Attendees:
Motion: To support in principal, Maria's efforts to maintain a 0% increase in municipal taxes or keep increases to a minimum. Moved by Alan Asselstine, seconded by Patrick Richter. Carried.
Motion: To accept the Board of Directors as proposed. Moved by Shelley Parlow, seconded by Patrick Richter. Carried.
Maria McRae: City staff is working on a proposal that would protect most of the Southern Corridor but would allow development next to existing development. The protected area comprises McCarthy Woods and most of the area to the west. The area to the west is divided into two parts: the protected part is the biggest, it runs alongside the railroad tracks to the north and extends almost to Riverside Drive; the part to be developed is to the south alongside existing development. The protected area including McCarthy Woods would be designated as an Urban Natural Feature, it would provide a continuous corridor for wild life.
Alan Asselstine pointed out that there are other areas that are important to protect, particularly upper Cahill Creek. Alan attended a meeting December 1 on East-West Rapid Transit. The purpose of the meeting was to look for ways to provide a high volume link between Orleans and Kanata. It could involve buses or a railway. Alan said that environmental impact has to be considered along with ridership.
Peter Brimacombe: In the next 20 years, 400,000 more people will live in the City of Ottawa. We must provide them with efficient housing and transportation while preserving agricultural land and valuable natural areas.
Maria McRae: Ward boundaries are being reconsidered. Maria would like to keep River Ward just the way it is. River Ward includes the Banff/ Ledbury area east of Bank Street, she would like to keep it in the Ward because of the friends that she has made there.
Alan Asselstine: City Wards should reflect the population, currently rural residents are over-represented on City Council.
Maria McRae presented a site plan for the Red Pines lot south of Hunt Club Road. It is to be a site for the Lowe-Martin http://www.lmgroup.com/intro/leads.asp printing plant.
Next meeting: Mon 3 Jan 2005 at 7:30pm.