City Council Update

Your guide to what happened at City Council
October 14, 2009

City Council Meeting Highlights

City Council approves rezoning of 1357 Baseline Road

City Council has approved the rezoning of 1357 Baseline Road from its current status of minor institutional subzone to an arterial mainstreet zone.

The new designation permits the developer, SmartCentres, to build a retail centre on the site of the former Laurentian High School along Baseline Road and Clyde Avenue. In addition to the retail space, office space is planned for the property. Residential development will also be permitted and may be introduced as part of the overall development. The amount of surface parking that can be provided is capped at 750 spaces.

Council also mandated that a full community meeting – involving the developer, residents of the Copeland Park, City View and Central Park communities, the ward Councillors representing these communities and the City’s planning staff – take place prior to any site plan being approved.

The owner of the land must also not object to the formation of a Business Improvement Area for the Merivale commercial corridor, which would include the land in this development.

City Council endorses creation of a site to commemorate the Stanley Cup

City Council endorsed an Ottawa volunteer committee’s request to establish an appropriate commemoration of Lord Stanley’s Cup, and recognize and support the objectives of the Stanley Cup Commemoration Committee. This commemoration would not only honour and celebrate the Stanley Cup, Lord Stanley’s gift to the game of hockey but would also enhance the City of Ottawa’s urban fabric and create an educational and entertainment experience for visitors at the commemoration site.

City Council directed staff to provide advice and assistance to the Stanley Cup Commemoration Committee within the general scope of the City’s resident expertise and existing budget.

Council supports application to the Creative Communities Prosperity Fund

Council directed the Arts and Heritage Services staff to submit an application to the Creative Communities Prosperity Fund on or before the October 15, 2009 deadline. The objective of the Creative Communities Prosperity Fund program is to strengthen culture’s role in building vibrant, liveable communities across Ontario by supporting municipalities and innovative communities that increase local capacity for Municipal Cultural Planning and community economic development.

The City of Ottawa approved the Ottawa 20/20 Arts and Heritage Plan in April 2003 that outlined a twenty-year strategy and five-year action plan. Planning for the refresh of these plans has recently commenced.

Council requests Auditor General to include Audit of the City’s Development Review Process

Council requested the Auditor General to consider modifying his 2010 Audit Plan to include an Audit of the City of Ottawa’s Development Review Process, both currently and for the developments that drain into the Carp River, in relation to approval of water, wastewater and stormwater servicing, and an Audit of the City of Ottawa’s ongoing operations and maintenance practices in relation to protecting the water environment. This audit is to include a review of the remedial measures regarding Glen Cairn, both already undertaken and planned for the future.

Crime Stoppers of Ottawa buys a decommissioned ambulance from the City of Ottawa

Council approved the sale of an un-stocked, decommissioned ambulance for the amount of $8,000 to Crime Stoppers of Ottawa, who will use the ambulance for the benefit of the citizens of Ottawa.

Rural Issues

Design guidelines for rural villages set

City Council has adopted a set of design guidelines aimed at promoting development that preserves and enhances the distinct character, traditions and history of the city’s 26 rural villages. In rural communities across Ottawa, the guidelines will be considered by City staff reviewing planning and development applications, and will inform the design of local neighbourhoods and communities, buildings and architecture, streetscapes and open spaces. The guidelines, which were finalized following consultations with the public, developers and key stakeholders, will also promote development that reinforces the quality and diversity of heritage buildings, strengthens village cores, maintains low-density and small-scale development, and provides direct connections to the adjacent countryside and natural areas.

Other items of interest

Governor General’s Certificates of Commendation

Mayor O’Brien presented Governor General's Certificates of Commendation to Mr. Dennis Laurin and Ms. Alison Webb-Zierl for having provided assistance to another person in a selfless manner.

On May 17, 2009, Dennis Laurin and two others braved the icy waters of Round Lake near Foy Provincial Park to save two men who were drowning. On May 21, 2007, Jesse Ann Webb Selig, Alison Webb-Zierl and Mark Zierl, along with one other individual rescued a man from a burning vehicle, on Highway 509, near Ompah, Ontario.

Recognition - Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day

Mayor O’Brien declared Wednesday, October 21, 2009 as Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day in the City of Ottawa, which will mark the ninth anniversary of Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day in the province of Ontario. Mayor O’Brien presented a framed proclamation to Ms. Kate Carradin, President, Ottawa Child Care Association.

[top]