Monthly Meeting
February 7, 2000
Attendees:
- Fred MacLennan, President
- Art Miskew, Vice-President
- Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation and editorial)
- Kathy Ablett (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
- Brian Gifford
- Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
- Jim Bickford, City councillor
- Patrick Uguccioni, The News
- Elizabeth Russell
- Joan Turnbull (SOGCRAT)
- Laura Cofell (Algonquin College)
- Rebecca Plunkett (Algonquin College)
- Steve Fouchard
Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, submitted a report on the following:
- Putting the Brakes on Red Light Runners
- Resurfacing Program – Summer of 2000
- What Kind of Police Chief Do You Want?
- Tree Removal – Winter 2000
- Transit Use Still on Increase
- Frozen Water Pipes
- Initiatives to Tackle Homelessness
- Oscar in the Rideau
- Municipal Restructuring
- Development and Proposals Underway in River Ward
Comments were made on the fact that transit use increased, use in 1999 was 6% greater than 1998. There were comments on the proposal to build an 84 unit hotel at Hunt Club and Royal Route.
Joan Turnbull spoke about the work of the South Ottawa Gloucester Community Resource Action Team (SOGCRAT). SOGCRAT runs youth programs, provides services for recent immigrants and the elderly. Included in its youth program are activities such as a movie night and information on employment. All programs are free and are designed especially for low income families and individuals. SOGCRAT is looking for volunteers to help run its programs.
Ottawa-Carleton School Board property: This property at 735 Cahill Dr. W. is identified as property 1a in the Draft Neighbourhood Plan. This plan is an historical document only because it was never approved. The School Board has declared this property surplus to its needs and now wants to sell it. It is presently zoned as I1-Minor Institutional which permits a range of minor institutional uses, retirement homes and parks.
Peter Brimacombe proposed medium density residential because it is the most defensible position, a community proposal would preserve the existing cedar grove and provide for a medium density retirement apartments.
Kathy Ablett urged HCCO to write a letter expressing our interest because there is no Neighbourhood Plan.
Fred Winters said that if a private developer had a specific proposal for the land then the community would be informed and would be asked to comment.
Fred McLennan said the other school boards are not interested in buying the land.
Giselle Loiselle-Branch said she would like trees and parks on the land and said that The News had misquoted her.
Pat Uguccioni presented a written report prepared by Jim Bickford. City Council voted in favour of the Tubman Funeral Home. There is to be an OMB hearing on February 21 2000 at the request of Tubmans. Jim reported that he will not be a candidate in Monney’s Bay ward in the next election.
Nancy Seaby reported that the Hunt Club-Riverside Coummunity Centre has only two acting members on its Board of Directors. There will be a General Meeting on February 21, 2000 at 19:30 to elect new board members. The Hunt Club-Riverside Community Centre provides recreational and youth programs, it is entirely separate from the Hunt Club Community Organization.
Alan Asselstine said that dedicated people with good interpersonal skills are needed to be board members, the work is abstract, the board sets policy and approves the budget.
Fred Winters reported that Chris Gaby is maintaining the ice rink in Owl Drive Park.
Alan Asselstine, Treasure’s Report: HCCO is paying the costs to maintain the ice rink in Owl Drive Park. Finances remain stable, income and expenses remain low.
Nancy Seaby, Transportation reported that the 118 bus route no longer goes into Carleton University and that the new buses are too full.
Kathy Ablett reported that the City of Ottawa had budgeted $345,000 for a new Library Branch in the South End. She said that a Branch in the South Keys Shopping Plaza would be the best location.
Next meeting: Mon 6 Mar 2000 at 7:30pm