For the past four years council’s antics at city hall have required many conscientious citizens to spend an inordinate amount of personal time communicating with individual councillors, speaking at delegations, and mounting protests and rallies. A modest amount of such action indicates a healthy engaged community. However, when it becomes the order of the day because local government is acting irresponsibly it indicates that it is time for a major change.
Unfortunately a large number of incumbent councillors are still running for office, so unless we are vigilant at the polling booth we will be faced with four more years of irresponsible government at city hall. A change of mayor appears to be on the cards but changes at the ward level are equally, in fact more, important.
I started this blog because of my concerns about the performance of my own ward councillor, Peter Hume. His time has passed; we need a fresh face, a fresh start! We need a representative who puts community interests first rather than those of developers who have contributed heavily to past campaigns.
It is my fervent hope that an alternative candidate will be successful, so that I can shut this blog down. We can make this happen. I have thrown my support behind Clinton Cowan. His Fresh Start campaign is right on the mark for Ward 18. Hopefully with new councillors like Cowan at the wheel we can all spend more time enjoying the pleasant pastimes that Ottawa has to offer.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
If your not an incumbent give up hope
In the last week of the 2010 Ottawa municipal election campaign the Ottawa Citizen is releasing a series of editorial pieces identifying their choices for council in the various wards across the city. If their choices continue to favour incumbent councillors for re-election, as they have today (October 18) then newcomers don’t stand a chance and change in Ottawa will never happen.
Cowan is right in saying that troublesome areas have crept into the culture at city hall; the power of special interest groups; and the failure of councillors to consult the community regarding past developments. “People now feel that special interest groups have hijacked our seat at council and at the Planning and Environment Committee….” says Cowan.
The Citizen editorial writer cites the televised debate on Rogers. My recollection of the debate is that Hume blustered and interrupted at every opportunity, attempting to put his opponents off-base. Any credibility Hume may have had before that debate, which was zero to precious little, completely evaporated and left him looking like the small, aggressive bully he is.
Had the writer attended the all-candidate event hosted by Riverview Park Community Association last week in Ward 18 he/she would have seen a high level of enthusiasm for Hume’s opponents and Hume’s handling of questions from the Riverview Park community was pitifully off-base.
In almost every case the Citizen cites lack of experience as the main reasons for rejecting newcomers, even though in some cases they have some new ideas. If we don’t vote some of the newcomers in how will they ever gain experience and how will we ever see any improvement in the way council behaves and performs?
The Citizen accuses candidate Clinton Cowan of talking in platitudes. This is interesting because Hume’s campaign is almost entirely based on platitudes. In an October 5 press release Hume claims that he has created a comprehensive development program to position Ottawa as a world class city:
- Firstly he wants to “pre-zone” areas to introduce fixed height restrictions. It is surprising that he has been chair of planning and environment committee for so long and is only now suggesting that changes are needed.
- Secondly he says that Ottawa has the potential to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing capitals in the world if the planning process is overhauled. Has Hume seen some of the strip mall and big box mall development that is taking place on every open space and suburban development across the city; development approved by planning committee under his watch? How can Hume miss the fact that Ottawa is one eyesore after another for miles along Carling, Richmond and Baseline? Now he wants yet another eyesore on the canal at Lansdowne Park.
- Hume picks up on one of Larry O’Brien’s ideas, citing Sparks Street as an example of poor development in the city centre. Existing and past municipal councils, of which Hume has been a member, have failed to communicate effectively with senior levels of government on this and other issues for years and years. Why should voters believe him now?
- Hume quotes urban designer George Dark’s praising of Hume’s planning initiatives. Interestingly, Dark is being paid by the city for work he is performing on Hume’s portfolio. No wonder he sings Hume’s praises!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Ottawa Citizen Poll fails to mention that Doucet has a good solution to transit concerns
A poll for the Ottawa Citizen finds that transit concerns are the top voter issue. Unfortunately the Citizen fails to mention that Clive Doucet is the only candidate articulating a transit plan that provides an alternative to a tunnel.
Surface light rail is inexpensive, will pay for itself, and is cheaper per user as the system grows. Also it is quiet and it is environmentally friendly.
A tunnel will add no new transit service for 20 years, will provide no alternatives or relief for the suburbs and will provide no new revenue. All of this for $2.1 billion plus! This won’t keep you taxes down! There is an alternative. For more details see the O-Train video on Clive Doucet’s web site http://clivedoucet.com/en/video-riding-o-train-clive.
Surface light rail is inexpensive, will pay for itself, and is cheaper per user as the system grows. Also it is quiet and it is environmentally friendly.
A tunnel will add no new transit service for 20 years, will provide no alternatives or relief for the suburbs and will provide no new revenue. All of this for $2.1 billion plus! This won’t keep you taxes down! There is an alternative. For more details see the O-Train video on Clive Doucet’s web site http://clivedoucet.com/en/video-riding-o-train-clive.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Vision and passion
Re: City needs visionary, not another manager: Doucet, Neco Cockburn, The Ottawa Citizen, October 15, 2010.
Candidate Clive Doucet’s claim that he is the most visionary candidate for mayor is well stated. As well as having vision, he also has a passion and honesty that is entirely missing from the three “ex-mayors” O’Brien, Haydon and Watson that reporter Cockburn refers to.
The partisan criticism expressed by right wing MPP Randy Hillier questioning Doucet’s democratic principles is both offensive and ignorant (False understanding, Ottawa Citizen, Letters-to-the-Editor, October 16, 2010). Hillier should reserve his comments for McGuinty and other provincial opponents but they have no place in a municipal campaign.
Concern about where the still large undecided vote will go has been a factor in past municipal campaigns as well as recent federal/provincial ones and it has really not done anything to improve the quality of governments we elect. People should be honest and vote with their hearts. It really is time for a change and Doucet has it all, integrity, honesty, vision and passion.
Candidate Clive Doucet’s claim that he is the most visionary candidate for mayor is well stated. As well as having vision, he also has a passion and honesty that is entirely missing from the three “ex-mayors” O’Brien, Haydon and Watson that reporter Cockburn refers to.
The partisan criticism expressed by right wing MPP Randy Hillier questioning Doucet’s democratic principles is both offensive and ignorant (False understanding, Ottawa Citizen, Letters-to-the-Editor, October 16, 2010). Hillier should reserve his comments for McGuinty and other provincial opponents but they have no place in a municipal campaign.
Concern about where the still large undecided vote will go has been a factor in past municipal campaigns as well as recent federal/provincial ones and it has really not done anything to improve the quality of governments we elect. People should be honest and vote with their hearts. It really is time for a change and Doucet has it all, integrity, honesty, vision and passion.
Friday, October 15, 2010
It’s not only the infrastructure that needs an overhaul
Re; One-time suburb needs infrastructure overhaul, Louisa Taylor, The Ottawa Citizen, October 15, 2010.
While the three candidates opposing Peter Hume for councillor in Ward 18 have different platforms they all agree on one point, along with an increasingly large number of residents. After 19 years with Hume at the helm, it’s time for a representative on council who cares for and respects Ward 18 and it’s residents.
Candidate Clinton Cowan says that “After 19 years, the position of councillor has changed to ward boss rather than city employee….Hume doesn’t respect the wishes of the community.” Hume says these accusations are “patently untrue” and points to the long list of endorsements he has received from residents as proof that’s not the prevailing view on the street.
Hume goes on to say “Ask the people who live near the proposed new bus garage, for example, and they’ll tell you I’m there for them.” But it wasn’t quite like this on the ground. The first time the community really had an opportunity to state its concerns over this garage occurred early this year when an open house was organized to inform people about plans to expand the “proposed” bus garage, when construction was already at an advanced stage.
Concerns were raised forcefully by members of Riverview Park Community Association as well as the local residents Hume refers to. At this time Hume was not too accepting of the communities concern, preferring instead to identify mediation steps that did little to address residents’ concerns directly.
As it turned out, residents were far from satisfied by these offsetting benefits and Hume and the city have now had to take additional measures in order to minimize the negative impact that the “garage mahal” will have on the community. These new measures have not come without significant cost to the taxpayer and will not be in place for some time. Details of the land swap arrangement between the Ottawa Train Yards landowner and the city have not been made public other than to indicate that the deal also involved transfer of a substantial sum of money to the developer.
The developer seems to have benefited from this negotiation two ways: firstly, the contiguous area of land resulting from the exchange will make it easier for Ottawa Train Yards to expand this already large shopping mall; and secondly the owner has new cash in the bank besides.
Despite his claims to the contrary, some of Hume’s votes on council have been against the interests of many of his ward residents but clearly in the interests of developers; for example his endorsement of the Alta vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC) and his abandonment of the international design competition to redevelop Lansdowne Park.
As Clinton Cowan says, “It’s time for a Fresh Start.”
While the three candidates opposing Peter Hume for councillor in Ward 18 have different platforms they all agree on one point, along with an increasingly large number of residents. After 19 years with Hume at the helm, it’s time for a representative on council who cares for and respects Ward 18 and it’s residents.
Candidate Clinton Cowan says that “After 19 years, the position of councillor has changed to ward boss rather than city employee….Hume doesn’t respect the wishes of the community.” Hume says these accusations are “patently untrue” and points to the long list of endorsements he has received from residents as proof that’s not the prevailing view on the street.
Hume goes on to say “Ask the people who live near the proposed new bus garage, for example, and they’ll tell you I’m there for them.” But it wasn’t quite like this on the ground. The first time the community really had an opportunity to state its concerns over this garage occurred early this year when an open house was organized to inform people about plans to expand the “proposed” bus garage, when construction was already at an advanced stage.
Concerns were raised forcefully by members of Riverview Park Community Association as well as the local residents Hume refers to. At this time Hume was not too accepting of the communities concern, preferring instead to identify mediation steps that did little to address residents’ concerns directly.
As it turned out, residents were far from satisfied by these offsetting benefits and Hume and the city have now had to take additional measures in order to minimize the negative impact that the “garage mahal” will have on the community. These new measures have not come without significant cost to the taxpayer and will not be in place for some time. Details of the land swap arrangement between the Ottawa Train Yards landowner and the city have not been made public other than to indicate that the deal also involved transfer of a substantial sum of money to the developer.
The developer seems to have benefited from this negotiation two ways: firstly, the contiguous area of land resulting from the exchange will make it easier for Ottawa Train Yards to expand this already large shopping mall; and secondly the owner has new cash in the bank besides.
Despite his claims to the contrary, some of Hume’s votes on council have been against the interests of many of his ward residents but clearly in the interests of developers; for example his endorsement of the Alta vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC) and his abandonment of the international design competition to redevelop Lansdowne Park.
As Clinton Cowan says, “It’s time for a Fresh Start.”
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A well attended all candidates event in Riverview Park
At last evening’s all-candidates meeting hosted by Riverview Park Community Association (RPCA) four candidates running for councillor in Ward 18 were in attendance (Clinton Cowan, Kevin Hogan, Peter Hume and Ernie Lauzon). Six candidates running for mayor also attended (Clive Doucet, Cesar Bello, Andy Haydon, Mike Maguire, Charlie Taylor and Jim Watson). All 20 were invited.
Each candidate was given five minutes to present their platform and the there was a short question and answer period. All three opponents to incumbent councillor Peter Hume did a convincing job, persuading people that changes are needed at city hall and in Ward 18 in particular.
Some of the audience questions directed a Hume asked for clarification on council decisions he has made in connection with development plans that affect Riverview Park residents. The first questioner received a weak response from Hume. In fact he failed to answer the question at all. The detailed question asked:
“The TrainYards complex provides only uncertain and low paying jobs to residents of Ottawa and increases traffic, yet again, on Industrial Ave, not the sort of conditions that will encourage people to settle in the community to help it be a safe and beautiful place to raise a family.
“Could you explain to me what the benefit is, to Riverview Park and indeed to the city of Ottawa, of the still-growing TrainYards big-box store complex when it serves to dilute business from downtown and the Byward Market, 10minutes away, from one of the oldest and most established shopping centres in Ottawa, St Laurent Shopping Centre, which is just around the corner, and from other shopping close by in the area: Alta Vista Plaza and Elmvale Acres.”
In response Hume indicated that we (council) were unable to negotiate an entirely satisfactory commitment from the developer to a multi-used industrial/business/retail area that would provide employment and retail opportunities. He suggested that instead they tried to make the shopping complex more community friendly. Clearly Hume, his committee and council friends as well as his developer friends failed badly here. Not only is the complex not community friendly it’s not even shopper friendly when you need a car to go from one store to another. Hume never did address the question of benefits to Riverview Park or any of the other issues raised by the questioner.
Unfortunately there was no time for a rebuttal to Hume’s statements by his opponents. However candidate Clinton Cowan is already on record, stating “How else can one explain how a Walmart and a large-box store development has ended up in our ward, ten minutes from downtown? This is a dagger in the hearts of our locally owned businesses! If this is an example of high quality development then we must ask whether we have let our guard down or was the backdoor left open?”
Each candidate was given five minutes to present their platform and the there was a short question and answer period. All three opponents to incumbent councillor Peter Hume did a convincing job, persuading people that changes are needed at city hall and in Ward 18 in particular.
Some of the audience questions directed a Hume asked for clarification on council decisions he has made in connection with development plans that affect Riverview Park residents. The first questioner received a weak response from Hume. In fact he failed to answer the question at all. The detailed question asked:
“The TrainYards complex provides only uncertain and low paying jobs to residents of Ottawa and increases traffic, yet again, on Industrial Ave, not the sort of conditions that will encourage people to settle in the community to help it be a safe and beautiful place to raise a family.
“Could you explain to me what the benefit is, to Riverview Park and indeed to the city of Ottawa, of the still-growing TrainYards big-box store complex when it serves to dilute business from downtown and the Byward Market, 10minutes away, from one of the oldest and most established shopping centres in Ottawa, St Laurent Shopping Centre, which is just around the corner, and from other shopping close by in the area: Alta Vista Plaza and Elmvale Acres.”
In response Hume indicated that we (council) were unable to negotiate an entirely satisfactory commitment from the developer to a multi-used industrial/business/retail area that would provide employment and retail opportunities. He suggested that instead they tried to make the shopping complex more community friendly. Clearly Hume, his committee and council friends as well as his developer friends failed badly here. Not only is the complex not community friendly it’s not even shopper friendly when you need a car to go from one store to another. Hume never did address the question of benefits to Riverview Park or any of the other issues raised by the questioner.
Unfortunately there was no time for a rebuttal to Hume’s statements by his opponents. However candidate Clinton Cowan is already on record, stating “How else can one explain how a Walmart and a large-box store development has ended up in our ward, ten minutes from downtown? This is a dagger in the hearts of our locally owned businesses! If this is an example of high quality development then we must ask whether we have let our guard down or was the backdoor left open?”
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Others run for mayor - Part 2
Following is an unpublished letter-to-the-editor of the Ottawa Citizen. The editor was interested enough to phone me and discuss the details of my follow-up letter. He was quite surprised but accepted my word when I confirmed that he made the statements I attributed to him when we discussed my first letter,
He restated the difficulty that any paper would have in dealing with a 20 candidate slate. I suggested that this is the Citizen's problem and that readers expect better than the reporting they are providing. Obviously we agreed to differ but the issue seems to have the attention of other editorial team members at the Citizen. While the letters-to-the-editor editor took the time to phone me he said it is unlikely that it will be published. However, its gone up the chain. Here is the text from my letter:
Letter-to-the editor - Ottawa Citizen October 11, 2010
On September 30 my letter, “Others run for mayor,” was published in the Ottawa Citizen. I comment on media bias and in particular on the Citizen’s continuing focus on the actions and utterances of Jim Watson and Larry O’Brien to the exclusion of the other 18 mayoral candidates.
The day before my letter was printed I received a voice mail from a Citizen editor stating his belief that the Citizen is accurate in its reporting, but that a decision to focus on the “two leading candidates” was taken by editorial staff because it is difficult to focus on all 20 candidates.
I responded with my own voice mail suggesting that this was exactly the point my letter makes and pointing out that there are many important views made by other candidates that go unreported. The Citizen chooses to report irrelevant interchange between Watson and O’Brien instead. My continuing concern is that the Citizen chooses to adopt this policy, even when it is clear that O’Brien is not going to succeed and that other contenders are rising to take his place at the front.
On Friday October 8 on TV Ontario’s Agenda broadcast with Steve Paikin there was a section covering Local elections - Municipal Affairs. The discussion focused on mayoralty campaigns in various cities across Ontario. Joanne Chianello a Citizen reporter represented Ottawa.
Over the 30 minute program segment Chianello mentioned only two candidates O'Brien and Watson. She failed to mention that there is a slate of 20 candidates running for mayor, with some notable challengers including Councillor Clive Doucet, ex-Ottawa/Carleton regional government head, Andy Haydon.
On the topic of light rail she mentioned only the tunnel option that is supported by O’Brien and Watson when there are other viable options being promoted by other candidates. Chianello also made misleading statements about the project by suggesting that the tunnel is a done deal and that there would be penalties in place if it were cancelled. Here is what she said: “We’re going to build a tunnel….We have a financial plan for it…..It cost us over $35 million to cancel a previous plan.”
Such inaccurate, biased and misleading commentary and reporting is unacceptable, particularly for a newspaper of the Ottawa Citizen’s stature. It is time for the Citizen to clean up its act and to report in an accurate and unbiased manner.
I have no problem if the paper’s editorial staff chooses to support particular candidates or political positions in their editorial pages but it is not acceptable for reporters to distort the true facts.
Colin Hine
He restated the difficulty that any paper would have in dealing with a 20 candidate slate. I suggested that this is the Citizen's problem and that readers expect better than the reporting they are providing. Obviously we agreed to differ but the issue seems to have the attention of other editorial team members at the Citizen. While the letters-to-the-editor editor took the time to phone me he said it is unlikely that it will be published. However, its gone up the chain. Here is the text from my letter:
Letter-to-the editor - Ottawa Citizen October 11, 2010
On September 30 my letter, “Others run for mayor,” was published in the Ottawa Citizen. I comment on media bias and in particular on the Citizen’s continuing focus on the actions and utterances of Jim Watson and Larry O’Brien to the exclusion of the other 18 mayoral candidates.
The day before my letter was printed I received a voice mail from a Citizen editor stating his belief that the Citizen is accurate in its reporting, but that a decision to focus on the “two leading candidates” was taken by editorial staff because it is difficult to focus on all 20 candidates.
I responded with my own voice mail suggesting that this was exactly the point my letter makes and pointing out that there are many important views made by other candidates that go unreported. The Citizen chooses to report irrelevant interchange between Watson and O’Brien instead. My continuing concern is that the Citizen chooses to adopt this policy, even when it is clear that O’Brien is not going to succeed and that other contenders are rising to take his place at the front.
On Friday October 8 on TV Ontario’s Agenda broadcast with Steve Paikin there was a section covering Local elections - Municipal Affairs. The discussion focused on mayoralty campaigns in various cities across Ontario. Joanne Chianello a Citizen reporter represented Ottawa.
Over the 30 minute program segment Chianello mentioned only two candidates O'Brien and Watson. She failed to mention that there is a slate of 20 candidates running for mayor, with some notable challengers including Councillor Clive Doucet, ex-Ottawa/Carleton regional government head, Andy Haydon.
On the topic of light rail she mentioned only the tunnel option that is supported by O’Brien and Watson when there are other viable options being promoted by other candidates. Chianello also made misleading statements about the project by suggesting that the tunnel is a done deal and that there would be penalties in place if it were cancelled. Here is what she said: “We’re going to build a tunnel….We have a financial plan for it…..It cost us over $35 million to cancel a previous plan.”
Such inaccurate, biased and misleading commentary and reporting is unacceptable, particularly for a newspaper of the Ottawa Citizen’s stature. It is time for the Citizen to clean up its act and to report in an accurate and unbiased manner.
I have no problem if the paper’s editorial staff chooses to support particular candidates or political positions in their editorial pages but it is not acceptable for reporters to distort the true facts.
Colin Hine
Saturday, October 9, 2010
A World Class City?
I really have to wonder what O’Brien and Watson mean when they talk about making Ottawa a “World Class City.” I think they believe that the costly projects they are suggesting tax payers should invest in will do the job. In their minds this means investing heavily into such projects as:
The same big box and chain stores appear, again, again and again, simply diluting revenue streams from existing stores and driving local storekeepers out of business.
While all this uncontrolled development continues, the city has failed to put in place adequate sewage disposal measures; has failed to stop dumping raw sewage into our rivers, and failed to put in place measures to stop recurring flooding of homes. Instead they choose to construct new buildings and roads on sensitive wetlands. Let’s regain control of our once beautiful city once and for all!
Is this what developers and their cronies on council believe world class means? Come on! It’s time for a real change! Vote for candidates for mayor and council who do not accept campaign donations from developers and who will no longer allow them to be the real power in Ottawa.
- The eyesore of a shopping mall, called Lansdowne Park,
- The $2.1billion (plus) Light Rail Tunnel,
- O’Brien’s proposed ring road, and
- The network of new roads that they plan to build that will allow for major expansion beyond the urban boundary.
What they both seem to have missed completely is the damage to the city’s image and appearance that is already taking place because of the development sprawl that results from the powerful influence that developers already have over city hall. This week my wife and I had to take a drive out to the west end of the city. We decided to avoid taking Highway 417 and instead used arterial roads and thoroughfares.
Everywhere we traveled we saw new strip malls and shopping complexes with big box stores under construction:
- On Baseline the new shopping complex where Laurentian High School used to stand, town houses inches away from a four lane road;
- Along the Bells Corners strip a long chain of new or updated strip development, accessible only by car, completely devoid of character;
- Along Hazeldean Road, including the area that is now being widened there is an obscene plethora of big box chain shore and strip mall developments. The Carp River is now virtually invisible, being forced into a narrow concrete channel. Remember when this was “just beyond the fringe” territory?
All of these areas require access by car. The roads are a major challenge for cyclists and pedestrians take their lives into their hands. It is just the same if you head to the east or the south of the city; one eyesore after another.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Locking the door after the horse has bolted
There was an interesting press release from Peter Hume’s campaign team on October 5. Among other things he postulates for “…a comprehensive development program to position Ottawa as a world-class city.” His first suggestion is to bring forward an Official Plan amendment to “pre-zone” areas to introduce fixed height restrictions.
He says that as planning committee chair, he sees weekly disputes between frustrated residents and developers. He goes on to say that they (residents and developers) deserve better from the municipality and suggests that designated building height limits should be in place well in advance of building proposals.
However, his claims for change are in contradiction of the pro-developer recommendations of his planning committee as well as his ongoing voting preferences at the council table. Right now this lame duck council seems to be passing motions affecting zoning that will make it very challenging for a new incoming city council to make effective change in this area.
Also, it is unclear from Hume’s plans how they might affect zoning in existing residential communities including some in his own ward and how much say residents will have in the process.. When Hume says “ Residents don’t trust the city to treat them fairly, and that must change” I have to wonder why he has been contradicting this for the past seven years as chair of planning committee. For the most part decisions by Hume’s planning committee, as well as those of council, have favored developers even in the face of strong opposition from residents. Witness recent decisions taken by council:
• Yesterday Ottawa city council approved rezoning for controversial Hickory Street condo project, against concerns expressed by the community and their local councillor, Christine Leadman.
• Council also approve site plans that will enable development of trade show space on sensitive wetlands neat Ottawa airport to proceed without allowing claims of environmentalists to be investigated. Apparently this was done to enable the facility to be in place so as not to delay start of the planned Lansdowne Park development.
In the release Hume says he wants to create urban design guidelines for buildings and setbacks for adjacent low-profile neighborhoods. But this hasn’t deterred Hume and his committee from prematurely agreeing to the rezoning changes for Lansdowne Park; changes that have very negative consequences on existing residents on Holmwood Avenue, adjacent to the Lansdowne site. With so many issues on the site to be resolved it is wrong to be pressing ahead with zoning changes.
I’ll have more to say about Hume’s press release in the near future. It’s almost as if he is planning on running for mayor in 2014!
He says that as planning committee chair, he sees weekly disputes between frustrated residents and developers. He goes on to say that they (residents and developers) deserve better from the municipality and suggests that designated building height limits should be in place well in advance of building proposals.
However, his claims for change are in contradiction of the pro-developer recommendations of his planning committee as well as his ongoing voting preferences at the council table. Right now this lame duck council seems to be passing motions affecting zoning that will make it very challenging for a new incoming city council to make effective change in this area.
Also, it is unclear from Hume’s plans how they might affect zoning in existing residential communities including some in his own ward and how much say residents will have in the process.. When Hume says “ Residents don’t trust the city to treat them fairly, and that must change” I have to wonder why he has been contradicting this for the past seven years as chair of planning committee. For the most part decisions by Hume’s planning committee, as well as those of council, have favored developers even in the face of strong opposition from residents. Witness recent decisions taken by council:
• Yesterday Ottawa city council approved rezoning for controversial Hickory Street condo project, against concerns expressed by the community and their local councillor, Christine Leadman.
• Council also approve site plans that will enable development of trade show space on sensitive wetlands neat Ottawa airport to proceed without allowing claims of environmentalists to be investigated. Apparently this was done to enable the facility to be in place so as not to delay start of the planned Lansdowne Park development.
In the release Hume says he wants to create urban design guidelines for buildings and setbacks for adjacent low-profile neighborhoods. But this hasn’t deterred Hume and his committee from prematurely agreeing to the rezoning changes for Lansdowne Park; changes that have very negative consequences on existing residents on Holmwood Avenue, adjacent to the Lansdowne site. With so many issues on the site to be resolved it is wrong to be pressing ahead with zoning changes.
I’ll have more to say about Hume’s press release in the near future. It’s almost as if he is planning on running for mayor in 2014!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Clinton Cowan Candidate for Councillor - Ward 18
Here is a summary of Alta Vista/Canterbury/Riverview Ward candidate Clinton Cowan’s election platform. For more details visit his website at http://clintoncowan.ca and click on “The Issues” page.
Why is Clinton Running?
• To Preserve our neighbourhoods. To Protect our values. To Promote our issues.
• To respect our residents, their taxes and our environment.
• To ensure that essential services are delivered effectively and efficiently.
• To address aggressive commuter traffic in order to protect children and cyclists.
• To improve our neglected infrastructure needs. Restructuring development charges to support older neighbourhoods.
• To move forward with affordable light rail without reductions to our local bus service.
• To invest $5,000 of earned Councillor’s salary to strengthen local community associations.
• To create a Ward Advisory Council and enhance transparency and public consultation.
• To advocate for community garden projects in our parks and schools. Expand our allotment garden network.
City-Wide Goals:
• To build safe, sustainable, supportive neighbourhoods where people can live, work and play. While reducing traffic, spending on major new roads and protecting greenspaces.
• To ensure public transit is reliable and affordable. Start talks to expand the Eco-Pass program to small and mid-sized employers.
• To avoid costly transit strikes, lawsuits, project overruns, and end sole source deals.
• To cut the leash of developers' influence in urban planning. Create an Integrity Commissioner for elected officials and staff.
• To seek term limits and provide real access to voting records.
• To adjust the system of development charges to favour "green" building projects (LEED Gold Standard).
• To reduce the city's reliance on high-priced consultants.
• To ensure urban intensification respects the character of established neighbourhoods and includes community endorsement.
• To improve community health through targeted investments in seniors’ services, daycare, health centres, crime prevention and local sports.
Why is Clinton Running?
• To Preserve our neighbourhoods. To Protect our values. To Promote our issues.
• To respect our residents, their taxes and our environment.
• To ensure that essential services are delivered effectively and efficiently.
• To address aggressive commuter traffic in order to protect children and cyclists.
• To improve our neglected infrastructure needs. Restructuring development charges to support older neighbourhoods.
• To move forward with affordable light rail without reductions to our local bus service.
• To invest $5,000 of earned Councillor’s salary to strengthen local community associations.
• To create a Ward Advisory Council and enhance transparency and public consultation.
• To advocate for community garden projects in our parks and schools. Expand our allotment garden network.
City-Wide Goals:
• To build safe, sustainable, supportive neighbourhoods where people can live, work and play. While reducing traffic, spending on major new roads and protecting greenspaces.
• To ensure public transit is reliable and affordable. Start talks to expand the Eco-Pass program to small and mid-sized employers.
• To avoid costly transit strikes, lawsuits, project overruns, and end sole source deals.
• To cut the leash of developers' influence in urban planning. Create an Integrity Commissioner for elected officials and staff.
• To seek term limits and provide real access to voting records.
• To adjust the system of development charges to favour "green" building projects (LEED Gold Standard).
• To reduce the city's reliance on high-priced consultants.
• To ensure urban intensification respects the character of established neighbourhoods and includes community endorsement.
• To improve community health through targeted investments in seniors’ services, daycare, health centres, crime prevention and local sports.
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