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January 2010
The greening of the Soo
Formerly down-and-out city is now a leader in renewable energy out for a piece of EV action
Toronto Star, January 30, 2010
Peter Gorrie SAULT STE. MARIE - The Soo is generally viewed - at least from those in Ontario's deep south - as a dull, depressed little city. It's best known for an aging steel mill that has forever seemed to be in bankruptcy, or on the verge. So I was surprised a while back to get a call from long-time Soo city councillor and former mayor Steve Butland, who wanted to know whether the community could get in on the electric-vehicle action. This week, I ventured north to have a look and offer what information I could. The visit was an eye-opener: Not only is the steel mill doing reasonably well, under owners from India, but the city has enough solar, wind, biomass and other renewable power projects on the go to call itself the Alternative Energy Capital of North America. That puts it in a growing queue of cities, including Toronto, claiming to be a green "best." http://www.wheels.ca/reviews/article/784100
Transit stays put
No cuts to OC Transpo routes as city OK's 2010 budget Metro Ottawa, January 29, 2010
Tim Wieclawski The average property owner in Ottawa will be paying $138, or 3.77 per cent, more in taxes this year. City council finally approved the 2010 budget Thursday night without cutting Crime Prevention Ottawa or transit routes. In approving this year's budget, councillors universally applauded the improved process that eliminated the protests and bickering that accompanied previous deliberations. Restoring transit service and CPO added around $3.5 million to the budget. That was offset by reduced funding for Lansdowne Park maintenance and IT renewal. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/436907--transit-stays-put
Ottawa council passes 3.77% tax hike
Council approves U-pass, reverses cuts to Crime Prevention Ottawa CBC News, January 28, 2010 Ottawa city councillors passed a 2010 budget Thursday evening that includes a 3.77 per cent tax hike for residential properties, which will add about $140 to the average homeowner's tax bill this year. Council also approved the U-pass Thursday, voting 22-2 to adopt a universal bus pass that university students would have to buy every semester for a flat fee. The transit pass will cost students about $145 per semester and is expected to cost the city about $3 million a semester. The program will begin as a pilot program in September and be reviewed after one semester. Council approved a 7.5 per cent increase in transit fares. Ottawa transit fares run between $3 to $5 for adults. The fare hike is expected to add between 20 and 40 cents to the price. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/28/ottawa-budget-council-2010.html
Council passes budget with 3.77% tax hike Ottawa Sun, January 28, 2010
Jon Willing City councillors passed the 2010 budget Thursday with an average 3.77% increase to property taxes while reversing controversial cuts to dozens of bus routes and Crime Prevention Ottawa. The average homeowner will pay roughly $138 more this year. "It was a thoughtful and rigorous process that started back in November and quite frankly I'm delighted with the outcome," Mayor Larry O'Brien said after the final vote. Council saved 46 bus routes from being reduced and agreed with a motion put forward by Rideau-Goulbourn Coun. Glenn Brooks to scrap Route 245 south of Manotick. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/28/12648701.html
Council passes budget, 3.77% tax hike
Bus routes, tree trimming slated for cuts win reprieve, but at cost of higher transit fares Ottawa Citizen, January 28, 2010
Neco Cockburn City council passed a 2010 budget Thursday evening that gives Ottawa residents a municipal tax increase of 3.77 per cent while restoring proposed cuts that had caused public outcry in recent weeks. Councillors reinstated Crime Prevention Ottawa and scrapped recommended bus route cuts and reductions in stump removal and funding for tree trimming - all controversial cuts that were contained in a draft budget. They also approved a transit pass pilot program for Carleton and University of Ottawa students. Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien, who applauded a new budget process that appeared to take much of the drama out of this year's proceedings, told reporters he was "delighted with the outcome." http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/City+council+passes+budget+hike+cent/2495857/story.html
Ottawa council down to the wire on budget
Bublic delegations decried possible cuts to transit service, CPO funding Metro Ottawa, January 28, 2010
Tim Wieclawski City council has unanimously approved the police and library board budgets. The rest of the city budget is expected to be decided today. If nothing changes, property tax would increase by 3.94 per cent, but to achieve that, the city would cut funding to Crime Prevention Ottawa, and reduce service to over 40 bus routes. Those two items proved very unpopular among public delegations. Councillors were also pressed to approve the universal bus pass program for students. River Ward Coun. Maria McRae said councillors and staff have been working on a way to avoid those cuts and allowing for the UPass pilot project, even if it's not funded. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/435563--ottawa-council-down-to-the-wire-on-budget
Ottawa composter starts taking waste CBC News, January 28, 2010 Waste from Ottawa's green bins will no longer need to be shipped to other communities for processing. Orgaworld Canada, the company contracted to compost kitchen scraps and other organic waste from the city's green bin program, was to receive its first shipment Thursday afternoon at its new plant in Ottawa's southern outskirts. "This is a fantastic for us, for the residents of the city," said Greg Mariotti, manager of the site. "We just want people to embrace it, fill the green bins, and we'll get some great quality compost on the other side." The company received a permit to operate its facility at Rideau and Hawthorne roads following final inspections by the city and the province. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/28/ottawa-orgaworld-green-bin.html
Crime Prevention, transit passes championed Ottawa Citizen, January 27, 2010, page B4
Neco Cockburn Implementation of a university transit pass and Crime Prevention Ottawa were the main issues raised by a majority of the delegations on Tuesday, the last day of public delegations speaking on the city's budget. Cheryl Parrott, of the Hintonburg Community Association, said if Crime Prevention Ottawa had been around 10 years ago, "we wouldn't have had to have worked and fought so hard" to improve community safety. "Now they're there, please don't cut them," Parrott said. Eliminating the program would save the city about $510,000, while reorganizing and cutting some bus routes would save $3 million. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Crime+Prevention+transit+passes+championed/2488558/story.html
Divisive Upass issue back on the table for council Metro Ottawa, January 26, 2010
Tim Wieclawski The prospect of a universal bus pilot project for students at Carleton and the University of Ottawa has crept up again during the public delegations into the city budget. The Upass has been a highly divisive issue around the council table. The last attempt to bring the project forward for uOttawa students for a fee of $125 per semester died on a split vote of 12-12. If council had approved the pilot project, OC Transpo estimated it would add $1.5 million to their budget. This proved to be the main stumbling block. A new attempt at Upass is in the works around the council table that could see students from both universities paying $145 per semester for a transit pass starting next fall, if all parties agree. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/432873--divisive-upass-issue-back-on-the-table-for-council
‘We don't have more space downtown'
O.C. Transpo seeks creative ways to improve bus service YourOttawaRegion.com, January 26, 2010
Blair Edwards KANATA - Don't expect more buses travelling from Kanata to downtown Ottawa anytime soon, said Pat Scrimgeour, manager of transit services for O.C. Transpo. The downtown core is already at full capacity during morning and afternoon rush hours, with roughly 180 buses per hour carrying 12,500 people passing through the city centre. O.C. Transpo must look for creative ways to handle the increasing demand for service in Kanata, said Scrimgeour. http://www.yourottawaregion.com/news/local/article/543861---we-don-t-have-more-space-downtown
Program cuts panned at Ottawa budget hearings CBC News, January 25, 2010 Ottawa's plans to cut a crime prevention program as well as a proposed post-secondary transit pass subsidy have earned sharp rebukes from city residents. City council started two days of hearings with public delegations on the shaping of this year's municipal budget. The city hopes to reduce spending by $58 million this year. Councillors are expected to pass a 3.9 per cent property tax increase, but even with the extra money, they are considering cuts to city programs, including: * Scrapping a proposed a $3-million program, known as U-pass, which would subsidize transit passes for post-secondary students.
* Eliminating the city-funded program Crime Prevention Ottawa to recoup $500,000 in savings.
* Reducing OC Transpo service.
* Cutting the city's forestry program, including tree trimming and stump removal. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/25/ottawa-programs-budget646.html
U-Pass a sticking point in budget Ottawa Sun, January 25, 2010
Jon Willing University students face an uphill battle getting the city to put a universal bus pass back on the books as councillors tackle the 2010 budget. U-Pass supporters, including University of Ottawa president Allan Rock, are expected to file into council chambers Tuesday to urge councillors to put the program back in the budget. The pass, subject to approval by the students through referenda, would charge students $145 per semester for cross-city access to the transit system. The city would have to pay just over $3 million for the plan and the audit, budget and finance committee - which is looking to keep the tax increase below 4% - is recommending it be deferred. That doesn't jive with university students who have been waiting for the city to create a special bus pass for several years. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/25/12609341.html
Groups get their say on city budget Ottawa Sun, January 25, 2010
Jon Willing Crime Prevention Ottawa received a boost from the public Monday during the first day of budget delegations. The proposed elimination of the agency was the most common theme as councillors heard from several people offering their two cents on the draft 2010 budget. A recommendation on the table would see funding for Crime Prevention Ottawa eliminated in 2010. The reduction is expected to help get the property tax increase below 4%. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/25/12605206.html
Public survey for new park at Lansdowne: What do you want? Ottawa Citizen, January 25, 2010
Maria Cook What would you, your family and friends like to do in a new urban park at Lansdowne? What elements or features do you think the new urban park should include? Do you have other comments that could help the designers come up with a plan that would make this urban park a unique and special place within the city? The City of Ottawa, National Capital Commission (NCC) and the Parks Canada Agency are collecting public comments on the Lansdowne urban park design competition. http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/designingottawa/archive/2010/01/25/public-survey-for-new-park-at-lansdowne-what-do-you-want.aspx
Budget cuts could axe tree bylaw CBC News, January 23, 2010 Proposed budget cuts threaten a new bylaw that protects urban trees, a City of Ottawa advisory committee says. The bylaw requires homeowners and developers to get removal permits for all trees with trunks larger than 50 centimetres in diameter on properties less than one hectare in size. Since it began last September, the program has received 400 calls, half of which resulted in permits. Nicole Parent, chair of the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee, said a proposed $2 million cut to the city's forestry budget could limit the effectiveness of the bylaw. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/23/ott-tree-cuts-budget.html
Flood fix will take $20M, 3 years, official says Ottawa Citizen, January 23, 2010, page C5
Neco Cockburn The city will need to spend about $20 million over the next three years as it tries to fix west-side flooding problems, according to early estimates. Although staff are still figuring out all that's needed, Wayne Newell, the city's director of infrastructure services, told councillors Friday that about $4 million is needed this year to start on improvements. The city is looking at installing inlet control devices, sealing maintenance hole covers and "other flow removal measures," along with improving overland drainage and the Hazeldean pumping station, modifying the Monahan Drain and improving sewer capacity, Newell wrote in a memo. Early cost estimates include $11.5 million for 2011 and $4.5 million for 2012, but "depending on the scope of work, funding requirements could extend beyond 2012," Newell wrote. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Flood+will+take+years+official+says/2476531/story.html
$20M eyed for flooding fixes
Sewer, drainage improvements needed for city west end, councillors told Ottawa Sun, January 22, 2010
Jon Willing It could cost $20 million over the next three years to fix the flooding problem in west Ottawa, city councillors learned Friday. Staff have identified $4 million worth of work needed in 2010, including installation of inlet control devices, improvements to drainage, improvements to the Hazeldean pumping station, modifications to the Monahan drain and improvements to sewer capacity and hydraulics. Many of those same projects are expected to carry over in 2011 and 2012, but the funding requirements could extend beyond those years, councillors were told Friday in a memo from city infrastructure staff. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/22/12580926.html
20 millions pour éviter de nouvelles inondations dans l'ouest d'Ottawa Le Droit, le 22 janvier 2010
Dominique La Haye La Ville d'Ottawa dépensera la somme de 20 millions de dollars au cours des trois prochaines années pour corriger le problème des inondations survenues dans le secteur ouest l'été dernier. En 2010, environ quatre millions de dollars seront injectés dans le dossier, explique Alain Gonthier, le gestionnaire responsable du dossier. Suivront 11,5 millions l'an prochain et 4,5 millions en 2012. D'autres investissements pourraient être nécessaires après 2012, précise-t-il. Ces montants devront être pigés à même le budget préliminaire d'immobilisations. C'est donc dire que les 4 millions requis dès cette année auront un impact lors de l'adoption du budget 2010 par le conseil municipal, la semaine prochaine. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/201001/22/01-942171-20-millions-pour-eviter-de-nouvelles-inondations-dans-louest-dottawa.php
More cyclists brave elements to commute year-round
Bike stores see jump in sales of winter gear Ottawa Citizen, January 21, 2010, page C8
Christian Bergmeister Through ice, wind, and snow, an increasing number of Ottawans are braving the elements and using an alternative mode of transportation: winter cycling. Pete Hickey is one of those winter cyclists, and for the past 25 years, he has been commuting year-round on his bike from his home in Hull to the University of Ottawa. Hickey, 56, who works for network security at the university, makes the 12-kilometre trip on an old 12-speed Velosport road bicycle. While the number of winter cyclists on roads and pathways is still relatively low, Hickey says that he has seen a change over the years. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/todays-paper/More+cyclists+brave+elements+commute+year+round/2466444/story.html
Will cuts take axe to trees and transit? 24 Hours Ottawa, January 20, 2010
Adrienne Ascah Trees and transit aren't faring well in the city's draft budget. Ecology Ottawa, a non-profit organization advocating for a greener Ottawa, is concerned about proposed cuts to the city's tree maintenance program, transit and a reversal on the tree-protection bylaw. In June, the city passed a tree-protection bylaw, similar to bylaws in other Ontario cities, which environmental groups have been requesting for 10 years. "When we saw in the draft budget that they've proposed essentially just killing the bylaw by having no funding at all to implement it, it was really disappointing," said Lori Waller, Ecology Ottawa's policy co-ordinator. "It seems like they're just trying to sneak it through as a budget cut and there really hasn't been much public attention to that." http://eedition.ottawa.24hrs.ca/epaper/viewer.aspx
Residents threaten legal action against paving company Ottawa Citizen, January 20, 2010
Tom Spears Ten Braeside residents are taking a paving company to small claims court, claiming the fumes and noise from asphalt manufacturing keep them awake and make them feel sick. Their lawyer threatens to take legal action against the Miller Group repeatedly until the problems are fixed. The Miller Group, based in Markham, says it won't discuss specific allegations, but will defend itself against the action. None of the allegations have been proven in court. The citizens says the hot asphalt smell from the plant at the Braeside Quarry, "has caused such adverse effects as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, loss of appetite, dypsnea (shortness of breath), headaches and nausea in the plaintiffs." http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Residents+threaten+legal+action+against+paving+company/2465669/story.html
Poll supports 1 per cent GST hike Ottawa Sun, January 20, 2010
Peter Zimonjic Seven out of 10 Canadians would support hiking the GST to 6% from 5% if all the money raised went directly to support local infrastructure, according to a new poll commissioned by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The Strategic Counsel poll also found 32% would support the same tax increase if all the proceeds went towards fighting the deficit. "The Conservatives are trapped by the fact that they cut the GST and they will pay a political price if they raise it," says pollster Timothy Woolstencroft. "But they do have some room to move forward with a GST increase, particularly if it's tied to real tangible, meaningful benefits to citizens. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/canada/2010/01/20/12549441-qmi.html
Councillor Recommends One-Time Cost to Cover LRT Suit CFRA, January 20, 2010
Josh Pringle An Ottawa City Councillor suggests the proposed 3.9 per cent property tax hike this year is a one-time only charge to pay for the lawsuit stemming from the cancelled North-South Light Rail Transit project. Clive Doucet says he will introduce a motion during next week's City of Ottawa 2010 budget debate recommending the city separate the $37 million settlement of the lawsuit as a separate one-time lump sum. In a media release, Doucet recommends replacing 3.7 per cent of the property tax hike with a one-time levy to cover the lawsuit settlement. Doucet says the city is cutting services and raising taxes for "nothing in return" In September, Council approved a $36.7 million settlement to Siemens Canada and St. Lawrence Cement over the cancelled Light Rail Transit project. Doucet is also proposing the city delay the Bank Street reconstruction slated for later this year, releasing $9.9 million worth of budget pressures. http://www.cfra.com/?cat=1&nid=70746
Doucet intends to move to delay Bank Street work Ottawa Citizen, January 20, 2010, page B2 Capital Councillor Clive Doucet says he will present a motion to council next week that would cut $9.9 million from the 2010 budget by pushing back the start date of Bank Street reconstruction. Road work on Bank Street in the Glebe is expected to start later this year. Delaying the work would also please merchants concerned about disruptions that will be caused by the reconstruction. Councillors will finalize the 2010 budget during meetings next week. The draft budget contains a 3.9-per-cent tax increase. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/todays-paper/Doucet+intends+move+delay+Bank+Street+work/2462217/story.html
Entente à l'amiable entre la Ville d'Ottawa et Siemens affecte le compte de taxes
Doucet suggère un « paiement unique distinct » Le Droit, le 19 janvier 2010
Dominique La Haye Un conseiller municipal d'Ottawa établit un lien direct entre la hausse de taxes de 3,9 % que devraient recevoir les contribuables en 2010 et l'entente à l'amiable de 37 millions $ qu'a conclue la Ville avec Siemens pour l'annulation de l'ancien projet de train léger. Le conseiller Clive Doucet estime que la meilleure façon d'éviter des réductions de services offerts aux résidants en 2010 est en prélevant un «paiement unique distinct», une sorte de taxe spéciale permettant d'éponger les 37 millions. L'élu déposera une motion en ce sens durant le débat sur le budget 2010 la semaine prochaine. Il estime que de cette façon, le coût réel des services municipaux sera mieux reflété dans le budget. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/201001/19/01-940884-doucet-suggere-un-paiement-unique-distinct-.php
En attendant que la Ville construise sa propre usine de compostage
Gatineau enverra ses restes de table... en Ontario Le Droit, le 19 janvier 2010
Patrick Duquette La Ville de Gatineau enverra les restes de table de ses citoyens se faire composter dans la province voisine de l'Ontario à compter du mois de mai prochain. La société Laflèche Environnement de Moose Creek a remporté le contrat de 5,8 millions $ pour le transport, le traitement et la valorisation des déchets organiques des Gatinois. C'est donc vers cette ville ontarienne, située à environ 70 km à l'est de Gatineau, que se dirigeront les restes de table des Gatinois quand débutera la nouvelle collecte du compostage, le 1er mai. Laflèche Environnement a devancé le plus bas soumissionnaire, la compagnie québécoise Mironor de Brownsburg-Chatham, dont les installations sont situées un peu au sud de Lachute. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/gatineau-outaouais/201001/19/01-940892-gatineau-enverra-ses-restes-de-table-en-ontario.php
Samsung deal to bring wind, solar farms to Ont.: sources CBC News, January 19, 2010 A huge green energy deal between the Ontario government and a consortium of South Korean companies led by Samsung is expected to be announced by Premier Dalton McGuinty this week, The Canadian Press has learned. The negotiations were still going on Tuesday night, but an agreement to have Samsung build dozens of wind and solar farms across the province could be signed by McGuinty as early as Thursday, sources familiar with the deal confirmed. "The government's really keen to bring a group of companies and an anchor investment into the province to support its green energy efforts," one source said. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/01/19/samsung-solar-wind-farms461.html
Chiarelli: I'll 'champion' Ottawa's transit plan
Former mayor puts differences aside as he seeks to become Ottawa West-Nepean MP Ottawa Sun, January 19, 2010
Susan Sherring If Bob Chiarelli becomes the next MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean, he says he'll work toward any light-rail plan approved by city council. That's what the former mayor was pledging Monday when he formally announced he was seeking the Liberal party nomination in Ottawa West-Nepean, a position about to open up when Jim Watson resigns his seat to run for mayor. He said he'll do what's necessary to help Ottawa's light-rail plan, even though it's not his own north-south plan. "I'm pleased (the province) has put $600 million on the table, I think that's progress. Having lived through creating a light-rail project, I know the challenges administratively, politically. It's been difficult for them. I'm going to try to help navigate that particular plan," he said. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/18/12519441.html
Lakes wind could power Ontario: report
Offshore turbines would spawn huge industry that has potential of outpacing entrenched generators such as nuclear, hydro, developer says Globe and Mail, January 18, 2010
Richard Blackwell Wind turbines built offshore in the Great Lakes have the potential to generate a huge chunk of Ontario's power, even though not a single one is up and running yet - or even under construction. Still, developers' enthusiasm for offshore wind is building a momentum that could eventually lead to a huge industry that dwarfs other forms of green energy, and even outpaces entrenched technologies such as nuclear and hydro. That's the conclusion of a report from wind developer Trillium Power Wind Corp., which calculates that the Ontario government has received applications for offshore projects that would generate almost 21,000 megawatts of power, if they all came to fruition. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/lakes-wind-could-power-ontario-report/article1435455/
Roundabout planned for Orleans
Intersection would be Ottawa's biggest of its kind Ottawa Sun, January 18, 2010
Jon Willing The largest roundabout in Ottawa is being proposed for a busy Orleans intersection as the city continues to install the controversial replacements to traffic lights. By the end of the summer, the intersection of St. Joseph and Jeanne d'Arc boulevards could have the multilane roundabout, which is being planned by the Heart of Orleans Business Improvement Area and supported by the city. The business association has received a $2.5-million infrastructure grant through the city to redesign the streetscape, which includes uprooting the traffic lights and installing the roundabout. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/17/12502106.html
High praise for Ottawa trash Ottawa Sun, January 17, 2010
Jon Willing Orgaworld's garbage guru from the Netherlands believes Ottawa has the best trash in the world for composting. "We have seen the waste that is collected in Ottawa and it is good quality of waste to treat," operations manager Henk Van Den Boomen said Friday at Orgaworld Canada's processing plant on Hawthorne Rd. The plant, the largest of the six Orgaworld facilities in the world, will start processing green bin waste Jan. 27. Organic waste currently is being trucked to a facility out of town until the Orgaworld plant is ready. Two councillors who have been skeptical about the odour control of the facility toured the building with Van Den Boomen. Councillors Diane Deans and Steve Desroches don't want Orgaworld to process dirty diapers or sanitary products, but the company wants a provincial environmental tribunal to let it take the stinky trash. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/16/12493856.html
Mayor wants to move Ottawa bus station
O'Brien sees transportation hub at east-end rail station CBC News, January 16, 2010 CBC News has learned that Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien is working to move the bus station from downtown to the east-end Via Rail station as part of the plan for the city's $2.1-billion light rail system. If the city's light rail plan goes ahead, it could involve railway stations past and present, plus a new terminal for Greyhound buses. "When the light rail comes out at the train station that's one intersection that's important for the city," O'Brien said Friday. "But I have been talking to Greyhound about the opportunity to move the bus station to the train station [on Tremblay Road near Belfast Road] so we have a hub - rail, city buses, LRT and also the Greyhound bus." http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/16/bus-station.html
3-member panel to consult on Lansdowne project Ottawa Sun, January 15, 2010
Jon Willing "Sammy" the cabbie gave Rick Haldenby the best piece of advice before the architecture guru hopped out of the taxi at Lansdowne Park Thursday morning. "Just make sure the whole country is going to be proud of it, that's all," Sammy told Haldenby, who has been tapped along with two others to guide the city in picking the best designs for a redeveloped Lansdowne Park. Haldenby, the director of the University of Waterloo school of architecture, will be on the expert panel with Toronto-based urban designer George Dark and Marianne McKenna, the founding partner of KPMB in Toronto. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/14/12463626.html
Light-rail transit plan gets strong vote
Staff set to proceed to next stage of $2.1B project Ottawa Citizen, January 14, 2010, page C1
Neco Cockburn, with files from Lee Greenberg A strong city council vote in favour of the functional plan for Ottawa's new downtown light-rail transit system on Wednesday means that staff can now push ahead with the next stage of the $2.1-billion project, which includes an environmental assessment and preliminary engineering work. Councillors, even some who sounded skeptical about some aspects of the plan, voted 19-4 to proceed with it. The design includes about 12.5 kilometres of electrified light rail and 13 stations between Tunney's Pasture and Blair Road. The proposed light-rail route includes a 3.2-kilometre tunnel under downtown and is the first phase of a massive transit plan meant to last Ottawa until the 2030s. The strong vote in favour of the plan, just a day after mayoral candidate Jim Watson openly questioned the cost of the light-rail project, also indicates that anyone seeking to make major changes to the plan down the road would likely need a change in the composition of city council -- or some unforeseen cost or problem that makes councillors balk. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Light+rail+transit+plan+gets+strong+vote/2439415/story.html
Council OK's transit functional design
Approval moves plan on to ‘next set of decisions' in $2.1B rapid network Metro Ottawa, January 14, 2010
Tim Wieclawski Approving the functional design of the first phase of the new rapid transit network is an important step, but the city is still far from being on the hook for the $2.1-billion plan. "There's still a long way to go," deputy city manager for infrastructure services Nancy Schepers told councillors before they voted on the plan yesterday. "Today is about approving the functional design to get to the next step ... you are setting the stage to move forward with the next set of decisions." That would be a six-month environmental assessment on the 3.2-kilometre downtown tunnel, which is expected to begin in February. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/421901--council-ok-s-transit-functional-design
Plasco waste contract nearly finalized
Company to turn household garbage into energy Ottawa Citizen, January 14, 2010, page C2
Kate Jaimet A contract for a waste-disposal plant that's to turn household garbage into electrical energy is expected to be finalized imminently between the City of Ottawa and Plasco Energy Group. "(We will be) up and running two years from the time we sign the contract," Plasco chief executive Rod Bryden said in an interview Wednesday. "I would expect we will sign that in this quarter, hopefully next month." Under the contract, which is currently being negotiated, Plasco will bear the cost of building and operating the plant, while the city will commit to delivering 140,000 tonnes of garbage a year, and paying a fee that will range from approximately $57 to approximately $68 per tonne, Bryden said. The exact fee will depend on the average energy content of the garbage, and will be set annually. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Plasco+waste+contract+nearly+finalized/2439418/story.html
$600M is the max for transit: McGuinty Ottawa Sun, January 14, 2010
Jon Willing Premier Dalton McGuinty says the city shouldn't expect any more money on top of the $600 million the province committed for a new transit system. McGuinty said he supports the light-rail proposal on the table, but the money he announced last month is the maximum amount the province will contribute. "The ultimate shape of that project is to be determined by the people of Ottawa," McGuinty said Thursday. "We're proud to be there with $600 million. We look forward to the federal government matching that investment. The balance of any investment required will have to come from the people in the City of Ottawa." http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/14/12466296.html
Ottawa's Union Station could see trains again CBC News, January 14, 2010 A historical former Ottawa train station may welcome rail passengers again in coming years. Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien told CBC News Wednesday that the city is looking to buy the downtown Union Train Station, which was Ottawa's main railway station from 1912 to the mid-1960s. The stately stone building would be used as one of the downtown stations for the city's proposed light rail transit line. "It would be a very exciting addition," said O'Brien. He added that the landmark on Wellington Street, across from the Chateau Laurier hotel, is "perfectly located." It is on the Rideau Canal, close to the Ottawa Convention Centre that is currently under construction, the Parliament Buildings and the Byward Market. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/14/ottawa-union-station.html
Pesticide ban opponents seek charges against Ont. minister CBC News, January 14, 2010 A group representing dozens of lawn care companies is trying to bring charges against Ontario's environment minister and senior bureaucrats over the province's controversial pesticide ban. The legal manoeuvre, if endorsed by the court, could result in federal charges being filed against Environment Minister John Gerretsen and others by police or by a private individual, and there may be sufficient grounds for a criminal charge of fraud. The so-called "private information" against Gerretsen and senior ministry staff was filed Wednesday in a Kingston court. The action stems from Ontario's pesticide regulations, which permit the use of azadirachtin, a chemical that is not approved for use in Canada, said Jeffrey Lowes, a spokesman for the group and a director at MREP Communications, a Kingston-based public relations firm. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/14/consumer-pesticide-ban.html
City presents design panel for Lansdowne reno CBC News, January 14, 2010 The group that wants to redevelop Ottawa's Lansdowne Park introduced the team Thursday that will decide how the elaborate collection of sports fields, shops, cinemas, condos and green space would actually look. It's an impressive team with the likes of George Dark, an urban designer from Toronto, who told CBC News he wants to save Lansdowne Park from the clutches of mediocrity. He said he saw little in the original concept for the park that excited him. "I didn't really think there was a design. I think there was a series of diagrams designed to back-stop a commercial discussion. It does not reflect the kind of hard, slogging, detailed evolution of ideas that is required for this site," Dark said. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/14/lansdowne-design.html
3-member panel to consult on Lansdowne project Ottawa Sun, January 14, 2010
Jon Willing "Sammy" the cabbie gave Rick Haldenby the best piece of advice before the architecture guru hopped out of the taxi at Lansdowne Park Thursday morning. "Just make sure the whole country is going to be proud of it, that's all," Sammy told Haldenby, who has been tapped along with two others to guide the city in picking the best designs for a redeveloped Lansdowne Park. Haldenby, the director of the University of Waterloo school of architecture, will be on the expert panel with Toronto-based urban designer George Dark and Marianne McKenna, the founding partner of KPMB in Toronto. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/01/14/12463626.html
Chalk River isotope delays could last into April CBC News, January 14, 2010 Repairs at the Chalk River nuclear reactor that produces medical isotopes are taking longer than expected, which could delay its reopening until April. Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. said Wednesday it had hoped to have repairs done by March, but that may no longer be possible. "The current schedule targets return to service by the end of March 2010," the agency said in a status report. "However, if there are continuing challenges with the repair process, the NRU return-to-service schedule could extend into April." http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/14/chalk-river-isotopes.html
Futur train léger au centre-ville d'Ottawa
Le design du corridor est approuvé Le Droit, le 13 janvier 2010
Dominique La Haye Le conseil municipal a franchi une nouvelle étape dans la réalisation de son projet de train léger de 2,1 milliards $ en approuvant, hier, le design du futur corridor incluant un tunnel au centre-ville. Cette décision permettra entre autres aux fonctionnaires municipaux d'amorcer une étude environnementale au cours des prochains six mois et d'entamer le processus d'acquisition des propriétés totalisant 180 millions $. Des études de conception urbaine et de transport pour le centre-ville seront aussi réalisées. La première étape du projet vise à construire un corridor pour train léger de 12,5 km, allant des stations Blair à Pré Tunney, incluant un tunnel au centre-ville. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/201001/13/01-938840-le-design-du-corridor-est-approuve.php
O'Brien veut limiter la hausse des taxes à 4 % Le Droit, le 13 janvier 2010
Dominique La Haye Le maire d'Ottawa, Larry O'Brien, n'a pas l'intention de laisser les impôts fonciers en 2010 augmenter au-delà de 4 %, a-t-il affirmé, hier, durant son discours de début d'année durant la séance du conseil municipal. Alors que le conseil bouclera à la fin du mois le budget 2010 de la Ville, le maire demande aux élus qui envisagent d'ajouter des dépenses de trouver des réductions équivalentes. « Même avec une hausse de taxes de 3,9 %, nous demandons encore beaucoup à nos résidents », dit-il. « En janvier, alors que nous compléterons le processus budgétaire, je demanderai au conseil de réfléchir prudemment à tout ajout apporté à l'ébauche actuelle du budget et je leur demanderai de trouver des économies équivalentes pour compenser », précise-t-il. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/201001/13/01-938837-obrien-veut-limiter-la-hausse-des-taxes-a-4-.php
Intensification gets city working group Ottawa Citizen, January 13, 2010
Neco Cockburn A new City of Ottawa intensification working group would be aimed at gaining better community acceptance on issues such as parking, design and zoning, while making sure the city meets the needs of developers, says the chairman of council's planning and environment committee. Councillor Peter Hume said the city has embraced the idea of intensification - increasing the density of the urban population to reduce sprawl - but has not been "as active as we could be" to ensure that communities embrace it and developers are satisfied with the city's application process. "Communities are skeptical and they view intensification with a very leery, almost with a jaundiced eye," he said. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Intensification+gets+city+working+group/2434318/story.html
Deep cuts to green initiatives concern group Metro Ottawa, January 13, 2010
Tim Wieclawski There are many positive steps in the city's 2010 budget, but Ecology Ottawa is concerned that environmental initiatives are being targeted in order to keep taxes low. "It seems like the environment is getting relegated to the back seat," said Ecology Ottawa co-ordinator Sabrina Bowman. While Bowman said they are pleased to see funding for the pedestrian and cycling plan, they are concerned about a lack of funding for the tree protection bylaw, which requires property owners to get permits before cutting down large, mature trees. Bowman said the budget also calls for cuts to tree trimming from once every five to seven years to once every 32. That would enhance the risk of exposure to the emerald ash borer. "We know that councillors are under pressure to save money," said Lori Waller, Ecology Ottawa's policy co-ordinator. "But it seems that environmental spending is often targeted for the deepest cuts, and they've targeted a few key areas, like tree maintenance and transit service, for aggressive slashing." http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/local/article/420685--deep-cuts-to-green-initiatives-concern-group
McGuinty wants more details on transit plan Ottawa Citizen, January 13, 2010
Lee Greenberg Barely three weeks after heartily endorsing Ottawa's $2.1-billion transit plan, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty Wednesday backed away from that endorsement, saying he is waiting for specifics. "We committed to a plan in principle," McGuinty told reporters Wednesday. "But in terms of specific details, where the specific routes are going to run, that is not something we have agreed upon in any kind of a formal way." In December, McGuinty announced the province would contribute $600 million to the transit plan, calling it "the city-building project of our generation." http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/McGuinty+wants+more+details+transit+plan/2436989/story.html
City rail plan moves forward with 19-4 council vote Ottawa Citizen, January 13, 2010
Neco Cockburn Ottawa city council has approved the functional plan for the city's new downtown light-rail transit system, but not without some councillors voicing concerns about the project. Councillors voted 19-4 in support of the the plan, which includes about 12.5 kilometres of electrified light rail and 13 stations between Tunney's Pasture and Blair Road. The proposed light-rail route includes a 3.2-kilometre tunnel and is the first phase of a massive transit plan meant to last Ottawa until the 2030s. Deputy city manager Nancy Schepers, who is in charge of transit, told councillors that their decision was about moving to the next phase of the tunnel project, "subject to normal budget approval processes" that include a formal environmental assessment, starting preliminary engineering, acquiring properties, undertaking "value engineering," making sure the project fits with available funding and selecting a procurement approach. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/City+rail+plan+moves+forward+with+council+vote/2437614/story.html
Gatineau Park bill dies in proroguement Ottawa Citizen, January 11, 2010
Dave Rogers A long-anticipated bill designed to protect Gatineau Park from development is dead - or at least dormant - because the Conservative government prorogued Parliament. "The parliamentary transportation committee studying the bill was just one meeting away from sending it to the House of Commons," said Paul Dewar, NDP MP for Ottawa Centre. "Now the government would have to reintroduce the bill and we would have to start over again. It is a huge waste of time and money for not just the Gatineau Park bill, but also the other bills." Dewar says that when Parliament resumes March 3, he will be pushing cabinet ministers and area MPs John Baird and Lawrence Cannon to reintroduce the bill. "I think there is the political will to drive this bill forward because of the strong support for the protection of Gatineau Park throughout the region," Dewar said. "A local member of Parliament who is seen to be blocking that would not be looked on favourably by local people. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Gatineau+Park+bill+dies+proroguement/2427017/story.html
City considers segregated bike lanes CBC News, January 6, 2010 The city's transportation committee approved two motions Wednesday that could change the way people get around in Ottawa. Coun. Clive Doucet introduced a motion calling for segregated bike lanes on city streets, suggesting that separate bike paths could help improve safety for cyclists. "I hope to see Ottawa becoming much safer," Doucet said Wednesday. "We'll hopefully have an east-west dedicated lane through the centre of the city, which we don't have now. I mean talk to my staff, who come to work down Gladstone and have to share the lane with a bus - pretty scary." The committee agreed that a study is needed to examine whether segregated bike lanes will actually make cycling in the city safer. Committee members also voted to close three side streets to traffic in Vanier in an attempt to draw more shoppers to Montreal Road. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/06/ott-bike-lanes-vanier.html
Gatineau souhaite plus de passagers dans les voitures Le Droit, le 6 janvier 2010
Patrick Duquette La Ville de Gatineau s'apprête à créer un nouvel organisme dont la mission sera de combattre l'usage en solo de la voiture pour l'aller-retour au boulot. Un centre de gestion des déplacements durables (CGD) verra le jour d'ici quelques mois à Gatineau, sitôt confirmée la participation financière de Transports Québec. De tels centres existent depuis 2001 dans plusieurs grandes villes du Québec, comme Montréal, Québec, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay et Sherbrooke. Un CGD embauche une brochette d'experts-conseils pour aider les entreprises et les institutions publiques à mettre en place des « plans de déplacement ». http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/gatineau-outaouais/201001/06/01-936763-gatineau-souhaite-plus-de-passagers-dans-les-voitures.php
Province backs down on Goulbourn wetland designation Ottawa Citizen, January 5, 2010
Kate Jaimet The provincial government has backed down in its attempt to force the City of Ottawa to designate 725 hectares (1,790 acres) of rural land in Goulbourn as environmentally protected "significant wetland." The decision will allow drainage work to go ahead that may result in some or all of the land - which was previously designated as "provincially significant wetland" by the Ministry of Natural Resources - losing its wetland designation and being re-zoned for development. But Ontario Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller said he'll be scrutinizing the decision and he's concerned about the prospect of a new municipal drain being created in an area previously designated for wetland protection. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Province+backs+down+Goulbourn+wetland+designation/2409300/story.html
Three Vanier Streets Could Close CFRA, January 5, 2010
Josh Pringle An Ottawa City Councillor wants the city to be part of a study looking at closing three Vanier Streets to help encourage pedestrian traffic around Montreal Road. In a motion for Wednesday's Transportation Committee meeting, Georges Bedard asks Council to direct staff to partner with the Quartier Vanier Business Improvement Area to complete a study for the closure of certain streets at Montreal Road. The report says street closures would enhance commercial revitalization by enhancing the pedestrian environment and creating public spaces suitable for passive and active use. Should the study recommend road closures, the BIA would consider entering into a cost-sharing agreement with the city to begin the implementation phase of the project. http://www.cfra.com/?cat=1&nid=70390
Green bin collection gets rolling
Some residents cite sticking problems, but councillors hail start of waste-diversion program Ottawa Citizen, January 5, 2010, page B1
Lucas Timmons The cold weather was a sticking point in the launch of Ottawa's new green bin program Monday -- literally. Some residents who put their bins out found the cold had frozen their compost to the bins and prevented the waste from being removed. "My wife and I throw our coffee grinds out in the green bin," said Westboro resident Richard Nault, "and when the truck came by to get it, there was a mass of frozen coffee grounds in the bottom of it that just didn't come out. It was still half full." http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Green+collection+gets+rolling/2406371/story.html
Councillor Wants to Improve Bike Safety on Roads CFRA, January 4, 2010
Josh Pringle An Ottawa City Councillor wants the City of Ottawa to look at creating segregated bike lanes on city streets. In a motion for Wednesday's Transportation Committee meeting, Councillor Clive Doucet recommends that as part of a safety review of "potential pedestrian/cyclist/vehicle conflict" areas, Councillors should direct staff to determine whether segregated bike lanes would be appropriate to improve safety in high risk areas. Doucet wants the committee to direct staff to report back with a plan on how to minimize collisions at those locations in time for consideration as part of the 2011 city budget. http://www.cfra.com/?cat=1&nid=70359
Green bin liners scarce as composting starts CBC News, January 4, 2010 Green bin liners sold out at many hardware stores across Ottawa as local residents prepared for the city's first regular pickup of kitchen scraps and kitty litter for composting. Monday was the first green bin pickup day in some neighbourhoods, and all green bin users throughout the city are scheduled to get their organic waste picked up for the first time within the next two weeks. Melissa Doorbar, assistant manager of the Home Hardware store in the Glebe neighbourhood, said paper liner bags for the bins have been sold out for days. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/01/04/ottawa-green-bin-launch.html
L'ère des bacs verts débute Le Droit, le 4 janvier 2010
Catherine Lamontagne La Ville d'Ottawa commence la collecte des matières organiques des bacs verts aujourd'hui. Le programme de bacs verts offre la possibilité aux résidents de recycler leurs déchets organiques. Une fois la collecte des bacs verts terminée, les matières organiques amassées seront traitées et transformées en compost. Selon l'horaire établi, les véhicules de collecte des déchets solides de la Ville commenceront la collecte à 10h, aujourd'hui, sur la rue Helena. Les véhicules se déplaceront vers l'est le long de la rue Helena à partir de la promenade Island Park et continueront jusqu'à l'avenue Harmer. Le programme vise les résidences individuelles et les petits immeubles de six logements ou moins, ainsi que les résidences en zone rurale et les domaines où la Ville effectue une collecte en bordure de la rue. Les résidents des autres immeubles à logements multiples recevront leurs bacs verts et commenceront à participer au programme d'ici septembre. Les tours d'habitation à logements multiples devraient bénéficier du programme en 2011 et en 2012. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ottawa-est-ontarien/201001/04/01-936001-lere-des-bacs-verts-debute.php
City won't accept electronic waste Ottawa Sun, January 3, 2010
Megan Gillis Ottawans will no longer be able to dump their old TVs and computers curbside as of Jan. 1: They'll have to be recycled instead of heading to the dump. So-called e-waste accounts for 300 garbage trucks - or 3,000 tonnes - in landfills every year. Yet electronics are full of steel, glass, copper, aluminum, plastics and precious metals that can be recycled, the city says. Visit www.dowhatyoucan.ca/electronics to find one of 17 locations in Ottawa that will accept and recycle televisions, computers, monitors, laptops, printers, fax machines, disk and CD-ROM drives and keyboards. Disposal is free but check for exceptions. http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2009/12/31/12315351.html
Green bin 101
Get ready for organics recycling -- it starts this month Ottawa Citizen, January 2, 2010
Karen Turner After much debate and years of planning, the new green bin program kicks off this month. Following the lead of other major cities, including Toronto, Vancouver and Saint John, New Brunswick, Ottawa's collection of kitchen scraps and yard clippings is expected to divert tonnes of organic waste from the landfills and produce valuable compost to be used by area farmers and for city landscaping projects. Throughout the winter, the roll-way bins will be collected bi-weekly then every week from spring to fall. The program will be implemented in stages, starting with homes in urban and suburban neighbourhoods, extending to highrises in 2011 and rural properties in 2012. Today, we give an overview of the new program, including its projected operation costs, the dos and don'ts of what goes in the green bin and how to keep pesky critters from snacking on its tasty contents. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Green/2399456/story.html
Doucet calls for review of cycling safety in Ottawa Ottawa Citizen, January 2, 2010, page C5 Following last summer's collision on March Road that seriously injured five cyclists, Councillor Clive Doucet is asking for a citywide review of cycling safety. The councillor will bring forward a motion at next Wednesday's transportation committee meeting asking staff to identify the most hazardous locations for cyclists and determine whether segregated bike lanes would decrease the number of accidents and injuries. A preliminary report by staff indicates there were 292 collisions in 2008 involving cyclists in this city. The two intersections with the most collisions between 2006 and 2008 were: Highway 417 at Maitland Avenue, and Montreal Road at Vanier Parkway. The safety review must also be approved by council before going forward. There was no cost estimate attached to the motion. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Doucet+calls+review+cycling+safety+Ottawa/2399310/story.html
Roll out your green bins
Let the composting begin Ottawa Citizen, January 2, 2010, page C5 The organic waste of Helena Street in Westboro will be the first contributions to the citywide green-bin composting program that begins Monday. Starting at 10 a.m., trucks will be collecting material from green bins along Helena Street to Harmer Avenue. The $15-million-a-year program will see organic waste trucked to a composting facility in Gloucester. Orgaworld has a 20-year contract to accept 80,000 tonnes of waste per year from Ottawa. The Orgaworld plant is to be become operational Jan. 27. Until then, organic waste will be sent to other facilities in Kingston and Moose Creek. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Roll+your+green+bins/2399306/story.html
No more curbside pickup for electronic waste Ottawa Citizen, January 2, 2010, page C5 Ottawa-area residents can no longer leave televisions, computers, keyboards or other types of electronic waste for pick-up by city garbage trucks. Because much electronic waste includes parts that can be recycled and re-used, the city wants residents to dispose of such devices at one of 17 drop-off locations that will accept and recycle the products free of charge. Items can include keyboards and mice, CD-ROM drives, disk drives, desktop printers and monitors. The city says more items and locations will be added in April. For information on drop-off locations and a list of products accepted, visit dowhatyoucan.ca/electronics or call city information at 311. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/more+curbside+pickup+electronic+waste/2399307/story.html
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