It is not too often that Citizen writer Randall Denley and I see eye-to-eye on the municipal scene but today we are in agreement – Council’s decision hurts local democracy, Ottawa citizen, April 17, 2011. By voting to eliminate detailed written records of council debates the new city council is making it more and more difficult for Ottawa citizens to investigate and understand their decisions.
Audio recordings just do not hack it and put many members of the public in a disadvantageous position. Not everyone has the benefit of broadband internet and as Denley comments “…it means the public will have to listen to hours of audio if they want to track an issue” and what about the plight of individuals with a hearing handicap?
It was also very surprising and disturbing to see that some new council member whom one might expect to respect the democratic process (in particular Councillor Chernushenko) voted in support of this motion; less surprising perhaps that pro-developer members including Councillor Hume and Mayor Watson supported it.
The pretense that economic savings are at the root of this change is false. Perhaps the next step will be to hold all council deliberation in camera!
Democracy is in the air right now at all levels of government in Canada as well as internationally. As some counties in the middle-east struggle to embrace the democratic process, Canada seems to be proceeding rapidly in the opposite direction.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Anything to restrict availability to information
Re: City wants more audiocasts, fewer printed minutes of meetings, John Willing, Ottawa Sun, April 5, 2011
Not surprising that Councillor Peter Hume should be the person to propose the reduction (elimination) of printed minutes at city hall, thus making investigation of council deliberations more difficult. Steps to limit public access to this information will make it increasingly difficult for members of the public to interpret and respond to council decisions.
Any savings that might result from this action appear minimal, so justifying such a decision on finances is just not on. A decision to eliminate detailed minutes would remove yet another plank from the democratic process at city hall. It is already difficult to get council to listen to the community, now they are considering limiting how much they need to tell us.
Not surprising that Councillor Peter Hume should be the person to propose the reduction (elimination) of printed minutes at city hall, thus making investigation of council deliberations more difficult. Steps to limit public access to this information will make it increasingly difficult for members of the public to interpret and respond to council decisions.
Any savings that might result from this action appear minimal, so justifying such a decision on finances is just not on. A decision to eliminate detailed minutes would remove yet another plank from the democratic process at city hall. It is already difficult to get council to listen to the community, now they are considering limiting how much they need to tell us.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Letter to the Editor Ottawa Citizen (not published)
City plans to develop the AVTC confirmed
It hardly seems credible that the provision of a lightly scheduled shuttle bus service between the General and Hurdman (10 minutes at peak and 15 off-peak) justifies construction of a $62M, 1.2 Km road unless there is an ulterior motive. Notwithstanding comments from Mayor Watson that he does not support the AVTC development and similar comments from Alta Vista/Riverview Park Ward Councillor Hume it is clear that the city intends that this road will eventually be constructed in its entirety.
Recommendations to develop the AVTC were made by contractors who will eventually benefit in a significant way from its construction. It is clearly time to eliminate the possibility of corporate influence from city management and council decisions. New rules need to be applied at both municipal and provincial government levels to eliminate corporate financial support and influence in the electoral process.
Interestingly if council were to cancel plans to construct the hospital link and to remove the AVTC from the master plan, there would be more than adequate funds available to finance OC Transpo with no need for radical changes to bus services nor for increased taxes.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Letter to the editor from RPCA President
Dear Editor,
Eleven Community Associations of Ottawa (representing 100,000+ residents), and the 850 citizens from across our lovely city, who are working to stop the development of the Alta Vista link road, applaud your recent editorial critiquing the City’s plans to implement an outdated solution via the Alta Vista Link Road.
We would now like to offer a few clarifying facts:
Karin Keyes Endemann
President, Riverview Park Community Association
Eleven Community Associations of Ottawa (representing 100,000+ residents), and the 850 citizens from across our lovely city, who are working to stop the development of the Alta Vista link road, applaud your recent editorial critiquing the City’s plans to implement an outdated solution via the Alta Vista Link Road.
- the City planned spending on the link road is actually $65 million ($55 “new money” plus the funds previously allocated to this project) and the spending plan for 2011 is $12.1 million;
- in 2006 City Council voted against implementing the entire Alta Vista Corridor except the currently proposed 1.2 km link (between Riverside and the hospitals) which is now being considered by Council;
- Mayor Watson along with our Councillors Peter Hume and Chernoshenko have all publicly stated that they are against building the full Alta Vista Corridor;
- the construction of the proposed “link” road will flow traffic from the 417 to the hospital only and will not resolve any traffic issues on Alta Vista Drive, simply shift them a few blocks; the development of this link road will preclude future light rail in the corridor - a rather short sighted and environmentally unfriendly decision (note: Council only fleetingly considered light rail for this corridor); the NDMC lands will not be available for redevelopment until sometime in the next decade; and finally
- the link road will destroy neighbourhood greenspace.
President, Riverview Park Community Association
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Letter to the Ottawa Citizen
A Riverview Park resident sent this letter to the editor. It appears in today's paper. The on-line edition also incorporates a video http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/todays-paper/pave+backyard+yours/4388778/story.html. There is also an interesting post on the Spacing Ottawa blog site by another Riverview Park resident http://spacingottawa.ca/2011/03/04/back-to-the-60s-council-votes-on-retro-road-for-southeast-commuters/.
Don't pave my backyard, or yours
The question of what will happen in the Alta Vista Corridor has been a hotly debated topic at the city level over the last 10 years. Because of strong opposition from city residents, Ottawa city council promised several years ago that the old-style 1950's plan to build a commuter highway through the middle of residential Alta Vista would be permanently shelved. Apparently this is not so, because once again we are discussing road-building in the AVC.
A $55M price tag for a 1.2 km stretch of roadway is absurd if the only goal is to make a better connection between Riverside and the Ottawa Hospital General Campus. There are two existing connections (at Industrial and at Smyth) which are only three city blocks apart on Alta Vista. The connection between Riverside and Smyth could be upgraded, with traffic directed north at the intersection of Smyth and Alta Vista - then a much less expensive connecting road from Alta Vista to the hospital ring road could be constructed through the NDMC lands. This solution would re-route traffic past office buildings, rather than residential properties, and would still make an efficient bus and car connection to the hospitals.
Unfortunately, the proposed $55M link seems to be a back-door way to begin construction on an Alta Vista Parkway - something the city promised that it would not do. The charges of NIMBY-ism are misplaced. The group opposing the construction of a commuter highway through residential neighbourhoods definitely doesn't want a highway in their backyards - but they don't want one in your backyard either (or the side, or the front). People who live in city center neighbourhoods have chosen to pay a premium to live in smaller houses closer to their work and other amenities, so they don't have to drive their cars everywhere. People who live farther from the city center need to get to work, but they don't need to drive there one by one in their cars. The city says it values a clean urban environment, and that it wants to grow in a green way, with transit, cyclists and pedestrians first - let them show that by the decisions that they take with the AVC.
Let's not pave over anyone's backyard.
John and Sheila Bell
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Letter to Councillor Peter Hume
Re: Group opposes Alta Vista corridor plans, Eddie Rwema, Your Ottawa, Feb 3, 2011
Councillor Hume,
I am writing in response to your statements concerning the planned AVTC development as reported in Your Ottawa. Unfortunately your statements are not supported by the facts. Further, you fail to acknowledge the strong opposition to the development of the AVTC by residents and community associations across the municipality over many years.
Firstly, your statement that “The opposition to the hospital link is mostly concentrated within the executive of one community association...” is inaccurate. A large percentage of Riverview Park residents is in opposition to this development and they have made their views and concerns know to the Alta Vista Community Association (AVCA). Further, past members (individuals and community associations) of Citizens for Health Communities (CHC) who campaigned against development of this road for many years remain opposed to the development. I have no doubt that you will be hearing more from them during the budget review process.
You go on to say that other community associations in Ward 18 are supporting the project because they believe in the greater good of the city and that “they know that the people of Ottawa will need a proper road and transit route to the Ottawa Hospital as it grows.” You also say that “the easy position would be to oppose that hospital link and offer my full support to that position. However, the easy decision is not always the right decision....There are times when elected officials must think beyond the boundaries of their constituency and take what must be the unpopular decision. I've learned that you can't please everyone all the time but you can't go wrong when you do the right thing.”
It is my recollection that you sat on the fence for many years as the environmental assessment phase progressed, at the same time giving residents and CHC members the impression that you opposed the development. However, when it came time to vote on the issue it is no surprise you respected the wishes of the developer community who have provided substantial financial support to you past election campaigns. You did the right thing for the developers, not the Ward 18 residents. This line of thinking is also reflected in many of your past actions, city wide, as chair of the city's planning and environment committee as well as in your present role as chair of planning committee.
I request that you respect the concerns of Riverview Park residents and others by asking city council to delay any budgetary allocations for this project pending a full and open review of the detailed plans for this road with members of the community. There are many practical and less costly alternatives that need to be considered before proceeding with this development.
Yours sincerely,
Colin Hine
Councillor Hume,
I am writing in response to your statements concerning the planned AVTC development as reported in Your Ottawa. Unfortunately your statements are not supported by the facts. Further, you fail to acknowledge the strong opposition to the development of the AVTC by residents and community associations across the municipality over many years.
Firstly, your statement that “The opposition to the hospital link is mostly concentrated within the executive of one community association...” is inaccurate. A large percentage of Riverview Park residents is in opposition to this development and they have made their views and concerns know to the Alta Vista Community Association (AVCA). Further, past members (individuals and community associations) of Citizens for Health Communities (CHC) who campaigned against development of this road for many years remain opposed to the development. I have no doubt that you will be hearing more from them during the budget review process.
You go on to say that other community associations in Ward 18 are supporting the project because they believe in the greater good of the city and that “they know that the people of Ottawa will need a proper road and transit route to the Ottawa Hospital as it grows.” You also say that “the easy position would be to oppose that hospital link and offer my full support to that position. However, the easy decision is not always the right decision....There are times when elected officials must think beyond the boundaries of their constituency and take what must be the unpopular decision. I've learned that you can't please everyone all the time but you can't go wrong when you do the right thing.”
It is my recollection that you sat on the fence for many years as the environmental assessment phase progressed, at the same time giving residents and CHC members the impression that you opposed the development. However, when it came time to vote on the issue it is no surprise you respected the wishes of the developer community who have provided substantial financial support to you past election campaigns. You did the right thing for the developers, not the Ward 18 residents. This line of thinking is also reflected in many of your past actions, city wide, as chair of the city's planning and environment committee as well as in your present role as chair of planning committee.
I request that you respect the concerns of Riverview Park residents and others by asking city council to delay any budgetary allocations for this project pending a full and open review of the detailed plans for this road with members of the community. There are many practical and less costly alternatives that need to be considered before proceeding with this development.
Yours sincerely,
Colin Hine
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Press Release
Ottawa, November 18. 2010
Colin Hine today announced he is withdrawing from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Green Party of Canada (GPC), Ottawa South, Electoral District Association (EDA). He also resigned his membership from the GPC. Hine’s resignation follows the resignation of Dr. Qais Ghanem, nominated candidate for the Green Party of Canada, Ottawa South.
These resignations result from GPC Leader Elizabeth May’s decision to criticize and not support Dr. Ghanem and other members of the “Ottawa Group of Four” in the media regarding the October 28, 2010 Just and Sustainable Peace Conference organized and hosted by the group. In responses to Dr. Ghanem and Mr. Hine she made further critical statements and accusations, making it clear that she will not support independent peace building activities by members of her party.
Dr. Ghanem is a founding member of Potlucks for Peace, a group of Jews and Arabs that has worked together for many years to help find a peaceful solution to conflict in the Middle East. He is a long time human rights and peace activist and is well known in the community both nationally and internationally. Also, he is the creator and host of “Dialogue with Diversity,” a radio show that promotes peace and respect among different ethnic and religious groups.
Regrettably, May’s comments to the media have been interpreted by some as implying that the Group of Four’s actions are helping spread anti-Semitic propaganda. This is untrue and unacceptable.
Without the trust, support and endorsement from the Green Party Leader or the party, it is with great regret that the resignations of Qais Ghanem and Colin Hine from Ottawa South are hereby announced.
For further information contact:
Colin Hine: 613-739-2784
chmorland706@gmail.com
Colin Hine today announced he is withdrawing from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Green Party of Canada (GPC), Ottawa South, Electoral District Association (EDA). He also resigned his membership from the GPC. Hine’s resignation follows the resignation of Dr. Qais Ghanem, nominated candidate for the Green Party of Canada, Ottawa South.
These resignations result from GPC Leader Elizabeth May’s decision to criticize and not support Dr. Ghanem and other members of the “Ottawa Group of Four” in the media regarding the October 28, 2010 Just and Sustainable Peace Conference organized and hosted by the group. In responses to Dr. Ghanem and Mr. Hine she made further critical statements and accusations, making it clear that she will not support independent peace building activities by members of her party.
Dr. Ghanem is a founding member of Potlucks for Peace, a group of Jews and Arabs that has worked together for many years to help find a peaceful solution to conflict in the Middle East. He is a long time human rights and peace activist and is well known in the community both nationally and internationally. Also, he is the creator and host of “Dialogue with Diversity,” a radio show that promotes peace and respect among different ethnic and religious groups.
Regrettably, May’s comments to the media have been interpreted by some as implying that the Group of Four’s actions are helping spread anti-Semitic propaganda. This is untrue and unacceptable.
Without the trust, support and endorsement from the Green Party Leader or the party, it is with great regret that the resignations of Qais Ghanem and Colin Hine from Ottawa South are hereby announced.
For further information contact:
Colin Hine: 613-739-2784
chmorland706@gmail.com
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