Dalhousie Community Association

The DCA photo contest is underway. The theme is the people, places, and events of our neighbourhood. The contest isn't just for pros, anyone who can snap shots with a digital camera can enter. Read more about the contest here . If you've got your photos ready submit them here . Not sure what to photograph? Why not come out for Market Day at the community garden on October 14. Find information on the event's Facebook page . Still have questions? Email us at OttawaDCA@gmail.com

After a hot summer, the DCA is back to regular meetings. In development news, DCA members have voted to appeal the decision to approve the developer’s application for 900 Albert. City council approved the 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. In preparation for the LRT, OC Transpo is changing bus routes, with several changes directly affecting Dalhousie. As of September 2 , the #11 no longer stops on Rideau Street in front of the Rideau Centre, cutting passengers off from the shopping mall and ByWard Market. Route #4 remains the same but the number changes to #10.  When the LRT eventually opens, the #85 will proceed north on Booth to Gatineau and Route #16 will be modified to connect with the new Parliament station. Route #14 remains the same. There are several events coming up. The Plant Pool ...

Our Dalhousie neighbourhood features many examples of historical architecture. A gallery of over 200 photos showcasing properties of heritage value in the Dalhousie neighbourhood is now up for viewing. Many of these properties have been added to the Heritage Reference List thanks to the recommendations of the DCA. Read more and see the full gallery here . 

The DCA remains active in a variety of areas. At the June meeting, a representative from Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) presented on a new project - Building Community... Together. The project aims to bring together Centretown residents of different backgrounds to help respond to rapid changes in the area. The project will be fully underway by August and is seeking people interested in becoming Community Champions. The DCA remains opposed to key items in the development applications for 900 Albert and the East Flats. Formal letters have been sent to the city with concerns about pedestrian connectivity, green and public space, and affordable housing. Also under discussion is the usage of Section 37 funds. Ideas range from a pedestrian bridge across the O-Train tracks, to more green space, to upgrading the stairs connecting lower and upper Empress.  Green space and parks are always in demand in Dalhousie. Councillor McKenney is looking for input on community wants a...

Annual General Meeting    June 21st 7 - 9 PM Dalhousie Community Centre 755 Somerset St. W.   All are invited to the DCA's Annual General Meeting.   A presentation on the new Civic from the Ottawa Hospital! How you can help make our neighbourhood even better! A chance to meet other neighbours!

The DCA and its members have deep ties to the community and are active in a variety of areas. At the provincial level, the DCA will be involved in the All Candidates Debate taking place at the Glebe Community Centre ( 175 Third Ave. ) on May 17. With all four major parties confirmed, it will be an excellent forum for community associations to press the candidates on important civic themes.   At the last meeting, our DCA representative on the Community Association Forum on Environmental Sustainability (CAFES) reported with disappointment that a by-law protecting city trees would not be passed. This has a negative impact on both the environment and public health, since trees mitigate pollution and provide many other benefits.   Other members reported that the public meeting on April 26th about developments on Albert Street was well attended. Concerns are ongoing since development plans keep changing. A case in point is the three towers planned at 900 Albert, where the pr...

Development pressure continues in our neighbourhood. The DCA hosted representatives from Claridge Homes at its April meeting. A Development Manager gave an overview of the proposed five towers project at Lebreton East . These will be tall - two at 25 storeys, two at 30, and the last tower at 45 storeys. The height is supposedly to align with city zoning for transit oriented design. Residents in the existing three buildings expressed concern over the resulting density of 1950 new units right next door. Other issues raised by the DCA included affordable housing, and integration with other developments in the vicinity. A public meeting will be held on April 26th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Good Companions Seniors’ Centre ( 670 Albert St. ) that will provide an opportunity for discussion of the Claridge proposal and adjacent developments. Stephanie Lemieux, community police officer for Centretown, also spoke at the April meeting. She addressed concerns about recent shootings in the neighb...