Board meeting minutes: 2025-05-13
1. Welcome and land acknowledgement
The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement.
2. Approval of agenda
- Motion to approve: [Name]
- Seconded: [Name]
3. Approval of minutes
No minutes to approve this month.
4. President’s Report – Bob Gordon
Report provided.
5. Treasurer’s Report – Don Fugler
OOECA balance: $21,867.18 (with pending cheques):
- $500 cheque to Rideau Winter Trail (not yet cashed)
- $42.37 cheque to GCA for All Candidates Debate (not yet cashed)
Additional expense: $200 donation (approved March 2024) for commemorative church plaque at Echo on the Canal building.
6. Capital Ward report (ShawnMenard.ca) – Miles Krauter for Councillor Menard
AVTC
- TMP goes to committee in June and Council in July; once approved, AVTC removal is confirmed. Next steps include designating Lees Field and People’s Park as park space (awaiting process details from staff).
Roads & Construction
- Riverdale street renewal: another consultation in spring/summer before designs are finalized.
- GMH reconstruction will close multiple streets (Concord, Montcalm, Harvey, Echo, Greenfield, Main) from March 17 through late summer/Sept 2025.
- Other updates: Concord boulders to stop cut-through traffic, Hawthorne night work May 30–June 2, Col By night work June 23–28.
OOE Secondary Plan
- Ongoing discussions with staff on zoning/height changes under the PPS. Goal is realistic, reasonable updates aligned with OOE, thanks to the planning committee’s efforts.
299 & 355 Deschâtelets
- Continuing to press Regional to adjust plans to protect the viewscape; met with staff and Regional reps last week. File escalated through Planning ahead of Committee review.
SUP at Brantwood Park
- The Councillor’s office is working with Parks & Rec staff (Dan, Ashley, Kaytlin) to clarify rules and implications (accessibility, conservation, use of park space). A fuller update expected mid-May.
Centennial Blvd Replanting
- Hydro One will share a draft replanting plan in May for community input before spring planting. Follow-up ongoing to ensure success.
Comments:
Kristine requested that info@ottawaeast.ca and admin@ottawaeastcag.ca be copied on parks and greenspace communications.
7. Community Activities Group report (OttawaEastCAG.org) – Lee Jacobs
Highlights included:
- Clean-Up the Capital: 20 volunteers, 10 bags of recycling, 10 bags of garbage collected. Request for more regular clean-ups, especially in high traffic, low garbage bin areas
- Kitchen renovations at Old Town Hall completed (significant improvements).
- Brantwood field house bathrooms: trial opening evenings/weekends (unstaffed).
- Tentative date for The Main Event: September 19–20. Art Walk also on September 20.
- Senior engagement: ongoing consultations; senior socials Fridays, including puzzle exchange on May 16.
- Planning underway for CAG AGM.
- BBQs expected to start soon.
Comments:
- Alexandra thanked Lee for organizing the seniors’ programming. Suggested adding technology-learning classes.
8. Committee Reports
Planning – Acting Chair: John Dance (Report)
- Concerns raised about Forecourt units: prices now $1.4–1.5M (initially $600K).
- No affordable housing; Regional committed $500K for Deschâtelets building instead.
- Secondary Plan amendments: City proposes 9-storey buildings on Main Street. Committee letter circulated; members invited to provide feedback.
- FCA zoning meeting attended by Paul Goodkey; concerns that proposed zoning bylaw changes do not represent “gentle intensification.”
- Wendy (Lees Ave.): raised objections to 6-storey proposals, citing excessive density and negative impacts on community connectivity.
Transportation and Infrastructure – Tom Scott
- TMP survey reviewed; concerns with consultation quality.
- Tree replacement requests submitted; residents to water new trees.
- Clean-up north of Queensway collected less waste than previous year; needles discovered (311 did not collect).
- Request for OOECA participation in Lansdowne 2.0 workshop (infrastructure/transportation impacts).
Main, Greystone Village, Lees – Peter Tobin (Report)
- Geothermal drilling began (7-week delay due to lack of approvals).
- Bar Burrito received occupancy.
- Rosemere Gate: effective work on mud mitigation.
- Springhurst dock opened May 13.
- Trees at Des Oblats Street unlikely to survive (were second-hand plantings).
Health & Safety – Georgia Blondon (Report)
- Attended Council on Aging and senior health initiative.
- Most reported crimes at Main & Springhurst.
- Noted connection between accessibility for seniors and broader accessibility issues.
Lansdowne – Alexandra Gruca-Macaulay
- Meeting with community association reps scheduled for May 28 to discuss anticipated construction impacts (Lansdowne 2.0).
- Concerns: financial implications for City, displacement of professional sports teams, downsizing of arena (from 8,000 to 5,500 seats). Lack of transparency highlighted.
Federation of Citizens’ Associations (FCA) – Ron Rose
- FCA session on Draft 2 of proposed zoning bylaw held at Hunt Club Community Centre. OOECA entitled to send 2 representatives.
- Councillor’s newsletter announced State of the City Budget event (May 21, 6pm to 8pm).
Membership – Jayson MacLean
No report this month.
Sustainable Living Ottawa East (SLOE) – Vacant
No report.
Parks & Greenspace – Vacant
No report.
9. New Business
Rideau River Water Testing & Dock Safety
- Rick Burrows introduced a new Facebook group (“Rideau River Paddlers and Swimmers”) and survey on local river use. Raised safety concerns about lack of ladder at Springhurst dock. Draft letter to City proposed.
- Kristine Houde raised accessibility issues and is in support of improved dock safety and installation of a ladder
- Mark Dermer (retired physician) raised liability concerns for OOECA consideration about endorsing testing and safety risks of installing ladders.
- John Dance noted ladders exist at NCC and Parks Canada docks.
- Alexandra referenced the City’s interactive map of combined sewer overflows (noting Clegg St. outfall).
- Board confirmed $200 already allocated for two water quality tests (not an endorsement of swimming).
Motion: That OOECA request the City to review and resolve health and safety risks at Springhurst dock, ensuring accessibility for seniors and youth.
- Moved: Kristine Houde
- Votes: 6 in favour (Kristine, Phyllis, John, Alexandra, Catherine, Felix); 2 opposed (Ron Rose, Tom Scott); 1 abstention (Peter Tobin).
- Motion carried with majority in favour.
Invasive Weeding
- Phyllis noted volunteer efforts on garlic mustard and poison ivy removal at Springhurst Park (starting May 18).
Official Plan Amendment Response
- Paul Goodkey reported no change from City staff despite concerns raised by OOECA Planning Committee. Suggested legal review.
Motion: That OOECA engage a planning lawyer (up to $1,000) for preliminary assessment of proposed Secondary Plan amendments.
- Moved: John Dance
- Votes: Unanimous support; 3 abstentions (Ron, Catherine, Alexandra).
- Motion carried.
10. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn: Ron Rose
Seconded: Kristine Houde
Next Meeting: June 10, 2025