Ottawa East Community Association

Safer Roads Ottawa partners want to remind drivers that, by law, cyclists can take the full lane when a vehicle is unable to pass without leaving at least one (1) metre of space between the car and the cyclist.

Cyclists can take the whole lane when traffic signs stipulate single file for both cyclists and cars. Everyone should take extra care in construction zones as there may be extra hazards present for both motorists and cyclists. Slow down, leave space and plan for enough time to reach your destination.

All road users are reminded to stay alert and help keep our roads safe.

The City of Ottawa is currently working on a zoning study that will determine the appropriate zones and standards to permit secondary dwelling units within accessory structures, in residential neighbourhoods. These types of dwelling units are essentially a small apartment or suite in the backyard of a home or along a laneway, often referred to as coach houses.

The city has reviewed and considered all the feedback received during and following two public consultation outreach sessions (September - November 2015, and February 2016) and is proposing amendments to the Zoning By-law and to the Official Plan to permit coach houses. To learn more, please visit the City of Ottawa's website.

In recent weeks, some residents of Old Ottawa East have reported thefts of wallets, a backpack and other personal items from vehicles and front yards. Ottawa Police Sgt. Patricia Urquhart (613-236-1222, ext. 5680) is the community police officer who oversees central Ottawa and recommends these universal points to help reduce your risk of theft:
• Some theft and property crime reports can be filed online at: http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/contact-us/Online-Reporting.asp
• No incident is too small to report. The more information available to police, the more they can detect patterns of potentially criminal behaviour.
• Ottawa Police can inspect your home to suggest improvements in home safety.
• Ottawa Police can speak to youth on how to stay safe.
• Ottawa Police will deliver “All Valuables Removed” signs to insert in your vehicle window, which they say reduces the incidence of theft.
• Maintain an active presence on the street. For example, some parents of schoolchildren in other neighbourhoods participate in a “walking school bus” program, where children walk to school together with a trained leader and pick up their friends along the way (www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/wsb).

All residents are invited to a community paddle next Saturday, June 25 at 10:00 am (rain date is Sunday, June 26). We will be setting off from our new dock at Clegg Street, will meet our neighbours from the Glebe on the canal and will then head off at a leisurely pace towards Parliament Hill. After our paddle, we will have an opportunity to relax with our neighbours and our MP Catherine McKenna at Patterson Creek, with refreshments provided (but please bring your own picnic lunch). Those who do not paddle are welcome to join us for the picnic at 11:30.

For complete details and RSVP information, please see this flyer.

Phyllis Odenbach Sutton and Christine McAllister, presidents of the Old Ottawa East and Glebe community associations respectively, sent this thank you letter to Minister McKenna and Minister Joly for their role in creating safe access points for canoes and kayaks on the Rideau Canal.