Councillor Karin D. Howard

Quartier Mooney’s Bay Ward

111 promenade Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5A1

Tel: (613) 244-5365

Fax: (613) 244-5373

E-Mail: howardk@city.ottawa.on.ca

REPORT TO THE

HUNT CLUB COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

Date: December 7, 1998

Survey Results

At the recent Hunt Club Neighborhood Plan public meeting I distributed surveys asking how residents felt about various issues. The following is a summary of the results I have received to date based on the 217 surveys returned to me:

(1) Lansdowne Park - Do you approve the Canderel proposal for development of the site? Yes 48 (23%), No 131 (60%), Other 38 (17%)

(2) Do you believe that all significant development applications ... in the Hunt Club area should stop until you have commented on the Hunt Club Neighborhood Plan and City Council has approved it? Yes 212 (98%), No 4 (2%), Other 1.

(3) Greenspace in the Southern Corridor - I am satisfied with the staff proposed development of the Southern Corridor and between 1,200 and 1,400 homes. Yes 5, No 205, Other 7.

-I want to protect more greenspace than proposed. Yes 207, No 8, Other 2.

-I want a question on the by election ballot about a levy for the sole purpose of buying Southern Corridor land. Yes 187, No 17, Other 13.

-I would accept a levy of up to $, for a maximum # years:

0 years

1 year

2 years

5 years

8 years

10 yrs

$0

5

         

$10

 

2

1

5

 

7

$25

   

2

24

 

9

$50

 

1

2

27

3

24

$100

   

1

18

6

64

No answer- 16.

Corridor Update

I have moved a motion which passed Council on Dec. 2, that the City accept the NCC’s offer to purchase McCarthy Woods for $1. I also proposed a motion at Committee that staff report back on the levy question to be placed on the ballot, but it lost. Councillors are concerned about a number of things. There is much work yet to do on this issue, if my constituents are going to have questions put to them on the by-election ballot. In my opinion, there is no truer way to measure public opinion than by asking voters direct questions. You should have a say in whether you would agree to a number of things, at all levels of government. I will continue working with the Strategy Group on this. If you would like to join, please call.

Tax Bill

There is an "island of sanity" in the middle of all the tax changes, reassessment, business cap, phasing in and downloading. I am proud of the City’s efficient Information Centre. Located on the first floor of City Hall, our Centre has officers who can answer all your tax questions. They can access your property information by computer and print out charts for you showing payment schedules, and so on. You may come in personally, without an appointment. Or just call them for information at 244-5300. I recommend a visit. The first hour of parking underground is free.

City Budget

One more bump in a difficult year for financial planning means that our 1999 City Budget has been delayed. The public may now speak to Council on January 28 & 29; we will vote on the Budget on February 1 & 2, 1999. My prediction is that we will not have to re-open our 1998 Budget, as I believe Mayor Watson will continue working with the Province and the Federal government to resolve the surprise $14 Million impact the recent business cap had on our 1998 receipts.

Holiday Wishes and Thank You

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very safe and happy holiday season and all the best in the New Year. I would also like to express my sincere thanks for the support shown to me as your community voice at City Hall. I have truly enjoyed my time at City Hall.