December newsletter - the year in review
The end of the year is a time for review and reflection. Here's a look back at a few of the top issues and highlights for the DCA in 2018.
Development
Work has begun on a section of Ottawa Community Housing’s Rochester Heights with the demolition of residences at 811 Gladstone Avenue. In February, representatives from Ottawa Community Housing spoke at the monthly board meeting where DCA members emphasized the importance of consultation.
The 900 Albert development raised the ire of local community groups when city council approved the development application in July, completely ignoring the secondary plan formulated by city staff, landowners, and the community. The plan stated a maximum height of 30 storeys, whereas the approved application includes a 65 storey building. DCA members have voted to appeal the decision to approve application.
In January of 2018, the NCC reached a preliminary agreement with RendezVous LeBreton Group for the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats. With recent news of a lawsuit between the partners of the RendezVous LeBreton team, the project appears to be stalled. The NCC has given the partners two more months “to get their act together.”
Claridge released revised plans for the redevelopment of East Lebreton. The proposal has a number of new buildings ranging from 25 to 45 stories. A Claridge representative presented at the April DCA meeting in response to concerns raised by the community about the resulting density of 1950 new units right next door.
Community
Bluesfest and crowd behaviour remained an ongoing concern in 2018. RBC Bluesfest organizers and staff from the City of Ottawa's Special Events Advisory Team met with Booth Street residents to discuss concerns. Despite the plan for more police in the area, warnings on social media, and more portable toilets along Albert Street, public intoxication and related nuisance behaviours were still an issue during the festival.
Community police officer Stephanie Lemieux spoke at the April DCA meeting, addressing concerns about recent shootings and criminal activity. She urged all community members to report any crime they witness, including suspicious activity such as casing houses or trying car doors. Reporting can be done online at ottawapolice.ca, by phone at 613-236-1222 for non-emergencies, and 911 for emergencies. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers online at crimestoppers.ca or by phone at 1-800-760-8100.
Garden
The Dalhousie Community Association Community Garden’s second season was full of activity. The garden received a TD Park People Grant which supported a number of public events such as an Ice Cream Social, a Picnic and a Movie event, and a Market Day. The ice cream social and market day were both well attended. Throughout the summer, the Garden also hosted several Master Gardener sessions.
Arts and heritage
A DCA member photographed over 200 buildings under consideration in Dalhousie for the Heritage Inventory Project. While being on the Heritage Reference list is not the same as a heritage designation, the list does create a profile of a neighbourhood’s heritage and characteristic architectural styles. A gallery of photos showcasing properties of heritage value in the neighbourhood can be viewed on the DCA website.
This fall, the DCA was excited to launch a photo contest. The contest closed at the end of October with seven finalists selected early November. An exhibit of their photos that capture the neighbourhood’s buildings and architecture, people and events will happen early 2019 at Cafe Pressed.
The DCA wishes everyone a happy new year - see you in 2019!
Development
Work has begun on a section of Ottawa Community Housing’s Rochester Heights with the demolition of residences at 811 Gladstone Avenue. In February, representatives from Ottawa Community Housing spoke at the monthly board meeting where DCA members emphasized the importance of consultation.
The 900 Albert development raised the ire of local community groups when city council approved the development application in July, completely ignoring the secondary plan formulated by city staff, landowners, and the community. The plan stated a maximum height of 30 storeys, whereas the approved application includes a 65 storey building. DCA members have voted to appeal the decision to approve application.
In January of 2018, the NCC reached a preliminary agreement with RendezVous LeBreton Group for the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats. With recent news of a lawsuit between the partners of the RendezVous LeBreton team, the project appears to be stalled. The NCC has given the partners two more months “to get their act together.”
Claridge released revised plans for the redevelopment of East Lebreton. The proposal has a number of new buildings ranging from 25 to 45 stories. A Claridge representative presented at the April DCA meeting in response to concerns raised by the community about the resulting density of 1950 new units right next door.
Community
Bluesfest and crowd behaviour remained an ongoing concern in 2018. RBC Bluesfest organizers and staff from the City of Ottawa's Special Events Advisory Team met with Booth Street residents to discuss concerns. Despite the plan for more police in the area, warnings on social media, and more portable toilets along Albert Street, public intoxication and related nuisance behaviours were still an issue during the festival.
Community police officer Stephanie Lemieux spoke at the April DCA meeting, addressing concerns about recent shootings and criminal activity. She urged all community members to report any crime they witness, including suspicious activity such as casing houses or trying car doors. Reporting can be done online at ottawapolice.ca, by phone at 613-236-1222 for non-emergencies, and 911 for emergencies. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers online at crimestoppers.ca or by phone at 1-800-760-8100.
Garden
The Dalhousie Community Association Community Garden’s second season was full of activity. The garden received a TD Park People Grant which supported a number of public events such as an Ice Cream Social, a Picnic and a Movie event, and a Market Day. The ice cream social and market day were both well attended. Throughout the summer, the Garden also hosted several Master Gardener sessions.
Arts and heritage
A DCA member photographed over 200 buildings under consideration in Dalhousie for the Heritage Inventory Project. While being on the Heritage Reference list is not the same as a heritage designation, the list does create a profile of a neighbourhood’s heritage and characteristic architectural styles. A gallery of photos showcasing properties of heritage value in the neighbourhood can be viewed on the DCA website.
This fall, the DCA was excited to launch a photo contest. The contest closed at the end of October with seven finalists selected early November. An exhibit of their photos that capture the neighbourhood’s buildings and architecture, people and events will happen early 2019 at Cafe Pressed.
The DCA wishes everyone a happy new year - see you in 2019!
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| DCA members reveling at December's dinner meeting |
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