The process is more important than the result

Recent articles and broadcasts in the local media highlight controversy surrounding a walking and cycling path that is being built in the green space in Alta Vista (Alta Vista path sparks controversy, CBC News Aug 26, 2010; Cyclists excited about new Alta Vista “Pathway,” Tony Spears, Ottawa Sun, September 1, 2010). It is difficult to deny the potential benefits fromf this pathway. However the process through which the project was planned and approved by Ottawa City Council with the support of Alta Vista Councillor, Peter Hume is entirely wrong.


Many of the on-line comments endorse this pathway and the benefits that it will bring to the community. But some comments are critical of the process; in particular the fact that the community was never consulted on this planned development. This concern is heightened by arrogant statement from Peter Hume, such as: “…the $250,000.00 project was too small for a full public consultation….” How many other $250K projects, that are “too small,” are there in the works at City Hall?

This clearly demonstrates a lack of commitment to transparency within Ward 18 and more widely within our city. The value of a project has little to do with showing residents respect. Councillor Hume is taking the community for granted. Dozens of residents whose homes back on to the path have indicated that they had no idea that a path was being built until construction started. They were however well informed about Councillor Hume’s movie night for the community! This is shameful!

Another recent example in the Ward concerning late and inadequate public consultation include the OC Transpo Bus Garage on Industrial Avenue, the "garage mahal." Community concern over this project eventually stimulated the Councillor to explore alternate access to/from the site via Belfast Road. He even put out a special community news sheet announcing it.

Whether this access will ultimately be presented to the public before it is approved is still not known. Neither will the public likely get to learn whether any back room deals have been negotiated with landowners.

Then of course there's the Lansdowne Partnership Plan; enough said!  If it's good for Councillor Hume's developer friends then surely it's good for Alta Vista Ward residents and for the city as a whole!