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Board meeting minutes: 2025-06-10

  • Meeting: In person at Old Town Hall, 61 Main Street, and online via Zoom, Agenda_2025-06-10

1. Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement.

2. Approval of Agenda

  • Motion to approve: Alexandra Gruca-Macaulay
  • Seconded: Kristine Houde

3. Approval of previous minutes

4. Request: OOECA support for application to rename Springhurst Park

Glenn McInnes presented a request for OOECA to support an application to the City of Ottawa to rename Springhurst Park to Barbara McInnes Park. Consult Briefing note: Request to rename Springhurst Park with links to the email request and Barbara McInnes biography.

  • Councillor Stephanie LaPlante initiated this effort before her passing and obtained agreement from the McInnes family.
  • Barbara McInnes was recognized for her extensive community service.
  • Six letters of support are on file with the City.

Discussion Points:

  • Clarification needed on whether Springhurst Park or 160 Lees (“People’s Park” / green corridor) was the intended site.
  • Concerns about naming parks after individuals, preserving community identity.
  • Questions raised about the extent of community consultation.
  • Suggestions that another Ottawa park or space may be a better fit.
  • City staff advised that parks already named after individuals cannot be renamed again.
  • OOECA requested clarification from the City on which park is officially designated as Springhurst.

Motion: That OOECA not support the renaming of Springhurst Park.

  • Moved: John Dance
  • Seconded: Ron Rose
  • Motion carried unanimously (no opposition, no abstentions).

5. President’s Report – Bob Gordon

  • Bob reminded folks that this will be his final year as President.
  • Preparations for the November AGM are required, including forming a nominations committee.
  • A suitable AGM venue is needed, with preference for the large auditorium at Saint Paul University.

6. Treasurer’s Report – Don Fugler

  • OOECA balance: $21,324.81 (once $500 donation cheque to Rideau Winter Trail is cashed).

7. Capital Ward Report (ShawnMenard.ca) – Hannah Tellier for Councillor Menard

Key updates included (see ShawnMenard.ca):

  • Centennial Blvd replanting plan underway; feedback closing shortly.
  • Old Ottawa East Secondary Plan: some improvements achieved, though concerns remain about density limits.
  • 299 Des Chatelets: minor adjustments made to improve sightlines; City and developer declined further changes.
  • Springhurst and Brantwood docks: accessibility improvements under review. Letter drafted regarding slope/access issues at Springhurst.
  • State of the Ward and Budget event drew 150 participants, mostly online.
  • AVTC: TMP approval expected by July; corridor will then be removed and converted to park space.
  • Washrooms and wading pools in parks opening for the season.

8. Community Activities Group (OttawaEastCAG.org)  – Lee Jacobs

Highlights included (see CAG Newsletter):

  • Summer camps begin in two weeks; tent shelter and picnic tables in place at Brantwood.
  • Successful Clean-Up the Capital with 22 volunteers.
  • Strong volunteer turnout for Tamarack Race Weekend water station.
  • Upcoming BBQs: June 19 at Brantwood; June 26 at Springhurst (as part of Welcoming Ottawa Week).
  • Kitchen upgrades at Old Town Hall; new storage facility at Brantwood.
  • Insurance coverage secured for volunteer-led activities beyond Old Town Hall/Brantwood.
  • Planning underway for the Main Event (Sept 19–21).

9. Committee Reports

Planning – John Dance, Acting Chair (Report)

OOECA submitted objections to proposed Secondary Plan amendments; ongoing consultations and motions approved for community representation.

Motion: That OOCEA board approve 4 people (Bob Gordon, Phyllis Odenbach Sutton, John Dance, Joseph) continue to be representatives on the city’s pre-consultation process.

(Bob, Phyllis, Joseph, and John need to sign NDAs for applications that are not made public. NDAs need to be signed in August).

  • Moved: John Dance
  • Seconded: Ron Rose
  • Motion carried unanimously (no opposition, no abstentions).

Reports available:

Lansdowne – Alexandra Gruca-Macaulay (Report)

Concerns raised about financial and community impacts of Lansdowne 2.0; advocacy efforts ongoing, including potential referendum discussions.

See Related:

FCA – Ron Rose

FCA Annual Meeting scheduled for June 18; newsletter highlights engagement opportunities.

See Related:

Health & Safety – Georgia Blondon (Report)

Concerns about speeding and dangerous driving; residents encouraged to report through police/RCMP channels as appropriate. June 18 event – help for seniors, primary care for older adults

Parks & Greenspace – Vacant

OOECA seeking involvement in design of Brantwood dock and other parks. Accessibility and waste management issues discussed. Councillor’s office will continue to ask for more parks to receive waste/recycling bins.

Main/Greystone/Lees – Peter Tobin

Updates on local construction and development impacts.

Membership – Jayson MacLean

Ongoing volunteer recruitment and planning orientation for canvassers.

SLOE – Vacant

Ongoing monitoring and removal of invasive species (yellow irises, wild parsnip, hogweed) around local parks and riverbanks by the Invasive Species volunteer group.

Transportation and Infrastructure – Tom Scott

No report this month.

10. New Business

No new business raised.

11. Adjournment

Monthly meetings will pause over summer and resume September 9, 2025.

Motion to adjourn: Ron Rose; Seconded: John Dance.

2025 juneboardMinutes