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!
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