Residents of the Foxdown Condominium Corporation are very concerned for this situation which has gone from mischief in the park to wide-spread vandalism in the community. I understand that the City of Ottawa has been requested to enact a bylaw to prohibit activity in the park after a specified tune. It has also been suggested that lighting be upgraded in the vicinity of the schools.
On behalf of the community at large I have requested the assistance of the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police Service in dealing with this matter. I am meeting with the Inspector in charge of this sector on September 9 to review strategy to date and will be scheduling a public forum in the near future.
One of the key principles behind the Regional Development Strategy is the need to keep down the cost of servicing new growth. The Strategy therefore proposes to encourage development where services already exist - meaning within the current urban boundaries. Such an approach would translate into a better use of existing roads and transit facilities, water and sewer systems.
The Development Strategy also emphasizes the need for phasing development over time. New roads will not be built until they are absolutely needed. While in the past roads were generally planned for expansion or modification when they had reached 80 percent capacity during peak periods, the Development Strategy proposes to change that standard to 90 per cent.
A transit first priority is also being recommended as part of the Development Strategy, making road widening an option of last resort. In keeping with this approach, citizens will be encouraged to use the transportation network wisely and adopt alternative modes of transportation.
In addition to recommending that more growth be accommodated inside the Greenbelt, the Regional Development Strategy will also encourage growth where a balance between housing and jobs can be achieved. Whereas in the past it was hoped that business would locate close to housing, development will now be encouraged where jobs are found.
This is perhaps the single most important issue/direction that Regional Council will be involved in this term (part of the new Official Plan). On September 23 and 24 a joint Planing and Environment and Transportation Committee meeting will be held (beginning at 9:00 a.m. each day) to discuss the draft RDS. It is expected that public delegations will be heard on September 23, with deliberations on the 24th. I table a copy of the Executive Summary of the Report and the Daily Plan-it newsletter on the RDS, but would be pleased to provide detailed reports to your association if requested.
If you can't attend the Forum, please fax comments to OC Transpo at 741-7359, or for more information, call 741-4390.