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 This plan is an historical document only because it was never approved.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

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Art Miskew, Vice-President
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation and editorial)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Kathy Ablett (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
• Andrei Grushman, Quinterra-Riverwood Community Association
• Brian Gifford
• Peter Foulger
• Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
• Jim Bickford, City councillor
• Derek Abma, The News
• Elizabeth Russell

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, submitted a report on the following:

• Regional Budget Delivers Tax Decrease
• City of Ottawa Act, 1999 (Schedule E of Bill 25 – Fewer Politicians Act, 1999)
• School Board Offers Surplus Property for Sale
• Traffic Calming Measures Evaluation Study
• Noise Barrier Retrofit Policy
• Development and Proposals Underway in River Ward

Andrei Grushman presented for information purposes the details on their association’s opposition to the Tubman’s proposal for a funeral home on the Fine’s Flowers site. bjections to the site, include concerns regarding inconsistency with the day-to-da y needs of the community, parking, traffic and cultural concerns out of respect for the strongly-held religious and spiritual beliefs of 20 to 30 families living near the proposed funeral home. The families live on Crowsnest and Malhotra Court. The core concepts pertain to the relationship between the living and the dead, respect for one’s ancestors and the concept of harmony with nature, which includes consideration in the location and design of one’s home.

The QRCA had undertaken considerable research into cultural diversity issues related to this issue, prior OMB Hearings, and undertook an extensive survey of the community to poll families on their views on the Tubman’s proposal. 70% (100 of 145) of Riverwood families, the section nearest the site, opposed the Tubman’s proposal.

Andrei stated that a zoning by-law change occurred last year, prohibiting funeral homes on this site. This change was not appealed at that time.

QRCA after much discussion voted against Tubman’s application (7 of 8 voting against the proposal, 1 member abstained,2 were absent). Traffic study performed by Tubman’s was very limited, and the proposed introduction of another set of traffic lights could pose problems for traffic flow. Parking will also effect traffic flow. However, of key concern was that social impact study had not occurred and neighbours within the community, because of their spiritual beliefs, would experience significant loss in the enjoyment of their property and many would be seriously considering moving out of the community, if the City were to approve the Tubman’s application.

The QRCA is not proposing that citizens should be able to block businesses from coming into their community initiatives, whenever it conflicts with their beliefs or sensitivities. The QRCA has proposed that social impact assessments be made as part of the planning process in order to avoid the difficulties it currently faces. Restrictions exist for a number of businesses, such as adult entertainment parlors, similar restrictions were suggested regarding the location of funeral homes within establishe d communities, with the option of rezoning subject to the results of a social impact study.

City approval is expected and Andrei suspects that an appeal will be made to the OMB. He noted that Ontario Human Rights Act has primacy over the Ontario Planning Act, implying that a human rights case could result.

Discussions after Andrei’s departure included recognition of the considerable research undertaken by the QRCA and the dilemma the current planning process has posed for that community. While a quorum was not present, it was agreed that support by the HCCO for the QRCA’s resolution was not likely. Consensus existed that the planning and zoning process considers only tangible issues, such as parking and traffic. The view was expressed that Tubman’s or it’s real estate agent should have been aware of the make-up and sensitivities of the Quinterra-Riverwood, in fairness to the Tubman’s organization, cultural sensitivities of residents already living within a community are not grounds permitted under the Ontario Planning Act to dismiss a rezoning application.

It was also recognized that if the City of Ottawa is a truly an inclusive city and supportive of cultural diversity, then our planning process should reflect and be consistent with those goals. Accordingly, support for an amendment of the planning pro cess was more likely, respecting sensitivities of Canadians with a different cultural heritage. This would apply to future cases, and could include such provisions, as proposed by the QRCA, including restrictions on the location of funeral homes, especia lly within established communities, and, under certain circumstances, the requirement to undertake a social impact assessment as a condition to obtain approval for a zoning application.

Brian Gifford presented his letters of thanks, as agreed to in the December meeting. The letters were accepted as drafted. Brian indicated that he would wait for additional comments before releasing them. Fred McLennan suggested that they should go out under HCCO letterhead.

Nancy Seaby provided information on the meeting with the News’ Editorial Board. Pat Hitsman is now with the Sun. Comments provided to the News included the observation that there was not enough news/too much advertising in recent paper and that the c overage of the Windmill meeting was somewhat misleading.

Nancy stated that a job offer had been made for a new Director at the Community Centre. No news on an acceptance of the offer.

Fred stated that the bill for the insurance for Owl Rink was in and that there was a bill from the News.

Meeting Adjourned 9:30

Enclosures provided by Andrei included a letter to the Chair of the City of Ottawa’s Planning & Economic Development Committee from the QRCA on January 7, 2000; and related documents and maps.

Next meeting: Mon 7 Feb 2000 at 7:30pm

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Alan Asselstine, Treasurer
• Peter Brimacombe, Secretary
• Gisèle Loiselle-Branch, Director (memberships)
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation and editorial)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Patrick Uguccioni
• Elizabeth Russell
• Ron Cleminson
• Pat Dunleavy
• Brian Gifford
• Peter Foulger
• Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
• Derek Abma, The News

Motion: Brian Gifford moved to appoint Liz Russell to the Board of Directors. Seconded by Shelley Parlow. Carried.

Motion: Alan Asselstine moved to draft a letter asking the Region for the criteria for how the Light Rail Project will be judged. Seconded by Brian Gifford. Carried.

Motion: Peter Foulger moved to give Shelley Parlow $10 for her membership in the Greenspace Alliance. The Greenspace Alliance seeks to retain greenspace within the Region. Seconded by Brian Gifford. Carried.

Motion: Shelley Parlow to thank John Manley, M.P.; Wendy Stewart, Regional Council; Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa and Jim Bickford, City Council for their support of the southern corridor. Seconded by Liz Russell. Carried.

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, submitted a report on the following:

• Shortliffe Report Recommends One City of Ottawa
• Revised Regional Budget Schedule
• More on Friendship Windmill

Pat Uguccioni, reported on behalf of Jim Bickford. Jim Bickford is opposed to immediately spending money that comes from restructuring Ottawa Hydro. Ottawa City Council supports Jim Bickford’s position. He is opposed to the $150 license that private snow-plow operators must now pay to the City. The law against moving snow from private driveways to public roads is difficult to enforce and the City allows development that makes it impossible for snow-plow operators to do otherwise. The staff report on Tubmans Funeral Home should be ready next week, Jim supports the application. Tubmans has complained to the Ontario Municipal Board that the City has failed to promptly deal with its application. Jim wrote in his report that he has reservations about the proposed Windmill.

Wendy Stewart, the proponents of the Windmill project are too vague about its location and how it will be operated. The feeling at the meeting was that the Windmill project could not be supported without a more specific proposal. Glen Shortcliffe just released his report recommending that there be only one municipal government for all of Ottawa/Carleton. The Ontario Government has essentially approved the report but has insisted that the rural population should be over-represented! Wendy would like to reduce the property tax of the Corel Centre. This tax reduction would help keep the Ottawa Senators in the Region, the Team enhances the visibility and identity of the Region, in addition the Team creates employment. The Regional Plan is to twin the Airport Parkway to improve traffic access to the downtown area despite the fact that the downtown communities (Glebe, Sandy Hill, Centre Town and Ottawa East) are opposed to this plan. They would like to restrict access to the Airport Parkway. The Regional Council is committed to the Alta Vista Parkway, even though the collector/distributors have been removed from the Regional Plan.

Nancy Seaby: Gord Aiken is resigning as Director of the Hunt Club Riverside Recreation Association (HCRRA). HCRRA is looking for new board members.

Brian Gifford reported that Ontario Hydro had just cleared the small hydro line in the Hydro corridor just north of the railway line. In clearing the line, Ontario Hydro has stripped the soil bare. The small hydro line is supported by wooden poles, it is not the 500 KV line supported by the huge metal towers. Brian raised the prospect of seeding wildflowers on the bare soil and using this strip of land as a bicycle path.

Next meeting Mon 10 Jan 2000 at 7:30pm

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Art Miskew, Vice-President
• Alan Asselstine, Treasurer
• Peter Brimacombe, Secretary
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Kathy Ablett (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
• Bill Royds
• Elizabeth Russell
• Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
• Derek Abma, The News

Motion: Kathy Ablett moved that $24 be spent to continue our presence on the Internet. Seconded by Nancy Seaby. carried.

Motion: Alan Asselstine moved to continue the operation of the High Board ice rink. Peter Brimacombe seconded. carried.

Motion: Shelley Parlow moved to support the CRASH position, the CRASH position opposes the proposal to allow bigger trucks on the road and to increase the length of time the drivers could drive. Seconded by Art MisKew. carried.

Motion: Peter Brimacombe moved that the Board advertise its Annual General Meeting to be held on November 1, 1999 at 19:30 in the Hunt Club/Riverside Community Centre. Kathy Ablett seconded. carried.

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, submitted a report on the following:

• Municipal Restructuring
• Community Forums across Ottawa-Carleton
• Lease of Drummond Pit to City of Ottawa
• Light Rail Pilot Project
• OC Transpo
• 1999 Resurfacing Program
• Y2K and Regional Services

Municipal Restructuring: Drummond Pit, Wendy wants to swap land owned by the Region with privately held land so that a park can be made beside the Quinterra-Riverwood community

Light Rail Project: Regional Council has voted to approve this project but Wendy is against it because it is too expensive and because it won’t transport people to where they need to go. Peter Brimacombe said that the project was a distraction from developing an excellent service using the existing bus routes.

Resurfacing Project: Riverside Drive has now been resurfaced, the activity of resurfacing preserves the roadbed and saves the cost of rebuilding it.

Y2K: the Region has verified that essential services will continue to operate during the date change.

Shelley Parlow: reported on the southern corridor. The City proposed a zoning of leisure but the NCC was not prepared to downzone the land without compensation. City planner, Dan Moser said to wait before restarting the Neighbourhood Study. Shelley was going to ask how Municipal Restructuring may impact the Neighbourhood Study. There is no plan to develop the southern corridor but neither is there any protection to limit development.

Kathy Ablett said we should thank Anne Brandel for her capable service on the Board.

Alan Asselstine reported that we have $8000 in the bank which is down by $600 from last year. Expenses approved by the Board were greater than money raised from selling memberships.

Shelley Parlow reported on the Safety Audit. The Police gave a presentation, the Hunt Club News published an article, there is a new sign at Uplands Park with the Park’s name, access for disabled was improved and the Women’s Action Centre against Violence gave Shelley a card in appreciation of her work.

Next meeting (the 1999 Annual General Meeting): Mon 1 Nov 1999 at 7:30pm

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Art Miskew, Vice-President
• Alan Asselstine, Treasurer
• Peter Brimacombe, Secretary
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation)
• Gisèle Loiselle-Branch, Director (memberships)
• Anne Brandel, Director (recreation/social)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Kathy Ablett (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
• Bill Royds
• Andrei Grushman (Quinterra/Riverwood Landings (west of Riverside))
• Elizabeth Russell
• Ted Requard
• Kevin Arnold
• Jan Duncan, The News

Peter Brimacombe moved that the Hunt Club Community Organization would be willing to reenter the Neighbourhood Planning Process in a spirit of cooperation with City Staff in September. Liz Russell seconded. Carried.

Andrei Grushman moved that the Hunt Club Community Organization support a request to the City of Ottawa for funding to cover the analysis of issues raised in the Hunt Club Neighbourhood Plan. Peter Brimacombe seconded. Carried.

Kathy Ablett moved that the parameters of reentry into the Neighbourhood Study be discussed at the PAC and the Southern Corridor Working Committee. Shelley Parlow seconded. Carried.

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, submitted a report on the following:

• 1998 Water Quality Report & 1999 Beach Recommendations
• Region Acquires 4160 Riverside Drive
• Proposal for Botanical Garden in Experimental Farm
• Better Health Care
• OC Transpo
• Outstanding Performance in Waste Reduction
• Illegal Sign Removal
• Compost and Woodchips Available
• 1999 Resurfacing Program

Shelley Parlow noted that the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) had voted to withdraw from the Neighbourhood Study and asked do we as a community ask to resume the planning process with the City of Ottawa?

Fred McLennan said that we are trying to find a compromise with the NCC.

Kathy Ablett asked are we going to start up the Neighbourhood Study? She said that after meeting with the City Planner Mr.Moser she believes that the NCC is more willing to compromise, that Councilor Jim Bickford reports no support on City Council for keeping the southern corridor in its existing state, we should look at starting up the Neighbourhood Study.

Peter Brimacombe said that the Neighbourhood Study should protect us from the certain increase in traffic and should provide for pedestrian access to the South Keys Shopping Mall.

Shelley Parlow reported that Jim Bickford said that City Council does not support preserving the southern corridor, she found a large hole , freshly dug in the southern corridor and wondered who had dug it?

General comments were that maybe kids had dug it.

Andrei Grushman recommended the report prepared by Brian Gifford because it provides a good summary of the issues, Andrei made three points:

• We have not had any independent credible advice.
• City does provide intervenor funding.
• The Neighbourhood Study also includes the area west of Riverside Drive.

He again emphasized that we need independent planning advice to do the Neighbourhood Study.

Bill Royds said that two planners were hired for the Confederation Heights Study. There was a citizens committee that set the criteria for selecting the planners and then hired them. City Planning Staff approved the planners.

Andrei Grushman has spoken to two former City Planners and one has made a proposal. The individual was knowledgeable and personable. He asked if we were interested in principle in obtaining professional advice?

Kathy Ablett said that we must participate in the Neighbourhood Study.

Andrei Grushman said that he would like authority to investigate hiring an independent consultant, he is encouraged that Urbandale is taking another look at the design of their two towers, Fines Flowers has been sold to Tubman Funeral Home. Riverwood/Quinterra Association will meet to discuss these issues. Riverwood/Quinterra is part of the Hunt Club Community located west of Riverside Drive. If the Hunt Club Community Organization agrees he would see if the City can pay for a planner and he would contract for some initial planning work. The cost would be in the area of $500.

Fred McLennan said there are two issues: whether to resume the Neighbourhood Study and the funding of independent planning advice.

Everyone at the meeting was invited to state how he or she felt about preserving the southern corridor:

• Kevin Arnold – wants to preserve it as did most people at the two public meetings.
• Liz Russell – wants to preserve it.
• Peter Brimacombe wants R1,R2 development on 50 hectares as part of a deal to protect our interests.
• Andrei Grushman is committed to the process of the Neighbourhood Study, he would prefer the land zoned as leisure.
• Nancy Seaby would be happy with leisure zoning.
• Kevin Arnold wants ESA (Environmentally Sensitive Area) or leisure.
• Anne Brandel wants ESA – do not build!
• Kathy Ablett wants ESA but does not believe that City Council will support that option, she wants to protect our neighbourhood.
• Shelley Parlow wants ESA and hopes for leisure zoning.
• Alan Asselstine support the Neighbourhood Study because without it we have no protection.
• Gisèle Loiselle-Branch endorses the Neighbourhood Study, supports ESA with leisure zoning as the second choice.
• Bill Royds wants to fight for ESA or leisure zoning.
• Fred McLennan supports the Neighbourhood Study, wants to look at Hunt Club as a whole, first choice would be leisure but expects R1 somewhere down the road.
• Ted Requard wants to preserve it as is, believes that time is on our side.

Next meeting: Tue 7 Sep 1999 at 7:30pm

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Art Miskew, Vice-President
• Alan Asselstine, Treasurer
• Peter Brimacombe, Secretary
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation)
• Gisèle Loiselle-Branch, Director (memberships)
• Anne Brandel, Director (recreation/social)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Kathy Ablett (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
• Jim Bickford (City Councillor)
• Bob Spicer (City Planner)
• Andre Grushman (Quinterra/Riverwood Landings (west of Riverside))
• Brian Gifford
• Elizabeth Russell
• Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
• Pat Hitsman, The News

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, submitted a report on the following:

• Up-date – Bus bays on Riverside Drive
• Windmill Proposal for Mooney’s Bay Park
• 1999 Hydrant Testing Program
• Report in on Land Trusts
• Ottawa-Carleton Board of Trade on Local Governance
• Drinking Water Week
• International Year of Older Persons & 30 years of Regional Government
• A verbal update on Lansdowne Park negotiations: RMOC and City of Ottawa

Southern Corridor:

Fred Mclennan said that Jim Bickford promised to meet Ted Robinson, Commissioner of Urban Planning, City of Ottawa.

Jim Bickford met with Ted Robinson, and Bob Spicer is here to answer questions on behalf of the City.

Bob Spicer wants to get the Neighbourhood Study off the shelf, to keep as much value as possible from the work that was done. He presented three options: first is do nothing which is simply to ignore the Neighbourhood Study, the second is to zone the McCarthy Woods as an Environmentally Sensitive Area and the remainder of the southern corridor as L3-h Community Leisure, and the third is to zone the remainder as an Urban Reserve. Option two and three basically defer the planning of the land. Option 2 is a holding designation and option 3 says that the land is to be used for housing but that the planning is deferred. Until a new plan is approved, the land could only be used for very limited purposes such as a cemetery, a community centre, a municipal office or a retirement home.

Anne Brandel said that everybody wants to keep the southern corridor as it is. She asked if the NCC could appeal a City decision to preserve the southern corridor to the Ontario Municipal Board(OMB)?

Bob Spicer said that the NCC as the property owner could appeal a City decision to the OMB.

Shelley Parlow said that if the Neighbourhood Plan with the L3-h were approved, the holding designation basically means that the land is still up for grabs.

Kathy Ablett asked where does the community gain by options 2 and 3?

Bob Spicer answered that the threat of immediate zoning change would be removed but that the threat of eventual zoning change would remain. But even then the Neighbourhood Plan can establish criteria that any future plan should satisfy.

Kathy Ablett asked how the plans presented in the draft Neighbourhood Study could be abandoned?

Bob Spicer said that there was no consensus in the community and the NCC supports a deferral. The NCC was in the process of completing a Municipal Environmental Evaluation Report (MEER) but didn’t finish.

Brian Gifford asked what would it take in a legal sense to zone the entire southern corridor as environmentally sensitive?

Bob Spicer answered that not only would the City and Regional Councils have to pass the zoning but that the NCC would have to concur. The NCC could appeal any decision to the OMB and has done this in other cases.

Kathy Ablett asked Jim Bickford if the City Council has the political will to pass zoning that would totally preserve the southern corridor?

Jim Bickford replied that his sense from his first two weeks at City Councillor, is that the political will does not exist.

Kathy Ablett said that the Neighbourhood Study never adequately dealt with traffic concerns. Is there going to be any better traffic studies?

Bob Spicer said that there is nothing on the books for this year and that further studies would require the approval of City Council.

Andre Grushman said there should be a fourth option which would be to zone the entire southern corridor as environmentally sensitive.

Alan Asselstine asked: do we as a community continue with the Neighbourhood Study?

Shelley Parlow asked: what do we lose by dropping the Neighbourhood Study?

Bob Spicer said that the existing draft Neighbourhood Study does have value without touching the southern corridor and a revised Study could set out criteria which future plans for the southern corridor would have to satisfy.

Andre Grushman said that the Neighbourhood Study is an opportunity to look at the community as a whole.

Fred McLennan thanked Bob Spicer for his professional input.

Other issues:

April minutes were approved.

Wendy Stewart presented her report: Regional Staff have asked that their proposal to remove the bus bays on Riverside Drive be removed itself. There is a proposal to locate the Friendship Windmill in Mooney’s Bay Park. The proposed windmill is seven stories high and would cost at least $3 million. Comments at the meeting questioned its value. Lansdowne Park has been saved because the Region and the City have been able to save money by having the Region take over the operation of the City’s storm sewers.

Nancy Seaby attended the memorial service at the Corel Centre for the men killed at O/C Transpo.

Art Miskew said that May 29 would be the day for the annual cleanup of the southern corridor. He also raised the issue of cars illegally passing school buses on Paul Anka Drive.

Wendy Stewart took note and said that the police would check it out.

Next meeting: Mon 7 Jun 1999 at 7:30pm

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Art Miskew, Vice-President
• Alan Asselstine, Treasurer
• Peter Brimacombe, Secretary
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation)
• Anne Brandel, Director (recreation/social)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Kathy Ablett, (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
• Jim Bickford (City Councillor)
• Elizabeth Russell
• Brian Gifford
• Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
• Pat Hitsman, The News

Motions: Victoria Day, Internet-based funding, Town of Hunt Club, Bus bays, Celebrate Southern Corridor

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, submitted a report on the following:

• Bus Bays – Riverside Drive
• Update – Garbage Collection
• Leaf & Yard Waste
• Airport Master Plan
• Additional Funding for Community Resources
• Hunt Club Neighbourhood Plan – Southern Corridor Update
• OC Transpo
• Trail Road Landfill – Asset Management and Landfill Optimization Study
• Restore the Rideau Workshop
• READY 2000 – Y2K and Community Safety
• Drop by for a Chat

March minutes were approved.

Lucy Corbin is coordinating the Victoria Day celebration at Pauline Vanier Park, Monday May 24, 1999; she sent us a letter to ask for a donation.

Motion: Kathy Ablett moved to give her $75. Seconded by Anne Brandel. Carried.

Anne Brandel described the work of the South Ottawa Gloucester Community Resource Action Team(SOGCRAT). SOGCRAT provides free services and activities to young people: organizers provide bus tours to the tulip festival and the YMCA, they sponsor a youth night every Friday. SOGCRAT has a budget of $50,000 a year.

Shelley Parlow took the course in media relations.

Peter Vasdi reported that our web site http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/hunt-club/ is being visited by an increasing number of people, and currently averages some 14 visits a week.

Motion: He moved that a committee be formed to canvas local businesses to support the HCCO in exchange for visibility on the community website. Contributions would be structured at $1/month from time mention is added to website to end of HCCO’s fiscal year (31 July). Seconded by Anne Brandel. Carried unanimously.

Peter Brimacombe offered to coordinate the sales effort.

Peter Vasdi raised the idea of a Town of Hunt Club.

Motion: He moved that the Organization explore new models for representation within a one-tier government. Seconded by Kathy Ablett. Carried. Kathy will take this matter forward.

Nancy Seaby reported that the Region proposes to eliminate the bus bays on Riverside Drive. She wrote to the Region, expressing her opposition.

Motion: Kathy Ablett moved to support Nancy’s letter: that is that the Hunt Club Community Organization is in favour of keeping the bus bays as they are now. Seconded by Anne Brandel. Carried.

Kathy Ablett proposed we send O/C Transpo a letter expressing our sympathy for the recent killings at O/C Transpo and our appreciation for their workers who returned to work as soon as possible to provide service to us.

Kathy raised the issue of the dangerous intersection at McCarthy and Hunt Club.

Wendy Stewart said that Regional staff is aware of the problem.

Southern Corridor:

Brian Gifford reported that Kathy Ablett, Shelley Parlow, and he met with John Manley (MP) on the issue of the southern corridor. John Manley advised the group to ask the City to stop the Neighbourhood Study.

Curry Wood of the NCC wrote that if the City wanted to defer the Neighbourhood Study then the NCC would not object.

Shelley and Brian sent a letter to the NCC saying that the NCC should put greater emphasis on preserving grassland and that the City and the Region should have greater involvement.

Brian made a video on the southern corridor including the Uplands meadow.

Brian met with Chief Robert Whiteduck. Chief Robert Whiteduck expressed support for the idea of a Site of Reconcilation.

Anne Brandel said the pressure on the southern corridor is immense so we must be prepared to work very hard to keep it.

Peter Brimacombe said that because the pressure is so great, we must be prepared to accept development.

Nancy Seaby said that some development is inevitable, she fears that friction within the Community could split it.

Alan Asselstine said that the Neighbourhood Study is for the whole community but it has been dominated by the southern corridor. Ten years ago, the Community went before the Ontario Municipal Board to oppose plans to develop the area west of Riverside at Uplands. Unfortunately we lost, but the experience shows us the importance of having a Neighbourhood Plan to give us legal status. He said that it is in our interest to have an approved and legal Neighbourhood Plan. “You ain’t seen nothing, real estate prices are going up, pressure is building.”

Jim Bickford said that he has not discussed the issue with City Council, but he would meet with Ted Robison, Commissioner of Urban Planning. He believes that the NCC was driving the process and that the City has an interest in extra tax revenue.

Brian Gifford said that the community needs a plan because it provides assurances. He and his family love the greenspace but the wishes of one family are not enough to preserve it, support for keeping the greenspace has to be inclusive, coming from the broader community. He is aware that unrestricted development poses a tremendous threat: new population brings with it more traffic , greater need for social and recreational services.

Wendy Stewart said that development could be an opportunity to bargain and that rezoning does not automatically include infrastructure.

Peter Vasdi said the problem with the existing Neighbourhood Study was that the City developed the concepts but didn’t really organize a team of community volunteers to help with the plan. He said that the City should coach the Community to develop its own plan.

Motion: Brian Gifford moved that an event be organized to celebrate and promote the greenspace of the southern corridor. Seconded by Alan Asselstine.

Next meeting: Mon 3 May 1999 at 7:30pm

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Art Miskew, Vice-President
• Peter Brimacombe, Secretary
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation)
• Gisèle Loiselle-Branch, Director (memberships)
• Anne Brandel, Director (recreation/social)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Peter Foulger, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Bill Royds
• Kathy Ablett, (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
• Ken Donnelly
• Riley Brockington
• Mike Novak (Southern Corridor Group)
• Frances Tanner (Carlington Heights – candidate for City Council)
• Jim Bickford (candidate for City Council)
• Scott Paterson (candidate for City Council)
• David Biggs (Pres. Riverside Park)
• Jim Watson (Mayor, City of Ottawa)
• Gord Belyea
• Louise Benaud
• Lisa Czajkowski
• Mickey Douglas
• Erwin Dreessen
• Barbara Horger
• Paul Greer
• Andrei Grushman
• Joan Hearn
• Ann MacKenzie
• Brian McAdam
• Andy Porowski
• Norman Richter
• Patrick Richter
• Elizabeth Russell
• Daphne W. Sinclair
• David Stout
• Neil Stout
• Cliff Thompson
• Terrance Wills
• Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
• Jan Duncan, The News

Shelley Parlow: the Community Association needs more expertise in media relations and there is a course available for $90. Anne Brandel moved we spend $90 to send Shelley on the course on media relations. Seconded by Nancy Seaby. Voted. Passed.

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, to submit a report on the following:

• 1999 Budget Update
• Review of OC Transpo
• Follow-up – Request for Left-turn Lane, Hunt Club & McCarthy
• Update – Action on behalf of South Corridor Working Group
• Garbage Collection Day Could Change
• Airport Parkway & Hunt Club Ramps – Tree Planting
• Tree Removal at 4160 Riverside Drive
• Community Environmental Project Grants
• Free Income Tax Clinics
• Report on Office Budget 1998 Fiscal Year
• addendum

There were over 40 people at the meeting. Most of those present are listed.

Fred McLennan: there is an All Candidates Meeting at the Riverside Drive Churches at 7:30 PM on March 23, 1999.

Andrei Grushman: there is another All Candidates Meeting at the Cognos Building at 7:30 PM on March 9, 1999.

Wendy Stewart: there is a report underway on how well the emergency access road worked when the Tudor Inn caught fire.

Fred McLennan introduced the Mayor Jim Watson.

The Mayor briefly described the state of the City of Ottawa as it applies to the Hunt Club Community: There would be no City Councillor for Hunt Club until the election on April 6, 1999. The City budget is approved, important points:

• no tax increases
• no additional debt
• no layoffs of City staff
• no cuts in service

He noted that the City of Ottawa is $135 million in debt and that $30 million/year goes to reducing the debt, much of the debt is in bonds so it can be retired only according to the schedule. Despite the problem of the debt, the City was able to hire two new Property Standards Officers and added 3% to the purchase-of-service contracts. The Hunt Club /Riverside Community Centre is run through a purchase-of-service contract. Last year the City laid off 150 employees but none this year. The Mayor made the comment that this year, the budget was more stable and next year it should remain so. Compared with other municipalities in Canada, Ottawa has the second highest taxes.

Wendy Stewart gave her report of ten items: the Regional Budget was approved, important points:

• hold the line on taxes
• 81 jobs cut
• the Region has absorbed $100 million in reductions in transfer payments
• the Region strives to make its operations as good as possible
• the attempt to take $600,000 out of the budget for the Walkley Road ramp was narrowly defeated.
• Review of OC Transpo: changes to 60 routes, routes to be straighter, better service to Carleton University, tougher criteria: all routes must collect 25 for every $1 spent.

Nancy Seaby has been active in the OC Transpo Review. Wendy Stewart encouraged the community to participate in the review.

Brian Gifford took over as chair, he and Kathy Ablett are co-chair of the southern corridor working group. He welcomed the Mayor to the meeting.

Anne Brandel moved that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted. Seconded by Shelley Parlow.

Brian Gifford proposed that comments to the Mayor be centred around four main questions:

What does the deferral of the planning process mean? Is it simply a courtesy extended to the incoming Councillor, but the plan will proceed as is for Council’s approval, or is there a willingness on the part of the City to allow those involved a chance to revisit the plan? In short, is this a stay of execution or a chance to meaningfully amend and improve the neighbourhood plan?

What’s Council’s awareness of the concerns expressed by our community? And, from the Mayor’s perspective, where does Council stand on the merits of the plan or the process followed to date?

What would he suggest that we do to make Council more aware of our concerns and help them to appreciate the problems posed by the plan and the opportunities offered by alternative proposals?

What would it take for the City to allow for the revision of the plan as drafted? What parameters would the City be willing to entertain in the process to revise the plan and, what is the timeline for the finalizing of the neighbourhood plan & the reasons for this?

The Mayor said that he appreciated this chance to listen to the community.

Shelley Parlow noted that the Neighbourhood Plan was the least popular of all alternatives.

Brian Gifford outlined actions to oppose the Neighbourhood Plan: he had proposed a Site of Reconciliation. Anne Brandel had approached the Catholic School Board to enlist the aid of the children but the Board thought the project was too political, the Public Board said that Anne should approach each individual school.

Bill Royds said the meadow proposed for development had 350 species of plants and important animal species.

Andy Porowski said that the Mayor should walk through the corridor to appreciate its beauty, that the preservation of grassland was important and he asked if the Mayor would support its preservation.

Daphne Sinclair loves the open spaces, her kids play there. “I will move” if the open spaces are taken away.

Mike Novak supports the preservation of open spaces, the greenlands around Ottawa are precious.

Patrick Richter (a young boy) plays in the fields with his friends, they want to keep the fields. Commented on the impact of 40% increase in traffic that would result from the development of the corridor.

Joan Hearn wants to stop the proposed development, the open fields near Gillespie are important to the quality of life.

Anne Brandel, a member of SOGCRAT (South Ottawa Gloucester Community Resource Action Team), said that preserving the greenspace is a matter of common sense.

Liz Russell pointed out that houses on Plante Drive had suffered moderate to severe damage due to poor soil conditions and due to poor building materials used by the original builder Campeau. “Developers must know they will incur major costs”.

David Biggs (Riverside Park Association): the City choose the least desirable proposal, he questions the aims of the City Council but recognizes that NCC owns the land.

Scott Paterson: the NCC is unanswerable, preservation of greenspace is of concern to everyone not just the middle class.

Shelley Parlow: the City of Ottawa has very little park space and we use the NCC land as park space. There is very little park space at the west end of the corridor and we cannot of course walk on the Golf C ourse. We already have traffic problems, we don’t have the infrastructure to support more population and we just can’t cope with more traffic.

Terrance Wills: Other than the demand to keep green space, what other forces are in play?

Peter Foulger: politicians should walk in the corridor, there are diverse ecologies, there are partridges in the grass. City of Ottawa staff just took the side of the NCC.

Brian McAdam: knows what high density is: Hong Kong, air is yellow, 6.5 million people gasping for air. The existing open spaces are valuable.

David Stout(lives on Hackett): There are no official parks because the City took cash in lieu of parks.

Bill Royds: The Official Plan directs the City to purchase areas which are environmentally sensitive and important, why isn’t it doing so?

Ken Donnelly: The Neighbourhood Study should be an opportunity for residents to have an influence. The change in policy at the NCC comes as an unwelcome surprise! The public meetings have shown our disappointment.

Wendy Stewart: she has fought hard to protect green space, ecology of corridor must be considered as a whole, the raptors (owls and hawks) which live in the forest depend on the field mice. 30 metre buffer is not enough for the deer.

The Mayor: The Neighbourhood Plan has been deferred because of the letters and representations that he has received. He wrote a letter to Ted Robinson, the City’s Commissioner of Urban Planning and Public Works, asking that the Study be deferred because it was too important to be carried forward without adequate representation. If it takes a longer period of time then so be it, perhaps the fall of 1999 would be better. The time can be used to sit down and find out what is acceptable.

The Mayor asked those who are opposed to any development to raise their hands, the great majority of people at the meeting raised their hands.

The Mayor reported that City Council is aware of the Hunt Club Neighbourhood Plan because they approved the terms of reference in December 1996. Recently the NCC offered to sell McCarthy Woods for one dollar but it really was an offer to count McCarthy Woods as parkland against their proposed development.

The Mayor: The Draft Neighbourhood Plan is not a done deal, the Community should lobby members of Council, write individual letters not submit petitions, the Community could hold seminars at City Hall for new members of Council, invite councilors to walk through the southern corri dor and McCarthy Woods. It takes more than two or three hundred people at a meeting to get City Council on side.

The Mayor: City Planners are following a process. The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) would rule on the Neighbourhood Plan if challenged by the NCC. There are major risks and challenges with going to the Ontario Municipal Board, the community must decide on its best strategy.

The Mayor: the NCC is frustrating to work with, secretive, it has the most direct and dramatic impact on our lives but is not accountable to the people. The community should get the Members of Parliament (MPs) on their side[Sheila Copps heads the NCC]. The City wants a win/win situation. We should evaluate our strategy : is it realistic? is it do-able? A challenge before the OMB puts the whole process outside our (the City and the community) control.

The Mayor: a tax levy to buy the land would be seen as providing an unfair advantage to a small percentage of voters, it would cause tremendous division within the community, it would present a major risk in case it were put to a vote.

The Mayor: The new councillor should be personally involved in an updated Neighbourhood Plan, he does not want to interfere with the process but he personally is not going to let the process roll out of control and waste more time and money! The City does not have the money to buy the land from the NCC. [the land is worth $7 million but the present value of the 1945 purchase price is only $.5 million.] He doubts the NCC would sell for $.5 million. He is not afraid of the NCC and could be persuaded to oppose its plans.

Patrick Richter: McCarthy Woods is beautiful!

Comments: NCC wants to build houses on 40 hectares out of a total area of 150 hectares.

Brian Gifford: the deferral of the Neighbourhood Plan allows the community to develop an alternate approach. What would happen if the City decided to support the retention of green space?

The Mayor: if City Council decides to keep the green space, it would hire outside planning staff to prepare a new plan and obviously the plan would be passed by Council. The NCC would challenge the Plan and it would go before a full OMB hearing. If you [the community] accept some development you put yourself in a stronger position, if you don’t accept any you set yourself up for failure. Your goal should be to protect as much green space as possible.

Next meeting: Mon 12 Apr 1999 at 7:30pm

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Art Miskew, Vice-President
• Peter Brimacombe, Secretary
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation)
• Gisèle Loiselle-Branch, Director (memberships)
• Anne Brandel, Director (recreation/social)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Kathy Ablett, (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
• Ted Requard
• Elizabeth Russell
• Brian Gifford (Chair, Southern Corridor Group)
• Mike Novak (Southern Corridor Group)
• Andy Porowski
• Erwin Dreessen
• Frances Tanner (Carlington Heights)
• Bill Royds
• Jim Bickford
• Wayne Kennedy
• Pat Uguccini
• David Biggs (Pres. Riverside Park)
• Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
• Pat Hitsman, The News

Fred McLennan moved to proceed with the site of reconcilation, seconded by Liz Russell. Voted. Passed.

Anne Brandel moved that all community representatives would withdraw from the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) and not participate in the Neighbourhood Study until our co ncerns are listened to and respected. Seconded by Peter Brimacombe. Passed unanimously.

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart, to submit a report on the following:

• Adult Crossing Guard Program – 1999 Regional Police Service Budget
• New Water Billing System
• Drinking Water and Health Concerns
• OC Transpo – New Approach to Labour Relations
• Local Company to Expand
• NCC – A Capital in the Making
• Airport Parkway Traffic Counts Taken
• Sidewalk & Snow Clearing on Hunt Club Road
• Hunt Club Neighbourhood Plan – Transportation Analysis
• Revocation of Walkley Road Truck Route
• 1999 Regional Budget

Southern Corridor preservation effort: The southern corridor group presented their views and ideas concerning the proposed development of the NCC lands in the southern corridor. Brian Gifford lead the discussion.

• Brian Gifford presented the minutes of a meeting of the southern corridor group, a letter from Peter Foulger to the Mayor and a letter to Chief Robert Whiteduck. The letter from Peter Foulger to the Mayor, Jim Watson, dated January 31, 1999; made the point that the Hunt Club Neighbourhood Plan has no support from the community. The letter from Brian Gifford to Chief Robert Whiteduck, Algonquin First Nation, dated February 1, 1999 proposes a site of reconcilati on on the Uplands Meadow as an alternative to its development.
• Brian Gifford presented his proposal, a number of people spoke with comments and questions, Brian summed up the discussion saying that there was qualified support for it.
• The minutes of the southern corridor group were accepted.

For more information, contact Shelley Parlow.

Millenium Park? Kathy Ablett brought up the idea of a Millennial Park to preserve the southern corridor. For more information, contact Kathy Ablett at 523-3443.

Request to delay HC Neighborhood Plan study: Wendy Stewart said that our best strategy is to delay the Neighbourhood Plan. Call Wendy’s office at 560-1223 to get involved or for more information.

Ideas on saving the Corridor: A number of other ideas were presented:

• Kathy Ablett said the Mayor, Jim Watson, was available to meet with our group and that she would invite him to the next meeting in March. The City of Ottawa would not proceed with the Neighbourhood Plan before the byelection.
• Erwin Dreessen raised the idea of a question on the ballot, saying it is legally possible and it would require an effort to lobby the City Council.
• Andy Porowski offered to organize a “Save the Southern Corridor Day”. There would be a walk through the meadow , McCarthy Woods and across McCarthy Road.

For more information, contact Peter Brimacombe at 521-4423.

School children may help research value of Southern Corridor. Anne Brandel has doubts about buying the land, but she will proceed to enlist the support of the school children. The idea is that the school children would paint pictures and write stories that tell of the value of the southern corridor. For more information, contact Anne Brandel at 523-7888.

Diane Deans supports library in Southern Corridor. Shelley Parlow said that City Councillor, Diane Deans would support construction of a library on the southern corridor and make development conditional on the library. For more information, contact Shelley Parlow.

Unite community organizations to save Southern Corridor. Frances Tanner said we should form a coalition of community organizations, delay development until we had sufficient infrastructure and build support for green space. For more information, contact Frances Tanner at 728-8728.

Southern Corridor strategy session. Wendy Stewart would contact a woman to lead a strategy session to help develop our own vision of the southern corridor. For more information, contact Wendy’s office at 560-1223.

Motion to pay for Southern Corridor through taxes defeated by City. City Councillor, Karin Howard wrote a letter to Erwin Dreessen, dated February 1, 1999: she presented a motion to the Policy, Priorities and Budget Committee to put a question on the ballot that would levy a tax to buy a portion of the southern corridor. Her motion was defeated. For more information, contact Karin Howard’s office at 244-5365.

Wendy Stewart’s report: Wendy Stewart presented a report of eleven items: here are seven: The Region is concerned that the proposed development of the southern corridor would overload the road system. OC Regional Police have budgeted for adult crossing guards. Concerns that chlorine in the water could pose an elevated risk of cancer but that risk must be balanced against the proven risk of water-borne disease. IOGEN will build a demonstration plant to produce ethanol, use of ethanol can reduce greenhouse gases. A publication, NCC a Capital in the Making. Airport Parkway, traffic counts show that the new ramps allow substantially more cars to use the Parkway. Wendy is committed to holding the line on taxes. For more information, contact Wendy’s office at 560-1223.

Report on light rail pilot project: Nancy Seaby presented a report on the public meeting concerning the Light Rail Pilot Project, Jan 13, 1999: the Pilot would run trains every 15 minutes. For more information, contact Nancy Seaby at 736-0659.

Next meeting: Mon 1 Mar 1999 at 7:30pm

Attendees:

• Fred MacLennan, President
• Art Miskew, Vice-President
• Peter Brimacombe, Secretary
• Nancy Seaby, Director (transportation)
• Gisèle Loiselle-Branch, Director (memberships)
• Anne Brandel, Director (recreation/social)
• Shelley Parlow, Director (representing the Hunt Club Corridor Protection Association)
• Kathy Ablett, (Resident, Hunt Club Estates)
• Ted Requard
• Elizabeth Russell
• Wendy Stewart, RMOC councillor
• Pat Hitsman, The News

Regional Councillor, Wendy Stewart submitted a report.

Request to delay HC Neighborhood Plan study: Peter Foulger sent a letter to the Region asking that consideration of the Hunt Club Neighborhood Study be delayed until we have a new City of Ottawa councillor to replace Karin Howard and until the transportation issues could be resolved. The region said that consideration would be delayed until after February 1999. Steve Lion of the Region wrote that the 1500 new housing units proposed east of Riverside Drive would have serious implications for traffic on Riverside Drive. His reservations are noticeably absent from the NCC report “Southern Corridor Transportation Planning, October 1998”. For more information, contact Peter Foulger.

Changing OC Transpo bus routes: Nancy Seaby went to the OC Transpo meetings that looks at bus routes. Route 41 will be kept. OC Transpo wants to run buses on Colonel By. There will be a public meeting on January 13 at the Jim Durrell Arena to review bus routes. For more information, contact Nancy Seaby.

HCCO election of officers: Officers were elected as above. For more information, call Fred McLennan.

Share auditing costs with SEOCA: Anne Brandel will look at the possibility that the Hunt Club Community Organization and the South East Ottawa Community Association could use the same firm to reduce the costs of auditing their accounts. On the subject of the proposed housing development, Anne will approach our schools to have the children write on the development. For more information, contact Anne Brandel.

Karin Howard’s resignation question: Shelley Parlow asked when Karin Howard will resign , answer was by March 1999, Karin’s motion to Ottawa City Council for a special levy was rejected. Shelley looked at how the NCC orginally acquired the Southern Corridor, she looked at the deeds, dates and costs of each parcel. For more information, contact Shelley Parlow.

New gas bar on Hunt Club Rd. Fred McLennan reported that Sunoco wants to build a gas bar at 700 Hunt Club Road. For more information, call Fred McLennan.

Next meeting: Mon 1 Feb 1999 at 7:30pm