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Board meeting minutes: 2025-04-08

1. Welcome and land acknowledgement

2. Approval of agenda

  • Motion: Peter Tobin, Seconded: John Dance

3. Approval of Minutes

4. President’s report – Bob Gordon

  • No formal report this month. Items to be discussed throughout the meeting.

5. Treasurer’s report – Don Fugler

  • Current OOECA balance is $22,153.41.
    • $25 in additional memberships.
    • $500 cheque to Rideau Winter Trail not yet cashed.

6. Capital Ward Report (ShawnMenard.ca) – Councillor Menard, Caitlin for Hannah Tellier

  • City staff is recommending that the Capital Ward portion of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC) be removed from the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) following years of advocacy. Next steps include seeking official park designation for Lees Field and People’s Park.
  • Flexible stakes for the pedestrian walkway on Des Oblats have not been replaced after accidental removal during snow clearing.
  • The Councillor’s Office supports the community letter on 299/355 Deschâtelets and has escalated the request to the Planning Office for increased distance from Grande Allée.
  • Tree cutting in OOE: 21 trees are scheduled for removal, with 23 new trees to be planted.
  • An update is expected on the funding status for the proposed school in the Deschâtelets development.
  • Scholastic Drive will be closed from Monday, April 14 to Friday, May 30 for crane operations at the construction site.
  • Replanting on Centennial Boulevard is scheduled for this spring, with plans to be shared with residents in advance.
  • A request has been submitted for information on Rideau River water quality.

Questions and Comments

  • There is support for the encroachment on Grand Allée, but concern about the proposed removal of a large, healthy maple tree. Every effort should be made to save it. Concern was raised that not enough space has been left for the critical root zone or for the park encroachment/easement.
  • Disappointment was expressed about the tree removal. It was suggested that the Councillor’s Office remove delegated authority from planning staff on this application and consider obtaining an expert opinion. Zoning Bylaw Draft 2 is going to Council on the 16th, and the current front yard setback average would prevent the planting of large canopy trees.
  • It was noted that the purchase and sale agreement for the property was expected to preserve all trees and designate Grand Allée as a public park. Questions were raised about the existence of a legal contract and whether the Councillor has access to the agreement. There is concern about any flexibility in the park’s size and the importance of preserving trees and green space.
  • A question was raised about the exact locations of the trees at 15/17 Oblats. It is unclear whether the Councillor’s Office has received the tree location map. A follow-up with Hannah is needed.

7. Au Coeur provincial funding issues – Mark Dermer, François Lavallée

  • Mark Dermer, an OOE resident, and François Lavallée, a leader of the Au Coeur Ottawa parents’ committee, are assisting Au Coeur d’Ottawa with the stalled Ministry of Education funding approval to complete the Deschâtelets building conversion.
  • Delays to the school build also stand in the way of the new OOE community centre and seniors’ affordable housing the City has agreed to fund.
  • Summary of ACO issues and request for endorsement (PDF) to be discussed, followed by Q&A.

Questions and Comments

  • Jurisdiction & Complexity: The school property is owned by the school board, and while the city has an agreement to use the space for a community centre, all decisions rest with the board and the Ministry of Education. Messaging should remain focused on education when engaging with the Minister.
  • Project Timeline: Once funding is secured and construction begins, the school is expected to be completed in 12–14 months, with the recreation centre to follow. Public consultation on the four-court park will begin only after school funding is announced.
  • Lack of Transparency: Details of the agreement between the city and the school board remain unclear. The city will not engage the community until provincial funding is confirmed.
  • Petition & Communication: The parent council submitted a petition. It was emphasized that any letter to the Minister should be clearly signed by the parent council, not the Councillor.
  • Building Status: The building is maintained (climate control ongoing, mold/asbestos removed) and ready for development. While minimal upkeep costs are incurred, there’s limited leverage to speed things up based on the building sitting idle.
  • Potential Pressure Points: Suggestions were made to explore whether the Minister of Francophone Affairs could help, and whether the city has tools to apply pressure (e.g., taxation), though schools are exempt from taxes.
  • Provincial Responsibility: The city is unable to act until the province releases funding and approval.

Motion: To endorse drafting letter to be sent by the Association to the MPP requesting immediate action to the Minister. CA is supporting moving forward proceed expeditious with funding for Au Coeur d’Ottawa

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

  • The City of Ottawa provided capital investments for upgrades at Brantwood and Old Town Hall. Improvements include new flooring, countertops, and sinks at Old Town Hall, and the addition of two new offices at Brantwood.
  • Ongoing construction at Main and Greenfield has caused intermittent water service. With the school operating out of Old Town Hall, it’s been challenging to provide reliable backup water.
  • New fitness programs have launched for the spring, including meditation and several other classes. Senior socials are now held Friday afternoons at Brantwood Park, along with new senior-focused activities. These are drop-in programs, and all interested residents are encouraged to participate.
  • Work is underway to schedule a catch-up AGM and ensure compliance with the updated Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (2010). The board is currently setting a date and considering a changing the fiscal year-end from August 31.
  • As part of the not-for-profit requirements, a membership proposal will be brought forward to the board.
  • The Winter Party in the Park was a success, with 65 attendees. Organizers were unaware that four permits were required to use the rink (open fire permit, park permit, rink permit, and noise bylaw permit). Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library provided adult snowshoes, and Sandy Hill Community Health Centre lent out ice skates.

9. Committee reports

*Links to submitted reports where applicable

Communications

  • EnviroCentre announcement: Au Coeur joins School Active Transportation program
  • Bel-Air Community Association request for updated CA emails: Contact list to be leveraged to mobilize communities on shared concerns.
  • Alexandra Gruca-Macaulay is still responsible for the Twitter account. She is wondering if we want to retain this account. Formal discussion to be had at the next meeting.

Parks and Greenspace – Vacant

  • Brantwood dock accessibility work postponed.
    • Kristine on behalf of OOECA, and Lee on behalf of CAG have asked the councillor’s office to engage representatives from both groups before proceeding with Brantwood dock design and work to ensure we get community input, and prioritize accessibility, usability.
  • Kristine Houde motion for up to $200 for draw prizes for OOE Spring clean-up (parks, streets, shoreline) on May 24, 10 AM to 1 PM (rain date: May 31)
    • For the River Clean-Up (part of the Clean the Capital campaign), consider allocating a small budget for gloves, beverages, and treats—CAG is covering coffee, hot chocolate, and water; could also engage high school volunteers for community hours.
  • Amended motion presented for budget up to $200 to purchase reusable gardening gloves and refreshments to support Spring clean-up volunteer engagement.
    • Motion: Alexandra Gruca-Macaulay.
    • In favour: Georgia, Jayson, John, Peter, Phyllis. Motion carried.
  • April 10, 7 PM: Just Food Resident Meeting on City’s Community Garden Plan

Main, Greystone, Lees – Peter Tobin – Report

  • Report includes next steps and site work for the Convent site, plans to reconnect with Lees Apartments, and an upcoming Mainstreeter article based on early March interviews with Steven Pink.

Health and Safety – Georgia Blondon – Report

  • Report includes updates on bike/vehicle road safety, the Centretown ANCHOR program, SHIH’s new website and proposed intergenerational village, recent thefts on Lees and Elliott Avenues, and a reminder to report issues to Health@ottawaeast.ca.

Transportation and Infrastructure – Tom Scott – Report

  • Report contents: TMP recommendation to remove AVTC north section through OOE, Transportation email to City councillors requesting support for AVTC north section removal, and GMH reconstruction resuming for 2025 season.
  • Engage Ottawa TMP Phase 5: Respond to 2 surveys by May 12 (French – Participons Ottawa)
  • Cautionary note: AVTC removal is a City staff recommendation but still must go to Council.
  • New business: FCA asked for support Councillor Brockington (Ward 16 – River) to report on OC Transport accuracy of schedule.

Planning – Vacant – Report

  • Report contents: New Zoning By-Law Draft 2 – OOECA Planning comments and impacts to OOE, Greystone Village Forecourt Towns – City and Regional ignore OOECA comments, 166 McGillivray – minor variances and a related severance not approved
  • Paul Goodkey, Ottawa area residents and groups like CAFES, a 1st generation farmer from Dunrobin, and proponents of car share programs in Ottawa spoke at the March 31 joint PAHC and ARAC meeting (YouTube). Paul’s comments begin at 2:27:00.
  • Suggest everyone look at zoning changes, which allow 2–4 additional units per property. Neighbourhood character needs to be maintained.
  • Kudos to a resident’s complaint on minor variances at 166 McGillivray

FCA (Federation of Citizens’ Associations) – Ron Rose

  • Request for the board to be circulated by Ron Rose.

Lansdowne – Alexandra Gruca-Macaulay

  • John Dance is in discussions to support another tour of the site for OOECA. Going inside to see what will be demolished.

SLOE (Sustainable Living Ottawa East) – Vacant

  • No report
  • Several requests from Rick Burrowes about water testing and items related to parks. Funding approved in September (up to $300 for water testing). Rick is continuing to engage with as many groups as possible. Looking for recognition from the Board to appoint him as committee member for the time being, as representative of OOECA. Wants support of OOECA during engagement with other organizations.
    • Concerns were raised about promoting river use without adequately highlighting the safety risks; there needs to be greater awareness of the dangers of swimming in the Rideau River.
    • A request was made for endorsement of water quality testing, but others questioned the purpose, noting that any testing should lead to actionable outcomes.
    • It was emphasized that this is a public health issue and carries potential liability. The City already conducts daily water testing at beaches from mid-June to the end of August, and it was suggested that OOECA could extrapolate from that data.
    • There was no support for OOECA to conduct independent water testing. It was also noted that any water testing initiatives should be pursued independently and not under the OOECA name.
    • A question was raised about whether this was recorded in the September 2024 meeting minutes, and it was confirmed that a vote had taken place.

Membership – Jayson MacLean

  • No report

10. New Business

Ottawa Centre Federal Leaders Debate

  • Ottawa Centre Federal Debate will take place on Tuesday, April 15 at Knox Presbyterian Church. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the debate starting at 7:00 p.m. The event is co-organized by community associations from Old Ottawa East, Centretown, the Glebe, and Ottawa South. All four major federal parties have been invited. Bob Gordon will deliver the opening remarks. The organizing committee has asked community associations to prepare questions in advance. Questions can be sent to info@ottawaeast.ca or glebe@glebeca.ca.
  • Contact Gregg Whetton (gwhetton@hotmail.com) if interested in volunteering.

Ottawa SUP proposal to relocate to Brantwood Park

  • Proposal from Ottawa SUP owner to get permit from City to run rental business to run out of Brantwood Park. CAG is fully behind the proposal. Recommendation for OOECA is to approve as well. Application to the city will take time. Bob Gordon and Lee Jacobs met with the owner of SUP. Bob Gordon’s position is that community association would only move forward if CAG was also in favour.
  • Questions were raised about resident consultation, beach access, and the role of the Community Activities Group (CAG) in supporting a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) initiative. Residents were canvassed by Ottawa SUP and showed support.
  • The City would designate a location to ensure shared use of the beach, and SUP equipment would be parked away from the beach area.
  • CAG supports the initiative to promote community activity but is not involved in renting SUPs. The SUP owner is cooperative and focused on maintaining positive relationships, recognizing that the beach is a public space open to all.
  • MOTION: For OOECA to support Ottawa SUP’s application to set up business in Brantwood Park.
    • Motion: Bob
    • In favour: Jayson, Mark, John, Jayson, Peter, Alexandra, Don, Georgia, Matteo, Tom, Phyllis, Kristine. Motion moved.

In Person Attendance

  • Everyone is encouraged to attend OOECA meetings in person. Next month there will be cookies!

11. Adjournment

  • Moved: John Dance, Seconded: Kristine Houde

2025 AprilboardMinutes