I was surprised to see that an article about the permanent closure to through traffic on Clemow Avenue in the Glebe (City plan makes two homes impossible to reach – or does it? Robert Sibley, Ottawa Citizen, Aug. 25, 2010) should appear on the front page of the paper. The article discusses a motion that will be presented to City Council today by Councillor Clive Doucet to have city staff “initiate a formal, permanent street closure” of Clemow Avenue where it intersects with Central Park between O’Connor and Bank Streets.
The road has been closed on a “temporary” basis for nearly 40 years and most residents fully support the proposal. Two residents claim that access to their properties will be affected by the change and they say that there has been no public consultation. But public consultation is what Councillor Doucet’s motion is all about. No changes will be made without a public consultation.
Caroline Vanneste indicates that the Glebe Community Association has been looking into this issue for a while and has reported on it in the Glebe Report. They requested that Clemow be permanently closed but did not define the specific area to be greened. Residents were found to be generally in favour of the closure (as noted in the article) but have not agreed on the specific area.
City staff wanted a Council motion regarding the closure before starting the consultation process with the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the map attached to the motion makes it look like the area has already been decided and there won't be consultation on it. This is not the case at all. Vanneste says she will be trying to get this explanation out to affected residents, but will not be contacting the Ottawa Citizen. The GCA is not mentioned in the article – it appears to be a misunderstanding between residents and the City.
The fact that this issue appears on the front page of the paper and that at least one of the complainers, Ian Burney, is the son of ex-senior diplomat and Principal Secretary of Mulroney's office, Derek Burney, suggests that the article which is critical of Doucet is a deliberate attempt to discredit Doucet's current campaign for the mayoralty. It is unfortunate that the press finds it necessary to interfere in the political process rather than to report news in a clear, unambiguous and respectful manner.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Blatant promotion of a municipal candidate is not part of a columnist’s job
Re: Council needs business smarts to balance its odd ducks, Randall Denley, Ottawa Citizen, Aug. 24, 2010
Of course Randall Denley is a columnist rather than a reporter, so he will likely claim that he is entitled to express his opinions in his column. But to my mind commenting on performance of people in office is one thing, promoting the potential of a previously unknown candidate to the exclusion of others is another.
I’m sure that if challenged Denley would claim that his article was merely pointing out the value of electing candidates with appropriate skills and experience. But he goes much further than this by strongly extolling the virtues of a single candidate for Kitchissippi Ward, Katherine Hobbs, while invalidating the performance of the current Councillor for the Ward, Christine Leadman. Denley fails to discuss any of Leadman’s experience, focusing instead on Katherine Hobbs.
Denley suggests that real-life business experience is a good attribute for a councillor. But many would argue that this hasn’t paid off very well in the case our current mayor, Larry O’Brien.
Comparing the attributes and performance of all candidates running for election in a ward is one thing. But blatantly promoting one candidate to the exclusion of others is biased and unfair; just give people good comparative information, so that they can decide for themselves.
Of course Randall Denley is a columnist rather than a reporter, so he will likely claim that he is entitled to express his opinions in his column. But to my mind commenting on performance of people in office is one thing, promoting the potential of a previously unknown candidate to the exclusion of others is another.
I’m sure that if challenged Denley would claim that his article was merely pointing out the value of electing candidates with appropriate skills and experience. But he goes much further than this by strongly extolling the virtues of a single candidate for Kitchissippi Ward, Katherine Hobbs, while invalidating the performance of the current Councillor for the Ward, Christine Leadman. Denley fails to discuss any of Leadman’s experience, focusing instead on Katherine Hobbs.
Denley suggests that real-life business experience is a good attribute for a councillor. But many would argue that this hasn’t paid off very well in the case our current mayor, Larry O’Brien.
Comparing the attributes and performance of all candidates running for election in a ward is one thing. But blatantly promoting one candidate to the exclusion of others is biased and unfair; just give people good comparative information, so that they can decide for themselves.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Important Meeting to Attend: Ottawa Municipal Council Candidates
To those concerned about progress in the City of Ottawa,
Over a year of preparation and planning, and bringing civic-minded people together, is culminating on October 25th, 2010. We are nearly two months away from the municipal election and have organized a meeting to discuss the candidates.
Those candidates who value affordable housing, accessible transit, social investment, environmental protection & sustainable city planning need to be identified and supported.
This meeting will openly discuss the strategic wards that we need to focus on and offer insights into achieving a Council which respects the policies and principles listed above.
If you want to see positive change in Ottawa, please forward this email and attached poster along to your networks, RSVP and attend:
When: Tuesday, August 24th at 7pm
Where: 5050 Minto Centre, Carleton University Map (label MC): http://www2.carleton.ca/campus/
Who: Our Ottawa and friends
RSVP to: itsourottawa@gmail.com
Over a year of preparation and planning, and bringing civic-minded people together, is culminating on October 25th, 2010. We are nearly two months away from the municipal election and have organized a meeting to discuss the candidates.
Those candidates who value affordable housing, accessible transit, social investment, environmental protection & sustainable city planning need to be identified and supported.
This meeting will openly discuss the strategic wards that we need to focus on and offer insights into achieving a Council which respects the policies and principles listed above.
If you want to see positive change in Ottawa, please forward this email and attached poster along to your networks, RSVP and attend:
When: Tuesday, August 24th at 7pm
Where: 5050 Minto Centre, Carleton University Map (label MC): http://www2.carleton.ca/campus/
Who: Our Ottawa and friends
RSVP to: itsourottawa@gmail.com
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Live and let live
Councillor Peter Hume's Riverview Community Update - July 2010 attempts to tackle the "problem" of crows roosting in urban areas. I believe his article is a response to an open letter from a local resident that is posted on the Riverview Park Community Association (RPCA) web site.
The original letter makes a number of claims relating to problems presented by the crow population in Riverview Park. among these are the menace to health, property damage, noise, bird feeders, their affect on the rest of the bird population and the threat to air ambulances flying into the Ottawa General hospital. Unfortunately most of these claims are inaccurate and misguided.
I question that crows are a menace to the health of the community, actually the presence of a healthy crow population in the area is a good sign. These birds are scavengers that help control the local rodent population.
I have never seen crows pecking gravel off roof shingles as this letter writer claims. However, I have seen squirrels do extensive damage to the trees in my backyard by denuding branched of leaves, causing the limbs to die. They also invade bird feeders much more commonly than crows do. Potential property damage from bird droppings is largely caused by pigeons, and pigeons tend to stay around the neighborhood all day in pursuit of food.
The loud noise periods from crows are at sunrise when they assemble for their daytime excursions and sunset when they return to roost. The noise they make as individual birds is no different to that presented by other predatory birds like bluejays or gulls. Crows are fascinating social animals and they are very interesting to watch. It is particularly fascinating to watch the way they raise and protect their young.
Sitting in our backyard on a summer day used to feel like being in a peaceful oasis; this is no longer the case. Over the 13 years that we have lived on the north side of the General Campus, a significant increase in noise levels has resulted from ongoing development of the Ottawa Hospital Lands; not only from construction but also from the increased ambient noise levels resulting from the expansion. This can only get worse if the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC) is developed. It will also further threaten the crow and other wildlife populations as a large number of trees will likely be removed.
I have seldom seen songbirds scared away by crows. Other wildlife in the area, such as squirrels and pigeons, are far more intrusive and destructive to local gardens and bird feeders.
Regarding the air ambulance problem, it is unfortunate that the helcopter landing site is located in a very restricted area that is encompassed by hospital buildings and colse trees. It might be better if the helipad was located slightly away from the hospital complex as it is on the Civic Campus site.
The original letter makes a number of claims relating to problems presented by the crow population in Riverview Park. among these are the menace to health, property damage, noise, bird feeders, their affect on the rest of the bird population and the threat to air ambulances flying into the Ottawa General hospital. Unfortunately most of these claims are inaccurate and misguided.
I question that crows are a menace to the health of the community, actually the presence of a healthy crow population in the area is a good sign. These birds are scavengers that help control the local rodent population.
I have never seen crows pecking gravel off roof shingles as this letter writer claims. However, I have seen squirrels do extensive damage to the trees in my backyard by denuding branched of leaves, causing the limbs to die. They also invade bird feeders much more commonly than crows do. Potential property damage from bird droppings is largely caused by pigeons, and pigeons tend to stay around the neighborhood all day in pursuit of food.
The loud noise periods from crows are at sunrise when they assemble for their daytime excursions and sunset when they return to roost. The noise they make as individual birds is no different to that presented by other predatory birds like bluejays or gulls. Crows are fascinating social animals and they are very interesting to watch. It is particularly fascinating to watch the way they raise and protect their young.
Sitting in our backyard on a summer day used to feel like being in a peaceful oasis; this is no longer the case. Over the 13 years that we have lived on the north side of the General Campus, a significant increase in noise levels has resulted from ongoing development of the Ottawa Hospital Lands; not only from construction but also from the increased ambient noise levels resulting from the expansion. This can only get worse if the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC) is developed. It will also further threaten the crow and other wildlife populations as a large number of trees will likely be removed.
I have seldom seen songbirds scared away by crows. Other wildlife in the area, such as squirrels and pigeons, are far more intrusive and destructive to local gardens and bird feeders.
Regarding the air ambulance problem, it is unfortunate that the helcopter landing site is located in a very restricted area that is encompassed by hospital buildings and colse trees. It might be better if the helipad was located slightly away from the hospital complex as it is on the Civic Campus site.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Running for the severance?
Following is a letter to the editor of the Ottawa Citizen (unpublished):
Re: A welcome blast from the past, Randal Denley, Ottawa Citizen, August 15, 2010
I find it offensive to the candidates and to supporters who are working hard and donating money that Peter Clark, or anyone else, should suggest that reputable politicians like Clive Doucet and Alex Cullen are only running to get the severance.
Denley also states that Clark declines to comment on Mayor Larry O'Brien's performance in office. But he fails to note that O'Brien might also be accused of "running to get the severance."
Re: A welcome blast from the past, Randal Denley, Ottawa Citizen, August 15, 2010
I find it offensive to the candidates and to supporters who are working hard and donating money that Peter Clark, or anyone else, should suggest that reputable politicians like Clive Doucet and Alex Cullen are only running to get the severance.
Denley also states that Clark declines to comment on Mayor Larry O'Brien's performance in office. But he fails to note that O'Brien might also be accused of "running to get the severance."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Clive Doucet’s campaign pledge
Mayoralty candidate Clive Doucet held a press conference yesterday at which he announced that 5% of funds raised by his campaign are being set aside for a community energy efficiency project (Doucet pledges 5% of election funds for eco project, Jon Willing, Ottawa Sun, August 10, 2010). Unfortunately some on-line commentators responding to this article are using the good news announcement to attack Doucet personally, even suggesting that it is possibly illegal.
Whatever the eventual outcome of this election, Doucet's pledge will continue to contribute to the wellbeing of the Ottawa community. Simply replacing an old furnace can save as much as 50% in heating costs; a daycare facility that installs a heat recovery ventilator will see fewer colds. These are just two examples of modest steps that would make a lasting contribution; there are many others.
The Suggestion that such a pledge is illegal is ridiculous. This is simply the result of opponents trying to smear Doucet's campaign when it receives some good press.
And so is publicly announcing that Clive Doucet's campaign is going to spend money on charitable donations that will make the community a better place to live!
Whatever the eventual outcome of this election, Doucet's pledge will continue to contribute to the wellbeing of the Ottawa community. Simply replacing an old furnace can save as much as 50% in heating costs; a daycare facility that installs a heat recovery ventilator will see fewer colds. These are just two examples of modest steps that would make a lasting contribution; there are many others.
The Suggestion that such a pledge is illegal is ridiculous. This is simply the result of opponents trying to smear Doucet's campaign when it receives some good press.
- Is buying staples for a campaign legal? Yes!
- Is buying posters and lawn signs legal? Yes!
- Is using developer's money to fund the hiring of political consultants to help with campaigns legal? Unfortunately yes!
And so is publicly announcing that Clive Doucet's campaign is going to spend money on charitable donations that will make the community a better place to live!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Community information or election propaganda?
Earlier this summer Councillor Peter Hume distributed a flyer “Riverview Community Update – July 2010” in which he provided important information on some community issues including the Industrial Avenue Bus Garage.
The city has been presented an opportunity that would permit access to the new Industrial Avenue bus garage from Belfast Road. This would eliminate westbound morning bus traffic on Industrial Avenue and all returning busses would access the site from Belfast Road. If this proposed change comes to pass it will eliminate one of the contentious issues associated with the location of the garage on Industrial.
Proposed remediation measures to minimize levels of noise and air pollution still need to be proven however. It is unfortunate that residents of Riverview Park were never properly consulted before a decision on the Industrial Avenue location for the garage was taken in the first place. In the views of many, Industrial Avenue is not the best site on which to locate such a large bus garage.
Councillor Hume states that the improved access for the bus facility results from an agreement with a local landowner to provide the new bus garage with access to Belfast road. Details of a proposed arrangement between the landowner and the city are being negotiated and apparently the proposal will be presented for public comment when finalized.
Nice as all this seems it is unlikely that a landowner would provide the right of way to Belfast without some consideration (financial and/or otherwise). It is the “otherwise” that concerns me. This could include measures that might not otherwise pass muster with the City (zoning concessions, waivers on design/construction issues, etc.). Residents need to examine the details and demand changes if the proposed conditions appear questionable. Such conditions might well influence the direction of future developments in the area, leaving residents powerless to influence design and implementation decisions.
The timing of Councillor Hume’s announcement is interesting. The issue of the bus garage was a hot topic in the Riverview Park community last winter and at that time the Councillor was less than willing to consider significant changes to proposed plans for the garage design. Now, with a municipal election in the offing, everything appears to have changed and significant changes seem to be possible. The community must ensure that it is not being sold a “bill of goods.”
The city has been presented an opportunity that would permit access to the new Industrial Avenue bus garage from Belfast Road. This would eliminate westbound morning bus traffic on Industrial Avenue and all returning busses would access the site from Belfast Road. If this proposed change comes to pass it will eliminate one of the contentious issues associated with the location of the garage on Industrial.
Proposed remediation measures to minimize levels of noise and air pollution still need to be proven however. It is unfortunate that residents of Riverview Park were never properly consulted before a decision on the Industrial Avenue location for the garage was taken in the first place. In the views of many, Industrial Avenue is not the best site on which to locate such a large bus garage.
Councillor Hume states that the improved access for the bus facility results from an agreement with a local landowner to provide the new bus garage with access to Belfast road. Details of a proposed arrangement between the landowner and the city are being negotiated and apparently the proposal will be presented for public comment when finalized.
Nice as all this seems it is unlikely that a landowner would provide the right of way to Belfast without some consideration (financial and/or otherwise). It is the “otherwise” that concerns me. This could include measures that might not otherwise pass muster with the City (zoning concessions, waivers on design/construction issues, etc.). Residents need to examine the details and demand changes if the proposed conditions appear questionable. Such conditions might well influence the direction of future developments in the area, leaving residents powerless to influence design and implementation decisions.
The timing of Councillor Hume’s announcement is interesting. The issue of the bus garage was a hot topic in the Riverview Park community last winter and at that time the Councillor was less than willing to consider significant changes to proposed plans for the garage design. Now, with a municipal election in the offing, everything appears to have changed and significant changes seem to be possible. The community must ensure that it is not being sold a “bill of goods.”
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