worst offenders followed closely by Councillors Maria McRae, Jan Harder, Rainer Bloess, Bob Monette and Marianne Wilkinson. But most councillors stray off from time-to-time.
One-on-one strategizing, consultation and discussion between councillors, staff, consultants and others should occur before meeting or during intermissions, not at the committee/council table. At least lets see a perception that council really cares what the taxpayer and other committee members think.
This occurs when public delegations are presenting to committees, when staff are answering questions on reports and also during debate. First of all it is insulting to members of public delegations presenting issues and concerns to committees that their presentations are ignored. Secondly, it means that committee/council members are not fully informed on matters under debate. It makes the work of committees and council irrelevant. Clearly, minds are made up already and no amount of public input, clarification or debate will influence their decisions.
Some individual do business this ay more frequently than others. His Worship the Mayor is one of the worst offenders followed closely by Councillors Maria McRae, Jan Harder, Rainer Bloess, Bob Monette and Marianne Wilkinson. But most councillors stray off from time-to-time.
One-on-one strategizing, consultation and discussion between councillors, staff, consultants and others should occur before meeting or during intermissions, not at the committee/council table. At least lets see a perception that council really cares what the taxpayer and other committee members think.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Ethical Issues at Play in the TMP Debate
Yesterday’s City of Ottawa Council meeting saw the start of debate on the draft Transportation Master Plan (TMP), as recommended by the joint Transport/Transit Committees last week. Motions to open up the scope of the debate presented by opponents of the plan in its present form were defeated and strict time limits were placed on councillors’ questions to staff about details of the plan. Even with this limitation in place questions to staff took up several hours.
It was evident from staff responses to questions on the Carling Avenue LRT options the Leadman/Doucet proposal has not been reviewed seriously. Staff presented deliberately misleading details of technical assessments of the various options that have been analyzed.
There was also evidence of collusion between TMP supporters on council and members of staff. Questions to staff from some plan supporters were phrased to elicit copy book answers. It looked rehearsed. The more difficult questions asked by plan opponents could not be fully explored because of imposed time limits. Consequently, many important issues remain unexplored.
The debate is not yet done. Many motions remain to be debated before the plan is voted on. I can’t imagine the TMP being approved in its present form, given uncertainties in funding from provincial and federal government funding, as well as the City’s fragile financial position. It’s time to take a step back and to reexamine the many options that are on the table.
At best I believe that there are ethical issues that need to be addressed. I’ll have more to say about this later.
It was evident from staff responses to questions on the Carling Avenue LRT options the Leadman/Doucet proposal has not been reviewed seriously. Staff presented deliberately misleading details of technical assessments of the various options that have been analyzed.
There was also evidence of collusion between TMP supporters on council and members of staff. Questions to staff from some plan supporters were phrased to elicit copy book answers. It looked rehearsed. The more difficult questions asked by plan opponents could not be fully explored because of imposed time limits. Consequently, many important issues remain unexplored.
The debate is not yet done. Many motions remain to be debated before the plan is voted on. I can’t imagine the TMP being approved in its present form, given uncertainties in funding from provincial and federal government funding, as well as the City’s fragile financial position. It’s time to take a step back and to reexamine the many options that are on the table.
At best I believe that there are ethical issues that need to be addressed. I’ll have more to say about this later.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Democracy at Work – Not
Here is the text from a letter I wrote to the Ottawa Citizen today:
At yesterday’s joint Transport/Transit meeting to review and approve the updated City of Ottawa draft Transportation Master Plan (TMP), some 25 delegations presented comments and in some cases alternative visions for elements of the plan. Several things became evident as the day progressed. Firstly the nature of many of the delegate presentations revealed significant inconsistencies in the draft TMP, suggesting that it is not yet ready for presentation to council. Secondly, it was clear from questions and comments from councillors that many of them already have their minds made up notwithstanding the validity of delegates’ input. Thirdly, an alternative vision of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system offered by Councillors Doucet and Leadman was rejected without providing time for the serious consideration it clearly deserves.
Significant effort made by individual delegates is largely unappreciated and valuable suggestions go ignored. Council decisions regarding the direction the TMP will take are formed even before staff effort is completed. City staff clearly worked hard to develop the draft plan presented to the committee. Unfortunately, the work they do is based on direction from councillors some of whom have unbending political agendas and allegiances.
Council members are not experts in the complex fields of transportation and transit, so are not qualified to take a final decision on the TMP without independent expert overview. A plan of this complexity should be subject to arm’s length review by a panel of experts before being presented for approval. Why the hurry to approve this important plan without taking the time to get it right?
At yesterday’s joint Transport/Transit meeting to review and approve the updated City of Ottawa draft Transportation Master Plan (TMP), some 25 delegations presented comments and in some cases alternative visions for elements of the plan. Several things became evident as the day progressed. Firstly the nature of many of the delegate presentations revealed significant inconsistencies in the draft TMP, suggesting that it is not yet ready for presentation to council. Secondly, it was clear from questions and comments from councillors that many of them already have their minds made up notwithstanding the validity of delegates’ input. Thirdly, an alternative vision of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system offered by Councillors Doucet and Leadman was rejected without providing time for the serious consideration it clearly deserves.
Significant effort made by individual delegates is largely unappreciated and valuable suggestions go ignored. Council decisions regarding the direction the TMP will take are formed even before staff effort is completed. City staff clearly worked hard to develop the draft plan presented to the committee. Unfortunately, the work they do is based on direction from councillors some of whom have unbending political agendas and allegiances.
Council members are not experts in the complex fields of transportation and transit, so are not qualified to take a final decision on the TMP without independent expert overview. A plan of this complexity should be subject to arm’s length review by a panel of experts before being presented for approval. Why the hurry to approve this important plan without taking the time to get it right?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
RPCA Elects a New President
At the RPCA annual general meeting on October 15 nobody appeared willing to stand for nomination as president. So the matter was put to the board to select a president from within its ranks at the next board meeting. In the meantime one person, Brant Scott, came forward indicating he was willing to stand. The board voted to accept Brant as president. RPCA now has an official point of contact for communications with our city ward representative, Councillor Peter Hume.
The elephant in the room is conflict of interest resulting from accepting Brant Scott as president of RPCA. Susan Scott, Brant’s wife, is Councillor Peter Hume’s assistant at City Hall. This is unfortunate, particularly given some of the development, transportation and transit issues that are of concern in the Riverview Park community right now. It will be interesting to learn how Brant Scott and Councillor Peter Hume propose to avoid potential conflicts when these and other issues arise. For too long RPCA leadership has cooperated with their Ward representative and has failed to effectively reflect the concerns of the community.
Councillor Hume has stated that he will produce letters from RPCA, and other community associations in his ward, in support of the Hospital Lands Plan. Formal support by the board is premature. Individual members of RPCA have expressed opposition, the membership as a whole needs to be consulted. Not only must opinions of the entire membership be reflected in any letter but it should be noted that the RPCA does not and cannot reflect the majority view of Riverside Park.
It should be remembered that RPCA membership is small relative to the size of the Riverview Park community. RPCA has some fence mending, and dare I say “bridge building,” to do so its membership can grow to a level where it can effectively represent the community.
The elephant in the room is conflict of interest resulting from accepting Brant Scott as president of RPCA. Susan Scott, Brant’s wife, is Councillor Peter Hume’s assistant at City Hall. This is unfortunate, particularly given some of the development, transportation and transit issues that are of concern in the Riverview Park community right now. It will be interesting to learn how Brant Scott and Councillor Peter Hume propose to avoid potential conflicts when these and other issues arise. For too long RPCA leadership has cooperated with their Ward representative and has failed to effectively reflect the concerns of the community.
Councillor Hume has stated that he will produce letters from RPCA, and other community associations in his ward, in support of the Hospital Lands Plan. Formal support by the board is premature. Individual members of RPCA have expressed opposition, the membership as a whole needs to be consulted. Not only must opinions of the entire membership be reflected in any letter but it should be noted that the RPCA does not and cannot reflect the majority view of Riverside Park.
It should be remembered that RPCA membership is small relative to the size of the Riverview Park community. RPCA has some fence mending, and dare I say “bridge building,” to do so its membership can grow to a level where it can effectively represent the community.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Planning and Environment Committee meeting, Oct 28, 2008
I sat in on this meeting today. In particular I was interested in the discussion and vote on the Hospital Lands Area Plan and the proposed zoning by-law amendment.
At the start of the discussion Councillor Clive Doucet asked for a deferral of this item to the next meeting as he had only received the report the previous day and needed time to review it with community groups. In his usual arrogant style Councillor Peter Hume "Chair" noted that the report had been available for over a week and this was sufficient reiew time.
Doucet noted that one of the reasons that review time is needed is that the hopital lands conceptual design assumes that the AVTC is in place, so it is important to review the report with his community. Hume indicated that community associations in his ward support the plan and that he would present letters of support from them to council when they are asked to vote on it. He also suggested that Doucet would have time for a review within his community before the next council meeting. no other committee members would agree to a deferral, notwithstanding that the plan and the report have taken years to get to this point. Doucet noted that there are "thousands" of people in the Alta Vista community who are opposed to current transportation plans (AVTC, Browning, etc.).
Speaking as a member of an RPCA committee on planning issues Francois Allard noted that many Riverview Park residents are opposed to the plan as well as the AVTC and the proposed Browning Rapid Transit Corridor both of which are assumed to be in place as a basis for the plan. He noted that Hume was on record as opposing the Browning corridor, so it was "mind boggling" that he wanted to proceed to approval without these issues being addressed properly. People do not easily make the connection between a planned community development and the transit/transportation implications. Hume said the City made every effort to inform the community and to encourage comments.
Doucet believes this is a "rogue" plan; the concept of building a $62M, 1.8Km hospital link and later following through spending staggering amounts to bridge the Rideau River in later stages of AVTC construction will make the $62M look like "child's play." Doucet said he will abstain from voting on this issue today.
Hume noted that the report is a "land use plan" only, for use in the future. In other words, what is in the plan will not necessarily be implemented, that will be up to the developers! The plan was carried with one abstention. Several people including Diane Holmes and Gordon Hunter were absent from this session.
At the start of the discussion Councillor Clive Doucet asked for a deferral of this item to the next meeting as he had only received the report the previous day and needed time to review it with community groups. In his usual arrogant style Councillor Peter Hume "Chair" noted that the report had been available for over a week and this was sufficient reiew time.
Doucet noted that one of the reasons that review time is needed is that the hopital lands conceptual design assumes that the AVTC is in place, so it is important to review the report with his community. Hume indicated that community associations in his ward support the plan and that he would present letters of support from them to council when they are asked to vote on it. He also suggested that Doucet would have time for a review within his community before the next council meeting. no other committee members would agree to a deferral, notwithstanding that the plan and the report have taken years to get to this point. Doucet noted that there are "thousands" of people in the Alta Vista community who are opposed to current transportation plans (AVTC, Browning, etc.).
Speaking as a member of an RPCA committee on planning issues Francois Allard noted that many Riverview Park residents are opposed to the plan as well as the AVTC and the proposed Browning Rapid Transit Corridor both of which are assumed to be in place as a basis for the plan. He noted that Hume was on record as opposing the Browning corridor, so it was "mind boggling" that he wanted to proceed to approval without these issues being addressed properly. People do not easily make the connection between a planned community development and the transit/transportation implications. Hume said the City made every effort to inform the community and to encourage comments.
Doucet believes this is a "rogue" plan; the concept of building a $62M, 1.8Km hospital link and later following through spending staggering amounts to bridge the Rideau River in later stages of AVTC construction will make the $62M look like "child's play." Doucet said he will abstain from voting on this issue today.
Hume noted that the report is a "land use plan" only, for use in the future. In other words, what is in the plan will not necessarily be implemented, that will be up to the developers! The plan was carried with one abstention. Several people including Diane Holmes and Gordon Hunter were absent from this session.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I'm Back!
The election is over, it was hard work and quite rewarding. We didn't get quite the share of votes we had hoped for, but not too bad considering the numbers whom apparently "voted strategically" whatever that really means. We increased the Green Party vote share in Ottawa South significantly and I am sure we will do even better next time.
Anyway, back to community and municipal government issues for a while:
The pending Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Browning Avenue section of the eastbound transit link has been an issue lately. Peter Hume has supported the community in having the scope of the EA expanded to encompass alternative options. But I can't help thinking that the whole thing is a red herring to distract Riverview Park residents who oppose construction of the hospital link section of the AVTC.
Clive doucet is promoting a Rail Row initiative that proposes Carling Avenue as a key link for westbound light rail. I think this is a great idea. It has never been given serious consideration by council to date. It's time they took a serious look at it! Today I emailed Peter Hume, asking if he supports Clive's initiative. I will let you know his answer.
I was very sorry to see that David Chernushenko resigned from the Green Party. Although he denies it, I still believe it is "sour grapes" and I hope he will reconsider. However, every cloud has a silver lining and this one is that David is considering entering municipal politics in 2010.
It has been suggested that he might run in Capital Ward, presumably with Clive Doucet's blessing? I would prefer that Clive stay on for one more term and that David run against Peter Hume in Alta Vista Ward. It's time we had a viable candidate to run against Hume. If Hume decides to run for mayor, the seat could be wide open for David, he would do great things in this ward and on council generally.
I will be attending council and committee meetings over the next couple of weeks and will report my views and findings on this blog.
Anyway, back to community and municipal government issues for a while:
The pending Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Browning Avenue section of the eastbound transit link has been an issue lately. Peter Hume has supported the community in having the scope of the EA expanded to encompass alternative options. But I can't help thinking that the whole thing is a red herring to distract Riverview Park residents who oppose construction of the hospital link section of the AVTC.
Clive doucet is promoting a Rail Row initiative that proposes Carling Avenue as a key link for westbound light rail. I think this is a great idea. It has never been given serious consideration by council to date. It's time they took a serious look at it! Today I emailed Peter Hume, asking if he supports Clive's initiative. I will let you know his answer.
I was very sorry to see that David Chernushenko resigned from the Green Party. Although he denies it, I still believe it is "sour grapes" and I hope he will reconsider. However, every cloud has a silver lining and this one is that David is considering entering municipal politics in 2010.
It has been suggested that he might run in Capital Ward, presumably with Clive Doucet's blessing? I would prefer that Clive stay on for one more term and that David run against Peter Hume in Alta Vista Ward. It's time we had a viable candidate to run against Hume. If Hume decides to run for mayor, the seat could be wide open for David, he would do great things in this ward and on council generally.
I will be attending council and committee meetings over the next couple of weeks and will report my views and findings on this blog.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Waiting for the Writ to Drop
I have not had the opportunity to work on this blog over the past couple of weeks and if Prime Minister Harper drops the writ soon, I'll be campaigning full-time for Dr. Qais Ghanem, the Green Party of Canada candidate for Ottawa South. We have been very successful with polling through last winter and spring and plan on giving the McGuinty clan a good run for its money in Ottawa South.
If you are interested, go to our website http://www.ottawasouthgreenparty.ca. I will resume postings to this blog as soon as the election finishes or signs of an iminent elction call disappear. Please feel free to comment on my rants so far.
If you are interested, go to our website http://www.ottawasouthgreenparty.ca. I will resume postings to this blog as soon as the election finishes or signs of an iminent elction call disappear. Please feel free to comment on my rants so far.
Monday, August 4, 2008
More support for integrated planning in the city
There was an interesting story by Leonard Stern in Saturday’s Citizen (Aug 2, 2008). The article shows support for my concern about the City’s inability to consider the many road developments it is considering in concert with new community development, intensification and smart growth initiatives before final decisions are made. The writer observes that even councilors who sit on the same side of the table politically seem to disagree on transit and community development issues.
The article notes that “The sprawl to which cities like Ottawa succumbed.....was made possible only by lavish and exorbitant supplies of cheap fossil fuel....Light rail, and the related conversation about intensification – a conversation based on the idea that ‘home’ doesn’t necessarily have to be a single family detached house – is taking us father away from the era …..of the ‘megaburbs,’ places that ‘have all the congestion of a city but none of the human contact.’ Prohibitive gas prices (might) have many bad consequences, but more human contact could be one of the good ones.”
The article notes that “The sprawl to which cities like Ottawa succumbed.....was made possible only by lavish and exorbitant supplies of cheap fossil fuel....Light rail, and the related conversation about intensification – a conversation based on the idea that ‘home’ doesn’t necessarily have to be a single family detached house – is taking us father away from the era …..of the ‘megaburbs,’ places that ‘have all the congestion of a city but none of the human contact.’ Prohibitive gas prices (might) have many bad consequences, but more human contact could be one of the good ones.”
Friday, August 1, 2008
Questionable justification for AVTC - hospital link development
Earlier posts on this blog address concerns regarding planned development of the hospital link stage of the Alta vista Transportation Corridor. Here is another observation.
Councillor Peter Hume argues that planned development of the hospital lands, including the National Defence Medical Centre (NDMC) will have a significant impact on the community fabric in Alta vista. Approximately 750 new development units are planned and approximately half of the DND lands will be used for hospital related development.
With respect to the hospital lands development, there are currently some 1,100 persons working in the NDMC building and this number will likely remain stable until the building is taken down (5 or 6 years hence, based on current projections). A similar number of persons will likely be employed at this site following development of the hospital lands section of the DND-NDMC lands. In other words, a zero net increase from existing employment levels at this location.
The cost, technical and environmental challenges associated with developing the “hospital link” to address the transit needs of an estimated 750 additional residences at this location are hard to justify on this basis, particularly as community services and retail opportunities (i.e. smart growth) are also planned. The transit needs of new residents, as well as the needs of people employed at the hospitals, can be addressed effectively by improving bus services using existing road infrastructure, into the foreseeable future.
Councillor Peter Hume argues that planned development of the hospital lands, including the National Defence Medical Centre (NDMC) will have a significant impact on the community fabric in Alta vista. Approximately 750 new development units are planned and approximately half of the DND lands will be used for hospital related development.
With respect to the hospital lands development, there are currently some 1,100 persons working in the NDMC building and this number will likely remain stable until the building is taken down (5 or 6 years hence, based on current projections). A similar number of persons will likely be employed at this site following development of the hospital lands section of the DND-NDMC lands. In other words, a zero net increase from existing employment levels at this location.
The cost, technical and environmental challenges associated with developing the “hospital link” to address the transit needs of an estimated 750 additional residences at this location are hard to justify on this basis, particularly as community services and retail opportunities (i.e. smart growth) are also planned. The transit needs of new residents, as well as the needs of people employed at the hospitals, can be addressed effectively by improving bus services using existing road infrastructure, into the foreseeable future.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
What does the city have to lose by keeping the Carling Ave light rail option on the table?
A good letter from Councillor Clive Doucet in today’s Citizen. Council, and City staff, has nothing to loose by exploring this option further. Imagine, if light rail was to run along Carling, maybe one day we could restore the western river parkway completely and return it to true parkway status, sans buses!
Friday, July 25, 2008
The City of Ottawa’s Public Transit Plan
I have always admired Councillor Clive Doucet’s consistent approach to transportation and public transit issues in the city of Ottawa. I was particularly impressed at his press conference yesterday when he criticized staff’s plans for the $4 billion plus public transit proposal that council approved a few weeks ago. Nothing in this plan has been carefully thought out. Some members of council and city staff believe that the plan is already locked in stone and unchangeable, even when intelligent well thought out alternatives are presented. Here is a further example of ad hoc decision making within the City of Ottawa.
The plans were presented for council decision far too early. In their present form they are, at best, a conceptual framework for ongoing consideration and development. Particularly controversial issues include use of the western leg of the Ottawa River Parkway without giving serious consideration to more effective viable alternatives (e.g. Carling Avenue). What is to be lost by pausing to give serious consideration to the pros and cons of such alternatives? Once this infrastructure is in place it will be with us for a long, long time, so let’s try and get it right. The previous north/south light rail plan was criticized for the same reason; what’s different this time?
Too often we hear members of council say, “...the decisions have already been made, get used to it, move on…” An example of this is the hospital link section of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC) that has been commented on previously in this blog. Councillor Peter Hume claims that the link is needed now because of the expected growth of the Ottawa Health sciences Centre at this site that is expected over the coming years. It remains unclear to me and many others in the community what the urgency is to complete the hospital link, given that no development of the adjacent hospital lands can take place for several years and that planned changes to bus transit in the area might well resolve existing problems.
Councillor Doucet raises concern about the time it will likely take before a light rail system is in service in Ottawa. To be honest, I am not sure what can be done to shorten the time if we are going to do it right. Unfortunately, if the existing council has its way, it will take an inordinate amount of time and still fail to meet public transit needs in Ottawa.
The plans were presented for council decision far too early. In their present form they are, at best, a conceptual framework for ongoing consideration and development. Particularly controversial issues include use of the western leg of the Ottawa River Parkway without giving serious consideration to more effective viable alternatives (e.g. Carling Avenue). What is to be lost by pausing to give serious consideration to the pros and cons of such alternatives? Once this infrastructure is in place it will be with us for a long, long time, so let’s try and get it right. The previous north/south light rail plan was criticized for the same reason; what’s different this time?
Too often we hear members of council say, “...the decisions have already been made, get used to it, move on…” An example of this is the hospital link section of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC) that has been commented on previously in this blog. Councillor Peter Hume claims that the link is needed now because of the expected growth of the Ottawa Health sciences Centre at this site that is expected over the coming years. It remains unclear to me and many others in the community what the urgency is to complete the hospital link, given that no development of the adjacent hospital lands can take place for several years and that planned changes to bus transit in the area might well resolve existing problems.
Councillor Doucet raises concern about the time it will likely take before a light rail system is in service in Ottawa. To be honest, I am not sure what can be done to shorten the time if we are going to do it right. Unfortunately, if the existing council has its way, it will take an inordinate amount of time and still fail to meet public transit needs in Ottawa.
Friday, July 18, 2008
A Pay-off for Transit
It was pleasing to read in today’s Citizen that the city will likely break even on transit fuel costs this year. Even though fuel costs for the year are likely to be 20% higher than budgeted, transit ridership revenue will probably increase by an equivalent amount for the balance of the year. This is a promising trend – way to go!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ecology Ottawa Petitions Against More Roads and Queensway Widening
I received the message below from a member of Greenspace-Alliance. To receive information updates contact the list admin: green-news-owner@greenspace-alliance.ca. For information on Ecology Ottawa, go to: http://www.ecologyottawa.ca/index.php
From Ecology Ottawa:
Here's a riddle for you: What's the one thing you can do to destroy farmland and natural landscapes, help put summer temperatures through the roof, increase pollution in local rivers, send more Ottawans to hospital emergency rooms, and bring the city closer to bankruptcy, all at the same time?
Simple. Build a new road.
Road building and expansion in Ottawa has gotten out of control. Despite growing public health threats from smog and global warming, the city's deepening fiscal crisis, and the lip service councillors pay to the importance of smart growth and public transit, city council continues to approve one new road after another. The city website currently lists no less than 12 road construction and widening projects, but it can barely afford to maintain the roads we already have.
Mayor Larry O'Brien has already stated that when council sits down this year to grapple with the challenge of balancing the city budget, cuts to services are inevitable. Before they start slashing funding or increasing user fees for services that actually improve the health and sustainability of our communities, our councillors should be cutting the budget for new roads and road widening -- to zero.
With your help, we can send a strong message to city council that Ottawa residents want better public transit, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructure -- not more roads. Sign the petition at http://www.ecologyottawa.ca/take-action/sign-on/index.php. Please tell as many people as possible to also sign!
Then mark your calendars for a weekend of fun outdoor events with Ecology Ottawa on July 25 and 26. We'll kick off the weekend on Friday evening with a screening of "Who Killed the Electric Car", in Dundonald Park at 9 pm (Somerset St. West, between Bay and Lyon). On Saturday, we'll host a barbeque featuring vegetarian-friendly food, live music, prizes, and games for the kids, from 2 to 5 pm in Central Park (in the Glebe, at Clemow and >>Bank). Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Graham Saul
Chair, Ecology Ottawa
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED
Speak out to the province against Queensway widening
From the Queensway Coalition: A decision on Queensway widening could be made by the province soon. Now is the time to write to the Ministry of the Environment in support of the various "bump-up" challenges and remind the Minister of the community concern over the potential widening of the highway and community desire for an honest assessment of more sustainable transportation alternatives. See more details and get the e-mail address to write to at www.queenswaycoalition.org/QW.html
From Ecology Ottawa:
Here's a riddle for you: What's the one thing you can do to destroy farmland and natural landscapes, help put summer temperatures through the roof, increase pollution in local rivers, send more Ottawans to hospital emergency rooms, and bring the city closer to bankruptcy, all at the same time?
Simple. Build a new road.
Road building and expansion in Ottawa has gotten out of control. Despite growing public health threats from smog and global warming, the city's deepening fiscal crisis, and the lip service councillors pay to the importance of smart growth and public transit, city council continues to approve one new road after another. The city website currently lists no less than 12 road construction and widening projects, but it can barely afford to maintain the roads we already have.
Mayor Larry O'Brien has already stated that when council sits down this year to grapple with the challenge of balancing the city budget, cuts to services are inevitable. Before they start slashing funding or increasing user fees for services that actually improve the health and sustainability of our communities, our councillors should be cutting the budget for new roads and road widening -- to zero.
With your help, we can send a strong message to city council that Ottawa residents want better public transit, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructure -- not more roads. Sign the petition at http://www.ecologyottawa.ca/take-action/sign-on/index.php. Please tell as many people as possible to also sign!
Then mark your calendars for a weekend of fun outdoor events with Ecology Ottawa on July 25 and 26. We'll kick off the weekend on Friday evening with a screening of "Who Killed the Electric Car", in Dundonald Park at 9 pm (Somerset St. West, between Bay and Lyon). On Saturday, we'll host a barbeque featuring vegetarian-friendly food, live music, prizes, and games for the kids, from 2 to 5 pm in Central Park (in the Glebe, at Clemow and >>Bank). Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Graham Saul
Chair, Ecology Ottawa
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED
Speak out to the province against Queensway widening
From the Queensway Coalition: A decision on Queensway widening could be made by the province soon. Now is the time to write to the Ministry of the Environment in support of the various "bump-up" challenges and remind the Minister of the community concern over the potential widening of the highway and community desire for an honest assessment of more sustainable transportation alternatives. See more details and get the e-mail address to write to at www.queenswaycoalition.org/QW.html
Friday, July 11, 2008
A Helpful Reply from the Minister
I was please today upon receiving a reply from the Hon. Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs, regarding my letter (see post: A Request for Assistance.... dated June 27, 2008). The Minister notes that this is really a local municipal matter. However, he courteously forwarded a copy of my correspondence to the Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation, for information. Further he forwarded a copy to the Hon. David Caplan, the recently appointed Minister of Health and Long Term Care, regarding the expanding health care services into Ottawa local communities.
While Minister Watson does not make any commitments to help carry this matter forward, at least he and his ministry made a serious and considered response to my concerns - somewhat different from the automated form letter response received from the Office of the Premier (my Provincial representative from Ottawa South!
I intend keeping the Minister informed on progess on this case particularly because he will likely have regular contact with Councillor Peter Hume in his new role as President of the Ass'n of Municipalities of Ontario.
While Minister Watson does not make any commitments to help carry this matter forward, at least he and his ministry made a serious and considered response to my concerns - somewhat different from the automated form letter response received from the Office of the Premier (my Provincial representative from Ottawa South!
I intend keeping the Minister informed on progess on this case particularly because he will likely have regular contact with Councillor Peter Hume in his new role as President of the Ass'n of Municipalities of Ontario.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hume to head Ass'n of Municipalities of Ontario
Another acclaimation for Peter Hume and another milestone for this "veteral councillor" (read career politician!). Also a further distraction from day-to-day issues in Ward 18 (Alta Vista).
Sounds more and more likely he will take a run for mayor in 2010, with this presidential role added to his resume. There again, maybe he'll throw his hat in the federal political ring. Unlikely in Ottawa South however, as his last name is not McGuinty!
Sounds more and more likely he will take a run for mayor in 2010, with this presidential role added to his resume. There again, maybe he'll throw his hat in the federal political ring. Unlikely in Ottawa South however, as his last name is not McGuinty!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Ottawa councillors making moves for mayoralty position
Recent reports of insurrection at city hall (Ken Gray, Ottawa Citizen, July 4, 2008) suggest that several councillors are considering a motion requesting Mayor Larry O’Brien to step aside. Further, a number of them are seriously interested in filling the spot. Among these is career councillor Peter Hume, who represents my ward (Alta Vista).
Hume has already been in the chair for too long. He does not represent the interests and concerns of the ward effectively and most of his decisions appear to favor the interests of developers above all other interests. It’s time for a change, period. No viable candidate has run against Hume since he was first elected, once he was not even challenged.
I will work vigorously oppose any campaign Hume makes for mayor, and
I will work hard to find a competent candidate to oppose him and win in Alta Vista ward.
I’ll be writing more about this very soon!
Hume has already been in the chair for too long. He does not represent the interests and concerns of the ward effectively and most of his decisions appear to favor the interests of developers above all other interests. It’s time for a change, period. No viable candidate has run against Hume since he was first elected, once he was not even challenged.
I will work vigorously oppose any campaign Hume makes for mayor, and
I will work hard to find a competent candidate to oppose him and win in Alta Vista ward.
I’ll be writing more about this very soon!
Friday, June 27, 2008
A request for Assistance from the Province of Ontario
I wrote a letter to the Mon. Jim Watson, MPP (Ottawa West - Nepean), Minister of Municipal Affairs asking for assistance addressing potential conflicts of priorities regarding the building of new roads needed to service an ever growing Ottawa Hospital complex at the General Campus site. This is contrary to "smart growth" and the city of Ottawa's "Vision 2020" planning principles that encourage use of public transit, alking and cycling options instead of drivivng.
The need for this new road has been the subject of challenges by citizens groups for a number of years. however City Council elected to proceed with the project and it is currently in the design phase. A local councillor (Peter Hume) claims that the road is needed because of expected growth of the Ottawa Health Sciences Centre that is expected over coming years. It is unclear to me, and many others in the community, what the urgency is to complete this "hospital link" given that no development of ajacent hospital lands can take place for several years and that planned changes to transit in the area might well resolve existing problems anyway.
Further, the Province of Ontario's plan to expand health care services at one site that is far away from where constituents live and increasingly work is questionalble at best. The cost of the hospital link is estimated at $65 million (more likely $100 million). This money could go a long way to building urgent care and other small hospital facilities in suburban areas where they are most needed. This would reduce the transit strain on the hospital lands and likely extend their development shelf life into the next century.
It is clear that different Provincial government departments do not consult closely together when making expansion plans. Unfortunately, the city appears to accept Provincial planning decisions without practicing due diligence. This results in bad planning decisions on the city's part: building roads that might not be needed and reducing the effectiveness of its public transit systems for the long term.
Investigation of this issue also requires consultation with other Provincial government ministries including Health & Long Term Care as well as Infrastructure.
The need for this new road has been the subject of challenges by citizens groups for a number of years. however City Council elected to proceed with the project and it is currently in the design phase. A local councillor (Peter Hume) claims that the road is needed because of expected growth of the Ottawa Health Sciences Centre that is expected over coming years. It is unclear to me, and many others in the community, what the urgency is to complete this "hospital link" given that no development of ajacent hospital lands can take place for several years and that planned changes to transit in the area might well resolve existing problems anyway.
Further, the Province of Ontario's plan to expand health care services at one site that is far away from where constituents live and increasingly work is questionalble at best. The cost of the hospital link is estimated at $65 million (more likely $100 million). This money could go a long way to building urgent care and other small hospital facilities in suburban areas where they are most needed. This would reduce the transit strain on the hospital lands and likely extend their development shelf life into the next century.
It is clear that different Provincial government departments do not consult closely together when making expansion plans. Unfortunately, the city appears to accept Provincial planning decisions without practicing due diligence. This results in bad planning decisions on the city's part: building roads that might not be needed and reducing the effectiveness of its public transit systems for the long term.
Investigation of this issue also requires consultation with other Provincial government ministries including Health & Long Term Care as well as Infrastructure.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Introduction
This blog provides a channel to present my views on municipal government issues within the City of Ottawa. I’m stimulated to broadcast my views to a wider audience by:
Ongoing City plans to build new roads for private vehicles even in the light of rapidly escalating fuel prices and in direct contravention with its commitments to “Smart Growth.” “Vision 2020” planning principles encourage use of public transit, walking and cycling options instead of driving. This is an important issue that needs timely action, especially as the City is in the process of reviewing and updating its Master Plan.
Overall, the performance of City Council is less than satisfactory. I agree with the plethora of articles in local Ottawa papers recently, suggesting that it is the people working on council that present the problem, rather than the system of local government itself. Its time for a change; so a focus of this blog will be to identify steps that can improve things in the short term; as well, to encourage new intelligent players to come forward in time for the next election (Nov 2010).
Other issues will likely stimulate my interest in the coming months, but for now I’ll concentrate on these areas.
Ongoing City plans to build new roads for private vehicles even in the light of rapidly escalating fuel prices and in direct contravention with its commitments to “Smart Growth.” “Vision 2020” planning principles encourage use of public transit, walking and cycling options instead of driving. This is an important issue that needs timely action, especially as the City is in the process of reviewing and updating its Master Plan.
Overall, the performance of City Council is less than satisfactory. I agree with the plethora of articles in local Ottawa papers recently, suggesting that it is the people working on council that present the problem, rather than the system of local government itself. Its time for a change; so a focus of this blog will be to identify steps that can improve things in the short term; as well, to encourage new intelligent players to come forward in time for the next election (Nov 2010).
Other issues will likely stimulate my interest in the coming months, but for now I’ll concentrate on these areas.
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