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November 2009
Mayor met city manager thrice on Lansdowne before cancelling public consultations: city staff
Ottawa Citizen, November 30, 2009
Kate Jaimet Mayor Larry O'Brien met three times with city manager Kent Kirkpatrick and his staff to discuss Lansdowne Park, shortly before the public consultation process on the park's redevelopment was cancelled in favour of the Lansdowne Live proposal, city documents revealed Monday. In response to a written question by Councillor Clive Doucet, an opponent of the Lansdowne Live redevelopment proposal, city staff stated that O'Brien met with Kirkpatrick on April 2, April 10, and May 8, 2008. The public consultation process was cancelled on May 16, to allow the city to consider a bid put forward by Ottawa businessmen Roger Greenberg, Bill Shenkman, John Ruddy, and Jeff Hunt, to redevelop the park and bring back CFL football. "The purpose of these meetings was to inform the Mayor of the evolving situation regarding the structural considerations of the Civic Centre and Frank Clair stadium, the Lansdowne Live proposal and of the decision to suspend the design process," the written response from city staff stated. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Mayor+city+manager+thrice+Lansdowne+before+cancelling+public+consultations+city+staff/2286938/story.html
Sandy Hill drain project wins award Ottawa Sun, November 30, 2009
Scott Taylor The Sandy Hill reservoir tank, designed to protect flood-prone areas of Sandy Hill during heavy rainfalls, has won the Ontario Public Works Association's 2009 Project of the Year Award. The $17-million project was completed in last May, on budget and ahead of schedule. The facility won in the category for projects that cost more than $10 million. Sandy Hill often experienced surface flooding after a heavy rainfall and the park could sometimes take weeks to dry up. Thanks to the reservoir tank, it can now be drained within 13 hours. The new system provides protection from flooding during power outages and includes an activated carbon odour control unit, used to control odours from the site when the tank is in use. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/30/11983981.html
New OC Transpo Park and Ride Lots CFRA, November 30, 2009
Josh Pringle Commuters have two new Park & Ride lots available to park in before boarding their OC Transpo bus. OC Transpo opens two new Park & Ride facilities today in Riverside South and Orleans East. The new Riverview Park & Ride lot on Earl Armstrong Road will accommodate 155 vehicles in the first phase, with future capacity for almost one-thousand vehicles. The Millennium Park & Ride on Millennium Boulevard near Innes and Trim will have 168 parking spaces. OC Transpo is also reminding riders that the new winter schedule is in effect, with several schedule adjustments and route improvements. http://www.cfra.com/?cat=1&nid=69665
Rapibus
Début officiel des travaux Radio-Canada, le 30 novembre 2009 Des élus ont donné le coup d'envoi des travaux du premier tronçon du projet Rapibus, lundi matin, à Gatineau. Les travaux de la section Taché-Montcalm, qui seront réalisés au coût de 3,8 millions de dollars par la firme Construction Edelweiss de Wakefield, commencent donc officiellement. Cette première pelletée de terre, qui devait avoir lieu au début du mois, a été reportée parce que le ministre responsable de l'Outaouais, Lawrence Cannon, tenait à assister à l'événement. Le Rapibus coûtera un peu plus 250 millions de dollars. 75 % de cette somme, soit 176 millions de dollars, sera assumée par Québec, tandis que l'autre partie sera financée par Gatineau. Les travaux doivent être terminés à l'automne 2011. http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/ottawa/2009/11/30/003-rapibus-debut-travaux.shtml
Gatineau moves ahead with $230M-rapid transit plan CTV Ottawa, November 30, 2009 Gatineau city council is forging ahead with its new $230-million rapid transit plan, which is expected to begin service by fall of 2011. Federal and provincial cabinet ministers joined Gatineau Mayor Marc Bureau for an official groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. Bureau expects the project to transform the face of Gatineau, bringing economic growth to the region and creating almost 2,000 jobs. The rapid transit plan includes a 17-kilometre route linking Lorraine Boulevard to downtown Gatineau. Construction on the project -- which focuses on rapid bus transportation -- will begin between Alexandre-Taché and Montcalm, and then continue on Allumettières. http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091130/OTT_Gat_Transit_091130/20091130/?hub=OttawaHome
The green bin mile
Kate Jaimet digs into the rotten welcome for something as seemingly wholesome and harmless as a composting program Ottawa Citizen, November 29, 2009
Kate Jaimet It's been 12 years since municipal government in Ottawa first kicked around the idea of city-wide composting, and now that the green-bin program is finally here, the backlash against it has taken Councillor Peter Hume, chair of city council's planning and environment committee, by surprise. He didn't anticipate the angry letters to the editor, the people refusing to accept their green bins, or the protest, announced for Wednesday, Dec. 9, when an organization called the Ottawa Taxpayer Advocacy Group says it will dump its green bins on the lawn in front of City Hall. How could something as seemingly wholesome and harmless as composting turn into the target of so much vituperation? "Every other major municipality in Ontario has done it. We are the last. It's disappointing there seems to be such high resistance from the citizens of Ottawa," Hume said of the green-bin program. "We're all a bit surprised that the funding issue has turned into a referendum on the program itself." Indeed, the green-bin program, announced in September with a kickoff press conference and the appearance of cute advertising posters on bus shelters around the city, did not become controversial until early November, when Hume's committee voted in favour of a $68 fee per household to pay for it. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/green+mile/2282325/story.html
Lansdowne Live faces legal challenge Ottawa Sun, November 28, 2009
Aedan Helmer Coun. Clive Doucet is preparing to take the battle over Lansdowne Park to the province's highest court. Last week, the Capital Ward councillor, who has been the most vocal opponent of the Lansdowne Live partnership, sent an e-mail to supporters calling for donations to a legal fund to halt the proposed redevelopment in a judicial review. The Superior Court of Ontario recently accepted the application for judicial review, "challenging the legality of the proposed development at Lansdowne Park." The application was originally filed by local businessman John Martin representing the public interest advocacy group Vitally Ottawa. Doucet said the legal process would be launched next fall, at the earliest. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/28/11966531.html
Ottawa bus fare hikes, service cuts proposed CBC News, November 27, 2009 Night and weekend bus service in Ottawa could be reduced and fares raised under a proposal aimed at keeping next year's property tax hike under four per cent. The city's audit, budget and finance committee spent Friday discussing a proposal to cut around $60 million from the city's budget by: * Increasing bus fares early in the New Year and cutting night and weekend service for a total of $10 million in savings.
* Hiring just 23 new paramedics, forgoing another 42 planned hires.
* Borrowing the money for $20 million in road and sewer repairs and paying it back later. In the end, committee members seemed united in favouring the plan. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/11/27/ottawa-bus-transit-fare.html
Clean river a costly proposition
Environment officials say storage tanks most cost-effective solution to dirty water problem Ottawa Citizen, November 27, 2009
Mohammed Adam Protecting the Ottawa River is a multi-faceted task that requires money, and city residents will have to decide collectively how far they are willing to go to keep the river clean, Ottawa's senior environmental officials say. Meeting the Citizen's editorial board to explain what is being done to deal with embarrassing overflows and sewage spills into the river, Dixon Weir, the city's general manager of environmental services, said the problem is bigger than the combined sewer overflows that have grabbed the most attention. (In newer parts of the city, separate pipes handle household sewage and water from rainstorms and melting snow; in older areas, the same pipe will carry both. When those combined sewers are filled to overflowing by heavy rain, they're designed to dump the extra directly into the river - including the toilet sewage.) http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/Clean+river+costly+proposition/2273417/story.html
Budget Ottawa : le couperet tombe sur les services Le Droit, le 27 novembre 2009
Dominique La Haye Les élus de la Ville d'Ottawa ont mis la hache dans les services municipaux, hier, pour faire chuter de 8 % à 3,9 % la hausse des impôts fonciers en 2010. Le comité municipal des finances et du budget, présidé par le maire Larry O'Brien, a approuvé une motion omnibus, ayant permis de réduire de plus de moitié la hausse de taxes prévue. À moins de changements majeurs d'ici la fin janvier, les ménages d'Ottawa payeront en moyenne 112 $ de plus en 2010 pour leurs impôts totalisant environ 3000 $. La motion présentée par le maire et la conseillère municipale Jan Harder a eu pour effet de réduire les dépenses de 58 millions $ au budget 2010 et de reporter l'embauche de près de 130 employés. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/200911/27/01-925936-budget-ottawa-le-couperet-tombe-sur-les-services.php
Montreal's wheels of fortune
The Bixi bike-sharing system has been a success for the city Globe and Mail, November 27, 2009
Lysiane Gagnon It sounds like a pet's name, but Bixi is Montreal's biggest success in the past few years. It's a sturdy, sensible, yet handsome bike that anyone can rent to travel within city limits. The Bixi (short for "bicycle" and "taxi"), which was introduced last May, is modelled on Paris's Vélib - except it's much better. Its inventor, designer Michel Dallaire, learned from the unhappy experiences of the Vélib and devised ways to minimize the risk of vandalism and theft. The Bixi is perfectly adapted to Montreal's punishing climate. It is made of rust-proof aluminum instead of steel, and the docking stations where the bikes can be rented - by swiping a credit card or using a membership key - and deposited after use, are entirely modular. They can be mounted and removed in 20 minutes without costly alterations to the streets and sidewalks. Mr. Dallaire, an award-winning industrial designer, made sure that both the bicycles and the stations would be aesthetical. And they are. Even although some car drivers find them intrusive, the stations fit beautifully into the urban scenery. And the Bixi is totally made-in-Quebec - the only exception being the docking stations' keyboards, which are made in Israel. The bikes were built in Chicoutimi by Devinci, and Rio Tinto Alcan provided the aluminum. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/montreals-wheels-of-fortune/article1380963/
Knife coming out on city's draft budget Metro Ottawa, November 27, 2009
Tim Wieclawski There is no way anyone is going to approve a 9.6 per cent hike in the city's property tax rate, insist members of the city's finance committee, who are meeting to discuss the city's draft budget Friday. Chair of the transportation committee Coun. Maria McRae said councillors and city staff are looking for more areas to trim from their departmental budgets in order to get closer to the proposed increase of 3.9 per cent. Despite a draft transportation budget that remained virtually the same as last year, McRae said she thinks they could find almost $300,000 in savings, but it's going to be very tight. "It's a question now of how much closer to the bone can we get, because we know we're getting close," said McRae. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/381029--knife-coming-out-on-city-s-draft-budget
City of Ottawa granted right to fight contractor's plan to compost diapers, plastic Ottawa Citizen, November 26, 2009
Kate Jaimet The city of Ottawa began its legal fight Thursday against the attempt by Orgaworld to open up its new composting facility in Gloucester to dirty diapers and food scraps contained in plastic bags. The city was granted party status at a preliminary hearing of the provincial Environmental Review Tribunal Thursday morning. The status means the city can call, question and cross-examine witnesses when the full hearing takes place in May, 2010. During the hearing, Orgaworld will attempt to convince the tribunal to strike down restrictions imposed by the provincial Ministry of the Environment on its new Ottawa composting facility, which is set to open in January as part of the city's new green-bin program. The ministry and the city will seek to have the restrictions upheld. Those restrictions prevent Orgaworld from accepting dirty diapers, feminine sanitary products or waste contained in plastic bags at its composting plant. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/City+Ottawa+granted+right+fight+contractor+plan+compost+diapers+plastic/2272147/story.html
Green-bin fee drops to $59 from $68 Ottawa Citizen, November 26, 2009, page C4
Kate Jaimet Ottawa's green-bin program will cost homeowners less than expected, Councillor Peter Hume, chairman of city council's planning and environment committee, said Wednesday, though the savings are being achieved partly by planning for the program to be less successful. Instead of a $68 yearly fee, homeowners who receive the bin will pay $59 if the charge recommended by the committee is approved by council. "When you bring all the savings in, the efficiencies, the fee for the green bin drops to $59," Hume explained. The $68 figure came out of a Nov. 10 planning and environment committee meeting. City treasurer Marian Simulik said that since then, Hume has put forward motions that include reducing the number of inspectors who will check that the green bins are being used properly, and reducing the estimate for the tonnage of organic waste to be collected next year. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Green+drops+from/2267401/story.html
Carleton leaking sewage into river The Charlatan, November 26, 2009, page 4
Peter McCartney Untreated sewage from Carleton has been leaking into the Rideau River for at least two years, despite the university's efforts to fix the problem, according to a student who said she discovered the waste.
Third-year environmental studies student Angela Crosbie described her findings in a report detailing her experience.
In the fall of 2007, Crosbie said she and a friend were relaxing beside the Rideau River when they noticed a white, murky stream along the riverbank.
They followed the stream and found a pool of foul-smelling, cloudy water in the rocks, which Crosbie said appeared to be the source of the pollution. http://www.charlatan.ca/content/carleton-leaking-sewage-river
ABCs for conserving fuel, environment Montreal Gazette, November 26, 2009
René Bruemmer The Canadian Automobile Association and non-profit group Pollution Probe today announced the release of a new, 109-page primer on how to increase your car's fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, measures that can aid the environment and save drivers significant amounts of money at the same time. Changes in driving techniques can save drivers as much as 40 per cent in fuel usage and costs, said Jeff Walker of the CAA, and you don't have to shell out cash for a Toyota Prius to do so. "There are some Canadians who think the only way to really save fuel is to drive a hybrid," Walker said. "Any car can be made more efficient, and if you use our tools, you'll save gas." Transportation accounts for 25 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, and passenger vehicles make up half of that figure. Changes made by everyday drivers could have a major effect on the amount of pollutants spewed into the environment, and save them considerably at the gas pump, Walker said. http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/ABCs+conserving+fuel+environment/2270188/story.html
Ottawa School Plans Innovative Green Roof
Rooftop garden to benefit learning, community, and environment The Epoch Times, November 25, 2009
Cindy Chan When the students of Ottawa's Ashbury College suggested building a green roof a few years ago, it sowed the seed for a first-of-its-kind eco-project among Canadian independent schools that promises much more than conventional environmental goals. While other schools have built green roofs to help reduce energy use and contribute to cleaner air, Ashbury's roof will be more functional, allowing students to actually use it for classes and gardening. Ashbury's fundraising for the 525-square-metre octagon-shaped green space above the school's theatre is halfway completed. It will double as an outdoor classroom for the all-boys Junior School (grades 4 to 8) and co-ed Senior School (grades 9 to 12). http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/25667/
Walking, biking good for you and the planet Montreal Gazette, November 25, 2009
Margaret Munro Pedestrians and cyclists should be made king of the urban jungle, according to an international study showing the big benefits of "mass active travel." It suggests money should be diverted way from roads to make walking and cycling "the most direct, convenient, and pleasant options for most urban trips." Pedestrians and bikers should also get "priority" over cars and trucks at intersections. The study is one of six reports on the "health dividend" of combating climate change published in the medical journal Lancet Wednesday. The reports say that enormous changes are needed to slow global warming, but show that reducing carbon dioxide emissions will be good for people's health. Millions of deaths could be averted by getting people out of cars, breathing cleaner air and eating healthier food. http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Walking+biking+good+planet+Study/2264373/story.html
À la STO
Les supports à vélo devront attendre à 2011 Le Droit, le 25 novembre 2009
Patrick Duquette Les autobus de la Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) ne seront pas équipés de support à vélos avant 2011. La mesure n'est pas aussi simple à implanter qu'elle n'y paraît, a expliqué mercredi le directeur général de la STO, Michel Brissette. L'addition d'un support à vélo complique en effet le rangement des autobus dans le garage de la STO sur le boulevard de la Carrière. «On a de la misère à rentrer tous nos autobus dans le garage et un support à vélo prend de l'espace», a dit M. Brissette. Le garage de la STO est déjà rempli plus qu'à pleine capacité. Conçu pour abriter 257 autobus, il en contient jusqu'à 280. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/gatineau-outaouais/200911/25/01-925023-les-supports-a-velo-devront-attendre-a-2011.php
Hold your nose and pay - everybody Ottawa Sun, November 25, 2009
Susan Sherring Enough already. We're either really one big city or we're not. And it's time to stop pandering to any one sector of the population, which really only ends up pitting neighbourhoods against each other. To think the city would unveil an expensive, but absolutely necessary, green bin program and not charge rural residents for it is simply ridiculous. Apparently, now that residents have clued in to the fact they actually have to pay for the green bin program, few seem to want it. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/columnists/susan_sherring/2009/11/24/11914441.html
Habitat house gets eco-friendly upgrade
$25K grant allows for retrofit of 1990s home Metro Ottawa, November 25, 2009
Tracey Tong Through volunteering with Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region, Bill Blampied has seen big changes. "A lot of people lived in crowded apartments, substandard basements, and some lived in areas where there were drug dealers," Blampied said yesterday. "Then they move to far better living conditions, where it's a nice neighbourhood. You can see the change within a year. The children's grades improve, the family's health improves." So far, Habitat for Humanity NCR has helped dozens of families with 37 houses in Ottawa and Gatineau. Their latest project, a completely renovated home in the city's Bayshore area, will offer even more benefits. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/378737--habitat-house-gets-eco-friendly-upgrade
Biologist details Greenbelt vision Metro Ottawa, November 25, 2009
Tim Wieclawski It is debatable whether or not the National Capital Greenbelt has been successful in curbing urban sprawl, but biologist Dr. Paul Keddy said there are other factors to consider when judging the success of those spaces. "We're seeing so much urban intensification, so how do we design a system that will last even as the city continues to grow?" said Keddy. Keddy, a renowned professor who taught for over 30 years - 17 at the University of Ottawa - is the first speaker at the National Capital Commission's public forum and vision workshops for a 50-year look at the Greenbelt being held today and tomorrow. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/378736--biologist-details-greenbelt-vision
Sierra Club Questions Tritium Levels in River myFM 96.1 Renfrew, November 25, 2009 A new report from the Sierra Club of Canada is making some troubling statements about the health of the Ottawa River. In the report, Tritium on Tap, the Sierra Club of Canada says levels of tritium in the Ottawa River near AECL are five times higher than in water at other locations without any nearby nuclear plants. Ottawa River Keeper Meredith Brown says this is actually deemed acceptable under Canada's guidelines. Brown says it's up to AECL to make the ultimate decision to dump tritium in the river. Since the reactor has been shut down and repaired, AECL has been storing heavy water and has a choice of where and when to dump it. Brown says public pressure is about the only thing that will stop them from dumping the tritium into the river. AECL has yet to respond to our requests for an interview on the Sierra Club's findings. http://www.myfmradio.ca/961/wire/news/01601_RAP_AECL_TRITIUM2-web_075942.php
E-Waste Banned from Curbside Trash CFRA, November 25, 2009
Josh Pringle E-waste can no longer be placed at the curb with your garbage. Changes to the City of Ottawa's Solid Waste Management Bylaw now excludes e-waste, including computers, keyboards, monitors, printers, fax machines and televisions. The bylaw states that "given the concern for the environment and the fact that the province has introduced a well developed e-waste recycling program, it was no longer deemed appropriate to provide curbside collection for disposal in the landfill." http://www.cfra.com/?cat=1&nid=69576
Mayor plans ‘real downtown' for Gatineau
First two phases expected to cost $25M Ottawa Citizen, November 25, 2009, page C1
Dave Rogers Gatineau residents got their first look at the most ambitious downtown redevelopment plan in the city's history Tuesday during preliminary 2010 budget discussions. Mayor Marc Bureau said the goal of the plan was to create a "real downtown" that would encourage people to visit, shop and live in the area. During the budget meeting, city finance officials released details about how Gatineau could raise the money to develop a new downtown. Under the plan, Gatineau would spend $300,000 in 2010 to start the work and increase spending to $4.2 million a year by 2012. Bureau said the city would beautify downtown streets, build a "cultural boulevard" on Montcalm Street and a city square on Laurier Street. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/Mayor+plans+real+downtown+Gatineau/2262705/story.html
Halifax: Diversity is key to a thriving downtown, Sloane says Metro Halifax, November 25, 2009
Jon Tattrie During a recent business trip to Milwaukee, Halifax downtown councillor Dawn Sloane was struck by the absence of life in the American city's centre. "Many cities at this point in time, their downtowns are dead," she reflects. She was relieved to return to Halifax's lively downtown and sees its development as crucial to the future of the whole of HRM. The history and future of downtown is diversity, she says. "We have everything from low-income to high income, from the homeless to those that are not - we have it all, when it comes to housing and constituents," she says. "We want to keep a mix that keeps that buzz in the air and keeps the place interesting to live in." http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/378602--diversity-is-key-to-a-thriving-downtown-sloane-says
Council approves flood relief policy
Residents could recoup as much as $1,000 from city Orléans Star, November 25, 2009
Patricia Lonergan Residents who have been affected by flooding three times in the past 15 years due to sewer backups could be eligible for a $1,000 grant from the city. Council passed the residential compassionate grant policy for sewer backups today, Wednesday, Nov. 25. The policy will also provide coverage for residents who experience flooding over any future 15-year period. To be eligible for the grant, residents must be the owner or tenant of a flooded property and provide proof of flood damage on three occasions during the past 15 years or in any future 15-year period. The flooding should have been reported to the city and photographs or invoices should accompany the application. Alternatively, residents who are unable to provide such proof can supply a sworn affidavit at their own expense. http://www.eastottawa.ca/article-405563-Council-approves-flood-relief-policy.html
Workers to warn of blowback risk
Electronic alerts OK'd after homes showered in feces Ottawa Citizen, November 25, 2009
Scott Nowoselski Kanata residents will have to watch their phones and inboxes for warnings of when their toilets could spew feces, council decided Tuesday. The decision came after Kanata South Councillor Peggy Feltmate elected not to push the city's planning committee for a program to notify everyone in neighbourhoods where plumbing work was to be done. City staff had estimated such a program, which would involve the expenses of 3.5 employees, two vehicles, and a stash of printed material, could cost $270,000. Instead, the city will experiment with notification systems such as automated neighbourhood calls, which would cost little. The cry for city warnings stemmed from incidents in late October, when Glen Cairn residents had their homes dirtied by sewage that sprayed from toilets and other fixtures during neighbourhood sewer cleanings. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/Workers+warn+blowback+risk/2262202/story.html
Stimulus deadline no threat to turtles: councillor
Environmental assessment on schedule Ottawa Citizen, November 24, 2009, page B1
Kate Jaimet The $47.7-million Terry Fox Drive extension should go ahead next spring, despite concerns raised over the threatened Blanding's turtle, said Kanata North Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, whose ward includes the proposed project. Mayor Larry O'Brien said he believes the project will proceed as planned, allowing the city to take advantage of $32-million in federal and provincial stimulus funding that runs out in March 2011. "The city of Ottawa is going through a very exhaustive environmental assessment. There's a lot of things that are being studied. We will not accelerate that process simply to fall into the guidelines of financial deadlines being put before us," O'Brien said Monday. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Stimulus+deadline+threat+turtles+councillor/2258474/story.html
Sewage solution good, but PR work bad: report Ottawa Citizen, November 24, 2009, page B3
Patrick Dare The City of Ottawa is on the right track to finding a solution to its sewer-overflow problems, but it has done a poor job of communicating with the public on the plan, Ontario's environmental commissioner says. Gord Miller, in his report released Monday on sewer flows into the Ottawa River, commends the city for defining the problem well, already conducting work to clean up the problem and making a plan to conclusively solve it. However, Miller faults the city for conducting public consultations on the program only this month. He concludes that delaying consultations cost the city an "opportunity for potentially valuable public input and ideas, as well as the good will and buy-in such consultation cultivates." http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/todays-paper/Sewage+solution+good+work+report/2258481/story.html
Bid to ban corporate, union donations fails
Council to keep status quo for election campaign Ottawa Citizen, November 24, 2009, page B2
Patrick Dare Potential candidates for mayor in Ottawa's 2010 municipal election crossed swords Monday over election financing. Alex Cullen, the Bay ward councillor who has said he will run for the city's top elected post, tried to get his fellow councillors to support a ban on corporate and union donations to campaigns. His motion to ask the provincial government to prohibit such donations failed on a 4-6 vote of the audit, budget and finance committee. Cullen received the support of another potential candidate for mayor, Alta Vista Councillor Peter Hume, but the move was opposed by Gloucester-Southgate Councillor Diane Deans, who is considering joining the race for mayor and has a $45,000 stash of campaign funds she could use as a down payment on a mayoral campaign. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/corporate+union+donations+fails/2258480/story.html
Compost company says no need to get miffed about whiff Ottawa Sun, November 24, 2009
Doug Hempstead Orgaworld thinks the city is raising a stink over nothing. Tomorrow, the company contracted to process the organic waste from the city's new green bin program will appear at a provincial hearing to appeal for the right to also accept plastic bags, diapers and sanitary napkins. The company has a method for separating the plastic from the compost end-product. Councillors Diane Deans and Peter Hume want to prevent Orgaworld from accepting plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, and especially items that contain smelly human waste. Orgaworld's project director Ryan Lauzon said the building is designed to keep odours in. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/24/11914571.html
Councillor Abandons User Fee System for Green Bins CFRA, November 24, 2009
Josh Pringle and Stephanie Kinsella The chair of the Planning and Environment Committee is kicking the idea of a user fee system for recycling and Green Bin collection to the curb. Councillor Peter Hume tells CFRA News he wants the costs of the Green Bin organics recycling program to be paid by ALL residential homeowners, including those who won't receive the service. Under a proposal in the 2010 draft budget, a $68 fee for Green Bin collection and $41 for the blue and black box pick-up would appear on the tax bill under the garbage charge. Hume had argued the new user fee system was about fairness, saying rural residents who won't receive the Green Bin service shouldn't have to pay for it. But Hume told CFRA News on Monday public outrage over the plan has prompted him to change his mind about the user fee system. http://www.cfra.com/?cat=1&nid=69549
Les résidants de la Côte-de-Sable ne veulent pas d'une tour de 15 étages Le Droit, le 24 novembre 2009
Dominique La Haye Au grand étonnement des résidants de la communauté Côte-de-Sable à Ottawa, une anomalie dans le nouveau plan de zonage de la Ville pourrait permettre la construction d'une tour résidentielle de près de 15 étages, dépassant de trois fois la limite permise dans le secteur. Plusieurs résidants ont pris la parole au comité municipal d'urbanisme et d'environnement, hier, enjoignant les élus de ne pas permettre la construction sur le terrain situé au 85, chemin Range, situé près du parc Strathcona. L'erreur s'est produite au moment où la Ville a approuvé son nouveau Plan officiel en 2008-2009, axé sur une plus grande densification résidentielle. Même si le zonage actuel permet une construction de 10 étages, un autre document officiel indique que seules les constructions à petites échelles de quatre étages sont permises. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/200911/24/01-924776-les-residants-de-la-cote-de-sable-ne-veulent-pas-dune-tour-de-15-etages.php
'The population will go extinct. It's inevitable.'
Critics warn that a 4.4-kilometre extension of Terry Fox Drive in Kanata threatens endangered turtles and other species at risk Ottawa Citizen, November 23, 2009, pages A1, A4
Kate Jaimet A Kanata road project that could wipe out the local population of the threatened Blanding's turtle is being fast-tracked so the city can get millions of dollars from short-lived economic stimulus programs to help build it. The project is an extension of Terry Fox Drive north of Highway 417, taking it four kilometres through woods and wetlands. The city is due to get $32 million in federal and provincial money to help pay for the work, but because the funding programs are meant to push money into the economy quickly to help the country and province recover from the recession, the road needs to be finished by March 2011. If it goes ahead as planned, the new road will kill the resident population of the threatened Blanding's turtle -- an animal that is supposed to be protected by federal and provincial endangered species laws -- says the lead turtle scientist with the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/population+will+extinct+inevitable/2254775/story.html
Councillor urges go-ahead on Terry Fox extension Ottawa Citizen, November 23, 2009
Kate Jaimet The $47.7-million Terry Fox Drive extension should go ahead next spring, despite concerns raised over the threatened Blanding's turtle, Kanata North Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, whose ward includes the proposed project, said Monday. Mayor Larry O'Brien said that he believes the project will proceed as planned, allowing the city to take advantage of $32-million in federal and provincial stimulus funding that runs out in March, 2011. "The city of Ottawa is going through a very exhaustive environmental assessment. There's a lot of things that are being studied . . . We will not accelerate that process simply to fall into the guidelines of financial deadlines being put before us," O'Brien said. "RIght now it doesn't appear that we're going to be running behind schedule, unless something comes out of the environmental assessment that had not been anticipated." http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Councillor+urges+ahead+Terry+extension/2257039/story.html
City launches series of public meetings on health of Ottawa River Ottawa Citizen, November 23, 2009 The first of four public meetings on the long-term health of the Ottawa River gets underway on Monday. The City of Ottawa is inviting residents to make presentations, ask questions and provide ideas for any of the 16 projects that make up the Ottawa River Action Plan. In particular, the city is seeking input on its combined sewer overflows project and three options it is considering to reduce overflows - ranging in costs from $40 million to $2.2 billion. No registration is required and the meetings all run from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday's will be held at Lansdowne Park's Salon E. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/City+launches+series+public+meetings+health+Ottawa+River/2256967/story.html
Ottawa in the year 2050
Architects, designers share their vision of Canada's capital Ottawa Citizen, November 23, 2009, page C1
Mohammed Adam Ottawa is at a crossroads, with many citizens not sure where their city is heading. For many, the municipal council doesn't instil a lot of confidence that it is up to the task, and the federal government's commitment to making the capital as great as it can be is in question, considering its reluctance to establish a Portrait Gallery of Canada in the capital. So what's in Ottawa's future? It may be hard to imagine, but experts say if you look into the future 40 years, you could see a grand city to rival some the best capitals in the world. By 2050, Ottawa can grow into a world-class city, one that's hardly recognizable as what Canadians call their capital today. (This weekend, the city's future will be the subject of a two-day conference - Ottawa 2049: What's YOUR Dream? - hosted by the non-profit group Leadership Ottawa.) http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Ottawa+year+2050/2254234/story.html
Forum to hear expert opinions on Greenbelt Metro Ottawa, November 23, 2009
Tracey Tong As a part of the review process of the Greenbelt master plan, a national public forum will hear expert opinions as a conference discusses the future of the National Capital Greenbelt Wednesday. Speakers from Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. including Maureen Carter-Whitney, Dr. Christopher R. Bryant, John Stokes and Paul Miner, will share their experience and the lessons learned from other greenbelts around the world at the National Capital Commission forum - entitled An Evolving Green Landscape in an Urban Environment - Canadian and Foreign Perspectives - at the National Arts Centre. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/376731--forum-to-hear-expert-opinions-on-greenbelt
Farmers optimistic for future at Lansdowne Park Metro Ottawa, November 23, 2009, page 3
Tim Wieclawski After another successful season, local farmers closed up shop at Lansdowne Park for the last time this year, confident the market will play an important role in the future of the park. Throughout the summer, members of the Ottawa Farmers' Market had expressed concern that the proposed redevelopment of the park would push them into a forgotten corner of the property, but they are now optimistic that will not be the case. "At first, we weren't even on the plans," said Greer Knox from Morrison Manor Organics. "Gradually we grew a bit. So I think we'll be here for a long time." http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/376730--farmers-optimistic-for-future-at-lansdowne-park
La STO veut prolonger le Rapibus vers Aylmer Le Droit, le 23 novembre 2009
Charles Thériault La Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) veut prolonger le Rapibus vers Aylmer, mais n'a pas encore choisi le corridor qui sera utilisé. Le conseil d'administration de la STO a approuvé, hier, la création d'un comité de sélection qui étudiera les propositions portant sur la construction de cette portion du Rapibus, entre les secteurs Hull et Aylmer. Contrairement au grand tronçon du Rapibus entre l'est de Gatineau et le centre-ville, dont la construction commence cet automne, aucun échéancier n'est encore établi pour le prolongement vers l'ouest. « Nous entamons les études parce que nous avons toujours l'intention de prolonger le Rapibus et nous l'avons prévu dans notre Plan stratégique », a expliqué le président de la STO, et conseiller gatinois, Patrice Martin. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/gatineau-outaouais/200911/23/01-924416-la-sto-veut-prolonger-le-rapibus-vers-aylmer.php
Nepean Museum promotes a green Christmas Nepean This Week, November 23, 2009
Selene LeClaire The Nepean Museum is holding events this Christmas season to get all Nepean residents involved in a green Christmas lifestyle. This program is being held mainly to get Nepean residents to put an effort to going green around Christmas, which can be a wasteful time of year with all of the wrapping paper and presents. These workshops will show everyone on how to cut back this year. "I think it's a good way to reach out to the community and get them going on the green initiative, eco-friendly green life," said Kalle Boucher, acting education officer with the Nepean Museum. There will be a series of green workshops held over a three-week period. http://www.nepeanthisweek.com/NepeanThisWeek/article/18632
Farmers' market waits to hear from city Ottawa Sun, November 22, 2009
Terri Saunders As they pondered what the future might hold for them, Ottawa Farmers' Market vendors Sunday showed off the best in local meats, veggies and fresh honey for a final time this year. After four years, the pilot project to see if Ottawans would support a farmers' market set up on weekends inside Lansdowne Park came to an end. Add into the mix the fact the market's site - a parking lot just east of the Aberdeen Pavilion - has been set up the past four summers inside the urban park slated for a major redevelopment project and there's a lot of uncertainty in the air about the market's future. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/22/11872191.html
‘The population will go extinct. It's inevitable.'
Critics warn that a 4.4-kilometre extension of Terry Fox Drive in Kanata threatens endangered turtles and other species at risk Ottawa Citizen, November 22, 2009
Kate Jaimet A Kanata road project that could severely harm several protected species of plants and animals is being fast-tracked so the city can get millions of dollars from short-lived economic stimulus programs to help build it. The project is an extension of Terry Fox Drive north of Highway 417, taking it four kilometres through woods and wetlands. The city is due to get $32 million in federal and provincial money to help pay for the work, but because the funding programs are meant to push money into the economy quickly to help the country and province recover from the recession, the road needs to be finished by March 2011. If it goes ahead as planned, the new road will kill the resident population of the threatened Blanding's turtle - an animal that is supposed to be protected by federal and provincial endangered species laws - says the lead turtle scientist with the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/population+will+extinct+inevitable/2254377/story.html
Radioactive waste contaminating Canadian water supply: Report Ottawa Citizen, November 20, 2009, page A2
Mike De Souza, Canwest News Service Nuclear facilities and power plants are contaminating local Canadian food and water with radioactive waste that increases risks of cancer and birth defects, says a new report to be released on Friday. The report, Tritium on Tap, produced by the Sierra Club of Canada, warned that radioactive emissions from various nuclear plants across the country have more than doubled over the past decade. The figures were based on statistics compiled by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission which measured pollution coming from the plants. Although Canadian guidelines have suggested that the existing levels of tritium in the water are safe, the report cites recent peer-reviewed studies, including a recent review by the UK's Committee Examining Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters, that suggest the opposite. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Radioactive+waste+contaminating+Canadian+water+supply+Report/2246580/story.html
Three options to stop sewage overflows Ottawa Sun, November 20, 2009
Derek Puddicombe It could take anywhere from $40 million to $2.2 billion to reduce the flow of sewage and contaminated storm water into the Ottawa River. Next week, the city will begin a series of public consultation meetings after it unveils three options to try to solve the problem. Each option comes with a hefty pricetag. The first is a four- to five-year plan that would cost between $45 million and $60 million. It involves the construction of sewage and storm water storage tanks, which would collect the contaminated water before sending it to the city's east-end wastewater treatment facility. The second option involves building much larger, more expensive storage facilities. The five- to six-year project would cost between $95 million and $140 million. The third option would cost between $1.3 billion and $2.2 billion. It's a 30- to 50-year project that would involve the city completely separating its combined sewers. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/20/11840711.html
Green bin facility wants dirty diapers Ottawa Sun, November 20, 2009
Doug Hempstead The city could find out next week if the company contracted to compost its organic waste will be permitted to throw diapers and plastic bags into the mix. Orgaworld, the company with a 20-year contract to compost Ottawa's green bin waste, is fighting for the right to process plastic waste - if not from the city's green bins, then from elsewhere. It will make its case at a provinical hearing on Thursday. "It was in our tender in the first place," said Orgaworld spokesman Dave Harley. "That's what Orgaworld submitted a bid on." Harley said Orgaworld's technology can separate the diaper fibre and plastic from the compostable waste. The shredded plastic ends up in a landfill. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/20/11837956.html
Editorial: Fans of footbridges Ottawa Citizen, November 20, 2009, page A14 Ottawa City Council has discovered feet. And bikes, too. All these revelations appear to have come by way of the Corktown pedestrian bridge across the Rideau Canal. For two decades council argued about the idea of such a bridge. The epiphany that footbridges are fantastic structures arrived only after the structure was built and people started using it. Everyone likes the Corktown Bridge. It's probably the most popular piece of useful construction council has built since walling in Bay Councillor Alex Cullen's soliloquies to five minutes per speech. So council is on a rare one-project winning streak. Pretty heady stuff for the Toronto Maple Leafs of municipal government. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Fans+footbridges/2243939/story.html
Sierra Club says water radioactive threat Ottawa Sun, November 19, 2009, page A4
Derek Puddicombe A Sierra Club Canada report says elevated levels of radioactive waste are contaminating the city's drinking water - even though the numbers are well below the toughest international standards. The report says the main culprit is tritium. "The result can be cancer or birth defects," the report says. "The tritium flows into the Ottawa River, contaminating the drinking water of people living in Ottawa." The Sierra Club says Canada's drinking water standards - 7,000 becquerels per litre for tritium - far exceed the acceptable levels in other countries. The European Union limit is 100 becquerels per litre. In California it's 14. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/19/11822411.html
NCC won't approve parkway rail route: source Ottawa Sun, November 19, 2009
Derek Puddicombe A National Capital Commission source says the commission will block a key component of the city's proposed east-west transit route. "There is no way the NCC is going to allow light rail down the (Ottawa River Pkwy.)," said the source, who didn't want to be identified and who will be involved in the decision. The NCC has yet to officially decide on the route, which the city has identified as the most practical rail transit corridor for the first phase of its multibillion-dollar plan. "I've never thought they would allow it," said Gloucester-Southgate Coun. Diane Deans. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/19/11822041.html
Transit committee OK's light-rail train option
Low-floor vehicles thought to be better fit for new transit system Ottawa Citizen, November 19, 2009
Neco Cockburn Ottawa's transit committee has approved light-rail trains for the new transit system. Committee chairman Alex Cullen called the approval a "very necessary, major step" after staff told the committee that the light-rail transit (LRT) trains were thought to be a better fit for the city than heavier metro-style trains. The LRT trains have low floors and are powered by an overhead wire. The city still needs funding from the provincial and federal governments to go ahead with its transit project, but "with this choice, we now know what we're ordering," Cullen said. The choice of train goes before city council on Nov. 25, but Cullen said he expected council would also approve LRT. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/Transit+committee+light+rail+train+option/2239297/story.html
Ottawa composter fights for dirty diapers CBC News, November 19, 2009 The company contracted to compost Ottawa's green bin waste is fighting for the right to accept soiled diapers at its plant in the city's south end. Orgaworld Canada will appear before an Ontario environmental review tribunal next Thursday seeking the right to accept materials that the City of Ottawa isn't allowing in its green bins. "They've asked to be able to take material in plastic bags, diapers and sanitary products," said Coun. Peter Hume, chair of the city's planning and environment committee. The city is fighting Orgaworld's bid. "We will do everything we can to make sure that type of material does not come to this facility." http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/11/18/ottawa-orgaworld-compost-diaper.html
New standard mulled for flat-panel TVs in Ontario CTV Ottawa, November 19, 2009 Ontario will consider revising its standards for flat screen televisions now that California has moved to ban power-hungry sets from its store shelves. Energy Minister Gerry Phillips says the province is always looking at ways to improve energy-efficiency in appliances, and flat screen TVs are definitely worth looking at. But Phillips warns not to expect any decisions in the immediate future because it will take several months to review the energy consumption of various electronics. http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091119/ont_tvs_091119/20091119/?hub=OttawaHome
NCC plans to spruce up canal Ottawa Sun, November 19, 2009
Scott Taylor The National Capital Commission plans to make some of the city's most beautiful spots more attractive, accessible and environmentally friendly. At its annual meeting Wednesday, the NCC announced major projects for the Rideau Canal walkway and Vincent Massey Park, along with substantial upgrades to Sussex Dr. The NCC plans to widen a picturesque pedestrian walkway along the Rideau Canal between the Laurier and Plaza bridges. CEO Marie Lemay said she hoped that by reducing the traffic lanes on Colonel By Dr. from four to three in that section, traffic could be calmed and more greenspace added to the east side of the road adjacent to the Ottawa Convention Centre. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/18/11798491.html
Unhappy council OKs bus call contract
City staff criticized for handling of transit technology deal Ottawa Citizen, November 18, 2009
Neco Cockburn and Patrick Dare Ottawa Council approved a pared-down deal for new transit technology Tuesday, the latest decision in a troubled procurement that has left councillors angry and critical of city staff. Council voted Tuesday to approve a $12-million contract for U.S. firm Clever Devices to provide an automated stop-calling system on city buses. Councillors reversed a decision made two weeks ago to scrap and re-tender the project after it grew from a $6.7-million project to have next stops called out automatically to a $17-million project with extra features such as technology to monitor the mechanical condition of buses. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Unhappy+council+call+contract/2235380/story.html
Comité de transport à Ottawa
Nouvelle étape franchie vers la réalisation du train léger Le Droit, le 18 novembre 2009
Dominique La Haye Un train léger sur rail électrique avec véhicules automatisés, à plancher surbaissé et avec un réseau de distribution électrique suspendu : voilà de quoi aura l'air le futur train de la Ville d'Ottawa. Le comité municipal de transport en commun a approuvé, hier, ces nouvelles technologies du projet de 2,1 milliards $ qui vise à construire un corridor pour train léger, allant des stations Blair à Pré Tunney avec un tunnel au centre-ville. « Il s'agit d'une étape majeure réalisée pour clarifier les coûts et le design du projet », a indiqué le président du comité de transport en commun d'Ottawa et conseiller municipal, Alex Cullen. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/200911/18/01-922910-nouvelle-etape-franchie-vers-la-realisation-du-train-leger.php
Assemblée de la CCN
Un participant propose un tunnel sous l'avenue King-Edward plutôt qu'un pont Le Droit, le 18 novembre 2009
Charles Thériault La construction d'un tunnel sous l'avenue King-Edward et sur toute la longueur de cette rue, réglerait le problème des camions au centre-ville d'Ottawa sans qu'il soit nécessaire de construire un nouveau pont entre Gatineau et Ottawa. Hugh Carter du Citizen group for eastern Ottawa, a surpris les membres du conseil d'administration de la Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN), en y allant de sa propre proposition pour régler le débat sur la localisation du futur pont interprovincial. Hier après-midi, les groupes d'intérêt étaient invités à poser des questions aux membres du conseil d'administration de la CCN. Le grand public a pu le faire en soirée. M. Carter a proposé que l'on oublie carrément le pont et que l'on construise un long tunnel sous l'avenue King-Edward, entre l'Université d'Ottawa (avenue Mann) et l'entrée du pont MacDonald-Cartier. Selon M. Carter, cette solution réglerait le problème de la circulation lourde au centre-ville. M. Carter s'oppose à la construction d'un pont à la hauteur de l''île Lower Duck car elle mettrait en danger la zone du ruisseau Green et la ceinture de verdure entre les secteurs Ottawa et Orléans. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/200911/18/01-922951-un-participant-propose-un-tunnel-sous-lavenue-king-edward-plutot-quun-pont.php
U-Pass returns to City agenda
Ottawa students hope to have a universal bus pass at reasonable price The Fulcrum, November 18, 2009
Laura Clementson For about a decade now, students at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University have been pushing for the Universal Student Transit Pass (U-Pass). This program would offer OC Transpo access to all full-time graduate and undergraduate students at a cost yet to be determined by the City of Ottawa's Audit, Budget, and Finance Committee (ABF). During the 2008 Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) February elections, students voted in a referendum to mandate the SFUO to work for a pass costing $125 per semester, that would be incorporated into tuition fees, without an option to opt out of the pass. The proposal was then brought to an Oct. 15 City of Ottawa Transit Committee meeting, where it passed and was carried to a Nov. 12 City Council meeting. The U-Pass pilot project was defeated there at a Council vote of 12-11. http://www.thefulcrum.ca/articles/22913
Lansdowne Live approved
Council votes 15-9 for $250M project to rebuild Glebe landmark Ottawa Citizen, November 17, 2009
Patrick Dare Ottawa Council ended months of bitter debate Monday night by approving the Lansdowne Live project by a strong vote of 15-9, setting the stage for the return of the Canadian Football League to the city. Council approved the $250-million project in principle after two crucial changes were made to the deal. The partnership agreement with four Ottawa businessmen was amended, on a motion from Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, to give the city a return on its contribution of $12 million in cash to the project. Also, council decided, in motions from Councillor Peter Hume, to establish a panel, which will include urban designer George Dark, to advise on what the redevelopment should look like. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Lansdowne+Live+approved/2230056/story.html
Minto development in Manotick gets green light Ottawa Citizen, November 13, 2009
Kate Jaimet A 1400-home development that will radically expand the village of Manotick got the green light from the Ontario Superior Court Friday, as a two-to-one majority of judges ruled against the city's appeal of the OMB decision allowing the development. The city had argued in court that the OMB did not have the right to allow the Minto development in Manotick to go ahead, after council had rejected the development by a 14 to 5 vote. The city based its argument on the new provincial Planning Act, passed in 2007, which states that the OMB must "have regard to" the decisions of municipal councils. Writing for the majority, Justice Aston stated in his decision that the phrase "have regard to" only required the OMB to have "minimal deference" to the decisions of council. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Minto+development+Manotick+gets+green+light/2220922/story.html
Student teams to design green building for Canada Science and Technology Museum Daily Commercial News, November 13, 2009
Peter Kenter The Ottawa chapter of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has announced the 2010 Ottawa Eco-Logical Competition, a three-day design competition for Ottawa-area post-secondary students. A total of 56 students in engineering, architecture, urban planning, interior design, environmental studies, project management and related fields who are short-listed for the competition will be working together in one of seven integrated teams. Their goal: to design a new green facility for the Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) and compete for a jackpot of up to $7,000, plus in-kind prizes. "When I was a student at McGill, I was part of a competition called Ecologez," says Ghislaine Johnson, Project Associate, Green Building with the Ottawa office of Halsall Associates and one of the organizers of the competition. http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id36316
Trash program should reward, not punish
City should consider trash tag system Kanata Kourier-Standard, November 12, 2009 The city's proposed green bin charge sends the wrong message to taxpayers. We fully support the idea of organics composting - in fact, we think the city should have implemented this program years ago. However, by separating the cost of the green bin on a separate line on the tax bill, the city is putting a bad taste in the mouth of residents. Composting is not only good for the environment, it is good for the city. We want to extend the life of our landfills. It's a nightmare trying to site another landfill, not to mention the astronomical cost. By diverting waste from landfills, the green bins are saving us money as taxpayers, but that future price tag just doesn't feel real. http://www.yourkanata.com/KanataKourier/article/18245
Details of light rail transit system under wraps Metro Ottawa, November 12, 2009
Tim Wieclawski A more detailed description of the technology proposed for the city's rapid transit network will be revealed Friday. After evaluating the various types of rail options available for a transit system, the city chose to move forward with light rail technology, but there are still many variations on that type of system. According to the chair of the city's transit committee, Bay Ward Coun. Alex Cullen, the city still has to decide on the "look and feel" of the trains. There are several options for the different sizes of train cars. The system could be centrally automated or have a driver for each train. The trains could be powered by overhead wires or the power could come from in-ground. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/367507--details-of-light-rail-transit-system-under-wraps
Residents reject park plan: Poll Ottawa Sun, November 12, 2009
Derek Puddicombe A new poll says almost 80 per cent of Ottawa residents reject the Lansdowne Live proposal. Public opinion and research firm Compass Inc. surveyed 360 residents from across the city between Nov. 7 and 9, and deem the results to be accurate within 5.2 percentage points 19 times out of 20. The results of the poll, commissioned by the Friends of Lansdowne group, say 77 per cent reject the plan, 18 per cent support the proposal, three per cent said to leave Lansdowne alone and two per cent were unsure. Those surveyed were asked several questions including if council should "decline the current proposal and have the kind of open, transparent competition that people have a right to expect from their governments," and if they should postpone the decision until the "city's needs for light rail are fully satisfied and taxpayers can know all the costs." http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/11/12/11723211.html
City project to help reduce wastewater overspill Centretown News, November 12, 2009
By Alyssa O'Dell More than three times the annual amount of raw sewage and storm water has been spilled into the Ottawa River so far this year and although the city hopes to start construction on a new wastewater dechlorination project soon, river health advocates say it's a small step towards mending the problems with Ottawa's sewer systems. City council recently heard the numbers from the manager of environmental services, says Somerset Coun. Diane Holmes. Both the council and the province are regularly informed of spills into the river. According to Natasha Wilson, of Ottawa Riverkeeper, a local environmental group, the spill of 1.3 billion litres of untreated waste water, is yet another indicator of a sewer system that has reached its limit. http://centretownnewsonline.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1178&Itemid=133
Architect tears down Lansdowne Live plan
Cites concerns over privatization of public space Ottawa Citizen, November 11, 2009, page C8
Maria Cook Norm Hotson, the architect behind Vancouver's hugely successful Granville Island development, says the Lansdowne Live proposal does not offer enough benefits to justify the loss of public space. "It seems to me that if you are going to give up what has been for decades a major public place in the city, there has to be a tremendous benefit back to the public," he said in an interview. His comments were rebutted by Councillor Rick Chiarelli and Kevin McCrann, spokesman for Shenkman Corp., one of the partners in the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. They said refurbishment of the stadium and arena is a significant public benefit. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/todays-paper/Architect+tears+down+Lansdowne+Live+plan/2209013/story.html
Lansdowne debate to draw hundreds CBC News, November 11, 2009 Ottawa city councillors are preparing for at least a day of passionate arguments for - and against - the proposed plan to redevelop Lansdowne Park. Almost 100 public delegations are scheduled to speak at a special meeting of city council about the Lansdowne Partnership Plan on Thursday, with the last speaker scheduled just before midnight. The Lansdowne Partnership Plan would see Lansdowne Park's Frank Clair football stadium renovated, green space expanded, and condos, a movie theatre, shops and restaurants built through a public-private partnership between the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Sport and Entertainment Group. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/11/11/ottawa-lansdowne-debate-public-delegations.html
Transit, transportation paramount concern Ottawa Citizen, November 11, 2009, page C4 Ottawa residents lead major Canadian cities in concerns about transit and transportation issues, a new poll shows. The Angus Reid survey of 2,015 Canadians found that 48 per cent rated traffic and public transit as the biggest infrastructure challenge facing cities today. But in Ottawa the response was much higher at 75 per cent. Several other cities ranked above the Canadian average, including Calgary (70 per cent), Vancouver (69 per cent), Toronto (60 per cent) and Montreal (53 per cent). The Reid organization conducted the survey for technology giant IBM, which is promoting new software aimed at cities dealing with traffic congestion, pollution, energy, water management and other service issues. IBM Canada president Dan Fortin said in a statement: "We need to continue to encourage our leaders to find smarter ways to meet the urgent needs of our cities as they continue to grow." The online survey was conducted from Nov. 3 to 4 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.19 per cent, 19 times out of 20. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Transit+transportation+paramount+concern/2209009/story.html
Committee OKs green-bin charge
Under proposed system, solid-waste bill adds up to $195 annually per household Ottawa Citizen, November 11, 2009, page A1
Patrick Dare Having homeowners pay for Ottawa's new green-bin program is a painful but necessary step toward improving the city's environmental record, councillors said Tuesday. Council's planning and environment committee voted 6-2 for a controversial new billing system to pay the cost of the $17-million program, which is aimed at keeping organic waste out of precious space in the Trail Road landfill. Councillors were swayed by the arguments of Alta Vista Councillor Peter Hume, who heads the committee, and Knoxdale-Merivale Councillor Gord Hunter, who has been skeptical of the green-bin program, but believes that the proposed payment system is fair. Hume said Ottawa has the second-worst record for waste diversion in Ontario among major municipalities. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Committee+green+charge/2208910/story.html
Tipping point: More material reused than sent to landfill Montreal Gazette, November 11, 2009
Monique Beaudin For the first time, Quebecers are recycling or reusing more garbage than they are sending to landfills. And after several years of creating more garbage, Quebecers produced about the same amount of trash in 2008 as they did in 2006, a new report by the province's recycling agency found. Last year, Quebecers produced about 13 million tonnes of garbage, up from 12.9 million tonnes in 2006 - a one per cent increase. That works out to about 1.6 kilograms of waste per person, compared with 1.2 kilograms per person in 1998. In '98, only 42 per cent of garbage was recycled, compared with 57 per cent last year. http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Tipping+point+More+material+reused+than+sent+landfill/2208765/story.html
1000 $ pour les victimes d'inondation Le Droit, le 11 novembre 2009
Dominique La Haye Les résidants d'Ottawa victimes de trois inondations ou plus à leur domicile au cours des 15 dernières années pourront toucher une subvention de 1000 $ de la municipalité. Le comité municipal d'urbanisme et d'environnement a approuvé cette mesure, mardi, qui demeure sujette à l'approbation du conseil municipal. Pour que les résidants soient éligibles au futur programme, les inondations devront avoir été causées par la surcharge d'un égout pluvial ou sanitaire lors d'une chute de pluie significative. Les résidants devront détenir la preuve qu'ils ont été inondés et devront soumettre leur demande à la Ville avant le 28 février 2010. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/200911/10/01-920339-1000-pour-les-victimes-dinondation.php
Student-run sustainability conference organizers hopes to target local businesses Metro Ottawa, November 10, 2009
Tracey Tong A student-run conference on sustainable business is hoping to attract the local business community when it kicks off its second annual event Friday. As part of the university's Green Week, the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa's Sustainable Business Conference will feature researchers, business professionals, and activists speaking on topics including environmental business models, corporate and social responsibility and sustainability challenges. Green practices are a hot topic right now, said Khadijah Kanji, sustainability campaigns and events supervisor with the SFUO. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/365263--student-run-sustainability-conference-organizers-hopes-to-target-local-businesses
Corktown's success drives interest in pedestrian bridges
Popularity of once-controversial span spurs committee to OK $1M feasibility study The Ottawa Citizen, November 10, 2009
Patrick Dare The Corktown Bridge has been so successful that the City of Ottawa is going ahead with a $1-million feasibility study on two other pedestrian bridges. The Corktown Bridge is the pedestrian-cycling bridge across the Rideau Canal that links the University of Ottawa with the Golden Triangle neighbourhood of central Ottawa. Construction of the $5-million bridge was hugely controversial, with many councillors saying it was a waste of money because the Laurier Bridge was nearby. It narrowly won approval, was built, and has become one of the city's most applauded public projects. Day and night, pedestrians and cyclists cross the canal on the bridge and many visitors have commended the city for the look of the structure and the fact that it has created a new view of central Ottawa. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Corktown+success+drives+interest+pedestrian+bridges/2204050/story.html
Green-bin program badly explained, Hume admits, but we're stuck with it The Ottawa Citizen, November 10, 2009
Patrick Dare The leader of the city council committee bringing in a new service charge to pay for the green-bin program says it's too late to make significant changes to the program. Councillor Peter Hume said Tuesday that contracts have been signed and bins are being distributed, so it's not possible for the city to retreat from the $17-million program now. Addressing councillors on the planning and environment committee and reporters later on, Hume said the communication of the project, including the method of paying for it, hasn't been very well executed. But Hume said the city must proceed with an organics diversion program to save space at the city's big Trail Road landfill and improve on a second-to-last-place performance on waste diversion among major Ontario municipalities. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Green+program+badly+explained+Hume+admits+stuck+with/2206976/story.html
Toronto congestion costs Canada $3.3-billion: OECD
Traffic backup in the region and urban sprawl leads to loss of productivity each year Globe and Mail, November 9, 2009
Brodie Fenlon Traffic congestion in the Toronto region costs Canada $3.3-billion in lost productivity a year, the result of urban sprawl, decades of underinvestment in public transit by Ottawa and a disjointed system, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development says. In a first-of-its-kind review of the region's economy, the OECD said transit service in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area has not kept pace with population growth, with 71 per cent of commuters still dependent on the automobile - one of the highest rates of car use among cities in the organization's 30 member countries. The result is air pollution, some of the longest commutes among OECD countries, and "a direct hit on productivity," especially in economic sectors that depend on rapid delivery such as retail, logistics and food. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/toronto-congestion-costs-canada-33-billion-oecd/article1357220/
Federal heavyweights come out against Lansdowne Live CTV Ottawa, November 9, 2009 Politicians from all levels of government spoke out against Lansdowne Live on Monday, accusing the city of sole-sourcing a plan to redevelop the historic park. "I'm a citizen of Ottawa and I followed the debate and discussion in the media - in television, radio and the newspapers. And then I got more annoyed, the more I heard about the process. We are living in the capital of a great country, we should be opening this up," said former federal NDP leader Ed Broadbent. Among those who expressed their opposition to the project in writing included Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, former federal Tory MP Flora MacDonald and former Ottawa-Centre Liberal candidate Penny Collenette. Residents will have the chance to have their say on the project during public delegations scheduled at Ottawa City Hall on Thursday. http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091109/OTT_Lansdowne_Broadbent_091109/20091109/?hub=OttawaHome
Lansdowne Live: Broadbent dénonce le projet à son tour Le Droit, le 9 novembre 2009
Dominique La Haye L'ancien chef du Nouveau Parti démocratique (NPD) du Canada, Ed Broadbent, ainsi qu'une brochette de politiciens fédéraux et provinciaux critiquent le processus non compétitif employé par la Ville d'Ottawa pour la revitalisation du parc Lansdowne. La sortie de l'ancien politicien survient alors que le conseil municipal doit se prononcer, jeudi et vendredi, pour décider s'il engagera davantage la Ville dans un projet de partenariat avec un groupe d'entrepreneurs. Ce projet doit coûter à la Ville 130 millions $ sur 30 ans et vise à construire dans le parc un stade de football et de soccer professionnels, un hôtel, ainsi que des projets commerciaux et résidentiels. Dans un rapport rendu public vendredi dernier, le vérificateur général de la Ville, Alain Lalonde, confirmait que le projet de partenariat de Lansdowne en était bel et bien un de «source unique». Il ajoutait cependant que le conseil avait agi en toute légitimité en concluant une première entente de principe au printemps dernier avec les partenaires privés. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/200911/09/01-920008-lansdowne-live-broadbent-denonce-le-projet-a-son-tour.php
Budget 2010 d'OC Transpo
La hausse de tarifs serait plus faible que prévue Le Droit, le 8 novembre 2009
Dominique La Haye Les usagers d'OC Transpo pourraient subir une hausse des tarifs deux fois moins élevée que celle prévue initialement, l'an prochain. Cette mesure risque toutefois d'engendrer une hausse des impôts fonciers en 2010. C'est l'option approuvée hier par le comité de transport en commun, durant l'élaboration du budget 2010. Si le conseil municipal l'adopte, les tarifs d'OC Transpo grimperont alors de 3,5 % à compter de juillet 2010, plutôt que de 7,5 %, tel que prévu initialement. Pour compenser cet écart, le service de transport en commun devra toutefois hausser son budget de 4 % en taxant davantage les contribuables. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/200911/06/01-919343-la-hausse-de-tarifs-serait-plus-faible-que-prevue.php
Don't throw away the city's soul Ottawa Citizen, November 7, 2009
Clive Doucet After the fire bombing of Dresden, the surviving residents decided to rebuild what had been lost. Sixty years later, the rebuilding is not complete but the centre has been restored in a herculean effort that had attained world heritage status (lost this spring due to the construction of an ugly bridge). Lansdowne Park is not Dresden, but in the history of our young nation's capital it has great significance. The park is cradled in an arm of the Rideau Canal, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the only one in Ontario and one of the few in Canada. The Rideau Canal was considered one of the marvels of the world when it was first built by Colonel John By courtesy of the British taxpayer, and it has remained so. Lansdowne Park does not enjoy such international renown but it should be the subject of local and national celebration. It has been part of the city's public landscape almost as long as the canal has -- first purchased by the Ottawa Agricultural Society in 1868, just 36 years after the canal was completed. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/travel/throw+away+city+soul/2195668/story.html
Transit committee OKs 16% budget jump
Rise includes transit fare cut, semester pass for students Ottawa Citizen, November 7, 2009
Patrick Dare A staff proposal to have the city spend 12.7 per cent more on transit next year went in for close scrutiny by the transit committee Friday morning. By the time the councillors were done in the afternoon, the spending hike was at 16 per cent. The committee approved a transit-pass program for students at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University that would add $3 million to the 2010 transit budget. Under the program, students would be able to purchase a transit pass for $145 for the semester, much cheaper than the monthly cost of a student pass. OC Transpo expects that will cost the city $3 million. The transit committee also voted to cut a long-planned 7.5-per-cent transit fare increase in half, costing about $2.5 million. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Transit+committee+budget+jump/2195671/story.html
City Looking at Universal Bus Passes Again CFRA News, November 7, 2009 City Hall will look once more at the universal student bus pass idea. The u-pass would add about 3 million dollars to the transit committee's budget. Students have to agree to the semester cost, estimated at 145 dollars. That municipal panel is also asking for a 2.7 percent funding increase. Last week, the recommendation was 2.1 percent. http://www.cfra.com/?cat=1&nid=69187
Market crying foul
Glebe store fears Lansdowne plan competition Metro Ottawa, November 6, 2009
Tim Wieclawski The Glebe Meat Market has been operating at the corner of Bank and Regent streets for around 90 years, but owner Stephane Sauve is predicting that the proposed supermarket at Lansdowne Park will drive him out of business. Sauve is upset with the prospect that the proposed competition will be effectively subsidized by the city and have a big advantage when it comes to parking. "They are getting the lease on the land for free," he said Thursday. "I don't believe that we are going to survive this. It's going to be too difficult." With only a week before city council is set to debate the issue, Glebe merchants have launched a campaign to have the Lansdowne Partnership Plan rejected. They have set up a website, stoplansdownemall.ca, to promote their position. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/361473--market-crying-foul
Editorial: Trash this idea Ottawa Citizen, November 5, 2009 Many Ottawans are angry about a proposal to change the way the city charges for waste collection, and the anger is justified. The proposal is to charge urban households $68 for the new green bin service that collects organic waste. Meanwhile, many rural homeowners won't have to pay any fee because they won't be getting the service. Now it's true that there's no need to force the green bin service on every rural homeowner, many of whom have plenty of space to compost their own kitchen scraps and yard waste, and can do so at no cost to the city. Rural homeowners also get a personal benefit from making their own compost -- it means they don't have to buy it for their flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/editorials/Trash+this+idea/2185830/story.html
NCC hopes bike-share project to become permanent
Pilot program met with great success Ottawa Citizen, November 5, 2009
Neco Cockburn The National Capital Commission hopes the Bixi bike-share program will become a permanent fixture next year in Ottawa and Gatineau, after what appears to be a successful trial run. A pilot program operated this past summer with a fleet of 50 bikes available for public use between June 8 and Sept. 22. NCC spokesman Cédric Pelletier said users made "great comments" about the program. "People want to see it again in 2010. It's our objective to work hard on establishing a permanent service for 2010 and the years to come," he said. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/todays-paper/hopes+bike+share+project+become+permanent/2185892/story.html
O'Brien, Hunt deny backroom Lansdowne deal
Doucet releases e-mails he says indicate mayor privately met with project heads Ottawa Citizen, November 5, 2009
Maria Cook, with files from Patrick Dare Mayor Larry O'Brien and Lansdowne Live proponent Jeff Hunt dismissed suggestions Wednesday of a "backroom deal" in which the mayor had solicited the proposal from the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. O'Brien dismissed Councillor Clive Doucet's press conference, which was held earlier Wednesday, as predictable "fluff" from a determined opponent of the Lansdowne project. The mayor urged citizens to call their councillors and express the opinions on the project one way or another. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Brien+Hunt+deny+backroom+Lansdowne+deal/2185881/story.html
Transit committee proposes huge hikes in bus fares, transit passes Orléans Online, November 4, 2009
Fred Sherwin Ottawa commuters face a sizable hike in the cost of their bus passes and transit fares if a recommendation being proposed by the city's transit committee is approved by city council. Among the hikes the committee is recommending is a 13.6 per cent increase for a senior monthly pass from $31.75 to $36; a 12.3 per cent increase for a regular student monthly pass from $65.25 to $73.25 and an 11.8 per cent increase for an express student monthly pass from $76.50 to $85.50. The cost for a regular adult monthly pass will increase by eight per cent from $84.75 to $91.50, and the price for an adult express monthly pass would go from $106 to $114. Cash fares for regular non-express routes will go from $3 to $3.25, while the ticket fare will increase from $2.30 to $2.50. At the same time the cash fare for green express routes will go from $4 to $4.25, while the ticket fare will increase from $3.45 to $3.75. If passed, the proposed price hikes would come into effect on July 1. http://www.orleansonline.ca/pages/N2009110402.htm
The light-rail pain of Job Ottawa Citizen, November 4, 2009
Ken Gray The Biblical character Job suffered through a number of trials. He had his family and wealth destroyed by Satan to test his faith in God. As well, Satan was given permission by God to cover Job in horrible boils. Were it the 21st century, the Lord might empower Satan to cause Job to work with Ottawa City Council, the ultimate trial of faith. To this Job would probably answer: "Frankly Lord, could we opt for another round of boils instead?" You couldn't blame him. Since the mid-1990s Ottawans have pondered light rail. I've covered it since 1998. Had someone told me I would spend a decade of my life studying this transit issue, I might have opted for a field other than journalism for which I trained during my university years. Something in the brewing industry perhaps. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/light+rail+pain/2181540/story.html
Ottawa considers green bin fee CBC News, November 3, 2009 Ottawa homeowners may see a new fee for green bin collection on their property tax bills next year. The city's planning and environment committee, which released its 2010 budget estimates Tuesday, is proposing that property owners pay a $57 service fee to cover the cost of setting up and running the new composting program. The city decided to bring in the green bin composting program to cut down on the amount of waste going to landfill. Residents began receiving green bins this fall and collection is scheduled to begin in January. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/11/03/ottawa-considers-green-bin-fee.html
Lansdowne Live panned in report
Architects' society says plan 'incapable of being improved' Ottawa Citizen, November 3, 2009
Maria Cook Trying to fix Lansdowne Live would be a waste of time and money, says the Ottawa Regional Society of Architects (ORSA) in a position paper. The plan is "irredeemably flawed and incapable of being improved," says the ORSA paper, which offers ideas on how to develop Lansdowne Park. ORSA released its report late last week as city council prepares to debate going ahead with Lansdowne redevelopment on Nov. 13. Given its location near the Rideau Canal, the Lansdowne Park redevelopment is of international and national importance, the architects say. The report focuses on four key categories to assess the proposal made jointly by the city and four Ottawa businessmen. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Lansdowne+Live+panned+report/2175205/story.html
City of Ottawa wants user fees for garbage, recycling Ottawa Citizen, November 3, 2009
Patrick Dare Ottawa's planning staff and a group of councillors want to change the city's waste-collection system to a model where homeowners will pay more and businesses will become exempt from charges for the services. Under the proposed system, homeowners would see the cost of the new green-bin program for organic waste paid for on the annual utility bill, along with a charge for basic garbage collection and the blue- and black-box recycling programs. Homeowners currently pay $86 on an annual utility bill attached to the last property-tax bill in June. If approved for the 2010 budget, the new system would see that utility bill expanded with a $68 fee for the green bin program and $41 for the blue- and black-box service, which are currently funded from property taxes. This adds up to $195 per household, instead of the $86 on this year's annual utility bill. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/City+Ottawa+wants+user+fees+garbage+recycling/2178173/story.html
Vancouver: Burrard Bridge bike lane trial a success so far, survey finds Vancouver Sun, November 2, 2009
Mary Frances Hill The Burrard Bridge bicycle lane trial has been a success with cyclists, pedestrians and drivers, according to a survey conducted this fall. That approval could result in bike lane access to be extended well past this February's 2010 Winter Olympic Games. While the bike lane project was a trial, there was no set date for it to end. Instead, council asked for periodic updates, particularly after the rainy season began. "We're thrilled with this," Vancouver city Coun. Heather Deal said of the survey results, adding the issue will be revisited after the Olympics. "Nobody knew how it would go. The survey shows tremendous success in terms of car numbers, safety and public acceptance, and people have adapted their travel plans accordingly." http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/Burrard+Bridge+bike+lane+trial+success+survey+finds/2171680/story.html
Councillor calls for corporate donation ban CBC News, November 2, 2009 An Ottawa city councillor is questioning why a provincial bill aimed at limiting corporate contributions to municipal election candidates doesn't just ban those donations. The bill - expected to be passed in time to time take effect before Ontario's municipal elections next October - would cap donations to mayoral or city council candidates. Each contributor - whether a union, corporation or individual - would be able to contribute up to $750 per candidate, to a maximum of $5,000 in total donations. Currently, businesses can give $750 donations to as many candidates as they like. But Bay Ward Coun. Alex Cullen said the province has "failed democracy" by not banning corporate donations. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/11/02/ottawa-corporate-election-donation-ban.html
Critics, backers to lock horns over Lansdowne Metro Ottawa, November 2, 2009
Tim Wieclawski While stories about the H1N1 virus have pushed the public debate over the proposed redevelopment of Lansdowne Park onto the back burner, rhetoric from both sides will pick up again leading up to a special city council meeting on Nov. 12 to discuss the issue. Proponents of the $250-million plan to renovate Frank Clair Stadium and build a retail complex in one corner of the park insist the project is at worst, revenue neutral for taxpayers. Their plan, they say, will revitalize the park, increase property values in the area and propel business in the Glebe. Dissidents argue that Ottawa residents will straddle a huge debt for a football stadium and shopping complex in an unsuitable location that will threaten local business. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/357441--critics-backers-to-lock-horns-over-lansdowne
From green to black
How the retail industry benefits from adopting eco-initiatives Ottawa Sun, November 1, 2009
Suzanne Elston Canada's retail industry is a big business. An estimated one in eight Canadians is employed in the country's $425 billion industry. Not surprisingly, the retail sector also has huge environmental impacts as stores occupy 1.2 billion square feet of enclosed space, and consume enough energy and products to produce 40 million tonnes of carbon emission and more than six million tonnes of waste. But a study looking at what the 15 top retailers are doing to green their operations has found that doing what's good for the environment is also good for the bottom line. "For example, by pushing suppliers to reduce their packaging, some retailers were able to reduce the amount of time that it took to restock shelves," said Bernie McIntyre, manager of community transformation programs for the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, and project leader for the Greening Retail initiative. http://www.ottawasun.com/life/greenplanet/2009/11/01/11593941-sun.html
Portland Reigns National Geographic, November-December 2009
James Conaway This Oregon city gets almost everything right: It's friendly, sustainable, accessible, maybe even a model for America's future. There are at least three things you can do especially well in Portland, Oregon, and they're all important: eating, drinking, and getting around. Here in the self-proclaimed "city that works," restaurants pride themselves on their fresh, locally grown fare, and you're never far from inspired coffee or innovative brew-pub beers. What's more, few cities in the United States are as bicycle friendly. Add to this the ubiquitous local art and a widespread recycling ethic, and you've hit upon much of what makes this verdant, forward-thinking city of 575,930 so appealing. Portland is so thoroughly trendy these days that at times it seems, well, retro. It's among just a handful of American cities that have managed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Friendliness and civic involvement thrive here even as they decline elsewhere. The downtown farmers market on Park Avenue is jammed every Saturday morning with shoppers dedicated to buying organically grown arugula, Willamette Valley hazelnuts, and artisanal cheeses while listening to bluegrass and folk music. People live in town and in the suburbs, but farmland around the city has been preserved; and skiing and surfing are little more than an hour away. http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/11/feature/portland-text/1
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